Epilogue

Three years later a letter arrived at Bridlewood Manor. Addressed simply to the Duke of Greystone, it had come all the way from Virginia. The duke studied the return address as he sat alone at his desk, but he knew who the letter was from.

Finally, with a sigh of defeat, he broke the seal. The delicate script of a woman’s hand covered a single page, wrapped around the portrait of a chubby baby.

Greystone set the picture gently to the side as he read.

Your Grace,

It goes against my better judgment to write. Nathaniel would tell me that some things never change, but I cannot help but hope they can and sometimes do. Nathaniel and I were married shortly before we left England. He has been heavily involved in shipping since then, and while his empire may never rival your own, he has been very successful. He is a son to be proud of. I have enclosed a portrait of our first child, a boy named Theodore Nathaniel, born nearly a year ago. I felt it only right that you should know.

Sincerely,

Alexandra Kent

Setting down the letter, Greystone lifted the photograph he had placed to one side. He donned his glasses and held the picture close, though he’d grown sick and his hand shook with the effort of doing so. There was no denying that his first grandchild was a beautiful baby, with a ghostly resemblance to his first wife through the eyes, and a strong Kimbolten nose and chin.

His grandson. The heir of his heir.

At that moment, the duke wasn’t sure if Alexandra meant to be kind or cruel, but he stared at little Teddy for a long time.

And then he wept.

The End