Read Online The Duke's Dark Secret (Historical Victorian Romance) by Emily Brant - Free Book Online Page B
Authors: Emily Brant
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well.
“Father,” young Rebecca asked Jeb, “Is it good that Uncle Jim lived to see the new century?”
“I should say so.” He agreed. “He had said often enough that he hoped he’d have the opportunity to know what the world looked like in 1900. It’s a different world, to be certain. It is certainly no longer the West we knew when we first settled these lands.”
Louisa nodded her agreement. The Lucky Star had been torn down long ago, as had most of the original buildings along Main Street. The Daisy’s building still stood, but the restaurant had become a bank. The church was among one of the few original buildings left during the wave of great change that had taken place with the increased settlement of Colorado.
She looked down the table at the line of family members and acquaintances, looking for friendly faces. Ann had come from Denver, where she had married and had children of her own. It was wonderful to see her, she thought. Surprising everyone, Bob Tate had come to town as well, though he was only a little younger than Uncle Jim and was having trouble getting around.
Jeb felt like a few words should be said, so he stood up. “I want to thank you all for coming to pay your respects. Louisa and I have come to feel you’re not just neighbors. You’re all family.
“Uncle Jim was loved by everyone. He had a big heart and was the most loyal, kind man I ever knew. He taught me everything I needed to know about raising a family and running a ranch. He’ll always be missed.”
Several people stood and gave stories about times spent with Uncle Jim before it was agreed that it was okay to start in with the meal.
The meal finished, it was time to catch up and for well-wishers to tell their best Uncle Jim stories. Louisa took Jeb aside as this was going on, worried for her husband.
“Are you doing okay?” She asked as they stepped away from the crowd. He was gazing out at the lonely river far and away on their property.
“I am doing fine. Thanks for asking, Louisa. I was just thinking of the days after we first met.”
“Do you regret any of it?” She asked, snuggling up to him.
“No. One of these days, we’ll have to tell the kids about everything that happened. They’re too young still, I suppose.”
“Don’t think they haven’t heard rumors.” The shooting of Frank Durant and the events surrounding that day had become local legend. Some people were convinced Jeb and Louisa had killed no less than 20 desperate cowboys in their effort to free the town from an evil influence.
“We’ll set the record straight when the time is right.” Jeb agreed. “One thing I’m sure about, though. I’m glad I asked you to marry me.”
“And I’m glad I said yes. You’ve given me everything I ever hoped for. A new life, happiness, and a good home on these fruitful plains.”
THE END
Heart of the Nobleman
by Ainsley Cameron
The carriage rocked from side to side while William de Mort gazed out of the open window. His eyes fixed on the castle that dominated the lush green valley. The castle’s tall rectangular keep sat safely behind a stone ring of imposing fortifications. Still, the young Baron felt unimpressed and slammed the shutter closed. “To think I inherited this... No wonder they call father, Berty the bastard.”
~
At the castle’s gatehouse William stepped out of the carriage onto the cobblestones where he was met by the castle’s chamberlain. William looked down his nose at the skinny fair haired man. “And you
“Father,” young Rebecca asked Jeb, “Is it good that Uncle Jim lived to see the new century?”
“I should say so.” He agreed. “He had said often enough that he hoped he’d have the opportunity to know what the world looked like in 1900. It’s a different world, to be certain. It is certainly no longer the West we knew when we first settled these lands.”
Louisa nodded her agreement. The Lucky Star had been torn down long ago, as had most of the original buildings along Main Street. The Daisy’s building still stood, but the restaurant had become a bank. The church was among one of the few original buildings left during the wave of great change that had taken place with the increased settlement of Colorado.
She looked down the table at the line of family members and acquaintances, looking for friendly faces. Ann had come from Denver, where she had married and had children of her own. It was wonderful to see her, she thought. Surprising everyone, Bob Tate had come to town as well, though he was only a little younger than Uncle Jim and was having trouble getting around.
Jeb felt like a few words should be said, so he stood up. “I want to thank you all for coming to pay your respects. Louisa and I have come to feel you’re not just neighbors. You’re all family.
“Uncle Jim was loved by everyone. He had a big heart and was the most loyal, kind man I ever knew. He taught me everything I needed to know about raising a family and running a ranch. He’ll always be missed.”
Several people stood and gave stories about times spent with Uncle Jim before it was agreed that it was okay to start in with the meal.
The meal finished, it was time to catch up and for well-wishers to tell their best Uncle Jim stories. Louisa took Jeb aside as this was going on, worried for her husband.
“Are you doing okay?” She asked as they stepped away from the crowd. He was gazing out at the lonely river far and away on their property.
“I am doing fine. Thanks for asking, Louisa. I was just thinking of the days after we first met.”
“Do you regret any of it?” She asked, snuggling up to him.
“No. One of these days, we’ll have to tell the kids about everything that happened. They’re too young still, I suppose.”
“Don’t think they haven’t heard rumors.” The shooting of Frank Durant and the events surrounding that day had become local legend. Some people were convinced Jeb and Louisa had killed no less than 20 desperate cowboys in their effort to free the town from an evil influence.
“We’ll set the record straight when the time is right.” Jeb agreed. “One thing I’m sure about, though. I’m glad I asked you to marry me.”
“And I’m glad I said yes. You’ve given me everything I ever hoped for. A new life, happiness, and a good home on these fruitful plains.”
THE END
Heart of the Nobleman
by Ainsley Cameron
The carriage rocked from side to side while William de Mort gazed out of the open window. His eyes fixed on the castle that dominated the lush green valley. The castle’s tall rectangular keep sat safely behind a stone ring of imposing fortifications. Still, the young Baron felt unimpressed and slammed the shutter closed. “To think I inherited this... No wonder they call father, Berty the bastard.”
~
At the castle’s gatehouse William stepped out of the carriage onto the cobblestones where he was met by the castle’s chamberlain. William looked down his nose at the skinny fair haired man. “And you
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