“And I love you, Edward Montague,” she replied, her voice filled with promise. “Now and always.”
As they rejoined the party, hand in hand, Edward felt a sense of peace and rightness settle over him. With Catherine by his side, he was ready to face whatever the future might hold. Together, they would honor the past, cherish the present, and build a future filled with love, laughter, and hope.
And somewhere, he was certain, his parents were watching over them, their hearts full of joy and pride for the family their son had found and the man he had become.
Epilogue
The summer sun bathed Wessex Manor in a warm, golden glow as the sound of laughter and chatter drifted through the open windows. In the grand ballroom, crystal chandeliers sparkled overhead, their light dancing off the polished marble floors where couples twirled in an elegant waltz.
At the center of it all stood Emily Montague, her eyes shining with joy as she moved gracefully from one partner to the next. Her coming-out ball was in full swing, and the young lady of the house was the belle of the ball in a shimmering gown of pale pink silk.
Near the refreshment table, Charlotte and Sophia Ashdown watched their friend with pride. “Can you believe it?” Sophia whispered to her sister. “Our dear friend is all grown up and the talk of the town!”
Charlotte nodded, her eyes misty with nostalgia. “Ah yes. To think: only yesterday we were giggling over tea and biscuits in the schoolroom.”
As the music swelled, Emily found herself in the arms of a dashing young viscount. His eyes never left her face as theyglided across the floor, and a pretty blush colored Emily’s cheeks at his evident admiration.
From their vantage point near the grand staircase, Edward and Catherine watched the proceedings proudly. Catherine’s hand rested lightly on her swollen belly, a gesture that did not go unnoticed by the guests, who whispered excitedly about the impending arrival of the next Montague heir.
“She looks beautiful,” Catherine murmured, leaning into her husband’s side. “Your parents would be so proud.”
Edward nodded, his arm tightening around Catherine’s waist. “Of both of you,” he replied softly. “Look at what you’ve accomplished, my love. This house, this family... it’s all because of you.”
As if to underscore his words, Mrs. Finch bustled past, directing a team of footmen with military precision. The clink of fine china and the pop of champagne corks mingled with the music and laughter, creating a symphony of life and celebration.
In the kitchens below, Mrs. Thorne presided over a veritable army of cooks and scullery maids, her cheeks flushed with exertion and pride as she put the finishing touches on an elaborate ice sculpture. The air was thick with the aroma of roasting meats, freshly baked pastries, and exotic spices.
“Come along now, lads!” she called out cheerfully. “These trays won’t carry themselves upstairs!”
Back in the ballroom, Emily had just finished a lively country dance with a group of her friends. Flushed and laughing, she made her way to where Catherine and Edward stood.
“Oh, it’s wonderful!” she exclaimed, embracing them both. “I can’t believe how many people came. Even Lady Worthington said it was the finest ball she’s attended this season!”
Catherine smoothed a stray curl from Emily’s forehead, her heart swelling with love for the girl who had become like a daughter to her. “You’ve done us proud, Em,” she said warmly. “You’re the very picture of a lady.”
Emily’s eyes sparkled with mischief. “A lady who still remembers how to climb trees and ride astride, thanks to you,” she whispered conspiratorially.
Edward chuckled, shaking his head in mock dismay. “Don’t let Mrs. Finch hear you say that. She’ll have both of you back in etiquette lessons before you can blink.”
As they shared a laugh, Catherine felt a sudden flutter in her belly. She gasped softly, her hand flying to the spot where she’d felt the movement.
“Catherine?” Edward’s voice was instantly concerned. “Is everything alright?”
She smiled reassuringly, taking his hand and placing it where hers had been. “Everything’s perfect. Someone just wanted to join the party, I think.”
Edward’s face lit up with wonder as he felt the baby kick. Emily watched with wide-eyed fascination, her own hand hovering uncertainly until Catherine nodded encouragingly.
“Hello, little one,” Emily cooed, her palm flat against Catherine’s stomach. “I can’t wait to meet you. I’m going to be the best aunt in all of England, you’ll see!”
As the trio stood there, lost in the moment, they presented a picture of family harmony that drew admiring glances from the guests. The Earl of Wessex, his beautiful wife, and his sister were no longer the subjects of gossip and pity, but symbols of resilience and love.
The night wore on, a whirl of music and dancing, laughter and conversation. In quiet moments, Edward found his gaze drawn to the portraits of his parents that hung in the ballroom. He could almost imagine them there, beaming with pride at the scene before them.
As the last guests departed in the early hours of the morning, the manor settled into a contented hush. Edward and Catherine made their way slowly up the grand staircase, arms wrapped around each other.
“Tired, my love?” Edward murmured, noticing Catherine’s stifled yawn.
She smiled up at him, her eyes heavy with sleep but still shining with happiness. “Pleasantly so,” she replied. “It was a wonderful evening, wasn’t it?”
