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Note from Abigail: In the early version of the book, there was a minor mixup with the epilogues. So I am posting them here in their correct form and order. If you have already read the passage below, please go to the Extended section by clicking here.
Normal Epilogue
Two years later at the country estate around the time for Christmas celebrations, the candles danced, and music drifted through the air. Gregory and Jules watched their mothers squabbling for the fifth time over the menu for Christmas dinner with much amusement. Right before Jules thought they would have to intercede to ensure that the women were indeed safe there was the sound of horses outside.
“Oh, that will be Fred,” Jules said with excitement. She started to get up, then fell back to her bottom and laughed. “I am afraid that I am not as graceful as I once was.”
“But you are still quite a sight to behold,” Gregory said with a smile as he helped her up. He cupped her elbow in his hand once she was on her feet and guided his wife towards the door.
There outside, Fredrick was just slipping off his horse. He turned and waved with his free hand to the couple who had come out to greet him. “Is it not a bit cold for a lady in your condition to be out in the snow?”
“It is not snowing yet,” Jules said petulantly. “Besides, I am growing tired of being coddled. What took you so long to return?”
Fredrick raised his hands helplessly and said, “I was attending a meeting to organize help for the poor houses and such. I guess time just got away from me. Besides, they had cookies and a warm fire.”
“Well, we have both here as well,” Gregory said with a laugh.
Fredrick laughed along with his brother. “Why did you not say that to begin with?
Gregory put his arm around his brother’s shoulders and led him inside. “Mother and Mrs Kelley are knee-deep in a two-hour argument over what sprouts are traditional to serve. Do you want to watch?”
“You two really need to get out of this house,” Fredrick laughed at Jules and Gregory.
Jules agreed, “You are probably right, but with my current condition, and the weather only getting worse, I doubt we will be out much until spring at earliest.”
“You poor wretches,” Fredrick said with a grin.
Gregory shrugged. “I am not sure to be honest. Jules had a bit to do with the guest list, but I have mostly been keeping my head down and just hoping for the best.”
“That really is the best course of action,” Fredrick said wisely. “Besides, I am sure Jules was a good influence on her.”
The brothers exchanged a look before Gregory said, “To be honest, she might have been a bad one. She has been having a lot of moods which I cannot account for, dear Brother.”
Fredrick snickered. “Well, she is with a child. I think that allows her some small amount of indulgence.”
“Oh, I indulge,” Gregory said with a nod. “I just do not know if I will survive the birth and having an infant.”
Fredrick laughed. “You have survived to take your seat in the House of Lords. Surely that was harder for you?”
The two of them walked across the lawn and breathed in the crisp air. Gregory shrugged. “It was something that I should have done before. If I had, then perhaps none of this would have happened, and we would not have had to go through all of this.”
“But then you very likely would not have that young lady in the house that is currently heavy with your child. So I think it all works out in balance, eh?”
“Yes,” Gregory said with a smile. “I suppose it did end fairly well.”
“I am not going to eat it, Mama,” Jules said with a smile. “I am just placing hollies and mistletoe around for good luck and romance.”
Mrs Kelley folded her arms and said, “I think you have had enough romance.”
“Not for me,” Jules said with a wave of her hand at her mother. “I am trying to create a festive atmosphere for Fredrick to meet his lady love.”
Mrs Kelley sighed. “You should not meddle in the affairs of others, Jules.”
“What affairs? He spends all his time, every last minute, devoted to bringing about change in the poorhouses and workhouses. He will die alone at this rate,” she said as her eyes brimmed with tears.
Lady St Claire clucked her tongue as she came into the room. “Are you crying over Fredrick’s fate again?” Lady St Claire looked at Mrs Kelley and said, “This is the third time today.”
“Do you think you are sleeping enough? Or are you not drinking enough?” Mrs Kelley asked her daughter in concern.
Jules threw up her hands. “I am fine. I have things to see to,” she said in exasperation as she stomped off.
The two women looked at each other and shook their heads in commiseration. Jules ignored the older women and went straight to Sherry who was helping peel potatoes in the kitchen. Jules smiled at the young woman. “Have you gotten to see the house?”
“What I saw of it looked very cheerful,” Sherry said with a smile. “
Jules frowned and sat down beside Sherry at the kitchen counter. “Do you think that I should leave Fredrick be?”
“I think your heart is in the right place,” Sherry said as she gave her friend’s hand a pat. “Has His Grace told you that you should not do it?”
Jules said sheepishly, “I have not really told him of my mission. I think he will tell me to stop, and I do not want to. Truthfully, it gives me something else to think about than the impending birth of my child in the next couple of weeks.”
“You are scared,” Sherry said in understanding.
Jules nodded enthusiastically. “I am terrified, but I do not want to tell anyone how terrified I am because they might think I am weak. Women are supposed to birth babies. It is simply what we do,” she said. She chewed her lip in worry.
“You cannot keep things bundled up in yourself, Your Grace,” Sherry said with a sympathetic smile. “Childbirth is not an easy thing, and no one will think the worse of you for being afraid of it. I’m quite afraid of it, and I’ve never done it.”
