A Lady’s Romantic Journey – Extended Epilogue

Six Years Later

The paperwork pile on Madeline’s desk was growing by the day, but she had never felt happier. She looked up when her assistant walked in, holding files under her arm.

“Do you have the documents on the Mueller farm?” she asked.

“Right here, Lady Blithely. Your husband also asked me to remind you of the party this evening.”

Madeline groaned. She had forgotten about that. It was her birthday, and her family had insisted on throwing her a party. This must be the fourth party we’ve had since moving to America. Last year, she and Gregory had decided to leave England and start a life in America where they could better address slavery. They had done what they could in England, but the American south seemed to be far worse than any other country.

“Please tell him that I haven’t forgotten,” Madeline lied. “I’ll be home on time.”

Gregory had decided to stay home from the office today to oversee the renovations to their home. Madeline had refused to sell her property despite living in England for several years, but it had worked out for the best as they had had their own home when they moved to America. They were currently extending it to fit a growing family and adding more servants to it. Some of the servants were the slaves they had helped to free from other farms, while the others were the original staff she had kept as a single woman.

“You can tell me yourself,” her husband said from the doorway.

Madeline looked up, a smile lighting up her face. “Have you come to make sure I do not look for an excuse to not come to my own party?”

“I wouldn’t put it past you.”

Madeline’s assistant silently left the room, giving them privacy. Gregory closed the door behind him before giving her a thorough kiss that left her breathless.

“You would think that after six years, I would not be so affected.”

“I have skills, dear wife.”

Madeline swatted at him. “And no humility, it seems. How are the renovations going?”

Gregory took a seat on her desk, grabbing a pen to twiddle about his fingers. “It’s all a bit of a mess right now. They’re extending the servant’s quarters first and will later move on to the first floor.”

“That makes sense. As long as it’s done before I’m due.”

Madeline was pregnant with her third child, but since it was early on in her pregnancy, the builders had seven months to complete the project. She wanted to be in her own home when the baby arrived.

“I don’t know if that will be possible. There’s a lot of work to be done.”

That is not what Madeline wanted to hear. “I wanted to have the nursery ready for the baby,” she complained.

“I know, my love, but there is a beautiful one already at your father’s house. You know he had it renovated in the hopes we’ll decide to live with him a little longer.”

With Timothy married, Lawrence off at college, and Bailey at boarding school, the Spencer House was quiet. Madeline’s father wasn’t used to the lack of noise and had all but begged her to live with him while renovations were being done on her home. I wanted to buy another property and live there for the time being, but I couldn’t disappoint my father.

“I know, and he truly has done a lovely job getting the room ready, but ’tis not the same thing. Are the children with their nannies?”

Carl, her eldest at five, and Elizabeth, who was three, were a handful and needed constant supervision. They reminded her of her brothers and the mischief they always got into. I shudder to think of how boisterous they will become as they grow older. They were good children, but they were known to terrorise guests and servants with their pets and tricks. Elizabeth had a harmless pet snake she had adopted a few months into living in America, and Carl had rats. Madeline didn’t know what other five-year-old and three-year-old could boast rats and snakes as pets.

“They are with their grandfather on a picnic by the lake. Rest assured, their nannies are all within calling distance.”

Madeline’s father loved spending time with his grandchildren and often was with them. It was difficult for her or Gregory to spend even an hour with them because her father insisted it was his right as the grandparent to spend the most time with them. I suppose he missed a lot of their first years, so it’s understandable.

“If he is with the children, who is overseeing the party preparations? Unless it has been called off?” she said hopefully.

Her husband shook his head, smiling. “The party is going ahead as planned. Your aunts are overseeing the preparations.”

“How much time do I have before I need to leave?”

“I had actually hoped you would come with me for a little lunch. It has been a while since we’ve had alone time.”

Madeline would usually jump at such a chance, but she had to acknowledge that she had lots of work to do.

“I’d love to, but this paperwork will not disappear on its own.”

Gregory shook his head. “Not good enough. I want to have lunch with my wife, and that’s that. The paperwork can wait. If I can put work aside, so can you.”

Gregory had recently expanded his publishing agency to include America as well, and it was going well.

“You’re right. I just cannot help but think that a slave is going through hardship while I’m enjoying myself. A human is a human, but these slave owners refuse to believe that. Why must the colour of your skin determine how you should be treated?”

“I don’t know, my love. However, working yourself to death will not help anyone, least of all your family. Come to lunch with me, but on condition that we do not speak about work.”

Her husband knew her too well. Since returning to America, Madeline had been filled with a single-mindedness to fix the wrongs of the colonists and slave owners. It was a big job, but more and more people were waking up to the fact that slavery was wrong. Not only was it cruelty to slaves, but it also took jobs away from Americans and Europeans. The number of slaves taken by force from their families in Africa and shipped to America had alarmed her. Some slaves had told her how their entire villages had been burned down, and their people taken captive by slave traders. The stories were horrendous and heart-breaking. I cannot decide which is worse: killing and taking land away from the Native Indians or stealing people away from their country and forcing them to do back-breaking labour. Both seemed equally terrible. My people certainly have a lot to answer for.

