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Five Years Later
Embery Estate
“Edward, keep your soldiers in line, or you’ll lose the battle!” Henry teased as he stepped into the sunlit parlor, his deep voice carrying warmth and humor.
Harriet looked up from her embroidery and smiled at the sight of her husband. His presence seemed to calm the whirlwind of activity as their four-year-old son, Edward, spun around with toy soldiers clutched in each hand. His dark hair gleamed in the sunlight, a striking resemblance to Henry’s own, and his sharp features were etched with focus.
“But Papa,” Edward protested, his tone serious as he straightened his miniature troops on the floor, “the enemy is everywhere! Even Lydia is trying to steal my captain.”
Henry chuckled and strode across the room, bending down to scoop up their two-year-old daughter. Lydia squealed in delight, clutching one of Edward’s toy soldiers tightly in her chubby hands.
“It seems you’ve enlisted your sister in your army, Edward,” Henry said, pressing a kiss to Lydia’s curly head as she giggled. “I don’t believe she’s following orders.”
“Lydia prefers the soldiers to her dolls,” Harriet observed, setting aside her embroidery. Her voice carried that melodic mix of amusement and adoration that Henry loved. “She’s a strategist in the making, no doubt.”
“I suppose I should start planning for two generals in the family, then,” Henry replied, his smile softening as he cradled Lydia closer.
The door to the parlor creaked open, drawing their attention. Jonathan entered, holding the hand of a lively three-year-old boy.
“Uncle Jonathan!” Edward exclaimed, abandoning his soldiers to race toward his uncle.
“Careful now, Edward,” Jonathan said with a laugh, steadying his son, Thomas, as Edward barreled into them. “Thomas isn’t as quick on his feet as you.”
Harriet rose to greet her brother, her heart swelling at the sight of his happy, settled expression. Jonathan had come a long way from the stern and overly judgmental man he once was. Marriage to Eliza had softened him, bringing peace and understanding to his life.
“Jonathan,” Harriet said warmly, embracing him before stooping to greet little Thomas. “And you’ve brought Thomas! How wonderful.”
Thomas clung shyly to his father’s leg but soon brightened when Edward offered him a toy soldier. The boys quickly became engrossed in their play, leaving the adults to exchange knowing smiles.
“How are Eliza and the baby?” Harriet asked.
“They’re thriving,” Jonathan replied, his voice filled with quiet pride. “Eliza sends her love and promises to visit soon. She needed some rest today, but she insisted Thomas join us.”
“You’re a good father, Jonathan,” Harriet said softly.
Jonathan smiled, his gaze drifting to the children. “I had an excellent example in you.”
The warmth in the room deepened as the siblings shared a moment of understanding, their once-fraught relationship now one of mutual respect and affection.
“Harriet!” Sara’s bright voice rang out as the parlor door opened once more. She entered, her face aglow with happiness, her hand resting protectively on her growing belly. Gavin followed close behind, beaming with quiet pride.
“Sara!” Harriet exclaimed, rising to greet her dearest friend. They embraced warmly, and Harriet stepped back to take in the glow of her friend’s face. “Look at you! You’re radiant.”
“I think that’s the kindest way to say I’m enormous,” Sara replied with a laugh, patting her stomach.
“Don’t listen to her,” Gavin interjected with a grin. “She’s always glowing to me.”
Harriet laughed as Sara playfully swatted her husband’s arm. Gavin and Henry exchanged a handshake, the latter offering Gavin a glass of brandy.
“To your growing family,” Henry said, raising his glass in a toast.
“To yours as well,” Gavin replied with a nod toward Edward and Lydia, who were now playing with Thomas.
The joy of the moment was interrupted by the sound of the front door opening again. Moments later, Charlotte and William entered the parlor, arm in arm, their three-year-old son George toddling along between them.
“Well, it seems we’re the last to arrive,” Charlotte announced, her voice teasing. “I’m certain William spent too long perfecting his cravat again.”
“Nonsense,” William retorted, his eyes sparkling with good humor. “George and I simply prefer to make an entrance.”
“Charlotte, William!” Harriet exclaimed, rushing to greet them. “And George, look how much you’ve grown!”
Henry grinned as he watched his sister make her way to Lydia, scooping her niece into her arms. “And how is my dear sister today?” he asked, moving to greet Charlotte with a kiss on the cheek.
“Happy as ever,” she replied, her eyes twinkling. “And I have news to share with you all.”
