The Fox and the Viscount

Epilogue

Victoria

The lavish ballroom

is full of single ladies still trying to secure a match, including my sister, much to her distaste. Mama is making her go to more events than ever now I'm married.

A dark-haired woman in a blue gown approaches, and it takes me a moment to realise it's Esther. I haven't had a chance to see her since our presentation.

"Viscountess," she says, dipping into a curtsy.

"Miss Featherborn," I respond with a nod of my head. "Would you like to take a turn around the room?"

Her eyes widen. "Are you certain? I'm much below your station."

"That wasn't true a few weeks ago," I remind her. "Besides, what are old friends for?" It's strange to be talking in a way that makes me feel so much older than her when we're the same age. Being married doesn't feel too different when I'm alone or with Edmund, but when I'm around other people, it's so different from my single life that it's a little confusing at times.

"I would like that," Esther replies.

We link arms and begin our stroll around the room. She stands up straighter than she did before, probably aware that by being seen walking with me, more attention will be on her. Which is part of why I offered. I know she's resigned herself to her lot in life, but that doesn't mean she should have to be.

"How is the Season treating you, Miss Featherborn?" I ask.

"It's been very enjoyable," she responds. "The dances are much less chaotic than they are at home. I much prefer it."

"I think that's the difference between the private and public balls."

"You may be right, My Lady."

"Please, Victoria will do fine when it's just the two of us. We are good friends after all," I say it loudly enough for a passing group of single gentlemen to overhear.

"Why are you doing this?" she asks, seeming to have worked out what I'm up to. It's unsurprising, I'm not being very subtle about it.

"You treated me kindly when I first joined our dance classes and I didn't know anyone. Now I'm returning the favour."

"That's very gracious of you. Would it not be better to offer such advantages to your sister?" Esther asks.

"My sister doesn't need them." Especially because her heart already seems taken. But I keep that part to myself.

"Then thank you, I appreciate it more than you can know."

"Perhaps you'd like to join me for tea on Friday?"

"I'm not sure my mother will like it if I go out without her."

"Then you shall invite her too," I announce.

The current dance set ends, and the couples leave the floor to seek refreshments.

Edmund approaches with a young man by his side. "Selby, I'd like to introduce you to my wife, Viscountess Renarton," he says.

"It is a pleasure to meet you, Viscountess," he says.

"Lord Selby wishes to ask your friend to dance," Edmund prompts.

I wait for a moment for someone to make the introduction between Esther and Lord Selby, before realising that as a married woman, I can do that myself.

"Lord Selby, may I introduce Miss Featherborn."

He bows deeply to her. "Miss Featherborn."

"Lord Selby." She dips her head.

"Would you do me the honour of letting me escort you for the next dance?" he asks.

"I would, My Lord."

He holds out his hand and she places hers on top of his so he can escort her onto the floor.

"Are you engaging in a spot of matchmaking?" Edmund asks, a smirk playing on his lips.

"No more than you are."

"So that's a yes, then."

"She thinks she's destined for an untitled man in the country because that's the only marriage she's ever been told she can have. I thought that drawing some attention to her would help that," I explain.

"And I figured it was something like that and may have subtly suggested to Selby that I should introduce them before the next dance."

I fake gasp and cover my mouth with my hand. "You're so devious."

"And you're not?"

"Only when it will end well for people."

"Hmm. True. Speaking of things ending well, should I go put your sister out of her misery and ask her to dance?"

"She hates dancing," I remind him.

"I know, but she seems to have come down with a plague of suitors and I thought I would be less objectionable than some of them." He nods in Denise's direction.

He isn't wrong about the number of men vying for her attention.

"She can't refuse them all," I whisper.

"No."

"Oh, but wait. Isn't that George?" I point to a man making his way through the throng of suitors to get to Denise.

"George?"

"I'm sorry, Mr Beaumont."

"Oh, I've heard of him. I believe he's part of the scholarly circuit. No title, but well respected and with a reasonable income," he says.

"Denise has been on the verge of openly courting him all season."

"Perhaps that's about to change."

I watch in earnest as he bows before her. From the way her shoulders slump slightly, I have to assume she's relieved. When she lets him lead her to the dancefloor, I'm convinced of it.

"I never thought I'd see the day she'd take to the floor with a gentleman of her choosing," I observe.

"How will your parents react?"

"That's a good question, they'll either be content that she's found someone who will make her happy, or they'll be devastated that she's not aiming higher given the fact you all but doubled her dowry."

"I didn't do it personally."

"But your actions did," I point out. "And we both know that's all that counts."

"True."

"She should be fine. We've made an excellent match. My parents weren't too disappointed I married a Viscount and not a future Earl."

"Nor should they be, I'll have you know that I make an excellent husband."

I laugh deeply at his confidence. "I'd protest, but you know I think that's true."

He smirks knowingly. "Why do you think I said it?"

"I'm never going to get bored with you, am I?"

"I certainly hope not," Edmund replies. "Speaking of, I'm feeling a little fatigued by the ball. What do you think about finding a retiring room and putting it to good use?" There's a twinkle of mischief in his eyes that makes it impossible to misunderstand him.

"That depends whether these ones have locks, I think retiring rooms are in dire need of them."

"I don't think they do. We'll just have to hope we're not caught," he teases.

"Again."

"At least this time when I tell someone it isn't a scandal to kiss my wife, I won't be lying."

"In which case, lead the way."

Thank you for reading

The Fox and the Viscount

, I hope you enjoyed it! If you want more Regency shifter romance, the series will continue in

The Peacock and the Wallflower

, featuring Esther:

http://books2read.com/thepeacockandthewallflower

You can also read both chapter 10 and chapter 16 from Victoria's point of view by downloading the bonus scenes here:

https://books.authorlauragreenwood.co.uk/29po7nheke

Or, if you want to try one of the sweet treats Victoria and Edmund wager for, you can download the recipes here:

https://books.authorlauragreenwood.co.uk/onqb4922b0