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(One year later)
The spring was upon them, but Penelope was not fretting the changing of the seasons. She was sitting at her desk drafting up a letter to the new Lord Portland. The new Earl was the younger brother of the last Lord Portland, and by all accounts, Penelope had heard that the man was a much kinder sort than his predecessor. She gave the letter a look over and went to find her husband.
She found Jules outside on the lawn standing with Clint and Daniel. “Jules,” Penelope called as she made her way carefully down the stone steps.
The men turned and walked towards her. Jules reached her first and offered her his hand to steady herself. “What is the rush?” Jules asked her. “You know that Doctor Jones does not want you running around with your balance being so off these days.”
“I am not running around, I was coming to have you look over the letter to the new Lord Portland that I drafted.” Penelope huffed a bit at being scolded.
Jules smiled and took the letter. “Ah, so we are taking our chances and hoping this one will not poison us?”
“That is not funny, Jules,” Penelope scolded in return. “You know very well that he was completely unaware of what his brother was doing. It would be a good start to putting things to right again between our families.”
After a long while, Jules nodded. “It seems a fair letter. I suppose that I am just a bit wary of having anyone under the guise of Portland around you and the baby.”
“The baby is not yet born,” Penelope pointed out as she patted her well-rounded stomach. “Besides, it will be fun to go to a party now that I am not going to be expected to be on my best behaviour.”
Jules scoffed, “You were on your best behaviour before?”
“What was it that the doctor said about being agitating towards me?” Penelope asked as she narrowed her eyes at her husband.
Clint chuckled. “Your Grace, we are going to check on how those new stable stalls are coming along.”
Jules raised his hand as the other two men turned towards the stables. He looked back at Penelope who stared at her husband waiting for his reaction. “I think it is a fine gesture. I just do not think it wise to be travelling so much in your condition.”
“You worry too much,” Penelope said with a shrug. “Mother is due out next week. Once the two of you get together, I shall never move a muscle again.”
Jules cringed. “Why did you have to remind me of your mother’s arrival?”
“As if it is such a chore,” Penelope said as she rolled her eyes. “She adores you.”
Jules nodded. “I think that is what bothers me the most.”
“You really are quite horrible,” Penelope said decidedly as she turned towards the house with Jules falling into step beside her. “Will you go with me to the party at the new Lord Portland’s estate?”
Jules offered his arm to steady her going up the stairs. “I promised never to let you be alone again, did I not?”
“You do tend to keep your promises,” Penelope said with affection.
Jules nodded and replied, “Even when you would rather I did not.”
“That is true as well.” Penelope gave the man’s arm a squeeze as they walked up to the front doors. “Would you like to have lunch with me?”
Jules opened his mouth then shut it back. He heaved a sigh. “I would love to, but unfortunately I still have work to look after. There are several properties that need to be assessed for damages after that long winter snow. I heard that there are some trees down as well.”
“That sounds horrible,” Penelope said in a worried voice. “Are there families?”
Jules shook his head. “Most of the homes I believe were empty at the time, but it is under the jurisdiction of the Duchy, so I have to look into it. Never fear, love, if there are people to rescue, I shall write to you at once.”
“You are very funny, Your Grace,” Penelope said with a grin.
Jules groaned. “I do so loathe it when you call me that.”
“Then I shall call you that until you return. Better make haste,” Penelope said with a smile. She accepted the kiss the man placed upon her cheek before he left her with Eva who stood at the entrance of the kitchen. “Hello, Eva,” Penelope said in amusement as the woman shook her head at the retreating Duke’s back.
Eva gave Penelope an amused smile and led her into the kitchen. “Now that he is out of our hair, what about we make something that you will love to eat?”
“As long as you have something that is tart,” Penelope said firmly. “I cannot seem to satisfy that craving.”
Eva gave Penelope’s arm an affectionate squeeze. “Sounds like that baby will have some hair on its head when it makes its appearance. How about some lovely lemonade?”
“Oh, yes, please,” Penelope said with enthusiasm. Upon hearing Jules’ rushed departure, Penelope mumbled, “I do hope he remembers to send that letter. He never did return it to me.”
“What letter?” Eva asked with open curiosity as she fetched a pitcher brimming with slices of lemons.
Penelope explained, “We were invited to a party at the Portland estate.”
“Oh dear, you are not going are you?” Eva fretted and tutted as she poured the glass. “After what they did, I wouldn’t spit on ’em if they were on fire.”
Penelope understood the attitude. She had found it hard to forgive them as well. “It really is not even the same people. The last Lord Portland was mad with grief over his sister, which led to that horrible delusion he had. This Lord Portland had nothing to do with that. He spent this whole time in another part of the country on one of the lesser estates. He seems quite disturbed by the whole thing.”
“As well he should be,” Eva said. “Oh, Charlotte, I hope you don’t mind me stealing your kitchen a bit to get Her Grace some lemonade. The baby is wanting sour something fierce.”
Charlotte dusted her hands off as she came out of the pantry. “Not at all, Eva. My mum always said that a strong taste for sour meant it was a boy.”
“Really?” Eva asked as she leaned over onto the counter near Penelope.
Charlotte shrugged. “That’s wives’ tales for you. The only way to know for sure is when the babe is born.”
“I do not mind the wait,” Penelope assured them. “I have no true preference for either. I just want to hold my baby. I guess it might seem odd to have a little boy, though. My family has girls mostly, and usually not many of them.”
Eva assured her, “Boys and girls both have good points, but I know the Duke has his heart set on a son. You two have plenty of time to worry over it. You are so young yet.”
