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“Try to sit as still as possible,” the painter said, peeking out yet again from behind his easel. “I’m trying to get the angle of the light across your face, and as evening comes on, it gets more and more difficult.”
Flora nodded and took a deep breath. “Whatever you need,” she said softly. It was a cathartic experience anyway for her. Each stroke of the brush through paint reminded her of this most recent gift that Spencer had given her. Now 23, she found a note at her door on her birthday. Though Spencer was away at sea, he’d still managed to arrange a gift that personal to his little wife.
“I’ve arranged for your portrait to be painted,” he’d written simply. “For me to look at, and for you to honour your mother.”
And it did feel like an honour given to Helene. Flora couldn’t help thinking about the jewellery box that sat upstairs in Whitley Hall even now with her mother’s sweet, serene face painted delicately on the top. It was a painting that had sent her on a quest the first time, and now, after all these years, it was a painting that was sealing that look of quiet happiness on her face for all time.
She had more reason than usual to smile lately. The news had come only a week ago that the war was over. Lines had been drawn, an agreement met, and the involved troops were all on their way across the sea back to their families. After all the loss and bloodshed, Flora felt like she could take a small breath of relief. Still, she wouldn’t fill her lungs fully until Spencer was out of the arms of the sea again and near her. He had been able to come back only occasionally, and though Flora watched other wives wither without the contact, she found every time she saw Spencer, she was more thankful for him and more in love.
She’d known him before under a guise, and now, seeing him at sea and in his element, she couldn’t help falling for the swarthy sailor as she’d fallen for the solicitor’s façade. Tom came skipping downstairs into the parlour where the painter was labouring over light and skin tone, his jaw hardening a bit already at the age of 13, his awkward youth still sorting itself out.
“Flora, I’ve news.” He had a letter in his hand, and despite her best attempts to hold a pose, Flora broke her eyes away from the spot where the painter had told her to fix her gaze and fell instead on the message.
“Spencer?” She couldn’t keep the anxiety from her voice.
Tom nodded, but immediately smiled. “Nothing to fear. Only that his boat is near to return. This letter came today, so he may be on shore already—sometimes a man on foot can beat the passage of the mail carrier, as you well know.”
“But not yet safe?” She bit her lip.
“Your face, Madame,” the painter said.
“Was the letter from Spencer himself?” she asked.
“No,” Tom said, a note of excitement falling out of his voice. “Just the regular Navy bulletin.”
Flora felt the familiar gnawing of fear in her stomach. She knew better, after all these years, than to suspect the worst at the first hint of silence, but she sometimes thought her entire life she would be suspicious that the gods were plotting to take back all the beauty they’d given her since she met Spencer.
“I’ll feel better when I hear from him,” she said at last.
Tom came and sat beside her, ignoring the painter’s protests that he was interfering with the light, and took her hand in his own. He was still a boy in so many ways, but he had the maturity and kindness of an adult in his demeanour.
“Flora, Spencer promised me that he would teach me how to sail. I know we’ve seen each other through much, so you understand as well as I that Spencer never breaks his promises.” He shrugged. “Since he must be here to teach me to sail, I can assure you he will return in time.”
Flora patted her cousin’s hand with her own. She was so thankful that all those years ago the boy had agreed to join her at Whitley. Aunt Beatrice still came up on occasion to visit, but in general she seemed happy with her son’s education and was content to enjoy Weymouth without meddling in Northampton. Beatrice had an allowance, a home, and a place in society. She was confident that Tom was getting all that the world could afford him at Whitley, and she seemed happy to rest on her Weymouth life without any guilt as to her son being far away.
Flora was thankful, for Tom was a moral boost when Spencer was gone, and he’d been especially helpful since the newest addition to the Padgett home. At that thought, she stood abruptly. When the painter protested, she gave a weak little curtsy.
