Epilogue

Marcus stood next to Kate, his chest bursting with pride that he'd managed to marry the most beautiful and loving wife in the world. Their wedding had gone off perfectly this morning and, finally, the wedding breakfast was winding down. They need only wait for their guests to leave, and they could be alone at last.

Now, they chatted with friends and neighbors as the orchestra finished a set of quadrilles, and Marcus awaited a particular piece of music he'd requested.

"Are we to be wallflowers today, my love?" Kate glanced up at him, a saucy glint in her eyes.

"I would never deprive you of the pleasure of a dance, my dear." He smiled down at her. "I am, however, waiting for one particular—"

The strains of a waltz broke through the murmurs of the guests.

"If I may have the honor of this next dance, Lady Haversham, my happiness for this day will be complete." His smile broadened as her mouth pursed for a rebuttal. God, he would love living with her each and every day.

"Perhaps I can think of something else that will complete your happiness later, my lord." Kate narrowed her eyes, and his pulse pounded.

He'd bet she'd make good on that promise.

"Marcus." Letitia approached them, her face wreathed in smiles, a young man at her side. "You know Bertie, of course.

"How do you do, Symmons." He bowed to the gangly young man and glared at Kate, who seemed to be stricken with a coughing fit.

"Hello, Bertie," Kate croaked out.

"Bertie's asked me for this next dance, Marcus." Letitia beamed, and Marcus caught his breath.

"But it is a waltz, my dear."

"Oh, I know." Letitia shifted from one foot to the other. "But I think I would like to attempt it with Bertie."

Kate's gasp made him bite his cheek to keep from laughing. Then she clamped down on his hand, and he couldn't restrain a chuckle.

"Well, my dear, perhaps you should try it at least this once." Marcus smiled at his sister, who raised on tiptoe to kiss his cheek then accompanied her partner to the dance floor.

Marcus turned to Kate, his grin spreading at her absolute astonishment. "Shall we dance as well, my love?"

"You allowed her to dance a waltz." Her face glowed with happiness. "I think I must make a new list, my dear. Ten Things I Love about the Earl ."

"You have worked wonders on me, my dear." He brushed his lips across hers then led her to the dance floor. He must tell her the truth about Letitia and the waltz one day.

Or perhaps not.

THE END