Five years had passed and Thornvale Abbey was busy with preparations for the christening of Thaddeus and Liliana’s third child, a daughter named Carenza. She had the characteristic Stanhope amber eyes, just like their four-year-old son, Victor, and their two year old daughter, Lenore.

“My love, stop ripping the leaves off the fern,” Liliana scolded, unable to stop herself from smiling as Victor furrowed his brow and dropped the leaves in his little hands.

“We must be ready for our guests after the church,” she added. “And I should not like for them to arrive to discover that all our plans have been demolished by my little wolves.”

At that, Victor giggled and ran off, sure to stain his nicest trousers. Liliana watched him go and then looked down at Carenza in her arms. She was enamored by this newest child, just as she had been by the elder two. Of course, Elowen was considered their first. 

Although they would always honor her mother and father, Liliana and Thaddeus had made it perfectly clear that Elowen was their daughter now and they would love her as nothing less.

Miss Fenwick ran after Victor as he toddled away. She supervised the children for them, as she would always have a place with the family as long as there were any children present. She still remained a friend of Liliana’s, no matter the change in status. There was no one else they would trust with their children.

Liliana still thought of those days, six years ago now, when Elowen would be terrified in the night. Miss Fenwick would come for Liliana, desperate to see the little girl relieved of her grief and horror. She had cared so much for Elowen and Liliana admired it as much now as ever.

At fourteen, Elowen was growing into an exemplary young lady. She assisted Thaddeus in greeting guests at the christening, a portrait of poise and confidence.

“Good afternoon, Lady Stockman. And Lord and Lady Treglith. Welcome,” she said. Her early trauma seemed fully resolved. It had taken a great deal of work, but ultimately she was a strong young woman. Thanks to Liliana and the stability within the estate, she had managed to grow past her pain. 

It had been amazing to watch her grow and Liliana still spent her days with Elowen and the children, reading to them fairytales and discussing their wider impacts and the meanings behind them. They would read about beautiful princesses and dashing heroes and, of course, beasts who were handsome heroes in disguise.

Elowen played with the younger children and took excellent care of them. Liliana was grateful for the sibling bond that had developed between Elowen and the little ones. When she had first become pregnant, a part of her feared that Elowen might feel as if she was no longer as precious to Liliana and Thaddeus. Fortunately, that had never been a problem and she had always known that she was loved.

Elowen had grown into such a beautiful young woman and it was clear that she would be known for her stunning beauty. Even now, when she would be about town with Liliana, she would garner stares and comments of appreciation. Gentlewoman about town would remark on her excellent posture and evident breeding.

They would also laugh about how easy it would be for her to snare a duke one day, but Liliana would only smile tersely, not wanting to think about the young girl marrying in just a few years. Time was passing so quickly and she was sad she had missed Elowen’s younger years and had not been a part of them.

She could only do her best now to help raise Elowen properly and contend with whatever society or fate might throw at them.

“It is time to go,” Liliana called, rounding everyone up. Thaddeus came rushing and Elowen joined them. Miss Fenwick brought Victor and Lenore to the coach and they all clambered into the small space, practically on top of one another.

Thaddeus and Liliana looked at one another and smiled. This was the dream they had been holding onto. Their family was a beautiful mix of order and chaos, a wondrous gift that they could hardly conceive of.

They made their way to the church and Carenza was christened. After the service, they returned back to Thornvale and all their guests arrived shortly after, enjoying the company and the beauty of the Abbey.

“What a lovely day it is for such an exciting affair. Tell me, is Elowen looking forward to entering society in the near future?”

Lady Graham had asked the question innocently, not knowing the history of Elowen’s potential for going to London. She also didn’t know how it gripped Liliana’s heart to think of Elowen nearly being old enough to do so. Some young ladies entered society at fifteen, just a year older than Elowen.

Thankfully, they had all discussed the matter and agreed that she would stay a few years longer. 

Iris, too, had been speaking with some of her London acquaintances about Elowen and what the future looked like for her. She would, one day, go to London for the season and come into society. But that day was at least three or four years from now and it would only be when Elowen herself felt ready.

At Thornvale, she had dear friends and family, while also having engaged more with some of the young ladies of the community. Truly, she was nothing like the scared little girl that Liliana had first met all those years ago.

Liliana held Carenza in her arms, watching Elowen. She was grateful that her daughters would have someone like Elowen who cared for them so deeply. She loved them as if they were her own siblings, along with Victor. And while Elowen would never forget her own mother and father, Liliana was grateful for the opportunity to raise her and let her know she always had a mother-figure who would love her.

Iris and Nathaniel arrived at the party with their young children. Nathaniel now oversaw a small teaching hospital nearby, established with Thaddeus’s support and Liliana’s efforts to raise funds. His focus remained on competent and compassionate medical care.

