She moved out of his arms long enough to turn the lock on the door. As she returned to him, she began to remove her costume in a leisurely manner. Her eyes drank in the sight of him as he slowly took off his jacket, followed by his cravat.
The rest of their clothes were discarded in the same, unhurried way, each of them appreciating the anticipation of each layer that was peeled back. When the last article of clothing had been tossed aside, they returned to each other’s arms and engaged in a passionate kiss.
A knock came at her dressing room door but they both, ignored it. There was nothing pressing enough to disturb them in this enchanted moment. After everything they had been through, this could have been the final act.
Instead, the rumored libertine had found his lady love.
Epilogue
Four years later
Sussex, England
Cordell glanced out the window and saw the carriage coming down the drive. He held his three-year-old daughter in his arms, her long dark waves a contrast to her wide, expressive blue eyes. “Is it Uncle?” she said, pointing out the window.
He smiled. No matter how much he had tried to tell Samantha that the viscount was not relation, she seemed more determined to call him uncle. No doubt that was due to Lord Alton’s own urging, because he had certainly doted on the child since she’d made an appearance in the world and changed everyone’s lives for the better. Now, with the addition of their son, the adoration would be greater than ever.
Mary entered the room with a tiny bundle wrapped in her arms. “Has our honored guest arrived yet?”
“Just now,” Cordell said as he moved away from the window. Their house was not grand or overly large, but it was perfect for him and his growing family. At long last, he had finally discovered his true purpose in life. The monarchy had urged him to stay in London, lamenting his ability to help combat crime, but after delivering a glowing recommendation for Reynolds, Cordell had left the city with a smile on his face and a lightness in his shoulders he wasn’t sure he’d ever felt before.
Aislynn had remained true to her word and stopped acting. He was afraid that she would grow to resent him, although he had not discouraged her from performing. If it was something she loved to do, he would fully support her. All these years later, she was still being contacted by hopeful theatre owners, but she had not trod the boards since her final performance. She had found her new role as a wife and mother, and Cordell enjoyed the sound of her laughter floating through the air. He could not have asked for more in his life when, for so long, there had been nothing but fear and uncertainty for his future. He counted his blessings every day and vowed not to take anything for granted.
“How is Mrs. Steele?” Cordell asked. He loved referring to Aislynn as the woman who shared his name.
“Very well. I am impressed how well she recovers after each birth. Most women are not so fortunate.” Mary had been designated as the resident midwife with each of their children. They both agreed that they trusted her as much as any other physician and she was more than happy to assist.
Mary had decided to give up Spade’s after Cordell had offered her a new proposition. He had sold his townhouse to her as a charitable house. Rather than running a house of ill repute, she had taken most of the women who were interested in an alternate lifestyle and started Steele House for Deserving Persons where those who were in need of assistance could find a safe haven. Cordell had been surprised to learn that The Wolf and his Pack had offered their services for protection, which thankfully, were used very little. He wanted to believe that the lord of the underworld had a good heart and the time he donated to Steele House was further proof of that.
“Uncle Fin! Uncle Fin!”
Samantha wiggled, and Cordell set her on her feet when the viscount made an appearance in the doorframe. He laughed and tossed her up in the air as she screamed in childhood glee. “You get bigger every time I see you. We must find a way to stop that!”
She giggled, and Cordell’s chest tightened with emotion—in a good way.
“I have to grow!” she explained.
“I suppose if you must.” He gave a heavy sigh. He tapped the side of his mouth. “Now, I have to know, have you been a good little girl?”
She nodded her head emphatically. “Of course!”
“Very well. Then I suppose you’ve earned this.” He reached into his jacket and pulled forth a small, wrapped package.
Her eyes lit up, and she eagerly took the present. “Thank you, Uncle!”
The viscount set her on the floor and she scurried off, whether to show her mother or one of the servants in the household, Cordell wasn’t sure. She spent a lot of time in the kitchens attempting to coerce biscuits from Cook, so he wouldn’t be surprised if that is where she had gone.
“You are spoiling her,” Cordell admonished.
“There is nothing wrong with that,” Lord Alton gave a wink. “She deserves it.”
“Samantha is a delight, I would agree, but I am partial as well.”
The viscount had already discounted Cordell in favor of what Mary had. “Is this the new addition to the Steele family?” Mary handed over her bundle and the viscount looked as though he’d been struck with a sense of awe when he looked at the small baby. “You are already a handsome devil, are you not?”
“I am sure he will come to inherit his name soon enough,” Cordell said.
It took the viscount a moment to glance up in confusion. “What did you call him?”
