Epilogue
Aramintacould scarcely calm the hoard of butterflies flitting around her belly. How could it be that less than a year ago, she’d revealed her identity as MadamQuillheart, and today, she was reading an excerpt from TheVicar of Langmere’sDaughter at the infamous LibrairieGalignani?
Inan attempt to subdue the butterflies into submission, she smoothed her gloved hands down the front of her ice-blue gown as she studied the bookstore’s charming architecture.
“Nervous?” Darius murmured near her ear.
Musteringa nascent smile, she nodded. “Taut as a bowstring.”
“You needn’t be, darling.” He rested a wide palm on the small of her back in a comforting gesture. “You are a gifted author.”
Hisreassurance calmed her to a small degree.
Nowthe butterflies merely floated around her belly instead of careening.
“You have to say that.” She gave him a cheeky grin. “I’m your wife.”
Hegrazed his palm over her spine and a familiar shudder of desire washed over her.
“I but speak the truth,” he said. “I’ve no doubt you’ll be splendid.”
Aramintacouldn’t help but wonder if every author experienced a fit of nerves before a reading. She had that long ago night in Woodhaven when MadamQuillheart had first been revealed, and that was among people she’d known most of her life. Here, in Paris, she knew no one, other than her gracious hosts whom she met only yesterday.
Whenthe owners of the oldest English bookstore outside of Britain had invited her to be a guest, Darius had insisted it was the perfect opportunity for them to also enjoy a long over-due honeymoon. The fact that the Duchess of Latham was a girlhood friend of GiovanniGalignani’sEnglish wife, AnneParsons-Galignani, might’ve prompted the unexpected invitation.
Nevertheless, Araminta was over the moon.
Notonly was she to tour France, but she’d became a well-known author.
Westbrook’sBooks CoffeeEmporium had become so successful, that Darius now employed three full-time book clerks, an accountant/secretary, and two additional waiters besides Mr. Sherman.
Shepeeked at her beloved husband from beneath her lashes.
Howcould she possibly love him more today than when she’d married him?
Notonly were they blissfully happy, they’d achieved success in their chosen professions, and around Christmas, they would welcome a child into the world.
Dariusdidn’t know that tidbit yet.
Shewould tell him soon.
Hesmiled down at her, his vivid blue eyes brimming with love. “You are particularly beautiful today, my love. That color is very becoming on you.”
“You are quite striking yourself, husband.”
Skimmingher gaze over his masculine form, she permitted a possessive smile. Even attired entirely in unadorned black, he drew feminine attention like moths to a flame. At this moment, three ladies attired in what must be the latest French fashion stared quite boldly at him.
“I am not the only woman who thinks so.”
Aramintadirected a pointed look toward the ladies whispering near a table upon which an attractive book display had been arranged.
Dariusglanced over his wide shoulder, and instead of blushing or glancing away, the trio gave him seductive smiles.
Aramintatightened her mouth.
Brazen hussies.
Dariusmust have seen her reaction, for he drew her nearer.
“I only have eyes for you, Araminta, and only shall have for as long as I breathe.”
Sheloved him so much that sometimes it hurt.
“AndI, you, Darius.”
Whenhis focus drifted to her lips, Araminta didn’t hesitate but lifted her mouth for his kiss. This was France after all. Public displays of affection weren’t frowned upon quite as much as in England.
Dariussettled his warm lips upon hers, and all her qualms and worries drifted away.
“Ahem.” A discreet cough directly behind him made Darius lift his head.
Wearinga broad grin, GiovanniGalignani stood there. “We are ready for you, LadyWestbrook.”
“Areyou ready, Araminta?” Darius searched her face, tiny worry lines creasing the corners of his eyes.
“Yes. I am.”
Nomatter what happened, with him by her side, Araminta could withstand anything.
I hope you enjoyed
UNMASKEDATMIDNIGHT
and following the romantic journey
of Darius and Araminta.