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Several years had passed since the day Ophelia had accepted Edward’s proposal, and their lives together had blossomed into a storybook of happiness and love. The house, once somber and filled with Edward’s grief over the loss of his sister, was now brimming with laughter and life.
Ophelia stood in the nursery, gazing fondly at her two children playing on the rug. Little Henry, their eldest son, was carefully stacking wooden blocks while his younger sister, Emma, watched in fascination, clapping her tiny hands every time one of Henry’s towers toppled over. Emma was barely two, but she had already learned the art of cheering for her big brother, much to Ophelia’s delight.
Amy, now seven, stood proudly next to them, watching over her younger siblings with a protective, almost maternal, instinct. Ever since Emma had been born, Amy had taken her role as big sister very seriously. “Careful, Henry,” Amy said, crouching down beside him as he balanced another block atop his wobbly tower. “You don’t want it to fall.”
Henry grinned up at her, his brown curls tumbling into his eyes. “I got it, Amy! Watch!” He placed another block on top, and when the tower stood firm, he beamed with pride. Emma squealed in delight and clapped her chubby hands, making everyone in the room laugh.
Ophelia’s heart swelled with love as she watched the scene. She was expecting another child in just a few months, and the thought of her growing family filled her with a joy she never could have imagined back when she first arrived at Wessex Manor as a simple governess. The life she shared with Edward was nothing short of a dream, and every day she felt gratitude for the love that had blossomed between them.
The door creaked open, and Edward’s familiar figure appeared in the doorway. His eyes softened as they fell upon the scene before him. “What have we here?” he asked, stepping into the room and kneeling beside Henry and Amy. He picked up Emma, who giggled as he lifted her into the air. “Is that another grand tower I see, Henry?”
“Yes, Papa!” Henry said excitedly. “I’m going to build it even higher next time!”
Edward chuckled, pulling Amy close with his free arm. “I have no doubt you will. And how is my Amy today?”
Amy smiled up at him. “I’m fine, Papa. I’ve been helping Henry, just like you said.”
“You’re the best big sister,” Edward said, planting a kiss on her forehead. “I don’t know what we’d do without you.”
Ophelia moved to join them, her hand resting on her round belly as she approached. “I don’t know what I would do without any of you,” she said, her voice full of affection as she stood beside Edward.
Edward reached out to take her hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. His eyes met hers, and in that moment, the years of their love, their trials, and their triumphs were shared in silence between them. “We’ve come a long way, haven’t we?” he whispered.
Ophelia smiled warmly. “We have, indeed.”
As they stood together, surrounded by their children, Ophelia couldn’t help but feel that their story, which had once seemed so uncertain, had found its perfect, happy conclusion. Yet, in her heart, she knew that their adventures together were far from over.
The weeks passed in a peaceful rhythm, each day filled with moments of joy, laughter, and the small but meaningful tasks that came with managing their family and estates. Life at Wessex Manor had settled into a contented routine, but there were always surprises waiting just around the corner.
One such surprise came when Edward received a letter from his solicitors, the contents of which had been eagerly anticipated for quite some time. He had long been working to ensure that Ophelia’s family regained what was rightfully theirs—the title and estates that had been taken from them unjustly. Edgar, the uncle who had taken over the viscountcy after the death of Ophelia’s father, had been unwilling to cede the lands and title to Andrew, the rightful heir. But Edward, determined to see justice done, had set his team of solicitors to the task of pursuing the matter relentlessly.
Sitting in his study, Edward’s gaze fell on the letter as he opened it. A slow smile spread across his face as he read the words confirming what he had hoped for. It was done. Edgar had finally conceded, and the title of Viscount Lockwood would soon be returned to young Andrew, Ophelia’s brother. Edward folded the letter and set it aside, leaning back in his chair with a deep sense of satisfaction.
He would share the news with Ophelia later that day, but for now, he simply relished the feeling of triumph. It was not about the title itself, but about restoring what had been taken from Ophelia and her family. Edward had always been a man of honor, and ensuring that justice was served brought him peace.
Later that evening, as the family gathered for dinner, Ophelia noticed the glimmer in Edward’s eyes. “You look as though you have something on your mind,” she said, smiling at him across the table as she helped Emma with her plate.
