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“William, you mustn’t spoil her so,” Eliza said with a laugh, watching as her husband knelt in the lush grass of their garden, holding a tiny hand-painted rocking horse before their curious, chubby-cheeked daughter.
“Nonsense,” William replied with mock indignation. “If I cannot spoil my own daughter, then what is the point of being a duke?”
Eliza shook her head, though her lips curled into a smile. The sunlight filtered through the high-reaching branches of the oak trees, casting dappled shadows over the family. Their daughter, Margaret Rose—or Rosie, as they fondly called her—giggled as she grabbed at the rocking horse, her tiny fingers closing around its painted mane.
“She is not even walking yet, William,” Eliza teased. “What use does she have for a toy horse?”
“It is never too early to learn to ride,” William replied, his dark eyes sparkling with humor. “Do you not agree, Rosie?”
The child responded with a gurgling laugh, and William’s smile softened as he looked at her. “See? She’s clearly in favor.”
Eliza sat down on the blanket beside them, smoothing her skirts and reaching for a plate of cucumber sandwiches. They had made a habit of taking their midday meal in the gardens whenever the weather allowed, and today was no exception. The estate, surrounded by rolling hills and vibrant wildflowers, was alive with the scents and sounds of late summer.
“She’s growing so fast,” Eliza said quietly, brushing a curl from Rosie’s forehead. “It feels as though it was only yesterday we brought her home.”
William’s expression grew tender. “And yet, I cannot imagine life without her—or you. This,” he gestured to the scene before them, “is everything I never dared hope for.”
Eliza reached for his hand, their fingers intertwining. “And you, my dear husband, are everything I never knew I needed.”
For a moment, they sat in comfortable silence, the kind of quiet that spoke volumes. A soft breeze stirred the leaves overhead, carrying with it the faint scent of roses from the nearby trellis. Eliza watched as William handed the rocking horse to Rosie and leaned back against the blanket, his features relaxed in a way they rarely had been in the early days of their marriage.
“You’ve changed, William,” she said thoughtfully, breaking the silence. “You’re no longer the brooding man who tried so hard to frighten me away.”
William chuckled, the sound deep and warm. “And you, my love, are no longer the shy young lady who worried she would never be accepted. It seems we have both been quite transformed.”
“By each other, I think.”
“Undoubtedly.” He kissed her knuckles gently. “But tell me, Eliza, are you happy?”
Eliza’s eyes shimmered with emotion as she looked at him. “I am happier than I ever thought possible.”
“Then I shall consider myself the luckiest of men,” William said, a grin spreading across his face. “Though I daresay Simon might argue otherwise. Did you not hear? He is to marry your sister come spring.”
Eliza’s mouth dropped open in surprise. “Margaret and Simon? Truly?”
William nodded. “It seems your sister has grown fond of botany after all.”
Eliza laughed, her heart swelling with joy. “It appears happiness runs in the family.”
“Indeed,” William murmured, his gaze lingering on her with a quiet reverence. “And ours has only just begun.”
“Eliza, have you seen my riding gloves?” William called from the doorway of their bedchamber.
Eliza turned from the writing desk where she was penning a letter to Aunt Prudence. The afternoon sun streamed through the windows, illuminating the room in a golden glow. She smiled as she spotted the gloves resting on the edge of the settee.
“They’re by the settee, dearest,” she replied. “You must learn to look before calling for me.”
William stepped into the room, his expression sheepish. “I suppose I’ve grown accustomed to you finding things for me.”
“Clearly,” Eliza teased, setting her quill aside. “Are you off to inspect the stables again?”
“I am,” William said, scooping up the gloves. “We’re preparing for Rosie’s pony. Simon insists she’ll be riding by next year.”
Eliza laughed softly, shaking her head. “That sounds like Simon. He and Margaret must be keeping you busy with their plans.”
“They are,” William admitted with a grin. “But it’s a good sort of busy. Margaret asked me to assist with the garden arrangements for the wedding. Can you imagine?”
“That’s because you’ve become quite the gardener yourself,” Eliza pointed out, tilting her head playfully. “I’ve seen you sneaking cuttings from Simon’s greenhouses.”
William placed a hand over his heart, feigning offense. “I am no thief! I merely borrow inspiration.”
“Is that what we’re calling it now?”
He laughed and crossed the room, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. “If you must know, I’ve been cultivating a surprise for you.”
Eliza raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “A surprise, you say?”
“I do. But you’ll have to be patient.” He kissed her cheek before heading for the door. “I’ll see you in the garden later. Try not to peek.”
Eliza watched him leave, her heart full. Their days had settled into a peaceful rhythm, filled with small joys and shared moments. She returned to her letter, smiling as she wrote to Aunt Prudence about Rosie’s latest antics.
Half an hour later, she was interrupted by the sound of little footsteps pattering down the hall. Rosie appeared at the doorway, clutching a bouquet of wildflowers in her tiny hands.
“Mama!” she called, her cheeks flushed with excitement. “For you!”
