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“Aye, I shall arrange with the curate to share a pew with you at services.”

“It is settled then, blacksmith.”

“Aye, modiste.”

“William … I did not tell you how I raised the loan for my shop.”

He heard the hesitation in her voice, and realized she must have a little more to confess. But tonight was for savoring their new future together, and the details of how she had arrived in his life did not signify. That was the past and this was their present.

“It will not alter my feelings. Let us enjoy the holidays, and we can settle all our matters once the banns are read.”

She was quiet for several moments, presumably thinking on what he had said. Finally, she responded, “You are a good man, William.”

Caroline went quiet after that. Hugging her close, William listened to her breathing as she slowly fell asleep in his arms, his broad grin of sheer happiness fixed in place. He could scarcely comprehend how much his life had changed in a matter of days. Solitude and darkness were in the past. Sunshine would light his way as he walked into his future.

Every day, from this day on, would be Christmas with Caroline at his side.

Epilogue: The News

JULY 1821

My Dearest Mrs. Jackson,

Mr. Thompson and I are returning to Chatternwell to meet with the earl’s Master Builder and highly anticipate meeting your esteemed husband. Would you consider joining us for dinner after Sunday service on 22nd of July? If you are agreeable, we could send our carriage to collect you and Mr. Jackson and bring you to Chatternwell House. I do hope you can join us!

Warmest regards,

Jane Thompson

Caroline was humming in the sitting room when William came downstairs. He could live a hundred years and never grow weary of hearing his sunshine’s melodies. With a smile, he entered the room to find her seated at the table with a cup of tea. It was evident she had already broken her fast before he had descended.

Their new housekeeper, who was cleaning up, greeted him as she passed by on her way to the kitchen. “Good morning, Mr. Jackson.”

“Mrs. Marlowe.” He nodded in acknowledgment.

Crossing the room, William ducked slightly to avoid the low ceiling beams, then bent to press a quick kiss to Caroline’s temple before taking his place at the table. A moment later, Mrs. Marlowe returned with a plate of eggs and ham and set it before him.

“Thank you.”

She inclined her head and left them to their privacy.

“Annie came by this morning,” Caroline said, “to inform me that Mrs. Greer has accepted an offer of marriage from Mr. Andrews.”

“At last! Mrs. Greer is a good woman and certainly deserves an improvement in her circumstances.”

“I am very pleased. Once she weds, I believe she will be helping the baker in his shop. It has been rewarding to assist a member of our community in building a future, so perhaps I shall offer similar employment to another widow in need of work.”

William nodded. “That would be excellent. And what of Annie?”

“I asked whether she might wish to apprentice with the baker instead. I told her I would be agreeable to releasing her from our arrangement if her interests had shifted, but she said she enjoys making pretty things.”

“That was generous of you.”

“I thought it important to be sure. But she has learned much these past months, and I was relieved to hear she still wishes to continue on with me.”

“I am gratified to hear it, especially in light of the upcoming changes to our lives.”

She looked up from her teacup, her eyes catching the morning light. “Are you speaking of our meeting the Thompsons after services?”