“Yes,” Penelope said with a nod. She took a sip of the lemonade and closed her eyes in pleasure at the crisp, sweet and sour taste.
The date of the party at the Portland estate brought with it warm sunshine, and for Penelope, a stomach of nervous flutters. It had been her idea to go, so there was no reason she should be so nervous, but yet there the nerves were all the same.
She could blame the energy on the baby and how close to her time the doctors thought she was, but at the end of the day, Penelope just felt nervous, and it really did not matter the reason. Her hair refused to stay pinned, and no matter what Gina tried it kept escaping. Penelope was ready to cry by the time they finally tamed it.
Getting to the party was an hour’s drive from the country estate, which in all honesty was not nearly as bad as Penelope had been expecting, yet she still did not know how she would cope sitting for that whole time. Lately, she felt like she needed to be moving, which the ladies all assured her meant her time for birthing was drawing near.
Jules was beside himself with worry at every odd noise that Penelope uttered, so much so that she found herself trying to not make any noises at all so that she did not rattle the man. She was sure he would swiftly pull out of the deal they had to go to the party if she showed any sign of being unfit to travel.
The carriage ride, despite Clint’s best effort, was miserable. Penelope had been expecting it to be so, but it still felt torturous. She leaned back in her seat and attempted to sleep as much as she could.
“We are here,” Jules’ voice awakened her, and Penelope stretched.
Penelope groaned, “Oh, I feel like I slept on rocks.”
“Well, carriages are not much more comfortable than that,” Jules explained. “We could have brought some bedding perhaps.”
Penelope waved off the man. “Do not start second-guessing everything. Let us just go. I will feel better once I can move around, I am sure.”
Gina had come along with them, and while Jules got out of the carriage first, she quickly re-did part of Penelope’s hair that had fallen while she slept. Penelope took a deep breath as she eased over and grabbed Jules’ hand.
The air was soft and warm, not hot and sticky. The dress that she wore was a thin soft fabric that felt good on her increased girth. Penelope stepped down and gave Gina a look of trepidation.
“Have fun,” Gina whispered. “We shall be waiting.”
Penelope smiled at Gina and Clint as she took Jules’ arm and walked carefully up the stairs. The doorman let them in and then announced their names in a loud, clear voice, “The Duke and Duchess of Richmond.”
Heads turned towards them, and Penelope realised that everyone would likely be watching them to see how the two families set things to rights again. She had not even thought of that, and she was glad that it had not dawned on her until this moment or she might not have come at all.
A slender man who bore only a passing resemblance to the old Lord Portland approached them. He held his hand out to Jules. “It is an honour to have you here with us, Your Graces,” the new Lord Portland said with a smile. “Please, come this way. I have arranged a quiet spot where we might talk.”
Jules shook the man’s hand and accepted his invitation with a nod of his head. Penelope let Jules guide her with his hand on the small of her back. The gesture seemed to give the man comfort, and Penelope rather liked the feeling of security it gave her.
Lord Portland led them to a small alcove away from the bulk of the partygoers. He waved for them to take a seat. He and Jules stood until Penelope was seated, then they took their own seats. The new Lord Portland looked decidedly nervous, Penelope noted.
He spoke in a soft, calm tone that was nothing like his older brother. “My brother’s foolishness and vile deeds have tainted our family. I am grateful that he is no longer the head of our family, for he has cost us so much that we will never be able to get back.”
“It was not you that did those things,” Penelope said. “In time people will forgive and forget.”
Lord Portland did not seem as convinced. “I am glad that His Grace has such a good and caring wife such as yourself, Your Grace. Lesser people would not have come here. There must be goodness within your souls.”
“I must confess that I had my misgivings about coming, but my wife talked me into it. I can see the virtue in her words now,” Jules admitted. “You are not your brother, and what he did while unforgivable, does not have to tarnish your whole family line.”
Lord Portland sighed and said in a soft voice, “If all in society were as kind as you two, then I should not fret.”
“Give my wife a few years, and she may convert them over to her way of thinking,” Jules jested.
Penelope gave Jules’ arm a gentle slap. “I fear there are members of society that are beyond even my help.”
That night after they had been to the party at the Portland estate, Penelope felt so restless that she ended up walking for hours around the house. Gina found her, and the maid walked with her. The hours of ghosts and spirits passed, and dawn approached before the pains began.
“Come let us go to the room,” Gina coaxed her. “You will be more comfortable there where you won’t have to worry about the men folk staring at you as if you are about to die right in front of them.”
Penelope had no urge to rebuke the woman. After all, Gina had been through this with twins, and she knew better than most what she was saying. Penelope followed Gina’s lead back to the room.
“Let me tell the midwife that you are going to have the baby. Do you wish your mother to be here as well?” Gina asked with a grimace.
Penelope laughed at the look on Gina’s face despite the sharp pains in her abdomen “She really should be. She worked so hard to make sure that she was here before the baby was born.”
“Fine, I will get her, but she need not try to boss the midwife around,” Gina said as she turned to go. “Remember to breathe,” Gina said as she closed the door.
Breathing was about the only thing Penelope could remember to do when the contractions hit. She went over and sat down on the bed to rest for a moment. There were times when she wanted to sleep so badly, but it would not last.
Penelope was soon back on her feet pacing. There was a hesitant knock on the door before it opened and Jules’ head appeared in the opening. “Are you well?”
“I am well,” Penelope breathed. “Just have been pacing most of the night. Do not fret so, Gina was with me. The pains just started a bit ago. Gina went to rouse my mother and the midwife.”
Jules pressed his lips together tightly. “It was that ride into London.”
