Epilogue
Tia awoke first, Hugo’s body curling about hers. Contentment filled her. Even after all these years, she still adored her husband.
They had built a good life together, having two daughters and two sons.
Their eldest, Jane, would wed today in St. George’s, just as they had twenty years ago.
Jane had insisted upon a double wedding ceremony, having grown up hearing the stories of her mother and Aunt Dilly marrying together.
The other bride today would be Lia’s oldest daughter.
Her sister had given birth to twins Edward and Mary seven months before Tia herself brought Jane into the world.
Lia also had borne two more girls and a boy.
All their children would be here, along with many of their family members.
The cousins’ pact had held all these years, and they brought their spouses and children to town with them each Season.
While they were selective about the events they attended, they saw family every day for months.
Tia looked forward to the Season each spring, wanting to visit with all her cousins, but especially because she was able to spend time with her twin.
They remained in touch with one another through the year via letters, but nothing could replace the time they had together in person.
Missing from today’s ceremony would be Mama and Aunt Agnes.
They had lost them many years ago, as well as Uncle Arthur.
Only Aunt Charlotte remained from the older generation, and she adored being the matriarch of their three families.
Her aunt had been disappointed when none of the cousins continued the tradition of naming their children after Roman and Byzantine rulers and their wives, but Tia and Hugo had agreed they wanted to name their children ordinary, sensible names.
Hugo stirred, which caused desire to stir within her. Soon, they were making love, their kisses slow and delicious, their orgasms shattering.
“Do you recall our wedding day?” her husband asked, in the afterglow of lovemaking, Tia in his arms.
“Like it was yesterday,” she replied. “Where has the time gone, my darling?”
He chuckled. “I am finding more gray in my hair these days than black.”
She cradled his cheek. “And it makes you look ever so distinguished. My gray hairs, on the other hand, age me.”
He kissed her softly. “You will always remain ageless in my eyes, love.”
They cuddled several more minutes, and then Tia said, “I must go and dress. You, too. We cannot lay abed all morning. We must be at St. George’s to see our daughter and niece wed.”
As she climbed from the bed, he watched her with admiring eyes as she tossed on her dressing gown and belted it.
“Jane has chosen wisely,” Hugo said. “Just as her mother did.”
“Jane is a good girl. A very smart one. And she is very much in love.”
“Again, just as her mother is,” he said, pulling the cord to ring for Alfie.
Tia blew him a kiss and sailed through the connecting rooms, returning to her own. She rang for her own maid, who brought her tea and toast.
“Something to keep your belly from growling in the church,” the servant teased.
Once she was dressed, she went to her daughter’s room. Jane sat before her dressing table, a maid putting the finishing touches on her hair. She wore the sapphire earrings Tia had won many years ago playing cards. She had gifted them to Jane on the night of her come-out Season this past April.
And here her babe was now a grown woman, ready to wed and have babes of her own.
“Mama!” Jane cried.
“Hold still, my lady,” the maid warned. “I’m almost done.”
“Very well,” Jane said, waiting until the final pin was in place. Then she rose and came to Tia, embracing her. “Oh, Mama. I cannot believe my wedding day is finally here.”
“Frankly, neither can I,” she quipped. “When did I grow old enough to have a daughter who could wed?” She caressed Jane’s cheek. “One who might very well make me a grandmama by this time next year.”
Jane’s eyes grew wide. “I had not thought of that.”
She dismissed the maid, and then said, “You have been so busy, but there are a few things I wish to tell you now. I want you to know something of the marriage bed.”
“Really, Mama?” Jane protested.
“It is better to have some knowledge of it than going into things blind.”
For the next several minutes, she had a frank discussion with her daughter, who blushed profusely as they spoke. Tia did not care. She wanted Jane happy, and part of that would mean she would want to be happy when it came to love play.
“It sounds a little complicated,” Jane said when Tia finished. “And you and Papa . . . doing that. Why, it is scandalous!”
“There is nothing wrong with a little bit of wicked behavior in a marriage. Trust me. You will be thankful I prepared you.”
A light tap sounded on the door, and Hugo leaned in. “Are you ready, my little love?”
Jane went to her father, wrapping her arms about his neck, pressing a kiss upon his cheek. “I am not so little anymore, Papa. I am a grown woman.”
“You truly are,” he said, seeming to look at her with fresh eyes. “But the carriage and all those guests await at St. George’s. We must be on our way.”
“Where are my brothers and sister?” Jane asked as they made their way down to the foyer.
“Uncle Val came and collected them a good hour ago,” Tia told her daughter.
“And Mary will meet us there, won’t she?” Jane asked anxiously.
“Knowing Mary, she has already greeted every guest in attendance,” Hugo teased.
They drove through Mayfair to St. George’s, and Tia couldn’t help but think of entering this church on her own wedding day, Dilly by her side. Matthew had escorted Dilly to the altar that day. Now, he was officially one of their family by marriage.
Mary stood out front with Edward and Rupert. Jane rushed from the carriage to her cousins, embracing them both.
“I can go inside, now that you are here,” Edward said. “Mary was mad with worry, thinking you would be late.”
He kissed his twin’s cheek and then looked to her. “Ready to go inside, Aunt Tia?”
She looked at her sweet girl. Cupping Jane’s cheeks, she said, “The next time we speak, you will be wed.” She glanced at Mary, touching her cheek. “Both of you.”
“Go inside, Mama,” Jane ordered. “And try not to cry.”
“Oh, I told Mama the same,” Mary said, laughing.
Edward held out his arm, and Tia took it. “I hope your mother saves me a place next to her.”
“She did. On the front row. There is room for you, Uncle Hugo, and Papa, as well.”
Edward led her down the aisle, and Tia couldn’t help but admire how beautiful the church looked, with all the wonderful flowers on display.
It made her think of how Hugo brought her flowers each week.
When they were in town, he would have them sent.
When they were at Merrivale, he would go to the gardens or hothouse and clip them himself.
Joining Lia, they held hands, and her twin said, “It seems as if only yesterday when we were the brides, speaking our vows with our very handsome grooms.”
“Time marches on. I am happy that both our girls have made love matches, Lia. Just think—another wedding breakfast held at Ariadne’s. I love how our family traditions continue.”
Soon, the organ came to life, and they watched Rupert escort Mary down the aisle. Hugo and Jane followed them. After both men had handed off their daughters to the two waiting grooms, they came to join their wives.
Hugo threaded his fingers through hers. “It is a happy day, my love,” he whispered in her ear.
She beamed up at him. “And we have so many more happy ones yet to come.”