Jules said, “Maybe that is why I am afraid of it. I just have never done it before.”
“It is entirely possible,” Sherry said. “You could talk to your mother or Lady St Claire. They have done it before. Perhaps they could help you.”
Jules thought about it and nodded. “Maybe so,” she agreed quietly.
Soon enough the cook was over to see what was taking the potatoes so long, and Jules took her leave to keep from getting Sherry in trouble. As she walked down the hallways, Jules admired the ribbons and hollies that adorned the house. It looked like a Christmas vision to Jules.
She stopped and sighed happily as she looked at the big Christmas tree framed by the doorway with its tinsel and ribbons. It looked quite magical amid the candlelight that bounced off the tinsel and sent sparkles around the room. There was nothing to be done now but wait. Jules decided to spend the time in a way that everyone would approve of; she went and took a nap.
The evening and music were perfect. Jules had always loved the idea of Christmas, but the reality of it was not really the same thing in a poor household. She loved that ribbons appeared and people suddenly smiled more. It was as if those ribbons brought with them all the good tidings for the year that people kept buried away.
Christmas seemed to bring out the best in people, but Jules was no silly girl who believed in frilly tales of goodness without there being some reality. There were always people who sought to take advantage of the generosity of spirit that people possessed at that time of year.
Jules was dragged from her thoughts as she saw just the person she wanted to see. The youngest daughter of the Marquis of Dorchire, whose father had been most furious when Boris had been stripped of his title, stepped into the room accompanied by her father.
“Marquis of Dorchire,” Lady St Claire said happily. “I am so glad that you could make it.”
The man nodded, “Well, my daughter was most insistent, and I have to admit that I was rather fond of the idea of getting some of that lovely pudding you always serve, Miriam.”
“Oh, Reginald, you are really too kind,” Lady St Claire said as she patted the man on the arm.
Jules hurried up to the pair and waved at the young lady. “I am so pleased to see you, Rachel,” Jules said enthusiastically as Lady St Claire led the Marquis off to show him the table of food they had prepared.
Rachel smiled shyly. “This place looks so lovely.”
“Thank you. I have worked hard on it all day,” Jules said with a proud smile. “Why don’t you come and see the tree?”
Rachel said with excitement, “I would really like that.”
“You seriously expect me to know what some young lady looks like when I barely know her name? I have been away to war for some time, Gregory,” Fredrick said as he sipped his eggnog.
Gregory rolled his eyes. “I forget what they look like, and I see them every other month,” he said with a laugh.
“Ah, there’s Amanda,” Fredrick said. “She is the Marquis’ middle daughter.”
Gregory frowned. “I was not aware he had a middle daughter. I think I have only met two of them,” he said in amusement.
“She has been away to school,” Fredrick explained.
Gregory looked at his brother strangely. “How do you know who she is, if I might ask?”
“Nothing unseeingly,” Fredrick assured his brother. “She works with one of the churches, and they help with the poorhouses. I met her at a meeting.”
Jules came over and introduced Rachel to Gregory and Fredrick. “Gentlemen, this is Miss Rachel Trenton, the daughter of the Marquis of Dorchire. Rachel, this is the Duke of Thornton and his brother Sir Fredrick St Claire.”
Rachel curtseyed and smiled at both men. “It is a pleasure to meet you Your Grace and Sir St Claire. It is a most enjoyable party.”
“We cannot really take any credit for the party as it was all Her Grace and our dear mother’s doing,” Fredrick said with a smile. “I certainly hope you enjoy the party. I have to excuse myself for a moment.”
Jules frowned as Fredrick made his way through the crowd. Rachel said, “There’s my sister. I better go say hello. Excuse, Your Graces.” Jules and Gregory nodded at the young woman as she set off towards the taller brown-haired girl.
“You are barking up the wrong tree,” Gregory said with a smile.
Jules looked at her husband in puzzlement. “What are you on about?”
“You have the wrong sister if you are looking to tame my brother,” Gregory said with a wink at his wife.
The music drifted in and out of the room as the musicians played festive hymns and songs to keep the dancers moving. Jules gave into curiosity and asked, “What do you know?”
Gregory nodded over at the Trenton sisters. “That taller young lady is Rachel’s older sister, the middle child of the Marquis of Dorchire,” Gregory said with a smile. “Apparently, she does charity work with one of the churches that are involved with the pet project of my brother to improve conditions in the poor houses.”
“Oh,” Jules said as she folded her arms. “I think I can use that to my advantage.”
Gregory laughed, “Why not just let things happen? I think you might be surprised by how much things just happen on their own.”
Jules frowned, “Maybe, but how can I be sure? What if they dance around each other for years?”
Gregory sighed and pulled his wife with him to the dance floor. “What is bothering you?”
“Nothing,” Jules said softly. She avoided his grey eyes but found herself caught in them anyway. “Fine,” Jules breathed out. “I am nervous about the birth.”
Gregory smiled and chuckled. “Is that all? I thought you were going insane through some imbalance caused by bad spirits.”
