“This is not a mistletoe kiss, my love.” Freddie teased her by kissing her neck. “This is a betrothal kiss.”
And he showed her.
Epilogue
July 1819 - Penshaw Manor
Edward, Duke of Faraday, handed his duchess, Louise, down from their traveling coach in the drive.
“It was an excellent journey, my dear,” she said. “We have had the most wonderful weather and, I would daresay, there was not a bump or rut in the road the entire way.”
“I had all of them leveled just for you,” His Grace teased.
“You are never serious!” she chided then moved her gaze from her husband to take in the manor house before them. “Gracious! This looks quite splendid.”
Freddie waved from the window of the south parlor and strode to the front door to meet his guests.
The butler Sims opened the front door and took His Grace’s hat, cane, and travel coat. Freddie approached his father and shook his hand in welcome. Louise left her travel cloak as well.
“Her Grace and I are quite impressed with the work you’ve done on the house.” Edward looked his son in the eye. “I am very proud of your accomplishments. I hope you feel the same.”
“I do, Your Grace.” Freddie approached Louise and kissed her on one cheek then the other. “It is good to see the both of you.”
“Tell me, how is Rosalind?” Her Grace untied the ribbons of her bonnet.
“She is well. Come see for yourself she is just inside, here.” Freddie gestured down the corridor behind him. “We’ve been waiting for you.” He led the way. “Trevor and Clare will dine with us tonight as will her parents. I expect all of them to arrive in a few hours. There is a celebration of your visit in the village tomorrow where the tenants wish to properly greet you.”
“But they are not my tenants,” His Grace replied.
“No, but you are my father and they wish to display their newly refurbished homes.” Freddie leaned back to whisper, “They are very happy with the repairs, some of which have been major.”
“As was Penshaw itself. You’ve done a splendid job.” His Grace took in the foyer.
“A few of the living rooms are finished, as are some of the bedchambers, although much of the back of the house is still under construction.” Freddie motioned them forward.
Penshaw Manor had come a long way from the derelict house of his initial arrival. The foyer’s wainscot paneling had been replaced. The corridor, with its floor now repaired, and the south parlor, where he had first seen Hetta Morley’s makeshift kitchen, had been restored to its former glory.
The three entered the refurbished yellow-and-red parlor. Striped damask now hung on the walls, the plasterwork ceiling had been repaired, and the marble chimneypiece was scrubbed of all its cooking soot.
“Your Graces,” Rosalind greeted them from the comfortable stuffed chair next to the hearth. “Welcome!”
“Do not dare rise.” Edward stayed her with a gesture and entered the room.
“Please sit and we shall all become better acquainted.” Rosalind waited for Freddie to relieve her of the small bundle in her arms.
“In our travel dirt!” Her Grace protested.
“I do not think I can wait a moment longer, my dear.” Edward sat on the sofa and drew his wife down next to him.
“Your Grace, may I introduce to you Lucian Edward Worth?” Freddie lowered his son into his father’s arms. Rosalind stood and moved to her husband’s side and he placed his arm around her.
“How do you do?” Edward gazed at the bundle in his arms. The fuzzy-headed cherub waved his fists and made gurgling sounds.
Louise leaned over to see the baby for herself. “So you are the future ninth Duke of Faraday.”
About the Author
Shirley Marks loves to write entertaining stories about happily ever afters. She has written ten historical romances—including her popular Gentlemen of Worth series—and several contemporary romantic comedies. When she’s not writing, she devotes her time at home to reading, gardening, and her family.
A Rake Reformed (A Gentleman of Worth Book 6) Page 20