Epilogue
Epilogue
Hatton Hall, July 1815
Lord and Lady Hatton, along with their guests—Lord and Lady Staines, Viscount Longford and his wife, Olivia, their little daughter, Amanda, and his new heir, baby Rupert—were celebrating the victory of Waterloo. They had dined alfresco in Hatton’s fragrant garden.
“Thank you for a lovely party, Alexandra. We must go; it’s time for baby’s feeding.” Olivia handed the heir to his proud father.
“I’m glad the weather was glorious. We have so much to celebrate,” Alex said happily.
“The weather wouldn’t dare to do other than cooperate,” Dottie declared, “once I agreed to attend. Come, Alexandra, why don’t we take these exquisite roses you’ve gathered to Margaret’s grave? I could use a walk after that decadent trifle.”
Alex rose and handed her son to his father. She bent to kiss her husband and murmured temptingly, “Flynn, darling, if you amuse your son and keep him from crying for a little while, I’ll let you watch me feed him when I return.”
Dottie watched the pair exchange an intimate look that told her they were deeply in love after a year of marriage. She hooked her arm through her granddaughter’s and, using her ebony cane, still managed to keep her back ramrod straight. When they had walked a safe distance from their men, she said, “Though I pretended otherwise, I always knew you had a crush on the other twin, Nicholas. However, I was wise enough to know that infatuations fade away. Do you suppose he went back to his regiment and fought at Waterloo?”
“No, Nicholas had had enough of war. I feel quite certain my husband’s twin didn’t fight at Waterloo.”
“I saw your husband’s eyes on you in that green gown with its pretty love knots. Tell me, darling, now that you’ve been wed for a year, have a beautiful son, to say nothing of this magnificent home, aren’t you glad that I insisted you marry the heir, Lord Hatton?”
Alexandra smiled her secret smile. Mr. Burke was the only one who knew. “I’m more than glad; I am deliriously happy! I thank you with all my heart.”