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Two months later
“I can’t believe this is happening,” Flora said for the umpteenth time as she inspected herself in the mirror. She looked beautiful in the flowing white dress, tailored to her figure as requested.
“I’m struggling to believe it myself,” Beth agreed. She looked at Lady Amelia, who was kneeling before her adjusting the hem of her dress. “This is far too generous of you, Lady Amelia.”
The Dowager Duchess snorted.
“Nonsense. You two are getting married to my boys. I want to make you look like princesses.”
She had certainly done that. As soon as she was aware that her sons had proposed marriage to Flora and Beth, Lady Amelia had immediately sent for her personal seamstress. The woman had taken measurements of both women and gone away again, coming back two days previously with the most beautiful garments either girl had ever seen. It was hard to believe that they had managed to create wedding dresses in such a short space of time. Beth didn’t know how she could thank her future mother-in-law, who had taken both of them under her wing.
This felt like a fairy tale story.
“I feel like a princess without the dress.” Flora sighed, running her hands over the skirts. “Not having to hide from everyone now, being able to go with Alexander to social functions without any fears that people were going to think I was a harlot. Well, I have been called that, but Alexander is there with me telling them otherwise.”
Lady Amelia smiled.
“You have caused quite a stir, both of you. I will say that. But I’m glad neither Gerard nor Alexander care about social status.” She rose to her feet, dusting herself down. “You girls have certainly done some good with them. I didn’t think I’d see either of them settle down.”
“Wasn’t Gerard settled before with his first wife?” Beth asked.
“You know what I mean. Wait a moment, Flora.” Lady Amelia hurried over to her. “I need to adjust the train or you’re going to fall flat on your face.”
“Thank you, Your Grace.” Flora giggled. “I didn’t think I would be dressed by a dowager duchess on my wedding day.”
“You’re going to have to get used to me fussing over you.” Lady Amelia smoothed the train out. “I was blessed with two sons, but I never had any daughters. Now I’ve gained two at once.”
Beth had no argument to that. She loved the Dowager Duchess. Lady Amelia hadn’t been in the least surprised when her sons went to her and told her that they were in love with the Campbell sisters. She had taken everything in her stride and made Beth and Flora feel welcome in her home. Beth wondered if the older woman had suspected something long before. It wouldn’t surprise her if Lady Amelia had guessed what was going on.
There was a gentle tap on the door, and then it opened, Edward Campbell’s voice reaching them.
“Can I come in now? Are the brides ready?”
“We’re ready, Father,” Beth called out.
Their father entered the room. And stopped short. He stared at Beth, and then at Flora, and then back at Beth. Beth glanced at Flora, and both of them burst out laughing. They had never seen Edward looking so stunned before. Even Lady Amelia was smiling at the man’s reaction.
“Oh, my.” Edward finally found his voice. “I don’t know who to look at first.”
“Surprised?” Flora giggled.
“Shocked. But in a good way.” Edward swallowed, and his voice tightened. “I never thought I’d see you two getting married, never mind looking so beautiful.”
Beth peered closely at him.
“Are you crying, Father? Do you have tears in your eyes?”
“No.” Edward sniffed and swiped his eyes. “Of course not. Why would I be crying?”
Lady Amelia smiled and walked over.
“Men are allowed to cry at times, Mr Campbell. This is a perfectly acceptable moment.” She winked. “And we won’t tell anyone.”
“Not yet, anyway,” Flora said with a smirk.
Edward groaned.
“I think I preferred you when you were sullen and hiding away.”
“No, you didn’t.”
“I guess not.” Edward gestured at the clock on the mantelpiece. “It’s almost time. Are we going to the chapel now? I think I can manage to escort both of you downstairs without one of us falling over.”
Lady Amelia laughed. Beth smiled and reached for her bouquet, which lay on the table beside her. She turned to Flora, who had picked up her own bouquet.
“Are you ready, Flora?”
Flora flashed her a smile and nodded.
“Absolutely.”
Three months later
Beth couldn’t believe how well she managed to fall into the role of Duchess of Rossdale. She had been terrified of it before. It was one below a princess, for goodness sake. That was something she had never experienced. But Gerard was patient with her, and he was selective in which social engagements he agreed to make his presence at. He went at Beth’s pace, getting her used to her new role and title.