“Very funny,” Jules said grumpily.
Gregory sighed and said, “I cannot really help with that other than to say I am quite nervous about that as well.”
“Are you really?” Jules asked the man, and he nodded. She had never thought of the Duke as being afraid of much. “I did not think you afraid of anything.”
Gregory scoffed, “Says the woman who rode off into danger multiple times to find my brother and me. No. You are the one I would call fearless. Yet here we both are, and we are afraid.”
Jules leaned her head against Gregory’s shoulder as they danced slowly to one side of the dance floor to avoid the swirling couples. She sighed against the man’s fine cloth jacket, “I truly have been a terror these past few days, haven’t I?”
“Oh, a little,” Gregory said with a grin, “but I can live with it. I just want you to feel better.”
Jules nodded as she leaned up to look at Gregory. “I will feel better when I hold my baby in my arms.”
“I look forward to that too,” Gregory happily admitted.
“Lord, have mercy upon me. Why did I not die before this?” Fredrick said dramatically. “Does she have anyone in particular in mind? I hope not that child she introduced to us.”
Gregory chuckled and said, “I dissuaded her from any notions she might have about that pairing, so have no fear on that front, good soldier.”
“You are a good man, Gregory,” Fredrick said earnestly. “Seriously, is she still playing matchmaker with me?”
Gregory sighed and said, “I am not entirely sure, but she is a bit antsy, and it gives her something to do.”
“This is not funny, Gregory,” Fredrick said as his brother eyed him in amusement. “The things I endure for this family.”
Gregory patted his brother on the shoulder and gave him a wink as he left to go back inside.
The snow had begun to drift down in big fluffy flakes that floated lazily as if they had all the time in the world. Fredrick batted at one, and a voice asked, “What did that snowflake do to raise such ire from you?”
Fredrick turned and smiled on reflex. “Lady Trenton,” Fredrick said as he turned fully towards Amanda.
“Do not let me stop you from your amusements,” Amanda said with a smile. “I saw the snow was coming down well, and I just wanted to be out in it for a moment.”
Fredrick turned back away from the house and watched the flakes floating. Amanda stepped up beside him and admired the flakes set against the dark tree line. They were silent for a long while, just standing in the snow in comfortable silence.
Finally, Fredrick spoke, “My father loved the snow. He loved it more than we did, I think.”
“Really? I do not think my father would even step outside all winter if it were not for business,” Amanda said with a laugh. “What was your father like?”
Fredrick shrugged. He said softly, “He was very tall. He had this big booming voice, and he would always laugh when it snowed. We used to sledge down a hill in the back. You cannot see it really at night, but it is a beauty of a hill.”
“I would love to sledge,” Amanda said with a warm smile. “I never have.”
Fredrick laughed. “You have never sledged? If I had another leg, then I would teach you.”
“What does your leg have to do with sledging? Are you not sitting when you slide down the hill?” Amanda asked with a grin.
Fredrick knew a challenge when he heard one. He shook his finger at her. “You are a very shrewd woman. I have said it before, Lady Trenton, and I will say it again, you were made to be a barrister.”
“My talents work much better at getting blusterous barristers to listen rather than talk,” Amanda said with a shake of her head. “Besides, my inclinations are more towards hearth and home.”
Fredrick smiled and shrugged. “So are mine,” he admitted.
“And yet you went to war,” Amanda said in fascination. “Why do that?”
Fredrick sighed and explained simply, “Family and honour.”
“Ah,” Amanda said with a nod. “My father talks of that a lot, which is fine, except he has a house full of girls. He talks as if we will march off to battle any day.”
Fredrick gave a harsh and cold laugh before he said sadly, “What you do holds more honour than any battlefield, Lady Trenton.”
Amanda smiled at Fredrick. “I think that is a very kind compliment, Sir St Claire,” she said softly.
Jules frowned. “Just a little,” she admitted. “It isn’t as if I can hear anything, and the snow is coming down quite well.”
Mrs Kelley came out of the kitchen and caught Jules’ eye. “Can I talk to you for a moment?”
Jules cleared her throat and said, “Of course. I will be right there.”
“I know you somehow set that up,” Gregory said with a laugh.
Jules scoffed, “How could I? She was in the kitchen. Go be grumpy somewhere else.” Gregory just chuckled as his wife hurried off after her mother towards the kitchens.
Mrs Kelley was waiting at the kitchen table with some cookies and milk. She waved for Jules to come over. “When I was first pregnant, I craved these cookies. They were about the only thing that made me be able to sleep properly,” Mrs Kelley said softly.
Jules smiled and sat down with her mother at the table. She picked up a cookie and smelled it. “I remember these cookies. They taste spicy. You had them when you were pregnant with the girls.”
“Yes,” Mrs Kelley said with a smile. “I know that you have been through so much, and I am glad you have found a good husband. I just am sad that we might forget who we are in all of this.”
Jules clasped her mother’s hand. “I will never forget whose daughter I am, Mama,” Jules said confidently. She bit into the cookie and laughed. “It’s amazing how much better just the taste of that makes me feel.”
