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Five years later
On a crisp autumn morning, with the scent of burning leaves faint but discernible through the slightly ajar window, Lady Jane Pembroke sat comfortably in the plush confines of her parlor. Her fingers skillfully navigated the tender locks of her young son, Jefferson, who at three years old, already bore the gentle demeanor of his father, Lord Nicholas Pembroke.
As she finished tying a small, neat bow in Jefferson’s hair—a playful nod to his boyish charm—her close friend and sister-in-law, Lady Evelyn, entered the room, her one-year-old daughter, Mariah, perched on her hip. Evelyn’s smile was a beacon as she settled beside Jane, the two women sharing the serene comfort of old friends.
“It’s nearly impossible to believe how swiftly the seasons turn,” Jane remarked, her gaze fondly watching Jefferson as he toddled toward a stack of colorfully bound books. “I find myself rather relieved to no longer be one of the young debutantes bracing for the season’s whirl. The London season can be so exceedingly brutal.”
Evelyn laughed, the sound light and airy. “Indeed, the relentless pursuit and the dances! Though watching from the sidelines now provides a form of entertainment unlike any other.”
Their laughter mingled and danced through the air, a melody of shared relief and contentment. It was in this moment of mirth that their husbands entered. Nicholas, ever the dashing Marquess, crossed the room with a smile that lit his eyes with the joy of domestic bliss. He leaned down and pressed a tender kiss onto Jane’s forehead—an endearment she received with a loving gaze.
James, not to be outdone in displays of affection, mirrored the action with Evelyn, his lips brushing a gentle kiss on her cheek before he turned his attention to little Mariah, lifting her into the air with a cheer that filled the room with her delighted giggles.
Nicholas, joining in the merriment, scooped Jefferson into his arms, spinning him around. The boy’s laughter, pure and uninhibited, echoed off the walls, filling the room with the light of youthful joy.
“Look at us, my love,” Nicholas whispered to Jane, as he settled Jefferson back onto the soft rug. “From the turbulent seas of courtship and intrigue to the calm harbors of family life.”
Jane’s eyes sparkled with the reflection of her heart’s content. “Yes, and think of the balls and gatherings awaiting us this season—not as participants, but as the blissful observers of the dance.”
As they conversed, the room bathed in the morning light, their children playing at their feet, the scene was a portrait of tranquility and happiness—a stark contrast to the whirlwind of their earlier lives. It was a moment of peace, a gentle pause before they would step out into the glittering world of London’s social season, arm in arm, not as seekers but as sages of the heart.
The next evening, the grand foyer of one of London’s most illustrious aristocratic homes buzzed with anticipation. The opulent opening ball of the season drew a glittering crowd, with the air thick with the scents of perfume and polished silver. Jane and Nicholas, arm in arm, entered the grand ballroom, their presence drawing courteous nods and admiring glances from the assembled elite. Evelyn and James, equally poised and elegant, accompanied them, forming a quartet of grace and refinement.
As the musicians struck up a lively tune, the dance floor quickly filled with swirling gowns and expertly tailored coats. The atmosphere was lively, the conversations around them a blend of gossip, political debate, and economic speculation, typical of London’s high society.
However, it was not long before an unexpected tension sliced through the merriment. As Jane and Nicholas navigated through the throngs of guests, a sudden shift in the crowd brought them face to face with none other than Caroline, Duchess of Clarence, a title she had inherited after the untimely demise of her parents. The encounter was as unexpected as it was inevitable, given the circles they frequented.
For a moment, the world seemed to slow as Caroline’s eyes locked with Nicholas’s, her expression a complex tapestry of shock, vulnerability, and a faint trace of the defiance she once wielded like a shield. The room’s din faded into a distant murmur, the silence between them heavy with unspoken history.
It was Jane, with her perennial grace and understanding, who broke the silence. With a gentle squeeze of Nicholas’s hand, she stepped forward, offering Caroline a courteous curtsy. “Your Grace,” she greeted, her voice a soothing balm in the charged atmosphere.
Caroline, momentarily taken aback by the gesture, managed a stiff nod, her response laden with the weight of their shared past. Nicholas, following his wife’s lead, inclined his head politely. “Duchess,” he acknowledged, his tone neutral yet not unkind, before subtly steering Jane towards the dance floor, his hand reassuringly warm on her back.
