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The following September, Lady Elizabeth Byrd sat bleary-eyed and fatigued at the front kitchen table at the home in which she’d lived with Irene for the previous four-some years. The light shimmered in from the window, dousing the table with promise, with hope. But she was bent over it with a pen in-hand, aching to finish her final philosophical essay before her wedding to Lord Nathaniel Linfield, which was to be held in just three days’ time.
Everything felt frenetic. Every moment seemed hinged with the sense that she was running out of time.
“I can’t possibly finish this,” she murmured, brushing her hand across her forehead in desperation. Her stomach clenched with hunger; her brain felt fizzy and strange. Admittedly, she’d been awake all night and into the morning. It was unlike her, careening through the necessary time for slumber to write and write and write. But the moment she’d attempted to get what Peter called her “beauty rest,” she’d blinked into the darkness, completely awake. “It’s better to just keep working, rather than waste my time lying here,” she’d said to Peter, rising up as he retreated to his own bed.
Now, Peter was awake for the morning, hobbling around the kitchen and making a first round of tea. He’d long-since refined his scone recipe and was now working on bettering his biscuits, and he sent a partially-burnt platter towards Bess—watching as she placed a tentative hand atop one and nibbled at the edges. He looked pleased.
“You know you can finish it, Lady Elizabeth, just as you’ve finished everything else before,” Peter said, arching his brow. At over fifteen, now, he spoke with an arrogance he’d lacked previously—an arrogance that he’d gained from the past nine or so months in Elizabeth and Irene’s home, learning three different languages and even embarking on a sort of writing career himself.
“You always seem so sure, don’t you?” Elizabeth said, giving him a mischievous smile.
“I’m sure because I know you,” he said, rolling his eyes. “I’m sure because I’ve watched you go through countless of these essays in the previous year, and each one has come out to be a remarkable success. What makes this one any different?”
Irene strode into the kitchen, stretching her arms far above her head and making them creak. “Hello, my darlings,” she said. She leaned down and pressed her lips atop Elizabeth’s forehead. “I don’t suppose you’ve been awake all through the night, have you?”
Bess just frowned at her, tapping her pen against the page before her.
“I see. Wedding jitters, then.” Irene sighed. “You said they wouldn’t affect you, and yet here you are. A nervous wreck.”
“It’s certainly not that,” Elizabeth stuttered, drawing her eyebrows together. “I’m certainly stronger than those emotions. It’s just a wedding, after all.”
“Just a wedding,” Irene said, rolling her eyes. She reached for the tea kettle and churned a bit of water into her mug. “Listen to this garbage, will you, Peter? It’s as if she doesn’t know we’ve been watching her anxiously planning her wedding for the past nine months. As if we don’t know how endlessly in love with old Lord Nathaniel Linfield she truly is.”
Bess’ cheeks burned bright red, but she kept her lips pressed shut.
“What’s the essay about, anyway?” Peter asked. He leaned his stringy, nearly full-grown man’s body against the counter and strung his arms across his chest.
“Well, Peter, in essence it’s about the fact that Lord Linfield and the rest of the members of Parliament have decided to push through the Judgement of Death Act,” Bess said, her voice sizzling with excitement. “I didn’t think it would happen so quickly. My essay is regarding the future of England, after this goes into action. It’s a tentative plotting of how many lives will be saved. How many children will keep their homes as a result.”
Peter gave her a warm smile. He shot forward, shoving the platter of biscuits closer to her. “That sounds remarkable, Lady Bess,” he said. “But I must tell you, you’re far too thin. That wedding dress is going to fall right off you. Irene thinks so, too. Eat up.”
Irene chuckled, tossing herself back towards the staircase. “If it’s quite all right with the two of you, I’ll excuse myself to the paper. Bessie, you’ll have that essay to me today, won’t you? We’re going to print.”
Bess nodded, and then cut a slash directly through the centre portion of one of her arguments. Why couldn’t she focus her mind? It seemed that every few seconds she was awash with nerves. Her hands shook with anxiety. She couldn’t help visualising herself in front of the three-hundred or so guests Lord Linfield had invited to their wedding, all of which knew her back story. All of which would assuredly be waiting for her to flub up.”
There was a rap at the door. Bess shot her head upright, spinning back toward the foyer. Peter dribbled his fingers against his chin, looking vaguely mischievous. “I wonder who that could be?” he asked.
Bess frowned. “What’s gotten into you?”
“Why don’t you open the door, Lady Elizabeth?” he asked. He bit his bottom lip, waiting.
“Okay …” Lady Elizabeth stood and walked to the door, conscious of how much her legs felt they were going to give out beneath her. The nerves had, indeed, caused her to lose perhaps five pounds. But the pounds had been muscle-based, and she felt weak and stricken. Lord Linfield had joked that throughout their honeymoon they would do nothing but eat to put the meat back on her bones.
Bess sprung open the door and blinked into the haze of the early September morning. There, stretched across the cobblestone road were approximately thirty or so children, all from the homeless shelter she’d founded. Each held a banner aloft, which flapped in the wind. Upon the banner, they’d painted the words:
“GOOD LUCK, LADY ELIZABETH! WE LOVE YOU!”
