Tricking a Lord into Sin – Extended Epilogue

Four Months Later

“Bridget?”

Bridget looked up to see Harry coming out onto the terrace. She pushed herself to her feet, wobbling a little before she picked up her basket. She was still a little light-headed, but that was meant to pass. The doctor told her to take it easy.

Bridget didn’t know the meaning of taking it easy.

“What is it?” she asked as she approached the terrace.

“Your cousin is here. She’s in the morning room with Forbes.”

Bridget frowned.

“Mary and Forbes are here? Where’s Aunt Felicity?”

“Back at the house, apparently. She’s not feeling very well, so she decided to stay home.”

That was odd. Normally, her aunt would be following her daughter everywhere, mostly with a scowl or a forlorn expression. Bridget had learned to ignore her; she was just looking for sympathy now they didn’t have the money they used to have, and her aunt had to cut back on her expenses. So, to have her letting Mary travel with a gentleman without a chaperone was strange.

“Is something wrong?” Bridget put the basket on the terrace wall before heading up the steps. “Did Mary say why they were here?”

“No, she just wanted to talk to you.” Harry chuckled. “I did hear some giggling as I closed the door, though, so I’m wondering if it’s something to do with the two of them.”

“Mary was giggling.”

“That’s what I heard.”

Now Bridget knew that something was up. Mary hadn’t been happy for a while. Even though she hadn’t been an active participant in her father’s business, she was still mostly shunned because she was his daughter. Mary had been upset that this had happened, even after Harry had said he would leave her name out of it. He had, and Harwich was still unaware that his own flesh and blood had helped with the downfall of his social standing, but it hadn’t stopped people from treating Mary badly. As it was, Mary hadn’t spoken to Bridget for some months now, and she had refused all invitations after the wedding.

That had been painful to deal with, as they had always been close, but Harry had said that Mary would come around eventually. Things would get better between them. Bridget hoped that was the case; she didn’t like it when she and her cousin were fighting.

“At least it sounds like she’s in a better mood with me, if she’s actually in the house.” Bridget took a deep breath. “I just hope she stays in a good mood when I enter the room.”

“You worry too much, love.” Harry kissed her forehead. “You’ll be absolutely fine.”

“Will you come with me?”

“Of course. I’m not going to leave you on your own.” Harry looked her over. “Especially when you’re in a delicate state. Are you sure the doctor said you were well enough to be up and about?”

“Of course he did. Stop fussing.”

Harry looked sceptical.

“Well, don’t do any more gardening today, please. I want you to rest as much as you can until you get better.”

Bridget bit back a response, holding back a smile. It was going to be a while until she felt better. She could only hope that Harry didn’t make her rest so much once she told him the news. The doctor had wanted to tell him, but Bridget had asked that she share the news. She wanted to watch his face when she did.

Harry was going to be delighted. Then again, he had barely stopped smiling since she agreed to marry him. It was rare to see him scowling anymore. And it helped that they had refilled the house to its former glory. His household was bigger, the rooms were brighter and warmer, and it seemed to match his mood. Even his mother was in better spirits. She was out socialising so much Bridget was surprised whenever she saw her mother-in-law in the house; it was a rare thing now, even with the weather getting chillier as it moved into autumn.

It was going to be quieter once the dowager countess went to London for the Season. Bridget had decided that she wasn’t going, even with her newly acquired title. She liked being around people, but Harry didn’t. She didn’t want to make him feel awkward. Besides, Bridget wanted to take advantage of her mother-in-law being away in London and have Harry to herself.

Being around him made her feel wanted and happy. They had a quiet life, and it was preferable. Bridget didn’t want to change it.

Holding her husband’s hand, Bridget headed into the house and to the morning room. They were approaching the door when Harry stopped, tugging Bridget around to face him and kissing her. Bridget blinked up at him when they came up for air.

“What was that for?”

“I just wanted to kiss my wife.” Harry smiled. “Am I allowed, Lady Norwich?”

“Absolutely.” Bridget kissed him before pulling back. “Just leave it until after I’ve spoken to Mary. I want to know why she’s here.”

“So do I. I haven’t seen her like this in a while. And Forbes certainly looked very pleased with himself.”

“Why do you think they’re in a good mood?”

“I don’t know. Maybe they’re getting married.”

Bridget stared.

“Really?”

“Well, that’s what I think.” Harry shrugged. “Don’t take my word for it. I could be wrong, but from what I heard when I left, it’s more than likely to be that.”

Mary and Forbes. Bridget hadn’t thought that pairing would happen. The two of them hadn’t been around each other much, as far as she knew. Then again, she and Mary hadn’t spoken for some time. Maybe they had been seeing each other.

Harry had put ideas into her head. Sighing, Bridget entered the morning room, only to stop suddenly when she saw Mary and Forbes in an embrace. They were on the settee, Forbes practically on top of Mary as they kissed intensely. Neither of them seemed to have noticed they were being watched.

