A Lady’s Lustful Adventures – Extended Epilogue


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Eliza took a deep breath for courage. It was going to be a particularly chaotic morning. Her house was about to be invaded by half a dozen ladies. A morning tea party, to plan an event to raise funds for a local orphanage.

She gritted her teeth. She hadn’t wanted to host it here. She hadn’t wanted to host it at all. It was the brainchild of her mother, after all. But Basingstoke Hall was undergoing some much needed renovations and could not accommodate the party. Lady Beaumont had pleaded with Eliza, and what could she do?

She had no choice but to say yes. Her parents didn’t ask much of her anymore, and she was always mindful of trying to please them, in whatever little way she could. They had let her marry James, after all. They had given her the precious freedom to live her own life. What was one small tea party in exchange for that?

She took another deep breath, gazing around the small parlour. The tea set was laid, the cakes and sandwiches assembled on her finest china. Everything was ready. She walked to the window, gazing out. 

To her left, she saw her garden. Her precious garden, where she spent so much time. She had planted so many more medicinal plants within it. She often spent hours there, completely absorbed. That was when she wasn’t in her surgery, at the back of the house. The locals often came here, seeking remedies. Her parents had been a little shocked when they found out about it, but it was a dream come true for Eliza. Finally, she felt useful. Finally, she was doing what she had been born to do.

Life couldn’t get any better. The only fly in the ointment was these occasional demands on her time. But she must put up with them. They were few and far between, and didn’t take long. Then she could get back to her real life.

“Waiting for the onslaught?” 

She spun around. James was standing there, grinning at her. He must be taking a short break from his work. He had a study here, of course, from where he worked most of the time. That was when he wasn’t out in the fishing boats. He still did that when he could.

She smiled wryly. “You know me so well. Yes, it is going to be an onslaught.” She paused. “At least, Lavinia will be here as support. That is something.”

James nodded. “It will be all done within a few hours, Eliza. Have patience. It means so much to your mother.”

Eliza sighed. “I know. And it is a worthy cause. I must remember that.” She paused. “I just hope that no locals show up, with sprains or breaks or scalds, needing help. The good society ladies would be shocked.”

They laughed easily together. Neither of them really cared what the society ladies thought of their home and their lives. They were far beyond that. It had been a year since their marriage and they had worked hard and carved out their slice of paradise here. Nothing could ever spoil it or take it away from them.

He walked up to her, pulling her into his arms, gazing down at her with shining eyes. “You know, you look very delectable in that fine lace gown. I am not used to seeing you in such clothes any longer. Usually, it is plain gowns with an apron, Mistress Russell.”

Eliza smiled, feeling the usual pull towards him. The frisson of excitement and delight that she always felt when he touched her. 

“Perhaps I could take you out of it later,” he whispered into her ear, his breath warm. “When all the fine ladies have left, of course.”

Eliza laughed breathlessly. Anticipation was rising between them like the flickering flames of a fire. Now, there was another reason she couldn’t wait for this tea party to be over and done with.

At that moment, they heard the rattle of a carriage pulling up. They sprung apart. The morning was about to begin. But the promise of later was going to make it bearable. She simply couldn’t wait.

                                                                        ***

The tea party was well under way when Eliza heard another carriage pull up outside. She frowned, glancing at her mother. She hadn’t been expecting anyone else. Lady Beaumont looked mystified.

There were voices at the front door, and then two ladies swept into the room. Eliza stood up so quickly, all the blood rushing from her head. She had thought that nothing could shock her anymore, but it seemed that she was wrong.

Lady Phoebe Huxley was standing there, alongside her mother. Her former friend and old nemesis. Eliza hadn’t seen her at all since that day at Basingstoke Hall, when the lady had apologised, for all that she had done. And she had never dreamt that the lady would ever cross the threshold into her home.

There was a tense silence. Lavinia looked thunderous. Eliza took a deep breath, walking towards the ladies. They were here now, for better or worse, and she couldn’t just turf them out, could she?

“Ladies,” she said, forcing a smile onto her face. “I must admit, I was not expecting you…”

Phoebe laughed. “Your mother mentioned this party in a casual way the other day, Eliza. And I said to Mama, we should visit Eliza. It has been an age since we have seen each other. You do not attend hardly any society functions any longer.” She gazed around the small parlour. “How quaint your home is. Rather cosy.”

Eliza’s smile tightened. Phoebe’s mother drifted away, greeting the other ladies. Suddenly, Lavinia was by her side, flanking her. She didn’t look happy at all that Phoebe was here and was not afraid to show it.

“Phoebe,” said her friend, gritting her teeth. “What a surprise.”

