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Three Years Later
“Thomas? Have you seen Edward?”
Abigail playfully raised her brow. She could see her two-year-old son ‘hiding’ behind an aspen tree. The sapling did little to camouflage the boy, and his giggles didn’t help either. But he thought that since he had covered his eyes with his pudgy little baby hands, that his mother could not see him.
Thomas looked over his shoulder and winked at Abigail. “I don’t know,” he said loudly. “Perhaps I shall have to eat his sweets if we can’t find him!”
Edward sprang out from behind the tree and yelled, “Here, Papa! My sweets!” He ran as fast as his little legs could carry him and plopped down on the picnic blanket.
Abigail laughed at his antics. Edward smiled up at her as he plucked a sweet from the tray and popped it into his mouth. “That’s enough, now, Eddie. You don’t want to spoil lunch.”
“Yes, Mama.” He curled up next to her on the blanket and closed his eyes for a moment, enjoying the warm sunshine.
Abigail looked down at the tiny bundle swaddled in her arms. Elisabeth was six months old and had given her mother countless joys since her birth. She was a perfect child, sleeping through the nights and most of the day. When she was awake, she was a happy baby, spreading joy to the rest of her family. Of course, Edward was jealous at times, as any other child might be when they are replaced as the family’s baby. He did not pay his sister much mind, as of yet. But Abigail was sure that would change as she was able to interact more.
“Where is my beautiful granddaughter?”
Abigail turned as her mother came out of the cottage, flanked by her Aunt Beatrice. Three years had done a lot to heal the rift between her and her mother. Through many frank conversations and a lot of patience, they had found a way to mend their relationship.
Abigail handed the sleeping bundle to her mother, who promptly sat down and started cooing at her. Every other comment was about how beautiful the baby was. Thomas sat down next to Abigail and munched on a juicy, ripe strawberry.
“Thank you for having us out for the holiday, Mother Staton.”
“Oh, nonsense. You know we love having visitors,” her mother waved him off. She and Thomas exchanged a look, remembering the time three years back when they had not been welcome there. Abigail rolled her eyes. Sometimes it was better to keep one’s mouth shut.
“Well, then, madam,” he said, turning to Abigail, “I have a serious question for you.”
Abigail’s curiosity was piqued. “Oh? And what is that?” He had that all-too-familiar twinkle of mischief in his eye.
“How would you like to get married and have two beautiful children? I was thinking we could have a boy named Edward first.”
“That’s my name!” Edward said, jumping up off the blanket with excitement.
“It is?” Thomas asked, feigning surprise. “Well, then I was thinking we could have a little girl called Elisabeth.”
Edward started running around the blanket, yelling that his sister’s name was Elisabeth. Thomas captured the bundle of energy in his arms and started tickling him. When the tickle fight was over, he turned back to Abigail and kissed the tip of her nose. “What do you say? Does that sound appealing to you?”
“Very appealing, actually. And when would you like to get married?”
“How about August 5th, 1812?” Abigail winked at him, playing along with his game.
“That sounds lovely, but it’s already gone by.”
“Oh! Well, I suppose we’re already married and incandescently happy. What more could ask for?”
“How about I become a brilliant politician and advocate for the common man? And you can help me with my campaigns and help me raise our wonderful children?”
“That’s already happened as well.” Thomas laid his head in her lap and looked up at the sky.
“Well then, my life is complete. I could die a happy man right now.” He glanced up at her and winked.
“No talk of dying on this day,” her mother chimed in. “You have far too much work to do.”
Thomas rolled over onto his stomach and looked at his mother-in-law. “I agree. Far too much work for dying. Now, I think I want to take my lovely wife for a stroll. Would you two mind watching the children for a little while?”
Her mother and Aunt Beatrice said they would be happy to. Thomas pulled Abigail to her feet and linked her arm through his. She took a deep breath and relaxed against his side. How beautiful her life was.
“What are you thinking?” he asked as they walked along the cliffs’ edge. The sun glinted off the waves as they crashed on the rocky shore below.
