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“Look, William, isn’t that Lady Harrowby wearing one of my designs?” Clara’s voice tingled with excitement as she tugged at her husband’s arm, her eyes gleaming with pride as they scanned the lively garden party.
William followed her enthusiastic gesture across the vibrant lawns of the grand estate, where Eleanor’s fifth anniversary celebration unfolded in full splendor. His eyes settled on Lady Harrowby, who indeed adorned one of Clara’s elegant creations, her gown shimmering in the sunlight with every graceful move. “It certainly is, my dear. And there—Mrs. Dalton and Miss Smythe are also showcasing your exquisite work. You’ve truly outdone yourself, Clara.”
Around them, the air buzzed with admiration and discreet inquiries about the origin of such refined attire. Clara’s decision to forsake her familial comforts to pursue dressmaking had initially sparked much gossip. Yet, now it seemed to add to her allure among those who had once might have snubbed her.
“Do you remember the uproar when you first left your family? And the even louder whispers when I began to court you?” William said, a gentle tease in his tone as he took a sip from his champagne flute, observing his wife relish the acknowledgment from her peers.
Clara nodded, her smile touched with nostalgia. “How could I forget? There was such scandal, everyone pondering why a lady of means would choose such a path. But look at us now, William. We’ve proven that there’s more to life than just adhering to expected norms.”
Indeed, Clara’s venture into the world of fashion had captivated the ton. Unlike the new money debutantes struggling to secure noble husbands, Clara had intrigued society by passionately embracing a creative profession. Her marriage to William only cemented her status, transforming her from a scandalous figure to a cherished eccentric with a thriving enterprise.
“It was your courage that won my heart,” William declared sincerely, meeting her gaze with an intensity that spoke of deep, enduring love. “You dared to defy convention, my dear, and it’s made all the difference.”
Throughout the afternoon, the couple mingled with the guests, graciously accepting compliments and engaging in lively discussions. Clara’s designs were a central topic of conversation, each mention a testament to her success and innovation. The women adorned in her dresses wore them proudly, each aware that their garments were not only beautifully crafted but also symbols of empowerment and defiance.
“Your triumphs are entirely of your own making, Clara. You’ve carved out a niche that nobody else could,” William remarked as they paused under the cooling shade of a grand old oak, watching the guests revel in the festivities.
Clara surveyed the scene, her heart swelling with fulfillment and affection. “And I couldn’t have reached this point without your unwavering support, William. When the world seemed against me, you were my steadfast ally.”
William lifted her hand to his lips, kissing it softly, his eyes filled with adoration. “And I will continue to be. But let’s not forget, this is merely the beginning. There are more designs to create, more conventions to challenge.”
As the gentle breeze rustled through the leaves above them, Clara’s eyes sparkled with ambition. “Indeed, every gown I create is a step towards changing perceptions. But let’s not dwell on the work now. Today is about celebration, and look who’s just arrived!”
Edward, Clara’s brother, made his way through the crowd, his arm linked with that of his wife, Clotilde. The sun had kissed his skin to a deeper tan, and his hair, now slightly longer, gave him a more relaxed and adventurous look compared to the rigid formality of their youth. Clotilde, with her striking gold beaded locks partially hidden under a stylish feathered hat, drew admiring glances from the assembly.
William grinned at the sight of his brother-in-law. “Edward, you’ve brought the Caribbean sunshine with you!” he greeted, clasping Edward’s hand warmly.
“Indeed, I have,” Edward replied, his voice carrying a cheerful lilt. “And I couldn’t wait for you all to meet Clotilde properly. She’s the captain of her own ship, you know.”
Clotilde smiled, her eyes scanning the lush gardens. “It’s beautiful here, but the sea calls to me like these gardens call to your beekeepers.”
Her analogy drew a laugh from the group, and Clara leaned in to hug her sister-in-law. “We’re just glad you’re here now, safe and with us. The tales of your voyages could fill books, I’m sure!”
The conversation turned to tales of high seas and distant shores, with Edward and Clotilde sharing anecdotes that captivated their audience. Clara noticed the ease with which Clotilde spoke of her life on the water, a stark contrast to the traditional roles many of their acquaintances held.
As the group laughed over a particularly thrilling encounter with a tropical storm, William caught Clara’s eye and gestured subtly towards the other side of the garden where their two young sons were playing. “Look at them, just as we were at their age. Edward, remember the pirate games we used to play?”
Edward chuckled. “How could I forget? Seems like our adventures inspired more than just our games, though.”
The brothers shared a nostalgic smile as they watched the children dart among the flowerbeds, their laughter mingling with the soft rustling of leaves.
Clara’s gaze lingered on her sons, her heart full. “They have the whole world ahead of them, just like we did. It’s our job to make sure it’s a world where they can be anything they dream of.”
William nodded, his expression tender. “And they will be. With you as their mother, how could they not be inspired to chase their dreams?”
As the party continued, the warmth of the afternoon sun was matched by the warmth of the conversations around them. William excused himself briefly and Clara watched curiously as William handed the folded paper to a waiter.
