One year later…

 

The October morning dawned bright and cloudless, the crisp air carrying the scent of fallen leaves and woodsmoke across the grounds of Ashby Park. The great house stood dressed for celebration, every window thrown open to admit the pale autumn sunshine, while garlands of ivy, late roses, and crimson berries adorned the doorways and banisters.

It seemed impossible that only a year earlier the same halls had echoed with uncertainty and quiet sorrow. Now they rang with laughter.

Lady Ashby moved through the house with astonishing purpose. “No, the white asters belong in the morning room,” she informed an unfortunate footman who had scarcely finished arranging them elsewhere. “The chrysanthemums are for the dining table. Surely someone wrote this down.” She looked around in annoyance with the air of someone who was used to being obeyed. 

“They did, my lady,” Mary answered with a patient smile. “You have rewritten the list four times.” 

“And each version has been an improvement.” Lady Ashby leaned heavily on her cane. 

Mary merely nodded as though this were perfectly reasonable.

The servants exchanged knowing smiles behind their mistress’s back. Lady Ashby had scarcely sat still for a fortnight. Every ribbon, every candle, every place card had received her personal inspection. If there was to be a wedding at Ashby Park, then it would be conducted so perfectly that no one would ever doubt the family’s joy in it. It had caused her a great deal of annoyance to relent to Gabriel and Alice’s quiet ceremony, yet she had relented in the end. 

Now that it was Cecily’s turn, she intended to make up for lost time. 

***

Upstairs, Cecily stood before the dressing mirror while Alice fastened the final pearl buttons at the back of her ivory gown.

“You are fidgeting,” Alice observed quietly. 

“I am marrying Lieutenant Carey.” She looked at Alice’s reflection as if she were trying to convince herself more than anyone else. 

“That is why we have all gathered,” Alice said gently, recalling her own wedding and how nervous she had been. It seemed like only yesterday when she had stood in front of her own mirror, dreamily of a bright future that now consisted of her reality. 

“But what if he is not waiting by the altar when we reach the chapel?” Cecily asked nervously, her hands trembling slightly when Alice handed her the bouquet of ivory lilies broken by sprigs of green. 

“Then I think that pigs should suddenly develop wings and fly over Ashby Park.” Alice almost laughed before making the final adjustments to Cecily’s veil. 

Laughing nervously, Cecily took in a sharp breath. 

Alice stopped what she was doing and looked over Cecily’s shoulder, resting her chin against her back. “Cecily, James loves you more than you will ever know. I do not think that I have ever mentioned it before, but when he was staying at the inn, he waited for you day and night, never leaving until that day that the duke and I fetched him.” 

“He had mentioned,” Cecily seemed to relax as her smile softened slightly. 

“A man that devoted to waiting for you would never leave you at the altar. He has moved heaven and earth to be with you, and might I add that he has quite successfully navigated Lady Ashby’s wrath. That alone should tell you that the man is more than serious. He is sure.” 

A shy look of acceptance graced Cecily’s face as she rolled her lips and let them go again. “I guess you are right. Lieutenant Carey has more than proven to me that he is serious about our union.” 

Alice gave her shoulders a gentle squeeze of encouragement. “There you have it; there is nothing to fear. Every bride has these moments of doubt before she takes to the aisle, but I can assure you, your fears are completely unfounded.” At her words, Cecily seemed to rally again as color filled her cheeks. 

“Well, I guess I should put my fears aside and face the day head-on.” She pulled herself up straight, looking a great deal more chipper than she had only moments earlier. 

Laughing, Alice stepped away from the mirror and began to gather her things. “You go on ahead. I am sure that your aunt is waiting rather impatiently for you downstairs.” She bent over with a great deal of difficulty and retrieved an abandoned flower. 

“There is just one more thing,” Cecily said as she turned toward her. 

“Have we forgotten something?” Alice asked, looking her over to see that everything was in place. Everything from the dress to the tiara on her head and the bouquet in her hands seemed perfectly in place. 

Cecily shook her head. “No, everything is perfect. I simply wanted to thank you for being there for me. You are more than just someone who came to Ashby Park and married the duke. You have become like a sister to me, and for that, I want to thank you.” She placed her arms carefully around Alice’s shoulder and gave her a hug. 

Alice returned the embrace, running her hand over her belly. “I do not know about you, but it feels to me like something has come between us.” 

Taking great care, Cecily pulled away gently. “Or someone. I think I may have felt a kick. Do you think your baby will wait the next four months?” 

“I am not certain,” Alice laughed. “He or she certainly is impatient. I do not recall Clara ever being this active.” She used both hands this time to rub her large bump. 

“Then perhaps we shall have another boy to add to the family.” 

“Perhaps, but you had better get going!” Alice was sterner this time, turning Cecily around and making her face the door. 

Cecily laughed all the way out the door until Alice was finally left to her own devices once more. Alone in the room, she turned to the side and admired her profile. “I cannot wait to meet you.” 

