Page 67 of A Duchess Untouched

“Yes, you will,” Matthew confirmed, nodding. “But you must first meet a few more people who want to see you. Get to know you.”

“Are they fancy lords and ladies like you?” Robbie was already excited.

“Robbie! Mind your manners, my boy.” Mary was still struggling with her new reality.

“Oh, you will be surprised at how fancy your grandmother can be…”

They chatted a little longer, but soon it was time for Selina and Matthew to leave Essex House. They arranged when they would see each other next. Selina was happy to see the hope and joy in Mary’s eyes and the excitement in little Robert’s.

On the one hand, she was glad they were both found. On the other hand, it was bittersweet. Selina could imagine Matthew’s older brother living a beautiful life with Mary and their son.

Still, somehow, it was not too late for them to live the life they deserved.

Epilogue

Five Days Later

“Why have you gathered us all out here, Matthew? Do you have a special announcement to make? We already know our dear Selina will finally make me a grandmama!” Antoinette could not hide her enthusiasm or curiosity.

“Oh, I believe that you will love this surprise, Mother,” said Oliver as he coughed a little on his handkerchief.

“I do like surprises, but this could have been done inside. I do not want your cough to worsen, my dear boy.” Antoinette rubbed Oliver’s back affectionately. “So, who is this woman, Matthew? Are you going to make the introductions?”

“This is Miss Mary Wills, and her son, Robert,” Matthew announced.

His words were met with stunned silence. He had brought Selina, his mother, Harleigh, and Oliver out in Hyde Park with him, and Maximus was there too.

“What are you saying, Matthew?” Antoinette seemed too stunned for any more words.

“She is Mary, Mother. Robert’s Mary…” Oliver supplied. “Matthew has spent four years looking for her and her boy.”

“Her boy? Wait… You knew about this?” She was livid. “Who else knew about this except me? I had a grandson all along, and no one cared to inform me?”

“Please, my dearest, do not get upset. I swear that I had no idea about it.” Harleigh was by Antoinette’s side, taking her hand in his.

Selina could not help but roll her eyes. Were they not even trying to pretend anymore?

“Your Grace… I… It is an honor to meet you.” Mary finally found her voice.

“So you are Mary?” the Dowager Duchess said, as if she could not believe it. “You are the woman my son had been enamored with?”

“He loved her, Mother,” Matthew corrected. Maximus barked his agreement. “Not only that, but they also had a son together.”

“I deeply apologize, Miss Wills… Mary,” the Dowager said, sounding truly apologetic. “You do not know what this means to me.”

“And this is little Robert,” said Matthew as he brought the boy forward.

“Robert… My dear grandson. He looks exactly like his father did at that age. Come here, my dear. Let me see you.”

Mary gasped as the Dowager dropped to her knees and beckoned the hesitant child closer. When he approached, the Dowager gathered him into her arms and held him tightly. Before long, he was hugging her back as she sobbed softly.

“My grandson,” she whispered. “Oh, you have no idea how much I miss your father.”

“You are my grandmama?” he asked, looking thoroughly surprised.

“Yes, my dear,” the Dowager replied as she rose to her feet.

“You do look fancy, just like Uncle Matthew said!” Robert said, and Antoinette could not help but laugh as she dried her eyes.