Bridget wanted to look away, but she couldn’t. Behind her, Harry let out a sharp whistle that made her jump. It certainly had Forbes and Mary scrambling apart, Mary sitting up while Forbes shot to his feet and walked away, his back to everyone for a moment. Harry laughed.

“I thought you had a bit more restraint than that, Timothy. Seems like you have to marry now you’ve been caught.”

“Harry!” Bridget slapped his arm and turned to Mary. “What’s going on, Mary?”

“Forgive me, Bridget. We didn’t plan on that happening.” Mary’s face was bright red as she got to her feet. “We … it just happened.”

Bridget glanced at Forbes, who was still standing with his back to them. He seemed to be adjusting his clothing. She turned back to Mary.

“What did you come to see me about, Mary? You and I haven’t spoken for some time now.”

“Well, I thought you deserved to know about my upcoming marriage.” Mary bit her lip. “You and I were always close, Bridget, and it’s unfair for me to blame you for what happened. We knew the risks, and I know you got some backlash as well. I shouldn’t have reacted the way I did, and Timothy got me to realise that I needed to take my anger away at some point.”

“I’m glad you …” Bridget then realised what her cousin had said at the beginning. “I beg your pardon? Did you say upcoming marriage?”

“Yes.” Mary smiled and looked over at Forbes, who had now turned back around, still looking a little flushed. “Timothy and I are getting married.”

It took a moment for the words to sink in. Bridget stared as Forbes approached Mary and put his arm around her, kissing her head.

“You two? I … when did this happen?”

“After your wedding.” Forbes smiled. “Mary was upset with everything that was happening, and she needed a friend. I offered to be that friend, and things … well, they just happened. My father is accepting, while Mary’s parents … well, after everything that’s happened, they’re just relieved someone wants to marry their daughter.”

“I hope things didn’t happen that far,” Harry commented. He was still grinning. “I don’t see either of your families being too happy with that.”

“We’ve been perfectly respectable with each other, Norwich. I promise I have left her a respectable woman.”

“After what we’ve just seen, I’d be sceptical.”

Forbes blushed again. Mary was trying to hide her face against his side, and Bridget laughed. The pair looked quite adorable together. She approached Mary and kissed her cheek.

“Congratulations. I’m really glad you wanted to share this with us.”

“I’m glad you’ve been accepting.” Mary gave her a small smile. “I was awful to you. That was not fair of me. Can you forgive me?”

“I forgave you the moment you came to see me.” Bridget hugged her. “I’m not going to get upset over something like that. If anything, you had a right to be upset.”

“I still feel bad about it now.”

“And don’t worry about it.” Bridget turned to Forbes. “You’re going to look after her, aren’t you?”

“I promise that I’ll treat her as she deserves to be treated.”

“Just restrain yourself in public.” Harry chuckled. “That’s something to be kept for the bedchamber.”

Forbes groaned, and Mary blushed bright red, while Bridget rolled her eyes.

“Ignore him. He’s been poking fun at everyone since we got married. I think he’s found a side of him that didn’t exist before.”

“What can I say? I’ve found a state I’m happy with.”

Bridget gave a mock glare to her husband, but Harry simply winked at her before turning away.

“I’ll go and see if we can have the tea tray brought in. I’m sure you ladies have plenty to talk about.”

Bridget didn’t know about that, but she wasn’t about to argue about having time with her cousin again. She had missed that.

#

Harry watched his wife sleep as he undressed. She looked very peaceful, curled up on her side with the sheets bunched around her. It was an adorable sight, even the light snoring. He did like waking up next to her every morning.

At least the day had gone well for her. Seeing her cousin seemed to have improved her mood even more than before. She wouldn’t admit it before, but Bridget did miss her cousin. They had been close, and to have her not being a part of Bridget’s life had been tough. Harry could understand; things had changed drastically, and Mary was suffering for her uncle’s actions.

It didn’t help that Harwich had been told to leave the country. Even though Justice Packer had said he wouldn’t go to prison if he paid back all the money he had taken, it turned out that the charges against Harwich were greater than anyone expected. They were bad, and it wasn’t something the justice of the peace could put to one side, even with Harwich’s title. He had been convicted of embezzlement, running a gambling establishment, and blackmail with violence. Harwich had been given the opportunity to plead for ‘privilege of peerage’, which he had done, but Packer had been having none of it. He had given Harwich options to avoid jail, which was to choose where he wanted to be shipped to and not come back to England for several years. If he didn’t listen or carried on his behaviour, it would be prison without a trial.

Now Harwich was in a remote part of Ireland, still with his title but nothing to show for it. His wife and Mary had stayed in England, but they were trying to adjust to their new life without him. According to Mary, it was tough.

She obviously didn’t know about her cousin’s help. Bridget had asked Harry to help them out, even if her prideful aunt refused it. She didn’t want them to suffer. While Harry thought Lady Harwich should have gone with her husband due to knowing about his actions, he did agree that it wasn’t fair for them to suffer for what Harwich did.

He didn’t feel anything for Harwich anymore. The hatred was gone, just replaced by indifference. Harry wouldn’t let the man who had left him with practically nothing take up more time in his head. Now he had his wife to think about, and a possible family. Harry liked the idea of becoming a father.

