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Five years later
Gwyn followed Jack down the hall. “You are going to run yourself ragged,” she said as she paused to let Fred run by her. She hurried to catch up to the man. “Are you heading into London?”
“Nope,” Jack said as he snatched an apple out of a bowl in the kitchen. “I do not have to go back to London today, perhaps tomorrow, but not today.”
Gwyn shook her head at the man. “So where are you going in such a hurry?”
“Oh, I promised my father that I would walk to the property with him. He wanted to talk about how the land would go in future inheritances,” Jack said with a shrug.
Gwyn threw her hands up in the air. “I think inheritances are all men think about sometimes,” she said in vexation.
“Nonsense,” Jack said as he pulled Gwyn to him. “I can think of other things.” He gave her a kiss before he turned and threw his hand up into the air. “I see Father waving at me, duty calls.”
Gwyn leaned against the counter and looked over at the cook who gave her a smile. Gwyn returned the woman’s expression before she went out the door as well. Fred was beside her in an instant. “Where did you come from?” Gwyn asked the little boy.
Fred smiled up at her. “I was hiding,” he explained.
“Ah,” Gwyn said. That was reasonable, she supposed. She definitely had not seen the boy before he popped up.
Fred asked, “Mama, what does Grandpa mean when he says that I have cousins?”
Gwyn frowned. She had never heard Lord Shelton talk much about Henry’s children. She knew from letters that Henry and Jack wrote to each other that Henry had already had a second child. The first was a girl and the second child a boy.
“Well,” Gwyn said softly, “he probably means your Uncle Henry’s children.”
Fred fell silent as they walked across the fields between the two houses. Finally, he asked, “Is that Papa’s brother that lives far away?”
“Yes,” Gwyn said in a pleased voice. “I am surprised you remembered that.”
Fred shrugged. “I thought that he was a pirate. Papa likes pirates so much that I figured his brother probably was one.”
Gwyn laughed, but she had to admit that the description sort of fit Henry. “He is not a pirate. He just lives a very long way off in the colonies. Do you remember where the colonies are?”
“Across the ocean,” Fred said with a grin.
Gwyn nodded. “That is absolutely correct.”
“Do you think I will meet them?” Fred asked curiously as if he were already pondering what these cousins might be like.
Gwyn considered the idea then said, “It is possible. I do not think it will be any time soon, but it is possible. When did you hear your Grandpa talking about your cousins?”
“When he was talking to Papa about the land,” Fred said as he kicked at a stick on the ground.
Gwyn thought that sounded interesting. She had advocated that Henry’s children not be cut completely out of the inheritance. Perhaps, Lord Shelton was finally listening.
Once they reached the house, Gwyn gave a wave to her father who sat in the sunroom. Fred ran on ahead of her to go play with his grandfather. Gwyn’s mother walked out the double doors that opened from the sunroom out onto the garden and gave Gwyn a smile.
Gwyn said, “Morning, Mother.”
“Good morning, darling,” Lady Stanton said cheerfully. “You look very thoughtful.”
Gwyn nodded as she watched Fred playing with her father through the glass of the window. “Fred overheard Lord Shelton and Jack talking about his cousins. He is very curious about them.”
“As he should be, I suppose. It is a normal thing for a child to be,” Lady Stanton said as she looked around at her grandchild.
Gwyn said, “They were discussing inheritances. I wonder if Lord Shelton has decided not to punish Henry’s children for his misdeeds.”
“Perhaps,” Lady Stanton said, “do you think they will return from the colonies?”
Gwyn shrugged. “I do not know. Henry and Jack write to each other. I have always thought that Henry seemed quite content in the Americas.”
“What would you think if they did?” Lady Standon asked as she eyed her daughter curiously.
What did she think about that? Gwyn had thought she had thought all she could on the subject, but still more dwelling seemed inevitable. “I do not know what I think of it. I suppose I would deal with it as best I could. I hold no particular ill will against them. Jack and I are happy, and that is all that matters to me.”
“I imagine if he gave them an inheritance, it might be in the form of small tracts of land or perhaps even just money that could be sent to them,” Lady Stanton said reasonably. “They would not be able to hold title certainly.”
Gwyn laughed. “Never put it past Henry. If anyone can find a way,” Gwyn said with a grin.
“Yes, well, I do not know that we should exalt that behaviour,” Lady Stanton said with disapproval.
Gwyn agreed, “We should not, nor am I. I am merely saying that if anyone could, then it would be Henry.”
Gwyn cornered Jack later that evening after the family meal in the sitting room that adjoined their bedrooms. “So,” she demanded. Jack looked at her curiously. Gwyn huffed. “Fred overheard you and your father talking about Henry’s kids. Does this mean that they are getting an inheritance?”
“Of a sort,” Jack said and then laughed at the vexation on Gwyn’s face. He held up his hands to ward off her fury. “We have written to Henry about it and talked things through over the last few months. We have decided that the best way we can help Henry and his family is to set up funds for the children’s future and educations.”
Gwyn clasped her hands together. “That is a wonderful idea,” she said with a smile. “I am glad that Henry has gone along with the idea. It will help the children greatly.”
“Yes,” Jack said with a smile. “My mother wants him to send the children to England to study, mind you. I do not know if that will happen, but I know that they all very much like where they live in the colonies.”
Gwyn frowned and said, “I am doubtful that they let the children come to England as well. It is a shame, as I know that Fredrick would very much like to meet them.”
“Well, I am sure he will eventually,” Jack said with a shrug. “It just may be awhile.”
Gwyn said, “Speaking of things that may not be. My father wants to redo the bridge.”
“What does he want to redo about it? The wood could use some sanding in places, but it is not that bad,” Jack said as he considered the idea.
Gwyn shook her head. “He just mentioned it when I was over the other day. It seemed rather an odd thing, but it just struck his fancy.”
“Maybe he will forget about it,” Jack said hopefully.
Gwyn laughed. “That never works out for you.”
“I know,” Jack said with a sigh. “You can let me dream, though.”
