“Not so fast, Charles! Wait!”

“Mama! Mama! Hurry! I can see Papa’s horse! It’s him! He’s back!”

Sophia grinned somewhat distractedly, hurrying after Charles, where he ran to join his brother, Matthew, by the window.

Matthew turned to face her as she approached, breathless from running to catch up. Charles slipped in beside his brother, grinning an identical grin. They were both packed with mischief, good-looking and playful. They were also identical. With their father’s glossy dark hair and green eyes, they were already quite able to charm anything out of anyone, and with it, they both had sunny, warm natures that matched their looks and were entirely unlike their father’s cooler reserve.

“He’s back! Papa! Papa!” Charles yelled, waving out of the window. Matthew waved too, jumping up so that he could see his father better. 

“Papa! He’s coming inside,” Matthew commented, running to the door. Sophia grinned. Henry had stepped out for a few hours, riding into the village to settle some matters with the local apothecary. They were expecting guests, including his sister, and Charlotte had made a few requests. The boys, however, were so excited it felt as though Henry had been away for ages.

Sophia walked to the door, but Henry was already in the hallway, and he walked into the drawing room, the boys running and throwing themselves at him. 

“Papa!” Matthew yelled. 

“Papa! We missed you!” Charles said, embracing his knees. At four years old, the boys were tall for their age, but still much smaller than their enthusiasm. “Can we ride now?”

Henry smiled. “Wait a moment,” he said gently, bending down and embracing them both, one with each arm. “We will be outside all afternoon. You can ride then. Won’t you like that?”

“Riding!” Matthew yelled.

“I want to ride all day!” Charles insisted. “Can we? Can we?”

“I want to ride in the forest,” Matthew declared boldly.

Henry chuckled. “Sons! Wait a moment. I have not even sat down yet. Yes, Charles, you may ride as much as you like after the guests have arrived and we have had our picnic. Matthew, we cannot go to the forest today, but we can go on the morrow. We can take an outing then.”

“Hurrah!” Matthew exclaimed. “Can it be a picnic?”

“I want a picnic too!” Charles agreed. “With jam tart too? Papa?”

Sophia chuckled. Henry ran a hand over his own brow as if wiping perspiration.

“Boys! Let me sit down,” he said gently, walking to a chair. The boys followed him, both trying to climb on his knees. It was a habit they had grown out of, but evidently being away from him for a few hours made them forget that for a moment.

Sophia smiled warmly as Henry gently patted each of his sons on the head, then gestured to the fireplace.

“Are those horses I see there?” he asked.

“Yes! We were racing!” Matthew told him.

“Let’s race! I’m going to win,” Charles told Matthew. 

“No, you won’t,” Matthew said confidently. 

They ran to the rug, where their carved wooden horses—a gift from Henry from a month or so ago—were piled and waiting for them to resume their game. Sophia chuckled as they lifted them, racing them from the edge of the hearthrug to the scuttle and back. 

“You must be tired,” she said gently to Henry. He shook his head. His gaze sparkled as it held her own.

“Not at all,” he said softly. “I just need a moment. Are we ready for this afternoon?” he asked.

“The boys need a change of clothing, perhaps,” Sophia replied, glancing at their sons, who had been playing outside for most of the morning and had grass stains on their breeches and little coats. “But they will be riding most of the time, I think.”

“After they have taken their fill of whatever there is to eat,” Henry added, laughing. He smiled at his sons, who played on, barely seeming aware of their parents. When they played, they became utterly absorbed in their games, focused on each other and their shared imaginary world. The rest of the universe seemed to fade for them. Sophia loved watching them play. It was a unique thing to see.

“Shall I ring for the butler?” Sophia asked. Perhaps Henry was thirsty after spending the morning riding. He shook his head.

“I need a change of clothing too. And then, I think, we have only a little time before our guests arrive.”

Sophia nodded. A tingle of excitement filled her. She could not wait to see them all. Henry stood and she followed him to the door.

“Matthew! Charles,” he called to their sons, who looked up at the summons. “I am going to change into some clothes suitable for the picnic. I am sure you two would like to wear your new coats and breeches as well?”

“Yes!” Matthew yelled, running over.

“Me, too! But we need to ride too, Papa,” Charles reminded him. “So, we need to change into our riding clothes later.”

Henry smiled. “Well, then you will do so. But for now, perhaps you would like to wear your new sets of clothing.”

“Yes!” Both boys chorused, too close together to say who was shouting. They ran out of the room, tearing down the hallway to their own bedchamber.

