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Grab my new series, "Noble Gentlemen of the Ton", and get 2 FREE novels as a gift! Have a look here!
Lord Percy Banks gazed out of the window, at the immaculate green lawn, spreading as far as the eye could see. In the distance was a row of pine trees, carefully planted to maintain a windbreak around the grand property. It was autumn, but the pines were still in full leaf, evergreens that never shed their leaves.
His eyes flickered left and right, taking in the large water feature in the centre of the lawn, and the stone paths that crisscrossed through it. It was all beautifully maintained, of course; his brother, Sebastian, the Marquess of Wharton, would have it no other way. This was his beloved first home with his wife, Charlotte, after all. Sebastian had bought the property in Devonshire – his wife’s home county – as a token of love to her. They had lived here for a year now, in an almost blissful bubble, rarely leaving it to go to London or anywhere, really.
His heart tightened. His brother and his wife were deeply in love; so in love, and so deliriously happy with each other. He had only been here once, before, and had found it painful watching them together. He told himself it wasn’t because he begrudged them their happiness. It was just seeing them together always reminded him of her.
His heart tightened further. Alicia. Miss Drake, the golden haired beauty who had captured his heart from the moment that he had first laid eyes on her.
The door to the drawing room opened, and Sebastian walked in, followed by Charlotte. They were both smiling in welcome. Percy took a deep breath, trying to shake off his despondency.
His eyes travelled over the pair. Sebastian was dressed in his riding clothes, and Charlotte was blooming. She placed a hand on her gently swelling stomach, carefully disguised under a voluminous gown. Percy grinned. She was with child, their first, and the pregnancy seemed to suit her.
“Percy!” Sebastian enveloped him in a bear hug. “This is unexpected, but very welcome.” He stepped back, gazing at his brother. “What brings you to this neck of the woods?”
Percy’s grin widened. “Can’t a fellow just want to catch up with his brother and sister in law?” He turned to Charlotte, walking over and kissing her gently on the cheek. “You look radiant. I take it everything is going well?”
Charlotte smiled, but he could see her dark eyes blink anxiously. “So far it is, Percy.” She stopped, biting her lip. “But it is early days, and I worry that I might relapse, and it will somehow harm the babe…”
Sebastian gazed at her. “We have talked about this often, my love. You are in good health and have been since our marriage.” His eyes softened tenderly. “Dr. Jackson has been a regular visitor, and he has devised a good plan to manage the malady. All will be well, I promise you.”
Charlotte nodded, but Percy could see she was not convinced. She turned her head away, briefly, and when she turned back he could see tears swimming in her eyes. “It is not just the months of carrying the child.” She hesitated. “It is the confinement. How will I cope with it? Will I relapse during it?”
Sebastian walked over, taking her hand, and kissing it gently. “You will be fine, my love. You will deliver a bouncing, healthy babe, and you will recover from it.”
Charlotte smiled. “Of course.” She turned to Percy. “I am sorry, besieging you with my worries! It is most rude. How are things in London, Percy?”
He forced a smile onto his face. “Oh, you know. The usual crowd.” He hesitated. “I thought I should tell you both in person. I am finally courting Miss Drake.”
Charlotte gasped. “Oh, Percy! That is felicitous news, indeed!” Her dark eyes were warm. “We both know how much you have longed for it…”
He frowned slightly. “I wasn’t sure, if you would both approve.” He hesitated. “Considering the history between you all.”
“I am happy for you, Percy,” said Charlotte slowly. “We have forgiven Miss Drake, as you know. It is all in the past now.”
Percy glanced at his brother. Sebastian had said nothing, and his hands had tightened on the back of a chair at the mention of Miss Drake. Percy knew the signs. His brother was angry. He did not approve of him courting Alicia, even if Charlotte said they had forgiven her.
He sighed. It had taken a long time to persuade Alicia to finally court him, because of what had happened between them all. She had declared that she would never be accepted by the Marquess and his new wife. Her guilt over what she had done to Charlotte, at her mother’s urging, was still powerful.
