Epilogue

A week had passed, and Dustin hadn't gotten used to sitting at the head of the table yet. It had been his father's seat, and he didn't feel right to fill it without clearing his name. But now it was his seat because he was the duke. And on his right was his duchess. For her, he'd stayed. For her, he'd do anything.

On his left, John poured himself another cup of tea. "So, I will bring Herbert back to Eton and then go to—"

"You must stay, John." Dustin felt alarm, pricking up his chest. "I don't know what the people need or how to run the estate."

"You're the duke. I'm nothing, Cousin. I have to go."

"You are my family, and your place is here at Starcliff Castle. We have more than enough bedrooms."

"Dustin, there can't be two Dukes of Duncan. I've repaid the royal debt that your father was tricked out of with the bad silver deals, but I have some debts of my own to collect."

"I was wrong to think that I was solving a problem by stopping the bad amalgam mix—"

"No, Dustin. We have to work on both fronts to restore our heritage. I'll see to it in London." John looked over his shoulder. "And you know the Black Widow has something in store for me that I won't refuse."

"That doesn't mean that we cannot do this together. I was thinking, John, that I could restore some of our name right here. Treat the locals and run a practice from—"

"Are you trying to turn Starcliff into a hospital?" John half-mocked Dustin. Their relationship was comfortable, like in old times.

"I'm a dentist, not a surgeon." Dustin glanced over his other shoulder to the beautiful duchess by his side. She giggled and whispered with her sister, who'd stayed after the wedding.

"They are plotting something," John said. "Mark my words, we will fall prey to them."

Dustin agreed, but right now he needed to focus on the future. "John, our family name is a legacy we shall both carry on. Not just for ourselves, but also for Herbert."

"I will help you to catch Corrigan, Dustin. I'll help with anything I can for the dukedom."

"Thank you for staying for me, John," Dustin said but when he followed John's gaze, it didn't go toward Herbert but Melissa.

"Did you see that, too?" Lexi leaned and whispered to Dustin.

"I'm afraid to say ‘yes.'" Dustin suppressed a grin. Something had been kindled between his cousin and Lexi's sister. "I'm afraid to get in the Prince Regent's Way. I'd fear for John's life."

"I think that's exactly where he ought to go." Lexi gave him a knowing smile. She'd learned so much since their wedding night and Dustin had so much more to show her. Yet, he had the sinking feeling that everything that they did was later discussed between Lexi and Melissa.

"You know, Mrs. Dove-Lyon spoke to John after I left. A few weeks ago in London," Dustin remembered. "She said something about a happy end for John."

"I'm certain that she'll arrange it for him," Lexi said. Dustin watched her focusing on the nearly visible line from Melissa's eyes to John's. Whatever they had was practically palpable. "But it's going to be quite a story."

"I have a feeling we shall find out soon," Dustin said with a smile. "But first, let me show you something else." He produced the little pouch that Mr. Klonimus had sent via special courier. "I promised you my fortune in our vows, Lexi. This ring alone is worth more than the estate. It was my mother's, and it would be an honor if you'd wear it."

"But you said…" Lexi brushed a tear from her cheek. "You said—"

"It doesn't matter what I said. You are my greatest treasure." And with these words, Dustin slipped the jewelry onto her finger. It had been an earring, but he had it turned into two rings, one for him and one for John. Whoever John would share his fortune with—and Dustin had an inkling—he wanted to make sure his cousin always had collateral for his fortune. No longer would the Duncans run or hide who they were.

"Everything will be fine, I just know it." Lexi beamed at Dustin and then rested her head on his shoulder as he wrapped his arm around her. "You have quite the golden touch."