Rescued by a Wicked Lord – Extended Epilogue

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Jenny walked into the grand ballroom, frowning as she gazed around. It was almost four o’clock in the afternoon and it still wasn’t ready to her satisfaction. What was worse was the fact that Harry had promised to be back to assist the preparations over half an hour ago.

She sighed with irritation. This was their very first ball. They had discussed it, as soon as they had gotten back from their extended honeymoon in Bavaria, and decided they would do it very soon. It was a combination of things which had made them want to do this. The first reason was they wanted to show off their brand new home. The second reason had to do with Peggy. 

Jenny smiled, despite her irritation. Her sister had some news to share. Some very good news, indeed. News that had warmed her heart, when she had been told about it.

“There you are.” Arms slid around her waist, enclosing her. “I have been looking for you everywhere.”

She jumped, stiffening. Harry was leaning his head onto her shoulder, grinning at her. She frowned.

“You said you would be here half an hour ago,” she said quickly. “I am going around in circles, trying to get everything done.” She sighed crossly. “There are only half the flowers I ordered set up. Cook is behind with the food. I am not sure if we have ordered enough crates of champagne…”

Harry grinned. “You are panicking. The ballroom looks lovely. Cook has made enough delicious morsels to feed a small army. And the less champagne, the better. It will mean we do not have drunken stragglers swinging from our rafters early in the morning.”

Jenny rolled her eyes. “How can you be so calm? Are you not anxious that our first ball be a success?”

He eyed her steadily. “The ball will be a grand success, just because our family and friends will be here. And we are with each other. Relax, Jenny. You have been rushing around like a bee in a bottle the entire day. Everything is under control.”

She sagged against him, feeling some of her nervous energy drain out. Harry always managed to calm her down and make her look at things a different way. He was such a steady, stable energy. Something that she had learnt, of course, during their search for Peggy when she had run away. And it had continued, since they had married. Harry was her calm in the storm and always would be.

They still bickered, of course. They had bickered over what shade of green to paint the drawing room and what dining table to purchase. Harry had wanted a mahogany one, she had wanted burr walnut, with brass decorations. They had argued when they had picked their servants. They were constantly arguing over the small things…but with things that really mattered, they were in perfect harmony.

She loved their new home. It was a tall, grand townhouse, in one of the most fashionable areas of London. They entertained a lot and went out constantly. Their life was a happy blur of opera recitals, musicals, and soirees. In fact, she was so supremely happy that sometimes she had to pinch herself. Sometimes she had to remind herself that it all could have been so very different.

The odd pair. The pair that had always been enemies. The pair that had turned into the very best of lovers.

“Come on,” he said now, taking her hand. “Let us leave the servants to their work. It is time to start dressing for the night.” He paused, gazing at her wolfishly. “And perhaps we can take a few minutes to ourselves, as well. I think we deserve it, before our guests start to arrive.”

                                                                   ***

An hour later, they emerged from their chambers, just in time for the arrival of their first guests. Jenny tried not to look at Harry, for fear of blushing. He had just been doing some very shocking but delightful things to her, beneath her elegant ball gown. So delightful that she was still glowing from it.

The first guests of the evening were her family, standing in the foyer, gazing at them expectantly. Her father was looking very dashing in a new maroon velvet jacket. Her mother was wearing a new pale blue silk gown, with a net overlay, and a diamante headband. Aunt Ernestine was leaning on her cane, resplendent in a rather decadent and sinful bright red taffeta gown. And then there was Peggy.

Jenny’s breath caught in her throat. Her younger sister looked radiant. She was dressed in a gown which was the lightest shade of lavender, with a beautiful feather headpiece, nestled in her brown hair. She looked so happy and relaxed. A far cry from the distraught girl who had cried herself to sleep over Baldwin Jarvis.

By her side stood a tall gentleman with sandy hair. Jenny smiled with delight. His name was Lord Miles Randall. He was an old friend of Harry’s from school. Harry had introduced him to Peggy not long after they had returned from their honeymoon, and underneath Jenny’s watchful gaze, a very proper and respectful courtship had ensued. A budding romance that had blossomed into love.

“My dear family,” cried Jenny, walking towards them with outstretched hands. “Welcome.”

There were kisses all around. Jenny and Harry led them into the ballroom, making sure they had glasses of champagne. Jenny took Peggy’s arm, leading her away.

“So,” she whispered, her eyes shining. “When would you like Harry to make the announcement?”

Peggy turned pale. “Oh, Jenny. I want to announce our engagement to the world. I truly do. Nothing could give me as much joy as the public declaration of our love.” She bit her lip. “But what if there is someone in the crowd who knows what happened between me and Jarvis? What if someone spoils the announcement by exposing my shame?”

