The Scarred Duke’s Awakening Match – Extended Epilogue

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Lavinia’s fingers danced on the piano keys, the soft melodious notes floating through the luxurious parlor of their Parisian home. It was a piece that matched the dreamy evening outside. Laurence watched his wife from the doorway, leaning against the frame, a warm smile tugging at his lips. The sight of Lavinia at the piano, her fingers fluttering over the keys with such passion and ease, her eyes closed in serene enjoyment, was a sight he never tired of.

Her posture was straight, the sparkling, fashionable gown she wore only enhancing her radiant beauty. The beauty he had come to admire, to love so deeply. As he walked into the room, his heart twanged with a particular fondness, a fondness that had only grown over the years. Lavinia turned as Laurence approached, her fingers still on the keys, the music still humming in the air.

She lifted her eyes, a smile gracing her lips as she met Laurence’s gaze. His heart swelled with the look of love in her eyes, the same look that had been there ever since they’d confessed their feelings for each other four years ago. “My, my, aren’t we in a pleasant mood today?” she said, her voice a sweet murmur over the notes.

Laurence chuckled, moving to stand behind her. He rested his hands on her shoulders, feeling her lean into his touch. “Indeed. How could I not be, seeing you play so beautifully?”

Lavinia blushed, her fingers faltering on the keys before she regained her composure. “You flatter me, Laurence,” she said, shaking her head as her fingers picked up the melody again.

Laurence bent down, his lips brushing against her ear. “Only stating the truth, love,” he whispered, causing her to shiver under his touch.

Despite the heartening scene, a certain gravity lay on his heart. As the duchy’s responsibilities demanded more of his time, and Lavinia’s cause to educate young girls across England grew more important, they had scarce moments to themselves.

“Laurence,” she began, breaking the quietness. “I love our life, I truly do. But sometimes…” She trailed off, her fingers slowing on the piano.

“Sometimes what?” Laurence asked, the concern evident in his voice.

“Sometimes, I wish for a different world. A world where little girls can grow up to be independent,” she confessed, her voice barely more than a whisper. “A world where they’re not treated as mere commodities in a marriage market.”

The piano fell silent. Laurence tightened his hold around her, pulling her close. “You’re doing an extraordinary job, Lavinia. You’ve already changed so many lives.”

“I’m trying, Laurence. Yet there’s still so much to be done,” she said, turning to face him. Her eyes glistened, mirroring her passionate determination. “I want to create a world where no young girl has to rely on marriage for her future. A world where they can be who they want to be.”

Laurence brushed a stray curl off her face. “And you will, Lavinia. I believe in you. You’re the strongest woman I know. If anyone can do it, it’s you.”

Lavinia looked at him, her heart filled with a renewed sense of purpose. Laurence, her rock, always knew how to bolster her spirits. And she loved him all the more for it.

She sighed, turning back to the piano. “I think it’s time I sent a letter to Heloise. She must be wondering how we’re doing in Paris.”

“I think that’s a splendid idea,” Laurence said, a fond smile playing on his lips. “She would love to hear from us.”

Lavinia nodded, her fingers once again caressing the keys. As the music resumed, it filled the room, swirling around them, a melody of their love, their dreams, and their future.

The following morning found Laurence and Lavinia strolling down the picturesque Rue de Rivoli, arm in arm, their eyes alight with the same adventurous spirit that had brought them to Paris. Laurence, even in his good humor, couldn’t ignore the air of excitement that tingled in Lavinia’s manner as she took in the beauty of the City of Love. Her infectious enthusiasm made him fall in love with her all over again.

Their afternoon was spent wandering through the city, soaking in the enchanting views and quaint cafés. Lavinia had always admired French culture, their fashion, their art, their literature, and to finally be here, experiencing it first-hand was beyond her wildest dreams. She was particularly drawn to the local art scene, her artist’s soul finding its way to every gallery and exhibition they came across.

Laurence couldn’t help but smile at her enthusiasm, finding joy in her joy. He knew she missed their children back home, but this little escape was essential for them to reconnect as a couple, away from their usual responsibilities.

As they meandered through a crowded marketplace, Lavinia’s laughter ringing in his ears, Laurence felt a pang of nostalgic happiness. It was moments like these that he treasured the most, moments that reminded him of how lucky he was to have her in his life.

Suddenly, Lavinia halted, her eyes wide as she stared into the bustling crowd. “Laurence,” she murmured, her fingers tightening around his arm. “Isn’t that… Martin?”

Laurence followed her gaze, his heart clenching at the mention of the name. He saw a man, his back turned to them, a few yards away, disappearing into the crowd. He bore a slight resemblance to Martin, but it was impossible to be certain.

