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!
Caroline stood at the large window of Hilton house drawing-room. She had one hand resting on the swollen belly that was ever-expanding under her light blue cotton dress. Soon she would have to have it taken out again.
Outside she watched as Matthew and Lord Harcourt played a rousing game of pony rides with the twins. Little Eliza’s brown curls, like her fathers, were wild and free and finally getting long enough to put a bow in. Young Andrew matched his namesake uncle in spirit and spunk.
She covered her mouth as she giggled. Little Eliza was on her grandfather’s back and urging him on with kicks in the ribs to beat Matthew and young Andrew in their race across the garden.
“Where is everyone,” a deep voice called from the other side of the room.
Caroline whipped around wide-eyed with surprise.
“Andrew?” she exclaimed. She hurried over and did her best to embrace her brother in a hug despite the belly in the way. “Your letter said you wouldn’t be home from Greece for at least a month. I haven’t had any time to prepare yet.”
“I wanted to surprise you,” he chuckled.
He looked down at his big sister. Caroline laughed up at him.
“I think you have grown a whole foot since last time I saw you,” she commented.
“I might say the same for you, but in a different direction.”
Andrew Clarke, now Baron Stephenson, motioned to Caroline’s wide belly.
She batted his hands away, playfully.
“How is this even possible? The twins were barely born when I left.”
“They were nearly one when you left,” Caroline clarified, “And I am happy to inform you that they had their second birthday just last month. Though I may look frightened, I still have a few months till this one is ready to come out. Though, hopefully by late spring,” she added, brushing a curl that had fallen in front of her face. “I don’t think I could bear this pregnancy through the summer.”
“But enough about that,” she waved off the conversation, “tell me about your trips. I am sure you left so much out of your letters.”
She motioned for the two of them to sit down on the couch. She expected that Lord Poulett and Lord Harcourt would be along any minute with the twins, and soon it would be so loud with chatter she wouldn’t be able to hear him tell a single tale.
“Well, I suppose I should cut to the most important part at the end, the one I purposefully kept out of my letters,” Andrew replied a little hesitantly.
“Why would you do such a thing?” Caroline asked, a-gasped.
“Well, you see, I returned to England just over a month ago.”
“A month?” she squeaked.
“Lord Poulett offered to let me stay in the London townhome if I wished.”
“You’ve been home a month, and Matthew knew, and neither one of you told me,” she asked, placing her hands on her hips in anger.
“Well, I told him I had some delicate matters I wanted to work out on my own,” Andrew said a bit bashfully.
“I thought we always told each other everything,” Caroline accused, a bit disgruntled.
Though Andrew had left school at twelve, he never lost his closeness to his sister or the family they had found at Hilton Estates. Quite the contrary, they had stayed as interlocked with each other as they ever had before.
“Perhaps it was something he didn’t want to discuss with a sister,” Lord Poulett said, coming into the room.
Andrew and Caroline whipped their heads around again to the sound of the voice. Lord Poulett was using a wet cloth to wipe the dirt from his hands before coming forward and shaking it with his brother-in-law.
He looked as dashing as ever in Caroline’s mind. He still had that same little curl to his brown hair that always made it go a little crazy when he was outside, either working with the horses or playing with the children.
He bent down and, resting one hand on his wife’s swollen belly, kissed Caroline on the cheek before taking a seat next to her.
“I expect everything went as well as one could hope?” Lord Poulett asked a most cryptic question in Caroline’s opinion.
“Better than I could have hoped,” Andrew responded with a wide smile.
Caroline was looking back and forth between the men on either side of her. She gave a huff of frustration.
“Now you listen here,” she said, pointing the finger at her brother in a way she hadn’t done since he was very young. “You better tell me right now what’s going on, or heaven help me, pregnant or not, I will find a way to get it out of you.”
“Okay,” Andrew said, holding his hands up in defense.
“My goodness is she always this violent,” Andrew asked Matthew.
