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The warm Mediterranean sun bathed the terrace in golden light as Nathaniel gazed out at the sparkling blue waters of the Amalfi Coast. He felt a sense of peace wash over him, a contentment he had never known before. But it wasn’t the breathtaking view that brought this feeling–it was the knowledge that Evelyn was by his side.
He turned to look at his wife, who was curled up on a chaise lounge, engrossed in a book. The sunlight caught in her chestnut hair, creating a halo effect that took his breath away. As if sensing his gaze, Evelyn looked up, a soft smile playing on her lips.
“What is it?” she asked, marking her place in the book and setting it aside.
Nathaniel moved to sit beside her, taking her hand in his. “I was just thinking about how lucky I am,” he said softly. “And how grateful I am that you agreed to come on this trip with me.”
Evelyn’s smile widened. “As if I would have refused a belated honeymoon in Italy,” she teased. Then, her expression softening, she added, “But truly, Nathaniel, these past weeks have been… magical.”
And they had been. The first two months of their marriage becoming a true one had passed in a blur—and it was, of course, followed by the excitement of their trip. From the moment they had stepped off the boat in Naples, Nathaniel had been determined to make this trip everything Evelyn deserved and more. He had spared no expense, booking the finest suites in the most luxurious hotels, arranging private tours of ancient ruins and hidden gems off the beaten path.
But more than that, he had devoted himself to showing Evelyn, in every way he could, just how much she meant to him. He listened attentively as she marveled over the art in Florence, held her hand as they wandered the winding streets of Rome, and danced with her under the stars in Venice.
Each day, he found new ways to express his love and appreciation. Sometimes it was grand gestures – surprising her with a string of pearls he’d commissioned from a Venetian jeweler, or arranging a private concert in a centuries-old palazzo. Other times, it was in the small moments–bringing her breakfast in bed, reading aloud to her in the evenings, or simply holding her close as they watched the sun set over the sea.
Now, as they neared the end of their journey on the Amalfi Coast, Nathaniel felt a bittersweet pang. He didn’t want this magical time to end, didn’t want to return to the realities of life at Leyton Place. And yet, he knew that the love and understanding they had nurtured on this trip would only continue to grow once they returned home.
“I wish we could stay here forever,” he murmured, brushing a strand of hair from Evelyn’s face.
Evelyn leaned into his touch, her eyes soft with affection. “As wonderful as that sounds, we both know we have responsibilities waiting for us at home,” she said gently. Then, with a mischievous glint in her eye, she added, “Besides, I’m rather looking forward to being Lady Crestmoor again. I hear I’ve become quite popular in my absence.”
Nathaniel chuckled. He could only imagine the stack of invitations that was waiting for them back home–and judging by the contents of his grandmother’s letters, it seemed that in the wake of Octavia’s disgrace, Evelyn had become the darling of Derbyshire society.
“You’ll be beating them off with a stick,” he teased. “I may never get to see my wife again, what with all the tea parties and soirées you’ll be attending.”
Evelyn laughed, the sound like music to Nathaniel’s ears. “Don’t worry, my love. I’ll always save the last dance for you.”
As they fell into a comfortable silence, Nathaniel couldn’t help but marvel at how far they had come. The pain and misunderstandings of the past seemed like a distant memory now, overshadowed by the deep, abiding love that had grown between them.
And yet, sometimes he still caught a flicker of something in Evelyn’s eyes–a shadow of the hurt he had caused her, perhaps. In those moments, the guilt would wash over him anew, threatening to overwhelm him.
As if reading his thoughts, Evelyn squeezed his hand. “Nathaniel,” she said softly, “I can see that look in your eyes. The one that says you’re thinking about… before. About Octavia.”
Nathaniel started to protest, but Evelyn shook her head, silencing him. “It’s alright,” she continued. “I know you still feel guilty about what happened. But I need you to hear me, truly hear me when I say this: All is forgiven. I am happy, Nathaniel. Happier than I ever thought possible.”
She reached up, cupping his face in her hands. “The past is the past. What matters is here and now, and the future we’re building together. I love you, Nathaniel Hartley, and nothing–not Octavia, not the gossip of the ton, not anything–can change that.”
Nathaniel felt a lump form in his throat, overwhelmed by the depth of Evelyn’s love and forgiveness. “I don’t deserve you,” he whispered.
Evelyn smiled, a hint of mischief in her eyes. “Perhaps not,” she teased. “But you’re stuck with me now, I’m afraid. For better or worse, remember?”
Nathaniel pulled her close, kissing her with all the love and gratitude he felt. When they finally parted, both a little breathless, he rested his forehead against hers. “For better or worse,” he agreed. “Though with you by my side, my love, I can’t imagine there will be much ’worse’ in our future.”
As the sun began to set, painting the sky in brilliant hues of orange and pink, Nathaniel and Evelyn walked hand in hand along the beach. They spoke of their plans for the future – of the improvements they wanted to make at Leyton Place, of their hopes to start a family, of the life they would build together.
The thought of returning to Derbyshire no longer filled Nathaniel with dread. Instead, he found himself looking forward to it, eager to begin this new chapter of their lives. He knew there would be challenges ahead – there always were in life – but with Evelyn by his side, he felt ready to face anything.
A week later, as their carriage rolled up the drive to Leyton Place, Nathaniel felt a surge of emotion. This was home, truly home, in a way it had never been before. And it was all because of the remarkable woman sitting beside him.
