Epilogue

Several Months Later

"Please stand still, Your Grace," Ashley insisted. "I must remove these ink spots from your fingers."

"But what does it matter?" Eleanor asked. "I'm wearing gloves. No one is going to see the smudges."

"Your gloves are not thick," Ashley said. "Someone will notice."

Eleanor sighed and rolled her eyes. "Goodness, but you become worse every day. It's just a play. Who will be watching me? I'm not the one acting on the stage!"

`Ashley ignored her as she worked hard to remove the ink spots from her mistress's fingers. Nathaniel could only watch on in amusement from their bed. He was ready an hour ago, but his wife didn't know the meaning of keeping time.

Months had passed since their wedding, and they were still blissfully happy. In fact, their relationship seemed to only grow better as they got to know each other. Many couples complained about discovering annoying things about their partners that made them rethink their marriage, but that was far from the situation with him and Eleanor. Nathaniel delighted in each new thing he learned about his wife, from her little habits like wrinkling her nose when in deep concentration, to her love of sitting in the kitchen for hours as the chefs cooked and asked her to taste each dish. The servants adored her and happily waited on her hand and foot, never allowing her to lift even a finger. They quickly grew accustomed to her wish for food to nibble, so they kept a never-ending supply of chopped fruits, pastries, cold meats, and cheeses, although lately, she craved pickled vegetables.

He grinned as he glanced at the vanity table. A nearly empty plate of pickled vegetables sat beside a manuscript she had finished reading mere moments ago. It was one of his and was currently going through the editing process. Eleanor took over all the editing of his works and was now his advisor on all his scholarly pursuits. Nathaniel didn't think he could ever be as productive as he initially was, but with Eleanor by his side, he was able to write quality work at nearly double the speed. She was his muse, and why he woke up with a smile every morning and slept peacefully at night.

"How much time do we have before the play begins?" Eleanor asked, breaking into his thoughts.

"An hour," he lied.

To reveal they had over two hours would be a big mistake. Eleanor would believe they had enough time and attempt to read over more manuscripts.

Eleanor's eyes narrowed. "Are you telling me the truth?"

"You have an hour to get ready," he said, dodging the question. "Julia and Grant will likely arrive well ahead of time."

"Is that your way of telling me I'm always late?" Eleanor asked.

"It's merely the truth, my love," he replied. "They always seem to arrive early."

"While we always arrive late?" said Eleanor. "Is that what you're trying to say?"

Nathaniel nearly smiled. His wife had been rather short with him lately. He didn't mind because he loved her no matter her change in mood, but she didn't like it when he found her behavior amusing.

"Have I told you how beautiful you are?" he said instead. "You were also wearing white on the night I met you. Do you remember? I think it's just about a year since then."

"Yes, I was wearing white," she confirmed. "And lots of diamonds at Aunt Helen's insistence. I prefer a more understated statement piece like this thin necklace with just a few diamonds and sapphires. The blue stones match my shoes, fan, and reticule. Which manteau am I wearing?" she asked Ashley. "Nothing heavy. It's a little cold this evening, but I will undoubtedly grow warm."

"The white shawl with blue thread will complement your dress and jewelry," Ashley said. "I have already laid it on the bed with your other accessories."

"Oh, I see," Eleanor said, glancing at the bed. "I think—Wait! I just thought of something."

She dashed to the vanity and shifted through the pages until she found what she sought. Nathaniel heard Ashley's groan as her mistress dipped her pen in the inkwell and wrote something on one of the pages.

"That can wait until tomorrow, my love," he said. "There is no need to bother yourself with it now."

"Not if I cannot recall what I wanted to write," she replied. "I find that I have to write my thoughts immediately, or I lose my thoughts and miss something important."

"But your dress, Your Grace," Ashley complained. "What if you get ink on your gown? It's white and will not come out."

