Bronwyn Scott's Sexy Regency Bundle (290 page)

Scott

was

and she couldn't hold back her tears. It was all suddenly too much. Lucien had died in front of her. One moment, he'd been living among them; the next, he'd simply ceased to be. It could just have easily been Valerian. Valerian's arms were about her and he cradled her to him, murmuring reassurances.

The captain was efficient, but it still took the better part of the evening to wrap up loose ends and make statements. At nine o'clock the captain shut his notebook. 'We have all we need, my lord. Thank you for your patience. You may all go home. I'm sure it's been a very trying day. We will let you know if anything further is required.'

let Valerian lead her to his coach, which had stood waiting for them. The afternoon and early evening had been a blur of repeating stories and events. She was only just now able to shut out the horrors and appreciate the joys of the day. Valerian was free. The last threat that had stood in the way of their happiness had been removed.

She snuggled against Valerian's shoulder. 'What shall we do now? After all this excitement?'

Valerian looked down at her, a smile starting in his green eyes. 'We go home.'

'I've waited a long time to hear that.'

'Just as long as I've waited to say it, my love.'

Valerian pressed a kiss to the top of her head and held her close. They might be days from Roseland, but knew she was home already.

Epilogue

I January 1831

alerian Inglemoore, the Viscount St Just, had a secret, a joyful secret that caused him to unceas-ingly as he stood with his wife and four-week-old son in front of the assembled congregation of St for the baptism of his child. He was desperately in love with his wife and she was in love with him.

That wasn't the secret. He doubted he could have kept his bliss hidden from anyone for long. He was all too aware that he wore his heart on his sleeve when it came to

and his new family.

eyes flicked to the front row where Lilya and Constantine sat. In the span of a year, he'd become a husband and a father to two boys and one beautiful young woman preparing to take on London in the

life was full. But that wasn't the secret either.

year ago on New Year's Eve, he'd silently

Scott

vowed to court

and win back her trust in

him so that his life could be complete. That was his secret.

His resolution had been fulfilled, although not with ease. He and

had done battle with the

past and the present for the sake of their love. Now, there were no more secrets between them.

passed the baby to him, all blankets and dark hair in his arms. He passed the baby to Beldon, who stood as godfather to little

Alexei. Beldon

said the words easily and the ceremony was over.

There was mingling afterwards, everyone crowding the altar to get a good look at Roseland's new heir. Valerian watched Lilya and Beldon exchange a quiet look apart from the crowd, a knowing smile spreading across his face.

elbowed him gently. 'What are you thinking with that wicked grin on your face?'

'I am thinking that everyone deserves to be as happy we are.'