Epilogue

Three months later

U nder the shroud of darkness, Anna handed over the package and rested back in her carriage seat, careful to hide her curious expression.

Miss Ruthie Waitrose sat across from her. She hugged the package to her chest, her heavy sigh of relief the only noise breaking through this clandestine appointment.

"Thank you," she said softly, lifting her head. Dressed all in maudlin black and wearing a heavy, satin-covered bonnet that all but swallowed her face, the young woman looked like she was on her way to a funeral.

Not that one would take place in the middle of the night.

Anna would have laughed at the ridiculous drama if the moment wasn't so perplexingly odd. Yet again, she wondered why she'd agreed to any of this. Clearly, Ruthie Waitrose was up to no good—or at the very least, doing something she shouldn't be—and Anna was now an accomplice.

"Please don't look at me like that," Ruthie said, no doubt reading the alarm on Anna's face that couldn't be contained. "I won't tell anyone. And I'll be careful."

Anna laughed, though it tripped out nervously from her throat. "Why should I be worried?" she asked, feigning nonchalance. "I'm sure there's a perfectly good reason you needed to come to my home under the cover of darkness in order to pick up a handful of my brother's old clothes."

Anna's sarcastic tone was completely lost on her friend. For all her reassurances, Ruthie was too on edge. Her gamine body betrayed a strict tension, like she could snap at any second. "He won't mind, will he?" Her long fingers made wayward circles over the rough cotton bag she clutched in her lap. "I'd hate to put him out or get you in any kind of trouble."

Well, it's a little late to be worrying about that. Anna waved a hand in the air. "David won't even notice. As I said in my letter, he's on a boat for India as we speak." Anna leaned across the aisle of the carriage. Her knees bumped Ruthie, causing the girl to almost jump out of her seat. Poor Ruthie. A successful life of crime was not in her future. "Is there anything you want to tell me? Maybe I can help."

"You are helping," Ruthie replied quickly, pulling her shoulders back. "I can't thank you enough for this. I thought to ask my cousin for his, but"—even through the darkness, Anna could see the girl's cheeks turn crimson—"he's not as tall as I am."

Anna frowned, biting back a tsk before it escaped her mouth. Her suspicions were confirmed. For some inexplicable reason, Miss Ruthie Waitrose intended to wear David's clothes. But in the back of Anna's mind, she'd already guessed that. It was the where and why that had her stumped.

However, those questions would have to wait. Gravel rustled outside the carriage. Feet were growing restless. Anna's new husband was making his anxiety known. He desired this furtive meeting to be over and done with. So did Anna, for that matter.

Husband . Just thinking the word sent warm shivers of pleasure up her spine.

She felt Ruthie watching her. A shy smile showed on the young lady's face. "You look different, Anna," she said, cocking her head. "Good different. Oh, I'm sorry," she added with a laugh. "I should probably call you Lady Newton now."

More warm shivers. Anna and Jacob had only been married for two months, and the newness had yet to wear off. Lady Newton . Who would have ever thought?

"Anna is just fine," she replied. "It's all new to me too. Sometimes I wake up in the morning and forget until…" It was Anna's turn to burn red. She clamped her mouth shut, allowing her words to trail off. It probably wouldn't be proper to tell the unmarried woman about Jacob's lovely habit of waking her, something Anna now craved as much as her morning tea. "Never mind that," she rushed out, hearing more gravel being kicked up outside the carriage. Jacob was pacing.

She lowered her chin, leveling Ruthie with a stern look. "I am here for you—always," she said, hardening her tone. "If you ever need me, don't think twice about sending for help."

Ruthie squirmed in her seat. "Honestly, Anna, there's no need for this—"

"Just promise me," Anna cut in. "You are my friend, and I am choosing to respect your privacy. I won't ask what all this is about; I will wait until you are ready to tell me. Just… don't make me regret it."

Ruthie held her gaze. After a long pause, she nodded. "Thank you."

Anna's expression softened. She hated sounding like such an older sister, but old habits died hard. Besides, Ruthie didn't have an older sister to provide advice and guidance. This was a service Anna could provide, along with the bewildering clothes. "I told you. There's nothing to thank me for. David won't miss any of it."