Immediately, Bess felt she’d been punched in the stomach. She shot forward, bringing her hands across her cheeks. Peter stepped up beside her, grinning broadly. It was clear it had been his plotting: getting the children together from the shelter, telling them to show their true appreciation for her. But the fact that so, so many of them—all faces she’d been blessed to know throughout the years—had appeared, truly thrilled her.
Peter brought his hands forward like a conductor, instructing the children to holler out the words they’d written on the banner. They called out, many of them screaming so loudly that their voices broke. Bess moved closer, reaching for little Lottie, whom she’d known since Lottie was only five years old. Lottie pressed her cheek against Bess’ stomach, and Bess clung to her, feeling tears sweep down her cheeks. Yes, the tears were from fatigue, from a long night of not sleeping, from the sheer emotion of being allowed to marry the love of her life after so much heartache. But they were also tears for these children. For, throughout their entire lives, they’d been forced to live on the streets. Their lives had been stripped away from them, all for reasons beyond their control. Sure: due to the Judgement of Death Act, children like this wouldn’t exist any longer—and for this, Bess was grateful.
But that didn’t mean the thirty children before her would ever be the same.
“I love all of you,” Bess murmured, sweeping her hands across the children’s mop-heads and mussing their hair. “Thank you so much for this beautiful gesture. It means the world to me.”
Just around the corner, Lord Linfield appeared. His smile cut through the grey haze, so white and confident and pure. He removed his top hat and bowed his head, keeping his eyes on Bess.
“Don’t tell me you had something to do with this?” Bess demanded, unable to hide her smile.
“It was all Peter,” Nathaniel said, stepping closer and giving her a soft, delicate kiss on the lips. “He insisted that I keep it a secret. But I didn’t want to miss your face when it happened.”
“You’re late,” Peter offered.
“I see that.” Nathaniel sighed. “I suppose I’ll have to make sure I’m not late in three days, hmm? I don’t suppose Lady Elizabeth here will ever forgive me if I am.”
The children dropped the banner lower, looking tired. They swapped glances, sensing the party was breaking up. Bess couldn’t envision where on earth they would go next. Certainly, there wasn’t space for them within her home—but she had an idea. She pulled at Nathaniel’s topcoat, bringing his ear to her level.
“I think we should order pastries and coffee for them. For all of them,” she murmured. “I want to thank them for everything. And I can’t imagine turning them away hungry.”
“You know that I will do whatever you want me to do,” Nathaniel said, placing a kiss upon her forehead. He lurched back towards the crowd of children, hollering, “Lady Elizabeth has a fine idea for all of you! How would you like as many pastries as you can eat, hmmm?”
The children all but leapt into the air with excitement. Their pigtails tossed around; their hollers were wild and raucous. Peter stepped back, his arms still crossed but his face beaming.
“You’re a bit too old for them, now, aren’t you? A bit too academic, now?” Bess asked, reaching for Peter’s shoulder. Already, he towered over her. He’d grown an arm and a leg in the previous year and would certainly reach Nathaniel’s height before his 20th year. How interesting it was to watch him grow, to morph into a man.
Elizabeth imagined that it would be equally as interesting to watch her own son grow in that way when the time came. She blinked several times, suddenly entranced with the image of her and Nathaniel’s son: a tall, stoic man, like his father and his grandfather before him, who would certainly put his life’s work into bettering the community and the world around him. It was simply the “way” of the Linfields, and, now, of the Byrds. Bess had seen to that.
The baker’s assistant arrived twenty minutes later with several platters of pastries. Suddenly insanely hungry, Bess nabbed one for herself and grinning sheepishly took a small bite while Nathaniel watched. He rubbed her back, whispering into her ear, “You need your strength for the wedding. It’s going to be the most exhausting day of our lives.”
“You’re forgetting that it’s also going to be the happiest,” Bess murmured.
“No,” Nathaniel said, his eyes burning. “I could never forget that. I already know that to be true.”
The children ate happily, playing games and jumping along the cobblestones outside of Bess and Irene and Peter’s home. Bess blinked up at the house, the little ragtag stone-built home in which she’d hid out from the world during her mid-20s. She no longer saw it for the crumbling building it was. Rather, she saw memories with Irene; she saw the first time Peter had entered the house and fallen asleep on his brand-new and first bed. She remembered the glorious day when she’d arrived home from Nathaniel’s to tell Irene that she’d taken the biggest risk of her life in going there—and found that he’d been thinking only of her, as well.
“He’s asked me to marry him,” she’d whispered, incredulous.
“What did you say?” Irene had shrieked.
“I said the only thing I could think of,” Bess had whispered. “Just yes.”
As the children finished their pastries (and Bess ate another jelly-filled one), a man on horseback cantered forward. Immediately, Nathaniel recognised him and yelled his name. “Carter!”
