Epilogue
Asuccess.”
“A triumph.”
“The best Duke’s ball in years.”
Jane sat in the center of Richard’s bed at Kenworth House, their London residence, reading the gossip pages Martha had brought up with her tray. She could hardly believe the papers. Each one agreed.
The new Duchess of Aylton, formerly unknown to all but a few in the ton, had successfully launched the season with a ball to do the Aylton name proud.
“Not since the Dowager oversaw the event had there been such a crush.”
“As expected, the food and music were plentiful and delightful.”
“Much to everyone’s surprise the Duke danced several dances. Twice with his own duchess, both waltzes. Even more shocking was seeing that the Duke of Aylton smiled most of the evening.”
Jane giggled at the last bit of news.
“Are you still reading those?” Richard emerged from his dressing room ready for the day.
“You are the one who insisted I stay in bed until noon. I must have something to do.”
He sat on the bed moving the news sheets aside. “It’s a shame none of them mention your beautiful dress. What color did you call it? Pink?”
“Pale Rose.” Jane rolled her eyes at him. “I told you I once had a dress almost that shade. Mother told me it was her favorite color on me.”
He kissed her firmly enough to push her back into the pillows. “Rest, Dearest, rest.”
“I am quite rested and refreshed. I do not need more.”
Richard leaned over and placed his hand atop the child that only they knew about, though he suspected his mother and Philippa had guessed. “You may not need more, but this little one is doing his—”
“Or her.”
“Or her, best to make you yawn at the most inopportune of times. This afternoon during your at home hours the parlor will be filled with women. Women whose lives are only fulfilled when they can spread gossip and rumor. If you truly wish your sisters to know of this news from your own lips, then you must either visit them before two o’clock or get more sleep so you do not yawn this afternoon. ”
Jane frowned, as usual, her husband was not wrong.
“You still plan to return in time for an early supper?”
“Yes. The ship sails with the tide. I intend to watch the sails unfurl with both of my half-brothers in chains as well as that terrible abigail of yours.” Richard held her hand, tracing delightful circles as he always did.
“Are you still glad you asked for clemency and deportation?”
“I had to ask. Duncan is still my father’s son.
It is easier to witness his departure knowing he may still find a way to turn his life for good than to see him at the end of a noose.
He has been banned from ever setting foot back in England, as have they all.
” They had discussed the subject infrequently since the trial that ended by deporting the trio to Australia.
The quick death of a noose or the slower death of a hard land.
Both were difficult choices. But in the end the courts decided.
If Duncan had not been recognized by our father, all three would likely have ended their lives at the gallows.
Jane took his hand in both of hers and brought it to her lips brushing a kiss across his knuckles. “You are the best of men, Richard Thomas Kenworth, the eighth Duke of Aylton, and I am the most fortunate of women to know you.”
Richard leaned over and gave her a long lingering kiss. “And you, my darling, are a little minx who I adore more each day.” He added another kiss before pulling away. “Until tonight, my love.”
“Until tonight.” Jane let go of his hand. When Richard was halfway across the room. Jane called his name. “Richard, remember I love you.”
He bowed. “I shall endeavor never to forget.”