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“I’ll bring the cake to your home tomorrow, Selina,” Mrs. Benson said as she finished the final touches to her. “I hope the children love it.”
“It’s not the children I’m worried about, Nanny Letty,” Selina laughed. “It’s the grown ups who are going to eat all the cake. We all know how delicious your baking and treats are.”
Mrs. Benson smiled.
“I’m glad that the people in your life love my creations. Especially your children. They’re such sweethearts whenever they come in.”
“I think they just want to see you rather than have any sweets, if I’m honest. But the sweets do keep them quiet.”
That made both of them laugh. Mrs. Benson put the spoon she had been using to put the icing on to one side and went to wash her hands.
“I must say, I knew you would have a happy family with children,” she said as she shook the droplets off before drying them on her apron, “but I never expected you to have so many children. I thought you said the idea of childbirth scared you.”
“It does, but it’s worth it when you see the gorgeous babies that come as a result of it.” Selina looked down at herself and smoothed her skirts over her hips. “Although I’m not sure if my figure is because of childbirth or your sweets.”
“Well, don’t worry about that. You look happy and healthy, and that’s all that matters.” Mrs. Benson winked. “As well as your husband loving you. I don’t think that’s going to change anytime soon.”
Selina doubted it. She saw the way Christopher looked at her, and it felt like she was in the first throes of love all over again. Even after ten years and four children, it was still like their early days. Selina hadn’t expected that, or for it to be that way.
“Anyway, I’d better put this somewhere to stay cool,” Mrs. Benson said, gesturing at the birthday cake she had been finishing off. “I’m going over to see David and Mathilda.”
“David?” Selina was surprised to hear that name again. “He’s back in England?”
“They came here for Mathilda to experience London properly with her parents and their children. I’ve got two grandchildren, and I can’t wait to meet them.”
Selina was surprised that David and Mathilda were still together. The last she had heard was David had managed to convince his bride that he was apologetic and he wouldn’t betray her again, but she didn’t expect Mathilda to marry him. She hadn’t wanted to ask back then with Mrs. Benson, not wanting it to be a touchy subject. She was upset that her son lied to her, after all.
“How are things between them?” Selina asked. “Did they manage to move past what happened?”
Mrs. Benson sighed, disappearing into another room with the cake and reappearing a moment later without it.
“I don’t know. Mathilda said that she forgave him, but from what I’ve gathered from their letters – both of them write to me – she won’t let him out of her sight for long, and she has to know where he’s going. David’s even had to stop practicing medicine because Mathilda doesn’t trust him anymore.”
“What?”
“There’s plenty of money that neither of them have to work, but now David just stays at home and looks after the children.”
“That sounds like someone I don’t recognize, if I’m honest,” Selina commented. “David would never have become someone like that.”
“I thought he wouldn’t, either, but Mathilda must have put the fear of God into him.” Mrs. Benson shrugged. “As long as he’s not causing trouble, I’ll stay out of their marriage. I want to have a good relationship with my grandchildren as well. But just forewarning you in case you run into them in London. I don’t want you to be startled.”
“Thank you for letting me know.” Unsure what else to say, Selina hugged the older woman and headed towards the door. “I’ll see you tomorrow, Nanny Letty. The children will be happy to see you.”
“And I with them. Take care, dear.”
Selina left the shop and saw Christopher across the street. It wasn’t hard to miss him, not when his dark hair was starting to turn silver. He felt that he was too young for that, but Selina liked it. It made him stand out and look more distinguished. He was talking to Marcus, both men smiling. When he caught sight of her, Christopher waved and then clapped Marcus on the shoulder before crossing the road to join her.
“Forgive me, I got sidelined by Marcus,” he said as he fell into step beside her, Selina slipping her arm through his. “We were talking about tomorrow.”
“That’s fine. The cake is done, and it’ll be delivered tomorrow. Nancy and Perdita are going to love it.”
“Are you sure there’s going to be any cake left once the parents have been at it?”
Selina laughed.
“That’s what I said. But we’d better make sure the children have their slices before we go after the cake ourselves. You know our little ones won’t like it if we end it before they do, especially Nancy.”
“All right, fine.” Christopher smiled at her, squeezing her fingers in the crook of his elbow. “Although you might want to make an exception for Elizabeth. You know she’s been eating more since she discovered that she was having a baby of her own.”
“Even she can have some self-restraint. She’s not a child anymore.”
That they could agree on. Four years before, Elizabeth had gotten married to an earl from Scotland, so she spent most of her time near Edinburgh. She had lived there long enough that she sounded like she was Scottish herself, much to Selina’s amusement. It made her glad that her sister-in-law was finally blessed with a baby after years of struggling through miscarriages. Elizabeth had confessed that she had gotten to the point she would rather give up, only to fall pregnant not long after. The doctor was keeping a close eye on her, but he was confident that this baby would be born healthy in a couple of months.
