Epilogue

SIX MONTHS LATER

" A deline, my dear, you're positively radiant!" Lady Sutton exclaimed, fanning herself as she approached. "Marriage clearly agrees with you."

Adeline smiled, her hand unconsciously smoothing down her gown. "Thank you, Lady Sutton. I must say, I've never been happier."

As Lady Sutton moved on to greet other guests, Adeline felt a familiar presence at her back.

Edmund's hand came to rest on the small of her back, his lips brushing against her ear as he whispered, "Having fun, my love?"

Adeline leaned into him, relishing his warmth. "More than I expected, actually. It's quite different, attending these events as a duchess rather than a wallflower."

Edmund chuckled, the sound rumbling in his chest. "You were never a wallflower, Adeline. Just surrounded by fools who couldn't see your true worth."

"Flatterer," Adeline teased, turning in his arms to face him. "Though I must admit, your particular brand of flattery is much more enjoyable than Lady Beatrice's thinly veiled insults."

As if summoned by her name, Lady Beatrice appeared, her eyes widening slightly at the sight of the affectionate couple.

"Your Graces," she simpered, dipping into a curtsy. "How wonderful to see you both. Duchess, I must say, that gown is absolutely stunning on you. Such a becoming color."

Adeline blinked, momentarily taken aback by the genuine compliment from a woman who had once been one of her harshest critics.

"Thank you, Lady Beatrice. That's very kind of you."

Lady Beatrice leaned in conspiratorially. "Between us, Your Grace, I do believe you have set the fashion for the Season. I've seen at least three young ladies trying to emulate your style today."

As Lady Beatrice moved on, Adeline turned to Edmund with a bemused expression. "Did that really just happen?"

Edmund grinned, pressing a kiss to her temple. "Indeed, it did, my love. Though I can't say I'm surprised. You've always been worthy of admiration, even if some were too blind to see it before."

Their conversation was interrupted by an excited squeal.

"Adeline! Edmund! Oh, do come quickly, I have the most wonderful news!"

Isabella came bounding up to them, with a dashing young man in tow, her face flushed with excitement. Adeline recognized him immediately as Lord Pembrook, the kind gentleman who had shown her such courtesy at previous events.

"Isabella, calm yourself." Adeline laughed, though she couldn't help but be caught up in her sister's enthusiasm. "What's got you in such a state?"

Isabella thrust out her left hand, a beautiful sapphire ring glittering on her finger. "Lord Pembrook has asked for my hand, and I've accepted!"

Adeline gasped in delight, pulling her sister into a tight embrace. "Oh, Bella! I'm so happy for you!"

Edmund stepped forward, offering his hand to Lord Pembrook. "Congratulations, my lord. You're a lucky man, indeed."

Lord Pembrook smiled, his eyes never leaving Isabella's radiant face. "I certainly am, Your Grace. Though I daresay I'm the one who's struck gold here."

As the newly engaged couple shared their news with the other guests, Adeline spotted a familiar figure across the lawn. Lord Brenton stood somewhat awkwardly at the edge of the gathering, looking unsure of his presence there.

Edmund noticed her gaze and squeezed her hand. "Shall we go greet him?" he asked softly.

Adeline nodded, grateful for his support.

As they approached, Lord Brenton straightened up, a tentative smile on his face. "Adeline, Your Grace," he greeted them, his voice laced with a hint of nervousness. "It's good to see you both."

"Father," Adeline replied, surprised by the lack of tension she felt. "I'm glad you could make it. Have you heard Isabella's news?"

Lord Brenton's smile grew more genuine. "I have, indeed. Lord Pembrook seems like a fine young man. I hope I haven't overstepped by giving them my blessing."

Adeline felt Edmund tense up beside her, ready to intervene if needed. But she placed a calming hand on his arm. "Not at all, Father. I'm sure Isabella appreciates your support."

They chatted for a few more minutes, the conversation slightly stilted but far more cordial than it had been in years.

As they moved away, Edmund leaned in close. "Are you all right, my love?"

Adeline nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. "I am. It's nice, actually, to be able to talk to him without all that old hurt getting in the way."

Their moment was interrupted by the approach of Lord and Lady Ashworth, a couple who had once been among Adeline's most vocal critics.

"Your Graces," Lord Ashworth began, bowing slightly. "I hope we're not interrupting, but I wanted to express my admiration for the work you've been doing with the orphanage in London. It's truly commendable."

Adeline felt a surge of pride. The orphanage had been her pet project, something she'd thrown herself into with Edmund's full support.

