A Love Song for the Duke – Extended Epilogue

One Month Later

Guy headed into the family chapel grounds and made his way through the gravestones. It had been some time since he had visited this place, the last being on Harriet’s birthday. Guy always lay a single rose on the grave on her birthday and Christmas, one of his sister’s favourite days of the year. He had gone past the guilt over her death and had begun to accept it, but he still came by to carry this on.

Sophia didn’t mind. In fact, she urged him to do it.

She had been someone to lean on since Guy had opened up completely to her. He still had a lot to work on, including rebuilding his trust for her. There had been arguments – now her guard was down around him, Sophia was more fiery than he expected – but she never turned away from him. She stuck by his side while Guy focused on himself. Focused on accepting his sister’s death and trusting Sophia again. Sophia understood, allowing him to take things one step at a time.

He would be forever grateful for that. Guy loved her for it.

Not that Sophia didn’t have drama on her end. Matthew McGovern, the young man she had been previously betrothed to, had been furious once he found out about Sophia’s new engagement. He had even stormed over to Guy’s home to confront him, but Guy simply found it more irritating and amusing than anything else. He didn’t see a man with his heart broken wanting the woman he loved. He simply saw a bully, someone who had lost control.

Sophia was right. He was an undesirable. Sophia was better away from him.

The last time they had seen McGovern had been the week before, after Sophia finally told him to go away and slapped him for his trouble. Guy had simply stood staring at her. The real Sophia came out, and he couldn’t stop marvelling over it.

She was going to be a stunning duchess.

The wedding was for midday. It was a little after seven in the morning. Guy had woken early, nerves making him jittery. He couldn’t wait to marry Sophia, but anything could go wrong. His mother had laughed and told him not to be so scared, but Guy couldn’t help it. Most people only ever got one wedding. One time to make it perfect.

Breakfast wouldn’t have been for a while, so Guy had gone for a walk. He went down to the river and back and then plucked a red rose from the beautifully tended rose bush in his garden, which he now held as he approached Harriet’s grave. Her stone was the newest one in the grounds, the clean granite starting to get a little weathered. Guy knelt in front of the stone, laid the rose against the base, and made the sign of the cross on his chest.

“Rest in peace, Harriet.” He sighed. “I wish you could be here to see this. You would have liked Sophia. I can see you two getting along.” He rose to his feet, patting the top of the stone. “I hope God has given you a front row seat to this where you are.”

He could stay here all day talking to his dead sister’s spirit, but Guy had to get back. Breakfast would be served soon, and Daniels then would be ushering him away to get ready. According to his valet, there was a lot to get ready regarding his appearance. Guy wasn’t looking forward to being dressed like a tailor’s dummy.

“Your Grace.”

Guy turned. Allan Cluett was on the path behind him. He bowed low and then shuffled from foot to foot. Guy hadn’t realized he was being watched.

“Mr Cluett.” He walked towards the older man. “I didn’t think anyone else was up.”

“Forgive me, Your Grace.” Allan cleared his throat, wringing his hands. “I didn’t mean to intrude. I was taking a walk around.”

“I’m not going to chastise you for exploring, Mr Cluett.” Guy took his arm and led him towards the gate. “I just wondered why you would be in the chapel grounds.”

“I … I was curious.” Allan shrugged. “It gets the better of me at times.”

Guy had no doubt about it. If the man was anything like Sophia, they would certainly get into trouble on a regular basis. Allan looked over his shoulder at the grave as they made their way through the gate.

“Is that your sister?”

Guy slowed to a stop.

“How …?”

“Sophia told me about her. About how she died.” Allan paused. “Was she not allowed to do that?”

“I don’t have a problem with her talking to you about my family.” They would be family in a few hours. Guy folded his arms and scuffed at the dirt with his shoes. “She was sick and made it worse going after the man she loved. I made myself believe that the man in question was the one responsible. He wasn’t. What happened to Harriet … it’s something that just happens. Nobody’s fault.”

Even though he had said it out loud several times, accepting it in his head was something else. Sophia had told him it would take time. She was right.

“You wanted to blame someone for something that could have been prevented,” Allan said quietly.

