Epilogue

October 1, 1820

Hawthorn Cottage

Pavenham village

Bedfordshire, England

G igi covered a yawn with a hand. She'd almost fallen asleep right in the middle of tea with her husband. He'd given a lovely sermon that morning, or so she'd heard from Penny, who'd attended services. As a little lady of eleven, she'd turned into a studious child who took great delight in her schoolwork with various tutors, which occurred at Andover Hall, where there was more room, since the vicarage was becoming rather crowded. The girl was also a grandchild after Gigi's mother's heart in that she adored being quite proper.

But then, Gigi wouldn't have it any other way, for the girl was perfect.

As she sipped tea, her mind jogged over how much her life had changed since she'd married Thomas during the Christmastide season in 1817. It had made the most sense, for her two oldest sisters were in the country at the time, so all her family had been there to witness the ceremony. Then she'd been delivered of a son who arrived in late March of 1818. He had been conceived, no doubt, during that first coupling she'd had with Thomas when she'd held the ill-fated governess position. He was the very image of his father, and he'd captured her heart the second she'd laid eyes on him. They had named him George after her own father.

Unfortunately, her dear Papa had died in December the following year, and the family grieved the loss. As was the case with an ever-changing life, Gigi's second child had arrived in late March of 1819. A girl, this time, with the dearest little blonde ringlets and big blue eyes whom they'd named Marigold.

This year saw Lily turn nine and she was still a wild hoyden, content to spend most of her time outside, running through the wilderness, and Gigi hadn't the heart to bid her nay. There was much to learn from nature, and she was a little girl yet. There would be plenty of time to learn social graces and a trace of manners; she was, after all, a viscount's granddaughter, but there were other things for her to cultivate than being a society miss.

Society wouldn't have the chance to steal away the girl's personality, not if Gigi had anything to say about it, wife of a vicar be damned.

Throughout it all, Thomas had been a lovely husband, always by her side with support and protection. He doted on his nieces and had fallen absolutely in love with his children. As for his church, well there had been some upheaval after their engagement had been announced. He'd lost a quarter of his flock, for those people took great exception to the match. Perhaps that was just as well. Gossips and people who caused dissent weren't welcome, and if they couldn't accept the fact Gigi would be the vicar's wife, and that she loved the man to the ends of the earth, they needed to find another church.

Eventually, after she wed Thomas, things settled down. Routines were established, and she did her best in acclimating to her new position as well as the fact she would soon be a mother. There was a large learning curve to all of it, and sometimes the girls and her had some friction as everyone had to get along, but by and large, they were a happy family.

Over the months and years, she had come to a new appreciation of the presence of religion and the church in their lives. Occasionally, she reminded Thomas that it wasn't the be-all and end-all of existence, that he had an identity beyond being a vicar, and that usually brought him back to center. Was she as devout as she probably should be? No, she was not, but then that was a personal decision for everyone, and it wasn't up for debate. A person could worship God—or not—on their own terms. She'd taken on many causes and learned to enjoy visiting various people within the community, but hosting monthly teas for the ladies of the village was her favorite thing. It was the closest thing to society she had in the country.

But then, Thomas always managed to surprise her, for twice a year, they took a trip to London to visit his brothers and immerse themselves in the culture and busyness of Town. They hadn't been able to afford a wedding trip, and she couldn't travel in her condition. Besides, it was good to show his nieces the world in which they would be a part of later in their own lives, one which happened well beyond the church. While she adored those times and wearing pretty gowns and attending social functions, each time they returned to their dear little vicarage in the country, she breathed a sigh of relief.

That was much where she belonged, and that had surprised her as well.

Beyond that, she took great pride in tending to her garden, plus she kept chickens and ducks. Some of the eggs they used in the household; the rest she sold to the bakery in the village. The pair of geese had discovered where she lived and were frequent visitors to the vicarage. Every summer they brought their new clutch of babies so she could dote on them.

Never in her life had she envisioned herself in such a domestic situation or that she would adore every day of it.

"Are you well, love?" Thomas asked with amusement in his voice as he set his teacup into its saucer and laid them both on the low table in front of them. That is the third yawn you've had since we sat down."

"I think so." Perhaps it was time to tell him of her suspicions of a dear little dream. "Actually, there is something I must discuss with you." Especially since Penny and Lily had gone over to visit with her mother and Nora and Emmaline, who both spent at least part of the year in the country even though they'd married recently.

