The Duke and I - Post Episode 8 stories

Epilogue

The open window was filling the room with a late Summer breeze that tangoed with the soft crashing of waves in the distance. Simon tightened his grip around Daphne's waist in his sleep, pulling her back to his chest, wanting to warm his body next to hers. Simon, Daphne, and their three children – Adam now 6, Belinda 5, and Cassandra 2 – were taking holiday in the south of France, along with Violet, Anthony, Kate, and their three children – Edmund who is 4, Miles 3, and Charlotte 1. Daphne had wanted to go alone, just her and Simon, but once they asked Violet to watch the children, she suggested they all go together. She had dreaded the idea more than Simon, he was in fact the one to extend the invite to Anthony and Kate. He would have wished to go just the two of them as well, but they had time, and they wanted to savour what little time they did have with their children, as children. Their days ended up becoming some of the best they've had. From small moments such as the laughter of the children as they ran up and down the beach and the banter amongst the adults at night, to the larger ones such as the family adventures during the day, but most noteworthy of all, seeing Violet radiate with joy.

Daphne had told Simon she had never seen her mama this light in a long time, and was grateful they traveled together, as a family. Simon was thrilled to not only see his mother-in-law so happy, but his family as well. The children loved spending time with their cousins, the smiles on their faces over the past week will be permanently stored in his memory. And Daphne, she was glowing more than he had ever seen her so, he couldn't tell if it was from her first experience with the heat of the sun, the salt of the ocean that scrubbed her to perfection, or from the fact that she was newly declared to indeed be carrying their fourth child. Daphne realized her courses were late the first week they arrived in France, and immediately sought a doctor, who confirmed she was with child. Simon and Anthony had taken to too much whiskey to celebrate, which led to Kate and Daphne nearly losing their minds as the men ran into the ocean in the dark of the night. The two of them were eventually picked up and led into the chill of the water by their husbands which resulted in the kind of laughter that feels so pure and free.

Before they fell asleep tonight, Daphne had sat on Simon's lap as they talked for what felt like hours as they stared at the moon resting atop the stretched ocean line in the distance, the silver glow rippling on the surface. It was one of those moments they will both cherish, the serenity of the view and each other. Daphne asked him a rather peculiar question, one that was stirring the dream that was currently forming in Simon's mind as he slept. The question being: had she never been attacked that night after the ball at Hastings House, would he have stayed by her? Told her he loved her?

Simon affirmed to her that he had always loved her, much earlier in their fake courtship than he liked to admit, so much so that it would have been impossible for him to leave her - attack or not. And now, he was dreaming of exactly how that may have turned out.

Simon stood in the rain, not feeling the water seep into his clothes nor the chill of his skin to the change of the weather. The only thing he could feel was her, the only thing he could see was her, everything was her. She held his gaze for a moment longer, her eyes begging him to say something, anything, after she had poured her heart to him. Her eyes drifted to her dress that was drenched through and through, and she caved. She would not force him to talk, not force him to do anything ever again, and so she turned towards the staircase to give him the space he needed.

He watched her walk away as she began pulling the pins out her hair, and his heart suddenly felt like it would burst out of his chest and chase after her if he did not. Simon knew he loved her, like he knew the sun would rise everyday – never ending, and bursting with light. She pulled him out of the dark, her mere presence around him pulled him towards her light, and in befriending and falling in love with her, he joined the light with her. His thoughts halted his foot that was slightly lifted off the ground, ready to go after her, and stopped him. Would he be able to forgive her for what she did? Would he be able to believe himself worthy of the things he desires to have with her, despite how much he tries to convince himself he does not want? Would he be able make a new vow, to the one he loves, rather than the one he despises? It took him all about 3 seconds to think, yes, yes and – yes. Simon was able to move his body this time, the fear of losing her giving him the courage he needed to say what he was going to say, as he strode after her.