OFFER: A BRAND NEW SERIES AND 2 FREEBIES FOR YOU!
Grab my new series, "Love and Secrets of the Ton", and get 2 FREE novels as a gift! Have a look here!
One Month Later
It hadn’t made sense to either one of them to wait long for wedding preparations.
From the moment Oliver had uttered the words, finally found strength enough to know his true heart, Catherine had begun the war to craft a gorgeous at-home wedding. It would be just before the Season shifted fully to darkness, while autumnal colours bloomed bright oranges and yellows and reds. Just now, outside his father’s house, the trees looked almost on fire with that seasonal passion, jutting up towards the bright blue sky. Was there anything more beautiful in the world?
Oliver, Thomas, and his father sat in his father’s study, with full view of the garden down below, where Catherine, Margery, and their mothers had set up shop, crafting together billowy wreaths for the afternoon ceremony. Oliver’s heart rattled while he breathed. He wasn’t entirely sure if it was nerves getting to him, or just the fact that it had still been only a month since the doctor had said he “might not make it.”
In the wake of the Duke’s horrific behaviour, the Duke had recognised his sour standing with Lord Garrison and attempted to patch it (despite, apparently, telling Catherine that he had fired Lord Garrison, instead). In a rare moment of appreciation for his son, Lord Garrison had insisted that they cut all business ties, taking his share of the clients and pooling them with Oliver. But as Oliver was as yet still too exhausted to take on the majority of his clients, he’d requested that Thomas enter the union. Thomas had accepted without pause and proven to be a tremendous asset, already gaining more clients and making a name for himself as a prosperous man in the industry.
Lord Garrison left the study for a moment, hearing Lady Garrison’s calls from downstairs. “Having a wedding at the house …” He sighed, gulping the rest of his whisky down his throat. “What a ridiculous nightmare of a thing, no?” But he beamed at both Thomas and Oliver before strutting towards the door. The way he walked and moved was reminiscent of a much younger man, especially since they’d taken matters of the business into their own hands. In his own way, perhaps, Lord Garrison had struggled with the weight of being latched to the Duke, knowing that whatever decision they made had to go through his muddled, egotistical brain. “It’s good to have you on board, Thomas,” he said again at the door, as though he hadn’t spoken these words countless times before.
Thomas reached for the window and opened it wide, leaning out and smoking a long cigar. Oliver joined him, gazing at the women below. Margery and Catherine gabbed like old friends, with Catherine constructing a little crown out of flowers and popping it over Margery’s head. In Oliver’s long life, he’d never known Margery to allow anyone to muss with her hair. But in this case, she cut back, cackling, seemingly pleased with everything Catherine did these days. In her own way, Margery had become looser, easier.
And Oliver was conscious that Thomas had noticed this, as well.
“A wedding, Ollie,” Thomas said, arching his brow. “Did you ever imagine, on her dirtiest, strangest day, that you might marry my strange and bizarre sister?”
At this, Margery and Catherine dropped their heads back, looking up at the boys. Margery batted her long lashes towards Oliver. Catherine simply grinned, her teeth bright and reflecting the sun. It was a strangely warm day in early October, and her shoulders glowed bare.
“What are you boys on about up there?” Catherine called.
“Just speaking about how lovely you are,” Oliver returned.
“You’re going to make me vomit!” Margery cried, drawing her elbow into Catherine’s side.
Catherine squealed and threw herself back into the wreaths, her fingers manic and scrambling. “Ollie, you know it’s terribly bad luck to see me before the wedding!”
Oliver headed back into the study, his heart bubbling up near his throat. He grinned at Thomas, feeling like a boy at school. Thomas snaked himself out from the window as well, dropping his firm hand around the neck of the whisky bottle. “I don’t suppose you’d like another glass?” he asked.
****
EPILOGUE 2: Lady Catherine Connelly
After Oliver disappeared inside the study upstairs, Catherine tried to toss all anxious thoughts back into the wreath, into the tiny flowers and little, skinny green vines that she wound about one another. She huddled tighter against Margery, conscious of how much she was shaking.
Margery guffawed slightly, giving her a side-eye. “You can’t very well tell me that the woman who raced into a burning tower to save the love of her life is now QUIVERING over her wedding?”
“Guilty,” Catherine murmured.
“Darling.” Margery sighed, dropping the last bits of her wreath and turning her fingers around Catherine’s shoulders. “Whatever you do, remember that my brother loves you more than this world. The way he recovered after you appeared at our home, it was absolutely remarkable. It was sent from God himself. He needs you, probably more than you need him.”
Catherine had spent the majority of those days after the engagement stitched tight beside Oliver’s bedside, reading to him and whispering to him and laughing with him. With each passing day, his skin had glowed brighter; his smile had grown wider. By the end of the first week, she’d felt she could envision their children, which bits they would get from him and which they would take from her, and the way they would scramble out across the fields, yelping with feeling.