"No," Ruthie said. Her eyes were round and large and took up most of her skinny face. Their earnestness struck Anna straight in the heart—and her conscience. "Thank you for saying you're my friend." She shook her head ruefully. "I wasn't sure."

Anna snorted, lifting her hands in exasperation. "If this isn't friendship then I don't know what is."

"I'll be careful," Ruthie added, laughing. "Now, I've taken up enough of your time. I must be getting back before Mother notices I'm gone. Off to bed with you, Lady Newton."

Anna rolled her eyes, reluctantly reaching for the door handle. "You as well, Miss Waitrose. Will I see you at the next club meeting?"

"Of course."

Anna opened the door and was about to exit when a nagging thought stopped her. She twisted back to her friend. "You won't be wearing my brother's clothes to the meeting, will you?"

Laughter bubbled from Ruthie's chest. "Can you imagine Myfanwy's face?"

Anna took the time to contemplate the scene. "You know… I don't think she'd mind."

"You know… I don't either," Ruthie agreed.

Their laughter flitted away into the crisp night air, and Anna shared one more warning look with her friend, imploring her to make prudent if not proper decisions. After she was certain the message was received, she exited the conveyance. Jacob was on her in an instant, helping her down the carriage steps and closing the door firmly behind her.

He wrapped an arm around Anna's waist as they watched the groom drive Ruthie away, not uttering a word until the carriage was out of sight.

For a moment, snuggled into her husband's cozy side, Anna almost believed the whole encounter was a dream, until Jacob's deep, highly skeptical voice pulled her back to reality. "Do I want to know what that was about?" he asked, directing them toward the house.

Anna hesitated, glancing over her shoulder one more time. Ruthie was gone. There was nothing more to be done. Anna only hoped she wouldn't regret acting a part in this little play. "I don't think so."

She rested her head against Jacob's shoulder, loving the way she could feel his chuckle vibrate through her skin. "I could make you tell me," he declared, his determination evident.

Anna kissed his shoulder. "You could," she replied evenly. "But you won't."

Her husband's put-upon sigh made her smile. "You know me too well. Still," he added grumpily, increasing the proprietary pressure of his hand along her hip, "no more nighttime rendezvous—with anyone other than me. It can't be good for you."

Anna placed her hand over his, intertwining their fingers. It continued to amaze her that she could never be close enough to him. "The doctor said that I'm perfectly fine. Fresh air is good for me."

"I doubt he meant it to be taken at midnight."

Anna giggled, though immediately sobered when she saw her husband's face. Jacob's expression was like thunder, serious and concerning and not a little bit frightening.

He was also wildly excited, and, of late, that emotion was exemplified by a fearsome, ever-present scowl.

Anna reached up and traced a light finger along his furrowed brow, coaxing the harsh lines from his forehead. He grabbed her hand, kissing the inside of her palm, breathing deeply, settling his worries.

"Did you tell her?" he asked quietly as if the secret—their secret—was so delicate and fragile that it could be challenged by a few little words.

Anna shook her head, feeling a deep flutter inside her. "No. It's still early… not the right time."

Jacob released her, but only so he could place both hands on her stomach, staring down in wonder at the miracle that was only just beginning to show on Anna's small, strong body. She knew he was waiting to feel the baby move inside her. That day couldn't come quickly enough.

She still couldn't believe that their love had created this life inside her. At the start of their marriage, she'd resolved herself to the fact that their family would always consist of them. But life had other plans. And this baby hadn't been shy about making its presence known. A month ago, the realization hit her like a wave. Anna's morning sickness lasted all day, and eating anything other than a few pieces of bread was out of the question. Her complexion reminded her of a dead fish, and her legs ached in the most random of places. And this was only the beginning. She still had so many months to go before she held a tiny, sweet baby in her arms. But Anna had never been happier.

Jacob's words were painfully shy when he finally spoke again. "Do you mind if it stays not the right time for a few months longer?"

Anna cocked her head curiously, enjoying her husband's bout of embarrassment. "Why?"

Jacob shrugged, spreading his fingers across her midsection. "I like having something that is just ours."

Anna's face split into a wide smile. "You don't think our child will be just ours ?" she teased.

"Of course not," he huffed indignantly. "It will be the aunts' and my mother's and your father's. This child will be inundated with love and attention the moment he's born. Everyone will want him all the time."