“I was thinking about how blessed I am to be your wife. You’ve given me such riches. And no, I’m not talking about money. You’ve given me two beautiful children and a love I could have never imagined.”
“I am very generous, aren’t I?” he asked playfully. She swatted his arm and kept on walking.
“I had a letter from Sarah this morning.” Abigail and Sarah often wrote back and forth to each other. After moving back in with her parents and giving birth to her son, Sarah had found a man that loved her unconditionally. He was an older man whose wife had died several years before, leaving him with no children of his own. He had taken in Sarah’s son, Harold, as his own son.
“Oh? And how is Sarah these days?” Thomas picked up a stone and threw it into the swells below, watching it crash into the water. Its splash hardly made a dent in the white waters crashing on the shore. The tide was coming in and would soon erase all evidence of the caves that dotted the cliffs’ bases.
“Sarah and her husband are doing well. She says that Harold is growing up so fast and asks when we will be back in town. He misses Edward.”
Sarah and Abigail often got together so the children could play together. The boys were six months apart and had been fast friends since before they could walk. Who knew what sort of mischief they would get up to as they grew.
“I’ll need to be back for the opening of parliament. A politician’s work is never done.” He threw another pebble and then turned to her, taking her in his arms.
“You don’t tire of life our life in London, do you? Do you ever wish we spent more time at the country estate?”
“Not at all. I love our life. I love getting to help you with your campaigns and with the charity work at the hospital. We need good politicians like you, people who have the power to make a difference. Leaving the city would be like abandoning our children. I could never do it.” Abigail rested her head on his shoulder. “I know I rail sometimes and complain about how busy you are. But it’s only because I miss you. When the children are older, I’ll be able to come along with you more often.”
“I cannot wait for that day.” He kissed her forehead and sighed happily. “I wouldn’t be where I am today if it weren’t for you.”
“And Joshua. Don’t forget about Joshua.”
“What did Joshua do? If it had been left up to him all those years ago, he would have kept you from ever seeing me again.”
“If you wouldn’t have been desperate to get revenge on Filmore and come to Joshua for help, you would have never met me.” Abigail danced her eyebrows at him and bit her lip. “You know that is true.”
“Well then I guess revenge is good for something. It brought me to you.”
“In a round-about sort of way, I suppose.” Abigail laughed. “Did you read Joshua’s letter from last week?”
“No, I had not got the chance with preparations for the trip.”
“Well, it seems a nice young lady is coming to the church, and he is going to ask to court her. I hope things work out between them. He needs a wife to help him with the church.” Abigail sat down on a rock and looked out at the sea.
“All in good time, my little matchmaker.” Thomas tweaked her nose, kneeling beside her to wrap his arms around her.
“I am not a matchmaker.”
“Don’t lie to me, my love. I know you set Sarah and her husband up.”
“I’m am not a matchmaker,” she said again. “I’m simply a good judge of human interaction.”
“Have it your own way.”
They let a long silence pass between them, enjoying the sound of the waves crashing against the cliffs. “How I will miss coming out here.”
Thomas gave her a strange look. “What do you mean? Your mother isn’t sick, is she?”
“Oh, no nothing like that. I won’t be traveling anywhere for a while.” From the look on his face, she knew she had scared him, thinking that she was ill. “Don’t be alarmed. It will only be for nine months.”
Understanding donned in his eyes. “You mean?”
Abigail shook her head and wrapped her arms around his neck as he gathered her close. “You’re going to be a father again,” she whispered against his neck.
When he pulled away, there were tears in his eyes. “When?”
She patted her stomach, still showing no signs of the life growing in her womb. “Autumn. Sometime around Michaelmas, I believe.”
“How wonderful. We’ll be at the country house for the holidays. It’ll be perfect timing.”
“You and I both know that Brampton babies come when they’re good and ready. Remember how Elisabeth came two weeks early?”
“She is going to be early for everything, I presume. People will love her for it.” They shared a laugh. He pulled her up off the rock and they headed back towards the cottage. They could hear Edward’s laughter echoing off the landscape as they approached. Her mother was bouncing Elisabeth on her knee, who had woken up from her nap. Aunt Beatrice pointed, showing Edward that they were on their way back. He started running towards them to meet them, his blonde curls bouncing in the wind.
