Epilogue
Five Months Later
“A lovely service, Blaine.”
The groom leaned down and allowed his sister to drop a light kiss on his cheek. “Thank you, Millie.” He smiled at her. “Your turn now.”
“We shall see.” She lifted her pert nose and surveyed her brother. “You look happy.”
“How could he be otherwise, I ask you?” Another male voice entered the conversation. “He has a beautiful bride, and the most incredible sister. I daresay no other man in England is so blessed at this moment.”
Millicent Kendall rolled her eyes. “Mr Wilde. Your turn of phrase may impress the young ladies of Upper Fiddleswiddle…”
“Bicklesworthy, dear,” interrupted Blaine.
“Quite,” she ignored him. “But I find your verbose pronunciations to be exhausting. Please take them elsewhere.”
“But how can I drag myself from your side, sweet charmer?”
“Try.”
The sharp order accomplished nothing, since Fitz continued to beam happily at her. Finally, she huffed out an annoyed breath, turned on her heel, and departed with a definite flounce.
“You shouldn’t tease her so,” said Blaine.
“Why not? Someone should. Got a stick up her arse, that one. Time she realised it and joined the rest of us mortals.”
“She will, I’m sure. At some point in the future. She’s young yet.”
Fitz’s gaze swung to his friend. “Too young?”
“For you, yes.”
“I know.”
“Fitz, I didn’t mean…”
He threw up a hand to silence Blaine. “I understand. No, you didn’t mean anything by your comment.
But others would immediately interpret it as warning me off.
” He shook his head. “No need to worry, old chum. I’m not enamoured of your sister.
To be honest, she’s just too much work. I like my women to be a little more mature in their ways. And less effort.”
“Will you ever settle down, Fitz? I would love to see that day…” Blaine’s gaze drifted to his bride, presently chatting up a storm with whoever came near.
“Perhaps,” answered Fitz. “If I can ever find a woman to put a smile on my face, that rivals the one you’re sporting today.”
“I am shamelessly in love with my wife,” confessed Blaine. “Damned if I’m going to hide it.”
“And you shouldn’t. I foresee many years of smiles, laughter, and children. Lots of ‘em.”
“Oh dear God.” Blaine’s eyes widened. “Lots?”
“Absolutely. In between breeding horses, you’ll be breeding your own bloodline as well.”
“Well, I don’t know how to be a father. But I’ll be damned if I make my own parent’s mistakes.” Blaine’s face reflected something of his concern.
“Your wife won’t let that happen. Trust me. She’s got her head in the clouds right now, but those feet are firmly planted on the ground.”
“When did you get so wise, Fitz?”
Dark eyes surveyed Blaine. “When I found out who I really was.”
“Ah, yes. I suppose that would do it.”
“Do what?” Geraldine swirled up to them, a vision in cream and peach lace, with lots of matching ribbons.
“Blaine was just talking about starting a family.”
“Oh.” Geraldine blushed. “Well, yes. I can hardly wait.”
Blaine’s lips twitched.
Fitz eyed them. “Nicely said, my dear. And if I were a wagering man, I would willingly lay a pony on the chances that the two of you have already begun that race…”
She reached over and thumped him with her bouquet. “You’re quite dreadful.”
“Tell me I’m wrong then.”
The bride and groom looked at each other and burst out laughing.
“Just what I thought,” snorted Fitz, and walked away.
The new Lady Kendall linked arms with her husband. “He’s a good man, Blaine. A good friend, too. I wish he could find a woman of his own.”
“Perhaps he will. But he’s a bit of a rogue, you know.”
Geraldine shook her head. “No, he’s no rogue. But I wouldn’t object to calling him a rascal…”
Blaine took advantage of the moment and dropped a quick kiss on her lips. “Nicely put, darling.” He sighed. “So how long before I can whisk you away to our chambers?”
“Again?”
“Again.”
She looked at the clock, and at the merrymakers celebrating their wedding. “I think now would be a good time.”
“So do I.”
THE END