Duke of Silver (The Suttons #1)

Extended Epilogue

Six years later

“She’s perfect,” Alexander whispered in Elizabeth’s ear. “Absolutely perfect.”

Elizabeth stood in the nursery, gently rocking Eleanor, their three-month-old baby, in her arms, her heart swelling with love as she gazed down at her daughter. The girl’s eyes fluttered closed, her little mouth forming a soft pout as she drifted into sleep. The soft coos escaping Elizabeth’s lips seemed to soothe her even more.

Years had passed since the day she and Alexander had first married, and now here they were—three children later, and preparing for Eleanor’s christening. Their family had grown in ways Elizabeth could scarcely have imagined, and she couldn’t be happier.

Elizabeth smiled, glancing up at him. “Just like her brothers,” she said softly, though she couldn’t help but tease, “Though hopefully, she won’t be quite as mischievous as they are.”

At that, Alexander chuckled, gently brushing a hand over Eleanor’s downy head. “I wouldn’t expect it. I believe she already has that Hunton spirit.”

Elizabeth laughed, careful not to wake the baby. As they made their way out of the nursery, Eleanor bundled snugly in her father’s arms, Elizabeth caught sight of something in the corner of the room.

“My bonnet!” she exclaimed, spotting the little bonnet she’d been searching for all morning. She frowned slightly, wondering how it had ended up in the nursery of all places. She crossed the room to retrieve it, but as soon as she picked it up, a strange shape caught her attention. She turned the bonnet over, and a piece of cheese tumbled out, followed by another.

Elizabeth blinked, her eyes widening in surprise. “Cheese?”

Alexander stepped closer, peering over her shoulder. “Stuffed with cheese,” he murmured, the corner of his mouth twitching with amusement. They exchanged a knowing glance, and in unison, they said:

“Archie.”

Their second son, Archibald, had an insatiable love for cheese, and apparently, he’d decided that Elizabeth’s bonnet was the perfect place to store his secret stash.

Shaking her head with fond exasperation, Elizabeth tucked the bonnet under her arm and followed Alexander down to the drawing room, where they found Edward and Archie playing with Lady Compton, who had just arrived. She stood once she saw them, her gaze moving to Eleanor.

“Oh, I cannot wait for the christening,” Lady Compton said cheerfully as she took the baby from Alexander. “Afterward, I fully intend to host a grand assembly in honor of the newest addition to our little world. It’s simply the perfect excuse for a celebration!”

Elizabeth smiled warmly at the older woman’s enthusiasm. Lady Compton never missed an opportunity to organize a social gathering, and though it wasn’t necessary, Elizabeth was grateful for her thoughtfulness.

“I shall write to Lady Delle as soon as possible to see if she can join us,” Lady Compton continued, looking down at Eleanor with a fond smile.

Elizabeth exchanged a glance with Alexander, both of them silently thankful for the Viscountess’s kindness. She truly was a dear friend, and her support had been invaluable over the years.

Turning her attention back to Archie, who had been eyeing her curiously, Elizabeth raised an eyebrow. “Now, Archie,” she began, unable to suppress a grin, “Would you care to explain why I found my bonnet stuffed with cheese?”

Archie looked up at her with wide eyes, clearly unbothered by his mischief. “The governess said squirrels store food for the winter,” he explained solemnly. “So I’m storing cheese so we don’t run out when winter comes.”

Elizabeth burst into laughter, shaking her head at his logic. “Darling, you are not a squirrel. And I promise, we will never run out of cheese.”

Archie looked thoughtful for a moment, then gave a satisfied nod, clearly reassured by her promise.

“We have some exciting news,” Alexander said as he crouched down beside their sons. “The rest of the family is arriving soon for Eleanor’s christening.”

Edward’s face lit up with excitement. “Is Uncle Percy coming too?” he asked eagerly. Percy was easily Edward’s favorite, always giving him rides on his shoulders and engaging in all sorts of fun and games.

