EPILOGUE
J anuary 1817, London
Despite the cold weather, Edith was thrilled to be back in Town. Parliament was to start sessions next week on the 28 th .
“You look splendid, Lady Harbury,” Mary said with a misty smile, standing back to admire her handiwork.
Lady Harbury . She wanted to pinch herself. Had anyone ever been so happy? She and Nathaniel were married at Christmastide at her father’s seat in Essex. They had spent their honeymoon in the local area, walking together and speaking of the past and the future.
Her husband still had brief moments of melancholia, but his nightmares had stopped. Nathaniel assured her that every day he felt happier, and most importantly, he’d forgiven himself for surviving the wars when so many had perished. They had both looked forward to returning to Town and seeing their friends again.
Alicia got on splendidly with Edith’s father, and in addition to Alicia, Ashford, Charlotte, and Louisa had attended the nuptials. As had Lord Wycliffe, although after two days in the country, he braved wet, muddy roads to return to London.
“Shall I call you Cecil?” she’d asked the rogue during the wedding breakfast.
“You shall,” the man replied, grinning. He was foxed if she wasn’t mistaken.
She was sure that Ashford had been as well. He threw several amorous looks at his heavily pregnant wife, who shook her head repeatedly at his overtures but blushed rather attractively.
The thought of her wedding night came to mind, and Edith felt heat on her cheeks, causing Mary’s gaze to sharpen on her face.
“Aye, you made a good match, my lady.” She covered her mouth with one hand. “I’m sorry, Lady Harbury.”
“You’re right, Mary. I can’t be too stern with you over your outspokenness. You were employed by Lady Louisa for a year, after all.”
This time, when the maid covered her mouth, Edith was sure it was to suppress a laugh.
Louisa was also in London, mother and four brothers in tow. “My mother is more determined than ever that this season I will find a husband.”
“Charlotte and I wouldn’t want you to feel left out,” she’d replied cheerfully.
Louisa wrinkled her nose. “Oh, bother! My mother uses that very argument on me.”
Tonight was Edith’s first night back in London as a married woman. Her father appeared to be taking her defection in his stride, telling her he would just have to spend more time with the lovely Lady Sandhurst, who had also returned to Town, her infamous supper now forgotten.
There was a knock at her bedchamber door. “Come!”
“Shall we go downstairs?” Nathaniel asked, peeking around the open door.
“Alicia is dining with Lady Kettering?” she asked, anticipation in her voice.
“She is.” He opened the door wider and stepped back to allow her to exit the bedchamber. “It’s just you and I for the evening.”
“Plus twenty-some servants,” she replied with a shake of her head.
“I’ve already told Mary I will play lady’s maid for you tonight.” Her husband wiggled his brows, his eyes turning a lighter shade of green.
“After we discuss the bill you plan on presenting this session,” she replied, taking his extended arm. “I’m not sure I agree with all your requirements for a veteran to claim disability.”
“Hmmm... When I married you, I knew you were intelligent and beautiful. Now I’m finding out you’re also stubborn.” He smiled wistfully. “Oh, to be ignorant once more.”
She gently elbowed him in the side. “Would you have me change?”
The emotion in his eyes took her breath away. “Never, my love. Who you are helped save me.”
THE END