Epilogue

London—Twenty years later . . .

E vie reveled in the final kiss her husband gave her, their naked limbs entwined.

"We must rise and dress," Hatch said. "After all, our daughter's come-out ball is happening tonight."

She stroked his cheek. "I only hope that Elizabeth is as lucky in love as we have been, husband. I want all our children to make love matches."

He kissed her again, long and deep. "Now, out of our bed and go straight to your bedchamber. Your maid must be having a fit of apoplexy."

Rising, Evie slipped into Hatch's banyan, the sleeves far too long for her. "She is used to it. All the servants are," she said flippantly. "They are happy to work in such a home, where the Duke of Wentworth adores his duchess."

Hatch climbed from the bed, ringing for his valet. "Out, woman!" he teased.

She went through his dressing room and their shared bathing chamber before passing through her own dressing room, arriving in the duchess' bedchamber. Evie never slept here. She stayed each night with her husband and used this room for changing her clothing.

"There you are, Your Grace," Martha said, biting back a smile. "I've got your ballgown laid out for you. Let's get you ready for Lady Elizabeth's ball."

The Season had started four weeks ago. Tonight, they hosted a ball for their eldest child, Elizabeth, who had made her come-out this spring, Evie only wished their two sons, who were away at Eton, could be here for this night, but they were finishing up their term. Hatch had said to let the boys be when she had thought to summon them home early, saying boys that age had no interest in balls.

As Martha put the finishing touches on Evie's hair, she glanced in the mirror and saw Hatch looming in the background, so handsome in his evening wear.

"You have made my duchess look like a queen, Martha," the duke praised, causing the servant to blush.

"She's all yours, Your Grace," Martha said.

After the maid left, Hatch asked, "Are you ready to visit our girl?"

"I am."

They went down the corridor, and Hatch tapped lightly on his daughter's bedchamber door. Another maid answered, and said, "Come in, Your Graces. Lady Elizabeth is ready."

As they entered the room, pride swelled within Evie when she caught sight of their daughter. Elizabeth had her mother's caramel hair and her father's incredibly blue eyes, and those eyes now were lit with excitement.

"Mama! Papa! Oh, I cannot wait for my ball to begin," Elizabeth declared.

Stepping forward, she embraced her daughter. "Your father and I have something to give you."

Her daughter frowned. "But you already gave me that beautiful sapphire necklace the opening night of the Season."

Hatch joined them, opening the palm of his hand, revealing the matching earrings to the necklace Elizabeth mentioned. Her eyes widened.

"Earrings? I love them!" Elizabeth claimed them and placed them on her earlobes, bending to check her image in the mirror. "They are perfect. Thank you so much."

She hugged both her parents, and Evie had to blink back tears. She saw her husband did the same.

In his deep voice, Hatch asked, "Has any particular gentleman caught your eye yet?"

Elizabeth blushed. "Yes. Lord Morrow. He is more than handsome, Papa. He actually listens to me after he asks a question. Most gentlemen seem to lose interest in a conversation quickly, but Lord Morrow always is engaged."

"Does he make your heart sing?" Hatch asked.

"Do you get lightheaded and quick-hearted when he comes near?" Evie added.

"Yes. And yes," their daughter said, laughing. "I think about him all the time."

"Then you need to kiss him," Hatch advised.

"Papa!" Elizbeth said, punching him in the arm. "Fathers are not supposed to tell their daughters to go about kissing men."

"I agree with your papa," Evie said. "One kiss should do it. Then you will know for certain."

Elizabeth placed fisted hands upon her waist. "All right. I shall figure out how to do so. Tonight." She patted her hair. "We should go downstairs. Grandmama will be waiting. You know she does not like it when others are late. Especially you two."

They allowed their daughter to leave the bedchamber, then Hatch tucked Evie's hand through the crook of his arm.

"She is exuberant," he said.

"She is magnificent," Evie corrected. "I smell a love match with Lord Morrow. What do you think of him?"

"I like what I know of him. I shall get to know him better," Hatch promised.

They went to the ballroom, where the musicians were warming up. It was as if a garden had been moved indoors, with the scent of roses lingering in the air.

Elizabeth was showing the Dowager Duchess of Wentworth her new earrings.

"They are lovely, my dear."

Evie joined her mother-in-law, who said, "You have raised a remarkable daughter, Evie, as well as two incredible sons." The duchess smiled. "More importantly, you have made my son very happy. I am glad you changed your mind all those years ago and wed the right son of mine."

"Elias is most happy with his choice of a wife," she replied. "Both Agnes and I found the right partners in your two sons, Your Grace."

Hatch indicated to their butler to allow their guests inside, and Elizabeth came to stand next to her grandmama, chattering away to her.

Evie looked up at Hatch, who joined her. "Thank you for admitting to me all those years ago that you loved me. I think back on the years we've shared—and the ones yet to come. I cannot see myself with anyone else by my side but you, my darling."

Hatch caressed her cheek. "We were meant to be together, my love."

Her husband bent to press his mouth to hers, causing those of the ton who entered to chuckle fondly, seeing the Duke and Duchess of Wentworth were still crazy for one another.

And would be so until their dying day.

The End