Extended Epilogue
6 years later…
The soft glow of candlelight flickered against the walls of the intimate private dining room of Marlowe House in Brighton. Amelia and Gideon sat across from each other, their eyes locked in a tender gaze, as the golden hues illuminated the feast set out on the table.
“I’ve missed this—our private moments together,” Gideon grinned, his voice low and warm. Clutching the edges of his chair, he shifted himself closer to Amelia, his knee brushing hers beneath the table.
A delicate blush colored Amelia’s cheeks as she smiled coyly. The weight of Gideon’s words felt heavy with longing, and she found her senses overwhelmed by his fragrance of vetiver – mixed with spiced citrus.
Her fingernails traced patterns on the fine linen tablecloth. “I, too, have missed them dearly. It is only unfortunate time feels to be slipping away some days.”
Gideon reached for her hand, his strong fingers enveloping her slender ones in a perfect embrace. The touch sent shivers up Amelia’s spine, igniting a familiar heat within her.
“Then let’s make time,” he replied, his thumb caressing her knuckles. “Why do you think I repurchased the old Marlowe House last month?”
“So our daughter could live the finer life by the sea just as her mama once did?”
Gideon lowered his chin gently on Amelia’s shoulder and shook his head, tickling her neck. “Rather, so that I could have her mama all to myself once more.”
Amelia grinned as she craned her neck to face him, captivated by the intensity of his words. Their faces were mere inches apart now, the air between them charged with anticipation. She bit her lower lip, aching for the sweet taste of his lips, and whispered, “What’s stopping you then?”
Their lips met in a passionate yet tender embrace, the world around them fading into obscurity as they reveled in each other’s tastes. A gentle hand went up to swipe away Amelia’s tresses, loose from her demi-chignon, before finding its resting place on her cheek. For a moment, Amelia felt transported back to that balcony on the first night they met. Blissful and timeless.
Suddenly, a faint sound echoed from a far corridor in the house, and Amelia pulled away, eyes widening again.
“Was that a scream?” she asked.
“I didn’t hear anything,” Gideon shrugged.
“What if it was Lucy? Oh goodness, do you think she is causing Harriet trouble?” Amelia pushed back her chair, making to stand.
Gideon chuckled softly before reaching across to the leg of her chair and tugging it back toward himself. She let out a squeal at the sudden jolt. “And that is precisely why we never have time,” he laughed. “You worry yourself too much, darling. Harriet is more than capable of watching over her, and you know just how well Lucy gets along with William. They’ll be fine.”
He leaned in closer, his hazel eyes alight with mischief. “Besides, I am paying Lewis hourly for his time, so let’s not waste a second of it.”
“Somehow, I doubt that. You would have to pay him hourly to leave this place, he adores it here!” she giggled.
“Then, let’s make the most of the time we have, and put our concerns aside for just a few hours.”
The sincerity in Gideon’s words eased Amelia’s worries, and she allowed herself to be carried away by his infectious smile. “You are right. Maybe it’s best we enjoy it.”
“And enjoy it we shall,” he beamed, reaching for a nearby crystal decanter filled with red wine and filling both of their glasses. “Ah, on the topic of enjoyment, I may have taken the liberty of planning possible destinations for a romantic escape for just the two of us. So far, I have it narrowed down to Spain and France. Or perhaps both would appeal to the tastes of my duchess?”
Amelia felt her heart skip with excitement at the idea of more time alone with Gideon. A thrill of anticipation surged through her as she pondered the prospect.
“Maybe I’ll get to learn some of those exotic Spanish dances,” Amelia teased playfully. “I have it on good authority that the Spanish gentlemen are particularly adept in that art.”
“Is that so?” Gideon whispered, his fingers lightly tracing her shoulder blades before coming to rest on the exposed part of her back, revealed by her crimson dress. “If it is exotic dances you wish to learn, I would be happy to teach you back in our chambers…”
Amelia’s cheeks warmed at his daring response. “Oh, really? And for a moment, I thought you might feel challenged.”
“Pah! Jealousy is not an emotion I feel,” he replied.
“Indeed? Because I very vividly remember that night at the Gendway’s soiree, when you were more than persistent to whisk me away from any gentleman seeking my attentions.”
This time, it was Gideon who pulled back in embarrassment. “Fine. Perhaps I do not particularly enjoy the prospect of my wife being pestered by Lordlings below her worth,” he conceded drily.
Amelia broke into a laugh. “Ah, so that is what it was? My darling husband was merely waiting to introduce me to a Lord befitting of my station?”
“Strike that, when any Lord approaches her,” he quickly added.
“Just as I when Ladies approach you,” Amelia confessed. “And considering your reputation, I think I have the right.”
“Past reputation,” he corrected, before leaning closer to whisper, “when our son is born, I would rather him not know about that,” he added as he placed a hand on her belly. “We do not need another rogue in this house.”
“You don’t have to convince me,” she giggled.
