Daughters of Fortune: A Novel (67 page)

To his surprise, he didn’t miss the office. He and Isabelle had both mellowed with their advancing years, and they finally found common ground living together at Aldringham, doting on their grandchildren.

Elizabeth was acknowledged to be the strongest chief executive Melville had ever seen. But she also made time to be a good wife and mother. Two afternoons a week, she left the office at lunchtime. She also introduced flextime and childcare facilities for mothers who worked at the company.

She and Cole had never been happier. When the following year he was named Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year, she was by his side
at the award ceremony. Later that night, they celebrated his win in bed. Nine months later she gave birth to her second child, a little girl named Ella, after Cole’s mother.

Following the fashion show, Amber had a number of modeling offers. She turned them all down and instead joined Melville’s marketing department. To everyone’s surprise—especially her own—she actually enjoyed working there. Focusing on her career helped her take a well-earned break from drugs, alcohol, and men.

Caitlin’s innovative collections continued to define the Melville brand. For their belated honeymoon, she took Lucien and little Katie on a tour of Ireland. They went back to Valleymount and found a pretty cottage on the outskirts of the peaceful village, which they decided to buy on the spot.

They spend most weekends and holidays there.