A Duke’s Christmas Love in Disguise – Extended Epilogue

---

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!

---

Several weeks later

“Sybella, my love, do you ever grow tired of gazing out at the fields?” Edward asked, his voice warm with amusement. He leaned casually against the doorframe of their bedchamber, watching as Sybella stood by the window, her hand resting on the sill. Spring had burst into life outside, painting the Keyworth estate in vivid greens and blooms of every color.

Sybella turned, a bright smile lighting her face. “Never. I feel as if I could stand here forever and marvel at how different it all feels compared to the days I spent as a maid, fearful and hidden.”

Edward’s expression softened, and he crossed the room, taking her hand in his. “Now you are my duchess and have nothing to fear,” he said gently, lifting her hand to his lips.

“Your duchess,” she repeated, a hint of awe in her voice. “It feels like a dream, Edward.”

“It is as real as the sunlight streaming through this window,” he said, turning her towards him. “And it is only the beginning, Sybella. I promise you that.”

They stood in comfortable silence, the weight of all they had endured pressing gently against their hearts before fading away into the warmth of the present moment. Outside, faint laughter reached their ears—the unmistakable sound of children playing. Sybella tilted her head towards the sound.

“It seems Julia has persuaded the stable boy to let her ride again,” she said with a laugh. “Emma will have her hands full.”

“Indeed,” Edward chuckled. “But Julia’s spirits are lighter than ever, especially now that Giles has returned. She has her family complete again.”

Sybella’s smile softened. “That reunion was a miracle. For all of us. I only wish all had been so fortunate.”

Edward’s expression turned serious for a moment as he thought of Giles’s recovery from the shipwreck and the tragic loss of many of his crew. “We will remember those lost and cherish those who remain,” he said solemnly. “It is all we can do.”

“Yes,” Sybella agreed, threading her fingers through his. “And speaking of reunions, I believe we have guests to greet.” She gestured towards the window, where a string of carriages approached the estate’s front drive.

Edward grinned, recognizing the carriages immediately. “Cook and Mrs. Bale will be overjoyed to see half the county gathered for the wedding feast.”

Sybella’s eyes sparkled with excitement. “As will I. But first, there is one small matter we must attend to.”

He raised a brow. “And what would that be?”

She stepped closer, her voice low but teasing. “Ensuring that the groom is presentable for his bride.”

Edward let out a deep laugh, his eyes crinkling with affection. “In that case, Duchess, I am at your mercy.”

She lifted a hand to adjust his cravat with exaggerated precision. “It wouldn’t do to have you looking anything less than perfect, Your Grace.”

“Perfect is a high standard,” he murmured, leaning closer. “But for you, I will try.”

With their laughter echoing softly in the chamber, they walked together to meet their guests, ready to embrace the day that would forever unite their hearts and souls.

The ceremony passed in a blur of vows and whispered promises, and by the time Sybella and Edward stepped out of the chapel as husband and wife, the sun was high in the sky, casting its golden light over Keyworth. The gathered guests erupted into applause, their cheers mingling with the joyous chiming of bells. Sybella felt the warmth of every smile directed their way, each one a reminder of how far they had come.

As they descended the chapel steps, Julia ran forward, her yellow gown bright against the greenery. “Aunt Sybella!” she cried, throwing her arms around Sybella’s waist. “You look like a princess!”

Sybella knelt, gathering the girl into a tight hug. “Thank you, Julia. And you are my most beautiful flower girl.”

Edward crouched beside them, his expression softening as he ruffled Julia’s hair. “Shall we head to the feast? I believe Cook has prepared all your favorites.”

Julia’s eyes lit up. “Roast chestnuts?”

“And more,” Edward promised.

Together, they walked hand in hand back to the hall, where tables were laden with every delicacy imaginable. Servants moved deftly, ensuring no guest’s plate was empty and that glasses were never dry. The hum of conversation filled the room, punctuated by bursts of laughter. It was a celebration unlike any other, and Sybella reveled in every moment.

At one end of the hall, Lady Frederica raised her glass, a mischievous glint in her eye. “A toast!” she called, capturing everyone’s attention. “To the Duke and Duchess of Barrington—may their days be filled with love, laughter, and the occasional moment of chaos to keep things interesting!”

Laughter rippled through the crowd, and Edward raised his own glass in acknowledgment. “To Lady Frederica, who has ensured I never forget the meaning of family,” he said, his tone both teasing and sincere.

Frederica nodded with mock gravity. “It is a burden I carry willingly.”

