Epilogue

EPILOGUE

Several months later…

"O h, my darling, how I have missed this delicious iced cream." Poppy let out a contented sigh in the creamery in Edinburgh. They'd not been back to the city since they'd gotten married, and this had been one of the first places she'd wanted to stop.

The last few weeks, she'd had an incredible craving for the treat, day and night.

"Anything for ye, my love." Dougal sat across from her, staring at her the same way he had the very first time they'd come here months ago.

Now, having been fully introduced to what a look like that meant, her insides thrummed, especially between her thighs.

"Perhaps we ought to skip the ball later," he suggested.

"Oh, we simply cannot." She licked her spoon, and Dougal's eyes widened.

"I beg of ye." He leaned forward, his knee pressing hers from beneath the table, and his fingers brushed over her thigh.

Poppy glanced around, afraid someone might see him touching her so intimately, but no one seemed to notice.

"How about a long afternoon nap?" she offered suggestively.

"I accept."

Poppy grinned at her husband and took another lick of her spoon. "Ava has worked so hard on this event, and I'd hate to miss it."

"'Tis a matchmaking ball," Dougal responded. "What good is it for us to go?"

"Because she promised her father she was done with matchmaking. Some couples have to be there, or else he'll see right through her ruse."

Dougal chuckled. "I think he'll see right through it anyway."

"Perhaps. But if I do recall, Ava can be very convincing."

"Alas, she has convinced ye to come to her silly ball."

"This is true. But I promise your friends will be there, including Baron Darkwood, and so you, too, shall have a good time."

Dougal chuckled. "Darkwood? I'll believe it when I see it. From what I understand, he has had quite a row with the residents of Heatherfield."

"Ava's father?"

Dougal smiled and leaned forward conspiratorially, his fingers inching up her thigh. "In fact, nay, my love. I do believe he has an issue with the lady herself."

"Oh!" Poppy's interest grew. "Do you think we might witness a scandal this evening?"

"There's a real chance, and I'll say I'm a wee bit more interested in attending now if only to watch Darkwood attempt to hold himself together."

"He's temperamental?"

"No' exactly." Dougal's grin widened. "I've only ever seen him miffed when he speaks of Lady Ava. Colonel Austen can attest to it."

"Fascinating. Austen and Anise will also be in attendance. I can't wait to see my sister; her letters from her honeymoon in France were so entertaining."

"Another reason we will be sure to attend. I'd no' want ye to miss the happy reunion with your sister."

Poppy grinned and took another spoonful of her frozen chocolate, letting it melt slowly on her tongue. "Perhaps we should make certain to arrive right on time. I know you prefer a later entrance to these things, as do I, but tonight is looking very promising."

Dougal pouted as if she'd taken away his iced cream. "I was promised a nap ." The way he said it and how his eyes skimmed down to her mouth had Poppy squirming in her chair with anticipation. No longer was it the iced cream she was craving.

"Oh, you shall have your nap, husband." She ran a foot up his calf. "I think we can manage both a lengthy nap and an entertaining evening of people-watching and catching up."

"Have I told ye lately how much I love ye?" He seized her foot before she reached his tender parts.

"Indeed, you have," she teased. "Now, let us leave so I can show you how much I love you too."

Dougal stood so abruptly from his chair that it teetered on its back legs, which he quickly righted, excusing himself to the startled guests.

They didn't make it halfway down the road before they took their nap in the carriage.

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