Epilogue

Epilogue

The summer sun bathed Wessex Manor in a warm, golden glow as the sound of laughter and chatter drifted through the open windows. In the grand ballroom, crystal chandeliers sparkled overhead, their light dancing off the polished marble floors where couples twirled in an elegant waltz.

At the center of it all stood Emily Montague, her eyes shining with joy as she moved gracefully from one partner to the next. Her coming-out ball was in full swing, and the young lady of the house was the belle of the ball in a shimmering gown of pale pink silk.

Near the refreshment table, Charlotte and Sophia Ashdown watched their friend with pride. “Can you believe it?” Sophia whispered to her sister. “Our dear friend is all grown up and the talk of the town!”

Charlotte nodded, her eyes misty with nostalgia. “Ah yes. To think: only yesterday we were giggling over tea and biscuits in the schoolroom.”

As the music swelled, Emily found herself in the arms of a dashing young viscount. His eyes never left her face as they glided across the floor, and a pretty blush colored Emily’s cheeks at his evident admiration.

From their vantage point near the grand staircase, Edward and Catherine watched the proceedings proudly. Catherine’s hand rested lightly on her swollen belly, a gesture that did not go unnoticed by the guests, who whispered excitedly about the impending arrival of the next Montague heir.

“She looks beautiful,” Catherine murmured, leaning into her husband’s side. “Your parents would be so proud.”

Edward nodded, his arm tightening around Catherine’s waist. “Of both of you,” he replied softly. “Look at what you’ve accomplished, my love. This house, this family... it’s all because of you.”

As if to underscore his words, Mrs. Finch bustled past, directing a team of footmen with military precision. The clink of fine china and the pop of champagne corks mingled with the music and laughter, creating a symphony of life and celebration.

In the kitchens below, Mrs. Thorne presided over a veritable army of cooks and scullery maids, her cheeks flushed with exertion and pride as she put the finishing touches on an elaborate ice sculpture. The air was thick with the aroma of roasting meats, freshly baked pastries, and exotic spices.

“Come along now, lads!” she called out cheerfully. “These trays won’t carry themselves upstairs!”

Back in the ballroom, Emily had just finished a lively country dance with a group of her friends. Flushed and laughing, she made her way to where Catherine and Edward stood.

“Oh, it’s wonderful!” she exclaimed, embracing them both. “I can’t believe how many people came. Even Lady Worthington said it was the finest ball she’s attended this season!”

Catherine smoothed a stray curl from Emily’s forehead, her heart swelling with love for the girl who had become like a daughter to her. “You’ve done us proud, Em,” she said warmly. “You’re the very picture of a lady.”

Emily’s eyes sparkled with mischief. “A lady who still remembers how to climb trees and ride astride, thanks to you,” she whispered conspiratorially.

Edward chuckled, shaking his head in mock dismay. “Don’t let Mrs. Finch hear you say that. She’ll have both of you back in etiquette lessons before you can blink.”

As they shared a laugh, Catherine felt a sudden flutter in her belly. She gasped softly, her hand flying to the spot where she’d felt the movement.

“Catherine?” Edward’s voice was instantly concerned. “Is everything alright?”

She smiled reassuringly, taking his hand and placing it where hers had been. “Everything’s perfect. Someone just wanted to join the party, I think.”

Edward’s face lit up with wonder as he felt the baby kick. Emily watched with wide-eyed fascination, her own hand hovering uncertainly until Catherine nodded encouragingly.

“Hello, little one,” Emily cooed, her palm flat against Catherine’s stomach. “I can’t wait to meet you. I’m going to be the best aunt in all of England, you’ll see!”

As the trio stood there, lost in the moment, they presented a picture of family harmony that drew admiring glances from the guests. The Earl of Wessex, his beautiful wife, and his sister were no longer the subjects of gossip and pity, but symbols of resilience and love.

The night wore on, a whirl of music and dancing, laughter and conversation. In quiet moments, Edward found his gaze drawn to the portraits of his parents that hung in the ballroom. He could almost imagine them there, beaming with pride at the scene before them.

As the last guests departed in the early hours of the morning, the manor settled into a contented hush. Edward and Catherine made their way slowly up the grand staircase, arms wrapped around each other.

“Tired, my love?” Edward murmured, noticing Catherine’s stifled yawn.

She smiled up at him, her eyes heavy with sleep but still shining with happiness. “Pleasantly so,” she replied. “It was a wonderful evening, wasn’t it?”

Edward nodded, pausing at the top of the stairs to look out over the now-quiet ballroom. Moonlight streamed through the tall windows, casting an ethereal glow over the space that had once seemed so dark and oppressive.

“Do you remember the first time you saw this room?” he asked softly.

Catherine leaned her head against his shoulder, lost in memory. “How could I forget? It was so gloomy, so lifeless. I never imagined it could look like this.”

Edward turned to her, cupping her face gently in his hands. “You brought the light back, Catherine. Not just to this room, but to all of us. To me.”

Their lips met in a tender kiss, full of love and promise. As they parted, Catherine took Edward’s hand and placed it once more on her rounded belly. “And now we’re bringing new life into it,” she whispered.

The next morning dawned bright and clear. The manor buzzed with activity as the staff set about clearing away the remnants of the previous night’s festivities. In the breakfast room, the family gathered, tired but happy.

Emily regaled them with tales of her various dance partners, her eyes sparkling as she recounted a particularly charming conversation with the young viscount. Catherine listened with an indulgent smile, while Edward affected an air of fatherly concern that fooled no one.

As they finished their meal, Mrs. Finch appeared in the doorway, looking as crisp and put-together as if she hadn’t been overseeing a ball until the wee hours.

“Begging your pardon, My Lord,” she said with a small curtsy, “but the new gardener has arrived and is waiting for your approval of the plans for the rose garden.”

Edward nodded, rising from his seat. “Thank you, Mrs. Finch. I’ll see him now.”

As he made to leave, Catherine caught his hand. “Don’t forget we’re having tea with the Ashdowns this afternoon,” she reminded him. “Charlotte and Sophia are eager to hear all about Emily’s triumph.”

Edward smiled, bending to kiss her cheek. “I wouldn’t miss it for the world, my dear.”

Outside, the gardens were a riot of color and fragrance. Gardeners moved among the flowerbeds, pruning and weeding, while stable boys led sleek horses out to pasture. The sound of hammering came from the direction of the old gamekeeper’s cottage, where repairs were underway to transform it into a cozy guest house.

From her seat on the terrace, Catherine watched it all with a sense of contentment. Wessex Manor, once a place of darkness and secrets, now thrummed with life and possibility. As she felt another flutter from the life growing within her, she smiled, one hand resting protectively over her belly.

“Your papa has worked so hard to make this a wonderful home for you,” she murmured. “And your Aunt Emily can’t wait to spoil you rotten. You’ll have so many adventures here, little one. Just like in the stories.”

A gentle breeze carried the scent of roses, and for a moment, Catherine could almost imagine she felt the approving presence of Edward’s parents. She closed her eyes, basking in the warmth of the sun and the love that surrounded her.

Wessex Manor stood proud against the summer sky, its windows gleaming, its grounds lush and inviting. No longer a house of sorrow, but a home filled with laughter, love, and the promise of a bright future. As Catherine opened her eyes, she saw Edward walking back toward her, his face lighting up at the sight of her. And she knew, with absolute certainty, that their greatest adventure was just beginning.

THE END