Snowflakes and Scandals

Epilogue

Epilogue

London, one year later

The soft glow of candlelight flickered across the drawing room of Hampton House, casting dancing shadows on the walls. Outside, London lay blanketed in a thick layer of pristine snow, the streets quiet on this Christmas morning. Inside, the scent from the wreaths made of evergreens interwoven with ivy, holly, hawthorn, laurel, bay, rosemary, and hellebore, as well as oranges, apples, holly berries, and ribbons filled the air. And the room was cozy, warm from the roaring fire in the hearth.

Eleanor, Duchess of Hampton, sat in a comfortable armchair, cradling her infant son, Gabriel, as he nursed contentedly. She had refused to find a wet nurse, given that her first husband had forbidden her to nurse. Ambrose let her make the choice.

At just two months old, Gabriel was the perfect addition to their family, with a shock of dark hair like his father's and Eleanor's green eyes. She couldn't help but marvel at how much her life had changed in the span of a year.

The sound of running footsteps in the hallway announced the arrival of Harry and Lillian, both still in their nightclothes, their faces alight with excitement.

“Mama! Papa!” Lillian called out as she burst into the room, Harry hot on her heels. “It's Christmas! Can we open presents now?”

Ambrose, who had been stoking the fire, turned to the children with a warm smile. “Good morning, my darlings. And Merry Christmas to you both. I think we can manage a few presents before breaking our fast, don't you, Eleanor?”

She nodded, adjusting Gabriel in her arms. “Of course. Why don't you two sit by the fire, and your father can hand out the gifts?”

The children needed no further encouragement, rushing to sit cross-legged before the mountain of wrapped gifts by the hearth. Ambrose distributed the presents, his face a picture of joy as he watched the children's excitement grow with each package.

As wrapping paper flew and exclamations of delight filled the air, she couldn't help but reflect on the journey that had brought them to this moment. A year ago, she and Ambrose had exchanged their vows in this very room, surrounded by their dearest friends and their children. Now, they sat as a family of five, their love having grown and deepened with each passing day.

“Oh, Mama, look!” Harry exclaimed, holding up a beautifully bound book of adventure stories by Daniel Defoe. “It's perfect! Thank you!”

She smiled at her son, remembering the shy, reserved boy he had been just a year ago. Now, under Ambrose's loving guidance, he was blossoming into a confident young man. “You're very welcome, darling. I'm so glad you like it.”

Lillian felt equal excitement for her gifts, which consisted of a new set of watercolors and a doll dressed in the latest fashion. She hugged each present to her chest, her face glowing with happiness.

As the gift-opening frenzy wound down, Ambrose cleared his throat. “I believe there's one more present hiding behind your mother’s chair,” he said, a mischievous glint in his eye. “Harry, would you like to see what it is?”

Harry's eyes widened as he scrambled to look. A moment later, a surprised gasp escaped him. “Father! Is it... is it really?”

From behind the chair emerged a squirming bundle of fur—a small ginger puppy with a red bow tied around its neck. Harry's face lit up with pure joy as he gathered the puppy into his arms, laughing as it licked his face enthusiastically.

“He's all yours, son,” Ambrose said, ruffling Harry's hair affectionately. “I thought you might like a companion for your rides.”

“Oh, thank you,” Harry exclaimed, hugging the puppy close. “He's perfect! I shall call him... Archer!”

“And Lillian, there’s a surprise behind my chair,” Ambrose said. Lillian rushed to see and came back holding a beautiful black kitten. “She’s gorgeous. Is she mine?”

Eleanor nodded. “What are you going to name her?”

Lillian stroked her for a moment. “Blackie.”

Ambrose came over to where the new pets were being held. “I suggest you let Archer and Blackie get to know each other, so they become friends. They will be your responsibility to look after and ensure they are fed and house trained.”

“Yes, Father,” they both said together.

She watched the scene unfold, her heart full to bursting. She caught Ambrose's eye and mouthed a silent 'thank you' to him. He had known exactly what Harry needed—not just a pet, but a friend and confidant as he navigated the sometimes-choppy waters of growing up. He was going to have to face the fact that soon someone would teach him how to take on the role he was born into, the Marquess of Claremont.

She’d been prettified of that fact until she married Ambrose. Now she knew her wonderful husband would patiently and lovingly train him for the role.

And he’d not wanted Lillian to miss out, so got her a kitten.

As Harry and Lillian cooed over the new animals, Gabriel finished nursing. Eleanor gently burped him and then settled him in her arms, marveling at his tiny fingers and the soft curve of his cheek.

“Would you like to hold your brother, Harry?” she asked softly.

Harry looked up from the puppy, his face serious as he nodded. Carefully, he handed Archer to Lillian and came to sit beside Eleanor. With practiced ease—he had become quite the attentive big brother—Harry took Gabriel in his arms, supporting his head just as Eleanor had taught him.

“Hello, Gabriel,” Harry whispered, stroking the baby's cheek gently. “Happy first Christmas.” Harry, still cradling Gabriel, looked up at his mother with a thoughtful expression. “You know, Mama, I think you've fulfilled your part of the wager now.”

“I have met the terms of my wager, haven’t I?” Eleanor asked, curious. “Do you agree?”

“Well,” Harry explained, “when I made that wish, I wanted you to be happy. And now you are. You have Papa, and Lillian, and me... and now Gabriel, too. But I suppose if I were to make another wish this Christmas, it would be to give Lillian a sister next Christmas?”

Ambrose laughed loudly when he saw the look of horror on Eleanor’s face. “Not perhaps the thing to ask for, so soon after you brother’s birth,” he told Harry.” He merely winked at the children’s confused expressions. “But I’ll see what I can do.”

She had to smile at his cockiness, but then the desire and passion between them had not waned.

And she knew in her heart it never would.

Because every day was a joy waking up with the man you loved and then each night showing him in their bedchamber how much that love meant—now and forever.

And once again she made Harry’s Christmas wish come true, when a little girl they named Rose was born the following Christmas day.