Jenny gazed at her sister, squeezing her arm. “No one shall do that, dearest. You know as well as I do that the threat of scandal is all but gone. Jarvis has been paid off and still has the threat of exposure to his father hanging over his head like the sword of Damocles. You know that Harry would not hesitate to tell the Duke, if it came to that. Jarvis has not breathed a word of it to anyone.”

Her sister sighed, nodding, but Jenny could see she wasn’t reassured. The fact was Peggy was always anxious about it. Ever since she had realised what Baldwin Jarvis’s true character was, she had been scared that he would expose what she had done to the world. And that fear had intensified, since her sister had been courting Lord Randall. 

Peggy was truly in love and wanted to marry him. And both Jenny and Harry were in agreement that Randall was a fine choice of husband for Peggy. He was wealthy, charming and stable. He treated Peggy like gold. When he had proposed, her sister had cried, saying she didn’t deserve a man like him. Not after what she had done.

Jenny had stayed up with her half the night, as she had poured out her worries. Randall didn’t know that she was no longer a maiden. He didn’t know anything about her shocking past, when she had run away with the illegitimate son of a duke. What if her secret was revealed? Would he still love her and want to marry her, or would she lose this chance to move on with her life?

Jenny had persuaded Peggy to tell her fiancé the truth. She knew it was risky – he might take fright and run, just as Peggy feared. But he might also forgive her past transgressions. And Jenny thought they had a far greater chance at happiness if her sister was honest. If there were no secrets between them from the beginning. And if Lord Miles Randall did take fright and run, then he wasn’t the man they thought he was anyway.

Eventually, Peggy had plucked up the courage. Randall had taken it well, telling her he loved her for herself, and not her past. He didn’t care if she was a maiden or not on their wedding night. It was a brilliant outcome all round and Jenny had hoped it would finally ease Peggy’s mind and let her attain true happiness.

But her sister was obviously still anxious that her secret would be revealed, before she was safely married. A scandal could still ruin everything.  Miles Randall might be willing to live with it, but his wealthy and influential father might have another opinion entirely. And if Randall defied him and still married Peggy, he might be cut off without an income.

“You must not think of it,” said Jenny now, in a determined voice. “This is a happy night. A celebration. You cannot spoil it by thinking of what could go wrong. Do you promise me?”

Peggy nodded solemnly. “I promise, Jenny. I will try.” She bit her lip, her eyes shining with tears. “What would I do without you? You are always so wise and supportive of me, no matter what I do. I am the luckiest girl in the world to have an older sister like you.”

Jenny smiled, her heart flipping over. Her sister had said these words to her many times since they had resolved their differences, on the night that she and Harry had declared their love, but it still made her heart sing. It felt so good to have her sister back and for Peggy to appreciate all that she had done for her. And the fact that Peggy realised that she had done everything out of love.

“I am sure you would manage very well,” said Jenny, blinking back tears. “But you will never have to, because I shall always be here for you, dearest. Now, smile. You are betrothed to a fine man. And the night is only just about to begin.”

Peggy nodded. They drifted back to the family. More guests were beginning to arrive now. Harry stared at Jenny, over everyone’s heads, his eyes warm and appreciative. Jenny smiled, but she was distracted.  She had put a brave face on it for her sister’s sake, but Peggy’s anxiety had been contagious. What if there was someone who knew her secret in the crowd tonight, who might spoil her happy announcement? Jenny wouldn’t be able to relax until it was over and done with.

                                                                               ***

 The ballroom and all the other rooms were crowded with people, sipping champagne, dancing and laughing. The night was a great success. And yet, Jenny still couldn’t relax until the announcement of her sister’s engagement. Until the moment when Peggy knew that she truly was going to marry the man of her dreams and that it wouldn’t be snatched away from her.

“Jenny! How lovely you look! And the house is wonderful!”

Jenny turned swiftly. Grace, her dear friend, was standing there, looking exquisite in a dove grey silk gown with fleur de lys embroidered on the sleeves. They embraced warmly. Grace had been shocked, of course, when Jenny had eventually told her she was in love with Harry Wycliff, of all people, and intending to marry him. And that was when the whole sordid story of Peggy’s disappearance had spilled out.

Grace had been understanding, of course, and swore that she would never tell a soul. Jenny trusted her implicitly. How she wished she could talk to her friend about all the fears surrounding the announcement of the engagement this evening.

But this was a crowded ballroom, and as much as she wanted to confide in her friend about her fears for the announcement, she didn’t dare. Anyone might overhear them.

Suddenly, Harry tapped the side of his champagne glass for silence. The crowd quietened, turning to him. Jenny tensed, clutching Grace’s arm tightly. This was it. The moment they all desired but feared, at the same time.

“Ladies and gentlemen,” said Harry, smiling broadly. “Welcome to our home. I hope you are all enjoying your time with us this evening.” He took a deep breath. “I would like to ask my sister in law, Miss Margaret Rayment, known to all of us as Peggy, and Lord Miles Randall to step forward, please.”