***

The little chapel glowed with quiet October light.

Sunshine filtered through the tall, narrow windows, laying warm ribbons of gold across the worn stone floor while the scent of late roses drifted gently through the air. Every pew was occupied by friends who had become family over the difficult months behind them, yet the building still possessed an intimacy that no grand cathedral could ever have offered.

At the front, Gabriel stood beside Lieutenant Carey, patiently waiting.

Carey’s hands were clasped tightly before him, though Gabriel suspected it was only determination that prevented the younger man’s fingers from trembling outright. Every few moments he drew another steadying breath before looking once more toward the chapel doors.

Gabriel smiled faintly. “I promise,” he murmured, keeping his voice low enough that only Carey could hear, “she is coming.”

“I know,” James said stiffly with the composure of a man who was about to face the firing squad. 

“But?” Gabriel nudged him gently. 

James gave a helpless laugh. “But I have waited so long that I almost cannot believe this part is real.” 

Gabriel rested a reassuring hand briefly against his shoulder. “It is.”

While James nodded, Gabriel allowed his gaze to wander across the chapel. He found Alice almost immediately.

She sat in the third pew, precisely where she had promised she would, one hand resting unconsciously upon the gentle curve beneath her gown. Five months had passed since they had learned they were to become parents, and though her figure remained graceful, there could no longer be any disguising the quiet promise of the child growing there.

As though sensing his attention, Alice looked up.

Their eyes met, and she smiled. 

It was the sort of smile that still surprised him, a smile entirely free of uncertainty, filled instead with the peaceful certainty that had slowly become the foundation of both their lives.

His own answered before he realized it.

Beside Alice, Clara leaned against her shoulder with a tiny notebook already balanced upon her lap.

Gabriel suppressed another smile.

He had absolutely no doubt that before supper Clara would possess a complete written account of every flower arrangement, every guest, every speech, every misplaced handkerchief, and very likely an opinion regarding each. She had been spending a great deal of time with Lady Ashby, and some of the older ladies’ finer traits had rubbed off on her. 

Alice noticed where he was looking and, with perfect innocence, merely lifted one eyebrow.

Gabriel surrendered with a tiny shrug.

Some things were inevitable.

A gentle tug upon his sleeve drew his attention downward.

Arthur stood beside him in his finest dark coat, every button fastened with military precision, his expression solemn enough for a state occasion.

“What is it?” Gabriel whispered.

Arthur leaned closer. “I hope the baby is a boy,” he said as if he had been following Gabriel’s gaze. 

“Oh?” Gabriel could not help but suppress a smile. 

Arthur nodded gravely. “I already have a sister and a mother; I think that there are more than enough women in the family for us to contend with.” He glanced at Lady Ashby as well. 

“You do,” Gabriel chuckled under his breath this time. “I do not think that your sister would thank you for saying that. She has been hoping for a sister to join her tea parties.” 

Arthur sighed, shrugging his shoulders. “She would be hoping for that.” 

The year that had passed had proved challenging for Arthur and Clara as they developed into their own little characters. Yet they had begun to bicker with one another like true siblings. Arthur preferred to play outside and build forts, while Clara, having taken to Lady Ashby, had grown to prefer the finer aspects of becoming a young lady. 

“I guess we should focus on the wedding first,” Arthur declared almost grumpily. 

Leaning closer, James whispered under his breath. “Thank you, Arthur; I would appreciate that greatly.” 

Gabriel suppressed another laugh. 

***

The ceremony in the chapel passed in splendor, and soon enough, Gabriel found himself leaning against the atelier wall with a glass of champagne in hand. He was about to go in search of Alice when Mary Elssworth approached him with a smile. 

“I am glad to see you looking so well, Your Grace.” She beamed from ear to ear. 

Lifting his glass in a salute, Gabriel greeted her. “And I am pleased to see that you were able to join us. I was just about to go in search of Alice. Would you care to join me?” 

Mary simply smiled. “Actually, I do not have very much time. I just wanted to come and tell you that there has been news with Reginald Fitch.” 

Gabriel straightened at once, lowering his champagne flute to his side. 

“It would seem that the investigation has come to a complete end. He was found guilty of not only being responsible for all of the debts that he had accused Edmund of, but of all the other crimes as well. Particularly, coercion and fraud. He will be extradited at the end of the month.”  

Relief flooded Gabriel’s body as she let out a heavy breath. 

“I know this will come as a great relief to you both. Edmund’s name has been fully restored in the eyes of the ton.” 

“It is a great relief, thank you for coming to tell us, and thank you as well for the part that you played in bringing Fitch to justice.” 

Reaching out, Mary gently touched his arm. “I am just grateful that everything worked out in the end. I could not have hoped for a better outcome for my friend, but alas, I must be on my way again. There is never a dull moment for me.” She offered him a soft smile and a curtsy before turning around and leaving again. 