Eliza crouched down, accepting the flowers with a warm smile. “Thank you, my darling. These are beautiful.”
“Papa said you like flowers,” Rosie declared, her blue eyes sparkling. “I picked them with him.”
“Did you now?” Eliza glanced down the hall and saw William standing there, a grin on his face.
“She insisted,” he said, stepping into the room. “Though I can’t say I disagree with her choice.”
Eliza rose, holding the bouquet to her nose. “You’re both terribly thoughtful.”
“We try,” William said, scooping Rosie into his arms. “Now, Rosie, shall we show Mama the rest of the surprise?”
Rosie nodded enthusiastically, her curls bouncing. “Come, Mama! Come!”
Curiosity piqued, Eliza allowed them to lead her through the house and out into the garden. What awaited her made her heart swell with emotion: a small rose garden, vibrant with blossoms in shades of pink, red, and white, each flower meticulously arranged.
“William…” she whispered, her voice catching.
“You once told me you wanted a garden of your own,” William said, his gaze steady. “Consider this my gift to you.”
Tears welled in Eliza’s eyes as she took in the thoughtful gesture. “It’s perfect,” she murmured, wrapping her arms around him. “Thank you, William. For everything.”
Rosie clapped her hands, giggling at her parents’ embrace. As they stood there, surrounded by roses and laughter, Eliza knew her life was as close to perfect as it could ever be.
The following spring arrived with all the grandeur of an English countryside in full bloom. The estate was alive with activity, as preparations for Margaret and Simon’s wedding filled the air with a palpable sense of excitement.
“I cannot believe it is happening so soon,” Eliza said, carefully pinning a garland of ivy and wildflowers along the bannister of the grand staircase. Rosie sat at her feet, playing with ribbons, while William stood nearby, holding a tray of tea and biscuits.
“Simon hardly believes it himself,” William replied, setting the tray on a nearby table. “But I must admit, I haven’t seen him this nervous in years.”
Eliza laughed softly. “Nervous? Simon? Surely not.”
“Oh, quite the contrary,” William said, taking a step closer. “He was fussing over the color of the table linens yesterday. Table linens, Eliza.”
“Well,” Eliza said, brushing her hands against her apron, “he is marrying my sister. He knows better than to leave such matters unattended.”
William chuckled, watching her with an affectionate smile. “And how are you faring? You’ve taken on quite the task, ensuring everything is to Margaret’s liking.”
“I’m perfectly fine,” Eliza replied, though the slight flush in her cheeks betrayed her. “Margaret deserves a beautiful wedding, and I am determined to see that she gets it.”
“She’s lucky to have you,” William said, stepping forward to take her hand. “As am I.”
Rosie tugged at Eliza’s skirts, her small voice piping up. “Mama, can I wear flowers in my hair like Aunt Margaret?”
“Of course, darling,” Eliza said, crouching to stroke her daughter’s hair. “We’ll pick the prettiest blooms for you tomorrow.”
Rosie beamed, her excitement contagious. William knelt beside her, brushing a stray curl from her face. “And what will Papa do?” he asked with a grin.
“You’ll dance with me,” Rosie declared, nodding firmly.
William’s laughter filled the hall, warm and rich. “Then I suppose I’d best start practicing.”
The day of the wedding dawned bright and clear, the sky a perfect shade of blue. Guests arrived in carriages adorned with ribbons, the sound of chatter and laughter echoing through the estate. The chapel had been transformed into a haven of springtime beauty, with garlands of roses and lilies adorning every pew.
Eliza stood with Margaret in the bride’s chamber, adjusting the delicate lace of her sister’s veil. Margaret’s hands trembled slightly, and Eliza placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder.
“You look radiant,” Eliza said softly. “Simon won’t be able to take his eyes off you.”
Margaret turned to her, her eyes shimmering with gratitude. “Thank you, Eliza. For everything. I never imagined I could feel this happy.”
Eliza’s heart swelled. “You deserve it, Margaret. And more.”
The ceremony was nothing short of magical. Simon’s face lit up as Margaret walked down the aisle, and there was a collective sigh of delight from the guests as they exchanged vows.
As they exited the chapel, hand in hand, Margaret turned to Eliza with a wide smile. “Sister,” she said, her voice filled with emotion, “I hope I find as much happiness as you have.”
Eliza glanced at William, who was holding Rosie in his arms, his expression one of utter contentment. “I have no doubt you will,” she replied.
Later that evening, the wedding celebrations continued in the grand ballroom of the estate. The room glittered with the soft glow of chandeliers, and the sound of music and laughter echoed through the air. Couples swirled across the polished floor, their movements as graceful as the sweeping notes of the string quartet.
Eliza stood near the refreshment table, holding a glass of lemonade. Rosie sat on her hip, her little head resting against Eliza’s shoulder, worn out from an evening of excitement. She watched as William and Simon stood at the edge of the dance floor, deep in conversation, their laughter carrying over the hum of the crowd.