He sighed again. Yes, she was courting him, but she was still distant. As if she wouldn’t, or couldn’t, get close to him. The guilt was strong, of course, but it wasn’t just that. Her mother disapproved, declaring that her daughter should not have anything to do with the sons of the Duke of Richmond. He knew it was only wounded pride, and humiliation, on Lady Hasting’s part. She had been caught out in her scheming to snare the Marquess, and she was affronted.
Alicia was torn, as always. They had been secretly courting for over a month now, behind her mother’s back. He should be over the moon, but he wasn’t. It was as if he was physically close to her, but emotionally miles away. His face tightened, just thinking about it. He loved her so much. He had waited so patiently for her. When would she finally see that they were made for each other? Or was his love destined to fade away, before it had even had a chance to really begin?
***
Five months later
Alicia swallowed nervously as she walked the garden path, gazing up at the stately home. The home of the Marquess of Wharton, and his wife, the new Lady Wharton. She still couldn’t believe that she was here; that Percy had persuaded her to travel to Devonshire, to visit his brother and sister in law, in their new home.
At first, she had flat out refused, but he had been persistent, telling her that they had truly forgiven her. That she would be welcome here. But when they had arrived, they had found that Charlotte was absent – she had retired to her chambers for her confinement, no less – and the Marquess had been cold and distant towards her.
She sighed heavily. It had been so tense and awkward in the drawing room that she had excused herself, saying that she needed some air after the journey. She shouldn’t have come here, she thought fiercely. She should have known. They might say to Percy that all was forgiven, but it never would be. What she had done to them, at her mother’s urging, would always be hovering between them all, like a dark fog on a grey day.
She stared at the house sadly. She should have never let Percy persuade her to court him. Apart from the now obvious disapproval of his brother, her own mother was sour about it. At the start, she had courted him secretly, but now it was out in the open, and it had not gotten any better. Her mother was still smarting over the fact that her grand schemes to make her a duchess had backfired so spectacularly. Even though she no longer sought her mother’s approval, and was finally free of her constant manipulation, still it weighed heavily upon her.
Her eyes filled with tears. It wasn’t possible, this connection between Lord Banks and herself. Percy was adamant, fiercely pushing for it, but there was just too much bad history between them all. How on earth could she ever hope to change it?
A single tear slid down her cheek. No, she should never have come here. Everything was against them, as if fate itself had decreed it. Who was she to fly in the face of what life was so blatantly telling her?
She saw a figure in the distance, striding towards her from the house. Her heart sank a little. It was Percy. She should tell him, now, that there was no chance of anything more between them, and that they should let each other go.
Another tear slid down her cheek. She didn’t want to do it. She could admit that these past months with him had been the happiest of her life, although she knew he wanted more from her, and was disappointed she was keeping him at an emotional distance. It would be hard. So hard.
He was upon her, now. “There you are,” he said slowly, his eyes trailing over her face tenderly. “I found you.”
“You found me,” she said, slowly, her heart beating faster.
He gazed at her. “Don’t take any notice of Sebastian,” he said. “He is trying to hide it, but he’s desperately worried about Charlotte.” He paused. “She’s been in confinement for over a day now, and there is still no sign of the babe.”
Alicia smiled slightly. “Childbirth is a hard business, so I have been told.” She paused. “Her mother and sister are with her?”
Percy nodded. “They are. Apparently, they arrived over a week ago, knowing that her time was near. That is something, at least, that the women who love her most are by her side during her ordeal.” He grinned. “Her maid Dulcie is there as well, acting like a mother hen, spitting chips at anyone who crosses through the door.”
Alicia sighed. “We shouldn’t have come, Percy. You did not tell me she was so close to her time.”
Percy looked a little shamefaced. “To tell you the truth, I didn’t realise. I am rather ignorant about the gestation time of women.” He paused. “If Charlotte were a horse, or a dog, I would have had a better idea.”
Alicia burst out laughing. “Let us hope that she does not deliver a foal or a pup!” She gazed at him tenderly. “You are so funny, Percy. So full of quirks…” Her voice trailed away, and with it the laughter. She stared off into the distance.
He stepped towards her, frowning. “Alicia. What’s wrong?”
She sighed heavily. “It was wrong to come here,” she said slowly. “You may say that the Marquess and the Marchioness have forgiven me, but Lord Wharton’s behaviour towards me says otherwise.” She bit her lip. “Percy, I think we must finally admit that there can be nothing more between us. Nothing permanent, or lasting, at least.”
