Duke of Fyre (Braving the Elements #1)

Epilogue

EPILOGUE

T wo months had passed since Lydia had stood firm against her parents –but it was also two months since she'd realized that love was far more important than anything else, two months since she had admitted to her husband that she loved him and he had told her that he loved her too. Since then, the rhythm of life at Fyre Manor had steadied, and Lydia had begun to feel the kind of peace she had never thought possible. Yet today was a special day—she, Elias, and Peter were in London, a rare venture into the bustling heart of society.

The green of Hyde Park spread out before them, the spring air light and fragrant. A checkered picnic blanket lay under the shade of a sprawling oak tree, laden with a simple yet elegant array of sandwiches, fruits, and cakes. Peter darted around the tree, his laughter ringing through the air as Mug raced alongside him, yipping enthusiastically. Lydia sat on the blanket, her skirts arranged neatly, while Elias leaned back on his hands, watching their son with a rare, unguarded smile.

"He's happy," Lydia observed, her voice quiet.

Elias nodded, his gaze following Peter's energetic movements. "He's thriving. He has you to thank for that."

"And you," Lydia said, turning toward him. "You've given him something I never thought possible—a family."

Elias reached out and took her hand, his touch warm and grounding. "We've given it to him together."

The moment was interrupted by a polite cough. Lydia looked up to see an older couple approaching, their steps careful but purposeful. The gentleman, with neatly combed white hair and a cane, offered a genial smile, while his wife adjusted her bonnet, her face bright with curiosity.

Then their eyes landed on Peter, who had paused his play to regard the newcomers with open interest. "And who might this fine young man be?"

Peter stepped forward, clutching Mug's leash as the little dog wagged its tail. "I'm Peter," he said, his voice clear and confident. "And this is Mug."

Lydia rose gracefully, smoothing her skirts as she stepped forward. "Lord and Lady Whitmore," she said warmly, extending her hand. "How lovely to see you again."

"Lydia!" Lady Whitmore exclaimed, her face lighting up. "It's been far too long. And I see you've brought your family. What a handsome boy!"

Lydia glanced back at Elias, who had stood and now joined them. "Lord and Lady Whitmore," she said, gesturing toward him, "may I introduce my husband, Elias, the Duke of Fyre."

The Whitmores exchanged quick glances, their expressions showing the mild surprise of meeting the elusive Duke. Yet their smiles never faltered.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Your Grace," Lord Whitmore said, extending a hand.

Elias shook it firmly, his posture as composed and commanding as ever. "The pleasure is mine."

Lady Whitmore knelt slightly to meet Peter at eye level. "And Peter, what excellent manners you have," she said, her tone kind. "It's a delight to meet you."

Peter grinned, glancing back at Lydia for reassurance before returning his attention to the Whitmores. "Thank you, ma'am."

As they exchanged pleasantries, another carriage arrived on the nearby path. Lydia turned and recognized it immediately—her family had arrived. The footman opened the door, and out stepped her sisters, their dresses fresh and delicate in the afternoon light.

"Marian!" Lydia called, waving. "Jane! Diana!"

The three sisters made their way toward the picnic spot, their differences as evident as ever. Marian led the way with her usual confident stride, her hands smoothing down the folds of her pale pink dress. Jane followed close behind, her expression bright and mischievous, her eyes darting around as though searching for some opportunity for amusement. Diana brought up the rear, her steps tentative and her gaze lingering on the path ahead, as though afraid to meet anyone's eyes.

When they reached the picnic blanket, Peter's eyes widened with curiosity. He edged closer to Lydia, Mug trotting faithfully beside him, as the sisters greeted her with warm embraces.

"Lydia!" Marian exclaimed, planting a kiss on her cheek. "It's so good to see you."

Jane leaned in next, her grin as cheeky as ever. "Look at you, Lady Duchess," she teased, winking. "Still the picture of poise."

Lydia swatted her playfully. "And you're still incorrigible, Jane."

Diana hung back, her hands clasped nervously in front of her. Lydia stepped forward and took her sister's hands, giving her an encouraging smile. "Diana, it's wonderful to see you."

"It's wonderful to see you too," Diana said softly, her cheeks coloring slightly.

As the sisters exchanged greetings, Peter peered up at Lydia, his brow furrowed with curiosity. She knelt down beside him, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder. "Peter," she said, her voice warm, "these are your aunts—Marian, Jane, and Diana."

