Epilogue

EPILOGUE

Ten days later

Marriage Celebration Dinner

G wen gathered with her friends in the library at her parents’ house following dinner. The other women were in the drawing room while the men were having their port. Gwen’s friends had insisted they needed a few minutes to share a private conversation—and a gift.

The best part of the dinner was the surprise attendance of both Persephone and Pandora. It was Persephone’s first social engagement since having her baby, and likely the only one she would make for the rest of the Season. She hadn’t wanted to miss the celebration.

But Pandora coming from Bath was the greatest gift. Gwen was thrilled to have everyone together, including the newest member of their set, Jo. She and Pandora had already become fast friends.

“It’s time for your gift, Gwen,” Pandora said with a broad smile. She handed her a wrapped parcel, but Gwen already knew what it was.

Tearing open the paper, she was thrilled to see her very own embroidered copy of the rogue rules. The design was decorated with books. “Of course you stitched books in the corners,” she said, trying not to cry.

“Of course,” Pandora said. “Now, how many of those did you break with Somerton?” she asked with a wink.

Scanning them though she knew them by heart, Gwen said, “All but the last.” There had been no reason to ruin Lazarus, for there was never any fear that he would ruin her.

“Naughty!” Pandora winked at her as she laughed, and everyone joined in.

“Will you be staying in London, Pandora?” Ellis asked.

Pandora nodded. “For a while. I’d come when Jonathan was first born, but I should have stayed longer, so I’ll remain with Persey and Wellesy for a few weeks at least. But do not ask me to attend anything. I am not entering Society.”

Gwen could understand why. Still, she hoped that someday Pandora might be able to find a man she could love, who would treasure and honor her as she deserved.

Persephone looked to Min. “How is Sheff handling the loss of yet another dear friend to the shackles of matrimony?”

“Terribly,” Min said with a snort. “One would think Somerton had died .” She paled suddenly and looked away from everyone.

“What’s wrong?” Persephone and Tamsin asked practically in unison.

Ellis patted Min’s arm and looked at everyone. “It’s best if we don’t discuss it.”

“Did someone die?” Gwen asked, thinking the word “died” had prompted Min’s reaction.

“Yes,” Min said quietly. “But no one you know.”

“You should tell them,” Ellis said. “Even Pandora.”

Gwen shot a look at Pandora whose jaw tightened.

“Who died, Min?” Pandora asked.

Min met her gaze. “Bane’s wife died in childbirth recently.”

“How awful,” Persephone said, her features stricken as she reached for her sister’s hand.

Pandora gripped her and swallowed. “That is truly sad. I am sorry for him. What of the babe?”

“She also died,” Ellis said. “We just found out yesterday and wondered if we should say anything. This is a happy occasion, and anyway, it’s Bane.”

“He still deserves our pity,” Tamsin said.

Everyone seemed to send tentative looks toward Pandora. She nodded once. “Yes, he does.” Taking a deep breath, she summoned a serene smile. “But let us do that another time. Tonight is about Gwen and Somerton and the start of their happy life together. We should return to the drawing room so we can toast their marriage.”

They all agreed and rose. Gwen looked at her embroidery once more, then gave Pandora a fierce hug. Her arm was still a little sore now and again, but the stitches had been removed and the physician had declared it was healing nicely.

“Thank you, Pan,” Gwen said softly. “I love it. And you.”

“I am so happy for you,” Pandora said. They parted smiling, and Gwen hoped the news of Bane’s wife and babe wouldn’t trouble her friend.

They returned to the drawing room just as the men came up from dinner. Toasts were made, and by the time Gwen and Lazarus were on their way home, she was feeling a bit tipsy.

“Did you hear about Bane’s wife?” she asked as she snuggled against her husband.

“I did,” he said in a low voice. He pressed a kiss to her temple. “It was rather sobering news. I feel quite badly for him.”

“I do too. Rogue or not, no one deserves that.”

“Agreed. I wonder if he will return to London. Only Sheff has seen him since he moved to the north when he wed, and that was last summer.”

“I suppose time will tell,” Gwen said. “Does this make you nervous for me to have our child?”

“I’d be lying if I said no, but I would be nervous anyway. It’s a great imposition to carry and bear a child. It’s unfair that you have to shoulder the entire burden.”

Gwen laughed. “I am sure we can find ways for you to share it with me. But we’ve time to work that out. Or not. At the rate we keep coupling, I may be carrying next month.”

Lazarus grinned. “I hope that isn’t a complaint.”

“Not at all. In fact, if the trip to our house were just a little longer, I might like to give coach sex a try.”

Groaning, Lazarus kissed her deeply. “I shall plan an excursion to Richmond for Wednesday. We will have coach sex and picnic sex and tree sex.”

“Tree sex?”

Lazarus kissed her throat. “Vertical.”

Gwen giggled. “I can hardly wait.”

Ready for the next installment in the Rogue Rules?

Pressured by his parents to take a wife, Clive Halifax, Earl of Shefford selects the most inappropriate bride he can find: the outspoken daughter of a gaming hell owner.

Don’t miss Jo and Sheff’s story in AS THE EARL LIKES coming in October!

In the meantime, check out the first book in my new historical mystery series, Raven & Wren. Don’t miss A WHISPER OF DEATH coming July 30!