

Kent

Ashton's

Backstory

Ruth Ann Nordin
Kent Ashton's Backstory

Published by Ruth Ann Nordin

Copyright © 2013 by Ruth Ann Nordin

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events or locales is entirely coincidental.

Cover Photo image Dreamstime.com via Andrey Kiselev. All rights reserved – used with permission.

Table of Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Also Available: Catching Kent

All Books by Ruth Ann Nordin

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Dedication

Dedication: To Jennifer Karonika Kominczak for asking me about Kent after reading Falling In Love With Her Husband. Because of you, I got the inspiration for this novella, and it was nice to see how everything really played out in Virginia. Many thanks!
Chapter One

September 1899

Virginia

"Do I have to go?" Kent Ashton asked his parents as the horse carriage swayed gently from side to side.

His father grumbled in irritation. "We've already been over this. The Johnsons are a good family, the kind of family you'd do well to associate with. After the grief you caused us in New York, the least you can do is show us enough respect to please this family. Mr. Johnson is a shrewd businessman. He owns most of this town. If you make a good impression, he might hire you when you're done with your schooling."

"And after learning that your grandfather has left us next to nothing, we need the money," his mother added.

His father's jaw clenched. "Your grandfather was a fool. I can't believe he squandered all of his money on bad investments. If he wasn't dead, I'd..." He glanced at Kent and cleared his throat. "Never mind all that. We're here for a new start. We have meager funds, but they won't last long. I mean it, Kent. Don't tell anyone about our dire straits."

His mother opened her fan and waved it. "You can't have us living as paupers, son. It's best Wilma is back in New York."

"So you're saying I can't marry someone I love?" Kent asked, hiding the bitterness in his tone as much as he could.

"Wilma came from a family of few means," his father barked, his eyebrows furrowed. "If you want to marry for love, then choose a lady who happens to come from wealth. One lady is as good as another."

No, one lady wasn't as good as another. Wilma had been the only one who'd loved him for himself. She'd seen past the riches his family had enjoyed. She'd been like a breath of fresh air. And now she was married to someone else, thanks to the way his parents manipulated things.

Kent looked out the carriage window, not really seeing the houses as the driver directed the horses down the street. He couldn't bear to make eye contact with his parents right now. Not when he might give away his resentment. Nothing would make a difference at this point. He couldn't change the past. All he could do was continue on with his life and make the best of it.

The carriage came to a stop, and the driver opened the door. His parents left the carriage first, and he reluctantly joined them. Before him stood one of the finest houses he'd ever seen. Mr. Johnson was definitely a wealthy man.

"Let's not keep him waiting," his father said and took his mother by the arm.

Kent straightened his hat and frock coat. They climbed the steps to the porch, and he clasped his hands in front of him as his father knocked on the door. He closed his eyes, hoping tonight would go well. As the butler answered the door, he opened his eyes and forced a smile.

"Good evening," the butler greeted, his tone solemn. "May I ask your name, sir?"

"We are the Ashtons," his father replied. "Mr. Johnson invited us to dinner."

"Please enter." The butler moved aside and waited until they stepped into the entryway before leading them to the formal parlor. "You may wait here while I notify Mr. Johnson that you have arrived."

Kent joined his parents and entered the large room.

"My goodness," his mother whispered in excitement. "Look at the fine furniture. This chair alone must have cost a fortune!" She ran her hand along the velvet pink fabric on the arm of the chair. "I've only dreamed of owning such a luxurious item."

Kent rolled his eyes and sat in another chair. He tuned his parents out as they gushed over the other expensive items in the room and made plans on what they would buy once he secured their financial standing.

Fortunately, it wasn't long before the butler returned, bringing Mr. Johnson, his wife, and daughter with him. As the butler left, Kent rose to his feet. He waited to be introduced to the man his father believed to be the most prominent man in town. Mr. Johnson introduced his wife, and Kent made sure to compliment her on her dress as his parents had instructed.

"This is my daughter, Rebecca," Mr. Johnson said.

Kent ignored his father's smile. He knew what his father was thinking. Rebecca was his age, or at least close to it, and if Kent could be Mr. Johnson's son-in-law, then the plan would be a sure thing. Kent made eye contact with his father and gave a slight shake of his head. His father shrugged and turned his attention back to Mr. Johnson. Kent placed his hands behind his back and clasped them, squeezing as hard as he could so he wouldn't give away his irritation.

"Dinner is ready," the butler announced, approaching them.

"Good," Mr. Johnson said with a wide smile. "I hope you like lobster. We had them brought in fresh this morning."

"We love lobster," his father replied, shooting Kent a meaningful look. "We're fortunate to be here tonight."