There had been a bit of an uproar with the news that Gerard had married a woman far below his station who had once been tutoring his children. Especially with the gossipy old ladies and grouchy old men. They saw it as a scandal. But Gerard ignored them, focusing on his wife. Alexander did the same with Flora. The two of them didn’t go to as many social engagements, preferring to keep to themselves at their cottage on Gerard’s estate, but Alexander’s focus was first on his wife. Neither of them allowed the sisters to be left to the wolves that were Society.
It took a few weeks, which felt a little tense, but even these objectors soothed and realized that Beth was doing some good. Gerard’s close circle of friends had accepted her immediately, and Beth felt like she had always been a part of them. Now she was able to venture out into London with her head high and know she wasn’t going to have people turning away or sneering at her.
Once back in London for the Season, Beth had managed to find a governess. One of her friends, Charlotte Wilkins, was very eager to find some work, and she bonded immediately with Isabel and Rosamund as soon as they arrived in London for Christmas. Gerard had raised his eyebrows at Beth’s decision that Hermia wouldn’t need a governess as she was too old for one now. But Beth wasn’t going to leave her to her own devices. She spent time with Hermia every day, just the two of them, and showed her how to tone her spritely behaviour and behave in mixed company. Hermia was a willing pupil, although she was adamant that she wouldn’t completely change who she was to make everyone happy.
Beth didn’t want that, either. Hermia was a character, and when she was happy, it was difficult not to love her.
She was the one who went with Beth to the doctor just after Christmas to be checked over after feeling nauseous for almost a week. The first one to find out why Beth was unwell. It wasn’t a permanent state, thankfully. And Hermia had squealed in delight when she heard why. But Beth swore her to secrecy. She wanted to tell Gerard first before anyone else knew. Hermia had put a finger to her mouth and smiled.
It felt good having her as a confidant instead of a combative pupil.
That evening was to celebrate Twelfth Night. Gerard had decided that they were going to host, including children as well. Beth had been surprised at this gesture – Gerard didn’t like social gatherings at all – but Gerard said he was willing to do it every now and then as long as Beth was with him.
Beth wasn’t the only one who was changing.
The evening came, and Beth took up her position as hostess. She greeted the guests warmly as they filed in, most of them bringing their children. Charlotte was certainly going to have her hands full, but her friend didn’t seem to mind that she was overrun with little boys and girls. She just went into her usual stride with a smile. Beth had no idea how she managed that.
Finally, Flora and Alexander arrived. They were the last people to turn up. Beth was beginning to think they were not going to come at all. Flora had been unwell over Christmas and hadn’t been able to join in with all the festivities. Beth had initially thought she had caught something off her sister, which was why she wasn’t well, but now she knew the reason why. So, to see Flora step into her home with her husband close behind her was something of a relief.
“There you are.” Beth went to her sister and hugged her. “I was beginning to wonder where you were. You’re never late.”
“We …” Flora’s face went red, and she glanced at her husband, who looked very smug. “We got a bit held up.”
“Oh?”
Alexander chuckled and wrapped his arm around Flora’s waist.
“Just a slight celebration of our own. Do you want to tell her, darling, or shall I?”
“I will.” Flora smiled as she pressed a hand to her stomach. “I’ve just gone through my first trimester.”
Beth stared. Flora was pregnant? Lady Amelia had guessed it over Christmas, but Beth had put it down to something else. It sounded like the Dowager Duchess’ intuition was right. She squealed and grasped Flora’s hands before they embraced again.
“Flora! Congratulations!” She drew back, still clasping Flora’s hands. “At least now we know why you’ve been so nauseous over Christmas.”
“Apparently, my body doesn’t approve of a baby growing. It’s taking its time getting used to the change.” Flora looked up at her husband. “But the doctor is confident that everything is fine. It’s perfectly normal.”
“We’re going to be leaving early, though,” Alexander added, “so Flora can rest. If that’s all right with you?”
“Of course it’s all right.” Beth laughed. “You’ll need to tell your brother about the news, though. He’s going to be delighted.”
“I plan to.”
Alexander took Flora’s hand and led her down the hall. Beth called after them.
“And could you let him know I need to see him in the library? I’m sure Lady Amelia can manage on her own for a little bit.”
Flora arched an eyebrow over her shoulder.
“What are you up to?”
Beth simply grinned and pressed a finger to her lips. Then she headed towards the library. It would be the only room out of bounds right now. With some of the children being so small, Gerard didn’t want them going into the library and upending lots of books onto them, not when some of them were very heavy. Beth guessed it was because he didn’t want them ripped to pieces, but she didn’t say anything.