“Oh?” Harriet asked, exchanging a curious glance with Sara.
“We’ve found the perfect tutor for George,” Charlotte said. “William and I are thrilled. He’s already taking to his lessons splendidly, aren’t you, George?”
George responded with an enthusiastic nod, though it was clear his attention was more focused on Edward’s toy soldiers.
As the families settled in, the parlor filled with laughter and lively conversation. The children played together, and the adults shared updates about their lives. Sara, her hand resting on her belly, confided in Harriet about her hopes for her third child.
“I wonder if it will be another girl,” Sara mused, her voice soft with anticipation.
“Whatever it is, it will be as cherished as your first two,” Harriet replied with a smile. “You and Gavin are such wonderful parents.”
Sara’s eyes shone with gratitude as she squeezed Harriet’s hand.
The afternoon sun streamed through the parlor windows as the chatter continued, the room alive with warmth and laughter. Charlotte leaned in toward Harriet, her expression conspiratorial.
“Have you heard the latest about the Jackson sisters?” she whispered, her tone carrying more curiosity than malice.
Harriet arched a brow, a hint of amusement flickering in her eyes. “I can’t say I have, though I suspect you’re about to enlighten me.”
Charlotte chuckled. “Indeed. They’ve married, you know—two brothers who own a vast mining operation in Cornwall.”
Harriet tilted her head thoughtfully. “I hope they’ve found some semblance of happiness there. It must be quite a change from the life they knew.”
“Far from London and all its intrigues,” Charlotte agreed. “Perhaps it’s what they needed—a quieter life, out of the public eye.”
“Perhaps,” Harriet said softly, her voice tinged with sympathy. She had no lingering resentment for Isabelle and Margaret. Their scheming had once caused her pain, but now it felt like a distant memory, overshadowed by the joy of her own life. “I wish them peace.”
Before Charlotte could reply, Henry approached, his arm slipping comfortably around Harriet’s waist. He placed a kiss on her temple and glanced down at her with a teasing smile.
“Are you conspiring with my sister again?” he asked playfully.
“Always,” Harriet quipped, leaning into his embrace.
“Charlotte was just catching me up on some gossip,” Harriet added.
“Gossip?” Henry said, feigning shock. “In this house? I’m appalled.”
Charlotte rolled her eyes. “You’re far too noble for us, Henry.”
Gavin joined the group, handing Henry another drink as the conversation shifted to more lighthearted topics. The men discussed the upcoming improvements to the estate’s grounds while Charlotte and Harriet shared a laugh over the children’s antics.
As dusk approached, the families migrated to the terrace. The horizon was painted in hues of gold and lavender, the sun dipping low behind the distant hills. Harriet leaned against the balustrade, her gaze fixed on the lawn where her children played with their grandfather, Lord Langford.
“Look at them,” she murmured, her voice filled with quiet wonder.
Henry stood beside her, his hand resting lightly over hers. “A picture of happiness,” he said, his voice deep and steady. “I never imagined life could be this fulfilling.”
Harriet turned to him, her expression tender. “Neither did I. Sometimes I think back to that stormy day when we were snowed in. It felt like such an inconvenience then.”
“And now?”
“Now I think it was fate,” she said simply.
Henry’s lips curved into a soft smile. “Fate or not, I’ll forever be grateful for it.”
They stood in companionable silence, watching their children laugh and play as the sun set behind them, casting a warm glow over the estate that was now their home.
As twilight deepened, lanterns were lit along the terrace and lawn, casting a soft, golden glow over the gathering. The air was filled with the sound of music and laughter as the families moved toward the outdoor table set for an evening feast.
Harriet took her seat beside Henry, her hand resting lightly on his arm as they watched their children settle at a smaller table nearby. Edward was proudly showing Thomas and George how to position their toy soldiers in a perfect line of defense, while Lydia insisted on placing hers atop a teacup as if it were a grand castle.
“Edward’s got a leader’s spirit,” Henry remarked, his voice brimming with pride. “Though Lydia may outwit us all yet.”
Harriet laughed softly. “She’s certainly inherited your cleverness. I’ll have to watch my step when she’s old enough to argue.”
Henry leaned closer, his tone low and affectionate. “You’ve already mastered the art of handling me, haven’t you?”
“I wouldn’t say mastered,” Harriet replied, her lips curving in a mischievous smile. “Perhaps I’ve simply learned to choose my battles wisely.”
