EPILOGUE

D espite Mama’s best efforts, their wedding wasn’t one for the scandal sheets. It wasn’t the event of the year. In fact, it didn’t even take a care.

On the same day that he’d proposed, the day that Charlotte and Jasper had given every part of themselves to the other, Jasper had dropped her home then disappeared for a day.

She had had a brief moment of panic but then forced herself to calm down. He loved her. She loved him. Wherever he had gone, he would be back to her soon.

And she’d been right. He’d returned that very night with a special licence and a demand, rather than request, that Papa give his blessing.

As it turned out, her father hadn’t had the chance to give his blessing before Mama had been screeching loud enough to wake the dead, sobbing and gnashing her teeth that her daughter was to be a countess.

It had gone on for so long that Jasper had had to take his leave eventually, with a promise to return when she ran out of energy.

Mama had insisted on at least six months to plan the wedding. Jasper had kindly allowed her six days.

And so it was that on Christmas morning, here Charlotte stood, the new Countess of Fenwick.

The wedding had been beautiful with just Mama and Papa, the twins of course, who’d both been in fits of elation since it had been announced, and Gabe and Rafe in attendance.

Jasper had promised that they would travel to visit with Jane before he whisked her off to Europe for an extended honeymoon. He claimed he needed to put an ocean between himself and his new mother-in-law and Charlotte had happily agreed.

She heard the door to the bedchamber open and smiled to herself when she felt his arms wrap around her from behind, pulling her against the heated hardness of his chest. They’d been married only a day and yet he’d already shown her so much of the art of lovemaking, praising her as a most excellent student.

“What are you doing out of bed?” he whispered against her neck, his voice hoarse, the early morning sun falling over them both.

“I just wanted to watch the sunrise,” she whispered back before turning in his arms to wrap her own around his neck. “Merry Christmas, my love,” she said sweetly.

“Merry Christmas, wallflower,” he answered cheekily.

“A wallflower no longer,” she objected as he began to move them slowly toward the bed. “Didn’t you see how they all fawned over me at the wedding ball last night.” She rolled her eyes remembering the sycophantic way she’d been dragged into the fold now that she was the Countess of Fenwick.

“I did,” he answered, lying her down on the soft mattress before slowly climbing over her. “And I also saw when you instructed my Cook to replace the sugar in the wedding cake with salt.”

Charlotte shrugged, not one bit sorry that she’d caused half the ton to choke and spit all over themselves.

“Another point for the wolf, love. And I believe you’ve officially won the game.”

“I have?” she gasped, desperately trying to keep her wits about her as Jasper slowly stripped her of her wrap. “What is my prize to be?”

He looked up at her, his grin positively wicked. “Let me show you,” he rasped.

And then, he did.

The End.

About The Author

Nadine Millard is a writer hailing from Dublin, Ireland. She has always been an obsessive reader and thanks her lucky stars that she gets to write now, too.

Having worked in law for years, Nadine began writing when she became a stay at home mum to her three children.

Now she happily ignores all manner of practical, modern day chores in order to escape to a world of historical romance.

Acknowledgments

First and foremost, I need to thank my wonderful husband for being a rock when I most needed one.

My three children; everything I do, I do because I want to make you proud. Thanks for the inspiration and for being the biggest achievement I will ever know.

My family and friends, who have supported me both personally and professionally from day one.

Finally, thank you to my wonderful readers. It will never fail to amaze me that you will pick up my books and even love them. It’s the best feeling in the world and I look forward to many more years together on this wild and wonderful ride!

Also By Nadine Millard

THE RANFORD SERIES

An Unlikely Duchess

Seeking Scandal

Mysterious Miss Channing

THE REVENGE SERIES

Highway Revenge

The Spy's Revenge

The Captain's Revenge

THE ROYALS OF ALDONIA

The Hidden Prince

Protecting The Princess

Redeeming The Royal

THE SAINTS & SINNERS SERIES

The Monster of Montvale Hall

The Angel of Avondale Abbey

The Devil of Dashford Manor

The Saint of St. Giles

A LORD FOR ALL SEASONS

A Springtime Scandal

Midsummer Madness

A Forgotten Fall

A Winter Wedding

A Duke Never Tells

Seducing The Scoundrel

Daring The Duke

A Duke For December

A Wager Worth Winning

Scandal In The Snow

A Winter Wish

One Christmas With A Wallflower

To Thaw Her Heart

Christmas For Two

His Yuletide Bride

Her Accidental Groom

The Winter Wallflower

Her Christmas Scoundrel

The Trouble With Rogues

Married By May

Fortune Favours Miss Gold

Beauty & The Duke

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Find out more at nadinemillard.com

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