Page 52 of The Duke's Concealed Vow
Epilogue
“Rowan, darling,” Serena said with a tired giggle. “I think it is time for us to let Miss Tennison put Roger to bed.”
Rowan held his newborn son, whom he and Serena had named after his grandfather, tightly to his chest, giving his wife an exaggerated look of horror. Just over a year after they were wed, the heavens had blessed them with the most beautiful dark blond haired, blue eyed little boy that London had ever seen. And Rowan had no interest in being away from his son any more than he had to.
“I shall do no such thing,” he said. “In fact, why do I not just stay awake all night and just play with him.”
Serena laughed. She had given birth to Roger only a week prior, but despite her fatigue, she was radiant, glowing with the joy of being a mother. Rowan understood. His every waking thought had been consumed by his son since his birth, and he found it difficult to tear himself away from the infant. Even when Serena gently scolded him as she was then.
“He has quite a big day tomorrow, Rowan,” she said. “As do we, for that matter. I believe we all need a good rest before we are to go to the chapel.”
Rowan sighed heavily, but he was beaming. He knew she was right: they all needed rest before little Roger’s christening the following day. But Rowan was smitten with his baby son, and it was near impossible for him to tear himself away.
“Just a moment longer,” he said, looking at Serena with pleading eyes.
His wife giggled once more, giving him a soft shake of her head.
“It is already nearing eleven o’clock,” she said. “We will allbe miserable, especially little Roger, if we do not go to sleep now.”
Rowan made an exaggerated face of disappointment before handing his son to Miss Tennison, the nursemaid he had hired only a week prior to Roger’s birth. He reluctantly placed the baby in her arms, waving to him even though he knew the little boy could hardly wave back.
“Good night, my son,” he said, filling his now empty arms with his wife. “Sleep well, and have the most wonderful dreams.”
Miss Tennison smiled at the new parents, dipping into a half curtsey as she held the child close to her chest.
“He will be just fine, Your Grace,” she said, looking at Rowan. “I shall summon you if there is any trouble. You can both get some rest. I have everything under control.”
Rowan nodded, giving the nursemaid a warm smile.
“I have every confidence in your abilities, Miss Tennison,” he said.
Serena laughed again and nodded.
“He does, I assure you,” she said. “It seems that he misses our little boy more than I do when he is sleeping.”
Miss Tennison nodded with understanding.
“Such is the way with new parents,” she said. “I will have him dressed and ready at about eight in the morning.”
Serena and Rowan nodded, watching as she carried their firstborn child from their chambers and toward his nursery, cooing softly to him. Rowan looked down at his wife, who was even more beautiful in the aftermath of giving birth, kissing her lightly on the nose.
“What a remarkable little boy,” he said.
Serena nodded, nestling against him.
“He is perfect in every way,” she said.
***
The following day, Rowan was awake before Serena. He had Adrian quickly help him dress in a cream-colored suit, pale brown boots and top hat and cravat to match. Then, he stole away to the nursery, where Miss Tennison was just adjusting the white bonnet that matched the christening gown in which little Roger would be christened.
“Would you like me to take him now?” he asked, extending his arms out to the nursemaid.
The black-haired woman laughed, gently placing the boy in his father’s hands.
“As you wish, Your Grace,” she said. “I shall go freshen up and prepare for the trip to the chapel.”
Rowan nodded.
