This refers to the second epilogue of Julia Quinn’s Regency-era romance novel, The Viscount Who Loved Me. Epilogues generally serve to provide closure after a story’s climax, often offering glimpses into the future lives of the main characters. A second epilogue suggests an additional layer of narrative closure, potentially addressing unresolved plot points or providing further insight into character development beyond the initial conclusion.
Within the context of romance novels, epilogues hold particular significance. They solidify the happily-ever-after, a core trope of the genre, and satisfy readers’ desire for a conclusive resolution to the central love story. A second epilogue amplifies this satisfaction, offering a bonus glimpse into the enduring love and happiness of the protagonists. In the case of a popular novel like The Viscount Who Loved Me, which is part of a larger series (Bridgertons), a second epilogue can also strengthen the connection between characters and set the stage for future installments, whether directly related or focusing on other members of the interconnected social world. This can deepen reader engagement with the series as a whole.
