Reigniting A Lady’s Passion – Extended Epilogue

Three Months Later

“Charles and I are just going to sort out some things in the study.” Philip put his coffee cup down and touched Maria’s knee. “Are you going to be all right?”

Maria laughed.

“Of course, I’m going to be all right. Don’t fuss so much about me.”

“Just checking.” Philip leaned over and kissed her cheek before he stood up. “Behave.”

Charles chuckled.

“You’re telling your wife to behave? You think that’s going to be adhered to?”

“I can but hope.” Philip’s eyes twinkled as he winked at Maria. “We’ll be out shortly. I’m sure Charles will want to see Jane when she arrives.”

Maria wanted to see Jane as well. They had only got back from their honeymoon to Wales three days ago, and Jane had been visiting relatives in Suffolk. She had returned home the night before, and Maria was keen to see her friend.

Mostly, she wanted to see the engagement ring Charles had given her. From what Jane had said in her letters, it was big and beautiful.

Aunt Amelia shook her head with a smile as the two men went inside.

“Honestly! You think they believe we’re going to get into trouble sitting out here.”

“It’s perfectly possible. But I’m not in a position to get into anything right now.” Maria rubbed her belly with a grimace. “I think that food poisoning is still lingering.”

“You have an appointment to see the doctor later, don’t you?”

“Yes. Jane and I are going to see him when we go to town later. It’s probably nothing.”

“Or it could mean something else.” Aunt Amelia grinned. “I’ve heard that being sick is an early sign you’re with child.”

Maria frowned.

“Isn’t it a bit early to tell?”

“Love, if you think that, you need a lesson on biology.”

Maria didn’t respond. Was she pregnant? She had thought about it, but she didn’t think anyone could tell at this time. The doctor would be able to confirm it one way or another, and then Maria would be more confident in knowing if she was unwell or carrying Philip’s child.

She really wanted that. The thought of bearing Philip his children had been something that Maria desired more than anything. She wanted to make him smile by seeing his children running around, jumping up onto his lap, and cuddling up to him. Philip said once he did want several children, but Maria had teased that her body could only handle so much, and he might not desire her if she had too many children.

Philip was confident that he would desire her no matter what. That was comforting.

“Have you seen your parents yet?” Aunt Amelia asked as she sipped her tea. “I’m sure I’m going to get all the stories when I go visit my brother later, however.”

“I’ve seen Father. He came here yesterday, and he seemed very happy.” Maria felt warm at the memory. “I don’t think he’s ever been this proud of me.”

“He has always wanted the best for you.”

“I think he still feels a bit guilty that he was led on by Mother’s lies about Beckett.”

“Speaking of your mother, have you not seen her?”

Maria sighed.

“She refused to come. Said she had something to do. Father didn’t say what, and I didn’t press the matter.”

Her aunt snorted.

“I’ve heard that she’s still upset at the fact you married someone who wasn’t of her choosing. She was in London last week, and I overheard her lamenting to her friends that you were now married to someone with an undesirable past.”

Maria had had a feeling that would happen. Lady Kimbolton had set her sights on her daughter becoming Lady Beckett, having been seduced by Beckett’s charm and believing he was a better candidate. In her eyes, Maria needed her mother’s guidance, and she had to find a suitable husband. The fact her daughter had the freedom to choose and went against her wishes was, quite frankly, embarrassing. Especially to choose someone who was known to have been a rogue. Maria didn’t care about Philip’s past, but her mother did.

“She did tell Father that she won’t be coming by until I come to her and apologise for embarrassing her in front of Beckett and making her look a fool to her friends.”

“She’s asking you to apologise for falling in love?”

“It’s not done her way, so it’s my fault that her friends are laughing at her.” Maria rolled her eyes. “I doubt that’s happening, but she doesn’t like the fact I did this on my own. She wanted to be the one who took the credit, and she’s getting none of it.”

“If people are laughing at her, which I doubt, she shouldn’t have tried to force you to marry someone you hated.” Aunt Amelia put her teacup down. “Speaking of which, have you heard anything about Beckett? Is he still around?”

“I’ve heard that he is, but he’s choosing to keep a low profile. I have no idea of what people are saying about him, just from what Reed told me.” Maria shrugged. “I’m not too fussed about what he’s up to, just as long as he leaves Philip and me alone. I’ll be content with everything if he keeps his distance.”

