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“Papa, look!” Oliver’s excited voice echoed across the drawing room as he ran in, holding a small wooden boat in his hands. “I finished it! It floats perfectly now!”
William, seated in an armchair with a book in his lap, set it aside and opened his arms. “Bring it here, Oliver. Let’s have a look at this masterpiece of yours.”
Amelia watched from the doorway, her hands resting lightly on the swell of her belly, her heart warming at the sight. It had been a year since their wedding, and each passing day had only deepened her love for the two most important people in her life.
Oliver ran to William and placed the small boat in his hands, beaming with pride. The craftsmanship was impressive for a boy of his age, though the paint was slightly smudged in places. William inspected it as though it were a piece of fine art, his expression serious.
“Well,” William began, turning the boat over in his hands, “this is quite the accomplishment, Oliver. The hull is smooth, the sails are well-proportioned, and the colors are vibrant. I dare say you’ve outdone yourself.”
Oliver’s face lit up. “Do you really think so? I’m going to test it again at the pond tomorrow. Will you come with me?”
William ruffled the boy’s hair affectionately. “Of course I will. Perhaps we’ll take a picnic and make a day of it.”
Amelia stepped into the room, her smile soft and radiant. “It sounds like a delightful plan, but don’t forget, we have visitors arriving tomorrow afternoon.”
William stood, crossing the room to kiss her cheek. “Ah, yes, how could I forget? Your cousin James and Charlotte never miss an opportunity to visit. And I hear they’re bringing a surprise guest this time?”
Amelia chuckled, shaking her head. “James is being terribly secretive about it, which makes me suspect he’s up to mischief. But I’m sure it will be a pleasant surprise.”
Oliver, now examining his boat with renewed enthusiasm, suddenly looked up. “Mama, do you think the baby will like boats too? I’ll teach them how to make their own when they’re older.”
Amelia’s heart swelled, and she walked over to crouch beside him, her hand resting lightly on his shoulder. “I’m certain your little brother or sister will adore anything you teach them, my darling. You’re going to be the best big brother.”
Oliver grinned, his face full of determination. “I’ll teach them everything—fishing, riding, and how to climb trees. They’ll never be bored.”
William crouched beside them, placing a hand on Oliver’s other shoulder. “And you’ll teach them how to navigate the stars, won’t you? Just like we’ve been practicing.”
Oliver nodded earnestly. “Of course! They’ll need to know that too.”
Amelia exchanged a tender look with William, her chest tight with love. Their family had grown in ways she hadn’t dared to dream, and the life they had built together felt almost too perfect to be real.
“Shall we sit by the fire?” William suggested, standing and helping Amelia to her feet. “It’s a fine evening for a story.”
“Can it be a pirate story?” Oliver asked eagerly.
William laughed. “A pirate story it is. But only if your mother approves.”
Amelia nodded, taking her seat by the fire and smoothing her gown. “Very well, but keep it tame. No tales of mutiny before bedtime.”
As William began to weave an adventurous tale of treasure and daring escapes, Amelia leaned back, content. This was her life now—a warm home filled with love and laughter, and the promise of even brighter days ahead.
The next afternoon, Amelia stood in the drawing room, adjusting the arrangement of flowers on the mantelpiece while keeping an ear out for the approaching carriage. The house was abuzz with activity in preparation for their visitors. Charlotte and James were frequent guests, but the mystery of their surprise guest had sparked a sense of excitement throughout Charingwood.
“Are they here yet?” Oliver asked, bounding into the room, his cheeks flushed from the cold. He had spent the morning by the pond, testing his boat again while William supervised, and the brisk autumn air had clearly invigorated him.
“Not yet, but soon,” Amelia replied with a smile. “Why don’t you go check on Cook? She might need your expert opinion on the biscuits she’s baking.”
Oliver grinned, already halfway out the door. “I hope she made the lemon ones!”
Amelia shook her head fondly, her hand instinctively resting on her growing belly. She turned as William entered the room, freshly dressed from the outing and adjusting his cravat. His hair was still slightly damp from the wind, but his easy smile warmed her.
“Everything is in order, I see,” he said, glancing around the room before walking over to kiss her on the temple. “You’ve outdone yourself again.”
“It’s nothing,” Amelia replied, brushing her hand against his arm. “I’m more curious about who this mysterious guest might be. James has been far too smug about it.”
William chuckled. “If I know James, it’s likely some eccentric old friend of his with an unusual talent or a penchant for storytelling. Though, I must admit, his secrecy has even piqued my curiosity.”
Before Amelia could reply, the sound of carriage wheels crunching over the gravel drive reached their ears. She felt her pulse quicken with anticipation as she turned toward the window. Sure enough, the familiar black carriage of the Worthingtons came into view.