Edward chuckled, taking a sip of his wine. “I do, indeed.” He paused for a moment, watching as the children chattered and laughed around them. “But it’s not just on my mind—it’s something I’ve been waiting to tell you for quite some time.”
Ophelia tilted her head, curious. “Oh? And what might that be?”
Edward leaned forward slightly, his voice soft but filled with excitement. “It’s about Andrew and the title of Viscount. It’s been returned to him. Edgar has finally relinquished it.”
Ophelia’s hand flew to her mouth in surprise. “Edward… truly?”
“Truly.” He reached out and took her hand, his expression tender. “Andrew will be heading to Eton soon, and he’ll be managing the estate with my help until he’s of age. Everything that was taken from you and your family has been restored.”
Tears welled up in Ophelia’s eyes as she looked at her husband. “I don’t even know what to say. I never thought…”
“You don’t have to say anything,” Edward said gently. “It was the right thing to do, and now you and your family will finally have the justice you deserved.”
Ophelia smiled through her tears, overwhelmed by gratitude. Her mother would be overjoyed to hear the news, and Andrew—still so young—would have the future that had once seemed impossible.
As they sat together, their children playing happily around them, Ophelia felt a deep sense of peace. Life had been kind to her in ways she had never expected, and with Edward by her side, she knew that their future was as bright as the love they shared.
Ophelia’s mother, the Dowager Viscountess, was indeed overjoyed when she heard the news. The restoration of the title to young Andrew was a moment of great celebration for the family. She had always held her head high despite the injustices they had suffered, but now, surrounded by her grandchildren and the knowledge that her family’s rightful place had been restored, she seemed more content than ever.
The house was full of life that day, with Rosalina and her growing family visiting, along with Ophelia’s siblings. The children were running about in the gardens, their laughter echoing through the air as they played, while the adults gathered inside for tea. Ophelia and Rosalina sat together on the terrace, watching the children.
“Look at them,” Rosalina said with a soft smile, resting her hands on her growing belly. “It’s like watching happiness in motion. They’re so carefree.”
Ophelia nodded, her eyes on Amy, who was leading a game of tag with the younger children. “They are, and I’m so grateful for it. I never imagined my life could be so full, so complete.”
Rosalina chuckled, leaning back in her chair. “And soon, you’ll have another little one to add to this chaos. How are you feeling?”
Ophelia placed a hand on her rounded belly, smiling. “Tired, mostly. But happy. Very happy.”
Rosalina nodded, her gaze thoughtful. “I remember feeling the same with my second. There’s something wonderful about watching your family grow, knowing that you’ve built something so strong and loving.”
Ophelia smiled at her, appreciating the shared bond of motherhood between them. “You’re right. I still can’t believe how much everything has changed since those early days. To think, I was once just a governess in Edward’s house, unsure of my place in the world.”
“And now you’re his countess, his wife, and the mother of his children,” Rosalina said with a grin. “You’ve more than found your place, Ophelia. You’ve built a life full of love.”
Just then, Edward and Randolph joined them on the terrace, deep in conversation about the latest developments at Eton, where Andrew was soon to attend. Edward had been taking an active role in preparing Andrew for the responsibilities of managing the estate, something that had become more real now that the title had been restored.
Andrew, despite his youth, showed a maturity beyond his years. He was eager to learn, and Edward had taken the boy under his wing, teaching him everything he needed to know. Edward had grown fond of his young brother-in-law, and their bond was becoming one of deep mutual respect.
As Edward sat down next to Ophelia, he placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “Andrew’s nearly ready for Eton. He’s excited, though a little nervous about leaving home.”
Ophelia smiled softly. “He’s young, but he’ll do well. I’m so proud of him. And of you, Edward, for helping him manage everything.”
Edward squeezed her hand. “He’s a good lad. He’ll grow into a fine Viscount.”
Their conversation was interrupted by Mrs. Bailey, who appeared from the doorway with a gentle smile on her face. She had long since retired from her official duties as housekeeper, but that hadn’t stopped her from keeping a close eye on things around the manor.
“You’re all out here chatting, while I see the housemaids are slacking off,” Mrs. Bailey said with a teasing tone, though the fondness in her voice was unmistakable. “I think I’ll need to remind them who’s really in charge around here.”