How she wanted that reality.
After finishing the wreaths, Catherine and Margery returned to Margery’s bedroom, where Catherine’s wedding gown was hung up, its skirts stretched wide and its lace glittering in the October sun that swept in through the curtains. Each time Catherine saw it — in all its massive wonder — she marvelled at how she, an ugly duckling, could ever slip it over her shoulders, could ever possibly wear it in front of a crowd of onlookers. But no one else seemed to question it. When Margery had heard Catherine’s hesitations, she’d rolled her eyes and said, “You really are so unaware of how far you’ve come, aren’t you?”
Margery helped Catherine don the gown, buttoning up the fine buttons in the back, careful not to smudge or tear the lace. Catherine watched herself grow into a bride in the mirror. Enormous tears ran down her cheeks, which she swiped off a bit too late, making her face glisten.
“Even crying, you’re the most beautiful bride.” Margery sighed, laughing. “My brother can’t possibly understand what he has with you.”
The actual ceremony itself was held in a grand cathedral in Central London that afternoon, just after two. Catherine’s father walked her down the aisle whilst violins and cellos and horns blared from the upper choir section, far above their heads. The crowd stood, hushed, their eyes glued to Catherine as she approached the pulpit. Oliver awaited her there, just as he’d awaited her everywhere else throughout her life — at the base of the tree, along the stables, ready to tease her or whisper with her or laugh with her.
Now, he was ready to tear open his life for her, to build one anew.
When Catherine said the words that linked them together for good — “I do,” a rush of adrenaline sizzled up and down her body. She laughed and then drew herself into him, kissing him before God and London and the rest of the world. Oliver’s hand pressed tight against her lower back. Their hearts beat as one.
EPILOGUE 3: Lord Oliver Garrison
Oliver and Catherine danced their first dance as husband and wife in the grand ballroom at the Garrison estate. Oliver had never felt more anxious, feeling as though, in this case, he had three left feet, none of them operating just the way he pleased. He was grateful when the rest of the guests began to dance alongside them, falling into their own conversations, allowing him and Catherine to take enormous breaths of relief.
“Does it look like I’ve been sweating or crying or both?” Catherine asked him, arching a single brow.
“You’re a glistening bride,” Oliver said, teasing her.
Catherine chuckled. Her eyes looked far away for a moment, before returning. “Do you know who I’ve just seen?”
Oliver turned around, casting his gaze where Catherine’s had been. With a shudder, he spotted him: Duke Harry, his head lowered towards Margery, of all people, seemingly trying to draw her attention. Margery, who hadn’t yet begun dancing, looked sheepish and strange, sans any of her ordinary confidence. Her skin was a strange pale, almost green.
“We have to save her,” Catherine said.
“He doesn’t belong here,” Oliver agreed.
The couple held hands, slipping through the crowd. This was admittedly difficult as Catherine’s gown was nearly as long as a carriage. Several people stepped on it, nearly tripping her. She waved her hand tentatively at them, telling them, “No, it’s quite okay. Really. I dare say, I’ll never wear it again …”
Oliver’s eyes remained upon his sister. The Duke grew tighter against her, so that Oliver felt certain the spit from his speech coated her cheek. His free hand clenched into a fist. But just as he neared them, almost close enough to spew the anger rising in his soul, Thomas stepped between him and the Duke.
Thomas’s words rose, heavy and charged.
“Duke Harry. I don’t suppose you were invited to this grand affair, were you?”
The Duke blinked up at Thomas. Oliver took a slight step to the side, his hand still wrapped tightly around Catherine’s. She was hushed, as well, seemingly drinking in the confrontation.
“I don’t suppose I even know who you are.” The Duke smirked. He reached for Margery’s little shoulder, trying to draw her against him. “Margery and I have been friends for quite some time. Haven’t we, Margery? Why don’t you tell this strange man that you don’t need whatever help he’s trying to lend you. How misogynistic, to come to your aid when you don’t require it.”
Margery was far too ladylike, too demure, and perhaps too anxious to speak. Oliver prepared to intervene. But Thomas was already ahead of him.
“In fact, Margery has already promised me a dance. Haven’t you, Margery?” Thomas said, his voice cutting and hard.
Margery blinked wide, doe-like eyes towards Thomas. After a long, staggering pause, she turned her nose back towards the Duke, seemingly looking DOWN that nose at him, despite his immense height. It was remarkable what a woman could do when she wanted to belittle you, Oliver thought.
“Frankly, Duke, I do think it’s time for you to leave,” Margery said, taking a big step towards Thomas and slipping her hand over his. “I dare say you’re unwanted.” She flashed her head back towards Oliver and Catherine for back-up.
