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Grab my new series, "Regency Hearts Entwined", and get 2 FREE novels as a gift! Have a look here!“Colin, look at him; he’s your very image,” Charlotte whispered with a tearful smile, as the gentle hum of a celebratory gathering filled the expansive gardens of Pelmore Manor.
Six years had passed and today, they celebrated the christening of their second child, Charles Benedict, a serene infant cradled lovingly in his mother’s arms. Their first child, Colin Jr., a lively five-year-old with his father’s keen eyes and his mother’s gentle demeanor, darted around the garden, a bundle of energy and laughter. Emily, now twelve, watched over her brother with a mature, nurturing gaze that belied her years.
The sun dappled through the ancient trees, casting patterns of light and shadow on the faces of the assembled guests, each one a friend or a cherished member of the local gentry. At the heart of it all was Colin’s mother, Lady Margaret, orchestrating the festivities with a vigor that matched the vibrancy of the blooming roses surrounding them.
“My dear Charlotte,” Lady Margaret approached, her voice carrying the warmth of the afternoon sun. “Your parents would be so proud of you, just as we all are. You’ve brought such joy into our lives.”
Charlotte felt a lump form in her throat as her eyes met Lady Margaret’s. The older woman’s approval meant the world to her, a symbol of the family she had gained. “Thank you, Lady Margaret. I… I hope they would be,” she managed to say, her voice thick with emotion.
Lady Margaret reached out, taking Charlotte’s hand in hers. “You are more than just the Duchess of Pelmore; you are the heart of this family. And now, with little Charles here, our lineage is secured.” Her eyes twinkled with unshed tears as she squeezed Charlotte’s hand gently.
The party buzzed with laughter and genteel conversations, the air sweet with the scent of fresh flowers and the subtle hint of perfume. Guests moved through the gardens, admiring the care with which everything had been arranged, from the elegantly draped tables to the fine silverware that glinted under the afternoon sun.
Colin, standing a little apart, watched Charlotte interact with his mother. His heart swelled with pride. The past six years had not only strengthened their bond but had deepened his admiration for the woman who stood by his side. She had embraced her role within the Duchy and the community, endearing herself to all.
As the ceremony commenced, the vicar’s voice echoed gently across the lawn, blessing Charles Benedict in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Colin Jr. tugged at his mother’s gown, his young face filled with curiosity as he watched his brother being christened.
Emily, ever the protective sister, took Colin Jr. by the hand, whispering stories of knights and princesses to keep him entertained. Her ability to captivate her younger brother was a source of constant amazement and gratitude for Charlotte.
Once the formalities concluded, the guests erupted into applause, and Charles, oblivious to the significance of the occasion, slept soundly through his own christening. Charlotte leaned into Colin as they watched their family and friends celebrate, her heart full.
“This is everything I ever wanted,” Colin murmured to her, his voice a soft rumble of contentment.
“And much more than I ever dreamed,” Charlotte replied, her eyes reflecting the joy of the day and the promise of all the days to come. They stood together, united and strong, the very picture of a family founded not just on duty and tradition, but on love and mutual respect.
With Charlotte at his side, Colin had seen the Duchy flourish beyond his wildest expectations. Her keen insight and innovative ideas had not only increased their wealth but had also brought a sense of modernity and progressiveness to their estate.
“Do you remember when we decided to cultivate the new wheat variety?” Colin asked, his eyes sparkling as he recalled the project that had significantly boosted their agricultural yields.
“How could I forget? It was a gamble, but one worth taking,” Charlotte replied with a smile. “And it paid off handsomely, didn’t it?”
“It certainly did. Your vision has been a blessing, Charlotte. I’m lucky to have an equal partner who cares so deeply about our home and our people.”
As they strolled through the garden, greeting their guests, Colin couldn’t help but reflect on how different their lives were compared to those around them. Lady Hastings, once a woman of considerable wealth, had squandered her fortune after the death of her husband. Stories of her lavish parties and the poor management of her assets had become a cautionary tale among the gentry.
“I heard that Lady Hastings hosted another extravagant ball last month,” Charlotte mentioned, her tone laced with concern. “It’s sad to think how she has let everything fall apart.”
