Epilogue
May 2, 1820
E wan and Duncan strolled through the park, their conversation a mix of estate matters and lighter musings. Ewan’s attention drifted from time to time. Duncan clapped a hand on Ewan’s shoulder. “She’ll be back shortly.”
Their walk was interrupted by the familiar voice of Percival Thimbleby, the puppeteer.
“Lord Glenraven, it is you. How fortunate to see you and your friend.”
“Good day,” Ewan touched the brim of his hat, “to you.”
“Ladies and gentlemen. This is Lord Glenraven, a most excellent hero for our poor Judy.” The puppeteer turned to Ewan. “My lord, I beseech you, your heroics are needed once more!”
About to turn wave off the man, Ewan spotted a pair of small feet peeking out from under the curtain where Juliet once stood. Somewhat disappointed, he leaned toward Duncan. “You don’t have to stay.”
“Oh, I will not miss this.” Duncan took a seat with the rest of the audience.
“Very well, Mr. Thimbleby. Your Punch has returned from a long journey.”
“Excellent, my lord. We have missed you. You are one of our best lords. No one else plays a lord like Lord Glenraven.”
“I’ve had good practice.”
The audience laughed as Ewan took his place behind the curtain on the far side of the theater.
The puppeteer set the scene for the audience, his voice booming. “Punch has returned with a treasure most rare, and now he must convince his dear Judy of its worth!”
Ewan embraced the moment and began with gusto. “Oh, Judy, my heart, I’ve braved dangers untold to bring back this prize, a treasure beyond measure!”
Juliet’s voice, sweet and clear, responded from behind the screen. “But Punch, my love, we must tread with care, for envious eyes are everywhere.”
Ewan felt a warmth spread through him, the words they exchanged transcending the play. Juliet: “Fear not, for together we are a force formidable, our love shielding us against all woes.”
The puppeteer, with deft hands, brought Punch and Judy together on the stage. “Then let us stand united, our bond unbreakable, our future a canvas awaiting our strokes.”
Ewan’s gaze was fixed on the far curtain where Juliet stood, his voice tender. “And should the morrow bring trials anew, know that my heart beats only for you.”
Juliet emerged from behind the curtain. “And mine for you, dear Punch. Together, let us embrace the love that is our right.”
The audience erupted in applause, but for Ewan and Juliet, the applause faded into the background. Ewan came out from behind his curtain and extended his hand, his voice barely above a whisper. “I love you, Juliet. With every fiber of my being.”
Juliet’s eyes met his, her own love shining through. “And I, you, Ewan. Always.”
“We’ve faced more than our share of difficulties,” he said.
“But you taught me together, we’ll find the strength to conquer all,” Juliet declared.
She delicately touched Ewan’s face. “And what of commitment, Ewan? Will your flames endure, or will they be snuffed out?”
“Fear not, dear Juliet,” even the audience could hear the smile in Ewan’s voice. For desire may kindle our passion, but it’s a commitment that fuels our eternal flame.”
“Then let our love burn brighter than the stars, Ewan, for both desire and commitment bind us.”
He enjoyed this little game the first time. Once again, it excited him in ways he hadn’t anticipated. The sincerity in Juliet’s voice warmed him.
Once a game, this puppet performance became his opportunity to right something that had been bothering him since Juliet left after the gala.
“So, my love,” Ewan said tenderly, “let us dance through the pages and write our own story, bound by fate and love.”
“Forever entwined, together we’ll craft our own destiny. It awaits, Ewan, my dearest.” There was a pause. “Forever,” was Juliet’s breathless reply.
He reached out, his hands gently cradling her face. His thumbs softly traced the contours of her cheeks. As Ewan’s hands tenderly framed Juliet’s face, the audience collectively held their breath. And then, as if moved by a single heartstring, a soft sigh rippled through the crowd.
The world seemed to stand still as he leaned in, the promise of a kiss. “Juliet, with you, I find the courage to face any challenge, the joy in every moment, and the peace I’ve longed for. I love you.” He kissed her lips softly.
He lifted his head and stared into her eyes.
“Ewan, you are my heart’s true companion, my strength when I falter, and my light in the darkest of times. I love you,” she said. “Together, we can conquer anything.
“Lady Glenraven, shall we? It is a good day to explore the secret room at Aurington Park, find a map, and make some plans.” He turned to her. “Would you like that?”
Juliet took his hand, her smile radiant. “Yes, my lord, I would.”
Together, they left the puppeteer’s stage behind, their hearts full, their path forward clear. They were Punch and Judy, Ewan and Juliet, Lord and Lady Glenraven. They were partners in life and love.
*
Duncan entered the drawing room at Fairmont Abbey, the air filled with the relief and excitement of recent events. Lord and Lady Aurington, Aunt Geraldine, and Baron and Lady Fairmont rose to greet him, their eyes full of curiosity. “Well, what happened?”
Duncan’s lips curled into a knowing smile. “They may have found their calling. Ewan and Juliet were quite the Punch and Judy,” he mused, his tone playful. He paused as a thoughtful look crossed his face. “Unless they weren’t acting, which, I suspect, is the more likely true.”
Mrs. Murthy wagged a finger at him, her eyes twinkling despite her feigned sternness. “You stop your teasing this minute, Duncan MacAlister.”
Duncan chuckled, undeterred. “Mr. Thimbleby played his part well. When he asked Ewan to reprise his role as Punch, I thought he would decline, but he changed his mind. Who knew a simple puppet show could hold such a mirror to life?”
“I knew they would be perfect together,” Lady Fairmont remarked, her voice soft with sentiment.
“Not just as Punch and Judy,” Lady Aurington said, “but as Lord and Lady Glenraven. It seems the trials they’ve faced have only strengthened their bond.”
Lady Fairmont leaned in, her curiosity piqued. “About the Ace of Hearts.”
“What would you like to know, Lady Fairmont?” Ewan’s father asked.
“Ewan and Juliet told us all about the game, but they never mentioned how the game ended.”
Ewan’s father took a deep breath, his gaze steady. “The ace of hearts wasn’t just a game. It was a reflection of Sebastian’s strategy to play with our hearts and trust. It symbolized his deceitful hold over us, and now, it stands as a reminder of the love and loyalty that ultimately triumphed.”
The room settled into a comfortable silence, each person reflecting on the journey that had led to this moment. Duncan looked out the window, where the setting sun cast a golden hue over the estate. “They’ve come a long way,” he said, more to himself than to the others. He turned back, his eyes meeting those of the gathered family and friends.
“In the Punch and Judy show,” Duncan said softly, “Love and laughter wins in the end. Ewan and Juliet have shown that no matter the trials they face, their love will always prevail.”
He smiled, a sense of peace and contentment settling over the room. “And now, their story, like a beautifully told play, concludes not with an end but with a new beginning.”
The End