Epilogue
Grosvenor Square
Mayfair, London
As Constance came into her husband’s study, she hummed a few lines of her favorite aria from an opera they’d recently seen. Though it was a blustery, rainy autumn day, her mood felt lifted and her soul light. Truly, it had been a lovely day.
“You look supremely happy and content this afternoon,” Gregory said when he glanced up from the wealth of papers spread out on his desktop. “Did you have a good meeting?”
“Oh, yes.” This month’s salon at the Countess of Biddleton’s home had shown the best numbers in the six months they’d been holding the meetings.
“We had ten women today. Six regulars but four brand new members. That’s quite encouraging.
” Each one had a story, and each one carried invisible pain that needed to be worked through.
All of them required encouragement and support, but seeing their confidence grow was worth its weight in gold.
“An excellent reason for a jovial mood.” He set his pen in its holder. “Did you and the countess have a good visit other than that?”
“We did. She has become such a lovely friend. I haven’t had that in a long time.” As she spoke, Constance moved closer to his desk. “Afterward, I met my father at a tea café. He is doing better, I think, now that he’s visiting the Reading Room at the British Museum again.”
When he flashed that charming grin of his, flutters went through her lower belly. “I’ll wager that’s not the only reason he’s on the mend.”
“What do you mean?”
“Well, two days ago while I was in court, I saw your father helping a lady into a carriage. When he waved goodbye to her, he seemed rather smitten.”
“Truly?”
Gregory nodded. “Indeed. Perhaps he’s sweet on someone but just hasn’t told you yet.”
“I would be so happy if that is so. He needs someone in his life.”
“And as we both know, the right woman changes everything.”
“I think you’re rather partial to yours.”
“Agreed.” He reached out for her, snaked an arm about her hips and pulled her close. “Life has a way of constantly surprising me, and it never did that until you came along.”
Constance leaned down to kiss the top of his head. “So charming.” Then she took refuge in her thoughts.
They’d married in mid-July, which meant today marked four months since they’d spoken vows to each other.
For that first month, challenges had met them at every turn.
His parents were quite miffed at his choice of bride, but Gregory wasn’t skilled at orating in the courtroom for nothing.
Eventually, he talked them around, and once his mother got over her snit, she and Constance met once a week for tea or other outings.
Not exactly friends yet, they certainly weren’t enemies, and that was progress.
As for his father, he ceased threatening to remove Gregory from the will, and had even taken to calling her that “clever gel with the long face.” Most people would have considered that as an insult, but it truly was a compliment where the viscount was concerned, and she already knew she had a long face.
What was more, he and her father often met at the Reading Room.
After a few hours, they would move on to a tavern or a club, spending the afternoons indulging in chess, cards, or swapping stories of their pasts while smoking cigars.
Even Gregory’s brother held no ill-will, for being married made them once more equals, and having his brother back in his life with more regularity gave him a return to his family connections.
That also brought his brother’s children into their lives occasionally, and Constance lived for those meetings.
“You are woolgathering.”
The sound of his voice brought her out of her thoughts. “Perhaps.” She flicked her gaze to the papers on his desk. “What are you working on?”
“A case featuring a former housekeeper who has been accused of stealing coin and jewelry from her employer.”
“Did she do it?”
“I don’t believe so. In fact, I think it was one of the employer’s sons, but it will be difficult to prove since they are of the gentry.” Lines of worry framed his eyes and face.
“If anyone can prove the housekeeper’s innocence, it is you.
” Over the past few months, after a handful of weeks being tossed through society’s gossip mills and snubs, Gregory had campaigned tirelessly to hold onto his clients and encourage more to utilize him for legal work.
That dedication and authenticity had won the day.
Now he was busier than ever, and for that she was forever grateful. “You are talented at what you do.”
“I appreciate that unwavering belief.” Grabbing her about the waist, he set her arse upon his desk regardless that papers and ledgers scattered or fell to the floor. “Would you like tea? I’m a bit peckish.”
“In a bit. There is something else I did today that I’d like to share.” How would he react to the news?
“Oh? Is all well?” Concern reflected in his eyes.
“It is.” A tremble of excitement went through her body as she laid a palm to the side of his face. “Do you recall that I’ve been feeling ill on and off for a while?”
“Yes.” Strain etched on his face. “Is something wrong?”
“No, darling. Something is very right.” Leaning forward, she brushed her lips over his. “I visited with a midwife after seeing my father this afternoon.”
“And?” The word sounded forced from a tight throat.
“I am increasing. She estimates about three and a half months along. In early April, we will welcome a babe into our midst.”
“What?” Shock reflected in his expression. “Truly?”
“Yes.” Constance nodded with tears in her eyes. “Isn’t it wonderful?”
“It is, that, and even more. I have no words.”
“Are you happy?” She couldn’t bear it if he wasn’t.
“I suspect I’ll want to shout the news from the rooftops soon, but right now?
I’m gathering this special moment to my heart because I’m so full of satisfaction, of joy, of peace.
” After scooting his chair closer to her, he slipped his hands to her waist and kissed her.
“To be a father? I never thought it possible. Of course, I never thought many things possible until I met you.”
Tears filled her eyes, for he was so dear. “Until you rescued me?”
“Perhaps.” Then, standing, he moved between her naturally splayed legs, held her head between his hands, and then set out to apparently kiss her senseless. Seconds later, he’d manipulated the buttons at the back of her gown.
Her world tilted as it usually did each time he touched her. When he cupped her breasts and curled his fingers into her gaping bodice, she pulled slightly away. “What are you doing? I thought you wanted tea?”
“I do, but I want you more in this moment.”
“The door is open.”
“I don’t care. Let the servants watch, for I am so damned proud of you and have never been more in love with you.” He kissed her again as he encouraged her bodice down until her breasts were bared.
“You have never lost that charm,” she whispered and surrendered to his care.
When her first husband died, she assumed she would forever hide in her townhouse, but then Gregory came along and changed…
everything. Perhaps she needed to remember that nothing was forever, and neither did one’s past or pedigree determine their future.
All because she was a mistress by rumor who’d fallen in love with her very own hero.