Epilogue

EPILOGUE

A week before Easter 1821

A nnette tapped the croquet ball with the mallet, sending it across the lawn. The weather had been perfect the entire week. The sun shone through the trees, shadows dancing across the grass with its rays peeking through the leaves and glinting green. Tomorrow, her brother Jeremiah and his wife, Letitia, would arrive with little Henry. Just in time for Papa and Alice's wedding.

Her partner was excellent. They were winning. "What did you say about men being superior?" she asked Charles Wilkens.

His neck reddened. "I was only teasing Phoebe, although I did consider myself quite good at this."

Phoebe put an arm around Annette. "Nettie and I are a force to be reckoned with when we combine our strength. You'd best remember that. Both of you."

"Oh, I learned that lesson long ago." Drew winked at Annette.

How she loved him. How her life had changed in the past months. She and Phoebe had grown close. Annette had been firm, insisting she was not a mother, nor trying to be. What she'd needed was a friend. It turned out that was what Phoebe had needed too. Someone not her beloved aunt's age. A friend she could trust with any secret, tell her most ridiculous fears to, share her silliest moments.

Annette rubbed her belly absentmindedly as Charles took his turn. Her husband came up behind her, wrapping his arms around her. "Are you well, Nettie?" he whispered in her ear.

"I haven't had the sickness for two days now. I think it's passed." She leaned into him and turned her head to give him a quick kiss. "I was hoping to be over it for the wedding."

"I still can't believe it. Your father and stepmother should start a matchmaking service. Come for a Christmas romance at Beecham Manor."

Annette giggled. It seemed Charles had been smitten with Phoebe the morning she'd barged into the breakfast room, hair frizzing, fire in her eyes, clothes rumpled. "They are a lovely couple, aren't they? Do you think he'll propose soon?"

"Before the end of the Season, certainly. He only needs one man to ask her to dance a second time, and it will all be over."

"All over? Such a romantic."

Drew nodded. "Your brother made sure Charles was made partner in that mine his uncle wanted. Lucius wanted to show his appreciation for letting him take Wilkens's place. He made it part of the marriage contract with Lady Winfield."

"Really?" Her eldest brother had ventured forth and conquered Christiana. Another Page in love. Like a book. Another Page in love. She giggled at the clever turn of phrase. "Three weddings, possibly four within a year. My, it's been a good season for Cupid."

Reviews are the lifeblood of authors. If you've enjoyed this story, please consider leaving a few words at your favorite retailer.

Keep updated on future releases, exclusive excerpts, and prizes by following my newsletter:

https:// www. subscribepage. com/ k3f1z5