“I’m afraid we should draw things to a close today,” she said. “I confess my worries don’t make me a good subject for a sitting, and I’m sure I’ll have a clearer mind tomorrow. Also, I must tend to my son, for I’m sure by now he will be wondering where his mother is and if she’s quite forgotten him.”
The painter gave a little sigh but seemed resigned to the way of things. He set his paintbrush aside and the easel as well. “If My Lady insists, then I cannot complain,” he said. “I will return in the morning, when the light will be better, and we shall finish what we started.”
“Thank you for understanding.”
Flora showed the painter to the footman and then slipped upstairs to the nursery, pushing open the door silently. She loved this little motherly pleasure—tiptoeing upstairs on feather feet to watch her little toddler playing or sleeping in blissful ignorance. James Spencer Maxwell looked so much like his father—dark hair and bright eyes—and it gave Flora great joy to watch his mannerisms that so often mimicked Spencer’s.
He was sitting on the floor when she came in, arranging blocks soberly under the nurse’s watchful eye. When Flora entered, he leapt up and toddled to his mother’s side. She knelt down, and he crawled into her lap, promptly weaving his fat fists into her hair.
“Mama?”
“Yes, dear one. I’m here.” Flora looked up at the nurse. “I’ll finish putting him to bed, if you want to go down early.”
The nurse thanked her gratefully and curtsied before taking leave of the room. When she had gone, the little boy asked his mother, “Papa?”
Flora pushed the tears back. “Not now, Maxie, but soon. He’ll come home soon.”
She wanted to make it true by the saying. She gathered her little boy into her arms once again and then, after kissing him thrice on the forehead, sent him tottering towards his little bed. He crawled under his covers, pulling them up to his chin and wrapping his fat fists around the soft edge of the coverlet. His eyes, wide and bright, caught hers.
“’Tory?”
He didn’t have the patience yet to sit for an entire story, but when he asked for one he really meant a song. She began to hum a little lullaby she’d made up just after he was born.
“There was a little laddie,” she sang, watching a smile of contentment curl on his chubby cheeks. “He’d a fine strong heart and his name was Maxie. He travelled all the world in search of—” she paused, as she always did, to allow him to insert whatever animal he chose.
“Wion,” he said. Lions were always his first choice.
“He travelled all the world in search of a lion,” she sang on. “And though the world was grand, and the way was long, he brought that lion home to Whitley.”
The song had as many verses as Maxie could think of animals, but tonight he fell asleep after only four. Flora ran her finger gently along his forehead, smoothing down his wayward curls, and kissed him one last time before blowing out the candle and retreating into the hallway. She made her way downstairs, noting with surprise that the evening had already descended like a cloak around Whitley Hall. She was nearly downstairs when she heard a commotion in the hall two rooms over. There were voices … male voices.
She ran, not caring about propriety, and nearly bowled Tom over as she rounded the corner into the foyer. His eyes were bright.
“Flora it’s—”
“I know, Tom.” She circled the corner, and her heart instantly dropped. It wasn’t Spencer at all, but a tall man with dark hair and peaked smile. He looked road-weary and foreign. He was standing with his hat in his hand, and the butler was taking his cloak.
“My Lady,” he said politely, bending at the waist in a proper bow.
For a moment, Flora’s heart was in her throat. It was every navy wife’s fear that a man other than her husband would show up sombrely at her door with hat in hand. Then, before her heart could run away from her, she saw Spencer’s familiar form step out of the parlour.
“Wife.”
She ran to him, not caring about propriety or Tom or the stranger, and hid herself in his arms. He smelled like the sea, and there was stubble on his chin, but he was her same Spencer.
“I’m home,” he said softly. “Max?”
“Asleep,” she said. “I can wake him …”
“No,” he interrupted her. “No, I only want you and me right now—I want to sit and look at you and take in the joy of this moment.”
She stepped back from him, a teasing smile curling the corners of her mouth. “For wanting solitary time, you certainly did bring company.”