Phoebe nodded grandly. “Lavinia. It is always a pleasure to see you, of course.” She turned back to Eliza. “Perhaps we could all take a walk through your gardens? I spotted them as we pulled up. They look marvellous. I am very eager to see them.”

Eliza stifled her surprise. She couldn’t think of one reason to refuse Phoebe’s request. But her heart seized with the old unease that she always felt around Phoebe, despite what the lady had said, the last time they had met. It seemed some things never changed. She was still wary of her.

“Of course,” she said slowly, her heart thumping uncomfortably in her chest. “Follow me.”

                                                                     ***

Lavinia went with them, of course. Eliza knew that she would. There was no way that her dear friend was going to let Phoebe spirit her away without playing sentinel. Lavinia still didn’t trust the lady either. And she had never accepted Phoebe’s apology, claiming darkly that the lady was only biding her time; that she had some other trick up her sleeve, which she would produce, sooner or later.

Eliza sighed, glancing at Phoebe. Yes, she was still wary of her, but what could she do to her now? There was no scandal or possibility of it any longer. The only ace Phoebe had was her illicit affair with James, but they were now respectably married. They had weathered the worst of social disapproval over their union and come out the other side. Not that either of them had ever cared about it, anyway.

Abruptly, Phoebe stopped walking, turning to Eliza. “It is so very good to see you,” she said, in a quiet voice. “I…I have thought often about calling upon you, but did not know what reception I would get.”

Lavinia sneered openly, “Indeed. After what you did to Eliza, it is a wonder you dare darken her door at all.”

Phoebe flushed. “I know that we have never been friends, Lavinia. But Eliza and I were once close and it is the memory of that closeness that motivates me.” She hesitated, biting her lip. “I already apologised for what I did. It was wrong. I am asking one last time if you could find it in your heart to forgive me, Eliza. If you decline, I shall graciously accept, and never ask again.”

Lavinia shook her head in disbelief. “You are audacious, Phoebe Huxley. Why should Eliza ever forgive you?”

“Lavinia, stop,” said Eliza, resting a hand upon her friend’s arm. “A lot of time has passed. It is water under the bridge now.” She turned back to Phoebe. “I thought I would never be able to forgive you, Phoebe. I still do not believe we can ever be friends again…but, I find with the passing of time, that my heart has healed from the damage you wrought. You have my full and free forgiveness. Do not be in anguish over it anymore.”

Phoebe’s face transformed. Her eyes shone with tears. Eliza knew that the reaction was genuine. Phoebe had been consumed with guilt and unable to move on from it. Eliza was glad now that the lady had come and she was able to give her some peace.

It wasn’t that she trusted Phoebe now. She would always be wary of her. But all of Eliza’s dreams had come true. She had married the man she loved more than anything in this world. Together, they led a life that was fulfilling for both of them. They were free of society’s constraints. She was truly blessed.

There was no room for bitterness in this wonderful new life. None at all. Forgiving Phoebe was necessary, for her, as much as for the lady. Eliza never wanted to hang on to the past. It was gone. It no longer had the power to ruin her life.

Eliza took a deep breath. She felt cleansed, somehow. And she dearly hoped that Phoebe felt the same.

“Thank you,” whispered the lady, her bottom lip trembling. “Thank you. I truly feel like I can live again now.”

A wave of emotion rushed between them.

“I wish you well, Phoebe,” said Eliza, smiling slightly. “I hope you can find your happiness, whatever it looks like, just like I have found mine.” She paused. “The irony is that without you, my husband and I might never have been together, like we are. So I thank you for that, as strange as it is.”

“You are so in love, are you not?” asked Phoebe, blinking back tears. “I hope that I can find a love such as yours one day…”

“You will,” said Eliza firmly. “If you are true to yourself and do not compromise. Anything is possible.”

Phoebe smiled tremulously.

Suddenly, James walked out into the garden. He didn’t look happy. Eliza’s heart tensed. He had obviously recognised the lady. Eliza had pointed out Phoebe one day, when they had been wandering the markets in Clover Bay.

“Is everything well here?” he asked, giving Phoebe a cold look.

“All is well, James,” said Eliza. “More than well, actually.”

James didn’t look convinced. He was as wary of Phoebe as Lavinia was. They were both protective of Eliza.

Phoebe turned to him. “We meet at last, Mr Russell. And I am glad. For it gives me a chance to apologise to you, as well. I am truly sorry for the wrongs I did to you. And I am glad—so very glad—that you and Eliza have found such happiness together.”

James looked shocked. “Well, that is something. I accept your apology. As long as you promise you shall never target my wife in such a way again.”

Phoebe flushed. “From the bottom of my heart, you have my promise.”