He paled. “Alicia, you are wrong,” he said fiercely. “I have spoken to them both. Charlotte is fine about it.” He hesitated. “Sebastian still clings to some of the old resentment against you, but he will come around…”
Her eyes filled with tears. “No, Percy! He will never forgive me.” Her voice caught a little. “And my mother does not approve, either. I do not care about her good opinion anymore, but why can’t you see that everything is against us?”
His face tightened. “So, you are willing to just give up on us then?” His voice was scornful. “Where is the woman that I know, and love? The one that stood up to her mother, and sought forgiveness from my brother and sister in law? The brave, strong woman who was willing to fight for what she truly believed in?”
Alicia sobbed. “It was only you, that gave me that courage…”
He stepped closer, his eyes fierce. “No, Alicia. It was not just me.” He paused. “You always had it in you. Always. Will that woman just walk away, now, even if things are not easy?”
She turned away, a little shamefaced.
He reached out, taking her hand. “Alicia, look at me.” His voice was steady. “I have loved you so long, and so well. I will always love you. My heart was yours, from the moment that I gazed at you. That love is worth fighting for. When will you finally see that you love me too, and that we are meant to be together?”
She gazed up at him. At his face, his eyes so tender as they gazed on her. Percy, she thought slowly, her eyes travelling over him. He had fought for her, and stayed by her side, through thick and thin. Through everyone’s disapproval. He had never strayed, and always insisted that she was a good person, deep down inside.
He saw her, for who she truly was. He had always seen her. If he could stand up in the face of his brother’s disapproval now, and her mother’s, why couldn’t she?
He sank slowly to his knees in front of her, still holding her hand. She gasped, staring down at him, as if in a dream.
“Marry me,” he said, urgently, his eyes fierce. “Please…marry me. I cannot live without you, Alicia. I do not care if my brother disowns me, and your mother disowns you. I do not care a fig for any of it. All I want is you by my side…forever.”
He fumbled in his pocket, taking something out, that glittered in the soft autumn sun. He held it up. She gasped. It was the necklace, that he had secretly given her, so long ago. The necklace that she had thrown at his feet, in disgust. The necklace that he had kept, telling her that it was hers, that it would always be hers.
“I know that I said you needed to claim it,” he said slowly. “That you should come to me, when you are ready.” He took a deep breath. “But I offer it to you now, once again, to show you how much I love you, and how that love will never change. Will you take it, at long last, Alicia?”
She stared at the necklace, sparkling in the sunlight. She bit her lip, hesitating. The disapproval of them all hovered between them for a moment.
But then, she reached down, and took it out of his hand, her eyes wet with tears.
“I will,” she said slowly, her voice tremulous. “I will take it, Percy.” The tears were sliding down her face now. “I love you. I have always loved you. It was just all so hard…”
“I know, my love,” he said fiercely, standing up, and embracing her. His voice was muffled in her hair. “I know how hard it has been for you. But it is all over now, Alicia.”
She sobbed, in his arms. But now she knew that they weren’t tears of sorrow any longer. They were tears of relief, and joy. That she had finally admitted to herself how much she loved him, and that she couldn’t live without him either. She could stand in the face of disapproval, with a firm eye, because he would be by her side. Forever.
He stepped back, clasping her hands, gazing in her face. Then gently, slowly, he took the necklace from her.
“Turn around,” he said softly.
She did as he asked. Slowly, he placed it around her neck, securing it. It seemed to hum against her skin. A token of his love, and hers. An undying promise.
“There,” he said softly, one hand resting gently on her neck. His touch seemed to burn her skin slightly, and she shivered, turning around, so that they were standing face to face once more.
He smiled, his eyes full of joy. “You have made me the happiest man alive, Alicia.” He paused. “I want to shout it from the rooftops!”
She laughed softly. “And you have made me the happiest woman alive, Percy.” She swallowed a sudden lump in her throat. “It will be the happiest day of my life, when I become your wife.”
Suddenly, they heard shouting in the distance. They turned as one, staring at the figure running towards them across the lawn. It was Sebastian. They stared at him, then turned to one another questioningly. What was going on?
