Epilogue

Six months felt like six weeks. At least, that was how Rose felt about them. That morning, as the sun rose over the manor, casting a golden glow across the gardens, Rose strolled leisurely along the paths, a wicker basket swinging gently from her arm.

The morning air was crisp and fresh, filled with the scent of blooming flowers and the earthy aroma of the dew-kissed ground. She made her way towards her favorite spot, a secluded area of the garden where she cultivated a variety of herbs and medicinal plants.

This part of the garden was a sanctuary for Rose, a place where she felt most at peace. The neatly arranged beds of herbs, with their varying shades of green and fragrant leaves, were a testament to her dedication and care. She loved tending to these plants, knowing they held the power to heal and soothe.

Rose knelt beside a cluster of lavender, its purple blossoms vibrant and aromatic. She carefully picked a few sprigs, the familiar scent calming her. Next, she moved to the chamomile, gently plucking the delicate white flowers that her aunt often used for making soothing teas. As she continued to gather herbs, she thought of her Aunt Cora, who had asked for specific plants to use in her remedies. She would be pleased with the fresh selection Rose was preparing.

With her basket full, Rose stood and surveyed her work, a sense of satisfaction washing over her. She knew her aunt would appreciate the fresh herbs, and she looked forward to Aunt Cora's visit later in the day. As she walked back through the garden, the sun now higher in the sky, Rose felt a deep connection to the land and the simple joys it brought her.

The manor gardens, with their beauty and bounty, were a reflection of the life she and William were building together—a life rooted in love, care, and a shared appreciation for the world around them.

With her basket full of freshly picked herbs, Rose walked towards the new glasshouse, its sleek, transparent walls gleaming in the morning sunlight. She still marveled at how quickly William had it constructed. The glasshouse was a testament to his love and dedication, a place where they could cultivate plants year-round and explore new botanical possibilities.

As she entered the glasshouse, the humid, earthy scent enveloped her, mingling with the crisp morning air. Most of the plants were still freshly planted, and the space had a sense of potential energy, as if it were on the brink of bursting into full bloom. She could already envision the vibrant greenery and colorful blossoms that would soon fill the space, creating a lush, thriving haven.

"Henry?" she called out, her voice echoing softly in the glasshouse.

A moment later, he emerged from behind a row of seedlings, wiping his hands on his trousers. William had told her numerous times what a tremendous help Henry had been in getting the glasshouse up and running.

Also, Rose couldn't help but notice how much he had grown in the past several months. She couldn't see a boy any longer, but a young man who had made some mistakes, but instead of beating himself up over them, he took responsibility and he learned a valuable lesson from those same mistakes. As she had already told him before, she was immensely proud of him.

"Oh, Rose," he smiled widely upon seeing her. "I just finished with the planting."

"I can see," she nodded, taking in the sight around her. "Everything is coming along beautifully."

Henry's face lit up with enthusiasm. "It is, isn't it?" He paused for a moment, inhaling deeply, and she could see how much he liked it there. "It is astounding to see everything grow from a little seedling. I've learned so much about plants and how to take care of them. It is hard work, but it is so rewarding."

Rose nodded, sharing his enthusiasm. "William has done something wonderful by having this built. I still can't believe how quickly he had constructed it. The workers from the village have done wonders with it."

Henry looked around the glasshouse, his eyes reflecting his deep admiration for her husband. "The duke has been incredibly generous. I am so grateful to him. Not just for the glasshouse, for but everything. He has given us a new start, choosing to let go of the past."

"We all chose to let go of the past," she reminded him. "Only when both sides do that can true healing begin."

"You are right, Rose," he smiled. "It was a new beginning for all of us."

She smiled back, inhaling deeply. "Our lives have truly changed for the better. And seeing you so happy and engaged in something you love makes me very happy, too."

Henry smiled, a bit shyly. "I really am grateful. Working here has given me a sense of purpose. And I've learned so much from the gardeners and from William himself. He has been like a mentor to me."

Rose reached out and squeezed her brother's shoulder. "I'm proud of you, Henry. You've grown so much these past few months. I know that this glasshouse will thrive under your care."

Henry's smile widened, and he stood a bit taller, clearly touched by her words. "Thank you, Rose. I'll do my best to make sure it does."

They stood together for a moment, taking in the sight of the young plants and the promise they held. The glasshouse was more than just a structure; it was a symbol of growth, hope, and the bright future that lay ahead for both of them.

"Are those for Aunt Cora?" Henry inquired, glancing at the basket. "I'm going home now. I could take them to her."