"Then I'll change into another dress," said Eleanor. "I will not stress over little things like what I wear. That is for others who have nothing better to do with their time. I have a fulfilling life with my husband. I doubt they can boast such happiness."

Nathaniel beamed. Hearing that his wife was happy with him was indeed a glorious thing. He never grew tired of it.

"I think you misquoted this, Nathaniel," said Eleanor. "It doesn't fit in the context. What were you trying to explain?"

Nathaniel took one look at Ashley's pained expression and had mercy on her. "Why don't I look over it later this evening? I would rather you prepare for the play than worry about the manuscript."

"But what if I do not remember what I wanted to talk about?" Eleanor asked.

"I will remind you," he assured.

Eleanor sighed. "Very well, but I will not be impressed if we do not make this change later. Your manuscript should be perfect."

"It will be," Nathaniel said.

Eleanor pursed her lips and put the pen down. "Fine. I might as well eat a pickle."

Nathaniel laughed. "Why?"

"Because you're both annoying me," she said, pouting slightly.

She took a carrot and noisily bit into it. She appeared so adorable even when angry. Eleanor wasn't one to grow nasty or mistreat anyone when she was upset. She merely stated she was unhappy and went about her day. Eventually, she calmed down and returned to her usual cheerful self.

"Something to drink, my love?" Nathaniel asked. "Your tea has grown cold, but you still have a choice of lemonade and soda water."

"Soda water is fine," she said. "I do not want anything sweet. Sugary foods make my stomach turn."

Nathaniel frowned. "I have noticed that. You refuse to even eat jam during breakfast. Are you sure you're well?"

He poured her a glass of water from the pitcher and handed it to her. Eleanor first gulped down the water before returning the glass to him.

"I'm fine," she told him.

Nathaniel wasn't so sure, but he didn't like to pester her. She would tell him if something were wrong, just as they promised each other. He placed the glass next to the pickles and picked up one of the manuscripts she had edited. Beatrice had also been interested in his work, but Eleanor seemed to relish helping him. It was quite an experience, and he never took advantage of it. He was a fortunate man indeed.

"I need to complete the finishing touches of your hair, Your Grace," said Ashley. "Please take a seat."

"It's just as well because my feet feel a tad swollen today," said Eleanor. "It wouldn't be from the vinegar in the pickles, would it?"

Ashley smiled knowingly, making Nathaniel wonder what was on her mind. "No, my lady," the lady's maid said. "I doubt the vinegar caused the swelling. It is most certainly something else."

Eleanor lifted her eyebrows. "Ah, I see," she said. "Goodness. What a condition. It causes so many changes."

The women were talking about something he wasn't aware about. Nathaniel was intrigued, but he decided to let it go for now. He was better off watching his wife get ready than prying into women's business.

Another twenty minutes passed before Ashley stepped back and declared Eleanor was ready. His wife stood up and approached him, twirling around before him.

"What do you think?" she asked.

"Breathtaking," he replied. "I didn't think it was possible, but you're even more beautiful today than the first time I met you."

Eleanor laughed. "I hope you'll continue to think so when I start showing."

"Start showing?" he repeated as she placed a hand over her belly.

Eleanor nodded. Nathaniel simply stared as his mind worked to understand her words. She mentioned showing and touching her belly, which could only mean one thing. His eyes widened in shock.

"Are you not going to say something?" she asked. "I thought I could keep it to myself and plan a surprise for you, but I no longer have the patience."

Nathaniel stood up, pulled his wife into his arms, and held her close. Words couldn't describe what he was feeling. He almost felt weightless with joy and excitement.

"I'm going to be a father?" he asked.

"You certainly are," Eleanor confirmed. "We only have a few months left of it being just the two of us, so I suggest we make the most of it. Perhaps a holiday is in order. A second honeymoon?"

Nathaniel heard her words, but he could only focus on one thing at a time. "I'm going to be a father," he said in wonder. "I never thought the day would come. I thought it would just be the two of us and I would pass the dukedom to my brother, but now... now I will have my own child. Do you realize how happy I am?"