“You can either leave on your own, Duke, or you can wait for one of my men to take you away,” Oliver said, his voice booming. “Know that this decision is up to you. And only one of them is pretty.”
The Duke huffed. His skin was grisly and strange. He clucked his tongue, his eyes skating from one of them to the next to the next before landing finally upon Thomas again.
“Very well. If you want this wretched excuse for a human, be my guest.”
With that, he flung himself back through the crowd, forcing several women to yelp as he hurried past them. As he walked, Oliver watched as Thomas’s arm snaked up Margery’s back, drawing her tightly against him. Slowly, her quivering stopped.
Throughout their long life together, Oliver had never envisioned Margery with Thomas, Thomas with Margery. But now as he sat with it, he marvelled at their similarities. Both had been apt to be disgruntled, had been grey and clouded and ready with a sharp tongue. But both loved hard. Both upheld their families and friends above all things. And now, they looked at one another like they’d found a treasured possession, one they were unwilling to let go.
Another song swelled up from the orchestra. Catherine drew her hand towards Oliver’s chest, causing him to turn back towards her. Her eyes swam with tears.
“I wasn’t sure Thomas would ever find someone,” she murmured.
“I wasn’t sure Margery would, either,” Oliver returned.
As they stood like that, both holding within them the promise of the coming future, Peter and his fiancée whirled past, both laughing. Marcus and his fiancée waved from the far corner of the room, Marcus with a bit of frosting from the cake plastered across his cheek. As Oliver watched, his fiancée reached for it, smearing it off with a soft, but certain finger. She would do the same when they had children.
By the end of the evening, Thomas announced his engagement to Margery, a fact that nearly toppled Lady Garrison and Lady Connelly to the ground with excitement. They hugged one another in the midst of the hubbub.
“Thomas was always her favourite,” Catherine murmured in Oliver’s ear, giving him a sheepish grin. “He was always my favourite, too. I suppose it’s the difficult ones we love the most.”
EPILOGUE 4: Lady Catherine Connelly
Just after eleven in the very late evening, Catherine slipped her hand into Oliver’s and led him out from the estate, onto the moor. The autumn moon beamed over them, sure and confident, promising a million new moons to come. Catherine let out a soft sigh. Oliver dropped a kiss on her lips, making her stomach bubble with apprehension for the night ahead. How she craved being alone with him for the very first time.
Behind them, Peter, Marcus, and Thomas ambled up, all of them a bit drunk, a bit loud. Thomas dropped his arm around Oliver’s shoulder, thrashing him back and forth. Suddenly, it was as though they were transformed into their youthful selves, all of them brimming with possibility for their teenage years, their 20s ahead.
Peter’s eyes sparkled in the moonlight as he careened towards Catherine, dropping his hands at her waist and struggling to lift her, due to his drunkenness and the mighty weight of her dress.
“Sister, you were swell today. Absolutely swell,” he said, touching her nose with his finger. “Every woman and man was absolutely captivated with you.”
Catherine rolled her eyes. “I would have rather been deep in the woods with the lot of you than in front of those people. But thank you, Peter. Really.”
“Let’s promise one another something,” Marcus blurted. He rubbed his eyes, seemingly struggling to maintain complete composure. In recent years, he’d grown far more emotional than in previous ones, as though he’d always willed himself to be the “strong” one.
“Let’s promise that we show our children everything that we know about this area of the world. That we show them the creeks and the trees and the flowers we loved as children. That we show them how to climb and yell and grow dirty, without a care for what comes after.” HIs eyes beamed towards Catherine. “If there’s anything Catherine has shown us, it’s that we can be ever so much ourselves and still be ever so happy. She’s shown us more strength, since the age of six, than most people ever show in their lifetimes. And I’m proud to know her.”
There was a long pause. Catherine felt akin to a king at coronation. Her cheeks flashed bright red, and she drew her fingers along them, willing them not to notice her embarrassment. The sincerity was almost too much to bear.
“To Catherine,” Peter said, stepping forward.
“To Catherine,” Thomas affirmed.
Oliver and Marcus followed suit, raising their glasses in the moonlight. As they gazed at her, Catherine marvelled at the weight of all that would still come after this moment. Births and deaths; celebrations and sadness. She wanted to be beside them for all of it.
“I love you all,” she murmured, bowing her head. “I would be nothing without you.”
In the days that followed the wedding, Catherine and Oliver busied themselves with a move to their own estate, which had been gifted to them from Oliver’s father. Soon, Oliver and Thomas were known as magnanimous businessmen throughout London, and were frequently called abroad to handle the finances of top traders throughout Paris and Rome. Catherine’s pregnancy was announced within the first six months, and their first child — a boy, a wild and crazy, yelling boy — filled them with more pleasure and joy than Catherine could ever describe.