Thomas bent and picked up Edward when he reached them and they both planted a kiss on his chubby cheeks. They watched the sun dip into the western horizon and Abigail looked at her growing family with pride. “Are you happy, Thomas? Did you ever think your life would turn out as well as this?” Abigail asked as they continued toward the cottage.
“You have made me the happiest man in the world. I hope you know how much you mean to me.” Thomas put Edward down, who ran back to his aunt. He bent his face towards her and kissed her lightly. “I love you so desperately much, you know.”
Abigail smiled up at him, her brown eyes sparkling. “I love you, too.”
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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 am eager to read your lovely comments here. Thank you for being so wonderful! 🥰
Great story Aria.You have wrote another marvellous one.
Thank you so much for your lovely comment dear Pauline! Really happy you like it! 🙂
Lovely story, I couldn’t put it down until it was finished. Am looking forward to the next one. See you then!
So glad you enjoyed the story, dear Sharron! Thank you so much for your support and review!
This book was amazing. I couldnt put it down, I loved the twists and turns that made this book such a good read Thank you so much for the many books of yours Ive read during this crazy Covid. Thay have helped maintain my sanity 🙂
Your comment made my day dear! Thank you very much for your thoughtful words! 🙂
Wonderful read, I couldn’t put it down. Wonderful characters and lots of adventure.
Thank you so much for your lovely words, my dear Karen! ❤️
Great read could not put it down. Loved the intrigue. What a lovely way to spend a lazy afternoon
I’m so glad my story kept you company for a lovely afternoon dear Chantel! 🙂
Loved the story and all of the characters.
So happy to hear this dear Barbara! 🙂
A wonderful story with many twists and turns. Sarah and Thomas had many obstacles to overcome before finding true love. Thanks for the Epilogue which completed the Story perfectly. Please ask your editors to do a better job of proofreading. The incorrect spelling of many pronouns was distracting to your beautifully written story. I look forward to reading another.
Thank you dear Emily. I truly very glad you liked my story, and of course thank you for your valuable feedback, dear. i will make sure to do better in the future!
Agreed.
During the pandemic it is wonderful to immerse yourself in a great story with a happy ending. So glad I read it.
Thank you my dear Marion. This is really special to me, too! It reminds me that I can connect with my readers again ❤️
This book was so good. I see one books you could write just from rhis book. Filmore escapes and gets with the fired coach driver for revenge
Thank you dear Gee, I am really glad you liked ti!
Thank you, for your story! I enyojed it very much!
Timi
Wonderful dear!
Thank you for your support ❤️❤️
Well done story with such a lovely ending.
Thank you dear Mel! That’s great to know you enjoyed it! ❤️❤️
I thoroughly enjoyed your book Aria. I’ve enjoyed many of them so far. I think a couple of chapters were duplicates or alternate versions. 😊
Thank you so much dear for the lovely thoughts!
Very enjoyable book. Various things keep ‘going on’ – and keeps the reader interested – it did me. And the extended epilogue is a very nice ending.
I loved the story. It was very exciting story.
Glad you enjoyed the story dear Kathy! Thank you for your lovely comment!
Ms Aria
Thank you for another wonderful book and extended prologue. Abigail and Thomas were a wonderful couple even though it took long enough for Abigail to give in. I’m glad Sarah had a happy ending as well.
Sincerely
Sharon
I’m humbled, my dear Sharon!
I’m really grateful for your support and kind feedback!
I’m glad to hear that you enjoy my stories! Make sure to stay tuned because I have more coming!
Wonderful story! The characters are exciting and entertaining. Very enjoyable to read.
So glad you enjoyed the story my dear Beth! Thank you so much for your kind words and support!
I loved this book and the story! I was happy that Sarah and Abigail became friends and Thomas and Abigail got married in the end!
Thank you so much for your kind word and support, my dear Loanne! So glad you enjoyed the story! Make sure to stay tuned because I have more coming!
