Bonus Epilogue
Eighteen years later…
Elizabeth gazed fondly at Everette, her husband and now Duke of Cranbrook, as they stood together in the grand entrance hall of their country manor.The hustle and bustle of Boxing Day preparations filled the air, but all she could see was the warmth and love shining in his eyes.
“My darling,” Everette murmured, lifting her hand to his lips.“This time of year always reminds me how truly blessed I am.”
Elizabeth’s heart swelled with joy.“It has the same effect on me, my love.”
Their eldest daughter, sixteen-year-old Amelia, approached with a stack of ornately wrapped boxes in her arms.
“Mother, Father, I have finished preparing the gifts for the tenants and servants,” she said, her voice gentle yet intelligent.
Beside her, their charming scamp of a fourteen-year-old, Henry, bounced excitedly on the balls of his feet.“I helped!”he declared with a hint of indignation.
Everette laughed and ruffled his son’s hair.“I am sure you were a great help.”
Henry’s grin grew impossibly wider at his father’s praise.“I made sure to tie the ribbons extra tight on all of them.”
“Wonderful work, both of you,” Elizabeth said warmly.Though very different, she cherished each of her children and their unique spirits.
With boxes in hand, Everette and Elizabeth led their children through the bustling entrance hall, weaving their way toward the front doors.Their laughter and cheerful greetings filled the air as they made their way into the crisp winter day.
Trailing behind Amelia and Henry were the younger three children.Twelve-year-old Emily clutched a small stack of boxes, her sweet face alight with imagination and wonder as she took in the festive scene.Beside her scurried the twins, Charlotte and William, both nine years old but polar opposites.
Charlotte insisted on carrying the largest box she could find, nearly toppling over from the weight but refusing any help.Her fiery spirit was evident in the determined gleam of her eyes.In contrast, gentle William carefully balanced his box in one hand while holding his sister’s arm with the other, keeping her steady.Though they bickered as all siblings do, the twins adored each other deeply.
The family spilled out the front doors into the crisp winter morning.All around them, crowds of cheerful tenants mingled, awaiting the Duke and Duchess’ annual tradition.Everette and Elizabeth stopped at each person, wishing them a happy Christmas and presenting them with a beautifully wrapped box filled with small gifts and treats to brighten their holiday.
With each gift, the villagers’ eyes sparkled with gratitude and delight.The atmosphere buzzed with laughter, music, and the excited voices of children.Everette and Elizabeth’s hearts swelled at the chance to spread a little extra joy during the most wonderful time of year.
The eldest children, Amelia and Henry, followed closely behind their parents.Amelia was a vision of poise and elegance as she engaged each person in thoughtful conversation, her intelligence and compassion evident.While Henry charmed everyone he met, his quick wit and playful jokes bringing smiles to each face.
“Happy Christmas, Mrs.Potter!I hope those new chickens are laying well for you,” Amelia said kindly to an elderly woman.
“Why thank you, Lady Amelia!Those chickens are right productive thanks to your father’s gift.And don’t you look lovely today!”Mrs.Potter replied.
Next to Amelia, Henry was recounting a hilarious tale about an unfortunate incident involving the stable boy and a runaway goose.“...and that is how poor Thomas ended up face-first in the duck pond!”Henry concluded with a dramatic flourish.Peals of laughter rang out from the delighted crowd.
Everette and Elizabeth exchanged proud, loving glances as they observed their children.Little copies of themselves that flooded their lives and home with unending joy.
As the family continued through the festive crowd, grateful exclamations of “Bless you, Your Graces!”and “Happy Christmas!”followed them.The simple gifts may have been modest, but the Duke and Duchess’ kindness meant the world to their people.Smiles graced each weathered face, joy lighting their eyes.For today at least, all was right in their world.
Emily’s laughter rang out like bells across the frosted gardens as she dashed after a group of local children in a game of tag.Her blue dress and fur-lined cloak swished around her legs as she darted between hedgerows and around fountains, the cold air bringing a rosy glow to her cheeks.
“You cannot catch me!”she cried merrily as a tenant farmer’s son named Thomas tried to tag her.She neatly sidestepped him and changed course, her blonde curls bouncing.
Drawn by the sound of play, her siblings, Charlotte, William, and Henry, ran over to join in.Soon the air filled with the delighted shrieks and shouts of children at play, their forms dancing across the dormant winter garden like sprites.
Everette and Elizabeth paused amid the festivities to observe the joyful scene.Pride and love shone clearly in their eyes as they watched their children frolic together.
“Just look at them,” Elizabeth said softly.“We have been blessed beyond measure.”
Everette smiled and pulled her close.“That we have, my darling.That we have.”
The two exchanged a long, meaningful glance, hands clasped tightly together.In that moment, their hearts were full of gratitude for the life they had built, and the family they cherished above all else.
Everette and Elizabeth’s eyes met, both reflecting on how far they had come.From an ill-fated kiss nearly two decades ago to devoted husband and wife, parents to a beautiful family.It was a journey neither had dared dream of, but they had built a life beyond compare.
