Epilogue
Four Years Later
Much to her amazement, Hermia was not actually interested in a quiet life in a cottage after all.
She simply didn’t care for balls and silliness. What she did care for was helping her husband campaign in the boroughs of London, and also in the boroughs of his earl’s seat, to make certain that people were put into office who would not shove children up chimneys, or who would ensure that good practices were put into place for families across the country.
That education was possible for more people. She’d thought of her mother, who had been fortunate enough to learn to read in the theater. But so many children were never given the opportunity. Her mother was the head of several charitable enterprises, and somehow she had thought that her mother was more about the fluff of life. How very wrong she’d been. Because once Hermia married, she realized she could do anything that she wanted.
She could be a glittering jewel of a ballroom, though perhaps not a very notable one, if she wished. Or she could change the lives of people just as her husband wished to do. But most of all, he stood by her brother’s side, keeping the country stable as it worked through the fears of having a monarch who was unwell. And a prince who longed to step in from the wings.
Yes, Crispin had taken up the Duke of Westleigh’s challenge. Her brother had once insinuated that Crispin was not living his life with purpose. But now, once he had managed to make peace with his mother and his past, nothing could stop him. He lived life as if each day was the most important day.
He’d also secured an opportunity for his mother and sister to travel the world, touring the most famous music cities of Europe first before having adventures.
Their last letter had suggested that Gillian and the dowager countess had taken Boston by storm and were having a marvelous time in the newish country.
And much to Hermia’s shock, she’d found she loved giving speeches. Who would’ve thought it? A wallflower who loved to give speeches.
But there it was. It was simply that she did not like a crush of people and having to attempt to make light banter with them.
But soon she would have to pause for she was expecting another child. They had already had twins, two little boys who were the light of their lives, and now she was expecting a third.
Crispin was very careful with her, though he did not try to wrap her up in lamb’s wool. It was very clear that Crispin loved his family more than anything in the whole world and would do whatever it took to protect them.
She had noted too that he took special care with their second son, the twin born just a few minutes after the first, always making him feel wanted and not that he was simply a spare.
And so as they sat in their house in London, preparing for Crispin to go and speak in the House of Lords, where she would watch from the stranger’s gallery, she beamed at her husband.
He lifted his gaze to her, then gently placed his hand on her ever-growing middle.
Crispin had been a child who had known little joy, but he now made certain that his children were full of joy. The boys were playing before them on the floor with blocks. They were three years old and quite a great deal to look after. They often made messes of the study, and yet Crispin did not care.
Whilst they had nannies, Crispin far preferred to keep his children with them as often as possible.
One of the boys, Marcus, tottered to his feet and crossed to Crispin. Crispin took him up in his arms, beaming down at the child.
“Come,” he said, “Papa will sit down beside you, and we shall make paper animals.”
Marcus clapped his hands together as Crispin lowered them to the ground. He sat between the two boys, setting to work, folding paper into fish and dogs and cats.
Hermia had never seen anything like it in her whole life, the way a man had thrown himself into his family. And she thought how right her mother had been.
Somehow, the duchess had known that Crispin was simply waiting for a family of his own. And she was so deeply grateful that she was a part of it. For his heart, which she had loved for so long, was the greatest heart she’d ever known.
And it was hers, and it always would be. Just as hers would always be his.
The End
The Diamond’s Absolutely Delicious Downfall
Lady Juliet, sister of the Duke of Westleigh, is determined to marry an earl, at least. A duke would be best! After all, she’s the diamond of the season. While her mother is proud of her role as an actress, married into a notoriously eccentric family, Juliet hates those that sometimes treat her mama as if she’s beneath them. Juliet can’t wait to show everyone just how perfect she can be and how marvelous her mama is at making matches.
Still, she can’t quite ignore the wild streak that runs through her blood. One night while visiting her aunt in secret, backstage at Drury Lane, she meets a ridiculously handsome, and impossible, American rogue who mistakes her for a lady of the night. When they meet again at a ton ball, sparks fly, and passion cannot be denied. Nor can it be denied that he finds the English intolerable, arrogant, and beneath his ideals.
Yet, despite the fact that they have every reason to stay away from each other, an undeniable connection keeps pulling them back together where wars of words and kisses of longing threaten to steel her heart. Even though the American heats her blood and tempts her with his gruff wit, he’s far from a duke and Juliet can’t sacrifice everything she’s always worked for... Not even for love.