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“Dr. Mitchell, I’ve added yarrow and foxglove out back; they should thrive beautifully with the chamomile,” Lydia announced with a cheerful smile as she handed over a basket brimming with fresh herbs. The morning sun bathed the herb garden of Scarsdale Castle in a warm glow, the scents of lavender and rosemary mingling in the air.
Dr. Mitchell, an older man with a thoughtful demeanor, adjusted his spectacles and peered into the basket. “Excellent choices, Lydia. The yarrow is particularly useful for wounds, and we’ve had quite a few of those with the children lately.”
Lydia nodded, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “Yes, I’ve noticed. Little James’s knee last week, and then Sarah’s scraped elbow. It seems they find new ways to test their limits daily.”
“The joys of youth,” Dr. Mitchell chuckled, setting the basket down on a wooden table strewn with medical texts and bottles. “And how is our young master doing? I trust he’s not giving his mother too much trouble?”
Lydia’s face lit up at the mention of her son. “Thomas is as spirited as ever. He’s taken to following Edmund everywhere, much to the gardener’s dismay.”
Dr. Mitchell laughed heartily. “Sounds like he’s every bit his father’s son. Speaking of Edmund, how is he managing? Last I saw, he seemed to be walking quite well.”
“Remarkably better, thank you,” Lydia replied, her eyes reflecting pride. “He hardly limps at all now, and he insists he feels no pain. It’s a relief to see him so strong again.”
As they spoke, the sound of a carriage rolling up the gravel drive caught their attention. Lydia glanced toward the window, her expression curious. “Ah, that will be my father. He’s just returned from a visit to the north where he’s taken over the local practice. He’s quite taken with the community there.”
“Your father is a blessing to any community he graces,” Dr. Mitchell noted, his tone respectful. “It’s fortunate for them to have such an experienced physician.”
Lydia smiled warmly, her thoughts drifting to her father’s unwavering dedication to medicine, something she had inherited and cherished deeply. “He’s thrilled, truly. And mother enjoys being closer to the coast. She says the air does wonders for her spirits.”
As they continued their discussion, Lydia led Dr. Mitchell outside to tour the expanded herb garden. “I’ve been focusing particularly on plants beneficial for children’s health,” she explained as they walked among the neat rows of herbs and flowers. “With the estate’s many young visitors, I thought it prudent.”
“Very wise,” Dr. Mitchell agreed, bending slightly to inspect a row of blooming echinacea. “These will do nicely for immune support during the colder months.”
They paused by a bench under a blossoming apple tree, where Lydia often sat to read or sketch. “I’ve found such peace in this garden,” she confessed, gazing out over the lush greenery. “It reminds me of my grandmother’s teachings—the healing power of nature, the cycles of life. It’s here I feel closest to her memory.”
Dr. Mitchell placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. “She’d be proud of you, Lydia. Turning Scarsdale into a haven not just for your family, but for healing. It’s a rare gift.”
The conversation turned as they noticed Thomas toddling towards them across the lawn, his laughter echoing as he chased a fluttering butterfly. Lydia’s heart swelled with joy, and she excused herself to scoop up her son, spinning him around in a loving embrace.
Dr. Mitchell watched them, a contented smile on his face. This was the essence of Scarsdale now—joy, healing, and the laughter of children. A perfect reflection of the lady of the house, who had brought her own kind of medicine to the venerable estate.
Edmund strolled over to join Lydia and Thomas, his stride confident and nearly unmarred by the faintest trace of his past injuries. He swept Thomas up into his arms with a laugh, brushing a kiss on Lydia’s cheek as he did so. “Seems our son has decided to terrorize the butterflies today,” he remarked with a twinkle in his eye.
Lydia smiled up at him, the corners of her eyes crinkling with joy. “It appears so. But then, he has his father’s boundless energy.”
Edmund set Thomas down, watching as the little boy toddled off toward another fluttering temptation. Turning back to Lydia, his expression softened. “How was your morning with Dr. Mitchell? The herb garden looks more vibrant every day.”