“Is it even possible for me to have a girl?” Catherine asked when she gave birth to her third boy, two years later. “It’s as though I’m doomed to be surrounded by boys the rest of my life.”
“Come now. You wouldn’t have it any other way,” Oliver whispered, giving her the most pleasurable, most comforting of all kisses. Catherine could do nothing but give in, knowing that whatever happened next, he would be by her side.
Readers who read this book also liked
 |
 |
 |
 |
OFFER: A BRAND NEW SERIES AND 2 FREEBIES FOR YOU!
Grab my new series, "Love and Secrets of the Ton", and get 2 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 🙂
Thoroughly wonderful. Things to check before publication: early in your writing you wrote that Catherine had 4 brothers. I’m the context of the sentence I feel it should be three with an additional comment that Oliver was like a brother to her. How delightful that they realized differently. I still have a few issues with “it was she not it was her” that appear occasionally in this story. Abigail, you keep getting better and better. Love having a duke be a villain.
Thank you so much for your kind and honest feedback, my dear Barbara! I’m delighted you liked my book! I will check with my editor about the typos you mention.
This was an amazing book. I can’t wait for the next one. It had everything, love, adventure, a little mystery and more. I really enjoyed reading it.
thank you so much for your lovely comment, my dear Lisa! I truly appreciate your support!
A great story of friendship and love. Love can be found in places that are right in front of you.
Thank you for the privilege of reading a great story.
My dear Hilda, thank you so much for leaving a comment. I deeply appreciate it
This was a wonderful book! Characters were well developed. The plot line moved along seamlessly. It was very well written with very few typos. The epilogue was also enjoyable. Keep up the good work!!
Thank you so much for your kind and honest feedback my dear Jean! I truly appreciate your support!
Absolutely loved the book. I loved Catherine and her originality. The idea behind the long time friends and their lives as they grew was very well developed. Love the twist with the pompous Duke and his final thwarting!!! Oliver’s Dads blind admiration for the Duke was also a typical reaction of a person blinded by title and wealth. Didn’t want to put this one down!!! Keep up the great work!
My dear Susan, your lovely words and support mean so much to me! Thank you so much! 🙂
Such a moving and captivating story. Absolutely loved the closeness with the brothers. Lots of intrigue.
I’m delighted you have enjoyed my book, dear Marlys!
The epilogue was wonderful. It tied up all the stories of the “Five Musketeers” – Catherine, her three brothers and her husband, (her best friend). I love happy endings, and thanks to you Abigail, I got it.
Hi… I did enjoy reading the whole book and the extension. I have read several of your books and enjoyed reading them all.
Thank you so much for your kind words, my dear Germaine! Your support means a lot to me!
Loved yet another of your books and the included epilogue. You certainly have a vivid imagination to be able to write such interestingly diverse novels. PLEASE keep up the good work.
Thank you so much for your sweet supportive words, my dear Nancy! They mean a lot to me!
This book was so well written I think the changes that come with growing up yet staying true to yourself were well demonstrated I wanted the book to continue to the next stage of life and their children
Thank you so much, my dear Lynne! I truly appreciate your sweet words!
I read this book straight through because I could identify with Catherine. Being raised with brothers in a rural part of Texas. Their adventures were great and carefree. I relived my childhood through this author’s descriptive writing. Also having lived in England for a year, the countryside was beautiful. Her brothers and Oliver were her life and she was stronger for it. The supporting characters, and Aunt Theresa, helped deliver the book. Wonderful writing.
Thank you so much for your sweet words, my dear Brenda! So glad you enjoyed my book and you could identify with Catherine. 🙂
what wonderful characters ! duke harry was such a scoundrel! i think Catherine ‘s stay in briStol helped her Aunt also so nice to see Catherine and her brothers geuinely loved and cared for each other great story
Thank you so much for your kind comment, my dear Sue! 🙂
I really enjoy your book . I couldn’t put it until I had finished it. Now I have a lot of housework to catch up with.
Haha thank you so much for your kind comment, my dear Winifred! I’m so happy you enjoyed my book!
i really enjoyed this cast of characters i would have loved to see a book two to continue their stories not a short epilogue .
Thank you for your kind words, my dear Angela. I will keep your comment in mind for my future stories. 😉
I enjoyed the story very much. Sometimes situations were not clear to me, but the characters were so delightful, especially Aunt Theresa.
Thank you so much, my dear Karie!
Really appreciate it!
This is the first I have read of your writing. I loved the storyline and enjoyed seeing the changes made by Catherine were merely enhancements and she was allowed to remain true to herself. Im looking forward to reading more from you!
