Epilogue
Aelfwyn Manor, Yorkshire coast
Betts sat on a blanket beneath the old oak atop the hill that sheltered the manor house from the Channel.
The day was sunny, the breeze light. Whitecaps rolled in the waters, building, crashing on the beach below then disappeared as water rushed away from the shore.
She loved her home, and thanked Heaven every day that she would soon celebrate the birth of her first child instead of mourning the death of her only true love.
“I’ve never seen a sight more beautiful in my life,” Prescott spoke from behind her as he approached.
She looked over her shoulder at him. His gaze was fixed on her. Then turning to the view once more she lifted her chin in the air. “Indeed, the prospect of the channel from this vantage is truly stunning,” she spoke with studied archness.
“Minx.” Prescott dropped down beside her. “You know very well I meant you and not the scenery.”
She smiled at him. Pleased that he could smile and joke again. For months after his illness, he was somber, almost depressed until finally she’d managed to lead him to speak of his time in the French prison.
She’d been horrified, but the telling purged some deep sorrow from Prescott.
He began to laugh, plan, and make love with a sweetness that thrilled her to her toes.
The day she’d told him she was increasing he’d danced her around their sitting room.
That night he’d wined her, dined her, and bowed to every request she’d made.
That hadn’t changed in the past eight months.
He was her beloved Prescott once more. Yes, there were shadows on his soul.
War did that to men. However, he shared those dark moments as much as he shared the more plentiful moments of joy.
She was truly a part of him, and he a part of her.
How blessed I am. She fingered the pearls he’d given her to replace the Leigh heirloom choker when she insisted that it be returned.
“Here, my dear,” he said, placing an arm around her shoulders then dropping an envelope into her lap.
She leaned her head against his shoulder and tore open the paper.
They read the letter together.
“This is wonderful news,” he remarked. “I wish Lady Bella and Glenlewis will be as happy in their marriage as we are.
“Indeed, the news is most welcome after the dreadful time they’ve had.”
“Shall I accept the invitation on our behalf?”
“Oh yes. Our babe should be old enough to travel by then, and summer is the perfect time for a journey.”
“I agree. I’d not wish a winter ride on my worst enemy.”
“I should be sorry that you nearly killed yourself to prevent me marrying Tellus Leigh. Somehow I cannot find a smidgen of regret in any corner of my mind or heart.”
“I would do it again, my love.” He drew her to him for a kiss.
One thing led to another, and the sun was setting before they, hand-in-hand, at last strolled into the house.
The End