“It has come to my attention that you ill-treated your two wives and that resulted in their deaths. The families have brought the complaints to me and I find that I have no choice but to strip you of your title first of all, and secondly because of your father, I will offer you an alternative. Go to jail for the rest of your life, or else go out to Australia and live the rest of your miserable earthly life out there. England doesn’t have room for wickedness such as runs through your veins.”
Daniel looked old and haggard, and those who saw him emerge under heavy escort from the Prince Regent’s inner chambers said they had never seen such hopelessness on a man’s face. Under heavy guard he was put on a ship to Australia and four guards travelled with him to ensure that he reached his destination. Once he was handed over to the counsel over here, they returned back to England to report back to the Regent.
Hannah’s life didn’t go any better. From the moment it was rumoured that Daniel Cross had been stripped of his title and was being sent to Australia as a fugitive, she knew that her time was up. Those she owed money after having obtained it by telling them that Samantha would be marrying Daniel, began to show up in droves, demanding that she pay them or else face debtors’ prison.
One morning they knocked at the door and noticed that the house was deserted. Nobody ever heard from Hannah or her two daughters again and someone started a rumour that they had been seen boarding a ship that was leaving for America.
* * *
Alastair looked at his bride and smiled. He couldn’t believe that the love shining in her eyes was for him. The Lord really answers prayers, he thought. He had prayed for someone to love him just the way he was, and this beautiful woman had given him her heart and taken his.
“You are so beautiful, Samantha. I doubt that in the whole world there has ever been such a beautiful bride.”
“You’re a most distinguished husband and I love you so much, Alastair.”
“I finally believe you,” he kissed her lips tenderly. “I give you my promise, once again, that because you have opened your heart to me, the Lord is my witness that I will only ever do you good. I will love you like grandpa loved grandma, and this will be our safe haven for the rest of our lives.”
“And I love you too, Alastair. I pray every single day that the Lord will show me how to love you and make your life whole. You saved our lives and I don’t know how we will ever repay you.”
“You already have, many times over.”
And they kept their promises to each other, with Samantha bringing forth five strong sons who were their father’s joy and pride, and indeed, all of Inverness celebrated their lord’s happiness. Nobody deserved it more than he did. Samantha and Alastair’s sons defended the castle and their people all their lives, and never was there a happier village than Inverness.
:)
* * *
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Want More Regency Fairytale Romance?
If you enjoyed this book I am sure you will enjoy my other Regency Fairytale, The Duke’s Ugly Duckling.
Also by Charity McColl
The Blind Duke
The Embittered Earl
Lord Byron’s Bride
The Enchanting Rebel
Beastly Duke and the Winsome Bride Page 5