A few minutes after she entered the library and settled by the roaring fire, Gerard joined her. Even now they were married, Beth’s pulse still fluttered whenever she saw him. The spark between them was still there, and Beth didn’t bother to hide it now. She didn’t need to, not now. Gerard certainly had no problem with her dragging him away to have a moment alone. If anything, he was more enthusiastic about it than she was.
Hopefully, he would still be enthusiastic about it all once Beth had told him her news.
“Beth?” Gerard shut the door behind him with a frown in her direction. There was a click a moment later. “Are you all right?”
“I’m fine. I just wanted a moment of quiet before I went back to the guests.” Beth smiled. “Did your brother tell you the news?”
“He did. I don’t think I’ve seen him so delighted about something since his wedding day. He always did want to be a father.”
“I know. That’s one Christmas gift he loves.” Beth sat back as Gerard approached. “And he’s not the only one with a Christmas gift of that sort.”
“Eh?” Gerard blinked. “What do you mean?”
“You know I’ve been feeling a little under the weather recently.”
“Yes.”
“Hermia and I went to see the doctor this morning. He said it would pass.” Beth paused. “In another six months.”
It took a moment for Gerard to realize what she meant. His mouth dropped open, his eyes widening.
“Beth …”
Beth grinned and pressed a hand to her belly.
“Flora isn’t the only one who’s going to have a baby in the summer.”
Gerard stared at her like she had hit him over the head. Then with a beaming smile he dropped to his knees in front of her and embraced her tightly. Beth hugged him back, laughing at his reaction.
“Happy now?”
“When was I ever sad? I’m delighted.” Gerard drew back. He was now watching her closely. “Are you sure you’re going to be able to manage childbirth? I know you struggle with pain. It can be long hours in labour.”
“When have I struggled with pain?” Beth laughed and slapped his shoulder. “You’re just concerned that I’m going to go through something and you can’t do anything about it.”
“Pretty much. Women get the short end of the stick when it comes to childbirth. Mother said she suffered with us.” Gerard shuddered. “An eighteen-hour labour with me. Alexander took twenty-three.”
“Well, you don’t need to worry. My mother took only six hours with me and just two with Flora. Her mother’s were short as well.” Beth stroked her husband’s cheek. “I have a feeling that I’m going to be just fine.”
“I hope so. I don’t want to see you suffer for so long.”
“I’ll manage when I’ve got you close by.” Beth leaned forward and kissed him. “I love you.”
“Oh, really?” Now Gerard’s eyes were glinting. He reached out and slid his hands under her skirts. “How much?”
Beth gasped. He was thinking of making love in the library? She swatted him away.
“We can’t desert the guests when we’re hosts, Gerard! I know we’ve done something like this before, but never when we’re the hosts.”
Gerard chuckled.
“I think they can forgive newlyweds for sneaking away when they can’t take their hands off each other.”
“We’re not newlyweds anymore.”
“I’ll pretend to plead ignorance on that.” Gerard slipped his hands under her skirt again, his palms warm and soft against her thighs as he tugged her to the edge of her chair. “I want to do my own celebration first.”
That was when Beth remembered the click. Gerard had locked the door. She may not have come in here for a passionate fumble, but he had. She giggled and reached for the buttons on his shirt.
“Lead on, Your Grace.”
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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 😊
I was totally lost in the direction this story took! Once I started reading it was a done deal. I couldn’t put it down for long. Love your take on Historical Romance. Keep them coming..
Thank you so much for your kind words, my dear Martha!
I couldn’t put this book down, I guessed that his brother might be the one but you kept me interested right up to the end. Now was it a boy?
Guess I want an extended extended epilogue.
Thank you dear Maxine!
Your support means a lot to me!
Stay tuned there is more coming!
I loved this story!😇 The charts were believable and wonderful.
Thank you so much for your kind words, my dear Anna!
Great story and well written. Loved the way the children’s needs were taken care of after the death of their mother. Would liked to have known if the Duke finally fathered a son and heir.
Stay tuned for more, my dear Denise!
I started reading and I didn’t stop until I finished. I enjoyed reading about Beth and Gerald.
Stay tuned for more, my dear!