Lady Clarence was delighted that she would be getting another grandchild. She adored her three grandsons and doted on her granddaughter, but she said that it never hurt to have more. Selina didn’t think she would be having anymore, though. Four was enough for her.
Anne had said the same thing. She and Marcus had four children as well, except three girls and one boy. They were all of similar ages, so whenever they were spending time together the eight children managed to keep themselves entertained. Selina loved watching them play all the time.
She wished they would devote a bit more to their lessons, but she couldn’t argue that they were happy and enjoying life. Just as she and Christopher wanted.
“It’s hard to believe that our youngest is going to be two tomorrow,” Christopher said. “It feels like only yesterday you gave birth to our first one. Remember? That was when you swore you would never go through that again.”
Selina giggled.
“I think you forget about the pain after you see it was worth it. But definitely not any more. Our children are enough, and our nanny and governess and their hands full already.”
“We’ve got to think about them as well,” Christopher laughed. He gave her an affectionate smile. “And I managed to keep my word, didn’t I? Ten years on, and I’ve never lied to you.”
Selina poked him in the stomach.
“Are you looking for some sort of medal, then?”
“What do I get as a reward?”
“Something I’m not going to say in public. That’s too daring.”
Christopher laughed harder and kissed her. They were aware of where they were, and that they were going to be receiving disapproving looks over how they behave, but neither of them cared. Selina liked to think it was a good thing that they could still be loving and affectionate after ten years.
“This makes me glad I kept pursuing you. I probably wouldn’t have stopped even after you told me to, despite promising that I would.”
“Oh? So that was another lie?”
“Sort of. I just knew that you were the only woman I wanted in my life.” Christopher’s eyes warmed as he looked at her. “You’re not objecting, are you?”
Selina leaned her head on his shoulder for a moment before straightening up, holding onto his arm. No, she wouldn’t have objected. Because she wouldn’t be here now with a loving husband, four adorable children and a life that made her feel very happy.
Despite the roundabout way they got together, Selina would do it all again. Especially if she knew the outcome.As Selina and Christopher strolled leisurely back towards their expansive, ivy-clad estate, the gentle afternoon sun dipped lower, casting elongated shadows of the towering oaks that lined their path. The air was crisp, filled with the tranquil sounds of the countryside and the distant laughter of their children playing in the gardens.
“Look at them,” Christopher said, his voice filled with unabashed pride as they paused to watch their offspring engaged in a spirited game of croquet on the lawn. “Do you ever wonder what paths they’ll choose?”
Selina smiled, watching as their youngest, a spirited little girl with curls as untamed as her spirit, attempted to wield a mallet nearly as tall as herself. “Every day,” she replied. “But I know whatever paths they choose, they will carry with them the love and lessons we’ve taught them.”
As they resumed walking, their conversation turned towards the upcoming season in London. “I heard from Lady Ashbourne that the city is as lively as ever. The balls, the theatre… I sometimes miss the excitement,” Selina mused.
Christopher squeezed her hand gently. “Then we shall go. A season in London might be just what we need. A little adventure, a little dance, and a lot of dodging matchmaking mamas now that Elizabeth’s boy is of age.”
Selina laughed, her eyes lighting up at the thought. “You just want to show off your still quite capable dancing skills, my lord.”
“And you, my lady, love the theatre far too much to stay away for long,” he retorted playfully.
As they approached the house, the scent of freshly baked bread and lavender wafted from the open windows, a tender reminder of the comfort and warmth that awaited them inside. Their home was alive with the sounds of a happy, bustling family; the very essence of the life they had built together.
Entering the drawing room, they found Elizabeth there, visiting from Scotland with her little one in tow.
“Aunt Selina, Uncle Christopher!” she exclaimed, rising to greet them. Her son toddled over, reaching up to Christopher with chubby arms.
“Looks like someone’s happy to see his uncle,” Christopher chuckled, lifting the boy and tossing him lightly into the air, eliciting giggles of delight.
Selina watched them for a moment, her heart swelling with joy. Turning to Elizabeth, she asked, “How is Scotland treating you? And how is the Earl?”
“Scotland is wonderful, but it’s always good to be home,” Elizabeth replied, her smile warm. “And John sends his regards. He’s sorry he couldn’t come, what with the parliament sessions.”
They spent the evening sharing stories and laughter, the house echoing with the sounds of familial love and the clinking of china as they sat down to a hearty dinner. Later, as the children were put to bed and the candles were lit, Selina and Christopher took a moment to themselves in the quiet of their library.
Christopher pulled a small, leather-bound book from the shelf, a collection of poetry they often read together. “Shall we?” he suggested, gesturing to the cozy chairs by the fire.
