A Baron’s Disguised Lady – Extended Epilogue

---

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!

---

Five years later

In the serene embrace of Sarum Lacy’s private cemetery, under the tender watch of an early autumn sky, Lord Archibold Thompson stood with a demeanor of quiet reflection beside the resting place of his beloved sister, Gwendolene. The air, filled with the scent of freshly turned earth and the distant aroma of late-blooming flowers, seemed to pause, listening to his gentle words.

“Gwendolene,” he began, his voice a soft echo amidst the stillness, “it’s been another year, and here I am, as promised.” He brushed a leaf from the top of the marble, tracing the intricate etching of her name with a tender touch. “I’ve much to tell you, dear sister, for life at Sarum Lacy has blossomed in ways I scarce could have imagined.”

A smile found its way to his lips, the warmth in his eyes belying the coolness of the breeze. “Lavinia and I, we’ve been blessed with twin daughters, Gwen and Thea. Spirited little beings they are, each day with them is an adventure—a delightful, exhausting adventure.” His laughter, light and heartfelt, carried on the wind. “And now, life has seen fit to gift us once more. Lavinia is with child again, and our hearts are full to bursting.”

He paused, allowing the silence to wrap around him like a comforting shawl. “I’ve kept my promise to you, Gwen. I’ve lived, truly lived, not just in the shadow of your memory, but in the light of the future you wished for me.” The sincerity in his voice was palpable, a testament to the journey from grief to gratitude. “Your memory, it’s a beacon for us, guiding, never overshadowing. You’d adore your nieces, and I know, in some way, you watch over them, over all of us.”

Standing, Archie took a moment to look around, his gaze sweeping over the landscape that had cradled their family through generations of joy and sorrow. “I miss you every day,” he whispered, “but the pain has become a part of me, a part that loves deeper, cherishes more fiercely. You’ve made me a better man, Gwen.”

With a final glance at the grave, a silent vow to return, he turned and made his way back to the house, the grand edifice of Sarum Lacy visible through the trees. The home, once a symbol of loss and longing, now thrived as a haven of love and laughter, its walls echoing with the vibrant energy of a family reborn.

As he walked, the sound of distant laughter reached his ears, a harmonious blend of the past and the present, of memories cherished and futures bright with promise. Today, he realized, was not a day for mourning but for gratitude—for the journey, for the love that had bloomed in the most unexpected places, and for the family that had grown, rooted in the legacy of the sister he would never forget.

As Archie made his way back to the grandeur of Sarum Lacy House, the air was punctuated with peals of laughter and the delightful cacophony of a family at play. Lavinia, the heart and soul of their home, was in the midst of a merry chase across the vibrant gardens, her skirts swirling around her as she pursued the twin embodiments of joy and mischief, Gwen and Thea.

The twins, with their boundless energy, darted like sparrows between the flowering beds and ancient trees, their laughter ringing clear and true. Lavinia, her eyes alight with the thrill of the game, moved with a grace that belied her condition, her laughter mingling with the sounds of the garden.

Not far behind, Octavia and Horatia, the matriarchs of the family, joined in the pursuit. Their roles as grandmothers had brought a new youthfulness to both, their dignified poise set aside in favor of the simple joy of playing with their granddaughters. Octavia, with a strategy born of years of experience, anticipated Gwen’s next move and expertly guided her into Horatia’s waiting arms. Horatia, for her part, scooped up the giggling child with ease, her laughter as youthful as the twins’.

Meanwhile, Thea, with a cunning smile and a quick turn, attempted to evade Lavinia, only to be gently ensnared by her mother’s loving embrace. “Got you, my little sprite,” Lavinia declared, her voice filled with warmth and triumph, as she spun Thea around in a dizzying dance of joy.

The garden scene, alive with the sounds of familial bliss, painted a picture of a family united not just by blood, but by an unbreakable bond of love and shared experiences. It was a beautiful picture of the life Archie and Lavinia had built together, a life that honored the memory of those they had lost while cherishing the gifts of the present.

As they gathered together, catching their breath amid the blooms and the soft rustle of leaves, Lavinia leaned against Archie, her hand resting gently on her rounded belly. The twins, momentarily subdued, nestled close to their grandmothers, their eyes wide with the innocent wonder of childhood.

In this moment, the sprawling estate of Sarum Lacy was more than just a home; it was a sanctuary of happiness, a place where laughter was the greatest treasure, and love the foundation upon which every joy was built.

Here, in the company of loved ones, under the watchful gaze of ancestors and the tender care of nature, the legacy of Gwendolene lived on, a silent guardian of the joyous life her brother had vowed to live in her honor.

With the twins now securely in the gentle clutches of their grandmothers, the garden’s playful chaos settled into a more serene tableau. Octavia and Horatia, each with a twin nestled in their arms, shared knowing glances that spoke volumes of the quiet satisfaction and profound joy found in moments like these. Their laughter, still echoing off the garden’s stone paths and flowerbeds, was a testament to the day’s delight.

Lavinia, feeling the first signs of fatigue from the afternoon’s escapades, found respite on a nearby wrought-iron bench, its cool surface a welcome contrast to the warmth of the day. As she sat, a subtle but unmistakable sensation began to ripple through her, a gentle reminder of the life stirring within her. The contractions, though mild, held the promise of imminent change, a signal that their family was about to grow once more. She placed her hands gently on her belly, a look of wistful anticipation painting her features.

It was then that Archie, having returned from his visit to the cemetery, found her. His steps, once heavy with the weight of remembrance, now carried a lighter, more hopeful cadence. Observing his approach, Lavinia couldn’t help but notice the transformation in him. The years had softened the edges of his grief, allowing him to embrace life’s joys with a newfound vigor.