Gwyn shook her head. “If you want to dream, then go to sleep,” she said with a smile. “Off to bed with you, Duke of Castleberry.”
“You cannot order me around,” Jack protested with a grin.
Gwyn put her hand on his shoulder and said, “I disagree, Your Lordship.”
Gwyn and Fredrick sat in the sunroom playing draughts. Nearby, her father and Lord Shelton were also playing a round of a game, but the two men were playing chess. Her father was doing surprisingly well, Gwyn thought, given the man’s tendency for his mind to wander off.
“Mama, how come Pop-pop calls me different names?” Fred asked as he picked up his game piece and jumped over one of Gwyn’s pieces with it.
Gwyn said, “Well, Pop-pop has a bad memory. He just forgets sometimes. When he forgets, it makes him sad, that is why we just play along.”
“I guess,” Fred said with a shrug.
Gwyn smiled at the boy and reached across the table to give his hair a ruffle. “Cheer up,” she told the boy. “A future pirate captain has to be more resilient than that.”
Fred laughed, but he agreed with a nod. “I know, Mama,” he said as he waited on her to take her turn.
Lord Shelton boomed out with laughter, “You ruffian!”
“If anyone is cheating it is you. You put that pawn back on the board,” Gwyn’s father said as he picked up a pawn as if to demonstrate.
Lord Shelton shook his head. “For someone who has lost his marbles, you always catch me when I try to fool you.”
“That is because you are very obvious,” Gwyn’s father said with a laugh. “It does not take any brains at all to see something a child could pick out.”
Lord Shelton raised his hands in defeat. “Very well,” he said. “You have caught me out, and I shall gladly admit it.”
Lord Stanton nodded and looked pleased with both himself and his friend. He leaned forward. “Did you talk to Jack about the bridge, yet?”
“That boy is always going somewhere. I thought that perhaps we could work on the bridge. It does not need that much work, and I think we could handle it,” Lord Shelton said as he helped put up the chess set for the day.
Gwyn’s father seemed to be considering the proposal before he nodded. “You are right. We can do it ourselves. It will be like old times.”
“Remember when Gwyn and Jack were no bigger than Fred there?” Lord Shelton asked as he looked over at the young boy playing with Gwyn.
Gwyn laughed over at the two men. “Let us not go bringing up old memories such as that. Did I hear you two say you were going to fix the bridge yourselves?”
“She is going to send us all to our rooms without bread,” Lord Shelton warned Gwyn’s father.
Lord Stanton slapped his knee. The two men enjoyed a bit of a laugh while Gwyn eyed them patiently. Lord Stanton gave his daughter a smile. “Suffer me just this one thing, Gwyn. We can do it. You shall see.”
“It is not that I think you cannot do it, Papa,” Gwyn said softly. “I just want you to be careful.”
Lord Shelton promised, “We will.”
Gwyn’s father chimed in behind his friend, “We most certainly will.”
“I am going to regret this, but I believe in you two,” Gwyn said. The two older men whooped in victory, which caused Fred to come to see what the commotion was. He got swept up in his grandfathers’ enthusiasm and soon was yelling enthusiastically along with them. Gwyn just shook her head and wondered what she had exactly signed up for this time.
“You told them they could fix the bridge?” Jack asked as he sat down to tea in his wife’s favourite blue sitting room. They often just had tea or ate wherever they happened to be at between the two houses, and today Gwyn had been at Stanton Manor tending to her father while her mother was out.
Gwyn sighed, “It will not be that much of a bother. Besides, I am sure that they can get it done between them. We just have to give them a bit of space.”
“Space to butcher themselves?” Jack asked with amusement.
Gwyn shook her head at her husband’s tasteless joke. “They only have to do a bit of painting and maybe some replacing of old nails. It really is not that big a project. You know very well that your father needs something to occupy his time, Jack.”
“I had not expected carpentry and painting to be high on that list,” Jack said honestly. “If they are inclined, then so be it. I assume they will have help?”
Gwyn nodded. “Of course, I will have one of the boys helping them, even if I am sure they will try to convince the boy that he is not needed.”
“Oh, I am sure,” Jack said with laughter.
(A few months later)
“Mama, who is that?” Fred asked as he stuck his face to the front window of Stanton Manor.
Gwyn laughed, “Fred, do not do that. It is not very gentlemanly-like.” She peered out the window and almost dropped the dish she was carrying in her hands. She ran upstairs and knocked on the door to her old room. Jack popped his head out and gave her a curious look. “We have guests,” Gwyn said hurriedly before she rushed back the way she had come.
“Okay,” Jack said. He called after her, “But why are you carrying those pastries?”
Gwyn yelled back, “No time!”
When Gwyn finally made it back downstairs, there was a knock on the door. Fulton came to the door and gave Gwyn a curious look. Gwyn nodded, and Fulton opened the door.
Mary and Ruben Gregory were standing outside with big grins. Between them was their little girl who was only a year younger than Fredrick. As soon as the little girl spied Fredrick, they were off running through the house.
“Violet Gregory, you slow down!” Mary called after her daughter. Mary cringed and said, “Sorry.”
Gwyn waved off the woman’s concern. “I have children. Trust me when I say Fredrick has done worse. Come on in. You must be freezing!”
Ruben nodded his plump head in agreement as he ushered his wife inside ahead of him. “It is most cold tonight. I fear that we may get more snow.”
“Fredrick will love to hear that prediction. He wants to go sledding very badly down the hills along the back of the property, but his father will not let him unless the snow is a foot deep,” Gwyn explained as she held out the tray. “Pastry? I was just coming from the kitchen when Fredrick saw that your carriage had arrived.”
“Do not mind if I do,” Ruben said as he took a pastry.
Mary smiled indulgently at the man. She held out a handkerchief to him which he took with a sheepish grin. Mary then looped her arm through Gwyn’s arm and led her back towards the dining room. “So,” Mary whispered. “Does he know?”
“No,” Gwyn said with a laugh. “But I think he is planning something as well. He has been very shifty lately.”
Mary said, “Probably has seven mistresses.”
