Epilogue
Graham
Two Weeks Later
Kent Estate
Diana guided Lunaalong the ridge overlooking their primary estate in Kent. The mare responded to her slightest touch, and Diana reveled in the freedom of being back atop her horse and the opportunity to ride across the countryside in a way she couldn’t have done back in London.
“Getting rather confident, aren’t we?” Graham called from beside her on Midnight, his green eyes sparkling with amusement and a hint of pride.
“Confident enough to race you back to the stables,” Diana challenged, already turning Luna toward home.
“Diana, wait—”
But she was already urging Luna into a canter, laughing as she heard Graham curse behind her before Midnight’s hoofbeats thundered in pursuit. Racing Luna sent excitement coursing through her, with the morning air crisp against her cheeks.
They were nearly to the fence line when the queasiness hit.
Diana pulled Luna to an abrupt stop, her stomach roiling. She pressed a hand to her mouth, willing the sensation to pass.
“Diana?” Graham was beside her instantly, with Midnight dancing anxiously beneath him. “What’s wrong?”
“I need to—” She didn’t finish, sliding fromLuna’s back and stumbling to the nearby hedgerow where she lost what little breakfast she’d managed.
Graham was off his horse and at her side in an instant, steadying her with a supportive hand on her back. “Sweetheart, what’s happened? Should I send for the doctor?”
Diana accepted the handkerchief he offered, wiping her mouth with shaking hands. “It’s nothing. Perhaps I rode too hard after eating.”
His brows drew together as he studied her face, one hand coming to rest against her forehead. “You’re not feverish. But Diana, this has happened the past few mornings now.”
They looked at each other in silence. Diana watched confusion flicker across Graham’s features before his eyes slowly widened with understanding.
“Could it be…?” His voice came out uncertain, as if he hardly dared to voice the thought.
Diana’s hand moved instinctively to her abdomen. “It’s certainly possible. And given our enthusiasm for certain activities.”
Graham’s entire expression transformed, joy and wonder replacing concern. “Our child,” he whispered, his hand covering hers. “Diana, we might have a precious babe.”
“We don’t know for certain yet,” she said softly, though her heart was already racing with the possibility.
He helped her to sit on a fallen log, kneeling before her and taking her hands in his. “How are you feeling now? Better?”
“Much better. The morning air helps.” She squeezed his hands. “We should walk the horses back.”
Diana stood slowly, grateful when the world remained steady. “Perhaps we will share our suspicions with your mama and grandmama.”
Although given the way they’d watched her since they had arrived, they might already have ascertained the same.
“Of course.” Graham helped her back onto Luna, his hands lingering on her waist. “Though if you’re feeling unwell again—”
“I’m fine,” she assured him, though she appreciated his concern. “Just… perhaps no more races until we know for certain.”
They rode back slowly, side by side, Graham’s hand occasionally reaching over to touch hers where it rested on Luna’s neck. Once they reached the stables, he carefully lifted her down.
Hand in hand, they walked toward the house. Her mind raced with thoughts of hope that she carried their first child.
As they entered through the garden door, Diana could hear the women chatting in the morning room.