“Do not start that,” Penelope begged as another contraction hit her. She groaned and leaned over the bed. Jules was swiftly to her and held her gently. When the contraction passed, Penelope gave the man a soft kiss on the cheek. “Stop worrying,” she told him. “It is likely to be hours before I have the baby if it is even today. Go and get things done. I promise that I will be here.”
Jules scoffed. “I cannot leave you.”
“The ladies will see you straight out as soon as they are back anyway,” Penelope said reasonably. “You know very well how they feel about men in the birthing room.”
Jules narrowed his eyes in vexation. “I am the Duke of Richmond.”
“And I am sure they would not care if you were the King, Jules,” Penelope told him with a laugh. “I adore that you want to be here, but it really just is not practical.”
Jules fretted a bit more before he finally agreed to leave. His departure was not a minute too soon as Gina was soon back with the midwife and Lady Winchester. The women had all given birth, and that knowledge comforted Penelope.
“I saw His Grace in the hall,” Lady Winchester observed as she sat beside Penelope on the bed and rubbed her back.
Penelope nodded. “Yes, he was most distraught that he could not stay here with me.”
“Men are really only cumbersome in the birthing chamber,” the midwife said with Gina and Lady Winchester chiming in behind her.
Penelope had no experience to naysay their words. “I am aware of the common wisdom of it. He just was saddened.”
“He will be plenty happy when he has his baby,” Gina said with a smile. “No feelings yet on what you might have?”
Penelope shook her head. “Perhaps that is because I really do not have a preference.”
Lady Winchester scoffed, “Well, I have a preference. I think having a daughter is a wonderful experience.”
“That might be, Mother, but a son would make me just as happy,” Penelope assured her. “Besides, I do not believe for one moment that if I gave birth to a son, you would care about that child less.”
Lady Winchester was silent for a moment before she said, “I never said I would love the child less, I just simply stated that I enjoyed having a daughter.”
The midwife laughed. “A bit of both is the best bet.”
“As long as it is one at a time,” Penelope added with a quick laugh as she looked over at Gina.
The infant gurgled and moved in the swaddling. Penelope watched the child carefully. “Where are we going today?” Penelope asked as she got down on the blanket beside her child.
The baby’s eyes blinked open, and Penelope felt again as if she might fall into those blue eyes. Most were convinced that the child’s eyes would darken, but Penelope held out that they might settle into their sweet blue hue.
“How are we doing?” Gina asked in a whisper as she stuck her head through the door from her connected room. She had been staying next door to help during the night with the child.
Penelope nodded. “We are just fine. Are we not, Hope?”
The baby’s chubby fist swung free of the swaddling, and Penelope caught it gently. Gina came over and cooed down at the child. “Bless, they are so sweet when they are tiny.”
“Makes you want to have some more?” Penelope ventured with a grin at her friend.
Gina scoffed. “It has been a year, and Clint and I are still not quite to that point.”
“He seemed rather fond of the twins at the picnic we had.” Penelope tickled her daughter’s belly and scooped the child up to snuggle close to her. The smell of the baby’s sweetly scented hair wafted to her, and Penelope breathed it in deeply. “I think it is more you that is hesitant.”
Gina put her hands on her hips. “I have plenty of responsibilities without adding a newborn to the list.”
“The twins are old enough to run free, and they seem to like the country estate very well,” Penelope said with a shrug. “I will be here to help, and so will Eva, Charlotte, Anne, and others.”
Gina chuckled. “Speaking of others, have you talked to Gretchen?”
“No, but Mother said she stopped falling down every time someone mentions her fellow to her,” Penelope said with a snicker. “I do think they will find their way. His Grace has been after me to let things follow their natural course, but how can people do that? It is so difficult to let people meander so.”
With a shrug, Gina came to sit on the floor next to Penelope and her child. She stroked the child’s soft hair. “Oh, I don’t know, Your Grace, I think that people have a way of ending up right where they need to be.”
“Perhaps so,” Penelope had to agree as she peered down at the wriggling bundle in her arms. “We got an invitation to a wedding, did you see it?”
Gina shook her head. “Why no, who is getting wed?”
“My friend Henrietta, she was sure that she would never find a match after last Season did not prove promising. Apparently, she met a lovely merchant while holidaying with her parents. Hope is far too young to travel to the destination for the wedding, but I am making sure we send them a lovely gift.” Penelope was rather pleased that Henrietta had found a way out of all the society doings. The girl had wanted a quieter life, and her merchant from abroad might very well give her that.
Gina smiled. “I think I shall pop down and see what is on the menu for brunch. Do you wish anything?”
“If they have any of those salted meat slices then yes,” Penelope said with a nod.
Gina scoffed, “For Her Grace, they had better have them, or they’ll answer to me.”
“Do not go frightening the kitchen staff over meat slices,” Penelope chided even though she knew Gina was merely jesting.
“I can make no promises,” Gina declared as she left.
A moment after Gina had left, the door came open again. Penelope looked up and gave her mother a smile. “Good morning, Mother. How did you sleep?”
“Oh, I slept fine. The question is, how did you sleep?” Lady Winchester came over and sat on the bed near Penelope and her granddaughter.
Penelope nodded slowly and eyed her mother. “We slept much better than we have been. I think she might start sleeping longer by next full moon.”
“That will be a blessing for you,” Lady Winchester said with a sigh of relief.
Penelope glanced over at her mother. “Are you eager to get back home yet?”
“Oh, please, your father has probably already moved in his mistress,” Lady Winchester said with a dramatic flair.
