Page 77 of Dancing On Air

“Oh, thank you, Father,” said Eleanor, running to him and giving him a kiss on the cheek and a big hug.

“Wait, that’s not all,” said Garrett. “I am also granting Connor and his family the right to reclaim their titles. The Wyland family will no longer be treated poorly and disrespected. Everyone will treat them just like any other nobles from this day forward, forgetting about what happened in the past. Also, Connor Wyland will continue with his training of squire where he left off five years ago, and someday become a knight, just like the original plan.”

“I will offer to personally train Connor at Blake Castle,” offered Lord Corbett.

These decisions made the crowd go wild. Connor was dumbstruck, not even knowing what to say. He thought at first that he might be dreaming it all, until Eleanor ran to his side and grabbed him by the arm.

“Connor, isn’t this wonderful? Connor, say something, please. Did you hear my father? You are free from being a hangman and will be able to become a knight someday, just like you’ve always wanted.”

“Yes. Thank you,” said Connor. “Thank you, Lord Warden and Lord Blake. I am grateful for everything. This is a dream come true. However, Lord Warden, there is one more thing I would like restored, if it isn’t too bold of me to ask.”

“What is it you want?” asked Garrett.

“Eleanor and I were once betrothed.”

“True.” Garrett nodded but didn’t say more.

“What I would really like is your daughter Lady Eleanor’s hand in marriage. If she’ll have me,” said Connor taking her hand and squeezing it in his. “I hope she’ll still want me, even though I wouldn’t blame her if she didn’t.”

“Oh, yes, I do want to marry you, Connor. Father, please say yes,” begged Eleanor. “That is all I ever wanted. I love Connor and want to be his wife.”

“And I love Eleanor and want to be her husband,” added Connor. “I promise I’ll be the best husband, and someday the best knight I can be. I realize I have nothing to offer her, and for that I am sorry. I have nothing to offer, that is, but my love.”

“You were once betrothed to my daughter when I made an alliance with your father, but now he is gone,” said Garrett. “I thought it was a good idea then, but things have changed, I’m afraid. It’s not so easy to agree to let my only daughter marry someone who used to be a hangman and who has no castle to protect her or money to pamper her the way I think she should be.”

“Garrett,” said Eleanor’s mother, Echo, walking to the front of the crowd. Connor hadn’t even known she was there. She spoke in a soft voice so only those standing right there could hear her. “How can you say that after you just told everyone to respect Connor and treat him the same as any noble?” asked Lady Echo. She was a beautiful woman with dark hair and dark eyes. She was Lord Corbett’s sister.

“That’s true,” said Corbett. “At one time my sister was a pirate, yet you loved her and didn’t judge her then. Give Eleanor and Connor the same chance that you had.”

“They’re in love, dear,” said Echo, taking her husband’s hand. “Just like us. Nothing but love really matters.”

“Father, Connor never actually killed anyone, if that will change your decision. He just assisted his father with the executions,” explained Eleanor.

“That’s right,” agreed Connor. “I never actually pulled the lever or swung the blade to end a prisoner’s life.”

“Well, it doesn’t make a difference if he did or didn’t kill a single person,” said Garrett. “I have made my decision and will stick by it.”

Connor thought this meant he refused to let him marry Eleanor, but his next words proved him wrong.

“I agree that you two should be married,” said Garrett. “And I thank my wife for pointing out to me that love between two people is so important. Not, of course, that I believe it is all that matters, but it does hold a good weight when it comes to making decisions.”

“Thank you, Husband,” said Echo, flashing him a smile.

“Well, my dear wife,” Garrett said softly. “I know if I don’t agree to the marriage, Eleanor will end up living in the damned abbey forever and probably become a nun. I want grandchildren,” said Garrett with a chuckle. “At least this way, I might actually have some.”

“Thank you, Lord Warden. And I promise you, I will do my best to give you many grandchildren,” said Connor, leaning over and kissing Eleanor on the mouth.

Then it is done,” said Garrett, causing the crowd to cheer. “My daughter, Lady Eleanor of Hythe, will marry Lord Connor Wyland at the earliest convenience.”

“What do you say, Connor? Isn’t this exciting?” asked Eleanor, crying tears of joy.

“I can hardly believe it,” he told her, bending over and kissing her once again. “I am afraid I will wake up and find out this is all naught but a dream.”

“It is a dream,” she told him. “A dream come true. Now, we can finally be together, forever, as husband and wife.”