Epilogue

G eorge and Selina were married in June of that same year, 1816. After a splendid reception at Number 1, they made the short journey to the exceedingly generous wedding gift Lord and Lady Templeton had bestowed upon them—Number 3 Royal Crescent, their new home.

"Will it not be wonderful to be so close to Henry and Kitty," Selina said, "especially when their new baby is born in the autumn?"

"Absolutely," George said, "and I am thrilled that your father is able to accommodate Trigger in his stable at the back of the Crescent. My dear horse is going to enjoy giving riding lessons to Mrs. Godwin's class of children, I know it. And talking of Trigger..."

"Yes," Selina said, "we must get ready to set off on our adventure. 'Tis time to change out of these fine garments, for we will not need them where we are going. I have packed a blanket and some food—let us hope it is not too chilly tonight. We have had virtually no summer this year so far—extraordinary, is it not?"

"Not as extraordinary as the fact that we are now wed and will soon be joined together," George murmured, taking Selina in his arms. "I will light a fire to protect us against the night chill, although I do not think we will be cold."

George and Selina had decided that they did not want to spend their wedding night in their marital bed, however splendidly furnished their new bedchamber at Number 3 Royal Crescent was. They had a much better idea—a notion that chimed most pleasingly with their mutual wish to break free.

Once all the servants had turned in for the night, George and Selina crept out of the back of Number 3 and ran round to the stable.

"Hello, Trigger," George said softly.

"Are you surprised to see us?" Selina said as she stroked the horse's nose.

Very soon, George and Selina were galloping away northwards through country lanes and across fields to a secluded grove of trees.

"The ideal spot," Selina said. "You have chosen well, George."

"Indeed I have," George said and kissed his bride.

Trigger was soon tied to a tree and happy with a bag of oats.

"Here, take my hand, my love," George said as the married couple walked to a private patch of grass.

Selina spread the blanket on the ground while George lit a simple fire. The pair sat in silence for a while, staring into the depths, then Selina held out her arms to George.

He embraced her tenderly, whispering, "I love you—and at last we can be together."

"I cannot wait! I will love you forever and a day, George. You complete me."

"And, dearest Selina, you allow me to be myself."

Very soon, the time for words was over. And there, under the stars, they became one.

The End