Ophelia laughed. “Mrs. Bailey, you’re supposed to be retired! Aren’t you supposed to be relaxing instead of bossing everyone around?”
Mrs. Bailey waved a hand dismissively. “Oh, nonsense, my lady. What would I do with myself if I didn’t keep everyone in line? Besides, I’ve got years of experience, and the new housekeeper could use my guidance.”
Edward smiled. “You’re indispensable, Mrs. Bailey. We’d be lost without you.”
The older woman huffed in mock protest but couldn’t hide her pleasure at Edward’s words. She had become like family to them, and the bond between her and Ophelia had only deepened over the years.
As they all sat together, surrounded by family and friends, Ophelia’s heart swelled with love. This, she realized, was what happiness truly looked like—a home filled with laughter, with love, and with the people she cherished most. The future was bright, and she couldn’t wait to see what it would bring.
As the sun began to set, casting a warm golden glow over the estate, the sound of children’s laughter still echoed in the garden. Ophelia and Edward sat side by side on the terrace, enjoying a moment of peace as the day began to wind down. Rosalina and Randolph had taken their children inside, and the house was bustling with the pleasant chaos of a large, happy family.
Ophelia leaned her head against Edward’s shoulder, letting out a contented sigh. “I never thought life could be this perfect,” she murmured. “Our children, our family… it feels like a dream.”
Edward wrapped an arm around her, drawing her closer. “It’s not a dream, my love. It’s the life we’ve built together. And I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”
Ophelia smiled, resting a hand on her belly where their third child would soon make an entrance into the world. “It’s hard to believe how far we’ve come. From the governess and the brooding earl to this… I couldn’t have imagined it.”
Edward chuckled softly. “I certainly never expected that you, of all people, would turn my life upside down. But I’m glad you did.”
“Turned it upside down, did I?” Ophelia teased, lifting her head to look at him. “I seem to recall you being the one who didn’t want to let me into your life at first.”
Edward smiled, his eyes full of warmth and love. “You were right, though. You saw what I couldn’t see. You helped me heal, and now… I can’t imagine my life without you.”
Ophelia’s heart swelled at his words. She reached up to cup his face, her thumb brushing gently over his cheek. “And I can’t imagine my life without you either, Edward. You’ve given me everything I never thought I could have.”
Their moment was interrupted by the patter of little feet as Amy and Henry came running up to them, their faces flushed with excitement. Emma toddled behind them, giggling as she tried to keep up with her older siblings.
“Mama, Papa!” Amy called out, her eyes bright. “Can we show you the garden? Henry found some flowers, and we want to pick them for you!”
Edward smiled down at his children, his heart full. “Of course, my darlings. Let’s go see what you’ve found.”
He stood, offering his hand to Ophelia to help her up. Together, they followed their children into the garden, their steps slow and unhurried as they took in the beauty of the late afternoon.
As they wandered through the blooming flowers, Henry proudly presented a small bouquet of wildflowers to his mother. “For you, Mama,” he said, his chest puffed out with pride.
Ophelia knelt down and kissed his forehead. “Thank you, Henry. They’re beautiful, just like you.”
Amy held Emma’s hand, helping her pick a few flowers of her own. “Here, Emma, these are for Mama too,” Amy said, smiling as she handed the little girl a bright yellow bloom.
Emma giggled, toddling over to Ophelia with the flower clutched in her tiny fist. “Mama!” she said proudly, holding it up.
Ophelia’s heart melted as she accepted the flower, her eyes filled with love for her children. She glanced over at Edward, who was watching them with a look of pure adoration.
“This,” Ophelia said softly, “is everything I ever wanted.”
Edward came to her side, wrapping an arm around her shoulders as he gazed out at their children playing in the garden. “It’s everything I wanted too,” he said quietly. “And more.”
As the evening light softened and the children’s laughter filled the air, Ophelia knew that their future was bright. The hardships of the past were behind them, and what lay ahead was a life full of love, laughter, and the joy of watching their family grow.
Edward leaned down and pressed a soft kiss to her temple. “I love you, Ophelia.”
She smiled up at him, her heart overflowing with happiness. “And I love you, Edward. Always.”
With their children around them and another little one on the way, Ophelia and Edward knew that they had found their happily ever after—not just in the pages of a story, but in the life they shared every single day.
And it was more than enough.
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 😊