A Duke’s Seductive Muse – Extended Epilogue

Months had passed since Phoebe and Adam’s wedding. So much had changed, and the Duchess of Thornton was still adjusting to her new role. It was clear that she’d never fully be the mistress of the house, because she still considered the staff to be great friends. It wasn’t unusual for Phoebe to come into the kitchen and chop vegetables with Niles. 

“Pumpkin soufflé,” Niles said, pulling it out of the oven. 

“It smells divine.”

“I’m astounded at how the pumpkins are prospering in the garden.”

“A little care and attention goes a long way.” Phoebe smiled as she chopped the onions and carrots. It would be a festive meal that evening. The dowager had invited herself, yet again, but Phoebe no longer felt intimidated by Susan Rutledge. She had been perfectly integrated into the family and was enjoying the time that she spent with the dowager. 

Some afternoons, Adam would excuse himself from tea and it was the dowager and Phoebe alone. They would share delightful conversation, though Susan Rutledge was still a bit pushy when it came to renovations to the estate. Phoebe didn’t mind it so much, and often incorporated her suggestions. 

Just then, the duke passed the kitchen and stopped in the doorway. He placed his hands on his hips. “Yet again, wife?”

He was merely teasing her. Phoebe knew that Adam didn’t mind when she worked in the kitchen. “You wouldn’t believe the remarkable soufflé that Niles has prepared. 

Niles said, “This one was only a test. I’ll prepare fresh ones for supper.”

The duke stepped in. “That sounds wonderful, Niles.” He positioned himself behind his wife and placed a loving hand on the small of her back. 

She turned to him, wanting so much to kiss him, but that would have to wait until they had their privacy. “This is for the soup.” Phoebe reached up and put a slice of carrot in her husband’s mouth. 

“And what kind of soup?” The duke inspected her chopping. 

“Pea and ham,” Niles said. 

Adam whispered in her ear. “Some of the best chopping I’ve ever beheld.”

Phoebe laughed, delighting in the way Adam’s hand felt on the small of her back. 

Although Phoebe feared that the intimacy might slip away after marriage, it had only grown more intense. Most days, Phoebe couldn’t wait until they were alone again. She only used her personal quarters for dressing and bathing. Every night was spent in Adam’s bed— her favorite place to be. 

The duke asked, “What time does the dowager arrive?”

“A quarter past eight.”

“Dinner is pushing later and later at Rainswood, is it not?” 

Phoebe said, “Tis the fashion these days.”

Adam gave Phoebe a soft kiss on the cheek and excused himself. Niles bowed, and the chopping continued. 

Looking out the window, Phoebe saw the storm clouds brewing. It would be a rainy evening, which would make the supper of soup and soufflé all the more satisfying. Niles had a knack for pairing his meals with the weather. 

William entered, entirely out of breath. “I’ve done it.”

Phoebe turned. “What?”

“I’ve asked Mable Stanley to marry me.”

Phoebe’s jaw dropped open. “William, that’s fantastic news.”

“Do you suppose that the duke will bring her to Rainswood?”

“I’m sure that you can convince him.”

William pulled an excited hand through his hair. “I can’t believe she said yes.”

“Congratulations,” Niles said. 

Phoebe stepped in and placed a hand on William’s shoulder. “I’m not surprised she said yes. You’re a good man, William.”

William smiled. “She’ll never be my first love.”

Phoebe shook her head. “But she will be your last. We should bake a cake for this evening to celebrate.”

Niles rolled his eyes. “As if the soufflé wasn’t difficult enough to prepare.”

“I’ll make it.” Phoebe straightaway began to gather the flour, sugar, and butter.

It was wonderful news. William had been courting Mabel, a maid from the estate down the road, for many weeks. Just as soon as Phoebe married, William vowed to quickly find someone else to love, and so he did. Now, they’d wait to see whether William would live at Rainswood with his bride, or if he’d move to the other estate. Although Phoebe liked having him around, she was sure that the duke would appreciate it if William left, since he continued to flirt with her. 