As they joined another set of dancers, the music swelled around them, allowing the couple to retreat into the rhythm and comfort of their movements. Meanwhile, Evelyn, having observed the exchange by the punchbowl, leaned in towards Jane as they took a brief respite.
“I half expected Caroline to burst into tears,” Evelyn murmured, her eyes flicking back to where Caroline stood, now surrounded by a small group, yet distinctly isolated.
“I cannot help but feel for her,” Jane admitted, watching Caroline with a compassionate eye. “It is a hard thing to stand alone amidst so many.”
Their conversation was momentarily interrupted as a gentleman approached Evelyn, extending an invitation to dance. With a promising smile, she accepted, leaving Jane by the punchbowl. No sooner had Evelyn departed than Caroline approached, her steps hesitant yet determined.
“Jane,” she began, her voice low, “I often thought Nicholas would be my life’s companion.” Her admission hung between them, stark and raw.
Jane, taken aback by her boldness but moved by her evident sorrow, replied gently, “Caroline, the heart is capable of mending and loving anew. Jealousy once led you astray; do not let it blind you to future happiness.”
With those parting words, Jane left Caroline to ponder her advice, rejoining Nicholas, who was waiting with a smile, ready to envelop her in the next dance.
*
A week after the ball, the festive spirit continued unabated as Jane and Nicholas hosted the anniversary celebration of their marriage at their opulent London home. The event was marked by an air of jubilation, with the gathering of close friends and family, each one sharing in the couple’s happiness. The rooms were adorned with an array of flowers and candles, casting a warm, inviting glow over the assembled guests.
As the evening progressed, Lord and Lady Ashbourne, Jane’s parents, made their way through the crowd, expressions of pride evident on their faces. Their appreciation for Nicholas, who had not only become a son to them but also their savior in darker times, was palpable.
Nicholas, catching sight of Lord Ashbourne, excused himself from a lively discussion with a fellow marquess and approached his father-in-law with a respectful nod. “Lord Ashbourne, it’s always a pleasure to see you enjoying the festivities,” he greeted, his voice genuine and warm.
The Viscount, a man still robust in his later years, clasped Nicholas’s hand with a firm grip. “Nicholas, my boy, this isn’t merely enjoyment. It’s a celebration of many things, not least of which is your union with my daughter. You know, I’ve often reflected on how you not only saved Jane from a dreadful fate but, in a way, you saved me as well,” he confided, his voice tinged with emotion.
Nicholas, touched by the depth of the Viscount’s sentiment, responded earnestly. “It was my honor to be there when Jane needed someone. And as for any threat to her happiness or your family’s security, know that I will always stand in its way.”
Lord Ashbourne nodded, his eyes gleaming with gratitude. “That’s more than comforting, Nicholas. It’s a reassurance that the family is in safe hands. Lancaster’s designs would have surely ruined us all if not for your intervention.”
Their conversation was deep and meaningful, reflecting the bond they had forged over years of mutual respect and shared family ties. As they spoke, Jane joined them, her presence instantly lightening the mood.
“Father, Nicholas,” she greeted with a smile that mirrored her inner joy. “Are you two conspiring again? Or merely exchanging compliments on who is the more dashing tonight?”
Her father chuckled, his affection for his daughter evident. “Ah, my dear, we were just discussing how your husband here has become the pillar of our family.”
Nicholas looked at Jane, his love for her as evident as the first day they had declared their feelings. “Jane, your father was just expressing some of his thoughts on past events—how things could have turned so differently for us all.”
Jane, ever thoughtful, touched her father’s arm gently. “Well, we are all here now, and happier for it. Let’s not dwell on what might have been but celebrate what is.”
Her words drew smiles from both men, and as they turned to rejoin the festivities, Lady Ashbourne approached, linking her arm with her husband’s. “Come now, let’s enjoy the music. I do believe they’re about to play our song.”
As the familiar strains of their song filled the air, Nicholas extended his hand to Jane, a twinkle of mischief and affection in his eyes. “May I have this dance, Lady Pembroke?” he asked, with a bow that was both playful and reverent.