"That we are," Kent's mother added, appearing way too happy about the evening.

"Good," Mr. Johnson said. "Then follow us into the dining room."

Kent sighed, thinking this was going to be a long and tiring evening.

***

"Make sure you don't do anything to ruin that suit," his father said as he entered Kent's bedchamber the next morning. "You're too tall to wear your old pair of pants, and I can't afford to buy you a new pair."

Kent looked away from the wardrobe mirror and finished adjusting his tie. "I won't let anything happen to these pants."

His father approached him and lowered his voice. "I did a lot of thinking last night, and marriage would be prudent. You need a good job, of course, but a lady's dowry would go a long way to securing our wealth. Keep that in mind when you attend your classes today."

"I understand." Hopefully, there would be someone there who would make him and his parents happy. "It doesn't have to be Mr. Johnson's daughter, does it?"

"No. I don't care who she is as long as she comes from a wealthy family."

Kent breathed a sigh of relief. At least, he'd have a choice.

"Now, this particular school I'm sending you to is one of the best Virginia has to offer," his father continued. "I had to use most of my money to secure a position for you there. All the ladies will bring a good amount of money into this house. If you could secure a marriage by spring, we won't face bankruptcy."

Kent glanced at the calendar. It was October. Seven months. How was he going to pick a lady who both appealed to him and had money in such a short time?

His father patted him on the shoulder. "Your mother and I are counting on you. Don't disappoint us."

"I won't."

"Come along." He stepped toward the door. "You'll ride with me in the carriage. We'll stop by your school before I tend to my business."

Kent gave one last look at his reflection. He could do this. And he would do it because he had to. Straightening his suit jacket, he followed his father out of his bedchamber. After their butler handed them their coats, they bid Kent's mother a good day and went to the carriage.

The ride to his new school was an awkward one. He never knew what to say to his father, and he learned long ago that silence was better than inadvertently saying something wrong. He stared out the window and noted his surroundings. This was his new home. New York was a long ways off, and all the things that happened there were in the past.

The carriage came to a stop and he took a moment to examine the large brick school at the end of a winding path. Entering the school were several young ladies who looked promising. The driver opened the door, and Kent stepped onto the path, not bothering to look back at his father. Only time would tell which lady he'd end up marrying.

***

The day had gone better than Kent expected. He wasn't sure if the other students would welcome him since he was new, but they had greeted him willingly enough. Perhaps living here wouldn't be so bad after all.

During lunch, he kept his distance so he could watch the others, especially the young ladies. He wanted to see how they acted around others, thinking it'd give him insight into who would make a pleasant wife. Some of the young men in his classes glanced in his direction. They were probably wondering why he didn't join any of them, even though they had invited him to sit with them. His father would have prompted him to start building friendships, which might lead to successful business prospects, but he didn't feel like it. Not today. Maybe tomorrow. Today, he wanted to be alone and rest.

After he finished eating, he had some time to go for a walk outside. He stepped into the sun, ignoring the slight chill in the air. Putting his hands in his pockets, he strolled the area in front of the school. A few others were also outside, enjoying the day. Some offered a smile, which he returned. But still, he kept his distance. Tomorrow. Tomorrow, he would be the person his father expected him to be. Tomorrow, he would talk to them.

As he passed under a group of trees, something fell on him. Startled, he jerked to the side, tripped on a tree branch and fell in the mud beside the walkway. It took him a moment to realize a frog had landed on his shoulder. It croaked and hopped away. Someone chortled in the tree above him. He looked up at the young man—Alex Dawson—who was sitting on a tree branch.

Angry, Kent rose to his feet. Noticing the mud on his hands, he examined his soiled pants. The same pair of pants his father warned him to keep clean. He turned his gaze back up, his jaw clenched. "What do you think you're doing?"

To his irritation, Alex swung from the tree branch and landed in front of him, a broad smile on his face. "Ahoy, Kent. I wanted to welcome you to this fine school."

"Welcome me?" he snapped, pointing to his pants. "You think this is a proper welcome?"

"It's just a pair of pants. Just put on a new pair when you get home."

He bit his tongue before he screamed at him that he didn't have another pair he could "just put on". Grunting, he glared at Alex who was still laughing. "This isn't funny!"

"Sure it is. You landed on your behind."

"Where did you get your manners? An asylum?"

"You needn't be so stiff," Alex replied with a nonchalant shrug.

"Stiff? You ruined my pants, and you have the nerve to call me—"

"Alex meant you no harm," someone called out.

Kent turned his attention as another one of his classmates, Todd Brothers if he recalled the name right, approached them. "He did so. He waited up in that tree," Kent pointed up to the branch Alex had been on, "and threw a frog on me."

