Epilogue

One year later…

"Clara?" Silas called throughout the foyer of Greystone, having just searched the library and dining hall for his wife. "Clara?"

"Have you checked the garden?" Violet asked, coming down the staircase. "I believe she said she was intent on going there once we left."

"No," he said coming around the back of the staircase to look up at her. "I thought you and Mother were going back to London this morning?"

"We are," Violet said, tugging on her gloves as she came down the steps. "But she insisted on staying a few more hours to play with the Augustus. I was just following her to the carriage. I'm afraid Mama has become one of those doting grandparents."

Silas smirked and leaned on the baluster. His son, Augustus Harrison Winters, had been born only two months ago and he could barely smile, let alone be played with. And yet, his mother had found that she was quite happy to be a grandmother. She was unable to help herself when it came to buying the baby presents that he wouldn't be able to use for months, and she had barely left Clara's side since their son was born.

"It was bound to happen," he said. "Are you attending the Trembley party then?"

"Yes, but Fredrick is trying to get out of it," Violet said, shaking her head. "He wants to go to the opera instead, but Derek is quite fixated on him being there. I swear, why I ever agreed to such a long engagement is beyond me."

"A few months isn't so long."

"After a half a year of courting, and another half year of being engaged, a day is torment," she said ruefully. "At your insistence, we've waited. Even though you didn't wait more than a month."

"It was different for Clara and I."

"How so?"

"I was reckless and she was desperate."

Violet laughed, not believing a word he said.

"I should like to have our engagement over and done with by now."

"All in good time, sister," he said. "All in good time."

"Yes, I know," she said, coming down to let Silas kiss her on the cheek. She pulled back and smiled. "Tell Clara I said goodbye and that we're eager to see her in London."

"We'll be along in a few weeks."

"She did mention she might wish to travel to Bedfordshire, though." Violet frowned slightly. "It was a tragic thing, what happened to her friend, was it not? To lose a husband so quickly."

Holly had gone through with marrying the elderly baron, but had done so while he was on his deathbed. They had only been married a few days before he passed away. Now Holly was in mourning.

He nodded solemnly.

"Yes, it is."

Violet sighed.

"Be well, brother."

"You too," he said, turning down to walk out the back of the house.

A year after marrying Clara, Silas still had a problem finding his wife. She was often disappearing, though she had done so less and less the larger she had become during her pregnancy. Since giving birth, she had disappeared a handful of times with the new baby and while he wasn't particularly worried, he did prefer to be near her during her impromptu walks.

Clara's pregnancy had been a difficult one and she had been bedridden for the last few months due to the impending baby's substantial size. Augustus had been born on the first of May and her recovery had been trying. It seemed she was only ever completely content when she was outside.

He could hear a voice singing a sweet, calming song from within the maze as Silas came down the back terrace steps. He headed towards the hedgerow, following the gentle sound. After only a few moments he found his wife sat on the stone bench, feeding their young son.

Silas felt the breath catch in his chest at the sight before him. He had been sure Clara couldn't grow more beautiful, and yet she had miraculously done so. The sight of his son in her arms made his entire soul vibrate. As Silas watched them together in this one, perfect moment, he knew their future would be bright. Seemingly blissfully unaware of her husband's approach, Clara leaned her back gently against the hedge, closed her eyes and smiled with all the contentment in the world.

This image would be burned in his memory for all time. He came forward, his footsteps waking her from her daydream. Her eyes, bright and happy to see him, nearly sparkled as he approached.

"Good afternoon, husband," she said softly, before turning back to gaze at their son.

"You are a vision," he said coming to sit next to her. He kissed her head as he smiled down at this picture of love. "Your in-laws are leaving."

She lifted her eyes to meet his, slightly worried.

"Oh, I had hoped to say goodbye," she said, but Silas shook his head.

"We'll see them soon enough," he said, pulling the sleeping baby from her arms.

Silas hadn't been able to go more than a few hours between holding his son. He was perhaps too attentive for a man of his position and overtly protective when it came to his wife and child, but then he couldn't help how he felt.

Clara looked up at him lovingly, resting her head against his shoulder.

"Are you happy, Silas?" she asked after a moment.

"Forever, my love… Forever."

The End