Impassioned by Darcy Burke
Epilogue
April 1, London
“Why are you smiling?” Constantine asked his wife as their coach arrived in Portman Square, where they would attend a ball with Cassandra. While Sabrina was no longer her official sponsor, she and Constantine had agreed that they would continue to support his sister in her Season—if only to provide an additional defense against their father’s meddling.
“I was just thinking of the new kitten and how Grayson already seems to adore him. I think he wanted a brother.”
At both Sabrina and Constantine’s insistence, Haddock had found another kitten the day before. Sabrina, with Constantine’s full endorsement, had insisted both he and Grayson have the run of the house. The buff-colored kitten had slept on Sabrina’s lap that morning as they’d breakfasted, and Constantine suspected that would become a regular occurrence. Both woman and cat had appeared quite content.
“I’m not at all sure the addition will calm Grayson, however,” Constantine noted. The two liked to tussle, and it was rather amusing to watch.
Sabrina laughed softly. “No, I’m not sure it will either. But I don’t mind, do you?”
“Surprisingly, no.”
The coach had pulled abreast of the entrance to the house and a moment later, the groom opened the door. Constantine stepped out and helped Sabrina to the ground. She was even more stunning than normal due to the glow that Constantine was certain emanated from the child she carried.
Offering his arm, he guided her to the house, and they made their way through the receiving line and into the ballroom. “Shall we find Cass?” he asked, surveying the large space for his sister.
“Yes. I daresay your aunt has likely already abandoned her.”
“Indeed, she has. Cass and Miss Lancaster are near that large potted palm.” He led Sabrina through the crowd to where the two young women stood.
Cassandra’s eyes lit as they approached. “Thank goodness you are here. I can’t tell you how happy I was to receive your note, Sabrina.” Sabrina had written to tell her that she would continue to act as a sponsor, even if she didn’t officially carry that title.
“You look awfully relieved,” Constantine said. “Has something happened with Aunt Christina?”
“Nothing outside of the usual.” Cassandra glowered toward some distant point across the room. “She is mostly worthless as a sponsor, and why Father doesn’t see that, I don’t know.” She turned her attention to Sabrina, her eyes narrowed in frustration. “I am still quite furious with him for removing you as my sponsor. I am so angry, in fact, that I’ve half a mind to marry the next man I see. We’ll dash off to Gretna Green as my dear friend Fiona did.”
“Did I hear my name?” A red-haired young woman stepped out from behind the potted palm. At her side was the Earl of Overton, her new husband. Constantine couldn’t help but remember the very last time he’d seen them—some four weeks before. He could scarcely believe how much had changed in such a short time.
Cassandra had let out a delighted shriek, and she and Lady Overton were now embracing in a thoroughly inappropriate manner given their surroundings. Constantine was surprised to find he didn’t care.
“Good evening, Overton,” he said, hoping they could forget or at least ignore their encounter at the Phoenix Club those weeks ago. “May I offer my heartfelt congratulations to you and Lady Overton?”
Overton shook Constantine’s hand, showing no indication he recalled their meeting. “Thank you, I am glad to have them.” He introduced his new wife to Sabrina.
“I’m so pleased to meet Cassandra’s good friend,” Sabrina said.
Cassandra took Lady Overton’s hand. “I can’t tell you how glad I am that you’re back. The last few weeks have been quite trying. There is so much to tell you. And, of course, I must hear all about your trip.” She grinned. “You’re a countess now!”
Lady Overton laughed. “Yes. It’s rather bizarre,” she added in a near whisper. “You didn’t become betrothed while I was away, did you?”
“No, but it’s not for my father’s lack of pressure on the matter. If I don’t wed by June, he’s threatened to marry me off to some indeterminate gentleman.” Cassandra glanced toward Sabrina. “Isn’t that right?”
“So he said,” she exchanged a look with Constantine, and they silently communicated that they wouldn’t allow that to happen.
Cassandra’s gaze gleamed with determination. “I’ve decided I’m going to marry the next man I encounter. I hope he’s especially roguish. Father will hate that.”
“Overton, you’ve returned!” Lord Wexford came toward them, his handsome face bright with a wide grin. He clapped Overton on the shoulder. “Welcome home.” He bowed to Lady Overton. “My lady, you are a vision of newlywed loveliness. My congratulations to you both.”
Miss Lancaster leaned close to Cassandra and whispered something that made Cassandra laugh softly. She nodded in response before addressing Wexford.