"A harmless prank," Alex said, waving his hand in a dismissive manner. "I merely wanted to welcome him to our school."

"If you wanted to welcome me properly, you would have shook my hand like a normal person," he insisted before turning to Todd. "Can you believe him?"

Todd offered an apologetic grin. "Well, he happens to be my friend. He didn't intend for you to ruin your pants."

"Exactly," Alex agreed with an exaggerated nod. "I did no harm. None at all. You were the one who lost your balance and fell into the mud."

Unable to believe that Alex was blaming him for ruining his own pants, Kent clenched his hands. "Only because you dropped that frog on me!"

Alex opened his mouth to say something, but the bell rang, signaling that classes were about to resume.

"Maybe we can find you a towel," Todd offered.

He glanced from Alex to Todd and threw his hands up in the air. Neither one of them understood the seriousness of the situation. To them, pants were disposable. "Don't bother," he finally muttered and shook the mud off his hands the best he could. "Just stay away from me." He hurried away from them.

***

"I specifically told you to take care of your pants," Kent's father grumbled. "But I come home and I find them soiled."

Kent glanced up from the settee as his father paced the parlor. The closed doors gave them privacy from the servants, something he was thankful for. It was bad enough having his father upset with him, but if anyone else saw it, it would be much worse. "I didn't do it on purpose. Alex Dawson threw a frog on me, and it startled me. If it wasn't for him, my pants would be fine."

Pausing, he faced Kent. "Dawson? As in Peter Dawson's son?"

He shrugged. "I don't know. Maybe. I don't care who his father is."

For sure, Kent had no desire to associate with Alex, whether at school or elsewhere. Alex had no manners at all. The fact that he was allowed to remain in the school was something he couldn't understand. It seemed that a young man who behaved the way he did would be thrown out.

"It might behoove you to care who Alex's father is," his father reprimanded, his hands behind his back. "If his father is Peter Dawson, this could be to our advantage."

Before Kent could ask him to explain what he meant, his father hurried out of the parlor. Kent released a shaky breath and rose from the settee, glad he could get away from his father. Once he was in his bedchamber, he sat in the chair by a large window and stared outside, lost in his thoughts.

***

"I assure you my son won't ruin Kent's trousers ever again," Mr. Dawson told Mr. Ashton as the tailor recorded Kent's measurements into his book.

Kent, Alex, their fathers, and the tailor were in Mr. Ashton's parlor. Kent remained still as the tailor measured the length from his waist to just past his ankle. As soon as Kent's father sent word to Mr. Dawson about the incident during school, Mr. Dawson insisted on coming over to make amends. Kent thought his father was taking advantage of Mr. Dawson's generosity. Though one new pair of pants would have sufficed, his father agreed to let Mr. Dawson purchase three new suits.

At the moment, Kent's father was smiling in his most charming fashion at Mr. Dawson. "I appreciate how quickly you came to take care of the matter."

"Of course," Mr. Dawson replied. "I don't condone Alex's behavior one bit. Alex, you owe Kent and his father an apology."

Alex, who had his hat in his hands, dutifully voiced the apology, but Kent didn't believe he was sorry.

"I expect these pranks to stop at once," Mr. Dawson told his son.

Though Alex nodded, Kent had his doubts Alex would actually obey the command. But his father was satisfied, and that was all that mattered as far as this conversation was concerned.

The tailor stood up and closed his book. "Mr. Dawson, I have everything I need. I will have Kent's first suit ready tomorrow morning and the other two suits in a week."

Mr. Dawson relaxed. "Good." He turned back to Mr. Ashton. "I hope that will suffice."

"It does," Kent's father replied. "Kent and I thank you for handling everything in such a timely manner."

"It's the least I can do." His gaze went to Kent. "I hope you won't hold this against my son."

Before Kent could respond, his father laughed and shook Mr. Dawson's hand. "Of course, he won't. I'm sure despite their shaky beginning, our sons will be good friends."

Not if I can help it, Kent thought.

"We'll take our leave," Mr. Dawson said and motioned for Alex to follow him and the tailor out of the parlor.

Mr. Ashton followed them to the front door, once again commending Mr. Dawson and Alex for their kindness and generosity. Kent resisted the urge to roll his eyes. His father was only nice to them because of their wealth.

After they left, his father returned to the parlor, his eyes lit up with excitement. "Do you know who Mr. Dawson is?"

Kent shrugged as he poured himself some water from the pitcher on the table. "Alex's father?"

"Oh, he's much more than that." His father approached him and took the glass out of his hand before he could take a drink. "Mr. Dawson donates significant funds to your school."

"That's why Alex is allowed to get away with his pranks," he muttered.

