Epilogue
Landry Hall
Kempston, near Bedford
Bedfordshire, England
Laurence stood on the grass, just outside of the illumination of the large bonfire that burned like a beacon, and he didn’t think his heart could feel as full as it was right now.
It had been a year since he’d agreed to marry Rose.
In two months, they would celebrate their first wedding anniversary.
Shortly before they’d wed, he officially took the position of estate foreman, and he couldn’t have been happier to have his skills put to good use.
Married life, of course, had been blissful, but it had also taken a bit to acclimate to living with another person.
For both of them. Eventually, they’d found a rhythm, and life had settled into a lovely pattern.
True to his word, he’d written to his former valet and sent him an offer to join him at Landry Hall, which was accepted with alacrity.
Because of that, he was informed that half the maids and footmen had found employment opportunities elsewhere while the rest of the staff had stayed on with the new owners of his former home.
As he watched, familiar forms came into view, and he grinned then laid a hand over his heart as that organ thudded.
The sound of Rose’s laughter made him want to join in, but instead, he hung back merely to watch her and revel in his gratitude.
When an autumnal breeze ruffled through her skirts and blew back the folds of her cloak, the round shape of her belly made itself known in the fire’s glow.
At six months pregnant, she’d never been more beautiful, and they were both so happy to expect the child.
It was anyone’s guess whether her parents would accept the babe or even become active in the little one’s life, but Laurence didn’t care.
They could do whatever they wanted. As for him, he would fiercely love the baby and cherish it, for it was already loved so very much.
Then his gaze flicked to the woman who stood next to his wife.
His sister Beth had joined them this year, and that in itself was a miracle.
Last February, her father—his mother’s lover—had succumbed to the disease that ravaged his lungs.
During the proceeding months, Laurance and her had exchanged letters, but it was only after she’d laid her father to rest that they’d met in person.
Thankfully, he’d got on with his sister as if they’d never parted, and then she and Rose had become fast friends since they were close in age.
It made his heart swell every time he thought of it, and he couldn’t help but think he’d had to suffer through everything before his life had finally sorted itself.
And he could hardly believe how wonderful it was.
“Laurence, will you come and join us?”
The sound of Rose’s voice brought him out of his thoughts.
“Yes, of course.” Only then did he drift closer to the bonfire where children cavorted and laughed as they chased each other.
When he gained his wife’s side, he slipped an arm about her waist, and she immediately laid her head on his shoulder.
“Doing well?”
“Yes. I’m feeling the best I ever have. Isn’t the fire lovely?”
“It’s better than last year’s.” The warmth from it was most welcome as the low buzz of conversation punctuated with laughter filled the air. “However, I think the company tonight is what makes this celebration more special.”
“There you go, waxing poetic again, brother,” Beth said and then giggled, for it was true. He couldn’t help but talk about his life with fondness because he was just so proud.
“I can’t help it.” He winked at his sister. “Having my two favorite women in my life? Knowing I’ll soon be a father? Why wouldn’t I feel happy?”
“You’re a sweet man.” Rose patted his arm and pulled slightly away. “It’s too bad my family couldn’t come for the All Hallow’s Eve celebrations.”
“Perhaps next year,” he murmured, but they both knew it wouldn’t happen. “Regardless, there is still much joy to be had. I hope you and Beth have a lovely visit before she goes home.”
Though he and Rose occupied one of the wings at Landry Hall, his sister had declined to come and live with them.
She much preferred her own space and the quiet therein, but she often came to visit while he and Rose went there as well.
Eventually, they would move into a cottage nearby, but until he could afford the renovations on it, they would remain at the manor.
“We are already having the best time,” Rose assured him. “I am trying to talk her into letting us sponsor her for the Season in the spring in London, but she’s having none of it.”
A chuckle escaped him. “Well, she is still in mourning.”
Beth nodded. The breeze pulled tendrils of brown hair from its pins. “While I appreciate your willingness to put me out into society, I think I’d rather spend my time here in the country, and perhaps find a man here on my own.”
“That is how my romance with Rose started,” he was quick to say with another grin. “In truth, you don’t need London and polite society to find what you’re searching for.”
“I quite agree.” Rose nodded. Such love shone in her eyes, enhanced by the fire’s glow, that his breath caught in his throat. “Perhaps Laurence can introduce you to one of his friends, if they are a decent sort.”
A trill of laughter came from his sister. “I wouldn’t mind an indecent sort as well,” she said with a sly glance at him.
“I’ll do what I can,” he said while his heart felt as if it had expanded again.
Never had he thought he would know such fulfillment or happiness that he did now with his sister in his life and married to the most interesting and challenging woman he’d ever met.
“Until then, I’m simply glad you and I have reconnected. ”
“So am I.” Beth’s smile turned a bit wobbly. “I can’t wait until your child is born. Perhaps being an auntie will prove my calling in life.”
“You are a lovely baker, too.” Which was another reason why she didn’t wish to leave her village. “Next time, save some custard tarts for me.”
The ladies laughed then drifted away to talk to dear Mrs. Henderson who came to see the bonfire, leaving him alone.
Taking in a deep lungful of air, he let it ease out as he contemplated the flames. Life was truly what a man made of it. He could either wallow in the misfortunes of his past or he could take steps to building the future he had only dreamed of. Whichever way he went, those decisions were his alone.
And if he was fortunate, the path he chose to walk would lead him to lovely things beyond what he could have hoped for. As long as he never took anything for granted, life was grand, as well as humbling. Going from nearly dead to living every moment to its fullest was quite astonishing at times.
He wouldn’t have it any other way.