“What kind of cake shall we have?” Phoebe asked. 

William shrugged his shoulders. “Vanilla?”

“Oh, that sounds far too plain for such wonderful news. Chocolate raspberry.”

“Sinful.” William lifted his brow. 

“Marriage can be sinful.” A flush came to her cheek upon saying that. It was the truth, however. Marriage could be deliciously sinful, if one was open to such matters. 

As she got to work on the cake, William remained in the kitchen, eating the first soufflé that Niles had made. From the look on his face, he greatly approved of the dish. 

The rain began to fall outside and Phoebe was so content in the kitchen, feeling the warmth of the stove. Caroline was the next to enter. 

“Oh, Caroline. We have such wonderful news!”

“What is it?” Caroline asked. 

“William is engaged to Mabel Stanley.”

“Oh, William.” Caroline threw her arms around him. “Now you can finally get over Phoebe.”

Everyone laughed except for William. 

“I’m making a cake to celebrate. I know the duke will be pleased.”

Caroline said knowingly, “Of course, the duke will be pleased.”

Preparations were finished for supper and the hour came when the dowager arrived wearing her finest gown and pearls. Phoebe had just enough time to dress herself in her dinner gown, wearing the diamond earrings that she wore on her wedding day. 

One of the most difficult elements of adjusting to life as a duchess were the various gowns that Phoebe wore throughout the day. She changed often due to the dowager’s insistence. There was the morning gown, the afternoon attire, and finally, the gown that Phoebe wore at dinner. It was such a fuss, but Caroline helped her through it all, each and every day. 

Entering the dining room, Phoebe delighted in the table setting. There were fresh flowers in the center of the table, as well as a bowl of colorful fruit. The large table was set for three, and the duke sat at the head of the table after the ladies were seated. 

“Such a marvelous gown,” the dowager said, admiring Phoebe. 

Phoebe smiled and looked down at her blue dress. “This one is new. Delivered from London.” Phoebe looked to Adam. He’d paid for the expensive dress with relish. 

Adam nodded. “You look remarkable, Phoebe.”

“Thank you, Your Grace.”

His voice fell flat. “Adam.”

“I apologize.”

Phoebe still made those mistakes constantly. The duke seemed to detest when she called him Your Grace. He preferred her to be more informal, but often, Phoebe would forget. 

The soup course was served, and just as soon as everyone had their first delicious bite, Phoebe decided to share the wonderful news. 

“William is engaged to be married.”

The dowager’s eyes went wide with shock but the duke sat back in his chair, satisfied. “I’m delighted to hear it.”

“I thought you would be.” Phoebe raised her brow. “Now, you must make the decision as to whether or not he’ll remain at Rainswood.”

“He should leave.”

“Adam?”

“It’s true. Allow William to start a new life.”

“His life is here. Mabel Stanley could certainly be of use at Rainswood.”

The duke muttered, “I’ll think about it.”

As they continued the soup course, the dowager talked on and on about how vexing the rain was, where she purchased her new parasol, and how she could no longer eat pork because it caused pains in her back. Phoebe had learned to enjoy these colorful conversations. The dowager always seemed to provide much entertainment. 

Although the relationship between the duke and dowager was largely patched up, Adam still complained from time to time about how often the dowager came to Rainswood. Phoebe assured him that it was good for the aging woman to have the company. 

Once the soup course was cleared, the soufflés were presented and Phoebe was filled with excitement. They had risen perfectly, and the smell was utterly delectable. 

“What a novel dish,” the dowager said. 

Phoebe replied, “Niles has been experimenting of late.”

The dowager took her first bite. “Son, you wonder at why I come to Rainswood so often. I do believe it’s for the food. Niles has created another triumph.”

The duke nodded his head in agreement. “I’m grateful for my cook.” Then he turned to his wife and smiled appreciatively. “Among other things… ”

Phoebe felt Adam reach out under the table to place a hand on her knee. She smiled knowingly, realizing exactly what was on her husband’s mind. 