"Don't begrudge a young man the need to laugh."

Kent couldn't believe what he was hearing. "Are you defending what Alex did?"

"There was no sustaining harm in it. His father made amends, and you're gaining three new suits."

"You weren't so happy when you saw my clothes."

His father drank the water and set the empty glass on the table. "That was before I knew how influential Mr. Dawson is. Now that I know, we must act accordingly. You will be friends with Alex."

He grimaced.

"You must do this for me, Kent. You are here to build connections and establish yourself in this community. You will do whatever it takes to do that. Do I make myself clear?"

"Yes," he forced out.

"Good. Now, I will tell your mother the good news. The strain we've been under hasn't been good for her health."

With a shake of his head, he picked up another glass and poured water into it. His mother with her endless headaches... Headaches that could only be cured with money. He drank the water and slammed the glass on the table. He didn't care what his father wanted. He wouldn't stoop to the level of pretending to like someone he didn't. There was no way he was going to be like his father.
Chapter Two

Two weeks later, Kent waited by the oak tree in front of the school. Classes ended for the day, but he hesitated to go home. He shifted from one foot to the other and watched the campus lawn as students left the building. He wanted to see Ann Statesman. Maybe today she'd be alone. So far, she'd been with her friend Agnes Brothers. Sometimes Agnes' older brother, Todd, was with them. Maybe no one would accompany her today. Ever since he met her in class, he hadn't been able to get her out of his mind. He'd wanted to talk to her sooner but didn't know what to say. This time he had planned some things he could say to her.

"Hi, Kent."

He turned around and saw that Rebecca Johnson was standing behind him. Glancing back at the school where he didn't see Ann, he said, "Hi," and reluctantly turned his attention back to Rebecca. "Do you need something?"

She shook her head. "No. I just wanted to see how things are going. Adjusting to a new place and all. It must be difficult."

"Not really. One place is as good as another."

"I've been to New York. It was a year ago, and I got to see the Statue of Liberty. Did you ever see it?"

He looked back at the school entrance. "Yes. A couple of times." Catching sight of Ann leaving the school, he said, "I have to go. I'm glad you enjoyed your trip to New York. Please excuse me."

He hurried over to Ann. She was alone today! If he didn't act quick, he might not get another chance to talk to her for a long time. "Ann!" he called out.

Ann turned to face him and smiled. "Good afternoon, Kent."

When he caught up to her, he gestured to her books. "I'd be happy to carry those home for you."

Blushing, she nodded and handed them to him. "Thank you."

"Which way do you live?"

"I'm four blocks in that direction." She pointed down the sidewalk.

He fell in step beside her, his heart beating with excitement. As long as he didn't say anything foolish, he might get a chance to court her. "That's not far from where I am. I'm three blocks further away from here."

"Oh, your family is the one who moved into the Hubbards' old residence."

"I suppose. I didn't take note of who lived there before."

"They were an elderly couple. They moved to Boston to be closer to their son."

An image of his parents moving closer to be near him made his skin crawl. His hope was to return to New York and send them money as they needed it. He hoped they had the same idea.

"We talked briefly before, shortly after your arrival here," she began, her cheeks a lovely shade of pink.

"Yes, I remember." Like he could ever forget the moment she walked into the classroom and everything else around him had faded so she became his focal point. Recalling Todd, whom she'd been talking to in a friendly manner, he said, "I wasn't too forward in introducing myself, was I? I didn't think anything of it at the time, but I did interrupt the conversation you were having with Todd."

"No, you didn't interrupt anything. I've known Todd for as long as I can remember." After a moment of silence, she added, "I've also known Alex for almost that long. I hope you don't think we're all the same way he is, pulling pranks that aren't as funny as he thinks they are."

He grimaced. The afternoon when Alex ruined his pants still bothered him. "I didn't think anyone else was the same as him."

"Good. Because we're not."

"He doesn't seem to bother most people."

She shook her head and adjusted her hat to better shield her eyes from the sun. "I think it's because his father is a prominent member of society. Plus, many students have respect for Todd, and he's close friends with him."

Since she'd brought up Todd again, he wondered if she harbored romantic feelings toward him. "So," he began, wondering how he could best word his question, "has Todd asked to court you?"

Her eyes grew wide and she gasped. "No! My family is well acquainted with his, but that's all there is to it. I have no desire to marry him."

Relieved, he relaxed his hold on her books. That was the best news he'd received since he came here. His parents wanted to see him marry a young woman from a wealthy family, and she caught his interest. Perhaps he could marry her and satisfy his parents.

"I hear there's much to do in New York."

