“And I love you, husband,” she whispered, her voice filled with a quiet promise of a future built on love, trust, and lasting happiness.
Epilogue
SIX MONTHS LATER
“Is it not a lovely day?” Genevieve remarked, her voice light as they strolled through Hyde Park, the sunlight soft against their skin.
Wilhelm’s lips curled into a tender smile. “Indeed, my love,” he replied, his gaze meeting hers. “The sun always feels warmer when I am with you.”
Genevieve gave him a shy smile, her gaze briefly dropping to the ground. “Oh, Wilhelm,” she chided playfully.
He chuckled, his gaze sweeping over the vibrant foliage and passersby.
“I must confess,” he began, a mischievous glint in his eyes. “I find myself rather enjoying these outings.”
Genevieve’s lips curled into a playful smile. “Is that so?” she teased, her eyes twinkling with amusement.
“Can you two ever stop flirting?” Marianne laughed beside them.
“It is their turn now, darling,” Owen said with a grin, rubbing her seven-month-pregnant belly.
“I have to say, Ravenshire,” Kenneth teased, “I never thought I would live to see the day when you would be out in broad daylight. It was always a clouded room or a dark stuffy study and ‘revenge this, enemies that’…”
Wilhelm’s expression softened into mock solemnity. “What revenge, my friend?” he intoned, earning a laugh.
“It seems our endeavors have borne fruit,” Kenneth remarked, a sly grin spreading across his face.
Wilhelm’s lips curled into a subtle smile. “Indeed,” he agreed, his eyes sweeping over the men, a hint of satisfaction in them. “One by one, they have fallen.”
“Even our dear Alfred,” Kenneth drawled. “It seems he has driven himself to ruin. Did not even need our help.”
“Not much of it, in any event.” Wilhelm’s smile widened, a glint of triumph in his eyes. “He was always his own worst enemy,” he added, the satisfaction evident in his voice.
Kenneth’s grin grew wider, his eyes twinkling with mischief. “And yet,” he said, “he played his part perfectly.”
Wilhelm’s lips twitched, a chuckle escaping him. “Indeed, he did,” he agreed, grinning widely at his friend.
Kenneth chuckled, his gaze sweeping over the group. His eyes lingered on Marianne, whose hand rested protectively on her swollen belly.
A loud, melodic laugh suddenly rang out.
Genevieve and Marianne were both clearly amused by something. Genevieve’s face was bright with mirth, and Marianne was clutching her belly as though she could hardly contain her laughter.
The sound was contagious, drawing the men’s attention away from the conversation as the two women exchanged glances filled with understanding.
“What is all this merriment about?” Wilhelm inquired, his eyes sweeping over the group, his lips curling into a playful smile.
Genevieve blushed, her gaze flickering towards Marianne, who could not stop giggling.
“We are conspiring,” she confessed.
“Conspiring?” Kenneth echoed, arching an eyebrow in mock surprise. “Against whom, pray tell?”
Genevieve bit her lip, her cheeks flushing a deeper shade of pink. “Against… you, I am afraid,” she revealed.
Kenneth’s eyes widened in mock horror. “Against me?” he exclaimed, clutching his chest dramatically. “But I have done nothing to deserve such treachery!”
Marianne giggled, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “Oh, Kenneth,” she teased, her voice playful, “we simply want to find a nice lady for you to marry.”
