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“Anthony, not so high!” Eleanor’s voice carried across the frosted garden as she watched her eldest son lift his youngest sibling into the air. “You’ll have poor James trembling in his boots!”
“Papa wouldn’t tremble at anything!” Anthony declared confidently, his dark hair tousled by the winter breeze. Five-year-old Louisa squealed in delight, her tiny hands clutching her brother’s as he spun her in a careful circle.
From the steps of Ashford Hall, James chuckled, his arms crossed over his broad chest as he observed the scene. “Your mother is correct, Anthony,” he called, feigning sternness. “She, however, neglects to mention how terrified I am of her wrath should you drop your sister.”
Anthony immediately set Louisa down, looking sheepish but amused. “There you go, Mama,” he said with a playful bow. “Safe and sound.”
Eleanor shook her head, though her smile softened any chastisement. “You’re lucky I’m too charmed to scold you properly.” She tugged her shawl closer, the brisk January air nipping at her cheeks. “Louisa, come here, darling. Your ribbons are half undone.”
The little girl skipped over, her curls bouncing with each step. As Eleanor knelt to fix the ribbons on her daughter’s bonnet, she felt James’s presence beside her, his warm hand resting lightly on her back.
“She’s just like you,” he said softly, his gaze fixed on Louisa’s bright, curious face.
“And Anthony is just like you,” Eleanor replied, glancing up at him. Her voice held equal parts pride and exasperation. “Determined, fearless, and too clever for his own good.”
James laughed, the sound rich and warm. “He gets that from his mother,” he teased, though his expression turned tender. “I hope they’ll inherit the best of us.”
“They already have,” Eleanor murmured, standing to her full height. She slipped her hand into his, their fingers intertwining naturally. “Though it wouldn’t hurt if they learned a touch more caution.”
“Caution comes with time,” James replied, his thumb brushing over her gloved hand. “I should know. I married the most daring woman in all of England.”
Eleanor’s cheeks flushed, not just from the cold. “And you,” she said, her tone light but her gaze steady, “are as incorrigible as ever.”
Their laughter mingled in the crisp air, a harmony forged over years of shared triumphs and trials. The sight of their children playing together in the snow-filled garden filled Eleanor with a quiet sense of accomplishment.
James turned toward the horizon, where the distant greenhouses shimmered faintly in the pale sunlight. “The estate is thriving,” he said thoughtfully. “I daresay your innovative practices are still the talk of the county.”
“You give me too much credit,” Eleanor replied modestly.
“Never,” James countered, his voice resolute. “You’ve turned Ashford Hall into more than just an estate, Eleanor. It’s a legacy. Our legacy.”
She leaned against him, her heart swelling with gratitude and love. As the church bells in the village began to chime the hour, Eleanor glanced back at her family, the frost-tipped grass glistening beneath their boots.
“Yes,” she said softly. “It’s everything I ever dreamed of—and so much more.”
Their moment of peace was interrupted by Victoria’s shout. “Mama! Papa! Anthony says we can build a fort by the greenhouses! May we?”
James grinned, squeezing Eleanor’s hand before responding. “Only if you promise not to turn it into another tea party battlefield, my little general!”
Eleanor laughed as their children cheered. “Come,” she said, tugging James’s hand. “Let’s ensure they don’t conquer the gardeners while they’re at it.”
With laughter on the breeze, the Duke and Duchess of Ashford followed their children into the heart of their beloved estate, ready to embrace whatever joys the day held.
The hearth in the grand drawing room crackled warmly, casting golden light across the polished furniture and vibrant rugs. Eleanor settled into a cushioned armchair, her needlework resting on her lap. Across from her, Sarah Sterling poured tea with a practiced grace, her expression glowing with contentment.
“It seems like yesterday we were worrying over Louisa’s christening arrangements,” Sarah remarked, passing a steaming cup to Eleanor. “And now she’s building snow forts with the twins.”
Eleanor chuckled, accepting the tea gratefully. “It’s astonishing how quickly time passes. It feels like only moments ago I was trembling at the idea of becoming Duchess of Ashford Hall.” She glanced at Sarah with a smile. “And now, here we are—talking about my children’s antics and crop yields as if it were the most natural thing in the world.”
“You’ve adapted beautifully, Eleanor,” Sarah said warmly. “Ashford Hall thrives under your care, and your family is a testament to the love and devotion you’ve poured into it.”
“Not without help,” Eleanor replied, her gaze softening as it drifted to the window. Beyond the frost-covered glass, she could just make out James and Maxwell in the courtyard, examining a new delivery of agricultural tools. James’s hands gestured animatedly as he explained something, while Maxwell listened with a wry smile.
“Maxwell will never admit it,” Sarah said, following Eleanor’s gaze, “but I think he admires James more than anyone.”
Eleanor sipped her tea thoughtfully. “James has a way of bringing out the best in people. He sees potential in everyone, even when they don’t see it themselves.”
Sarah raised an eyebrow, her lips curving into a knowing smile. “Including you?”