Peter's eyes lit up, his shyness giving way to excitement. "My aunts?" he asked, looking from one to the other.

"Indeed," Lydia said with a smile. "And I think they're quite eager to meet you."

Peter took a step forward, Mug still tugging at his leash. Marian knelt gracefully and extended a hand. "Hello, Peter," she said, her tone gentle. "I've heard so much about you."

Peter shook her hand, his small fingers curling confidently around hers. "It's nice to meet you," he said, his manners impeccable.

Jane, never one to miss an opportunity, crouched down next, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "And what about me, young man?" she said, her voice teasing. "Are you prepared to put up with an aunt who's not quite so proper?"

Peter giggled, sensing her playful tone. "I think so," he said, his smile widening.

Jane clutched her chest dramatically. "Think so? Oh, Peter, you wound me!"

Laughter rippled through the group, even drawing a small smile from Diana, who stepped forward hesitantly. She crouched down and gave Peter a shy smile. "Hello, Peter," she said softly. "It's lovely to meet you."

Peter's gaze softened, and he extended a hand toward her. "It's lovely to meet you too, Aunt Diana."

Diana's cheeks flushed with warmth as she shook his hand, and Lydia's heart swelled with pride at how effortlessly Peter welcomed his new family.

Silas and Prudence approached next, their steps measured and their faces carefully composed. Prudence's eyes darted toward Elias, and Lydia noticed her mother's hands tightening on her reticule. Silas cleared his throat as they stopped a few paces away.

"Peter," Lydia said, placing a hand on her son's shoulder. "These are your grandparents—Lord and Lady Drowshire."

Peter looked up at Silas and Prudence, his expression thoughtful but polite. Lydia held her breath for a moment, uncertain how her parents would handle this introduction. To her relief, Peter stepped forward and offered a small bow, his hand still clutching Mug's leash.

"It's nice to meet you, my lord and lady," Peter said, his voice steady and clear.

Prudence's eyes widened briefly, and Silas glanced at Lydia as though surprised by Peter's confidence. Then Silas nodded, a small smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.

"It's nice to meet you too, young man," he said, his voice unusually soft.

Prudence bent slightly, her face breaking into a smile that seemed genuine despite her usual composure. "A fine boy," she said, looking at Lydia. "You've done well."

Lydia inclined her head slightly, acknowledging the compliment without letting her guard down. Elias, standing just behind her, stepped forward then, his presence commanding but not hostile. Silas stiffened slightly, but Prudence quickly spoke again, her voice more subdued.

"We're glad to see you all here," she said. "It's been too long."

"Yes, it has," Lydia replied smoothly. "And we're glad Peter finally has the chance to meet his aunts—and his grandparents."

Jane, who had been watching the exchange with thinly veiled amusement, leaned toward Lydia and whispered, "Mother didn't even mention heirs. Miracles do happen."

Lydia stifled a laugh, though she couldn't deny the sense of relief that coursed through her. For once, her parents seemed content to focus on Peter, rather than the expectations they had once placed on her.

As the family settled onto the picnic blanket, the conversation turned light and lively. Marian admired the perfectly arranged spread, Diana quietly petted Mug, and Jane regaled Peter with exaggerated tales of her escapades in London.

"You know," Jane said, her voice dropping conspiratorially, "the man who hurt your mother is no longer in town."

Lydia's breath caught, and she glanced sharply at Jane. "What do you mean?"

Jane's grin turned sly. "I heard he left for Scotland. In quite a hurry, I might add. Word is, someone threatened him—and rather convincingly."

Lydia's gaze shifted to Elias, whose expression remained neutral. Diana, ever observant, tilted her head slightly. "Elias," she said quietly, "do you know anything about this?"

Elias's lips curved into a faint smile. "Someone did the right thing," he said simply. "To ensure that man wouldn't hurt anyone else."

Jane raised a brow, clearly intrigued. "Someone, you say?"

"Yes," Elias replied, his voice steady. "And if anything, that man should thank him for being so kind."

Lydia stared at him for a moment before reaching for his hand. Elias glanced at her, his eyes softening as he laced his fingers with hers. He lifted her hand to his lips, pressing a gentle kiss to her knuckles.

Leaning close, he whispered in her ear, "If anyone tries to hurt you again, I might not be so kind."

A shiver ran through Lydia, but it wasn't from fear. She squeezed his hand, her heart full of gratitude and love. "I don't doubt it," she murmured, a small smile playing on her lips.

