Christmas Day
Castle Kirkham,
North Riding of Yorkshire
Dante put his head around the bedroom door. “You’re awake. I didn’t want to disturb you” he told her, his voice soft as the glow from the winter morning poured through the curtains. He paused, taking in the sight of his wife, her auburn hair spilling over the pillows, a peacefulness lingering on her features. Every day with her felt like a blessing anew. He was struck by how much had changed in the span of a year—how much he had changed. Fatherhood, marriage—it had transformed him in ways he hadn’t expected, and seeing Isabella with the same peace on her face only deepened his love for her. He marveled at how strong she was, having given birth to their son just days ago, and still looking as beautiful as the first day they’d met.”
“I’ve just woken up. Where’s Gabriel?” she asked noticing the empty crib next to her bed.
“I think Nurse took him out so that you could sleep. I tell you, Isabella, I have to agree with everything which Nurse says. I’m totally terrified of her,” said Dante with a playful smirk. He had faced fierce political rivals and even the complexities of society’s gaze, yet this stern matronly woman had him at her mercy.
Isabella laughed, the sound bright and warm in the quiet room. “She is worth her weight in gold. Little Gabriel already loves her, and she’s making sure that I get plenty of rest.” Her voice softened as she thought of their son, his tiny fingers clutching at her hand just hours earlier. It was hard to believe how quickly she had fallen in love with him—their son. Every little sound he made, every time his eyes fluttered open, her heart swelled with more love than she had ever imagined. She often wondered if this was how her mother had felt when she held her for the first time.
“I can’t believe you had our first baby at Christmas. It’s only a year since we met.” He sat down on the edge of the bed and drew her into his arms. “I love you Isabella, Duchess of Devonshire.”
“And I love you, Dante, Duke of Devonshire,” she replied, her eyes sparkling as she rested her head on his shoulder. It still felt surreal, how much had changed in such a short time. The uncertainties, the deceptions—all behind them now, leaving only love and the promise of more tomorrows.
“We’ve got guests this afternoon and Doctor Craddock says you can come downstairs if you feel up to it. It’s only a small party.”
“Who have you invited?” she asked
“Well Katherine and James and his mother. Verity and Adam will come over after the morning service in town. My mother is already here and will stay for a few weeks. I suspect we may have to adjudicate in some disagreements between Mama and Nurse. They both have such definite ideas about babies.” Dante chuckled, imagining the clash of strong wills over Gabriel’s care, already foreseeing moments where he would have to mediate peace in his own household.
Dante continued. “And before that there is a surprise. If you feel well enough, I can carry you downstairs for it.”
“I’m intrigued and I believe I’m well enough to spend time downstairs today. As long as little Gabriel is close by of course.” Though her body was still recovering from childbirth, her heart was full, and she longed to be part of the festive cheer that had always been dear to her.
“I’ll let Agnes do your hair and find a robe, and then I’ll take you downstairs.”
Later he took her gently in his arms and insisted on carrying her down to the drawing room. She gasped when she saw the great hall had been decorated with green foliage from the woodland near the castle. The scent of pine and holly filled the air, mingling with the rich aroma of spiced cider and mead, creating a heady mixture that instantly brought memories of her childhood Christmases. The garlands were hung with delicate ribbons, and silver bells tinkled softly as the air moved through the room. It was as though the spirit of Christmas past had been brought back to life, reminding her of the joyous times spent with her parents. Now, as a wife and mother herself, she imagined creating her own family traditions, filling Castle Kirkham with the same love and warmth for Gabriel that her mother had once provided for her.
He settled her by the fire in the drawing room and Mrs. Hall fussed around her, pouring a glass of spiced Christmas mead. The warmth of the drink coursed through her, easing the remnants of fatigue that clung to her. The fire crackled merrily in the hearth, and the flickering light seemed to dance in time with the festive atmosphere.
Excited voices sounded from the great hall and the children from the foundling home, accompanied by Verity and Adam, came into the room singing ‘Here we come a wassailing’. Isabella felt tears in her eyes as it had been her Mama’s favorite Christmas carol. Her mother’s spirit felt close in that moment, as though the very song was her way of blessing this new chapter in Isabella’s life. The children’s faces glowed with excitement, their cheeks flushed from the cold, and their laughter filled every corner of the room. Watching them, Isabella felt a deep sense of fulfillment. Her mother had always believed in giving back to the community, especially to those less fortunate, and seeing these children so full of joy made her feel connected to the woman who had raised her.
“We came here in a sleigh,” Tillie told her. “The Reverend Adam drove the sleigh over the lane and into the castle.”
“And I’m so glad you’re all here,” Isabella told them. The joy of the children’s voices, the crispness of the winter air they had brought with them, and the warmth of family all merged to create a perfect scene.
The children sang several songs and then Katherine arrived and played the harp. Isabella closed her eyes and couldn’t remember a more wonderful Yuletide. The delicate notes of the harp filled the room, weaving together with the crackle of the fire and the gentle laughter of those she held dearest. It was a peace she had never known before—a serenity that only love, family, and the promise of new life could bring.
The Yule log crackled in the hearth as the children went to eat their party food and play some games in the ballroom where they could run around and chase each other.
“There is only one thing which will make my Christmas perfect,” she told her husband. “I need a kiss under the mistletoe.”
And as the flames flickered, and the candles gave a soft glowing light on a dark wintery day, Dante softly kissed his Isabella and wished her all the joy of Christmas. Their lips met tenderly, and in that kiss was the culmination of everything they had been through. From their first chance meeting at the market to the trials of deception and heartbreak, they had emerged stronger—together. Dante marveled at how much they had overcome in such a short time. Their love had grown into something unbreakable
“I like this,” she murmured. “Let’s keep Christmas in our hearts right throughout the year.”