“Sounds like you’ve got things in order.” Aunt Amelia paused. “And what about Bridget? I didn’t want to bring her up in front of Philip as I know she’s a touchy subject, but what’s happened to her?”

Maria didn’t want to talk about Bridget, either, although she did have some sympathy for her former maid. She wanted to have some stability in her life, a better life, but she had gone about it in completely the wrong way. And she could have done some serious damage if Bridget had gone to Lady Kimbolton instead of the Earl. Maria knew her mother would be forbidding Philip from coming anywhere near them again.

At least her father had forced Bridget into silence and decided the best option was for Philip and Maria to marry as soon as they could. If he had been of a different mind, Maria might not have seen Philip again.

Somehow, something disastrous had actually turned out well for them.

“She’s left Father’s estate. There was no way she could work there after what happened. Father wasn’t comfortable with her presence, just in case she decided to go to Lady Kimbolton about what she supposedly saw.”

“And your mother would have been in hysterics.”

“That’s one way to describe it,” Maria grunted. “Charles said he could help her out, and he’s moved Bridget to his parents’ estate. She’s now working as one of the upstairs maids.”

Apparently, the woman was doing well, and she still hadn’t said a word about the lies she had concocted. Nobody would care about the specifics, just that Maria had been alone with a man. People’s imaginations could run rampant, and Bridget knew that. If she couldn’t have Philip, she would make sure Maria was ruined in retaliation.

“I’m surprised she actually kept her mouth closed about this,” Aunt Amelia commented. “She struck me as someone who wasn’t keen on being quiet and submissive.”

“If she doesn’t have anything to fall back on, which she didn’t, she would be left destitute and homeless. Father knew that, as did Bridget. With no marriage to Philip, she would have nothing.”

“Do you think she’ll say something to disrupt your life now? She’s nowhere near, but she could end up causing problems anyway.”

“Charles said she hasn’t said anything to anyone, and he’ll keep an eye on her.” Maria picked up her coffee cup and took a sip. “I’m not impressed by Bridget’s actions, and I don’t think I’ll be able to think about her without getting upset at how little she thought of me to try and ruin me, but I’m glad she’s got herself a new life.”

“Maybe time away from Philip is a good thing. She might even find someone who could love her as she deserves.”

Maria hoped so. She didn’t want Bridget to come back and cause problems for them again. She trusted Philip, but she didn’t trust Bridget to behave herself.

“Maria.” Aunt Amelia’s expression softened. “It’s going to be all right.”

“I didn’t say I was worried about anything.”

“You didn’t need to. You’re going to have a happy marriage with Philip. You’re going to be together for a long time.”

“I hope so.” Maria giggled. “I’m sure we’ll be driving each other mad by the end of the year, though.”

“That’s called marriage. And the reason why I’ve never wanted to do it.” Aunt Amelia winked. “I like to drive other people mad, but I don’t want it directed at myself.”

Maria laughed.

“I can believe that. Or maybe you’ve not found the right person.”

“At my age? Not a chance.” Her aunt grinned. “I have a place in life. And that is to annoy my sister-in-law with the fact that her daughter is more like her aunt than her mother.”

“You’re going to tease Mother about that?”

“I’m sure you’re going to every chance you get if she talks to you again.” Aunt Amelia put her cup down and stood up. “Why don’t we have a walk around the garden? You’re looking a bit pale. It might do you some good.”

Maria wasn’t sure about that, but she was getting stiff from sitting down. She took her aunt’s outstretched hand and allowed the older woman to pull her up.

“Why not? I won’t be too fast, but that sounds like an idea.”

#

Philip had heard Maria coming home, but he focused on his work. There was quite a bit left over from his other estate, and his estate manager needed his confirmation on a few things. Once it was done, he would be able to put his pen down and relax.

Then he could focus on his wife without having to wander back to the study.

He knew he was taking on a lot having two estates, but Philip knew it would be worth it. While he and Maria had chosen to live in what was meant to be his second home, the main estate needed to maintain its upkeep. Things were going nicely so far, so he was confident that it would be manageable.

Even though it wasn’t that far between Kimbolton and Newmarket, Philip wanted Maria to be near her family. Especially her father. Lady Kimbolton would come around eventually— hopefully—so being close by made more sense. Although Philip couldn’t see his new mother-in-law softening toward him anytime soon.