“Yes, more than likely,” Gwyn said with a grin at her friend. “He really has been rather closely guarded lately. I think he is up to something.”
Mary shrugged. She walked over to where the plates had been set out on the table and began arranging them absentmindedly. “Perhaps he has just figured it out and has not let you know that he knows yet.”
“What a dizzying conversation this must be to those who have no idea what we are talking about,” Gwyn said with a laugh.
Mary agreed. “Quite.” She went on to say, “So you have not told anyone?”
Gwyn shook her head. “I was afraid that someone would let it slip. Everyone around here is horrible with secrets,” Gwyn said confidently to Mary.
“I think Henry was pretty well with them,” Mary said with a wry grin.
Gwyn narrowed her eyes and shook her finger at Mary. “That was uncalled for,” Gwyn said with a smile.
Mary nodded. “Maybe, but also probably true. I also heard from a little birdy that there is another scandal brewing in high society.”
“When is there ever not one?” Gwyn asked in wonderment. Every time she saw Mary, there seemed to be rumours of a new scandal big enough to eclipse the last scandal which was big enough to take everyone’s mind off the previous one and so on. “I honestly think that people just make this stuff up to get people to look somewhere else.”
Mary laughed. “That may very well be true in a lot of cases.”
“What are you ladies gossiping about?” Jack asked with amusement as he walked into the dining room.
Gwyn sighed. “You really should announce yourself in some way, Jack. You are going to give me a heart attack.”
“I think that is how he is going to kill you,” Mary said with a devious laugh.
Jack chuckled. “Yes, you have foiled my evil plan. It is a bit tiring jumping out at people.”
“I am tired just thinking about it,” Mary agreed. “So, why are we not in Shelton Hall this year?”
Jack said, “My Mother and Father are having a special retreat at their house.”
“He means that our parents are all staying there for the holidays. My father wanted to visit Shelton Hall,” Gwyn explained as she gave Jack a smile.
Jack nodded as he came to put his arm around his wife’s shoulders. “Yes, indeed. I am sure that my father will be more than happy to have someone who likes to smoke cigars as much as he does around for a few days.”
“Men and their cigars,” Mary said with a shake of her head. “Ruben likes them, but they give him a headache.”
Jack frowned. “Really? I had a friend that was like that. The doctor said it was something to do with his nervousness I believe.”
“Well, Ruben does have bad nerves. Speaking of, I had better go round him up before he devours your kitchen,” Mary said as she turned to leave, intent on seeking out her overindulging husband.
When Mary was gone, Jack leaned his head against Gwyn’s head. “Are you sure we had to invite them?”
“Jack,” Gwyn said with a gasp as she hit his arm. “She is my friend.”
Jack chuckled. “I know, sweetheart,” he assured her. “I was only being a pest. So, where is Fredrick?”
“Chasing Violet around,” Gwyn said. “I swear those two will end up together one day.”
Jack gave Gwyn a kiss on the cheek. “Just like two other children that used to do the same thing in this house, huh?”
“Yes,” Gwyn said with a laugh. “Speaking of, you have not told me what we are doing with so many plates this evening. I thought this was a family and friends affair. How many friends did you invite?”
Jack shrugged and said, “None.”
Gwyn frowned. “Jack there are extra plates,” she said in confusion. “Are our parents coming? Did they change their minds?”
“Not at all,” Jack said. “Relax and breathe.” He gave her another kiss on the cheek before he was out of the room leaving a very confused Gwyn behind him. What on earth was the man up to?
Later that day, Gwyn looked up to see Fulton coming towards her with a very odd look on his face. “Is something wrong?” Gwyn asked as fear rose up in her.
The man looked at Gwyn and said nervously, “I hate to disturb your festivities, Ma’am, but there are some guests at the door that I feel you should come to greet personally.”
Gwyn nodded and followed Fulton back towards the door. As they came out into the foyer, she saw Jack at the door greeting—“Henry?” Gwyn asked as her mouth fell open.
Henry looked over at her. He was a bit older and his hair a bit longer, but it was definitely Henry. Miss Rayburne—Gwyn corrected in her mind that the woman was a Shelton now as Henry and Daphne had wed while in the colonies. “We are sorry to just drop in on you. Jack just told us that he did not give you any warning.”
Gwyn laughed, “That is my husband for you. He likes big surprises. I knew he was up to something, but I just could not put my finger on it.” Gwyn looked at the family. “Please come in; you must be so cold standing there. Jack, you should be ashamed of leaving them on the steps.”
Jack nodded. “I am sorry,” he said sincerely. “The cooks have hot apple cider at the ready in the kitchen.”
“Sounds good to me,” Henry said with a smile. “Oh, children, this is your Aunt Gwyn and your Uncle Jack. They are the ones that we write to all the time.”
The little girl was holding a smaller boy’s hand. The boy seemed hesitant to say anything, but the girl gave them a curtsey and said, “How do you do?”
“She is precious,” Gwyn said with a smile. “I do very well, thank you,” she said to the little girl.
Daphne smiled at her daughter and told Gwyn, “This is Tara, and her brother who is always hiding is Andrew.”
“Well, those are lovely names. You two should enjoy meeting Fredrick and Violet. They are running around here somewhere,” Gwyn said. As if on cue, the patter of little feet upstairs drifted down to them. “There they are now, why not go up and say hello?”
Tara looked to her mother who nodded her approval before she took off towards the stairs practically dragging her little brother along behind her. Jack chuckled at the sight and turned to his brother. “It is good to see you. I think the islands have been a good fit for you. You are looking healthy.”
“Well, you look like you could use some cider, old man,” Henry said with a laugh as he slapped Jack on the back.
Jack shook his head. “Same old Henry. Are you ladies joining us for some cider?”
“Maybe in a bit,” Daphne said. Jack looked over at Gwyn, but she nodded for him to go ahead. After the men were gone, Daphne said, “I hope this is not hopelessly awkward. I had reservations about coming back, but Henry missed his brother.”
Gwyn shook her head. “It is quite okay. I am happy, and so is Jack. I hold no ill will against you two,” Gwyn assured Daphne.