The soufflé was accompanied by creamed potatoes and a bit of fish. All in all, it was a wonderful meal and Phoebe secretly wished that William could share it with them. 

Once dinner was finished, it was time to present Phoebe’s cake. It was delivered to the dining room, and Phoebe requested that William be present. Once he was summoned, he stepped into the dining room with his hands clasped behind his back. 

The duke stood from the table. “William, we are delighted by your news.”

“As am I, Your Grace.”

Phoebe said, “This cake is in your honor, William. I wish to have you be seated at the table with us.”

William was shocked. Phoebe herself didn’t know that she was going to make such an offer. It was a spur of the moment decision. She turned to the duke, who knit his brow in uncertainty. 

She said to him, “It’s the right thing to do.” 

The duke relented by nodding his head. McCarthy brought in one extra setting and William seated himself. Phoebe did the honors of cutting her cake and serving it to everyone at the table. 

In silent anticipation, they each took their first bite of the chocolate raspberry dessert. The dowager rolled her eyes back in ecstasy. “Oh, Phoebe. This is marvelous.”

“I’m glad you like it.”

William looked up at her, that old love still twinkling in his eyes. “I thank you for this, Phoebe.”

The duke darted his head towards William, not approving that the stableboy had referred to his wife by her given name. Phoebe was the one to next reach her hand across from under the table and placed it on her husband’s knee, calming him. 

Phoebe wished that everyone could be seated at that table— McCarthy, Niles, Caroline, and the rest. But getting the duke to approve of William seated there was enough for one day. 

Once all was done, the duke excused himself to his study, where Phoebe still brought him his brandy. The dowager summoned her carriage to ride home, and Phoebe retired to her room to change into her sleeping costume. The night time apparel was no less lavish than the day dresses. Phoebe slept in pure silk each night, although the attire didn’t stay on for long. 

It was customary now for Phoebe to have a bath drawn at night— an indulgence almost unheard of at any other estate. Adam insisted upon the extra expense, because he knew how happy the baths made her feel. It was during this time when she and Caroline would discuss matters of the day, be humorous with one another, and plan the days ahead. 

“Oh, Caroline. I wish you could have seen Venice.” Phoebe played with the little bubbles. 

“I insisted on not going for a reason. I knew how much the duke is covetous of your company.”

“That’s true.” Phoebe closed her eyes and heaved a sigh. So many remarkable and delicious memories of she and the duke on their honeymoon. It was perhaps best that Caroline didn’t come, because Adam and Phoebe spent a considerable amount of time in the bedroom. 

“I’ve never seen you so happy, Phoebe.”

“I’m happier by the day.”

 

***

 

The following afternoon, Adam had requested that he and Phoebe be seated under their tree. The rain subsided and the sun shone through the clouds. Phoebe brought a picnic basket, just as the two of them had imagined awhile back. The duke couldn’t stop admiring his wife in the sunlight. 

“I’ve come to a decision about William,” he said. 

“And?”

“I think that he should stay. He poses no more threat.” It was true that Adam still eyed William with some suspicion, but he felt utterly contented in his marriage and fully trusted his wife. 

“I think that’s the right decision. I know that William enjoys Rainswood.”

“It’s the only home he’s ever known. And I’m sure that Mabel will be happy here.”

“I feel the same. And we need a new maid to fill my position.”

The duke quipped, “The position that you refuse to relinquish.”

“I can’t imagine not being able to spend time with Niles in the kitchen.”

“I know that it makes you happy.” The duke pulled a hand through his wife’s hair, feeling its softness. He couldn’t wait until end of day when Phoebe would take her hair down, and only for his eyes to behold. She was his— all his for the rest of their days. Nothing had given him so much satisfaction. 

Just then, there was the sound of shots firing in the distance and the duke quickly turned his head, feeling a pounding in his chest. Phoebe gently rested her hand upon his, and he instantly calmed. 