He was in front of them, panting furiously. But he was smiling through it. Beaming. “She is safely delivered,” he gasped. “Charlotte has delivered the babe.” He paused, gazing at them triumphantly. “A son! Mother and child are both well.”
Alicia gasped, and Percy stepped forward, embracing his brother, his eyes full of tears. Then he stepped back. “Well done, old boy! A son! My first nephew!”
Sebastian nodded, his eyes sparkling. “His name is Henry,” he said, slowly.
“Little Henry, hey?” said Percy, his voice full of joy. “The heir! Father will be pleased.”
Sebastian laughed. Then he stopped, suddenly, gazing from one to the other. His eyes rested on Alicia contemplatively.
“Miss Drake,” he said slowly. “It would be my pleasure if you would join us, in seeing the babe.”
Alicia gasped again, her eyes filling with tears. She glanced at Percy, who looked ecstatic. He reached out and took her hand, caressing her palm gently with his thumb.
“It would be an honour to greet little Henry,” she said slowly, blinking back the tears. “My congratulations to you and the Marchioness, my lord.”
Sebastian nodded. Then he started walking back to the house. Alicia and Percy trailed him slightly, hand in hand. Suddenly, they laughed as the Marquess jumped in the air, expertly clicking his heels together, before landing back on the ground.
Percy stared down at her, his hand tightening in hers. “I told you it would be alright,” he said slowly. “We can conquer anything, if we are together.”
Alicia nodded, leaning into him. She would never forget this day. The day that a child had come howling into the world. The day that she had finally realised how much she loved Percy and had agreed to be his wife. The day that she finally owned her courage, and her past, proudly.
The autumn sun shone down on them, and the wind gently caressed her face. His hand in hers was warm and soft and spoke of the promise of things to come. The necklace lay against her skin, his claim on her, that would never be broken.
Yes, she would never forget this day, as long as she lived.
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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 dear readers! I hope you enjoyed the book and the Extended Epilogue! I am eagerly expecting your comments here. Thank you so much!
I really enjoyed this book. The characters were well written and believable. The story lines were clean. Highly recommend this book to be read.
Thank you so much for leaving a comment dear Debbie! I’m glad you enjoyed my story 🙂
Another fabulous book.
Thank you so much my dear! 🙂 I’m really glad you enjoyed it!
What a fabulous book. Keeping the tantalisingly nebulous and mysterious ailment alive throughout this story. Wonderful characters and so very easy to imagine. Thank you for the opportunity to become, for a short period, part of their lives. Will there be follow up stories of the other characters as they deserve to be told too. ?
Thank you Bridget. A good read and a different take on the heroine. Plus the machinations of the socially ambitious. Good fun read. Thanks
Thank you, Bridget. A good read and a different take on the heroine. Interesting to have a psychological problem included – unusual in this genre. Plus the machinations of the socially ambitious, and the psychological pressure on the other woman. A good fun read. Thanks
Thank you so much for leaving a comment dear Rosemary! I’m glad you enjoyed my story 🙂
Finally got to read it. It was great. Terry
Love your book
Thank you so much Karen! 🙂
I loved this book and so glad you wrote an extended epilogue! One of the best books I’ve read in a very long time. Loved the characters. Love/hate with Ms. Drake, lol. Glad Percy got his happy ending.
I’m humbled, my dear!
I’m really grateful for your support and kind feedback!
I’m glad to hear that you enjoy my story!:)
I loved this story. The only problem I have is putting the book down and going to sleep😀 Please keep writing and I will keep reading your books. I got so involved reading that l could not put it down no matter how much my eyes watered. Thank you
I really enjoyed reading the book. It was emotional and sweet. Unlike in many other books similar to this, the main male character wasn’t so distant and unemotional but rather willing to show and share his feelings and thoughts. The extended epilogue was enjoyable too, telling more about the happy everafter and also about the supporting characters and their relationship. Thank You very much!
Thank you so much for the kind, sweet comment dear! I’m glad you enjoyed my story 🙂
I enjoyed reading your book
Thank you so much for your kind words, dear Enid:) I truly appreciate it!
