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Several Years Later
“Edward, your queen is in danger,” Charlotte said with a teasing lilt to her voice, her blue eyes sparkling with amusement.
Edward leaned back in his chair, studying the chessboard intently, though his lips twitched with the hint of a smile. “You’re far too confident, my love. The game isn’t over yet.”
From the adjoining nursery came the soft, delighted giggles of their eldest child, James, who was not quite five years old but already showing an affinity for strategy. His younger sister, Margaret—only two years old—could be heard babbling happily as the nurse played with her.
“I think James will best us all someday,” Charlotte remarked, glancing toward the open door, her tone filled with maternal pride.
Edward chuckled. “He’s certainly inherited your sharp mind, though I hope he has a bit of my patience to temper it.”
Charlotte arched a brow, her expression teasing. “Patience? Is that what you call it when you insist on double-checking the books at midnight?”
Edward laughed outright at that, shaking his head. “It’s diligence, darling. Someone must ensure the estate remains in fine order. And considering the sorry state I inherited, I’d say it’s time well spent.”
Charlotte reached across the chessboard, resting her hand on his. “I know. You’ve done a marvelous job, Edward. The estate is thriving, and the tenants are happy. Your father would be proud of you, as am I.”
Her sincerity softened Edward’s grin into something gentler. “I couldn’t have done it without you. Your insights on the investments were invaluable.”
“And now I can add ‘investor’ to my list of accomplishments,” Charlotte said with mock grandeur, making Edward laugh again.
Their moment of mirth was interrupted by a small but determined voice. “Papa, can I play next?”
Both turned to see James standing in the doorway, his brown hair slightly askew, clutching a wooden knight in one hand.
Edward gestured grandly toward the chair opposite him. “Of course, James. Let’s see if you can topple the Duke of Hartford.”
As James eagerly climbed into the seat, Charlotte smiled and stood. “I’ll leave you gentlemen to your game. Margaret is probably plotting mischief in the nursery by now.”
Edward reached for her hand as she passed and pressed a kiss to her fingers. “Don’t go far. I’ll need you to console me when James wins.”
Charlotte rolled her eyes but couldn’t hide her smile. “I’ll fetch you both tea when the rout is over.”
As she left, the sound of her laughter echoed through the hall—a sound that, years ago, Edward hadn’t imagined he would ever hear within his home. Now, it was a melody that filled every corner of his life, a constant reminder of the love and joy he had found with Charlotte.
As Charlotte entered the nursery, she was greeted by the sight of Margaret sitting atop a pile of blankets, giggling as the nursemaid tried to coax her down.
“Margaret,” Charlotte said with mock sternness, hands on her hips, “what have I told you about climbing where you shouldn’t?”
The little girl turned wide, innocent eyes toward her mother, her curls bouncing as she clutched a small stuffed bear to her chest. “Mama!” she cried with delight, immediately raising her arms for a hug.
Charlotte crossed the room and lifted her daughter into her arms, pressing a kiss to her rosy cheek. “You are quite the handful, little one,” she murmured affectionately.
Margaret responded by patting Charlotte’s face with sticky fingers, which made Charlotte laugh. “I see you’ve been enjoying your afternoon snack,” she said, eyeing the crumbs on Margaret’s dress.
The nursemaid offered an apologetic smile. “She found the biscuits I set aside, my lady. She’s quite resourceful for her age.”
Charlotte grinned. “That she is. Thank you, Mrs. Hayward. I’ll take her for a bit.”
As the nurse curtsied and left the room, Charlotte settled Margaret on her hip and glanced out the window. The gardens of Hartford Hall were awash with the vibrant greens of summer, the flowerbeds bursting with color. The sight filled her with a profound sense of peace and contentment.
“Mama, flowers!” Margaret pointed eagerly, her voice full of wonder.
“Yes, my love, flowers,” Charlotte said softly. “Shall we go pick some for the table before dinner?”