Sophia grinned as she and Henry followed at a slower pace. She was dressed in a green day-dress, her blonde hair arranged in a chignon. She wanted to decorate it with flowers for the party, but besides that, she had decided not to make any alterations to her appearance. She followed Henry to their chamber, where he could change into his trousers and coat.

Sophia styled her blonde hair, using the little white flowers she had picked earlier, and which her maidservant, Amy, had placed in a ceramic vase. She tucked them into the style, thinking fondly of Hannah, who had so often styled her hair. Her smile broadened, knowing that Hannah was much happier now that she no longer had to work as a lady’s maid.

“That looks beautiful,” Henry murmured. Sophia turned around, smiling up at him.

“Thank you,” she said softly. “And you look dashing.”

“Oh…” He blushed and grinned. “I hope it’s not overly hot outside,” he demurred, though she could see the wide eyes and happy flush and she knew the compliment had pleased him after all.

She smiled and stood, resting her hand on his chest. He was wearing a high-collared white shirt, a dark charcoal tailcoat and long grey trousers. His pale green eyes seemed even more striking in the dark grey, his handsome features shown to fine advantage by the colour and the style.

Henry grinned. “Were our guests not about to arrive, I would suggest we linger,” he said with a sparkle in his gaze. Sophia blushed, his words making heat race through her.

“They will be here at any moment,” she replied.

Henry laughed. “We should go down and wait,” he added, though he did not rush to the door. Sophia smiled and went to open it. They went out into the hallway together.

The sound of whoops and yells greeted them as the boys, released from their nursemaid’s care, ran down the hallway in a welter of thin legs and arms. They ran downstairs.

Sophia and Henry followed at a slower pace, and they were in the hallway when their first guests arrived. Aunt Margaret came up the stairs, walking at a slow, even pace. Her white hair was styled in a bun, her dress in soft blueish grey making it seem to shine gently. She smiled, her eyes crinkling at the corners as she took Henry’s hand and then Sophia’s in her own.

“Nephew! Sophia! How grand to see you. And here are my great-nephews! You’re Charles, are you not? And you are Matthew.” She gazed at the two boys, slowly recognising the one from the other. It was something the boys tolerated from her—usually, being mistaken for each other upset them, but with Aunt Margaret they seemed to accept it, and simply be pleased when she was correct. As she was this time.

“Yes! I’m Matthew,” Matthew told her with some fondness in his tone.

“And I’m Charles,” Charles agreed. “I have the birthmark, remember?” He pointed to the one tiny mark where his chin and his neck met on the left side. It was barely bigger than the nail on Sophia’s little finger. Many people relied on it to tell them apart, but she had never had any trouble. For her, Matthew had a more oval face and his eyes were more square, while Charles’ face was more angular and his eyes softer. For people who did not know the boys as she and Henry did, though, the birthmark was an indicator of who was who; perhaps the only one they could see.

“Ah! Yes. Yes. Thank you, Charles,” Aunt Margaret said fondly. “Have you had tea yet?” she asked.

The boys shook their heads.

“No. We have to wait,” Matthew told her, eyes wide and round.

“We are going to have so much to eat, we need room,” Charles added, nodding his head enthusiastically.

“Oh! So much!” Aunt Margaret smiled, looking fondly at Henry. “That’s a great deal.”

“Yes!” Matthew told her.

The boys, chattering excitedly to their great-aunt, led her upstairs to the drawing room. Henry and Sophia followed at a slower pace, grinning at the boys’ excited words.

The butler had laid out tea and some small teacakes in the drawing-room, with the expectation that some of the visitors would need to refresh themselves after their journeys, but Sophia and Henry refrained from those, knowing there would, indeed, be plenty to eat.

“Your Graces? My lady,” the butler greeted them, looking uncomfortable. “Forgive my interruption. But there is a coach downstairs.”

“Oh!” Henry got to his feet at once. “I will come down.” He glanced at Sophia, who, seeing the boys engaged in lively conversation with their great-aunt about their rides and other outings, nodded.

“I will come too.” She stood, smiling fondly at the boys. They were natural conversationalists and seemed to find no difficulty in chatting with adults of all ages. She followed Henry downstairs. They waited for a second or two in the entranceway before the butler opened the door and Charlotte stepped inside, Johnathan at her side.

“Sister,” Henry greeted her, stepping forward and embracing her gently. “Do come upstairs. You must be tired.”