What a fabulous book. Keeping the tantalisingly nebulous and mysterious ailment alive throughout this story. Wonderful characters and so very easy to imagine. Thank you for the opportunity to become, for a short period, part of their lives. Will there be follow up stories of the other characters as they deserve to be told too. ?
Wonderful story. Emotional stress can still cause many ailments. I loved these characters and the encouragement and support from Charlotte’s brother and sister was fantastic.
Thank you so much for leaving a comment dear Linda! I’m glad you enjoyed my story 🙂
Thank you Bridget. Thoroughly enjoyed this story. Appreciate showing kindness to the antagonist-parental power can be devastating.
Well done.
I enjoyed this book down to the very last word. I thought everything would work out, but the story line kept me wondering what would happen next.
Looking forward to Percy and Alicia’s story.
Thank you so much for your kind words, dear Mary:) I truly appreciate it!
You are like wine Bridget, you get better with age.
I loved the original book and the extended version with Alicia and Percy. It would have been a real shame not knowing what happened to them. Keep writing and I will keep giving you 5 stars on Amazon.
You are a great writer!
I’m humbled, my dear!:)
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!
This is another great book. I so enjoy all of your stories. Well written and the characters were balanced and not to many turns that can be confusing.
Thank you again and waiting patiently for the next one. I enjoy traveling with you.
The characters are unique and not perfect society people. Their life lessons are very worthwhile. I rate this highly. Bridget you right a great book.
Thank you so much for your kind words, dear 🙂 I truly appreciate it!
You brought your characters alive! I immensely enjoyed them and the story. Bravo
What a lovely and interesting story. Emotional trauma that can hold a person hostage was so well inserted in the story giving it more depth. Now, I would have liked to see Alicia’s parents go through some hardship as they were near bankruptcy, and made her life so miserable, while she flourished with Perry.
Wow, this book didn’t disappoint.
A wonderful story, not much else to say I couldn’t stop reading until the end. Thank you.
Great writing!! Loved the story line and characters…
Thank you so much for your kind words, dear Doris 🙂 I truly appreciate it!
Another great read. I have enjoyed every book of yours. Who doesn’t love a happy ending?
Wonderful book. It is definitely a 5 star book. Hidden illness, spite, fixation, and love. This book has it all and I couldn’t put it down. The Extended addition was really good. I would recommend this book to everyone. Thank you for letting me read it.
Dear Ms Bridget, thank you so much for a lovely story from beginning to end! It was so very heartwarming, encouraging and full of hope all the way through! My own true story of tragedy and sorrow was also wrapped around a wonderful Prince Charming, who in real life took his marriage vows to heart, lived out that love on a daily basis and has Blessed me for 52 years of marriage, despite a car wreck that tried to destroy both of us! God Prevails to this day Blessing Sam, my Prince Charming, and I daily despite Chronic Pain and Disability! We are very happy, still deeply in love and living life!
Blessings to you for writing books such as these to encourage, give hope and a picture of happiness despite what life can throw at you!! Thank you!
Blessings, Tari
Thank you so much for your kind feedback and for this heart-warming comment! I really appreciate it and I’m really happy you enjoy my stories my dear Tari! 🙂
I really enjoyed this book! I haven’t had time to read much this year but so glad this is one I chose!
Excellent story! Now Percy and Alicia need their marriage and little one! (Alicia’s mother gets to eat crow!)
What a wonderful story. The story line was quite believable and accurate to the period. Love how the story progressed. The emotions the story evoked kept me reading. The extended epilogue was fantastic. I am glad that Alicia finally realized that her mother’s selfishness was dragging her down. Love the way it all ended. Thank you for such a wonderful and romantic story.
Bridget I have loved all your books and this one was an inspiration of human love and strength! I was was brought to tears a few times and I could feel the love and pain-of all the characters. Another great read.
Thank you.
Your stories are real. The characters come to life. I look forward to reading the next. I have read them all and especially enjoy the extended. Keep up the great works
Thank you so much for the kind support, dear Lyn! I’m really happy you enjoy my stories!
Sad for Charlotte’s condition brought on by grief and stress due to her accident. I was happy that Sebastian came into her life and could bring her out of her shell finally with his love for her. I was also happy for Percy and Alicia to finally realize their love for each other was real and to have been forgiven by Charlotte and Sebastian. This was truly a lovely story for all and their happiness in the end!
