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Epilogue

Dela Chance’s private salon

A FORTNIGHT LATER

Witha hand on her new husband’s arm, Siobhan fairly floated on air. AllFletcher’s immediate family had come to London for their simple wedding except for Leonidas and Primrose, still on their honeymoon. His cousins Torrian and CortlandMarlow-Westbrook and Cortland’s family also attended.

Nevercould she have dreamed when her family moved to London, and she’d been forced to impersonate a boy that she’d become Mrs. FletcherWestbrook. Nor could she have imagined the warm welcome to the large family that she’d received.

Mostsurprising was the Duke and Duchess of Latham’s genuine cordiality which they had extended toward her since their timely arrival in London nearly two weeks ago. Neither of their graces seemed the least concerned that their son had married an Irish commoner. But then, their other daughters-in-law were Spanish, French, and Scottish.

TheWestbrooks seemed to enjoy turning society on its head with their unique brides.

BothHuxleys currently resided in NewgatePrison. LordHuxley had believed he’d fare better than his lunatic wife by turning on her, but his hands were too soiled to walk free. LadyHuxley probably ought to have been committed to an insane asylum, but such things took time, and in the meanwhile, she been placed where all attempted murderesses warranted.

Fletcherhad petitioned the courts to have the undesirable pair sentenced to a penal colony in Australia for life rather than hang for their offenses. He’d come by the idea after learning of her parents’ unjust sentence.

Onlytime would tell whether his plea for mercy would be honored.

Siobhanwasn’t certain she’d have been able to extend such benevolence.

Acrossthe crowded room, Rémi and NathaliaLemieux, Aurelie, Marchioness of Edenhaven’s niece and nephew, played marbles with Paddy and Kimber.

Trueto his word, Fletcher had managed to free Da and Maura from Newgate. He’d offered Da a position too. Da was now the head of security at Ivories and Aces. He, Maura, and the children occupied a suite at De la Chance for now.

Thin, but their faces beaming with pride, Da and Maura stood to the side, slightly overwhelmed at the grandeur and the presence of so many nobles. CormacO’Doherty, the villain who’d had them arrested in London, had also framed Da in Ireland for murder after losing a dice game, which is why the family had fled.

Aservant approached with a tray of champagne.

Fletcherselected two flutes.

Clearinghis throat, he raised his glass. “I wish to propose a toast.”

Aroundthe room, their family and friends also accepted champagne from the servants and faced him expectantly.

“To my wife. The most exceptional and courageous woman I have ever met. I am humbled she’d take a reformed rake like myself as her husband. ToSiobhan. To happy ever after.”

“Here, here.”

“ToSiobhan.”

“To happy ever after.”

Takinga sip, Siobhan blinked rapidly to dispel the tears pooling in her eyes. She didn’t miss the intimate looks between Fletcher’s parents or his married siblings and their spouses. TheWestbrooks weren’t the least bashful about expressing their love.

Siobhanrather liked that.

“’TisI who is blessed.” She met his amorous gaze and blushed. “You shouldn’t stare at me like that.”

“Like what?” If anything, Fletcher’s smile became impossibly more smoldering.

Littletremors of excitement skittered up her spine and sent butterflies fluttering in her belly. “As if you’d like to gobble me like a piece of barmbrack.”

Winking, he bent near her ear. “I have no idea what barmbrack is, but I definitely want to gobble you up.”

Thenthe daring devil nipped her earlobe, causing all her bones to turn to pudding.

GoodLord, on Sunday.