Epilogue

Sunlight glinted off the large white stable. The red-roofed building's symmetrical shape enhanced the property, providing a stylish presence befitting landed gentry. Ventilated skylights adorned the lofty pitch of the south-facing roofline, while a bricked quadrangle concealed and protected subdivisions of the stable-yard, stalls, and boxes.

Well-muscled horses escorted by stable hands trekked to the tracks, the sight bringing a smile to Augusta's face as she watched, blessedly content by the fence. In four years, she and Quin had transformed Rolleston-on-Dove into a thriving racehorse facility, one surpassing their greatest hopes.

Quin had worked hard, visiting racing establishments like Epsom Downs and Ascot, and conferring with the best in the field, while restoring the original building and doubling its size. Now, they owned a fledgling business, breeding and operating a riding track for Eastern and British breeds they'd purchased from the block at Tattersall's. Their crowning glory being the addition of their first thoroughbred to be registered in Weatherby's Stud Book.

Warmth flooded her when she thought of all they had accomplished in such a brief span of time. Not only augmenting what the tenants provided in farming and forage, but supplying employment for the people of Sevenoaks.

Her heart full, Augusta stood with a view of the lake, the stables, and the main house, watching Quin lead the young black colt he'd name Night Flyer to her.

"He'll do," she said, grinning.

"He's eager and intelligent. Got good footing, too."

"You'd best take care," she said, happily receiving his kiss. "I've been told endurance is everything."

He grinned, his boyish charm still melting her heart as much as it did during their first encounter in Hyde Park. "‘Slow and steady wins the race.'"

"Aesop cannot help you now. He's spirited and looks ready to bolt."

"Nonsense." He raised the reins. "He'll be fine. He's under my lead."

A tickling glow of delight gripped her as their tête-à-tête came to a close. "The horse or our son?"

Just like that, a three-year-old tow-headed boy ran for the fence, laughing and hollering, "Papa!"

Quin handed her the reins to Night Flyer and comically raced after him. "John! You're a prime bit o' blood. Get back here or you'll miss your first lesson."

Laughing, she watched the two people she loved most in the world, happier than she ever thought possible, as her husband twirled their son in the air, then returned and deposited him on the colt's back.

"Never let go." He handed John the reins, patiently instructing him how to hold the leather straps in his tiny hands. "That is the first lesson a man must learn."

"Is it?" Their eyes met straightaway, and the unspoken conversation passing between them heightened her senses. Her heart flip-flopped, pounding in her ears, their first meeting in Hyde Park fresh in her mind. "I seem to recall a man in the park who couldn't hold on to a cane."

"A dolt, surely," he said. "A mawkish fellow skilled at making a cake of himself."

She stroked Night Flyer's mane, then glanced at their son, the spitting image of his father. "Do not dupe yourself into thinking you have no power. You won my heart when you offered to sacrifice your lips and prove you weren't a frog."

"Frog," John repeated as she leaned into the colt's mane, tilting her head up to Quin for a kiss. "Papa frog."

"No, sweeting," she said. "Papa is a lion."

"Lion!"

She gazed into Quin's welcoming eyes. "He's my own private lion."

John didn't find their interlude impressive. "More horse!"

Together, they led the colt in a circle, the stable hands cheering as they passed. John smiled broadly, happy to be the center of attention, but hanging on for dear life.

"The carriages are here!" Louisa made her way to them, breathlessly, closing the distance from the house, her face flush with excitement. "I'll take the boy back to the house so you can welcome your guests."

Quin lifted a squirming John from the saddle, then handed him off to Louisa, who swiftly carried him up the drive. Dust pillowed near the entrance to the main house, several black coaches stopping in succession and bearing the Steere crest. After a few tense moments, people emerged. She noticed Mama and Papa, Thenie and Kilverstone carrying a small child, Lottie and Grey, and a woman dressed in black who left no doubt as to her identity—Quin's cousin. Then, with bated breath, another figure emerged. Delphi! And a man and several younger versions of himself. All but Uncle Bertie had arrived safe and sound.

She couldn't wait to greet them for she had news of her own to share. They were expecting another baby.

Quin let out a contented groan and placed his arm around her, laying his chin on her head. "It's a fortunate morning when a man can spend time with the ones he loves."

"Yes," she said, laying her hand on her stomach and glorying in the hands of Fate. "Togetherness is the very ecstasy of love."