Bella regarded her stubborn, somewhat ill-tempered brother with a sombre gaze.

"Well, I advise you hasten your acclimation with my new stature," Bella declared sternly. "It truly vexes me to hear you unjustly censure my husband, degrade him, and mar our wedding day, ours, Arden. If there's anyone you ought to be displeased with, it is I."

Arden furrowed his brow. "So, you imply that you self-invited to Marlborough, is that your assertion?!"

She inclined her head and let out a sigh. "Nay... I merely wish to inquire, Arden – if you were enamoured with a lady who resolved to extricate you from her heart and surrendered herself to another man, would you still love and take her as your wife, despite the peril that she might carry the child of that other gentleman?"

Her brother observed her with intent, yet as time elapsed, his eyes widened in increasing astonishment. Eventually, he abruptly rose, paced to the window, and returned to the seated Bella, grasping his head.

"Good Heavens, Isabella...," he exclaimed in a subdued tone, "Fuck! You cannot be earnestly suggesting that you ventured into such a risk! First Aileen, and now you... My only glimmer of hope is that Eliza, at least, entered matrimony with an unsullied virtue."

Yet, upon noticing Bella's wavering gaze, he shook his head and waved his hand dismissively. "You know what, I need not and do not wish to know! I am... utterly aghast!"

A hush fell over their surroundings, broken by Arden after a while: "The institution of matrimony exists precisely to shield the fairer sex – including you! You and your sisters, being the Duke's daughters raised in the utmost propriety, should comprehend it best. I fail to fathom why you regarded it as the least consequential matter!"

"Your unyielding stance proved rather beneficial in Aileen's case," Bella retorted bitterly, eliciting a pained expression from Arden.

He elevated his forefinger and spoke, "The Almighty is my witness that I subsequently reconsidered my decision and wished to convey it to her — however, upon entering her chamber, she was gone."

Bella rose, approached him, and enveloped him in an embrace. He sighed, but eventually reciprocated.

"You neglected to address my query, Arden," she murmured as they parted.

Upon their separation, he responded, "I am uncertain of my course of action with such a lady, Bella, for it shall not transpire in my case. I could only hazard a guess that I would have waited until it was ascertained the woman is either not expectant, or that she delivers that man's progeny in hiding. I could never reconcile with the notion that my title should be inherited by a son not of my blood."

He then scrutinised her with his gaze and inquired, "Is St. Arcey privy to this? To all the intricate details about your affair?"

She nodded. "He is acquainted with every nuance, every facet. He also preferred that I withhold the information from you."

"Good Lord in Heavens, I never anticipated finding concurrence with him," he shook his head. "Nevertheless, you entered into matrimony with him and he earnestly took you as his wife," Arden remarked, clicking his tongue, "evidently, I undervalue him concerning his capacities and affections for you. Forgive me for this, Isabella; I did not intend to so indelicately disrupt your significant day."

"It is not me to whom you owe an apology," she retorted and bestowed a gracious smile upon him.

As brother and sister entered the grand hall, all eyes turned toward them, and the melody of the music came to a graceful halt. Arden, with a resolute stride, approached Travis, who stood at a distance with Daniel and Eliza.

"I beg your pardon, Marquess St. Arcey, for my untoward language, conduct, and deeds, even those of a bygone era. I acknowledge I overstepped, and... I was ignorant of certain matters. Ultimately, my sole concern lies in my sister's happiness, a sentiment I now realise is shared by yourself," Arden expressed.

A genuine sense of remorse shone in his eyes. When he extended his hand to Travis, it was accepted willingly, accompanied by a nod of understanding. The Marquess then proceeded to Bella, where he bestowed a chaste kiss upon her lips and enveloped her in a tender embrace, signalling the resumption of the musical cadence.

"As a prospective Duke, Arden, one must discern when to yield," remarked John with a wry smile as his son took a seat opposite him.

Arden took a measured breath, noting Lady Kendall's sly expression in his peripheral vision.