“I find it gets worse the farther along she gets with the child,” Matthew said only slightly under his breath.
“Hey, I slapped you once on accident, but I am not beyond doing it on purpose,” she said with a playful look to her eyes. “Now somebody tell me what is going on?”
“Well, I came home early from my trip abroad because I had someone in mind I wished to see in London.”
“Someone?” Caroline asked with an arch of the brow.
As far as she knew, her younger brother had not been serious about any of the ladies of society before he left for his time travelling.
“Yes,” he said slowly. “Oh, I should also mention,” he suddenly changed direction as the thought hit him, “I saw Miss Davis—oh, I suppose it is Mrs. Newton now–in town. She and Lieutenant Newton will be expecting their first child this summer as well, I think.”
“Fall actually, she already wrote to me and told me,” Caroline said in a hurried, clipped manner. “Now get back to the special someone part,” she demanded, practically shaking her brother.
“Well,” he drawled out slowly. “Actually, how are the beech trees up on the hill?” Andrew asked.
“Ugh,” Caroline rolled her eyes. “They are still there, of course.”
“And they still bear the carving you made shortly after your union?” Andrew pressed on with a wicked glee to his eyes.
“Yes, of course. It doesn’t fade away. The tree grows, keeping the carving intact.” She suddenly sat up straighter, realizing where this conversation might be going.
“Are you saying…”
“I might have invited someone to come and visit us here at Hilton house. I rather hoped I could add our own carving to the growing number on the old trunk.”
Caroline clapped her hands with joy. Her emotions were overflowing, and with that came tears. No doubt, expecting this, Matthew handed over a clean handkerchief for her to use.
“Oh, you must tell me everything about her,” Caroline smiled happily at her brother, “Oh but not yet,” she suddenly stopped him as he was just about to open his mouth.
“Let’s get Lord Harcourt in here too. He will most certainly want to hear the good news. And then you will sit right there and not move a muscle until you have told me every single detail about this wonderful lady.”
“How do you know she is wonderful?” Matthew chuckled.
“I am certain she must be, to have won over our Young Andrew’s heart.”
“I haven’t been called that for some time,” Andrew chuckled.
“Yes, I know. But I’m afraid that is who you will always be to me,” Caroline informed him as she dabbed at her watering eyes. “Where is the Earl?” she spun around the room as if expecting him to turn up at any moment.
“Little Eliza asked him to stay with her till she fell asleep for her afternoon nap. You know how she has him wrapped around her little finger,” Lord Poulett said with an eye roll.
“Oh, you’re no better than he is when it comes to Eliza,” Caroline teased.
“I suppose you’re right. She just has that bewitching skill that her mother was so well versed in.”
“You better hope not,” Caroline chuckled. “One day, she will be a young lady and liable to catch the attention of any sort of man.”
“A man like me?” He asked, raising his dark brows in question.
Caroline leaned over and kissed her husband, lovingly on the cheek, “I can only hope she would be so lucky.”
Readers who read this book also liked
 |
 |
 |
 |
OFFER: A BRAND NEW SERIES AND 5 FREEBIES FOR YOU!
Grab my new series, "Love and Secrets of the Ton", and get 5 FREE novels as a gift! Have a look here!
Hello my dears, I hope you enjoyed the book and the Extended Epilogue! I will be waiting for your comments here. Thank you 🙂
Enjoyable story ! Great character development!
Only question is hopefully, Seth’s mother got what she deserved. No punishment would ever be adequate for the pain her actions resulted in.
Great read
Thank you so much my dear Katt! I glad you enjoyed the story and I will keep your idea in mind! Make sure to stay tuned because I have more coming!
I really enjoyed this book and the epilogue. Will there be a sequel? Left hanging in regards to Andrew
Thank you so much for your kind words and support my dear Maureen! I really do not know about the sequel but I will think about it. It is always very inspiring to know my reader’s ideas! Make sure to stay tuned because I have more coming!