"Thank you, my lord. It's a cause very close to our hearts."

Lady Ashworth nodded enthusiastically. "Indeed, and we'd very much like to contribute. Perhaps we could discuss some fundraising ideas? I was thinking of a charity ball…"

As they delved into a discussion about the orphanage, Adeline couldn't help but marvel at the change. These were the same people who had once whispered behind their fans about her scars, who had dismissed her as unmarriageable. Now, they were seeking her opinion, valuing her ideas.

The conversation was interrupted by a sudden hush falling over the crowd. Adeline looked up to see what had caused the commotion and felt her heart sink. Joanna had arrived.

The once-resplendent Lady Strathmore looked decidedly less polished than she had at previous events. Her gown, while still fashionable, showed signs of wear, and her jewelry was noticeably less ostentatious.

"My word," Lady Ashworth whispered, her eyes wide, "I heard she had to sell her late husband's estate to pay his debts, but I had no idea things were quite so dire."

Joanna held her head high, clearly trying to ignore the whispers that followed in her wake. But Adeline could see the strain around her eyes, the tightness of her smile.

For a moment, Adeline almost felt sorry for her. Then she remembered all the pain Joanna had caused, not just to her, but to Edmund as well. Any sympathy she might have felt evaporated.

"Well," Edmund murmured drily, "this should be interesting."

As if on cue, Lady Alderton appeared, making a beeline for Joanna. Adeline tensed up, expecting some sort of confrontation. But to her surprise, her grandmother-in-law was all smiles.

"Lady Strathmore!" Lady Alderton exclaimed, her voice carrying across the lawn. "How delightful to see you, my dear. Are you feeling quite well? You look a touch pale."

Before Joanna could respond, Lady Alderton's eyes rolled to the back of her head, and she pitched forward dramatically.

In her ‘fall,' she managed to upend an entire bowl of punch directly over Joanna's head.

A collective gasp went up from the assembled guests as Joanna stood there, dripping and sputtering. Her carefully coiffed hair hung in soggy strands around her face, and her gown—likely one of her few remaining fine pieces—was thoroughly ruined.

"You did that on purpose!" she shrieked, her composure finally cracking.

Lady Alderton blinked innocently, allowing Lord Rutherford to help her to her feet. "I am sure I don't know what you mean, my dear. I simply had a spell of dizziness. It must be the heat."

"Oh, what poppycock!" Joanna spat, her face nearly as red as the punch dripping down it. "You've had it out for me since?—"

"Since you broke my grandson's heart and tried to ruin his marriage?" Lady Alderton finished, her voice suddenly steely beneath the silk. "Why yes, I suppose I have."

Joanna's mouth opened and closed like that of a fish out of water. She turned around, clearly looking for support, but found none. The ton, ever fickle, had already decided which side they were on—and it wasn't hers.

"Now really," Lady Gillingham interjected, her eyes twinkling with barely suppressed mirth, "I think we can all agree this was simply an unfortunate accident. Perhaps Lady Strathmore would like to go and freshen up?"

The suggestion, innocuous as it was, was clearly a dismissal. Joanna knew it, and from the mutinous look on her face, she didn't appreciate it one bit.

"This isn't over," she hissed, glaring at Lady Alderton.

"Oh, I rather think it is," Lady Gillingham replied cheerfully. "Do mind the carpet on your way out, dear. Punch stains are so dreadfully hard to remove."

As Joanna stormed off, leaving a trail of sticky footprints in her wake, the garden erupted into not-so-hushed conversations.

Adeline turned to Edmund, expecting to see anger or perhaps distress on his face. Instead, to her delight, he was laughing.

"I don't think I've ever been more grateful for our grandmothers' meddling ways." He chuckled, pulling her close.

Adeline couldn't help but join in his laughter. "They are rather formidable when they put their minds to it, aren't they?"

As the excitement died down and the party resumed its normal flow, Adeline found herself overwhelmed with a sense of contentment. Here she was, surrounded by family and friends, respected and admired in a way she had once thought impossible.

She looked up at Edmund, her heart swelling with love. "Thank you," she said softly.

Edmund's brow furrowed. "For what, my love?"

"For this," Adeline replied, gesturing to the happy scene around them. "For loving me, for giving me a family, for… everything."

Edmund's eyes softened, and he leaned down to press a tender kiss to her lips. "No, Adeline," he murmured. "Thank you for giving me a reason to believe in love again."

As they basked in their moment of contentment, a familiar voice rang out across the garden.

