The Lady’s Guide to Marrying a Viscount (The Lady’s Guide to Love #8)

Epilogue

Wulverton Hall, 1909

“When will Daddy come up and see me? I spotted a red kite on the moor today. It’s my job, he says, to keep an eye on the birds. He’ll want to know about the kite.”

Young Edward’s head rested on his pillow and his eyes were growing heavy, but his father had been away since the previous Monday, and his son was eager to speak to him. Lord Wulverton’s returning carriage had pulled up before the hall as the boy had been changing into his night shirt.

For the past few years, Mallon had been taking more trips to London, speaking in favor of women’s suffrage at the House of Lords. The concerns of the moorlanders always came first, but Viscount Wulverton had decided he couldn’t remain silent on the issue of women’s entitlement to an equal voice. He’d vowed to use his own in their support.

Geneviève gently stroked her son’s dark curls. How like his father he was, with his green eyes and his father’s passion for the moor. Not even five years old, he already knew the names of so many of the plants and creatures that inhabited the wild lands of the Wulverton estate.

“He’ll be with us very soon, to tuck you in.” Geneviève placed a kiss on Edward’s cheek.

Having divested himself of his coat, Mallon would come straight upstairs, she knew.

Some moments later, stepping softly across the room, Lord Wulverton bent to where his wife was seated, meeting her lips in a kiss, before drawing up a chair on the opposite side of the bed.

“I knew you’d be back today, Daddy,” murmured Edward sleepily. “And I’ve lots to tell you…”

“I thought of you and your mama every day, little man, and I want to hear your report on everything — but perhaps in the morning.” Mallon caught Geneviève’s eye as she pushed herself upright, cradling the curve of her growing stomach. Only another month or so, and there would be another child to occupy the nursery.

Don’t be long , she mouthed, holding his gaze for just long enough to leave no doubt of her meaning. Quietly, she made her way down the corridor to their own bedroom.

“Tell me a story, Daddy,” mumbled Edward. “The one I like best.” The lad curled onto his side.

“Close your eyes then,” said Mallon, rubbing Edward’s back, “And imagine a great wide sea filled with ships.” He dropped his voice low as he recited the melody of the words. “Each ship carries valiant soldiers, commanded by the most courageous of them all, pledged in allegiance to their king.”

Mallon began the list of noble warriors, just as his own father had told him, once upon a time. His mother had kissed him goodnight then, and his father had sat in this same chair, and Mallon had whispered the names alongside, just as Edward did now.

“De Moray of Rouen, de Reyne of Morlaix, de Winter of the House of Bourbon, de Russe of Flanders, St. Hèver of Normandy, de Lara of Boucau, Wellesbourne of Wales, du Reims of Reims, de Lohr of Lohr...”

“And de Wolfe,” whispered Edward.

“And de Wolfe,” repeated Mallon, “Of the House of Vargr—the kings of Breton.”

“That’s us, isn’t it, Daddy?” Edward sighed, burying his face against the pillow.

“It is. All the way from France, just like your mama, but a long time ago.” Lord Wulverton pulled the quilt up a little higher over his son’s shoulders.

“And we’re brave, too, aren’t we, Daddy.” Edward’s voice was almost muffled by the covers. “I’ll be like you, when I’m big and, if there’s a battle, I’ll be a soldier.” He gave a yawn. “Or I might go to London and speak in Parliament…and tell them all to be good…or I could just stay here and look after you and Mama, and everyone on the moor.”

Mallon sat for a moment, listening to the gentle breathing of the sleeping child, before turning out the lamp .

In the passageway, the moon shone through the far window, and the door of his bedchamber was ajar.

She was already under the covers when he entered, waiting for him. Her eyes, darkest amethyst, told him that she was ready. As he came close, she pulled loose his tie, then tugged to bring his mouth to hers.

He had truly found his way home.