Eleanor laughed softly. “Especially me. There were days I doubted I could ever fill the role of Duchess. But James… he believed in me long before I believed in myself.”
“And now look at you,” Sarah said, her voice filled with admiration. “You’ve transformed this estate into a haven. The tenants adore you. Even the stubborn old farmers who swore they’d never trust a woman in charge now sing your praises.”
“It wasn’t easy,” Eleanor admitted, setting her tea aside. “But I suppose the greatest challenges often yield the most rewarding outcomes.” She smiled, her gaze distant as she reflected on the journey that had brought her to this moment.
The door creaked open, and Victoria peeked inside, her auburn curls disheveled and her cheeks rosy from the cold. “Mama, Papa says he needs you in the courtyard. Something about the new plows.”
Eleanor stood, smoothing her skirts. “Thank you, darling. Tell your father I’ll be there shortly.”
Victoria nodded and darted back out, her excitement palpable.
Sarah rose as well, her expression amused. “It seems even plows can’t be discussed without your input these days.”
Eleanor laughed, looping her arm through Sarah’s. “Come with me. You can keep Maxwell company while I remind James that I am not, in fact, an expert on every matter under the sun.”
The two women strolled toward the courtyard, their conversation flowing easily. As they stepped into the crisp air, Eleanor felt a deep sense of gratitude for the life she had built—a life filled with purpose, love, and the unwavering support of those she held most dear.
James looked up as they approached, his dark eyes lighting up at the sight of Eleanor. “Ah, my love,” he said with a teasing grin. “Come settle this debate. Maxwell insists this design will be revolutionary, but I have my doubts.”
Eleanor shook her head fondly. “I hardly think I’m qualified to decide such matters, but let’s see this so-called innovation.”
As the discussion unfolded, the warmth of camaraderie and shared purpose filled the courtyard, a testament to the bonds forged through years of partnership and perseverance.
Later that evening, the Barrett children were tucked into bed, their laughter and energy finally giving way to sleepy murmurs and soft breaths. Eleanor lingered for a moment in Louisa’s room, brushing a stray curl from her youngest daughter’s face as the child clutched a well-loved doll to her chest.
James stood in the doorway, leaning casually against the frame, watching his wife with a fond smile. “You have a way of bringing peace to any room,” he said softly, his voice low enough not to disturb the child.
Eleanor turned, her smile warm but playful. “A skill I’ve had to perfect, considering the chaos our little brood creates.”
He chuckled quietly and held out his hand. “Come, my love. Let’s leave the children to their dreams.”
They walked hand in hand down the corridor, the flickering candlelight casting dancing shadows on the walls. The hush of the evening wrapped around them like a comforting blanket as they descended the grand staircase and made their way to the drawing room.
The fire crackled invitingly in the hearth, and the room was imbued with a cozy intimacy. James poured two glasses of port and handed one to Eleanor as they settled onto the settee.
“For us,” James said, raising his glass. “For this life we’ve built together.”
Eleanor clinked her glass against his, her gaze steady and filled with gratitude. “For us,” she echoed. “And for the adventures yet to come.”
They sipped their drinks in companionable silence for a moment, the warmth of the fire and the richness of the port soothing the chill of the winter evening.
“Do you remember,” James began, his tone thoughtful, “that first dinner we shared at Ashford Hall? When Father was determined to make you feel as unwelcome as possible?”
Eleanor’s lips twitched with a mixture of amusement and nostalgia. “How could I forget? I thought I’d made the gravest mistake of my life coming here.” She glanced at him, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “And you were so very distant. I thought you might be as cold as the rest of the manor.”
James chuckled, setting his glass down. “I was distant because I couldn’t quite believe someone like you could exist. Someone who was unafraid to challenge every preconceived notion I held about the world—and about myself.”
Eleanor tilted her head, her expression softening. “You were my greatest challenge,” she admitted. “But also my greatest reward. I never imagined that Ashford Hall would become more than a duty, more than a title. You showed me it could be a home. A partnership.”
James reached for her hand, his thumb tracing gentle circles over her knuckles. “You brought light to this house, Eleanor. You brought love and purpose—not just to me, but to everyone who lives here. Our children, our tenants, even Maxwell,” he added with a smirk.
Eleanor laughed, leaning into him. “I think Maxwell always had a good heart. He just needed someone to remind him.”
James brushed a kiss against her temple, his voice dropping to a near whisper. “And you reminded me, too. Of what truly matters. Of what it means to live a life worth living.”
They sat together, wrapped in the quiet contentment of the moment. Outside, the snow continued to fall, blanketing the grounds of Ashford Hall in a pristine layer of white. The firelight danced across their faces, a reflection of the warmth and love that had carried them through every trial, every triumph.
“I wonder,” Eleanor mused, breaking the silence, “what our children will make of this place when they’re grown. What kind of legacy they’ll create.”
James’s hand tightened around hers. “Whatever it may be, I have no doubt it will be extraordinary. After all, they have you as their mother.”
Eleanor turned to him, her heart swelling with love and certainty. “And they have you as their father,” she said, her voice steady. “Together, we’ll give them every reason to dream, to hope, to build a future as bright as this home we’ve created.”