Eleanor smiled. "I have an inkling. Perhaps you can write to Richard and inform him he shall have a niece or nephew before the end of the year."

His eyes widened. "Yes, I should give him the good news. The last I heard, he was traveling the continent with a French woman, but I think he should be in Italy by now."

"I'm sure he'll send a letter and let us know," said Eleanor. "We'll give him the good news then."

Nathaniel nodded and kissed his wife briefly. "Thank you," he said. "Thank you for being everything and giving me everything I have ever wanted or needed."

"Thank you for loving me as I am," she said. "I couldn't have been this happy without you. I just wish Aunt Helen was here to share this good news. She often spoke about wanting to be a great aunt and doting on my children."

Nathaniel heard the sadness in his wife's voice. She greatly missed her aunt, but the woman was too proud to admit she was wrong. He and Eleanor were happy together—that was what should have mattered to her. Her aunt should have at least sent word of apology when it was discovered that Lord Langston had a hand in promoting the rumor that Eleanor was a woman of loose morals. The man disappeared soon after the discovery was made, likely afraid that Nathaniel or Grant would seek revenge on Eleanor's behalf. Nathaniel didn't know where Lord Langston was, and frankly, he didn't care.

"Do not worry, your aunt will come around eventually," Nathaniel assured her. "We can write to her in the morning and tell her the good news. She'll want to come and see you. Perhaps she feels too much shame and doesn't know how to bridge the gap between you. This baby will be the bridge you need."

Eleanor nodded with a sad smile. "I agree." She shook her head lightly and glanced at the clock. "We should leave for the theater—Grant and Julia are likely waiting for us."

"Do not worry—we won't be late," he said. "Why don't we have something to drink downstairs? We can celebrate with tea—without sugar, of course. Oh!" he said, realization dawning on him. "Your changes are linked to your pregnancy. It all makes sense now. I'm foolish for not realizing this before."

"Now you know, and that cup of tea sounds lovely," she said.

He took her hand and left the room, urging her to use the balustrade while he walked on her other side. She had to be more careful about her safety. It took two cups of tea before they finally left and arrived at the theater moments later. Julia and Grant didn't notice when they entered the box because they were too absorbed in their own world. Just two weeks remained before their wedding, so Nathaniel could only imagine their excitement.

"I understand you're in love, but surely you can acknowledge our presence," Eleanor commented.

The pair finally turned to them and smiled. "You're finally here," said Julia. "The play is about to start."

"Are you well?" Eleanor asked.

"Happy and well," Grant revealed. "You appear to be glowing, dear sister. Married life certainly suits you."

Nathaniel grinned. He and Eleanor had decided to have a little party later that week to announce the pregnancy. This evening, they would merely enjoy the play. He noticed several people glancing their way and whispering things to each other, but Eleanor didn't appear concerned. The rumors surrounding them had eventually died down, but some still insisted on keeping it going.

"I wonder if they realize I couldn't be bothered about their whispers and stares?" Eleanor commented.

"They'll eventually learn," said Nathaniel. "It's not our problem."

Eleanor smiled and nodded. "Not our problem, indeed."

Being a duchess had also given her the freedom to live outside society's confines. She didn't have to pander to them because her status as his wife exceeded theirs. In fact, people often invited her to their events, but she turned them down. Nathaniel saw it as her revenge for their mistreatment. Eleanor had yet to host any parties but hinted at throwing a dinner party at the end of summer. He was glad to do whatever she wished.

Music started to play, and their attention was drawn to the curtain opening. Eleanor took his hand and linked her fingers with his—one of his favorite shows of affection. Nathaniel kissed the back of her hand and settled into his seat to watch the play. It was the very same one as the previous year when everything began between them. This evening marked a new chapter in their lives—a child would soon be born to them. Nathaniel couldn't wait for the adventure still to come.

THE END ?