Extended Epilogue

One Year Later

The soft hum of London life filled the air as Anthony and Eliza made their way up the steps of Diana and Edward's grand townhouse.

It had been a year since their wedding, and the city bustled with the familiar rhythm of a new season.

Eliza adjusted her bonnet, the lace trim brushing against her cheek as she looked up at the grand entrance. It had been some time since she and Anthony had visited Diana and Edward, and though she was excited to see them again, a flutter of nerves danced in her stomach.

So much had changed in the past year—her marriage, her status, and now, the subtle shift in her relationship with Anthony. She glanced at him, noticing the way his eyes softened as they approached the door.

Anthony carried a small parcel under his arm, a thoughtful gift for Sarah and the new baby. His other hand rested protectively on the small of Eliza's back as they stepped inside. The door was opened by one of the servants, who greeted them with a warm smile.

"Your Graces, welcome," the servant said with a bow. "Lord and Lady Whitehall are expecting you in the drawing room."

"Thank you," Anthony replied, his voice polite yet tinged with the authoritative tone he had adopted over the past year.

He led Eliza through the familiar corridors, the soft rustle of their footsteps on the carpet the only sound.

As they entered the drawing room, they were immediately greeted by the sight of Diana, who was cradling her one-year-old daughter, Charlotte, and Sarah, who was playing with a set of wooden blocks on the floor. The room was bathed in the golden light of the afternoon sun, casting a warm glow over the scene.

"Uncle Anthony!" Sarah cried out in delight, abandoning her blocks to run toward him.

Anthony's face broke into a rare smile as he knelt down to catch her in his arms.

"Hello, my little lady," he said, hugging her tightly. "I've brought something for you."

Sarah's eyes widened with excitement as she pulled back slightly, her gaze darting to the parcel he held. "Is it a present?" she asked, her voice filled with wonder.

Anthony chuckled and handed her the parcel. "Why don't you open it and see?"

Sarah tore into the wrapping with eager fingers, revealing a beautifully carved wooden doll, dressed in a fine silk gown. Her eyes sparkled as she looked up at Anthony. "Oh, it's beautiful! Thank you, Uncle Anthony!"

Anthony ruffled her hair affectionately. "I'm glad you like it, Sarah."

Eliza watched the exchange with a smile, her heart warming at the sight of Anthony's tenderness with the child. It was moments like these that reminded her of the softer side of her husband, a side that had become more apparent as they had grown closer over the past year.

Diana rose from her seat, careful not to disturb the baby in her arms. "Eliza, Anthony," she greeted them warmly. "It's so good to see you both."

Eliza crossed the room to kiss Diana on the cheek. "It's wonderful to see you too, Diana. How is the little one?"

Diana beamed as she looked down at her son. "She is perfect, of course. Edward and I couldn't be happier."

Eliza leaned in to take a closer look at the baby, who was sleeping peacefully in his mother's arms. "She is absolutely adorable," she cooed. "You must be overjoyed."

Diana nodded, her eyes filled with love as she gazed at her child. "We are. It's been an adjustment, but I wouldn't trade it for the world."

Edward entered the room a moment later, his face lighting up at the sight of his guests. "Anthony, Eliza! It's good to see you."

Anthony shook his Edward's hand firmly. "Good to see you too, Edward. I trust all is well?"

"Very well, indeed," Edward replied, his tone jovial. "Though we've had our hands full with this little one," he added with a chuckle.

As the men exchanged pleasantries, Diana turned to Eliza with a smile. "Why don't you two stay for dinner? It would be lovely to catch up properly."

Before Eliza could respond, Anthony stepped forward, his expression apologetic yet firm. "I'm afraid we have other plans, Diana."

Eliza glanced at him in surprise, but she quickly schooled her features.

"Yes, we do," she added though she had no idea what those plans might be.

Diana looked slightly disappointed, but she nodded in understanding. "Of course. Another time, then."

Edward, ever the gracious host, smiled warmly. "You're always welcome here. Perhaps we can arrange something for next week?"

"That sounds perfect," Eliza said, though she couldn't shake the feeling that there was something Anthony wasn't telling her.

Anthony seemed to sense her unease, for he placed a reassuring hand on her back as they prepared to leave.

"Thank you for having us," he said, his tone sincere. "We'll definitely take you up on that offer."

As they made their way back to the front door, Sarah tugged on Anthony's sleeve. "Will you come back soon, Uncle Anthony?"

Anthony crouched down to her level, his expression softening. "I promise, we'll visit again very soon. And I'll bring another present for you."