Carter seemed to be directed for him. Just before he reached the hordes of children, he halted the horse and slipped from the side. He churned through them, ensuring that the horse didn’t step on any toes. His eyes burned with purpose. Bess scrambled for the reason behind such a visit. This man—she recognised him from a recent dinner at the home of Lord Everett Beauchamp. That was it! He was a close friend of the Beauchamp family, a man who’d travelled briefly with Everett throughout much of Asia.
“What is it? What’s happened” Nathaniel asked. He glared at Carter, who was sweating profusely.
“You haven’t just rushed here from Everett’s, have you?” Bess asked. She wrapped her hand around her throat, suddenly thinking the worst. In fact, Everett had married his life love approximately eight months before, and she’d become pregnant almost immediately. The last time Bess had seen the lovely Nelle, she’d been fatigued and weeping—saying that the pregnancy was much more difficult than the previous time, when she’d had her daughter.
“She’s gone into labour a bit early,” Carter said, his eyes looking hollow. “And they’re worried. She’s lost a great deal of blood. I think it’s necessary that you come, Lord Linfield. You’re his closest friend.”
Bess gripped Nathaniel’s hand. She spun back to Peter, giving him a hard look. “The essay on the table. You must ensure it gets to Irene today,” she said.
“Is it finished?” Peter asked.
“It’s as good as it’s going to get,” Bess offered. “I’ve toiled over it too long.”
“Good luck today,” Peter whispered. “Please, give my best to Lord Beauchamp. I know she’ll pull through.”
Within moments, Bess and Nathaniel bolted through the crowd of children, finding tread upon the slippery cobblestones. Nathaniel’s carriage was only a few yards away. As they mounted into it, Nathaniel spun back to wave his hand to Carter. “We’ll meet you there!” he hollered.
Once inside the carriage, Bess laid her head upon Nathaniel’s chest. His heartbeat was volatile, a thick noise in her head. She splayed her hand across her chest, wanting to feel every ounce of it. Within the deepest part of herself, she prayed for Everett and for Nelle and for their newborn baby, coming a few weeks too soon.
“She’s going to be all right. She has to be,” Nathaniel murmured, drawing his fingers through Bess’ hair.
“We must call off the wedding, if …” Bess began.
“We shouldn’t even think about it,” Nathaniel said. “Bess, please. Don’t give it any power.”
Bess paid attention to him. She sniffed and drew herself back, focusing on the road ahead. The route to Everett’s estate would take no more than ten minutes. But as they raced forth, she felt that each minute was ten minutes long, itself. She could half-imagine the red pain and panic behind Nelle’s eyes, in the midst of this labour. It was entirely too wretched to live. It was entirely too wretched to die.
The blood streaked over the sheets. It was the first thing Bess saw as she ducked into the labour room. The men remained outside, sipping whisky a bit too quickly and puffing at cigars. Nelle blinked up at her. Her curled blonde hair was sweaty and wild on either side of her head, and her eyes were foggy as if she were peering at Bess from another world. Nelle reached her hand forth, her fingers flickering.
Bess met her and gripped her hand. She perched at the edge of the bed, not caring for a moment that it was sweaty, that it was lined with blood. Over the previous months, she had fallen for Nelle—had loved the woman’s sincere adoration for the world, her artistic eye, and, admittedly, her gorgeous child from her previous marriage. They’d had countless conversations about their loves—Everett and Nathaniel—and about how lucky they were to have whip-smart men at the head of their state, who, nonetheless, put their needs above everyone.
Nelle drew a stuttering breath, and then gripped Bess’ hand still harder.
“It’s going to be all right, Nelle,” Bess murmured, drawing her eyebrows low. “You’re one of the strongest women I know in this world. And your daughter, she’s out there counting on you.”
Nelle gave Bess a weak smile. Her midwife strutted around at the foot of the bed, trying to mop up the blood between Nelle’s legs. Nelle whispered, her voice harsh and raspy.
“I am so grateful I met him. I know it took so long for us to finally find one another again. So many trials. But I’m so—so grateful …”
“He knows that,” Bess murmured. She brought Nelle’s hand to her lips and kissed her palm. “He knows how much you love him. And he knows how much you want to love this baby. Fight, for them both.”
Another wave of pain flashed through Nelle. The air filled with the smell of blood. Bess thought surely that Nelle might squeeze her fingers to death. Tears streaked down Nelle’s cheeks, drawing towards her throat.
“Come on, Nelle,” Bess murmured, her heart bolting wildly. “You have to fight for this. You have to.”
Suddenly, Nelle squeezed Bess’ hand still harder. Bess could feel every muscle in Nelle’s body fighting contorting, until suddenly—wonderfully—there was a sudden cry from between Nelle’s legs. The midwife had her hands outstretched to receive the baby, the little boy, whose scream and gasp were the most beautiful sounds Bess had ever heard in her life.
Immediately, Nelle’s eyes popped open. She gripped Bess’ hand as hard as she could, but then peered down between her legs to view her little baby—far smaller than ordinary, but breathing, screaming, thrashing his arms and legs about.
“You did it, Nelle!” Bess shrieked. “Hold on. Hold on, Nelle. It’s almost over.”