As the toasts continued, Sybella found herself pulled aside by Emma, who looked radiant despite the exhaustion etched around her eyes. “You’ve made him happier than I’ve ever seen,” Emma said, her voice low. “Thank you.”

Sybella squeezed her hand. “And you’ve given me a home when I had none. Thank you, Emma.”

The sisters-in-law shared a quiet moment before Julia reappeared, tugging at their hands. “Come dance!” she urged. “Everyone is dancing!”

Indeed, the music had begun, a lively tune that brought guests to their feet. Edward appeared at Sybella’s side, his eyes twinkling with mischief. “Shall we?” he asked, offering his hand.

“Always,” she replied, letting him lead her to the center of the room.

The music swirled around them, a joyful symphony that seemed to echo the beating of their hearts. As they moved together, Edward leaned in, his voice low. “You do know this is only the first of many dances.”

“Good,” Sybella said, a smile playing at her lips. “I intend to make each one count.”

Their steps quickened, matching the rhythm of the music. Around them, the world spun in a blur of color and light, but all Sybella could see was Edward. In that moment, she knew—truly knew—that they had found their forever.

The music slowed, and they came to a stop, breathless but exhilarated. “I love you, Sybella,” Edward murmured, his forehead pressed against hers.

“And I love you, Edward.”

Cheers erupted once more, and as they turned to face their family and friends, Sybella felt her heart swell with joy. This was their beginning—a beginning filled with hope, surrounded by love, and built on the promise of a future they would create together.

As the sun dipped low on the horizon, casting a warm amber glow over the grounds of Keyworth, the celebration continued in the gardens. Lanterns swayed gently in the evening breeze, casting flickering light across the revelers. The air buzzed with laughter and clinking glasses, a perfect end to a perfect day.

Sybella walked hand in hand with Edward along one of the garden paths, savoring a moment of quiet amid the festivities. The hum of conversation faded into the background, leaving only the rustling of leaves and the soft chirping of birds. Edward paused, pulling her close. “Does it feel real yet?” he asked, a smile tugging at his lips.

She leaned into him, resting her head against his chest. “It does. And it feels…right. As if every step, every hardship, was leading us to this moment.”

He brushed a kiss across her forehead. “I feel the same.” He paused, his voice growing more serious. “I never told you, Sybella, but when I thought I might lose you to your stepfather’s schemes, I realized that my life without you would be empty. You are my heart. My strength.”

Moved by his words, Sybella looked up at him, tears glistening in her eyes. “I think I’ve loved you since that first masquerade. Even when I didn’t know who you were.”

Edward’s mouth curved into a soft smile. “And I have dreamed of you since that night, hoping fate would bring us together again.”

As they stood there, wrapped in each other’s arms, Antony approached, his gait slow but steady. He had recovered remarkably well since his harrowing journey back to England, though he still carried the scars of his ordeal. “I hope I’m not interrupting,” he said, a playful glint in his eyes.

“Never,” Sybella said, releasing Edward to embrace her brother. “I’m so glad you’re here.”

Antony chuckled. “I wouldn’t miss it for the world. Though I must say, seeing you two like this…I never imagined such a happy ending when we were children.”

“We’ve been given a second chance,” Sybella said softly. “For all of us.”

He nodded, his expression turning serious. “I wanted to tell you both—the charges against Sir Albert have been finalized. He will remain under close watch, exiled to one of the properties in Flanders. He won’t trouble you again.”

Sybella exhaled, relief washing over her. “It’s the best outcome we could have hoped for.”

Antony’s gaze softened. “I thought you deserved to know. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I promised Charlotte a dance.”

As Antony walked away, Edward pulled Sybella back into the circle of his arms. “He’s right, you know. We have been given a second chance.”

“Then let’s make the most of it,” she said, her voice steady with determination.

“Agreed,” Edward replied, his smile wide. “Starting now.”

He led her back towards the laughter and light of the gathering. As they rejoined their family and friends, Sybella knew that this was only the beginning of their journey together. There would be challenges and joys, trials and triumphs—but through it all, they would face everything side by side.

The night stretched on, filled with music and merriment. As the first stars appeared in the sky, Edward and Sybella shared a quiet moment, watching the lanterns sway gently above. The promise of tomorrow glimmered brightly in their hearts.

“Next year,” Sybella said, her voice soft but full of hope, “let’s spend Christmas exactly like this. Surrounded by love.”

Edward nodded, his gaze never leaving hers. “It’s a tradition I intend to keep. Every year.”

And with that, he drew her into a kiss, their future stretching out before them like the endless night sky—boundless, bright, and filled with the promise of countless tomorrows.

---

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!

---