Chapter fifty seven"Earl!" She grinned and almost went to embrace him. Rather than what the Marquess should have done, he frowned and stepped back from the window through which he'd thrown it. After a wave of dismissal, he snarled, "I knew Jason was up to no good. Now get out of here before we both get caught."The lady obeyed instantly, jumping to her feet and pacing towards the stables. That was when the real war began.The crowd rushed to her sadistically, almost surrounding her. She joined her lips to a line. As much as she was desperate to flee, she vowed not to kill any, as innocent as each as. But a little bone breaking won't hurt wouldn't it?Even with the impossibility, Monica stopped and began throwing fists and avoiding attacks coming her way. With her actions, the number was increasing and closing in on her. New plan…She suddenly remembered how the bonds existing between members of a clan and how sentimental they could be about each other. At the thought, she reached fo
Chapter fifty eightIt had been nearly hell for the lass. Now it was useless threatening to kill one of them. As Monica gawked at the angry mob of armed noblemen, she realised unfortunately that no height of her skills could change the fact she was greatly outnumbered.She had started to shiver while they kept closing in on her. Even the victim she had in her clutch finally managed to free himself from her shaky grip.Now she was there, naked to any attack they planned to lay upon her. Now she had no choice but to do that one thing she hated most; surrender.Ever so slowly, she lifted both her hands in the air and glanced through the people. But then;"Move away! His Grace approaches," the loud voice came from somewhere within the crowd, stealing attention and causing a murmur streak.Monica gasped fearful. The last way she wanted to die was by the hands of the one she loved. Now she was trapped, he had come to end this once and for all.Now the crowd parted into two to form a path in
Chapter fifty nineThe Duke found himself in a mix of feelings. Admiration. Wonder. Gratitude. Love.And slowly, he let go of his own sword and widened his arms invitingly, "Then get in here before I change my mind."Damnation to her spine and ego. Monica let tears run down her cheeks as she half ran to the lad.Jason was smiling in admiration.Anna and Rebecca felt a new warmth in their hearts.The Princes were nodding approvingly.Earl Robinson burst out laughing in mirth as he let the scene rage his mind.Speaking of happy endings, Earl suddenly had a frown on before, later on, he started across the snow." Where are you going?" Asked Raymond worriedly.The Marquess faced his friends one last time to say, "Anywhere apart from here. While getting too engrossed in such a beautiful scene. I forgot the vessel for bad luck I left at home who'll soon become Marchioness of my empire.""Good thing I'm married," Jason smiled, "who knows she may have chosen me for such a suicide mission."Ea
Chapter sixtyTons of majordomos had been hired for the job, a dangerous one given the risk of being trampled upon. Continuously, they nudged their bodies against the crowd at either side of the cobbled street.As Elizabeth had put it, it was the grandest event in England; everyone wanted to see!Two carriages made of white oak and gold prints rolled upon the stones just between the hustling and bustling lines of the crowd at their sides. The majordomos were almost having trouble keeping them behind the invisible tape. But when the carriages came to a halt, the uproar just doubled.Uniformly, footmen stalked to the doors and pulled them open, tipping their bodies down in a half bow for whoever was to emerge.Now everywhere quietened except for the murmur streak of anxious waiters.Carriage one released the English blonde, bound in a dress that almost filled the space behind her. As she was helped down the steps, the sun came in contact with the gems on her white garment, shimmering wi
Chapter oneLiverpool,England.1643.***Arching his elbows, he tapped the bow lightly. In split of a second, he shot the arrow.The Marquess smiled at his friend, comparing their shots, "You never miss a chance to show me my place, do you?"Philip Forland lowered his arms, tossing the bow to the ground, "I'm a born Archer. One of the few things I learnt from my father, The Duke."The Marquess, Earl Robinson started towards the rest, "Oh how I'd love to crush those hopes totally. Let's go fishing, or horse riding," he smirked wickedly before concluding, "Or even hunting."Philip shook his head with a smile, ignoring his friend. He looked forward at the other men, Earl of Vetcom and Prince of England, Jason Ferma and Raymond Louis, pulling on the straps of their horses to get on them.Staring at nothing, the Prince sat upon his beast and gave Earl a befitting remark, "Let me take a wild guess, Philip emerged victorious as always."Earl grinned charmingly and responded, "Well if you as
Chapter twoThe bartender pushed her out and yelled, anger impinged in his voice, "Next time, do not come to my store if you can't pay for what you drink!"Monica staggered and leaned against a wall, eyeing the man ruefully, "Curses! I have money…all of it. You pesky little..."Before she completed her sentence, the man slammed the door, disgusted by her drunken state. As far as he knew, the women of England did not go around dressed in trousers and boots, not to talk of being drunk.Monica frowned and swallowed, returning her gaze to her path. The lane seemed to dance erratically and divide into three, "Foolish English. You all think you are so smart. When I get my duchy back, you'll see."She stopped walking and stared into darkness, her eyes shutting slowly and tiredly, just before she surrendered to the arms of unconsciousness.***"I know he will be as good as father," Anna Forland said to the duchess as they stared down at Philip through the window.Her mother grinned, "I believ
Chapter threeKicking stones aimlessly, she walked home in the dark. The last few days had been useless, with series of thefts and daydreaming about being a Savage duchess just to help her family survive once more. Horse steps made her look left, sighting Messengers on strong, black horses throwing scrolls around.From what she knew, they looked like invitations when she picked them up. But the event was what worsened the rest of her night. FROM THE FORLAND EMPIRE…The rest of the letter made her tear the scroll in pieces, rushing home before she snapped angrily in public.When she slammed the door and faced her family, they all had faces of mockery on.Nathan seemed angry, but forced a grin on, "Ah! There you are sister. We are so sorry. Seems your only plan of getting our home back failed. He's already found a duchess, soon to be wed.""I saw the invitation," she snarled at them, "And besides, they aren't married yet, are they?"Then she left for her room, ignoring the errat
Chapter fourPeople chatted and glasses clinked, typical English style. Philip watched the people downstairs and held his hand out for Elizabeth. She looked at him, in a dark blue velvet suit embroidered with gold patterns, just before she placed her hand in his, "You look splendid."He smiled slightly and stared at her, "You're perfect."With one last breath, they both descended the spiral staircase, all eyes turning to them.All the chatter and clinking of glasses stopped just as a footman announced the procession of the Duke and his betrothed.The couple faced the people, the male with a slight bow and the lady with a curtsy. What excited everybody most was the youth of the two. Fresh and beautiful. The smiles on their faces confirmed their approval already.Moments later, a slow dance began. With Elizabeth in his arms, Philip still had his thoughts straying, looking around for the Scottish damsel, although he did not know what to expect.***A foot stepped through the double door