Page 15 of The Beast of Barendale Manor

Eighteen months later…

Baby Felicity fussed in Evangeline’s arms as they stood beside the baptismal font with their families.

Edmund’s eyes twinkled at his daughter as he placed his little finger beside her hand, and she gripped it tightly. Evangeline chuckled as the baby cooed at her father. She adored him almost as much as her mother did.

Evangeline turned to look at her parents, who were on the other side of the font. Lord and Lady Longford were watching their granddaughter with deep affection. Matilda stood beside them, her eyes sparkling with joy as she discreetly held Jonathan’s hand.

The betrothal between Matilda and Edmund’s steward had been a source of unexpected joy to Evangeline and Edmund. The earl had been as good as his word and invited Matilda to stay with them after the restorations of the manor had begun in earnest. A month turned into two, and during that time, Evangeline saw how Jonathan admired her sister. He never approached her, believing that it was not his place with their difference in standing, but Matilda had taken the matter into her own hands—as was her wont.

She had done exactly as Evangeline had hoped she might. Matilda had gone against her father’s strict wishes and chosen love over status.

Jonathan was a good man who had worked tirelessly to undo all the pain Colin had caused over the years. They deserved every happiness, and Evangeline was thrilled for them. She knew her father would never be content with the match, but she and Edmund agreed Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Brown would receive all the acceptance and love they could ever need at Barendale Manor.

Felicity gave a small cry as Evangeline shifted her in her grip and looked up at her husband. It was rare that he ever touched his scars now. He had finally accepted them and was no longer ashamed of what they represented.

His hand came to rest on the small of her back as the vicar began the service. The baby kept her tiny hand wrapped around her father’s finger throughout, even as the water was poured over her head and a cross of oil marked upon her forehead.

Evangeline had never been happier than in that moment, sharing this wonderful day with the people she loved most in the world.

It was high summer as they left the church on the edge of Edmund’s estate. Everything was flourishing around them, and Barendale Manor had been restored to its former glory after painstaking months of toil. Edmund had invited Evangeline to manage all the repairs in the east wing and it had become her favourite part of the house.

Now that Colin was not around to siphon money from the estate, the financial woes Edmund had struggled with were over. He was a different man from the brooding gentleman she had married. There was a bounce in his step every day and now he smiled often.

It was not just the house that had been restored. They had held many more balls at the estate since their first, and Edmund’s reputation was growing again. The Barstows were now known for their joyful soirees, and they entertained guests often. Now, back to his full health, Edmund was spending more time in the local community and was as well-respected and loved as he deserved to be.

Matilda and Jonathan had chosen to remain close by, which meant that Evangeline could see her beloved sister whenever she wished. She could not wait for their children to play together on the Barendale estate.

Colin Barstow had been put on trial for his crimes and would face the consequences of his cruelty. Even in the dock, he had shown no remorse, insisting his actions were justified. Edmund had washed his hand of him completely.

Timmons had been dismissed, and all his duties were handed to Jonathan. The troubles of their past were well and truly behind them.

Evangeline walked beside her husband as they made their way back to the manor; Felicity held in her arms as they looked out on their thriving lands.

“It is such a beautiful day,” she said happily.

“It is,” Edmund said, looking down at them both.

“My love, you are looking at me, not at the view.”

Edmund laughed merrily. “I suppose I am,” he said with a beautiful smile.

He bent his head, capturing her lips with his own as they stood in the glorious sunshine, basking in the wonder of another perfect day.

THE END