Eliza slowly smiled. She hadn’t expected the day to pan out as it had. This morning tea party had veered in the most unexpected of directions. She hadn’t been looking forward to it at all, but now, she was glad. More than glad that she had agreed to host it.

The past was finally done. And they could all look forward to the future without the past hovering over it. Phoebe included.

                                                                      ***

That evening, after a leisurely dinner, Eliza drifted into their chambers. The weather was so balmy and beautiful that they had dined outside in the garden, sharing a bottle of fine wine, from her father’s cellar. Just the two of them. 

She sighed wearily. It had been a long day, but productive, in so many ways. She was just about to start getting ready for bed, when she suddenly felt warm hands upon her shoulders. She spun around.

James was standing there, gazing at her intently.

“I promised to take you out of this gown,” he whispered. “And I intend to do it.”

Eliza shuddered with delight. In the business of the day, with Phoebe unexpectedly turning up, she had forgotten all about his whispered vow this morning. 

He turned her around again, carefully unlacing the gown. It slipped to her feet. Slowly, carefully, he unlaced her corset, tossing it aside. She felt like she could breathe properly for the first time that day. And then, he slowly removed her undergarments, until she was standing naked in the candlelight.

He gasped, staring at her. “It doesn’t seem to matter how many times I see you,” he whispered. “You still take my breath away, just the same as the first time.”

She wound her arms around his neck. “As do you, my love.”

He bent his head, seeking her breasts. Eliza’s head tilted back in ecstasy, as he found a nipple, sucking with abandon. Those sweet sensations that he never failed to arouse within her were shooting to life, rippling through her body. A hot rush of wetness coursed out of the very core of her. She was ready for him now. More than ready.

He picked her up, carrying her to their bed. The moon cast its rays through the window. They both liked to sleep with the curtains open. Their chamber was on the second storey and no one could see in. And it allowed the moon to work its magic, as well as the first sweet rays of the sun in the morning. Eliza almost felt like they were sleeping in nature.

He climbed atop her, kissing and biting. She shuddered again, pulling him closer. And then, he worked his way down her body, drifting over her stomach, pushing apart her legs. She shivered in anticipation, before he settled his head between her legs, licking her as if she were a ripe peach.

It was too much. She was already so aroused. The sweet release was building at a frantic pace, growing stronger with every second. She was almost to the brink of it, as he abruptly pulled away, climbing on top of her. She gasped as he entered her.

She sighed in pure pleasure, just feeling him within her. Slowly, he started to move. She arched her hips, straining to meet him. She was climbing again, towards that dizzying height. That pinnacle that would explode through her with the intensity of a star exploding in the night sky.

She could tell by his laboured breathing that he was close to his own release, as well. His movements within her quickened. They were both bathed in sweat, dripping with it, clinging to each other as they both escalated towards the summit.

Suddenly, it tore through her, wave after wave. She cried out, gripping him tighter. She felt like a prism of light had entered her very soul. He groaned, pouring himself within her, before collapsing.

Eliza’s eyes flickered open. Tiny aftershocks of delight were pulsing through her. She always felt so sated and content after their lovemaking. So close to him that it was as if they truly had become one flesh.

They were content to lie within each other’s arms, stroking each other, whispering words of endearment. Eventually, he moved away, gazing at her, his eyes shining in the candlelight.

“How can it be that it just gets better?” he whispered, shaking his head in amazement. “It is as if we are two puzzle pieces, slotting seamlessly. As if we complete each other.”

“Because that is what we do,” she said, stroking his face tenderly. “In all ways, my love.”

He nodded. “I…I want to take you back to our cave one day,” he whispered. “To the place where I realised I loved you and couldn’t live without you. Will you come?”

She laughed softly, nodding, remembering those precious first days together, when they had been so wary of each other. And then the cave, with its brilliant crystals, and old paintings on the walls. The cave, where they had shared their first kiss, and much more. Where they had first declared their love for each other, never believing it was possible for them to ever find a place in this world.

So much had changed since then. They had their own home. No one could ever tear them apart. They had tried and they had failed. The love that had been nurtured within that cave had been impossible to quash. A love between two people which should never have existed. 

And yet, it did. Their love was stronger than anything. It was stronger than society’s rules. It was stronger than their own doubts and misgivings. It had been a love worth fighting for. And it only grew deeper with every passing day.

Eliza smiled, her hand drifting towards her belly. Their love was about to produce something else, very soon. But that glorious news could wait for another time. She was so very sleepy, now. She nestled into his arms, staring out the window, at the moon watching over them, knowing that nothing had the power to come between them ever again. 

