Epilogue

Carina had tears as she stood on the terrace and looked down and over the vineyards of Tuscany. She was torn between wanting to remain and wanting to be back home in Bath.

For the longest time, she had considered Italy her home, but it had ceased being that some time ago, she just hadn't let go of the idea. Yet, she would always long to return to Florence and hoped that this was not her last visit.

"I hate to leave," Felix whispered against her ear as he wrapped his arms around her from behind. "If I could, I would purchase this villa we have shared this past month so that we could return as often as we wish."

"Maybe one day," she answered. "Or maybe Lydell will purchase it for his wife, and we, as their trusted servants, would be forced to travel with them."

"I do not believe estate managers travel with their employers, but I will think of a good argument for doing so if the time ever comes."

Carina had shown Felix all that she loved about Florence and they often visited those places more than once, and also ventured out into the country, and drank more wine than was probably wise. They spent just as many hours on this very terrace, alone and dreaming of the future, and often making love, but only when the servants were gone for the day. Two came in regularly, one to cook or deliver meals and another to clean and take the laundry. Otherwise, Carina and Felix were left alone in this little sliver of paradise.

Such intimacies, especially as often as they had engaged in such even before they wed, also led to what was usually a natural occurrence, one that Carina recently came to realize.

"I do hope to bring our children here one day." She and Felix had never spoken of having children and she dearly hoped that he wanted them.

"I look forward to children. An entire cottage full. Children that are underfoot and driving us to madness. Children who will be free to show affection and make their own choices of what they want for their future."

At his words a part of her anxiety released.

"That first child will likely arrive before we know it," she said.

One of the arms that was wrapped around her loosened as he slid his hand to her belly. "How soon, Carina?" he asked.

"I really do not know, to be honest, but I suspect he or she was conceived while we traveled to Gretna Green."

"Then it is good we wed when we did," he chuckled in her ear. "Is that also the reason you have tossed up your accounts these past few mornings?"

"I had hoped that you would not notice." Especially since she had hurried from the room so he would not hear.

"There is very little that I do not notice." Felix turned her so that they were facing one another. "But I do worry about how difficult travel will be given your delicate condition."

"We must go," she reminded him. "Our employers are expecting us within the month. We certainly cannot afford to be sacked now that you will be a father."

"If I wrote and explained…"

The worry in his blue eyes warmed her heart and Carina placed a hand against his cheek. "It is the reason I asked that we return by carriage, boarding a ship only when we reach the coast of France and England is almost in our sights."

"Sailing is quicker," he reminded her.

"Yes, but a carriage can easily stop if I need to rush off and toss up my accounts in the bushes. Whereas we could be stuck with that awful smell in our cramped cabin on a ship."

Felix wrinkled his nose in disgust. "Yes, I see your wisdom."

"I fear movement of a ship or a carriage will make me ill, and truthfully, I prefer a carriage, as we won't be in constant motion and we can escape to an inn if there is a storm."

"I bow to your wisdom, wife."

Felix leaned forward and kissed her forehead. "Besides, there are so many wonderful ways to enjoy a carriage ride now that we are married."

"I believe I learned that already when we fled to Scotland."

"It was so long ago, I hardly recall, thus should revisit those moments."

"And perhaps, create new memories." She smiled.

"You just want me on the floor of the carriage with my face beneath your skirts."

Carina's face burned. "There are some things that I will never object to, Felix. One of them being the many ways you have shown me pleasure."

"As I will tonight, our last night in Italy. It will be a memory you will not soon forget."

About SEASON OF THE RAKE

Angelo Evans, the Earl of Bolton made a promise to his mother—that he'd marry before Christmas. As this would be the last Season he would ever enjoy, Angelo is determined to embrace all of life's pleasures: brandy, women, and gambling. Come the autumn, he will find a miss, marry, become respectable, and settle into a boring existence.

Lady Octavia Kepple is finally free. Now out of mourning, she intends to embrace the Season as only a respectable widow can: find a lover. She doesn't want just any lover, but the gentleman rumored to be the best lover in England, the Earl of Bolton. Now, she just needs to convince him to be her rake for the Season.

Though intrigued by Lady Kepple's proposition, and his desire for her cannot be denied, Angelo doesn't want to be tied to one lover during his last Season of freedom. However, Lady Kepple is most persistent, and an agreement finally reached might be more than either of them bargained for.

Read SEASON OF THE RAKE.

About MESSAGE FROM A LADY

Mr. Peter Storm loved only one woman, Lady Johanna Knight, but she would never be his. Her grandfather would only allow Johanna to marry a title. Peter was the fourth son of an Earl.

Johanna didn't care that Peter was only a mister and that his funds were limited. She loved him. He was her dearest friend. But he refused to even kiss her, let alone admit his love.

When Johanna faces danger, Peter realizes that more than his heart is at stake. It is up to him to save her, even if she will be denied him in the end.