Gabriel looked around the gardens, as guests mingled between tables of refreshments. He first spotted Lady Ashby from across the way. She was seated at a table beside some other ladies, and lifted her glass to salute him. She seemed utterly satisfied in life, as if all that she could have ever hoped for had been achieved. 

He turned away from her after a brief nod, spotting Arthur and Clara walking across the lawn, arm in arm. They too seemed utterly content as they headed toward the tree house, discussing their latest political plots. 

Those two. 

Following their path, he shook his head. They were just like true siblings in the way they could fight with each other and then play the next as if nothing had happened at all. 

They reached the base of the tree, and he suddenly spotted Alice leaning against the base. 

Thinking that something was wrong, he quickly hurried toward her. 

She looked up at him with a bright smile just as Clara and Arthur reached the top of the ladder and climbed into the house. 

“Are you feeling ill?” His gaze drifted to her belly as he pushed herself up. 

“No, no, I was just feeling a little out of breath and needed some air. All of the guests were making me feel just a little crowded.” She smiled at him. 

Yet another wave of relief washed over his body as he let out a breath. “Thank goodness, I thought that something was wrong. Would you like me to fetch you a glass of punch?” He gave a tender look before resisting the urge to place his hand on her stomach. 

Above them, Clara and Arthur giggled, seemingly enjoying themselves as they governed their own sovereign nation. 

“This does take me back to when we first met.” He dropped his gaze from the canopy of leaves above them and looked into her eyes. 

Her gaze locked on his in a tender embrace. “It does. I was so nervous back then; I cannot believe that I attempted to climb the tree.” She giggled. “You know, I was thinking about the portrait that you painted of the lake. We should definitely take the children there before the weather grows to cold. Clara has learned how to swim now, and I am certain that Arthur would love to expand his frog army.” 

Gabriel shut his eyes and breathed out. “Please, no more frogs. The sound in our gardens at night is practically deafening as it is.” His statement elicited yet another laugh from Alice. 

“I hate to add to your worries, Your Grace, but I dare say that you will not succeed if you think that you are going to convince our son not to bring home any more frogs.” 

Reaching for Alice’s arm, Gabriel gently pulled her around the tree and into his arms, where they were sheltered from view. “And I hesitate to remind you, Your Grace, but you are to call me Gabriel when we are alone.” 

She molded her body against him and leaned close. “My apologies, Gabriel.” She sighed contentedly and leaned her head against his shoulder. “I merely thought that we were still at a wedding feast.” 

“Yet nobody is around.” He kissed the top of her head, feeling grateful for the love that had grown between them. 

***

Golden light reflected off the surface of the water as Clara and Arthur played on the shore. 

Gabriel sat beside Alice on a blanket as they watched the children playing. The afternoon was peaceful, filled with the warmth and buzzing of bees that usually accompanied the later summer months. 

“Mama, Papa!” Arthur called out, running toward them with something in his hands. 

Clara followed closely behind, complaining loudly that Arthur was leaving her behind. 

“Oh dear, do you suppose he had caught another frog?” Gabriel asked, turning toward Alice. 

Her bump was much larger now as she leaned on her arm and rubbed her belly. “I hope not; even I can no longer sleep at night with the army of frogs in the gardens below.” She complained, yet her voice lacked the conviction she had intended. 

“It is a newt!” Arthur proclaimed loudly as he held up the little creature in his hands. “Do you think that newts get along well with frogs?” 

Alice and Gabriel exchanged a look, laughing as they shook their heads. 

“That was not fair; you left me far behind! I wanted to tell them about the newt as much as you did, Arthur!” She stomped her little foot and glared at her brother. 

“Alright, you can tell us how you caught the newt; does that sound fair?” Alice asked with the authority of one who knew how to placate the quarrels that always arose. 

Clara considered the suggestion for a moment before nodding. “He was sitting under a log when Arthur decided to lift it. I wanted to touch him first, but he was quite slippery and then Arthur scooped him up!”

“Like this!” Arthur made a scooping motion with his hands, nearly dropping the newt in the process. 

“Be careful!” Alice and Gabriel called out at once. 

Both of the children took a step back, Arthur clutching the newt a little tighter. 

Gabriel spoke up first in a tone that was a little firmer than Alice’s. “I think we had better return Mr. Newt to his home before we end up with another epidemic like that with the frogs. The garden staff is already complaining that they have to catch them and release them in other parts of the country.” 

Arthur seemed a little crestfallen, but did as he was told. 

The children walked back toward the lake, slower this time as they spent some time with the newt they would have to release. 

Alice leaned her head against Gabriel’s shoulder. “You know, I do not think that I would want life any other way. I think things are perfect just as they are.” 

“I could not agree more.” he kissed the top of her head, looking out over the landscape that had been the source of his inspiration for so many years. 

THE END