The midwife cut the umbilical cord and passed the baby off to another assistant. She began to stitch up Nelle with quick motions. Nelle’s eyes looked a bit bleary, yet still very much there with Bess. She asked, continually, “It’s a boy? Is that right? Was he really a boy?”
“A boy, Nelle,” Bess affirmed, sweat dripping down her forehead. “It was indeed a boy. And he’s safe. He’s here with all of us.”
After Nelle finally fell asleep—her face ashen yet very much alive, Bess took long, fatigued steps back into the sitting room, where Nathaniel and Everett and Carter had been drinking whisky deep into the night. Of course, they’d already been alerted of the baby’s arrival. But sight of Bess made the news even more factual. They cried out her name, clapping their hands.
“Lady Elizabeth, you’ve saved her,” Everett said, nearly toppling into her as he hugged her tight. “You can’t imagine how grateful I am.”
“She was stronger than any of us here,” Bess offered. “It wasn’t anything I did. Just her.”
Nathaniel swept forward and placed a kiss upon Bess’ forehead. He squeezed her against him, sweeping his hand across her shoulders. “You can’t imagine how worried we’ve been.”
“It’s a boy,” Everett murmured, pacing back and forth across the Asian rug he’d brought back from Thailand. “It’s a boy. Can you imagine? My first-born. My son.”
Bess grinned. She felt every bit of her sizzling with light. There were no words that could possibly capture the sort of emotion that existed behind Everett’s eyes. It was both simple and the most complex thing in the world.
Suddenly, Everett whirled around, gripping one of Nathaniel’s shoulders, along with one of Elizabeth’s. “I know you’ll have the most remarkable marriage,” he offered. “Nathaniel, with the imagination and drive you’ve brought to Parliament, and Lady Elizabeth, with the articulation and grace you’ve brought to your writing … How could you be anything but …”
It was then that the midwife entered, telling Everett it was time for him to see his wife and his newborn. Everett moved away, sending a final wave to Nathaniel and Bess before disappearing. Carter had fallen back upon the couch, casting snores through the air. Bess swept her head against Nathaniel’s chest, inhaling his smell: whisky, his musk, a vague smell of the afternoon’s pastries.
“We’re going to be happy,” Nathaniel murmured into her ear.
“And how on earth do you know that?” Bess asked, giggling slightly.
“This is a good omen,” Nathaniel offered. “You helped Nelle bring their son into the world. How could God himself give us anything but goodness after this?”
“God will do what he wants, don’t you think?” Bess said.
Nathaniel shook his head, drawing back. Still, his face maintained this gorgeous smile, one that seemed assured of the next ten years, twenty years, perhaps thirty years of their lives. Bess scrunched up her nose.
“What did I do to become so lucky?” she murmured. And it was true; she had thought this several times in the previous nine months since they’d fully given in on their love for one another.
Since then, Lady Elizabeth Byrd had returned to Society. She’d faced the world that she’d abandoned for so long, a world that she’d felt sure would reject her if she gave it more than a cursory glance.
Immediately, upon her affirmation of their engagement, Nathaniel’s mother, Lady Eloise Linfield, had tossed her arms around Bess and hugged her close. She found a way to ensure the other men from Parliament, Lord Binford and Lord Waldron, along with Everett (who’d gotten the hint) left dinner immediately post-dessert, so that the three of them could sit together. Bess was amazed at the questions Lady Eloise Linfield asked her. “How was it you came to know my son?” she enquired. “And how was it he came to fall in love with you? He’s never been in love before.”
Bess had felt awkward, sitting in full view of both Nathaniel and his mother. But within a half-hour, she’d grown accustomed to Lady Eloise’s ferocious and enquiring eyes. She’d even found a way to dance around the questions and ask some of her own. Within time, she found that Lady Eloise respected her, above everything, and felt she was the right sort of woman for Nathaniel.
“You’re a political writer, and you certainly have the brain for it,” Lady Eloise had said, walking Bess to the door later that evening. “I should imagine that whatever children you have …”
“Mother!” Nathaniel had cried.
“I’m simply speaking the truth. For what on earth will you do, as husband and wife, if not have children?” Lady Eloise had said, blinking wide eyes at her son.
Bess had supposed she had a point.
The morning of the wedding, Bess awoke at her home with Irene and Peter. She felt that someone was sitting atop her chest. Irene assured her that this was only anxiety—anxiety for her future, for the passage of time.
“Great. That makes me feel much better.” Bess sighed, rolling her eyes.
“I’m here for honesty, Bessie,” Irene offered. “Nothing more.”
Irene would be the woman to walk down the aisle prior to Bess herself—as she was the only family Bess truly had in the world. Peter would be the one to escort her, a fact that had left him riddled with fear since she’d asked him. “I’m just not terribly sure I can do it,” he offered, sliding his hands through his hair and tugging at it. “What if I fall out of time? What if everyone makes a mockery of me?”
“They simply won’t, Peter. You’re a remarkably handsome, very together young man,” Bess had told him. “They’ll wonder why it is I’m marrying Nathaniel, rather than you.”