Sarah's face lit up with a grin. "I can't wait!"

With a final wave to Diana and Edward, Anthony and Eliza stepped out into the cool evening air. The streets of London were beginning to quiet down, the hustle and bustle of the day giving way to the softer sounds of the night.

As they walked back to their carriage, Eliza couldn't help but glance at Anthony, curiosity gnawing at her.

"Other plans?" she asked, her tone light but probing.

Anthony's lips curved into a slight smile, though his eyes held a hint of mischief. "You'll see."

Eliza raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "You're being mysterious, Your Grace."

"I'm full of surprises, Duchess," Anthony replied, helping her into the carriage. "You'll just have to trust me."

Eliza settled into her seat, her curiosity piqued. "I suppose I'll have to."

The moment they stepped out of the carriage, Eliza recognized the grand mansion before them. The sight of it brought back a flood of memories—the excitement, the mystery, the passion that had marked their first visit here. Her heart quickened, a mix of anticipation and nervousness swirling within her.

Anthony's hand found hers, his fingers intertwining with hers as they approached the entrance. "Ready to make more memories?" he asked, his voice low and filled with promise.

Eliza glanced at him, her lips curving into a smile.

"I did not expect you to bring me back here," she admitted, a hint of teasing in her tone. "What do you have planned this time?"

"You will have to wait and see," Anthony replied, his eyes glinting with mischief behind his mask. "But I promise you will not be disappointed."

"Do you not have disguises for us tonight?" Eliza asked, looking around the carriage.

"I did not think we needed them tonight," Anthony suggested gently.

Eliza smiled widely.

"Do you agree?" he asked.

She nodded eagerly then leaned in to kiss him. "I would gladly let the world know how much I love you."

They stepped inside, and the atmosphere of the masquerade enveloped them immediately. The grand ballroom was alive with color and movement, guests twirling in their elaborate costumes, their identities hidden behind intricate masks.

The music was a sultry melody that seemed to pull them into its rhythm, and without hesitation, Anthony led Eliza straight to the dance floor.

The moment his hand settled on her waist, Eliza felt a familiar heat bloom in her chest. They moved together as one, the world around them fading into a blur of vibrant colors and swirling figures. Anthony's hand tightened on her waist, pulling her closer as they danced, their bodies moving in perfect sync.

"Are you enjoying yourself?" Anthony asked, his voice a low rumble in her ear.

Eliza's breath hitched at the closeness of him. "I am," she replied, her voice just above a whisper. "It's like nothing else matters."

"Good," he murmured, his lips brushing against her ear, sending shivers down her spine. "Because tonight, it's just you and me."

They continued to dance, their movements growing more intimate, more charged with each passing second. Eliza could feel the heat of his body, the way his fingers lingered a moment too long on her back, tracing patterns that sent sparks of desire racing through her veins. Every touch, every brush of his lips against her skin, made her heart pound faster.

When the music finally slowed, Anthony did not let her go. Instead, he pulled her even closer, his hand slipping from her waist to the small of her back, holding her flush against him.

"Come with me," he said, his voice thick with need.

Without a word, Eliza nodded, letting him lead her through the crowd, their hands still entwined. They weaved through the throng of masked guests until they reached a secluded hallway.

The door to the private room at the end was already ajar, and Anthony pushed it open, ushering her inside.

As soon as the door clicked shut behind them, the tension that had been simmering between them snapped. Anthony's hands were on her in an instant, pulling her close, his lips crashing down on hers with a hunger that left her breathless. Eliza responded eagerly, her fingers threading through his hair as she kissed him back with equal fervor.

Their movements were frantic, driven by the need that had been building between them all night. Anthony's hands roamed over her body, caressing her curves with a possessiveness that made her knees weak.

"I have wanted this all night," he muttered against her lips, his voice rough with desire.

"So have I," Eliza confessed, her voice shaky as she tugged at the collar of his jacket, her fingers working to rid him of the layers that separated them. "I have wanted you."

Anthony lifted Eliza's skirts and pushed her backwards toward the bed. Eliza sat back, spreading her legs for him as she unbuttoned his pants.

Eagerly, she took out his member, wrapping her fingers around the hardness. Moving her hand up and down the length, Anthony gasped.

"You have no idea what you do to me," he breathed.

"I have some idea," she said with a smile.

Slowly, her smile grew move devilish, and she lowered her mouth to his member. Wrapping her lips around him made Anthony groan deeply. He cupped his hand around the nape of her neck with fragile restraint.

"God, you cannot do that much longer," he protested, moaning with desire.