"I say, is that a smile I see on the Duke of Holbrook's face? Quick, someone alert the papers! This is surely a sign of the world's end!"

Edmund turned around, his grin widening at the sight of his oldest friend. "Daniel! I was beginning to think you'd forgotten how to find your way out of London's gaming halls."

Daniel clutched at his chest in mock offense. "You wound me, Sir! I'll have you know that I've been engaged in very important business."

"Oh? And what business might that be?" Adeline asked, her eyes twinkling with amusement.

"Why, sampling every brandy in the city, of course," Daniel replied with a roguish wink. "Someone has to do it, and I've selflessly offered my services."

The three shared a laugh, the easy camaraderie between them a testament to how far they'd all come.

Daniel's gaze drifted to where Isabella and Lord Pembrook stood, their heads bent close in intimate conversation. A wistful expression crossed his face.

"I say, when did Lady Isabella grow to be so beautiful? And more importantly, how did I let such a prize slip through my fingers?"

Adeline raised an eyebrow. "Perhaps because you were too busy ‘sampling brandy' to notice?"

Daniel clutched at his heart dramatically. "Et tu, Duchess? Your words cut deep!" he sighed, shaking his head. "Alas, it seems I'm doomed to be the last bachelor standing. Tell me, Edmund, is married life truly as blissful as you make it seem, or are you merely putting on a brave face for the masses?"

Edmund chuckled, pulling Adeline closer. "It's better than I ever could have imagined, old friend. Though I doubt you'd survive a week of domestic bliss without breaking out in hives."

"You're probably right," Daniel conceded with a laugh. "Still, seeing you two like this and now Lady Isabella…" he trailed off, a genuine smile replacing his usual smirk. "It does make a man wonder what he's missing."

Adeline, touched by the rare moment of sincerity from the usually jovial Daniel, reached out to pat his arm. "Don't worry, Daniel. I'm sure there's a lady out there who can match your wit and tolerate your unique charms."

Daniel's eyes lit up with mischief. "My dear Duchess, was that a challenge? Because I'll have you know, I never back down from a challenge."

"Oh Lord," Edmund groaned good-naturedly. "Now you've done it, Adeline. We'll never hear the end of this."

"Indeed not!" Daniel declared, puffing out his chest. "Mark my words, by this time next year, I shall be a married man myself. And my wedding will be twice as grand as yours, with thrice the brandy!"

As he launched into an increasingly outrageous description of his hypothetical future nuptials, Adeline leaned into Edmund, stifling her laughter in his shoulder. Edmund pressed a kiss to her temple, his shoulders shaking with suppressed mirth.

In that moment, surrounded by laughter and love, Adeline felt a sense of wholeness she had never experienced before.

Life, it seemed, had a funny way of working out, after all.

Edmund frowned at the untouched plate across from him, the silence of the breakfast room suddenly oppressive. It wasn't like Adeline to miss their morning meal; it had become a cherished ritual, a quiet moment of connection before the demands of the day pulled them in different directions.

"Thornley," he called, unable to shake the growing sense of unease. "Has the Duchess sent word about joining me for breakfast?"

The butler appeared at his elbow, his face a mask of professional concern. "I'm afraid not, Your Grace. However, her lady's maid did mention that Her Grace was feeling a bit under the weather this morning."

Edmund's heart skipped a beat, his mind immediately conjuring up a host of worrying scenarios. "Under the weather? Did she say in what way? Has a doctor been called?"

"I don't believe so, Your Grace. The maid seemed to think it was merely a case of fatigue, nothing more."

But Edmund was already on his feet, his breakfast forgotten. "Thank you, Thornley. I think I'll go check on Her Grace myself."

He took the stairs two at a time, his concern growing with each step. Adeline had seemed fine at the garden party just days ago, radiant even. What could have changed so quickly?

Reaching their chambers, he knocked softly. "Adeline? My love, are you all right?"

A muffled "come in" was all the invitation he needed.

Edmund entered to find Adeline still in bed, propped up against a mound of pillows. Her face was pale, and there were dark circles under her eyes, but she managed a small smile at the sight of him.

"Adeline," Edmund breathed, crossing the room in three long strides. He perched on the edge of the bed, taking her hand in his. "What's wrong? Shall I send for the doctor?"

Adeline squeezed his hand reassuringly. "No need for that, darling. I'm quite all right, just a bit queasy this morning."

Edmund furrowed his brow in concern. "Queasy? Are you sure it's not something more serious? Perhaps something you ate at the party?"

A mysterious smile played on Adeline's lips. "I don't think it was the food, Edmund. Though I suppose you could say I'm expecting something."