At this, Peter—who, Bess knew, had had a sort of crush on her since they’d known one another—blushed in a way that gave his love away. But wasn’t it better to always be known, to always have your heart on your sleeve? Bess thought so, now. Now that she’d decided to stop hiding.
“With this ring, I thee wed,” Bess murmured, slipping the ring over Nathaniel’s finger at the end of the ceremony. She glanced up into his eyes, shocked at the tremors that rollicked up and down her arms and legs.
“With this ring, I thee wed,” he said, as well, adding the ring to her finger.
And, before God, Nathaniel’s mother, Everett’s brand new baby boy, thirty of the children from the homeless shelter, and some two-hundred-some more people besides, Nathaniel and Bess kissed to their future and to their marriage. The crowd erupted, clapping their hands together. But Bess was lost in the swirling chaos of her own mind.
For, not so long ago, the very people who now cheered for her had jeered at her.
Not so long ago, they’d cast her away from them and assumed she would be too frightened to ever return.
And, for a long time, she had been far too frightened.
When their kiss broke, Nathaniel reached for her hand and kissed the tips of her fingers. The roar continued from the crowd as he whispered, “Darling. Do you promise to stay by my side forever?”
“I will never leave you,” Bess returned.
The pair of them spun towards the aisle of the immaculate church. They felt the burning eyes of over three-hundred guests, could feel the whispered rejoices of countless of their friends and Nathaniel’s family.
If this wasn’t a blessing, Bess didn’t know what was.
And she wasn’t entirely sure how she’d got there.
Her adulthood had been a strange, hazy time. It had involved falling in love with the wrong man. It had involved sitting idly by as that wrong man had sidled up to her father and convinced him to commit horrific acts against their family and friends—the wealthiest echelon of Society. And when the world had discovered their heinous crimes, she’d become a factor in them. “Too stupid to know what her fiancé was doing, all this time,” several had said, “Too idiotic to ask the right questions.”
But she was older, now. She was wiser and more self-assured. The love she had for Nathaniel hadn’t been formed at a debutante ball, as others had watched over her and judged her decisions. Rather, their love had been accidental, and therefore, the most beautiful sort of all.
When they danced at the reception, the crowd was hushed as Nathaniel twirled her across the gleaming floor. Bess couldn’t have imagined a better ending, or a beginning. And she supposed, in essence, it was truly both.
“I love you,” Nathaniel murmured, drawing his lips over hers. They were warm, and they were full, and they held onto hers for a long, wonderful moment.
Bess couldn’t imagine ever pulling back.
This was her life for good.
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OFFER: A BRAND NEW SERIES AND 5 FREEBIES FOR YOU!
Grab my new series, "Love and Secrets of the Ton", and get 5 FREE novels as a gift! Have a look here!
Hello my dears, I hope you enjoyed the book and the Extended Epilogue! I will be waiting for your comments here. Thank you 🙂
Your story was wonderful. The end of the book was good and I liked your epilogue.
Just perfect
Delphia
Thank you so much my dear Delphia! Your kind words mean a lot to me!
I loved the story & enjoyed the extended epilogue very much . E Manning .
I’m delighted that you enjoyed my book dear! Thank you for your comment!:)
Great but not k and extended epilogue. Thanks so much for sharing your great work
Charlene
Great extension to an already wonderful book
Thank you so much my dear Jenn! 🙂
Thank You so much for this wonderful epilogue. I was so happy for Lady Elizabeth and Nathaniel to have “found” each other, after all their trials and tribulations in life. It was the best “Happy Ending”, I’ve ever read!
I can’t wait to read another book. This one was amazing!!!
That’s great my dear Kathryn! I’m delighted you enjoyed my book. 🙂
It took quite a while for these two characters to realize their love for one another, but when they finally admitted it to each other, their world changed for the betterment of the poor. Always a good outcome. A truly happy life for two “older” people who cared for others!
Thank you for your comment my dear Nancy! 🙂
What a truly wonderful read from start to finish. Such believable characters and heartwarming moments,interspersed with heart stopping difficulties. Without a doubt one of the books I shall read several times.
I’m humbled my dear! Thank you so much for your kind supportive words!
It was a fitting end to the story. Thoroughly enjoyable.
I’m delighted you enjoyed the story dear Jennifer!
Really enjoyed this book I had trouble putting it down! One of the best stories about women using their talents I have ever read ! So glad that Elizabeth and Nathaniel’s story ended with their wedding and Everett’s baby beig born. Thank you for a great story and extendef epilogue ..
I’m humbled my dear! Thank you so much for your kind words and support!
Fantastic story. Very well thought out. Need to read more stories from you. Very refreshing. Love the extended epilogue, as it brings with it a very nice conclusion.
Thank you so much, I am really glad you enjoyed it1
Thank you so much, I am really glad you enjoyed it!
I loved the intelligence and the care taken to make the characters have substance without the need to throw in sexually described acts. A refreshing read with likeable and interesting topics/characters.
Thank you so much for your kind words, my dear Jody!