Penelope snickered. “If I actually believed father had time for a mistress, I might take personal insult on your behalf.”
“He sent me a letter telling me of his week,” Lady Winchester said as she pursed up her lips. “I do find him a rather dawdling sort of man when I am not around. He needs to be kept on his toes.”
“So you moved a mistress in for him?” Penelope asked with a grin.
Lady Winchester sighed and put her hands in her lap. “Penelope, darling, would you refrain from such frivolity?”
“I am not the one who brought the mistress part up, now am I?” Penelope said in defence of herself.
Lady Winchester flicked her wrist to dismiss the talk. “Enough of that. Where is your husband this fine morning? I saw one of the carriages leave at dawn.”
“Oh, yes, he had business in the House of Lords,” Penelope said with a frown. “He and Scott have gone to London for a few days.”
Lady Winchester smoothed the ruffles along her otherwise sleek silk dress. “The life of a man is a hard one.”
“Yes, at least we only have to give birth to children,” Penelope countered.
Her mother smiled. “You truly amaze me sometimes. You were set not to get married, and here you are.”
“Things work out the way they are supposed to when we get out of their way,” Penelope said with a shrug.
Lady Winchester scolded, “I think you were very much in your own way the whole time, Penelope.”
“And you? What did you do to aid me?” Penelope asked as she stood up carefully. She held the child out to her mother, who took her with utmost care.
Lady Winchester cuddled the child close. “Well, I gave you all I could. I gave you what I thought I needed when I was your age.”
“And those journals,” Penelope added.
Lady Winchester sighed. “I’ve set to have them burned.”
“Good riddance,” Penelope added with a laugh. “Although,” she said with a grin, “I have started one of my own this past year.”
Her mother gave her a disapproving look. “Have you learned nothing?”
“This one is not going to be full of woe, and it is me simply writing to my child and telling her all the things I want her to know, that I want for her,” Penelope said as she sat down at her desk. “I think it will be of use to her to see the world the way it is, good and bad.”
Lady Winchester looked down at the baby in her arms. “Will you take on a governess for her?”
“Certainly,” Penelope said. “With my duties as Duchess, she will need someone to attend to her tutoring full-time. Besides, the Duke is quite persistent about adding to the family in short succession.”
Lady Winchester laughed. “Is he now? Is he going to birth the babes for you? Your body needs rest between.”
“Have no fear, he can wait a year or two,” Penelope said. “I think that he just wants a larger family. After losing all of his family and with us both being only children, I do not blame him. Besides, I would like to see if we could venture a son, perhaps.”
Lady Winchester smiled down at her granddaughter who stretched in her arms. “A grandson would be an odd concept, but it is one that I think I could get used to, eventually.”
“Yes, I think it might be a real struggle for you,” Penelope stated with amusement.
The days without the Duke in residence seemed bleak, but Penelope had enough to keep her mind on with a newborn and a household to run. Still, she often worried about the man. He seemed so fixed on his duties as of late, but then why should he not be?
He had to get things in order for their household, and there were still things to be ironed out from the fiasco that Lord Portland caused last year. While Penelope had the luxury of not dwelling on such things, Jules had no such fate. He spent his days negotiating trade deals and overseeing the Duchy.
Penelope had begun to understand what her mother meant when she said all those times that Penelope’s father was just doing the best that he could. She sat on the patio in the warm light of the early summer morning, pondering over whether she should be excited about the party her mother was planning to help her host.
Penelope decided the last thing she wanted was to host a party, but it was one of her obligations as the Duchess of Richmond, and she saw fit that she should do her best. A coo brought her eyes to Gina who bounced Hope gently on her knee.
Gina looked up at Penelope. “I think the sunshine is doing her skin wonders, Your Grace.”
“She does seem to be enjoying it,” Penelope said as she leaned her elbows up on the table in front of her. The steam rose from the cup of tea that she was stirring.
Gina came over and held the infant out to Penelope who took her with a smile. Penelope kissed the child’s head as the baby kicked and stretched. Gina sat down at the table and sipped the bit of lemon tea that Eva had brought out to them for a mid-morning break.
There were little biscuits covered in a sweet glaze that Gina picked at while sipping her tea. Penelope had found that she still fancied the tarter tastes even after Hope’s birth, and she stuck with the lemon tea. Hope was still quite too young to even ponder food, and she was content to gnaw upon her hand sleepily in her mother’s lap.
Penelope sighed down at the child. “I wonder what sort of life she will lead.”
“I hope it is quieter than her mother’s,” Gina remarked.
Penelope pressed her lips into a fine line. “Her mother had no intention of leading any sort of adventurous life. It just happened that things took that turn.”
“And you did not help them on at all?” Gina ventured as she nibbled a biscuit.
The sun slanted over a large oak tree, and Penelope pulled the thin piece of swaddling up to shield Hope’s eyes from the sunlight that found its way past the large fluffy summer clouds. “Well, I just pray she learns from my mistakes. She is my hope, and that is why I named her as such.”
“I think it is a lovely name, indeed,” Gina said with a smile. “Soon she’ll be a right handful. She’ll be chasing the twins all over the countryside.”
Penelope laughed. “I do not know how His Grace would feel about that, but I certainly welcome the sight.”
“Speaking of His Grace,” Gina said as she leaned up and listened. “I do believe I hear a carriage coming down the road.”
Penelope smiled broadly and snuggled the baby close to her as she stood up and made her way back inside. She was met by a maid. “Oh, Anne, if you would not mind, would you please clear away the dishes on the patio?”