I really liked this book the story line flowed well,it had believable characters who I enjoyed reading about .So when is the next book due?
Thank you so much for your kind words, dear Joyce:) I truly appreciate it. Stay tuned for my next story because it’s coming up really soon!
Hi Bridget
I have read a few if your books now & live how you truly bring the characters to life. It’s great to read the extended epilogues & to see how these lovely stories end, or begin with a new story would love a follow up of Percy & Alicia with a catch up on Charlotte Sebastion & baby….
Well done Bridget 🌝🌝🌝🌝
I’m humbled, my dear!
I’m really grateful for your support and kind feedback!
I’m glad to hear that you enjoy my stories!:)
I loved every minute! Your books are all amazing. I am looking forward to the next one.
Thank you so much for your kind words my dear! Stay tuned because I have more stories coming soon 🙂
As always, your books never fail to take me on a wonderful journey.
Keep writing and I will keep reading.
Thank you so much, my dear Betsy! I deeply appreciate it. 🙂
I have enjoyed reading this story
Thank you I look forward to many more
Best wishes
Sandie
Thank you so much dear Sandie! I deeply appreciate it. Stay tuned for more stories:)
I loved this book the characters were great
What a wonderful story ,I did not want to put it down ,but I had to as I was going to wedding. My only consolation was that I could commenting story when I got home .I think your books are just great reads Thank yo
I loved this book and can’t wait to start the next one.
Thank you so much for leaving a comment dear Geraldine! I’m glad you enjoyed my story 🙂
A great read, so much drama and emotion. So much respect for caring parents and honor noted where deserved. The human factor was so well covered, making each player real.
Love your writings.
What a lovely and interesting story. Emotional trauma that can hold a person hostage was so well inserted in the story giving it more depth. Now, I would have liked to see Alicia’s parents go through some hardship as they were near bankruptcy, and made her life so miserable, while she flourished with Perry.
Thank you so much for leaving a comment dear! I’m glad you enjoyed my story and that you found the emotion in it.:)
I truly loved this book. The characters are well written and full of emotions that bring them to life for the readers. The twists are surprising and keeps the readers intrigued from start to finish. I could not put it down once I started reading it. I love the extended epilogue because they give more of the story and often gives insight into other characters. I hope you write more about Alicia and Percy I would like to read their story. I cannot wait to read your next book.
Thank you so much, Bridget. I always enjoy your stories. You
bring your characters alive for me, and you always have the perfect ending. I do so enjoy the extended epilogues also. And the fact that they are so well edited. Thanks again. Looking forward to another of your books.
Thank you so much for leaving a comment dear Norma, you are so sweet! I’m glad you enjoyed my story 🙂
A wonderful book like you always deliver.! Awesome characters , super clean lines and no cliff hangers. ❤💞💞💞💞 👍.
Thank you so much, my dear Rosemary! You are so kind! 🙂
Loved this book. You capture the essence of the characters and bring them to life. I was so caught up in the story I stayed up till the middle of the night. I didn’t read the epilogue till this morning, it gave me something to look forward to. I would have loved to read about the meeting between Charlotte, Sebastian and the Duchess. The Duchess was as bad as Lady Hastings, pushing a match that Sebastian didn’t want. I was pleased to read in the epilogue that Percy and Alicia got their happy ending. You managed to turn a villain into a victim. Powerful story. Can’t wait to read your next book.
Thank you for the wonderful experience of feel good book reading. I just feel good from beginning to end. Epilogue is much appreciated!
Celestial
Thank you so so much for your wonderful words, my dear Celestial! ❤ I’m so excited you enjoyed the story!
What a wonderful story. I enjoyed reading it. I’m glad Charlotte and Sebatisn had their happy ending and also Percy and Alicia. It must have been so hard for Alicia to have to obey her Mothers devious desires. I’m glad she finally found the courage to stand up to her. Love conquers all in the end. I love the extended epilogue. It finished off the story beautifully I’m be in the look out for your next story. Thank you again for a most enjoyable story
I enjoyed this book with the mystery illness, possibly a little PTSD, the storyline, the main and supporting characters, and the pressures they were under. The extended epilogue was most welcome; I was glad to see that Percy and Alicia found happiness. The story kept me entertained a good portion of the day. Keep up the good work!