"Pray, Lady Kendall, if something has tickled your fancy, do share. I welcome any diversion," Arden jested, savouring his wine with decorum.

"I always find it refreshing when familial airs are purified," the seasoned matron commented with amusement. "And truth be told – it was high time someone administered you a dose of humility, Lord Price."

Arden chuckled, then smiled, signalling to the servant to replenish his wine.

At the conclusion of the lengthy table, two vacant chairs were positioned – added with symbolic intent alongside the table setting, representing the reserved spaces for Aileen and Felix. Daniel gazed at those positions, deeply immersed in his reflections, when suddenly, he perceived the touch of a hand on his shoulder.

"Contemplating Felix once more?" Eliza inquired with a soft tone.

He nodded. "I sorely miss him, and not a day passes without me pondering where he might be. It pains me to witness our mother reproaching herself for not being more open and honest with him... I fail to comprehend why he has not made any contact until now. Aileen at least dispatched a letter."

"I share the same sentiments about Aileen," Eliza replied, sighing. "The notion that Bella and I could potentially become aunts... I hope – no, I firmly believe – that they will both return to us, Daniel."

Lord Gray merely smiled and continued to gaze at the empty seats, as though anticipating the two to materialise out of the air and fill the void in the hearts of those who eagerly awaited their return. Even the Duke and Duchess were not immune to the sentimental atmosphere – when Elizabeth noticed John's contemplative look, she understood who occupied his thoughts.

"John, my dearest," she addressed him and delicately caressed his face, "one day she shall return to us, mark my words."

He gazed at his wife and sighed in response, "You utter those words nearly every day, my love. And each day, I ponder whether she shall make it until my final breath."

Elizabeth smiled at him with a reserved strength, avoiding dwelling on the worst. "She shall make it, I fervently believe in it."

John also smiled and took her hand in his.

"I do wish they were in our midst today," Bella whispered softly, to which Travis nodded and replied, "Indeed, my love, I share in that sentiment."

He then drew his wife close to his chest, feeling once more the gratitude that he could be with her on this day... and the days to follow.

This time, nothing could truly part them.

°°°

Later, Lafferty briefly paused at the door to observe the young couple dancing, evoking a warm smile – he scarcely dared to hope that the two would ever unite, let alone reach the altar. He could finally exhale a sigh of relief, if only for a brief moment – now he needed to discreetly depart, as he had done every day thus far, and pay a visit to a particularly solitary soul.

However, as he turned around, he nearly collided with Lady Kendall, who materialised before him like a spectre.

"Ah, Lafferty, I have not had the pleasure of seeing you today," she said to him with a mysterious smile on her countenance.

"I did observe you earlier, but I did not anticipate engaging in any verbal discourse," Lafferty replied with stern formality. "Now that we find ourselves eye to eye, I must inform you that our association, in any conceivable sense, concludes this day, Lady Kendall. I bid you farewell."

He proceeded towards the stables, but her resolute voice halted him.

"Whither are you hastening, Robert St. Arcey? Do you not fear that I might divulge your identity? I shall refrain from such an act unless you lend an ear – as I have written to you, a certain lady is desirous of meeting with you."

Lafferty sighed, regaining his composure, and retraced his steps towards her.

"Lady Kendall, you did not expend such a significant effort in safeguarding my anonymity only to so shamelessly betray me after the passage of years. You are well aware that such actions would serve no purpose. Therefore, extend my sincere regards to Mrs. Chatterton... and convey that I forgive all transgressions and harbour no ill feelings towards her."

Lafferty gestured with his hands. "Titles, wealth, obligations... none of these are requisite to me, nor shall they ever be. I had but one brother; my true father was a barber, and my true mother served as a maid for a family in London – sentiments I shall carry within my heart until the end of my days."

The aged matron inclined her head and responded, "The late St. Arcey became aware of your existence when it was already too late, and he subsequently wedded Corinne Stillwater, the lady he ardently sought. Alas, his desire dissipated into the wind upon discovering that Travis was not his progeny. Nevertheless, he frequented your company alongside Mrs. Chatterton, visiting the individuals whom you presently regard as your parents. Yet, following his demise, Percivaline found herself devoid of cause or companionship to continue these visits, compelling her to relinquish you entirely."

