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Two Years of Marriage:
Audrey and Samuel were parents, at last. Their three-month-old son, Brian, looked very much like his father, or so everyone commented. Though he had Audrey’s emerald, green eyes.
“Helena! How lovely to see you,” Audrey exclaimed as Helena came over to the Christmas tree she was standing by.
“My what a lovely tree, as always,” Helena commented, smiling at the tall tree with all its handmade decorations.
“How are you getting on at Odell Manor, dare I ask?” Audrey asked anyway.
“Oh, you know me and Margaret, we are fast becoming the best of friends,” Helena admitted. “Since I’ve moved in there, we have held at least five recitals. I enjoyed every one of them because we play Bridge afterward. My social life has picked up no end.”
“Samuel’s mother is mellowing, isn’t she? Look how gentle she is with baby Brian,” Audrey said, raising her arm to indicate where Margaret was standing as she cooed over her new grandson.
“She is delighted at becoming a grandmother,” Helena told her. “It is all she talks about among her Bridge group friends. And I am equally as thrilled to be chosen as his godmother.”
“I would have no one else for the role,” Audrey pointed out. “I do miss your jolly company so very much. It is no wonder Margaret is happier with you around, somehow, you always manage to cheer everyone up.”
“And I miss you too, my dear,” Helena said, leaning in to kiss Audrey’s cheek with fondness. “But you are much better off without a constant house guest. It means that you can be alone with your husband and son. No doubt there will be even more pattering of tiny feet soon enough.”
Audrey smiled wistfully at the thought of many children running around Woadhill Manor. “I do hope so, Helena, we would both welcome many children, if we are to be blessed that way.”
“Be careful there, dear, what you wish for,” Helena said with a faux smirk. “Though you do make wonderful parents, and I do believe this house will suit children, it is such a jolly place.”
“You helped to make it that way, Helena,” Audrey reminded her. “Oh, and I forgot to tell you that young Oliver Newman is running the pig farm now, along with some of his younger siblings.”
“That is marvellous news. He is such a capable young man. Now then, you must go and mingle with your guests, I mustn’t take up any more of your time, my dear,” Helena said. “Besides, I wish to seek out Henry and Jane. They are now engaged, and I must congratulate them both.”
“I thought they were staying with you at Odell Manor?” Audrey asked.
“Yes, but they came straight here to celebrate with you first,” Helena explained. “I must go find them, toodleloo, my dear.”
Audrey watched as Helena disappeared into the crowd of guests. They had invited many people for Brian’s first Christmas. Ever since the housewarming party a few years back had gone so well, many local ladies had wanted to make Audrey’s acquaintance. After sifting out the genuine ones, she too was now enjoying more of a lady’s social life.
She could hear her son crying, and as she made her way over to the doting grandparents, their nanny, Joan, was taking their child to bed.
“Joan!” she called out. “Let me have a cuddle before he goes to sleep.”
As soon as he was handed to her, Samuel appeared out of nowhere. Brian soon settled down in his mother’s arms, and his daddy stroked his cheek with a finger.
“You see, even our son knows who rules the roost around here,” Samuel said jesting. “Eddy just told me that dinner is almost ready, so it’s a good time to put him to bed.”
“Yes, Joan is taking him, so say goodnight, Daddy,” Audrey said, staring into her son’s tired eyes. “We will see you later tonight, my baby boy,” she added as they each kissed his forehead.
As Joan took him away, a flash of brown fur came running into the drawing room where some guests were gathered.
“Is that Bella?” Audrey asked. She always had a soft place in her heart for the dog. If not for Bella, who was then named Chewy, running into her house, she may never have met Samuel.
“Mother insists on taking her everywhere, and I know that you don’t mind her being here,” Samuel said.
“Not at all, she is more than welcome in this house,” Audrey said, watching the dog play with one of her own house dogs. “After all, it is her fault that I have to put up with you,” she joked.
The bell rang out to announce that dinner was ready, and the thirty guests started to make their way towards the dining room. Samuel and Audrey held back, standing at the dining room door to welcome them through. The last ones to the doors were Margaret and Charles.
“Father,” Audrey said, catching her father-in-law’s attention. “I have put you at the head of the table on the right side, and Samuel will take the left side. I wanted a place of honour for Brian’s father and grandfather too.”
“You think of everything,” Charles said, looking back at her with pride. “Thank you, I am honoured.”
“I suppose I must sit by your side,” Margaret mumbled. “Even though I am Brian’s grandmother, which is a far more important role if you ask me.”
Audrey and Charles caught one another’s eyes, and both smiled at one another.
“Never mind, Mother, you can make a toast if you wish,” Samuel said, saving the day.
Audrey could see Margaret liked that idea. She was always happy when she was the centre of attention. They entered the dining room behind Samuel’s parents, and the housekeeper went to close the double doors.
“No, Molly, will you leave them open please,” Audrey instructed. “I want to hear my son should he need me.”
Molly was well aware of how much Audrey doted on her child and she gave a nod of her head. Other servants began to serve the several dishes among the guests, as they now had six servants at Woadhill Manor.