For a moment, Edmund stared at her blankly. Then, as understanding dawned, his eyes widened in shock. "Expecting? You mean you're…"

Adeline nodded, her eyes shining with unshed tears. "We're going to have a baby, Edmund."

The world seemed to tilt on its axis as the full impact of her words hit him.

A baby. They were going to have a baby. He, Edmund Pemberton, the Duke of Holbrook, was going to be a father.

"Oh, Adeline," he breathed, gathering her into his arms. "My love, my darling girl. Are you certain?"

She nodded against his chest, her voice muffled by his shirt. "Quite certain. I suspected for a while, but I wanted to be sure before I told you."

Edmund pulled back, cupping her face in his hands. The love and wonder he felt threatened to overwhelm him.

"A baby," he repeated, his voice filled with awe. "Our baby."

Adeline laughed, the sound like music to his ears. "Yes, our baby. Are you happy, Edmund?"

"Happy?" Edmund repeated, a grin spreading across his face. "My darling, I'm ecstatic . Overjoyed. Terrified. But mostly, I'm in love. With you, with our child, with the life we're building together."

He leaned in to kiss her, but he hesitated at the last moment. "Wait, is it… is it safe? I won't hurt you or the baby?"

Adeline's laughter rang out again, bright and clear. "Oh, Edmund. Yes, it's perfectly safe. The baby is well-protected, I assure you."

Reassured, Edmund closed the distance between them, pouring all his love and joy into the kiss. When they finally broke apart, both were breathless and grinning like fools.

"So," he said, his hand moving to rest gently on her still-flat stomach. "Tell me everything. How long have you known? How far along are you? Do you think it's a boy or a girl?"

Adeline covered his hand with her own. "I've suspected for about a month, but I wanted to be sure before I said anything. The midwife thinks I'm about three months along. As for whether it's a boy or a girl, I'm not sure. What do you hope for?"

Edmund considered for a moment. "Honestly? I don't care, as long as the baby is healthy and happy. Though…" he trailed off, a faraway look in his eyes.

"Though what?" Adeline prompted, curious.

"Well," Edmund said, a soft smile playing on his lips. "I have to admit, the thought of a little girl with your eyes and your spirit is a rather captivating image."

Adeline's eyes misted over. "And what if it's a boy?"

"Then he'll be the luckiest boy in England," Edmund declared. "With your kindness and intelligence, and hopefully not too much of my stubbornness."

They sat in comfortable silence for a moment, both lost in visions of their future child.

"What about names?" Adeline asked eventually. "Have you any thoughts?"

Edmund chuckled. "I confess, I haven't given it much consideration in the last five minutes since learning I'm going to be a father. But perhaps… if it's a girl, we could name her after your mother?"

Adeline's breath caught. "Eleanor? Oh, Edmund, that's perfect. And if it's a boy?"

"What about James?" Edmund suggested. "After my grandfather. He was a good man, kind and fair. The sort of man I hope our son will grow up to be."

"Eleanor or James," Adeline mused, testing the names. "I like them both."

As the morning wore on, they continued to talk, sharing their hopes and dreams for their growing family. Edmund fussed over Adeline, insisting on having her breakfast brought up and fluffing her pillows no less than three times.

"Edmund," Adeline said finally, amusement coloring her tone. "I'm pregnant, not made of glass. You don't need to treat me like I might break at any moment."

Edmund had the grace to look sheepish. "I know, I know. I just… I want to take care of you. Both of you."

Adeline's expression softened. "And you are, my love. But I'm still me. I can still do most of the things I did before. In fact, the midwife says it's good for me to stay active."

"Of course," Edmund agreed quickly. "Whatever you need. Just… promise me you'll be careful. And that you'll tell me if you need anything, no matter how small."

"I promise," Adeline said solemnly, though her eyes twinkled with mirth. "Now, will you help me get dressed? I think I'd like some fresh air."

As Edmund assisted her with her morning toilette, his mind whirred with plans and preparations. "We'll need to start work on the nursery soon," he mused. "And I should speak to Thornley about hiring a nanny. Oh, and we must tell our families! Your father, Isabella, our grandmothers…"

Adeline laughed, the sound bringing him back to the present. "Darling, slow down. We still have months before the baby arrives. There's no need to do everything at once."

Edmund took a deep breath, forcing himself to relax. "You're right, of course. I just… I want everything to be perfect for you and the baby."

Adeline turned in his arms, reaching up to cup his cheek. "It already is perfect, Edmund. We're together, we're happy, and we're going to be parents. What could be more perfect than that?"