Mrs Kelley laughed lightly and gave her daughter’s hand a squeeze. “So are you ready to talk about what is going with you?”
“Why does everyone think something is wrong with me?” Jules asked as she pouted.
Mrs Kelley ventured, “Perhaps because you are pouting, and I don’t think that I have ever seen you pout. Darling, all women go through a phase where they want to nest and make things better for the baby that is coming. It is simply nature. It is a good sign.”
“It does not feel like a good sign,” Jules said miserably. “I really just want to help everyone be as happy as I am, but to tell the truth, Mama, I am afraid all the time.”
Mrs Kelley smiled knowingly. “I thought you might be, but old habits die hard. You have been pretending to be a man for so long that you forgot to let go of the bravado they carry.” Mrs Kelley gave her daughter’s face a gentle caress with her free hand. “There is something very powerful about a fragile woman, my daughter. We can do all manner of things that men cannot dream of. Just breathe.”
“But I am so scared that I won’t know what to do, or I won’t be able to handle the pain,” Jules said softly as tears brimmed up in her eyes.
Mrs Kelley said softly, “It is okay to worry or to be scared. We all were.”
Jules smiled and nodded, “I feel better knowing that.”
The hour was small when Jules’ eyes popped open. What had awakened her? She sat up searching for what had roused her. Gregory lay next to her oblivious to her. Jules snuggled back into the pillows and tried to go back to sleep, but she felt so oddly hot and anxious.
Jules got up out of bed and paced a bit, hoping the cool of the floor would soothe her. She pulled on her robe and opened the door. “Where are you going?” Gregory asked groggily as he sat up in bed.
“Sorry. I did not mean to wake you,” Jules said sheepishly. “I just woke up, and I cannot go back to sleep.”
Gregory got out of bed and pulled on his robe as well. “Come then, I will walk with you.”
“You do not have to do that. Go back to sleep,” Jules insisted.
However, Gregory just shook his head at her. “You know better than to argue with me,” Gregory said with a laugh.
Jules waved off the man’s frivolity. She was not feeling very humorous. She just wanted to walk. Turning on her heel, she headed off down the hallway with Gregory close behind her.
Downstairs, Jules looked at all the decorations. There would be church services in the morning, she thought. She could hear the hymns they would sing already. She wandered past the large Christmas tree and out towards the back door that led out just below where the hill was that Gregory and Fredrick had sledged on as children, and still did on occasion if Fredrick could be talked into it.
Gregory said, “It is a bit cold outside. Maybe you should stay inside?”
Jules nodded and then clutched her stomach. She wanted to tell Gregory what was wrong, but she could scarcely breathe, let alone talk. Gregory just held her and whispered, “It is okay. Breathe.”
When it finally subsided enough that she could form words she said, “Get my mother.”
The next few minutes were a blur of activity. She was put upstairs in one of the bedrooms where she paced relentlessly. Sherry, her mother, Lady St Claire, and several other servants were in the room with her. The pains came and went, and the time seemed meaningless.
She rested when she could, paced when she needed to, and when the pain finally got bad enough that her mother told her that the baby’s birth was near, Jules just felt exhilaration. She had no time to feel anything beyond determination. The pains were constant, and the urge to push too strong.
Before she realized it, there was a tiny cry, and Jules caught sight of her son for the first time. Love bloomed in her heart, and she cried right along with her son. Her mother placed her son on her chest, and Jules stroked his dark hair.
When Gregory was finally let into the room, he looked around anxiously until his eyes landed on Jules who beckoned him over as the other ladies made their way out of the room. “Look,” Jules said softly. She nodded down at the small wiggly baby cradled against her bare chest.
Gregory smiled and reached down to touch his tiny hand. “My son,” Gregory whispered.
“He is perfect,” Jules said softly.
Gregory nodded his agreement. “He is truly one of the best gifts I have ever received for Christmas or any other time.” He stayed with Jules until she began to doze, and Mrs Kelley came in to put the baby in his bassinet nearby.
“You should go get some rest. Little ones do not sleep for long, Your Grace,” Mrs Kelley said, and then she smiled and added, “Congratulations.”
Gregory dipped his head and said, “And congratulations to you as well.” Mrs Kelley smiled at the man’s words as she swaddled the infant up.
“The baby is good?” Fredrick asked anxiously as Gregory stepped outside the bedroom.
Gregory nodded and gave Fredrick a big smile. “He is so tiny and so loud. He is good.”
“Are you going to go down it?” Amanda asked as she stepped outside in her warm winter clothes.
Fredrick eyed the hill and said, “I have not made up my mind yet.”
“Is there something that would sway you?” Amanda asked with a laugh.
Fredrick said seriously, “Perhaps if someone were to go down the hill with me.”
“That is most uncouth. Anyone who would behave in such a manner truly has to be a savage,” Amanda remarked with a shake of her head.
Fredrick sighed. “Yes, but think of what your father would say.”
“He probably would not say much as he fell to the ground,” Amanda assured Fredrick.
The door to the backyard opened, and Gregory stepped outside. “What are you two doing?”