As the afternoon gave way to evening, the family began packing up the remnants of the picnic. Peter, worn out from a day of running and playing with his aunts, had fallen asleep in Lydia's lap, his soft breaths rhythmic and soothing. Mug lay curled at her feet, equally exhausted from the day's excitement.

Elias bent to lift Peter into his arms, careful not to wake him. The boy stirred slightly but remained asleep, his head resting against Elias's shoulder. Lydia stood and brushed the grass from her skirts, smiling as she watched Elias cradle their son with such ease and care.

As they made their way back to the carriage, Elias glanced at Lydia, his expression thoughtful. "I've been thinking," he said quietly.

"About?" Lydia asked, tilting her head curiously.

Elias shifted Peter slightly, his free arm slipping around Lydia's waist as they walked. "Peter's been asking for a sibling."

Lydia raised a brow, her lips twitching with amusement. "Oh? And I suppose you're entertaining the idea because he asked so sweetly?"

Elias gave her a wry smile. "It's not just him," he admitted, his voice softening. "I want it too. I've realized I don't want to be held down by fear anymore. Not of what happened with Barbara, not of what could happen."

Lydia's steps slowed, her heart pounding at the weight of his words. She stopped, turning to face him as they stood just shy of the waiting carriage. Elias shifted Peter gently, holding the boy securely in one arm as he met Lydia's gaze.

"You're certain?" Lydia asked, her voice low but steady. She searched his face, looking for any trace of hesitation, any sign of the doubts that had plagued him for so long. "Even after we decided… that… that we…"

"I am certain," Elias said, his tone resolute. "You've shown me that fear doesn't have to rule us. And I trust you, Lydia. More than I've ever trusted anyone. I know that whatever happens, we'll face it together. And this… it is not because of expectations. It is because… well, I want to have another child, one that… is born from love."

Lydia felt tears prickling at the corners of her eyes, but she didn't look away. She placed a hand on his arm, her touch gentle but firm. "Elias," she began, her voice trembling slightly, "you've already given me more than I ever thought I could have. A home, a family, a love that feels real. If this is what you truly want, then I promise—I won't change my mind. Not now. Not ever."

Relief and something deeper—something unspoken but fierce—flickered in Elias's eyes. He leaned down, brushing a kiss across her lips, soft and fleeting but full of meaning. "I love you," he murmured, his voice barely audible.

"I love you too," Lydia replied, her heart swelling as she reached up to touch his cheek. "More than you'll ever know."

"I should hope so," Elias said, his smirk deepening. "Since you are my wife."

Lydia stepped closer, brushing her fingers lightly over the fabric of his jacket. "The best decision I ever made."

They stood like that for a moment, the fading light casting a golden hue over them as Peter slept soundly in Elias's arms. Finally, Elias helped Lydia into the carriage, ensuring she was seated comfortably before climbing in with Peter still cradled against his chest. Mug hopped in after them, curling up near Lydia's feet with a contented sigh.

As the carriage began to move, Elias leaned back, his free arm wrapping around Lydia's shoulders. She rested her head against him , her heart steady and full. Peter stirred briefly in his sleep, murmuring something unintelligible before settling once more against Elias's shoulder. Mug gave a small snort from his spot on the floor, and Lydia smiled, reaching down to scratch behind the dog's ears.

When they arrived at their townhouse, Elias carried Peter upstairs, his movements careful and deliberate. Lydia followed, her steps light as she ascended the familiar staircase. She paused in the hallway as Elias turned toward Peter's room, his broad back disappearing through the door. A few minutes later, he returned, his expression softened by the tenderness that only came when he spoke of or looked at their son.

"He's settled," Elias said, his voice quiet. "Mug's already curled up at the foot of his bed."

Lydia smiled. "Good. He's had a long, exciting day."

Elias reached for her hand, drawing her closer. "So have we," he murmured, his tone laced with something deeper, more intimate. His fingers lingered on hers, and Lydia felt a spark of anticipation flutter through her.

"You've given me so much," Lydia said softly, her eyes locked with his. "And now you're giving me something I never thought I'd find —a future that feels limitless."

Elias cupped her face, his thumb brushing along her cheek. "You've given me everything, Lydia. You've made me whole."

Her lips curved into a small, knowing smile. "Even if I did marry an incorrigible man?"

"Especially then," Elias replied, his tone lighter now, though his eyes remained steady and sincere. He leaned down, his lips brushing hers in a kiss that was both tender and filled with promise.

The End?