Lafferty momentarily closed his eyes, releasing a sigh before regaining mastery over his emotions.

"Why do you reveal all this to me? Why now?" he inquired in a hushed tone.

Lady Kendall nonchalantly shrugged. "I have your welfare in mind."

Her words elicited a chuckle from him this time. "But, my dear Lady Kendall... you are well aware that your actions are rarely, if ever, dictated by the benevolence of your heart, particularly towards others. However, I have resolved not to return to your service. And now, if you'll permit, I must take my leave."

He left her standing alone in the corridor, while he hurried to the stables, where he swiftly saddled one of the horses and galloped towards the Winthrop family estate. With the evening gradually descending, a warm glow emanated from one of the numerous rooms – Mary had likely ignited the hearth, as the night air was turning frosty.

Lafferty entered the house without hindrance, as the doors were left unlocked, prompting him to chide her later for jeopardising her safety in such a manner. Suddenly, however, he discerned a sound resembling a woman's weeping. He almost sprinted into the room, discovering Mary lying on the floor in front of the fireplace, convulsed in profound sorrow that seemed to suffocate her.

"For Heaven's sake, Mary, what is amiss?!" he exclaimed in alarm, throwing himself to the ground beside her and cradling her tear-streaked face in his hands.

It took her a while before she could articulate her words with some coherence.

"A missive arrived from my father, Robert. He... He has disowned me!"

Lafferty initially thought he misheard. "Disowned?! What?!"

She nodded. "He purportedly seeks to annul his union with my mother for her transgressions... he wishes to enter into matrimony anew and has no intention of sustaining a hungry mouth that failed to secure a husband..."

Lafferty cursed inwardly, expressing his frustrations with the world, yet instead, he gallantly lifted the distressed Mary from the ground and cradled her against his chest.

"I am befuddled by it, truly... we shared a fine connection, why has he betrayed me so?!" Mary continued to weep, her teary eyes barely perceiving Lafferty's countenance.

"Because he is a weakling unworthy of the title 'father'," responded Lafferty, tenderly stroking her hair and back. "Mary... dearest Mary, do not weep, I implore you. Rest assured, there is a solution to every predicament."

"I must vacate this abode by week's end, Robert," Mary stated tearfully.

"Then you shall come to St. Arcey's estate," declared Lafferty, to which she uttered no response.

It took a considerable amount of time for her tears to subside, and she composed herself enough for him to lay her on a soft rug in front of the hearth and recline beside her.

"Remain with me, Robert, I beseech you," Mary whispered, prompting Lafferty to prop himself up on his elbow to gaze upon her exquisite visage. "I have no one else, no one in this world."

"I shall stay with you, fear not, Mary," he reassured her, gently caressing her face.

A hush descended, in which only the delicate sound of Mary's discreet sniffles permeated the air. Lafferty withdrew a handkerchief from his pocket and proceeded to gently pat her face dry. She, in turn, kept her eyes closed, endeavouring to compose herself, thankful that, in this challenging moment, she had found solace in the presence of a gentleman.

In that moment, he observed her arching and commencing to untie the petticoat on her back, her sole garment.

"What on earth are you doing?" Lafferty asked, bewildered, breath catching as he beheld the sight of her ample yet exquisitely beautiful tits. He could discern the lines of her tempting curves prior, yet paid it no heed as she was in a state of great distress and dire need of consolation.

"I've waited for you for years, Robert," Mary confessed in a subdued tone. "And since you've yet to take any initiative, I've taken matters into my own hands."

Lafferty blinked, attempting to shield her modesty. "But, Mary, you're in a vulnerable state; I cannot—"

"You can," she interjected. "I implore you."

Sighing, he leaned in first to plant kisses on her face, then gradually descended, lower, lower, lower... until the room resonated with sighs, moans and, eventually, blissful murmurs.