Edmund smiled, but his eyes softened with concern as he looked down at her. "Are you truly well? I know you've been feeling unwell in the mornings."

"I am," she reassured him, her thumb gently stroking his cheek. "I promise."

Relief flickered across his face before it was replaced by something else—something deeper, more primal. His gaze darkened with desire as he leaned down, capturing her lips in a kiss that was slow and tender at first, but quickly deepened, filled with a hunger that sent a thrill through her.

Adeline melted into him, her arms slipping around his neck, pulling him closer.

He groaned softly against her mouth, his hands roaming her back, as if needing to feel every inch of her. The months of anticipation, the changes ahead, all seemed to fuel his need for her in that moment. His lips left hers, trailing along her jaw and down the side of her neck, his breath warm against her skin.

Adeline gasped, her fingers tangling in his hair as heat spread through her, her body responding instinctively to his touch. "Edmund…"

He lifted his head, their gazes locking, his voice thick with emotion. "I love you, Adeline. More than anything."

Before she could respond, his lips were on hers again, more urgent now, as he swept her up in his arms. His hands found their way between her thighs. He nuzzled them apart, all the while continuing his slow kisses down her body until he reached the center of her pleasure. As his tongue swirled around it, Adeline arched her back.

His tongue continued to flick as he teased her closer and closer to climax before pulling back and slowly trailing kisses back up her body to her breasts.

He rolled over onto his back and tugged her on top of him. As he entered her, he felt her walls clench against him. His hands gently held her waist, guiding her every move until she cried out. When he spilled inside her, she collapsed against him, their bodies spent.

Afterward, they lay together, their bodies intertwined beneath the soft linens, the warmth of their closeness lingering in the quiet of the room. Adeline rested her head against Edmund's chest.

Edmund pressed a gentle kiss to the top of her head, his fingers softly trailing through her hair.

"Are you comfortable, my love?" he murmured, his voice thick with tenderness.

Adeline nodded, a soft smile playing on her lips as she tilted her head to meet his gaze. "More than comfortable," she whispered. "I feel… content."

Edmund's eyes softened as he looked down at her, his hand resting lightly on the gentle swell of her abdomen. "I never thought I could feel like this," he admitted quietly. "That I could be this happy."

Adeline's heart swelled at his words, and she pressed a kiss to his chest, her hand resting atop his. "Neither did I," she whispered. "But now, I can't imagine life any other way."

They lay together in silence for a few moments, the soft crackle of the fire the only sound in the room.

The future stretched before them—unknown, full of both challenges and joy—but in that moment, nothing else mattered.

They were together, and that was all they needed.

As they strolled arm in arm through the gardens later that morning, Edmund found himself seeing Holbrook through new eyes. The sprawling lawns where he had played as a child would soon echo with the laughter of his son or daughter. The old oak tree that had been his favorite climbing spot might one day support a swing for their child.

"What are you thinking?" Adeline asked, noticing his pensive expression.

Edmund smiled, pulling her closer. "I'm thinking about how much love our child will receive. How much joy they'll bring to Holbrook, to our lives. And…"

He hesitated, a lump forming in his throat.

"And?" Adeline prompted gently.

"And I'm thinking about how grateful I am," Edmund continued, his voice thick with emotion. "Grateful for you, for the family we're creating. Adeline, when I think of where I was a year ago, how closed off I was, how afraid to love… You've given me so much more than just your heart. You've given me a future I never dared to dream of."

Tears spilled down Adeline's cheeks, mirroring the moisture in his eyes. "Oh, Edmund," she whispered. "You've given me just as much. A home, a family, a love I thought I'd never have. Our child will be so loved, so cherished."

As they stood there, wrapped in each other's arms with the promise of new life growing between them, Edmund felt a sense of peace and rightness settle over him. Whatever challenges lay ahead— the responsibilities of raising an heir, guiding their child through the complexities of society, and the uncharted territory of parenthood—they would face them together.

And really, he thought as he gazed down at Adeline's radiant face, what more could a man ask for than this? A loving wife, a child on the way, and a heart full to bursting with joy and hope for the future.

"I love you," he murmured, pressing a kiss to Adeline's forehead. "Both of you."

Adeline's answering smile was brighter than the morning sun. "And we love you, Edmund. Always and forever."

As they continued their walk, their hands intertwined and their hearts beating as one, Edmund knew with absolute certainty now.

This—this love, this family, this life they were building together—was his true happily ever after.

The End?