he decides to gamble on the stock exchange. His personal involvement with previous battles lead him to the conviction that Wellington will not lose, so rather than take his father-in-law's advice to sell his funds he gambles on victory. And, as he had foreseen, shares plummet, only to soar again at the news of Wellington's victory at Waterloo (1815). Lynton has made his fortune, and no longer needs his father in law's financial support. However, Jenny's pregnancy and confinement have brought the two men to a greater understanding of one another. Rather than insult Chawleigh by repaying him, he suggests that the property titles held by Chawleigh be passed on directly to his newborn grandson. Lynton's final act of including Chawleigh as one of the newborn's names, is a mark of respect that delights the older man. In the meantime, Julia has married an older and wealthy suitor. Lynton realizes that he is happier and more comfortable with devoted Jenny than he would ever have been with beautiful but self-centered and demanding Julia. The novel ends with Jenny realizing that Lynton genuinely loves her, albeit with a calmer affection than the youthful passion that characterised his feelings for Julia Oversley. References External links Review of A Civil Contract by Jo Walton 1961 British novels Novels by Georgette Heyer Historical novels Fiction set in 1814 Fiction set in 1815 Heinemann (publisher) books Regency romance novels