Amanda said, “Sir St Claire was just telling me how he was going to go down the hill.”
“Oh?” Gregory waved at the hill. “Go on then. We shall tell you what we think of it.”
Fredrick glared at his brother but sighed as he resigned himself to walking through the snow. Amanda exclaimed, “You should have help.”
“I should?” Fredrick said with humour. He might have felt reproach at the offer of aid, but from Amanda, it did not feel like a slight, more an excuse to be closer.
Amanda rushed over and nodded, “Of course. Let me aid you.”
“You are an angel of mercy,” Fredrick said with a smile as he assented to her help. When they made it to the top, Fredrick let her sit down on the wooden sledge first, and then he sat down behind her.
Amanda yelped in fright as the sledge lurched forward which caused Fredrick to chuckle. By the time they reached the bottom, they were both laughing and covered in snow. Gregory was most amused.
“I dare say, I am glad the Marquis did not see that demonstration,” Gregory said with laughter.
Amanda leaped up and dusted herself off. “This must look so horrible on me. I am embarrassed,” she said hastily.
Fredrick shook his head. “There is no need for that. I think you rather brave. It took Her Grace a good two weeks to work up the nerve to go down that hill,” Fredrick said with a smile.
“Her Grace went sledging down that?” Amanda asked in amazement.
Gregory nodded to his brother and stepped inside to leave them alone. Fredrick shrugged. “It has become a tradition,” Fredrick said quietly. “We always take our lady loves down the hill with us.”
Amanda looked up at Fredrick in surprise. “You? Really?”
“Yes,” Fredrick said softly. “And if you would have me, then I was planning on talking to your father about it.”
Amanda laughed and nodded. “Yes. Yes, I would like that.”
Jules smiled up at Gregory. “I hope they are as happy or happier than we are.”
“I would agree, but I do not think it is possible to be any happier than I am right now,” Gregory said softly. He placed a kiss on his wife’s forehead and then one on his son’s hair.
Jules shook her head. “There is always happier,” Jules smiled at him. “I am glad I met you, Duke of Thornton.
Extended Epilogue
Jules tickled Jacob’s chin which elicited sweet giggles from the infant. Tally and Georgette crowded near the infant and giggled along with their nephew. “He’s so cute,” Georgette cooed.
“Do you want to hold him?” Jules asked. Georgette looked dubious, but Jules said. “You can sit down, and I will place him on your lap.”
Georgette thought that sounded safe enough, and she sat down on the sofa in the sitting room. Jules stood up and gently set the infant in Georgette’s arms. Jacob was only a few months old, but he wiggled and kicked much to Tally’s delight.
“He’s so squirmy,” Georgette complained as she endeavoured to hold onto the infant.
Jules laughed and scooped the infant up to Georgette’s relief. “I thought you wanted a house full of babies? Is that not what you said?” Jules asked in amusement to her younger sister.
“Well, perhaps. I think I will wait a long while, though,” Georgette said with a shrug.
Tally said, “I want a dozen. We can play games all day.’
“I think you will be a bit too busy to play games with that many children,” Jules said with a shake of her head.
Mrs Kelley came in and smiled at her daughters. “I thought you two were supposed to be helping plant the garden?”
“Oh, we forgot,” Georgette said sheepishly.
Mrs Kelley smiled over at her grandson and said, “I think I can understand that. However, you do still have to earn your keep. Now off you go.”
The two girls gave Jacob kisses on the forehead before they darted out of the room in a rush to get to their chores. Jules sighed, “It will be nice to have some nice weather. I love snow, but even I can grow tired of it.”
“I think we’ve about seen the last of the snow for one year,” Mrs Kelley said as she came over and stole Jacob out of Jules’ arms. She gave the baby a gentle kiss. “He’s such a healthy boy,” Mrs Kelley said proudly. “Is the Duke staying in London this week?”
“No, I suspect he will manage to get home,” Jules said with a wry grin. “He does not like being away from Jacob much.”
Mrs Kelley nodded. “He’ll need to temper that,” she said.
“Oh, I’m sure he will be gone more often once the House of Lords convenes this year. We will still have plenty of company with Lady St Claire staying home from the London Season this year. She wants to spend time with her grandchild,” Jules said as she smiled at her mother who was swaying with Jacob in her arms. “You’ll spoil him by letting him sleep in your arms like that.”
Mrs Kelley laughed. “Oh, you don’t really believe that nonsense do you?”
“No, not really,” Jules said with a laugh. “But if he does wake up at night demanding to be held then—”
“I gladly offer my services,” Mrs Kelley said.
Jules shook her head. “I see your fiendish plan.”
Gregory found the house full of laughter and noise as he returned. The two young Kelley girls and the son of the housekeeper were playing a game that mostly seemed to involve shrieking and running. Gregory was halted abruptly as the boy came barreling around a corner and ran smack into the Duke.
The boy’s mouth fell open. “I beg your pardon, Your Grace! I was just chasing Georgie!”
“That’s quite alright,” Gregory said and then added in a whisper, “I think she went towards the kitchen.”
