Lost in the Duke’s Gaze – Extended Epilogue

---

OFFER: A BRAND NEW SERIES AND 5 FREEBIES FOR YOU!

Grab my new series, "Lust and Love in High Society", and get 5 FREE novels as a gift! Have a look here!

---

“Are the ribbons straight?” Olivia asked, tilting her head as she surveyed the colorful streamers adorning the archway leading to the garden.

“They’re perfectly straight,” Gavin assured her, amusement dancing in his eyes. He leaned casually against the doorframe, his arms crossed. “You’ve inspected them three times already.”

“Only twice,” Olivia corrected, brushing her hands down the front of her gown, a soft lilac silk that complemented her fair complexion. “This is Christian’s first proper birthday celebration. It must be perfect.”

Gavin stepped forward, his hand finding hers. “Everything you do is perfect,” he said with a warm smile. “And Christian will be thrilled, no matter how many ribbons are involved.”

Olivia felt a blush rise to her cheeks, but she smiled back at him, her heart full. Five years of marriage had not dimmed Gavin’s ability to make her feel cherished with just a simple look or word.

The sound of children’s laughter drifted through the open windows, a joyful melody that underscored the scene. Olivia glanced outside to see Christian running with a small group of friends, his blond curls bouncing as he held tightly to a wooden toy horse Gavin had carved for him.

“He’s growing so quickly,” she murmured, her voice tinged with wonder.

“And turning more like his mother every day,” Gavin replied, his tone teasing. “Curious, determined, and capable of turning even the simplest occasion into a grand affair.”

Olivia swatted his arm playfully. “It is not grand,” she protested, though the scene outside—dozens of children and adults enjoying the sprawling garden, tables laden with food, and the center of attention being a lavishly decorated cake—suggested otherwise.

A knock at the door drew their attention, and a familiar voice called out. “Are you two hiding away, or may I intrude?”

“Elizabeth!” Olivia exclaimed, hurrying forward to embrace her friend. Elizabeth entered with her usual bright smile, holding her two-year-old daughter, Emily, by the hand.

“The celebration looks marvelous,” Elizabeth said, glancing around approvingly. “You’ve outdone yourself, as usual, Olivia.”

“I wanted it to be special,” Olivia said, her gaze shifting back to Christian, who was now attempting to climb a low tree under Gavin’s watchful eye. “He deserves a wonderful day.”

“And he shall have one,” Elizabeth assured her. “Though I suspect the children are most excited about the cake.”

They both laughed, the sound of their easy friendship filling the room. Elizabeth’s presence was a comfort to Olivia, as it had been since they were young girls.

As they stepped outside together, the garden came alive with greetings and chatter. Olivia’s parents were already seated near the main table, doting on Christian as he darted past them, a blur of energy and joy. Though there had been tensions in the past, the years had softened their relationship, and Olivia now saw her parents’ genuine efforts to mend their bond.

Mark soon joined Gavin, the two men laughing as they observed the chaos of children darting through the maze of decorations. Olivia caught Gavin’s eye across the garden, and they shared a smile, a silent acknowledgment of the life they had built together—a life full of love, laughter, and endless possibilities.

“Come, Emily,” Elizabeth said, tugging her daughter gently toward the tables. “Let us see if we can find the best seat for the cake cutting.”

Olivia lingered for a moment, watching her family and friends come together. The warmth of the day, the laughter of the children, and the knowledge that this happiness was real and enduring filled her with gratitude.

“Shall we?” Gavin asked, stepping to her side and extending his arm.

She slipped her hand into his, her smile widening. “Let’s.”

As they walked toward the celebration, the sound of Christian’s delighted laughter echoed around them, a perfect harmony to the joy that filled their hearts.

The cake was a triumph, and Christian’s wide eyes as the towering confection was carried out were worth every moment Olivia had spent planning the day. The three-year-old clapped his hands in delight, his excitement matched only by the chorus of cheers from the gathered children.

“It’s enormous!” Christian exclaimed, tugging on Gavin’s sleeve as the cake was placed on the table. “Papa, did you see?”

“I did,” Gavin said, crouching to Christian’s level. “I think you might need help eating it all, though.”

Christian nodded solemnly, surveying the crowd of children as if mentally dividing the cake among them. Olivia stifled a laugh, her heart swelling at the sight of her son’s thoughtful expression.

As the first slices were cut and distributed, Olivia took a moment to scan the garden. It was a scene of idyllic harmony. The children had gathered around the cake, sticky fingers and bright smiles abundant, while the adults lingered in small groups, engaged in animated conversation.

Her parents sat at a shaded table near the rose trellis, their faces softened by affection as they watched Christian dart between his friends. Though the scars of past misunderstandings lingered, Olivia appreciated their efforts to support her life and choices. Her mother had even taken to visiting Olivia’s library, marveling at the botanical specimens and astronomical charts with genuine interest.