Margaret clapped her hands, her excitement infectious. Together, they made their way outside, stopping in the garden to gather a small bouquet of daisies and roses.
As they wandered, Charlotte’s thoughts turned to the changes the years had brought. Amelia and Sebastian had been frequent visitors to Hartford Hall, their laughter and love adding another layer of joy to the household. Charlotte smiled, thinking of how Amelia’s shyness had melted away in Sebastian’s presence. They were expecting their first child now, and Charlotte couldn’t wait to meet her new godchild.
“More flowers, Mama,” Margaret chirped, tugging Charlotte’s skirt and pointing toward a patch of lavender.
“All right, but just a few,” Charlotte said, crouching down beside her daughter.
While they picked the fragrant blooms, Charlotte thought of the letters she’d received from across the sea. Lord Burke had written sporadically since leaving for America, detailing his new life. He worked hard on a modest farm in the Carolinas, finding solace in the simplicity of his days. His letters were always polite, tinged with regret for his past actions, but Charlotte sensed he had found a measure of peace.
And Simone… Charlotte’s thoughts shifted, though not with bitterness. A letter from Paris had arrived last Christmas, written in Simone’s familiar, elegant hand. Though the words had been vague, they hinted at loneliness. Charlotte often wondered if Simone regretted the choices she’d made, but there was no way to know for certain.
“Mama, look!” Margaret exclaimed, holding up a particularly vibrant rose.
“It’s beautiful, my darling,” Charlotte said, her heart full. She picked up her daughter and kissed her forehead, breathing in the scent of roses and lavender.
Yes, life had changed, but it had changed for the better.
The warm golden light of the setting sun filtered through the tall windows of the drawing room as Edward entered, his face aglow with quiet satisfaction. He found Charlotte seated by the hearth, her embroidery hoop in hand, though her attention seemed to be on the chessboard across from her rather than her needlework.
“You’ve left our game unfinished,” Edward said teasingly, crossing the room to take the chair opposite her.
Charlotte glanced up, her lips curving into a smile. “Only because James insisted on taking your place. I thought you might prefer an opponent more suited to your skill level.”
Edward chuckled. “Are you suggesting I need an easier match?”
“Not at all,” she said, feigning innocence. “But James does enjoy beating you. It builds his confidence.”
Edward leaned back in his chair, his gaze softening as he studied her. “And what about your confidence, my love? It seems to be intact, as always.”
Charlotte laughed lightly, setting aside her embroidery. “I should hope so. After all, it takes a great deal of confidence to manage this household while ensuring the estate’s investments are properly handled.”
“You’ve done more than that,” Edward said, his tone turning serious. “You’ve been my partner in every sense of the word. The estate thrives because of you, Charlotte. I thrive because of you.”
Her cheeks flushed with warmth at his words, but before she could respond, a knock at the door drew their attention.
“Come in,” Edward called.
The butler entered with a letter in hand, bowing as he presented it to Edward. “This just arrived, Your Grace.”
Edward took the letter and opened it, his brow lifting as he scanned its contents. “It’s from Lord Burke,” he said, glancing at Charlotte.
“Oh?” She set her embroidery aside, her interest piqued. “What does he say?”
Edward leaned forward, resting his forearms on his knees as he read aloud. “He writes that he’s settled well in the Carolinas. He’s working on a small farm, and though the labor is demanding, he finds it fulfilling. He says he’s found a sense of purpose and that the people there have welcomed him warmly.”
Charlotte smiled, relief mingling with satisfaction. “I’m glad to hear that. He needed a fresh start, and it seems he’s found one.”
Edward nodded, folding the letter and setting it aside. “He also thanks us for our kindness and forgiveness, though he doesn’t feel he’s quite earned it.”
“Perhaps not,” Charlotte said softly, “but everyone deserves a chance to start anew.”
Edward reached for her hand, threading his fingers through hers. “Speaking of new beginnings, Amelia and Sebastian’s child will arrive soon. Have you decided what you’ll send as a gift?”
