Epilogue
It was another cold winter’s day. Mrs. Anne Matthews stood at the top of the Fairy Steps looking down at Beetham. She placed a hand over her stomach where her and Nathaniel’s child grew. They had married not long after that magical day at the Fairy Steps.
Lady Danford had been delighted and invited the whole village to the wedding breakfast. Anne had worn the beautiful ball gown that she’d first worn at Lady Danford’s assembly. The maids were able to restore it to its original beauty.
Juliet and Sophia had taken London by storm, just as Anne had predicted. It was clear that Juliet was in love with Tony. Sophia had yet to meet anyone who caught her fancy. John was off to India to make his fortune, with support from Nathaniel.
Anne hadn’t told Nathaniel of the baby yet. She wanted to wait until they were in Beetham again, surrounded by family at the Lodge.
“I knew you couldn’t resist coming out here,” Nathaniel said, quickly coming up the steps behind Anne. He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close. “Are you cold, love?”
“No.” She smiled. “I just needed to stretch my legs.”
“It is a long carriage ride from London. You were so sick. Are you sure you should be rambling through the woods instead of resting?”
“I’m fine. Very fine.” She turned in his arms and stood on tiptoe to kiss him. “I have something to tell you. A surprise.”
He frowned. “I don’t really care for surprises, Anne.”
“You’ll like this one.” She whispered, “I’m expecting your child.”
He whooped and whirled her around, then pulled her away from the steps. “You shouldn’t stand so close to the edge.”
“Then you are happy?”
“Anne, no one could make me happier.” He kissed her deeply. “I love you so much.”
“I love you more.” She laughed and snuggled back into his arms. “I wish Juliet and Sophia could have this.”
“They will get their chance, love. It just takes time.”
“Or magic.”