Page 225

EPILOGUE

T HE LADY OF the Lake.

Finally, the stunning painting was fully exposed in all its beauty after days of careful work to remove the ugly canvas on top of it.

Maddie’s breath hitched as she admired the masterpiece.

Those strokes of blue and silver were exquisitely done.

The lady in the centre of the painting had a tragic yet determined expression that pierced her heart.

How could Mrs. Blanchet capture such a heartbreaking moment with the right light and just a few strokes?

She couldn’t believe that Mrs. Blanchet had gifted her with the precious painting.

The Lady of the Lake now hung in Hector’s office, surrounded by the soft light of the gas lamps.

She admired it while she contracted her fingers around a ball made of sponge.

It was harder than it looked and sometimes the exercise pained her, but her fingers grew stronger with each passing day.

Her strokes on her drawings were more precise, she felt more confident, and her work got better.

That was why the academy had accepted her request to become a student.

Speaking of which. She had a pile of books to read.

She propped her hips on Hector’s desk as he was busy reading his own pile of books and documents. Among them lay a draft of the island book, as it was called for now. Her sketches and his words had produced a rich story that a few publishers had already expressed interest in publishing.

“I have to read five books by the end of this month. Can you believe it?” she asked.

“You don’t fool me.” He raised his sapphire gaze to her. “You complain now, but once you start reading them, you won’t stop, neglecting your fiancé as well.”

Fiancé. She still had to get used to the fact she was engaged to be married to Hector. He’d proposed right in front of the lovely painting. What could be more perfect?

“I would never neglect you. You’re extremely busy, too.” She sat on the edge of the desk, enjoying the predatory look he gave her. “How are the works at the factory going?”

He pulled her over onto his lap and wrapped his arms around her.

“Finally, we have proper windows, the children have been sent to school, the mothers who have small babes are sent home with paid leaves, and the place has been scrubbed to a polish.” He kissed her neck and inhaled deeply.

“Sick people have been given a salary. I’ve reduced all the workers’ working hours, and Ernest can’t stop telling me how wonderful I am. ”

She giggled when he kissed her again. “What about their wages?”

“All fixed.” He darted out his tongue to caress a sensitive spot under her ear. “The problem is the House of Lords. Getting something done with them is a struggle.”

“At least your factory has some happy workers now.”

“Yes.” He nuzzled her neck again. “It’s my body that’s a little sad now. I’ve missed you.”

“We’ve seen each other every day.” She moaned when he caressed her breasts.

“Briefly, and you were busy with your sketches.” He nibbled her earlobe.

“I want some time with you. Alone. Naked.” He spun her around and lifted her legs so that she straddled him.

“You wear too many layers. I’ve always thought the fewer clothes, the better.

Something I discovered on the island. I haven’t changed my mind about that. ”

She chuckled as he pulled her skirt and petticoats up. “I can’t go to the academy half naked.”

He frowned. “I agree. I don’t want all those men looking at you.” He opened her shirt and pulled down her chemise.

She reclined her head when he latched his mouth around her nipple and sucked hard.

Her hips moved of their own accord. She widened her thighs and rubbed herself against his erection.

She unbuttoned his trousers until his length was free and she slid over it.

Bliss. Heaven. Holding her by the hips, he helped her move up and down.

He paused only to suck her nipple into his mouth and whisper how beautiful she was.

He buried his face in her neck as she dug her fingers into his shoulders.

The pleasure left her breathless. He found his release with her and held her tightly as they both savoured the bliss that came after a powerful release.

They shared one of their silent, quiet moments when only the beating of their hearts mattered.

He kissed her lips softly. “Do you want to come with me to the crypt?”

“Let me get dressed.”

It was a chore. She buttoned up her shirt, he unbuttoned it. She lowered her skirts, he pulled them up again. After a few minutes of laughter, swatting hands, and shuffling clothes, they were ready.

Holding hands, they went downstairs. Maddie took in the beautiful pale-blue wallpaper, the oak wood furniture, and the beige curtains. After they’d renovated the house to its former splendour, the corridor seemed larger and a certain lightness lingered.

After a short carriage ride, they walked hand in hand along the gravel path in the cemetery.

The family crypt rose among tall cypress trees and rose bushes.

She rested her head on his shoulder as they placed the flowers on his mother the late Duchess of Blackburn’s tomb.

She finally rested next to her husband and son in a beautiful white marble tomb with an angel on top of it.

“She belongs here.” He caressed the stone. Every time he talked about his mother, his voice quivered.

“She’d be so proud of you.” She wrapped her arms around him and rested her head on his chest.

“I love you madly, Maddie.”

She rose on her tiptoes and kissed his chin. “Please stay savage, my duke.”

THE END