Jane accepted with a laugh that seemed to echo the music itself, her hand slipping into his as they moved to the dance floor. The crowd parted for them, all eyes drawn to the grace and intimacy of their movements. The world seemed to fall away as they swayed in perfect harmony, each step a testament to the years they had shared and the obstacles they had overcome together.
As the song drew to a close, the applause from their friends and family enveloped them, but Nicholas and Jane were caught in a moment of their own, their foreheads touching softly as they shared a quiet breath.
“You continue to make me the happiest of men,” Nicholas murmured, his voice low and full of emotion.
Jane’s response was a tender smile, her eyes bright with tears of joy. “And you, my love, have given me a world of happiness. I could never have imagined how wonderful life could be when shared with the right person.”
They walked hand in hand back to their seats, their connection a gentle pulse amidst the festive atmosphere. Later, as the party continued around them, they stole a moment to step outside onto the balcony, where the cool night air offered a crisp contrast to the warmth of the celebration inside.
Under the canopy of stars, Nicholas wrapped an arm around Jane, pulling her close. “Do you remember the night we met, all those years ago? How a chance encounter changed everything?” he asked, his voice a soft rumble in the quiet.
Jane leaned into him, her head resting on his shoulder. “How could I forget? You were my unexpected savior, my knight in somewhat tarnished armor,” she teased gently. Then, more seriously, she added, “But it wasn’t just that night, Nicholas. Every day with you has been a gift—a new chapter I get to write with the man I love.”
Nicholas kissed the top of her head, his heart swelling with the enormity of what they shared. “I often think about how fortunate I am. After everything, to find not just love but a true partner in you… it’s more than I ever dared hope for.”
Their conversation was interrupted by the sound of laughter and music drifting from the open doors behind them. Jane turned to look back at the party, her expression thoughtful. “It’s moments like these, peaceful and perfect, that remind me of how far we’ve come. Not just as a couple but as a family.”
Nicholas nodded, his gaze following hers. “It’s a legacy we’re building, Jane. One of love, resilience, and joy. Something that will outlast us and tell our story long after we’re gone.”
Hand in hand, they returned inside, their hearts full and their spirits light. As they rejoined the celebration, their love was a quiet strength that underpinned the laughter and joy of the evening. They danced again, this time not as the center of attention but as two souls utterly content in their shared journey, each step a symbol of their past trials and their future promises.
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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! 🥰
The extended epilogue was the perfect ending to this beautiful story. Great job Aria!
Thank you so much for your support and review, dear Sonia!
I enjoyed reading this book. I had a couple concerns about the EE though.
The ladies would not be sisters in law as there is no sibling relationship with the husbands, they are all friends.
Also, from what little that I have read about the nobility, Caroline wouldn’t have inherited her parent’s title.
The book was very well written. It’s nice to see in the EE how they all remain friends. Thanks, Eliza
Thank you so much for your support and review, dear Eliza!
I loved this book! I have left a review. I love that your stories have the right feel for the era. You draw your characters beautifully and vary your pace. The plot holds one’s attention.
My only BUT is I’d that you use tad a tad too often! Please, please use other synonyms, it is not just in this book either!
Keep writing brilliant stories!
Thank you so much for your support and review, dear Maggie!
This was a well written story with a great ending.
Thank you so much for your support and review, dear Terry!
I enjoyed the book, wouldn’t Jane have been considered a lady instead of a miss since her father was a viscount? Did not change my enjoyment of the book,however.
Thank you so much for your support and review, dear Beth!
I liked it because it was clean, not any vulgar things happening. I read a book the other day of the most vulgar happenings and I took it off of my library and do not intend to waste my time on such trash. Your book was a delight to read, and I noticed the sister in law sentence, but I’m going to say that the couples were so close it seemed like they could have been kin. All in all the book was fun and I read it so quickly I didn’t want it to end. Thanks .
Thank you so much for your support and review, dear Becky!
I loved this novel especially the capture of Lady Reeves. Arthur’s struggles and learning that love conquers all (even revenge) is something we all can benefit from. I personally would have liked a little more of the EE. Maybe even jumping ahead to the birth of their first child. Overall, it was great.
Thank you
Thank you so much for your kind words and support, dear Evelyn! So glad you enjoyed the story!