Colin nodded. “Indeed. She surrounds herself with sycophants who only seek to gain from her misfortune. It’s a stark contrast to how you’ve handled our affairs. You’ve turned our estate into a model of prosperity and integrity.”
Charlotte squeezed his hand. “We’ve done it together, Colin. Your support and trust have been everything.”
Their conversation was interrupted by the cheerful cries of their children. Emily was leading Colin Jr. in a game of tag, their laughter echoing through the garden. Charlotte’s heart swelled with pride and happiness as she watched them. The sight of her children playing, safe and carefree, was a testament to the life they had built.
Nearby, Eloise and Thompson stood with their own children, two lively toddlers who were already friends with Colin Jr. Eloise, who had become the nurse to Charlotte’s boys, looked over with a warm smile. Thompson, ever faithful as Colin’s valet, gave a respectful nod.
“It’s wonderful to see Eloise and Thompson so happy,” Charlotte remarked. “They’ve been such a significant part of our lives.”
Colin agreed. “Thompson has been a steadfast friend and a trusted aide. And Eloise’s nurturing presence has been a blessing for our boys.”
Their contentment was evident, a stark contrast to the lives of others they once knew. Lady Hastings, once a rival, now represented a life led astray by poor choices. Meanwhile, Colin and Charlotte’s union had strengthened their duchy, creating a legacy of stability and kindness.
As the day progressed, the celebration continued with music, dancing, and a feast that delighted all the guests. Colin and Charlotte moved among their friends and family, their hearts full as they shared in the joy of the occasion. The evening drew to a close with a toast to the future, filled with hope and promise.
The glow of the setting sun cast a golden hue over Pelmore Manor, illuminating the faces of those they cherished.
As they walked, Charlotte caught sight of Eloise, who was cradling little Charles with a mother’s gentle touch. Her own children played nearby, their laughter mixing with the happy sounds of the gathering.
“Eloise, you’re a miracle worker,” Charlotte said with a warm smile as she approached. “I don’t know how you manage with all these little ones.”
Eloise laughed softly. “They keep me on my toes, Your Grace. But it’s a joy to see them grow up together.”
“And Thompson?” Colin inquired, his gaze shifting to where his loyal valet stood, ensuring everything was running smoothly. “I trust he’s enjoying fatherhood as much as you?”
Eloise’s eyes sparkled. “Oh, he’s a doting father, and a wonderful husband. We couldn’t be happier.”
The bond between the families was a testament to the strength and unity that had grown over the years. Colin and Charlotte had fostered a community where everyone felt valued and supported. It was a far cry from the lives they might have led had their paths not intertwined so perfectly.
The sound of a horse’s hooves drew their attention to the edge of the garden. A messenger, dusty from the road, dismounted and made his way to Colin. Thompson intercepted him, then gestured for Colin to approach.
“Excuse me, my dear,” Colin murmured to Charlotte. “I’ll see what this is about.”
Charlotte watched as Colin conferred with the messenger, his expression growing serious for a moment before softening. He nodded, then turned back toward her, a look of relief on his face.
“What is it?” Charlotte asked as he rejoined her, curiosity evident in her voice.
“It’s news of Ben Watson,” Colin replied quietly, glancing around to ensure they weren’t overheard. “He perished shortly after being released from his sentence. An unfortunate accident, it seems.”
Charlotte’s eyes widened slightly, but she quickly composed herself. “That’s… unexpected.”
Colin nodded. “It means he’ll no longer be a threat to Emily or any of us. I’m relieved, Charlotte. I didn’t realize how much it weighed on me until now.”
They moved a little aside from the crowd, finding a moment of privacy in the bustling garden. Charlotte took Colin’s hands in hers. “Emily will be safe now. That’s what matters most.”
“Yes,” Colin agreed, his voice filled with gratitude. “We can truly move forward without that shadow hanging over us.”
Their moment of reflection was interrupted by a high-pitched squeal of delight. Emily, flushed with excitement, came running toward them. “Mama, Papa, come see! Colin Jr. caught a butterfly!”
Charlotte laughed, her heart light. “We’ll be right there, darling.”
