Giovanna at the Ballroom Bonus Scene

First Christmas as husband and wife…

“The duke's arranged a carriage to collect us, so we will not need to wait at the dock,” Silas explained to his wife, as the sailing ship was docking in the harbour.

“Padre and Mattia will be here shortly,” Giovanna mentioned. “I am so nervous at being in England once again.”

Silas pulled his wife closer to his side, hooking his arm around her waist as they looked out over the railings of the ship. People waved randomly from the dockside, no doubt relatives awaiting their loved one’s arrival. All around was chaos as passengers dashed here and there, readying themselves to disembark.

“But this is where it all began, amore mio,” Silas spoke softly in her ear in Italian. He kissed her soft cheek to lend her some confidence. “England is where our journey together started.”

The conte soon arrived with Mattia in tow, and as they disembarked as a group, Silas was met by a familiar driver from Welwick Hall.

“It is good to see you, sir,” Jenkins greeted Silas, taking the conte's luggage. “Let me take that, m’lord, and relieve you of the weight.”

The conte thanked him, and they followed Jenkins to the carriage. Once the luggage was secure, Jenkins set the four-horse carriage forward, heading for Welwick Hall.

“I never thought I would say this,” Silas began, settling into his seat, by his wife. “But it feels good to leave the sea air behind us.”

“Yes, it has been a long crossing. Padre, you must go and take a rest as soon as you can,” Giovanna said, fussing after her elderly father. “The whole journey has no doubt been a strain on your health.”

“I intend to enjoy the company of my English family first, daughter,” the conte chuckled. “There will be plenty of time to sleep when I visit heaven.”

Giovanna didn’t look shocked at her father’s reply, he was a jovial fellow and always one to joke. Though none were surprised when the count nodded off to sleep as the coach rocked them around for the next few hours. They didn't chatter much as each of them closed their eyes to rest lightly.

A few hours later, they arrived at the Hall, and Silas could see that Giovanna was pleased that her father looked refreshed.

The duke and duchess came outside to greet them. Night had fallen and darkness blanketed the land, along with the chill of the British winter months.

“Come straight inside,” the duchess insisted, we have a fire burning and blankets, and a warm drink waiting for you all.

No one complained as they followed the duchess to the drawing room where others awaited their arrival too. The warmth was a welcoming relief after the chilly night air, and the orange glow of a burning fire in the hearth was comforting.

Giovanna fussed over her father, leading him to an armchair by the fire, and covering his knees with a blanket. While she was busy with her father, Silas hugged his sister and brother-in-law. It had been many months since he married Giovanna, and he felt a sense of joy at being with his loved ones at long last. He moved on to greet the others who patiently waited to welcome him too.

“Lady Olive,” Silas said, smiling as he kissed her on each cheek. “One supposes the South of England is much warmer than Scotland,” he remarked, making conversation.

“That is quite true, Silas, but seeing you warms my very soul,” Lady Olive replied. “You remember my husband, Julius?” she questioned, turning to introduce him.

“Of course I do, he needs no introductions,” Silas laughed, shaking Julius’s hand. “I hope you are well. Are you still caring for those military horses?”

“Let’s just say that my wife is quite familiar with my arriving home every day, smelling of horse manure,” Julius laughed. “But she knows how much I love my work as a veterinary surgeon. She also knows that in truth, I love her more.”

Silas moved on to greet Lady Adelia, Lady Olive’s mother. The old lady looked more senior than when he’d last seen her. But then time had moved on since she'd left to live in Ireland with her husband, Viscount, Lord Fergus.

There was much laughter around the room as old friendships were renewed. As well as introductions to include their new Italian relations.

Silas was relieved when Giovanna began to settle in and relax. He’d worried for her at having to travel so far from her homeland in Italy. But she was surrounded by family and people who loved her.

He was about to go to her side when a ruckus sounded out. The twins came charging into the room with their playful noises.

“Uncle Silas,” his niece shouted out, running to hug him.

Picking up his niece, he swung her around, as was his tradition, and remarked, “Goodness, little Livy, how you have grown so quickly.”

She giggled at his greeting, and when he put her to the ground, his nephew approached him to shake his hand.

“Well, well, that is a very grown-up greeting, young Owen,” Silas remarked as his nephew was attempting to look all grown up. “Come here you rascal, and give your uncle a hug,” he laughed, pulling the squirming young man in for a man-hug. Owen was quick to melt into his uncle’s arms, despite trying to act like a grown young man.

“It is good to see you, Uncle Silas,” Lord Owen said, grinning at his uncle's fond greeting.

“Is that a little tear I see in your eye there?” Silas asked, releasing his nephew from his embrace.

“We have both missed you very much, Uncle, and we have decided something most important,” Livy announced, looking quite serious.

Silas leaned over, to be more level with the youngsters, “This sounds very intriguing, Livy, I do hope that you are not dismissing me of my role as an uncle?”

“No, silly,” she giggled. “When we are a little older, we will come to stay in Italy for a while, so that you will not miss us too much. That is if you will have us?”

“I cannot wait for that time to come,” Silas said, joyous at the very idea. “But don't grow up too quickly, your mother will blame me. Come now, let's go and say hello to your Aunt Giovanna, you know how much she adores you.”

And so, the first Christmas celebration of the newlyweds began. Everyone looked forward to the duke's traditional festive Twelfth Night Masquerade Ball. After all, they all knew that was how the whole story had begun, so many years ago.

The End...

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Silas and Giovanna found the soulmate they were looking for in each other!

As the Balls of the Welwick Hall and Miss Sarah’s famous dresses keep bringing true love in the surface, more romance stories bloom in this enchanting dukedom!

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