“You still have your moments,” Phoebe said. 

“I’m afraid so. But the intensity is lost. I’m a changed man.” He looked at Phoebe and smiled. Then he picked up her hand and kissed it. 

Phoebe reached down and placed a slice of cheese atop a slice of apple, then fed it to the duke. As she did so, Adam was yet again reminded of how fortunate he was. 

The duke said, “Do you recall the time when we were seated out here, afraid that anyone should see us?”

“I recall that I was afraid, and you were not.”

“It was true. I felt no shame. Nor do I feel shame now.”

“Our marriage has not been frowned upon as I thought it would. Those who don’t approve seem to merely turn a blind eye.”

“I expected no less,” the duke said, watching as Phoebe placed a strawberry in her mouth and pulled off the stem. 

“I thought it would be an utter scandal. That the servants would refuse to speak to me and I’d never show my face in town.”

“But now you’re the darling of society.”

Phoebe shook her head. “That’s not true, in the least.”

In the silence the followed, the duke heaved a sigh and looked up at the expansive blue sky. He wished that he and Phoebe could spend the rest of their days like this; in repose, eating, chatting, admiring one another. There was nothing else in the world that the duke needed. 

Phoebe asked, “How is James Gouldsmith getting along?”

“Favorably. I haven’t seen him of late because he’s spending most of his time courting Lady Susana Cummings.”

“I don’t know her.”

“She’s something of a difficult catch. James has his work cut out for him.”

“I wish him well.”

“I’ll tell him that you’ve said so. We write to one another at least once a week. Sharing our plans for the future.”

Phoebe cocked her head. “And what are your plans for the future?”

The duke grinned. “Do you remember the school that I mentioned? For impoverished children?”

“Yes.”

“I’m going to do it. Plans are underway.”

Phoebe’s mouth dropped open. “Truly?”

“Truly.”

“Oh, Adam. That’s marvelous!”

“I would be honored to have you as a teacher, Phoebe.”

She stopped to consider his proposal. “My love, that would make me happy.”

“I knew that it would.”

Phoebe threw herself into Adam’s arms, knocking him onto his back. He brought his mouth up to kiss her hungrily and Phoebe complied. The kiss deepened, and Adam felt himself become hard and emboldened. He placed his hands on his wife’s back. 

Phoebe pulled away, looking into his eyes. “You’re still not ashamed of being discovered like this?”

He shook his head. “No.”

She placed her hand on his chest. “And what if I told you that I wish to make love this very moment?”

Adam grinned. “Then I’d say, let’s do so.” He kissed her again. 

The duke considered how delicious it would be if there was no one at Rainswood except himself and Phoebe. They would then be able to express their love and desire for one another wherever and whenever they pleased, because he very much longed to see his wife unclothed in a field. It was a fantasy that he indulged in often. 

Off in the distance, there was the neighing of a horse and the duke looked up, discovering William riding away. Phoebe placed a finger on his cheek and turned his gaze back towards her. 

“Let him go.”

“Sometimes I think he likes watching us in this way.” The duke knit his brow. 

“Remember what you said earlier? There’s no need for jealousy.”

“It’s not jealousy I’m concerned with, it’s privacy.”

“We can have all the privacy that we desire this evening.”

“Evening can’t come soon enough.”

“We’ll manage to pass the time.” Phoebe kissed him again. 

Everything about the afternoon was utter perfection. The duke would tell McCarthy to cancel his meeting with Stanley Gore. All that he wanted was to spend time with Phoebe. They’d take tea on the veranda at four, then if luck was on their side, they’d be able to dine over supper alone. Although the chances of that were not good. 

“How many sons will you bear me?” Adam asked playfully.

“I suppose as many as you’d like.”

“You lie.”

“I can’t stop you.”

Adam laughed. “No, you definitely cannot.”

They continued to kiss under the tree, clutching one another. McCarthy called from off in the distance, but both the Duke and Duchess of Thornton ignored him. The rest of the world could wait.

THE END

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