“I thought a hand-embroidered blanket,” Charlotte replied, her expression brightening at the thought of her dear friend’s happiness. “And perhaps a set of silver rattles. Something elegant yet practical.”
Edward smiled. “Perfect. You’ve always had a knack for knowing just the right thing.”
Charlotte laughed, her eyes sparkling. “Flattery will not help you in our next chess match, Your Grace.”
Edward leaned closer, his voice low and teasing. “Then I shall have to find another way to win.”
The gardens of Hartford Hall were alive with laughter as James and Margaret raced across the lawn, their little feet kicking up blades of grass. Charlotte watched from a bench beneath the sprawling oak tree, her hands resting on her lap as she smiled at her children’s delight.
“Careful, James!” she called, her tone affectionate but firm. “Don’t go too close to the pond!”
“Yes, Mama!” James replied, though his voice carried the unmistakable excitement of a child in full play.
Edward approached from behind, carrying a picnic basket. “You know,” he said, setting the basket on the table beside her, “James takes after you in his determination to do things his own way.”
Charlotte glanced up at him with a smirk. “And Margaret takes after you with her boundless charm and ability to get away with just about anything.”
Edward chuckled as he settled beside her. “I suppose that means they’re well-matched. A perfect blend of their parents.”
Charlotte reached for his hand, her fingers curling around his. “They are perfect, Edward. I couldn’t have imagined a more wonderful family.”
They sat in companionable silence for a moment, the warm summer breeze carrying the scent of roses and lavender from the nearby flowerbeds.
“I heard from Sebastian today,” Edward said, breaking the quiet. “He and Amelia are settling in beautifully with the new baby. They’ve named him Philip, after Amelia’s father.”
Charlotte’s smile deepened. “That suits them perfectly. I can’t wait to visit and see them. Amelia must be over the moon.”
“She is,” Edward confirmed. “And Sebastian couldn’t be prouder.”
The mention of their friends brought a surge of gratitude to Charlotte’s heart. Despite the challenges and upheavals of the past, their lives had settled into a rhythm of love, friendship, and fulfillment.
“Have you heard anything from Simone?” Edward asked cautiously, his tone suggesting he wouldn’t mind if the answer were no.
Charlotte nodded. “A brief letter arrived last month. She’s still in Paris, though her letters grow shorter each time. I suspect she’s coming to terms with the consequences of her choices.”
Edward frowned slightly, then sighed. “I suppose we can only hope she finds peace.”
Charlotte tilted her head thoughtfully. “I do hope so. But I also hope she learns what truly matters in life. Wealth and status may bring temporary satisfaction, but true joy comes from the people who love us.”
Edward leaned closer, brushing a kiss against her temple. “You’ve taught me that, Charlotte. Every day with you has been a blessing I never imagined I’d have.”
Her cheeks flushed, and she turned her gaze toward the horizon, where the sun was beginning its descent. “I think we’ve taught each other, Edward. And I wouldn’t trade our life for anything.”
Their children’s laughter rang out again, and Edward squeezed her hand gently. “Nor would I.”
As the family gathered around the picnic table, the light of the setting sun bathed them in gold. There, beneath the sprawling oak and surrounded by the beauty of their home, they were reminded once again of the love that had brought them together and the happiness that would carry them forward.
OFFER: A BRAND NEW SERIES AND 5 FREEBIES FOR YOU!
Grab my new series, "Noble Gentlemen of the Ton", and get 5 FREE novels as a gift! Have a look here!