Thank you so much for your sweet supportive words, my dear Cindy! I deeply appreciate them!
Thank you so much for your sweet words and support, my dear Cindy! I’m really happy you enjoyed my book!
Absolutely loved it! I enjoyed how strong you made Catherine and how women are more than objects and have a mind.
Thank you so much for your kind comment, my dear Nancy! 🙂
When Will thomas & Margery story be released
I was a little offended by the first paragraph, chapter 1 with the description of the nanny: 42, grey haired and hunched back. Do you have issues with women after 40? Just curious.
Catherine at 23? Isn’t that an old maid? Bartender? I like regency books, don’t mind the mix languages or even occasional errors. There were not enough in the story for me to leave with that “awww” feeling but rather the opposite – empty. There was just not enough to like about anyone in this book. Especially Catherine and Oliver.
hello, dear Ronin, thank you for your comment. I do not have any problem with women over 40. I am sorry if the description has offended you but it was not my intention. My sincerest apologies!
Will you be writing a book about each and their children as well? Would be wonderful to continue the stories of their families?
Thank you so much for the idea, my dear! I am working on a different story at the moment, but I will keep this in mind for future stories!
So original, and unique, I loved it!
Thank you so much for your sweet words, my dear Carmen! 🙂
Wow, this has been a pageturner and I love the storyline. Full of fond interactions with humot. Exciting from beginning to end. The extended rpilogues are welcome. Thank you
My dear Thelma, thank you so much for your sweet words! I really appreciate your support! 🙂
I so loved this book It had such great characters. I loved the drama and twists and turns. Reading is such a part of my life and I love your books. Thanks for your time and dedication in providing entertainment that I enjoy so much. As far as mistakes in wording. It didn’t even occur to me, I was too in tune with the characters 🙂 I enjoy so much of your writing and I thank you for the opportunity to read them for free as living on a fixed income I truly would not have been able to enjoy your writing. Thank you Lisa
My dear Lisa, I’m humbled! Thank you so much for your sweet words and support!❤️
Loved the story,best ever,truly
My dear Betty, thank you so much for your lovely comment!❤️
Omg, I say this every time, but this is your best one so far. I loved the wild untamed side to Catherine and Oliver and her brothers love for her. What a read, I couldnt put it down, finished it in one read. Wonderful, candid now wait for the next one.
My dear Aisling, thank you so much for your sweet words and support!😊 I’m humbled!
Snot only are your books a pleasure, but the epilogues, too! I do hope Catherine and Oliver have a girl someday, and that they give up having a child every year! And Barbara, spit on with the number of brothers. There were also several places where the verbs or adjectives were used twice in the sentence. Either way would have been fine, but not both.
Love to read your books! The only problem , once I start I can’t put them down. A lot of long nights!
I am so glad to hear that, my dear Brenda! Stay tuned ’cause more is coming!
loved this book, so very much. I laughed and cried with and for Catherine. So pleased with the super happy ending.
I really enjoyed this book. I could telate to the tomboy so well. Girls can be so mean, yet given the tight circumstances, be your best friend too. I loved the bond of the brothers, all of them to protect.
Great story. Thank yiy for sharing your talent.
I am so glad to hear that, my dear!
I think what I liked most was the ugly duckling finding peace with being her true self.
I am so glad you enjoyed it, my dear Bonnie!
It was a very interesting book. I would recommend this to everyone to read. I loved the story line, very seldom you are treated with the beginning of their friendship as youth to adulthood.
I am so glad to hear that, my dear Glenda!
This was my second time reading this wonderful book. Thank you for this sweet blessing. Your story telling is excellent and warms the heart. It’s always delightful to spend time with your characters for they are varied and interesting. You such a gift! God bless you.
I couldn’t be more grateful my dear Dana. Thank you so much for your lovely words and support! It means the world to me. I am so glad you enjoyed the story!
Make sure to stay tuned because I have more coming!
Abigail, I have been reading your books for some time. This book surpasses them all. It was a book of love from the children to the adults they became.
Thank you so much, my dear!!!
I loved this story, the twists and turns the togetherness . That everyone was so close as a family. The wonderful ending. Thankyou.
Thank you, I am really glad you loved it!
I loved this book. Catherine’s transformation. How her and Oliver always loved one another.
That’s wonderful, my dear Edith! So glad to hear that. 🙂
This is the first book of yours I’ve read, and it was delicious! I couldn’t put it down! Now I have to read your other books- and my house will never get cleaned!
Haha thank you so much for your sweet words and support, my dear Jeanette! So glad you enjoyed my book! ❤
I just love how you write historical stories with a different twist. This one was great, Catherine’s character showed a different type of heroine and one who although was made to change still stayed true to herself but tweaked it up. The extended epilogue was not like your usual ones as didn’t go of into the very distant future but it was still nice to see the five of them together at the end.