“It is grand to see you,” Charlotte said gently. She did sound tired. Sophia hugged her carefully.

“If you would prefer to sit in a private room?” she asked caringly. “The boys can be very loud.”

Charlotte shook her head, turning to smile up at Johnathan, who smiled back at her, his expression glowing with tenderness.

“I can sit in the drawing room,” she said softly.

“Let me help you,” Johnathan said.

Sophia stood back so that Charlotte, expecting a baby in just a month or two, could walk up the stairs with Johnathan’s help. Henry stood back, clearly concerned. Sophia came to stand with him.

“She will be well,” she told him gently. Henry nodded, frowning.

Sophia smiled. Charlotte had agreed to come, and Sophia trusted that she would not take any unnecessary risks. She and Johnathan would visit with Aunt Margaret to break the journey back to their home in Kent. She watched as they walked slowly up to where they could take tea and relax until the rest of the guests arrived.

Father arrived next, accompanied by Harriet, the lady he had married two years before. Sophia beamed at the older woman. She was sweet, plump and gentle, nothing like her own mother had been, but lovely in her own way. She adored Father and Sophia had never seen him so happy. She watched as Father settled with Harriet in the corner by the window, and she and Henry shared a fond smile.

“Your Graces? My ladies? My lord?” the butler interrupted as they all settled down to chat. “Beg your pardon, but there is a coach outside.”

Henry grinned at Sophia, who jumped to her feet. The boys were already up and running, and Sophia smiled, knowing that they, too, had guessed who must have arrived.

“Auntie Grace! Uncle James!” they chanted.

Sophia grinned and hurried downstairs. As they reached the entranceway, the door burst open and Grace strode in, her arms wide to embrace the boys. They were laughing with delight as they threw themselves into hugging their favourite aunt. Although James was more a close companion and friend to Henry, and married to Sophia’s dearest friend, he had always been affectionately called “Uncle James” by the boys, and no one had ever thought to correct them. It was a term that had long since come to feel as natural as any family title.

“Charles! Matthew!” Grace greeted them, hugging them tight. “How do you both fare? Are you riding today?”

“Auntie Grace!” Matthew greeted her. “You’re here.”

“We are going to ride all day,” Charles informed her. “Will you come with us?”

Grace grinned at Sophia. “I certainly will, at least for a while,” she told the boys, then embraced Sophia. Sophia hugged her, wrapping her arms tight around her friend’s tall, thin frame. Grace hugged her back, making her gasp and laugh.

“Grand to see you,” Grace said, stepping back.

“Grand to see you too,” Sophia agreed.

James was lingering in the doorway, and that was because he was holding the hand of Julianne, their daughter. She was a year younger than the boys and she stared up at them with big, round eyes. She had James’ dark brown eyes and her mother’s auburn hair and she had round cheeks and was absolutely adorable. 

“Cousins,” she said. She looked up at her father, and he grinned.

“Yes. These are your cousins. Do you want me to take you upstairs before you greet them?” he asked her warmly.

“Yes,” Julianne said softly. She clung to his hand. She was always a little daunted by her cousins, Charles and Matthew, though within an hour, Sophia was sure, they would be romping around together, playing some wild game. They always did.

They all walked upstairs, and Grace and James came to sit at the tea table, chatting about their coach ride. James’ country home was not far from Sophia and Henry’s. It was a matter of three or four hours by coach, and they saw each other fairly often. 

They settled down to chat, and Sophia looked up in surprise as the butler arrived in the doorway. They were expecting one more guest, but she had not thought that they would arrive so promptly.

“Your Graces? My ladies? My lords?” he announced. “Beg your pardon for the intrusion, but there is a coach in the drive.”

Sophia, chuckling, stood up. Henry joined her and they went downstairs. The butler opened the door and Lady Whitmore walked in. She looked strong and resilient. She was leaning on a cane, something she had begun doing since her ordeal in London, but her eyes were sharp and her countenance serene. She took Sophia’s hand.

“Sophia, my dear. Henry,” she greeted Henry, shaking his hand warmly. “So kind of you to invite me.”

“Of course, we did,” Sophia said gently. “I do not think I…”

“Aunt! Aunt Adeline!” Grace was already running to greet her, wrapping her arms around her. Aunt Adeline would stay with Grace and James for a few weeks in the countryside. She had taken to spending time in Brighton, and her health seemed greatly improved. Sophia watched as Grace hugged her. “Come upstairs, Aunt. Your great-niece cannot wait to see you!”