Me. Honeyfield,
This has been one of the best romantic books I’ve read in a long while. You’ve had me captivated throughout. Thank you! I look forward to reading more of your work. 2020 has been hard and this little escape of reality is just what my soul needed. Thank you so much ☺️
I am so glad to hear that, my dear Elisabeth!
Was a slow start but it picked up quickly. I was impressed with the storyline regarding the two sisters. The author did a good job and I was impressed! Good book. The extended part was a good way of finishing off the book.I was overjoyed with the finish.
I
I am so glad to hear that, my dear Eleanor!
Wonderful book. I really enjoyed it. What a lovely family.
Thank you so much for your kind words, my dear!
I really enjoyed this story. Thank you for so many enjoyable reads. Now, I can see at least three spin-off stories from just this one -The three daughters, Flora and her new child, the children of Beth and Gerard. Will this eventually be a series?
Thank you so much for your kind words, my dear! Stay tuned!
Loved your tale…the characters were endearing and the double romance a treat!🙏🙏🙏
Thank you so much!
I loved the book and I did get an inkling about the brother however it did not deter from the story. I liked the descriptions of the children’s characters out in print. All round, a very good read.
Thank you so much for your kind words and support, dear Olive. 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!
A very nice story and extended epilogue I enjoyed it immensely could not put the book down until the end, neglected everything to read your book, loved it thank you.
Thank you so much for your kind words and support, dear Patricia. 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!
I loved this story.. I could not put the book down once I’d started reading. I spent the entire day .…the best book I’ve read in a long while. You have found a new fan!
Thank you so much for your kind words and support, dear Peg. 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!
Thank you for your support dear Peg!
Stay tuned there is more coming!
Have a lovely day!
Iv loved all the books could not put them down keep them coming
Thank you, dear Anne!
Stay tuned there is more coming!
Great story. I wondered about brother Alexander if he was the one! Great how it all played out. Would love to know sex of the babes!! ….
Thank you dear Irene! Stay tuned there is more coming!
As always enjoyed this story poor Beth to start a love between her and Gerard only to be thwarted at every turn but what a lovely turn for Beth and Hermia to become close at her mother’s grave and then for her to accept Gerard ‘s proposal with Hermia’s blessing was lovely
I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
This is another gripping story that is beautifully written. The emotions that children can go through is portrayed brilliantly. The extended epilogue with the double wedding and simultaneously pregnancies is a delightful finish to the characters story’s. I am looking forward to your next book.Keep up the excellent work.
This is a wonderful story and the characters are very emotional.The extended epilogue shows happiness and joy for both couples.This is a well written story
I enjoyed this story very much but it left out a lot that would have made it even more enjoyable. The prologue really wasn’t much at all. How did it all turn out. A boy, a girl,family members reactions, etc. And the time line confused me which is irritating. At the start of the book Floras trouble happened 6 months before, but a little later it was 3 years before. Everything got jumbled up in my mind. Nevertheless I read it through and as I said, I did enjoy the problem solving, and the family’s problems were very real life.
Thank you so much for your kind words, my dear Judy!
I saw that too Flora’s scandal had happened 6 months before then 3years and in the beginning it seemed as if Flora was older but when she arrived in the Lake District she was now younger than Beth. There is need to keep good track of the details as they are written down
Other than that the story was good the characters likeable and believable. Well done!
Thanks for pointing this out, my dear Olga!
I Loved this very different story of the struggles of love between the high nobles and the much lower aristocracy! The heart rending story of the children’s trying to deal with their mothers death each in their own way and the problems between their newest governess and the apparent attraction of their father to her, especially by the oldest daughter. Added in is the problem of the scandal involving Beth’s sister in the past All in all a very good ,keep your interest story. Looking forward to more. Also love the extended epilogues!
Thank you so much for your kind words, my dear Dorice!
A great story, Emily. The double wedding and the double pregnancies is a good finish.
A great love story with hurt and betrayal ending in happy reunions. I’m glad Beth was able to help Hermia with her grieving. The extended epilogue with double weddings and pregnancies was a good ending. I enjoyed reading this book. Looking forward to your next one
A wonderful story, I love Beth and Gerald characters. I love that Beth never gave up on the children. The double wedding and pregnancy was good too. Thank you for the light hearted story
Thank you so much for your kind words, my dear! Stay tuned for more
Miss. Honeyfield, I enjoyed this novel because it dealt with the children in the family as well as the love between the couples.