Selina nodded, settling in beside him. As he read aloud, his voice smooth and comforting, she leaned against his shoulder, feeling the steady beat of his heart. Outside, the stars twinkled in the clear night sky, mirroring the enduring light of their love.
“And so,” Christopher read from the poem, “‘love is not merely a feeling but a guiding light, leading us through life’s darkest moments and brightest days.'”
Selina looked up at him, her eyes reflecting the soft glow of the fire. “A guiding light indeed,” she whispered, reaching up to touch his cheek gently.
Christopher closed the book, setting it aside. He wrapped his arm around her, pulling her close. “Ten years, my love, and a lifetime still to go,” he murmured.
“And every day a blessing,” Selina replied, her voice filled with gratitude.
As the fire crackled softly in the hearth, they sat together in silence, content in the warmth of their shared life, a testament to the enduring power of love and the beauty of a family bound not just by blood, but by the heart.As the evening drew to a close, the library’s warm glow sheltered Selina and Christopher from the coolness of the night. Outside, the winds whispered secrets to the ancient trees that guarded their home, but inside, peace reigned supreme.
Christopher looked around their library, a room filled with books and memories, and smiled. “You know, every day I spend with you and our children, I’m reminded of how fortunate I am. Our love story, though it began with twists and turns, has rooted deeper than I ever imagined.”
Selina nestled closer to him, her heart full. “We’ve weathered much, haven’t we? Yet here we are, stronger and more in love. It’s more than I dared hope for on that day at the beach when we were children.”
He chuckled, recalling their youthful encounter. “I was so smitten with you, even then. A bold little girl who wouldn’t let a duke’s son intimidate her.”
“And I was just as smitten,” she confessed, her cheeks tinged with a blush that even years of marriage hadn’t dulled. “Though I didn’t realize it until much later.”
Their laughter filled the room, intertwining with the legacy of their shared joys and challenges. “To think, our children might one day tell stories of their own,” Selina mused, gazing at the portraits of their family lining the walls.
Christopher followed her gaze. “They will,” he affirmed. “And we’ll be here to guide them, just as we promised each other. To support their dreams, to console them through heartbreak, and to celebrate their triumphs.”
The couple rose from their seats, hand in hand, and walked to the window, looking out over the lands that had borne witness to their love. The estate lay quiet under the starlit sky, a serene haven for their family.
Selina sighed contentedly. “It’s beautiful, isn’t it? How everything seems so perfect in this moment?”
“It is,” Christopher agreed. “And tomorrow, we’ll wake up and strive to make it even better. For us, for our children, and for the future we’re still building.”
They stood together, united in their vision and love, the masters of their destiny and the custodians of a deep and abiding affection. With hearts intertwined and futures aligned, they faced whatever would come with the certainty that together, they could handle anything.
As they turned from the window, the last lines of the poem they had read earlier echoed in their minds, a perfect encapsulation of their journey: “For in the compass of love, we find our true north, ever constant, ever sure.”
With a final glance at the peaceful night, Selina and Christopher retired, their steps light, their spirits lifted, and their hearts secure in the knowledge that their love was a continual renewal, an endless serenade sung by the winds, whispered by the trees, and cherished in the quiet, steadfast beats of their joined hearts. As they closed the door behind them, the chapter ended, but their story, enriched by love and legacy, would continue to unfold, a timeless tale of true hearts triumphing over all.
Hello my dear readers! Hope you loved this book and the extended epilogue. Feel free to add your comments here, I’d love to read your thoughts! 🥰
I really enjoyed this book! It was interesting how it started, by Salina and Christopher meeting for the first time when he was only 15 and she was 8 in the beech, were he asked her to help him build a Sand Castle; then they meet as grown up and because she will not give a noble man a chance to know her, he pretended to be a valet, instead of the Duke he was, and there is where all the action in the story started. They overcame his lie of pretending to be a valet and they were married. They finally realized when they were in their honeymoon on the beach that they really met each other there as children. Amanda, you really wrote a great Book. Congratulations !
This book is a delicious romp among confused identities and unexpected revelations. Pure sweetness and romance!
I’m glad you enjoyed it!
I loved this book! There were plots and subplots. While Selina and Christopher were doing their thing, their best friends were becoming a couple. And you had everything tied together just right.
Such an enjoyable book. Several characters with different personalities and lifestyles. I read it in one night and also loved the ending and Extended Epilogue. Looking forward another book written by you!
Loved the book
This was the first book I read from you. I loved it very much. Most of all I enjoyed the extended epilogue, because every other book of the genre I ever read ended, when the hero or the heroine got their love. So this was really special.
Thank you so much! Your support means the world to me. ❤️
What a lovely story, adored all the characters, however my favorite was definetly Christopher! Thank you Ms Seabrook for another great novel!❤️
Thank you so much! Your support means the world to me. ❤️