The boy beamed and took off the next instant like the wind towards the kitchen. A few moments later laughter and shrieking again ensued along with some scolding words from the cook. Gregory chuckled to himself as he made his way up the stairs.
He knocked on the door where Jules and Jacob had been sleeping as of late to keep from disturbing him. “And there are the people I want to see the most,” Gregory said as he stepped into the room.
Jules and Jacob were on the soft rug playing. Jules turned towards her husband with a happy smile. “You made it back! I thought you were held up until tomorrow at the earliest,” Jules said with a smile as Gregory bent over to give her a quick kiss.
Gregory sank down to the rug beside his wife and held out his hands to Jacob who waved his chubby baby arms excitedly and kicked his feet. Gregory scooped the infant up and smiled at the gurgles the child made. He sighed contentedly. “The world outside may still be quite flawed, but I do believe we have the makings of a perfect home in here,” Gregory said with a smile.
“I think we do indeed,” Jules said. She bit her lip and then asked, “Where has Fredrick been?”
Gregory chuckled. “Still meddling? He has been courting Lady Trenton and trying to get in her father’s good graces.”
“Do you think he’ll win the Marquis over?” Jules asked with a grin.
Gregory nodded and smiled at Jules. “St Claire men are a tenacious bunch,” he said with a wink.
Jules laughed. “You certainly are from what I have seen.”
They sat together with their son and enjoyed the brief moment of time they got as a family. The country estate for the first time in years resonated with the sounds of family life and children laughing. The world outside might have its faults, but within Thornton Hall, peace had found a home.
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I thought this was an extended Epilog. It is timed 2 years after the the epilog of the novel, which ended with the family playing with an infant named Jacob.
However, this portion tends to portray a time period prior to Jacobs birth.
This is very disjointed and totally out of character of this author.
Thank you for your feedback, dear Loaura. In the early version of the book, there was a minor mixup with the epilogues. So I’ve posted them here in their correct form and order. You could find the Extended section above 🙂
loved this book and I loved the characters. thanks for the great entertainment you have provided during this pandemic 🙂 stay safe
Wow. I absolutely loved this book. I couldn’t put it down. It was very exciting. I like to be surprised at the end of a book And I was very surprised at who the culprit was Jukes sure went through a lot. I loved her character. And Gregory was very loving towards her and didn’t care that she didn’t come from wealth!
Wonderful story! I couldn’t put it down until I was done! I’m so glad things worked out for the Duke and the Artisan!
I was a little puzzled by the continuation. In one ending there’s Jacob and in the continuation Jacob wasn’t there yet until the end! Very puzzling!
Overall, a good read!
💖
I’m glad you liked the story, my dear! In the early version of the book, there was a minor mixup with the epilogues. So I’ve posted them here in their correct form and order. Make sure to stay tuned because I have more coming 🙂
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I loved that the Duke and his family were not prejudiced against Jules and her family. From the very beginning they embraced them as equals. The adventure was another good plot. There’s also a bit of suspense which captivated my attention from the beginning. Kudos to Abigail.
Thank you, my dear Linda. Make sure to stay tuned because I have more coming!
A truly wonderful book.so enjoyed reading it.couldnt put it down
Thank you, my dear Wendy. Appreciate it! 🙂
This is a wonderful book. The combination of romance and adventure is what makes this a book you cannot out down. I loved it.
The only confusing part for me was the epilogue and the extended epilogue. In the epilogue the baby is two months old and it’s spring but in the extended epilogue the baby has not been born yet. Should they be switched?
I’m glad you liked the story, my dear Pamela! In the early version of the book, there was a minor mixup with the epilogues. So I’ve posted them here in their correct form and order🙂
What a wonderful captivating story. I read long into the night because I just could not put it down.
It started off with a very different approach to a romance of this period.
It twisted, it turned, it was thrilling, tense, happy, back to thrilling all dished up with a bit of back stabbing and kidnapping.
And yet it was so well written it was not just a jumble of activity.
I just loved it
Thank you, my dear Anne. I really appreciate it! 🙂
Wonderful book. I love the characters Jules , Gregory and his brother Frederick, their mothers and Jules little sisters. I liked that Jules was a commoner and not a aristocrat.she was also training to be a mason but she was disguised as a boy. I liked that Gregory’s family accepted Jules and her family. I enjoyed the twists in the story. It was a great read
Wonderful! Glad you liked it, my dear Wendy! 🙂
What a wonderful book, love suspense, intrigue and a really great read!! Loved the idea of commoner and the Duke and watch their love come to fruition. Look forward to more books to enjoy!!!
I’m glad you liked the story, my dear! Make sure to stay tuned because I have more coming!
A wonderful tale which touched on historical detail and mores while entertaining with a love story and ending with hints of another to follow.
Thank you so much, my dear Jean! I’m glad you liked the story!
Great read. Finished the entire book in one evening. Thank you so much. Terrific.
Thank you, my dear Roberta. Really appreciate it!
This was a great book. I loved the whole story.
