A Duke’s Liberating Embrace – Extended Epilogue

“Are you very nearly ready, my dear?” Samuel asked, coming into the room where Delilah was putting the final flourishes in her hair.

“Am I ever ready? I would always be ready in a flash if it weren’t for this mass of chaos upon my head,” she complained.

“Darling, I love that mass of chaos,” Samuel said, bringing her close and kissing the top of her head through the untameable blonde curls.

“You are too sweet,” she said.

Samuel grinned at her and allowed her another moment before he decided he might need to rush her after all.

“We are going to be later than is fashionable,” he said.

“Fine, fine. I am perfectly happy to go now. All right, do I look decent? What do you think?” she asked, more anxious than usual.

Delilah turned to show him her profile. He took in the lovely sight of her growing belly and smiled, filled with hope for their future.

“You look more beautiful today than you ever have,” he said.

Her face fell and her smile was gone.

“What? What is it? What have I said wrong?” Samuel asked.

“You are lying,” she said.

“No, I am not! I think you look beautiful,” he told her.

“I am huge,” she said.

“You are pregnant, my dear. I don’t think anyone can blame you for having a larger stomach when you are growing a human in there,” he told her.

But Delilah did not appear to have been appeased by his words and Samuel had to pull her close once more.

“What is the matter, my love?” he asked.

“I was always beautiful and now? I don’t even know what I look like,” she said. “A boar. That’s it. I look like a wild boar.”

Samuel held back his laughter. Delilah looked like anything but a wild boar.

“Delilah, my dear, please stop this nonsense. I know that pregnancy has…I know that it has affected both your mood and your confidence, but you must let it go. I think you are stunning. You have always been my beautiful wife and you always shall be,” he said.

She nodded, as if trying to believe him, but Samuel knew that there was going to be a good deal more work to be done before the night was over if he wanted his wife to fully trust him on this.

“Are you ready then?” he asked.

“Yes, I am ready,” she replied.

they departed from the home and made their way to the ball that was being held by another earl in the middle of London.

“Oh, look, there is Maisie and my father,” Delilah said.

“Yes, and there is the Dowager Waller,” Samuel added.

“Father, good evening,” Delilah greeted.

“Oh, darling, you look lovely. I cannot wait to meet this grandchild of mine,” her father said, looking straight at her belly.

Samuel saw how Delilah cringed, how she was clearly still upset about her appearance. But he gave her an expression of love and affection that he hoped she would read into.

“Your Graces, I am glad to see both of you,” the dowager said, curtseying.

“And you as well. Are you looking forward to the wedding?” Delilah asked.

Lady Waller looked at her father and smiled, almost like a young girl having fallen in love for the first time. Her father blushed in response, still unaccustomed to showing much emotion.

Mr. DeWitt had still been running the fruit farm, but he would come into London frequently to see his intended bride. He had hired an excellent team of people to keep things up at the orchard and had decided, along with the dowager, that they would move into her estate once they were married.

After that, he would still keep an eye on his business and home, but it would not be the primary place that they would live, and it would not be their primary income either.

Delilah had worried that it would bother her father if the dowager was the one with all of the wealth. But he had told her that he cared nothing for it and would be perfectly fine if he never saw a scrap of it.

Delilah believed him, even when others might not.

“Yes, I am rather looking forward to it,” the dowager said, still not taking her eyes off Delilah’s father.

“Oh! There you are!” Maisie exclaimed, coming over in a twirl.

“Good heavens, Maisie, you must calm yourself before you knock someone over,” Delilah said.

“Sorry. I only just finished the dance,” Maisie said, breathlessly.

Delilah saw three young men eyeing her sister, clearly talking about her with interest, before they saw Delilah’s flat expression as she eyed each one of them in turn. They all turned away and pretended to be looking at the architecture of the room.

“I can see that you have made friends” Delilah said.

“They have come to find wives, so I am simply allowing myself to fall under their consideration,” she said.

“Hmm…well, you must remember that these are men of great titles, for the most part. Or they shall inherit titles from their fathers,” Delilah said in warning.

“Yes, I know. Just as your husband has a grand title. What of it?” Maisie asked.

“Nothing. It is only that I should be sad if you entrusted your heart to any one of them only to find that they are not the sort of man that you really want to be with,” she said.

“What makes you think that is going to happen?” Maisie asked.

“It might not. But I want you to remember not to pay heed to title or status. Those things are perfectly fine and well to ignore. What you must pay attention to is a man’s heart,” Delilah said.

