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Epilogue
Bertram rode to his home, feeling the weariness slip away as he thought about seeing his son and his wife again. It had been an exhausting five days of interrogations, negotiations, and arguments. The French had already been in contact, and were now locked in talks with the commander over thechevalier. Considering they had norealevidence of attempted murder of anyone save a former French agent, it was likely that the French would be able to barter for his freedom.
It filled Bertram with bitterness, every time he remembered the man with a knife to Letty’s throat. The thought that such a dangerous man infiltrated his house as a mere footman…
“Bertram!”
“Papa!”
He looked up to see George and Letty hurrying towards him, their faces alight with pleasure.
“You’re home.”
He reached out, pulling her close to plant a kiss on her lips before leaning down to pick George up and throw him in the air, much to his delight.
“We did not expect you so soon.”
Bertram shrugged. “There was not much left for me to do. The English nationals have been thrown in gaol and await trial. Yourchevalier,however, may not face any consequences on English soil if negotiations with the French are successful. They are talking about prisoner exchange.”
Letty waved a hand. “I supposed as much. The important thing is that they will all leave us be now.”
Bertram nodded slowly as the realization hit him. “That is true.” He gave a deep sigh, “I am thinking of resigning my commission now that I am a married man. I think I owe it to my family to be present as much as possible.”
Letty beamed. “That would be lovely.” Her face fell, “Unless you’re doing it because you think they will not trust you, now that I am your bride.”
Bertram snorted. “Not at all. I think that everyone is guilty enough of lying that there are no high horses to be on. How is your mother doing?”
“Oh, she and Mrs. Gendry seem to have formed a fast friendship. She can stay with us, can she not, Bertram?” She gazed at him with wide eyes, resembling a puppy and making it impossible for him to refuse her anything.
“She is welcome to stay as long as she likes. We can offer her use of the dower house.”
“Oh? But she is not the dowager.”
“But sheisyour mother.”
Letty smiled, her expression dreamy with happiness. “Yes, she is.” She turned her smile on him, “Come and sit, you must be tired. It’s a good thing I made some honey cakes today.” She ushered him into the drawing room and seated him, George settling comfortably beside him. “I’ll get those cakes.”
She peered at George, with a mock pout. “Now George, you must promise not to eat them all.”
“I promise,” he piped up with a smile.
* * *
It was their first night in their home as a married couple and only the second time that they would sleep together. Letty’s hands shook with nerves as she fiddled with the laces of her night gown. She picked up her hair brush and ran it through her hair one more time before getting to her feet with a nervous sigh.
Bertram was already in bed, reading a book as he waited for her. The weight of her own expectations slowed her down as she pushed the curtain of her dressing room aside and stepped into the bed chamber. She’d been sleeping in that bed all alone, for five nights dreaming of her husband and the way in which he’d touched her. Now he was here and she was frozen with fear.
He put down his book and turned to her with a smile. “Well? Will you stand there all night or will you come here and let me hold you?”
“T-the second one,” she breathed.
He huffed in amusement, holding out his hands. “Come here, then.”
Slowly she walked towards him, letting him take her hand and pull her onto the bed. His hand closed over her pulse. “Your heart is going quite fast my dear. Are you afraid?”
She sucked in a deep breath. “Terrified.”
He laughed out loud, pulling her close and fusing their lips together. “No need to be afraid. It’s only me,” he whispered against her mouth.