Wow!! What an interesting read. I am speechless at how the story was captivating. The one thing I love about your books is that I can’t guess how the story is going to unfold in as much I am assured of a HEA.
Thank you so much for your support and review, dear Mercy!
So glad you enjoyed it!
Very nice, but, please, forgive me for pointing out that you do need a proofreader. The terms “con and con artist” are actually almost a century later than the era of this story. Also, you have a maid answering the door at the end of one chapter and the next page it is Joshua who has opened the door. “Phase” at the time the story takes place, is more astronomical in meaning. I believe you wanted the word “faze” instead. I hope you will appreciate this information as I am sorry to sound so critical. I did enjoy your tale as well as how you developed your story, and will read more of your books.
Thank you for your forbearance.
Thank you so much for your support and review, dear Susan!
Agreed.
I loved the plot with its turns and twists. The characters were womderful. Thanks for a delightful diversion!
Thank you so much for your kind words and support, dear Debra!
A wonderful story. Healing and love two powerful things.
Thank you so much for your kind words and support, dear Brandy!
Aria you have managed to do it again. An amazing story in which the characters are crafted brilliantly, with the strength to overcome their obstacles, and achieve the happiness that they deserve. The extended epilogue is used to great effect to complete the story.
I always look forward to hearing your thoughts dear Stephen! Thank you so much, and I’m so pleased you enjoyed this one! 🙂
I really enjoyed the story.
That makes me so happy, I’m very glad to hear it! 🙂
This is a wonderful story and I really enjoyed reading it Very well written
Thank you for the lovely comment dear Gwen! Really glad you liked it! 🙂
This is a story of overcoming problems, some in their heads, for all the characters. The dark side of the story keeps the momentum coming, but it is nice that, in the end, justice is served. I would have hoped to hear a little more about Lady Elisa. Sarah was much luckier than her in that her parents took her back and she got her happy ending. The human failings and characteristics are realistic, although I did wonder how society took the fight in the ballroom! Such a scandal!
Thank you for leaving such a thoughtful comment dear Judy, I’m so glad you enjoyed my story! 🙂
Great story and characters. It was a joy to read with all of it’s twists and turns.
I’m very glad you enjoyed it dear Jo! 🙂
I enjoyed reading this story. It was full of twists and turns that kept me turning the pages wanting to know more. I’m glad Abigail and Thomas had their happy ending. Sarah and Joshua too. I’m also glad justice was served and Ezra was punished. The extended epilogue was a nice ending to the story. Thank you for a good read
I’m so happy my story kept you interested all the way through dear Nora, thank you for your lovely words! 🙂
Thank you very much for this wonderful story. I loved Thomas and Abigail story. Happy that the villain got his due, the extended epilogue was a lovely ending.
You are very welcome dear Audrey! I’m so happy you enjoyed reading about Thomas and Abigail! Stay tuned for my next story coming very soon! 🙂
What a truly wonderful story to read. Couldn’t wait to read the extended epilogue to see how it end.
What a lovely comment to leave dear Elizabeth! Thank you so much!
Another great story with twists and turns as the great characters of Abigail and Thomas worked together, were pulled apart, and forced back together with the help of Sarah and Joshua.
So glad you liked it dear Barbara, thank you for letting me know! 🙂
Loved it.loved it, loved it!!!!! Love all your stories! Thanks so much!!❤
I’m so happy to hear that dear Imogene!! You are so welcome! 🙂
Page 69: “Sarah,” her brother called from the window.” Should be “Abigail”.
Page 73: “in. front of this maid.” The period doesn’t belong.
Since it’s a new book, I thought perhaps you could use these.
One other sentimental comment related to your epilogue? What happened to Mary? She was dropped off after the ball and we hear nothing from her again. 🙂
Great job as usual
Thank so much for sending these over dear Ken, I’ve forwarded them to my editor! As for Mary, I’m happy to leave it to readers’ imagination, but in my mind she eventually found happiness with someone who respected her and made her the centre of his world! 🙂
Great story Aria as always. Great to read that Abigail and Thomas got their happily everafter and the same with Sarah. Looks like love will also come to Joshua but whatever happened to Abigail’s best friend Mary who had a crush on Joshua
Thank you dear Cheryl Anne! I was so happy for them, too!