Their conversation was interrupted as Charlotte raised her glass, a radiant smile lighting her face.
“To family,” she said, her voice carrying easily over the table. “And to the love that binds us all together.”
“To family,” the group echoed, their glasses clinking in a harmonious toast.
The meal unfolded with lively conversation and joyous moments. Gavin recounted an amusing tale of an escaped piglet wreaking havoc on his estate, while Jonathan shared updates on his latest charitable projects. Sara and Harriet exchanged knowing smiles as their husbands jested and teased, the easy camaraderie a testament to their enduring friendships.
Later, as the stars blanketed the night sky, Harriet and Henry slipped away from the group, hand in hand. They wandered through the garden paths, the faint scent of roses lingering in the cool air.
“It’s remarkable,” Harriet said, breaking the comfortable silence. “To think how far we’ve come. Five years ago, I couldn’t have imagined this—our family, our home, the peace we’ve found.”
Henry stopped, turning to face her. The moonlight caught the soft angles of her face, and he took a moment to simply marvel at her.
“Neither could I,” he admitted, his voice steady with emotion. “You’ve given me more than I ever thought possible, Harriet. A family, a partner, a love that makes every day worth living.”
Harriet’s gaze softened, her heart swelling with affection. “And you’ve shown me that I can be myself and still be loved completely. I never thought I’d find that kind of freedom.”
Henry cupped her face gently, his thumb brushing her cheek. “With you, freedom is all I’ve ever wanted to give.”
Their kiss was tender and unhurried, a quiet moment shared beneath the vast expanse of the night sky. When they pulled apart, Harriet rested her forehead against his, her eyes shining with unshed tears.
“Whatever comes next,” she said softly, “we’ll face it together.”
“Always,” Henry promised, wrapping her in his arms.
The distant sound of laughter and music from the terrace reminded them of the joyful gathering awaiting their return. With a shared smile, they made their way back, ready to join their loved ones and continue the celebration of a life built on love, trust, and the partnership they had found in one another.
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!
Greetings, my dear readers! I hope you enjoyed this delightful tale and the resolution of our couple’s loving journey! I eagerly anticipate hearing your impressions! ♥️📚
A charming book of finding love despite internal and external obstacles. The characters were complex and interesting, I enjoyed reading their growth. I especially liked Charlotte and William, and was glad that everything worked out for them as well. Sweet story.
Thank you for such a lovely review, Jan! I’m thrilled to hear that you enjoyed Charlotte and William’s journey. Their growth and the challenges they faced were so important to me!
Enjoyable book. I liked that the chapters were sometimes written from Harriet’s perspective and other times from Henry’s perspective.
I really appreciate your feedback, Femke! I’m glad you enjoyed the alternating perspectives between Harriet and Henry.
I did so enjoy this story. So many strong characters, but I loved Harriet and Henry. They truly belonged together! there was just the right mix of joy and angst. I was so glad that Margaret and Isobelle got their come to Jesus moment. Thank you for such a wonderful story.
Harriet and Henry truly did have a special connection, and it’s wonderful to know that their journey resonated with you, Karen. Thank you for your thoughtful feedback!
It was a lovely book. A romance between two people with such different attitudes but who learn to appreciate each other and to see the value of their way of thinking. Henry was a bit pig headed and too full of pride while Harriet was definitely a rebel. She brings him out of his shell and his love for her tones her down. William and Charlotte were adorable and while they didn’t rebel against Henry, they got their own happiness by being patient. Nice to see Jonathan settle down with Eliza and both sets of siblings to have a happy relationship. It would have been nice to see the Dowager Duchess show more love for Harriet but at least she accepted her as her sons choice. Margaret and Isabel were witches and deserved a worse fate.
I’m glad you enjoyed the book and the character dynamics. Your feedback is really valuable, and I’ll definitely take it into consideration for my future writings. Thanks again for sharing your thoughts, Madhu!
What a delightful story. It sure had it’s struggles before love won out. The sisters were very wicked with their devious letter. It was sweet to see how the other couples succeeded in their love and families.
Thank you for your thoughtful comment, Terry! I’m glad you enjoyed the story and the way love triumphed in the end.
One of the most enjoyable stories that I have read in some time. Each couple had special qualities which made them so easy to like. I had to finish the book in one setting because it was so good.
Thank you so much for your amazing feedback, Pat! I’m thrilled to hear that you enjoyed the story and the couples so much and it’s really wonderful to know you couldn’t put the book down!