"But you will be back for the picnic in the afternoon, won't you?" she inquired, handing him the basket.

"Of course," he nodded. "Aunt Cora and I shall come together."

"Splendid," Rose beamed. "I love having all of my favorite people under one roof."

"Did someone say favorite people?" A voice was heard from the entrance to the glasshouse, and Rose immediately knew to whom it belonged.

"No, you've misheard," she teased William as he entered the glasshouse, approaching them both. "This does not concern you."

"It doesn't?" he asked, with mock incredulity and eyes wide open as he stared at her. "And yet, here you are, my two favorite people in the entire world."

He approached Rose, kissing her on the forehead. "Is your sister being impossible again, Henry?" William wondered playfully.

"Isn't she always?" Henry joined in, and all three burst into an amused chuckle.

Once the onslaught of laughter died down, Henry excused himself. "I'd better go and get these herbs to Aunt Cora. She is going to be very happy for them."

"I am sure she will," Rose nodded.

"Goodbye," Henry smiled, waving as he left them in the glasshouse.

William turned to her, caressing her cheek. She gazed deeply into his eyes, incredulous that this was her life now. Not in a million years could she ever have imagined it all. It almost felt like a wonderful dream, and she was afraid that she might wake up from it. But it wasn't. William was there, and he was hers.

"How was your riding?" she inquired sweetly.

"It was so wonderful," he replied pensively. "So… freeing."

She smiled at him, eager to tell him what had been on her mind for the past several days. She kept waiting for the right moment, the perfect moment and now, that moment had come. "William, there is something I need to tell you."

At first, his brow furrowed with concern. "What is it, dearest? Is everything all right?"

Rose bit her lip, then looked up into his eyes, unable to contain her joy any longer. "It is better than all right, my love. William, I… I am with child."

For a moment, he seemed as if he couldn't believe her words. Then, his face lit up with pure, unbridled joy. "With child? Truly?"

Rose nodded, tears of happiness welling in her eyes. "Yes, truly. We are going to have a baby."

With a joyful laugh, he swept her into his arms, lifting her off the ground and spinning her around. "Oh, Rose, this is the most wonderful news!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with emotion.

As he set her down gently, Wiliam cupped her face in his hands, gazing at her with love and adoration. "You have made me the happiest man in the world," he murmured, pressing a tender kiss to her forehead.

Rose's heart swelled with happiness as she nestled into his embrace, feeling the warmth and strength of his love. "And you have made me the happiest woman, William. I can't wait to start this new chapter of our lives together."

They stood like that for a long time, in silence, embraced, relishing the perfect moment of sheer joy.

"Come," she said, leaning against his arm. "Let's go and see how the preparations for the picnic are coming along."

"I think almost everything is ready," William nodded. "Mr. Hancock is overseeing everything. You know that he won't let anything go wrong."

"Oh, that man is such a treasure," Rose gushed.

"I know," William nodded. "And I was so glad to hear that your aunt has accepted his advances. I suppose you could say that they are officially… courting now?"

Rose laughed. "Aunt said not to call it that way."

William raised an eyebrow. "What would she have us call it then?"

Rose shrugged. "Companionship."

"Ah," William grinned. "It's like it was with you and me. They are just not willing to admit it to anyone yet."

"Something like that," she giggled.

"Of course," William smiled, patting her hand. "We shall respect their wishes. After all, they respected ours even when they knew everything."

"Exactly," Rose nodded as she allowed William to lead her back to the house, where hurried servants were decorating the garden, setting up the tables, the colorful banners, arranging sections of the garden that were set up for children's play, and so many other things.

Rose knew that it would be the best village picnic yet. And she planned on making it a yearly event. She wanted them all to remember the moment when they all forgot the past and instead, focused on the present moment. That allowed them to look to a better future.

"I can't wait for everyone to come and for the party to commence," Rose gushed, looking around.

"It will be wonderful, I'm sure of it," he told her, pressing a kiss on her cheek as he spoke.

"I love you, William," she wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him closer. She gazed deeply into his eyes, getting completely lost in them. "I love you now. I loved you before. And I will love you until there is a single breath left in my body. And even after that. I will love you for eternity."

He gazed lovingly back at her, speechless. His lips were parted, but he wasn't saying anything. He was only smiling, with his lips, his eyes, and his soul. And that was more than she needed to hear.

She pressed her head to his chest, listening to the sound of his heart beating. A double tap.

Love you. Love you. Love you.

And that was how it would always beat… for her, for their child, for their family, for their love.

THE END