Epilogue
The ducal estate of the Duke and Duchess of Archer
The sun teased Penelope’s face as she lay against Edward’s broad chest. He’d surprised her with a picnic at the estate’s wading pool.
It was one of her favorite places to relax and read.
Nearly every day that the weather allowed, she and Edward came here to read and relax.
It had the added benefit of being completely private and secluded.
No one bothered them, including Hawksworth or any of the household staff.
“Your cheeks are pink. Is it from the sun? Or perhaps it’s from making love to your adoring husband,” Edward cooed as he stroked one of her cheeks with his forefinger.
Penelope leaned back slightly so she could meet his gaze. “Perhaps I used rouge to put a little color in my cheeks.”
“Did you? Why?” Edward leaned so he could study her face.
Then his gaze raced from the top of her head to her feet.
“Are you feeling poorly?” He cupped her cheek.
“I shouldn’t have made love to you in the sunshine or insisted that we come here.
Let’s go home. I’ll call the doctor immediately.
I’ll send a footman to London for Dr. Camden. ”
“Darling, trust me when I say that I feel wonderful.” She winked, then reached up and pressed her lips against his. “Truly. You must not worry. Women have had babies throughout the ages without the constant attention from a doctor or midwife.”
He released a breath. “What about the constant attention of their husbands?”
“The best medicine a pregnant lady could hope for.” She brought his hand, which had been caressing her, to her lips.
“Please do not worry. I’m fine.” Her brow wrinkled slightly as she considered her condition, then she nodded once.
“More than fine, actually.” A grin spread across her lips as she looked at her loving husband.
“I believe that we should make love at least once a day. It relaxes me.” With that statement, she leaned against Edward’s chest again.
“Now, please be kind to your wife and rest. I feel like taking a nap.”
A low rumble arose from his chest when he laughed at her. Such a sound made her smile as she listened to the small waterfall that fell into the wading pond. “Sleep as long as you like. You’re my only priority.”
“That’s not true,” she pointed out. “You have a tremendous amount of responsibility running the duchy.” She leaned back and caught his gaze. “You’re marvelous at it. You were born for the position.”
Edward pressed a kiss to the top of her head and inhaled deeply.
“Thank you for saying that. At the beginning, I felt as if all I did was fumble with running the estate and the rest of the duchy. Thank heavens, your brother is generous with his time, and Hawksworth agreed to continue in my employment.”
“I agree, but you would have found your way without them. You always do.”
Edward pulled her tight against him. “I do if you’re with me. Speaking of Hawksworth, he handed me a letter before we came out here. I meant to give it to you earlier, but I was in a rush—”
“To get my clothes off?” Penelope teased.
“Ha. Ha.” Edward pulled a letter from the pocket of his discarded morning coat and handed it to her. “That was a sarcastic laugh if you couldn’t tell. Here. Wear this.” Edward plucked her hat from the ground and gently placed it on her head. “This will keep you from getting any pinker.”
Penelope blew out a breath in an attempt to get a large ostrich feather out of her eyes.
She still adored ridiculous hats. Not to make herself appear taller, but because they made Edward laugh and tease her.
Without a regard for the hat, she plucked a feather from the top and then threw the hat to the ground.
“I don’t want you hidden from my viewing pleasure.
” Slowly, she traced the underside of his jaw with the soft feather.
His large hand wrapped around her wrist. “You continue to do that, and you’ll be naked again.”
She laughed at his lightheartedness. “That gives me an incentive.”
“Minx.” A sudden frown darkened his handsome face. “Read the letter.”
“I wonder what it could be?” She sat up and broke the seal.
“It’s from my father’s personal solicitor.
” There was no note, but there was another piece of sealed parchment.
She immediately recognized the waxed image of the crest. It was her father’s seal, the one he used for all personal correspondence.
Her name was written across it in his distinctive handwriting. “It’s from my father.”
Edward smiled gently. “If I’d known it was from your father, I would have given it to you straightaway. If you want privacy to read it, my love, I totally understand.”
She leaned near and pressed her lips against his. “I want you here with me.” She exhaled and regarded the missive. Carefully so as not to break the seal, she opened the letter. Her heart began to pound, but she forced herself to take a calming breath.
My dearest Penelope,
If you are reading this, then you’ve accomplished your task and are married.
“My father thinks that I completed my task. That’s what this letter is about.” Her gaze flew to Edward’s. “That’s not true.”
He nodded toward the letter. “You should read all of it.”
Pen continued, but this time she read aloud.
It also means you and Edward must have realized you needed to marry. I’m proud of you, and I’m proud that you married Edward. There’s no finer man in the world. And no finer man in the world for you.
It had always been my greatest wish for you both to marry each other.
“Somehow, he must know we’re married.”
“Your father was always a man of great insight.”
Both she and Edward laughed.
I know you never liked being alone. Consequently, I was afraid you would marry someone unsuitable.
I would have rolled in my grave if you had married someone else, especially if it was Draven, that self-centered peacock.
I had to get you away from London and hoped you would take Edward with you.
That’s why I suggested Miss Eloise’s for your task.
Frankly, my darling girl, I’m proud you worked for Miss Eloise. The fact that you went on such an adventure gives me peace knowing you can stand on your own.
I’ve instructed my solicitor to give you your inheritance. I’m sure you and Edward will know what to do with it.
I’ll be watching from above and cannot wait to see all the wonderful things you both accomplish in your lives.
All my love to you both.
Father
Without hesitating, Edward swept her in his arms and pulled her tight. “What a marvelous letter, my love.”
With tears in her eyes, Penelope nodded. “I miss him so much.”
“I know you do.” Edward pressed a gentle kiss to her cheek. “But take comfort that he adored you. I take comfort in knowing that he wanted us together.”
Pen grinned through her tears. “I’m sure he and your father are pleased that we’re together. Do you suppose they are watching us together?”
“Good heavens, I hope not,” Edward huffed. “If so, they probably are horrified, particularly with what we did earlier.”
“Edward.” Pen playfully swatted his arm. “Don’t be so dramatic.”
He rolled them until Pen was lying on her back and Edward was above her, gazing at her lovingly. “I forgot that being dramatic was your forte.”
“Along with loving you forever.” Pen pressed her lips to his.
“That’s my responsibility as well,” he crooned. “Let’s go home. I quite fancy a few of Cook’s iced biscuits. They remind me of the ones you gave me when we first met.”
“If you’re good, I might give you some of mine.”
“I plan to be very, very good.” Edward waggled his eyebrows. “That is, until we get to bed.”
Pen laughed. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”