Was there a part that bored or that you didn't really like in the book? *

Even a character, a scene, or anything. You could say no if nothing bothered you.

What moment from the book you enjoyed the most? *

It can be a character, a scene, a trait, or anything, you have enjoyed.

Which type of stories do you find more engaging: those that are lighthearted and uplifting or those that explore deep internal and external conflicts? *

• I prefer lighthearted and uplifting stories that bring joy and positivity to my reading experience.
• I enjoy stories that delve into deep internal and external conflicts, as they provide a more thought-provoking and intense reading experience.

Do you find yourself more captivated by the forbidden love between societal classes or the slow-burning, enemies-to-lovers type of romance? *

• Forbidden love between societal classes.
• Slow-burning enemies-to-lovers romance.

Are rape/suicide scenes too much for you to bear even if it is a good plot device? * *

• Yes, I cannot bear reading about such delicate topics, even if they drive the plot further.
• Not really. I don't mind, mostly because it gives interesting trauma background that can create a great plot.
• I'm torn. It bothers me, but I don't mind it as a plot device as long as I don't actually have to "see" the action.

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Two Years Later…

Venetia smiled, her delicate fingers caressing the roses that flourished alongside the ornamental pool in the back of Ashbourne Manor. The blooms this year were particularly lovely, their glorious fragrance permeating the air and bringing her immense joy.

Tending to the roses herself was an impossible task due to her current condition, but that didn’t diminish her happiness. The past two years had exceeded her wildest dreams. After the fire had devastated Fairchild Manor, Venetia and Richard had wed just a month later. Richard’s mother had warmly embraced her, and they had developed a close bond, united by tales of Arabella Fairchild and Richard’s own story.

Miss Wilkes, the assistant head cook at Ashbourne Manor, had also become Venetia’s caretaker. Juggling her duties in the kitchen and as a ladies’ maid, the older woman seemed to have found true happiness. Venetia’s father had accompanied them to Ashbourne, and his move to a townhouse in London had proven beneficial. Away from the haunting memories of the manor, his episodes had become infrequent, his mind clearer, and his mood uplifted. Though he still retained a touch of solemnity and melancholy, he was vastly improved and able to tend to his business and family once more.

While Venetia’s father would never relish Society events, he now attended them with contentment when hosted at Ashbourne. In the previous Season, he had even made efforts to reconcile with old friends and associates from bygone days. The fortunes of the Wilmont family had taken a turn for the better as well. Lord Fairchild had bestowed Venetia with a substantial dowry and collaborated with Richard and Lord Wolmont to rescue the family’s finances. Together, they had settled the Wilmont family’s debts and revived their struggling business interests. Although it would take time to fully recover their previous affluence, dire straits were now a thing of the past.

In light of these improvements, Lord Wilmont had made amends with his son, and their relationship had grown surprisingly amiable. Richard proved to possess a superior acumen for business and social connections compared to his late brother. Though he didn’t relish the administrative aspects of family affairs, his efforts had fortified the social contacts essential for the family’s prosperity.

The scandal involving Lady Clarisse had eventually faded into obscurity, causing minimal damage to the Wilmont family’s reputation. The transgressions against a relatively minor but beautiful and wealthy member of the ton paled in comparison to the reemergence of the reclusive Fairchild family, Lord Fairchild’s renewed presence in high society, and the debut of the previously unknown daughter of the family.

Clarisse had found another match, and Venetia occasionally crossed paths with her at social gatherings, though they made an effort to avoid each other. As strong arms enveloped her, Venetia giggled, her husband’s presence bringing her back to the present.

“My lovely wife, what occupies your thoughts?” Richard inquired, his voice filled with affection. “You seemed lost among the clouds.”

“I was merely contemplating all that has transpired and how our lives have changed since that night,” Venetia replied.
“Hmmm,” Richard murmured. “The night we met? Or the night I finally claimed you as my own?”

“Both, and so much more,” Venetia laughed. “I was also thinking about transplanting some of the jasmine from the old Fairchild family grounds. I miss my jasmine plants, especially the unique blossoms I had.”