“Of course, Your Grace,” Anne said as she ducked her head and went straight to the task. Gina gave the young maid a smile before Penelope motioned for her to come along.
Penelope and Gina met Eva and Hen as they reached the front gate. “Did everyone hear the carriage then?” Penelope asked with a grin.
Eva laughed. “I do believe they might have.”
“It is a good thing that I laid on extra chicken for lunch. A word would have been nice,” Henrietta said with a smile as she wiped her hands on her apron.
Penelope opened the door and went out onto the front porch of the house. The steps leading down were wide stone, and Penelope waited at the bottom as the carriage came bustling up the road. She grinned as the carriage door came open.
The look on Jules’ face told her that he was more than just a little happy to be home, and Penelope felt her heart melt. “Welcome home, Your Grace,” she said with a little curtsy as she held the newborn close to her.
“Thank you for the welcome, Your Grace,” Jules bantered back as he came over to give her a light kiss on the cheek. He rubbed his finger along the baby’s cheek. “And how is the little lady?”
Penelope turned towards the house and assured him, “She is very rosy-cheeked and happy. How was your trip into London?”
“Miserable,” Jules grumbled. “I swear that if they do not do something about the problem on Pith Avenue that the workers there may just revolt. The very streets are cracked. It is such a problem that several lords have been petitioning the city.”
Penelope frowned. “You think that they would be able to fix those things.”
“And they shall mark my words,” Jules said with determination. “But enough of that! I came home to see my ladies, and I shall speak no more on such drab things.”
Penelope giggled as Jules’ arm fell across her shoulders. Penelope could not see her, but she could hear Gina’s soft footfalls followed by Scott’s footsteps as they crossed the marble-laden floors of the country estate’s entrance hall. Eva and Henrietta both greeted them warmly as they came through.
“Your lunch shall be ready presently, that is if you are hungry,” Henrietta informed the Duke.
Jules nodded. “I thought I smelled something wonderful. Please, bring it up to our rooms. I wish to just reside in quiet for a bit. Scott and Gina, why do you not take an hour to yourselves?”
The two servants nodded with smiles as they set their footsteps towards the staff quarters. Penelope eyed her husband curiously. “You really are feeling rather unsociable.”
“Not at all,” Jules told her. “I am just feeling the need to be with my family. Speaking of family, has your mother returned to her home yet?”
Penelope could not quite stifle the laughter that the Duke’s words brought upon her. “She is pondering it, but I have not quite convinced her.”
He sighed in dissatisfaction. “As long as she is aiding you, then I can put up with her. Does she have to refer to me so affectionately, though?”
“She likes you.” Penelope shrugged.
Jules laughed. “I think she feels compelled to over-mother me due to circumstances.”
“Perhaps that as well,” Penelope said with a grin. “I think it is pleasant that she has shown such a nurturing. She certainly was not that way when I was younger. Perhaps she was, and I just did not see it.”
Jules nodded. “And that is why you choose to carry on with your journaling?”
Penelope smiled at him. “I choose to carry on with my journal, dear Duke because I pondered what love was once. I do not want Hope to have to wonder.”
“She never shall have to question that,” Jules promised. “We will show her every day.”
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Hello my dears, I hope you enjoyed the book and the Extended Epilogue! I will be waiting for your comments here. Thank you 🙂
I liked the story. It was a sweet story.
Thank you very much my dear! So glad to hear that!
wonderful, a beautiful story. I like the duke and duchess and their love for their family.
I enjoyed this book immensely. It started out a little slowly bu then I couldn’t put it down!
I enjoyed reading this book. The twist was when the Duke was blind to his servants deceit which almost cost him his life but in the end it brought him the love of his life. Good reading!
Thank you so much my dear Janis! I really appreciate your sweet words! 🙂
What a wonderful story, with a great story line,I must confess! I figured out who the villian was, before they were revealed. I enjoyed reading Penelope and Jude’s story. Thank you❤️
I loved the book. It started a little slow but took off soon after. Had a hard time putting it down. Highly recommend to all readers
I’m delighted you enjoyed the book so much my dear Bonnie!
Had a hard time putting down. I loved the characters. Highly recommend to all readers
Thank you so much for your sweet words my dear Bonnie!
A wonderful read. It was easy for me to see who the culprit was.
Though I was a bit surprised at his reasoning. I love that Pen was steadfast in her beliefs. The forgiveness and care of the workers was a pleasure to read.
A wonderful read. The culprits were not hard to tract.
Though I was a bit surprised at his reasoning. I love that Pen was steadfast in her beliefs. The forgiveness and care of the workers was a pleasure to read.
I enjoyed the story.
Though I was a bit surprised at his reasoning. I love that Pen was steadfast in her beliefs. The forgiveness and care of the workers was a pleasure to read.
I thought the story was very sweet. I enjoyed the extension which told about the baby and why Penelope was writing a journal.
I enjoyed this story very much. There were enough twists and turns at the beginning to grab your interest and keep you reading. I had a hard time putting it down and was glad for the epilogue too.
I thought it was a very good story with all the lovely dresses explained it was a story of love murder and revenge and truth and life
This was a fast-paced story, but not like so many. Penelope was an unusual young lady who was funny, very smart, and, oh so adventurous. Exceptional talents in her art paintings, so well-schooled, not only in great literature, but also loved to study science. To say the least, she was a character who always caused a stir. Many missteps along the way threatened her belief in love. After several missteps along the way, I worried for her safety a she and His Grace fell in love. They were both in danger, but their drive and courage helped them find victory. It was a wonderful love story, scary scenes and love scenes. I finished this book pretty quickly because I didn’t want to put it down. I couldn’t wait to start the next chapter because I just had to find the ansewers, and guess what the next problem would bring. Very real characters drew me right into their world. I loved the book, The Light in ythe Duke’x Shadows. Abigail Agar is one of my favorite authors, and I recommend all of her books. Hours of delight!