Very much enjoyed this book. The characters were very entertaining and believable.
I was wondering if you could continue the story of Bess and Nathaniel and Peter and their friends.They only just begun to live in the pages of your book. Thank you very much!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I will keep your suggestion in mind for my future books, my dear Gwynne! Stay tuned! 😉
A very good story and non of the explicit bedroom antics which I find boring and usually skip over, and I do like a happy ending.
What an intriguing tale. I loved the complex characters of our heroine Bess and our hero Nathaniel. This was a real heart warming story I thoroughly enjoyed. Thank you so much for writing it.
I’m humbled my dear Judith! Thank you so much for your sweet words and support!
Another book I really enjoyed. Things have been crazy and finding the time to read your books has given me some much needed escape. Thank you!
It’s so nice to hear that, my dear Isabel! It makes me really happy!
Your support means so much to me, my dear Isabel! Thank you!
I really enjoyed reading this book the characters were so easy to love and relate to.
That’s great my dear Kaye! So glad you enjoyed my book!
Beautiful story with a little intrigue thrown in, but, I don’t see the need for the Epilogue when that could be part of the book. It wasn’t even a must have information.
You must continue with this story. I want to know the rest of there life story.
I will keep your comment in mind for my future stories my dear Angela! So glad you enjoyed my book!
I truly enjoyed the book. It was well written, uncomplicated and different than most books. The extended epilogue is always a bonus and this one was so good to read. Keep up the good work.
My dear Rena, I’m so excited you enjoyed my book! Thank you very much for your kind words!
Thank you for a wonderful read I loved all the people
I’m delighted to hear that, my dear Bobbee!
What a wonderful story. Loved both of the characters. So nice to read a book without explicit sex. Peter was adorable. Need to see more of all the characters. Loved the epilogue!
Thank you so much for your lovely comment, my dear Deborah! I keep your comment in mind for my future stories!
I loved this story which is so different from so many Recency stories.
Truly enjoyed Eluzabeth and Nathaniel’s story. Thank you so much for a delightful read.
My dear Vickie, I am so glad to hear that!
Well done!!! Loved the book, the storyline, the string characters! The extended epilogue was phenomenal!!!
Thank you so much for your lovely words and support my dear Susan! So glad you enjoyed the story and the extended epilogue! Make sure to stay tuned because I have more coming!
Thank you so much for your lovely words and support my dear Susan! So glad you enjoyed the story! Make sure to stay tuned because I have more coming!
I read this several years ago but I enjoyed it as much as I did then.
Thank you, that’s amazing to hear!
I really enjoyed your book I want to know about their life and children in a future book
Thank you, I am so happy! I’ll definitely think about it!
This book was a little different and I really liked it. Loved the epilogue. Keep up the wonderful work!
I’m glad you liked it!
I enjoyed reading your book. I loved the characters.
Thank you, dear Judy!
I have loved all of your books I have read. This one was unique in having her be a journalist and I loved it, as well as the Epilogue..
it’s wonderful to find out more of what her future holds as well as the happy ending. Thank you.
Thank you also for ending with a few chapters to read of the next book so I can then order it on Amazon. I read it in two days so it helps to have another book ready to read.
Thank you, dear Marlene! I’m so happy!
This book shows that women can be and often are as smart as or smarter than most men. But this book also shows how shallow ‘high society’ is. As for those men who lost so much money, it sounds more like they should have sought out more information – at least that’s my opinion. It was also nice reading more about Everett and the woman he had loved for years.
This is a wonderful story about love and finding out hat love can abound from the lowest to the highest in ‘society’.
Thank you!
A wonderful story. It is too bad that society is still like that today. We are such a judgemental society. I often wonder how God’s heart must hurt. Thank you for a wonderful story.
Thank you, dear for all the kind words!!
I loved it
I’m so happy!
One of the best tales that I have ever read. The story was very moving and the epilogue was a wonderful, emotional conclusion to the happy ending before it. I wanted to hug all those dear children without parents . I would rate this story ten stars out of five. A must read in honor of strong women who stand up for the welfare of themselves and the less fortunate.
Thank your for your feedback, dear Karen! Really appreciate it!
Ms Abigail
The Secret Identity of the Lord’s Aide was an amazing book and extended epilogue. Elizabeth and Nathaniel were such a great couple and the friends they had were awesome. I am very grateful for such an incredible read.
Sincerely
Sharon
Thank you so much, Sharon! I’m thrilled you enjoyed Elizabeth and Nathaniel’s journey, as well as their wonderful friends. Your kind words mean the world to me!
a very different story line but so interesting I couldnt put it down and read half the night . loved it Thank you
Thank you so much for your kind words! I’m thrilled you enjoyed the story and found it gripping. Your feedback means a lot!
I loved this story. Quite unusual which made it more intriguing. You are a very good story teller❤️
Thank you so much for your kind words! I’m thrilled you enjoyed the story and found it intriguing. Your support means the world to me! ❤️
(sigh) Loved it.