"All right." Concern wrinkled his brow. A few strands of gray glimmered at his temples, for being a country vicar was, at times, cause for worry and anxiety. "There is something wrong; I can feel it." He turned to her on the sofa, and when his knee knocked into hers, charged sensation streaked up her leg. "Tell me the truth. Are you well?"

"Yes." She nodded and took one of his hands. "As far as I know, all is well with me." When she peered into his eyes, she thrilled to see the same love and affection she always did. After nearly three years, his affection hadn't dimmed. "Are you content with our life as it is?"

"Of course. Though we have a full house, there is no end of happiness and satisfaction."

"And you love our growing brood?"

"How could I not? Our son and daughter are the most adorable babes I have ever seen. And I never knew how lovely it was to become a father." Again, concern clouded his eyes. "Is there something wrong with one of the children?"

"No! Nothing like that." With her free hand, Gigi cupped his cheek. Oh, he was still so handsome, and she couldn't wait to have him alone with her tonight. "I suspect I am increasing again; I've missed two cycles of my menses."

"Ah, and that is why you've been feeling queasy in the mornings." A slow grin curved his lips. "We will have another baby?"

"Yes, but I haven't been seen by a midwife to confirm my suspicions." A bit of relief twisted down her spine. "In May, I think, but as happy as I am for this, I also think we should take measures to prevent further pregnancies."

"Oh, why?" Truly, he seemed confused about her statement. "The teachings of the Church are adamant that we be fruitful."

She blew out a breath and prayed for patience. "Perhaps the two of us don't need to singlehandedly birth a civilization." The humor in her voice softened the words. "I don't wish to spend the bulk of my life pregnant or bearing children. Nor do I want to put my life or further babies at risk. Just because both of our babes were healthy and their births were relatively flawless, that doesn't mean they all will be." Then she shrugged. "If God doesn't like that, He can talk to me directly."

For long moments, Thomas remained silent. Then he nodded. "I never expected to have children at all, let alone find myself married, and quite frankly, I would like to enjoy time with my wife without constantly having young ones underfoot."

"Thank you."

"I'll do what is necessary in that regard, but where will we put a new child in this house that is already too small as it is?" He heaved a sigh. "My brother gave me that financial gift upon our marriage. We have managed to keep it in the bank without drawing upon it, and I wish to save it for our children's future, but—"

She pressed the fingers of one hand against his lips. "Aren't you the one always telling me that God will provide?" When he nodded, she smiled. "We shall seek out a bigger house that is close to the church. If nothing presents itself, we will figure something out. Perhaps Penny and Lily can stay with my mother for a time."

"No doubt they would enjoy that, and it would make taking lessons easier." He kissed the back of her hand. "There have been no end of surprises and adventures since I met you."

"Do you regret that?" It was a conversation they often had.

"I do not." His eyes darkened as he held her head between his hands. "In fact, I am thankful every day for you because I have no idea what I would have done without such a woman to guide me, support me… love me."

"Perhaps it was fate—"

"Or perhaps God's will—"

She smiled. "No matter what it was, I have never been happier in my life as I have been with you." Then, because she hadn't lost her hunger for her husband, Gigi kissed him, put every ounce of feeling into that one meeting of mouths.

"Even though I love you with all that I am, I still believe you've managed to bewitch me." With a wicked grin that promised delicious things, Thomas stood and tugged her to her feet. "Since Penny and Lily are away and the babes are napping, we seem to have a limited amount of time to ourselves." He waggled his eyebrows. "Would you join me in our nuptial bed?"

"Have I ever bid you nay?" She giggled and then exited the parlor with him in close pursuit. When he was in an amorous mood, nothing else would be accomplished… and she didn't mind it in the least.

"Such a scandalous wife I have." He lightly pinched her arse as they gained the stairs.

Flutters of need danced through her lower belly. "You and I both know that wasn't going to change." And thank goodness for that. She would teach all their children why it was important to believe in oneself and to never worry about the opinions of others.

"Thank God indeed." Once in their bedchamber, he swept her into his arms as he softly closed the door with a foot.

Then she was lost in his kisses, secure in the knowledge that she'd indeed married the man of her dreams, and nothing else mattered. They were doing the best they could, and no one could fault them for that.

For life was infinitely better when surprises—and kisses—waited around every corner. But then, she expected no less from being one of the Hasting sisters.

The End