Epilogue

ONE YEAR LATER

O akdale Manor was just the same as Aurelia remembered, big and imposing, with years of memories embedded in every wall, hall, chamber and drawing room. Now, as she stared at it, she smiled.

They sat comfortably in the plush chairs by the fire, their hands entwined as they smiled at their friends who were seated around them, each cozy with their partners…except for Oliver.

Catherine looked wistfully at the empty chair beside her, a delicate sigh escaping her lips.

"It feels odd not having Oliver here with us tonight. He used to be the life of these gatherings," she said and Aurelia felt a pang of sympathy for her.

Thomas took her hand, his gaze warm and reassuring. "He has carried a heavy burden since the fire, love. Taking on the dukedom has changed him, I fear."

Aurelia had heard about the terrible fire that took the lives of the late Duke of Westgrave and his two sons. Oliver had been the closest surviving male relative and the sole heir to the duchy.

Catherine nodded, her expression clouded with worry. "When he inherited the title after our uncle and his cousins perished, it was as if he became someone else overnight. Gone was the lighthearted brother I knew. He's become so…so determined not to be like Father."

"Indeed," Thomas murmured, "Though I fear he holds himself to impossible standards. He thinks he must be the perfect Duke, disciplined and unyielding, because he views any hint of leniency as a step towards turning into your late father."

Catherine's gaze softened. "I only wish he would allow himself some respite. He need not bear this burden alone. There is still laughter and joy to be had, even amidst duty."

Thomas squeezed her hand. "Perhaps, in time he will come to see that. He is lucky to have a sister who cares so deeply for him."

Catherine sighed but she quickly shook her head, as if to cast away the worrisome thoughts about her brother.

Then, she leaned forward, her eyes gleaming with curiosity. "Come now, Aurelia! You must tell us about your journey to Arabia. Was it as exotic as we hear?"

Aurelia exchanged a glance with Philip, a mischievous smile playing on her lips. "Oh, it was quite the adventure, indeed," she began. "Though I daresay, the camels were not what I had expected."

Philip chuckled, his deep voice echoing through the room. "That is putting it mildly. The moment she was placed on camelback the entire desert probably heard her scream. She refused to stop until she was firmly back on solid ground."

Beatrice laughed, fluttering her fan playfully in front of her face. "Surely you exaggerate!"

"Not at all," Philip teased, leaning in to press a kiss to Aurelia's hand. "She screamed loudly enough to startle the camels. I thought she might cause a stampede."

Aurelia playfully swatted his chest, but her smile was wide. "It was terrifying! You cannot imagine how tall those beasts are until you are atop one. I am quite certain I was a hundred feet off the ground."

"Not a hundred feet," Philip interjected with a grin, "but close enough."

He nuzzled her cheek.

Their friends burst into laughter and Thomas shook his head in amusement. "I would have paid a small fortune to see that."

Aurelia blushed slightly but the warmth of her friends' company made her smile.

"Despite the camel incident, Arabia was beautiful," she continued. "The bazaars, the desert sunsets, the scent of the spices in the air…it was like stepping into another world. I never thought I would see something so breathtaking."

"Like the pyramids in Egypt," Philip added, his arm sliding around her waist. "There is something humbling about standing before them. It is as if time itself stands still."

Kenneth nodded appreciatively. "I assume you did not have quite the same reaction to riding horses, Duchess?" he teased Aurelia.

She laughed. "Thankfully, no! After the camels, everything else seemed quite tame."

Catherine smiled, her eyes soft with affection as she regarded the happy couple. "It is wonderful to see you both so well and full of stories. We were worried you might never return from your travels."

Aurelia's eyes turned sad as she looked at her friend.

"We did consider it," Philip admitted with a wink. "There is still so much of the world we have not yet seen."

"But London called us back," Aurelia added, her voice softer now, her gaze drifting to Philip. "It is good to be home."

Their friends nodded in agreement and the conversation continued, until it was time to say goodbye.

"We promise we will visit each one of you." Aurelia waved at them.

"We shall hold you to that promise," Catherine called after her.

As they stepped into their bedchamber later that night, the crackling fire casting soft shadows on the walls, Aurelia felt a flutter of nerves in her chest. She glanced over at Philip as he removed his coat, the muscles in his broad shoulders flexing with the movement. But his ever-present aura of strength and care filled the room.

She bit her lip and walked over to him, her hands resting lightly on his chest. "Philip," she said softly.

He looked down at her, raising a curious eyebrow. "Yes, my love?"

Aurelia smiled nervously and took his hand, leading him over to the sofa. Once seated, she placed his hand on her stomach and gave him a coy smile. "Tell me, Philip, can you feel anything?"

Philip blinked, clearly confused by her request. He tilted his head, a slight smile playing on his lips as he humored her.

"Nothing," he replied.

"Come, place your head on my stomach," she urged, and he complied, placing his ear on her stomach. "Hear anything?" she asked.

"I hear…your heartbeat."

Aurelia's smile grew, her heart racing in anticipation of his reaction. "Do you…perhaps hear another one?"

For a moment, Philip was silent, and then he froze. He straightened up, his eyes wide with dawning realization. "Aurelia…are you…?"

She nodded, tears of joy welling up in her eyes. "Yes, Philip. We are going to have a baby."

The astonished look on his face gave way to pure, unbridled joy. He pulled her into his arms, lifting her off the sofa as he spun her around, laughing with joy.

"Aurelia! A child!" His voice was thick with emotion as he set her down, cupping her face in his hands. "You have made me the happiest man alive." He pressed a kiss to her forehead. "This was why you wanted us to return home?" he asked, his eyes roaming over her face.

"Yes, my love."

"So you have known all this while and you never told me?" Philip tickled her.

Aurelia's laughter bubbled up, her hands resting on his chest.

"Forgive me," she giggled as his lips found hers in a deep, passionate kiss.

The fire of their love burned hotter than ever, and as his hands roamed over her body, she felt herself melting in his embrace.

They barely made it to the bed before their clothes were shed, the need to be close overwhelming them both.

Philip trailed kisses down her neck, his hands caressing her in ways that sent shivers down her spine.

"Aurelia," he murmured, his voice rough with desire as he gazed down at her. "I love you more than I can ever say," he said as he sank deep into her.

Aurelia moaned.

"I love you too," she whispered breathlessly as their rhythmic thrusts launched them into heights of sheer ecstasy..

As she nestled into her husband's arms, Aurelia fell into a quick, peaceful sleep, full of sweet dreams about their future, and their growing family.

The End?