“You speak from experience.”

“I do.” Allan sighed. “My wife got sick, and she died. It was no one’s fault. People were getting sick where we were all the time. But I always blamed myself. I thought if I had got the doctor earlier that she would still be alive.” He shoved his hands into his jacket pockets. “Then as time went on, I realized that even if I had called Doctor Williams early, there wouldn’t have been anything they could do. My wife had deteriorated so fast that it was inevitable.”

Guy knew from Sophia that her mother had died some years before, and it was still painful even now. The pain was evident in Allan’s voice.

“How have you managed to cope?” he asked.

A slight smile tugged at Allan’s mouth.

“Sophia and Rachel. My girls. They keep my going. It’s been painful to see Rachel so ill, but there wasn’t anything I could do. And her illness was … unpredictable. She would have days when she would get better, but then she would be sick again. I was at a loss.”

“So, you decided to use Sophia’s health for your benefit.”

Guy didn’t mean it to sound as harsh as it did, and he saw the other man wince, his cheeks turning red. The retired musician shuffled from foot to foot.

“I understand if you think badly of me, Your Grace. But I couldn’t afford both girls and myself. And I’ll never forgive myself for what I did.”

“Calm yourself, Mr Cluett. I’m not going to chastise you for what you did. Besides,” Guy cleared his throat, “I’m pretty sure you’re wanting to chastise me for my actions.”
“I don’t know what you mean, Your Grace.”

“Not coming to you before I asked Sophia to marry me. Not getting your permission.”

That had been something that Allan had been a little salty on at the beginning, even if he was pleased that Sophia was finally getting married. Guy knew he would need to work harder with his future father-in-law to get into the man’s good graces. Something he never expected to do as a duke, bowing down to a man of a lower social station.

As long as it got him Sophia, Guy would do it and swallow his pride.

Allan folded his arms.

“I wasn’t too impressed about finding out about the proposal after the fact. You knew by then that I wasn’t in another country.”

“What about now?”

Allan’s mouth twitched in a slight smile.

“You’ve worked hard to win me around. I have to give you credit for that. And I remember about your first love, and how much you want it no matter what’s in the way. I was lucky enough that the person people were pushing me towards felt the same way.”

“I don’t quite understand.”

“When I was growing up, you thought as a young person that you had a free choice in who you wanted to court and marry. In reality, people around us from our parents to the servants were always guiding us. Making sure we made the choices they wanted. I figured that out pretty early after being steered away from a couple of girls my parents thought were undesirable. They pushed me towards my wife.” Allan chuckled. “Luckily for them, I had set my sights on her a while back, but I thought I wouldn’t be worthy enough for her.”

Guy found himself smiling.

“Clearly, other people thought differently.”

“Exactly, or I would have pushed back and wouldn’t be with two beautiful daughters who have made me proud.” Allan tilted his head to the side. “You and Sophia may be worlds apart, but from the interactions I’ve witnessed between you two, it’s clear that class and station does not come into it. They mean nothing with regards to you two.”

These words were humbling. Guy had spoken to Allan Cluett at length about many things, but affairs of the heart seemed to have passed them by. He was glad that the older man understood what he was feeling.

“Some things can’t be understood so easily,” he commented.

“I know.” Allan smiled and gave Guy a nod of approval. “As long as you look after my daughter, you get no problems from me.”

That wouldn’t be a problem for them. Guy had no intention of doing anything but look after Sophia.

#

Sophia couldn’t believe how beautiful the dress was. White satin, fitted close to her body with long sleeves and a flowing skirt. She didn’t think it was possible to look like a princess wearing a wedding dress, and she had burst into tears when she had first put it on. Phoebe’s seamstress had been concerned about her behaviour, but Sophia assured her that it was fine. She wasn’t upset.

She was happy.

In just half an hour, Sophia would be escorted by her father up the aisle to Guy’s side, and they would be married. It was a situation Sophia never expected to happen. Not willingly, anyway. And the thought of getting married didn’t scare her. It calmed her.
That was just as surprising as her willingness to marry. Maybe things were going to be all right.

