The summer wound down in Sanditon in temperate fashion, and as Charlotte watched the leaves swirl around the foot of the greenhouse in the light of the moon, she realized that this would be the first time she would stay into the autumn and winter in the seaside town.

Instead of climbing into a carriage and traveling to Willingden as she had for the last two years, Charlotte was watching as one by one the summer residents took their leave back to London and other destinations, saying goodbye to the beaches of Sanditon and their happy memories until the next summer.

For this was truly Charlotte Colbourne's home now, and although she missed her family, she walked the grounds of Heyrick Park almost unable to believe how completely her dreams had come true. She was far removed from the young girl who had first set foot in Sanditon, ready for adventure and new experiences, and what she had found was a happiness that young girl could never have imagined.

Charlotte and Alexander were in one of their favorite spots of Heyrick Park – the bench that looked out onto the pond and the greenhouse. Neither of them would ever forget that it was where Alexander had first proposed, and although the area by the pond had grown over again and was now covered with autumn leaves, even in the deepening twilight they could clearly see where they had taken their vows as husband and wife.

As Alexander leaned against the back of the bench and Charlotte lay with her head in his lap, they watched the moonlight reflect on the glass of the greenhouse. Charlotte's hands were where they could often be found of late, protectively over her growing child, as Alexander reflexively smoothed his wife's hair back from her forehead.

The October breeze had a slight chill, but Charlotte was wrapped warmly in the sweater that Eva had knitted for her from Alison and Declan's wool. It was her favorite shade of teal and she fairly lived in it these days.

"All is ready for our trip to Ireland," Charlotte said. "It will be perfect timing, as Alison has less than a month to go, and I should like to help her as much as I can. And of course Augusta has been counting down the days." She smiled up at Alexander. "I am certain now that you would be wise to anticipate Drew asking for her hand, my love." She reached her fingers up to brush his cheek. "Ready or not."

Alexander sighed and smiled down at her. "I am ready. Even I can see the woman Augusta has become. You have noticed how frequently our study sessions on animal behavior are occurring – she is insatiable when it comes to knowledge and has far outstripped me on the subject. I am learning right along with her, and honestly, I have never felt more in accord with my niece. And it has not escaped my notice that while we study, she speaks incessantly and passionately of Drew and the work he is doing."

Charlotte smiled. "They are quite a pair. Augusta spends hours down with the beekeeper at the hives studying how they manage their community. Have you read her paper on their hierarchy? It is absolutely brilliant, although I cannot comprehend but half of it."

Nodding, Alexander said, "I have offered to submit it to the new Zoological Society in London under my name." He tapped his finger in frustration on the back of the bench. "The idea that a woman cannot present valid and astute ideas to a room full of men for their consideration makes no sense to me, but it is the way of the world, I suppose."

"If Augusta has anything to say about it, it will not be the way of the world for long," Charlotte said, laughing softly. "She and Leonora and Marie have created their own women's study group of sorts and are bound and determined to become emancipated from societal restrictions."

Alexander smiled. "And what of you? Are you also a member of their group?"

Charlotte sighed and turned to sit up so she could look him in the eye. "I have no need, for I am not restricted. I have an enlightened husband who allows me creativity and freedom and the full expression of my inner self. But if I wished to become a solicitor or a doctor, I imagine I would be marching in the streets with other women. As it is, I have my hands full with the girls and this one," she said, looking affectionately down at her hands on her stomach.

Alexander put his hand over hers. At just over four months, her pregnancy was now visible, and he could hardly express the joy he felt each night and morning as he watched her body change. The softness of her belly had transformed into a round firmness that fascinated him, and he was aware every day of the miracle in which they were privileged to partake.

Leaning over to place a tender kiss on her hand, Alexander said, "And how is our progeny tonight? I am so grateful that the little one has ceased making you ill in the mornings. I was beginning to worry for your strength."

"Dr. Fuchs reports that I am sturdy as a horse, so no worries there. And he has also said that I am completely fit for the carriage ride in a few days. Augusta wishes to ride alongside with you so that there will be more room in the carriage for me and the twins, which makes Leonora exceedingly unhappy that she will not be able to ride outside as well."