Daphne smiled with genuine relief. “Thank you,” she said. “I do not have much to visit here. My parents are dead, and I care not much for seeing most of my kin. I guess that is why I felt it so important to let Henry come to be with his. It gives the children a sense of family that they do not really have otherwise.”
“But you like the colonies?” Gwyn asked. She had often worried that perhaps they were miserable and only stayed away because they felt they had to.
Daphne nodded. “Oh yes, it is lovely there. The children love their friends.” She looked at the window that was filling up with snow. “I do miss snow sometimes. I think the children are mesmerized by it.”
“I remember being that way as a child too,” Gwyn said with a smile. “Ready for some cider? Or do you wish to give the men more time to catch up?”
Daphne pondered for a moment before she said, “Let us leave them to their catching up. I take it we are not the only ones here as I thought you only had a little boy?”
“Yes, we only have the one for now,” Gwyn said with a smile. “My friend Mary Gregory is here with her husband. Do you remember Mary from our time in London? She used to be Mary Donovan before she wed.”
Daphne nodded. “Oh yes. I got into an argument with her in the fainting room.”
“That would be the one,” Gwyn said with a giggle. “Shall we go try to find her?”
Daphne agreed readily, “Yes, I would very much like to. I have not seen anyone from society in a very long time. I doubt I remember how to act.”
“I do not think Mary will hold that against you. She barely obeyed the rules of etiquette when she was in the midst of society, let alone now that she is an old married woman,” Gwyn said with a grin.
They found Mary shaking her head at her husband. Gwyn came up and said, “We have come to rescue you, Ruben, and steal your wife away.”
Ruben laughed merrily. “Well, now, kidnap on!”
“Ruben, that is horrible,” Mary said with a laugh of her own as she was led away.
Gwyn yelled over her shoulder. “The men are in the kitchen drinking cider if you wish to join them.”
“Mind your headache,” Mary called as she was dragged out of the room. Daphne and Gwyn were laughing so hard by the time they got her out in the hall that they had to let her go. It was then that Mary noticed Daphne. “Daphne Rayburne, is that you? I thought you were somewhere in the islands.”
“She was,” Gwyn said.
Daphne smiled. “It is Daphne Shelton now.”
“Well, I am surrounded by Sheltons tonight,” Mary said with a sigh. She nudged Gwyn. “Does she know?”
Gwyn shook her head. “Not yet.”
“Know what?” Daphne asked intrigued. She seemed to already be getting caught up in the games and fun of Christmas time in the manor.
Gwyn said, “I have a special surprise for my husband. It is one that has taken a few years to come to be, but I think it will be worth it.”
Daphne’s brow furrowed, then she said, “Oh. Are you?”
“Yep,” Gwyn said happily. “Now if we can just keep the secret from Jack for a few hours more, then we are golden. In the morning, we can all tell him the news. Do not tell Henry. Promise?”
Daphne said, “I promise. This is so exciting!”
“Do you want more children?” Mary asked Daphne.
Daphne shook her head. “I cannot have any more due to a complication with my little one, but I am quite happy with the two I have.”
“See, I thought I would want more,” Mary said, “but I find that my one satisfies me aplenty.”
Gwyn said wryly, “That is because you have your husband to look after.”
Mary tried to look offended, but she just ended up laughing. “I suppose I do mother him a bit,” Mary admitted. “I am excited more than enough for everyone else to have offspring, though. I like playing with children, but it is just as nice to leave them with someone else.”
Daphne laughed so hard that Gwyn swore the woman was crying. Daphne said, “I think you just became my grandmother.”
“Your grandmother must have been one spitfire lady,” Mary said with a grin.
Daphne agreed, “She was.”
The next morning, everyone was awoken by the children’s calls. Gwyn came downstairs to see that there were presents piled up under the Christmas tree that was in the sunroom. The children were equally fascinated by the presents and the views outside the room. Fulton smiled at the children indulgently as he stoked the fire in the fireplace to its full height before he retired back to his post.
Gwyn gave the man a smile as he left the room. Daphne, Henry, Mary, and Ruben sat down near the fire and watched the children searching under the tree.
Gwyn frowned in puzzlement. “Where did the gifts come from?” she asked Jack quietly.
“I had Fulton pick up a few things when he ran to get supplies the other day,” Jack said with a smile at Gwyn.
Gwyn shook her head at her husband. The scar on his face did nothing to make him less handsome. To her, he was even more handsome with the scar and his boyish grin playing on his face.
Fredrick yelled, “Look Mama, St Nicholas, left me something.”
“You must have been very good,” Gwyn said with a smile. The boy whooped in joy as he unwrapped a sledge.
The other children got sledges as well, and Gwyn shook her head at Jack who just grinned. Tara said, “We can ride these down the sand dunes at home.”
“Or the snow outside,” Violet said as she looked outside longingly.
The children were all up the next morning asking to go sledding. The parents looked at each other with a sigh. Gwyn said, “Breakfast first and then sledding for everyone.” Jack and Henry yelled along with the children in joy at Gwyn’s proclamation.
As soon as everyone had eaten, they all rushed outside where Gwyn and the women stood to one side as the men showed the children how to sledge. Gwyn shook her head at Jack as he came down the hill so fast that she felt sure that he would die before she ever got to tell him anything.
Gwyn and the ladies laughed at their husbands’ antics, and eventually at their children trying their hands at sledging for the first time. Jack got up and dusted himself off after tumbling off the sledge. Gwyn told Mary, “I will be back in just a minute.” Mary nodded and gave Daphne a grin.
“I have not yet gotten a chance to give you your present,” Gwyn said to Jack as she approached the man.
Jack stood up and eyed her curiously. “Is it inside?”
“Nope,” Gwyn said with a grin.
Jack said, “Actually, I have not given you a gift yet either.”
“You brought the family together. That was a great gift. You are a very thoughtful man, Jack Shelton,” Gwyn said with a smile. “I have been waiting a long time to tell you something, so be quiet.”
