20. Epilogue
Two months later...
“ I received your secret message.”
Millie looked up from where she sat reading on a bench in a cozy garden alcove to smile at Winston. “I’m delighted to hear that.”
She’d written another message, much to Alice’s delight, and asked the maid to deliver it to Winston, requesting him to meet her here with the hope of surprising him. She loved doing so, and his obvious pleasure was her reward.
She glanced at the basket he held as she set aside her book. “What do you have there?”
“A surprise of my own. I thought we might enjoy a picnic.”
“How thoughtful. I would love that.” Joy shimmered within her, something to which she was quickly growing accustomed.
They were spending the first week of their wedding trip at his country estate in Lincolnshire before they ventured to the Continent for an additional two weeks of travel.
Winston wanted to meet with the tenants and see to a few details before they ventured abroad. The new steward was working out well and not only supported Winston’s plans but had made a few suggestions that aligned with her husband’s vision.
Their wedding had been a small affair, held at her parish church with family, the league members, and their husbands in attendance. Millie had enjoyed every minute. Winston had gone out of his way to make each day special since his proposal. She felt cherished and loved and hoped he did as well.
“How was the meeting with the tenants?” Millie had visited most of them shortly after her and Winston’s arrival several days ago. Winston had met with them again that morning to explain the changes he wanted to make and ensure they liked the new steward.
Winston set the basket on the ground and sat beside her. “They understand the reason for the changes, and several expressed relief that Jenkins is gone.”
“Well done. I’m so proud of you.” She leaned close to kiss him. “I know this hasn’t been easy.”
“It has with you at my side. Your faith in me means the world.” His green eyes glittered with emotion. “I love you so much, Millicent, and am blessed to call you my wife.”
“Yes, you are,” she teased, earning a chuckle in return. “And I am equally blessed to have you as my husband.” She wrapped her arms around him. “I’m pleased to say my secret seduction was a complete success.”
“What?” He drew back, feigning a frown. “I am the one who was secretly seducing you. From the moment Aunt Frieda told me she loved the gift you helped me select, I made plans to seduce you.”
Millie laughed. “What a pair we are.”
“Good to know we have been of the same mind all along.” He reached to lift her onto his lap. “That proves how perfect we are together.”
“Agreed.” She couldn’t resist wiggling on her perch before kissing him, loving the passion that so quickly rose between them. “I missed waking up with you this morning.”
He had left their bed early to prepare for the meeting. She knew how important it was to him that the tenants not only understood but agreed with his plan to change some of the crops they raised. He’d researched the topic thoroughly but was still nervous. She thought that adorable.
“Have no worry, for I intend to make it up to you. It’s all part of my master plan, beginning with a picnic.”
“Oh?” She glanced around, noting how private the spot was. They were surrounded by trees and hedges and far enough from the house to be well hidden. The weather was perfect, sunny and warm with a cloudless blue sky. “Perhaps we should end your plan with the picnic.”
His eyes darkened with desire at her suggestive look. “I don’t know what I did to earn your love, but I’m happy I did.”
She cupped a hand along his cheek. “You don’t have to earn it. It is yours for the taking. Unconditionally. I love you, Winston.”
He released a shuddering breath. “And I love you, Millicent, so very much.” He kissed her, his tongue sweeping into her mouth as his hands gently squeezed her waist.
Millie ran a hand over his broad shoulders before unbuttoning his jacket to ease it off, then repeated the same with his waistcoat. “Do you happen to have a blanket in that basket?” she whispered, touching him everywhere she could reach.
“I do.” He reached behind her to unfasten the row of little buttons that ran from the collar down the back of her floral gown. “I was thinking ahead. I’m very good at that these days.”
“Yes, you are.” She kissed him while he worked, resulting in laughter and even more embraces. The buttons of his white linen shirt were easy to manage. She soon slipped a hand into the opening to run her fingers over his sculpted chest with its fine coating of black hair.
Though new to lovemaking, she liked to think she was already getting much of it right based on his sighs and moans.
He helped her out of the sleeves and lowered the bodice of her gown, kissing her heated skin as he went. She arched in his arms, the movement pressing the hardness of his manhood against her bottom. The feeling stirred her even more.
He trailed a finger along the top of her chemise and corset then freed her breasts, lavishing each one with attention from his lips and tongue.
The feel of his hand along her stocking-clad calf had her sighing as well. There was nothing she liked more than the feel of his hands on her skin. He progressed upward, desire making her breathless. His fingers dallied at the top of the stocking before moving to her inner thigh. “Open for me, my sweet.”
She readily complied, and he cupped her mound only to groan when she shifted again on his lap.
“You will have me undone before we’ve undressed,” he whispered. Then he removed his hand from beneath her skirts and lifted her to stand, following suit. “Allow me to find the blanket.”