“I’m certain some of them have survived, my dear. But perhaps it isn’t the right time to search for them,” Richard said, his hand gently resting on her belly. Venetia followed the reflection in the pool before them, smiling at the sight.

Even in the water’s reflection, the swollen, rounded curvature of her belly couldn’t be missed—a testament to the child she carried. Any day now, she would give birth, evident from the prominence of her stomach and the accompanying back, hip, and foot discomfort.

“You’re right, I suppose,” Venetia conceded, her brow furrowing as a wave of discomfort washed over her abdomen. “Nevertheless…” Her words trailed off as another surge of sensation coursed through her body. Dull, vise-like pains had plagued her since morning, growing more frequent and intense.

“Venetia?” Richard’s voice brimmed with concern.

She intended to respond, to share her feelings, but she never got the chance. Another intense cramp gripped her, followed by a torrent of wetness running down her legs. Gripping her husband’s hand, she cried out.

“Venetia?!” Richard’s voice filled with panic. “What…?”

“Take me inside and fetch Miss Wilkes,” she gasped through another wave of pain. “The baby is coming.”

Seconds later, she found herself in her husband’s arms, carried swiftly into the house.

*****

Richard gazed at the door, beyond which his wife had vanished hours ago. He reflected that he had never moved with such haste as when Venetia had informed him of the imminent arrival of their baby, not even on the night of the fire at Fairchild Manor. However, no sooner had he ushered her inside than Miss Wilkes, his mother, and a group of maids swiftly whisked her away. One of them had been dispatched to fetch a skilled midwife or physician for childbirth.
Less than an hour later, the midwife arrived, and since then, the door remained tightly shut, except for the maids scurrying in and out to procure fresh linens and hot water. Richard had made one tentative effort to enter the sanctuary but was promptly rebuffed.

His father and Lord Fairchild had promptly vanished to the smoking room, leaving him alone in the hallway with Joseph. He rather wished he could join them, and only the knowledge that he had pledged to witness the birth of his child kept him from fleeing.

The sounds emanating from the chamber, even muffled by the closed door, were harrowing. Blood-curdling screams and agonizing wails interchanged with a torrent of curses that Richard would never have imagined his lovely and gentle wife capable of uttering. He had heard profanities that would make a sailor blush and had been threatened with castration no less than five times if he dared to lay a hand on his wife again.

Another piercing scream pierced the air, causing Richard to wince. He sought solace in Joseph’s presence, but the valet appeared just as bewildered, terrified, and uncertain as Richard felt. Clearly, he had been as taken aback by Venetia’s threats and insults as Richard himself.

Suddenly, silence enveloped the surroundings, and the two men exchanged questioning glances, pondering what was unfolding within. Then the door swung open, and Richard instinctively moved forward before remembering his previous futile attempt to enter.

Miss Wilkes emerged into the corridor, fatigued but content. “Your wife requests your presence, my lord.” Richard stared at her, and the cook snorted indignantly, prodding him sharply in the ribs. “You’d best go in there, young man, before you agitate her further.”

Those words propelled him into motion. Richard hastened to comply, though his numb feet and pounding heart hindered his progress. He entered the room as swiftly as he could manage.

Inside, Venetia reclined against a mound of pillows, pale and weary, yet her smile conveyed a hint of delight. And cradled in her arms…

Richard advanced, captivated by the sight of the small, swathed bundle nestled in his wife’s embrace. Venetia gazed up, her countenance radiant as she whispered to him, “Come and behold, Richard…we have a daughter.”

He stepped closer, his eyes fixated on the tiny, reddened face cocooned in blankets. He marveled at the miniature hand peeking out from beneath the fabric’s edge. Tears welled in his eyes. “She is exquisite, much like her mother.”

“She is glorious. Perfect.” Venetia beamed, and Richard felt his heart overflow with joy.

He enfolded his wife and daughter, content to settle beside them, listening to their rhythmic breathing. When he had returned home, he had believed it to be the end of his happiness. Yet now, seated beside his wife and their newborn child, Richard Wilmont knew he had finally discovered everything he had longed for: purpose, tranquility, family, and, above all, love.

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