Spencer looked at the tall gentleman as though he’d only just remembered he’d brought a guest, and gave a gusty laugh. “Of course! I’ve been lax. And you, boy,” he reached out and gave Tom a firm clap on the shoulders. “Go fetch the footman and ask if we can have tea and some stiff beverages brought into the library. There is much to discuss, and it will be made better by the simple comforts.”
Tom ran off happily to do as he was told, and Flora directed the gentlemen into the parlour, hanging on Spencer’s arm and not wanting to tear her eyes from his face. It was all there, just as she remembered—the laugh lines, the softness in his eyes; even the sadness she’d always known the war had given him. She would take the good and the bad together and love him as tenderly as he would allow.
The fire was stoked, the tea brought, and the sherry poured. Only then, when the excitement had settled, did Spencer think it time to introduce his mysterious guest.
“This is Henri Bouvier,” he said. “I will tell you more of him in a moment, but for now, know that he is a good friend I met while fighting across the channel.”
“You brought home a Frenchman from your war against the French,” Flora said with a twinkle in her eye. Lest she be misunderstood, she quickly followed her statement by adding, “As the resident Frenchwoman here, I approve.”
Henri gave a bow and seated himself again. In a thick French accent, he answered, “It is my pleasure indeed, Madame.”
“Will you keep me waiting?” Flora begged. “Tell me why you bring him here.”
“Only a bit longer,” Spencer answered. “You know how I like my surprises. First, I present this little gift to our Tom.” He pulled a small, tailored sword and belt out of his carrying case and laid it before the awestruck boy. “Tom, I will give this to you on two conditions: first, you allow me to teach you how to use it safely. If you are willing we will set about practicing tomorrow morning. Secondly, you must understand that swordplay is a necessary skill but not a thing of childhood games. Real men’s lives are lost on bloody blades, and if you are not ready to take the thing seriously, then I must put it away.”
Tom looked at the sword in awe, and then gazed up at Spencer with respect and honour in his young eyes. “I am willing to learn, and I will not play at the game.”
Spencer took out a hat and sash that were adorably small and tailored for a little boy. “These are for Max, when the little fellow awakes,” he said with a laugh.
“He will be pleased with his gift,” Flora said.
“And are you not wondering what I brought home for my little wife?” Spencer asked.
“I am not,” Flora answered quickly. “You brought home yourself, and that is gift enough.”
“Not in my mind,” Spencer said. “You are my queen, and I will spend the rest of my life convincing you that it is so. For now, you will have to satisfy yourself with the little gift I brought over from France. That is where Henri comes in.”
Flora looked at the mysterious man in wonderment. She was no closer to understanding Spencer’s game than she had been when he first appeared in her foyer. “Go on.”
Spencer waved a hand at Henri, and the man cleared his throat.
“Madame Padgett,” he said thickly. “You are my cousin, I believe.”
The statement sat in the room like a heavy weight. Flora blinked, checked the veracity with Spencer, and, noting his serious gaze, turned her attention back to the man. “How did you find Spencer?”
“He found me,” Henri said. “It seems your husband has been searching high and low for a sign of your French family. I myself narrowly escaped my home country during the war. We could not flee to England, and so we went to Italy. My mother and sister escaped with me, and they are still safely in Italy as we speak. They will be so happy to hear of Helene’s daughter—”
“You knew my mother?” Flora asked, breathless.
“Of course I did. I was just a boy back then,” he said, “but I remember her well. She was a dear caretaker to my family and was the kindest and sweetest of women. I remember once when I was not allowed to play with the older children she taught me a sketching game. We would each pick an object to draw and then see who could mimic it the most accurately—or at least the most creatively.”
Flora exchanged a glance with Tom, and the two smiled. Henri pressed on.