Aunt Adeline smiled and Sophia and Henry stood back so that she could go up the stairs.

They all settled in the drawing room together. After a few minutes of chatter and some tea, Henry gestured to the door, catching James’ gaze.

“Should we proceed to go down to the garden?” he asked.

Sophia nodded and James chuckled. “A welcome notion. Especially for the boys, I think. Boys?” He looked over at Charles and Matthew, who were playing a simple card game with Julianne.

“Yes?” Matthew asked.

“I think we are about to go outside. I take it you would be pleased about that?” He raised a brow.

“Outside!” Matthew yelled.

“I want to go riding!” Charles reminded their father, running to the door, his brother close behind. “But first we will have a picnic,” he added. Julianne had joined them, hurrying on short legs. 

“Picnic!” she said with a grin.

Sophia smiled to herself. She watched as the boys ran downstairs, Julianne following them as best she could, ably assisted by James, who had caught up and held her hand as she stumbled down the steps with small strides.

“It is grand to be here. And to see the boys. They look so well,” Grace said with a smile as they went downstairs. Sophia smiled back.

“They do. Julianne has grown! I am quite sure. She seems taller than she was last week.”

Grace laughed. “I am sure you are right. One tends not to notice. She grows by the day.”

Sophia chuckled. She knew what Grace meant. She was certain that the changes in the boys since their Aunt Margaret had last seen them, half a year ago, must be astonishing. For herself, they had happened so gradually that she did not really think about it like that.

Henry joined them at the door, and they walked out into the garden.

The sunshine was bright, the smell of fresh greenery inviting. Sophia breathed in as they went to sit on the rug that the staff had spread out under the tall trees. Three picnic rugs were arranged there, with three vast picnic hampers to accompany them. Sophia smiled as she and Henry settled on one, the boys racing over to join them.

“Food!” Matthew yelled.

“I’m hungry,” Charles commented.

“We can eat right now,” Henry said consolingly and opened the vast hamper. The boys gazed in, their eyes wide and round. Sophia chuckled to herself. Anyone would think that they had never eaten food before.

They all settled down on the blankets.

Sophia smiled, spotting an unexpected guest between the trees. She stood.

“Excuse me for a moment,” she said to Henry, Grace and James. “There is someone I have to greet.”

She walked swiftly across the lawn to where Hannah and Bert stood. Hannah had moved to Atherley House with her, continuing her job, but there she had met Albert, or Bert, a farmer who farmed land adjacent to Henry’s estate. They had come to know each other slowly, and soon it became apparent that they loved each other. Hannah had married him within a year. They now had their own two children and a thriving farm. The estate bought their butter and milk solely from Hannah’s farm. Sophia took her hands, her heart soaring with warmth to see her there.

“How do you fare?” she asked gently, gazing into Hannah’s blue stare. Hannah smiled.

“Well. Bert and I are well. The children, too,” she added warmly. They had a son and a daughter, and they were occasional visitors to the estate when the family brought the produce up from the farm. Sophia was always pleased to see them and spent time talking to Hannah whenever she was there. She missed her services, but she was indescribably glad to see her so happy.

“That is good,” Sophia said warmly.

They chatted for a while. Hannah was glad to see Grace and James and their daughter, whom she saw occasionally, but not often. 

“She’s a fine girl,” Hannah commented, meaning Julianne.

“She is. Quite lovely,” Sophia agreed.

They talked for a while longer, and then Hannah inclined her head towards the cart. 

“We should return to the farm. Bonnie needs feeding.” She indicated their carthorse, who snorted in agreement. Sophia could almost be certain that the creature was smiling.

“Thank you for visiting,” she said sincerely. Hannah smiled, squeezing her fingers.

“It’s always wonderful to see you, Your Grace.” She grinned. She never used titles with Sophia, except for teasing. Sophia preferred it.

Sophia smiled. “I will see you soon, Mrs Hampton,” she added with a laugh.

Albert smiled and raised his hat. He was a handsome fellow—tall, with thick blonde hair and blue eyes, which wrinkled when he smiled. He had a square jaw and broad shoulders, and his eyes were full of love when he smiled at Hannah.

“Let’s go back,” he said gently, helping her up as she clambered up the boards into the cart.

“Yes, we shall,” Hannah replied and turned to wave at Sophia. Sophia waved back as Albert took the reins and the cart moved down the cart-track towards the side gate.

She waved again and walked slowly back to the picnic rug on the lawn under the trees.

