The old portrait of Nathaniel's father still hung in the hall, but beside it now hung a portrait of Evelyn.
She had once disliked the idea: "I don't need a painting."
"You do."
"Why?"
"So the children know where their mother was when they were young."
"I will be here."
"I understand."
"Then why?"
"Because I want everyone who enters this house to know who helped build it."
She had finally agreed. The portrait showed her not as a perfect duchess, but as herself: her hair slightly loose, her expression warm, her hand resting on the back of a chair. Nathaniel had insisted the painter capture her honestly.
When Evelyn first saw it, she had smiled. "You made me look serious."
"You were serious."
"I was occupied."
"You use that answer when you are caught."
She laughed. The portrait stayed.
So did the woman. And so did the man who had once believed he could control the future by arranging the right marriage. He had been wrong: the future had never belonged to him; it had arrived as a stubborn woman with no title, no fortune, and no intention of disappearing. She had given him children, but more importantly, she had given him a reason to become the man he wanted his children to remember.
Nathaniel looked at her now. "Would you do it again?"
"What, marry me?" She smiled. "I would, even knowing how difficult you are."
"Especially knowing." He kissed her hand.
She leaned closer. "And you?"
"I would find you again, even if you didn't need an heir."
"Especially then."
She smiled. "Good answer."
Footsteps sounded in the corridor. William appeared at the door. "Mother?"
"Yes."
"Where is Papa?"
"He is here."
William looked at Nathaniel. "Can I ask you something?"
"Of course."
"Can we have cake?"
Nathaniel looked at Evelyn; she looked at him. He knew he had already lost.
"One piece."
William grinned. "Two."
"One."
"Two."
Nathaniel sighed. "You negotiate like your mother."
Evelyn laughed. William ran away. Nathaniel looked at her.
"You taught him that."
"I taught him to survive."
"And what have you taught Sophie?"
"To negotiate better."
He laughed. The house filled with their voices. Nathaniel stood and offered Evelyn his hand.
"Come."
"Where?"
"To get cake."
"You're giving in."
"I have learned that some battles are not worth winning."
She took his hand. "That may be the wisest thing you've ever said."
Together, they walked toward the sound of their children. And there, they stayed.