Margaret’s lips parted, her heart racing as she prepared to respond. But before she could speak, a curious scratching sound drew their attention downward.
She glanced down and blinked in surprise at the sight of her kitten, its tiny paws fervently clawing at the polished leather of Morgan’s boots.
“What in the world is this creature?” Morgan exclaimed, stepping back to dislodge the little interloper. The kitten, unprepared for the abrupt movement, lost its balance and tumbled unceremoniously to the side.
“Oh, how charming ,” Margaret said with a laugh, crouching to scoop the kitten into her arms. The tiny animal mewed softly, its paws kneading at her sleeve as it settled against her warmth.
Morgan raised a brow, his expression torn between amusement and bewilderment. “Have you taken up rescuing wild things now, Margaret?”
She smiled, brushing a finger along the kitten’s soft fur. “Hardly wild,” she replied, holding the tiny creature up for him to inspect. “Morgan, meet Leonardo.”
“Leonardo?” Morgan repeated, his brow arching further.
“Yes,” she said. “I have been wondering what to name him but now I have found it. We’re taking him home with us, Morgan. After all, every castle needs a prince.”
Her words hung in the air, soft yet decisive. Morgan’s gaze softened, his lips curving into a rare smile. He reached out, brushing his fingers lightly against the kitten’s head before meeting her eyes. “Indeed, it does,” he said with a chuckle, the mirth in his tone matched by the warmth in his expression.
The sound of laughter echoed around them as her family, watching the scene unfold, joined in the moment of levity. Margaret’s heart swelled as she looked at Morgan, her decision no longer burdened by uncertainty.
“I love you, Margaret,” he said again, his voice quieter now, meant only for her.
“And I love you, Morgan,” she replied, her voice steady and sure.
EPILOGUE
“Titan!” Margaret exclaimed as she wrestled the tiny dog away from her plate. “Get off my roast, you impudent little rascal!”
Her words were met with a peal of laughter from Anna, who seemed thoroughly entertained by the chaos her dog had wrought. “Here, little boy,” Morgan called, holding out a morsel of beef on the end of his fork.
Titan’s ears perked up, and he abandoned Margaret’s plate without hesitation, trotting over to Morgan with all the enthusiasm his diminutive frame could muster.
“Well, it is a comfort to know I have a generous brother-in-law, at least,” Anna remarked, casting Margaret a faux-accusing look before dissolving into laughter.
“Goodness, Anna,” Margaret said, attempting to smooth her ruffled napkin. “Do you not feed your dogs?”
“Titan alone could consume enough to sustain a regiment,” Elizabeth quipped, her tone colored with amusement.
“I daresay that dog was born ravenous,” Sebastian added from the head of the table, his wry smile drawing a chuckle from the group.
“Quite so,” Colin agreed with a wicked grin, his gaze shifting to Anna, who shot him a pointed glare.
The dining room erupted in laughter, the joyous sound mingling with the crackle of the roaring fire. Winter had settled firmly over the countryside, and the castle, bathed in the glow of candlelight, was a haven of warmth and merriment. The entire family was gathered under one roof, and the air buzzed with lively conversation and good humor.
As the laughter ebbed, Sebastian set down his glass and cleared his throat. “I have an announcement,” he began, drawing the group’s attention. “I am planning a voyage across the continent.”
“A voyage?” Margaret asked, surprise evident in her voice.
“Indeed,” Sebastian confirmed. “It is something I have long considered, and Anna has been most insistent of late that I seize the opportunity.”
Anna grinned, clearly pleased with herself. “I am only encouraging what is best for you, Uncle.”
“And will Aunt Petunia accompany you?” Margaret inquired, her gaze shifting to her aunt.
At this, Petunia’s cheeks flushed a delicate pink, and she shook her head, a demure smile playing on her lips. “No, my dear. I find I have… something to keep me in England.”
Margaret blinked, her curiosity piqued. Anna, seated beside her, let out a knowing laugh, while Elizabeth’s expression mirrored Margaret’s confusion.
As the gentlemen lingered over their port, the ladies withdrew to the drawing room, where the subject of Petunia’s decision was quickly revisited.
