Epilogue
It was a trial each day to leave his bedroom, when all he wanted to do was keep his wife abed and pass the morning delighting in all the activities the bed could facilitate. But there were things that needed to be accomplished, and . . . well, there was always the night. Anticipation wasn’t a bad thing either. It only produced more enthusiasm.
Not that he needed any encouragement in that regard. Nor did his wife.
But that morning, reluctant as he was to leave their rooms, he found an interesting missive on this study desk, one that he’d been waiting for with great anticipation.
He used the wooden letter knife and slid open the wax seal of Ramsey Scott, Marquess of Sterling, and eagerly opened the letter.
His face broke into a grin as he read the account of all that had transpired in London on the knowledge of the sudden marriage of the Duke of Chatterworth’s second daughter to a Scotsman, especially when she was supposedly in the Americas.
Heathcliff,
You’ll be pleased to know that your news created a sensation on the London scene, and I scarcely think the ton will cease speaking of it for at least a year. My only regret is not to have been there when the duke received the news, but I do have information from a reliable source that he was in such a fury he had first determined to call you out; pistols at dawn. I was also sorry to know that he changed his mind before any action could be taken, and since hasn’t mentioned such rash action again.
He was thankful, he grinned, his father-in-law didn’t wish to initiate such a desperate measure. Shooting a duke in a duel would most certainly be more than a little trouble, and he didn’t want blood on his hands, even if it was the duke’s. He continued reading.
Your announcement inThe Timeswas the first breaking of the news to both the duke and the London ton, but I had John watching the duke’s residence, as well as more information on the inside that confirmed your earlier suspicions. There was indeed a man at Kilmarin, and he only returned with the news of Lady Samantha’s whereabouts the day after the announcement inThe Times. Your timing, it seems, was impeccable.
Heathcliff relaxed his shoulders, realizing they had grown tense as he read that last part. But it was a thing of the past, mostly. They’d have to go to London soon to complete the circle of gossip and confirm all the news, but the most important aspect, Samantha’s safety, was secure.
Also, I would recommend you come to London before the next Season, just to smooth things over with the ton. I say this only because you have a ward who needs the favor of society, and your charm can do great things to pave the way for her,; as much as I hate to admit it. The scandal alone has given me no shortage of ill sleep, and if we weren’t already on the edge of proper society because of our joint venture, we certainly would be now. But I have hope you will be received well in London, if for no other reason than satisfying the curiosity of the ton. I would, however, write to the Duke of Chatterworth to notify him directly, making sure he has no reason to question your marriage. He will probably still try—the man is an arse—but you will have done all you can.
Heathcliff groaned as he read the last phrase. Damn the man; his friend was probably right, much as he hated to admit it. While Lucas and he were less afraid of scandal, Ramsey was the total opposite. He hated it, hated whispers, and loved nothing more than staying in his private room in Temptations alone with his numbers and ledgers. But he was invaluable, and Heathcliff recognized his strength was exactly where he and Lucas were weak. It was a good combination for them all.
As he read the rest of the letter, he noticed a gentle click of the door as it opened. He glanced up to see Samantha walk toward him with her perfectly graceful movements and flashed her a wicked smile of appreciation.
Between you and Lucas, I’ve had my fill of scandal for the century, so if there’s anything else I need to be aware of to prepare myself, please send word immediately. I hope all is well, that you find yourself in delightful married bliss, such as Lucas has, and I pray fervently that it is not catching. I send my hearty congratulations and expect to hear from you soon, but perhaps not too soon.
Regards,
Ramsey Scott, Marquess of Sterling
Heathcliff folded the letter and set it aside as Samantha came around the desk and placed a hand at his back. “Morning,” she whispered, then leaned down to kiss him on his slightly whiskered cheek.
“Good morning to you,” he murmured back, then turned in his chair, pulling her onto his lap. He smiled as she gave a little squeak at the quick movement, but she settled in nicely, reminding him of just how perfect her round bottom was. He reached up to kiss her neck softly, chuckling against her warm skin as he felt her shiver with delight.
“A good morning indeed,” he murmured again.
“You mentioned that,” she replied breathlessly.
He gave a final kiss to her soft skin and then reached for the letter. “There’s news from London.”
She snatched the letter from his offering hand, her eyes quickly skimming its contents.
“He knows,” she whispered, then turned to Heathcliff.
“He bloody well better know. I made sure of it.”
“Claiming what’s yours?” she asked with a teasing laugh.
“Exactly.”
“Have I no say?”
He chuckled, pulled her in a little tighter as he caressed his fingers down her arm, tickling her ever so slightly at the elbow, then finding her hand and grasping it tightly. “My love, you speak as if you were the one without a choice in the matter. As much as I wish to claim total control in this situation, I cannot. You were the one who owned me from the moment I saw you, and the only one who did not have a choice was me.”
“Are you complaining?” she asked, squeezing his hand and regarding him with a tender look.