She watched as the waiter navigated through the crowd, with an intricately folded paper in hand, making its way towards her. The garden buzzed with the laughter and chatter of the guests, a harmonious backdrop to the vibrant colors of the dresses and suits swaying with the gentle breeze.
Her heart fluttered with anticipation, her eyes catching William’s from across the lawn. He raised his glass to her with a cheeky grin, a reminder of the playful dynamics that had grown between them over the years. Though matured and refined, William still harbored the boyish charm that had first drawn Clara to him, only now it was tempered with the depth of a man who had seen her through her moments of doubt and stood by her as she forged her own path.
Clara received the paper with a gracious nod to the waiter, her fingers tracing the creases that formed the elaborate design—a testament to William’s newfound hobby which Edward had inspired with his tales and treasures from the East. The care and thought put into the folds spoke volumes of the quiet evenings they spent together, him folding papers while she sketched her next design.
As she carefully unfolded the letter, the paper revealed a beautifully penned missive in William’s hand. It read:
My dearest Clara,
Each fold I shaped holds a promise like the vows we made. Just as these creases intertwine, so do our lives, filled with endless moments of joy and challenge. Today, as we celebrate with loved ones, I am reminded of our journey—the courage you’ve shown, the barriers you’ve broken, and the love that we have nurtured. Every day with you is an adventure I cherish.
With all my love and more, William.
Clara’s eyes lifted to meet William’s from across the garden once again. His expression was one of adoration mixed with a hint of mischief, the silent communication between them as clear as if they were whispering in hushed tones next to each other. Smiling, she began to pen her response on the same paper, her hand steady and her heart full.
As she wrote, her thoughts reflected on the changes the years had brought. No longer the timid girl under her parents’ strict expectations, Clara had blossomed into a woman of substance and creativity, her designs not only adorning the attendees of the garden party but also challenging the norms of their society.
Finishing her note, she called over the same waiter, handing back the now refolded paper with instructions to deliver it back to her husband. Her message was simple yet profound:
To my William, who makes every day a delightful discovery—my heart beats stronger with you by my side. I look forward to all our tomorrows, filled with love, laughter, and the occasional paper folding. Until we are together again this evening, know that I carry your heart with mine.
She watched as William received the folded letter, his eyes lighting up as he read her words. A soft laugh escaped him, the sound carrying across the garden and warming Clara’s heart. The distance between them felt trivial as their shared smiles bridged the gap, their playful and loving banter a testament to the deep bond they shared.
The laughter and warmth of the party carried on as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a soft, golden light over the garden. Children’s laughter mingled with the gentle clinking of glasses, and the air was perfumed with the scent of blooming flowers and freshly cut grass. Clara watched as their sons darted through the throngs of guests, their youthful energy a mirror of the days she had spent with William and Edward in their own childhood gardens.
As the evening progressed, guests began to drift towards the beautifully lit dance area, where a quartet played lively tunes. Clara felt a hand at her elbow and turned to see William, his eyes bright with affection and a mischievous glint that promised an evening of laughter and love.
“May I have this dance, Lady Ashworth?” he asked, bowing slightly with a flourish that drew a giggle from Clara.
“Of course, Lord Ashworth,” she replied, placing her hand in his. As they moved to the music, their steps in perfect harmony with the melody, Clara felt the years melt away, leaving only the joy of the moment. Around them, the party buzzed with energy, but in William’s arms, Clara found a peaceful center, a reminder of the strength and comfort their union provided.
As the dance ended, they paused at the edge of the dance floor, their hands still clasped. William leaned in close, his breath warm against her ear. “I meant every word, my love. Every day with you is better than the last.”
“And I with you,” Clara whispered back, her heart swelling with love and pride. “You make everything brighter, William.”
They strolled through the garden, pausing to chat with friends and acquaintances, many of whom made a point to compliment Clara on her daring venture into the world of fashion. Each word of praise filled her with a sense of accomplishment and validation, not just for her designs but for the life choices that had brought her here.
As the party began to wind down, Clara and William found themselves back at the heart of the garden, under a canopy of stars. The air was cooler now, and William draped his jacket over Clara’s shoulders. They watched their sons playing a last game of hide and seek among the bushes, their laughter echoing softly in the night.
“This,” William said, gesturing around at the garden, the guests, their children, “all of this is because of you, Clara. You’ve brought us all together, changed our lives for the better.”
Clara leaned into him, her head resting on his shoulder. “We did this together. And we’ll continue to do so, for as long as we both shall live.”
William kissed the top of her head, a simple gesture laden with emotion. “To forever, then.”
“To forever,” Clara agreed, her voice a soft echo in the quiet of the evening.
OFFER: A BRAND NEW SERIES AND 2 FREEBIES FOR YOU!
Grab my new series, "Regency Hearts Entwined", and get 2 FREE novels as a gift! Have a look here!
Hello my dears! I really hope you loved the book and the Extended Epilogue. I can’t wait to read your wonderful comments. Thank you from the bottom of my heart! 💕
I loved this book. It not only shows that young people often behave badly because of their friends but can grow up to become beloved adults. The characters are real and one can find similar situations in life today.
I’m glad you enjoyed this one!
Loved the book.
Thank you!