Thank you so much, dear Bobbie 🙂
A first class read. Read it in one sitting. Couldn’t put it down
Lovely! Thank you, my dear Lynette 🙂
Loved this one! Well written, with good character development.
Thank you so much, dear Connie. I’m glad you liked the story 🙂
Hello. I enjoyed this book with the story line love and twists and turns. The epilogue at the end of the book show the baby being born and it’s only a few months old with no name. The extended epilogue goes forward to about six months after birth to late in the spring or early summer where the baby’s name is given. I did not find a problem with the time line as other comment have stated. Very good read.
I’m so glad that you enjoyed the story, my dear! Make sure to stay tuned because I have more coming 🙂
Good read, is there to be a follow up book on Fred?
I’m glad that you enjoyed the story, dear Barb. Not for now, but I might consider it in the future 🙂
Another very good story by Abigail Agar. Life was so very different during the regency period. This story was filled with intrigue and some mystery as well as danger. The Duke was a compassionate man and cared about the lower class and was determined to help them. There he met the artisan, a mason who helped to build buildings for poor very low wages. And there the mystery begins. A very good story, kept me reading into the night.
Wonderful! Glad you liked it, my dear Virginia!
This is one of the best books I have read. What a wonderful story, it has love, mistery, exitement, and history! Thanks for writing this book!
I’m honored, my dear Sonia. I really appreciate your kind feedback 🙂
This is an excellent book to read, I really recommend it!
Lovely! Glad you liked it, my dear!
I loved the book but the 2 epilogues should be compiled in one
Glad you liked the story, my dear Teresa 🙂 In the early version of the book, there was a minor mixup with the epilogues. So I’ve posted them here in their correct form and order.
Format: Kindle Edition
I really enjoyed this book. As I was reading I thought that it would make a great movie. It moves right along from one conflict to another. Just when you think that first conflict was forgotten about and you are resolving something else…boom everything starts falling into place. I love the way things are connected. The characters are people you want to love. They are family. What could be improved? Get rid of the word “can” and replace it with the word “may”. Abigail, not picking on you, but it seems the word “may” has been lost in the English language. I promise, “May I help you?” is not only correct, but has a softer, more gentle sound. I still give you 5 stars because I loved the book.
Fantastic! Really glad that you liked the story, my dear! I also, appreciate your honest and kind feedback! I will keep that in mind for my future books 🙂
I so enjoyed the book I love the twist and turns and the friendship between the family. It moved along so well and fast I could not put it down read it in one day. Great story Thank you
Wonderful! Glad you liked it, my dear Cindy!
A great read about an era where working people had a beginning to guild halls and the toubels that beset them. Not many romance novels of this period being out that part of history. The characters were well defined, very personable and convincing. The struggles they all faced were touching and yet authentic to the story. Keep writing like this and you will ever lose your readers !
Thank you so much, dear Anne! I really appreciate your feedback and support! Make sure to stay tuned because I have more stories coming 🙂
loved the story and kept me interested to the end
Wonderful! Glad you liked it, my dear Cheryl!
Loved the story. Had a great story line and it moved along smoothly.
Thank you, my dear Anita! Really appreciate your kind words!
I really enjoyed this book. What a great read, it is. The characters are well developed. I also enjoyed the plot. It was a interesting book. I can’t wait to read the next book.
Lovely! Glad you liked it, my dear Rose! Make sure to stay tuned because I have more coming 🙂
Great book. The resolution of the family disputes between the uncle and nephews was satisfying.
Thank you so much, my dear Vicky!
Jules , Gregory, Frederick and their families made for a great read. I loved the two epilogue and extended epilogue. I look forward to reading about Fredrick and Amanda. Thank you for writing and romance without the sexually explicit paragraphs that I would rather not read. You wrote a clean romance mystery that was worthy of a couple of Hallmark movies. Loved it, start to beautiful finish.
Thank you so much for your kind words and support, my dear Judy! I’m glad you enjoyed my story!
Wonderful story really loved the new ending
This is the first time I have read anything by this author can’t wait to read more books
Thank you so much, my dear Maria! So glad you enjoyed my story!
Abigale this was a remarkable story. My husband was not amused when he came home last night with dinner only halfway, but such a gripping book must be read and enjoyed in one day flat. Keep writing. Blessings, Ester
Oh, my dear Ester, you made me laugh! Thank so much for your kind words and support!
Totally enjoyed this story! Couldn’t put it down! I hadn’t a clue it was iris until he was leading the Duke to find Uncle Lawrence!
Thank you so much, my dear Bobi! I’m glad you enjoyed my story!
I love yout books and love that you do an extended epilogue. When I read your stories, I can’t seem to put them down until I am completely through.
Thank you so much for your kind words and support, my dear. I truly appreciate it!
These characters really lived for me. Gregory and Frederic were wonderful men. I would have enjoyed being friends with Jules. Fantastic storyline also. Was caught by surprise at who the villain truly was.
Thank you for your kind words, my dear Patricia!
Couldn’t put the book down! Read until the end. Good fiction but, but very factual regarding the guilds at this time!(I love history!) Was a really great story with lots of intrigue and very believable characters. How about a follow-up concerning Frederick and Amanda?