"I feel it is too far for her, and I know you agree. I will pull her out and have her ride with me for periods of time, and Augusta has said she will take some turns inside the carriage. We will keep her well occupied."

Charlotte leaned up and kissed him tenderly. "Thank you for coming with us on this journey. I know it disrupts your routine, but it will mean so much to Alison and Declan that you are there. And of course it means the world to me."

Alexander laughed. "My dearest love, not only would I never be parted from you for this length of time, but you must also be quite aware that I have not had a proper routine since the day you tempted me into a picnic." He put his arms around her and held her tightly. "I expect my life will never be routine again…" Leaning down, he placed his lips on hers and kissed her. As she reached her hand up and ran her fingers through the curls at his neck, both felt the familiar need begin to course through their bodies.

"My Charlotte…" he said, his lips close to her ear.

Sighing, Charlotte whispered, "We should make our way to bed. It grows late."

Standing, Alexander took her hand and began to walk back to the house. "How much longer do we have?" he asked, raising an eyebrow. "Did you finally work up the nerve to ask Dr. Fuchs?"

Charlotte laughed. "I did, and he was entirely professional about it, though the twinkle in his eye seemed a bit more pronounced."

"And his answer?" Alexander asked.

"He said there is no reason we should avoid marital relations right up until the birth as long as everything is proceeding normally. But he did say…" Charlotte began to blush and Alexander stopped walking. He looked at her with a smile and she continued.

"He said that we may need to explore some new… methods… as I grow larger."

"Ah," Alexander said, a blush beginning to color his own cheeks. He smiled and raised an eyebrow as they began walking again. "Then I suppose it is good that we have already begun…"

Charlotte's blush deepened as she rapped her husband lightly on the arm. Then she laughed and said, "You are incorrigible…"

But she did quicken her step.

Alison stood with some difficulty, using the back of the chair for support. Declan watched her with concern but he knew better than to attempt to help her. She had waved him off too many times for that. Instead, he began to pick up the breakfast dishes, all the while keeping a sharp eye on his very pregnant wife.

"And what did Dr. O'Connor say on his visit?" he said cautiously. Alison had been more than a bit touchy the last few weeks and Declan had a healthy respect for her temper.

Alison turned and glared at him. "He said I am large for the months, as if I needed a doctor to tell me that," she said, beginning to run the water in the wash basin.

Declan gave her a wide berth as he helped her. "And did you bring up the idea of twins?" he asked evenly.

"Yes, and he put his head to my belly with some contraption and said it was inconclusive. I told him my husband could have come to that brilliant opinion, with the amount of time you've had your head down there listening," she said, sighing in exasperation.

Declan knew he was rapidly reaching the point of no return, but he had just one more question to ask. "And you told him you have twins in your family…"

Alison put her hand on her back and stretched, rolling her eyes. "Perhaps you would like to have him examine you next week, eh? You seem to have more questions than I did, carrying this great weight…"

Declan could see that his wife was close to tears, and he walked over and put his arms around her gently. She collapsed into him. "Oh, Declan, how you put up with me is beyond my understanding. I have turned into an ugly shrew, and you would have every right to leave me…"

Running a soothing hand across her back, Declan said, "Sweet, you are more beautiful than I have ever seen you, and I cannot fathom what my state of mind would be carrying all that around day in and day out."

Alison wiped her nose on his shoulder and said brokenly, "It would be grand if everyone would stop telling me how big I am the minute I come into view." She hiccupped loudly, "As if I don't already know!"

Carefully, Declan walked her out of the kitchen and into her sitting room to the most comfortable chair in the house. The fire was already taking the morning chill from the air and crackled cheerfully. Sitting her down, Declan positioned himself on the footstool opposite her.

"My sweet girl, I order you to sit in this chair and read your book, or nap, or do whatever pleases you. I will bring you a cup of tea and you are not to move until I come back from walking the fences, do you understand me?"

Alison sniffled, pouting prettily. "You are not a Captain anymore, Mr. Fraser. You cannot give me orders. I have chores to finish."

