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Seven Years Later
“Clara?” James stuck his head into the room. “Where are Edward and Daniel?”
“I put them down for their nap,” Clara said, barely looking up as she finished her notes. “They were getting tired, so Alice took them to the nursery.”
“Oh. I was hoping to take them out for a walk. It’s lovely weather outside, and they love the leaves changing color.”
Clara smiled and nodded at her daughter sitting at the end of the table, her head down as she scribbled on the paper.
“You can take Amelia if you like.”
“Absolutely.” James approached his daughter and kissed her head. “Do you want to go outside, sweetheart. We’ll go for a walk around the garden, maybe down to the lake.”
Amelia beamed and jumped down from her chair. Clara watched as she ran out of the room. At five years old, she was an absolute delight, and very patient when having to deal with her two-year-old twin brothers.
“At least she’ll get some time with you,” she remarked. “Edward and Daniel are a bit of a handful.”
“I know, but I do love my time with my little girl.” James smiled as he moved around the table. “Both my girls.”
“I’m hardly a girl anymore, James.”
“But you’re my girl.” He leaned over and kissed her. “Always.”
Clara smiled back and returned the kiss. She had worried that things would go stale between them, and she would end up struggling to keep her marriage alive, but that didn’t seem to be the case. Even after giving birth to her daughter and the twins, with her weight fluctuating before she sorted herself out, and when they were in the throes of keeping their music school going during the busiest seasons, things were still as good as they were in the beginning.
She wouldn’t give this away for anything.
“How are the reports getting along?” James asked, looking down at her work.
“I’m about halfway through. This is my least favorite part of the whole thing.” Clara grimaced. “I don’t like marking people down for what they’ve done and being cruel, but …”
“If they want to pursue their intentions as musicians, they have to do it just so,” he finished for her. “It’s a hard profession to get into, and an even harder one to stay in.”
He was right about that. Clara knew all about it. He’d given her the support to train professionally so she and Sophie could do paid performances, which she did right through her pregnancies. Then he’d been the one behind her as she set up a music school to help those who wanted to learn music but didn’t have the money to do it as they wanted. They had several people from the lower classes coming through the school, and they were coming out the other side as talented musicians. Clara couldn’t be prouder of them, and of her husband for standing with her the whole time.
“Oh, by the way,” James said as he leaned against the table with his hip. “Your mother wrote to you from Sussex. Sophie’s had her baby. It’s a little girl.”
“Oh, that’s wonderful!” Clara brightened up. “She desperately wanted a daughter to go with Jacob and Nicholas.”
“They’re planning on calling her Sally.”
“That’s so cute. I hope we can go and see them soon once they’ve settled down.”
He smiled at her, his eyes crinkling at the edges.
“I’m sure we can manage that. Your tutors will be able to cope here while we go for a visit. And I do love cuddling babies.”
“I’m not having any more, before you say anything,” Clara warned, but that just made James laugh.
“You don’t need to worry about that. I know how you feel about it. And the three we have are enough for us to handle.”
Clara knew that much. She had only wanted two children, so a twin birth had been a surprise. She loved her children dearly, and she was happy with what she had. James was a great father, and they made sure to be as involved as they could with all the servants around.
“James?” Lady Harwood stuck her head into the room. “Your daughter’s got her coat on, and she’s ready to go out. She’s asking where you are.”
“I’d better go find her. I’ll get her worn out so she’ll settle later.” James kissed Clara again. “Love you.”
“Love you, too.”
With one final smile at her, James left the room. Then his mother came in, holding a bunch of letters. Clara’s mother-in-law looked flushed, her eyes bright. Being a part of the music school on top of her social engagements seemed to have a good effect on her. Clara was surprised that she’d wanted to get involved as well, but she wasn’t about to complain. Having the older woman around was refreshing; she was good fun.
“I’ve got some letters for you.” Lady Harwood approached the table. “You said I could read them, just to make sure you don’t miss anything?”
“Of course. You don’t need to say that each time. I gave you permission, Emma.”
Lady Harwood still looked shy as she laid them on the table.
“Your mother wrote about baby Amelia, but I suppose James has already told you.”
“Yes, she did. Isn’t it wonderful?”
“Certainly. And she’s talking about how your father’s planning another trip for them. This time to Denmark.”
Clara raised her eyebrows.
“Denmark? Interesting.”
“I’m surprised they haven’t gone to all the countries of Europe by now.”
Clara had thought the same thing. It had been seven years since Sir Edmund had changed his ways and started being kinder and more loving towards his wife, and now it was clear that he was in love with her. He did everything for her, and Lady Helena loved it. She was a lot happier most days, and Clara was delighted about it. She’d always wanted to see her mother smile and have it be genuine.
And Sir Edmund had followed through on his promise to take Lady Helena anywhere she wanted to study music. With James helping them out, they were able to do it a little easier. Their marriage was a happy one now, something Clara never anticipated.
“Is there anything from Philip?” she asked, putting her pen down. “He hasn’t written in a while.”
“There is one from him, actually. He’s in Rome with his wife. They’re going to head back home next month to spend Christmas with you.”
“And Antonia is coping with him, is she?”
Lady Harwood laughed.
“If she can cope with him, she’s definitely the right person for him. Oh, and I also found out something about Lady Beatrice.”
Clara blinked. She hadn’t heard that name in a long time. Ever since James caught her trying to use him to buy things, she’d not shown her face in front of them since. She had hoped the woman had moved on and found someone else to take money from.
“What is it?”
“She’s actually married now. To a baron.”
“Really?” Clara raised her eyebrows. “I’m surprised that she’s considered marriage material. Didn’t her finances disappear a long time ago?”
“I’ve only just found out about it, but she got married four years ago.”
“And you’re only finding out now?”
Lady Harwood shrugged.
“She’s withdrawn from Society. She lives a quiet life away from everyone in the middle of Cornwall, looking after the baron’s five children.”
“Five children?” Clara couldn’t help laughing. “Now that I have to see. I thought Lady Beatrice didn’t like children.”
“Well, people change. I believe you thought marriage was not for you, and you didn’t want anything to do with it years ago. And look at you now.” Her mother-in-law gestured at her. “You’re married with three happy children, and you’re running your own school. You didn’t think you’d be here now, did you?”
“I certainly would’ve scoffed if someone said this would be my life now if you’d told me all those years ago,” Clara agreed. She sat back in her chair. “But I wouldn’t change it. I’m glad that it’s happened. And I couldn’t be any happier.”
Lady Harwood’s smile warmed.
“My son says the same thing. I think you two are the perfect fit.”
Clara liked hearing that, and she heartily agreed with the sentiment. She couldn’t think of anyone better to be her husband than the Duke of Ashbourne.
Her husband. She loved saying that. It would never get boring.
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! 🥰
Absolutely wonderful! The H was a bit of a ‘fool” however an adorable one! Really enjoyed the story. Keep them coming Ms Norton and thanks for another great read.
So glad you enjoyed the story, dear Ines! Thank you so much for your support!
Love, love, love your sweet stories of love! My husband and I are still in love after 66 years of marriage.
Keep them coming!
Pat
Thank you so much for your lovely comment and support, dear Pat! So glad you enjoyed the story!