Epilogue

EPILOGUE

" T his is all so beautiful. Tis amazing!"

Lucy took in the ball with awe. The grand ballroom was lit with the soft glow of chandeliers, their crystal prisms casting shimmering reflections across the marbled floor.

Guests in their finest attire milled about and engaged in animated conversation and laughter. The air was filled with the strains of a lively waltz performed by a skilled orchestra. The Duke and Duchess of Northwick, Duncan and Lucy Elkins, stood at the center of it all.

"I am glad you like it," Duncan smiled.

"Like? I love it!" Lucy squealed, planting a soft kiss on his lips.

"You know that will not be enough for me, Duchess." Duncan pulled Lucy to him and kissed her thoroughly.

"You do know there are guests here. They can see us," Lucy giggled.

"Let them. It is my manor, after all."

You are so arrogant!" Lucy laughed.

"Tis a good thing you love me like that."

"Unfortunately, I do."

Lucy gazed into his eyes and a trill of heat shot through him. She was so beautiful, it hurt. Lucy's dress, a rich sapphire silk, complemented her radiant smile, while Duncan, in his impeccably tailored evening coat, exuded an air of composed dignity.

They greeted their guests with warm smiles, unable to keep their hands away from each other. Duncan sighted the Hatchers and nudged Lucy into attention. Her eyes sparkled as she saw her father leading the family into the ballroom.

"Your Grace," Augustus boomed with a beaming face as he approached Duncan with an outstretched hand. "I must extend my heartfelt thanks for your recent assistance. Your investment in my latest venture has proven immensely beneficial. The returns have been substantial already."

"You and Papa have been in business?" Lucy whispered.

"You can say that," Duncan winked and turned his attention back to the viscount, grasping his hand firmly, a genuine smile playing on his lips. "Lord Pemberton, it is a pleasure to see you. I am delighted to hear of your success. Assisting you was my honor."

"I must thank you again for everything," Augustus insisted. "I do not think I have seen my daughter, Lucy, so happy."

"Lord Pemberton, it has been my pleasure. Lucy's happiness is of utmost importance to me. We are family now, and I will always assist in any way I can."

Augustus smiled, his eyes glistening with gratitude. "You have my deepest thanks, Duncan. I am proud to call you my son-in-law."

Lucy watched with pride, her heart swelling with happiness. Augustus' eyes twinkled as he glanced at his daughter.

"Lucy, my dear, you have married a man of great integrity. I could not be more pleased."

Lucy's smile widened, her eyes meeting Duncan's. If it were possible to die of a happiness overload, she probably would. "Thank you, Papa. I could not have asked for a better partner."

As the orchestra began a new tune, Duncan turned to Lucy, extending his hand. "Shall we dance, my love?"

"With pleasure," Lucy flushed.

They moved to the center of the ballroom, joining the other couples in a graceful waltz. The music swirled around them, and for a moment, it was only the two of them in the room, until a sudden hush descended on the guests.

The soft hum of conversation in the ballroom stilled as Modesty entered. Duncan stiffened, noting his mother's expression — one of uncharacteristic humility. That was unusual.

Modesty moved with deliberate steps towards Duncan and Lucy, her usually sharp eyes softened by an unusual gentleness.

"Duncan, Lucy," she began, in no more than a whisper, "may I have a moment of your time in private?" Modesty glanced around the ballroom, at the eyes that made no show of hiding to look. Whispers were already floating among the throng of guests.

Duncan exchanged a cautious glance with Lucy, who gave a subtle nod. "Very well," he said, gesturing towards a corridor.

Once settled, Modesty took a deep breath, her hands clasped tightly in front of her. "I have come to offer my most sincere apologies to you both."

Lucy tilted her head slightly, her eyes wide. Duncan's expression remained guarded but curious.

Modesty's voice trembled as she continued. "I should not have meddled in your lives. I was wrong about you, Lucy. I judged you unfairly, and for that, I am deeply sorry."

Lucy blinked. Her mouth gaped open. And if not for the severity of the situation, Duncan would have laughed. Modesty turned her gaze directly to her.

"You have been there for Duncan in ways I failed to be. You have shown him the love and support he desperately needed. For that, I must thank you." Lucy's heart softened at the dowager duchess's words.

Turning to Duncan, Modesty's voice broke slightly. "Duncan, I am so sorry for everything you had to go through because of me. Tis all my fault. If only I had been an attentive mother. If only I had been a real mother and not spent every waking day at different balls, my Gertrude would still be here with us." Modesty swiped a stray tear away. "Her death haunts me every day."