“Simon seems happier than I’ve ever seen him,” Aunt Prudence said, joining Eliza. She carried a glass of sherry and wore a rare smile, her eyes soft with approval. “Margaret too. You should be proud of yourself, Eliza. None of this would have happened without your influence.”
“I only gave them a nudge in the right direction,” Eliza replied modestly. “The rest was their doing.”
Aunt Prudence tilted her head, a knowing twinkle in her eye. “Perhaps. But it’s clear that you’ve become the glue that holds this family together. Even Clarissa—though she would never admit it—has softened since the wedding announcement.”
Eliza smiled. Clarissa had indeed seemed more subdued of late. While their relationship remained strained, the once-constant tension had begun to ease, and Eliza held hope for continued progress.
At that moment, William approached, his eyes alight as they met hers. “May I steal my wife for a dance?” he asked, his voice warm.
Eliza chuckled, shifting Rosie into Aunt Prudence’s waiting arms. “You may.”
William led her onto the dance floor, his hand resting lightly at her waist as the music swelled around them. They moved together with practiced ease, their steps perfectly in sync.
“I don’t believe I’ve told you how lovely you look tonight,” William murmured, his gaze fixed on hers.
“And I don’t believe I’ve told you how lucky I feel to have you,” Eliza replied, her voice soft.
“You’ve made me the happiest of men,” William said, his tone earnest. “Every day with you feels like a gift.”
Eliza’s heart swelled with emotion. “And you, my love, have given me a life I never dared to dream of.”
As they danced, the world around them seemed to fade away. The music, the laughter, the glowing chandeliers—all of it became background to the love they shared. Eliza felt an overwhelming sense of peace, knowing that their journey had led them here, to this moment of pure joy.
When the music ended, the guests erupted into applause, and William leaned down to whisper in her ear. “Shall we take a walk in the garden? I believe the stars are waiting for us.”
Eliza nodded, slipping her hand into his. Together, they stepped out into the cool night air, the garden illuminated by the silvery glow of the moon. The roses William had planted for her swayed gently in the breeze, their scent sweet and calming.
They strolled in silence for a time, savoring the quiet intimacy of the moment. Finally, William paused and turned to face her, his expression serious yet tender.
“Eliza,” he said, his voice low, “I want you to know that no matter where life takes us, I will love you fiercely, with every part of me, for as long as I live.”
Eliza felt tears prick her eyes as she reached up to cup his face. “And I, William, will love you just the same. Always.”
He kissed her then, slow and sweet, under the vast expanse of the star-filled sky. In that moment, Eliza knew that their future would be filled with challenges and triumphs, but most of all, it would be filled with love.
And for her, that was more than enough.
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 🙂
This story was one I loved reading it was
so touching and sometimes heartbreaking. The mother of one daughter an stepmother of the oldest
daughter was not a good mother or stepmother. The Duke was the turning point for one and you add Simon and you
have an amazing story. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you so much for your kind words! I’m so glad you enjoyed the story and connected with the characters. Your support means a lot! 💕
A scarred Dukes masked Heart
Well. It would have been lovely if William had an heir, but maybe Eliza will oblige at some time! One child is never enough, I feel, as they are at risk of being spoiled and not learning to share. Let’s hope I am wrong about that! I can hear you all yelling at me now. Before you ask, I am one of three and I have three grown children. But no grandchildren and looks like I won’t have any either. I guess it’s not a nice enough world!
Thank you so much for your thoughtful comment! I’m glad you enjoyed the story. As for William and Eliza, who knows what the future holds for them! I appreciate your perspective on children—each family is different, and I’m sure your experience as one of three has shaped your views. I hope you find joy in the things that bring you happiness, and thank you for sharing your thoughts!
This novel is like a beautiful flower, revealing surprising colors and facets of characters that take the reader in amazing ways. I was delighted with William, Eliza and, especially, Aunt Pru, who was caring and supportive throughout. And Clarissa, who should be giving classes on evil stepmothers! Loved the first chess-playing scene! Delightful!
Thank you so much for your kind words! I’m thrilled you enjoyed the story and the characters, especially Aunt Pru and Clarissa’s dynamic! And I’m so glad the chess scene stood out to you—it was one of my favorites to write! 😊
A lovely story which starts out with deception. William pretends to be disabled and scarred with the hope that Margaret will reject him and break off the betrothal. Eliza pretends to be Margaret because Margaret doesn’t want to marry someone disabled and Eliza is forced into it by her wicked stepmother and wicked half sister. However,once they meet they start falling for each other. William is finally convinced to tell her that he is recovered from his injuries but before Eliza can tell him about the deception, the wicked relatives show up and claim that Eliza came there on her own to steal him from his real bride Margaret. William doesn’t even give Eliza a chance to tell him the truth and sends her away. Fortunately, he realizes that he is miserable without Eliza and goes to her. Finally they unravel all the lies and find a happy ending for themselves. A good read.
Thank you so much for your thoughtful and detailed comment! I’m delighted to hear you enjoyed William and Eliza’s journey, with all its twists and turns. It’s wonderful to know the story resonated with you. Your support means so much! 💕