“My lord, I think you should dance with me.”
Overton pivoted toward her, his brow creasing. “Ah, perhaps you’d like to dance with me instead?”
Cassandra flashed him a smile. “Thank you, but I think it must be Wexford. In the meantime, let us take a turn, shall we?” She took the Irishman’s arm, and they began a promenade about the room.
Constantine wondered what his sister was up to and wasn’t entirely certain he wanted to know. A few hours later, he handed Sabrina into their coach and climbed in after her, his feet aching from dancing with her, which he hadn’t done in ages. He kicked off his dancing slippers and wiggled his toes.
She stared at his stockinged feet. “Did you just take your shoes off?”
“I did.”
“First you danced with me and now this. You continue to astonish me, my lord.”
“You aren’t supposed to address me like that anymore.” He sounded cranky and immediately regretted his tone. “I meant that in jest, but that came out wrong. I suppose that’s because I really do prefer that you call me by my name when we are alone.”
She turned toward him on the seat and put her hand on his chest, her fingers diving beneath his waistcoat and pressing against him. “Constantine, I adore you so.”
“Even when my haughtier nature comes out?”
“You have spent your entire life being the person your father wanted you to be. I imagine it will take time for you to settle into the man you want to be. I know the changes I have made will take time and effort. The ball tonight was easier, but I would have gladly left an hour ago.” She smiled at him and leaned her head on his shoulder.
Constantine had sensed her fatigue and rising anxiety and taken her for a turn in the garden, which had given her the fortitude to stay the extra hour. He kissed her forehead and thought of all the change they’d undergone over the past several weeks. “Would you still describe me as dispassionate?”
She lifted her head and looked into his eyes. “Not at all. In fact, I would describe you as impassioned. I can’t imagine a more attentive or devoted husband.”
He slipped his arm around her waist and pivoted toward her. “With you captivating me at every moment, how can I not be?”
Sliding her hand up his chest, she tugged his cravat loose. “I promise to do all I can to keep you impassioned—and informed. Talking and sharing with each other is what brought us here, and I don’t ever want to go back to my life without you.”
“I promise you never will. You’re mine, Sabrina. Now and forever.”
Find out what happens next with Cassandra and Ruark! And find out what already happened… (how’s that for a tease?). A romance between a young lady on the Marriage Mart and her brother’s best friend is surely intolerable…
INTOLERABLE, the third book in the Phoenix Club series, coming October 2021!
Would you like to know when my next book is available and to hear about sales and deals? Sign up for my VIP newsletter, follow me on social media:
Facebook: https://
Twitter at @darcyburke
Instagram at darcyburkeauthor
Pinterest at darcyburkewrite
And follow me on Bookbub to receive updates on pre-orders, new releases, and deals!
Need more Regency romance? Check out my other historical series:
The Untouchables
Swoon over twelve of Society’s most eligible and elusive bachelor peers and the bluestockings, wallflowers, and outcasts who bring them to their knees!
The Untouchables: The Spitfire Society
Meet the smart, independent women who’ve decided they don’t need Society’s rules, their families’ expectations, or, most importantly, a husband. But just because they don’t need a man doesn’t mean they might not want one…
The Untouchables: The Pretenders
Set in the captivating world of The Untouchables, follow the saga of a trio of siblings who excel at being something they’re not. Can a dauntless Bow Street Runner, a devastated viscount, and a disillusioned Society miss unravel their secrets?
Wicked Dukes Club
Six books written by me and my BFF, NYT Bestselling Author Erica Ridley. Meet the unforgettable men of London's most notorious tavern, The Wicked Duke. Seductively handsome, with charm and wit to spare, one night with these rakes and rogues will never be enough...
Love is All Around
Heartwarming Regency-set retellings of classic Christmas stories (written after the Regency!) featuring a cozy village, three siblings, and the best gift of all: love.
Secrets and Scandals
Six epic stories set in London’s glittering ballrooms and England’s lush countryside.
Legendary Rogues
Five intrepid heroines and adventurous heroes embark on exciting quests across the Georgian Highlands and Regency England and Wales!
If you like contemporary romance, I hope you’ll check out my Ribbon Ridge series available from Avon Impulse, and the continuation of Ribbon Ridge in So Hot.
I hope you’ll consider leaving a review at your favorite online vendor or networking site!
I appreciate my readers so much. Thank you, thank you, thank you.