The last month since Guy had made their betrothal public had been a little rocky. More than a little rocky. Several people in Society – all of them knew about Sophia’s real identity by this point – were shocked at his decision and outraged that Sophia had turned his head. Sophia had been snubbed at two social engagements where she was Guy’s guest before Guy put his foot down and walked out with Sophia on his arm. He refused to allow his peers to treat Sophia in such a manner. Sophia didn’t want to count how many letters she had received, telling her that she was nothing more than a money-grubbing woman of ill-repute who should disappear.

Those letters Sophia kept to herself. She didn’t want to upset Guy further although she had seen his confrontations. Men were asking if he had taken a leave of his senses. Matronly women kept pushing their young daughters towards Guy as if he could find a better prospect. Guy simply smiled and turned his attention to her. That made Sophia feel better, even if it was for selfish reasons.

Not that any judgement from Society mattered now. The people who supported them would be at the wedding, and Sophia didn’t care if outsiders disapproved. She and Guy were strong together. He had leaned on her, and she turned to him for support. Both of them were decisive about their future, something that wasn’t going to change anytime soon.

There was a knock on the door, which had Sophia turning. Rachel put down the veil she had been straightening out and headed towards the door. It opened before she got there, and the Dowager Duchess of Berkshire came into the room. Sophia felt her heart stumble. Her soon-to-be mother-in-law.

She wished Guy was here.

Rachel stopped short and curtsied, barely wobbling considering how low she went. Lady Berkshire gestured towards the door.

“Would you excuse us for a moment, Miss Cluett? I would like to talk to your sister.”

“Yes, Your Grace.”

With a nervous glance back at Sophia, Rachel left the room. Then the older woman turned to Sophia.

Sophia resisted the urge to shift from foot to foot. Lady Berkshire had spent a lot of time keeping her distance, barely saying much to Sophia to the point Sophia cried at her coldness. Recently, the woman had started to soften towards her, and they were talking, but Sophia could tell she was refraining from going back to how things were.

“I …” Sophia cleared her throat. “I wasn’t expecting you, Your Grace.”

“I wanted to sneak up here and speak to you.” Lady Berkshire paused. “If you’re all right with talking to me?”

“Of course.”

Sophia wanted any opportunity to talk to her mother-in-law. Get her on good terms. She did admire and respect the dowager duchess, and she didn’t want to have it shattered because of her foolish decisions. Lady Berkshire turned towards the door.

“Your sister’s looking better since she arrived here.”

“The country air seems to be doing her a lot of good, Your Grace.”

“That’s good.” Lady Berkshire took a seat on a chair by the fireplace, gesturing for Sophia to sit opposite. “I’ve also seen her smiling more and more.”

Sophia almost tripped over her skirts as she approached the chairs. She wasn’t about to embarrass herself now. Lifting her skirts a little so she didn’t fall, Sophia managed to get to the other chair without falling flat on her face. She smoothed her skirts out, remembering to keep her back straight and shoulders back. Nothing but good posture and good grace in front of a dowager duchess.

“I’m hoping to ask Guy … I mean, Lord Berkshire … if he would be happy with allowing Father and Rachel to live on the estate somewhere. If the air agrees with her, sending Rachel back to London could be detrimental to her health again. The air in the middle of the city isn’t fresh.” Sophia bit her lip. “I’m not overstepping my boundaries, am I?”

Lady Berkshire smiled warmly.

“Of course not. I might even suggest something to my son myself. Miss Cluett is a lovely young woman.”

That was something. Rachel had the ability to charm anyone, even more so than Sophia. It came naturally to her. She would fit well into Society given the chance. But she couldn’t relax just yet. She twisted her fingers in her lap.

“You think that I should have disappeared out of existence, don’t you?”

Lady Berkshire was silent for a moment. Then she sighed and nodded.

“Initially, I did think that. What you did was not something I could condone. It was foolish, to say the least.” Sophia winced at this. “You could have gone about it sensibly at the beginning. There would have been a lot of embarrassment, but then there wouldn’t be any of these lies further on.”

