A Lord’s Flaming Summer – Extended Epilogue

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Ruth walked into the drawing room at Sandhurst Hall, tightening her white gloves. She suddenly felt terribly nervous. She had thought she was fine with this upcoming visit to London, to stay with Patricia and Jack. The abrupt anxiety was quite unexpected and unpleasant.

Hugh walked into the room, gazing at her curiously. “What is it, Ruth? The carriage is waiting. The luggage is already packed on it. If we do not leave soon we will not be there before dark.”

Ruth turned to him, her eyes wide. “Yes. I am ready…I think.”

He frowned. “Whatever is the matter? You have been so looking forward to this visit. We have not seen Patricia and Jack since we got back from France, which is over two months ago now.”

Ruth took a deep breath. “I am looking forward to the visit. I cannot wait to catch up with Patricia.” She hesitated. “It is just that she has lined up at least two big social events. A ball and a garden party.”

He nodded slowly. “I see. And you are feeling nervous about attending?”

“How could I not?” she asked, blinking back tears. “I thought that I was fine with it all. That I did not care what people thought about me or our marriage.” She took another deep breath. “But it seems like I was wrong. Quite wrong.”

“Ruth,” he said, walking up to her and taking her hand. “You know it means nothing to me. I am quite resigned to it. All of the ton could turn their backs to us and I would not care a whit. You are my wife and I shall stand proudly and tell anyone that I am the luckiest man alive.”

She smiled tremulously. “I know that, Hugh. I know that you do not care that they snub me and call me a fortune hunter behind my back. And most of the time, I do not care either. Living in the country we are somewhat immune to it. But this will be London, and there shall be so many noble and fashionable people at these events. The crème of society.”

“Let them gossip,” he said slowly. “Let them turn their backs to you. I shall be by your side the whole time. I want us to live our lives without compromise.” He frowned. “But if you truly feel that you cannot endure it, then we do not have to go to any of them. We can simply stay in. You know that.”

She nodded slowly. She was being ridiculous. They couldn’t stay indoors the whole time they were in London, hiding away like frightened rabbits. Hugh had told her many times that the only way the ton would start to accept their marriage was by pretending that nothing was amiss. That meant going to social events and putting on a brave face until the gossip finally subsided.

“I shall not make a fuss,” she said, in a quiet voice. “Let us go to London, and the ton be damned.”

He laughed, kissing her on the top of her head. “That is my girl. My fearless Ruth.”

She smiled up at him. The nerves had not abated. But she must deal with this head on. He was right. They would never accept her if she did not insist she be seen and acknowledged. It was as simple as that.

***

Patricia took her arm, as they entered the tall townhouse on Grosvenor Square. The house was overflowing with fashionable ladies and gentlemen, all dressed in their finest for the ball. Ruth could hear music coming from the ballroom.

“How are you feeling, dearest?” asked her friend, squeezing her arm. 

Ruth sighed, raising her chin. “I shall survive. Do not worry about me, Patricia. All shall be well.”

Patricia’s eyes were bright with sympathy. “You know, I feel guilty,” she said slowly. “I managed to avoid scandal, thanks to your husband and the Earl.” She paused. “It should be me that is the social pariah, not you, Ruth. You have done nothing to invite censure or condemnation.”

Ruth smiled wryly. “Not everyone is as openminded as you are, dearest. All they can see is that I have upset the applecart, by marrying out of my class. They think that there must be an ulterior motive. They cannot admit that we simply fell in love.”

Patricia sighed. “Well, you have my undying support and love, come what may. Shall we?”

Ruth nodded. Hugh and Jack were coming along later. For some reason, her husband had been quiet and secretive as they had dressed for the ball. And then, out of the blue, he had asked her if she might enter with Patricia, as he and Jack had something else to do before they arrived. She had pressed him what that could be, but he had been tight lipped. 

So here she was, with her best friend, her husband absent. She was trying not to feel a bit hurt. Hugh had known how nervous she was about this ball, and insisted he would be by her side during it. But she had to believe that whatever he was doing was necessary. It was out of character for him to desert her in her hour of need. He would be here soon enough.

As she and Patricia made their way through the crowd, people stepped aside, all gazing at her coldly. Two middleaged ladies whispered behind their fans as she passed by. Ruth raised her chin higher, trying to ignore them. But her face was burning and all she wanted was to turn around and run out the door, all the way back to the sanctuary of Sandhurst Hall.

They reached the ballroom. There were at least a dozen ladies and gentlemen dancing a quadrille. Patricia turned to her, fanning herself vigorously.

“I have a secret,” she whispered, her eyes bright. “I am with child, Ruth.”

“Oh, my dear,” said Ruth, delight sweeping over her. “Why are you only just telling me this now? Why did you not tell me as soon as we got to London?”