“Near the end, I was there. My family left only a few days before your father and mother. I held you, little Fleur, back when you were only a small baby. I did not think they would let a seven-year-old boy hold such a tender and precious thing, but Aunt Helene thought I could do it. She held my hands so I would know how to support you, and when you cried, she taught me to sing lullabies until you fell asleep. I am glad to see that such a tender babe has grown at last into a beautiful and caring woman.”
Flora could not see for the tears that blurred her eyes. “Tell me about her. Tell me what she looked like.”
“Small and dark, like a violet,” he said promptly, clearly having thought about this before. “Mama always said she was the wild one, but that she was also caring and treated all fragile things as though they had worth. I remember as a boy that she smelled like lavender. Even now, when I smell it, I think of her.”
“And my father?”
“I did not know him as long as I knew Aunt Helene, but when he came into the family I remember there being a stir—many whispered things behind closed doors; I know now that our family was worried about inviting an Englishman in. At last, he came and spoke to my mother. He said, ‘you love your sister, do you not? I want to make her happy for the rest of her life, will you agree to that at least?’”
Flora brought a handkerchief to her eyes, and then stood to her feet. “I want you to see something,” she said softly.
She took Spencer’s hand, and Henri and Tom followed behind. They made their way down the hall in the deepening darkness to the private sitting room overlooking the garden where Flora and Spencer took tea whenever he was back from his journeys. Over the mantel was one of the paintings Flora had discovered in the attic in Weymouth. It wasn’t one of the priceless masterpieces, just a portrait of Helene and another woman sitting patiently with their hands crossed and their pretty faces turned towards the painter.
“Does that look like your mother?” she asked softly.
Henri’s eyes filled with tears. “Yes. And that is Aunt Helene.”
“I am glad to have found it,” Flora said softly, “and now you must know that you are forever welcome at Whitley Hall, as is your mother and sister.” She turned to Tom with a gentle smile. “Will you show our guest to a room and call a valet for him?”
Henri bowed and took his leave, but as they walked away, Flora heard Tom ask playfully, “Have you ever heard of a game called cricket?”
She turned to Spencer, her eyes shining. “Thank you.”
He bent down and kissed her. “How I have missed those lips,” he said softly. “Are you happy, my love?”
“Because of your love,” she answered. “I have never been happier.”
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OFFER: A BRAND NEW SERIES AND 2 FREEBIES FOR YOU!
Grab my new series, "Noble Gentlemen of the Ton", and get 2 FREE novels as a gift! Have a look here!
Hello my dears, I hope you enjoyed the book and the Extended Epilogue! I will be waiting for your comments here. Thank you 🙂
I always love your books! Enjoyed This extended epilogue is great, especially seeing a French relative of Flora’s has been reunited… Thank you for another great story…
Thank you so much for your support, my dear Debby! You’re so sweet!
I really enjoyed all the book as I do like a bit of mystery and you certainly provided that. The extended epilogue was just perfect. Having her French family found by her husband. Perfect.
So glad to hear that you enjoyed the story, my dear Sally!😊
I so enjoy reading your books. This was not the usual regency romance, it was very entertaining. Thanks for the extended read. Marie
Thank you so much for your comment, my dear Marie. I’m so happy to hear that!
A good read with a lot of ups and down excitement.
I truly enjoyed this book.
Thank you so much for your comment, my dear Annette!😊
I’ve enjoyed it tremendously.
I’m so excited to hear that, dear Linda! Thank you!
What a thoughtful and intriguing saga this has been
Full of twists and turns and a good measure of romance to spice things up
I have thoroughly enjoyed this book and I’m sure everyone will too
Thank you
Thank you so so much, my dear Dorothy! I’m really excited you enjoyed the story!
What an endearing ending to the book! Thank you, Bridget.
Thank you so much my dear Barbara! You’re so sweet!
I read a lot, but this is the first time I had read an extended epilogue. I’m glad I did. Thank you!