"Then start by making a list of all you have to do, and I will send Marianne in from the sheds to do them for you, as I offered last week. Except this time, I will not take no for an answer." Declan gave her the look she knew so well, and she could almost see him in the red uniform again.

Alison finally smiled and raised her hand to her forehead in a salute. "Yes, sir," she said softly, still sniffling a little.

He lifted her hand and kissed it, holding it to his lips as he spoke. "You have one job right now, love of mine, and that is to bring our child into the world. And if it's one, or two, or six, you need to concentrate on that and only that."

"Six?" Alison said in horror. "Bite your tongue, Declan Fraser! I'll not be birthing puppies!" She finally laughed and pulled him toward her, kissing him full on the mouth. "Alright, then. I will play Lady of the Manor and sip tea with my feet up, mostly because I haven't the strength to fight you on it anymore. Send Marianne and I will do my best to not snap at her."

"Good," Declan said, giving her a final kiss on her very red nose. He stood and moved the footstool, lifting her feet on top. "When do your sisters arrive?"

"End of week. And with Charlotte, Amelia, Alice, Augusta and Leonora about, I guarantee neither you nor Marianne will be lifting a finger to help me until the babe is born." She looked at his raised eyebrow and laughed softly. "Or babes, as the case may be. But that means you need to think of more names. Ciaran and Sean I can live with, but I'll not have a child living under this roof with the name of Gulliver or Fergus." Declan nodded and began to walk away before she raised her voice. "And you had best be thinking of some girls' names, my husband, because if there are six in here, they will not all be boys!"

Declan laughed and turned to get his wife her tea.

Alexander watched with a smile as Sarah and Georgiana sat together in the garden. He had noticed that the two of them were hardly able to have tea without hands joined across the table, as if seven years of separation required that they continue to touch each other to know this reconnection was real.

He had heard some of their conversations over the course of the months since their emotion-filled reunion after Georgiana's wedding, and they spanned the gamut of discourse – from memories of Antigua and Sarah's recounting of what had transpired there, to talk of social politics and the future of the sugar trade, to discussions of Georgiana's sublime happiness in her marriage and her hopes for the future. As Alexander listened, he thought they seemed determined to fill in the lost time together, and he could not feel more contented that so much of it occurred at Heyrick Park.

The night of the reunion, Charles and Georgiana had gone back to their apartments in Sanditon for their wedding night, and Eva had happily done as she had promised in her letter – she had set Sarah up in one of the east wing bedrooms, ostensibly until she found where she would like to live. That night had stretched into weeks and then months, as Leonora and Augusta, and then Alice and Amelia, had taken such a shine to Sarah that they had begged her to stay.

Charlotte, Alexander and Samuel felt the same, and of course Eva wished for her not to leave. Sarah, for having been bereft of her daughter for so long, was a natural mother, and she liked nothing so well as being busy, so as Charlotte began to move a bit more slowly with her pregnancy, Sarah began to spend more time with the children. Sarah had asked the girls to teach her to ride, and she had picked it up quickly – Charlotte's horse, Cassiopeia, still needed exercise, and Sarah was only too happy to oblige. Although Charlotte felt the pangs of missing her rides with the girls, her heart was full of gratitude that they would have another companion that they liked so well.

Alexander had consulted with Eva regarding some occupation for Sarah, although of course he was more than pleased to have her simply live with them at Heyrick House. But he had learnt his lesson with Eva as far as employment was concerned, and she had impressed him with how important purpose was in the human nature of one who had always worked.

When he had talked with Sarah about it, she had replied that she had always loved making garments, and had done so all her life.

"I would be so pleased to fashion some dresses for Leonora, as she seems to run through them at an alarming rate," Sarah had said with a smile. She put up her hand to stop Alexander's next sentence. "And no, I will not accept payment, as I am already in arrears for my lodging and food that you have so generously given me."

When he attempted to balk at that statement, Sarah had smiled enigmatically and said, "Please remember that my former life at Heyrick Park was quite different from the one I am currently living." She reached across his desk and took his hand affectionately. As Alexander had begun to realize, Sarah was sometimes painfully straightforward. "You are not your father, Alexander. You have no need to make amends for anything. Do not feel you owe me more than what I am due."