Jack laughed and nodded. He waved for her to continue. Gwyn grinned at the man and put her arms gently on his chest. She stood up on the tips of her toes to whisper in his ear, “Merry Christmas, Papa.”
Jack gave her a confused look. Gwyn laughed and said, “You are going to be a father, again.”
“Truly?” Jack asked as if he was hesitant to believe it.
Gwyn sighed happily and said, “Yes, and more than ever I cannot wait for this baby to meet all his wonderful family.” Gwyn looked around at the children on the slopes. Daphne and Mary waved over to them, and Gwyn felt happy. She felt home.
Jack put his arms around her and said, “It is good to be Captain.”
Gwyn smiled and kissed the man’s bearded chin. “Always my Captain.”
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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!
Hi there, dear readers. I hope you enjoyed the book and the Extended Epilogue! I will be waiting for your comments here. Thank you 🙂
I loved the book! I read it all in 6 hours!! The only thing I will say is that Gwyn annoyed me because she put her faith in everyone except Jack. After all the years she knew him, she didn’t seem to know him at all. I loved the story and it kept me turning the pages, but her character annoyed me a bit.
It’s ok, my dear Lisa. I’m glad you liked the story though!
I read the book straight through. I had a feeling that Henry was up to no good. So glad everyone got a happy ending.
How wonderfull, thank you!!
I envoyer Reding thé love story of Jack and Gwyn. I was often frustrante with Gwyn bécasse she Didier ont trust Jack as she saoule gavé. Henry was définitive à very devions caractère.
Thank you so much dear Emily!
I did enjoy the book but I didn’t warm to the characters as much as I have in your other books. Both Gwyn and Jack annoyed me at times. I thought the plot line was good though and I look forward to reading more books from you in the future. I really liked Mary’s character though and the extended epilogue with her in it was quite inspired!
Thank you for your feedback, my dear Izzy! I really appreciate your honesty!
I enjoyed this book very much, so much so that I read it in about 5-6 hours spread over two days. I loved Gwen’s character but was disappointed in her lack of faith in Jack. It frustrated me that she was so easily fooled into believing the many lies that Henry told her, and at the same time dismissed Jack’s truth as falsehoods. I also appreciated your extended epilogue because it gave me so much pleasure to read that they all lived…. “VERY” HAPPILY EVER AFTER !!! What a GREAT READ !
Thank you so much for your kind words, my dear Linda! So glad you enjoyed it! Make sure to stay tuned as I have more stories coming!
First, let me say that I really enjoyed this book. The first probably 1\3 of the book did not seem as organic as the rest of the book. I had to trust in your skills to keep reading and am so very glad that I did. Gwen needed to have more faith in the man she loved, but, I get why she left as a very young lady. As an adult she needs to listen th her common sense. I absolutely loved the epologs.
So glad you enjoyed it, my dear Lola! Make sure to stay tuned as I have more stories coming!
I enjoyed this story very much except I didn’t want Jack to forgive Gwyn. She was too eager to believe the worst about him.
So glad you enjoyed it, my dear Virginia! Make sure to stay tuned as I have more stories coming!
I thought the storyline was very unique. It depicts the time period so well. I do think that I would have liked it if Henry was not so awful and just interfered by chasing away Gwen’s suitor. Needless to say it was very entertaining and I couldn’t put it down until finished!
So glad you enjoyed it, my dear Nancy!
Enjoyed the book very much. Loved the suspense . Very good story it had me on the edge of my seat at times.
So glad you liked it, my dear Susan!
I dearly loved the book! It kept me on my toes and full of suspense ! It clearly showed the love of family wins over all troubles.
So glad to hear that, my dear Katie!
I give it 5 stars! I never give 5 stars, but I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I got so mad at Henry, and fussed at Gwyn. I couldn’t imagine how the story would end. Great finale’.
Thank you so much for your support, my dear Janie! So glad you enjoyed it!
I really enjoyed reading this book. I got very concerned that Henry was going to succeed in tricking everyone into thinking Jack was a villain. I liked the way the epilogue pulled the family back together.
So glad you enjoyed the story, my dear Ruth!
I Loved the book and the extended epilogue!!’ Had to make myself stop reading so I could finish my housework!!’
So glad you enjoyed it, my dear Linda!
Loved this book and it had the best story line ! The family dynamics were well written with there many twists and turns. I highly recommend this book a great read !
Thank you so much, my dear Diane! So glad you enjoyed my story!
I really enjoyed reading about Gwyn and Jack, but it was a bit frustrating seeing how it was so easy for her to believe all the worst about Jack. I appreciated how it all worked out in the end.
So glad you enjoyed it, my dear Dee!
Enjoyed the story but felt that Gwyn was a little too flighty with her feelings between three men in such a short time but I guess the time period was different than now . But all ended happily ever after .
That’s true, my dear Brenda. The period was much different. So glad you enjoyed it!
Enjoyed the book and the added chapters. It is especially fun to see what happens after the epilogue is done. Thank you for taking the time to give us a glimpse into the future of our people. Jeanne
You’re so welcome, my dear Jeanne! So glad you enjoyed it!
Really enjoyed this story. Characters each a Good out on their own. The story kept you involved and anxious to know the end.
Glad to know that, my dear Loretta. Hope you’ll enjoy my story!
I thouroughly loved this book. True to how families can be at times. In the end I was glad that Gwyn and Jack did marry. True love prevailed
So glad you enjoyed it, my dear Laura!
Loved the book and extended story. I was sorry it was at an end. It took awhile , because of other things I had to do.
So glad you enjoyed it, my dear Joyce 🙂
I loved the book and the story, I couldn’t out the book down! The book was so exciting and I loved the extended ending!
So glad to hear that, my dear Bev!
I loved the book! The story was wonderfully written and the interesting characters came to life for me. I enjoyed the hours I spent reading this book and was always looking forward to getting back to it when I had to temporarily stop.
Thanks for the entertainment.
You’re so welcome, my dear Dee! So glad you enjoyed my story!
I enjoyed this book very much and at times wasn’t sure if Gwen and Jack would finally work things out. She should have had more faith in Jack. Thankfully, all worked out and loved the extended ending.
