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The carriage rattled gently along the country road as Emmeline leaned back against the plush seat, her hand resting lightly on the growing swell of her abdomen. Frederick sat beside her, his fingers intertwined with hers, gazing out at the familiar landscape of Hertfordshire.
“You’ve been quiet,” Frederick remarked, his green eyes turning to her with a mixture of curiosity and warmth. “Are you nervous about the celebration tonight?”
Emmeline smiled, squeezing his hand. “Not nervous, exactly. Reflective, perhaps. It feels like only yesterday that we were dancing at Manningley’s masquerade. And now… so much has changed.”
Frederick leaned closer, brushing a strand of her hair behind her ear. “For the better, I should think. You’ve brought light back into that house, Emmeline. Manningley thrives under your care.”
She tilted her head to meet his gaze. “Our care, Frederick. I could never have done it without you.”
He chuckled, a deep, contented sound. “It’s true we make a fine team. Though I daresay I still can’t match your skill with managing tenants and harvests. They adore you.”
“They adore us both,” she corrected, her eyes sparkling. “And what of you? Are you ready to host half the county at Bernicia Castle next month?”
Frederick groaned theatrically, though his grin betrayed his feigned reluctance. “A castle full of guests and family? What could possibly go wrong? Phoebe has already promised to bring all four of her children, so chaos is guaranteed.”
Emmeline laughed, the sound bright and genuine. “You wouldn’t have it any other way.”
The carriage began to slow as they approached the entrance to Manningley Manor. Emmeline leaned forward slightly, catching sight of the elegant facade she now called home. The manor gleamed in the late afternoon sun, the gardens bursting with color in a testament to her diligent care.
As the carriage came to a stop, Frederick stepped out first, extending a hand to help her down. He glanced up at the grand windows of the house, his expression softening. “Do you think Annabelle will be pleased with tonight’s surprise?”
“She’ll be delighted,” Emmeline said with certainty. “Sandridge has kept her far too busy at their estate. It’s high time we lured her back here for an evening.”
Frederick offered his arm, and she took it as they walked toward the house together. “And our other surprise? Are you certain you’re ready to share the news?”
Emmeline’s hand drifted instinctively to her abdomen, a serene smile playing on her lips. “Yes. It’s time. There’s no better occasion.”
Frederick’s face softened further, his voice a low murmur meant for her ears alone. “You’ve made me the happiest of men, Emmeline.”
“And you’ve given me a life I once thought I’d never have,” she replied, her voice rich with emotion. “Tonight, we’ll celebrate that—together.”
With that, they stepped through the grand doorway, the warm glow of the manor welcoming them home.
The evening sun cast golden hues across the grand hall as guests filtered in, the sound of laughter and conversation filling the air. Emmeline stood near the entrance, greeting friends and family with a radiant smile. Her gown, a soft shade of ivory with delicate lace trim, swirled elegantly around her feet, and a subtle glow of anticipation lit her eyes.
Annabelle, her face flushed with excitement, approached with Lord Sandridge at her side. Her eyes sparkled, and she clasped Emmeline’s hands tightly.
“Emmeline, it’s so wonderful to be back at Manningley,” Annabelle exclaimed. “Everything looks more beautiful than ever.”
Emmeline smiled warmly. “It feels like old times, doesn’t it? I only wish you could visit more often.”
Sandridge cleared his throat with a playful smile. “I promise to make sure Annabelle gets her share of visits. She talks of little else but coming back here.”
Annabelle blushed, swatting his arm gently. “And what about you, Emmeline? How are you feeling?”
“I’m well,” Emmeline said, her eyes softening. She glanced over at Frederick, who was deep in conversation with Phoebe and Lydia’s husband, Charles. “Frederick takes such good care of me. We’re both looking forward to what lies ahead.”
Annabelle tilted her head slightly, eyes narrowing with curiosity. “You’re being mysterious.”
Emmeline laughed, a delighted twinkle in her eye. “You’ll understand soon enough.”
Before Annabelle could probe further, Lydia appeared, her rounded belly preceding her by a few steps. “There you are! I’ve been searching for you both. The garden is ready for the announcement.” She paused, catching her breath. “I swear this child is determined to keep me on my toes.”
Emmeline reached out to squeeze Lydia’s hand. “You’ll be wonderful, Lydia, as you always are.”
“Shall we gather everyone?” Sandridge asked, looking between them. “I’m eager to see what you’ve been keeping secret.”
Emmeline nodded, her heart fluttering with a mix of excitement and nerves. “Yes, let’s.”
They made their way through the grand hall and out to the garden, where twilight painted the sky in soft lavender and pink. Lanterns hung from the trees, casting a warm glow over the manicured hedges and blooming flowers. A gentle breeze carried the scent of roses and lavender, weaving through the crowd of smiling faces.
Frederick stepped beside Emmeline, his hand finding hers. He gave her a reassuring squeeze and leaned in to whisper, “Ready, my love?”
She took a deep breath, meeting his gaze. “More than ever.”
