A Wallflower for the Widowed Duke – Extended Epilogue

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Several years later

“Look, Papa, I’ve built a castle!” young Edward, one of Cassandra’s eldest twins, called out, his small hands patting the damp sand into shape. His twin sister, Elizabeth, was busy collecting seashells along the shore, her laughter mixing with the gentle crash of the waves.

Lucius, standing tall and proud beside Cassandra, couldn’t help but smile at the sight. “That’s a fine castle, Edward. A duke could very well live there,” he said, winking at Cassandra, who beamed back at him, her eyes reflecting the joy of the moment.

“And what of my collection, Mama? Shall we decorate the castle with these?” Elizabeth presented her bounty of seashells, her small face alight with excitement.

“Indeed, we shall,” Cassandra agreed, her voice warm. She turned to glance at Diane and George, who were overseeing their brood a little way down the beach. Their children, two boys and a girl, were in a lively chase with a kite that danced and swooped in the sea breeze.

The day was bright, with the sun casting a golden glow over the beach at Brighton, where they had all decided to come for a holiday. It was a much-needed respite for both families, who had grown close over the years, sharing in each other’s joys and sorrows.

Diane, her arms around George, called out, “Lucius, Cassandra! Shall we gather for a picnic soon? The children must be famished by now.”

“That sounds like a splendid idea,” Lucius responded, already moving to help set up a spot on the beach where they could all sit together. The servants had outdone themselves, preparing a feast fit for a king, with sandwiches, fresh fruit, pies, and lemonade.

As they settled down on blankets spread over the sand, the children eagerly helping themselves to the food, Cassandra looked around at her family and friends, feeling a deep sense of contentment. This was what happiness looked like—simple moments shared with loved ones.

George, taking a bite of a particularly large sandwich, grinned at Lucius. “I dare say, Lucius, we’ve outdone ourselves this time. What better way to enjoy the summer than with family at the beach?”

“Indeed,” Lucius agreed, raising his glass of lemonade in a mock toast. “To family, friendship, and many more summers like this one.”

The adults clinked their glasses, while the children, too busy with their food and laughter, paid them no mind. Cassandra caught Lucius’s eye across the picnic setup, and they shared a knowing look, both aware of the journey they had taken to arrive at this moment of bliss.

After the meal, a shared sense of contentment settled over the group, inspiring them to explore the beach’s further reaches, where the golden sands met the embrace of the rolling waves. Eager for new adventures, the children dashed ahead with youthful zeal, their laughter and calls to one another weaving through the salty air like music. They chased the retreating waves, built new, grander sandcastles, and pointed excitedly at distant ships on the horizon, their imaginations alight with tales of pirates and treasures.

Behind this lively procession, Lucius slipped his hand into Cassandra’s, an action as natural to them as breathing. His hand was warm, the pressure gentle yet firm, a tangible testament to the enduring strength of their bond. As they walked, the sounds of their children’s joy ahead of them, Lucius’s thumb brushed softly against her skin, sending ripples of warmth through her heart. 

“This is perfect, Lucius,” Cassandra said, squeezing his hand. “A day like today reminds me of how far we’ve come and how grateful I am for our life together.”

“And I, for you, my love,” Lucius replied, pulling her closer. “Our journey hasn’t always been easy, but I wouldn’t change a single moment if it led us to where we are now.”

A few wonderful hours later, the two families gathered their belongings and made their way back to the carriage, ready to return to Lucius’s home in Brighton, where the rest of their families awaited their arrival. Little did they know, the day had more joyful moments in store, moments that would further cement the bonds of family and friendship.

As the carriages rolled up the gravel path to Lucius’s sprawling Brighton home, the sound of laughter and chatter greeted them even before they could alight. The house, a majestic structure overlooking the sea, was alive with the joyous noise of family gathered.

Cassandra’s mother, always the epitome of grace, was the first to sweep down the steps, her arms wide open. “My darlings!” she exclaimed, embracing Cassandra and then Lucius as if they were returning from a long voyage.

Lucius’s mother, dignified and warm, followed closely, her smile brightening further as she caught sight of the grandchildren bounding from the carriage. “Slow down, little ones,” she laughed, even as she opened her arms to catch them.

George and Diane’s families joined in the greetings, with parents and siblings exchanging hugs and news, the air filled with the warmth of rekindled connections. The lawn before the house had been transformed into a welcoming space, with tables set under the shade of large, billowing trees, lanterns hung with care to illuminate the evening.

Cassandra’s siblings, including Charlotte, who had since found a kind and loving man, were all smiles, their earlier animosities forgotten in the light of the happiness that now enveloped the family. Charlotte, in particular, sought Cassandra out, her eyes soft with genuine affection.

“Cassandra, I—” she began, hesitating for only a moment before continuing, “I am so glad to see you. You look radiant.”

Cassandra, touched by the sincerity in Charlotte’s voice, smiled warmly. “Thank you, Charlotte. I’m glad you could be here. It means a lot.”

Their conversation was a testament to the bridges mended, the past grievances washed away by the tides of love and understanding. Nearby, their parents, witnesses to the transformation, watched with a mix of surprise and contentment. The flow of their own conversations paused, a respectful silence descending as they took in the scene before them.

Lucius, ever the gracious host, clapped his hands, drawing attention. “Shall we retire to the garden? The evening is too fine to spend indoors, and I believe we have all been looking forward to this gathering.”