Madeline put her pen down and stood up. “Lunch it is, my love. I do feel rather tired these days- it must be the pregnancy.”

“Which is precisely why I have begged you to hire more people to help you. I know that I promised to never interfere in your work, but I must put my foot down at some point. I don’t want you exhausting yourself, Maddy.”

Gregory really did sound worried. He supported her decision to start an agency that worked against slavery and even helped her when he wasn’t busy with his own agency. Once a week, he published anti-slavery articles in his newspaper, knowing that it could one day ruin him. Fortunately, the rest of the newspaper was good enough for Americans to continue reading it. Many glossed over the slavery article, but some did read it and felt compelled to contact her to offer support. Most people were regular Americans who worked hard for their families, but Madeline really wanted to reach those in power.

“I won’t overwork myself, Gregory. I promise. Once I’m at seven months, I’ll stop working.”

“Four,” he insisted.

“Six,” she countered.

Gregory shook his head. “No. It has to be four. You’re carrying much heavier than usual, and have been complaining about your back, lately. We either have a large baby or more than one baby coming.”

Madeline’s eyes bulged. “Do you think I’m carrying twins?”

“It runs in my family, so it’s possible. My mother carried heavier when she was pregnant with my sisters and had to be put on bed rest early in her pregnancy.”

Giving birth to one child was hard enough, let alone two! “Goodness! I think I might have to lie down after all. Where are we having lunch?”

“I thought we could go to Lilah’s restaurant. You did promise her you would go.”

Madeline’s friend had fulfilled her dream and opened her own restaurant six months ago. Madeline had gone to the opening but had been too busy to pay the place another visit.

“That would make Lilah happy,” she agreed. “Very well. I’ll fetch my coat, and we can go.”

The weather had become chillier as autumn had set in, and soon the snows of winter would blanket the town in a white sheet.

“I’ll get your coat. You just wait here.”

Madeline watched her husband walk to the hat stand, pulling off her coat. After six years of marriage, he looked as gorgeous as when she first met him. To think that we disliked each other at first, only to fall madly in love soon after. Gregory had remained true to his word about making her happy, and she, in turn, had done all she could to please him.

Gregory helped her into her coat, placing a kiss on the side of her neck that sent shivers down her spine.

“If we go now, we might return home sooner and spend a little time with the children before it’s time for bed,” he said. “Hopefully, the party will not awaken them.”

“Prudence will keep an eye on them,” she assured. “She’s wonderful at convincing them to go back to sleep.”

The children’s nanny adored them and was seldom away from them. She had once been a slave on the Stratford farm before Madeline convinced Alexander to release her.

“I expect Jeremiah to ask for her hand any day now,” said Gregory.

“Indeed? I didn’t realise he was that serious about her.”

Gregory nodded. “He spoke to me about it last week and confessed that he loved her. I encouraged him to pursue her.”

Madeline never thought Jeremiah would ever find someone he could love. The man was fussy and quite particular about what his future wife should be like. When Prudence started working for them, it was like lightning had struck the manservant. It seems everyone is finding love these days. Even Rebecca was betrothed to be married to a physician who had treated her tuberculosis. Madeline had been so afraid the woman would die as had so many others, but the physician had remained by her side and done everything he could to save her. They must have bonded over that difficult time.

“Well, that’s wonderful. We’ll have two weddings to look forward to.”

“Yes, but all I’m concerned about right now is making my wife take time off from work. Let’s go.”

Gregory led her to the waiting carriage, all but carrying her up the step. He always treated her like a porcelain doll and probably always would. Madeline didn’t mind.

The party was in full swing that evening. Madeline had opted for a white and gold dress that sat loosely on her belly without looking too clumsy. As always, Gregory was handsome in his evening suit and had not let go of her hand since coming down to the party. He seemed to think someone might accidentally jostle her and cause her to fall. That had happened earlier today when an irate man crossed the street and didn’t look where he was going until he had bumped right into Madeline. If not for Gregory’s quick movements, Madeline would have been on the ground. Part of me believes the man purposefully walked into me, but I do not wish to alarm Gregory just yet. Madeline had seen the man outside her office a few days ago, and he had seemed just as angry. Perhaps he is a slave owner who is angry with the work I am doing. If that were the case, then she would have to be more careful in the future.

“Your father and aunts might have overdone it this time,” Gregory whispered in her ear.

He was right. The west wing of Spencer House had been transformed into a land of lights and something out of Greek Mythology. Aunt Dianne was going through a phase where everything had to resemble the Hellenistic period, but Madeline had to admit she had done a fine job. Even she had been transformed into a Greek princess since it was her party.

“Papa must have spent a fortune,” she agreed. “Not that money is a problem for him. Did he tell you about the diamond mine he bought in Southern Africa?”

“He did. I was rather surprised that he would buy something so far away, but he evidently made the right decision because I hear the mine has just discovered an area full of diamonds. I wouldn’t be surprised if your father becomes one of the ten richest men in the world.”

