Page 20 of The Duke's Sister's Absolutely Excellent Engagement (The Notorious Briarwoods Book 11)

Five Years Later

“T oes out, feet together, mon petit chou.”

Monsieur Georges’ voice filled the beautifully refurbished empty theater that was filled with an excited audience every night of the week to watch the ballet.

But it was later afternoon now. There was no audience.

Lights had been placed along the foot of the stage, and Margery’s daughter, Minerva, Minnie to everyone, stood in a beautiful pink gown. Her slippered feet followed the movements of Monsieur Georges as they practiced for their performance later that night.

It would be a private performance in the theater, of course. Only the most special guests would be invited.

Monsieur Georges clapped his hands in time, and Minnie smiled, her beautiful pink cupid’s bow lips tilting in a merry grin. Her blue eyes glinted with mischief and joy as she danced easily. The little girl’s dark curls bobbed about her elfin face, and she moved with the sort of pure grace that only a child could fulfill.

Margery stood near, swaying back and forth, holding her little boy in her arms, drinking in the scent that only babies had. Soon he would learn too, for Monsieur Georges seemed to adore teaching children.

“They are not afraid to try things,” he often exclaimed, delighting in Minnie.

Not afraid to try things. It was the greatest compliment that anyone could ever give her daughter Minnie, because it meant that Minnie was not afraid of life or anything in it. Minnie would never be afraid. Not like Margery had been.

Oh, Margery was still afraid sometimes, but she had Nestor beside her and so there was nothing to fear.

Her husband crossed up behind her, having made the final arrangements for this evening’s performance. He kissed the top of their little boy’s head and then kissed her lips softly.

Minnie danced merrily as Monsieur Georges counted out the measures.

“It is time for your parents to join you,” Monsieur Georges called.

“I cannot believe that I am going to be performing a ballet,” Nestor said, smiling as if there was nothing more wonderful in the world, despite his teasing words.

“I can,” Margery replied.

“Oh? And why is that?” Nestor queried, placing his arm about her waist.

She tilted her head back. “Because you love me,” she said. “Isn’t that what all of this is about? Has always been about? You dancing with me in this theater, even now? It has always been about your love.”

Nestor gazed down at her, the answer in his eyes. Their family was everything he ever could have dreamed of, and his love for them and for her was boundless.

Minnie raced up to her father, and he picked her up easily, tossing her into the air.

Minnie’s bright, full laugh bounced off the walls of the theater, full of life.

Margery had been so afraid that she wasn’t worthy.

What a silly thing. How foolish. She had been born worthy, and only the cruelty of miserable people had made her feel she wasn’t. She felt sorry for her parents now because it was clear to her how broken they both had been, and they had never had the chance to heal.

Now, Margery knew what Nestor had known from infancy. She was always destined for this. Minnie was always destined for this. Her son was always destined for this. Love. Love everywhere. Love all of the time. Love that knew no limits.

The End