Total pages in book: 114
Estimated words: 107756 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 539(@200wpm)___ 431(@250wpm)___ 359(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 107756 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 539(@200wpm)___ 431(@250wpm)___ 359(@300wpm)
“No,” she replied. “But I shall leave before you start on this. Good night.”
She hurried from the room as if she feared the topic. Did she not plan on marrying? Then again, I’d rather not have her rush, either. I glanced once more at the portrait before leaving the room. I would not fault myself for this. As tragic as this whole ordeal was, I was finally free of the shackles of my father and brother. There was no point lamenting now.
I was not sure where to go, but found myself wandering, and upon doing so, I found Aphrodite with Emeline in her arms as she sat out upon the patio, fanning the little girl now asleep.
“It seems no one can sleep but her,” I whispered as I stepped out.
She glanced at me and smiled slightly. “Yes, but that is a good thing, is it not?”
It was, for it meant none of this had affected her, that she was still ignorant to the truth. “I hope this is always kept from her so she may be innocent of it.”
“I fear I have ruined that,” she whispered as I sat down opposite them. “I fear the talk of the town has become even more twisted and some question—”
“As long as I treat her as my daughter, she is my daughter,” I said, placing my hand upon Emeline’s head. “And I shall do so all my life. No matter what anyone says, she has me, and now you, I see. I doubt you shall allow such attacks upon her person. You went so far for a girl you barely knew. I fear you will be worse than your mother.”
“I will not be worse.” She huffed but did not declare she would be better. It was amusing. Leaning in to her, I rested my head against hers. “You were drinking.”
“I was.”
“Are you all right?”
“I shall be,” I whispered, closing my eyes and inhaling the scent of her. “As long as you are here, I shall be.”
“Then I shall be here,” she replied. “ ‘One word frees us of all the weight and pain in life. That word is love.’ ”
I lifted my head. “Have you become a poet, or have you stolen from a philosopher again?”
“I do not steal, merely borrow.”
“And from whom did you borrow that?”
“Sophocles.”
I shook my head. “To think you know all of this, and you did not know what the word aroused meant.”
Her face contorted as she fought between her desire to yell at me and to hide her embarrassment. I could not help but laugh.
“It is not my fault! My papa obstructed words and definitions he deemed inappropriate for a lady.”
“And now you know far more than I bet he would wish.” I grinned, enjoying teasing her as much.
She smacked my shoulder, but when I winced, she gasped. “Sorry!”
“It is fine.”
She checked just to make sure, allowing me to admire her face and to appreciate this moment—her here with me.
“This spring has been one like I never thought possible,” she said.
It felt like years had come to pass, not mere weeks. My life had changed so drastically that I found it hard to believe.
“This spring, no, this moment, here with you, is what I always dreamed,” I replied and she turned to look at me. Leaning over, I kissed her forehead. “My duchess, my wife, my Aphrodite.”
“My Duke, my husband, my Evander.”
Epilogue
Aphrodite
My Dearest Papa and Mama,
Forgive me for not writing sooner, as I meant to upon receiving all of your letters at once. However, as you have often said, Mama, I did not find the time, despite many attempts. I know not where to begin to tell of the events that have taken place since I arrived at Everely. But I am sure I need not explain it all as some word must have already reached you both. Whatever you have heard, worry not, for Evander and I have weathered the storm. We are much stronger and better for it—
“Evander!” I giggled as he kissed the side of my face. “You are going to make me mess up my letter.”
“Forget the letter,” he muttered into my ear.
“I must finish and send them. I have been quite neglectful of my family. I am certain the only reason they have not found a reason to visit is Hathor’s desire to remain in London.” I looked over my words, but was still greatly distracted by Evander’s arms around me.
“Very well.” He sighed dramatically and released me as he stood straighter. Instantly, I missed the warmth of his embrace. “If only to prevent your father from throwing his books at me when we see them.”
I grinned, glancing up at him. “My father greatly reveres books. He would never throw those. If anything, he would most likely throw stones.”
“And you smile at this for what reason?” he questioned, cupping my face. “My dear, sweet wife, if stones were to fly, it would fall on you to defend me.”