OFFER: A BRAND NEW SERIES AND 2 FREEBIES FOR YOU!
Grab my new series, "Lustful Lords and Ladies", and get 2 FREE novels as a gift! Have a look here!
Years had passed since Livinia and Benedict’s wedding, and their estate had flourished under their care. The once-neglected gardens now bloomed with vibrant colors, and the halls echoed with the laughter of their growing family.
Livinia watched from the window of the grand drawing room as her children played in the gardens below. Benedict, now a doting father, chased after their youngest son, little Benedict, who giggled uncontrollably as he tried to evade his father’s grasp.
Turning away from the window, Livinia smiled at the sight. “They grow up so quickly, don’t they?” she remarked to Benedict, who had joined her by the fireplace.
Benedict nodded, his eyes twinkling with pride. “Indeed they do, my love. It feels like just yesterday when we were discussing names for our firstborn.”
Their eldest daughter, Livinia, named after her mother, was a spirited young lady with a love for literature and a keen intellect. She often sat with Livinia in the study, discussing books and sharing stories of their adventures.
Their conversation was interrupted by the sound of footsteps in the hallway. Moments later, the door swung open, and Theodora burst into the room, her cheeks flushed with excitement.
“Livinia, Benedict !” she exclaimed, breathless from her run. “Derek has asked for my hand in marriage, and I’ve accepted!”
Livinia and Benedict exchanged a glance, their hearts swelling with happiness. “Congratulations, my dear!” Livinia exclaimed, pulling Theodora into a tight embrace. “We couldn’t be happier for you.”
Benedict stepped forward, offering his hand to Theodora’s fiancé. “Welcome to the family, Derek. You have our blessing.”
Derek, a young man with a kind smile and a gentle demeanor, shook Benedict’s hand gratefully. “Thank you, sir. I promise to cherish and protect Theodora for as long as I live.”
As the family celebrated Theodora’s engagement, Livinia couldn’t help but feel a sense of fulfillment. She had found love, built a family, and created a home filled with warmth and laughter.
But their happiness was not without its challenges. The memory of Eleanor’s betrayal still lingered, casting a shadow over their lives. However, with time, Livinia had come to realize that forgiveness was the only path to true peace.
One sunny afternoon, as Livinia sat in the garden with her children, she noticed a figure approaching from the distance. It was Thomas, the former servant whose betrayal had nearly torn their family apart.
Thomas hesitated for a moment before approaching Livinia, his expression fraught with guilt. “Lady Livinia, I…I wanted to apologize for the pain I caused you and Lord Sheffield,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper. “I was a fool to let my jealousy cloud my judgment.”
Livinia regarded Thomas with a mixture of compassion and forgiveness. “We all make mistakes, Thomas,” she said gently. “What’s important is that we learn from them and strive to do better.”
Thomas nodded, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. “Thank you, milady. I will do my best to make amends.”
With a nod of acknowledgment, Livinia watched as Thomas walked away, his burden seemingly lifted. She knew that forgiveness was not easy, but it was necessary for healing to begin.
***
The wedding day arrived with an air of anticipation and excitement at the Sheffield estate. The gardens had been meticulously groomed, adorned with an array of colorful flowers and delicate ribbons fluttering in the gentle breeze. Inside the grand hall, the servants bustled about, putting the final touches on the decorations while the musicians tuned their instruments in preparation for the ceremony.
Livinia stood at the foot of the staircase, her heart swelling with pride as she watched Livinia and Theodora, help each other into their elegant gowns. Livinia, wore a gown of ivory silk, adorned with delicate lace and pearls, while Theodora, the blushing bride, shimmered in a gown of soft pink chiffon, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
Benedict entered the room, his eyes alight with joy as he took in the sight of his beloved people. “You both look absolutely stunning,” he said, his voice filled with emotion. “I couldn’t be prouder of the women you’ve become.”
Livinia and Theodora smiled at him, their hearts filled with love for the man who had raised them with kindness and compassion. “Thank you, Papa,” Livinia said, her voice tinged with emotion. “We’re so grateful to have you in our lives.”
As the final notes of the wedding march filled the air, the doors to the grand hall swung open, revealing Theodora on the arm of Benedict. Theodora’s face radiated with happiness as she made her way down the aisle, her eyes locked on Derek’s, who looked at her with adoration and love.
Livinia felt tears welling in her eyes as she watched her take her place beside Derek at the altar. It seemed like only yesterday that Theodora had been a young girl, playing in the gardens with her siblings. Now, she was a beautiful young woman, ready to embark on a new chapter of her life with the man she loved.
The ceremony proceeded smoothly, with heartfelt vows exchanged between Theodora and Derek, promising to love and cherish each other for all eternity. Livinia wiped away tears of joy as she watched them exchange rings, sealing their love with a kiss.
As the newlyweds made their way down the aisle, hand in hand, they were greeted by cheers and applause from their family and friends. Livinia and Benedict stood at the front of the hall, their hearts overflowing with pride and happiness forher.
The reception that followed was a joyous celebration, filled with laughter, music, and dancing. Livinia watched as Theodora and Derek danced together, their eyes locked on each other, oblivious to the world around them.
As the evening wore on, Livinia found herself drawn to Benedict, her hand in his as they watched their children celebrate their love. “It’s hard to believe how quickly the years have passed,” she said, her voice soft with emotion.
Benedict nodded, his eyes never leaving Theodora and Derek. “Indeed it is, my love,” he said, squeezing Livinia’s hand gently. “But I wouldn’t change a single moment of it. Our family is a blessing beyond measure.”