Jenny watched as Peggy and Randall stepped forward. Harry put an arm around them both. He gazed at Jenny for a brief moment, before continuing.

“There is another reason my wife, Lady Wycliff, and I have invited you here this evening,” he said slowly. “A very happy reason indeed! For it is my absolute pleasure to be able to announce to you that Lord Randall has proposed to Miss Rayment…and she has said yes.”

There was applause from the crowd. Peggy blushed pink. Randall looked as pleased as punch, gazing proudly at his new fiancée. 

“Would you raise your glasses to the happy couple,” continued Harry, raising his own high in the air. “To Miles and Peggy!”

“To Miles and Peggy,” echoed the crowd, raising their glasses.

They all drank. The next minute, people were crowding around Miles and Peggy, offering their congratulations. Gentlemen were slapping Miles on the back, grinning, saying that he had won a fair lady. The ladies surrounded Peggy, gazing at her engagement ring, and wanting details about the wedding day.

Jenny let out a silent sigh of relief. It seemed like the danger was past. No one was rushing forward, declaring that Peggy was a fallen woman. There were no titters going through the crowd, whispers behind hands, about her. The secret was safe and it always would be. Jarvis had not told anyone. 

It had worked.

Jenny knew that it still wouldn’t completely allay her sister’s fears. Not until she had a wedding ring on her hand would she feel completely safe. But they were planning a quick wedding and it would all be over soon. Within a month, Peggy would be Lady Randall, under the complete protection of her new husband. And Baldwin Jarvis would finally fade away into the shadows, where he belonged.

“How wonderful,” said Grace, beaming. “Oh, I am so happy for Peggy! She deserves it.”

“Yes, she does,” said Jenny, almost sagging with relief. “She deserves the world.”

Suddenly, Lord Elias Stone was by their side, grinning from ear to ear. “Ladies,” he said, bowing to them. He fixed his gaze upon Grace. “How lovely you look this evening, Miss Caney. Can I tempt you to dance?”

Grace blushed, taking his hand. “Thank you, Lord Stone. I would like that very much indeed.”

To Jenny’s surprise, they walked away. Elias leaned in, whispering in Grace’s ear. Her friend blushed deeper, laughing at whatever he had just said to her.

Harry was suddenly by her side, watching their two friends walking to the dance floor as well.

“Wonders will never cease,” said Jenny, shaking her head.

Harry grinned. “Yes, there is always some surprise or other round the corner, is there not?” He gazed at her with warm eyes. “You should know of all people, dear Lady Wycliff, that reformed rakes make the best husbands, after all.”

                                                                         ***

When the night was finally over, and their guests all gone, Jenny wearily took off her shoes, rubbing the arches of her feet. She knew she had danced too much after the announcement was over, but she just couldn’t help herself. She was so happy for Peggy and Miles. So happy that their future seemed assured.

Harry came into the room, grinning from ear to ear. He clutched a bottle of champagne in his hand and two glasses.

“A nightcap?” he asked, popping the cork.

Jenny smiled indulgently. “Just one. I am so tired I could fall asleep on my feet.” She took the freshly poured glass of champagne. “It was a successful night, was it not? And more importantly, the announcement went off without a hitch. Peggy is safe!”

Harry nodded, sipping his champagne. “Peggy is safe. But then, she always was. I knew Jarvis would never talk. You did not see his face that day when we offered the proposal to him. He was running scared.”

“I think I finally believe it,” sighed Jenny, putting the champagne glass on the dressing table. “You know, I do not think I feel like it, Harry. I might just go to bed…I am rather more tired than normal at the moment.”

He raised an eyebrow. “Why? From the preparations for the ball?”

“Perhaps,” she said, giving him a secretive smile. “Or perhaps I will tell you another reason tomorrow, when I am a bit more refreshed…”

“Jenny,” he said, frowning. “What is it?”

“Let us just say that the Bavarian fairies have listened to our prayers,” she said slowly. “I think that I might be with child, Harry. We are going to have a baby.”

He was so shocked the glass of champagne slid out of his hand, crashing to the floor and spreading champagne all over their new pink and gold Abyssinian rug. Jenny laughed. He rushed towards her, picking her up, twirling her around as if she was a doll.

“Put me down,” she cried, her eyes shining. “Release me!”

He laughed, lowering her to the floor. They stood there, grinning at each other foolishly. She was so happy she could barely contain it. Now that Peggy’s engagement announcement was out of the way, she could finally allow herself to feel it.

“I love you, captain,” he whispered, his eyes glittering fiercely. “And I shall love you even more when you become the mother of my child. You have made me the happiest man in the world.”

“And you have made me the happiest woman,” she whispered back, overwhelmed with love for him.

They stayed there, embracing, for the longest time. Jenny no longer felt tired. She felt like she could dance all night. As long as Harry was by her side, anything was possible.

                                                                                         THE END

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