"There is. Theatre, art, music... It's a place filled with culture. I'd like to return there once I find a job after we graduate."

"Oh."

Noting the slight disappointment in her voice, he ventured, "And of course, I'd take the lady I marry with me."

Her cheeks grew a brighter shade of pink and her smile widened. "Oh?"

Sensing her interest, he grinned. "I can tell you more about New York sometime."

"I'd love to learn more about it. I only know what a friend told me, and she made it sound fascinating."

"It is. There's always something exciting to do." They reached her house, and his steps slowed. "Thank you for letting me walk you home." He waited until they reached her front door before he handed her the books. "May I walk you home tomorrow?"

"Yes, you may."

"I'm looking forward to it."

He waited until she entered her house before he headed home, feeling much better about his future than he had since he moved to Virginia.

***

"I'm afraid I can't grant your request," Mr. Statesman replied from where he sat in his chair.

Kent stared at Ann's father, wondering what he said or did that upset the older gentleman. But he couldn't come up with anything. Adjusting his tie, Kent sat up straighter in the chair, unwilling to leave the parlor until he got his next answer. "Sir, if you don't mind my asking, why do you deny me the privilege of courting your daughter?"

Mr. Statesman let out a long sigh. "There are some things I can't adequately explain."

He furrowed his eyebrows. "I've walked your daughter home from school for a month now, and I confessed my admiration and respect for her. She seems to share the same sentiment toward me." He paused before continuing, "I'm aware that you are seeking a young man to court your daughter. Why am I not suitable?"

Her father shook his head. "These matters are complicated."

"I don't understand how complicated they can be when you were trying to arrange something with Alex Dawson and Ann has stated her disapproval of Alex many times." As soon as he spoke the words, he wished he could take them back. Ann had told him that in confidence.

He narrowed his eyes at him. "I don't believe I have to explain what I do or don't do to you. The answer to your earlier question is no. You do not have my permission to court my daughter."

Kent knew that was all he'd get from her father. Reluctant, he rose from the chair and managed a stiff bow. "Thank you for your time, Mr. Statesman."

As he left Ann's house, his face burned with anger. If her father had just explained why he refused his request, then the sting wouldn't be so great. But there was no reason for it. And the fact that Kent knew her father had said yes to so many other men and tried to arrange something with other fathers added additional insult to the rejection. What was wrong with him? He'd taken care to be respectful when he talked to Ann, and he honestly cared for her. So why had her father said no? And was there anything he could do to get into his good graces?

***

"You tell the most amusing stories," Kent's mother gushed after Mr. Johnson finished telling everyone his experience at the billiard room.

Kent's father, Mrs. Johnson, and Rebecca all chuckled along with his mother. Kent forced a polite smile, but no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't forget Ann. It'd been two weeks since Mr. Statesman refused to let him court her. He'd told Ann her father's answer and saw the disappointment in her eyes. But what could he do? He was bound by the rules of polite society, and if her father didn't want him to be with her, there was nothing he could do about it.

Swallowing the lump in his throat, he lifted the steak to his mouth and forced himself to eat it. For all the flavoring the Johnsons' cook used, it was tasteless to him. He couldn't enjoy anything without Ann. It was like losing Wilma all over again, except worse because he loved Ann more. She was vibrant and full of life. She was the kind of lady who could make a gentleman forget everything but her, and she gave him a reason to believe in the best life had to offer.

"Kent?"

Blinking, he directed his attention to his father. He cleared his throat. "Yes, Father?"

"Perhaps you'd be willing to entertain everyone after this fine dinner?" Turning to Mr. Johnson, he added, "My son has been playing the piano since he was five. He can play some of the masterpieces written by famous composers, Beethoven being one of them."

"He can?" Mrs. Johnson asked, her smile widening with pleasure. "Rebecca has a lovely voice. Perhaps your son could play while she sings?"

"That would be delightful!" Kent's mother replied. "Wouldn't that be delightful, Kent?"

Kent's gaze went from his mother to his father who indicated he'd better agree to it. Ever since he told his parents that Mr. Statesman had refused to let him court Ann, he'd been afraid they would try to pair him up with Rebecca, and now they were doing it. He glanced at Rebecca. She gave him a shy smile, which he returned only because he was expected to. The last thing he wanted to do was encourage her.

"Excellent!" his father said, nodding his approval at Kent.

After the meal was over, Mr. Johnson escorted everyone to the parlor. He gestured toward the grand piano. "There she is, Kent. Thumb through the music book and see if there's anything you know."

"Oh, he can play anything as soon as he sees it," Kent's father replied, patting Kent on the shoulder. "Perhaps we ought to let Rebecca pick the song." Looking at her, he asked, "What would you like to sing?"