Livinia smiled up at Benedict, her heart overflowing with love for the man who had stood by her side through thick and thin. “I couldn’t agree more,” she said, leaning into his embrace as they danced together under the starlit sky.
As the night came to a close, Livinia and Benedict watched as Theodora and Derek made their way to their carriage, ready to embark on their new life together. “May they find as much happiness and love as we have,” Livinia whispered, her eyes shining with tears of joy.
Benedict wrapped his arm around Livinia, pulling her close as they watched the carriage disappear into the night. “I have no doubt they will, my dear,” he said, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead. “For love conquers all, now and forever.”
As the festivities of Theodora’s wedding faded into the night, Benedict and Livinia found themselves alone in the quiet of their chambers. The soft glow of candlelight cast flickering shadows across the room as they stood facing each other, their eyes filled with a longing that had been building throughout the evening.
Benedict took a step closer to Livinia, his gaze never leaving hers as he reached out to brush a stray lock of hair from her face. “You look more beautiful tonight than I have ever seen you,” he said softly, his voice filled with reverence.
A blush crept into Livinia’s cheeks as she met Benedict’s gaze, her heart fluttering in her chest at the intensity of his stare. “And you, my lord, are as handsome as ever,” she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.
Without another word, Benedict closed the distance between them, his hands coming to rest gently on Livinia’s waist as he pulled her close. Livinia’s breath caught in her throat as she felt the heat of his body against hers, sending shivers of anticipation racing down her spine.
Their lips met in a fervent kiss, igniting a fire that had been smoldering between them for far too long. Livinia melted into Benedict’s embrace, her fingers tangling in the soft fabric of his shirt as she surrendered herself to the passion that consumed them both.
Benedict’s hands roamed over Livinia’s body, leaving a trail of fire in their wake as he explored every curve and contour with an intensity that left her breathless. Livinia gasped as Benedict’s lips trailed down her neck, his touch sending waves of pleasure coursing through her veins.
In a haze of desire, Livinia found herself pressed against the wall, her heart racing as Benedict’s hands roamed lower, trailing kisses along her collarbone as he slowly began to unlace her gown. Livinia’s head spun with the heady rush of sensation, her fingers trembling as she reached for the buttons of Benedict’s shirt, eager to feel the warmth of his skin against hers.
Their passion ignited like a flame, burning brighter with each passing moment as they lost themselves in each other’s embrace. Time seemed to stand still as they explored the depths of their desire, their bodies entwined in a dance as old as time itself.
As the night wore on, they clung to each other with a fierce intensity, their love a beacon in the darkness that surrounded them. In each other’s arms, they found solace and comfort, their souls intertwined in a bond that could never be broken.
They lay together in the quiet of their chambers, their bodies spent from the passion they had shared, Livinia knew that she had found her true home in Benedict’s arms. For in his embrace, she had found not only love, but also a sense of belonging that she had never known before.
With their love burning brighter than ever, Benedict and Livinia continued to flourish in the years that followed. Their union blossomed into a partnership built on trust, respect, and unwavering devotion. As they navigated the trials and triumphs of life together, their bond only grew stronger, anchoring them through even the stormiest of seas.
Their estate flourished under their care, becoming a sanctuary of peace and prosperity for all who dwelled within its walls. With Livinia’s keen eye for detail and Benedict’s steadfast leadership, they transformed the grounds into a haven of beauty and tranquility, where love and laughter echoed through the halls.
Benedict and Livinia knew that their love was timeless and true. For in each other, they had found a love that would last a lifetime, and beyond. They walked into the future together with hearts full of gratitude and love, knowing that as long as they had each other, they had everything they would ever need…
Readers who read this book also liked
 |
 |
 |
 |
OFFER: A BRAND NEW SERIES AND 2 FREEBIES FOR YOU!
Grab my new series, "Lustful Lords and Ladies", and get 2 FREE novels as a gift! Have a look here!
Hello, dear reader! I hope you enjoyed this story and the Extended Epilogue! Please feel free to leave your comments below. Thank you 😊
amazing storyline so good I couldnt put it down second time I have read it and Im guessing it wont be the last
Thank you so much, dear Babs!
A very wonderful story and extended epilogue
It was a lovely story and good suspense. I didn’t care for the epilogue because on the one hand you talk about Lavinia looking out the window and watching Benedict chase little Benedict and then she turns around and talks to Benedict. That is not possible. Also Theodora was 16 when Laconia became her governess. This makes Theodora at least 17 years older than her niece Lavinia. Yet you describe Lavinia watching her daughter Lavinia and Theodora help each other in their gowns. So are you waiting for Theodora to turn 32 before getting married? Your math makes no sense. In those days most ladies were married in their teens so the niece would not be old enough for what you described. It is better to write a short epilogue than fill it with poorly written sentences. All you needed to do was talk about their two children, the wedding of Theodora and their everlasting love. That was a perfect ending.
I agree with the comments expressed by the reader, Madhu. You made a mixed up mess with the brides who were getting married. And Benedict couldn’t be outside chasing his child and inside with his wife watching the children from the window.
Love the book it was like that they stayed true for the time
Class divide, true love, hot passionate romance, murder, mystery & retribution, the extended epilogue although a little confusing brought the story to an end – absolutely enjoyed this book
Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed the story.
This story had all the elements of a good story but was at times contradictory and confusing especially the Extended Epilogue. Although I enjoy a good love scene, they were basically cut and paste. Livinia’s spine and neck got a workout.