“They’re here!” Oliver’s voice rang out from the hallway, and the boy dashed past them, heading for the front door.
“Let us see what surprise awaits,” William said, offering Amelia his arm.
Together, they followed Oliver to the entrance, where the butler had already opened the door to greet their guests. James stepped out first, his broad grin as mischievous as ever, followed by his wife Charlotte, who waved warmly at them.
“Lovely as always, dear cousin,” James called out as he approached, embracing Amelia. “But I believe our guest of honor has stolen the show today.”
Amelia tilted her head, intrigued, as James turned to the carriage and offered his hand to a young woman who stepped out cautiously. She was slender, with chestnut-brown hair swept into an elegant chignon, and her dark eyes held a mixture of nervousness and excitement.
“May I introduce Miss Eleanor Harcourt?” James announced with a flourish. “A distant relation of Charlotte’s, recently arrived from the north.”
Amelia stepped forward, smiling warmly. “Welcome to Charingwood, Miss Harcourt. It is a pleasure to meet you.”
“The pleasure is mine, Your Grace,” Eleanor said, curtseying deeply. Her voice was soft but steady, and there was a quiet dignity in her demeanor.
As the introductions continued, Amelia exchanged a glance with William. There was something intriguing about Eleanor—a sense that her visit might bring with it an unexpected turn of events. But for now, the air was filled with warmth and welcome, and Amelia resolved to ensure their new guest felt right at home.
Later that evening, the group gathered in the drawing room, the golden glow of the fire casting flickering shadows on the walls. Oliver sat cross-legged by the hearth, absorbed in a game of dominoes with James, while Charlotte and Eleanor conversed softly near the window. William and Amelia sat together on the settee, his arm draped casually around her shoulders.
Eleanor had proven to be a delightful addition to their gathering. Despite her initial shyness, she carried herself with grace and charm, and Amelia found herself liking the young woman immensely. It was clear she had a sharp mind and a quick wit, traits that occasionally surfaced in her conversations with James.
Amelia leaned closer to William, speaking softly. “Miss Harcourt seems lovely. I can see why James and Charlotte thought to bring her.”
William nodded, his gaze following Eleanor as she laughed at something Charlotte said. “Indeed. She’s polite, intelligent, and carries herself with quiet confidence. She’ll make an excellent match for the right gentleman.”
Amelia’s lips quirked into a knowing smile. “Do you think James brought her here for matchmaking purposes?”
William chuckled. “If I were to place a wager, I’d say he might be testing the waters for someone in particular.”
Amelia raised a brow, but before she could inquire further, Charlotte rose from her seat and approached them, her smile bright. “I hope you’re enjoying Eleanor’s company,” she said. “She’s been longing to experience more of society after living such a quiet life in the north.”
“She’s wonderful,” Amelia replied warmly. “
As the conversation shifted, Amelia’s heart swelled with happiness. The house was alive with warmth, laughter, and the promise of new beginnings. She glanced at William, who met her gaze with a soft smile, and felt a deep sense of contentment. Their family was growing—not just with the arrival of their child, but with the bonds they continued to form with those around them.
Tomorrow, she decided, she would take Eleanor aside and offer her a proper welcome to their circle. After all, there was no greater joy than helping others find the happiness that she and William had found together.
The following morning, Amelia found Eleanor walking in the garden, admiring the late autumn blooms. The air was crisp, and a light mist clung to the hedges, but Eleanor seemed unbothered, her cheeks flushed with color from the brisk air.
“Good morning, Miss Harcourt,” Amelia called softly as she approached.
Eleanor turned, her expression brightening. “Good morning, Your Grace. The gardens here are stunning. I couldn’t resist a stroll before breakfast.”
Amelia smiled, motioning for Eleanor to walk with her. “Please, call me Amelia. I wanted to take this opportunity to speak with you.”
Eleanor hesitated, her expression curious but open. “Of course.”
As they strolled along the gravel path, Amelia chose her words carefully. “Charlotte tells me you’ve lived a rather quiet life in the north. This must feel like a significant change for you.”
“It is,” Eleanor admitted, glancing at the vibrant orange and yellow leaves carpeting the ground. “But it’s a welcome change. My parents were kind, but they valued propriety above all else. I’ve longed for something more—adventure, perhaps, or simply the chance to make my own decisions.”
Amelia nodded, sensing the younger woman’s earnestness. “You seem to be handling it all with grace. Charlotte and James speak very highly of you.”
Eleanor’s cheeks turned pink, and she ducked her head slightly. “They have been very kind.”
Before Eleanor could respond, the sound of voices carried across the garden. Amelia turned to see James and William walking toward them, Oliver trailing behind with his ever-present wooden boat.