“You found a man who has all those things. Of course I want to find a good man with a good heart. That shall always be my priority. But, if he happens to have the other things, I am not going to reject him as a result. Most of the men here have titles and status, as you said. Why should I not find a man here who is as kind as your own husband?” Maisie asked.

Delilah had nothing more to say on that matter and was frustrated that her mind went blank.

“I – I am not sure what my point was,” she said.

“You have been like that ever since you have been with child,” Maisie observed.

“I know. It is difficult, constantly forgetting what I wanted to say,” Delilah said.

“You have also been in a bad mood,” Maisie accused.

“I have not,” Delilah said.

“Yes, you have. You want to take away my fun,” Maisie said.

“I do not. I only want to make sure that you end up with the perfect man of your dreams. I want you to be happy and I want you to be treated well. To be loved,” Delilah said.

“That is what I want as well and I am confident that I shall have it,” Maisie said.

“Very well. Now, let us get to it,” Delilah said, turning to make the rounds and greet the guests.

It was then that she saw Anthony and Francesca nearby.

“Oh! There you both are! I am so happy to see you,” Delilah said, rushing to take Francesca’s hand.

“How are you? Feeling better?” Delilah asked.

“Yes, thankfully. I am no longer nauseous every day,” Francesca said.

She was four months along in her own pregnancy, compared to Delilah’s seven months. They were both excited to be mothers, but even more excited that they were going to be raising two children who were the same age and could be the best of friends.

Throughout the previous two years, they had spent much time together, becoming fast friends. Delilah and Francesca were always sharing their hopes for the future and what life would be like as mothers. They would try to help one another when fears came or when they were dealing with the difficult parts of marriage, family, and now pregnancy.

But mostly, they had been there for one another’s joys. They had been supportive of each other’s happiness and the many moments of victory. They had eaten meals of both cultures and celebrated when good news would come.

Delilah loved having a good friend and was even more grateful that they were going to have their families together.

“Oh, I must ask you, have you heard anything about this rumour?” Francesca asked.

“Yes, it is awful. There were three men who escaped from the prison, from what we have heard. But no, if you are worried that Theodore was one of them, I am happy to say that he was not. He remains there,” Delilah confirmed.

“I am glad to hear it. I was so worried that he might be coming after you if he got out,” Francesca said.

“Yes, we were frightened as well. We didn’t know if there was any possibility of learning what happened, but Samuel went and spoke with the constable who promised us that his uncle was not one of the men. No, Theodore is still there. We have nothing at all to fear,” Delilah said.

“Aside from those three,” Francesca said.

“We asked about them. They were all put in prison because they had stolen bread for their families. It was two brothers and the son of one of them. Yes, it was a crime, but hardly anything dangerous. I do not mind if desperate men escape. So long as Theodore never gets out,” Delilah said.

“My dear, Anthony was just telling me that he and Francesca have found an excellent carpenter who made the bed for their child,” Samuel said, interjecting into the conversation.

“Oh? We loved the carpenter who did much for the estate, but he has moved to the highlands to care for his mother. You must tell us about this man,” Delilah said.

For a long while the four discussed their plans as parents and Delilah was glad to learn so much from their friends and be able to share other information in return.

Finally, Samuel placed a hand on Delilah’s shoulder.

“My dear,” he said. “Would you like to dance? This is a slow one.”

Delilah listened for a moment before nodding.

Samuel led her out onto the dance floor and they began the motions slowly and rhythmically.

“You are so lovely,” he said.

“So you keep saying,” she replied. “I cannot believe you, but I do appreciate your words.”

“Why can you not believe me? Would I lie about something like this? I find you beautiful, even if you do not think as much about yourself,” Samuel said.

“I thought I was once. When we first met, for instance. I had no insecurities about my appearance. I had plenty of imperfections, but not one of them mattered to me. I cared only about being my very self,” Delilah said.

“I wish that you would be the same even now. You may not see your beauty, but everyone else here does. I do. No one is looking at you this evening and thinking that you are too large or too tall or short or round or thin. They see a beautiful woman who happens to be with child,” he said.

“This child is going to be the beautiful one,” Delilah said as Samuel took her into a slow spin.

“Just like his or her mother, of course,” Samuel said.

“Do you think we shall do a good job of it? Of being parents, I mean. I have so many fears,” Delilah confessed.

