“It seems like everything has worked out rather perfectly.” Fiona looped an arm through Catherine’s.
Catherine, Fiona, Louisa and Harriet were in a tea shop. It was the last day before Catherine, Alarica and Oliver returned to Bath and her friends had invited her out.
“It has.” Catherine agreed, resting a hand on her stomach. “If you had told me this is what my life would end up like six months ago, I would have said you were mad.”
Fiona laughed. “Wewould have agreed!”
“I still cannot believe that woman tried to kill you.” Harriet shook her head. “Truly, she is a monster.”
“She was a monster, ” Louisa corrected.
Catherine shuddered. Marina had gotten the end she deserved two months before. The trial had been swift, and Catherine had been thankful to put the entire thing behind them.
“Well, at least it is over now, and Catherine and her beau can finally get to enjoying married life.” Louisa sipped on her tea.
“You say that like they have not already been doing so.” Fiona gave Caherine a meaningful look that made her choke on her tea.
“Really Catherine, one would have thought you would be a little less squeamish about it by now.” Louisa laughed as she rubbed Catherine’s back.
“Let us see how you react to such a comment when you are married.” Catherine retorted.
“I suspect you will be waiting a rather long time, dear Kitty.” Fiona grinned at her. “Flirting is fun, but I have no wish to tie myself down to a man. Life is for living, and I do not want my wings clipped just yet.”
“And do you think Alaric has clipped mine?” Catherine arched an eyebrow.
“No, but not every man is like your husband.” Fiona pointed out. “There are far too many dishonourable wretches out there.”
“And yet the other week, you were trying to convince me to marry your brother!” Louisa interjected.
“That is because my brothers are decent men, even if they are deeply irritating at times.” Fiona shrugged.
“And Fiona cannot marry her brothers.” Harriet added. “Besides, given all the excitement Catherine has faced, I think we could all do with a break before the next wedding.”
“With any luck, your own marriages will be far more straightforward.” Catherine smiled at her friends.
“Not too much though, I would like at least a little excitement.” Louisa poured them each more tea.
“I think I have had more than enough excitement for one life time.” Catherine shook her head. “I am quite ready for a quiet life.”
“Hear hear!” Harriet raised her tea cup as though to toast.
Laughing, the three friends clinked their cups together and for the first time in a long time, Catherine felt like she was home.
* * *
“I thought you were supposed to be good at this.” Oliver grinned up at Alaric from across the chessboard.
They were sitting in Alaric’s study. The sky outside was a beautiful blue, and Oliver’s slate lay by their feet. He rarely needed it these days, but they kept it just in case.
Daisy was snoozing in a sunbeam, softly snoring as she kicked out a leg. Alaric smiled as he watched her, and his brother tugged on his sleeve, pointing at the chessboard.
“Perhaps I am simply lulling you into a false sense of security.” Alaric picked up one of his pieces and moved it.
Oliver rolled his eyes. “Or you are just hoping I will get bored so you win.”
“I think you will find I am winning, Oliver.” Alaric gestured to the board.
Oliver shrugged and moved his queen, and then laughed. “Check. I believe I am winning now, Brother.”
