Epilogue

EPILOGUE

T hree months had passed since the Earl of Worcester was jailed, awaiting his trial for crimes that were now widely known. Despite the shame that his name cast over the family, time had brought a sense of relief and peace to Hanna’s heart, though the road to forgiveness had been long and fraught with heartache.

Edwin had shown her love as deep and true as the one she could only dream of, and Emma, despite her misgivings, had come to rely on his steadfastness. He had taken charge of the family in Alexander’s absence and moved Emma into their home, where he served as her guardian.

Hanna had loved having her sister closer to her, and together they had been able to weather the gossip the ton’s premier gabsters had spread.

Now, at last, they were to be reunited with the rest of the family, who had just returned from Ireland.

The warm morning light filtered through the drawing room windows as Hanna bustled about, making sure everything was perfect. Edwin stood nearby, giving her a gentle smile whenever she glanced his way, his gaze filled with admiration.

“Are you nervous?” he asked, stepping up behind her and resting his hand on her shoulder.

“I just want everything to go smoothly,” she replied with a soft laugh. “It’s been so long since we’ve all been together like this. Arabella, Emma, and I… and Alexander.” Her eyes sparkled with hope. “It’s been nearly a year since I’ve seen him. The last time was when Father allowed me to visit my aunt.”

Just then, the clattering of carriage wheels sounded from the drive, and Hanna’s face split into a beaming smile. She grabbed Edwin’s hand and led him to the entry hall, where Emma waited, her own hands clasped together as she nervously shifted from foot to foot.

“They are here,” Emma called and rushed to the door.

Edwin squeezed Hanna’s hand. “I admit, I am a little nervous,” he said.

Hanna grinned at him. “There is no need. They will all adore you, I know it. I do.”

The two had indeed been moon-eyed over one another ever since they’d left the ugliness of lies and secrets behind. Hanna had never thought she would be as happy as she was now at Edwin’s side. Indeed, she felt certain that their future could be made only happier by the proximity to her family. She was jolted out of her thoughts when Emma whooped outside, before she and Edwin followed her out.

The carriage door swung open and out stepped Arabella, her cheeks flushed with excitement. Beside her was her husband, Harry, his expression jovial and full of warmth. Behind them, Alexander descended, his familiar face and tall figure a welcome sight. Then, Helena, Harry’s cousin, joined them, lifted out of the carriage by a footman who placed her in her wheelchair, which had been brought down first. Her golden curls framed her delicate features, and she held her head high as she looked around, taking in the scene with quiet grace.

“Arabella!” Hanna called, rushing forward and throwing her arms around her sister.

“Oh, Hanna, how good it is to see you!” Arabella embraced her tightly, then pulled back to look at her. “You look radiant.”

“And you!” Hanna exclaimed, her eyes falling to the slight curve of her sister’s stomach. “Is it true? You’re with child?”

Arabella blushed, a bashful smile spreading across her face. “Yes, indeed,” she said. “Harry and I are quite beside ourselves with joy.”

Hanna turned, her heart full, and greeted her beloved brother. “Alexander! You’ve grown taller, I swear.” She hugged him, feeling a rush of relief at the sight of him. “It’s been far too long.”

Alexander chuckled, hugging her back. “I’ve missed you, Sister. And I dare say I might have grown—but not in stature, only in status.” He turned to Edwin then. “And you must be Edwin. I believe I owe you my congratulations on your marriage to my sister.” He winked, casting a quick glance at him.

“Thank you, Alexander. May I call you by your Christian name?”

“Of course,” Alexander said and stepped aside while Helena moved her chair forward.

“And this must be Helena?” Edwin asked.

Helena smiled warmly, extending a graceful hand. “Indeed, I am, Your Grace. I am so glad to finally meet you. Hanna has told me so much about you in her letters.”

“I hope she has told you only the good parts,” he said and winked at Hanna, who blushed.

“Of course,” she said with a chuckle.

Harry and Edwin exchanged a look before Harry extended his hand with a roguish grin. “Well, Duke, it is good to see you in person at long last,” he said, his voice full of mirth. “I believe you and I have one thing in common.”

Edwin raised an eyebrow, matching Harry’s expression. “We’re both married to Hayward sisters?”

“Indeed.” Harry laughed, slapping him on the shoulder. “And both of us have reputations to redeem, no?”

Edwin chuckled, nodding. “Quite so. Seems we’ve both managed it, though not without effort.”

