Epilogue

" M r. Cain has written to me—can you believe it?!"

Violet looked up from the trunk she was packing for her honeymoon to see her sister walking into her room, an amused look on her face.

"Mr. Cain has written to you?" she echoed, fear seizing her heart immediately.

In the two weeks since the events in Barry, Violet had been seized with this fear every time anyone mentioned Mr. Cain, Lord Redfield, or their father. It was getting better, but she knew she would be haunted by what had happened for a long time. It was the reason why Jams had suggested they go on their long-overdue honeymoon.

"Somewhere beautiful and relaxing," her husband had promised her two nights ago. "Where you can get your mind off it all."

"I don't know…" she'd protested. "I don't want to leave Rosalie alone."

"Your father is behind bars," he had reminded her. "And the prison has promised us increased security. There is no chance he will escape again."

"But Mr. Cain and Lord Redfield?—"

"Redfield is also behind bars, and Cain will soon join him. And their convictions are imminent. Even Farrell was arrested."

"That must have been a joyous moment for you," Violet had said, looking up at him from where she lay in his arms in their bed. "You have at last brought down the man who ruined the duchy and the last vestiges of your father's criminal enterprise."

"Yes," he agreed, and his eyes had shone then. "I'm so glad that we will raise our own children to be proud of the duchy, not ashamed of it, as I always was. We are safe now, Violet. Safe from Farrell, safe from your father, and safe from the legacy of mine."

"You're right," she'd sighed. "I'm not used not to constantly feel in danger."

"I know," James had said, "which is exactly why I think you'll enjoy this holiday. It will be the first time in your life you can truly relax."

So she had agreed to it, but hearing her sister mention Mr. Cain only made trepidation coil in her stomach.

"Yes," Rosalie said. "He just wrote to apologize. Apparently, as he awaits his conviction, he has been gripped with the need to earn my forgiveness." She shook his head. "I can't believe he actually thought he could fool me into thinking that he had decided to double-cross Father all on his own."

"I was relieved that you saw through his deception so quickly," Violet sighed, straightening up and looking her sister over. "You're taking it remarkably well. I thought you'd be heartbroken over his betrayal."

Rosalie shrugged. "It's a bit like a romance novel, isn't it? The heroine is never supposed to fall in love with the first man who flirts with her."

"She isn't?"

Having not read any romance novels, Violet wasn't sure about that.

"No, no. She's supposed to think she's in love with that man, only to realize he's a cad, and the man she really loves is the one who has been there for her all along, strong and steady."

"I see," Violet said, beginning to laugh. "And Mr. Cain was the first gentleman?"

"Exactly." Rosalie nodded, her eyes sparkling. "And now I just have to wait for the second gentleman—the real love of my life—to make his entrance."

"You know, life doesn't always work out like in a romance novel," Violet pointed out as she turned back to the trunk she was packing.

"Your life did," Rosalie said, flopping down on the bed. "So, as far as I can tell, it might still be possible for me."

"I nearly married a monster." Violet raised an eyebrow. "It might make for a good story, but it was hell . I'd advise you to hope for a simple, drama-free love. Believe me, you don't want to go through what I went through."

Rosalie sighed. "That would be just my luck—the most romantic sister, and the only one not to have a dramatic love story."

"Talk to Violet again after her honeymoon," a feminine voice called from the door. "With time, she might enjoy her dramatic love story as much as I do mine."

Violet and Rosalie both turned sharply towards the door, and Violet's heart soared.

Standing in the doorway was their older sister, Iris, whom they had not seen in months.

"Iris!" Rosalie screamed, and Violet burst into tears. Then, all three of them were running across the room and throwing themselves into one another's arms.

For the next few minutes, pure confusion reigned. Just a lot of crying, hugging, and I've-missed-yous.

At last, they broke apart, and Violet wiped her eyes. Her older sister was smiling at her, and she cupped her chin in her hand.

"My dearest," Iris said, "you have been through hell and back these past few months! And you have been so brave. I can't believe I missed it all."

"It has been a wild few months," Violet agreed. "When did you get back?"

"Just a few hours ago. Phineas and I came straight here. Your husband has told us everything that's happened. I am so, so sorry that I wasn't here to help you or protect you from Father, Lord Redfield, and this horrendous Mr. Cain. Not to mention Mr. Farrell! He kidnapped you as well, didn't he?"

Violet shook her head in amazement. "He did. I almost forgot about that, considering everything else that happened."

Iris pulled her into another hug. "Do you forgive me for not being here to protect you?" she whispered.

Violet laughed and hugged her sister tighter. "There is nothing to forgive, Iris. I'm glad you were enjoying your honeymoon and not embroiled in all this. I figured it out. Well, James and I figured it out. Together."

She smiled at the name of her husband. She couldn't help it. She always smiled when she said his name.

As overwhelming as the last two weeks had been, what with testifying in court and having to answer a million questions, they had also been the best few weeks of her life.

All because of James. Because he had been by her side, supporting her, showing her his love, and telling her as often as possible how much he loved her.

"I am so glad that you married such a good man," Iris continued. "Phineas speaks of him with the greatest love and respect."

"I didn't always know he was a good man," Violet said. "I thought he was the Devilish Duke!"

"I was the same with Phineas," Iris admitted, laughing. "Sometimes the best men are hiding behind a shell of toughness and severity, but once they open their hearts, you'll find that they are the most tender of all."

"I object to being characterized as tender!" James said from the door, and the ladies turned to face him. He was smiling, however, as he winked at his sister-in-law. "A better adjective would be hopelessly-in-love-with-his-wife ."

"I'll remember that in the future," Iris drawled, shaking her head.

"I came to see if you were ready," James said, looking at Violet.

"Yes," she murmured, closing her trunk and latching it. "I'm all ready."

"I will look after Rosalie while you're gone," Iris promised. When Rosalie made a noise of objection, she amended quickly, "Not that she needs it!"

"That's right," Rosalie huffed.

"Be good for Iris and the Duke," Violet urged, hugging her younger sister goodbye. "And don't respond to Mr. Cain."

"Obviously," Rosalie muttered, rolling her eyes.

"I'm glad you're back," Violet said to Iris.

The two eldest Crampton sisters hugged one more time, and then Iris wiped a tear from her eye.

"Enjoy your honeymoon," she murmured. "You deserve it."

Five minutes later, they were in the carriage, with their trunks secured on top, and James's valet and Violet's lady's maid sitting in the front with the driver. Iris, the Duke of Eavestone, and Rosalie had all come out to wave them off, and Violet leaned out of the window to wave back as the carriage lurched into motion.

"Farewell!" she called, before sliding into the seat opposite her husband and letting out a long sigh of relief. "Let's never come back to London, shall we?"

"All right," James said, grinning. "I'd be happy to stay in Greece forever if that's what you want. But I think you'd miss your sisters."

"True," Violet agreed. "Although I certainly won't miss all the dog-fighting gangsters, murderous fathers, conniving suitors, and evil fiancés."

"Hopefully, there are no more of those in the future." James smiled. "Although I assume there will be at least a little drama."

Violet frowned at him. His eyes were sparkling, and she knew he was about to laugh.

"Why is that?" she asked, tilting her head to the side.

"Because Rosalie is the next of your sisters to get married," he said, before letting out a chuckle. "And if I were a betting man, I would bet that her romance is going to be even more wild than ours."

Violet laughed. "You're probably right. But for now, let's just focus on enjoying the wild ending of our romance."

As James moved across the carriage and cupped her chin in his hand, tilting her lips up to his, she had a feeling they would have no trouble enjoying the next few weeks.

The End?