Nearby, Elizabeth and Mark stood side by side, their daughter Emily balanced on Mark’s hip as she reached for her slice of cake. The easy camaraderie between the two couples had deepened over the years, their shared experiences forging a bond that felt more like family than friendship.

“Olivia,” Elizabeth called, waving her over. “You must hear Mark’s tale of Emily’s latest escapade. She’s taken to hiding my slippers in the strangest places.”

Olivia joined them with a smile, laughing as Mark recounted the mischief his two-year-old daughter had caused that morning. Emily, oblivious to the tale being told, focused intently on her cake, her cheeks smeared with icing.

“She’s clever, like her mother,” Olivia teased, earning a mock affronted look from Mark.

“And what of Christian?” Mark countered, gesturing toward the boy, who was now orchestrating a game of tag with the other children. “It seems he’s inherited his father’s leadership skills.”

“And his mother’s determination,” Gavin added, joining the group with a wry grin.

The group’s laughter blended seamlessly with the lively sounds of the celebration. The warmth of the day, the scent of blooming flowers, and the joy of shared memories made Olivia’s heart feel impossibly full.

As the sun began to dip lower in the sky, casting a golden hue over the garden, Christian tugged on Olivia’s skirt, his face flushed with excitement.

“Mama, can we see the stars tonight?” he asked, his wide eyes reflecting a curiosity that mirrored her own.

Olivia knelt to his level, brushing a lock of hair from his forehead. “Of course, my darling. After everyone leaves, we’ll go to the observatory and look at the stars together.”

Christian’s grin widened, and he darted off to continue his game, leaving Olivia with a sense of wonder at the small but profound moments that defined her life.

Gavin rested a hand on her shoulder, his expression as content as her own. “This is happiness,” he said simply.

Olivia leaned into him, nodding. “It truly is.”

As twilight settled over the estate, the last of the guests began to take their leave. Olivia and Gavin stood by the gate, offering warm farewells and receiving endless compliments on the success of the celebration. Elizabeth and Mark were among the final to depart, their sleepy daughter cradled in Elizabeth’s arms.

“This has been a marvelous day, Olivia,” Elizabeth said, her voice soft but filled with sincerity. “Christian is such a charming little boy—he’s a reflection of his parents.”

“Thank you,” Olivia replied, a warm smile gracing her lips. “And Emily is an absolute delight. We must have you all over again soon, though perhaps for something a little quieter.”

Mark chuckled as he helped his wife into their carriage. “Quieter? With these two children? I doubt that’s possible.”

Gavin laughed, nodding in agreement. “True enough. Safe travels, my friends.”

As the carriage disappeared down the lane, Gavin closed the gate and turned back toward the house, his arm finding its way around Olivia’s waist. Together, they walked back toward the garden, now quieter but still carrying the remnants of the day’s joy.

Inside, Christian had been bathed and tucked into bed by his governess, and the house had settled into a tranquil hush. Olivia made her way to the observatory garden, where the last rays of sunlight lingered on the edges of the horizon.

The garden was a testament to years of love and care. Roses climbed trellises, their blooms vibrant against the darkening sky. Lavender swayed gently in the evening breeze, and clusters of exotic plants that Olivia had painstakingly collected thrived in their well-tended beds. At the center stood the observatory—a modest structure with a domed roof that housed the telescope Gavin had gifted her long ago.

Gavin joined her, carrying a small tray with two glasses of wine. “I thought you might like this,” he said, handing her one.

“Perfect timing, as always,” Olivia replied, her smile softening as she took the glass.

They stood together in companionable silence, gazing at the garden. The stars began to emerge one by one, dotting the sky with their brilliance. Olivia felt the familiar pull of wonder, her heart leaping at the thought of sharing this beauty with Christian in the years to come.

“I never imagined life could be this full,” she said at last, her voice barely above a whisper.

“It’s because we built it together,” Gavin replied. His tone was steady but rich with emotion, a reminder of the partnership that had carried them through every challenge.

She turned to him, her gaze meeting his. In the soft light of the rising moon, his expression held the same unwavering affection that had been there since the first time he told her he loved her.

“We’ve come so far, haven’t we?” she said, thinking of all they had endured—betrayals, misunderstandings, and the shadows of the past.

“And every step has been worth it,” he replied.

The soft cry of a nightingale broke the stillness, its song mingling with the rustle of leaves. Olivia leaned against Gavin, her head resting on his shoulder as they looked toward the observatory.

“Tomorrow, we’ll show Christian how to use the telescope,” she said. “I think he’s ready to start learning the constellations.”

Gavin smiled, placing a kiss on the top of her head. “He’ll love it. Just as I’ve loved every moment of watching you share your passions with him.”

The stars above shone brighter as the night deepened, a reminder of the endless possibilities that lay ahead. Together, Olivia and Gavin walked toward the observatory, hand in hand, ready to embrace whatever the future held for their family.

