Epilogue

TWO YEARS LATER

“Y ou have to stay still,” Edward said to Violet for the fifth time in a matter of minutes.

She huffed as she tried to keep herself from squirming. It was difficult to remain motionless when he viewed her with such intensity.

In a million years, she wouldn’t have envisioned herself the subject of a nude portrait, and when first she discovered he wanted to paint her, she had unequivocally refused. He hadn’t mentioned it again, but the seed had been planted, and she’d occasionally wondered how he’d portray her.

On their second anniversary, she’d brought it up, and he’d been quite eager. In the weeks since, she’d posed enough times that she knew what to expect. His gaze flicked back and forth from his canvas to her body, each time causing a wave of desire to flow through her veins. Being caressed by his eyes was not the same as being touched by his hands, but the attraction between them still crackled every time he looked up.

It was difficult to refrain from demanding that he put down his brush and cover her body with his. The only thing that stopped her was the knowledge that eventually he would do exactly that. “It hasn’t escaped my attention that you painted me at the seaside almost entirely from memory, while you’ve requested I lay in repose a dozen times since you started this portrait.”

The corners of his mouth turned up. “That was different. This time I must capture your expression, which is infinitely more difficult.”

“My expression?” It was hard to showcase her doubt with just her voice, but she gave it her best shot.

“And…other details.”

“Details.” She snorted. “I believe you simply like having me sprawled out like a delicacy you can sample at your will.”

He chuckled. “That goes without saying.”

His gaze darted between the painting and her prone body, until suddenly his brows drew together, and his brush paused midair.

“What?” she asked.

“You’re too beautiful for me to concentrate any longer.” He dropped his brush and prowled across the room. Falling directly on top of her, he used his arms to brace his weight so that he didn’t crush her. Then he leaned down to brush his lips across hers but was halted from doing more by a knock at the door.

“Bollocks,” he whispered.

“Edward,” a muffled voice called through the door.

“Belinda.” He shot to his feet, his voice rising. “Give me a moment.”

The door handle rattled, and Edward groaned. “What is she doing here?”

“Thank heavens I locked the door,” Violet added, as she quickly rose and wrapped herself in a lavender dressing gown.

Edward shook his head and sighed, going to his easel to cover the painting. “She has the worst timing.”

“Not the worst.” Violet laughed. “If she’d been a couple minutes later…”

“The worst timing,” he repeated, as he went to pull open the door.

As soon as she could, Belinda sailed into the room. “Violet.” She halted, her eyes narrowing. “I didn’t expect to find you in here. Is Edward painting you?”

“He is,” Violet replied.

“Ah. How exciting.” She paused and then shook her head slightly. “I’m glad you’re here. I require…assistance.”

Edward’s brow shot up. “Assistance?”

“Yes. Jane wants me to attend her debut. She’s quite insistent.”

“And you don’t want to?” Violet asked.

Since their marriage, she and Edward had only attended a handful of social events during the Season. Isabelle had chosen not to enter society, at least not yet, and since Louisa was still too young, she’d decided to stay with Edward and Violet while the family was in London, so they were even more unlikely to attend functions than normal, but Edward would not miss Jane’s official introduction. Support for his sisters was still one of his highest priorities.

“If it was just the ball, I wouldn’t hesitate, but she’s gotten it into her head that we can parade about London together, and she’s going to attempt to find me a husband .”

Edward stilled. “She knows you don’t intend to marry.”

“She doesn’t care. I don’t know if she’s nervous, or it’s something else, but she’s driving me absolutely crazy.”

“Have you talked to Sebastian?” Edward asked, his confusion evident.

“Of course.” She flung her hands in the air. “He said it is up to me whether I attend or not.”

“Well then, tell Jane you don’t want to go,” he responded, as if he still didn’t understand the problem.

It seemed like a viable solution to Violet, but Belinda shook her head and said, “I can’t.”

Edward’s eyebrows shot up. “Since when do you have trouble saying no?”

“It isn’t that simple. She misses Louisa, and she’s decided I will do as an alternative.”

“You are not an alternative, you are her sister too.” Edward’s hands went to his hips. “Plus, Louisa only moved here three days ago.”

“And Jane has spent all three days focused on me. It’s too much.”

“Jane saw Louisa last night at dinner.”

“Ugh.” Belinda groaned. “I know, but Jane is upset with Louisa, and she’s focused on her debut, so they aren’t as close as they once were.”

An idea formed. Violet wasn’t sure it would help, but she had to make the offer. “Do you want to stay here too? Would that be easier for you?” Their townhouse was much smaller than the Earl of Greydon’s, but they would happily welcome Belinda into the fold for as long as she liked.

“No.” She looked beseechingly at her brother. “I want you to tell me that everything will work out.”

“What?” Edward’s eyes widened.

“After father died, that is what you always told me. I don’t think either of us believed it, but ultimately it was true, and I need that certainty now. As you say, Jane is my sister, and I want to be what she needs. No one has ever needed me, not like this, and I don’t want to fail her.” She reached up and brushed a single tear off her cheek. “I need to be positive that I will not ruin her debut.”

“Belinda. We’ve always needed you.” Edward put his hand on her shoulder. “And you cannot fail, because no matter what, our family stands together. If something goes awry, we support each other, and eventually, everything does work out.”

“Yes.” She closed her eyes. “Thank you.” Leaning forward, she rested her head on his shoulder. It wasn’t an embrace, but it was close.

Violet met Edward’s eyes from across the room, unsurprised by the emotion swelling in them. His unwavering care for the people he loved was one of the things she loved most about him. It was difficult to believe there had ever been a time when she hadn’t wanted his affection.

And there would never be a time where she took it for granted.

It meant everything to her.