Henry was waiting for her and smiled fondly in her direction when she came over to join him. She grinned back and settled down on the picnic rug beside him. He wrapped his arm protectively around her waist, drawing her close. 

“Where are our sons?” she asked, frowning.

“Over there, by the trees,” Henry said, pointing. She gazed over and saw that James was with them, playing some sort of game. The boys were hiding behind the trees that grew on the edge of the lawn and when they saw James, they broke cover and ran, screaming in delight, towards the pond. Julianne was with them, her little white dress bright against the green lawn. She was also squealing, and James swooped down and picked her up, making her shriek with joy.

“They seem to be having a fine time,” Henry commented. His smile was broad and peaceful.

Sophia chuckled. “Indeed.”

Grace raised a brow. “They’ll all be terrifically tired after the picnic. James too.” She laughed. Henry smiled.

“We prepared the blue room for you.”

Grace laughed. “We will all be delighted. Julianne enjoys her stays here. It does her such good to have children of her own age to play with.”

Sophia nodded. “The boys love it as well. They are always so excited whenever you visit.”

Grace smiled. “I do hope James comes to join us. He has not had any of this delicious fruit pie yet.”

“I imagine he will be back soon,” Henry replied. He sounded sleepy.

Sophia reached for the picnic hamper. There were still glass bottles of lemonade, a sponge cake and a few ginger biscuits wrapped in a cloth. The other food had all been consumed. She reached for the ginger biscuits, knowing that they would be much in demand by the boys.

“Was that Hannah?” Henry asked.

“Yes,” Sophia replied, arranging the ginger biscuits on a plate. 

“How does she fare?” Grace asked, sampling the blackcurrant pie.

“She fares well. Her children are likewise well. I expect she will bring them to the estate soon.”

“Wonderful,” Grace said with a smile. “It is wonderful to see her having such a full life.”

“Indeed,” Sophia agreed. It was lovely to see her friend so well and happy. She gazed around their gathering. Charlotte and Johnathan were resting in the shade of a tree, Johnathan with his arms wrapped protectively around Charlotte, who looked tired, but happy. Aunt Margaret was talking with Grace’s Aunt Adeline on the rug beside them, both of them smiling and clearly enjoying the conversation. The blackcurrant pie lay on the rug beside them, half-eaten. 

Father and Harriet were walking about the lawn together. Sophia smiled, seeing the way her father stood back so that Harriet could step onto the pathway. It was wonderful to see him so much in love. He was softer and kinder, and that made everyone happy.

“Grandpa! Grandpa!” the boys yelled as she watched, running up to their grandfather. James ran with them, Julianne holding onto his hand. 

“What is it, boys?” Father asked. Sophia could see him bending down to talk to them.

“Fish! In the pond! Come and see!” Charles said excitedly.

“What are they, Grandpa?” Matthew asked.

Sophia watched, her heart warm with love, as her father followed the boys across the lawn to the pond. Harriet walked with them, staring into the water as the boys chatted excitedly about the fish. James wandered over, Julianne sitting on his shoulders. He carefully lowered her to the ground before settling himself on the rug. He took Grace’s hand. Julianne wriggled onto the mat; her gaze fixed on the fruit pie.

“I think the boys are tired out for a while,” James commented, grinning at Sophia and Henry.

“An hour, perhaps,” Henry teased. “They are quite impossible to render exhausted.”

Sophia laughed.

“I, on the other hand,” James continued, “am in quite desperate need of victuals.” He gestured to the food on the blanket. Grace smiled indulgently.

“I’m quite certain you are. You certainly must be tired after all that running about.”

“Indeed,” James replied, slumping on the rug. They all chuckled.

“Papa! Papa!” A shrill voice yelled. Sophia turned to see the two boys running towards them, racing to Henry and embracing him. He laughed, giving a playful yell as he wrapped his arms around them both and they almost knocked him flying.

“Easy, lads,” he said with a chuckle. “Did you need something?” he added as the boys tumbled onto the rug. Matthew eyed the pie. Charles was not so easily distracted.

“You said we would ride today,” Matthew reminded his father.

Henry grinned. “I did, indeed. We’ll just have a slice of pie and let our guests eat their dessert, and then we will go straight to the stables.”

“Hurrah!” Matthew exclaimed, settling beside his brother. Silence reigned as the boys eagerly tucked into their food.

James ate a large slice of pie and stretched, lying down in the sunshine. Sophia smiled at the tender way that Grace took his hand. They sat contentedly. Little Julianna came running from where she had been playing some imaginative game in the flowers and lay down beside her mother on the picnic rug.

