The Sheppard family, plus Phineas and Harmony, spent the afternoon together, those with London homes being reluctant to leave the gathering. They even stayed for dinner, and most of thefamily who lived elsewhere would be remaining in London for at least another two days, so the family reunion would continue tomorrow. After all, it had been two years since they had seen Isaac and Jerome.
Mel enjoyed the whole day, but when Clara announced that she was tired, and that she and Baldwin would be heading home, and Winifred and Thomasina both declared their intention of going up to bed, Mel’s own weariness seemed to crash in on her.
“I must beg you to excuse me,” she said. “I feel I should stay, since I am your hostess, but…”
“You are tired and you want your bed,” said Harmony.
“We are family,” said Ernest. “Do not worry, sister. We shall not swing from the chandeliers or take pot shots at the vases.”
Allan sent his brother a scathing glance, but his words were for Mel. “I shall retire, too, my lady,” and he offered her his arm.
“I shall be your maid,” he said, and he sent Mel’s maid away. “How tired are you?”
“Not too tired,” Mel replied, interest in Allan’s intentions driving back the weariness.
It was the perfect end to a perfect day, rejoicing in one another’s love, repeating once again the ancient dance of love that celebrated and reaffirmed their marriage.
“I love you, Lady Arlesley,” said Allan, as they lay in one another’s arms, replete and content.
Sleepily, Mel took Allan’s hand and placed it on her belly. “Your child is restless, Lord Arlesley.” Like him, she was enjoying the sound of their new title.
“A new house, a new title, a new child,” Allan said. “Was ever a man so fortunate?”
“I am the lucky one,” Mel insisted, around a yawn, and she drifted off to sleep to the touch of his kiss to her forehead. Allan.Lord Arlesley. Her love, her partner, her marquess, her lord, her very own night dancer.
THE END
