“You killed five men and dealt cuts that I’m told willvisibly scar two others for life.”
“Then they shan’t forget the lesson they learned last night,shall they?”
“You had a friend detained by her, didn’t you?”his fatherdemanded to know.
“Farrell made a stupid mistake, visiting his favorite to saygood-bye before his wedding.He is now without a fiancée, a woman,incidentally, he loved deeply.Though what he’s gained is an angry father whois demanding he and his family cover the costs of the deposits set for awedding that did not happen.Unfortunately, Farrell feels it is only proper hedo so.Profoundly unfortunately, his lost fiancée had extravagant tastes.”
Ansley’s gaze turned to the ceiling.
“Are we done?”Loren asked.
Ansley’s gaze returned to his son.
And when he spoke, he did it softly.
“You cannot right every wrong, my beloved boy.”
On that, Loren stood.
And his only reply was, “How soon we forget.”
“Learn from a father’s mistakes.”
“Thatis your mistake, old man,” Loren repliedgood-naturedly.“Thinking they were mistakes.”
After delivering that, even though his father opened hismouth to say more, Loren turned and walked away.
Ansley Copeland
The Duke of Dalton
He was still at his desk when his post was brought tohim that afternoon.
And he was surprised to see the Derryman seal on the back ofone of the letters.
He broke it, unfolded the paper, and read,
My dear Dalton~
It is with joy that I share that my beautiful, darlingdaughter, Maxine, has finally finished her studies, returned fromFleuridia, and is now amenable to meeting her affianced inorder to begin preparations to be wed.
Would you like us to come to you atDalwin?Or would you be our guests at Posey Park?Or we could meet in the middle as weboth have houses in Newton.
Please advise.
We so look forward to this alliance of Derryman andDalton.
It will be a jubilant day for us both!
Yours in humble service toHawkvale~
Edgar Dawes
7th Count of Derryman
Ansley stared at the note, aghast.
Maxine Dawes, albeit lovely, and very sweet, and a youngwoman he had enjoyed spending several visits with atLancesterSanatorium, was in absolutely no condition to marry his son, and she neverwould be.