“I can see clouds,” she informed everyone, before shutting her eyes. Sophia smiled lovingly at the little girl, who seemed to fall almost instantly asleep after her exciting afternoon. 

“I am going to take the boys riding,” Henry informed James and Grace where they sat contentedly on the rug.

“Capital,” James replied, his eyes closed, his long legs stretched out in front of him.

Henry laughed. “Sophia, dear?”

Sophia grinned. “I would like to come with you,” she replied, understanding his meaning at once.

They stood up from the rug, the little boys—revived by the fruit pie—chasing them excitedly. While their sons returned indoors to change into their riding breeches with the assistance of their nursemaid, Sophia and Henry circled the lawn, chatting with their guests and excusing themselves for an hour or two.

“It has been a charming afternoon,” Aunt Adeline thanked them warmly. “Margaret and I will retire to the drawing room a while,” she added, and Aunt Margaret nodded.

“Yes. I want to hear all the news about the boys’ ride when they return,” she added, her eyes sparkling fondly as she gazed at the twins, who were racing to the house.”

“I am certain you shall,” Henry agreed. The boys loved their Aunt Margaret, seeming to appreciate her great patience.

Henry and Sophia returned indoors to change into their riding outfits. Sophia donned a long dark brown riding coat with voluminous folds to cover her legs in the saddle and a high collar, for warmth, and Henry changed into riding breeches and a longer jacket. Then they hurried to the stables. The boys were already waiting impatiently.

“Mr Harrow is fetching our horses,” Matthew informed Henry as he strolled up.

“We asked for them to be readied,” Charles added proudly.

“Well done, boys,” Henry replied and went into the stable. He and Sophia often rode together, and Sophia had come to enjoy the pastime. She saddled her own horse, Buttercup, and they led their mounts out into the stable yard. Sophia stepped up from the mounting block, the side-saddle proving more complicated to climb into, while Henry lifted the boys onto their ponies. He then vaulted into his own saddle with ease, using the fence as a step. He rode behind them, while Sophia rode ahead, riding in single file until they reached the meadow.

“Not too fast,” Henry cautioned the boys, who had been taught to ride at a trot but could not safely go faster yet. Sophia smiled as they overtook her, spreading out across the field. They rode straight-backed, their postures like small, competent riders as they trotted towards the river. She grinned and Henry smiled back, his eyes fond as he watched the boys.

“They are riding excellently already,” he commented.

“Indeed. You have taught them well, too,” Sophia reminded him gently. He had not left their lessons entirely to a riding instructor, but gave them lessons by himself, adding to their practice and skills.

Henry grinned. “They have natural aptitude. As do you, my dear,” he added. Sophia blushed. His gaze was admiring.

The boys dismounted at the river, looping the ponies’ reins around the pommel of the saddle so that their mounts could not trip or get tied up as they grazed. Henry jumped down from the saddle and reached to help Sophia, who smiled as he lifted her as though she was weightless, setting her on her feet on the soft grassy meadow.

The boys ran to the water, splashing and throwing stones that skipped across the surface as Henry had taught them. Henry laid his coat down on a log and Sophia sat on it. They both sat and watched the boys. Sophia smiled, seeing their happy antics. The sunlight was warm, and it soaked into her skin, making her feel peaceful and restful.

“A lovely afternoon,” Henry murmured, wrapping his arm around Sophia. She shut her eyes, resting her head on his shoulder.

“It is, indeed,” she replied. She could hear the sound of birds and water and childish laughter as the boys threw their stones and played. She could feel his warmth and closeness. Happiness and contentment filled her.

“I am very happy,” Henry murmured, hugging her close.

“So am I,” Sophia replied, opening her eyes. Henry chuckled and kissed her hair.

“I never thought I would be so fortunate,” he replied softly.

“Me, neither,” Sophia replied, staring into his green eyes. He smiled, leaning over to press his lips to her own.

“I love you,” he said softly. The breeze ruffled his hair, and Sophia rested a hand on his shoulder, gazing into his eyes. He smiled and she hugged him.

“I love you, too,” she murmured into the fresh-scented shirt sleeve under her cheek. 

He chuckled and drew her closer. The boys ran and laughed on the riverbank, and the horses chewed the grass nearby, adding their small, peaceful noises to the afternoon. Sophia hugged Henry close and smiled with contentment. The river flowed gently by, singing its sweet, endless songs and reminding her that happiness was really rather easy, if one just followed one’s heart.