Berkshire, England, November 1814

Laughter permeated the breakfast room at Carlyle Manor. The opulent dining room was filled with enticing aromas coming from the elaborate sideboard laden to the hilt with delicacies. The people elegantly applying their appetite to this morning feast could not have been more content. Finally, as in Europe and in the Americas, peace reigned in this family and it looked like it was there to stay.

It was a happy family affair - an intimate gathering of family members that could be construed as uniquely strange in present-day Regency Britain. Yet, it mattered not at all. After many differences spurred on by jingoism, patriotism, love, hate and an overall general misunderstanding about what love meant, people as they so often do realized that their shared strife was all for naught. Or was it? Sometimes, people have to travel through a storm to reach the so-called coveted land to be free.

That was how it was for the Carlyle family. They had survived the squall of petty misunderstandings and nationalistic differences fueled by war to become one family. It had been worth it. Everyone present could not have been happier.

“So, what do you think of the peace talks between our two countries in Ghent?” asked Sir Thomas of Jonathan. Since the duel, he had reclaimed his former girth and applied himself to his food with his customary gusto.

Jonathan thought a moment. “I really think this is it. Frankly, there is no need to carry on the hostilities. The war will be at an end shortly.”

“I agree. It has cost the Exchequer a fortune to keep the war going for so long. And besides, neither side has really gained much from it other than death and expenses,” said Sir Thomas, popping more food into his mouth.

“Quite right. The merchants here are up in arms because of the halt in American exports of cotton. Also, with the war over on the continent, you no longer need to block American exports to France. The Royal Navy will resume its peacetime role thus reducing the need for able seamen. In other words, there will be no more impressment into the navy from the Americans.”

Sir Thomas nodded his agreement. But before he could contribute anything more, his wife interjected. “Must we talk about politics and war at the breakfast table. There are so many other lovely topics. Like maybe we could discuss the family Christmas or the wedding next year?”

Jonathan and Sir Thomas exchanged collaborative glances. It meant that they would meet up later in the day in Sir Thomas’s study to continue the discussion while enjoying a nice glass of whiskey or two.

“You will be spending Christmas with us, my Laird?” asked Lady Felicity, looking slightly worried that that might not be the case. Despite the acquainted nature of the occasion, she insisted on using Jonathan’s proper title – some things would never change.

Jonathan laughed. “Of course, I’d love to. Jake and I would be more than delighted to spend Christmas here. I have already written to my people in the United States, telling them of my plans since the war is more or less over.”

Sir Thomas smiled at his wife while Jonathan talked. He could not get enough of his future son-in-law’s new title. He behaved as if it were his own. It had been confirmed in writing a few weeks ago, shortly after Jonathan’s miraculous reawakening. It had taken him so long to recover and still he was not yet fully his old self again.

But what warmed him more than any title was to see how happy his daughter was. Her behavior stood in such contrast to when she had been Lord Templeton French’s betrothed. He could still envisage her face that had been riddled with sadness and forlorn hope. Presently, she was like a blooming flower.

With Jonathan, she was a different woman – to be precise, she was herself again. She was her father’s little girl once more. Amelia effused happiness and purpose once again just like all of those years ago. Sir Thomas regretted what he had put her through, and all of it just to fuel his own dreams of affluence. He had apologized to his daughter and to Jonathan; so much so that his regrets had come to irritate her. She had threatened to get married to Jonathan in the United States if he said sorry one more time.

Even Lady Felicity had taken to the American and not only because of his title. She had even confided in her daughter that she thought he was extremely handsome. In another about-face, she had commended his manners as equal to those of an English gentleman. It would take a little more time for Lady Felicity to fully open up, but she would get there in the end. Of that Amelia was certain.

Also, Lady Felicity approved of Jake. To her surprise, she found a most interesting conversationalist in him. He had wit, humor and excellent timing when it came to entertaining repartee – she had claimed one evening how she enjoyed his company immensely. It had, however, taken her some time to get used to the fact of having Anna sitting at the breakfast, lunch and dinner table. Nevertheless, she was making inroads on that front as well. A few days ago, she had managed to speak to Anna as an equal for the first time.

“So, what are your plans for today, Jonathan?” asked Sir Thomas, chewing on some kipper happily.

“Amelia and I will be going for a ride. Your land is some of the most beautiful I have ever seen, Sir Thomas,” Jonathan said while stroking Amelia’s hand.

Sir Thomas beamed with pride. “I was lucky to get a hold of it. The former owner fell on hard times. He was forced to sell it. Such a shame when these things happen you know.”

Jonathan nodded. That wouldn’t be the case in the American south for many years to come. Land prices were going through the roof due to the cotton boom.

“You should buy some property in England,” said Sir Thomas, continuing on the topic.

Amelia promptly squeezed his hand. Jonathan knew that she approved of her father’s suggestion. He needed to think some more on the matter. There was still so much money to be made in the South. But maybe his idea with the shipping company would really pay off if it had dual offices – one in London and the other in Richmond or Charleston.

“It is worth some thought, Sir Thomas,” he said at last.

“Good…that is very good. I always like to hear it when an idea is not immediately rebuffed. Except when it is an offer of purchase on my part of course.” He chuckled deeply and smiled. “It appears that what you just said put a smile on my daughter’s face. Why don’t you two young people go for a stroll and talk about it some more.” He pointed with his fork at Amelia.

Sir Thomas shooed them in the direction of the door. “So, Jake,” he said when Amelia and Jonathan were in the hall. “How about we go check my land and the tenants that live there. Jonathan mentioned that you are very good with such things.”

“Anna, would you be so kind as to help me with the Christmas plans. There is always so much to arrange…we have parties…”

Amelia and Jonathan almost bumped into the wall when they heard Lady Felicity’s request. She had actually asked Anna for her help. The two ladies would most probably be spending the entire morning together until luncheon.

“We are truly turning into a family, Jonathan,” said Amelia, leading him in the direction of the riding room.

“Yes, that we are.”

“Did you really mean it when you said that you would think about buying a property here when Papa asked you?” asked Amelia. She had that look about her when she wanted to know something. Jonathan lifted her up, making her scream in protest. “Put me down you rogue,” she said in jest.

Jonathan gently lowered her. “I might tell you if you give me a kiss.”

Amelia looked at him slyly “You are going to have to do better than that.”

He laughed. “Truly her father’s daughter. You are always negotiating.” He thought a moment. “Give me a kiss, and I will tell you my best offer.”

She didn’t need any further prompting. She pressed her lips to his, bringing her hand up until her fingers twined in his hair. He mirrored her movement, pressing her against him. The kiss was powerful, deep and almost all-consuming were it not for one little thing.

“So, tell me what is on your mind?” she asked, pulling away.

Jonathan could not hold back his laughter.

“What’s so funny?”

“You are. When something piques your interest, nothing can hold you back. You are the most curious person I know, but I love you for it, Amelia. I really do.”

She smiled back at him, laughing just for the joy of it. It felt like a million butterflies had taken up residence in her tummy and it appeared that they were never going to leave. “I love you too with all of my heart.” She pressed her eyebrows together. “Now, tell me,” she insisted, as she pulled him in the direction of the stairs to the lower floor.

Again, Jonathan bellowed laughter. “All right…first, we shall spend Christmas together and then we have a lot of work to do concerning the marriage. I might even have to travel back to the United States for a bit, but we will make that dependent on the wedding date…”

Amelia stopped walking and put her hands on her hips. “Oh, Jonathan, stop dilly-dallying and tell me what you think about buying some property here…”