Yes please!! We need to know how Andrew’s courtship progressed and meet his fiancée!!
Thank you dear Gilay! I will keep that in mind! Make sure to stay tuned as I have more coming soon!
Have a lovely day!
Mrs. Drew was a person no-one needs in their life because she generates such sorrow! I would not be able to overcome all her evil words and deeds. Thankfully the author was able to nullify all those hurtful words from Lord Pruett and Mrs. Drew.
This novel contained f
Some great advise that we all could take to heart. Forgiveness is a very precious goal.
Thanks for your novel containing a very happy ending!
Ione Heinrichs
Thank you so much for your kind words, detailed feedback and support my dear Ione. I truly appreciate it!
So glad you enjoyed the story after all! Make sure to stay tuned because I have more coming!
Thank you again and have a lovely day!
Very enjoyable,would love a follow up,there are so many characters to follow. What happened to them all.
That’s great! Thank you so much my dear Pauline!
I liked this story, but I have a question. Lord Harcourt said that shortly after aunt Barbara’s death, he learned that someone had threatened to ruin her, after witness ing them under the beech tree. How did he find out? Did I miss something?
Thank you so much my dear Pat. I truly appreciate it! I will make sure to check with my editor if indeed something is missing. Make sure to stay tuned because I have more coming!
It was in the letter Barbara sent the Earl explaining why she left without saying goodbye. She told the Earl she had received an anonymous threat that they would spread a nasty rumor about her that would destroy her reputation for good, and causing embarassment for the Earl/ family Mrs Drew drank to much sherry and after Matthew discovered the letter sent him in the library,went out to confront her.Mrs Drew thought was her plan to marry the Earl, but then Barbara showed up and stole her a chances.
Thank you so much dear Diane!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book because you were positive about poo it the main characters. You very cleverly used disagreeable characters to make the story more exciting. It kept me reading to the happy ending.
Ione Heinrichs
Thank you so much for your kind words and support my dear Ione. I really appreciate it.
Make sure to stay tuned because I have more coming!
A delightful love story. Thank you.
Thank you so much dear Kathy!
Very entertaining story – but you leave us wondering just who Andrew is going to marry.
You have managed to bring us another amazingly gripping story. The characters in this plot are strong with the determination to outwit their enemies and navigate the emotional turmoil that is put in their path. The extended epilogue gives us a delightful insight into their future lives. I can not wait to see what you come up with next.
Thank you so much my dear Stephen!
This story right from the start peaked my interest. I didn’t want put it down. I’m so glad with the extended epilogue we got to see more into the characters lives. I look forward to reading more books by you.
I’m so grateful for your support and kind feedback my dear Mary! Make sure to stay tuned because I have more coming!
I wholeheartedly agree with Mary about this story. I couldn’t put it down. I also loved how open and truthful Caroline and Matthew spoke to one another, especially at the beginning of the book. Thank you for a good read.
I’m humbled my dear Susan! So glad you enjoyed the story! Thank you so much for your kind comment and support!
Absolutely wonderful book.What a fantastic story.All the twists and turns.I couldn’t put it down!I laughed and cried.
I am humbled my dear Vanassia! Thank you so much for your kind words and support! So glad you enjoyed my story! Make sure to stay tuned as I have more coming!
A very good story and the characters are smart and their mrs Drew to have a son as a vicar is a evil woman
Thank you so much my dear Gwen!
This was a wonderful story and so well written it makes me want to read all of your books.
Thank you so much for your kind words and support my dear Judy. I truly appreciate it!
So glad you enjoyed the story! Make sure to stay tuned because I have more coming!
Thank you again and have a lovely day!
Very good story.I couldn’t put it down until I finished reading it.Very interesting plot.Can’t wait to read your other books.
I’m humbled, my dear Eny! I’m really grateful for your support and kind feedback!
Make sure to stay tuned because I have more coming!