It had come full circle. Forgiving Phoebe at last was the final link. Now, their future together burned even brighter. Higher than a flame. And she would never change a single moment of their past, that had led them here. Not even one.

THE END


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29 thoughts on “A Lady’s Lustful Adventures – Extended Epilogue”

    1. A wonderful love story, to say the least. As Elizas and James’ story grew, I couldn’t wait to turn the page and keep reading. Thank you !

      1. Thank you so much for your kind words and support, dear Janny. I truly appreciate it!

        So glad you enjoyed the story! Make sure to stay tuned because I have more coming!

        Thank you again and have a lovely day!

    2. I enjoyed the story even though the plot was drawn out. Perhaps an epilogue that gave an insight into their friends futures would have been enlightening.

      1. Thank you so much for your kind words and support, dear Sylvia. I truly appreciate it!

        So glad you enjoyed the story! Make sure to stay tuned because I have more coming!

        Thank you again and have a lovely day!

    3. I enjoyed this story so much, I’m glad that you didn’t suddenly make James the forgotten heir of some distant family, or inheritance a large fortune. Thank you for leaving him the hard working gentleman that he is. Great story

  1. I really enjoyed Eliza and James as their story came to life. In spite of their class differences they were able to have their happier ever after. I always look forward to the extended epilogue because it completes the story. Thank us for a good read.

    1. Thank you so much for your kind words and support, dear Linda. I truly appreciate it!

      So glad you enjoyed the story! Make sure to stay tuned because I have more coming!

      Thank you again and have a lovely day!

  2. I could hardly put the book down. Against all odds, true love prevailed. This was a lovely read and am looking forward to enjoying more of your books.

    1. Thank you so much for your kind words and support, dear Dottie. I truly appreciate it!

      So glad you enjoyed the story! Make sure to stay tuned because I have more coming!

      Thank you again and have a lovely day!

    1. Thank you so much for your kind words and support, dear Gwen. I truly appreciate it!

      So glad you enjoyed the story! Make sure to stay tuned because I have more coming!

      Thank you again and have a lovely day!

    2. Thank you so much for this wonderful story. I loved it from the begining to the end. I was glad that James and Eliza fought for their love. It would’ve been a tragedy if they didn’t. Looking forward to more of the same.

      1. Thank you so much for your kind words and support, dear Kathleen. I truly appreciate it!

        So glad you enjoyed the story! Make sure to stay tuned because I have more coming!

        Thank you again and have a lovely day!

  3. A wonderful story of a love that blooms between people of 2 different worlds and how fighting for love and happiness is so well worth while. Great characters of strength… both Eliza and James. Thankful for James’ father, as well. Enjoyed the Extended Epilogue as well.

    1. Thank you so much for your kind words and support, dear Ann. I truly appreciate it!

      So glad you enjoyed the story! Make sure to stay tuned because I have more coming!

      Thank you again and have a lovely day!

  4. Wow I really enjoyed the story of Eliza and James. I needed this tale of two lovers from different classes coming together. Well done! I loved the intelligence of the scientific Eliza and the brokenness of James, the war veteran. The villains, Phoebe and Eliza’s dad were great in their shades of grey (with their redeeming features…they were both compassionate in the end.) A satisfying love story and the extended epilogue delivered too. Thanks Emily fir your gift of writing…I am a fan. Carmel from Oz

    1. Thank you so much for your kind words and support, dear Carmel. I truly appreciate it!

      So glad you enjoyed the story! Make sure to stay tuned because I have more coming!

      Thank you again and have a lovely day!

  5. Wow I really enjoyed the story of Eliza and James. I needed this tale of two lovers from different classes coming together. Well done! I loved the intelligence of the scientific Eliza and the brokenness of James, the war veteran. The villains, Phoebe and Eliza’s dad were great in their shades of grey (with their redeeming features…they were both compassionate in the end.) A satisfying love story and the extended epilogue delivered too. Thanks Emily for your gift of writing…I am a fan. Carmel from Oz

  6. Fantastic story, fantastic end, great extended epilogue which I always look forward to. A story with a difference, that’s what was exciting lovely book great characters.

    1. Thank you so much for your kind words and support, dear Abigail. I truly appreciate it!

      So glad you enjoyed the story! Make sure to stay tuned because I have more coming!

      Thank you again and have a lovely day!

  7. Wow! Such a beautifully written love story. Being an empath, I deeply felt the highs and lows of the couple’s forbidden romance as they fought for their love. I loved the detailed account of the characters, feeling almost like I was right there along with them throughout the story. I also thoroughly enjoyed the extended epilogue, it tidied up some loose ends in my mind, leaving me feeling very satisfied with its conclusion to the story. Well done!! ❤️

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