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Like other readers, I couldn’t put it down. Lovely gentle story with great characters. I would love to read a follow up about Percy & Alicia. Also how Lottie’s health progresses.
I totally enjoyed this book,I couldn’t put it down,lost a lot of sleep but just could not go to sleep till the very end.I fell in love with the characters Sebastian and Charlotte and also Persy and Alicia.So happy to read the extended epilogue and learn Percy and Alicias happy ending as well.
This is a really lovely book which I thoroughly enjoyed and couldn’t put down! I would strongly recommend reading it.
Thank you so much for your kind words, dear Edna! 🙂 I truly appreciate it!
A great read, very enjoyable and hard to put down. This is the second of your books I have read and I will definitely look out for more.
Thank you so much, my dear Avril!:)
I totally enjoyed this book. It was so well written that it brought you into the story. This author is amazing
A lovely story, I really enjoyed reading it. I love your style of writing and will look out eagerly for more Thank you.
Thank you so much for your support, dear Carole! I really appreciate it. 🙂
Thank you for a thoroughly enjoyable and well done story and extended epilogue.
You’re so welcome, my dear Geri! I’m very happy to hear that you enjoyed the story!
What a happily ever after! Delightful story! Two beautiful ladies, both plaques by secrets that controlled their lives. Two brothers looking for the love of their lives, even if it was giving up their inheritance. Love IS what makes the world go round! Very well done!
I’m really happy to hear that you enjoyed the story, my dear Debbie! Thank you!
The book was great. I love the story of Sebastian and Charlotte. You wrote well , for the love of characters and the feasting of others. My only dislike was no listing of chapters.
Thank you so much for your honest and kind feedback, dear Teresa! It’s so helpful! I keep your comment in mind for my future stories. 🙂
Bridget best story I have read in a while loved the story characters in the book they had plenty of twists and turns setbacks up downs didn’t think they would every het to together but they did I am glad that Charlotte and Sebastian ender together and love the extended epilogue was great to thanks.
Your comment makes me really happy, my dear Anne! Thank you very much for your nice words! 🙂
Again you’ve given us a wonderful story. Loved the characters and their fight to be happy.
So good! Can’t decide which book I liked best. Thought I liked the one I was currently reading best until I read the next. So glad for the extended epilogues & that Percy’s love was rewarded in the end. Do keep writing such wonderful stories!
Really enjoyed this story. It was a great, enticing and pleasant read. Can’t wait till the next one comes out.
A wonderful story and a enjoyable read
Thank You so much for this story it was wonderful. I enjoy your books and find it hard to put them down once I start. This one had me emotional. Keep doing your great work ♥️
Thank you so so much for your nice words and support, my dear Camille! Your comment makes me so happy! 🙂
I thoroughly enjoyed reading the story. Wonderful characters in Sebastian, Percy, and Charlotte. Alice was a good antagonist.
I love this book. I enjoyed reading the stories of Sebastian and Charlotte and Percy and Alice. The way the book was written made me feel what the characters felt. Keep writing. I’ll keep reading 😊
You’re so sweet, my dear Leoda! Thank you for your comment and support! 😀
Such a well-written story. And a wonderful story of siblings to love one another and a man who falls in love with her – no matter if they have just a month, a year or forever together.
I’m so happy you enjoy my stories! Stay safe and healthy!:)
Well, well, well Miss Bridget! You did it again! Another well written, well thought out story with great characters and a wonderful storyline. You just keep writing the Best Books. My biggest problem also is that I can’t put them down!!! Bravo, Miss Bridget! Again, Bravo!
haha, thank you so much, my dear Debbie! I really appreciate your kind comments. Have a great day!
This romantic novel has it all-beautiful women and intelligent, handsome heros who never disappoint. Definitely a page turner from beginning to conclusion. Who resist a happy ending for all?
Excellent and enjoyable.
Thank you so much for your sweet comment, my dear Phyllis! 🙂
Excellent and enjoyable experience, would recommend to anyone. A fine read.