Their laughter rang through the hall, the moment breaking some of the lingering tension that the family’s recent troubles had wrought. Hanna’s heart swelled with relief as she watched them, a small warmth blossoming in her chest.

For the first time, she allowed herself to believe that perhaps happiness would stay.

The group moved to the drawing room, and after a while, the men drifted to the corner, quietly discussing business matters, while the women gathered closer to the hearth. Hanna glanced around at her sisters, marveling at how much had changed in such a short time.

“It’s good to see you both,” Arabella murmured, reaching over to take Hanna’s hand in hers. “I know things have been difficult.”

Emma, seated on the other side of Hanna, shifted, her eyes downcast. “I sometimes think… well, I wonder if anyone will ever see me as anything other than ‘Graham Hayward’s daughter,’” she mumbled, wringing her fingers. “With everything that’s happened, it feels as though there’s no future for me now.”

“Oh, Emma,” Hanna said, her heart aching for her younger sister. She took Emma’s hand in her own and squeezed it affectionately. “You’re more than our father’s mistakes, more than his crimes. And the world will come to know that too. I promise you, there’s still a bright future for you.”

Arabella nodded in agreement, her gaze filled with determination. “Hanna’s right. We are the ones who decide what our futures hold. Don’t ever doubt that.”

At that, Helena, who had been quietly listening, leaned forward, her voice soft but sure. “Emma,” she said, giving her a compassionate look, “I understand all too well what it is like to feel burdened by a father’s reputation. Mine was a dreadful man too, driven by ambition to the point of cruelty. But look at me now. I’ve found happiness, not by denying my past, but by building my future.”

Her words hung in the air, and Emma’s face softened, some of the tension in her expression fading.

“I hadn’t thought of it that way,” she murmured, managing a small smile. “Thank you, Helena. I think I needed to hear that.”

Helena smiled, her eyes glimmering with warmth. “We’re all stronger than the circumstances that surround us. And Emma,” she added with a hint of excitement, “I have my own news to share. I’m engaged to be married!”

The sisters gasped, and Arabella clapped her hands together in delight. “Oh, Helena! That’s wonderful! To whom?”

“To Lord Sutherland’s son,” Helena replied with a graceful laugh. “I imagine the wedding will be sometime in the spring.”

The sisters shared a look of joyful surprise before Hanna leaned forward to embrace Helena. “That’s wonderful news! Congratulations, truly.”

Arabella, resting a hand on her growing belly, added, “You’ll be a beautiful bride, Helena. I’m sure of it.”

Amidst the laughter and talk of engagements and weddings, Emma shifted in her seat, her eyes dulling. Hanna noticed the flicker of sadness that crossed her face and reached out to gently take her hand.

“Emma, don’t lose heart,” she whispered, her voice kind. “Your time will come too. And when it does, I have no doubt that you’ll be the happiest of us all.”

Emma looked at her sisters, a small, hopeful smile gracing her lips. “Thank you,” she said quietly, blinking back tears. “I hope you’re right.”

They shared a long embrace, each sister finding comfort and hope in the presence of the others. It was a moment of solidarity, of the unbreakable bond that had grown between them even amidst so much turmoil.

The afternoon passed in a lively exchange of stories and laughter, and before long, the men rejoined them.

Edwin slipped his arm around Hanna’s shoulders, pressing a soft kiss to her temple. Hanna glanced up at him, her heart full of gratitude and love, marveling that after everything they had faced, here they were, together, surrounded by family.

Harry clapped a hand on Edwin’s shoulder. “You’ve done well for yourself. Truly, I couldn’t be prouder to call you family.”

Edwin inclined his head, his gaze meeting Harry’s with mutual respect. “And I you, Harry.”

As the evening wore on, and the family shared a festive dinner, Hanna looked around the table, her heart swelling with joy. Alexander, her dear brother, had returned. Arabella was with child. Helena’s strength and compassion inspired her. And Emma—pragmatic, long-suffering Emma—had begun to believe in a brighter future.

The shadows of their father’s actions still lingered, but they no longer defined them. As the evening drew to a close, Hanna and Edwin exchanged a look filled with quiet understanding. They had weathered the worst of storms together and come out stronger on the other side, united in love, family, and hope for the future.

At last, Hanna allowed herself to breathe, knowing that whatever came next, they would face it together.

The End?