“I know, Your Grace.” Sophia could feel her cheeks getting warm. She and the dowager duchess had never discussed this. Maybe they should have before. “I just wasn’t thinking. Then by the time I wanted to tell him everything, it had gone too far. And I … well …”

“You were in love,” Lady Berkshire finished for her. “And walking away makes it harder.”

“I didn’t mean to hurt anyone. None of it was done in malice.”

“I know that now, Sophia. But you lost everything from me when I heard who you really were.” Lady Berkshire sighed. “It’s going to take a while to get back to how things were again. I’m sure you understand that.”

“I understand, Your Grace. And I wouldn’t expect us to be the same after everything I did.”

The dowager duchess watched her thoughtfully, her head tilting to one side.

“However, my dear, you can redeem yourself. The fact that my son clearly loves you and you’ve been good for him since you came clean about your identity is enough for me to make that decision. But it’s going to take a lot of work. I want you to make my son happy, care for him as a wife would.”

“I plan to, Your Grace,” Sophia said eagerly.

“And from the way you’ve been around him since he announced your betrothal, I can believe that won’t be too difficult.” Lady Berkshire fixed Sophia with a piercing look. “But you lie to him or do something as stupid as your old plan again, and you’ll have me to deal with.”
Sophia wouldn’t expect anything less from Hester Bastable. She was a formidable lady when she wanted to be. Sophia could respect her protectiveness over her son.

Being a mother didn’t stop when the child became an adult.

“I won’t do anything of that, Your Grace,” Sophia promised. “You have my word on that.”

Lady Berkshire smiled, the smile reaching her eyes. Then she stood with a flowing movement and reached out to take Sophia’s hand.

“Come on, my dear. Let’s get you ready. Your father will be up here shortly to escort you to the chapel.” She tugged Sophia to her feet. “We can’t have you late on your wedding day, can we?”

Sophia smiled back. That would never do.

#

Three Years Later

Sophia looked up when she heard a squeal. Rachel had caught Miriam and was lifting her off her feet, swinging her around while the little girl squealed. Sophia laughed.

“Slow down, Rachel! Miriam’s got a lot of spirit. She’ll wear you out if you’re not careful.”
“I can manage,” Rachel called back as she put her niece back on her feet. “She’s got nothing on me.”

As if on cue, the two-year-old ran away again. Rachel laughed and went after her, chasing her around the lawn. Sophia could only watch the sight with a smile. Her daughter was lively, and Rachel seemed to be keeping up with her without any problems.

Moving to the country seemed to have done Rachel the world of good. As soon as Sophia married Guy, her new husband had given Allan and Rachel an offer – they could move to his Berkshire estate and live there for little rent as long as they wished. In return, Allan could become the local music tutor, and Rachel could do various odd jobs once her health picked up. Guy said he would help in any way he could.

Both father and daughter had taken the offer eagerly. Allan had closed the shop, and the two of them moved into the cottage by the river. As soon as she was away from all the smog of London and the bustle, Rachel began to get better. Her health improved to the point that she was stronger than Sophia. While Sophia was on bedrest after giving birth to Miriam, Rachel had done everything for her. It was a strange role reversal after years of tending to Rachel.
Her sister certainly loved the country.

Beside her, Jean sipped her tea and smiled as Rachel chased Miriam around one of the bushes.
“She’s looking so much happier now. I haven’t seen her like this for months.”
“You mean the last time you saw her,” Sophia reminded her.

Jean was often visiting, but there were big gaps in between. Living so far north and her mother’s health sadly not as good as it could be, Jean didn’t travel much. When she did, she spent weeks at a time with Sophia and her family.

It was refreshing to see her friend.

“What on earth have you been feeding her?”

Sophia laughed.

“Same as everyone else. I think the country air has done her wonders. She’s not as sick anymore. Just the usual sniffles when everyone else gets them.”

“That’s good.” Jean put her cup down. “London was clearly not the best place for her.”

“I concur.” Sophia grasped her hand. “I’m glad you’re here, Jean. It’s lovely to see you again.”

“And you.” Jean looked around the vast grounds, the big house behind them. “I can’t believe how good things are here. You’ve certainly landed on your feet.”

“Not intentionally, remember?”

Jean winced.