I’m glad that you enjoyed the story, dear Susie. I might consider it! 🙂
I really enjoyed this story, it would make a good movie. Please keep writing.
Thank you so much, my dear Melba!
I really liked reading this book. I stayed up past my bedtime to finish it. Way to go!
Fascinating story. Good plot. Really enjoyed reading it 🙂
Thank you so much, my dear Roberta! So glad you enjoyed it!
Thoroughly loved the exciting and thrilling adventure the characters had. Looking forward to one with Frederick in his own story.
So glad you enjoyed it, my dear Arlita!
Truly enjoyed the novel. The suspense and twists were quite intriguing and yet a wonderful love story on top of it. Loved it
So glad you enjoyed the story, my dear Nancy!
Thoroughly enjoyed the book, very difficult to put down.
So glad you enjoyed it, my dear Debbie!
I loved the story, but I thought I was going to have to go after the uncle. It was a good finish for the story and resolved each part very nicely. Good thing I’m a fast reader or I’d have had to read half the night since I couldn’t put it down! Kudos.
So glad you enjoyed the story, my dear Rosalie!
Really enjoyed reading this book . Very good story and strong characters was surprised the baddie wasn’t the uncle after all a very good twist to the story .
Thank you so much, my dear June! So glad you enjoyed it!
I did love this book has no problem with the extended edition
I enjoyed reading this book, storyline was good. Jules wasn’t your typical female character and this plus Gregory’s family bitterness gave the story a bit of mystery as well.
I really enjoyed the book. I loved the characters and the story. I didn’t want it to end. Thanks for a wonder book. Please keep writing.
This was another great book. I recommend it to anyone. All Abigail Agar’s book I have enjoyed. This one touched my heart ❤️, hard to put down. Thanks for your great reads love them.
I enjoyed the book and love tying up loose ends…so where is RUBY? I felt sure she would join the family!!!
I’m delighted you enjoyed the story my dear Kathleen! 🙂
Wonderful story,loved the characters and the mix of romance and mystery. Would love follow up stories as the family came over as very real.
Thank you so much for your sweet words my dear Sue!
Loved this book. Read it in one sitting. Could not put it down. I would love to see a follow up story on Frederick and his wife. Please keep writing.
They have a lot of adventures to keep us guessing a t outcome. Real nailbite r.enjoyed very much!!
I’m delighted to hear that, my dear Carole! Thank you!
Wow! I’m truly enjoying each story more than the ones before Abigail! This was a great example of how good a story can be even without detailed sex. I loved the twists and turns as we try to find the bad guy in this story. Also is the message that love is blind. True love doesn’t need a title, land or money for two people to be happy. Keep up the good work please. I’m addicted to you writing and will be starting the next book tomorrow.
My dear Laura, thank you so much for your lovely comment!❤️
What a enjoyable book. So much going on and you get frustrated & wondering then have to keep reading. Worth reading – and a very good, nice Clean Romance with adventure, danger – lots of various dangers, and joy.
Love the intrigue in the story but am somewhat puzzled as to when the Duke started falling for the Artisan.
My dear Juliet, I am so glad to hear that!
Another terrific story!! I don’t know how you do it but I’m tickled pink that you do!!! The stories are all so different as are the characters!
Abigail, I don’t know why but I didn’t have any confusion over the epilogue or the extended.
Anyway, there was a very slight hint about Jules and her mother’s background when you talked about her mother’s thread bare satchel. That her grandmother carried it on her trips to Paris or italy? It hinted that her mother might have been born into wealth or of noble blood but you never said anymore about that. It would have been a nice touch to the story.. I have read this book twice and had forgotten a lot of it. Good book. Thank you Abigail!
Thank you so much for your detailed feedback my dear Judy.
You are raising some valid points. I will keep them in mind and will work closer with my editor to get them handled in the future.
Thank you again for taking the time to share your thoughts with me, they are very helpful. I hope you enjoy the rest of my stories.
Have a great day!
This was a great read with suspense and intrigue. But there did not seem to be any real intimacy unless you count Gregory kissing Jules on the forehead a few times. Did I miss something in the romance department-not even a “you may kiss the bride.” And Gregory pushed the bedchamber door open with his foot, scooped Jules up in his arms, she called him Gregory, and in the next sentence he is greeting his mother.
Maybe something as simple as-Gregory kissed Jules as he eased the door closed with his foot. Jules was surprised by the warmth that flooded her body. She wondered what the night would hold. Gregory whispered in her ear, “My Duchess.”
Thank you so much for your honest feedback my dear Vivian! I will keep you words in mind!
An enthralling, entertaining, enchanting must-read. Captivating from start to finish. This intriguing, poignant Novella will be sought after, by lovers of Regency historical romances who may want to add it to their collection of fascinating, favourites.
I am so glad you enjoyed the story my dear Greer. Thank you so much for the suuport!
This was à delightful story of romance, mystère and aventure. Emily
Glad you enjoyed the story dear Emily!
Thank you so much for your kind comment and support!