Extended Epilogue

Three Years Later

          “I am not ready,” Annabelle whispered ruefully as she watched Penny and Lilly playing their instruments together. They had grown more in the last three years than she could have ever imagined. Taller, more refined, and heartbreakingly beautiful young women. Penny sat at her harp while Lilly accompanied her on the pianoforte, humming softly. Their spirits were much the same as before… but under the stability of a family that would never leave or abandon them, they had flourished.

          “For the announcement that we are to make?” Francis asked from his seat beside his wife, Annabelle, on the settee.

          “Well, for that as well, yes. However, I meant that I am simply not ready for them to be moving out into society in just a few short years. I feel like we have not gotten nearly enough time with them yet. There is still so much that I wish to share with them… teach them…”

          “You have years yet, my love, you should not worry yourself so much.” He focused on the small concert that was being put on for them. The sisters had made remarkable progress since they had incorporated music tutors into their education last fall.

          Annabelle nodded. “I know. It is just… seeing them like this, in this light, it is so difficult to not think of the next steps when they appear so mature.”

          “Lilly was out catching frogs before breakfast,” Francis reminded her in a dry tone of voice. “She is not so changed. At least when she thinks that nobody is watching her.”

          “I cannot even begin to imagine the sort of strong-minded gentleman that it will take in order to sway either one of them. They are so independent. You have done a lovely job of raising them in such a way that they know their own minds and are not afraid to speak when they need to. They will never have to endure the things that I was forced to endure for the sake of propriety or reputation. It is a far more valuable gift than they will fully understand at their young ages.”

          Francis’ hand dropped from Annabelle’s shoulder to her upper arm where he started to rub his fingertips over her skin in soft, nonsensical shapes. She loved it when he did that.

          The music came to an end and the girls both rose gracefully from their seats and curtsied respectfully, waiting eagerly for feedback. Annabelle, too, rose to her feet and started to clap happily for her daughters at the same time that Francis did, rising from his chair a touch more slowly than she had herself.

          “Marvelous, simply marvelous. I never had even the smallest shred of musical talents and because of it, I am in awe of your skills,” Francis commended them.

          Even to this day, they seemed to shine more brightly when Francis favored them. Their worship and idolization of the man had only amplified tenfold when he officially became their father. The three of them still chose to avoid the subject of the late Duke as often as possible. Francis never seemed to enjoy speaking about him more than he was forced to, though deep down, he had forgiven the man, and Annabelle knew that it was something he would rather remain private about for now. Whether the girls knew something or spoke to him about something concerning him… it stayed between the three of them.

          “Thank you!” Lilly exclaimed. “We should go and see if there are any more lemon cakes as a reward for having such a great performance, do you not agree?”

          “Well, before you run off — there is something that Francis and I wish to share with you… if you can spare us just a moment?” Annabelle grinned.

          Quickly, the twins both took a seat close to them and listened with rapt attention. “Of course, anything.”

          “Well… I know that you both have gotten very comfortable in your ways but… we have very happy news. It shall be an adjustment, of course, and I should never wish to influence your feelings, because of course you are allowed to feel any sort of way about things that you would like… however…”

          Penny reached forward and placed her hand on top of Annabelle’s. “Whatever you wish to share with us, I promise you that we will be happy for you.”

          “We are with child,” Francis blurted, unable to wait another moment.

          Annabelle’s hands dropped to cup the soft swell of her belly. They had waited a long time to make the announcement, they had wished to be sure that she was going to have a child before telling the girls who had been so accustomed to their ‘single child’ lifestyle.

          “I may need your help a lot in the upcoming months,” Annabelle continued, waiting for their reactions. For a moment the twins stayed seated in their stunned silence, not sure what to make of the news being presented to them — but their Cheshire smiles spread slowly across their features until it appeared that it might consume them. Penny moved first to embrace Annabelle, and stopped herself a moment later, afraid she might harm the child somehow.

          “Oh! Apologies! Of course we will help you in any way that you need! This is wonderful news! We will finally have a younger brother or sister! We will have someone to pass down all of our pranks and knowledge to!” Penny teased, nudging Lilly as she made her point.

          Annabelle’s head fell back as she laughed in relief. She never should have doubted the girls in the first place. Theirs was a family so full of love and understanding that one more would only cause that love to grow. She took Francis’ hand in her own and let her head fall onto his shoulder. She could never stop counting her blessings — for she was truly blessed. She had been given everything that she had ever wanted and then some.

          “Though, we do have a favor to ask,” Lilly giggled conspiratorially.

          “Yes,” Penny agreed.

          Annabelle and Francis exchanged amused glances with one another before they finally spoke up in unison. “What is it this time?”