Their playful banter continued. Amelia, even after years had passed, couldn’t believe that she was here with Gideon. It was still almost hard to believe that she already had a daughter with him, and they were about to have a son too—their own loving family. The past seemed nothing but a distant memory now. As the last note of laughter faded, Gideon’s gaze lingered on Amelia’s flushed cheeks and sparkling eyes.
“Amelia,” he said huskily, his voice rich with warmth.
“Yes, dear?” she replied, her tone equally gentle.
“Thank you,” he whispered, his thumb caressing the back of her hand. “For everything. For helping me realize what I was missing, for giving me an adorable little daughter, for loving me—just everything. “
Amelia frowned, taking his hand in both her own. “You do not need to thank me. Before you, I don’t remember when I last felt happiness and peace. I dread to think how my life might have been.”
In that instant, their connection transcended all spoken language, as if their hearts were entwined by an invisible thread. Driven by a surge of desire, Gideon pushed into Amelia, capturing her lips in a searing kiss this time, a kiss that conveyed more than words ever could.
Amelia’s hand drifted to his cheek, her fingers caressing the stubble that lined his jaw, as he got to his feet and leaned deeper into her body, almost knocking her from her chair. She relished in the feel of him, the warmth of his skin beneath her fingertips, the tenderness of his lips against hers, and that bitter and lovely citrus taste of his fragrance. As they broke apart, both breathless and flushed, their eyes locked in a shared understanding – an unspoken agreement to savor this intimate moment for what it was.
“Perhaps we should save some of this excitement for later tonight,” Gideon added with a light-hearted tone, trying to ease the intensity of their emotions.
“Suddenly, I cannot wait for the moon to rise,” Amelia replied quite breathlessly.
“Then let us do away with this meal and see to our guests, so we can be alone once more,” he smirked in response.
“Is that it or are you missing Lucy too?”
“Do I make it so obvious? I have never been a father before,” Gideon confessed with a frown, and Amelia succumbed to laughter once more.
It was not ten minutes later when Amelia and Gideon finished up and made to leave the house to meet their friends at the farthest part of the garden. The moment the veranda door opened, Amelia shivered as the cool gentle breeze rustled through the leaves, carrying with it the sweet scent of budding roses. Their breaths mingled in the chill evening air. The season was growing cold and cloudy already and Amelia hoped it wouldn’t ruin their planned outing tomorrow.
Crossing along a gravel path lined with bushes on either side, they finally reached Lewis, Harriet, and the children. The sight was endearing – little Lucy and her cousin William were engrossed in picking flowers, under the watchful eyes of Harriet on a picnic blanket, with Lewis seated beside her, more engrossed in his wife.
“Mama, look!” Lucy called out, her face lighting up as she dashed towards Amelia, her small hands clutching a bunch of colorful blossoms. “William and I picked these just for you!”
“Oh, for me? Thank you, my sweet. They’re lovely,” Amelia said warmly, accepting the bouquet and holding it close to her heart. “But I think your papa might feel a little left out…” she added in a whisper, giving Gideon a playful glance.
“My happiness lies with my wife’s,” Gideon shrugged, his gaze lingering on the children before meeting Amelia’s.
“Aunt Amelia,” young William chimed in, mustering all the seriousness a five-year-old could possess. “When I grow up, may I marry you, please?”
Amelia couldn’t help but laugh, and she bent down to tousle the boy’s hair. “That’s very sweet, William. But I’m sure you’ll meet plenty of girls your own age that will eventually take your heart.”
“But I don’t want other girls,” he frowned, stomping his feet. “I want to marry you…”
Gideon shared an amused look with Lewis, who had just walked over to join them. “Well, it seems I am to have some competition,” he jested, wrapping an arm about Amelia’s waist.
“You best treat your wife well, Stanhope, lest you lose her,” Lewis chuckled, patting his son’s head.
“She will be treated with no less worth than a princess.”
Amelia leaned her head against Gideon’s shoulder, feeling a swell of contentment envelop her.
Her eyes found themselves ghosting towards the entrance of the garden, a subtle crease forming on her brow. “I do hope Dorothy is alright. She was supposed to have arrived an hour ago, I wonder what is taking her so long,” she murmured, concern lacing her voice.
Harriet sauntered over with the book she was reading tucked under her arm. “Oh dear, I do hope she makes it, I don’t think I can survive a trip to the beach without her fresh and sweet lemonade recipe.”
“And don’t forget those fruit tarts… mmm…” Lewis added in, receiving a stern look from Lucy. “…What?”
“I helped with the fruit tarts too, you know!” she replied, her brows narrowing, causing the group to laugh.
“Knowing Dorothy, she has likely just lost track of time,” Gideon assured Amelia, giving her hand an encouraging squeeze.
Though the weather was growing slightly worse as the minutes passed, and it could have possibly delayed her carriage, Dorothy did have a habit of being late, no less owing to her penchant for traveling as slowly as possible to take in the sights wherever she went. She was a lot more enthralled by the outdoors than Amelia, and had more than once dragged her to picnics in the woods of Stanhope to bask in the nature and wildlife.