He spread a soft woven blanket beneath the canopy of trees and quickly returned to her side. Millie wasted no time stepping out of her gown, then reached for her stockings only to pause when Winston held out a hand.
“Indulge my vivid imagination and leave them on.” He ran a hand over her corset. “This as well.”
“Oh. Well.” Though feeling rather wanton, Millie nodded as she removed her other undergarments. “As you wish.”
“Those words were part of my dream as well,” he admitted with a wink as he toed off his shoes followed by the rest of his clothing.
He helped her to lay on the blanket and settled beside her, the warmth of his body welcome. With his head propped on an elbow, he slowly ran a finger from beneath her ear down her body to the top of the stocking, leaving shivers in its wake. “Delightful. Delectable. Mine.”
He kissed her once more, and she wrapped her arms around him, loving the feel of his body against hers. As if they had all the time in the world, he caressed her until she shifted with need.
“Winston?” Her legs spread of their own accord, and he answered her plea by stroking her slick folds. Unable to bear the sweet torture, she took hold of his staff, moving her hand along its length until he halted her.
“I need you, sweet Millicent,” he muttered.
“And I need you, dear husband.” She reached for his shoulders, intending to pull him on top of her only to gasp in surprise when he easily rolled her onto him.
It took only a moment to adjust to the unfamiliar position, but she learned quickly. And when he shifted her body to straddle him, desire took an even firmer hold, making her ache with need.
With his assistance, she slowly sank onto his manhood until he was deep inside her. “Oh, my,” she managed.
“I couldn’t agree more,” he said, equally breathless.
After a few tries, she found a rhythm that suited them both, his hands on her hips to guide her.
“Oh, Winston.” Passion soon demanded a quicker pace, and when he reached between them and touched her center once more, it wasn’t long before a thousand stars exploded behind her eyes.
He quickly followed, holding her as he found his own release.
She collapsed on top of him, and he pressed a series of kisses over her face. She smiled in response, feeling very relaxed and satiated. “Was your dream fulfilled?”
Winston chuckled, the rumble echoing through her. “Absolutely But do not worry. I have many more.” He hugged her. “And I can’t wait to hear your wishes, so I can grant each and every one.”
“You already have, my love. But I am certain more will come to mind.”
“We have the rest of our lives to work our way through them.” He kissed the top of her head.
Millie smiled, her heart full, still amazed that she had found such love.
“Are you hungry?” he asked, gently rubbing her back.
“How could I be when I’m in your arms?” she asked, only to have her stomach growl.
He laughed. “I believe your stomach disagrees. Why don’t we dress and then we will see what the cook made for us.”
They helped one another to don their clothes, taking their time before finally unpacking the basket that contained freshly baked bread with thick slices of ham, crispy fried potatoes, lemonade, strawberries, and biscuits.
“Delicious,” Millie said as she took a second bite of the sandwich.
“There is something about eating out of doors that increases one’s appetite.” He lifted a brow. “Or perhaps it could be our recent exercise.” He tilted his head as if considering that, making her laugh.
“You are incorrigible, and I love it,” she said as she helped herself to a piece of potato.
“Thank goodness.”
They enjoyed their leisurely luncheon with one another. Both Millie’s stomach, and her heart, were full. She was more grateful than ever for the For Better or Worse agenda, for it had pressed her to reach for a dream she hadn’t realized was possible.
Winston fed her one of the strawberries before having one for himself. “It is a perfect afternoon.” He held her gaze. “Because we are together.”
“Agreed,” she said with a smile. “I will be sure to thank The Mayfair Literary League for their support, otherwise, we might not be here together.”
“And their husbands, though I suppose I am one of them now.” He sounded pleased at the thought. “They helped me see my life in an entirely new light.”
“We are lucky to have such good friends.” She held his gaze, hardly able to believe how much she loved this man. “And even luckier to have one another.”
“Forever and always,” he agreed with a grin.
Ready for more historical romance? Be sure to look for The Rogue Chronicles, beginning with ROMANCING THE ROGUE , or The Seven Curses of London, beginning with LOVING THE HAWKE .
Interested in historical mysteries? Check out THE RAVENKEEPER’S DAUGHTER .
In the eerie stillness of a moonlit night, a ravenkeeper is brutally murdered outside the Tower of London. The only potential witness, his daughter, missing...
Scotland Yard Inspector Henry Field has few clues to follow but is determined to prove his quick rise through the ranks of the Metropolitan Police wasn’t simply because of his last name. Yet when the ravenkeeper’s daughter is found, the case becomes even more complicated.
Discovering the frightened, disheveled girl on her doorstep is a shocking start to widow Amelia Greystone’s day. So is the inspector assigned to the case—the same one who has yet to solve her husband’s murder.
Soon the investigation takes a dangerous turn that rouses fear of the legend surrounding the Tower’s ravens and threatens the Queen herself.
Can the unlikely pair protect the newly orphaned girl and halt the killer before he strikes again?