As they followed Emily to where Colin Jr. stood proudly displaying his delicate prize, Charlotte glanced at Colin. “We’ve been blessed with so much, haven’t we?”
“We have,” he said, his eyes filled with love. “And we’ll continue to cherish every moment.”
The evening wore on with more laughter, music, and shared stories. The sense of peace and fulfillment was palpable. As the last of the guests departed and the manor quieted, Colin and Charlotte found themselves alone on the terrace, overlooking the gardens that had hosted such joy.
“Do you remember when we first stood here, newly married?” Colin asked, his arm around her waist.
“How could I forget?” Charlotte replied, leaning into him. “It was the beginning of everything.”
“And now look at us,” he said, a touch of awe in his voice. “Our family, our home… it’s more than I ever dared to hope for.”
Charlotte smiled, turning to face him fully. “We’ve built something beautiful together, Colin. And it’s only the beginning.”
They kissed, a promise of love and partnership that would endure all the trials and triumphs to come. In each other’s arms, they found not just contentment, but the boundless joy of a life well-lived and well-loved.
The stars above Pelmore Manor sparkled as if to bless their union, casting a serene glow over the gardens where so many happy memories had been made.
The soft sound of footsteps drew their attention, and they turned to see Eloise approaching, her face a mix of concern and excitement.
“Your Grace, my lord,” she began, a hint of breathlessness in her voice. “There’s something you should know.”
Colin and Charlotte exchanged a curious glance. “What is it, Eloise?” Charlotte asked, her brow furrowing slightly.
“It’s Emily,” Eloise said, unable to suppress a smile. “She’s asked to stay up a bit longer to talk with you both. She says it’s important.”
A sense of parental duty and curiosity mingled as they followed Eloise to the cozy sitting room where Emily waited, perched on a chair with an air of seriousness that was endearing in its earnestness. Colin Jr. and little Charles were already asleep, tucked safely in their beds.
“Emily, sweetheart,” Colin said as they entered. “What’s on your mind?”
Emily looked up at them, her eyes wide and thoughtful. “Mama, Papa, I’ve been thinking a lot about everything that’s happened. About Uncle Ben, and about our family.”
Charlotte knelt beside her, taking Emily’s hands in hers. “You don’t need to worry about Uncle Ben anymore, darling. He can’t hurt us now.”
“I know,” Emily nodded, her expression thoughtful. “But that’s not what I wanted to talk about. I wanted to tell you how happy I am that we’re all together. That you’ve taken care of me and loved me, even when things were scary.”
Colin felt a lump form in his throat as he listened to his niece—no, his daughter—in all the ways that mattered. “We love you very much, Emily. You’re as much a part of this family as Colin Jr. and Charles.”
Emily’s eyes shone with tears. “I love you too. And I promise to always be there for my brothers, just like you’re here for me.”
Charlotte enveloped her in a warm embrace. “You’ve grown into such a wonderful young lady, Emily. We’re so proud of you.”
Colin joined the embrace, feeling the fullness of his heart. “We’re a family, Emily. And we always will be.”
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 really enjoyed reading this story, thank you for writing it, you a great writer. I really enjoyed reading your books. Thanks!
Such a heart lifting story Very beautifully done ty😻
Thank you! I’m so glad you enjoyed the story!
Thank you for such a heart warming novel.
I truly enjoyed every character. Emily was so persious!!
Could not put the book down.
Really enjoyed it.
Thankyou.x
Thank you! I’m so glad you enjoyed the story!
Thank you for such a delightful story.
A bit of confusion since Colin is Duke of Pellington in the main story?
I have just finished this amazing novel and i have to say i loved reading it! Thank you for such a great historical romance. Liz N
Thank you for the kind words!
I have enjoed this story from the bginning. Thank you so much for brightening up my days with your writings. I am alread looking fot other books by you.
Thank you for the kind words!
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and will be reading many more of yours. Thank you
I’m glad you enjoeyd it.
Left my review on Amazon lovely story enjoyed it immensely good that Amanda got her comeuppance and Charlotte had her happy ending
I’m so glad you liked it!
This is a wonderful tale of contrasts: of loss and discovery, arrogance and humility, greed and acceptance. The plot, with its twists and turns, makes this novel a real page turner!