Additionally, I appreciated the double wedding as well as the ladies Christmas presents.
On the downside of the book, your editor or proofreader is terrible. If you ever need any help in that department I am a willing participant.
Thank you so much for your kind words, my dear Veronica! I will work with my editor on these
I enjoyed reading this book and the extended epilogue however,I did notice a few errors ie.her instead of him this occurs a few times throughout the book not a very good job by the proof reader. But thank you for an enjoyable read.
Thanks for pointing thee out, my dear Mary! I will work with my editor on these
delightful story. It was hard to put down. The subplots were very interesting and the characters were drawn very well.. Your stories never disappoint. Thank you !k
I am so glad to hear that, my dear Mart!
Great story couldn’t put it down
Stay tuned for more, my dear Patricia!
I really loved this story. Couldn’t put it down. Loved Beth and Gerard, how they met, the steamy heat between them. Would have liked a few more scenes like on the flat rock. It still was a great book.
Look forward to reading more of your books
Stay tuned for more, my dear!
Absolutely love it. Can’t wait to read the next one. Thankyou so much.
Stay tuned for more, my dear Lisa!
All I Can say is absolutely great, both book and extend epilogue, you are a great writer.
Stay tuned for more, my dear Lynn!
Great, absorbing story with a satisfying epilogue. Proof reading suffered in quite a few instances, however. Thank you for this entertaining story.
Love love love this book. I was hooked . now going to find more books of yours . thank u
I am so glad to hear that, my dear Shannon!
I loved the story, but being an editor, the many many typo’s frustrated me, as did the information changing. At the beginning of the story, Beth had beautiful gray eyes and blond hair, and by Chapter 6, she was brunette with green eyes. I almost stopped reading then. You definitely need a better proofreader. There were many facts out of whack. I will try one more of your stories, hoping they are better packaged than this one.
Thank you so much for pointing these out, my dear!
Couldn’t put it down. What a turmoil but a great ending. Loved the characters and a very sweet story.
I could not stop reading it. I read the whole book in one night. You are fantastic author. Historical romance has aways been my favorite.
I am so glad to hear that, my dear Sarah! Stay tuned for more!
Stared reading couldn’t put the book down enjoyed the
story. Will read all your next books.
I am so glad to hear that, my dear Bonnie!
I really enjoyed this book! Now do one for Hermia!!
Stay tuned, my dear!
This book was hard to put down. My chores wasn’t done till I finished the book. With all the twist and turns into this book.The characters were like my own family. Looking forward to your other books.
Truly enjoyed reading this book. It caught me from the very beginning. The characters, Beth, Flora, Gerard, the 3 girls, the Dowager Dutches were all played so wonderfully. Couldn’t put it down, and what a lovely ending. It actually brought tears to my eyes, I got so caught up in it. Only would have liked to see that the Duke got his male heir…Great book. Looking forward to more of your books!
I’m humbled, my dear Ann!
I’m really grateful for your support and kind feedback!
I’m glad to hear that you enjoy my stories! Make sure to stay tuned because I have more coming!
What a fantastic story. Couldn’t put it down. Keep up the stories
Thank you so much for your kind words and support, dear Cheryl. 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!
Enjoyable read except for the typos. Also, could determine which sister was older because one minute Beth was older and then Flora. Also, how old was Hermia? 15, 16, or 17.
Hello dear Kate! So glad you enjoyed the story! Hermia is 16 years old and Flora is the younger sister to Beth!
Lovely story but the proof reading is lacking. Too many careless errors take away from the joy of reading the book.
Thank you so much for your kind words and support, dear Madhu. I truly appreciate it!
I will be checking with my editor about these!
So glad you enjoyed the story! Make sure to stay tuned because I have more coming!
Thank you again and have a lovely day!
I loved the book! What I also really liked was the fact that Beth managed to reach out to Hermia on time and the girl managed to open up before her father sent her away.
Thank you so much for your kind words and support, dear Diana. 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!
I thoroughly enjoyed reading it, couldn’t put it down although I was confused with the dates that you gave for the Season and I even had to Google it to confirm. The season started in Spring and went through until mid June and finished just before Parliament commenced. There were quite a few errors that the proofreaders didn’t pick up and this was a bit off putting as well as Beth asking about the wife after being rescued in the lane but then a second time when they met up again.
Emily this is absolutely breathtaking. You are truly gifted.
Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed the story.