°°°

Meanwhile, within the estate of Marquess St. Arcey, all were settling in for the night, including the inebriated and raucous Arden and Daniel, who had engaged in a night of lewd songs alongside the musicians. Eliza had ultimately reached her limit of patience and ushered her dear husband into the chamber at the earliest opportunity. Subsequently, Arden incurred the displeasure of Lady Kendall for disrupting her nocturnal tranquillity. John and Elizabeth retired for the night quite early, and the glow of bliss still lingered on the faces of the newlyweds. Travis filled two glasses with wine and gallantly offered one to his wife, encircling her waist.

"Our nuptials were modest and scarcely attended, my dearest. Was it in accordance with your envisioning?" he inquired.

She nodded. "If ever I harboured dreams in this life, they were of you, my love. Now that I hold you before the gaze of Providence, I find myself wanting for nothing. I would alter nought about our wedding day."

Travis arched an eyebrow. "Not even Arden's impromptu addition to the festivity?"

She chuckled. "So, he's Arden to you now, and not Lord Price?"

Her husband grinned and replied, "I must admit, I may have sung two slightly bawdy tunes with him in the throes of my most profound inebriation. Yet, I am now completely composed, I assure you, so your brother reverts to being the Arrogant Price," Travis nuzzled her neck, prompting her laughter.

"Come, allow me to assist you in disrobing," said Bella and put both their cups on the table.

He took his seat, and Bella began to unfasten his waistcoat, both finding themselves upon the canopied bed as Travis swooped her in.

"I am overjoyed, Isabella St. Arcey," he declared, bestowing her countenance with kisses, prompting her to softly giggle. "Truly, I desire nothing further! Perhaps only," Travis paused, delicately tracing a circle on her abdomen with his finger, "that we may presently expand the sphere of our familial circle."

Bella adorned a gracious smile, but then a pensive shadow crossed her face. Following a few drops, her expected days were to arrive, yet they failed to do so... a matter she scarcely realised amid the tumultuous events of recent days.

Sensing the absence of her smile, Travis, with concern inquired, "Is something amiss, my love?"

With a subtle tilt of her head, she mirthfully snorted and delicately bit her lip before responding, "It is likely too early to be certain, but... it is conceivable that, at this very moment, I carry our offspring."

Travis gazed upon her for a moment, allowing her words to settle in his elated mind. Then, realisation dawned upon him – he had secured the woman he nearly forfeited, first through his deeds and subsequently through the clandestine machinations of adversaries. Now, he had also sown the seed of their shared destiny. Initially, a few tears welled up in his eyes, and then he sniffed, ultimately succumbing to a sob. It may have seemed unduly sentimental to him, yet he found himself unable to suppress it, as Bella promptly cradled his countenance in her delicate hands.

"My dearest, why do tears stain your visage?" she inquired, sensing the sudden surge of emotion within him.

"Once, I relinquished the hope that I might one day converse in terms of 'we' and 'our family' with another soul... Bella, you cannot fathom the profound elation that floods my being... it nearly overwhelms me – surpassing all my most fantastical reveries. I am grateful for everything, and... I beseech your forgiveness for any pain I may have inadvertently caused you. Can you believe that you are the object of my deepest affection in this entire world?"

She bestowed a gracious smile, and a couple of tears graced her eyes as well. "I have already pardoned you, Travis. And indeed, I believe, for I too hold you in the highest regard in this world."

That night, he found himself in a state of profound vulnerability, and his inner beast subdued to the extent that he could not assert any dominance over her. Both of them eagerly awaited the dawn and the emergence of a new day, marked by tender caresses upon their skin, genteel kisses, and unhurried expressions of love that reached a pinnacle in their shared bliss.

Travis savoured all of these moments with the woman he had finally permitted himself to adore; with the woman he could now proudly call his wife. Meanwhile, Isabella revelled in the experience with the man she had cherished all along; with the man who had at last decided to invite her into his world and let her remain within it.