Epilogue
Approximately a year Later
I wonder if we should start offering the Black Sheep as a venue for wedding breakfasts?” Hannah mused aloud as, despite her voluminous wedding gown, she wedged herself between Sophia and Charlotte on a settee that should truly fit just two.
“This is your own wedding day,” Sophia chided her. “You shouldn’t be thinking about the coffeehouse!”
“It is always the time to consider business.” Hannah reached forward and popped a sugar-coated almond into her mouth. “Do you think Alexander will agree to plan them for us? He did such a brilliant job on yours, Charlotte, and now mine.”
“I believe the anxiety would destroy his sanity.” Charlotte waved her hand in the direction of her brother, who was nervously guarding the cake.
Although Pan had been plied with fruits, his amber eyes kept focusing on the delicacy.
Not to mention the presence of a monkey, a terrier, an extremely fluffy rooster, and a full-grown goose.
“Alexander is also consumed by his duties as a duke,” Sophia pointed out. “How many new reforms are he and your new husband championing in Parliament, three? No, four, isn’t it?”
“It may soon be five. Alexander wants to push for a cruelty-against-animals prevention act,” Hannah said. “He and Eoin were discussing it two evenings ago.”
“Matthew mentioned it as well,” Charlotte said. “If they have success with stopping bearbaiting and cock and dog fights, he’s hoping that they could propose measures to help the Scottish wildcat.”
“The three of them are always trying to find supporters when they stop by for coffee.” Sophia shook her head. “I never thought the Black Sheep would be at the center of parliamentary work.”
“It has changed since when my parents first opened the doors.” A rare surge of sentimentality tore through Hannah, although she supposed she was extra emotional today.
Still, she hadn’t expected to feel tears prick the backs of her eyes.
She glanced around the comfortable back room and imagined how it had looked three days ago when she was last serving coffee.
“Papa, at least, never would have imagined that fine ladies would be clamoring to gain entrance, or that they’d be so willing to sit and chat with actresses and seamstresses. ”
“Not to mention female boxers,” Charlotte added, using her chin to nod at Championess Wick and Lizzie, who were chatting with a few of their fighters.
Peter stood close to the women, eagerly listening to the conversation.
Their amphitheater had only exploded in popularity once their identities had been revealed to the public.
Everyone wanted to watch the sister of a duke take to the ring.
The populace was even more scandalized to learn that the Duke of Foxglen’s fiancée was the proprietress of a coffeehouse.
The fact that she intended to retain ownership had caused even more heart palpitations among the nobs.
They’d been even more aflutter when she and Eoin had welcomed Peter, an orphan from the stews, into their home and educated him.
But Hannah found that she cared naught for the rumors. In fact, she rather liked inspiring a rush of whispers whenever she entered a ballroom. After all, it resulted in more customers the next day at the Black Sheep.
“There is my bride!” Eoin strolled over, his face no longer indifferent but beaming. The man hadn’t stopped smiling since she’d walked down the aisle, but then again, neither had Hannah.
Oh, how she loved her husband. The past year had only assured her of that. True to his word, Eoin had made every effort to arrange his schedule so that they could spend the maximum amount of time in London. And he’d included Hannah in his plans for improving the lives of his tenants.
“You two are the most radiant couple!” Calliope observed as she wandered over. Méibh—who was waddling at Eoin’s side—hissed at her. Although Méibh had eventually learned to accept Hannah’s presence near Eoin, she relentlessly guarded him against all others.
“This is one of those rare times where I must agree with Lady Calliope.” Powys drifted over too.
“If you actually listened to what I said, you would find that I am exceedingly reasonable.” Calliope sent a decidedly smug smirk in Powy’s direction.
“Ha! If you think—”
Hannah arched her eyebrow. “Didn’t you two declare a truce today as your wedding present to me?”
“We did,” Calliope and Powys sighed in unison. Of course, that caused them to turn and glare at each other.
Fortunately, Alexander chose that moment to join their group. “What mystery do you think the Black Sheep will encounter next?”
“That is a good question,” Charlotte said. “Judging by the other wedding breakfasts held at the Black Sheep, there should have been a knock at the—”
Just then the sound of a fist pounding against wood broke through the babble of conversations.
“Door,” Charlotte finished as they all turned in the direction of the sound.
“Well?” Hannah asked as she stood up excitedly. “Who’s going to let our visitor in?”