Epilogue

"Where are you taking me, Theodore?" Agnes felt blindly about with her free hand. She had the other wound around her husband's neck as he carried her, blindfolded, in his arms.

They'd ridden out on the same mount. And he'd had her blindfolded throughout.

Now he wouldn't let her walk to this mysterious destination of theirs.

"If I tell you, it wouldn't be a surprise anymore," he replied. And his excitement matched the anticipation she felt.

"We're here," she finally felt him stop.

And when he took off her blindfold at last, Agnes heard a gasp escape her. She stared in awe at her new but familiar surroundings.

They were at the ruins of Gillingham castle.

And the great hall was awash with flowers of all kinds and colors.

"I am restoring the castle for you, Agnes," he declared before reciting a rather impressive poem.

A Marchioness needed a castle, and he was giving this to her, the poem said.

"Have you been working on your poetry in secret, Theodore?" Agnes was impressed.

"My poetry has always been good," he gave a smug shrug. And she laughed.

"This is beautiful, Theodore," she took in the ruins once again.

"It still needs a lot of work before you can say that, Agnes," he chuckled.

"Still," she insisted. "Thank you, Theodore," she added.

Tears of joy stung the back of her eyes.

"Thank you," he returned.

Agnes let her gaze travel around them once more, taking in the profusion of beautiful blooms.

"Did you raid Mrs. Davis's green house for the flowers?" She quipped.

"There, and Farmer Grovel's," he responded.

"The gardens also supplied some," he added.

"Why, they're from all over," Agnes chuckled.

"You deserve it all, darling," he said.

Agnes felt another burst of excitement course through her for what she was about to say next.

"As a matter of fact, I also have a gift for you, Theodore," she declared.

The anticipation about him was palpable. And he looked round as though expecting to find his gift lying about somewhere...

...Agnes let her hand fall to her waist then before she announced,

"I am pregnant, Theodore."

His eyes were practical saucers right now for how wide they grew.

"Mrs. Davis confirmed it this morning," she added.

And the happiness about him brought tears to her eyes again.

"This is the best gift a man could ever dream of, Agnes," he said. "Thank you," his voice was thick with emotion which mirrored her own.

"Is Mrs. Davis certain?" He asked.

"Perhaps we should bring a physician too. Just to be sure. And to make certain you're all right too. And the baby..." he gushed.

Agnes laughed at his excitement now.

"Mrs. Davis is certain, Theodore. But you can bring the physician as well," she said.

And he swept her into his arms once again.

"I love you, Lady Gillingham," he said.

"And I cannot thank you enough for completing my life," he added.

The tears she'd tried to keep at bay finally fell freely. And Agnes couldn't be more grateful.