Epilogue

A lady shouldn’t worry over the opinions of others. Life happens as it should.

December 24, 1820

Christmas Eve Ball

Greystone Hall

Sussex, England

Lydia Ramsay, Countess of Greystone, stood to one side of the ballroom as her husband partnered Elsbeth in her first public waltz, unofficially introducing the newly turned nineteen-year-old young lady to society ahead of her Come Out which would be in the spring.

It was wonderous how their lives had changed in three years. Elsbeth was a beautiful young woman, as lithe and graceful as any earl’s daughter should be. And Jackson seemed about to burst with pride as the waltz wound to a close. After Lydia married him, Elsbeth had done everything she could to make her transition from headmistress to countess easier.

It also helped that she’d been enrolled in her finishing school, which she continued to run despite the small storm of gossip that nearly closed it three years before. But since she’d married the earl and had not only his protection but his fierce defense of her verbally and Elsbeth’s support as well, the expected fallout had never quite occurred. Yes, she’d lost a few students over the kerfuffle, but there had been many more families who’d lined up in order to place their girls in her school.

For the results of each girl she prepared to launch into society were quite impressive. Some had gone on to match brilliant matches while others were on track to become movers and shakers within the ton .

As for Lydia and Jackson, they would soon celebrate their third wedding anniversary, but in the meanwhile, they had decided to spend the Christmastide season in Sussex at his country estate, and in the fashion since they’d married, Jackson had revived the tradition of throwing a ball on Christmas Eve.

“Did you see me?” Elsbeth asked with breathless excitement and stars in her eyes as she lightly ran over to where Lydia stood. “My first public waltz and I didn’t miss one step.”

“You were amazing.” As she smiled, Lydia gave the girl a hug. “I knew you would master it eventually.”

“The trick is not to think about what my feet are doing,” the young woman gushed as Jackson joined them. “And having a lovely partner who is a decent conversationalist.”

“Ah, good. At least she gave me a compliment,” the earl said with a smirk. “You’ve earned yourself some punch, and unless I miss my guess, there is a gaggle of young ladies near the door who have been trying to gain your attention for several minutes now.”

Elsbeth craned her neck as she glanced in that direction. “Oh! It’s some of the girls from finishing school. I invited them but didn’t know if they would come from London.” After she bussed his cheek, the girl moved to join them.

“How are you doing?” she quietly asked her husband. “Suffering from melancholy?” He’d struggled over the past few years knowing his daughter would soon be grown and making inroads into starting her own life.

“A bit, but each time I remember that Elsbeth is enjoying an exciting time of her life, and then I remember that I have you.” There was no denying the fondness in those intense sapphire eyes. “That takes away the sting and the apprehension.”

She couldn’t help but smile. Was it any wonder that she loved him so much? “Do you have a moment? I would like a private word with you.”

Immediately, concern jumped into his eyes. “Is all well?”

“Yes.” With a nod and a hand on his arm, she hoped to set him at ease. “As well as it can be, I suppose, in this situation.” In fact, she couldn’t quite believe it herself.

“Come with me.” As he slipped her hand through the crook of his elbow, Jackson led her through a side door that opened into his study, which waited on the far side of the ballroom. Once that thick oak panel closed behind them, he guided her toward his desk, and a few moments after lighting a candle, he turned to her. “What is amiss? You wouldn’t have wanted a private word if all was well.”

“Perhaps I merely wished to share a few moments alone with my handsome husband. There is no shame in that.” Over the years, there had been plenty of times they’d sneaked away into a private room to share kisses and scandalous caresses either while attending society events or dodging Elsbeth’s knowing gazes.

“Is that what this is, then?” he asked with his eyes darkening in desire and a barely audible growl in his lowered voice. “If it is nothing, I have no qualms in fulfilling any need you should have, for I am still quite addicted to you, Lydia.”

Flutters danced through her lower belly, but she would attend to her ever-present need of him in a moment. “Do you recall a few weeks ago when I didn’t feel my best and we assumed that I’d contracted a stomach ailment?”

“Yes. Are you still feeling poorly?” Concern shadowed his eyes.

“I am, but shortly before we left London for this estate, I had a midwife in because I suspected I might be increasing. There are many of the same symptoms from the last time…”

“What?” His eyes rounded as he stared at her. “Are you saying…?”

She nodded. “Yes. After we assumed that I couldn’t conceive after what happened in my past with my first husband, I am with child. The midwife suggested I’m over three months along and that I should be showing soon.” But as she smoothed her palms along the front of her red velvet gown, already there was a bit of a bump there. “In early June, we should expect an infant in our midst.”

“A child. To be a father again.” Shock lay etched on his face while awe lingered in his voice. He took her hands in his, pulled her close, and peered into her eyes. “Are you certain?”

“Yes. My menses have been absent for a while, and the midwife said the symptoms were a definite sign the pregnancy was strong.” She swallowed around the lump of emotions in her throat. “I never thought it possible, but now that it has been confirmed, I feel as if I’m in a dream.” Cold worry coiled in her belly. “Are you happy?”

“Absolutely, I am. I’ve always wanted another child.”

“Perhaps an heir?”

“If fate is kind.” He nodded as a wide grin took possession of his sensual lips. “Bloody hell but I don’t know how to properly act. I want to shout this news from the rooftop.” When he tugged her into his arms, she looped her arms about his shoulders. “Have you told Elsbeth?”

“No, because I wanted to do that together. Besides, she deserves to have this moment to herself tonight.” She frowned. “I hope she’ll be happy.”

“How could she not?” Then he chuckled. “The late spring shall prove busy for us, I think with a baby and launching Elsbeth into society.” Seconds later, he kissed her, and she gave herself up to the sheer bliss of being in his arms. When he pulled slightly away, he pressed his lips to her forehead. “You will make a wonderful mother. Elsbeth simply adores you.”

Quick tears stung her eyes. “Thank you. It has been a long time coming, but I am so excited.” Because she could, Lydia held his head between her palms and kissed him again. “I can’t wait to enter into this next phase of our future.”

“Neither can I.” His eyes sparkled in the dim illumination. “To think that none of this would have happened if I hadn’t come along that muddy road all those years ago and met you.” Seconds later, he bundled her into his embrace and simply held her. “Thank you for changing my life.”

She smiled. “Thank you for saving mine. Perhaps it was Christmas magic all along.”

At times, fate could be cruel, and that was when one needed to have faith and hope, for the times when fate played nicely, it was wonderful.

The End