“How was your visit to Gwendolene?” Lavinia inquired, her voice laced with genuine interest and understanding. She knew these visits were a sacred ritual for Archie, a time to connect with his sister’s memory and find peace in the continuity of their family’s legacy.

“It was good, truly good,” Archie replied, taking a seat beside her. “I told her about us, about the twins, and the new life we’re soon to welcome. It’s comforting, in a way, to share our joys with her.” His gaze, turning towards Lavinia, held a depth of gratitude and love. “I think she’d be happy for us.”

Lavinia smiled, her eyes reflecting the depth of her affection for him. “I’m sure she would be. And you? How are you feeling these days?” she asked, her concern for his well-being as palpable as the air around them.

“Better than I ever thought possible,” he admitted, his hand finding hers. “I’ve found a purpose, a joy in life that I never imagined could exist after Gwen’s passing. And much of that is thanks to you, Lavinia. You’ve helped me see the beauty in living again.”

Lavinia, touched by his words, leaned closer, her head resting gently against his shoulder. “We’ve grown so much, haven’t we? From the moment I arrived at Sarum Lacy, everything changed—for the better.”

“Yes, we have,” Archie agreed, his voice soft but firm. “And you, my dear, have become the very essence of this family. A lady in every sense, and a mother beyond compare. You have given me so much.”

Their conversation, intimate and reflective, was proof of the journey they had undertaken together. From the shadows of grief to the light of love and new beginnings, they had traversed a path that had strengthened them both, individually and as a couple.

“I love you, Lavinia,” Archie said, his voice resonant with emotion. “More than words can express. You’ve brought light into my life when I thought all was darkness. You, our children, this life we’ve built… it’s my greatest joy.”

Lavinia squeezed his hand, her heart swelling with love. “And I love you, Archie. You’ve shown me a strength I never knew I had, a happiness I never imagined possible. Our family, this beautiful, chaotic, wonderful life… it’s everything I’ve ever wanted.”

Their conversation continued, a gentle stream of shared dreams and hopes for the future, interwoven with tender “I love yous” and soft laughter. The bond between them, forged through adversity and strengthened by love, was unbreakable, a testament to the enduring power of the human heart.

As they neared the house, Lavinia paused, a sudden intensity in her gaze. The contractions, once gentle reminders, now announced their presence with a more insistent rhythm. She placed a hand on her abdomen, a smile of wonder and anticipation lighting up her face.

“Archie,” she said, her voice vibrant with excitement, “I think it’s time. Our third child is on their way.”

Archie’s response was immediate, a mixture of awe and a rush of adrenaline. “Truly?” he asked, his eyes wide with the realization of the moment.

“Yes,” Lavinia confirmed, her smile growing wider. “I can feel it. They’re ready to join our family.”

Without a moment’s hesitation, Archie wrapped his arm around her, his actions guided by a blend of protective instinct and joy. “Then we must prepare. I’ll alert the midwife and ensure everything is ready for your comfort.”

The couple hurried inside, their steps quickened by the urgency of the situation but tempered by the excitement of welcoming a new life into their world. The household staff, alerted to the impending arrival, sprang into action, their efficiency and care a testament to the deep bonds that tied the inhabitants of Sarum Lacy together.

In the hours that followed, Sarum Lacy became a hive of activity and anticipation. The grand home, no stranger to the cycles of life and the echoes of generations past and present, braced itself to welcome its newest member.

And as Lavinia, surrounded by love and support, embarked on the final stretch of her journey into motherhood once more, she and Archie shared a look of profound love and connection. In that moment, all the trials and triumphs of their past seemed to converge, pointing them toward a future filled with endless possibilities. The air within Sarum Lacy was charged with a sense of expectancy, a quiet before the profound joy of new life making its entrance into the world.

Hours passed, and then, in the earliest hours of the morning, when the world outside was painted in the hues of dawn’s first light, their anticipation was met with the most joyous of outcomes.

“It’s a boy,” the midwife announced, her voice a gentle herald of the news that filled the room with an immediate burst of happiness and relief.

Archie, who had been a pillar of support beside Lavinia throughout, felt a surge of emotion so powerful it left him momentarily breathless. A son. They had welcomed a son into their family, a brother for Gwen and Thea. He looked down at Lavinia, her face alight with a mixture of fatigue and pure, unadulterated happiness. Their eyes met, sharing a moment of profound connection that needed no words, a mutual recognition of the new journey they were about to embark on together.

“Our boy,” Lavinia whispered, her voice imbued with wonder and love. “Our beautiful son.”

Archie leaned down, kissing her forehead gently, then turned to gaze at the newest member of their family. The baby, swaddled in a soft blanket, was the epitome of peace as he slept, unaware of the immense love that already surrounded him.

“This is the beginning of a new chapter for us,” Archie said softly, his voice thick with emotion. “A future where our family continues to grow, bound by love, resilience, and now, with the addition of our son, a new hope.”

Lavinia nodded, her hand finding Archie’s and squeezing it tightly, a silent vow of their continued journey together, through the joys and challenges that lay ahead. Their son, a symbol of their enduring love and the future they were building, was a promise of the adventures to come, of stories yet to be told and of a love that would continue to flourish, deepening with each passing day.

As the first light of dawn crept through the windows, spilling over the family nestled together, it seemed as if Sarum Lacy itself was embracing them, its walls echoing with the sounds of a new beginning. And that beginning was full of love.

Readers who read this book also liked

---

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!

---