“Are you happy?” he asked her after what seemed like an eternity.
“Kiss me again, and I might be able to answer you.” She smiled lovingly at him before allowing herself to be lifted and carried to her bed.
Epilogue
One year later …
Livinia leaned back against his chest as Benedict kissed her head, running his hands over her swollen belly. Their wedding had been private, with only those who supported their decision in attendance. The honeymoon had proved to be more than fruitful when Livinia had returned from the seaside with a nasty illness that quickly turned into joyous news.
Theodora was too young to have done the calculations, and those who could had turned a blind eye.
Adelaide and Olivia had convinced their parents to accept the relationship after a lot of arguing and back and forth. The Fletchers were now good friends of both Livinia and Benedict, proving to be the bridge needed between the couple and the rest of society.
The estate had been restored to its former glory thanks to Livinia, and the couple now lounged happily on a bench in the gardens. Benedict had ensured that the gardener left plenty of hidden places for him and Livinia to frolic. The bench nestled beside the tiny pond where they now sat had been the scene of their first child’s conception.
“What do you think we should name our child?” Livinia turned her head to look at Benedict as he helped her sit up a little straighter. She was seven months along and moving around proved more difficult than she had anticipated.
“I don’t know; what did you have in mind?” He touched the tip of her nose with his finger, eliciting a bright smile from her lips.
“I was thinking we name our children after your parents to keep their memory alive.” She nestled back against his chest when her shoulders began to ache. Carrying a tiny human wasn’t for the faint of heart as far as she was concerned.
Benedict let out a heavy sigh and looked across the pond where a large marble statue had been erected in their honour. “I don’t think any of us will ever be able to forget them. I’d rather look to the future than be reminded of such a sad time whenever I look at my first child.”
“Fair enough, but I haven’t thought beyond your parents’ names; you will have to come up with a better idea.” She followed his gaze across the still water and examined the angels that stood in an eternal embrace. The idea symbolized hope and the final resolution of their deaths, but Livinia could see now that the sadness would remain no matter how much justice was served.
Neither of them knew if Eleanor had been executed for her crimes or if the king had decided to lock her away forever. Either way, Benedict had felt like his part was done. She would never see another day’s happiness, which was enough retribution for him.
Thomas, however, had been glimpsed once or twice on the streets of London. In a shocking turn of events that no one had foreseen, he’d refused the job on the pig farm and taken up the robes of a monk. Rumour had it that he fasted more than anyone else and even gave himself to floggings for those caught stealing. His self-sacrifice penance seemed as if he were trying to torture himself for the rest of his life.
“I think I like Livinia for a girl and something a bit more masculine for a boy. If we have a daughter, I want to think of you and how grateful I am that you came into my life.”
Livinia turned on her back and stared up at the man she loved. Her heart filled with gratitude for all the love he’d shown her. “If you want to do that, then I want to be allowed to call our son Benedict. A good, strong boy deserves the name of a good, strong man.”
“You forgot handsome.” Benedict smiled down at her.
A light giggle escaped her throat. “I beg your forgiveness, My Lord, I seem to have forgotten that part.
Benedict kissed her forehead before running his fingers through her hair. “You know, I think that Theodora has finally settled on one of her suitors, she keeps talking about this young man named Derek. We will need to invite him over so that I can assess the fellow,” he said with a concerned frown.
Livinia shook her head and rolled her eyes. “You talk about our first daughter, yet you have been raising your sister as your own for years. I don’t think we have to be concerned about names; we should be concerned with the men wanting to court your sister!”
“Are you complaining, Mrs Sheffield?” Benedict leaned over and gently tickled her sides.
Livinia laughed openly and tried her best to defend herself. “I am not,” she finally said when he let her go. “I think Theodora is lucky to have you as her protector, and any daughters we may have will be lucky to have you as a father.”
“Daughters? Are you propositioning me before our first child has even been born?” He winked at her with a seductive smile that made her blush.
“No, but I think there is a chance that I’m carrying more than one child.” She winced as she placed her hands on her lower back and propped herself up on her elbows. “Either that or there’s three inside there. I don’t think it’s normal for anyone to be this big.”
Benedict gave her a loving glance before helping her to her feet. “I don’t care how many children are in there, as long as one or all of them are healthy and as kind as you.” He drew her in for a deep kiss that once again sent a shiver of pleasure down her spine.
It didn’t seem to matter how much time passed or what took place between them; the attraction they had shared at the start burned brighter than it had ever had before.
“I don’t care either, as long they love us as much as we love each other. I couldn’t have asked for a better man to make an honest woman out of me.” Livinia leaned up and drew him in for a final kiss before taking his hand and walking back towards the house.
Their lives were filled with more happiness than anyone in the world had a right to experience. They never left each other’s chambers until the sun shone brightly over their estate. Many would have thought it strange for a husband and wife not to use their private quarters, but Livinia and Benedict had learned with time that all that mattered was the love they shared.
Class, money, reputation, and even murder could separate people who yearned for love. But love could never be taken from people who had made up their minds to love one another for all their lives. Love would continue to prosper on the estate, even when their children had learned the truth of their mother’s birth and how their parents’ marriage had come to fruition.
The war of the classes had been won as far as Livinia and Benedict were concerned. Love conquered all in the end.
THE END ?
Can't get enough of Livinia and Benedict? Then make sure to check out the Extended Epilogue to find out…
What precious bond will Theodora share with her daughter Arabella?
How will Theodora and Maxim celebrate Arabella's second birthday, and what will make the day magical?
During the vow renewal ceremony, what heartfelt vows will the fiery couple exchange?
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(After reading the Extended Epilogue, turn the page to read the first chapters from “Surrendering to the Earl's Desires”, my Amazon Best-Selling novel!)