“Yes, your uncle Percy will be here,” Alexander confirmed, smiling at his son’s enthusiasm.

Edward grinned, and even Archie seemed pleased, though his mind was clearly elsewhere, likely still on the subject of cheese. Then he asked, “Is Aunt Anna bringing the dogs this time, too?”

Elizabeth hesitated, glancing quickly at Alexander. “After what happened last time, I’m not entirely sure,” she whispered, leaning closer to her husband. The last time Titan visited, Archie had taken such a liking to him that he had nearly traumatized the poor animal, squeezing him too tightly and trying to feed him cheese.

“I’m not sure if Titan would want to come back here,” Alexander said with a laugh, clearly remembering the incident. Elizabeth couldn’t help but giggle along with him, and even Lady Compton joined in the mirth.

***

Later that night, after the manor had quieted and the children were fast asleep, Alexander stood by the fire in their bedchamber, the warm glow casting a soft light across the room. He watched Elizabeth from where he stood, his heart swelling at the sight of her. She sat at her vanity, brushing out her long hair, each stroke slow and languid.

He smiled to himself. In all this time, the love he felt for her had only grown. The sight of her, so serene, still took his breath away.

“I still can’t believe it sometimes,” he murmured.

Elizabeth glanced at him in the mirror, her brow arching in curiosity. “Can’t believe what?”

“That this is our life now,” he said, pushing away from the fire to cross the room. He gently took the brush from her hand, running it through her hair in long, smooth strokes. “You. Me. Edward, Archie... and now Eleanor.”

Elizabeth’s eyes softened, her lips curving into a tender smile. “It feels like a dream, doesn’t it?”

He nodded, setting the brush aside before leaning down to press a kiss to her temple. “I love you, Liz. More than words could ever say.”

She turned in his arms, her hands resting on his chest as she gazed up at him, her eyes shining with the same deep love that had only grown stronger over the years. “And I love you, Alexander. More than I ever thought possible.”

He lowered his head, capturing her lips in a slow, tender kiss, one that spoke of quiet gratitude, of joy for the life they had built together. When they finally pulled apart, Alexander rested his forehead against hers.

“Thank you,” he whispered.

“For what?” she asked softly, her hands still resting on his chest.

“For giving me everything I never knew I wanted. For being my heart, my home, my love.” His voice wavered slightly, the depth of his feelings surprising even him.

Tears welled in Elizabeth’s eyes, but her smile was radiant. “You’ve given me the same, Alex. And more.”

He stepped back slightly, reaching into the inner pocket of his coat. “Actually,” he said, “I have something for you.”

Elizabeth’s eyes widened in curiosity as he pulled out a small, velvet box and placed it in her hands. “What’s this?” she asked, her voice filled with surprise.

Alexander smiled. “Something I’ve been meaning to give you for a while.”

With trembling fingers, Elizabeth opened the box. Inside was a delicate locket, gleaming softly in the candlelight. The intricate design of the locket’s surface shimmered as she lifted it from the box, and when she opened it, she gasped. Inside were two tiny portraits—one of Edward and Archie on one side, and on the other, a newly painted image of baby Eleanor.

“Alex...” Elizabeth’s voice wavered as she looked up at him, her eyes misting.

“I had it made shortly after Eleanor was born,” he said. “So you could always carry them with you, no matter where we go.”

Elizabeth’s hand flew to her mouth as tears spilled down her cheeks. “It’s beautiful,” she whispered. “Thank you.”

He reached for the locket, gently fastening it around her neck. As he did, his fingers lingered at her nape, and he kissed her just behind her ear, his lips brushing softly against her skin. “You deserve it, my love. You deserve everything.”

Elizabeth leaned back in his arms. “You are everything I could have ever wanted, Alex. Everything.”

He kissed the top of her head, pulling her even closer. “And you are everything I never knew I needed.”

The End