Epilogue

EPILOGUE

N ovember 1

"Are we nearly there?"

"Patience, my dear."

Meliah was anxious to find out what her husband had in store for her for their honeymoon. It was quite irregular that anyone might actually choose All Saints Day as the day for their marriage, but they had both agreed it was rather ironic in how it suited them, and that surely there was a bit of divine intervention involved in bringing them together.

The ceremony that morning had been simple, yet elegant. She had been nervous that something might happen that would ruin their special day, but both sides of their family seemed quite pleased with the union. Although it might take some time for the rest of society to come around to the fact an earl had married a weaver's daughter, her husband didn't seem to mind, and she had assured him time and again that she didn't care for balls and soirees, that as long as they had each other she was content.

As the carriage rolled to a halt, Meliah wished to remove the blindfold that Elwood had placed over her the moment they had left London. What she did enjoy was the pleasurable experience he'd given her on the way to their destination. It was the first time they had been intimate in some time and she had been yearning for his expert touch.

He certainly didn't fail her expectations. But thus far, he never had.

Her body heated just thinking of the next few days to pass. He vowed that neither of them would often leave the bedchamber and she was looking forward to it. He claimed that it was because he needed an heir as soon as possible, but she knew it was merely because he wanted to keep her alone. She had no complaints.

Once she was on the ground, his deep voice rumbled, "Are you ready to see your new home, my lady?"

It was still so strange for Meliah to think of herself with a title, but from the moment she had said, "I will," she had become Lady Meliah Tyburne, the Countess of Belmont. "You know the answer to that," she sighed impatiently.

He chuckled, but then he removed the covering around her eyes. She blinked to allow her eyes to adjust to the light, and then she glanced at him with a sparkle in her green eyes. "Belmont Hall. I daresay I've missed it greatly."

"I'm happy to hear that." He put his arm around her. "I hope we might make more wonderful memories here to cherish." He paused. "Of course, since are the mistress here, you are welcome to decorate it however you wish, or if you prefer?—"

She silenced him with a kiss. "I love you, and I love this wonderful house just as it was the day you brought me here and I stepped over the threshold. Now, take me to bed, my lord."

Arching a dark brow, he reached down and lifted her into his arms. "Anything for you, heart of my heart."

As he strode through the front door, he kicked it shut behind them.