Duncan's jaw tightened as he wrestled with himself, trying to stop his mind from going back to a painful past.

"I tried to make amends for my failure by being overprotective of you." Duncan's head flew up. "I was scared of something happening to you and I tried my hardest to prevent it. I only wanted to be in your life. But I realize I went about it the wrong way. I only caused more harm. I am so sorry, my son. I failed you, too."

Tears welled in her eyes as she spoke. "I promise I will never interfere in your lives again. You deserve happiness, and I will not stand in the way of that. I only ask for your forgiveness before I take my leave. I wish you both all the best."

She turned to walk away, but stopped in her tracks as Duncan reached out and took her hand. Modesty looked down, her eyes widening when she saw his bare hands.

"Duncan," Modesty whispered, "your gloves." She looked up in awe.

"Yes, Mother. I am not wearing them much these days."

"Duncan, I am deeply sorry for the hurt I have caused you. I would take it all back if I could."

"Mother, I do not wish for you to leave. You are the only family I have left. We are all we have. Your actions have caused me immense hurt. But I cannot deny that they have worked out for good. They have all led up to this moment. I am not happy with the way you meddled in my affairs. But I forgive you. And I still desire that we remain close," Duncan said without letting go of his mother's hand.

Modesty's eyes widened and her lips trembled. "Duncan," she whispered, her voice breaking, "I am overjoyed to hear that."

Duncan gave her hand a reassuring squeeze. "We have been through much pain and misunderstanding, but I believe we can heal. Together."

A smile, tentative but genuine, spread across Modesty's face. "I promise, Duncan, I will do everything in my power to make amends."

Lucy, who had been quietly watching this exchange, stepped forward, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. She opened her arms and embraced Modesty warmly. "Without you, we would not be here, together. You have brought us together without meaning to. I guess it is fate."

Modesty's breath hitched, and she returned Lucy's embrace with equal warmth. "Thank you, Lucy. Your kindness humbles me. I am so lucky to have you as my daughter."

Lucy choked, not missing the double meaning of Modesty's words. And if she did not get herself together, she would be a bawling mess. "I think we have had enough of the tears for one night. Why don't we go in and have a twirl? What do you say, Mother?" Lucy winked.

Modesty sucked in a sharp breath. It was not lost on her. "I say we go," she smiled a watery smile.

"All right ladies. Let us go."

And with his mother and wife flanking him on either side, Duncan locked their hands and walked back to the ball. He felt an unaccustomed but profound sense of completeness. Curious whispers went up through the crowd. Eyes followed their every step.

Lucy sighted the ladies of the ton, those who had been thorns in hers and her mother's flesh. And to her dismay, they were walking towards her mother with all too sugary smiles. She knew a fake smile when she saw one. What were they up to now?

"Lady Pemberton," one of them cooed, her tone dripping extra sweetness. Lucy nearly howled in laughter. "How wonderful to see you! It has been so long!" Was it now? A rueful smile graced Lucy's mouth.

Patience, her posture regal and composed, met their gazes steadily. "Indeed," she replied, with a polite smile. "However, I must excuse myself. I find I have far better company at present." With that, she turned and moved to Modesty's side, linking arms with her. Wow! Her mother was incredible! But she expected nothing less.

Modesty, surprised but pleased, returned Patience's smile warmly. Lucy felt an overwhelming sense of joy as the two ladies exchanged a look. The spurned ladies faces frozen in shock, quickly masked their disappointment with strained smiles. Unable to contain herself any longer, Lucy laughed.

"And what may be amusing you now, wife?" Duncan asked with a smile. His wife looked radiant and peaceful, and he swore to himself to make sure it remained the same.

"Ignore me, husband. Tis nothing of importance," she grinned. Truly, they were of no importance.

"In that case, I have a surprise for you," Duncan whispered in her ear as he led her away from the prying eyes to his alcove.

Lucy looked up at him, curiosity shining in her eyes. "Oh? And what might that be?"

He leaned in, his lips brushing her ear. "A trip to Scotland, just the two of us."

Her eyes went wide. "Heavens! Do you mean this, Duncan?"

He cupped her cheek, his thumb tracing her jawline. "You have given me more than I ever thought possible, Lucy. This is nothing."

Her eyes glistened. And she willed the tears not to drop. "I love you, Duncan. So much. And it sounds wonderful. I cannot wait."

"And I you. Thank you for loving me, Duchess."

And he leaned into her, drawing her in and joining their lips in a tender, lingering kiss, sealing their promises to each other.

The End?