Mrs. March and the rest of the staff were waiting to greet them, their faces alight with genuine warmth and affection. Nathaniel couldn’t help but notice how their eyes lingered on Evelyn, taking in the glow of happiness that seemed to radiate from her.
As they settled back into life at Leyton Place, Nathaniel was struck by how much had changed in their absence. The house seemed brighter somehow, filled with a warmth and joy that had been missing before. And Evelyn… Evelyn blossomed in her role as Lady Crestmoor, handling her new social obligations with grace and charm.
It seemed that every day brought a new invitation – teas, luncheons, musical evenings, all clamoring for the presence of the new Lady Crestmoor. Nathaniel watched with pride as Evelyn navigated these social waters with ease, winning over even the most skeptical members of the ton with her genuine kindness and quick wit.
One afternoon, as Evelyn was preparing to leave for yet another social engagement, Nathaniel caught her in the entrance hall. “Another tea party?” he asked, a teasing glint in his eye.
Evelyn laughed, adjusting her hat in the mirror. “I’m afraid so. Mrs. Blackwood has been quite insistent. I think she feels she has some explaining to do, after… well, everything that happened with Henry.”
At the mention of Henry Blackwood’s name, Nathaniel felt a familiar twinge of jealousy. He knew it was irrational–Evelyn had proven her love and loyalty a thousand times over–but he couldn’t help the surge of possessiveness that washed over him.
As if to emphasize her point, she rose on her tiptoes and pressed a soft kiss to his lips. Nathaniel responded eagerly, pulling her close and deepening the kiss until they were both breathless.
When they finally parted, Evelyn’s cheeks were flushed, her eyes bright with love and desire. “You know,” she said, a mischievous smile playing about her lips, “I could always send my apologies to Lady Blackwood. Say I’m feeling… indisposed.”
Nathaniel grinned, already reaching for the bell to summon a footman. “What an excellent idea, my love. I do believe Lady Crestmoor is coming down with a sudden headache. Best she rest for the remainder of the day.”
As they made their way upstairs, hand in hand and barely containing their laughter, Nathaniel marveled once again at the joy Evelyn had brought into his life. The pain and misunderstandings of the past seemed like a distant memory now, overshadowed by the deep, abiding love that had grown between them.
As they lay together that evening, their hands entangled, Nathaniel sighed deeply–a happy satisfaction coursing through him.
“What are you thinking about?” Evelyn murmured, her head resting on his chest.
Nathaniel smiled, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. “The future,” he said softly. “Our future. And how grateful I am that you’re a part of it.”
Evelyn propped herself up on one elbow, her eyes shining with love and happiness. “Our future,” she repeated, a smile playing about her lips. “I like the sound of that.”
As they drifted off to sleep, wrapped in each other’s arms, Nathaniel felt a profound sense of peace settle over him. Whatever challenges lay ahead, whatever joys and sorrows life might bring, he knew that with Evelyn by his side, he could face anything.
For in her, he had found not just a wife, but a true partner, a best friend, and a love that would last a lifetime. And that, he knew, was the greatest gift of all.
In the years that followed, Leyton Place flourished under the care of Lord and Lady Crestmoor. Their love only grew stronger with each passing day, a testament to the power of forgiveness, understanding, and unwavering devotion.
And though the scandal that had brought them together was long forgotten by most, Nathaniel and Evelyn never forgot the lessons they had learned. They cherished each other, never taking their love for granted, and faced every challenge life brought them as a united front.
In time, the halls of Leyton Place rang with the laughter of children, and Nathaniel and Evelyn found new joy in building a family together. They raised their children with love and wisdom, teaching them the value of honesty, loyalty, and the enduring power of true love.
As for Octavia, she faded into obscurity, her attempts to regain her place in society thwarted by her own actions. The ton, fickle as ever, turned their backs on her, and she was forced to leave Derbyshire, never to return.
Henry Blackwood, true to his word, remained a distant but constant presence in their lives. Though he never again overstepped the bounds of propriety, his quiet devotion to Evelyn became something of a local legend – a bittersweet tale of unrequited love and honor.
But for Nathaniel and Evelyn, life was full of joy and contentment. They had found in each other not just love, but a true partnership, a deep friendship that only grew stronger with each passing year. And as they watched their children grow, their estate flourish, and their love deepen, they knew that they had found the truest happiness of all–a love that had been tested by fire and emerged stronger for it.
OFFER: A BRAND NEW SERIES AND 2 FREEBIES FOR YOU!
Grab my new series, "Secrets and Passions of High Society", and get 2 FREE novels as a gift! Have a look here!
Hello there, my dearest readers! I hope you enjoyed the book and the Extended Epilogue! I will be waiting for your comments here. Thank you 😊
A very good story and extendedepilogue
I loved every moment and became so immersed I wanted to hit Nathaniel over the head with something heavy. As for Octavia I could have slapped her. The one person I felt sorry for was Henry. I think he truly loved for the first time in his life.
Lovely story. Evelyn was a lovely character. Nathaniel was stupid to fall for Octavia and her manipulations again and again. Fortunately, he finally wised up so they had a happy ending. Marcus was a good friend and it would have been nice to see him with a love interest also. The part where the grandmotber discovers the change in brides is a bit confusing but that is just a minor thing.