Epilogue
Rome, Italy
Dante sat at a small round table outside of a tea café on one of the busier streets in Rome.
Though it was summertime and the sun was climbing in the clear blue sky and the warmth of the porcelain in his hand competed with the ambient temperature in the mid-morning air, he grinned when Anne came toward the table.
Each time the breeze blew against her skirting, the slight, rounded bump of her belly was evident.
At least to him.
“You look like summer personified,” he said as she sat on the wrought iron chair next to him. “That color is lovely on you.”
“Such gammon, Udolpho.” But pink went through her cheeks and her eyes sparkled with amusement. “It’s called robin’s egg blue, and it’s one of the only dresses that still fit me. We will either need to find a modiste before we start our journey home or I’ll need to do some shopping.”
“Either is acceptable.” There was no urgency. They would leave Rome for London in a few days. “I’d say this has been a lovely, if delayed, wedding trip, hmm?”
The year following their marriage had seen odd weather due to a volcano erupting on a faraway island which disrupted travel and caused food shortages as well as cold, dreary weather, often with rain and even snow long into the summer months.
In fact, scholars around the world referred to the year 1816 as the Year Without a Summer.
So he and Anne had postponed their wedding trip until the following year.
And neither of them had wanted to journey to the Lake District and encounter more cold weather.
Now, it was over, but he didn’t mind, for a month ago, when they toured one of the churches in the Eternal City, she’d let him in on the news she’d been holding. They were to have a baby in January, after many months of never being successful.
“I don’t believe I’ve ever seen you as relaxed as you are in this moment.” When Anne smiled at him, his world turned sideways as it usually did, for she’d changed everything. “Rome must agree with you.”
“It’s so pleasant and peaceful here, but oddly, I miss London.
” Then he winked. “Also, it’s having you all to myself with our little special secret.
” Gently, he set his teacup into its saucer then turned to fully regard her.
Pregnancy agreed with her, for she was radiant in the sunshine. “How are you feeling this morning?”
“Better. I haven’t cast up my accounts for three days, so perhaps I’m heading into a more peaceful stretch of months.” Then she took one of his hands. “Have you given any more thought to finding a new living since you’ll soon be a father?”
“Uh…”
Dante blew out a breath. His clandestine missions for the Crown had been a source of constant contention between them since they married.
Did he continue to do them? Yes, when needed, especially if the pay was high.
Did that mean he was sent to kill someone, usually for a politically motivated reason?
Yes, again, and there was no getting around it.
Did it still haunt him with each ball he shot or blade he drove into flesh?
Of course, but there was a familiarity there that he couldn’t explain.
“Can we just agree to disagree about this? It’s how I make a living and the income is needed, especially now that we will soon be a little family.”
“I know, but the work is dangerous. As the world grows and countries flex their power, the need for spies and such things will increase.” The delicate tendons in her throat worked with a hard swallow.
“I don’t want to spend my life worrying about whether you’ll come home to me or if I’ll be paid a visit by emissaries from the king expressing regret about your loss. ”
“That won’t happen. I’m quite skilled in what I do.”
“You might indeed be, but how can I explain to our infant that their papa died on a mission to kill an enemy of England?”
“That would prove a sticky wicket.” And he did wish to be there for the child.
Never did he think he’d be a father, and now that it was a bit over five months away, he should make himself more responsible.
“When we return to London, I will speak with my superior. I suppose an operative my age truly shouldn’t take as many missions as I do.
Perhaps he can schedule me into the field closer to home. ”
She blew out a breath. “That isn’t what I meant and certainly not what I’m asking of you.”
“I am aware of that, sweeting.” Not knowing what else to do, Dante poured tea into her cup and then added a small lump of sugar. “Who will I be if I’m not an assassin?” That was all he’d known for more years than he could count.
“My husband. This little one’s father.” Anne laid her free hand on her belly, but it was the pleading in her sapphire eyes that brought him low.
“You will be alive and with me.” Heaving a sigh, she stirred the sugar into her tea.
Once she laid the silver spoon on her saucer, she took a sip of the amber liquid.
“However, I am not one of those controlling types of women. You have your life, and I have mine, and we have our life together. If your position brings you an odd sense of peace and satisfaction, then continue doing it. But if it irritates your soul and continues to haunt you, perhaps you’ll need to find a different vocation. ”
“Doing what? As of right now, I am defending my country from potential threats, which means I’m keeping England safe for my child.”
Her expression softened. “I appreciate that, but darling, I rather believe you think too low of yourself. There are many things you are capable of engaging in that will bring in a tidy income.” She glanced at him from over the rim of her teacup.
“Additionally, you have been making great progress in talking about the things you’ve had to shove deep down inside you.
Perhaps you could start a counselling service of sorts to help other former military men. ”
“Interesting thought.” He rubbed his eyes then leaned over and let his shoulder brush hers. “I promise to think about it. I’ll talk to some of my friends as well as my superior. We’ll come up with something that will make everyone involved happy.”
She nodded. “It will be lovely to be back in England. I am craving the overcast skies and everyone complaining about the weather.”
A chuckle escaped him. “I adore you.” Since he’d married her, he’d worked at showing his emotions more and speaking words of affirmation and love to her, because she needed to hear them as much as he did.
Some of the stories she’d told him about her childhood with the governess who was her stepmother were horrid.
“There are times when I wake in the middle of the night merely to listen to the sound of your breathing; it brings me calm.”
“How sweet.” Anne laid her hand over his. “The next time you wake in the night, feel free to bring me out of sleep with kisses and caresses. Since I’ve fallen pregnant, the need for carnal things has increased sharply.”
With a glance at the pedestrian traffic on the pavement around them, Dante met her gaze once more. Slowly, a smile curved his lips. “Is that so?”
“Oh, yes.” The twinkle in her eyes, coupled with that special grin she reserved only for him, had interest shivering down his shaft.
“In fact, perhaps we should make our way back to our rooms and see what sort of scandal we can get up to before our landlady comes by and asks for the remainder of our rent.”
“I think you might be right.” After draining his cup, he put it back into the saucer. Then he left a few coins on the table. “Shall we adjourn there and enjoy a walk along the way?” he asked as he stood and offered her a hand.
A blush went into her cheeks even after all this time. As she slipped her fingers into his palm and he closed his around hers, she asked, “Will we employ a bit of bondage? At least before my belly gets too big to make use of certain positions.”
Heat poured into his chest. “We can, indeed.” It was only one reason he loved her, for she’d accepted his need for more control without hesitation. Which was probably how they’d finally ended up with a child in her belly.
At least he liked to hope.
“Ah, good. As much as I’m looking forward to being a mother, I don’t want to lose the intimacy you and I share.” She linked her arm with his and leaned into him. “Promise, also, that we’ll still enjoy a healthy carnal life after our child arrives.”
“I will. And I’ll give you as many children as you desire.”
“Oh.” Briefly, she frowned. “Honestly, I will be perfectly content with one for a bit.”
“Understandable, and I’ll use the necessary prevention methods, for I’m not giving up the opportunities to fuck you senseless,” he said in a low voice for her ears alone.
“I’m counting on it.” She pinched the inside of his arm, and that pain only ushered in preliminary pleasure. “You’ll still be my devilish duke when our child isn’t around.”
“It’s another thing I’m quite skilled in.”
Never would he have thought he’d live such a life where love, happiness, and contentment were present more than the darkness, but here he was, enjoying every moment. Frankly, he couldn’t wait to see where his path led next.