Thank you so much for your lovely comment, my dear Molly! Your sweet words mean a lot to me!
Glad to see everything worked out for Oliver and Catherine. That Catherine’s brothers found love too and so did Margery.
I’m delighted You enjoyed the book, my dear Wendy!
Loved the book and enjoyed the ending and epilogue.
I’m delighted to hear that, my dear Diana! 🙂
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. The characters interaction with each other kept me reading late in the night. I particularly enjoyed the aunt’s transformation of Catherine. I always love your stories, and in my opinion, this was one of your best.
As usual your story was wonderful . I just loved all the boys and their falling in to save their sister . Also your extended storyline is always great .
This was a wonderful story.I cried and laughed at this group of friends and then lovers.
I’m delighted to hear that you have enjoyed my book, dear Joan! Thank you for your kind words!
Wonderful story , so happy that Catharine was able to change but also continue to be herself. Thank you again a brilliant story teller.
Thank you so much for your lovely comment, my dear Donnett! 🙂
I enjoyed this book a lot, couldn’t hardly put it down. I love clean regency romance, it was well written. Thank You
I’m delighted you enjoyed the book, my dear Mary! 🙂
An enjoyable read with a completely new angle for a Regency Romance. The witty exchanges in your unique plot were reminiscent of Georgette Heyer. You did an excellent job developing and maturing each individual character from children to adults. This is an aside, I was very pleased I did not have to scan pages of sex scenes in order to enjoy the plot. Your description of the aunt, her cottage, the aunt’s maid and their relationship, and the two women’s personalities and
dispositions was a pure delight. The scene at the poetry reading was marvelous! This clever scene made it clear Catherine was struggling with the cultural roll she was being pushed into by her mother. The reader could no longer see Catherine as the problem, clearly she was the victim. The entire novel was able to shift direction after the poetry reading.
Comments:
I understood that a Duke was addressed as Your Grace, rarely just Duke.
The time frame was impossible to place as cosmetics were not used by “ladies” but were casually mentioned and prominent in the novel.
Gowns were not described except to mention wide skirts – period?
The members of the aristocracy disdained any form of “money grubbing.” Yet, the Duke (well drawn!) and the male characters were open about their business and plans.
As the only son, Oliver would inherit the title and the estate, this could have been an explanation when the father gave them an estate. Plus, it may have been interesting to know the rank of both the fathers, but I am guessing not dwelling on their rank was a plot point
As I thought about a summary, I realized you wrote a very enjoyable, clever novel with believable characters using witty dialog, but the story was not anchored to a recognizable time or social setting.
Thank you so much for your detailed feedback and thorough analysis, my dear Patricia! You are raising some valid points and have a solid justification for them. I will keep them in mind and will work 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 was trying to articulate this exact sentiment…well said! Especially agree with your “aside”! Loved the book and the characters!
This book was just what I have come to expect from ABIGAIL Apgar. From beginning to end I was captivated by Catherine and her devotion to her “four” brothers. The love between Oliver and her was so obvious to me that I grew frustrated and concerned they would never realize it. Thank you for the lovely love story entwined in this story.
Thank you so much for your sweet words, my dear Barbara! I’m delighted you enjoyed my story! I truly appreciate your support. ❤
Loved the book and epilogue the twists and turns and the people you gave depth to .
So nice to hear that, my dear Margaret! 🙂
Original and most enjoyable. The book called to me to the finish. Loved the characters, story line. Refreshing to have only one titled gentlemen, presented in an unusual light. Only you could have made it work so differently than most other writers of this genre. Would have liked to had more of the nuances of her transformation with the aunt but greatly appreciated the 3 added epilogues. Well done
Thank you so much for your lovely comment, my dear Lisa! So happy you enjoyed my book!
Hi, Abigail! Thanks for this lovely Extended Epilogue. I love finding out what happens after the main storylines are finished. As you know, I have loved your novels and excellently-crafted plots for many years. I’m happy to see you continually hone your writing skills into more complex novels. This book is an excellent example of that progress. Best of luck in the future. I’ll be waiting for your next adventure! YOUR OLD & LOYAL FAN
Thoroughly enjoyed how the characters evolved into adulthood but retained themselves as they were as children.
They loved their simple lives and each other. Happily ever after for those that loved.
Loved the way the siblings and friend were to each other. This was one that couldn’t wait to read. Loved the sister and Peter most of all. Loved the ending and wished I could read some chapters. The closeness of the characters is wonderful.
Thank you so much for your lovely comment, my dear Arlita! So glad you enjoyed my book!
Loved yet another of your books and the included epilogue. You certainly have a vivid imagination to be able to write such interestingly diverse novels. PLEASE keep up the good work.