Nods and murmurs of agreement followed, and the party moved to the garden, where servants were waiting to serve dinner. The tables were set with fine linen and china, the garden bathed in the gentle glow of the lanterns and the last of the sunlight.

As they took their seats, the children, now cleaned and somewhat tamed, were seated at their own table, their laughter and chatter a bubbly undercurrent to the adults’ more measured conversations.

“To family,” Lucius raised his glass, standing at the head of the table. “May we always find our way back to each other, no matter where life takes us.”

“To family,” the toast was echoed around the table, glasses raised in the soft evening light.

The dinner was a lively affair, with stories shared and laughter abundant. Cassandra felt a profound sense of belonging as she looked around the table at the faces of those she loved. Lucius, catching her eye, smiled, and in that smile, she read the same deep contentment and joy she felt in her heart.

As the adults settled into the rhythm of the cheerful dinner, laughter and conversation flowing freely under the soft glow of the lanterns, Lucius’s mother, with a knowing look, steered the conversation to a topic of much curiosity.

“You know, Victoria has recently settled into her new home,” she began, her voice carrying a hint of mirth mixed with diplomacy. “Married to the Marquess of Wexford, she’s now quite the figure in society.”

Cassandra, always gracious, nodded. “I wish her all the happiness,” she said, though her words were tinged with the knowledge of Victoria’s past bitterness towards her own union with Lucius.

George, ever the peacemaker, chimed in, “Marriage can be a beginning of many things. Let’s hope it brings her the peace she seeks.”

Lucius caught Cassandra’s eye, a silent communication passing between them. It was known that Victoria’s marriage had not been for love, but rather a match of convenience and status. Despite their past, Cassandra harbored no ill will towards Victoria, hoping instead that she might find some measure of happiness.

Charlotte, who had been listening quietly, added, “She’s invited me to visit next month. I believe she’s trying, in her own way, to find a new path.”

This mention of Victoria’s attempt at reconciliation, however tentative, seemed to soften the air around them. Lucius nodded thoughtfully. “We all walk our own journeys. Let’s raise a glass to new beginnings, be they here with us or elsewhere.”

Glasses were raised, not just to Victoria’s new chapter, but to the idea that time and understanding could heal, that even from the depths of discord, there was always a possibility for growth and peace.

As the meal came to an end and the stars began to twinkle in the sky, the children were ushered off to bed by a team of nannies and maids, their protests faint and quickly forgotten in the promise of the next day’s adventures.

With the children settled, the adults lingered around the table, enjoying the mild night and the company. The conversation flowed easily, memories recounted, and plans for the future discussed with enthusiasm.

Yet, amidst the convivial atmosphere, Cassandra found herself longing for a moment of quiet with Lucius. Sensing her mood, Lucius excused them both, and hand in hand, they slipped away from the gathering, their steps leading them down a moonlit path towards the sea.

Under the silver glow of the moon, Lucius and Cassandra strolled down the path that led to the cliffs overlooking the sea. The atmosphere was magical. The rhythmic sound of the waves crashing against the shore provided a serene backdrop to their quiet escape. 

“Do you remember,” Lucius began, his voice a soft baritone against the whisper of the night, “our first walk in the moonlight? It was not so different from this.”

Cassandra smiled, leaning closer into Lucius’s side. “How could I forget? It was a beginning, of sorts. A promise of everything that was to come.”

They found their favorite spot, a secluded overlook framed by the silhouette of tall, whispering grasses against the night sky. Here, they paused, gazing out at the vast, twinkling expanse of water, reflecting the moon and stars above.

“It’s moments like these I cherish the most,” Cassandra confessed, her voice tinged with emotion. “With our families growing and the world ever-changing, these quiet moments with you are my sanctuary.”

Lucius turned to her, his hand cupping her cheek gently. “My dearest Cassandra, you are my heart’s true sanctuary. Every challenge, every joy we’ve shared, has only deepened my love for you.”

They shared a tender kiss, a reaffirmation of their enduring love, as timeless as the sea before them.

“As much as I adore our lively household and the chaos of family life, I must admit, this peace is a rare treasure,” Lucius admitted, wrapping his arms around her as they turned back to the sea.

Cassandra rested her head against his shoulder, feeling the steady beat of his heart. “And yet, think of how empty this peace would be without the chaos to give it meaning. Our children, our families—they fill our lives with purpose and joy.”

“Indeed,” Lucius agreed, his voice warm with laughter. “I would not trade a single moment, not even the most tempestuous day, for all the tranquility in the world. Our family, our love—it’s what makes life truly worth living.”

They stood together in silence, allowing the tranquility of the night and the gentle lull of the waves to envelop them. It was a perfect moment, a brief respite from the demands of their daily lives, a reminder of the enduring bond they shared.

Finally, Lucius broke the silence, his voice thoughtful. “Do you ever think of the future, Cassandra? Of what the years might bring?”

Cassandra looked up at him, her eyes shining in the moonlight. “I do. And while I cannot predict all that may come, I know that whatever the future holds, we will face it together. That is all I need to know.”

Lucius smiled, the love he felt for her evident in his gaze. “Together,” he echoed, sealing their promise with another kiss.

As they made their way back to the house, hand in hand, the laughter and voices of their returning family reached them, a joyful symphony that spoke of the morrow’s promises. They stepped into the light, their hearts full, knowing that whatever challenges and joys the future held, their love would remain, as constant as the stars above.

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Grab my new series, "Whispers of Regency Love", and get 2 FREE novels as a gift! Have a look here!

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