Epilogue

Six Months Later…

They were once more in Blackpool, enjoying the liveliness of Mrs. Whitlow’s entertainments. Regina was in attendance and there seemed to be something about her that was quite different. Charlotte remarked on that to Mrs. Whitlow.

“She’s in love, my dear,” Mrs. Whitlow said.

Charlotte’s eyes widened. “Do you really think so? She’s given no indication… there have been no callers at the house, she’s not called on anyone else. If someone is courting her, it is a well kept secret!”

“Mrs. Cavender is not the sort to air her business before others,” Mrs. Whitlow remarked. “And I doubt that she is the sort to play by such banal rules. All will be revealed in time, I think. Now, you must tell me this good news that you’ve been teasing me with in your letters.”

Charlotte looked up from the garden path they were strolling along to see Ethan heading in their direction. Her handsome and enigmatic husband. A man who could be so articulate and well spoken with her, but who, when in a crowd, would say no more than two words.

“I am to present the Marquess with an heir… in the Spring,” she said.

Mrs. Whitlow clapped her hands in delight. “Oh, I knew it. I could not be more pleased for you, my dear. You deserve to have all the happiness that can be achieved this side of Heaven.”

“I have it,” Charlotte said. “I’m not even certain that Heaven could compare to what I’ve found here on Earth.”

Mrs. Whitlow laughed, a throaty cackle that hinted at wickedness. “Blasphemy suits you, Charlotte. It suits you well, indeed. Go for a walk in this garden with your husband… there’s a new folly on the other side of the maze. It’s a prime spot for seduction.”

With that, Mrs. Whitlow waved and went off in another direction, leaving Charlotte there to wait for Ethan.

“You’re looking rather pleased with yourself,” he said as he finally reached her.

“Oh, I am. I told Mrs. Whitlow about the baby. She’s thrilled for us naturally.”

A look of tenderness crossed his face. It happened every time the child growing in her belly was mentioned. “Of course, she is. She was matchmaking for us from the day we met. It’s quite literally the fruit of her labors.”

Charlotte grinned at him. “I thought it was the fruit of your labors.”

Ethan tugged her closer and brought her into the circle of his arms. Then he whispered against her ear, “Nothing so enjoyable could ever be called a labor, my beautiful wife.”

“Let’s go to the maze… I have it on good authority that the new folly just beyond it is not to be missed.”

“Lead the way,” he said. “I’ll follow you anywhere.”

THE END

Look for Book Two of the Unlikely In Love Series, Dr. Davenport and the Wicked Widow, this Fall!