More money would mean more power and influence on political matters. Hopefully, this would work in Madeline’s favour. In addition to her work with wanting to abolish slavery, Madeline had continued to write under the name AS Rossouw. She hoped her books would eventually travel the world, proving that she was a great writer. Perhaps one day, she might reveal her identity and shock everyone. Only Gregory knew about her secret life and encouraged her to continue writing. It makes such a difference to share your entire life with someone else who doesn’t belittle you or put you down. If there was one thing she had learnt about marriage, it was never to settle. If you cannot find the right man, then do not marry at all.

“What are you thinking?” Gregory asked.

“How thankful I am that you chose me.”

“It’s more the other way around, my love. If you hadn’t chosen me, we wouldn’t be where we are right now.”

She smiled. “Then it’s a good thing I waited for you. People were ready to put me on the shelf when I passed my twenty-fifth birthday with no marriage in sight. If not the shelf, then a marriage of desperation. Fortunately, Mama always told me never to settle no matter what people said.”

“Then I have your mother to thank.”

“Making me happy is all the thanks she needs,” Madeline affirmed. “Shall we sit awhile? I think my feet are swelling.”

She was wearing her most comfortable shoes, but standing on her feet too long did cause them to balloon to twice their size. It was one of the side effects of pregnancy Madeline was not too keen about. That, and wanting to eat odd combinations of food. The other day, she wanted blackberry preserve and cold sliced breast chicken. Another day, she had combined a chocolate pastry with a pork pie. My cravings during this pregnancy are far more creative than the other two pregnancies. Maybe I am carrying twins after all.

Gregory led her to a cushioned seat and got to his knees in front of her.

“What are you doing?” she asked. “People are looking.”

“You said your feet are swollen, so I’m taking your shoes off.”

“Not in front of the guests,” Madeline insisted.

“I only care about my wife being comfortable, not what other people think. I won’t reveal your feet, but I will take off your shoes.”

Gregory proceeded to do just that, massaging her feet as he took off a shoe. Madeline had to admit she did feel much better, especially with his capable hands massaging the top of her feet. Best husband in the world. Madeline closed her eyes in complete bliss. It no longer mattered that they had a room full of guests.

“You’re not proposing again, are you, Gregory?” said a familiar voice.

Madeline’s eyes popped open. “Baba! When did you come? No one told me you were coming.”

The Duke stood behind Gregory, smiling down at the scene. “I arrived early this morning. I wanted it to be a surprise, so I only informed your father about my arrival. How are you, my dear? And you, Gregory?”

Gregory got to his feet, holding her shoes. It looked a tad comical, but he seemed at ease.

“I’m well, Your Grace. It’s good to see you again. I would shake your hand, but…”

His hands currently had her sweaty feet all over them. Baba held his hand out anyway.

“She’s my daughter, and I don’t mind a bit of dirt and sweat.”

The men clasped hands before Baba leaned down to drop a kiss on her head. “Richard tells me I have another granddaughter or grandson on the way. Your mother will be happy, Gregory.”

“We’re surprised but happy as well, Your Grace. Maddy might be carrying twins this time.”

The Duke’s eyes widened. “Indeed? Perhaps I’ll stay until they are born before returning to England. There’s nothing worth going back for, anyway. My family is here.”

“You’re welcome to stay,” said Madeline’s father, appearing by the man’s side. “There’s more than enough room in my house.”

“Thank you for the generosity, Richard, but I do have my eye on the property beside yours. Perhaps we can get a drink, and you can tell me all about it while Gregory waits on our daughter.”

The men walked off, leaving Madeline and Gregory alone once more. Well, as alone as two people in a room full of people could be!

“It seems the Duke plans to stay in America,” said Gregory. “I wondered when he would finally follow us.”

“I’ll feel a lot more at ease knowing he’s nearby. Leaving him was rather difficult.”

“As long as my mother doesn’t decide to take up residence here as well.”

Madeline laughed. “She is not as terrible as you make her, my love. A tad overbearing at times, but she means well. We’re expecting her for Christmas, aren’t we?”

“Yes. Possibly my sisters and their families as well. We might have to find another house to put them in because I will not cope with having them all under one roof.”

“We’ll think of what to do when we cross that bridge. For now, I wish to dance with my husband.”

“But your feet,” he argued.

“Feel amazing. You have miracle hands, my love. I’ll have to dance barefoot because I do not want to put any shoes on.”

“You can stand on my feet.”

“Not with the weight I’ve gained. I feel like a heifer.”

“I personally love that there’s more of you to love,” he said. “But if it makes you feel any better, why don’t we dance on the balcony? We’ll be under the stars and all alone.”

The idea appealed to her. “That reminds me of the story Mama used to tell me. It ended with the faerie princess dancing beneath the stars with her faerie prince.”

“Were they as happy and in love as we are?”

“They lived for each other.”

Gregory drew Madeline to her feet, kissing both her palms. “Then come this way, my faerie princess. Let us dance under the dark sky and put the stars to shame with our love.”

And so they did.

THE END

---

Readers who read this book also liked