Anna arched an eyebrow. "Him?"

"Or her," Jacob replied quickly. "Either will do."

"Well, that's good, since those are the only options," Anna remarked dryly. She led him into their home. With everyone in their bedrooms, it was one of those times when the house was quiet and peaceful. After their wedding, the family had proposed to leave the couple alone for a few weeks, give them their space to grow into a true married couple, but Jacob and Anna had declined the offer. Newton Place could handle everyone, and she loved the constant hustle and bustle. She'd been alone for so long. Every member of her new family felt like links on a chain, only serving to make the unit stronger. Besides, whenever the house became too crowded, Anna and Jacob could retreat to their little cottage. It worked.

"You know," she said, "there are worse problems for a child to have—being hounded with love from his or her family."

"That's true," Jacob grumbled, though Anna could tell he needed more convincing. She lured him toward the stairs, towing him gently behind. "I just can't explain it. The child isn't even born and I have this incredible desire to be with it always, to teach it everything I know, to be the father that I never had, the father that I always wanted."

Anna's heart swelled. She turned to Jacob, cradling his face in her hands. It wasn't every day that he displayed his vulnerability so openly. She wanted to hold the burden for him, keep him safe from his self-doubt. "You will be, my love. You have nothing to fear."

"I just don't want to let you or this baby out of my sight—ever."

"Ever?"

"Ever," he repeated, nodding for good measure.

Anna climbed the staircase once more, a frown marring her tranquility. "And what about at night?"

Jacob's voice had regained its confidence. Clearly, he'd given this much thought. "The baby will sleep with us. Or next to the bed, if you prefer."

"And during the day?"

"I will carry him always, take him for walks, rides. I was thinking of fashioning a swath of fabric that would bind him to me to free up my hands. The ancient people used something similar. I've been doing much research on the subject."

Anna tripped on the step. Much research? They'd only known about the baby for four weeks!

"But what about being alone?"

"Alone?" Jacob said the word as if he'd never heard it before.

"Yes, alone." Anna would never admit to this, but she may have given her hips a little more sway as she ventured higher up the stairs. She may even have lowered her voice into a husky whisper that never failed to turn the tips of her husband's ears pink. It was lovely that he wanted to lavish their child with unbridled attention, but it was her that needed it now. "With me." Using the tip of one finger, she caressed the banister lightly, languidly as they climbed. "You will still want that, yes?" she purred seductively. "Still want me ?"

Anna felt his hands at her waist, but she pulled just out of reach. "What kind of a question is that?" he growled. Anna grinned to herself. Plain as day she could hear it. She could hear the wanting in his question. The hunger. She could also hear the wheels turning in his head.

"An honest one," she answered coyly. "After all, just a few months ago you were a man living as a Spartan in a hermit's cottage. Now you want to strap a baby to your chest morning, noon, and night."

Jacob cleared his throat. "Perhaps… Perhaps it wouldn't be such a bad idea to have family who want to watch over our child… every so often ."

"Oh?"

"Advantageous… really," he went on. "It probably isn't beneficial for a child to be with his parents every second of the day."

"Maybe you could do more research on it," Anna suggested, feigning concern.

"No, no, no" Jacob replied quickly. He was no longer being towed. He ate up the stairs next to his wife, his expression thoughtful. "No research is necessary. It's just pure sense," he remarked. "It would be in our best interest to allow the family to watch our child some of the time ."

"If you think it's best," Anna said, nodding. The couple reached the landing, and she finally allowed Jacob's wandering hands to catch her. His arms snaked around her middle and he nudged her down the corridor toward their bedroom door.

Too overcome with passion, Jacob didn't register the mischief on his wife's face. His words caressed her face seductively. "Now that I'm thinking about it, it would be unfair of us not to share our child with our family as much as possible ," he said, ducking his head into Anna's neck, placing little, haunting kisses over her sensitive skin. "I understand that having one's first child can be overwhelming. It will be important for us to make a little time for ourselves… to be alone."

"Alone can be a good thing," Anna squeaked as Jacob settled on her ear, tickling a line over her lobe with his expert tongue.

He shifted, and Anna heard his hand twist the knob. He held her upright as he swung the door open, lobbing her inside with a playful shove. "A very good thing, wife," he murmured. "Now let me demonstrate how good."