“She’s been traveling the continent. I’m glad to hear she’s back,” Thomas said. He leaned down and kissed his son on the top of his head. Then he sat next to his wife and kissed her softly on the lips. “I love you, Frankie.”
“My life feels like a fairytale, and I often pinch myself to make sure this isn’t a dream. I went for so many years without anyone to love or who could love me in return, until Maggie. I thought that was all there would be for me. But then, I returned to the Duke of Clarence’s ball and there you were. I am the luckiest of women. Today I have the most wonderful family…a loving husband, a beautiful son and daughter, and our precious Willow.”
“I feel the same way, my darling. I thought I had lost you forever. Luckily, that is not the case.” He reached into his pocket and withdrew a folded piece of vellum. “I heard from Slade today. It seems there is news of the Widow Deville. So far, she has managed to hold onto her head—although I don’t know how. The dowager testified about the odd confession she overheard, and an apothecary who sold her the arsenic testified. The widow strongly denies having done it. But a physician said the men died with symptoms consistent with arsenic poisoning. The court gave tremendous weight to the dowager’s testimony. That testimony, along with her other misdeeds, moved her residence to the Tower. They are sending her case to the Prince Regent for his input since she is a member of the peerage.”
“I would like to say I feel bad for her, but I cannot. The wretched woman made a profession of wreaking mayhem and destruction. I’m just thankful the dowager was able to expose her. Lady Deville nearly ruined my reputation and caused us years of unhappiness.”
Thomas leaned in and kissed her deeply. “I cannot even think of my life without you and these children.”
Maggie tugged on Thomas’ waistcoat. “Daddy, I’m ready to see the ducks.”
Thomas looked Frankie in the eyes. “Plan on continuing this discussion when I return, and I plan toshowyou how much I love you,” he whispered.
“I will hold you to that, husband,” Frankie said, kissing him.
“Papa, I have the bread all ready.”
“All right angel, let’s go.”
“Say hello to the ducks and the black swan,” Frankie said, rocking Jason.
“We will,” Maggie said, scampering out the door, Willow trotting behind her.
* * *