Then she had smiled, her eyes full of love. "And for all of Jonathan Colbourne's faults, and you and I know they were many, he gave me Georgiana, truly a gift beyond measure. I try to remember that when I think less than amiably of him."

As usual in his conversations with Sarah Kingsley, he knew better than to attempt to sway her thinking, and he had simply smiled back at her. "We have all been the beneficiaries of his gift then." Raising an eyebrow, he said, "And if you are able to offer Christian charity in thinking of my father, I shall try to soften my own thoughts as well." He squeezed her hand. "You are an exceedingly positive influence on all of us, Sarah, and I am very glad you are here."

She turned and moved toward the door. "Then perhaps you will allow me to create some clothes for Charlotte that will offer her more comfort as the child grows. The modiste in Sanditon may as well be robbing you at gunpoint for the prices she charges, and…" She raised an eyebrow with a twinkle in her eyes, "You look to have created quite a robust little one, the two of you. A boy, to my senses, and I was somewhat legendary in Coral Bay for my ability to predict."

Before Alexander could manage to speak, she was gone down the hall. But he sat at his desk with a smile on his face and breathing deeply for long minutes afterward.

The horses were saddled and saddlebags filled, the carriage readied, and the steps at the front of Heyrick House were the scene of many heartfelt goodbyes.

Sarah pressed a small package into Charlotte's hands. "This is a swaddling blanket I made for your sister. You can never have too many," she said, smiling at Georgiana standing next to her.

Charlotte hugged Sarah tightly. "Alison will love your thoughtfulness. She was so very happy to know that you and Georgiana are finally reunited. When the baby is a little older, she plans to come down and spend some time with us, so you will meet her!"

Sarah smiled. "I will look forward to that." She placed her hand gently on Charlotte's waist. "Safe travels to all of you."

Alexander looked at Eva, Sarah and Georgiana as they stood together on the front steps. "Until Samuel returns from his business in London, you are in charge of Heyrick Park," he said, his eyes sparkling. He was trying to imagine his father's reaction to those words as the three strong and beautiful black women, two of them his former slaves and one his daughter, stood at the entrance to the house. In his joy, he embraced each one in turn. "Thank you for watching over it for me."

Georgiana raised a mischievous eyebrow. "We won't make many alterations…"

As he walked toward Hannibal, Alexander laughed. "I trust you implicitly."

Charlotte stood holding Hannibal's reins, and she passed them over to him. She straightened his coat and held his face with her gloved hands. "I shall miss feeling you next to me in the carriage," she whispered, kissing him.

He held her tightly. "As will I, but I shall be right outside your window through the entire journey. If you need to stop for any reason, simply ask," he said, remembering the mornings of her being ill.

Charlotte smiled. "I believe those days are well and truly over, but thank you."

Alexander helped her up into the carriage and gave Leonora a quick kiss on the cheek.

"All settled?" he said, smiling at Amelia and Alice. "You have the sandwiches?"

Alice lifted the blanket from the floor between the seats, revealing a large basket. "And fruit, and cheese, and ale and lemonade," she said. "Lots of it!"

"Good girls," he said, nodding at both of them.

Alexander mounted Hannibal and Charlotte took a deep breath. "You do cut a fine figure on a horse, husband," she said, leaning out of the carriage window. "At times I can hardly believe you are mine."

"Body and soul, my dear wife," he said, blowing her a kiss. He turned to his niece, already astride Copper. "Lead out, Augusta. We shall stop for lunch at noon."

The journey had pleasant weather, and after a night at a comfortable inn in Cheshire, they traveled on to Holyhead, where they caught a ferry, carriage and all, to Dublin. From there, it was a full day's ride to Dunnamore, and the Fraser Farm.

It was full dark when they reached the farm, and those inside the carriage and out were longing for a hot meal and a soft bed. Charlotte had hoped to talk the night through with Alison, but each was worn out – one by the travel and the other by the demands of late pregnancy, so that by ten o'clock the house was quiet and all were asleep.