A grand feast was had by all for baby Brian Allston’s first Christmas, even though he was totally unaware and did not hear a thing as he slept through it. His parents were able to enjoy their meal, all the way to the end, without any baby crying episodes.
Following the meal, Audrey had planned party games, and they all moved into the drawing room. At one point, Audrey left the hullabaloo of the drawing room to stand at the bottom of the stairway and listen out for her child. All was quiet, and she went to peek out through the long, narrow window by the main door. She felt warmth as Samuel slipped his arms around her behind, warming her in the chilly reception hallway.
“Look, Samuel,” she said with excitement. “It’s snowing for our son’s first Christmas.”
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OFFER: A BRAND NEW SERIES AND 2 FREEBIES FOR YOU!
Grab my new series, "Whispers of Regency Love", and get 2 FREE novels as a gift! Have a look here!
Hello my dears! I hope you enjoyed the Extended Epilogue of my new book! I can’t wait to read your lovely comments here. Thank you for being so wonderful! 🥰
Ms Aria
A lady’s Enchanting Neighbor was wonderful. You always cause me to want to just read and read your wonderful book and extended epilogue. Audrey and Samuel were a wonderful couple and I loved how Samuel was so good to train her in the way she needed to be as a lady.
Thank you for yet another wonderful adventure with love.
Sincerely
Sharon
Thank you so much for your kind comment and support, dear Sharon. So glad you enjoyed the story! Make sure to stay tuned because I have more coming!
This was a wonderful story of true love. A great read.
Thank you so much for your kind words and support, dear Annette! I truly appreciate it!
So glad you enjoyed the story!
I loved this book. Very entertaining I love how much Samuel loved Audrey. She became a lady very quickly. I also like it that she didn’t want to ride side saddle I can’t believe woman had to do that back then.
Thank you so much for your support and review, dear Charity!
So glad you enjoyed it!
Such a lovely story. All she needed was a little, or maybe a lot, of help to be a part of the ton. But he fell i love with her before that. Beautiful love story.
Thank you so much for your support and review, dear Bets!
So glad you enjoyed it!
Truly enjoyed every bit including the extended epilogue. So inspiring to see Audrey overcoming her fears and nerves to learn to be the lady she was destined to be with the help of those who loved her and Samuel was so caring. Such a sweet love story. Can we expect to hear more about Henry and Jane, will Helena find a new love of her own? Can’t wait to find out!
Thank you dear, I am really happy to know all these!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It amazes me to see young people who have had a less than desirable childhood grow into wonderful adults. I appreciate realistic story lines threaded through historical books. It enables me to put myself in the story. Thank you for a great read!
Thank you for all the support, that’s wonderful!!
Very creative plot! I so enjoyed reading of friends pulling together to help Audrey become the refined and gracious lady she was meant to be.
Thank you!! I really loved these two, myself!
Your books are always well written and such interesting, exciting reads. Ideally enjoyed this one. Such a different kind of story with such a happy ending. Thanks
Thank you so much, it’s really heartening to know people enjoyed this!
What a wonderful story of love that changed a young ladies life. The treatment she endured at the hands of her father and brother was awful. It was so nice to read how Samuel changed her view of her capabilities.
Thank you so much!
I enjoyed this story about a girl being raised without her mother due to delivery difficulties. Having friends who step in to fill the missing areas made this a truly delightful tale .
Thank you for these lovely words, dear!!
I loved this sweet story. Audrey had to learn everything about being a lady and that was a daunting chore. Thankfully, she had Helena and Samuel to help her.
Thank you! I’m glad you liked this one!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The storyline was different from others I have read and I loved it. Please write a sequence featuring Henry and Jane.
Thank you, dear! I will think about it and if the story comes, I will surely share it with you!
Loved the characters in this book. Thank you Aria for your wonderful story line. It brought me an enjoyable reading experience.
Thank you so much!! Happy New Year!
I loved this story very heartwarming with Audrey having such good friends to help her through times of stress wonderful story.
Thank you, dear Patricia!
Nice story with a happy ending. Where are these truly caring men? Only in story books. 😉
I am positive there are some good ones left if you look closely, dear! But I know exactly how you feel!
Dear Aria, I enjoyed this story and laughed out loud during Cheney’s getting aquanted with her new neighbor. All of your books are delightful. God bless. Mollie
Thank you so much for your kind words and support, dear Mollie. I truly appreciate it!
So glad you enjoyed the story! Make sure to stay tuned because I have more coming!
Wonderful true lovestory. I especially enjoyed the strength, that both Samuel and his father provided to Audrey. The support of her best friend and the assistance of Samuel’s best friend were heartwarming. Great ready that was very satisfying.
I loved the story, it was so well written. I look forward to more in the future.
Thank you so much for your kind words and support, dear Julia! So glad you enjoyed the story!
Very interesting and heart-warming story. Thank goodness that both Samuel and Charles stood up for Audrey at the home dinner. Lived your EE.
Thank you so much for your kind support and wonderful feedback, dear Margaret! Glad you enjoyed it!