A Duke By Any Other Name

Epilogue

Three years later…

T he golden light of the setting sun stretched across the gardens, the air fragrant with roses, while the lilting melodies of a string quartet drifted from beneath the shade of an ancient oak. Members of the once-warring Wyndham and Harcourt families mingled, their laughter and conversation weaving a warm hum of celebration.

Juliana sat with her hand securely clasped in Sebastian’s, their fingers intertwined atop the pristine white tablecloth. “You seem rather content, my lord,” she teased, a playful smile gracing her lips. “Should I be suspicious?”

Sebastian leaned closer, his breath brushing her cheek. “Suspicious, my love? Can a man not admire his wife without being accused of mischief?”

Her laughter bubbled forth, light and musical. “With you, I’ve learned to expect mischief. But I’ll admit, it’s one of the many things I adore about you.”

Sebastian’s grin widened, his blue eyes gleaming with devotion. “And I adore everything about you, Juliana. The woman who dared to defy tradition and unite two families torn apart by centuries of animosity.”

Juliana’s gaze softened, gripping his hand. She allowed herself a quiet moment of reflection, recalling the moments of doubt and courage that had led them to this day. “We did it together, Sebastian. Our love gave us the strength to overcome the hatred of the past. Now, look around you. This is the result of our love.”

They turned their attention to the gathering, where the fruits of their persistence were on full display. Lord Clare stood beside the Duke of Exitor, their conversation punctuated by occasional laughter—a sound once unthinkable. Nearby, Lady Clare and the Duchess of Exitor conversed warmly, their previously icy dynamic now softened by camaraderie.

Not far off, Griffith Wyndham stood with Rees Harcourt, his arms crossed in a relaxed stance as he surveyed the gathering. “It seems they’ve accomplished what years of diplomacy could not,” Griffith remarked, a touch of wry humor in his tone.

Rees smirked, a mischievous glint in his eye. “A miracle indeed. Perhaps they will write a ballad about it—‘The Lovers Who Tamed the Feud.’ It has a certain flair, don’t you think?”

Griffith chuckled. “It most certainly does.”

Juliana turned to Sebastian, her voice tinged with wonder. “Do you see them? Our families, once so bitterly opposed, now standing side by side. It feels like a dream.”

Sebastian kissed her hand, his voice steady and sincere. “Not a dream, my love. A testament to the boundless power of our love.”

The Duke of Exitor’s commanding voice rose above the chatter, silencing the crowd. He stood tall and raised his glass, his presence as imposing as ever. “Friends, family,” he began, his deep voice carrying across the lawn. “Let us take a moment to honor the couple who made this gathering possible.”

All eyes turned to Juliana and Sebastian, who rose to their feet, their hands still clasped in an unspoken display of unity. Juliana’s throat tightened as her father’s stern features softened.

“The two of you have shown us that love has the power to mend even the deepest divides. Through your courage and commitment, you have proven the future is not bound by the past but shaped by those brave enough to change it. May your future be bright and full of joy.”

The crowd raised their glasses, cheers and clinking crystal reverberating through the garden. Lord Clare stepped forward, his expression touched with rare warmth. “To my son and his bride,” he proclaimed, lifting his own glass. “For reminding us all that love is the most unyielding force of all. As you celebrate your third year of marriage, may your union be an example to generations yet to come.”

As applause echoed through the air, Rees leaned toward Griffith. “Do you think my brother rehearsed that dance as much as he rehearsed his vows?” he whispered teasingly. “Look at him—always so precise.”

Griffith grinned. “I think he’s earned a little perfection tonight. Though we may have to step in to keep him humble.”

On the edge of the dance floor, Chloe Harcourt approached Juliana with a warm smile. “You were magnificent, Juliana,” she whispered. “Watching you and Sebastian reminds me of how much strength it takes to follow one’s heart. I am proud to call you my sister.”

Juliana’s heart swelled at Chloe’s words. She took her sister-in-law’s hands in hers, a bond of mutual respect shining between them. “And I am proud to call you my family.”

The music swelled. Sebastian extended his hand to Juliana. “Shall we, my lady?”

Her heart fluttered as she placed her hand in his. “Indeed, my lord.”

The other dancers parted as they stepped onto the floor, creating a space just for them. The music softened as Sebastian pulled Juliana into his arms. They moved in perfect harmony, their steps a graceful reflection of the unbroken bond they had forged. His hand rested lightly on her waist, guiding her with a sure touch, while her fingers grazed his shoulder, anchoring her to him.

“You are radiant,” Sebastian murmured, his gaze reflecting boundless love. “Dancing with you feels like touching heaven.”

Juliana smiled, her heart swelling. “And being in your arms feels like coming home.”

As the music crescendoed, Sebastian spun Juliana out, then drew her back into his embrace, his arms wrapping protectively around her. She glanced into his eyes, full of love and certainty.

This was more than a dance—it was a declaration of all they had overcome and all they would face together. Their love would endure, as steadfast as the promises they had made beneath the moonlight years before.

“Do you think we have truly healed the wounds of the past?” Juliana asked later, as they stood watching their families mingling under the setting sun.

Sebastian’s gaze was steady, his voice calm. “The victory was ours the day you consented to be my wife, and every day since has only strengthened it.”

Perhaps, she mused, their love was the seed from which a new legacy would grow—a legacy of unity, not division. Juliana offered a radiant smile, her heart brimming with love and hope. “And if I had to choose all over again, Sebastian, I would always choose you.”

Sebastian leaned down, his voice a quiet promise in her ear. “As would I, my love. Today, tomorrow, always.”

The End