Hello dear readers, I hope you enjoyed the book and the Extended Epilogue! I truly can’t wait to read your comments here. ❤️
It was wonderful. It had all the things which make a great story that is so interesting, intriguing and exciting that you can’t stop reading it
Hi Marci, thanks so much for sharing your thoughts! I’m happy to hear you liked the story and extended epilogue so much that you couldn’t put it down! Stay tuned for my next release! 🥰
It was wonderful loved the way they both loved each other through out..Thank you 💙
Hi Alicia, thank you for your lovely feedback! So glad you enjoyed so much Isabella and Dante’s love story and happily ever after! 💙
What a sweet and lovely story. Living in the states I so enjoyed the beautiful description of the lands, the forests and the quaint beauty of the town and its wonderful people. Tilly brought tears to my eyes as did the love for the precious orphans. Thank you for a lovely Christmas fairy tale.
Hello Patricia, thanks for leaving a comment! I’m ever so grateful to hear that the descriptions of the land, the town, and the characters touched you; Tilly’s journey and the love for the orphans are especially dear to my heart! Wishing you a joyful holiday season filled with warmth and wonder! ✨
Thank you for a great story filled with interesting characters. The foundling home was a wonderful example of kindness and giving.
Thank you for your lovely comment, Kitty! I’m so glad you enjoyed the story and the characters. The foundling home was meant to highlight the power of kindness and generosity, so it’s wonderful to hear that it resonated with you. I truly appreciate your thoughtful feedback!
A very nice Epilogue! It completes the story of this great story !
Hi Sonia, thank you for your kind words! I’m truly glad that you enjoyed both the story and its Extended Epilogue!
I enjoyed this book so much. Intrigue. Deception. Fraud..there was so much going on that you had to keep reading, so much that I stopped up late to finish it. The ending just finished it off brilliantely
Hello Joyce, thank you tons! I’m thrilled to hear that it was a page-turner for you and that the ending resonated with you! Stay tuned for more to come! ✨
I enjoyed reading this book it was pleasant and very decent most enjoyable
Hi Deborah, thank you so much for your kind words! I’m glad that you enjoyed the book and its extended epilogue, stay tuned for more!😊
I really enjoyed this book. Congratulations! Interesting characters, great plot, lots of friendship with the nasty characters being outed. And lovely flowing prose painting wonderful pen pictures of scenes and sentiments.
Hi Rita, thank you so much! I truly feel humbled by your wonderful feedback; your loving support is my inspiration. Stay tuned for more to come! ❤️
Absolutely loved the book, everything you needed to keep you gripped on the end of your seat. And the extended epilogue was good too.
Hi Jen, thank you so much! Glad you found the story and extended epilogue so engrossing! Keep an eye open for my new release!🥰
A delightful read on a cold, foggy afternoon.True love does exist in many hearts throughout the centuries. Thank you.
Thank you so much for your kind words, Donna! It’s true—love, in all its forms, has a timeless presence in the hearts of many! 💕
Great epilog to a great detailed story with twist and turns to keep you reading all the way to the end! Way more story than a typical romance. So glad I found a new favorite author. Thank you 💕
Thank you so much for your kind words, Jennifer! I’m thrilled to hear that you enjoyed the twists and turns of the story, and I feel truly honored to have earned a spot as one of your favorite authors. I hope you continue to enjoy the stories to come! ❤️
Loved this story of Dante & Isabella. So many greedy people all vying for money due to their own folly. Interesting group of friends who also became saviours in Isabella’s rescue . Loved the foundling home & what some to come to help make their lives better & include in the everyday lives of the community. Loved the twists & turns of the story, but would have liked to know if the uncle & friend actually killed the parents. Will just have to imagine that he did & will eventually get caught & punished for it. Great characters & story line & love ruled in the end for all main characters in this story. Thank you
Hello Cheryl, I’m so glad you enjoyed the characters and the journey of love that prevailed in the end. Your feedback is truly appreciated, and I hope you continue to enjoy the rest of the stories to come!
Wonderful, wonderful book. It told the story of True Love, from the very first “tingle” on hands touched, to the First Kiss & promises of marriage. A marriage fit for a Duke & his Beautiful Bride. All of the ugliness of deceit, arrogance, treachery gone as only it can, with honesty and Outstanding Love.
Lovely Story..
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughtful reflections, Lois! I appreciate your kind words and hope you continue to find such heartfelt connections in the books you read!
This book is absolutely fantastic! I laughed and cried everyone needs to read it as a feel good Christmas story!
Thank you,
Luci
Thank you so much, Luci! Your message truly made my day! I’m so glad the story brought out both laughter and tears — that’s the magic I hope for with every book. Thank you for reading and sharing your joy!
I have recently discovered your books and have loved them all but this one was especially good. The characters were well developed. I like that your characters are sincere and down to earth and believable. This was an excelkent story!
I believe you are a gifted author and storyteller! Keep writing and I will keep reading.
I really don’t know what to say, Anne — I am deeply touched by your incredibly kind comment! Thank you so very much! I promise I will keep writing if you keep reading!
Hi Daisy,
A very nice and clean love story. Enjoyed it.
Thank you, Paul! Glad you enjoyed this one!
I go through the after holiday blues every year. Your book was a joy to read and brought me out of my sadness looking forward to the next holiday season full of lova and romance with my own husband. I look forward to reading more of your books in the future. Many thanks.
Thank you for reading, and I am so happy it helps fight the holiday blues!