EPILOGUE
The day was dark, though it was afternoon. Amabel felt the warmth of the fire soothe her bones and she sat closer, feeling completely content.
“My dear?”
“Mm?”
Amabel smiled at her mother, who came in briefly. Her smooth oval face was grave, but her eyes were warm.
“I just wanted to ask if you would like more of that tea I brewed earlier?”
Amabel smiled. “It is lovely, Mama,” she said fondly. “But it does make me so peaceful that I think I might drift away to sleep and not wake. I am so very peaceful already.”
Lady Joanna smiled. “I am glad to hear it, Daughter.”
“I'm glad.”
Lady Joanna smiled. “I think I do not need to tell you what I have foreseen?”
Amabel smiled. “I think we have seen the same.”
Her mother's grin lit up her gentle eyes. “I am almost certain of it.”
“It's a daughter, is it not?” she said. She rested a hand on her belly protectively. It was six months since the wedding and she was more than certain that she was with child.
“Yes,” Joanna smiled. “With your appearance and...”
“And Rufus' hair. And his difficult character.”
They both laughed. “Well, yes,” Lady Joanna nodded, smiling. “I couldn't have put it better myself.”
Amabel smiled. “You know I love him, despite how harshly I might seem to critique him.”
Joanna grinned. “You love him, Daughter. He loves you. Were you any different together, it would not be...as it is.”
“I know,” Amabel nodded. She was so happy. Their relationship was exactly right for her. Their banter and teasing, the way they could discuss things, even heatedly sometimes. Their passion. The trust they felt for one another, which was absolute. It underlay all they did.
“I am so glad,” Joanna said, rising from where she had seated herself briefly on the settee, to leave.
“Well, I must hie to the still room,” she said.
“Yes,” Amabel nodded.
“I shall see you later, Daughter.”
“See you at dinner, Mama.”
Her mother left. Amabel heard her footsteps heading softly down the hallway and she sat where she was, looking into the fire. She smiled at the visions and memories that mingled there, all equally tender to her heart.
She was thinking of Rufus when she heard steps in the hallway. She knew that footfall by heart now and her heart thumped with happiness as she heard him enter.
“Amabel?” he called out softly.
“Rufus.”
He came to sit beside her and she felt his lips move softly over her hair. She smiled and leaned against him, her heart warm as he held her with such care and sweetness.
“You look happy,” he said gently.
“I am happy,” Amabel murmured.
“Me, too.”
They sat quietly a while.
“You've been on the practice ground?” Amabel asked. He nodded sleepily.
“Mm. I was sparring with Brogan. The boy is coming along well.”
“I'm glad to hear it,” Amabel said fondly. Brogan was a good addition to the household guard already, steadfast and true. Amabel knew that, should Rufus ride to battle, she would feel better knowing the youth rode with him. They were already well-accustomed to working together.
Amabel felt Rufus rest a gentle hand on her belly and she smiled.
“You've thought of a name?” he asked.
Amabel smiled. “This one is a girl,” she said with complete certainty. As usual, Rufus did not think to question how she knew.
“Well, then,” he said with tenderness. “You have many names to choose from.”
“I have,” Amabel smiled. “But I want to name her for you, somehow.” She touched his hair, the chestnut brown just gently lit with red highlights.
“Well, I'm not sure if there is a female “Rufus”, my dear...” he paused. “Is there?”
Amabel smiled. “Well, Rufus means red – or red-haired, rather – as I suppose you know.”
He smiled. “I suppose I knew that too.”
They both laughed.
“In which case,” Amabel continued gently. “I suggest we call her Rubina.”
Rufus raised a brow. “I like that. It's unusual.”
Amabel nodded. “I think she will be an unusual lady.”
Rufus chuckled. “If she's anything like her mother, then yes. I can say that with complete sureness.”
Amabel felt love suffuse her chest, so intense and massive she could barely breathe.
“Oh, Rufus,” she said gently. “You are unusual, too. Unusual and wonderful and quite, quite lovely. I love you so much.”
She kissed his cheek and he giggled and kissed her back. “You are unusual, and wonderful, and lovely,” he said, kissing her on the cheek with every descriptor. “And clever, and wise, and beautiful and....oh!” He chuckled, sitting back. “I love you, too.”
They kissed. Outside the sun shone in a red sunset, filling the room with warm golden light. Inside it was warmer still, a place of firelight, trust, safety, and love. Now and always.