I loved this book . I never expected Catherine to change, she surprised everyone . The love was always there it was hidden until the disaster . Can’t believe Duke showed up at tv wedding . Extended epilogue one of the best
Thank you so much my dear Barbara! I’m delighted you enjoyed the story!
Loved the story! Stayed up all night to finish.The relationship between everyone was amazing.I couldn’t wait to see Oliver’s reaction to the change in her.I cried when he rejected her but was happy with the end☺
I’m delighted to hear that you enjoyed the book, my dear Linda! Thank you so much for your kind words!
Loved this story! The characters (Peter, Thomas, Marcus, Catherine and Oliver) friendship lasted from children to adulthood with Catherine and Oliver getting married (they loved each other since childhood but didn’t realize they always would until later). I also was happy that Catherine’s Aunt could help her grow into a gracious mature lady. I was happy for Thomas to have found his love with Margery. I wasn’t sure either of them would find their true love. Good book!
Thank you so much for your lovely comment, my dear Dot! Your kind words mean a lot to me. 🙂
this was a very good read, plus drama sadness and never knowing want will happen next.You are one best writer of sweet christian books which i really enjoy.
Thank you so much for your sweet supportive words, my dear Tony! So happy you enjoy my books! 🙂
What a wonderful story. It was exciting and emotional at times. I’m glad Catherine and her brother’s found their lifelong partners. I enjoy reading the extended epilogue. It completed the story. Thank you for another brilliant book. Keep them coming
Lovely story with well developed characters; Captures your imagination and makes you keep on reading .
Would like to point out that Oliver should have been in bed whe9n Catherine and her brothers went to see him. There is no way he could be “standing ” when he almost died and then in the Epilogue it says the time spent next to his bed caring for him (which should be). Also within one month he was smoking a cigar and getting married? Not if he had inhaled so much smoke and ash!
The Epilogue should be part of original writing particularly when it is so long.
Thank you for your kind and honest feedback, my dear Elda! I really appreciate it and I keep your comments in mind. The extended epilogue is just a bonus material, this is why it isn’t part of the book; the story would be complete even without it.
Lovely story with well developed characters; Captures your imagination and makes you keep on reading .
Would like to point out that Oliver should have been in bed whe9n Catherine and her brothers went to see him. There is no way he could be “standing ” when he almost died and then in the Epilogue it says the time spent next to his bed caring for him (which should be). Also within one month he was smoking a cigar and getting married? Not if he had inhaled so much smoke!
Lovely story with well developed characters; Captures your imagination and makes you keep on reading .
Would like to point out that Oliver should have been in bed whe9n Catherine and her brothers went to see him. There is no way he could be “standing ” when he almost died and then in the Epilogue it says the time spent next to his bed caring for him (which should be). Also within one month he was smoking a cigar and getting married? Not if he had inhaled so much smoke!
Great reading I could hardly put the book down. I will read more of your books
I’m delighted to hear that, my dear Yvonne! your support means so much to me!
Your story was intriguing and unique. However, I believe Catherine’s early years with the boys were stretched out way too long; that she was 23 before her parents too action is nowhere near possible in that time period and made her ridiculous rather than likeable. It took far too long to get to the point when the book was flowing and believable; and how did the fire start. I loved the plot; but was bored frequently.
Thank you for your honest feedback, my dear Carolyn! It’s always welcome as it helps me improve my stories and my writing. I will keep your comments in mind for my future books.
Hi i love the story but wish the extended part was also included on the end of the story not having to go in and set up tbe last piece to finish.
Thank you for your comment, my dear Sheron! The extended epilogue is just some bonus material for you, as the story is complete even without it. 🙂
I thoroughly enjoyed the book from the beginning to the extended epilogue could not put it down until I finished it .the house chores had to wait
My dear Maria, thank you so much for your lovely comment! I really appreciate your sweet words and support!
I love all your writing that I have read thus far. This was my favorite. When I read some more that may change! I enjoyed the romance, the humor, and the suspense. You are definitely one of my favorite romance authors. Keep up the excellent work!
My dear Sharon, thank you so much for your support! I deeply appreciate your sweet words! ❤️
Absolutely wonderful story dynamic between siblings & friend! Enjoyed verrrry much!!!! Adventure,excitement,intrigue,love& so much more! A truly fascinating & quite enjoyable tale throughout!!!!!!
My dear Carole, I’m humbled! Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
Thoroughly enjoyed reading this romance! Great characters and fabulous storyline (even without the extended epilogue).
My dear Mariella, thank you so much for your sweet words! 🙂
One of your best book (on my opinion)! Even though the title doesn’t do justice to the originality of the plot, the reader is so much captivated into the story to forget anything else. I loved the happy ending and the words you choose to create it, simple but so evocative that they continue to pop up again and again in my mind during my yoga meditation ejeje! Thanks Abigail!