So nice to hear that my dear Emma! 🙂
I loved that Bess was such a different character than you usually read about in historical stories. Irene was someone I fell in love with as she seemed so strong and powerful in herself. Would be lovely to see what her story and background would be. When it came to the epilogue, it was nice to read about the wedding and felt that in Bess’s case writing was something she would be able to continue even within the restrictions marriage may have brought through that era.
Thank you
So glad you enjoyed the story and the characters of my book my dear Molly! Thank you for your kind words!
Awesome book hope to hear more about them in the future.
Different. I couldn’t stop reading. I loved it.
So nice to hear that my dear Jenita! Thank you!
I would love to see what happens to Peter and Irene. If she finds love and marriage. I think Peter’s story will be interesting to read. Awesome 👍😁 story.
I enjoyed the introspection of your characters. The way they each began to question the way they had thought things should be and began to think differently. Stepping out of the normal into new ideas.
I agree with Sharon! Would love to know what happens with Irene and Peter. Plus more of Bess and Nathan’s story.
I loved the book and epilogue! Give us more!!!
I’m delighted you enjoyed the story and the characters my dear Debbie!
Loved the story! Can’t wait to read more stories. Would like to see stories on Irene and Peter. Thanks Abigail for a wonderful read.
Loved the story! Can’t wait to read more stories. Would like to see stories on Irene and Peter. Thanks Abigail.
Loved the story! Can’t wait to read more stories. Would like to see stories on Irene and Peter.
So nice to hear that my dear Margaret! 🙂
would of liked to see they had children, etc.
Another awesome book and epilogues, Abigail. Your old fan, ERiS
I truly appreciate your support my dear Eris. 🙂
I appreciate the theme running throughout this story, that in spite of misfortune, grief and disappointments in the past, the future can be great. Never lose hope or settle for less. These two quotes from Abigali’s book sum up this thought:
“This is the only life you have. Its not over yet.”
And
“One has to seize one’s life…one has to fight for what one wants.”
This aspect of the book was inspiring, and I liked the emphasis on the fact that the written word is powerful and useful. Also, the equality of human beings no matter their station. Thank you for a good happily ever after!
Thank you so much for your sweet words my dear Charlotte! I’m delighted my book inspired you!
I enjoyed this story it was nice to read about a woman coming in to her own. Especially enjoyed the extended epilogue. I would like to see storys about Irene and Peter.
I’m delighted you enjoyed the story my dear Karen!
Enjoyed this wonderful tribute to women who can “make it” in a gentleman’s world. I always love a Happy ending and would like to find out how Peter and the newspaper boss finished on their part in this story.
I’m delighted you liked my book, dear Audrey! 🙂
I loved the story and the extended epilogue. Keep writing Abigail.
Your support means a lot to me my dear Barbara! Thank you!
Thank you for another inspiring book that brings humanity to the forefront. I love characters that “ come into their own” and leave me wanting to be a better person. Like the others it will be interesting to read about Irene and Peter. I also have a feeling that Carter has a story of his own.
So happy you enjoyed my book, dear Janice! 🙂
The more I read this story – I had such great admiration for Bess. She had a true caring heart for the children at the shelter and for others also! A truly smart and remarkable woman! Good story with a happy ending for Bess and Nathaniel.
Thank you so much for your kind words my dear Dot!
loved ts story and the epilogue but I want more. what happens to Irene and Peter? The home and the Children? Nathaniel’s mother and her sister? Barney?
So happy you enjoyed my book dear Judi!
Inspiring story. Bess was the kind of woman that would have opened gates for women to follow their own intellectual gifts. We all can be more if we never give up. Thank you for this story.
I’m delighted you enjoyed the story my dear Peggy! Thank you for your kind words!
This was an exceptional book about a sad and unjust time in England a true love story! I also enjoyed the epilogue.
Thank you so much for your sweet words my dear Betty! I truly appreciate your support. 🙂
Bess was such a strong character. Remarkable what society does to people. People snub their noses because of something completely out of her control. I admire how she was able to apply her talents for the good of the poor. This was certainly a good read. Thank you!
So happy she found her real love.
A truly inspiring story. I found myself believing in the characters and what they were going through. Great story and writing. A pleasure to read.
Well done I couldn’t put the book down and and just had to have the epilogue it was entriging please write more on their life together also Irene and Peter and maybe how the children in the homeless shelter fared keep up the good work
This was an intriguing storyline. I could not believe a female editor of female writer but they were amazing! And Peter was truly a wonderful lad. Nathaniel was quite a unique lord.
Lovely story,such wonderful characters too. Would love to read Peter and Irenes story.I really enjoy the extended story’s in these books. Great story,couldn’t put it down. Would recommend it. Thank you.
By far, one of the best books I ‘ve read. Didn’t want to put it down. Flowed really well with never a dull moment. Loved it! Would be interesting to find out about what happened with some of the other people.
I’m humbled my dear Peggy! Thank you so much for your sweet words and support! 🙂
I loved this book. The ending was great
Love that the woman was the one who could teach the man how to get ahead! Also liked the fact that your hero was not a typical alpha male, but was introspective and sensitive.