“It was wonderful,” Lydia responded, her voice filled with enthusiasm. “We’ve planned out an extension toward the east wing. There’s perfect sunlight there for the belladonna and nightshade, essential for some of the more potent remedies.”
“That sounds promising,” Edmund noted, linking his arm with hers as they began to walk back toward the castle. “And speaking of promising, how is Sir Gregory settling in? I saw him earlier, walking the grounds with quite a contemplative look.”
Lydia’s gaze followed to where Sir Gregory Featherby was slowly making his way along the perimeter of the gardens. After his sister’s tragic commitment to the asylum in York, Gregory had grown increasingly solitary, a shadow of his former self. But recently, since being included in their circle of friends, there seemed to be a subtle lightening of his spirits.
“He’s doing much better,” Lydia replied. “Henry and Beth have been wonderful, inviting him for dinner often. I think the company, the laughter of our children, it’s begun to heal him in ways solitude never could.”
“I’m glad,” Edmund said, squeezing her hand gently. “No one should have to endure such trials alone. And speaking of company, have you noticed how smitten he seems with Beth’s sister? I caught them in the library yesterday, utterly lost in a discussion about Byron’s poems.”
Lydia laughed lightly. “I did, indeed. It seems love may very well blossom in the most unexpected places.”
As they approached the castle, the sounds of laughter and conversation grew louder. Today, they were hosting a small gathering for their closest friends and family. Henry and Beth were already there, their baby daughter cradled in Beth’s arms as Henry animatedly recounted a recent adventure he had in town.
The couple reached the patio where their guests were enjoying the pleasant weather. Lydia greeted everyone warmly, her heart full as she looked around at the faces of those she loved. It wasn’t just the grandeur of Scarsdale Castle that made it home—it was the people, their shared experiences, and the bonds they had forged.
Sir Gregory approached, a shy smile on his face as he accepted a cup of tea from Lydia. “Thank you, Mrs. Suffield. It’s a fine day, isn’t it? Reminds me of the spring fêtes back when we were children.”
“It does,” Lydia agreed, her smile encouraging. “I hope you’ll consider reading some of your poetry tonight, Gregory. I know everyone would love to hear it.”
Gregory’s eyes lit up, a spark of his old self shining through. “Perhaps I will. It’s been too long since I’ve shared any of my work.”
As the afternoon wore on, the adults mingled while the children played on the lush lawn, their shrieks of delight floating up into the sunlit sky. Edmund watched Lydia as she moved among their friends, her laughter as clear and melodious as the songbirds in the trees. His heart swelled with love and pride—pride in her strength, her kindness, and the sanctuary she had created not just for their family but for all who entered their home.
As the sun began to dip below the horizon, painting the sky with strokes of orange and pink, Edmund pulled Lydia aside. They stood together, watching their son play with his cousins, his little face alight with joy.
“Look at him,” Edmund murmured, his voice thick with emotion. “He’s going to be a fine young man, Lydia. Just like his mother, he’ll bring light wherever he goes.”
Lydia leaned into him, her head resting against his shoulder. “And he’ll have his father’s courage and his heart. I can’t ask for more than that.”
As they stood there, wrapped in each other’s arms, the weight of the past seemed to lift, leaving only the bright promise of the future. They had endured much, but it had brought them here, to this moment of peace and contentment, surrounded by love and laughter.
It was in this perfect, quiet lull that Lydia turned to face Edmund, a gentle seriousness overtaking her features. “Edmund, I have something to tell you,” she began, her eyes locked on his, brimming with unspoken joy.
Edmund’s gaze softened, curiosity piqued by the tone of her voice. “What is it, my love?” he asked, his hand gently caressing her cheek.
Lydia took a deep breath, her smile broadening as she placed her hand atop his, still resting on her face. “We’re going to have another child, Edmund. I’m expecting.”