I truly enjoyed reading. I was totally immersed. I was Charlotte fighting to enjoy life. Well written. Very enjoyable read
Thank you so much for your sweet comments, my dear Jeanne! 🙂
Wonderful. This book was just wonderful. A joy to read. I liked that it was two stories in one and that both couples ended up happy plus the two couples were friends too. Sometimes it is hard to forgive but what a reward when you do forgive.
Thank you so much for your kind words, my dear Carol Ann! 🙂
I really enjoyed reading this romance. It was funny, it was sad and most enjoyable. I really appreciate the extended epilogue where Percy finds his wishes realized.
Thank you so much for posting a comment, my dear Sharon! 🙂
I have posted a review on amazon, because I am impressed enough with what you have done that I wanted to share it with the community at large.Thank you for what you have done for your readers in this difficult time.The gift of 4 free books to read was generous and deeply appreciated.I very much enjoy your stories, and I want you to know that.Thank you for many many hours of happy reading.
Thank you so much for posting a comment, my dear Peggy! I’m really happy you enjoyed the free stories 🙂
Hi I have now become one of your fans love the books and the extended version. Thank your for keeping my company with your words.
Thank you so much for your kind words, dear Rosetta! Welcome to my team! <3
I loved this book. Very good.
Thank you so much for your kind words, dear Annie! <3
I loved all three stories. They were lovely. It’s wonderful to have these wonderful stories to read while the looming pandemic continues. I especially love the extended epilogues, and can’t wait to read more stories. So glad you are on Amazon.
Thank you so much for your comment, my dear! 😊
Howdy Bridget. Did I enjoy this novel? You bet your boots I did! Charlotte and Serbastian’s story was just marvellous and in your usual style, it was as ever so well written. It kept me eagerly turning the pages to find out what was to happen next and my emotions were all over the place. What lovely men were the Dukes sons, and how meddlesome was his wife and Alicia’s mother. A different era for sure, but Alicia’s mother was a pure dragon! It is amazing what nerves can do to the mind and body is it not? Poor Charlotte, she did suffer so after her horses death. It was great that they got there in the end and I was happy to find out that so too did Percy and Alicia in the extended epilogue. A great way to conclude the story. Full marks to you Bridget and thank you for the excellent read. Enjoy your day and stay well. 🌺
Thank you so much, my dear Jeanette. I’m so happy to hear that!
Wow, what a lovely book and so enjoyed reading it.
Thank you so much for your kind words, my dear Angela. I’m so happy to hear that you enjoyed the book!😊
Hi, Bridget. I really enjoyed the story. What I look for are the emotions and this story was full of them. And I enjoy good people overcoming adversity as well as bad people becoming good. I see your reviews are all from women. I doubt if I am the only male who reads romance, not that I would admit it to everyone. I consider myself a normal male who reads other genres as well, but I am also a physician. I think that Charlotte’s malady is believable. Good story.
Thank you so much for your kind words, my dear Harold. I’m so happy to hear that you enjoyed my book!😊
I think what I appreciated so much about the book was that Alicia WAS remorseful and became a better person. So many have the hateful spiteful awful woman who doesn’t learn her lesson and won’t grow up. Alicia did a terrible thing and sought forgiveness and truly felt regret. Refreshing in a world of “mean girls” who never care. And so glad to know Charlotte had a healthy son.
Thank you so much for your lovely comment, my dear Nicole!
Thank you for keeping me up until 4a.m. I even had to calm myself down several times, and the extended epilogue was unusual and enjoyable with so much focus on Percy and Alicia as well as Sebastian and Charlotte. It all worked.
Thank you so much for your kind words, my dear Vivian! I truly appreciate it!
I loved this book. Sebastian and Charlotte such fantastic characters. The way Charlotte got better. Her brother and sister so supportive. The way her Mother realizes her errors and apologizes. Even Alicia finally realized she was her own person. Just loved this book.
Thank you so much for your kind words, my dear Debbie! So glad you enjoyed the story!
A fascinating, poignant Romance. Brilliantly written, enthralling,delightful. Another excellent read from a talented author. It is sure to be added to the collections of Lovers of uplifting, sweet and clean historical romances. Heartily .. recommended
Thank you so much for your comment, my dear Greer! I’m glad you enjoyed my story!
Thank you so much, my dear Greer.