What is the deal now a days with these extended epilogue? I think they are all a nuisance. Makes me want to avoid those authors. Sorry, that’s how I feel about them.
My dear Karen, I’m so sorry that you feel this way. The extended epilogue is just some bonus material that many of my readers have asked for. The story is complete either way, but with this you can just get a glimpse of our heroes’ future. Nothing to be upset about.
This was such an amazing book I loved it the characters are exceptional and your books always have lot’s of adventure,excitement,and lot’s of drama and love 💘 You are an awesome writer
I’m humbled my dear Pamela! Your sweet and supportive words mean a lot to me!
I absolutely loved this book. I could not stop reading once I started so I shall now have to make up for lost time when I was supposed to be packing ready for moving later this year. It was worth it though!
Haha so nice to hear that you enjoyed my book so much, dear Pat! 🙂
I loved it. I could not stop reading. Great story.
So glad you enjoyed my story, dear Carmen! 🙂
Really love this book…Henry was a pest shows how petty people can get when they hate when others are happy…Gwyn frustrate me at times how she couldn’t read between the lines…love in the end overcomes all…still holding my breath to see if Henry going to want the dukedom back.
Thank you so much for the comment, my dear!:)
Loved the story. Wish it went on forever. In the extended epilogue the kids got “sledges?” did you sleds?
Thanks for a wonderful book and some interesting characters.
Thank you so much for your kind and honest feedback, my dear Marianne! I’m delighted you enjoyed my book!
I really enjoyed this book, but stayed frustrated with Gwyn. I don’t know how many times I would actually speak out loud to her and she just would not listen to my advice. She kept getting in a rut and staying there way too long. If she would have only listened to me, oh well. I love your books. You really kept my attention and brought all around wonderfully.
My dear Karen, thank you so much for sharing your thoughts with me! I truly appreciate your support!❤️
COULDN’T PUT THE BOOK DOWN. WONDERFUL STORY. LOVED IT.
My dear Linda, I am so glad to hear that!
I loved the story. So many twists in the tale which kept me reading to the end. Lovely characters and great descriptions of family life. Thank you for such an interesting story. 👏👏⭐️
This book was awesome. I read it in one day as I couldnt put it down. the extended portion was awesome too. Thanks for the great books you write that keep me entertained during this difficult times <3
You’re welcome, my dear! Stay tuned for more!
I th out Gwen could have put more faith in Jack. She always jumped back and forth.
Thank you dear Kathy.
Enjoyed the struggles of these families!!!
I am happy you had fun with this!!
Glad you had so much fun with it!
Love the book. It transported me out of my every day problems. I truly enjoy the story so close to real life Gnostic times.
Thank you so much, dear Maria!!
I enjoyed the book. I read it nonstop. It felt like Jack and Gwyn would never get together. I didn’t trust Henry at all. So glad they all got their happy ending,
I’m glad you liked the book!
I read the book straight through. I had a feeling that Henry was up to no good. So glad everyone got a happy ending.
I hope it was rewarding in the end!
Wonderful book ,once again I read your book in one sitting . I did manage bathroom breaks! Keep up your wonderful stories.
Hahaha! So glad you enjoyed it, my dear Linda!
Hi Abigail,
Not sure about this one — I kept wanting Gwyn to have more of a backbone. Although I suppose it took a fair amount of courage for a woman at that time to suppress her own preferences in order to serve her family’s perceived best interests, I found it hard to warm to Gwyn’s changes of heart. A woman who fights her corner, like your Julia/Jules is much more to my taste (even if much less likely for the era in question!) Still I like the way you write, and will continue to read your work.
Kind regards,
Karen Mccormick
Thank you for your feedback, my dear Karen. Really appreciate your honesty!
Fabulous story, I loved it!!! I was right in my guess as to who was making all the trouble. This story shows us all to ask questions and listen to the answers before assuming we know. I also love the plot twists and the happy ending.
Thank you so much, my dear Eris! So glad you enjoyed it!
A really story. I simply loved this and read throughout the night just because I wanted to get to the end. There are moments when I laughed and other moments when I think that Gwyn is so gullible. She just believed whatever she was told. Jack’s character is so patient, I suppose being in love give him to courage and determination to hold on, as if to a sinking ship. It’s rewarding that it all paid off in the end though, as love embraced forgiveness.
So glad you enjoyed the story, my dear Linda!
I loved the book but got frustrated with Gwen when she wouldn’t listen to Jack. I realized she has to grow in time to appreciate the love Jack had for her.
I see your point, my dear Marilynn! So glad you enjoyed the story though!
I really enjoyed this book. The twists and turns kept me turning the page. Yes Gwyn’s character was constantly annoyingly pathetic in casting Jack off so many times with so little evidence, but the basic storyline held my interest. Your best book by far.
Thank you so much, my dear Carole! So glad you enjoyed it!
I enjoyed the book and the extended part too. So many twists and turns to keep me going and wondering what Henry was going to be up to next. There were a view times that I felt like grabbing Gwyn thru the book and telling her to grow up. I definitely will be reading more of your books.
Thank you so much, my dear Rhonda! Make sure to stay tuned as I have more books coming!
Loved the book. But got frustrated with Gwyn. She believed the worst in a Jack who she loved. But was willing to believe everyone else. Enjoyed it though inough.
So glad you enjoyed it, my dear Wendy!
Agreed. I was never able to warm up to Gwyn. Granted her youth could account for her inability to have faith in Jack. But surely a character who supposedly was so feisty would have confronted Jack & cleared the air much quicker.
Loved the book. But got frustrated with Gwyn. She believed the worst in Jack who she loved. But was willing to believe everyone else. Enjoyed it though.
So glad you enjoyed it, my dear Wendy!
I loved the story, not to keen on the reason on why Gwyn ran back to India as it seemed a bit weak after her waiting so long to see Jack again. The twists in the story where good and it was such a good feeling once the truth came out and they finally got their happy ending. I really liked the extended epilogue and the reuniting of the family
So glad you enjoyed it, my dear Belinda!