***

A few weeks after Christian’s birthday celebration, life at the Harbinger estate had returned to its usual peaceful rhythm. Olivia found herself in the quiet sanctuary of her personal library, the morning sunlight streaming through the tall windows. The room was her pride and joy—a space filled with the fruits of her intellectual pursuits. Shelves lined with botanical specimens, intricate astronomical charts, and scientific journals gave the library an air of wonder and discovery.

Olivia delicately placed a new specimen under her magnifying glass—a rare flower Gavin had arranged to have delivered from a distant part of the country. Its delicate petals shimmered in shades of blue, and Olivia marveled at the intricate structure that unfolded before her.

“Adding another to your collection?” Gavin’s voice drew her attention. He entered the room, carrying a small tray with tea for two, his easy smile as familiar and comforting as the morning itself.

“Yes,” Olivia said, stepping back to admire the flower. “It’s beautiful, isn’t it? I’ll press it later for my journal. Thank you for arranging this.”

“You deserve the best,” Gavin said, setting the tray down. His gaze swept over the library. “This room is truly you, Olivia. Every detail speaks to your brilliance and curiosity.”

Olivia blushed, but her smile grew wider. “It’s more than a room. It’s a reminder that I’ve been given the freedom to pursue what I love.” She hesitated, then added, “And I know my parents’ help in setting it up wasn’t easy for them.”

Gavin nodded. “They’ve come a long way, Olivia. I think they understand now how much this means to you—and to Christian. He’ll grow up with all of this as part of his world.”

Olivia’s thoughts shifted to her parents. Their relationship had undergone a transformation over the years. Though the wounds of the past had not entirely faded, their efforts to support her pursuits and show genuine interest in her life had gone far to mend the rift. She had even seen her mother paging through her journals with cautious fascination, asking questions about the stars and flowers Olivia studied.

Their renewed bond had been especially evident at Christian’s birthday celebration. Olivia had caught moments when her parents, usually so formal, laughed with Christian, their affection for him unguarded and sincere. It was these small steps that gave Olivia hope for the future of their relationship.

As the morning wore on, Gavin and Olivia took a walk through the observatory garden. The flowers bloomed in a riot of colors, their sweet fragrance filling the air. At the center, the small observatory stood gleaming under the sun—a testament to their shared dreams and a space where Olivia and Christian often explored the heavens together.

The couple stopped near a trellis covered in climbing roses, the petals soft and vibrant. Olivia rested her hand on Gavin’s arm and looked up at him. Her thoughts wandered briefly to others whose paths had once crossed hers in turbulent ways. It was not in her nature to dwell on past grievances, but she could not help but reflect on the lessons woven into their fates.

Lady Lydia Trom, once a fixture in London’s glittering society, had faded from prominence entirely. Following the unraveling of her schemes and the exposure of her role in spreading damaging rumors, Lydia had been quietly but decisively ostracized. The invitations ceased, whispers turned against her, and her lofty ambitions crumbled under the weight of her disgrace.

Now, Olivia had heard, Lydia resided in a modest estate deep in the countryside, far removed from the salons and soirées where she had once ruled. Though society’s condemnation had been sharp, Lydia had found a semblance of peace in her solitude. Her letters—few and far between—carried no malice, only wistful musings on simpler pleasures, such as gardening and sketching. It seemed her fall from grace had stripped away not only her influence but also her bitterness, leaving room for quiet introspection.

“Do you ever think of her?” Gavin asked later that evening as they sat in the observatory, Christian asleep in his nursery after a long day of adventures.

“Sometimes,” Olivia admitted, looking up at the stars. “I hope she’s found some measure of peace. I wouldn’t wish perpetual misery on anyone, not even Lady Lydia.”

Gavin nodded, his hand resting lightly on hers. “She brought much of her downfall upon herself, but it seems she’s found a simpler life. Perhaps that is a blessing in disguise.”

Their thoughts turned to another figure who had once cast a shadow over their lives. Lord Percival, after serving his sentence, had all but disappeared. Rumors placed him in Cornwall, living in obscurity on a small, crumbling property purchased with the remnants of his once-vast fortune. His powerful connections severed and his reputation irreparably tarnished, he had retreated into a life of isolation.

“Lord Percival’s arrogance was his undoing,” Gavin remarked. “He believed he could control everything, even people’s lives, as if they were pieces on a chessboard.”

“And yet,” Olivia said thoughtfully, “his downfall served a purpose. It set things right for us. For that, I can only be grateful.”

Gavin squeezed her hand, his expression softening. “It’s remarkable, isn’t it? How the worst trials can sometimes lead to the most profound happiness.”

Olivia smiled, leaning her head against his shoulder. “Yes. And it’s a reminder to treasure what we have—our family, our friends, and this life we’ve built together.”

Outside the observatory, the garden rustled gently in the evening breeze, the roses and lavender swaying as if in agreement. The stars above shone with timeless brilliance, a silent witness to the triumphs and lessons that had shaped their journey.

---

OFFER: A BRAND NEW SERIES AND 5 FREEBIES FOR YOU!

Grab my new series, "Lust and Love in High Society", and get 5 FREE novels as a gift! Have a look here!

---