Absolutely wonderful, thank you f for sharing. A real page -turner.
I so enjoyed the book. I love hoping the elite were so kind to the people who made their lives so easy. You had me a bit fooled about Leander, just when I was totally convinced he was the culprit, you gave him very convincing replies or actions. I was almost surprised when he finally made his move with the knife. One more feather in your cap, loved the characters and the plot.
Really enjoyed this and all your books
Kathy Doherty
I was happy to see that the epilogue tied up some of the loose ends in the story. I was surprised that Penelope and Jules had a daughter. I was betting on a son for them. I was also pleased to see that Penelope and Jules were very forgiving of those who harmed them. Another good story from Abigail Agar!
I enjoyed this story very much. Penelope is truly the light in the Duke’s Shadow!
I very much enjoyed the book as I have with all the others you have written;) look forward to the next one as always.
Thank you so much for your kind words my dear Jeanette! I truly appreciate your support!
I love the book and I felt spellbound while reading it. Never a dull moment!
Excellent couldn’t put till book down till I read it all.
So nice to hear that, my dear Josephine! So glad you enjoyed it!
I enjoyed this book very much. I like romances that have a bit intrigue.
I’m delighted you enjoyed my book, dear Karen! 🙂
Loved the book and extended epilogue.
I’m delighted you liked the story my dear Linda! 🙂
love the way you educate whiled giving us a wonderful story of love faith and trust. thank you
Thank you so much for your kind supportive words my dear Ada!
Yes thank you I thought it was a very enjoyable story.
So glad you liked it my dear Margaret! 🙂
Great book wonderful story line such a beautiful love story
Thank you so much for your kind words my dear Patricia! 🙂
It is one of the best in an read in a while. Can not wait to read the next one!
So happy to hear that my dear! Thank you so much!
A lovely story. A bit disappointing about lord portland, the beast in me wanted to read about some dire punishment.
Penelope and Jules are so true to life. We never really know what another is thinking. I particularly enjoy spunky heroine.
I’m delighted you enjoyed the book my dear Rosemary! 🙂
I really liked this book. I plan to read more. Thank you.
I was finally able to,read your book and I feel it was excellent! Just enough drama along with the romance….it’s a page turner for sure! Thank you very much, and I look forward to reading your books again!
Karen Pringle
[email protected]
Thank you so much for your sweet words and support my dear Karen! I really appreciate them!
I enjoyed this book ll
So nice to hear that, my dear Roberta! 🙂
Really good book
Thank you so much, my dear Nada!
This was such a sweet story. Thank you for the extended epilogue. I find myself wondering what lives the characters lead after the story ends. Your writing is lovely. Thank you for sharing your words!
Thank you so much for your sweet words and support, my dear Janis! I really appreciate them!
I totally enjoyed both the entire book and the epilogue. I could have kept readind about tbose two for at least a couple more hots. Thank you for writing it….
Thank you for your lovely comment, my dear Judith! It makes me so happy to hear that! 🙂
Loved this sweet romance. The intrigue with the deaths of Jules parents and they threat to his life added some excitement to the story. The underlying Romances of the servants added a human realistic angle.
Wow thank you so much for your lovely comment, my dear Susan! ❤️
I enjoyed the book very much.
Awesome! Thank you so much, my dear Mary! ❤️
Enjoyed the book. I had to reread it. Once the mourning and the murder of the Duke’s parents solved, I can only say, The Duke and Duchess iced the cake with, “FORGIVENESS”.
That took some thought because when some people are hurt they lash out.
I’m delighted you enjoyed the story, my dear Robert! Thank you so much for your comment!
Loved the book, could not put it down. Would like to read more about Penelope and the Duke.
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts with me, my dear Ann! I’m delighted that you enjoyed my book!
Thank-you for the cheery, comforting feeling that all is happiness and all will be well. Even the mother in law is nice to the hero.
Thank you so much for your sweet words, my dear Molly! 🙂
I loved it! It is a wonderful story. The whole book kept me on my toes as I wondered whether the duke would survive the attack in the alley, then wondering who was trying to kill him, to if he would survive the second attack and if he would get to Penelope in time. I know I said it before, but I loved it and can’t wait to read other books by you!
y dear Ariana, thank you so much for your lovely comment and your support! I deeply appreciate it!
I loved the story, especially the mysterious intrigue. The devoted love of the Duke for Penelope was beautiful.
My dear Teresa, I’m so happy to hear that! Thank you very much for your lovely comment!
I started reading the book and at first thought it would be boring. I’m glad I kept reading as the story started to move and the characters became more interesting. The man behind the murders was obvious. However his helper was a surprise. Really like how Penelope and Jules felt about each other and they really cared for the people that worked for them.
My dear Sonja, I’m so happy to hear that! Thank you very much for your support!❤️
In this time of uncertainty, this book kept my mind in a wonderful place. I couldn’t put the book down. Thank you for such entertainment.
Thank you so much for your sweet words, my dear! We all need to escape from reality mentally and overcome negative thoughts. I’m glad my book helped you to achieve that. Have a lovely day! 🙂
Really enjoyed the book. It was great to get to know the character and their family. Love books that has a happy ever after.
Thank you so much for your kind words, my dear Brenda!
I enjoyed this book. Also the extended version. Very nice ending.
Thank you so much, my dear!
