Epilogue
Among the gravestones of the Brantstone church, a few hardy daffodils and primroses braved the first breath of spring.
The faintest green softened the grey branches of the yew trees that marked the boundary and inside the little church, Isabel and Sebastian pledged their undying love for each other.
So many people crowded the church that those at the back were forced to stand, and as the happy couple left the church, it was to cheers and whoops of delight.
Later, much later, after a grand party in the ballroom—attended by as many of the tenants, villagers, and neighbours as could be fitted into the room—the new Lord and Lady Somerton slipped away.
In an acknowledgment of the change in their lives, Sebastian had announced that they would occupy a much smaller bedchamber than the overblown room that had been Anthony’s.
For months, Sebastian had been deep in secret consultation with Connie about its redecoration and, while Isabel had initially been a little miffed not to be included, she allowed him his plots and plans, trusting if not to his taste, then to that of his sister.
They stood outside the door, hand in hand.
‘Close your eyes,’ Sebastian ordered.
Isabel complied. The door swung open with a creak, releasing the subtle scent of snowdrops, one of her favourite flowers. Sebastian took her hand, leading her into the room.
‘You may open your eyes now.’
Isabel complied, and her mouth fell open in surprise as she found herself looking at the bed. Not one of the grand four-posters that graced the other bedrooms, but a familiar scene of seashells and seaweed and little boats carved with a firm but naive hand on the headboard.
‘It’s Mother Shipton’s bed!’ she exclaimed
‘No. It’s only the headboard,’ Sebastian said. ‘When I explained why I wanted it, she was only too happy to sell it to me. I hope you like it.’
She turned to look at the rest of the room, decorated in soft blue with landscapes of sea and sand hung on the walls.
Isabel turned to her husband, tears of happiness springing into her eyes.
He put his hands on her shoulders and drew her in towards him. Every time he touched her, she thought she would shatter into a hundred pieces. She wanted to be with him all day, every day. As they kissed, she let her mind fly away to the future.
She was once more Lady Somerton, but how different her life would be with this man. She had found hope and happiness and a new life with a man she loved and who loved her. She knew now what it was to be truly content and loved.
Sebastian slid his arms around her, lifting her up and carrying her over to their new bed. Tonight they would come together as man and wife and, in time, God willing, there would be a child: Lord Somerton’s heir.