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The Ashenwood Estate was a hub of happiness and contentment in the early morning hours, a home loved and cherished by its inhabitants, the Dukedom of Ashenwood. Arabella, now the Duchess of Ashenwood, strolled towards the stables, the morning sun casting a soft, warm glow on her. Holding her young son George, an image of his father with his mother’s gentle eyes, she laughed heartily as he babbled incoherently, pointing at the family of ducks that waddled past.
Her heart ached with a profound love for the life they had built here, away from the prying eyes of London’s elite. Her roles as a mother, wife, and Duchess were ones she cherished, embracing the responsibilities and the joy they brought her. The child in her arms was a symbol of their love, of the bond that had only strengthened over the years.
Approaching her favourite mare in the stable, she felt a familiar pair of arms encircle her waist, pulling her against a solid chest. “You’re as beautiful as the day I first saw you, Arabella,” Aaron whispered into her ear, his warm breath fanning her neck. His words brought a blush to her cheeks, the memory of their first intimate moment in these very stables igniting a familiar fire within her.
“I could say the same about you, Aaron,” she responded with a teasing smile, turning her head to meet his intoxicating gaze. The sparks that flew between them were as potent as ever, their love enduring through time and trials.
A mischievous smile curved Aaron’s lips as he captured her waist, drawing her back against him. His breath tickled her ear, and Arabella found herself lost in the heat of his nearness. “Why, Duchess, you flatter me,” he teased, a hint of laughter in his deep voice.
George cooed from Arabella’s arms, stretching his little hands towards Aaron. Arabella felt a warmth bloom in her chest as she watched her husband interact with their son. Aaron, with a gentle touch unbefitting of his imposing figure, caressed George’s tiny fingers, causing an adorable giggle to escape from the boy.
“Perhaps our son should be with his nanny. We wouldn’t want him to witness something unseemly, would we?” Aaron suggested, his warm breath ghosting along Arabella’s neck, sending a delightful shiver down her spine.
With a blush and a chuckle, Arabella handed over their son to his nanny, a trusted woman who’d been with the Ashenwoods since George’s birth. Once the stable doors closed behind the nanny, Aaron’s hands found Arabella again. He spun her around to face him, his eyes alight with the same passion that had drawn her to him years ago.
His lips found hers in a heated kiss, a promise of the fervour that still lay between them. His hand rested at the small of her back, drawing her closer. As his tongue sought hers, Arabella wound her arms around his neck, surrendering to the familiar rhythm of their desires.
In the half-light of the stables, they found solace in each other’s arms. It was their safe haven, a place far removed from the trials and tribulations of their past. As they rekindled the passion from their early days of courtship, Arabella was reminded of their strength as a couple. Their love had not just survived, but had grown, matured, and blossomed in the face of adversities.
“Remember our first time here, Arabella?” Aaron’s voice was low, husky, his lips brushing against her ear. His hands, the same ones that had tamed horses and wooed duchesses, were tender as they roamed her body.
A soft blush spread across her cheeks, the memory of their first time still vivid in her mind. “I remember,” she whispered, looking up at him with heated eyes.
Aaron gave a low chuckle, his lips curling into a sensual smirk. “We were quite scandalous, weren’t we?” he murmured against her skin, his warm breath fanning over her sensitive flesh, eliciting a shiver of anticipation.
The Duchess could only respond with a soft gasp as Aaron’s hands expertly unlaced her bodice, his experienced fingers sending waves of pleasure coursing through her. The familiar scent of hay and horse mixed with his masculine scent enveloped them, a comforting reminder of the love they’d first shared in this very place. This time, there were no societal expectations or norms holding them back, only the powerful love they felt for each other. In that moment, as Aaron’s lips descended upon hers in a passionate kiss, Arabella knew their love was timeless.
While London’s elite danced and plotted in their grand halls, here in Ashenwood, they had found a love so profound that it defied norms. Their love was a symbol of hope, their defiance against the world that sought to separate them. The horse’s neigh in the distance, the rustling of the hay, the heat of Aaron’s body against hers — it was their own, private symphony, playing the melody of their enduring love.
***
Some weeks later, the Ashenwoods found themselves amidst London’s glittering society. A grand ball hosted by one of the city’s leading families had served as a reason to leave the tranquil haven of Ashenwood. As they stepped into the opulently decorated ballroom, Aaron’s hand firmly in hers, Arabella felt a rush of memories flooding back.
Their past encounters with the Ton, the whispers behind laced fans, the masked insults – it all seemed like another lifetime ago. Yet, here they were, stronger and more united than ever. Arabella could feel curious eyes on them as they made their entrance, the buzz of the room dimming for a brief moment. She held her head high, her emerald eyes twinkling with a confident light.
It was during this ball that they ran into Helena. Arabella found herself genuinely relieved to see the woman happy. Gone was the jealousy and the spite, replaced with contentment that radiated off Helena in waves. Arabella wished her well, a sincere smile on her lips.