“I remember, and I don’t envy you on how things went about. However,” she went back to smiling, “I’m delighted for you. You’ve got a loving husband, a career you adore, and a charming, beautiful daughter.”

Sophia beamed. Her career. Guy had let her carry on her music. He never stopped her, even with the frequent visits to London to finish her scholarship. Even though she was a duchess now, Mr Colbourne refused to take payment and let her stay on the scholarship. And Sophia was in big demand. She went to perform often, both on her own and in orchestras. The money she received went into a trust fund for her daughter. Miriam could do what she wanted with it when she was old enough. Guy had protested on that, but Sophia insisted. She wasn’t going to let her daughter be destitute should anything happen.

After growing up with very little money, Sophia didn’t want Miriam to go through the same. Rachel had pointed out that Miriam was the daughter of a duke, but Sophia still wanted Miriam to have everything possible.

Then Sophia noticed the slight fade in Jean’s smile as she watched Rachel playing with Miriam. She recognized it. Jean had been looking a little down lately, and Sophia had wondered why for a while. Then Rachel had asked about Jean’s attempts to find a husband, and Sophia realized. Jean was still unmarried at three-and-twenty. People were beginning to call her a wallflower, and Jean was withdrawing into herself as a result.

People in Society could be cruel. It was crushing. Sophia had experienced it herself.
“Anyone around?”

Sophia looked around when she heard her husband’s voice just inside the door. Then she saw him in the doorway to the library. Smiling, she waved.

“Out here, darling.”

Guy stepped out onto the terrace and approached them. Three years married, and Guy still looked much like he had been when they first met. Even with the slight greying at the temples. He was calmer than before, more laid back about things. Sophia liked the slower pace, and evidently her husband did as well. Things didn’t matter so much in the country, not like in the bustling city. They could hide away from everyone and not have to worry about what people thought.

Until the Season started again. But now they had a choice. They didn’t need to go and show their faces for months on end. Just a few days and then back again. The two of them had fallen into a routine, and it suited Sophia. Neither liked big crowds, and having it in small doses worked. They were happier about it.

Guy walked to the table the ladies were sat at and gave Jean a bow with a smile before turning to Sophia and kissing her forehead.

“How are you feeling?” He pressed his hand to her forehead. “You’re not as warm as you were before.”

“I told you it would go in a couple of days. And the headaches have gone.” Sophia took his hand and kissed his knuckles. “Is your mother here yet? She’s meant to be arriving today, isn’t she?”

“Yes, but she’s going to be here later this afternoon. I do have some guests with me, though.” Guy nodded back towards the house. “Do you mind if they come and join us?”

Sophia and Jean exchanged glances. Since Guy had found his peace, he had taken to allowing several people to come and stay. Usually in the guest house in the grounds. Most of them were minor nobles, although Sophia wondered if most of them were taking advantage of Guy’s generosity. However Guy was insistent on it, so she left him to it. He wanted to make a change, and it seemed to be working, for the most part.

“Sophia, darling?”

“It depends on who they are.”

“Viscount Strickland’s sons.”

Sophia sat up.

“Viscount Strickland? Our neighbours in Dorchester?”

They had met Viscount Richard Strickland once, and he hadn’t given Sophia a good impression. A rake as a young man and a lecherous person as he got older. Sophia had come away from their meeting feeling unclean. She knew he had sons around her age but had never met them. They didn’t travel in the same social circles as their father.

“How do you know Viscount Strickland, Your Grace?” Jean asked. “From what I recall, he’s not exactly the type to have friends.”

“We only know them as neighbours, but I’m friendly with the sons. They came to me earlier today and asked if I could let them stay for a while.” Guy sighed. “Their father remarried recently, and their stepmother wanted him to herself, and neither want to be around her.”
Sophia could imagine. She had heard of the engagement. Strickland was over fifty, and his new bride was barely twenty. She didn’t want to begin to think about what was going on there.

“We’re having more guests?” Rachel had come to join them, Miriam propped on her hip. “I hope they’re not going to be bores. The last few guests were ghastly.”

Guy laughed before taking his daughter from his sister-in-law.