As for Mary, you don’t have to worry, I’d like to think that she did find love on her own terms at the end ❤️
What a beautiful and wonderful story. Love it so much. Loads of suspense with all the twists and turns. The extended epilogue was fantastic. Glad Ezra got his just desert; although, I would have preferred that he was sentenced to more than 20 years. Would have wanted to have learned more about what happened to Lady Elisa and Abby’s best friend. Thanks for sharing such a wonderful story.
Glad you loved it this much dear Marisu! I am sure Ezra got what he deserved in life in many ways dear! 😉
I love your story telling you have a way of getting the character’s just right you in my opinion are a fantastic writer love all your books thank you xx😘😘
Thank you so much dear for the lovely thoughts!
Loved this excellent, exciting, enthralling story. Looking forward to more. Heartily recommended.
My dear Greer! You are so kind, you make me really glad to have written these stories. Thank you again, dear!
This book was amazing. I couldn’t put it down, I loved the twists and turns that made this book such a good read Thank you so much for the amazing stories. I loved the story and characters were wonderful. I truly enjoyed reading your wonderful writing. Congratulations, you did it again.
Gosh, my dear Lourdes! Your feedback is just amazing, thank you so much for enjoying my stories! ❤️
Another wonderful book you have written that I have thoroughly enjoyed! It kept me in suspense wondering how each plot pan out and how each character fit in the subplots so incredibly! Couldn’t put it down until I read it all and the extended story too!
Dear ramona, thank you so much! That;s just lovely to hear! ❤️
What a great story with intriguing characters. Love Abigail and Thomas and how they managed to overcome. Thanks for continuing to provide us with such wonderful reading.
Thank you dear Toni, tha pleasure is all mine! It’s so wonderful to know you liked it! ❤️
Brilliant! Your portrayal of s bright and liberated woman who showed her stubbornness was a delight. Always liked a happy ending.
Thank you,
Cheryl Nueva-Espana
My dear Cheryl, thank you so much for your kind words. It makes me truly happy to know that we share the same appreciation for strong and motivated women! ❤️❤️
Thank you Aria for a most wonderful book. I really enjoyed it!!
That’s truly wonderful to know! Thank you for the support!
I agree with the above comments. I liked the straightforward story line and drama.
Wonderful dear! I am really glad you enjoyed it!
The characteristics of the characters in these stories are all the same. Also, I am never surprised by the endings. It is the story line that makes most of these stories interesting. This was a suspenseful story that kept me on edge. Thanks for a wonderful distraction.
I loved the strong characters, especially Abigail & Thomas. Deep feelings & concern for their fellow man are important, but they did what was better-rescued others from terrible conditions. Also a great love story
Thank you so much dear for the lovely thoughts!
Sorry but I found this quite boring. But I always finish what i start.
No worries dear Maryann! I respect your opinion and honest feedback!
I love it, thanks
Thank you so much for your comment and support, my dear Nancy!
So glad you enjoyed the story!
I really enjoyed the novel
Thank you so much for your comment and support, my dear Nancy!
So glad you enjoyed the story!
A good story with enough excitement to keep me reading and reading. I like the fact that you told the story in one book instead of three. This is the first of your books that I have read but I’ve seen you have more for me to read. So excited to find another one.
Thank you so much for your kind words and support, dear Brenda! I truly appreciate it!
So glad you enjoyed the story! Make sure to stay tuned because I have more coming!
Thank you again and have a lovely day!
Loved the story their time in history so different from today
Thank you so much for your support and review, dear June!
Loved this story
Thank you so much for your support and review, dear June!
I loved this book, didn’t want to put it down. I guess so far this was my favorite one of the six I have read. You write wonderful, and so clean. Thank you for sharing with us you thoughts and writing them down so graciously.
Thank you so much!