I really liked this book. The characters were well written. You felt like you knew them. I could have not lived in those times. I liked and disliked Gwyn’ s character. And I really was mad at Henry and Jack. So needless to say I loved the book, I didn’t want to opp it it down. Excellent book.
Thank you so much for your kind words, my dear Rose! So glad you enjoyed it!
I loved this storyline, but I wanted to turn Gwyn over my knee for a good swat! After all Henry did as they were growing up, how could she doubt Jack! But it all came together in the end. Thank heaven!
So glad you enjoyed it, my dear Carol!
Well I loved the book and would give it 5 stars! Enjoyed the suspense, drama, love and characters in the book. It was difficult to put down. Enjoyed it from first page to last!!
Enjoy your books and look forward to next one!!
B.J.
Thank you so much for your kind words, my dear B.J! So glad you enjoyed it!
I enjoyed your book. It helps us to remember not to take things at face value. Gwyn should have faced up to what she thought she saw originally and not run off to India. But then, there wouldn’t have been much of a story. It teaches us the value of open and honest communication. I lived Jack’s consistency and willingness to forgive.
So glad you find my story inspirational! Thank you so much, my dear Janice!
I love the storyline, but got frustrated with Gwyn, she kept on questioning Jack’s loyalty, but believed Henry to quickly. Otherwise it was an excellent story with a happy ending and the family reunion in the extended epilogue was a nice ending to the story
So glad you eventually enjoyed it, my dear!
I liked this book but not as much as your other books. I found Gwen’s character to be annoying most of the time. She was to quick to believe something every time she heard it. Never to actually try and find out whom was telling the truth and who was lying. I loved the extended epilogue. Was glad to see that you brought Henry home and he was accepted back into the family. Am anxiously awaiting your next book!
So glad you enjoyed it, my dear Wendy! Make sure to stay tuned as I have more stories coming!
I enjoyed the book very much. When I got frustrated with Gwyn. I had to stop and remember how young and sheltered she would have been when she thought Jack was unfaithful and ran off to India. I did think it was a bit farfetched that feckless Henry suddenly reformed and Jack was the naughty son. How much more easily a scheme like Henry’s was to pull off without social media and telecommunications. I was surprised about Daphne and Henry…I thought Gwyn would find out the truth from removed servants. Wow, I am long winded. Maybe, because I never write spoiler reviews and it is safe here. Thank you so much for the epilogues. I liked them very much.
Thank you so much for your support, my dear Jill! I’m glad you liked my story! Make sure to stay tuned as I have more stories coming!
I enjoyed the story. Gwyn was nerve racking at times. The ending was good.
So glad you enjoyed it, my dear!
I really enjoyed reading this book. Yes Gwen was too gullible. Women in her time were pressured to marry to save their family. She should have stayed and faced Jack not just run off but remember she was only 16. We all do impulsive things when we are young. I admit that there were times I shouted at Gwen for being gullible but that just shows how emotional the book makes you. When you react to the characters you really are tangled up in the book. Great job Ms Agar.
Thank you so much, my dear Lillian! I really appreciate your words!
I enjoyed the book but it took a while before I could get into it. Gwen was very easily swayed by everyone. I wanted to shake Jack because he was so gullible. Henry was a snake. I am glad things worked out for all.
So glad you eventually liked it, my dear! Make sure to stay tuned as I have more stories coming!
I loved this book. Gwen was a bit frustrating at times but Henry did his best to confuse the truth so with that and her family’s situation it was difficult for her to know who to believe. I’m glad Jack stood up for himself and got his happy ending. I’m also glad that Henry and his family came home and all was settled between them. I enjoyed reading this book
So glad you enjoyed it, my dear Nora!
I very much enjoyed reading this story. The characters were very much like real life with so much distrust and confusion in family matters. Glad it worked out in the end for all. I really enjoy reading your books Abigail!
Thank you so much for your support and kind words, my dear! So glad you enjoyed another story of mine!
Throughly enjoyed the story and characters.It has drama and excitement and it turns out great.I recommend reading this book.
Thank you so much for your support, my dear Sharon! So glad you liked it!
Another great book. Loved the storyline. While most of the characters annoyed me at various times, it was that tension that made the book great.
So glad you enjoyed it, my dear Catherine!
I loved the book and the extended epilogue. It was a joy to read.
So glad to hear that, my dear Ellen!
I’ve read the whole book this afternoon. I really didn’t want to put it down . It was quite different from most of your books in feeling. It had a singular depth, although I was disappointed that Gwyn was so drawn into Henry’s
ploy. She had known both brothers her whole life and knew their characters
so well and yet didn’t trust her feelings toward Jack. Of course in that era people didn’t just speak to each other about their feelings. I would have perished waiting for events to be resolved!
Thank you so much for your support, my dear Joyce! So glad you liked it!
Where to start… loved this book.
Gwyn certainly had some trials along the way, loved all the twists and turns.
I’m glad that Gwyn and Jack finally got their happily ever after.
So glad you liked it, my dear Rosemarie!
Love the book especially with all the twist and turns
So glad to hear that, my dear Cathy!
I liked this book. It had a lot of twist and surprises. I was very annoyed at Gwyn and her willingness to just believe a book and not even try to hear the other side of the story. I was also annoyed with Jack’s parents who surely knew the details of Henry’s dealings but quickly believed the altered handwriting going so far as to say the difference didn’t matter. Finally I didn’t really find it believable that Jack could have so quickly agreed to marry Gwyn after the terrible things she believed about him, not even giving him the opportunity to say much of anything. Yes he loved her but he should have been incredibly hurt and hesitant to trust Gwyn yet again.
So glad you liked it, my dear Steph!
Great story even though I was a bit disappointed with Gywen. If she really loved Jack she would have stood by him. But then again, that being the case, we would not have had a story!
That’s right, my dear Roberta! Thank you, I’m glad you enjoyed it!
I really did like the story. however I was so irritated with most of the characters except jack. I felt so sorry for jack. Poor jack. Everyone was horrible to him and he did nothing. I would have liked Gwen to at least apologize for not believing in him. Even up to the very end she brought up the journal by then she should have known that Henry changed it.