I enjoyed this book. Also the extended version. Very nice ending.
Thank you so much for your kind words, my dear!
I enjoyed reading this story. The characters were very real in their roles. Nice ending.
Thank you so much for your kind words, my dear!
Always happy to read sweet clean stories.
I am so glad to hear that!
I enjoyed the story. I must confess I suspected who the culprit
was too. But I still liked the story. I will continue to look forward
to your books.
I am so glad to hear that, my dear Nancy!🎄
It was very enjoyable.
I am very happy to hear that!
I really loved this story. There was so much excitement. Never boring. I loved the humor in it too I loved Penny’s personality. She had courage and spunk I couldn’t put the book down You are definitely my favorite author!!
Thank you so much for your kind words! I’m so glad you enjoyed the excitement and humor, and that you loved Penny’s spunk! Your support means the world to me, and I’m thrilled to be your favorite author!
As usual Is Agar has another winner. I just love her extended versions too
Enjoyed the epilogue and the book as well.
Enjoyable reading
Thank you very much, Abigail, for the lovely Epilogue. There is nothing better than a Happy Ending!
Thank you very much, Abigail, for the lovely Extended Epilogue. There is nothing better than a Happy Ending!
Another great book, loved that Penelope had a strong view of what she wanted in life and that she was able to overcome the fears from her family’s past. As for Jules his sorrow was won over and they both made a great pair. The extended epilogue was brilliant and was lovely to see them later in their life happy and content
It’s a lovely book. I enjoyed it immensely as I do all your books. The characters were believable and were able to accomplish most of their goals for life and you kept the tension high for the right amount of time. Good job!
I’m humbled my dear Rosalie! Your kind words mean a lot to me!
Well done. Mystery and romance.
How can that be wrong?
Strong characters help define the story.
I really appreciate your kind words my dear! 🙂
Thank you for extending as it wrapped up the book lovely and answered my thoughts. I really loved how real all the characters came through I enjoyed it immensely.
Thank you so much my dear Diane! I truly appreciate your kind words!
As usual Abigail, you have told a great story. I love the Regency Era Romances, but I think I need a peerage guide when I read them! Maybe you can send out one to all your devotees. Lol. Your writing improved with every book, just like your friend and fellow author Bridget Barton. I recommend all books that either of you have written and can’t wait on the books y’all will write about these characters’ children.
I deeply appreciate your kind words my dear Barbara! Your support means a lot to me! Thank you! 🙂
What an unexpected story! Penelope was such a different girl from most regency females. But I loved her and the Duke love at first sight is still BEAUTIFUL!
I really appreciate your kind words my dear! 🙂
I loved the story line and the happy ending.
Thank you so much my dear Rosanne!
I loved this book – it was very hard to put down, Penelope was such a lady. That Jules saw that so quickly was very insightful. The fact that Penelope seemed to guess Leander wasn’t a good person was great. A great read like all the others of yours I have read. Thanks – Aileen
Thank you so much for your sweet comment, my dear Aileen! 🙂
I enjoyed the story. The culprit was not hard to track, but his reasoning was surprising. I enjoyed reading about Penelope and Jules. Thank you
Thank you so much for your kind words my dear Carmen! 🙂
I enjoyed reading the book very much.
Thank you very much my dear Elizabeth!
i loved the storyline and how the characters were protrayed, including the servants.
Thank you so much my dear! 🙂
I loved this book and how Penny knew that both bad guys were not quite right.
Great book. Starting a bit slow but as story unfolded I could not put it down. Nice that both Jules and Penny were realistic towards their servants. I enjoyed reading the book. Looking forward to more to come.
Abigail, what an interesting book you wrote this time. I thought I had it all figured out and low and behold, I was wrong! Your writing improves with each and every book and certainly give this 6 stars!! Loved the belief Pen has i. Jules and know it was heartfelt. Keep up the great work and look forward to your next book!!
Love and blessings,
B.J.
What a sweet story and so very glad to have it about a strong smart female and a wise
Loving man!
I have read other novels by Abigail Agar and they were much better than this one. I found this one boring and tepid. Of course, when you read a novel you put the real world on pause and get into the one the author has created ; and if it is well written and the characters well developed they feel like friends or family and their problems and feelings seem plausible to you. That’s the reason why you cry, laugh or suffer (yes, suffer) along with the characters when reading a good book. In this book the main male character is stabbed and bleeds almost to death and within a few days is up looking for a murderer , doing all kinds of exercise and even fighting without any kind of “side effects”. Very much later in the story the author mentions like if it were a ” by the way” the supposed reason for another character for trying to kill him. The rest of the characters seem to me underdeveloped and lacking personality. Even the main female character seems to me to be ” a one idea person” with her obsession about her female relatives diaries and her ideaabout marriage. She doesn’t seem to have social life except for her friendship with her employees which on the time setting of the story was highly improbable. The ending was bland, bland. The wounded hero risks his life to save his damsel in danger and doesn’t receive even one single real kiss. What kind of romance novel is this? Even the extended epilogue left much to be desired. I hate extended epilogues anyway, but if an author is going for it, iarat should have more substance .
Really this novel seems to have been written by a naive teenager and not a seasoned veteran author like its supposed to be. Sorry for both of us.
My dear Aracelis, thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts with me. You are raising some valid points and have a solid justification for them. I will keep them in mind and will work closer to get them handled in the future. Honest feedback is always appreciated as it helps me become better and better. I hope you enjoy the rest of my stories.
