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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 fingerswith 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."