“Perhaps,” he conceded, gently pulling Lavinia away. “But even if it was, let’s not dwell on it, love. That chapter of our lives is closed.”

“But, Laurence—” Lavinia protested.

“Lavinia,” Laurence interrupted, holding her gaze. “We have no need of the past when the future is so bright.” He brought her hand to his lips, pressing a soft kiss onto her knuckles.

Lavinia looked at him, her eyes welling up. She nodded, wrapping her arms around his waist. “You’re right,” she murmured. “We should focus on the future.”

As they moved on, leaving the crowded marketplace behind, they were wrapped in a bubble of shared contentment. Their journey was a testament to their love, a testament to the obstacles they had overcome. Their story was no longer just about the Duke and the lady; it was about Laurence and Lavinia, two souls bound by love.

Just as the sun began to set, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink, they found themselves by the Seine. They sat at the river bank, their shoulders touching, watching the boats drift lazily on the calm water.

“Lavinia,” Laurence murmured, his voice soft as he turned to face her. “No matter what the future holds, we’ll face it together. Like we always have.”

Lavinia’s eyes met his, and in them, Laurence saw his future. Bright and beautiful. As long as he had Lavinia by his side, he knew they could weather any storm.

“Always,” she echoed, her fingers intertwining with his. The promise in her voice was all the reassurance he needed.

As they sat there, the setting sun casting a warm glow over them, they knew they were right where they were meant to be. The past was behind them, the future was ahead, and they were together, looking forward to a lifetime of shared moments and cherished memories.

As they reveled in their shared silence, Laurence couldn’t help but think about how fortunate he was. In finding Lavinia, he had found not just love but a partner, a confidant, a woman who wasn’t afraid to challenge him and push him to be a better man.

And for that, he was eternally grateful. He knew, as he held her close, that he wouldn’t want to change a single thing about their journey. Because it had led him here, to this moment, with the woman he loved more than life itself. It was a sentiment he knew Lavinia shared, her smile as radiant as the setting sun. Their future was indeed bright.

As dusk turned into night, Laurence and Lavinia retreated to a cozy, quiet corner of the city. With the soft glow of the street lamps bathing the area in a warm, inviting light, it was the perfect sanctuary from the night chill.

Their conversation flowed freely, a testament to the strong bond they’d formed over the years. Their laughter, the shared glances, the comfortable silences, all spoke of a deep understanding that came from mutual respect and unwavering love.

After a while, Lavinia sighed, a hint of longing lacing her voice. “Do you ever wonder what it would be like if the children were here?”

Laurence chuckled, following her gaze as it drifted to a young family seated across the room. “Let’s see,” he pondered, leaning back in his chair. “I imagine little Arthur would be fascinated by the Notre Dame. He’d want to learn about every gargoyle, every piece of art, just like his mother.”

“And Lily,” Lavinia added, her eyes lighting up. “She’d probably be off making friends with every stray cat she comes across in Montmartre.”

Laurence laughed, picturing their daughter’s love for animals.

“And at night,” Lavinia continued, a soft smile playing on her lips. “They’d fall asleep in our arms, exhausted from their adventures, their dreams filled with the magic of Paris.”

Their eyes met, their laughter echoing in the quiet café, their shared dreams forming a sweet symphony. It was a beautiful moment, one that encapsulated the essence of their love, their family.

“But, then again,” Laurence added after a moment, a mischievous glint in his eyes. “Think of the amount of pastries Lily would want to sample.”

“And Arthur trying to converse with the locals in his broken French,” Lavinia chimed in, her laughter ringing through the air.

For the next few moments, they were lost in their shared laughter, the image of their children causing trouble in Paris bringing them immense joy. They reveled in the conversation, the love for their children, and the love they had for each other, painting a beautiful picture of their life together.

As they continued their lively conversation, they were reminded of the strong bond they shared, not just as a couple but as a family. Their children were an extension of their love, a testament to the life they had built together.

But for now, this moment was for them, a small pocket of peace in the whirlwind that was their life. A moment to celebrate their love, their journey, their growth as a couple.

And as they held each other close, their laughter still echoing in the quiet café, they knew that they wouldn’t trade this moment for anything in the world. They had each other, they had their love, and they had their family.

And for now, that was more than enough.

The night was theirs, their shared laughter a sweet symphony that resonated in the quiet café. Their hearts were full, their love palpable. It was a night they would remember for a long time, a night that would be etched in their memories forever.

After all, love wasn’t just about grand gestures and poetic words. It was about shared moments, shared laughter, shared dreams. And Laurence and Lavinia had plenty of those. As they sat there, their hearts full of love, they knew they had everything they ever wanted.

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