“All I really ever wanted was for them to have choices, choices I didn’t have. I think your sisters showed them that they can be independent, live on their own terms. Perhaps they will each find someone to appreciate them. But they’ll find happiness, I’ve no doubt. Now, I merely want to concentrate on making you happy.”

“Then take off your clothes, woman. Because I know I’ll find happiness with you in my bed.”

Epilogue

Eight Years Later

Aiden stood on the parapet and watched as his son—who would have been a duke if Lena had gone through with her plans—and his two daughters, who had followed in the years after the boy’s birth, frolicked around the angel statue as the sun began bidding its farewell to day. The Duke of Lushing’s properties had been placed on the market. With the money Wyeth had returned to him and the increasing success of his businesses and investments, he’d had enough to purchase Sheffield Hall. He liked to think the duke would have been pleased with the care he gave it.

He’d assisted the Earl of Camberley in making his estate once again profitable and it was now returned to its former glory.

Between Camberley, himself, and Selena’s trust, they’d managed to provide impressive dowries for the twins, both of whom had made fine love matches. Alice preferred her books and lived in Selena’s house in Hertfordshire, where she penned romantic novels with quite a bit of success. It seemed the world was in want of happy stories.

The Earl of Elverton had passed away three years after suffering apoplexy. The countess’s esteem among the ton had risen because of her devotion to her husband during his prolonged illness. She often visited the Elysium and had recently taken on a lover several years her junior.

The new Earl of Elverton was a far better lord and man than his predecessor. On occasion, Johnny would meet Aiden and Finn at the Mermaid and Unicorn to share a pint. Sometimes they spoke of the past, but mostly they concentrated on the future, advising each other on investment opportunities and business ventures.

Hearing the door open, Aiden glanced over and smiled at his wife.

“I thought I’d find you out here,” she said as she sauntered sexily over to him. Or tried to. Their fourth child was due to arrive any day now, and Selena’s increasing made her a bit more wobbly than she would have liked.

When she was near enough, he pulled her in close, wrapped his arms around her, splayed his hands over her belly, and felt the kick of their child. “It’s my favorite view.” He kissed her temple. “Other than you.”

She laughed lightly. “After all these years, you are still such a flirt.”

“But I am and will always remain only a flirt to you.”