Epilogue
Eighteen months later…
Baron Kilman’s Country Seat - Chadstone Priory
The bright rays of sunlight fell upon Phoebe’s upturned face. She loved sitting out on the terrace and simply enjoying the peace and quiet… while it lasted.
Chadstone Priory for some reason—mostly because people sought out her husband—had become the center for the coming and going of agents for both the Home Office and Foreign Office. Agents seeking a place to lay their weary heads or escape town life in between assignments all found their way to Chadstone Priory.
Torrance in his wisdom had opened the doors of Chadstone as a haven for agents. It was a way for her husband to remain involved yet not in any official capacity. Having been an agent for years, Torrance lent a sympathetic ear and provided valuable advice to those still active in the field. There was nary a day that passed that they were alone, which had aided in Torrance’s transition into the life of a lord of leisure. Oddly, she had adapted with ease to married life and living in a dwelling that was the complete opposite of the household she had been raised in.
“Phoeee-bee!”
Phoebe opened her eyes and spied Ruth marching across the lawn waving her hand above her head. Egad. What was Ruth up to now? The woman was constantly on the go and getting into all sorts of trouble now that her boon companion Lillian had also married.
Skirts hauled up to her ankles, Ruth hopped up the stairs and skipped along the terrace until she came to a stop in front of Phoebe. “I think I’ll venture to the village, would you like to join me?”
Torrance had kept her awake for most of the night, bringing her to climax time and time again after not engaging in marital relations for an entire week. Exhausted, Phoebe closed her eyes and rested her head back against the chair. “Not today, Ruth. I don’t have the energy.”
“I’ll gladly accompany you, Lady Ruth.”
Phoebe sat up in her chair at the sound of Rhett Cartwright, the current Earl of Saxton’s smooth, honeyed baritone voice. The young man, a second son who unexpectedly inherited the Saxton title since he was a distant cousin of the late Earl of Saxton, was built like the Adonis statue in the Elgin marbles. What was the young man up to?
“Do you want to cause a scandal, Lord Saxton?”
The young lord shook his head. “Why would I?”
“You can’t escort Ruth to the village alone. People will talk.” Phoebe rose to her feet. “I shall join you both and act as chaperone.”
“My apologies, Lady Kilman, I’m still adjusting to all the rules of proper etiquette. I shall leave Ruth in your care then.” Lord Saxton bowed, but Phoebe didn’t miss the rakish wink he sent Ruth’s way.
The even stride of boots striking the stone behind her had Phoebe twirling around. “Husband.”
“What marvelous adventures shall we go on?” Torrance asked and then turned and greeted their guests. “Lady Ruth. Saxton.”
Phoebe studied her husband who had as little sleep as she yet he appeared to be full of energy. “Ruth and I were about to take a stroll down to the village.”
“Sounds like fun. Shall we accompany the ladies, Saxton?” Torrance and Lord Saxton exchanged a look that had the hairs on the back of her neck stand on end. The pair was up to no good. She’d have to keep an eye on young Lord Saxton and quiz her husband later in private.
Uncaring about the rules of etiquette, Torrance took Phoebe’s hand in his and intertwined their fingers. “Shall we?”
He led the way, leaving Ruth and Lord Saxton to follow. The young couple soon fell behind, providing Phoebe with the opportunity she’d been waiting for.
She rubbed her thumb back and forth over his and said, “Let’s. I’m looking forward to seeing what treats they have in the village today.” She slid a sly glance over at Torrance and then continued on to say, “I believe a cream bun sounds much to my liking.” She purposefully licked her top lip.
She grinned as she lowered her gaze and caught sight of her husband’s instant reaction to her teasing.
“Pet, you shan’t get a wink of sleep tonight.”
Smiling brightly up at her husband, Phoebe declared, “I look forward to experiencing your methods for keeping me awake.”
Torrance bent and kissed the top of her head. “Behave, pet, or you will not sleep for a week.”
Knowing it wasn’t an empty threat, and she did need to sleep at some point, Phoebe tucked her chin to her chest and tried not to release the giggle that would only have her husband wanting her more. He loved her smile. He loved her laughter. He loved her.
Once she regained her composure, she turned to face her husband who was the picture of contentment and said, “I love you.”
Torrance looked behind them and then stole a quick kiss. “And I love you, my pet.”
If you loved the Wagering on Love series –
Get Ready for my story Wallflower Gone Rogue part of the Revenge of the Wallflowers series.