“I knew Mrs. Radcliff was onto us because she has shown that over the years in many ways. But I did not expect that,” Warwick said, towing Samantha behind him through the doors.
“She was very noble, don’t you think? And her French was faultless.”
“Clearly there was another side to her we never saw, my love.”
They made their way back into the room and stood together before the Christmas tree.
“I remember things too now,” Cam said. “Like her stepping in when anyone in town threatened us, and food and clothes appearing on our doorstep when we needed them.”
“She watched over us,” Eden said softly. “It’s humbling to know she was our guardian angel.”
“Her and those that came before her,” Essie said.
Dorrie and Somer returned, sprinting into the room. Somer held out the box. She passed it to James, who still stood with Dev.
“It’s right they do this,” Samantha said.
“It is.” Warwick pulled her into his side, placing a kiss on her head.
“I’m not sure if I’m nervous or excited,” Alice said.
“Both,” Nicholas added.
“I asked for more mulled wine to be brought in.” Dorrie’s voice was high-pitched and squeaky with excitement. “I’m not entirely sure why but thought we should have it.”
“It’s all right, love.” Ash took her hand. “Everything will be all right.”
“We are together, it matters not what is in that box. It will just be a confirmation of all we are. The love, the togetherness, it is part of us, and nothing could ever change that,” Harry said.
James held the box, and Dev put the key into the lock. Collectively, they all held their breath. It clicked, and Dev opened the lid.
“What is it?” Eden demanded.
“Looks like a document and a small leather-bound book,” Dev said. He walked to the table with it, James at his side. He unfolded it and lowered it carefully to the table.
Warwick noticed Dev’s hands weren’t quite steady. It took a great deal to unsettle the eldest Sinclair, considering what he had endured in his lifetime.
“What language is it written in?” Gus asked.
“I don’t know,” Dev said, looking at the document. The others stood before them waiting.
Gus and Ash stepped forward.
“It’s Anglo-Norman, which is what Mrs. Radcliff spoke,” Ash said. “You read it, Gus.”
“It’s dated 1335, and there are three signatures. King Edward III, the Duke of Raven, and Mr. Sinclair.”
The room was so quiet they could hear the dogs snoring before the fire.
“I, Edward III, King of Great Britain, Ireland, and the British Dominions do hereby declare the Right Honorable Baron Sinclair protector of James Frederick Charlton, 1stDuke of Raven, and as such bequeath him the lands at the base of Raven Mountain for his act of valor. My hand this fifth day of September, Thirteen Hundred and Thirty-five.”
“And that started it all,” Dev rasped.
“At the bottom are the words ‘To honor and protect the Raven familywill be the Sinclair family creed.’”
The emotion in the room was so thick it settled over them like a cloak. Samantha gripped Warwick’s hand with both hers now.
“It’s like nothing I’ve ever seen,” Ash whispered, awed. “I’ve read books and legal documents, but this changed the course of our lives.”