I enjoyed reading the story. I love Penelope ‘s character, so curious and brave and strong in her beliefs, just like in other Ms Abigail’ s books. I like that the maids and servants are given good roles and values in the story. I can’t blame the Duke for not suspecting that his long time servant, Leander, is involved in the crime but it took long for him to catch up and get the clue. I find the reasoning of the crime very shallow. I love the happy ending and correcting the wrong beliefs of the women ancestors of Penelope.
I’ve read many books of Ms. Agar and I can say that although this one is also interesting, it is not one of her best.
Thank you very much for your honest feedback my dear Erly! I really appreciate it!
Great recency romance book. I enjoyed the the devious ppl against the duke and how it evolved and how he fell in love with her and her character and positive attitude. A great book to read.
I truly appreciate your sweet words my dear Sonia! So glad you enjoyed the story!
Another excellent book. I enjoyed all the little twist and turns it had and found it hard to put down.
I was hoping the extended epilogue would have included a second birth of a son.
That to me would have been the happily ever after.
I found each of the characters added an interesting look into the whole of the story.
Five stars for sure.
Your kind and supportive words mean a lot to me my dear June! Thank you!
Love a sassy, talk-back lady in a book…Loved the book. You had love, mystery, and kindness to others in your book…Excellent writing…Thank you for a wonderful book…
I’m delighted you enjoyed my book, dear Doris! I really appreciate your sweet words!
Loved the story. Would have liked to read more about how a Duke would allow a commoner to escape after killing a Duke and Duchess. What happened to Leander?
So glad you enjoyed the story my dear! 🙂
I thought the characters were nicely developed. Penelope was able to rise above the usual debutante in her sincere conversation with the Duke. I liked the realistic portrayal of the courtship, such as it was. It is superior to some of the bodice rippers, (some of them do fine ).
Thank you so much for your kind words my dear Gayle! So happy you liked the book. 🙂
I enjoyed the story ,the character s Penelope is A lovely character , how she was with the staffed was wonderful , they all cared for her , She made up for her parents attitude. Thank you.
thank you so much for your sweet words, my dear Anna! I’m delighted you enjoyed the story!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I loved Penelopy’s character and concern for the servants. The extended epilogue was wonderful with the happy ending. Looking forward to reading the author’s next book.
My dear Carolyn, I’m so happy to hear that! Thank you for your support!
Nice story, well-enjoyed..thanks for the epilogue. Love that is finishes the story..
I’m delighted you liked the story, my dear Betsy! 🙂
I loved this book. The characters are full of emotions that bring them to life for the readers. I liked the fact that Jules and Penny treated their servants as friends and made them a part of their family.
The twists and turns are surprising and keeps the readers intrigued from start to finish. I cannot wait to read her next book!
Thank you so much for your lovely comment, my dear Pamela! 🙂
loved the book but have not been disappointed by any of your stories. Loved that Pen took a chance on what her wanted in spite of her fears of love.
My dear Shelby, thank you so much for your support! 🙂
What a wonderful written story. I couldn’t stop reading until I read the extended epilogue.
This is the 4th book I have read of yours.. I truly enjoy them..and still have 3 more to go.. I am looking forward to them also..you are a fantastic writer and just started reading this type of books..Thank You for your free ones as will as in depth of the ones I have read..it shows you care about your readers not what you make off them.
My dear Deborah, I am so glad to hear that! Stay tuned for more!
A story filled with excitement and adventure. I loved the story and the characters. Penelope has a mind and will of her own. She wanted love with marriage because her parents wasn’t love. Lord Jules Daventry, the Duke of Richmond was out seeking revenge for his parents death. He wasn’t looking for love or marriage. I received an ARC of this book and I highly recommend reading it.
Thoroughly enjoyed this romance. The author is a clever writer.
My dear, thank you so much for your kind words!
Another wonderful story. Great character development. I especially like Penelope. Good descriptions of the homes and countryside as well as what it feels like to rode in a carriage. A must read if you like historical romance with a bit of mystery.
I really did enjoy this sweet story, I must say I did not think it was his right hand man was the guilty one, I would have like to hear what happened to lord Portland and the servant, but otherwise a great story
My dear Lynn! Thank you so much for your kind feedback! I really appreciate it. Make sure to stay tuned because I have more coming!
I thoroughly enjoyed the book. Although the book is fiction, I think it is truthful to the world we live in. Thank you for very good read
I am so glad you enjoyed the book my dear Jeanette! Thank you so much for your kind words and support! Make sure to stay tuned because I have more coming!
Another lovely mustread to thrill all your fans and to delight us as we add it to our reading enjoyment. The extended epilogue was the icing on the 🎂cake. Looking forward to more
Thank you so much my dear Greer. So glad you enjoyed the story! Make sure to stay tuned because I have more coming!
A very enjoyable book. It started out slowly but then picked action, mystery and romance. I was glad to see that Penelope kept up the tradition of writing in a journal, but her journal writings were geared toward teaching her daughter what to expect in a marriage, both the good and not good things.
Thank you so much for your thoughtful feedback! I’m glad you enjoyed the book and appreciated Penelope’s journal and its meaningful purpose. It’s wonderful to hear that the action, mystery, and romance resonated with you.
What a delightful story. Not your typical romance!! This story includes not only a lovely romance, but a fiesty, smart and intelligent young woman who compliments the Duke, who needs her help and love as much as she needs his love. I started this bbook at 4 am and finished the epilogue at 1:30, with 2 2:30 hours. It’s one of those books you just can’t put down . 44gy y
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Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! I’m thrilled to hear you enjoyed the story and the dynamic between the characters. Your enthusiasm truly makes writing worth it!