My dear Valentina, thank you from the bottom of my heart for your sweet words! They are so touching!❤️
I so enjoyed your book. I loved the story line involving how brothers and a sister can remain close forever. I love reading the Extended Epilogue and learning what happens to all of the siblings. It’s nice to read a clean book that can be interesting and a joy to read. I have enjoyed all of your books.
My dear Carolyn, thank you very very much for sharing your thoughts with me! I really appreciate your support!
Absolutely loved this story! The strong sibling close connection reminds me of my family, except we had 4 girls and two boys. We often played together with close friends growing up and felt like they too were brothers. Good storyline with surprises and a H.E.A.
Enjoyed the extended episodes very much, thank you!
My dear Cheryl, thank you from the bottom of my heart for your lovely comment!❤️
Again you have wrote an amazing story. Couldn’t wait to finish reading it to the end.
I enjoyed this book immensely! Whenever I read your books I always wish there were stories to follow about the other main characters.
This is a very amazing story and the extended epilogues were all enjoyable
It’s the 88year old man (retired shipmaster) again!
I enjoyed this one too. I wish, though, you could get soneone English to proof-read!
There are no coyotes or racoons in England.
“That’s swell” is pure American, not British english.
A pity I feel I have to tell you this, as otherwise I think your books are really good!
Thank you so much for pointing these out, my dear Leslie! I always try to become better and better!
Enjoyed so much of this book! Catherine’s feelings and growth were well done. Interactions and dialog between characters was mostly realistic. The only problem there was several much too modern replies your editor did not catch. The one that pops into mind is the one word “deal” at the end of a conversation. I think you are an excellent writer.
Editing and some attention to segways for awkward writing moments will leave you with excellent flow. Thank you for a good read!
Thank you so much for your kind words, my dear Mary!
Just one comment I have just finished the most fabulas book and now I spend time missing all five of them thank you thank you and so on to your next story Lesley x x
My dear Leslry, thank you so much for leaving a comment. I deeply appreciate it!
Very exciting book. I loved the characters and how they were growing apart, but in the end, came home to where and who they belonged. Thank you so much for another “can’t put it down” book!
Thank you so so much for your kind words and support my dear Teresa. I truly appreciate it! I am so glad that you enjoyed the story! Make sure to stay tuned because I have more coming!
Thank you again and have a lovely day!
Another enthralling, enchanting must-read that is sure to please lovers of regency historical romances. Utterly delightful especially with three epilogues.
Thank you so much dear! I am so glad you enjoyed the book! Make sure to stay tuned because I have more coming!
A beautiful captivating story with the love and innocence children find in life when allowed to explore it fully, growing up to retain those precious friendships. What could be more beautiful.
I’m humbled dear Linda! Thank you so much for your kind words and support!
I’m humbled! Thank you so much for your lovely feedback and support dear Linda!
A wonderful story with marvelously crafted characters.
Glad you enjoyed the story dear Shirley!
Thank you so much for your kind comment and support!
Really enjoyed the story and the extended epilogue and could not put it down.🤗Glad that everything turned out for them and there families. Hope that Catherine has another baby and that it is a baby girl 👧. Thanks again 😀😀and please keep up the good 👍work. Cannot wait to read some more of your books 📚.Thanks again.😄😃😀👶👶👶👶
Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! I’m thrilled you enjoyed the story and the epilogue. Your hopes for Catherine have me smiling—who knows what the future might hold for her! 😊 I truly appreciate your support and can’t wait to share more stories with you. Thanks again for reading! 📚✨
Absolutely loved the storyline. Very original. Loved aunt Theresa too. I have read many of your books. Please keep them coming.
I too was unhappy with the portrayal of Nanny Annie as an old crone at only 42. Poor thing, the description reminded me of a wicked witch.
But points to remember about England for future novels:-
We don’t have Racoons, wolves might have been few and far between in the 18th century when they went exrinct here and definitely no coyote’s.
The Fall in England is called the Autmn.
We, like America measure distances in miles.
21st century England still hasn’t switched over to kilometres (it’s weird here, we’re all mixed up 😂 petrol/gas is sold by the Litre and the weights when shopping are kilo’s and grams). And Mascara! 1900’s. I thought they might have used a sort of Kohl eyeliner but not sure.
Always ask Alexa/Google/Siri .
Xxx
Thank you so much for your thoughtful feedback! I’m thrilled you enjoyed the storyline and Aunt Theresa! I really appreciate the helpful pointers about England—I’ll keep those in mind for future books. As for Nanny Annie, I’ll definitely take your perspective into account in future character descriptions. Thanks again for your support, and I promise to keep the stories coming! 😊 xx