Rebecca approached the piano and opened the book. "I hope no one minds if I sing 'All Things Love Thee So Do I'?"

"It's her favorite song," Mrs. Johnson said, sitting next to Kent's mother on the settee. "I just love to hear her sing it. She has the voice of an angel."

"Then we must hear it," Kent's father agreed, motioning for Kent to play for them.

Glancing at the grandfather clock, Kent settled onto the bench and scanned the music. It looked like a simple enough tune. He tested out the scale on the piano and played a portion of the melody. When he had a good feel for the music, he began the song. Rebecca soon joined in with the lyrics, and to his surprise, she had a beautiful voice. In some ways, it was hypnotic. It pulled him in and made him feel the emotion in the song, a deep abiding love, a deep longing. His thoughts went to Ann. Why did her father refuse to let him court her? He saw no reason for the gentleman's refusal, and as much as he tried to push it aside, it continued to bother him.

When he finished the song, everyone clapped and called for another one. He glanced at Rebecca to see if she had another piece she'd like to sing, but she encouraged him to pick one. After sorting through the book, he showed her "The Sailor Boy's Grave" and asked if she knew the lyrics.

"No, I don't. Are you familiar with the music?" she asked him.

He nodded. "You can read them while I play."

"I'll do so."

The arrangement was made and his fingers moved across the piano with ease. If nothing else, the evening was enjoyable simply because he was playing music. Sometimes it seemed that nothing could soothe the soul like a good melody. It was unfortunate his parents didn't have a grand piano. He'd play it all the time.

After an hour passed, his father stood up and announced that it was time to leave. While Rebecca's parents and his talked about the lovely evening they had, Rebecca sat next to Kent.

"Our parents get along remarkably well," she said, leaning closer to him than he preferred.

He glanced over his shoulder, but no one noticed them. Clearing his throat, he shifted away from her and closed the book. "Yes, they do."

"And we have so much talent. Few are as musically inclined as we are."

"Um...I suppose."

"My parents say you come from a noble bloodline. Do you really have an ancestor who was a prince?"

"That was in the late eighteenth century, but I'm not a direct descendant."

He traced the white and black keys. He really missed spending time at the piano. Rebecca let out a high-pitch laugh, and he had to fight the urge to wince.

"It doesn't matter if you're a direct descendant or not," she said with a wave of her hand. "The fact that one is in your history is important. It means you're better than other kinds of people."

He directed his gaze to her. "What kind of people?"

"You know the kind. People who have nothing to commend themselves. You and I have much in common. We're old money. We're established. Some families in town aren't." She lowered her voice and leaned toward him. "You shouldn't waste your time with such persons. After all, does a prince marry a nobody who managed to be adopted into a family who recently acquired their wealth because of a lucky investment?"

Her meaning dawned on him. Ann had told him she'd been adopted. The matter hadn't bothered him, neither had the fact that her father hadn't been born rich. Apparently, it bothered some of the people in town, including the Johnsons. He glanced at Rebecca's parents who were conversing with his parents as if they were old friends. He didn't know whether to laugh or cry. If her parents only knew the truth about his family, they wouldn't have anything to do with them.

"Come along, Kent," his mother called out. "We must be going."

"Yes," his father added. "Perhaps you and Rebecca might delight us with another performance in the future?"

"We'd love to," Rebecca said with another shrill laugh.

"Wonderful." His father shot Kent a meaningful look. "Isn't that wonderful, Kent?"

Swallowing the lump in his throat, Kent nodded. "Wonderful." And he was already dreading it.
Chapter Three

"Kent?"

He turned from the carriage in time to see Ann hurrying in his direction. His heart sped up at the sight of her. It always sped up when she was near. Turning to the driver, he said, "Take the carriage on home without me."

The driver nodded and Kent headed in her direction. "Ann, I don't know if your father would approve of you talking to me."

She lifted the front of her hat up and tilted her head, showing him the most beautiful eyes he'd ever seen. "Won't you ask him if you can court me? Please?"

Making sure no one passing by on the street would hear them, he gestured for her to walk with him to a more vacant area. Once there, he lowered his voice. "I already did. He said no."

"I meant that I need you to ask him again."

"If he said no the first time, what makes you think he'll say yes the second?"

She clenched the purse in her hands and sighed. "If you don't find a way to get him to say yes, he'll arrange for me to marry Todd. I just know he will. My parents have been pushing me to marry him for months now and day by day, it only gets worse."

"But I thought your father promised that you could choose the man you marry."

"And I choose you. Kent, if you don't do something, then I'll be forced to marry someone I don't love. Do you really want that?"

"No, of course not. Ann, I..."