He was fine with that. As long as Lady Kimbolton didn’t do anything to upset his wife, and as long as Beckett remained out of their sight, he was content.

He heard movement from upstairs in the master bedchamber. Was Maria going to bed? She had been sleeping quite a bit over the last few days. She had also been throwing up, which had made the journey from Wales longer than it should have been. Philip had been worried enough that he had urged her to see a doctor.

Hopefully, he would be able to say what was wrong, although Philip was a little annoyed that Maria had to travel into St Neots to be seen. Why couldn’t he come to the house? Whatever the reason, Maria was getting seen to, and then Philip would be less edgy about how to look after her. He knew Maria didn’t like being treated with kid gloves.

He just didn’t want to make whatever it was worse.

His concentration was wandering, and Philip realised he was staring at a page but doing nothing. He put his pen down. This could wait until later. It wasn’t going to be too much to finish off. His priority right now was Maria.

Philip left the study and headed upstairs, opening the door as quietly as he could. Maria was already in bed, her clothes scattered about the floor. She was turned away from him, the covers up to her chin, so just her hair was visible.

Closing the door behind him, Philip turned the key in the lock. He didn’t want anyone disturbing them. Undressing himself, he tugged the covers back and slid into bed behind her. His cock hardened as he touched her bare skin, and Philip bit back a growl as he tugged Maria’s naked body against him. Maria sighed, and Philip saw her smile as she half-turned towards him, her eyes still closed.

“I didn’t want to disturb you.”

“Too late.” Philip kissed her softly. “How was the appointment?”

“It was good.”

“As in good news?”

“Yes.” Maria reached between them and stroked him. “But I’ll tell you later.”

Philip wasn’t about to argue when she was touching him like that. Rolling her onto her back, he crawled over her, kissing her soundly as he linked their fingers together, pressing them to the pillow as he nudged his cock against her. Maria moaned, and she wrapped her legs around his waist. Philip groaned. He loved it when Maria showed him what she wanted.

He felt her body tighten around him as he slowly thrust inside her. He watched as Maria’s eyes closed and her head fell back. Her fingers tightened around his as he began to slowly rock into her, her moans growing louder.

She certainly wasn’t shy about people knowing what was going on. It was like her inhibitions were thrown out the window.

He kept their lovemaking slow, trying to reach any part of her body that he could with his mouth. Maria began panting, using her legs to pull him closer.

“Please…stop going slowly. I…I want….”

Philip kissed her, smiling as he felt her come apart. He would never get tired of knowing he could do this to her. His own climax started rippling up his spine, and he buried his face in her neck as it washed over him, the waves of his orgasm making him lightheaded.

Once his head didn’t feel like it wasn’t spinning, he eased up onto his elbows and softly kissed her.

“What were you saying about going slowly?”

“You’re mean, do you know that?”

Philip chuckled. Kissing her nose, he eased out of her and rolled onto the bed, gathering her in his arms.

“Let me get my breath back, and I’m sure I can do something about it.” He kissed her forehead. “Although you might need to be a bit quieter. The servants are going to hear what’s happening.”

“At this point, I don’t care.” Maria traced her fingers over his chest. “As I was going to say, the appointment went well. The doctor said it shouldn’t be too long before I’m feeling back to my old self.”

“That’s something.”

“It will be a few months, though.”

Philip’s mouth fell open.

“A few months? How is that good news?”

“Apparently, it’s normal for women to be feeling nauseous and uncomfortable for eight to nine months. Quite common, actually.”

“What are…?”

Then it clicked. Philip stared.

“You’re pregnant?”

Maria grinned.

“The doctor says he’s confident that things will ease off, but to be prepared for a new arrival in the near future. Then both of us are going to be spending our time exhausted.”

“You mean more than we are now. I swear we spend most of the night in bed but not sleeping.”

“Are you complaining?”

“Not at all.” Philip rested his hand on her belly. “Just let me know if you want me to ease off on the intimacy. I don’t want to hurt you or the baby.”

“The baby is going to be fine, providing you don’t squash me.” Maria eased up and kissed him. “I did hear, though, that some pregnant women end up wanting to be ravished more. Something happens that makes them turn into wanton women.”

Philip grinned.

“I like the sound of that.”

“I thought you would.” Maria pushed him onto his back and started kissing down his chest. “I just hope you can keep up with me.”

From the way his body was reacting to her touch, Philip didn’t think that there was going to be a problem with that at all.

THE END

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