Total pages in book: 89
Estimated words: 82982 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 415(@200wpm)___ 332(@250wpm)___ 277(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 82982 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 415(@200wpm)___ 332(@250wpm)___ 277(@300wpm)
She wept when she saw it, admitting she never thought she would have a home of her own.
I had kissed her hand. “For all you did for my wife, it is the least I could do for you.”
To our children, she was Grandmama, and a beloved member of the family.
Maddie watched them both from the settee, a smile on her lips, but looking wan.
“Are you well, my sweet?” I asked Maddie. It had only been a few days since Edward’s birth, and she was still recovering.
“I am well, my love. Do not concern yourself.” At my glower, she laughed lightly. “It is only that I am still tired, but I feel well. Truly. The servants and the nurse you hired are not allowing me to do anything but rest and sit.”
“Good.”
She watched our children for a moment, then looked at me, a small furrow on her brow.
“Alexander, are you content?”
Her question caught me off guard.
“My darling?”
“Here. With us. Not living an opulent life in London with all it has to offer as a carefree bachelor? But here with children, a wife, and all that it entails?”
I felt a rush of tenderness. As with our other two children, she was overwrought at times after the births. Emotional and needing reassurance.
My reassurance.
I rose, transferring our babe into Geraldine’s arms. She met my gaze with a small smile of understanding and held out her free hand. “Children, I think Cook has a treat!”
They followed her eagerly, and I sat beside Maddie, sliding my arm around her and tucking her close. I tilted up her chin, making her meet my eyes so she saw the truth.
“When I was a carefree bachelor, this was a house. You turned it into a home again. I sat alone most nights, whether in London or here. Now I am surrounded by love and laughter, and I feel more alive than I ever have in all my years. London is anything but opulent. Here, the soil is rich, the air is clean, and I am the happiest man in the world because I have you. You were made for me.”
“A former maid,” she teased softly.
“A beautiful woman I am so in love with it befuddles me at times. I hate what you went through, but it brought you to me. You were a maid briefly, but you will be my marchioness for the rest of our lives. Made specifically for me.”
“You truly believe that.”
“I do.” I ran my finger down her cheek. “You make me happy, Maddie mine. Something I had long forgotten to be. You bring such joy to my life. Before you, I was empty. You and our family mean everything to me. That will never change. Nor will the love I have for you, except to grow more abundant every day. So, am I content? More than I can express.” I paused. “Does that put your worries to rest?”
“Yes.”
“Never doubt my love or what you are to me, my wife. You are the beginning and the end for me.”
“I love you, my Alexander. Thank you for this life.”
I shook my head and bent to kiss her.
“No, my wife. Thank you.”