Epilogue

King Street Books and Curiosities ~ London, England ~ December 1822

“ I ’m so proud of you, Melanie,” Jonathan said, hugging his wife close. “You dedicated yourself to this book, and I think it’ll be a great success.”

“Not many men would have supported their wives in writing a book. Most authors are men,” she said, looking up at him, her eyes shining with happy tears.

“Perhaps that will change,” Jonathan said.

“My story is a mystery with a bit of a happily-ever-after,” Melanie said excitedly. “Of course, I created all of the characters and the story itself, but I wanted to show other women that gallant knights do exist…and they do marry ordinary women. So, I started the story using my own experience, when you saved me from a runaway carriage, sweeping me and my kitten, Smoot, from certain danger. That’s the only scene I used from our real life. But you approved it.” She looked around. “I cannot believe all of this. When you told me to bring Shep, I couldn’t think of where you were taking me. Not many places allow dogs.”

“Shep is such a well-behaved dog, most people won’t even realize he’s here. Besides, Conners said it was fine to bring him. I know how you don’t like to leave him since he’s barely healed from all the injuries he sustained a year ago.”

“Thank you, my darling, for understanding.”

“Ah, Rochester has arrived with your grandmama,” Jonathan said, pointing to the front of the bookshop. “We should greet them.”

“This is all…for me?” she asked, awestruck.

“It is, my lady. Your husband has done more than you might realize, Lady DeLacey,” Conners remarked with a hint of admiration in his voice. “There’s quite a line forming in the back of the shop—an eager crowd of women, all waiting patiently for a chance to have you sign copies of your book.” He gestured toward the throng, their faces lit with excitement. “It seems your work has taken the literary world by storm, rivaling even the timeless appeal of Pride and Prejudice .

And they are most excited to meet a real woman author.”

Melanie smiled thoughtfully. “More women could follow suit if women authors were accepted in Society. Here I am, a viscountess, with the particular advantage that my livelihood doesn’t rely on the sales of this book,” she said, her gaze drifting to her husband. Her voice became tender. “Your support has made this moment possible.”

“Congratulations, dear sister,” Rochester said. He leaned down and kissed Melanie on the cheek. “I am very proud of you, Melanie. Worsley, Maggie, and Angela couldn’t be here, but I promised to get signed copies for them.”

“You are lucky to have a brother and a husband who supports your dreams, my dear,” Grandmama said, kissing Melanie on the cheek. “I couldn’t be prouder of London’s newest author.” The dowager countess turned to Jonathan, “And I realize that you had a lot to do with encouraging Melanie to publish her book and bring her dream to life. Thank you.”

“I didn’t use the pen name, M.L. Stephens, which I had initially conjured up, as it would only confuse people since they would know me as Lady Melanie DeLacey.”

“Yes, my dear. One day, you’ll have to tell me how you thought of that name,” Grandmama said, smiling. “I’m glad you didn’t use it after all.” She hugged her granddaughter tightly, and Melanie heard an angry meow.

“Oh, dear! I forgot Smoot was in my pocket. I told him he was a featured character in a book, and he insisted on being here,” Grandmama said.

Everyone laughed as the old woman extracted the small cat from her pocket. He mewed at Melanie, who took him from her grandmother and kissed him on the head. “Thank you for coming, Smoot. It looks like I have to sign a few books, so I’ll give you back to Grandmama.”

Shep bumped Grandmama’s knee, a soft, affectionate gesture that always made her laugh. “He’s telling me to let him see Smoot,” she said and held the fluffy kitten down so the two pets could nudge each other with their noses, a charming ritual they performed whenever they reunited.

A sense of warmth filled the air as the two animals toyed with each other.

“I should go back and secure a spot in line,” Grandmama declared with an eager gleam in her eye. “I want the full experience…complete with a signed book to treasure!” With a tender movement, she picked up the small cat, cradling him under her arm.

Jonathan chuckled, observing the scene with fondness. “I never would have thought I’d take to having animals,” Jonathan said. He leaned down to plant a playful kiss on Melanie’s nose, a gesture that always made her smile. “I think Shep misses her terribly.” He gently brushed a strand of hair from the front of her face before reaching down and picking up Shep.

Melanie nodded and smiled up at him. “You’re probably right. Grandmama rarely goes anywhere without Smoot.”

At that moment, Conners approached with an air of polished professionalism. “It’s time to get started, Lady DeLacey. Your admirers are eagerly awaiting your arrival,” Conners said. “I’ll have a pitcher of water and a glass brought to your table for you.”

Melanie brightened. “Thank you so much, Mr. Conners. I’m ready.”

Jonathan smiled at his wife, noticing the spark of anticipation that seemed to ignite within her as she prepared to meet those who admired her work. He could hear Grandmama telling someone that she was the author’s grandmother and smiled.

As Melanie and Jonathan walked back to the table of books with the line in front of it, she looked up at her husband. Thank you for everything you’ve done. There’s something I want to tell you.”

“Yes, is everything alright?”

“Yes, everything is wonderful. As you know, I’ve begun writing a second novel…but I think I’ll need to take a year off before it’s published.”

“What? You’re just getting started…why would you be taking a break? Jonathan asked, his brow furrowed in concern. “You’re doing so well, look at all the readers you have here.

“I’m taking time off because our family is about to grow by one…and it won’t be a furry kitten or an energetic puppy. What would you say if I told you that you’re going to be a Papa come spring?”

Jonathan paused, trying to process his wife’s words. Then he wrapped his arms around his wife, pulling her close, and planted a passionate kiss on her lips. “I’d say, next to you marrying me, that that’s the best news I’ve ever heard. I love you so much, Melanie.”

“And I love you, Jonathan,” she replied, her eyes sparkling with joy.

He leaned down and whispered something in her ear, and her face pinkened.

“Thank you for all of this,” she said meaningfully.

Jonathan picked up Shep, and Melanie leaned down to give the dog an affectionate kiss on the top of his head. As Melanie settled into her seat, Jonathan gently placed Shep down next to her. He watched as the dog immediately curled up beside her, his tail thumping lightly, content to savor this joyful adventure together.

~Maybe… not The End~

I hope you enjoyed

A Wallflower Never Forgets

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All the best,

Anna St. Claire

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Romancing A Wallflower

Book 2

Noble Hearts Series