Epilogue

Christmas – Darcy Manor – 1912.

Winter – America.

As Lizzy placed the last of the ornaments on the tree, she heard John speak.

"I'm making sure Agnes is warm, mama!"

"Thank you, John. She needs to be before the guests arrive." Lizzy answered and taking a step back, nodded at her work. The Christmas tree was huge and it towered in the Darcy's living room. After being married for what felt like eternity, Lizzy was the happy mother of three children: William, John, and Agnes Elizabeth. Her daughter was two months old when preparations for Jesus' birthday were taking place and Fitzwilliam, the one eyepatch father, was their father. The children didn't seem to oppose to the patch and as time progressed… neither did the residents of New York. It later became known that Fitzwilliam received a nickname for his patch: Nutcracker Prince.

"Though I have no idea why they address him so!" Lizzy thought as she set her hands on her hips. The tree was alright but something about it was missing. William, who was helping, paused in sorting through some ornaments as he asked.

"Something wrong, mama?"

"Yes. We're missing something." Lizzy replied and she turned and William stood. He was no longer the bully she'd first met earlier that year as he approached. Standing beside her, he asked.

"What is missing?"

"Someone very handsome who should be underneath the tree." Lizzy answered and she glanced around the room. John, who'd grown larger, was holding Agnes in his arms, and he was otherwise occupied with her. Emma, as well as Ginger, were helping with the miseltoe around the hearth and fireplace, as well as the window, and Fitzwilliam was away… but for some reason… Lizzy felt they were missing someone.

"Are you talking about the Nutcracker here?" a voice startled her.

Spinning around, Lizzy stared in awe when there, before her, stood Fitzwilliam. And in his hands – was the famous Nutcracker doll! Making her way over, Lizzy answered.

"Yes! That's exactly what we're missing, Fitzwilliam! The Nutcracker will add a great addition for the decorations!"

"I'll take care of him, mama!" William spoke and Lizzy thanked him.

Once her husband gave the doll to his son, Lizzy watched as William smiled as he toyed with the Nutcracker's jaw. Staring at his parents, he whispered.

"I just hope he won't break tonight."

"He won't because he's part of the reason why we're all here." Lizzy heard Fitzwilliam reply but he wasn't harsh with his son when he said this. Lizzy was thankful that the relationship between father and son was mended. Compared to what she'd witnessed earlier – Fitzwilliam and William's relationship seemed more to reflect that of Jesus to His Heavenly Father. And that was something Lizzy basked in!

After William returned to his work, Fitzwilliam turned and opening his arms out, he whispered.

"Now… can my wife give me a hug before those guests arrive?"

"Yes. She may." Lizzy replied and fell into his embrace.

In the arms of her beloved, Lizzy closed her eyes as Fitzwilliam's arms wrapped themselves around her. She basked in the sounds of both her sons', John and William, and the cooing of Agnes Elizabeth. When she felt Fitzwilliam lean forward, he cupped her head in his palms and she gently pulled back before…

His lips touched hers.


As any author, I'm sad to say goodbye to my characters! As an addition, here's what took place with these characters –

William eventually pursued a career in horseback riding with his horse, General. The money was used to help him with the education and he became one of Seabuiscut's trainers in the year 1933. He married and became a father of 5 children.

John followed his passion and became a race car driver. He married but took up his father's business while watching his brother speed along the race track on General. They kept in touch with their parents and sister as the years progressed along.

Fitzwilliam and Lizzy lived happily ever after with their daughter, Agnes. Eventually they conceived another baby and named her Cecilia Darcy.