A very good story line. You have very strong characters in you stories. This one you even had lying preacher’s wife. I wanted you to deal with her,not slap her wrist and no more haha.Keep up the good writing. Thank you
Thank you so much my dear Alice! I truly appreciate it! So glad you enjoyed the story! Make sure to stay tuned because I have more coming!
Wonderful story, it moved along in a way that made it hard to put it down until finished. The characters are wonderful, absolutely perfect for the storyline. I enjoyed the fact it was away from the “ton.” I especially liked the fact Mrs. Drew was “outed” in all her ugliness before the end of the book.
Thank you for an absolutely outstanding Read!
I’m humbled, my dear Lois! I’m really grateful for your support and kind feedback!
I’m glad to hear that you enjoyed the story! Make sure to stay tuned because I have more coming!
Great story to read indeed! Had to continue reading it to the end to see how it all end.
I am so glad to hear that you enjoyed the story my dear Elizabeth! Thank you so much! Make sire to stay tuned for my upcoming story! Have a great day!
I loved this book and couldn’t put it down. I couldn’t decide if the couple were going to marry. Amazing characters throughout the book. Abigail always writes wonderful stories!
Your words have moved me my dear Carolyn! Thank you so much!
Make sure to stay tuned as I have more coming!
I thought I was going to have to get rid of Matthew. He was walking on thin ice. His treatment of Caroline was unforgivable! She was such a serious girl and tried to be all things to her little brother regardless of her own problems. Matthew’s father was a lovely man who had Caroline’s best interest at heart. It’s a lovely story and keeps up the interest quite well. Still too many errors, spelling, grammar, etc.
Thank you so much my dear Rosalie! I am so happy that you liked the story! I really appreciate it your kind review! Make sure to stay tuned because I have more coming!
Your book are all great, and this one was no exception. Loved the all but Mrs Drew, the poor Vicar had a hateful wife, would like to know about that family!
I am humbled my dear Jo Ann! Thank you so much for you kind words, I really appreciate it! Make sure to stay tuned because I have more coming!
This enthralling poignant Romance is a captivating must -read. Endearing characters make this gripping tale a grand enticement for readers to add to their collection of favourite historical romances. Enjoyed immensely Another amazing story from a talented author.
Thank you so much my dear Greer! I really appreciate it!
The story was a real page turner with enough intrigue to make the read very interesting. Caroline’s determination to remain honest was very commendable. Lord Poulett discovered it before it was too late. Truth won!
Ione Heinrichs
I’m humbled, my dear Ione! I’m really grateful for your support and kind feedback! I’m glad to hear that you enjoyed the story! Make sure to stay tuned because I have more coming!
I loved this story. The characters were brilliant. I initially Matthew was a pompous arrogant man but as the story developed I could see his fear…..but that’s a fear every one may feel…I’m glad he overcame them. Caroline was a sweet lady who took caring for her brother seriously. Mrs Drew was an evil witch. I’m glad she was caught out. The extended epilogue comp!eted Mathews and Caroines story but left a lot of loose ends……what happened to Seth and Helena ? I hope there will be a book about Andrews story and even about Seth and Helena. I’m look forward to reading their stories too.
I’m humbled, my dear Nora! I’m really grateful for your support and kind feedback! I will keep your concerns about the Extended Epilogue in mind!
I’m glad to hear that you enjoyed my story! Make sure to stay tuned because I have more coming!
I really liked this book. So glad Mrs Drew got a trifle book and confessed all. Love the extended epilogue. Looking for more to come.
Thank you so much for your kind words and support my dear Janet! I am so glad you enjoyed the book! Make sure to satay tuned because I have more coming!
His was a very enjoyable story. It seemed like Caroline and Matthew were going to be kept apart, but love found a way and evil was overcome.
Although the epilogue had some paragraphs that were out of sequence and the extended epilogue left you wondering what happened to Andrew, it doesn’t negate the whole story.
Thank you for writing this very exciting story.
Thank you so much for your kind words, dear Karie!