Irene and then Peter certainly need their turns at a happy ending too!
thank you much for your sweet supportive words my dear Terri! I’m delighted you liked my book!
Beautiful story with a little intrigue thrown in, but, I don’t see the need for the Epilogue when that could be part of the book. It wasn’t even a must have information.
I’m glad you enjoyed the book my dear Elda! Thank you very much for your kind words! The extended epilogue is just some bonus material, so this is why it isn’t part of the book; the story is complete even without it.
Loved the book and epilogue ( as I knew I would.) The two sides of the Death Ruling was really interesting and extremely well written. Thanks for t he book.
I’m delighted you have enjoyed my book, dear Nancy! Thank you so much for your sweet supportive words!
I am in the process of reading all your novels. Your story lines are intriguing and keep me focused. This is the third novel from your list that I have read. Can’t wait to start another one. Keep them coming, please.
My dear Lynn thank you so much for your sweet words! I’m delighted you enjoy my books! Your support means a lot to me. 🙂
Wow! What a way to end a beautiful story. Thank you I just loved it.
Thank you for your lovely comment my dear Nancy! So glad you liked the story!
How refreshing to find books written with interesting plots, great characters and good morals. I love your books and have read every one so far. Thank you so much! I look forward to many more.
Your support means a lot to me, my dear Nancy! I’m delighted you enjoy my books!
Could not put it down until I finished it than you for another great book
That’s fantastic, my dear Judith! I’m delighted you enjoyed my book!
I truly loved this book. I couldn’t put it down. Loved the characters in the story and the love. Your such a good writer. Would love to find out what happens to the shelter, how many kids did they have? What happens to Peter, and will lrene find love. Hope you let your readers know. Thank you so much for this sweet story.
Thank you so much for your sweet comment, my dear Diane! I will keep your words in mind for my future stories. 🙂
This was the first of your books that I read but definitely will not be the last a beautiful love story and seeing these two coming into there own was ever so powerful I could ramble on but will only say ” more of these people and of their friends and acquaintances please.” You tell a beautiful story. I loved this book.
My dear Valerie, thank you so much for your lovely comment!:)
I have been enjoying several of your books and will continue to read them!
My dear Marthann, your support means so much to me! Thank you very very much! ❤️
A lovely story ! A story of two good people meeting ,sharing and improving the best of themselves and working through their difficulties together. I would really love to see these characters in future stories- especially Irene and Peter. Beautiful characters that wonderfully illustrated love and friendship.
I had just finished reading this while waiting for my husband while he was in a 4 hour surgery. The timing of the success of his surgery and the happy ending is a moment in time I will cherish. Thank you for writing such wonderful stories that entertain and relax me!
My dear Mary, I’m humbled! thank you from the bottom of my heart for your lovely comment! Your words mean so much to me! I hope your husband gets better soon! ❤️
Thoroughly enjoyed the story and how their lives changed thru the years.
My dear Helen, thank you so much! So glad to hear that you enjoyed my book! 🙂
Your beautiful story of overcoming the circumstances in which we might find ourselves help to get me through the “wonderful state-mandated coronavirus quarantine of March 2020. It was certainly a pleasant diversion. Thank you for the get-away. The extended epilogue was definitely a plus!
My dear Fern, thank you so much for your sweet words! I’m happy to hear that you enjoyed the story and that it helped you to distract your mind and deal with the current situation. Have a lovely day!🙂
I have read a few of your books now and love the extended epilogues your characters bring romance drama and joy and take my mind of all other things.
My dear Sheelagh, I am so glad to hear that! Stay tuned for more!
A delightful and intriguing read. The story was different to most romance novels that center around balls and gowns. To have a heroine as part of a newspaper staff was most unusual. Your story encourages women to use their talents to make the world a better place.
I’m humbled my dear Emily! Thank you so much for your supporting and kind words, it means the world to me. I am so glad you enjoyed the book! Make sure to satay tuned because I have more coming!
Lovely poignant Romance and extended epilogue.. You continue to thrill your fans with your amazing stories. Happy to have found your enchanting, enthralling, entertaining Regency historical romances.
Thank you so much my dear. So glad you enjoyed the story! Make sure to stay tuned because I have more coming!
Yet another lovely story. Enjoyed how they eventually got together and feel in love against all the odds. Hope that they can help the children that were sleeping on the streets. Hope they get to have the family that they so deserve.
Thank you so much for your lovely words and support my dear Lynda! So glad you enjoyed the story! Make sure to stay tuned because I have more coming!
I really enjoyed your story.Thank you
So glad to hear that my dear Delores! Thank you so much!
I could not put the book down. I had to find out how the reconciled their lives.
That’s so great to hear, thank you!!
I enjoyed the storyline that explored the lives of the poor of England and Lord Lindfield’s growth in understanding that he was able to better their lives through his political endeavors. I would like to read more about Peter and Irene, and the married life of Lady Elizabeth. Thanking you for keeping it clean! I don’t read “racy,”
Thank you!! I am really happy you enjoyed this!