Something Scandalous

“Abigail was one of them.”

Three weeks after Abigail’s death, Elizabeth became the Duchess of Kendal in a very private wedding. With only Will’s siblings and Elizabeth’s friends attending, they held the ceremony at the house.

“To the happy couple,” Lord Selby said, holding his glass of champagne.

Elizabeth sipped her champagne slowly. The nerves of the wedding had made her stomach a little off the past few days. Will reached over, grabbed her hand, and gave it a little kiss.

Finally, their lives were at peace. Richard did as Will suggested and left for the country house before Caroline could not travel. Mr. Mason, personally escorted to the docks by Somerton, left for New York.

“Your Grace, there is a Mr. Lewis here to see you. He said you would see him.”

“Thank you, Kenneth.”

Elizabeth looked over at her new husband with a smile. “Could your business not wait this morning, Will?”

Will pulled back her chair. “No. And you will meet him, too.”

“What is this about, Will?”

They walked together to the salon where Mr. Lewis awaited them. Elizabeth stopped at the doorway when she realized exactly why Will wanted her here. Mr. Lewis stood and bowed to them both.

“Your Graces.”

“Oh, my Lord,” Elizabeth whispered as she looked at the man. His red hair was streaked with gray but his green eyes sparkled.

“Mr. Lewis, I believe you have yet to meet your daughter, Elizabeth, Duchess of Kendal.”

Mr. Lewis stood there as if not knowing what to do.

Elizabeth turned to her husband. “How?”

Will smiled. “I truly appreciate Somerton’s talents.”

“I love you!”

Will hugged her and kissed her quickly on the lips. “I was hoping he could get here before the wedding but he was detained. Talk with your father. I will tell everyone why you left the breakfast.”

Elizabeth watched her husband leave them alone, and knew for certain, this time everything would be all right.

Epilogue

Anthony Somerton walked into Selby’s house quietly. While he had been invited to join the festivities, there was only one reason to be here. The cold November air had chilled him to the bone, but the house was warm and filled with people. He handed his greatcoat to the butler and walked into the room. After a journey that took him to France for five months, he was exhausted and done playing matchmaker.

Although, glancing around the room, he realized he’d done a good job. Avis held her daughter, Isabel, while Selby looked on. Jennette and Blackburn watched as Elizabeth held their son, Christian. Kendal gave his wife a quick peck on the cheek. Anthony wondered if they were keeping a little secret about a baby.

“Lord Somerton, welcome,” Avis said, coming to greet him. “It is a shame you could not make it to the church for the christening.”

“The roof might have fallen in if I should happen to set foot in a church,” he replied. “Your daughter is beautiful, just like her mother.”

With her father’s raven hair and blue eyes and her mother’s heart-shaped face, Isabel would grow up to be a beauty.

“Your charms don’t work on me,” Avis said with a grin. “Get some refreshments.”

Kendal and Elizabeth walked up to him before he could sneak away.

“Thank you again, Somerton,” Kendal said.

“And thank you for finding my father,” Elizabeth said quietly. “He is thoroughly enjoying his new life at the estate in Kendal.”