I see your point, my dear Shelli! Glad you enjoyed it!
loved the book and the storyline. There were times with Gwyn whe I thought she would have known Jack better to act and do those things that he was accused of. Cannog saig unyil uour next book. I will give five stars.
Enjoyable book although frustrated that gwyn was so gullible .nice to have a happy ending
So glad you enjoyed it, my dear June!
Story line was excellent! The book was a little too boring at the beginning but after a third of it, it was so good I couldn’t put it down. Of course Jack and Gwen got married too fast with no explanation but I like the extended epilogues.
Thank you, my dear! Glad you enjoyed the story 🙂
Absolutely loved the story. A lot of twists and turns. I really enjoyed the extended epilogue. I tied everything up nicely.
Thank you so much, my dear Nancy! So glad you enjoyed it!
Enjoyed the book. I too became annoyed how the heroine was duped and manipulated by Henry! Jack was no better. It took me awhile to connect with the characters. Well thought out plot. Would read another book by this author!
Thank you so much, my dear! So glad you enjoyed my story!
This was a highly entertaining book. At times I was ready to shoot Henry, but I felt sorry for him too. Jack let his Mother have too much influence on him for his age and maturity especially being a war hero. I think the Sargent was good for Gwen. Hopefully Abigail you will write a book about him some day and make him the hero.
Thank you so much, my dear Phyllis! So glad you enjoyed my story!
Thank you so much for a fabulous read I enjoyed every page
Thank you so much, my dear Hilary! So glad you enjoyed my story!
Loved the book and especially the Extended Epilogue. Was surprised with reactions to Jack but then realized,ed I’ve known people who delight in thinking someone might have done wrong. Love your stories.
Loved this book. Couldn’t put it down until I reached the end. I though Gwen to me seemed a bit shallow. She did not believe or trusted Jack and didn’t like Henry, yet as soon as she thought Henry was good, she agreed to mary him. Should have more faith in Jack and her love for him. Anyway, I throughly enjoyed the book, specially the extra epilogue. Thank you👍😀
Loved this book. Couldn’t put it down until I reached the end. I though Gwen to me seemed a bit shallow. She did not believe or trusted Jack and didn’t like Henry, yet as soon as she thought Henry was good, she agreed to mary him. Should have more faith in Jack and her love for him. Anyway, I throughly enjoyed the book, specially the extra epilogue. Thank you and keep on writing 👍😁
Thank you so much for your sweet words and support my dear Sashi! I really appreciate it!
Very good reading and very well written. I was a little disappointed in the weak characters of the two main people. Their lack of faith in each other makes me wonder how the story could end as it did
So glad you enjoyed the book my dear Henri! 🙂
I loved this book. I cried, laughed, and got angry all in one reading. You did a good job explaining how to handle Gwyn’s father’s health issue. My problem with reading your books is that I can’t get anything done when I start reading a new one. Keep up the good writing.
I enjoyed the story very much and I appreciated the extended epilogue. It is good to have “rest of the story” to mull over. Keep up the excellent storytelling!!!
Thank you so much for your comment, my dear Mona!
This was one of the BEST books you have written! I absolutely loved it. It was very well written. The many twists and turns in the plot line kept me on my toes. The characters were interesting and complex. I especially loved the extended epilogue. Keep writing. You just get better and better!
I’m humbled, my dear Jeane! Thank you sooo much for your support! ❤️
I enjoyed reading this story and I think that Gwyn should have more Faith in Jack but i think the years apart helped both to mature
I’m delighted that you enjoyed my book, dear Gwen! Thank you for your kind words!
Enjoyed the many twists , turns , ups and downs.Some believable and some not so much. Was glad to see that eventually that substantial characters were developed.
Thank you so much for your honest feedback, my dear Sam! I really appreciate it! 🙂
I didn’t like this story, from the beginning Gwen trusted every one else but Jack. There was no real love from Gwen towards Jack. I think the only character that showed true love towards Gwen, his parents ,brother, and to his father-in-law was Jack. The plot about the lies in the journal took to long . And both parents believing all those lies about an honorable son. Nah..
There should have been a really long apology from Gwen to Jack. And the marriage should have been much later than a month. Until they really fell in love again and she earned h Jack’s trust. I believe in forgiveness but really you forgive Henry instantly but Jack had to prove himself over and over again?
Sorry truly I did not like it.
Gwen’s character didn’t know what true love was.
She trusted everyone except Jack the person that she supposed to have known all her life.
The plot about the journal was to long, and there was not a real apology from Gwen to Jack.
I am so sorry to hear that, my dear Helen…
This enthralling, entertaining, enchanting Novella will delight all your fans and lovers of historical romances. Sure to please and add this must-read to their collections of favourite 👍great reading enjoyment. Heartily recommended.
Thank you so much dear Greer! I am so glad you enjoyed the book! Make sure to stay tuned because I have more coming!
A very good read that kept my attention until the very end of the extended epilogue. Abigail Agar does such a great job of developing her characters that readers become emotionally involved with them. Before we know we are upset along with Gwen over Jack, feeling sorry for and confused with Jack, and ready to punch out Henry. I thought Jack would eventually get the Dukedom but did not foresee how…thought Henry would be murdered or lost at sea. I also feel the ending was rather rushed with Gwen not apologizing to Jack for her mistrust. Overall great read, interesting storyline and grammatically well-written.
I’m humbled dear Blevenda! Thank you so much for your kind words and support!
I love ths story. I will admit to taking most of a Sunday to read it but I enjoyed every second. I have read quite a few of your books and I must say they are all just so great. Thank you for the wonderful Sunday afternoon and evening. Looking forward to the next Abigal Agar book !
I am so glad I could give a wonderful afternoon, this is all I want for my readers! Thank you for the support!
I have read your book twice now. Still cannot say I enjoyed it. It seems to move too slowly for me. I cannot understand the mistrust the characters have for each other when they profess such love.
Thank you for saying this, dear Karen. I will keep this in mind for my next stories.