The only exceptions were Drew and Augusta, who sat in the straw loft of the great barn talking until midnight and sharing kisses, until they finally lay a modest distance from each other and fell asleep with hands sweetly clasped.

The morning sun brought a full farm breakfast, the likes of which was well-known to the Heywoods, and Alison and Declan's large harvest table was finally used for more than sorting wool. In fact, as Alexander and Declan smiled at each other from across the table, both were reminded of their first experiences of a meal at Heywood Manor, with voices raised in laughter and passionate discussions on subjects as varied as the gossip from George IV's court to the cultivation of cow manure lately developed in Flemish agriculture – with both subjects eliciting rolling eyes and sounds of disgust from opposite sides of the table.

As Alison and Charlotte were exempted from any sort of manual labor even over their protestations, they were banished to the sitting room, where they were treated like queens while the rest of the family went about their chores. After those were accomplished, the young girls went off to visit the goats and sheep, Augusta and Drew took their horses to ride the highlands, Alexander and Declan walked the property and discussed matters of yield per acre and the best materials for fencing – and a quiet set about the house.

Charlotte gazed across at her sister as the flames danced in the fireplace. "You look…" she started to say, but Alison held up a hand and stopped her.

"Do not say huge, or large, or big, or massive, or any such words that may come to mind," Alison said sharply. "I'll not hear it."

Charlotte laughed softly. "I was simply going to say that you look very beautiful."

Alison smiled. "Well, that's alright, then. Though I don't believe a word of it. It is what Declan says when he knows I am nearing insanity."

"It is the truth, Alison," Charlotte insisted. "You're… incandescent."

Alison laughed. "Ah, now that is a word I think would be very far from Declan's lips. Bad-tempered, quarrelsome, sharp-tongued, and peevish, perhaps. But incandescent? I believe I left incandescent behind a good number of months ago."

Charlotte leaned forward and took her hand. "How are you feeling?" she asked softly.

Alison's face turned serious. "Terrified that it will be twins. You have heard Mother's stories of Alice and Amelia's birth. Turned opposite ways, a head here, a foot there. She jokes about it now, but when I pressed, she allowed as she could easily have lost her life in the process, not to mention theirs."

Charlotte knew that it would be no help to try to cheer her sister out of these thoughts, because they were entirely valid ones. Women died daily trying to give birth to twins. But there were things she could say to ease Alison's mind.

"That was nearly sixteen years ago, and medicine has changed markedly since then. Not to mention that you will have Dr. O'Connor and Declan and Drew nearby, and Marianne…"

Alison raised her eyebrows. "Ah, yes, a doctor of medicine and three who have helped to birth countless sheep, goats and cows, not to mention horses… Shall we get Dr. Tristan here as well?" She shook her head and laughed softly. "I know you are right. They will know what to do. But still…"

Squeezing her hand, Charlotte said softly, "You are afraid. I understand. I am afraid as well, though I would never say that to Alexander." She smiled at her sister. "I look at you and I know I will be so grateful when mine is large and sturdy enough to live outside of the womb as yours undoubtedly are right now – even if they are twins." She looked down at their clasped hands. "My fear is that I will not reach that point. So many women lose babies at this stage…"

Alison made a great effort and leaned forward to look Charlotte in the eyes. "Not you. Never you, Charlotte. I have never known anyone as strong as you are. You mark my words, in four months, you and Alexander will be holding a strapping, healthy son or daughter."

Charlotte reached out and pulled Alison into an embrace. "And very soon, you and Declan will be doing the same. Twins or not…" she said, feeling the tears coming.

Alison exhaled. "The other day, Declan joked that it might be six in there…"

The two women continued their embrace as they began to laugh through their tears.

Charlotte pulled away and looked her sister in the eyes. "Oh, God, what would I ever do without you?"

Alison wiped a tear from Charlotte's cheek. "Good thing you will never have to find out. You will never be rid of me."

"Nor you, I," Charlotte said, pulling her close again. And as they had as children, they spoke in unison.

"Sisters forever."