Epilogue

Epilogue

New Year’s Eve

Ian swept Selene into his arms, grinning down at her, tucking her white veil behind her head. “Are you ready for me to take you over the threshold… wife?”

Selene laughed with pure joy, gazing up at her new husband, as they hovered outside the duke’s chambers. Images from the magical day tumbled through her mind: the ceremony in the chapel at Trenton House, where Lenore had been ring bearer.

Reverend Wellington, Emma’s father, had married them, declaring them man and wife, with a beatific smile upon his face. Their first kiss as man and wife, when everyone assembled had whooped with joy.

She would always remember the moment when she had reached him at the altar, when her father had let go of her arm and given her hand to Ian. The way he had looked at her… as if she were the only woman in the world. He had leaned over, whispering in her ear.

“I am so proud to become your husband,” he said, his eyes wet with tears. “You have healed me, my love. And you are the most beautiful vision I have ever beheld.”

Selene could barely breathe. Her heart was overflowing with such love for him that she truly felt it would burst. She still couldn’t believe that she was there… and that she was about to become his wife—The Duchess of Trenton.

How did this happen to a poor girl who became a governess?

The wedding breakfast had been held in the great hall, festooned with winter flowers and twinkling candles. The magical first dance, when Ian had swept her away across the dance floor, drowning in his eyes. Her heart shifted to see Emma and Captain Redford getting up to dance together, knowing that before too long, their dear friends would know this same happiness.

But the highlight of the day had been when Lenore had stood up, making a little speech before they cut the cake, telling everyone, in a faltering voice, how much she loved her new stepmother, and how grateful she was to her for her love and support. There hadn’t been a dry eye in the hall.

Selene’s eyes misted as she recalled that speech.

“I am so happy that my father made Miss Bomind my governess,” Lenore had said, in a timid voice. “For she was the only governess I ever liked.” There drew much laughter. Lenore turned to Selene, looking straight at her. “And now I love you. Thank you for taking me to see the robin’s nest every morning and believing in me… and thank you for becoming my new mother.”

Selene had rushed over to her new stepdaughter, hugging her tightly, barely able to stop herself from bursting into tears. All her hard work had paid off. And she couldn’t wait to be a real mother to Lenore now.

And now, the wedding guests were gone. Lenore was staying with Emma and her family for the evening. And the night belonged to just the two of them.

“Yes,” she whispered breathlessly. “More than ready… husband.”

Ian’s grin widened, kicking the door open. Selene gasped with shock.

The bed chambers had been transformed into a glowing wonderland, filled with the same winter flowers as the hall. The heady perfume was intoxicating. Candles were flickering everywhere. On the bed, there were white petals strewn. And in an ice bucket stood a bottle of champagne, next to two tall flutes.

“What?” she gasped, turning to her face to her husband. “Oh, my!”

He laughed with delight. “You may thank Mrs. Kittles for this,” he said. “She spent hours on it. She said it was her wedding gift to us.”

“Dear Mrs. Kittles,” said Selene, shaking her head in wonder. “What a treasure she is.”

“As are you,” he breathed, nuzzling her face. “A glass of champagne to toast the day… before I take you to bed to ravish you?” His eyes were smoldering. “I have wanted to rip that gown off you since I first laid eyes on you in the chapel. You look absolutely breathtaking.”

Selene giggled. “Oh, please do ravish me. I simply cannot wait.”

He put her down gently on the ground, kissing her neck. Selene closed her eyes in bliss. Then Ian popped the champagne bottle, filling the flutes with the bubbling liquid, handing her one.

“To us,” he whispered, gazing deeply into her eyes.

“To us,” she reiterated, barely able to breathe.

“I wanted you to know that Eaton has been convicted,” he said slowly, looking pained. “His sentence for what he did to you was handed down yesterday. I received a letter today.” He paused. “Lord Mastiff wrote a letter wishing us all the best for the day. He did not mention anything about his daughter.”

Selene nodded, taking a deep gulp of champagne. “None of them can bother us any longer,” she said, her heart shifting in her chest. “They tried to separate us but failed. I do not hate them. In fact, I feel sorry for them all. They are such wretched creatures, filled with hate, driven by revenge.”

“You know, that is why I love you so much,” he declared, his eyes shining. “Your ability to forgive and your determination to never let anything dampen your warmth and light.” He paused. “You are a wonder, Selene. You have utterly transformed me.” His eyes narrowed with desire. “And I simply cannot wait another moment to ravish you.”

Selene’s mouth went dry. He took the flute out of her hand, placing the glasses on a side table. Then he pulled her into his arms, turning her around, so that her back was against him, pulling the bodice of her gown off her shoulders in one swift movement.

Selene shuddered with delight as he kissed and nibbled her neck and shoulders, his hands reaching around for her breasts, tweaking the nipples to hardened peaks. She moaned, tumbling against him, her mouth falling open.

His legs were snaking up her legs, gathering her gown around her waist. She was ready for him now—had been ready for him the whole day, a long, slow burning desire, which had grown and magnified.

“I cannot wait,” he growled into her neck. “I must have you…”

“Take me,” she breathed, pushing herself against him, feeling his manhood, hard and firm and proud, jutting against her insistently. “Please. I beg of you…”

He pushed her against one of the bed posts, entering her swiftly. She cried out at the first plunge into her depths, shuddering with pleasure, as they moved against one another in that eternal rhythm of life.

She was climbing swiftly to heaven, the sensations intensifying, bursting upon her like stars exploding in the sky, as he cried out, gripping her tightly, his own release filling her body.

They tumbled onto the bed together, spent, the petals crushing beneath them, releasing their sweet perfume into the air, crawling into each other’s arms.

Selene could hear the soft fall of the snow outside, the crackle of the fire in the grate. She nuzzled against him, breathing him in. The Iron Duke. Her husband. The only man she would ever love.

It had been a fraught and dangerous adventure, but she wouldn’t change any of it. How could she? When it had brought them together. Forever.

THE END?

Extended Epilogue

Do you want to know how the relationship between Selene and Ian unfolds in the future?

Then make sure to check out this complimentary short story featuring our beloved couple!

Click the link or enter it into your browser

https://henriettaharding.com/selene

(After reading the Extended Epilogue, turn the page to read the first chapters from “A Scandalous Agreement with an Earl” , my Amazon Best-Selling novel!)