Epilogue

T hree months later , Elizabeth entered the library where Felix was taking books down from the shelf. Her eyes grew wide. "Are you rearranging them again?"

Felix offered her a sheepish grin as he set a stack of more books on his desk. "After you completed that engraved book for me, I thought it might be fun to put all of the Brothers Grimm books at the center of the library." He gestured to the shelves directly behind his desk. "That way, they'll complement your gift to me."

Her gaze went to the brass sculpture of the book with the words she had carefully engraved on the surface. She didn't think her attempt was as good as what they had seen in Mr. Preston's shop, but seeing the look on his face when he first saw it let her know that he thought it was just as good—and that was enough to make her very happy.

She tucked the book she'd purchased for him that morning under her arm and shook her head in amusement. "How are you ever going to have time to study up on investing like Guy and Algernon want when you keep swapping books around these shelves?"

"I know I should be reading the book they gave me," he allowed as he returned to a shelf and collected more books. "I'll be meeting with them in a week, and if I don't have any idea what a jointure is, they'll lecture me on not taking my finances seriously." He shot her a pointed look. "Algernon will stop after five minutes, but Guy won't stop for at least an hour."

"What is a jointure?"

He shrugged and placed more books on his desk. "I have no idea."

She let out an exasperated sigh. "How long have you had the book they gave you to read?"

"A month, but every time I start reading it, I fall asleep. The thing is boring."

"It might be boring, but it's supposed to help you."

"Yes, and I feel terrible that I've been unable to read more than two chapters of it." When she shook her head, he added, "I have tried many times to read that thing, and it never gets any easier. You know how much I love books. To think there is one out there that torments me actually terrifies me. I never realized reading could be painful."

Her expression softened. She supposed if the book really was that terrible, it would be hard to finish it. Keeping her book firmly under her arm, she went over to him and rubbed his back with her free hand. "I understand. I suppose not all reading can be enjoyable."

"Do you think I can pretend to have read the book and gear the conversation to one of their superstitions?"

"If you do that, there's no point in asking for their help."

"You're right. I need to read it." He reached over and grabbed it from the edge of the desk. He opened it to the part where he had set a piece of parchment to mark his place. He read, "‘A particularity of the mindset displayed in many an individual, even one who deems himself a conservative investor, is how often said individual is affected by fluctuations of the market. Like the weather, which is uncertain on a daily basis, the individual will one day pursue the railways, then on another day will chase after municipal obligations, and yet when another day approaches, the desire will be for mining shares or mortgages on real estate. Too many investors run this route, seeking out the novel thing that they believe will yield a quick return. The approach, though satisfying in the short-term, is far too risky at most times. Better is the investor if he chooses the longstanding and often-used securities, while not the least bit exciting, are faithful to the very end.'" He stopped reading and gave her a bewildered look. "What does that even mean?"

She wished she could tell him, but he might as well have been speaking another language. "You should ask Guy and Algernon about that passage when you meet them."

His eyes lit up. "I should! Then they'll know I made an attempt to read this chapter."

"If the entire book is like that, you might as well admit you don't understand it. There's no use in pretending it makes sense when it doesn't."

He didn't hide his relief as he shut the book and placed it back on the desk. "I was afraid I was going to have to make more of an effort on that thing. It'll be a lot easier just to let them tell me what's in it."

She arched an eyebrow. He seemed much too happy about this new approach. "You aren't pretending you don't understand that book in order to get out of reading it, are you?"

"No, though it wouldn't be a bad idea if I ever do come across one of their books that I do understand but don't feel like reading."

"Felix!"

He chuckled but said, "I have better things to do than read boring books." Motioning to the ones on his shelves, he added, "These also need my attention, and quite frankly, life is short. You need to spend time on the things you enjoy most."

"While you make a good point, I hope you will think this book is worth taking the time to read in its entirety." She reached for the book tucked under her arm and presented it to him.

He took it and opened it to the title page. "These are stories for a child."

She clasped her hands together and waited for him to pick up on the message she had just given him. "You'll have a need for those soon."

His eyebrows furrowed for a moment before he gave her an expectant look. "How soon will I need to read the stories in this book?"

"The way I figure it, eight months from now, you'll need them. Of course, your son or daughter will be too young to understand any of them until they're probably two or three years old."

A wide smile crossed his face, and he hugged her. "This is so exciting! I can't believe it."

She hugged him back, glad he had enjoyed her surprise. "You'll make a good father, Felix. I'm looking forward to sitting with you while you read those stories."

He kissed her. "I love you, Elizabeth."

She already knew he loved her, but it was nice to hear him say it. "I love you, too, Felix."

He gave her another kiss then studied the book. "This is now the most important book in this townhouse." He turned to the bookshelf behind his desk. "The Brothers Grimm books will have to go somewhere else. Don't worry. The one you engraved will still be at the center of my display." He set the book she had given him on the center of the desk then went to take the Brothers Grimm books from the shelves. "We have to buy more books like the one you gave me. I'm thinking we'll need enough to fill at least two shelves."

She held her hand up to stop him. "I already thought of that." She left his side and hurried to the door. She opened it and waved the butler, footman, and two maids into the room so they could place their armfuls of books on the desk. She waited until they were gone before she returned to him. "I think that's a good start, don't you?"

He was so overwhelmed by the thrill of sorting through so many books that he couldn't speak. All he could do was stare at them as if he'd never received a better gift in his entire life.

She laughed and hugged him then turned to the books. "Since I'm the reason you're going to be spending a long time rearranging the books in this library, I'll help you find the right spot for these."

He quickly recovered from his shock and, with great enthusiasm, joined her in sorting through each and every book they would share with their child—and the other children they would have in the years to come.

***

Other Books in this Series that feature prominent characters in this book:

Secret Admirer (Book 1)

D URING THE COURSE OF this story, Felix mentions a time when Guy was at a dinner party that involved Lydia and a cameo that another lady was wearing. For those of you who've read the book, I didn't want to rehash something brought up a couple of other times in the course of this series, but in case you have not read Secret Admirer, this story is where the incidence occurred. To be honest, it's one of my favorite scenes, but I have a weird sense of humor.

Midnight Wedding (Book 2)

If you'd like to read about the time Felix was at his country estate with Guy, Lydia, and Oscar, you can find that in Midnight Wedding. It covers the secret passageways, the cottage, Felix being chased by Elizabeth's brother, and, of course, we get into Guy's head so we better understand how someone can be that superstitious.

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The Earl's Bluestocking Bride (Book 6)

This is going to Lord Dayton's romance.

Here is a quick description:

A DAM SPENDS SOME OF his nights acting in the theatre under the alias Jefferson Crowdy. He's so good at acting that a playwright wants him to take the lead role in the play they wrote. If the playwright can convince him to do it, then the play will gain acceptance, and the playwright's writing career will take off.

Adam takes one read through of the script and refuses to do it. However, the very playwright he has insulted has an alias as well, and she happens to be the lady he's very much attracted to.

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