The words hung in the air between them, sparkling with the same vibrancy as the stars beginning to twinkle in the twilight sky above. Edmund’s reaction was instantaneous; his face lit up with a mixture of surprise and elation. “Truly?” he exclaimed, his voice a mix of laughter and disbelief.
“Yes, truly,” Lydia affirmed, her laughter mingling with his. She nodded, watching as a myriad of emotions danced through his eyes—joy, awe, and a profound love that deepened the already intense bond they shared.
Edmund pulled her into a tight embrace, spinning her slightly as he did so, mindful of her condition but unable to contain his excitement. “Oh, Lydia, that’s wonderful news! I can hardly believe it. Another child!” He paused, setting her down gently but keeping her close within the circle of his arms. “You’ve made me the happiest man alive, twice over now.”
As they separated slightly, Lydia’s eyes were moist with happiness. “I knew you’d be pleased,” she said softly, her hand resting against her abdomen, though nothing showed yet. “It seems our family is destined to grow alongside our love.”
Edmund kissed her forehead tenderly, his own eyes not without moisture. “How could I be anything but delighted? Our little Thomas will be a brother, and we’ll be parents again, together. It’s more than I ever hoped for after… everything.”
They stood together, hands intertwined, as the sky deepened into a rich velvet dusk. Behind them, the sounds of their guests enjoying the evening filled the air with a gentle hum of conversation and occasional laughter, but to Edmund and Lydia, it seemed as though they were the only two people in the world.
“Let’s tell everyone tonight,” Lydia suggested, her voice brimming with excitement. “Let’s share our joy.”
“Absolutely,” Edmund agreed with a nod. He raised her hand to his lips and kissed it gently. “After dinner, we’ll make the announcement. It’ll be a celebration of not just our growing family, but of all the love that surrounds us.”
**
As dinner progressed, the atmosphere was lively and warm. The dining hall of Scarsdale Castle buzzed with the cheerful clatter of cutlery and glasses, as well as the soft glow of candles flickering in their holders. When the meal concluded, Edmund stood, tapping his glass gently to call for quiet.
“Friends and family,” he began, his voice strong and clear, “Lydia and I have some wonderful news to share with you all this evening.”
The room quieted, every face turning towards him with expectant smiles. Lydia stood beside him, her hand clasped in his, her face radiant.
“We are thrilled to announce that soon, our family will be welcoming another member. Lydia is expecting our second child.”
The announcement was met with a chorus of cheers and applause. Henry and Beth were the first to rush over, their congratulations echoing around the room, followed by warm embraces and well wishes from everyone present.
Sir Gregory Featherby, quieter but no less sincere, offered them his heartfelt congratulations. “This castle, this family, it’s a beacon of hope and love,” he said, his voice tinged with emotion. “You’ve given me much to aspire to in my own life.”
As the evening wore on, the castle filled with the music of a string quartet, laughter, and the soft murmur of the sea beyond. Lydia and Edmund stood together on the ramparts later, their hands linked as they looked out over the darkened gardens below, where shadows played in the moonlight.
“This is our future, Lydia,” Edmund whispered, squeezing her hand. “And it’s brighter than I ever dared dream.”
Lydia leaned her head against his shoulder, her eyes on the horizon where the dark sea met the starry sky. “Yes, my love,” she whispered back. “A future with you is all I ever wanted.”
OFFER: A BRAND NEW SERIES AND 2 FREEBIES FOR YOU!
Grab my new series, "Delightful Dukes and Damsels", and get 2 FREE novels as a gift! Have a look here!
Hello everyone, I hope you enjoyed the book and the Extended Epilogue! I’m looking forward to your comments here. Thank you 🥰
Hello Miss Kirks.
It’s always a pleasure to read your books.
Until the next one.
Kind regards,
Monina
Thank you so much for your kind words, my dear Monina! I’m so glad you enjoy my books. I look forward to sharing the next one with you!💕