Epilogue
ONE YEAR LATER
“ I do not think I will ever become used to the beauty of this place.”
Adelaide turned to look at her husband, his profile just as beautiful as the setting sun behind him.
The last of the guests had retired for the evening, the glow of lanterns flickering in the soft summer breeze as the noise of the day was reduced to gentle murmurings around the inn.
The mineral baths at the back of the inn, which had been brimming with guests all day, now sat still in front of them, reflecting the pastel-colored sky.
The scents of lavender and rosemary lingered in the air, carried on the breeze from the herb garden that Mr. Dale had planted and Adelaide now cultivated around the side of the building.
Adelaide had been standing on the terrace, a light shawl wrapped around her shoulders as she enjoyed the stillness of the warm summer evening while she watched over Mabel, who was now toddling around the grass behind the inn.
Michael joined her and completed the moment, especially when he pressed a gentle kiss on her temple before wrapping an arm around her waist. She leaned against him, a smile gracing her lips.
“The hills are beautiful, are they not?” she said, looking over the rolling countryside beyond.
“No more beautiful than the woman beside me,” Michael said, his voice a low rumble, and she swatted him.
“You are ever the charmer.”
“Only for you.”
Which was true. Since they first came together, he had never had eyes for another. All of the words that she had thought were just that – words – were, apparently, so much more.
“It hardly feels real, does it?” Adelaide murmured, her voice full of wonder. “This place, this life we have built?”
Michael chuckled softly. “There were certainly times I never thought I’d see such peace. But here we are.” He tilted his head, glancing at her with a smirk. “Do you miss the excitement of the past?”
Adelaide smiled as Mabel walked toward her. She bent, sweeping her daughter into her arms and inhaling the sweet scent of her hair before looking up at Michael.
“Not in the least. This — our inn, home, family – is the greatest adventure I could have imagined.”
Michael exhaled as if releasing the weight they had endured to reach this moment. “I agree.” He brushed his fingers against Mabel’s soft curls. “Not to break up the moment, but Edward told me about Jack.”
“Oh?” she stiffened slightly at her brother’s name.
“He was tried and found guilty, but the punishment is transportation to Australia. His role seemed to play a factor in that, for he was the courier, not making or distributing the counterfeit. But that’s not all.”
She prayed he hadn’t escaped.
“He died during the transport.”
“I see,” she said, waiting to feel emotion, any emotion – relief, guilt, or otherwise – but found that when it came to Jack, she had nothing left for him.
“Are you all right?”
“Yes, I think so,” she said in some wonderment. “I did what I could for Jack, but he made his own choices. I have to be at peace with that. Was there any news of Rawlins or Lord Gregory?”
“Lord Gregory made it to Canada, as far as anyone is aware. Rawlins has not been heard of.”
“Hopefully, he can make a new life for himself and his family and stay out of trouble,” she said.
“I agree.” Michael was silent for a moment. “What comes next for us?”
Adelaide raised a brow. “You are not content simply enjoying what we have?”
“Of course. Tunbridge Wells already draws many people from London, and the inn welcomes all those seeking the spa life. But I also see potential in what more we could offer.”
Adelaide laughed, shaking her head. “You have become quite the ambitious businessman. But I must admit, I like growing what we have. You have the connections to invite more nobility here, and you know what would make them comfortable. You have already added to the staff.”
As Adelaide had predicted, Michael missed having some of his needs seen to by servants. The one valet he hired was significantly reduced from his previous comforts, but they had also hired more staff as the inn prospered.
Michael lifted a sleepy Mabel from Adelaide’s arms and took her hand, leading her inside, past the dimly lit hallways, and into their private chambers. Fire crackled in the hearth, its warm glow casting dancing shadows upon the walls. Mabel had fallen asleep on their walk up the stairs, and he laid her down in her bed in the adjoining room to theirs, pressing a tender kiss to her forehead before returning to Adelaide, who waited with a soft smile on her face. She loved seeing her husband like this, so completely devoted to both of them.
“You have worked tirelessly today,” he murmured, tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear. “It is now your turn to be pampered.”
Before she could protest, he guided her toward the copper bathtub, which he had requested to be filled with warm water, rose petals, and chamomile. Steam rose delicately, carrying the fragrance of the herbs. Adelaide sighed as he slowly untied the ribbons of her gown, his fingers lingering against her skin.
“Michael,” she whispered, turning to face him.
“Shh,” he said, his voice husky. “Tonight is for you.”
He took her hand as she stepped over the ridge of the tub and sank into the water, her body instantly relaxing under the warmth. Michael knelt beside the tub, running a cloth along her arms and shoulders, his touch reverent, sending tingles throughout her body.
“Do you remember when we first came here?” she murmured, eyes half-lidded as she enjoyed the sensation.
“Of course,” he said with a smile. “You were determined to transform this place, even when the idea of turning an inn to a spa resort seemed impossible.”
“But you believed in me,” she whispered.
Michael leaned down, pressing a soft kiss to her damp forehead. “I will always believe in you, Addi.”
Her heart swelled, and as she gazed at the man she had married, the father of her child, the partner in all her dreams, she knew no adventure could ever compare to the life they had created together.
As the fire crackled, the night stretched on, filled with love, whispered promises, and the certainty that whatever came next, they would face it together.