Epilogue

His father had suggested that they stay in Belle’s room for their remaining nights. It was in the guest wing, whereas Eleanor and North would be in the family wing where Luke’s room was.

The two newlywed couples hosted the guests at a wedding dinner rather than the traditional breakfast, blending Christmas foods and celebration into the day.

After, the family exchanged gifts. Luke had brought a tin of his father’s favorite sweets from London and the thickest blanket he could find for his father, as the earl had always loved reading by the fire. He’d found a pretty hand-knitted scarf and matching hat in town for Belle after she’d arrived.

Belle looked embarrassed when she’d opened his gifts. “I have nothing for you.”

Luke answered, “You as my wife is all I need, but if you’d like to make it up to me later, I won’t object.”

Her grin made him want to drag her up to her room at once.

Finally they were alone, a bottle of sherry for Belle and a platter of cheese and bread for that evening having been delivered.

Belle sank into a chair, looking pensive.

“Come, allow me to unwrap my gift.” Luke tugged on her hand.

She resisted, her face serious. “Luke, I know you understand my reasons, but I must say it once more. Please forgive me for rejecting the idea of this marriage for so long, I beg you.”

His eyes lit. Grinning, he said, “That’s not begging. Need I remind you of the three components of a proper beg?”

Her jaw dropped, and he thought she’d give him hell for using her words against her. But she narrowed her eyes, tapping her lip with a finger. “Perhaps you do.”

He laughed. “Happily. First, it must be sincere.”

“Or penitent.” She frowned at him.

“Or penitent. I do not doubt your sincerity or penitence, my love. Please, continue. The second element is a willingness to correct it.”

“I believe that whole ceremony in the chapel took care of that, do you not, my lord?”

“I do, my lady.”

She jolted. Her voice was breathy with wonder when she said, “Oh, my. I’m a titled lady now, aren’t I? If my parents or sister could see me now!”

They laughed together, and Luke said, “I am very glad you can enjoy the thought of the title. I confess I worried you’d need longer to get used to it.”

“No, you, Charlotte, North, and Eleanor have convinced me. And Sophia’s note reminded me I know one other courtesan-cum-Countess, to whom I’ll introduce you back in London.”

“Really? Excellent. I look forward to it. But you still have one more aspect of begging to complete.”

“Ah, yes, a willingness to atone. What can I do to make it up to you, my lord?”

“For the record, I was more resourceful and designed my own act of penance. However, Nate gave me a gift for if or when I convinced you to marry me, and I have it with me.”

She gulped. “Isn’t he the blacksmith who makes implements for intimate torture?”

“Yes.” His grin was wide enough she swore she could count all his teeth.

Giving herself over to the moment, she acquiesced. “Bring it out, then. And you shan’t need to worry about the authenticity of my reactions. I’ve never played with his toys before.”

“Excellent. It will be one of an infinite number of firsts for us, my love.”