Hopefully, Bridget would be eager with the idea as well. Harry could already see her growing big with his child. It would look stunning on her; Bridget just looked stunning, anyway.

Having her around made him feel good. Harry certainly felt lighter and happier than before. Bridget’s presence was calming, and just having her in the same room had Harry smiling. His brother teased about how loved up he was.

Harry could accept that.

Stripping off all his clothes, he got into bed and eased his arms around his wife. She sighed and shifted back against him. Harry felt his body stirring, his erection pressing against her back. Bridget sighed and let out a little giggle.

“You’re still frisky? I thought you would be worn out by now.”

“Not a chance.” Harry kissed her neck and cupped her breast. “You make me frisky all the time.”

“You won’t be saying that further down the line.”

“You think I won’t?”

Bridget giggled as he squeezed her breast before sliding his hand over her soft belly. Her legs shifted, and Harry eased her thigh up, adjusting his position. Then he slid into her with one smooth thrust. Bridget’s giggle turned into a moan, and she pushed back, arching her back as she rolled her hips. Harry groaned. God, he would never get bored with how she felt around him. This felt like heaven.

He rocked into her, savouring Bridget’s moans as she met his thrusts, trying to reach back to grab for him. Keeping her leg up, Harry began to thrust faster, causing Bridget to gasp and shudder. He loved how responsive she was. It was music to his ears, and Harry wanted to keep more of it.

Soon, Bridget was shaking as her climax broke apart, her body tightening around him as she shook. Harry gritted his teeth and rolled them over, lifting Bridget up onto her hands and knees with him still inside her. Then he started to pound his hips again, their bodies slapping together with each thrust. Bridget’s moans were louder now, her head bent as she took him. They were probably going to be heard over in the servants’ quarters, but Harry didn’t care. He just wanted to hear her climaxing again.

His own climax was building fast, and Harry was beginning to feel a little light-headed. This was going to be a strong one.

When it broke apart, Bridget was shuddering again, dropping onto her elbows with her head pressed against the mattress. Harry let his climax wash over him, feeling his release as he buried deep inside his wife. The room was beginning to spin now, and Harry was having a hard time staying upright.

Easing himself away, he slumped onto the bed, pressing his forehead against the pillows as he waited to get his breath back. A cool hand touched his back, and Harry managed to look up to see Bridget smiling at him. She shifted against his side and kissed his shoulder.

“You really do get frisky.”

“Any complaints?”

“None at all.” Bridget lay on her back, adjusting the sheets around her waist, leaving her breasts free. “Just be careful with me being on my front in the future. I don’t want to get squashed.”

“Why’s that?”

Bridget raised her eyebrows, still smiling. It took a moment for Harry to realise what she meant. He looked her over. Now that he thought about it, she was looking a bit fuller in the belly. Was that because …?

He rose up.

“Are you saying you’re carrying my child?”

“I am.” Bridget’s smile widened. “The doctor confirmed it earlier today.”

“But … why didn’t he say anything?”

“I wanted to tell you myself. Preferably in a moment like this.” Bridget reached out and stroked his cheek. “It felt fitting to do it in a moment like this.”

Harry let it sink in. He was going to be a father. And it did feel fitting after he had been thinking about becoming a parent only a moment ago. He reached out and laid a hand on her belly.

“So, that’s why you’ve been unwell lately, isn’t it? You’re pregnant.”

“The doctor says it’s normal, but I should be taking it easy for now.”

“You? Taking it easy?”

Bridget laughed.

“I did warn him that it probably wouldn’t be an easy instruction to follow, but I’ll do what I can.”

Harry chuckled.

“You’re not one to follow orders like that. Just don’t be daft with what you do.”

“I know my limits.” Bridget rolled towards him, tugging his head down for a kiss. “I did hear from Marianne that women who are healthier and keep themselves active are more likely to have a better experience giving birth.”

“Is that true?”

“Her mother was always on the go when she was pregnant. Her three children were born pretty quickly, and she was up and moving around soon after.”

Harry didn’t know about that. One pregnancy was not the same as the next. But he didn’t want to ruin the moment, especially when he had the woman he loved in his arms. Shifting onto his side, he put his arms around her.

“So, what do you think it is? A boy or a girl?”

“I don’t know. And I don’t mind.” Bridget kissed his chest. “What about you?”

“As long as they’re as cute as you, I don’t mind.”

“You don’t mind if our eldest is a girl?”

“Of course not. I’m not like that.” Harry kissed her forehead. “She’ll be loved because she’s your daughter. I’ll love all the children you have.”

“All the children? Are you expecting many children?”

“Depends on how many you’re willing to have.”

Bridget groaned and prodded him in the side.

“You’ll be lucky if you have any more after that comment.”

She was still giggling as Harry tugged her on top of him and kissed her. They would talk about how many children they would be having later. Right now, Harry just wanted to hold her.

Maybe more later, but holding her, for now, felt good.

THE END

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