“You’re just as blunt as your sister, Rachel.” He cuddled Miriam to him and kissed her cheek, which made Miriam giggle and cuddle him around the neck. “Are you all right with them staying for a while, Sophia?”

“Of course. As long as they want.”

Sophia watched as her husband and daughter went back inside. Moments later, they were returning with two dark-haired young man, both wearing varying shades of green. Sophia heard a gasp and glanced over at Jean. She was openly staring at the two newcomers, her mouth open. Then Sophia saw that Rachel was also staring, only less blatantly. She saw Sophia watching her and flushed bright red before turning away.

Sophia bit back a giggle. Clearly, both of her friends found the viscount’s sons attractive. This was going to be interesting.

She rose as the three men and child reached them. Guy beamed at her.

“Gentlemen, this is my wife, Lady Berkshire. And this is her sister, Miss Rachel Cluett, and Miss Jean Banfield.” Rachel bobbed a curtsy with her head down, and Jean jumped to her feet, wobbling before she did the same. “This is Mr Martin Strickland and Mr Jonathan Strickland, sons of Viscount Strickland.”

Martin was the older son, from what Sophia remembered. He was a little shorter than Guy with a stocky, sturdy frame, dark hair with a broad face with a firm jaw and twinkling hazel eyes. Jonathan was taller and slimmer with a dusting of a neat beard on his jaw. And when the two of them smiled, Sophia could see why Jean and Rachel found them attractive. There was something about the Strickland brothers that could send any woman simpering.

Both men bowed at her, Martin taking her hand.

“Your Grace, it’s a pleasure to meet you.”

“Mr Strickland.”

Martin rose, dropping her hand and glancing at Guy, who was wrestling with Miriam. Clearly, their daughter wanted to be free again.

“My apologies for us imposing on you without asking in advance,” Martin said, turning back to Sophia. “We needed to get away, and Lord Berkshire offered us a place to stay for a while.”
“It’s fine, Mr Strickland. I’m sure we can accommodate you. We’re always welcoming guests here.”

There was a flash of relief in the man’s eyes, which caught Sophia’s attention. Did he think she would turn him away?

Sophia laughed as her daughter wriggled out of her father’s arms as he put her on the ground and ran away again. Rachel groaned and chased after her.

“Honestly, Miriam!”

Jonathan laughed.

“She’s a lively one.”

Sophia smiled.

“She’s only two. It’s hardly surprising.”

“Best age, in my opinion.” Jonathan stepped around the table. “Excuse me a moment.”

Then, as Sophia watched in surprise, Jonathan began to join Rachel in chasing Miriam around. Within moments of arriving, he was acting like he was part of the family. None of their other guests had settled in that quickly to ingratiate with them, certainly not with Miriam.

“Jonathan loves children,” Martin commented. “He goes out of his way to be around them.”

“We can see.” Jean reached for the teapot. “Would you like some tea, Mr Strickland? It’s still fresh.”

“Please.”

Sophia gestured at her recently vacated seat, which Martin took. She stepped back beside her husband as Jean poured out a fresh cup of tea, Martin accepting it graciously. Sophia glanced at her husband and saw the slight smile on his face. She knew him well enough to know when he was up to something.

“Guy?” she murmured.

“Hmm?”

“Did you deliberately bring Mr Strickland and his brother here to match up with Rachel and Jean?”

“Me?” Guy tried to look innocent. “I wouldn’t know where to start with that.”

He was a terrible liar. Sophia prodded him in the side.

“You soft-hearted fool.”

“What? I thought it would make them smile a little more. And Martin and Jonathan really did need to get away. Their relationship with their new stepmother isn’t good.”

“I’m sure.” Sophia linked her arm through her husband’s. “Are you sure they won’t notice what you did?”

“Probably not. At least, I hope not.” Guy steered Sophia away. “Come on, let’s leave them alone for a while. We can go for a walk.”

Sophia shook her head, still smiling.

“You couldn’t be any less obvious if you tried, my dear.”

“I managed to find you with it, didn’t I?”

“Surprisingly.” Sophia rested her head on his shoulder. “And I’m glad.”

THE END

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