“I suppose you are right,” Amelia sighed.
The sound of horse hooves broke the calm, drawing Amelia’s gaze towards the cobblestone street up ahead. A carriage emerged, weaving through the lush greenery and halting at the estate’s entrance, just outside the garden. The door opened and Dorothy stepped out.
Amelia’s eyes slightly widened at the sight of the man accompanying her. He was tall, a smidge below the height of Gideon, with dark curls framing chestnut eyes and a slim nose.
“Amelia! Gideon!” Dorothy called, waving enthusiastically and dragging the poor man with her who looked absolutely terrified at the prospect of being introduced. “Forgive my tardiness, it took quite the coaxing to persuade my companion to join us for the evening.”
The man approached the group, his expression eager but nervous. He extended a hand towards Lewis, mistaking him for Gideon. “Your Grace, it’s an honor to meet you.”
A ripple of laughter spread through the group as Lewis raised an eyebrow, glancing at Gideon with an amused smirk. “And who do I have the pleasure of addressing,” he replied, playing along for the moment.
“Sincerest apologies, Your Grace! Kenneth Wycliff, the sixth Viscount of Hemsley, of the great Wycliff lineage, dating back four centuries to the battle of Aginscourt, where my great, great, great… great grandfather met his wife who was sister-in-law to the Terrell family, and an ally of the Stanhope Duchy! It is an honor to finally make your acquaintance.”
Lewis’ smile faded as he listened to the man. “…You have certainly done quite the research. Though I’m afraid you’ve made a small error, my good man,” he said, clasping Kenneth’s hand nonetheless. “The honor is all mine, but the Duke you seek stands beside me.”
Kenneth flushed a deep shade of crimson, hastily withdrawing his hand and turning to Gideon with an apologetic bow. “My sincerest apologies, Your Grace. I did not mean to offend.”
“Think nothing of it,” Gideon replied, a warm chuckle escaping his lips as he embraced the flustered young man. “Besides, your little history lesson more than made up for it.”
Kenneth offered a polite smile. “Ah, Your Grace,” he replied as he turned to Amelia, “I have heard so much about you from Lady Dorothy, it is a pleasure to meet you at last.”
“All good things I hope.” Amelia offered him a smile to reassure him, as she could tell that he was nervous. And really, she was nervous herself. The divorce between Dorothy and Norman had already been finalized—though it took years to happen—and Dorothy had expressed her wishes to remain alone for a while. According to her, it would be better if she didn’t start meeting gentlemen with the intention of marriage, until she could at least learn to live by herself. Lord Kenneth was a new reveal for Amelia, too. But she was glad for her sister’s happiness.
A cool breeze swept through the garden, carrying with it the first droplets of rain. Amelia looked up at the darkening sky, her eyes widening in surprise as the drops grew heavier and more insistent.
“Rain!” Lucy exclaimed. “We must hurry back inside!”
Little William squealed in surprise and started racing inside, while Harriet lifted her skirts and followed swiftly behind him. “Slow down, you might slip!” she shouted after him.
“If I get a cold for tomorrow…” Lewis started, shielding his eyes from the downpour. Harriet heard his complaint and looked back with a giggle.
As the group scurried back indoors, Amelia couldn’t help but feel a flutter of excitement in her chest at the thought of tomorrow. They were going to the beach for a nice little outing, and Amelia and Gideon would have some alone time once again. The pattering of rain against the windows provided a gentle soundtrack to their laughter and chatter, creating an atmosphere of warmth and anticipation.
“Papa, will you teach me how to build a sandcastle when we go to the beach?” Lucy asked Gideon, her eyes shining with eagerness.
“Ah yes, you have come to the architect expert,” Gideon replied, ruffling her hair affectionately. “And your mother can finally teach us to swim.”
Amelia giggled at the thought, recalling her own childhood memories of days spent on the shores of Brighton with her sister Dorothy, under her father’s watchful gaze. “I would be delighted,” she replied, feeling Gideon’s hand brush against hers in affection.
“Oh, good, I think it was merely a short outpour. The clouds seem to be disappearing already!” Dorothy chimed in with a breath of relief. “It took a while to get us all together in Brighton for this outing, the last thing we need are unexpected storms to ruin the weekend.”
Harriet laughed. “Speak for yourself! Getting Lewis away from Brighton is the puzzle I need help solving.”
Lewis shrugged. “What? I enjoy the sea…”
“What say we plan a little escape,” Gideon whispered for Amelia’s ears only, his hazel eyes meeting hers with a mischievousness that set her heart racing. She nodded quietly in reply.
As they whisked away into the deep corridors of Marlowe House, the rain began to fade again – a reminder of life’s unpredictability. But within these walls, surrounded by love, laughter, and her roguish husband, Amelia could only feel excitement for the future. Her future.