The two had forged a wonderful life together and their two children showed the same bright, yet proper, demeanor of their parents. Iris was still a firm, stoic figure who only occasionally allowed herself to be seen as emotive or feeling. And Nathaniel was practical and fair as always. They were a good match and Liliana was glad they had not allowed anyone to question them.

It was strange to think that the brother and sister had each entered into matrimony with someone of a lower status. But, alas, here they were. Society had not minded as much as they expected and it was a great relief to them all.

Liliana managed her duties as Duchess and also ran a small school for local children. She used storytelling methods developed initially for Elowen, which had gained the notice of others interested in education.

At first, it had consumed much of her time and she was somewhat overwhelmed by motherhood and teaching, but she now had a decent rhythm. Elowen would take the lessons two days per week. At first, Lady Graham had questioned that decision, saying that Elowen should not have that responsibility, but Elowen had insisted she loved it and wanted nothing more.

There had been other women of a high class who feared it would instill a desire in Elowen to become nothing more than a mere governess. Of course, they meant no offense to Liliana in saying this.

But the school had been teaching and training children from other classes as well and it had made a great impact. The sons and daughters of miners were learning to read. The children of tradesmen were growing skilled in mathematics and history and even language. Liliana could not have been prouder.

Miss Fenwick would visit on occasion, not to teach, but simply because she so loved being around all the children and Liliana was perfectly happy to expose her own little ones to the wider thought on education.

Thaddeus participated actively in life beyond his estates at last. He had ceased to remain in seclusion now that he had the support of a family who proved to him that he was worthy of better things than living and dying alone. He attended Parliament sessions and supported educational reforms, partly influenced by Liliana’s work. 

When he sat on the bench, he was considered a fair judge and when he voiced his opinions on matters of state, he was well-respected. No one thought ill of him for the mere fact of his scars. Rather, he was seen as a man who would take great risks for the sake of others.

He had grown comfortable in public life, no longer defined solely by his past isolation or appearance. Liliana was proud of him for the strides he had taken and his willingness to grow beyond what he found comfortable. It had taken quite some time at first, but then the changes came rapidly and he enjoyed being out and about more than he ever had even before the fire.

During the party, he introduced Liliana to another Lord who had just taken ownership of an estate not far from them.

“I hear that coastal road was the one from which he rescued you?” Lord Simworth noted in a pinched voice.

“Indeed, my lord,” Liliana confirmed.

“What a shock it must have been! Is it true that you were once a governess? The very one who outed the shocking behaviors of Lord Pembrooke?”

Liliana laughed, surprised that anyone was still mentioning that.

“My goodness, that was quite some time ago. Indeed, that was me,” she confessed.

“You know, I recall receiving your inquiry when I had been searching for a governess for my own daughter. I had heard from Lord Pembrooke about the theft of which they accused you and I did not respond. I always wondered what had happened to you after the truth came out. Then, I find you are a Duchess!”

They laughed together, with Liliana acknowledging that it was, indeed, quite a story. Back when she was being treated so dreadfully by people of the same rank as she now stood, Liliana never would have expected that she might have friends, family, and a husband among them.

But here she was. She had spent the day hosting them all and celebrating her child as the Duchess of Thornvale. She was not the wife of a beast, but of a wonderful man. And even still, she wondered what the future might hold.

So much had already happened in their life together that there was truly no telling what else could happen in the days to come.

She looked at their children and saw those lovely amber eyes, the sweet smiles, and the mischievous personalities. The baby in her arms slept soundly, without a hint of fear or the horror that Elowen had endured for so long.

Everything was peaceful and beautiful and seemed as though it would remain that way for many years to come.

Later that evening, after the guests departed and the christening festivities concluded, the family gathered in the library. Elowen sat near the fire, reading a familiar folklore tale aloud to her younger siblings, their rapt attention a testament to the enduring power of stories. The small, smooth hag stone Liliana once gave her rested on the arm of her chair. 

“And then, the little girl ran to her father and told him of the evil queen’s plot. But the enchantress would not allow her to get away with it so easily,” Elowen read, her voice lifting and falling with intensity, building drama and suspense with every moment.

“No, no, no!” Victor exclaimed, as if frightened by what might happen next. Of course, he had heard this story many times before and knew that the princess and her father were perfectly safe.

“I hungry,” Lenore stated with a flat expression, looking at Miss Fenwick, who smiled and got up to fetch her a snack from the kitchens.

Thaddeus watched the little ones, then turned to Liliana, who sat beside him. 

He took her hand, reflecting silently on the improbable journey from profound isolation and self-loathing to this moment of abundant love and belonging. 

From beast to husband, to father, he marveled inwardly. The transformation still felt miraculous. 

Liliana met his gaze, her smile reflecting a deep, shared understanding. Surrounded by their children, in the heart of the home they remade together, they shared a quiet look that spoke volumes. Their life together was a testament to love’s ability to heal the deepest wounds and build a future brighter than any legend.

The End