Two years later…

The picnic on the shore of the lake on the Baringdale estate was small and only consisted of those that lived at the house and their close neighbors, the Cobalt family. It was nothing like the Summer house party that had adorned the shores two years before when Ellen was a governess.

This time it was a small affair. The rugs and pillows spread across the grass were topped with foods and drink. A table nearby was attended by two servants that replenished the refreshments and tended to the comfort of the attendees.

Ellen looked across the picnic areas and thought about how different her life had become since the picnic at the Summer House party where she saw Christian in a row boat with Lady Teresa. Things had drastically changed including an addition to their little family.

She turned to Christian who played with Jessica and Grace and on his shoulders was his own son William Christian Barnes. She smiled at how happy her son was on the shoulders of his father, the Duke. She felt blessed that this was her lot.

The summer months at Baringdale had become her favorite and she came to prefer them to the spring season in London, but Christian’s business dealings kept them in both places equally.

Christian sat down on the rug next to her and placed William on his mother’s lap.

“Having a nice time?” he asked.

“Indeed, it is very pleasant,” she said.

“We are blessed, are we not?”

“We are, husband,” she said.

“I fall more in love with you every day,” Christian said.

Then she gave him a sly smile. “You have more reason to fall in love with me on this day.”

“What is it? I know that smile,” he said.

“You do? Well I suppose I cannot hide it any longer. I wanted to wait until I was sure,” she said.

Christian stirred, positioning himself to listen. “Go on.”

“I think that we will be more blessed soon with an addition to our little family,” she said. Ellen’s smile brightened.

“Do you mean…” Christian looked at her belly.

“I do. I am with child,” she said.

“Oh, happy day,” he said excitedly. “Glad I am of that news.”

Christian placed a sweet kiss on her lips. Ellen felt the heat rise inside of her. Her Duke always created this feeling deep within her since their first meeting and two years now that had not changed.