Page 98 of The Fairest of Them All (Marrying the Duke)

They were entwined in the middle of the four-­poster bed in the inn’s finest room when he made his statement. The extra night for their enjoyment before they started the long trip home had been another gift from his twin.

The mattress was by far the best they had tried and they had given it several good goes already. The Widow Fitzwilliam would be proud. They might have even created their little Libby.

“They are oil and water,” Charlene said. “I’ve never seen anyone annoy Sarah so easily... ­although after the ceremony, I did overhear her tell him that his lending us his ring gave her hope for him.”

“What was his answer?”

“I believe he growled at her.”

Jack laughed. “It is of no matter. Their paths will never cross again. I can’t imagine Gavin at the Haymarket. He rarely attends the theater other than to watch the occasional Shakespeare.”

He yawned. “It is good that Gavin had some business in Edinburgh. His trip up here chasing us is not a waste. By the time he returns to London, everyone will have forgotten who we are.”

“Does he ever take time for himself?” ­Charlene asked. “He always seems to be busy, always ­working.”

“My brother is not like most men. He keeps himself on a tight rein and that is unfortunate ­because no one can expect to be moral and capable all the time. Sooner or later, he will rebel. I did.”

“Perhaps then he’ll find a woman who will force him to see a different way to live. And then he will want to slay dragons forher ... just as you did for me.”

“And I always will,” he promised. He gathered his wife closer, marveling at the warmth and the scent of her. Whatever the future held, all that was important to him, all that mattered was right here in his arms.

Life was indeed a blessing.

Epilogue

April 10, 1812

Dear Sarah and Lady Baldwin, since I know she will read this,

I hope this letter finds you well.

We arrived safe a week ago. I must say I did not enjoy ocean travel. Jack has his sea legs but I took to our cabin from the first day almost to the last. My stomach would not settle.

Boston surprised me. It is like London, a bit smaller, and just as exciting. There are squares and parks. Jack and I take a stroll every evening as do most Bostonians although I find the weather a bit too cold for my tastes. Our new friends assure me that this is spring, though they warn we could have snow even into May. Can you imagine? Snow when we should have strawberries blooming?

Jack has introduced me to many of his friends including the governor and his wife. Her name is Sarah as well. I am proud to say my ­husband is well respected. As you know, Jack was ­disappointed that he could not set up a ­meeting with our two governments. Apparently, ­afterward, a Mr.­Lawrence went to Washington and delivered a report that was not true. Jack will be leaving for Washington in two weeks to defend his record.

Our home is the size of the house on Mulberry Street. I have a small garden with which Jack says I may do whatever I wish. I take notes when I visit friends of what they have done to their houses. My husband has been a complete bachelor and there is much work to be done to the public rooms and our private spaces. I shall find myself very busy.

You would be very comfortable here, dear Sarah. There are many Independent Thinkers in Boston. Jack’s friend, a Mr.John Park, has founded a school for the Education of Young Ladies. He joined us for dinner on Monday night and I was interested in all he had to say. He believes in the Intelligence of Women and insists that education is a necessity. I spoke to him about your plays and he said he would like very much to read one.

I need to close this letter. A friend of ours ­offered to carry it to London for me. His ship is sailing this evening and he is most anxious for me to seal it and hand it over to him.

I keep both of you in my thoughts and prayers. Please know that I am happier than I could ever have imagined. Jack is the most perfect of ­husbands. Together, we will build a good life for our family.

With much love and affection, my dearest ones,

Char