Epilogue
“William, someone is here to see you.” Cecelia burst into his dressing room. William’s valet discreetly withdrew.
William, in the act of tying his cravat, glanced at her in the mirror. She looked lovely in her new dress, special for his wedding day. Lanora, who didn’t care for shopping, had been very patient in going with Cecelia to arrange for her first new wardrobe in years. They’d also taken his sister, Madelina, who would have her come out soon. Grace, however, was the only one of the four who had any notion of style. He was fortunate she regularly went along. All three women were very kind to William’s shy younger sister.
They stayed in his London townhouse. He’d given up Cecelia’s house, bringing both her and Madelina to his. He wasn’t sure what to do with the ancestral home. None of them cared to live with the memories there.
“Cecelia, you oughtn’t barge into a man’s room.” He untied the cravat and tossed it aside, displeased with the outcome. He reached for a freshly starched one. It must be perfect.
“I certainly can. For one thing, I’ve stitched you up often enough to have seen just about all of you.” She came forward, batting his hands away so she could tie his cravat. “For another, I am your mother.”
“And an adorable mother you are, for all you’re two years my junior, but the fact remains that a man’s quarters are sacrosanct.”
“Oh? So, when Lanora moves in this afternoon, she won’t be permitted in these rooms?” She tied the cravat with easy precision, then fluffed it.
William’s face split into a too-wide grin. He knew he looked like a besotted fool, there was a mirror before him to prove it, but he didn’t care. “Lanora will be permitted in any of my rooms she likes, and all the more reason for you to knock.”
Cecelia stepped back, looking him up and down. “Never fear, I shall. I may have seen nearly all of you, but I have no inclination to view the last bit.”
“You’re a scandalous creature, Cecelia Greydrake.”
“I’m a widow. I follow the papers. We are made to be scandalous. More importantly, someone is here to see you.” Her eyes were bright, joyful even for Cecelia.
“I’m not taking callers. We have to leave soon. Can’t whoever it is wait for a day when I’m not marrying?”
“Definitely not. Now, I’ve put him in the front parlor. Hurry along.” She made a shooing gesture.
William permitted himself to be driven from the room. Cecelia lingered behind as he descended the staircase. Obviously, he was meant to meet the gentleman alone. He strode into the parlor.
The man was well-garbed, nearly as tall as William. He appeared near his fortieth year, but no silver flecked jet black hair, unfashionably short. There was an ease to his stance, a power to his build that belied his apparent age. That vigor, that self-assurance…though William had never before met him in person, he knew the caller.
William came forward, offering his hand. “Who do I have the pleasure of addressing today, sir?”
The man’s handshake was firm. “Robert Hadler, Duke of Solworth.”
“I’m pleased to meet you, my lord.”
“You were expecting someone else on the day you’re to wed my daughter?”
“I was unsure. I thought I might be addressing Mr. Darington, renown explorer.”
Solworth grinned, his teeth white in a tanned face. “Unfortunately, Darington had to remain in Egypt. He never leaves there, poor fellow.”
“More’s the pity. I should like to thank him most warmly for being my confidant all these years.”
Solworth looked William up and down, assessing. “You’ve grown into a fine man, William. I know it’s not my place to say, but I’m proud of you.”
William squared his shoulders, startled by how much those words meant to him. “I do my best, my lord.”
“And far better than most men. Shame you and Lanora have so much work before you here. Could use a man like you in Egypt.”
“I’ll keep that in mind, my lord. Thank you.”
“Come along. Let the ladies take your carriage. I’ve brought mine. Let’s get you to my daughter.”
William followed Solworth out, a bit bemused. It was obvious the duke was accustomed to giving orders. William collected his hat and gloves. He cast a look about the foyer. When next he set foot in his home, of late filled with Cecelia’s laughter and Madelina’s soft voice, Lanora would be by his side. Then, his life would be perfect as he’d never thought to dream it could be. That happy thought in mind, he followed Lanora’s father out.
“When did you arrive?” William asked once they were seated in the carriage.