Thank you so much for your nice words, my dear Deborah! So happy to hear that! 🙂
A very heartwarming story Good work
Thank you so much, dear Gwen! 🙂
Magnificent story. I couldn’t wait to read it, since I wanted to know why the crown wanted her inheritance. This book is a work of art and very well written. Love the cloak and dagger scenario and the outcome. Fantastic epilogue too. Thank you for a memorable read.
I’m so excited that you enjoyed the book, dear Marisu! You’re so sweet!
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. The characters were wonderful!
I’m so excited to hear that, dear Stephanie! Thank you! 🙂
Well put Marius. Loved the exciting story as well.
Thank you so much dear! ❤️
I was hoping Fleur mother was French royalty! Enjoyable saga with lots of twists and turns!
Haha I’m so excited that you enjoyed it, dear! 🙂
I had to stay up all night reading because I couldn’t go to bed without knowing what happened. It was worth it because I love the ending. I’m looking forward to your next book on my list.
Thank you so much for your nice words and support, dear Wyoma! I’m so happy to hear that you liked my book!
This was an intriguing adventure. I love the way you kept the story moving while keeping the reader totally engrossed. Thank you so much,
I’m so excited to hear that, dear Alice! thank you for your nice words!
Great book as always I am a big fan and always buy your books,
Thank you so much for your support, dear June! 🙂
I enjoyed your book and the final wind up of your story was delightful.
Thank you so much for your comment, my dear Jean. I’m so happy to hear that!
Great book, as usual. Keeps you spellbound & can hardly wait to turn the pages to see what happens next Full of suspense & always a surprising ending.
Thank you so much for your nice words, dear Peggy! I truly appreciate your support!
I loved the mystery! The suspense! What a great book. And the best part was that it was a CLEAN love story! Thank you!
Lynn
Thank you so much for your nice words, dear Lynn! 🙂
An intriguing story. Well written. Kept my interest from beginning to end.
when will come out in paperback?
For the time being, it is only available in digital format, my dear. 🙂
Loved the book. Tried to determine what the treasury was, but, alas I was surprised at the end. Very likeable characters except for the selfish, self- centered aunt. I wouldn’t have been so forgiving as Flora.
One criticism I have is the use of some contemporary phrases that I’m sure were in use a at that time. I have read several of you books. I enjoy your work.
Thank you so much for your honest feedback and support, dear! I really appreciate it!
Truly wonderful story!Enjoyed very much!very well written! Value authors’ treatment of subject matter & characters!
Thank you so much for your nice words, my dear Carole! 🙂
Loved the intrigue and mystery. A wonderful story that made my heart feel joyful. Thank you!
Thank you so much for your nice words, my dear Barbara! 🙂
I loved this book! I always enjoy your writing, and feel like I am there with the people in your books. Your stories are easy to enjoy and have great positive messages.
It’s so wonderful to hear that! Thank you very much for your support, my dear Peggy!
This is a wonderful book. The emotions displayed by the characters can be felt by the readers. The twists and turns are surprising and keeps the readers intrigued from start to finish. I cannot wait to read her next book!
Only in stories can you find such love as this one between Flora and Spencer. I am so happy for the love Flora found with Spencer and for the cousin who truly was devoted to them both. I much enjoyed reading this good clean book!
Now, this book had a lots of twists and turns. Who to trust, who to listen to….
Nice strong character, your Flora. Nice happy ending.
This is the first of your books that I have read. I was pulled into the greed and scheming from the start. I love the outcome and so enjoyed the, rest of the story, in the extended epilogue. Thank you for such a well written book.
I’m so happy that you enjoyed the story, dear Sue! Thank you for your nice words!
One of the most fascinating novels I have read. Strong heroine,steadfast hero,and so many twists and turns!!! I loved it and was very happy to read the extended story also. Well done. I look forward to reading many more of your wonderful writing!!!Thank you.
Great book!!! Loved the story, love, mystery, murder…Enjoyed it very much…Thank you…
A wonderful story again. My grandmother being of French descent brought back memories. I unfortunately lost her when I was a small child. Keep up the great writing.
