Read into My Heart

Epilogue

6 months later...

Miranda nervously twisted her handkerchief as she paced to and fro in the front foyer of Roseglen. Her ears were tuned towards the back of the house, waiting for the sound of Alex's door opening. She couldn't remember fretting over something so little. But she knew for Alex this was no small matter.

"Someone seems a little anxious," a teasing voice said.

Miranda smiled at Evelyn as she joined her in the front entryway. "I know but I just can't help myself. I only wish I could be in there with him."

"Relax," Evelyn said, "This is something my brother needs to do on his own. Surely you have seen how much he has changed over these few months."

Miranda nodded. "He has, hasn't he? Though I still won't be able to rest till I know how the meeting went."

Evelyn shook her head in bemusement. "You worry like a mother hen."

Before Miranda could respond, the sound of a door opening could be heard. Miranda, panicked, hurried Evelyn into the small dining room, leaving the door slightly ajar so they could still see out.

"Why are we hiding in our own home?" Evelyn whispered.

"Sh!" Miranda hushed. "Just in case it went poorly."

Evelyn rolled her eyes but chose not to comment further.

A gentleman dressed in a modest suit appeared and after collecting his hat and coat then proceeded to exit the house.

The minute the man was gone, Miranda quickly opened the door and sped her way over to Alex's study. She could hear the faint sounds of Evelyn's laughter as she walked away. Miranda knew she was acting overly protective, but it was for good reason.

Not bothering to knock, Miranda rushed through the door, only to walk face first into a solid body.

"Lady Carlisle, we really need to stop meeting like this," Alex teased.

Miranda was glad her blush was hidden from view as she buried her head into his muscled chest, breathing in the scent of his cologne. "I'm sorry for intruding, but I needed to know how the meeting went."

"Always the devoted mother hen."

Miranda's face fell. "Have you been talking to your sister about me?"

Alex pressed his lips together like he was trying to stop himself from laughing. "I have no idea what you are talking about."

Giving him a look that said she didn't believe him, Miranda went and sat in one of the armchairs. "So?" she asked, her eyes imploring him to speak.

He chuckled as he sat in the chair next to her.

"Did I ever tell you are the most infuriating man?" Miranda huffed.

"Several times. I believe it started on the day we were married."

Miranda tried to keep her face serious but failed as a tiny smile began to break through. "And that was only three months ago. I'm not sure how I'm going to last the next twenty years."

"Fifty years if I have my way," Alex said.

"You seem to be in a good mood so it must have gone well."

Alex's eyes softened towards her. "It did. I'll admit it was difficult having to share about my illiteracy but putting a name to the condition was surprisingly helpful. It made it much easier when I had an explanation as to why."

"Oh Alex," Miranda said, throwing her arms around his neck. "You have no idea how proud I am of you."

"When he accepted the position I thought Parkinson was going to embrace me as well."

Miranda let go but settled herself down in his lap instead. "He must be ecstatic about being finally able to retire to the little cottage on the property."

Alex nodded as he rubbed his hand over her back. Even after being married for three months, his touch still sent shivers up her spine.

"Speaking of good news," Alex said, reaching around her to a letter on his desk. "I received this in the post."

Handing her an opened letter, Miranda quickly unfolded the paper inside. "A wedding invitation for William and Lady Lilian! Oh this is good news!" She quickly read through the contents of when the special day was to take place. "You know, I don't think this would have been made possible if you hadn't asked William to be your solicitor."

"I believe Lady Lilian should take the credit. I think the Duke realized his daughter was going to turn down every proposal that came her way. My job offer just helped sweeten the deal."

Miranda placed her head on Alex's chest, snuggling under his chin. She didn't want this moment to end. For once, everything felt perfect. And she knew exactly who had made it possible.