“Ladies,” James called, bowing dramatically. “I hope we’re not interrupting any profound discussions.”
“Not at all,” Amelia replied, her smile widening. “We were merely admiring the gardens.”
Oliver ran up to Amelia, holding out his boat. “Mama, Papa says I should show Miss Harcourt my boat. Do you think she’ll like it?”
“I’m certain she will,” Amelia said, ruffling his hair.
Eleanor crouched to examine the boat, her smile kind and genuine. “It’s magnificent, Oliver. You must teach me how to make one someday.”
Oliver’s chest puffed with pride. “I will! And maybe we can race them in the pond.”
As the group continued their walk, Amelia felt William’s arm slip around her waist, and she leaned into him, savoring the moment.
As the sun broke through the mist, casting a golden light over the garden, Amelia felt a profound sense of peace. Her family was thriving, her child was growing, and love surrounded them in every corner of their lives.
And perhaps, just perhaps, another love story was beginning to unfold in their midst. She couldn’t wait to see what the future would bring. For now, though, she was content to simply enjoy the present—a life filled with joy, laughter, and endless possibilities.
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!
Hello my dear readers. I hope you enjoyed the book and this Extended Epilogue! I will be waiting for your comments below. Thank you so much! 🙂
In the original book it clearly states several times Charlotte and James were married to each other. This is a glaring and careless mistake in the extended epilogue. I don’t think I’ll read the other books in the series.
So sorry about that, dear Wilma! My team has already proceeded with changes and the issue is fixed.
Hello, dear Wilma! I have already contact my editors and we are in the process to change this ee! Sorry about the confusion! Thank you for you understading and support!
Hello Henrietta, I have recently read quite a number of your novels and have thoroughly enjoyed each one. They are definitely a calm respite from all the hate, anger, and turmoil in this country today. Thank you for these lovely love stories from bygone eras.
Pat
Thank you so much for your kind words and support, dear Pat! So glad you enjoyed the story!
I’m a bit confused after reading the extended epilogue, weren’t Charlotte and James married to each other in the original novel, now we have him almost engaged to another lady entirely??????
I thought the same thing which left me confused
Hello, dear Diann! I have already contact my editors and we are in the process to change this ee! Sorry about the confusion! Thank you for you understading and support!
Me too. If Charlotte and James are not a couple, then what is their relationship and why do they live together ?
Hello, dear Rachelle! I have already contact my editors and we are in the process to change this ee! Sorry about the confusion! Thank you for you understading and support!
Thank you so much for your kind words and support, dear Jan! So glad you enjoyed the story!
I, too, thought James was married to Charlotte. Rather confusing!
an extremely great read lived the characters and the great storyline but I obviously misunderstod the relationship between James and Charlotte.
I agree that James is the cousin and she met Charlotte before they were married and hey became good friends.That is the way it was written. NM
Hello, dear Nancy! I have already contact my editors and we are in the process to change this ee! Sorry about the confusion! Thank you for you understading and support!
Thank you so much for your kind words and support, dear Babs! So glad you enjoyed the story!
Silly question in the extended epilogue…..Through the book, James is Amelia’s cousin & husband to Charlotte. Who is the James in the end?
Hello, dear Marie! I have already contact my editors and we are in the process to change this ee! Sorry about the confusion! Thank you for you understading and support!
I also was confused when James was interested in another women in the extended monologue. When we first read about him he was married to Charlotte. I went back into the novel to be sure I had the names right!
Hello, dear Jan! I have already contact my editors and we are in the process to change this ee! Sorry about the confusion! Thank you for you understading and support!
Wow! What a HUGE mistake in the extended epilogue! The book clearly identifies Charlotte and James as a married couple—CH 1–“Her cousin James and his wife Charlotte purchased it two years ago and made it their own.” WHY would Charlotte now be trying to match her HUSBAND JAMES with another woman??? The actual book was very enjoyable, well written, and I really liked it, but the extended epilogue is screwed up.
Hello, dear Maureen! I have already contact my editors and we are in the process to change this ee! Thank you for you understading and support!
It was a lovely book and I exoected a proper extended epilogue. However, it is deplorable that you can’t even remember the relationship between the main characters. Perhaps you delegated the extended epilogue to someone else. This type of glaring mistake just ruined my enjoyment of your book.
So glad you liked, dear Madhu! Thank you!
The extended writings almost never work. They are lacking in interest and add little or seem totally disconnected, as is the case here. Try James and Charlotte suddenly become custodians of a 10 year old whose parents were killed in an accident. They have no children, so this works well in this case. The author group producing the books needs to write, or at least outline the extended offering. It appears they are written by someone who does not read the book.