With a sigh, his gaze met hers and he fought the urge to embrace her. He wanted nothing more than to hold her. If he had enough money, he'd suggest eloping and running off to a place where no one would find them. But he didn't have more than a few coins to his name. Without her family's money, he couldn't give her the things she was accustomed to.

"I want to be with you," he finally said. "I want it more than anything."

"Then do something. If it's not you, it'll be Todd."

"I don't know if I can ask your father right away."

"Well, then maybe you can come over and visit me. We'll be in the parlor and one of the servants can watch us. We'll do everything proper so my father will know you're a good man."

"We've never done anything improper."

"I know but maybe my father isn't sure about your intentions. Up to now, we've talked at the school or on my way home. You haven't been in my home. No one can vouch for you since you recently moved here." Her smile widening, she nodded in excitement. "I think I know why my father refused your request. He doesn't know anything about you."

That sounded like a reasonable explanation.

"Will you come to my house and visit? You'll get a chance to talk to my parents and I'm sure once you do, my father will see you the way I do."

"Alright," he agreed and returned her smile. "I'd love to spend the rest of my life with you."

"I want the same thing!"

They hadn't come out and stated their feelings before, so to hear her confess she wanted to marry him renewed his confidence. She was right. What he needed to do was show her father that he was an honorable young man. "Can I come by tomorrow?"

"Please do."

He brought her into his arms and kissed her, his heart soaring at the thought it was the first of many kisses they'd share. "Wait for me by the large oak tree in front of the school and I'll walk you home."

"I can't wait."

"Me neither."

"I'm on my way to see Agnes. Would you like to walk me to her house?"

"Of course." He'd never give up the opportunity to be with her. "Which way does she live?"

She nodded in the direction.

Turning around, he strolled beside her. "I should bring over some pictures of New York City. You said you haven't been there?"

"No, I haven't but one of my friends has, and she says it's lovely. She says there's so much to see and do."

"She's right. You'd love it. It'd be perfect for you." He hesitated to say more but since she'd made her feelings known to him, he saw no reason to hold anything back. "I'd like to take you there for our honeymoon."

"I'd love that."

As he told her where they'd go, the future he wanted became more real to him. Before, he'd had a vague idea of what it'd be like to spend the rest of his life with her at his side. But now, he could see it with such clarity, he had no doubt it'd come true.

When they reached Agnes' house, he turned to face her. "We'll do many wonderful things in New York."

"I can't wait. It all sounds very exciting."

He heard someone walking up the porch steps, his eyebrows rising in surprise when he saw Todd. He forgot Todd was Agnes' older brother. "Good afternoon, Todd. It's a pleasant day, don't you agree?"

Todd glanced from him to Ann then back to him. "Yes, it is pleasant." He cleared his throat and passed them. "I can let you in."

"I came to visit with Agnes," Ann said.

"I know," Todd told her as he opened the door. His tender gaze went to her before he waved them in.

"Oh, I won't be staying," Kent replied.

"I'll be there in a moment," Ann added. "Will you tell Agnes I'm here?"

When Todd was out of hearing distance, Kent turned his attention back to her. "He loves you."

"I know but I don't love him. I'll never love him, no matter how much he or my parents wish it. I only want to marry you. Promise me you'll do everything you can to make sure we end up together?"

He nodded and brushed her cheek with his fingers. "I promise."

"Ann? I'm so glad you came!"

He lowered his hand right before Agnes showed up at the door. "I better go. I'll see you tomorrow."

Tipping his hat, he offered Agnes a greeting before heading down the porch steps. As he glanced back, Ann gave him another one of those smiles that made him feel as if all was right with the world. His lips turned up but then his gaze caught a slight movement in the parlor window. His steps slowed when he realized Todd was watching him. It was the first time he sensed a challenge. He stopped and faced the window, but Todd lowered the curtain, blocking his view of him. Eyebrows furrowed, he put his hands in his pockets and headed down the street.

***

January 1900

"Your uncle sent another letter," Kent's father told him during dinner.

"What does he want? Money?" his mother asked, glancing up from her plate.

"Probably." He glanced at the butler who remained close by in case they needed anything. Clearing his throat, he said, "He also wants Kent to visit him."

"He wants me to visit?" Kent asked, surprised.

"Don't worry. I have no intention of sending you to Ireland," his father replied then sipped his wine. "Your uncle could probably use help on his farm. He has no children."

"Did he have a wife?" This was the most he'd heard of his uncle's life, so Kent wanted to learn more.

"He did but she died in childbirth."

His mother pressed her hand to her chest. "That's most unfortunate."

"Well, he lives in poverty. It's hard to expect a healthy family under such conditions," his father said and cut into his steak.