Hello, my dear readers! I hope you truly enjoyed Edward’s and Charlotte’s love story! I would love to hear your thoughts on it! Had you imagined a different conclusion for our couple? I am eagerly waiting to read your replies here! Thank you – always! ♥️💫
It was a beautiful story and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Charlotte was a beautiful person inside and out. She was smart and intelligent and good at most things she tried. Edward seemed a bit conflicted but he was a good honorable guy and willing to make sacrifices for the sake of his family. He was even considering marrying the wicked manipulative Simone to save her from supposed ruination. He lost in chess and cricket to Charlotte but he was not a sore loser and he acknowledged that she was the better player. He admired her strong personality and her abilities. A lot of heart break could have been avoided if he had been more open about his feelings and his financial situation. Anyway in the end he did the right thing and they have a happy ending. It is a very good book and I only remember seeing one mistake. You used the word brought instead of broke when Ophelia tells Charlotte about Simone.
The epilogue could have been better. Most of it was ok but you were rambling about Lord Burke. Initially in the book you said he had some slight financial issues and was going to his country estate. In the epilogue you have him writing letters from Virginia working on a farm. That seems a bit extreme. Even if that is the case how many times is he going to write to her to tell us that. You told us that at the beginning of the epilogue and then towards the middle another letter arrives and Edward tells us the same thing. No need to keep repeating this info. Simone writing to Charlotte to say she is lonely is also bizarre. They were never friends and barely spoke to each other. It makes no sense for Simone to reach out to Charlotte unless she had a guilty conscience and wanted to apologize but you never mentioned tbat. I think your epilogue would be better if you remove the parts about Simone and Lord Burke. You should have added info about his sister Ophelia and how she had married some lovely person and had her own happy family. The dowager duchess would have been happy to see the duchy running well and both her children in good marriages. His family is more important then telling us about Simone. Lord Burke was no villain and was just being manipulated by Simone so if you wanted him in the epilogue you could have just mentioned that he was happily married. I think that is a better way to wrap up things.
Hi Madhu! Glad to know that this time my proofreader did a better job! It’s not always the same person, so it’s not easy to control the result. The Extended Epilogues are a bit of a mixed bag, as some readers will love some characters more than others, and they will want to learn about them. I tried to cover all the bases with this one, but I understand that this may not make everyone happy either. I do hope you will like the next one better. Thank you for your valuable insights, I do appreciate your support and involvement.
I enjoyed “A Duke for a Defiant Lady” and the building relationships throughout the story. I do wish Charlotte and Edward would’ve had more time building up to the love they began feeling for one another.
The extended epilogue was not what I expected- Lord Burke was mentioned quite a bit. And why would Simone be writing to either Charlotte or Edward? Her character was best left out.
I wanted to wrap up things for everyone, Shannon. I am a big fan of forgiveness, even if my characters don’t always agree with me. 😉 I am glad that you enjoyed the couple’s romance and the book resonated with you. 💖
I enjoyed the book. I thought Charlotte a little too gloating in her chess wins and in her superiority to men. She was a little like what we hate in men.
I found it amusing when she was falling off her horse in the big inning he could see the “whites of her ears”.
I also felt the epilogue to be lacking any interest and unbelievable in the correspondence.
Hi Marilyn. Well, if you consider the era she lived in and the opening of the book, you’ll see men demanding she apologized even when she was not in the wrong. Edward in particular was quite rude and unpleasant when they first met, so she wanted him to be aware of her wins a liiittle bit more. 😉 Can you blame her?
You are a gifted storyteller and I believe you will continue to improve at your craft.
I hope I will improve and get better, Claudia! And believe me, I have the best readers. They give me some fantastic suggestions! I could not have done this without you.
I enjoyed the story,very much I am glad Simone got her comeuppance in the end. Although I was surprised at the correspondence between Simone and Charlotte, who were not even friends!. I liked Edward and was pleased that he came good in the end. Charlotte was bit much at first, but then I understood that she was just good at everything she tried! Well done ,a good story with a h.e.a. Ending and good strong characters in the main.
She was good during a time when women were supposed to be good only at embroidery and the pianoforte, Patricia, so she had an extra reason to be a little smug about it. Glad you enjoyed the book, and thank you for your kind comment!