Despite the general merriment, Lady Isabella’s appearance cast a small shadow on the evening. Arabella felt a squeeze from Aaron’s hand, a silent show of support as they faced the woman who had tried her utmost to tear them apart.
“Duchess, Duke,” Lady Isabella’s voice dripped with insincere politeness. “How lovely to see you here.” Her eyes raked over Arabella, trying to unsettle her. But Arabella merely smiled back, her grip on Aaron’s arm tightening. They were no longer the naive couple she had once manipulated. They were the Duke and Duchess of Ashenwood – strong, united, and unbreakable.
Their encounter with Isabella was soon forgotten as they slipped away from the crowd. Just like they had done years ago, they found solace in a secluded part of the mansion. A quiet corner in the grand garden, hidden from prying eyes, became their sanctuary for the night.
Under the shimmering blanket of stars, away from the raucous music and stifling crowd, they shared a private waltz. Arabella’s laughter echoed in the tranquil night as Aaron spun her around, their bodies swaying in a rhythm only they knew.
“Aaron,” Arabella’s voice was breathy when he pulled her back into his arms. He bent down to capture her lips in a passionate kiss. There, under the open sky, they explored each other again, the excitement of their illicit rendezvous adding a touch of urgency to their actions. Their hearts echoed the same unspoken words, beating to the rhythm of their shared passion.
His hands roamed her body, untying the corset’s laces with a practiced ease. His mouth trailed fiery kisses down her exposed neck, causing her to gasp in pleasure. Arabella clung onto him, her fingers running through his hair. Their shared passion only grew more potent with each stolen kiss, a testament to their enduring love.
Despite their status and the grandeur of the occasion, the simplicity of their love, their shared laughter, and their stolen moments was what truly mattered. It was their testament to the world, a symbol of their unity and their resilience. It was their message to society: they were Aaron and Arabella Ashenwood, and they would always stand together.
As the dawn light peeked over London’s rooftops, the Ashenwoods returned to their carriage, leaving behind the grandeur and frivolity of the city’s elite. They were not just returning home, they were returning to the life they had lovingly crafted together, a life that was full of promises and the quiet hum of domestic bliss.
Arriving at Ashenwood, they stood arm in arm, looking out over their estate. The calm serenity of their home, the chirping birds, the soft rustle of leaves – everything was a stark contrast to the chaos of London.
Arabella turned to her husband, a soft smile on her lips. “I used to think that my life would be confined to arranged marriages and stifling courtesies. But look at us now,” she mused, her eyes taking in the grand estate.
Aaron nodded, pulling her closer to his side. “I used to be a man with no prospects, an aimless gambler,” he admitted, his gaze never leaving her. “Yet here we are. You, Arabella, changed everything.”
Arabella met his gaze, her heart swelling with love for the man beside her. “We changed everything, Aaron. We found love in a hopeless place and built a life together,” she corrected him gently.
Aaron’s eyes softened at her words, and he pulled her into a tender embrace, the warmth of their bodies reminding them of the love that had weathered so many storms. “Our love story…it’s our testament, Arabella. A beacon of hope and resilience,” he murmured into her hair.
Their love was indeed their most significant achievement. They had defied society, weathered scandals and heartbreak, and emerged victorious. Their love story was not one of fairy tales; it was a story of two souls navigating the rough seas, supporting each other, and cherishing every moment they had together.
As they stood there, looking over their estate and reminiscing about their journey, Aaron and Arabella knew they had come a long way. But this was only the beginning. They had a lifetime of love, laughter, and shared moments ahead of them. Together, they were ready to face whatever life had in store. Their love story was their beacon, their shared triumph, their happily ever after.
And so, as the sun rose over Ashenwood, it dawned on a new chapter of their lives – a chapter filled with promises of eternal love, enduring passion, and unyielding resilience. A chapter they would write together, hand in hand, heart in heart, till the end of their days. The Duke and Duchess of Ashenwood, living their ever after, fiercely and passionately in love.
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OFFER: A BRAND NEW SERIES AND 2 FREEBIES FOR YOU!
Grab my new series, "Scandalous Regency Affairs", and get 2 FREE novels as a gift! Have a look here!
Hello there, my dearest readers! I hope you enjoyed the story and you let yourself get lost in the forbidden yet irresistible romance of Arabella and Aaron! True love always prevails! I will be eagerly waiting for your thoughts and comments here! Thank you – always! 🔥♥️
Such a beautiful love story. I really enjoyed the love Aaron and Arabella shared. The aunt and her husband were very giving and amazing people. I wish there was more about them in the epilogue. Thank you for a great love story.
Thank you so much dear Terry! I truly appreciate the sweet support and the precious feedback!
Never a dull moment when reading a book written by Ms. Lucy Langton. I highly recommend this wonderful book to everyone who loves a great read. Arabella and Arrons love for one another just leaps off the page and draws one into their lives. Love does conquer all trials and tribulations. So here’s to happy reading. Now on to the next book.
Thank you so much dear Patricia! Your comment is my inspiration! 💕
I enjoyed the book very much great to see them overcome such stupid parents
Glad you liked it Rebecca!