Thank you so much for your comment, dear Lyn! Your nice words mean a lot to me. 🙂
I just love your books. Being from America, I love the settings in England. Visited twice and love London but the countryside was beautiful and stole my heart. Each time I read one of your books, I can see the beauty of the country. Thank you for such wonderful stories and characters. Love, love love them!
Thank you so much for your support, dear Connie! I’m so happy my books make you feel this way!🤗
Thank you so much, dear Doris! I’m so excited to hear that! 🙂
That’s amazing, dear Dorice! I’m so excited you enjoyed the book!
Oh Bridget you’ve done it again. Another great story that kept me turning the pages until the end. I loved it. Full of twists and turns and the characters became real when reading The story The extended epilogue had a nice ending with Flora reuniting with lost family members. Thank you I enjoyed reading this book and look forward to your next one
Aww, thank you so so much for your nice words and support, my dear Nora! You’re so sweet!
I have been enjoying your stories. They are so well written,each plot different, yet engrossing.
The characters are strong and upright. The stories are lovely too. I simply have to finish the book when I start reading it. Thank you !
Shalini
You’re so sweet, my dear Shalini! Thank you very much for your support! 🙂
Loved this book as I do all your stories.
Your support means so much to me, my dear Beverly! Thank you very very much!
I am enjoying your books. This is the second story I have read with the extended epilogue. Thank you for sharing your gift of story telling!
Thank you so so much for your nice words and support, my dear Corrine! I truly appreciate it!🥰
This is the third of Your books I am devouring and I must say you are quickly becoming my favorite.
This one carried me through nursing my sick babies through two sleepless nights.
I enjoyed it immensely and the extended epilogue helped a bit to quiet my need for more. I thank you so much for writing just the way you do.
Thank you so so much for your nice words and support, my dear Camille! 🥰
As always, a truly enjoyable book. The plot and characters were believable and made it difficult to put down. Keep up with your wonderful books as they are so enjoyable to read.
Aww, thank you so so much for your nice words and support, my dear Nancy! I truly appreciate it! 🙂
Another totally captivating story! This was not just a delightful recency novel but a mystery, treasure hunt and a historical lesson all wrapped up into one!
This was a very enjoyable story. I love a book with mystery & a HEA. Please continue writing these wonderful novels.
Thank you so much for your kind words, dear Judith! <3
Another great book that I have had the pleasure to read
Thank you so much, my dear Dolores! 🙂
I love your stories. A great read.
Thank you so much for your kind words, my dear Irene! 🙂
This has to be my favorite of all your stories. The characters are so intriguing and fascinating. The extended epilogue was also the most satisfying of all. If I were to choose one of your books to be made into a film, it would be this one, with so many exciting and tender scenes.
Thank you so much for your comment, my dear Christina!
Fear, intrigue, a name to be cleared, and love–what more could one ask in a novel? I truly enjoyed this book and will recommend to friends. My only criticism, like BJ above, is the use of some phrases that most likely were not in use back then. I think we hear these expressions so often that we don’t realize that they’re fairly new.
Your characterizations are very good, and I didn’t really think very highly of Aunt Beatrice. How could she be so concerned about appearances and society but spend away all of her niece’s inheritance?
Thanks for a great tale.
Thank you so much for your kind feedback, my dear Lynda. I’m happy to hear that you enjoyed the book. 🙂
Love reading all your books, but this one especially good, always read the extended episodes as they add so much more to your stories. Thank you for the enjoyment reading your books give.
Thank you so much for your comment, my dear Lavinia. I am so happy to hear that! 😊
What can I say Bridget, as I have said it all before. Full stars for a great novel yet again. I absolutely loved this one and the characters were intriguing. A well balanced story with wonderful twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat throughout. I have said it before and will repeat myself, what a fantastic author you are. Never stop writing as we would all be so sad not to be entertained by your skills. Again, thank you so much for sharing your talent with us. Stay well. 🌺
Thank you so much, dear Jeanette! You make me so happy!