“As do I. I am worried that we shall make a grave and terrible mistake. I am worried that we shall not be disciplined enough or we shall discipline too much and the child will be frightened. I am worried that we will end up with only one child who might grow up lonely and sad,” he said.

“Oh, dear,” she replied.

“But what I have come to try to think of instead is to focus on the fact that we have a wonderful, glorious opportunity ahead. We have a wonderful human that we are bringing into this world. We are going to make many mistakes, but we are also going to get many things right,” Samuel said.

“Really? You believe so?” Delilah asked.

“I have no doubts about the matter. We are going to raise this child with love and kindness, with grace and generosity,” he said.

“I do hope so. And I hope that I may spend all my days holding and rocking and cuddling with this little one,” Delilah said.

Samuel laughed happily at the thought.

“I cannot wait to see that vision before me. Please, my love, have no worries. You and I are going to be just fine,” he said.

They continued their dance and spent more time throughout the evening with friends. The Duke and Duchess of Danwood were always a hit at balls and parties, but now more than ever Delilah had begun to care about their time in society and Samuel had begun to care about their future.

They would not be found near anyone who showed a lack of integrity, but they would always stay close to their dearest friends, whom they would defend at any opportunity, so long as it was clear they were in the right.

They were learning from men and women who already had children and they were trying to counsel those who hoped to get pregnant.

Delilah had been making every effort to continue looking after Maisie, but she was quite certain that it was only a matter of time before the Marquess of Ilsby would make her an offer of marriage. And, if Maisie chose him, they would marry quickly.

Mr. DeWitt had made it clear that he was perfectly in love with the dowager, just as Delilah had hoped that he would be. However, it had taken them time to come around to getting to know one another and, finally, deciding to proceed with a formal betrothal.

Samuel could hardly imagine what his life would have looked like had he not been accused of his father’s murder.

He still lived with the pain of that loss, but he would often go and visit his father’s grave and talk to his father about his wife and the baby and everything that was going on. He acted as though his father were simply beside him, ready to converse.

By the end of the night, the two were exhausted and ready to depart for home.

Delilah was often exhausted and Samuel tried to ensure that she was comfortable. He had acquiesced to her wished to go out as much as she could before her confinement began, but the time was drawing near and she was going to have to be left on her own for a good deal of the time.

He knew that it was going to be difficult for her but he had already spoken with Maisie on the matter to ensure that she would come often to be a good comfort to her sister.

“Do you feel all right?” he asked.

“Yes. But my feet are sore,” Delilah said.

“Come, let us get up the stairs,” Samuel said.

He led Delilah into their room and to the bed.

“Lie back,” he instructed. “I mean on your side. Sorry, I still forget these things.”

She did as she was told, and Samuel began massaging her swollen feet and ankles.

“You were on your feet too much this evening. You need more rest than this,” he said.

“I know, I know. I am sorry. I should have sat or told you that I needed to return home,” she said.

“Your toes are so red,” he said with a laugh.

“That is because they barely fit in my shoes anymore,” she confessed.

Samuel shook his head and looked at her with awe.

“Women really are the strongest creatures,” he said.

“We were built for this,” Delilah replied.

Samuel continued to rub her feet, hoping that she would begin to feel a little better.

Finally, Delilah placed a hand on her stomach and shifted in discomfort.

“Are you all right? Is it the baby? Did it kick? Is something that matter?” Samuel asked, nervous about what it meant.

Delilah looked at him and laughed.

“What?” he asked.

“You needn’t worry about every little movement. As it happens, I am simply hungry,” she said.

“You are hungry? I thought you ate at the ball. Was it not enough?” he asked.

“Of course not. I am pregnant, and I am nearly always hungry,” Delilah said.

“Oh, of course. I am sorry, my dear. I keep thinking of what you were like before this little one. But, yes, you are right. You need to eat enough to keep yourself and the child going and growing. Would you like me to run down to the kitchen to get you something to eat?” he asked her.

“Would it be too much trouble?” Delilah asked.

“Not in the least,” he said.

Samuel jumped from the bed and rushed down the stairs into the cellar. He had a look around on the shelves and then into another cupboard where the produce was kept.

He eyed a few items until he found just the right thing for his lovely wife.

Samuel grabbed it in his hand and made his way back up the stairs and into their room.

“Are you all right?” he asked.

“Yes, I am fine, thank you, my love,” she said.

Samuel climbed onto the bed next to her and lay by her side.

“Here, I brought this for you,” he said. And he handed Delilah a perfect, green apple.

THE END

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