Page 81 of A Duke, a Virgin and a Baby
“What did I do to deserve someone as wonderful?”
Julian chuckled, turning her hand over to press a kiss over her wrist.
“Do not be silly, wife. I am certain that you were born to give my life meaning. It is I who have earned the right to deserve you.”
The prospect of facing her parents made Anna a tad anxious, but she recognized that she was not who she once was and therefore would not stand for the things she has endured at their hands.And with husband by her side, she knew did certain that she would be just fine, come what may.
EPILOGUE
“Iam glad you wanted to do this. I know it could not have been an easy decision to make.”
Anna held onto Leah’s hands, thankful when it stopped the tremors in hers for a bit.
“I want to be able to move past it and on with my life. If I let it hover over me for too long, I’ll continue to feel haunted by the anger and frustration I felt. I want to try and keep my family complete. All of it. If they refuse to see to reason, then I will have no other choice than to keep them out of my life for good.” She spoke.
When Leah had been informed of what Anna wished to say to their parents, the Marchioness had offered her estate to sound as the middle ground for the conversation.
Anna felt comforted by her sister’s presence in addition to her husband’s, glad to have reliable support rallying behind her. Sheknew it would not be an easy feat regardless, but knowing that the people she cared about the most would be close by to help her through granted her immense strength.
Julian walked to her side and Anna let go of her sister’s hands to face her husband, her eyes locked with his as he cupped her face and stated,
“The moment you feel unhappy with the course of things, we are leaving. Do not force yourself to endure whatever hardships they might decide to put you through. Not from them. Do you understand?”
Anna nodded, leaning forward to steal a kiss from him.
“For luck,” she whispered.
Julian sighed and gave her another, chaste and soft.
“There. Now you have twice as much, in addition to the wrath I will rain down upon them if anyone says or does anything to upset you.”
Anna beamed up at him, clinging to his arm and resting her head on his shoulders.
“My hero.”
Leah smiled at them, then she was momentarily distracted by something that caught her eye outside the window.
“Oh, they’ve arrived.” She turned to Anna and asked, “Are you ready?”
Anna shook her head as she squared her shoulders and lifted her chin.
“No, but it must be done and only I can do it.”
Julian led her by the hand to sit at the table Leah had prepared for her guests, gently placing a cup of tea in from if her.
“Drink, darling. And do don’t worry — whether they wish it or not, you will be heard.”
As Anna sipped her cup of tea that seemed to be brewed using not only herbs but dried pieces of fruit, her mother and father walked into the room.
“Leah!” Sally grinned, looking pleased to see her daughter who has been standing by the door. “How lovely to see you! How is — Your Grace!”
Quickly, she and Percival bowed at the sight of Julian.
“Forgive us, Your Grace,” Percival said quickly. “We were only expecting an audience with our daughters. We are honored to be in your presence.”
Julian hummed dismissively, and they swallowed, exchanging nervous glances.
“A-Anna,” Sally tried as Leah led them to the table before taking a seat on Anna’s other side. “You look – er, have you been well, dearest? I heard that you were at Lord Harrow’s wedding! The ton has been referring to it as the ‘most coveted’ event of the season. It is a shame I did not get to attend, but I am sure you looked as lovely as always.”
