“Oh, this was well worth the early morning,” Isadora sighed happily, running her hand over her horse’s neck. “That wassowonderful.
“I just wanted to see you happy,” Evan admitted.
Isadora blew him a kiss from afar. “We should make this routine. Just riding, you and me.”
“I think we can do that,” Evan agreed.
“Yes, and it will give us something to do together as well. If we cannot have children…” Her voice was still light, though Evan stiffened at the words. “… perhaps we can have more horses instead.”
At that moment, Evan felt overcome by an overwhelming desire to embrace her.Howcould anyone be this pure, and gentle? She had conceded to his demands of no children, and she had agreed to settle for a horse.
Onlyfor his sake, only because she understood that Evan had too much trauma from his past. If that was not unconditional love, then Evan did not know what was.
I will change for you,Evan promised her in his head.I will not let my past control me any longer.
“Did I say something strange?” Isadora spoke up again. “Why did you go so quiet?”
“No reason,” Evan shrugged, the biggest smile spreading across his lips. “I was just thinking about how much I love you.”
Isadora blushed instantly. “You know I love you more.”
EPILOGUE
One Month Later
“My, my. You are really giving the ladies of the ton some competition,”Penelope teased Isadora.
Her family had arrived at Giltenburg estate for a ball that Isadora was hosting. She had spent the last few weeks preparing for them, and it felt good to be acknowledged for all her hard work.
“There is simply no competition,” Evan said from behind Isadora, where he had just appeared with a glass of wine in his hand. He had not left her side all evening, being the perfect supportive husband. “We should make that much clear.”
“Ah, well, how can I argue with the Duke?” Penelope smiled.
Penelope had thanked Evan profusely after the kidnapping and ransom episode. Since then, the two had grown closer as well, their union transforming into a healthy sister-in-law and brother-in-law relationship. If anything, Evan was proving to be the older brother that Penelope had never had.
“Smart girl,” Evan nodded. “You must take after your sister.”
“Oh, of course,” Penelope grinned. “I owe her everything that is even slightly good about me.”
“Well, if you were truly smart,” Isadora started, pointedly, “you would utilize this ball to find yourself a great match.”
“Oh, I am not sure about that.” Penelope shook her head. “You know how I feel about balls now. I only agreed to come since you were hosting it.”
Isadora exchanged a worried glance with her husband. Now that everything had gotten settled in her own life, she wished for her sister to get the same happiness. Penelope, of course, was stubborn and had plans of her own.
“Don’t worry, darling,” Evan whispered in her ear. “It is not wise to push her on the matter. If the worst comes to the worst, then I shall find her a great match myself.”
“You with your rather colorful company?” Isadora teased.
“Oh, you know I am a reformed man ever since you have entered my life,” he winked.
Just then, Lord Morton approached them.
“Thank you for coming, Father,” Isadora said. Even though their relations were strained, Isadora knew that she had to at least give him respect.
George looked at her then. To Isadora’s surprise, his usual scowl softened into something resembling approval. He had arrived late, no doubt expecting to find fault in everything she had arranged.
Butmaybethis time there was nothing for him to criticize. Even the most seasoned hostesses of the ton cast her admiring glances as Isadora had made sure not to leave anything less than perfect.