Frederick turned to the gathered crowd, his voice carrying with calm authority. “Thank you all for being here tonight. This gathering is more than just a celebration of friendship and family; it is a celebration of love, resilience, and new beginnings.”
The guests quieted, eyes shining with curiosity.
Frederick continued, his gaze softening as he looked at Emmeline. “Emmeline and I have been blessed in countless ways, and tonight we wish to share another blessing with you all.”
Emmeline placed her hand over her abdomen, her smile radiant. “We are expecting a child,” she announced, her voice ringing with joy.
A collective gasp of delight and applause filled the garden. Phoebe clapped her hands together, tears shimmering in her eyes. Lydia hugged Emmeline tightly, her own joy spilling over. Annabelle’s eyes went wide before she squealed with happiness, throwing her arms around Emmeline.
“Oh, Emmeline! This is wonderful news!”
Frederick beamed, his heart swelling as he looked around at the joyful faces of those they loved most. The future, once uncertain, now stretched before them, filled with hope, love, and endless possibilities.
As the applause died down, Emmeline felt a rush of warmth and contentment wash over her. The joy radiating from their friends and family seemed to illuminate the entire garden. Frederick kept her hand in his, his thumb gently caressing her knuckles, a gesture of silent reassurance and love.
Phoebe wiped away a tear, laughing softly. “I’m so thrilled for you both. This little one is going to be spoiled beyond measure. Just wait until they meet their cousins.”
Frederick chuckled. “I think you’ve set quite the example, Phoebe. Four children in three years!”
Phoebe shrugged with mock exasperation. “What can I say? I like a full household.”
Lydia, leaning against Charles with a hand on her belly, smiled warmly. “It seems we’ll all have little ones running through the halls soon enough. Our children will grow up as friends, just as we have.”
Annabelle’s eyes glistened with emotion as she took Emmeline’s hands. “You deserve all this happiness and more. After everything you endured, seeing you so joyful gives me hope.”
“You were part of that hope, Annabelle,” Emmeline said gently. “You chose kindness when others didn’t, and I’ll never forget that.”
Lord Sandridge, standing protectively beside Annabelle, nodded. “We’re all shaped by the choices we make. You chose to rise above it all, and look where it’s led you.”
Frederick squeezed Emmeline’s hand. “Indeed. Manningley Manor has never been more vibrant. It’s because of your strength, Emmeline.”
Her gaze softened as she looked up at him. “Because of our strength, Frederick. We’ve built this life together.”
A soft piano melody drifted through the air, signaling the start of the evening’s entertainment. Couples began to move toward the lawn, where a small orchestra had set up beneath a canopy of lantern-lit trees. The first notes of a waltz filled the air, light and graceful.
Frederick bowed dramatically, offering his hand. “May I have this dance, Marchioness?”
Emmeline laughed, curtsying in return. “I’d be delighted, my lord.”
As he swept her onto the lawn, the music enveloped them, and the world around them faded away. They moved together in perfect harmony, the rhythm of the waltz echoing the steady beat of their hearts.
“Do you remember our first dance?” Frederick murmured, his eyes locked with hers.
“As if it were yesterday,” Emmeline replied, her voice soft. “A masked stranger and an impoverished lady, caught in a moment of magic.”
He smiled, his gaze tender. “That night changed everything. It led me to you.”
“And me to you,” she whispered, feeling her heart swell with love. “I never thought I’d find someone who would see me, truly see me.”
Frederick leaned in, his forehead resting gently against hers. “You were never invisible, Emmeline. You were a beacon waiting to shine.”
They continued to dance, the soft glow of lanterns surrounding them, the world a blur of color and sound. It was a moment of pure, unfiltered joy, a testament to everything they had overcome.
As the music swelled to a gentle crescendo, Frederick lowered his voice. “No matter what the future holds, I will always be by your side.”
Emmeline’s eyes shimmered with tears of happiness. “And I by yours.”
Their lips met in a soft, lingering kiss, sealing the promise of a love that would endure through all of life’s seasons.
The music faded, but their hearts continued to dance.
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! 🥰
A wonderful story a job well done.You be very proud of yourself.Well done
Thank you so much for your kind words and support, dear Elizabeth! So glad you enjoyed the story!
Love reading your book. Wonderful story line! Made me feel good reading it! Very good bring this part of history!
Thank you so much for your kind words and support, dear Linda! So glad you enjoyed the story!
What a wonderful and exciting book. Never a dull moment. I loved all of it. The Extended Epilogue was great And I’m so happy to see the evil ones punished in different ways.
Thank you so much for your kind words and support, dear Carolyn! So glad you enjoyed the story!
Thank you so much. You have away that puts you on the edge of your seat? Your bringing the God-Mother and family into the story was done very well.
Thank you so much for your kind words and support, dear Patty! So glad you enjoyed the story!
Wonderful book and story line! This book made me smile as I enjoyed reading it! This period of history brings much to my imagination as to how people may have lived! Author wrote a great book!
Thank you so much for your kind words and support, dear! So glad you enjoyed the story!