James smiled, the kind of smile that carried a decade of devotion. “Then let us ensure they inherit a legacy of love, courage, and possibility.”
And as they sat together in the glow of the fire, the future stretched before them, a horizon as endless and full of promise as their love.
Spring arrived at Ashford Hall with a gentle flourish, breathing new life into the estate. The greenhouses were bursting with vibrant blooms, their colors rivaling the most precious jewels. Birds sang in the budding trees, and the estate’s tenants could be seen tending to the fields, their spirits lifted by the season’s renewal.
Eleanor stood near the edge of the formal gardens, her gloved hands cradling a small bouquet of fresh-cut flowers. Her youngest daughter, Louisa, toddled beside her, clutching a daisy she had plucked with great enthusiasm.
“Look, Mama!” Louisa chirped, holding up the tiny flower as if it were the most precious treasure.
Eleanor crouched to her daughter’s height, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “It’s beautiful, my darling,” she said, brushing a kiss on Louisa’s rosy cheek. “Just like you.”
Nearby, Victoria was leading her younger brothers on a daring exploration of the orchard, their laughter echoing through the trees. Eleanor watched them for a moment, her heart swelling with gratitude.
“Have you decided where you’ll plant your new tulips?” James’s voice came from behind her, warm and familiar.
She turned to see him striding across the lawn, his coat open to the breeze, revealing the crisp lines of his waistcoat. In his hands, he carried a wooden box filled with seed packets, a small surprise he had brought from the market earlier that week.
“I thought perhaps near the east wing,” Eleanor replied, rising to her feet. “The sunlight there is perfect, and it’s where the children play most often. I’d like them to have a garden to remember.”
James placed the box at her feet and brushed his fingers over her cheek. “You think of everything, my love,” he said softly, his gaze filled with admiration.
Eleanor smiled, her hand finding his. “I simply want this place to always feel like home.”
“It already does,” he assured her, pressing a kiss to her temple. “Because of you.”
Their quiet moment was interrupted by the sound of approaching hoofbeats. Eleanor and James turned to see Maxwell and Sarah riding toward them, their expressions alight with excitement.
“You’ll never believe it!” Maxwell called as he dismounted, his grin as wide as the horizon. “The new mill is operational. The first flour shipment has gone out, and the tenants are already celebrating.”
“That is wonderful news,” Eleanor said, her smile broadening. “A true testament to what can be accomplished when we work together.”
“And much of it is thanks to you,” Sarah added, clasping Eleanor’s hands. “Your vision, your determination—it has transformed this estate in ways none of us could have imagined.”
Eleanor’s cheeks flushed with humility. “It was never just me,” she said, her gaze moving to James. “It has always been all of us.”
As the group stood together, surrounded by the vibrant beauty of the estate, Eleanor felt a deep sense of fulfillment. Ashford Hall was more than a home; it was a legacy built on love, perseverance, and shared dreams.
James leaned close, his voice low and tender. “This is our story, Eleanor,” he murmured. “And it’s only just beginning.”
Eleanor turned to him, her eyes shining. “Then let us continue to write it together, my love.”
As the sun dipped lower in the sky, casting a golden glow over the estate, Eleanor and James walked hand in hand toward the greenhouses. Their children’s laughter filled the air, blending with the sounds of the land they had nurtured and the life they had built.
Together, they moved forward, carrying with them the promise of seasons yet to come—a promise as enduring and beautiful as their love.
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 really enjoyed the story in this book. It shows the determination Eleanor has in her suspicion of the housekeeper, and the old Duke, who the housekeeper killed with poison ment for Eleanor. The story has a very good ending, full of surprises.. Great job Amanda!
Thank you for your kind review!
A very good story
Thank you!
It was a wonderful story filled with romance, suspense and a variety of characters. Eleanor turned out to be such a lovely person both inside and out. James at first seemed too arrogant and pessimistic. However, as the story progressed and we learned of his upbringing you could understand why he was that way. His relationship with Maxwell was so different. The duke was too cruel and uncaring of anyone but himself. I don’t know that 6 months could bring in so much prosperity to the estate but the measures taken sounded very interesting. It seemed odd that Lydia got married so soon after Eleanor went to spend a month at the dukes estate so Eleanor missed the wedding. Normally banns are read 3 Sundays in a row unless there is a reason for a hasty wedding with a special license. Other than that the story was good. It was nice to read about something different than an endless stream of balls and dinner parties that members of the ton lived. The epilogue followed by the extended epilogue was unnecessary since both have similar content except the number of children changes. To have a happy ending you should have given Maxwell and Sara at least one child. What was the purpose behind leaving them childless while their friends had 5 kids?
Thank you so much for your detailed feedback! I’m grateful you took the time to share your thoughts—it means a lot and helps me grow as a writer. 😊
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. Many things happening with various characters. Exciting all the way through. Loved the extended epilogue.
Thank you so much for your kind words! I’m thrilled you enjoyed the story and the extended epilogue. Your support means the world to me! 😊