Patricia’s eyes filled with tears. “Oh, I do not know. We really have not had much time alone, have we? The gentlemen have been around us the entire time.” She laughed. “Which is lovely, of course, but sometimes I miss it just being us, Ruth.”

Ruth smiled. “I miss it too, Patricia. Those early days, when we arrived at Sandhurst Hall, going on long walks together. I was so thrilled that you had chosen me as your companion. I had never had a friend like you before.”

Patricia sighed. “I am still so sorry it all went wrong, Ruth. That through my selfishness, my complete absorption in my own problems, I made you the scapegoat. I shall never forgive myself, you know. You are so happy with Hugh and to think I almost tore you apart forever…”

“Do not speak of it,” said Ruth, in a kind voice. “It is over and I forgive you. You know that. It is the past and everything worked out perfectly for the both of us.” She paused. “You found your Jack. And now, you have a child along the way. How long have you known for?”

Patricia smiled. “I have suspected for a month or more, but now I am sure. My courses have stopped completely and I am feeling ill.”

Ruth laughed. “I noticed you have been picking at your food! This is such wonderful news. I am so happy for you both. You shall make a great mother.”

They kept chatting about the coming arrival. Ruth felt a sense of wonder sweep over her, but she didn’t say anything to her friend. It was too soon. But everything that Patricia was describing about her condition was ringing alarm bells in her mind. She placed a hand upon her stomach, unable to quite believe it. 

She thought that she might be having a baby, too.

She had pushed the idea out of her mind, thinking it was too soon. She hadn’t even confided in Hugh. But she had missed her last course and her breasts were feeling sore and heavy. Something that she had never realised might be a symptom of being with child. It was only Patricia telling her now that she was experiencing the same thing that made her think that, perhaps, it was true.

I might be having a baby, she thought in wonder. We might be about to become a family.

She had never discussed it with Hugh. They had been too wrapped up in themselves, loving their life together. But of course, it was a possibility. How could it not be? They made love every day, if not twice a day. They still couldn’t keep their hands off each other.

Paris, she thought suddenly. I think we conceived this baby in Paris.

She didn’t know for sure, of course. But the thought was insistent, pressing at her. Their perfect honeymoon. Perhaps it had been that wonderful night when they had gone to the opera and then made love in the gardens beneath the moonlight. Perhaps they had made a baby that magical evening. She wanted it to be true.

A baby conceived in music and moonlight.

Suddenly, she saw Hugh, at the door of the ballroom. He was standing next to Jack. Her heart lurched with love and pride. Her husband. And now, perhaps he was about to become a father. When should she tell him that she suspected? Was it still too soon?

He spotted her suddenly, walking quickly towards her. “There you are,” he said quickly, his eyes snapping with impatience. “Come with me.”

She gazed at him. “What is it? You seem on edge.”

He smiled. “You shall see. Patricia, you need to come as well.”

Mystified, they both followed him out of the ballroom. Jack joined them, as they followed Hugh into the drawing room, where about half a dozen people were gathered.

“Ladies and gentlemen,” said Hugh, in a loud voice. “If I may have your attention, please.”

The chatter died down. Everyone turned, gazing at him. Ruth’s mouth dropped open. What was he doing?

He took her hand. “I know that you are all aware that I married recently.” He turned to look at Ruth. “This is my new wife, Lady Solton. A lady beyond compare, who has made me the happiest man in the world. A lady who is also a very talented pianist and singer…”

Oh no, thought Ruth in alarm. Oh, why is he doing this?

“If I could be so bold, I would like my wife to play and sing for you,” he continued. “I shall accompany her. I thought we might start with Lavender’s Blue. What do you think, Lady Solton?”

I think I am going to never speak to you again, she thought despairingly. She truly could not believe he was putting her on the spot like this.

Ruth smiled tightly. She had no choice. She couldn’t turn and walk out of the room. Everyone was looking at her. She nodded, not meeting his eye. Stiffly, she walked to the pianoforte in the corner, sitting down. Her heart lurched sickeningly. Patricia and Jack were gazing at her, smiling encouragingly.

Hugh followed her to the instrument, leaning against it. Her hands were shaking as she raised her fingers above the keys. When she struck the first note, it sounded off. But within five minutes, she was playing confidently, swept away in the music, as she always was.

They started singing. The song that they had sung together at Sandhurst Hall, that had alerted Patricia that there was something going on between them. They gazed at each other, their voices ringing out, into the hushed drawing room.

Lavender’s blue, diddle, diddle,

Lavender’s green,

When I am king, diddle, diddle,

I shall be your queen.

Lavender’s green, diddle, diddle,

Lavender’s blue,

You must love me, diddle, diddle,

Because I love you.