Facinating mystery, intriguing characters, fast paced story, wonderful history. Thank you very much. I look forward to reading more of your work.
Thank you so much, my dear Catherine! I’m so glad you enjoyed the story!
I enjoyed reading this story. I grew up in Weymouth, Massachusetts which is by the sea. Also funny part the city of Quincy is right next door!!
Thank you so much, my dear Sally! I’m so glad you enjoyed the story!
Thank you for your story and the great end, that the war is over and they are together!
Love, Timi(Hungary)
Thank you so much for your sweet words, my dear Timi! So glad you enjoyed the story!
I love all the extended epilogues to your books, they just end the books perfectly.
The story of Fleur and Spencer was yet another easy gripping read.
Such a wonderful book. So many emotions, so much going on but almost all centered on ‘finding’ the treasure.
The extended epilogue was a very sweet and loving ending.
Thank you so much, my dear! 🙂
Oh how I appreciate wonderful love stories that are clean to read. I have already bought many of your books after finally finding an author who had good stories to tell without inserting explicit sexual acts. Thank you, thank you. I so enjoy your characters. I have already read 5 of your novels. My tablet is now full of your books ready to be read. When I finish them, I will look for more of your novels.
Thank you so much, my dear Sally! I’m glad you liked the story!
Wonderful, enthralling, Novella Many thanks for such an entertaining tale and pleasure derived from it. Would make a great movie. Looking forward to more from such a talented author.
Thank you so much for your support, my dear Greer. So happy you enjoyed the book!
I loved your book! Nicely written! Clean romance which I love!!!!!!
So happy to hear that, my dear! Thank you for your comment!
I enjoyed this book and extended epiloque, but it didn’t seem to really be concluded. I felt there should have been more. I really felt like the story was left hanging for a good closing.
Thanks for your kind and honest feedback, my dear Jana. I appreciate it!
I love your books, they ate clean, exciting, touching, and keep me wanting the story to go on!
Thank you, my dear Jo. So happy you enjoyed the book!
Thank you so much for your comment, my dear Jo!
Wonderful story with all the exciting elements of a mystery, love and a satisfying ending. The characters were easy to love and or hate. Ended up in tears with the extended epilogue.
Thank you so much for your comment, my dear Toni!
Then you for this lovely story, so much more interesting than many of the Regency tales full of ballrooms and tea parties! Your characters are well drawn. I was frustrated with the conniving aunt, leery of the shady solicitor, and nervous about the fortune-hunting suitors. I had to keep reading until all was resolved.
So glad you enjoyed the story, my dear Susan!
Lovely story full of suspense and romance. I really enjoyed both the novel and the extended epilogue. I noticed Beatrice was Flora’s dads sister so should she not have been addressed by her married name even if she was a widow and Tom should have taken his fathers last name. It makes no difference to the story but it is something you should have thought off. Also, you never explained how the villain became the family solicitor since he did not have the education for it. He was disgraced ex Navy sailor and double agent choosing sides as it was profitable to him. Not exactly solicitor material. I would love to have seen the nasty neighbor be kicked out of the neighborhood and punished. All in all it was one of your best books and I have read many. Keep it up and watch for the discrepancies.
Thank you so much for the sweet support and for the detailed feedback dear! I truly appreciate it as it keeps me trying to deliver better and better stories!
Thank you for such an inspiring story that portrayed the courage and determination of your main character – Fleur. The suspense and commitment displayed by this little French girl in the face of danger was outstanding. Continue to give us stories that are not filled with immorality.
I am glad you enjoyed it as much dear Althea! Thank you for the support!
You always write the most interesting and intriguing stories. Absolutely beautiful. I think I enjoy yours more than any other.
Thank you so much dear Linda! I am truly humbled!