Freeing Ebony

Epilogue

Epilogue

Ten Years Later

 

Emilia took Sebastian’s hand and squeezed it tightly. It was the first time they’d visited the grave since the funeral. She was buried in the church graveyard, beside her husband, James.

Receiving the news that Catherine had passed away in her sleep had devastated everyone. She’d gone in her sleep, a month after everyone had departed from her farm in the January after Christmas. The man who’d found her, the man who came to tend to her livestock, had sworn she was smiling.

Although it was a comfort to know she’d died peacefully, it broke everyone’s hearts to know that she was all alone.  

But December had come around again and Christmas plans had to be made. It had been decided that their traditions shouldn’t be abandoned. Catherine wouldn’t have wanted that. Sebastian had paid to have the house kept so it would be in the exact condition that Catherine had left it.

“Are you alright?” Emilia asked Sebastian, tightening her coat around herself. The snow wasn’t too thick on the ground so it was quite easy to walk. She’d been really worried about Sebastian. He’d taken the news worst of all. 

Sebastian nodded and wrapped his arm around Emilia’s waist. “Yes.” He nodded. “Mama had a long life. A good life. I just wish I’d brought her to London years ago. Then if she was feeling ill I could have had a fleet of doctors to see to her.”

“You’ll torture yourself with ‘what ifs’, darling,” Emilia said comfortingly. “And you and I both know that Catherine would never have left the farm. She was happy here. Her time had come, whether we like it or not. She’s with your father now.”

Sebastian sighed and planted a kiss on Emilia’s temple. “I suppose you’re right,” he admitted.

“Am I ever wrong?”

Emilia saw Sebastian smirk, but he chose not to retort. Smart.

When they reached the farm, they could both hear the pianoforte playing carols. “Hopefully Jane is here.”

“Yes, I’m interested to meet this new wife of Louis’. Fancy eloping instead of inviting his favourite aunt to the wedding!” Emilia exclaimed.

“Why do you think they eloped?” Sebastian chuckled.

“Convenient,” Emilia mumbled. Their new son had recently been born. They’d called him Harry. Supposedly he was quite sweet.

The house was filled with energy. Trunks were being carried around, people were shouting and platters of food were being handed around. Nothing would be as good as when Catherine baked, but they could try.

Jane spotted Emilia and Sebastian and immediately hugged them tightly, kissing them on the cheek. “Oh, it’s so lovely to see you both!” she exclaimed. “Have you been to see mama? I was going to go a little later. Look what Daniel had made for us. We’ve hung it already.” She pointed to the space on the wall above the fireplace. Hanging there was a large portrait of a much younger Catherine. She was sitting with her hands in her lap. Her brown hair was in a simple braid hanging over her shoulder and she was smiling which was quite unorthodox for a portrait sitting. “We had it made from a miniature. Now mama can spend Christmas with us every year.”

Emilia could feel the tears welling up in her eyes. That was such a thoughtful thing to do! “Thank you, Daniel!” Emilia exclaimed to her brother-in-law as he joined his wife.

“Yes, thank you,” Sebastian said gratefully. “That’s a wonderful thing to do for us.”

“Catherine was a fine lady,” Daniel replied. “She’s missed every day.”