The next verses of the song unfurled. They were singing for each other, exactly as they had the first time. The lyrics seemed to be made just for them. It was as if they were the only people in the room, once again. As if nothing else mattered, and nobody else existed. As if their love was like a shining aura, surrounding them.

When the song ended, and she had placed her hands on her lap, the room was so silent that a pin might be heard dropping. Ruth came to her senses, realising where she was again. All the ladies and gentlemen were staring at them, almost gaping. Ruth’s heart seized. Perhaps it had been awful. She was so caught up in the moment she wouldn’t even know.

But then, quite suddenly, there was a burst of wild applause.

“Bravo!” called the fine ladies and gentlemen.

Hugh walked over to Ruth, taking her hand, pulling her up. He stood with her in the centre of the room. Then he turned and started clapping her, along with all the others.

“My wife,” he said proudly.

Ruth’s eyes filled with tears. She knew now why he had done this. He was telling the ton that he was proud of her. But it was more than that. In pushing her to perform, he had shown them her greatest accomplishment. For music was her special gift, and always had been.

They all crowded around her, offering their congratulations, telling her how beautifully she had played and sung. Ruth blushed with pleasure. This was the very first step, in them finally accepting her. And it was all thanks to her husband, as always.

She gazed at him through the crowd, her eyes shining with tears.

I love you, he mouthed silently.

And she knew, in that moment, that she truly was the luckiest woman in the world to have a husband such as him.

***

When they returned to Sandhurst Hall, Ruth was weary but triumphant. Their visit to London had been a splendid success. On the back of her performance at the ball, they had been inundated with invitations to events. So many, they had to decline most of them.

“My wife,” said Hugh, grinning, as they entered the house. “The toast of London.”

Ruth blushed, swatting him on the arm. “Oh, you are a tease! Do not make me bashful.”

He pulled her into his arms, gazing down at her. “I am only telling the truth,” he insisted, his eyes warm. “The ton have finally seen you for yourself, Ruth. There will no longer be any gossip about our marriage. I am sure of it.”

She sighed. “I had resolved to never speak to you again, you know, at the ball.” She smiled slowly. “But now I am glad that you did it. We do not need their approval, but it does make life a lot easier to have it. And I want you to be proud of me.”

“I have always been proud of you,” he said slowly. “I do not need to tell you that.” His mouth twitched. “Come into the drawing room. I have another surprise.”

They walked into the drawing room. There, in the corner, was a brand new pianoforte. It was bigger than the last one and it was beautiful. She rushed towards it, overwhelmed.

“Oh, my,” she breathed, running her hands along the keys. She turned to him. “You crafty thing! Did you plan this before we left?”

He laughed, pulling her into his arms again. “I did indeed. Father supervised its arrival and installation. I swore him to secrecy.”

Her eyes filled with tears. “What have I done to deserve a man such as you? You keep surprising me. There is never a dull moment.” She hesitated. “Perhaps it is time to turn the tables for a moment. To give you a surprise…and a gift.”

He gazed at her curiously. “What surprise?”

She smiled slowly, placing a hand on her stomach. “There is going to be a new member of our family very soon.” She gazed at him steadily, her heart racing. “I am with child, Hugh. I am having a baby.”

He gasped, almost staggering backwards in his shock.

“A baby?” he breathed, his eyes wide. “A child of our own?”

She nodded slowly. “Yes. A baby.” She blushed. “I think that this baby is a result of our honeymoon in Paris. I like to think so, anyway.”

He laughed with pure joy. “That night, in the park? Beneath the moonlight?”

She nodded shyly. “Perhaps.”

His eyes glittered. “You have made me the happiest man in the world, Ruth,” he said solemnly. “I thought I could not be any happier, but it seems as if I was wrong. Our child has completed our love. I am over the moon and cannot wait to meet him or her.”

Ruth’s heart flipped over in her chest. She had been nervous about telling him, waiting for the perfect moment. But she knew now that she hadn’t needed to be. This was their child, conceived of their great love. Of course he would be as overjoyed as she was, at the thought of the impending arrival.

We are about to become a family, she thought in wonder.

He folded her into his arms. They were silent, breathing each other in. Communing with their child. She knew she would never forget this moment as long as she lived.

She gently disentangled herself, sitting down at her new pianoforte. She couldn’t wait to play it.

“Any requests?” she asked.

“Yes,” he said, nodding. “‘Lavender’s Blue’, please. For now it is a love song not just for us, but for our child as well.”

She felt a thrill of joy, placing her hands upon the keys. They started singing. A song of love for each other and for their coming child. The music drifted on, into the afternoon, until shadows started to lengthen, over another perfect day.

THE END

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