Author's Note: I know, the last one was the last chapter, I just didn't mention there was an epilogue wink Ya'll didn't REALLY think I'd end it on a funeral did you? Come on... Anyways...I did say there was 15 all together w/ pro, chaps, and epi. No one caught that I guess. Here's the finale guys. Meg

Epilogue

Edmund stood in the study of the d'Artagnan estate. He nervously wrung his hands as the two men watched him. D'Artagnan and Aramis glanced thoughtfully at him and gestured towards a chair.

"I'd rather stand, thank you," Edmund stated.

D'Artagnan exchanged a look with Aramis. "Son, we know why you have requested this audience. Perhaps you would care to start." D'Artagnan tried to keep the amusement out of his voice as he said that. Aramis could not help but be amused as he could see the similarities in the two situations. He remembered a time not so long ago when his godson was in the same position and more nervous than this young man he noted. It was still vivid in his mind and he let the memory surface.

D'Artagnan looked nervous. More nervous than he had a right to be. Aramis sighed to himself. His godson was clearly here for one reason.

"Sir, I come to speak with you on an important issue." He was formal; he had never been that formal with him before. Aramis could not even remember him calling him 'sir' before. "I realize you and Jacqueline; I mean Mademoiselle D'Aramitz, have had little time together." Aramis tried to cover his smile as he glanced over at d'Artagnan, the father. "I love her, sir, with all my heart." D'Artagnan was continuing in his speech. "I wish to marry her, with your permission and blessing." Aramis started to speak but the boy still panicky continued on. "I promise to look after her and love her as a husband should." Aramis held up a hand to stop him before he could go on.

"My godson, I can think of no better man for my daughter. You have both my permission and blessing." D'Artagnan, elated, ran up to him and hugged him tightly. He was beyond words and could only mutter a 'thank you' to him.

Aramis shook the memory off as Edmund cleared his throat. "Sir, I…"

D'Artagnan cut him off. "Son, you can call me d'Artagnan as you normal do."

Edmund shook slightly but seemed to hear him. "Sir, d'Artagnan, I wanted to ask your permission to ask your daughter for her hand in marriage."

D'Artagnan exchanged a knowing glance with Aramis. "Edmund, you are a good man. I know she will be taken care of. I know you two will be as happy as Jacqueline and I have been."He stood up and walked over to Edmund putting his hand on his shoulder. "Go! Speak to my daughter."

Edmund hesitated slightly. "Thank you, both," he finally responded before leaving.

Eliza sat on the grass. She wore a blue satin dress befitting her station. She was on leave right now and so the musketeer uniform was discarded. Her long black curls framed her face, highlighting her blue eyes. She held a book and was reading it under the shade of a tree. Edmund took a minute to regain his composure as he took in her beauty. Her expression changed from serious to happy as she noticed his approach. It filled his heart with joy.

"Edmund!" She waved him over, snapping the book shut. "I did not know you were coming so early. I did not expect you till tomorrow," she told him as they embraced in an affectionate hug.

"I came to speak to your father and grandfather." He felt her tense up under his arms.

"Oh, I see," she replied in a tone that said she did not understand.

"Do you know what today is?" he asked her, changing the subject. Eliza pulled away studying his expressionless face.

"Um…well…not really," she answered, slightly confused.

Edmund brushed her hair back out of her face. "A year ago we met, remember? I rescued you from the guards, a year ago to the day."

Eliza laughed her soft, warm laugh. "Oh! Is that all?" she teased him. "Yes, I remember now."

Edmund took her ungloved hand and held it to his heart. "Eliza, dearest, I have loved you every minute since then. I need you with me all the time." He paused slightly, gathering his thoughts. "Eliza will you give me your hand in marriage?"

Eliza's jaw dropped open and she gaped at him before remembering her manners. She felt her face flush and averted her eyes. "My father…"

Edmund stopped her. "I spoke with him and Aramis. They give us their blessing." Eliza stepped back feeling a little dizzy. Edmund grabbed her to keep her from falling. "Dearest? Are you alright?"

Eliza nodded at him. "Yes," she replied. "I will give you my hand."

He took her in arms and kissed her. "Come on. We should tell your family." Eliza wordlessly took his arm and they walked towards the estate full of happiness and love.