She flicked her tongue around the tip, making him groan again, a deep guttural sound.

"Eliza," he breathed, pulling away from her. "Lay back on the bed."

She smiled up smugly as she scooted back on the bed. "As you wish, Your Grace."

He growled playfully at her. "Look at you now, a little minx."

"You have created a monster," she whispered as he slid into her.

After a few slow thrusts, he gave her a sly smile. "A monster, huh? Then let us see what you can do."

He rolled, pulling her on top of him. Eliza's skirts fell around them as she sat up with him still inside her.

"Gladly," she said, and began to ride him with painstaking slowness.

The drawn-out movements stoked the fire within her, and she closed her eyes, relishing each sensation. She steadied herself with her hands on his chest, bobbing up and down on top of him.

Anthony grabbed a hold of her waist, thrusting up into her desperately.

"You are teasing me," he breathed.

"Do you not enjoy it?" Eliza asked him coyly.

She bent down over him, kissing him softly on the lips.

"I enjoy every second with you," he whispered back, returning the kiss.

Pressed together, Eliza renewed her efforts, seeking out her own pleasure, grinding against his hips. It was not long before she felt her climax wash over her. Even though she wanted to collapse on top of Anthony, she gathered her strength to continue riding him. Anthony took firmer hold of her, guiding her hips as he sought his release as well.

After a few moments of quiet contentment, their breathing slowly returned to normal. Eliza rested on top of Anthony, tracing her fingers up and down his arm.

"You know," he began, his voice a teasing murmur, "I think we should celebrate tonight properly. How about we get a drink?"

Eliza's breath caught in her throat. The warmth of the moment suddenly gave way to a flutter of nervousness in her chest. She hesitated, looking away for a moment as she gathered her thoughts. This wasn't how she had planned to tell him. She rolled off of him.

"Anthony…" she started, her voice wavering slightly as she turned her gaze back to him. She saw the light-heartedness in his expression and almost faltered, but she knew this was a moment that could not be postponed any longer. "I… I cannot drink."

Anthony's brow furrowed slightly, confusion flickering in his eyes. "Why not?" he asked, his voice gentle but curious.

Eliza bit her lip, her heart pounding. She had imagined telling him in so many different ways, but now, here, with the warmth of his body still pressed against hers, the words seemed to stick in her throat. She took a deep breath, summoning her courage.

"Because…" She reached out, placing a trembling hand on his chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart beneath her fingers. "Because I am pregnant."

The words hung in the air between them, and for a moment, Anthony just stared at her, as if he had not fully processed what she had said. But then, slowly, the meaning of her words sank in, and his eyes widened, a look of pure, unbridled joy spreading across his face.

"Pregnant?" he echoed in disbelief. He sat up straighter, his hand moving to cover hers where it rested on his chest. "You are… we're going to have a child?"

Eliza nodded, her own nervousness melting away as she saw the happiness in his eyes.

"Yes," she whispered, tears of relief and joy welling up in her eyes. "We're going to have a baby."

When he finally pulled back, his eyes were bright, his smile wide and genuine. "Eliza… this is… this is the best news I could have ever hoped for."

His voice was thick with emotion as he held her close, his hand moving to rest gently on her stomach, where their child grew.

Eliza laughed softly, her heart soaring at the sight of his joy. "I was so nervous to tell you," she admitted, her voice shaking with a mixture of laughter and tears. "I wasn't sure how you'd react."

"Are you mad?" Anthony shook his head, still grinning like a man who had just been handed the world. "I am overjoyed. You have made me the happiest man alive."

He leaned down, pressing a gentle kiss to her stomach, his hand still resting there protectively. "I cannot wait to meet our child, Eliza. I cannot wait to be a father."

Tears slipped down Eliza's cheeks, but they were tears of happiness, of relief. She had worried so much about how he would take the news, about how it might change things between them. But seeing him now, so full of joy and love, all her fears melted away.

Anthony looked up at her, his eyes shining with pride. "You are going to be an incredible mother," he said softly, his voice full of admiration. "And I am going to do everything I can to be the husband and father you deserve."

Eliza's heart swelled with love for him, for the man she had come to know so deeply. She reached up, cupping his face in her hands as she kissed him tenderly.

"I love you, Anthony," she whispered against his lips. "I love you so much."

"I love you too, Eliza," he replied, his voice full of conviction. "More than words can say." He wrapped his arms around her, holding her close as if he never wanted to let go.

For the rest of the night, they stayed like that, wrapped in each other's arms, dreaming of the future they would share together—their life, their love, and the child that would soon join them in this world.

The End.