"A lady doesn't have to be in poverty to die in childbirth," Kent argued. "This isn't something restricted to a person's station in life."

"Given Miss Statesman's situation, it's no wonder you feel that way," he murmured, his voice low enough to go undetected by the butler.

Kent's face warmed and he tightened his hold on his fork. Ann had nothing to be ashamed of. So what if her real mother had been a runaway who happened to cross paths with Mrs. Statesman? Mr. and Mrs. Statesman were kind in providing shelter and food for the young woman who ended up dying while giving birth to Ann. And besides, the Statesmans actually had money, unlike his parents who only pretended to.

"There's no sense in dwelling in the past," Kent's mother said and shot his father a meaningful look. "Miss Statesman comes from one of the richest families in town. You can't deny how successful they've been." With a glance at Kent, she smiled. "A good match, if I do say so myself."

Kent returned her smile. He couldn't agree more. Ann was perfect, the ideal wife. Now that her father had consented to letting him court her, there was nothing stopping him from marrying her. He'd marry the woman he loved and secure his parents' future at the same time.

"Rebecca would have been a better match," his father said. "The Johnsons would make better in-laws."

"That's not your choice," his mother replied in a firm tone that gave a slight edge to her smile. "We've been hoping our son would find a suitable lady and he has. That's all that matters."

His father shrugged but didn't argue with her.

Releasing his breath, Kent turned his attention back to the meal. Thankfully, his father wouldn't hinder his plan to marry Ann.

***

April 1900

"Another splendid evening," Kent's father said as he rose from the chair in the Johnsons' parlor.

"Yes," Mr. Johnson agreed. "Our children make a good match."

"Indeed they do."

Kent looked away from the two men and rolled his eyes. He didn't care much for the dinner engagements with the Johnsons. But he had no choice. At least not yet. Once he married Ann and secured the generous dowry her father offered, he would be free from his parents' demands. Even better, he'd get his own piano and play every day after he came home from work. He ran his hands over the Johnsons' piano in front of him, admiring the sleek surface. Besides Ann, few things were as wonderful as the music this instrument produced.

Rebecca slid next to him on the bench. "You seem preoccupied this evening."

He scooted away from her. He hated it when she intentionally got close to him. He thought she'd stop once his courtship with Ann was official, but she only seemed to get worse.

She brushed her hand against his, and he pulled back. With a chuckle, she said, "There's no need to be shy. We're friends, aren't we?"

He struggled with knowing how to answer her. His father was fond of her. There was no doubt he would prefer him to marry her because doing so would secure him a notable position in one of Mr. Johnson's companies, thus increasing their wealth. The decision wasn't his father's to make. Ultimately, it was his and he couldn't imagine sharing his life with anyone but Ann. Even so, he dare not upset Rebecca by revealing the simple fact that he would never love her, that his heart would always belong to another. As it was, Kent's father was hopeful Mr. Johnson might consider a financial partnership with him. So no, he dare not do anything to upset Rebecca because her father would, in turn, undoubtedly be upset too.

Kent cleared his throat, ignoring the way she smiled at him with more romantic interest than she should. "Of course we're friends." He made sure to emphasize the 'friends' part of the sentence, but he wasn't sure she noticed, especially since her smile widened.

"We have so much in common," she replied. "Our love of music. Our parents get along infamously well. We come from old money. We're both attractive and distinguished, which isn't the case with everyone in our social standing. I'm sure in time we'll discover more shared interests."

Her shoulder brushed his, and he bolted to his feet. When her eyebrows furrowed, he said, "I just remembered something I need to do. If you'll excuse me."

She inclined her head to excuse him, so he went over to his parents. Since his mother was only listening as Mr. and Mrs. Johnson talked to his father, he whispered, "Mother, is it time to leave yet?"

"Almost," she replied. Glancing at Rebecca who was putting the songbook away, she asked, "Are you not enjoying yourself?"

"You know my intentions are for Ann."

With a sigh, she nodded. "As long as Mr. Statesman lets you marry her, then there won't be a problem."

"He will."

She hesitated for a moment then said, "It won't hurt to entertain thoughts of Rebecca, just in case."

He clasped his hands behind his back. "I thought you supported me instead of Father."

"As long as the lady you marry comes from money, I don't care who she is."

Kent's father looked in his direction. "Is everything alright?"

His mother smiled. "Everything is fine. Kent was just telling me how much he enjoys playing the piano while Rebecca sings."

Kent forced aside the urge to grimace when he saw the pleased expression on everyone's faces. If he didn't act, and act quick, he might not be able to marry Ann as he hoped. It was becoming clear to him that they were all in agreement that he should marry Rebecca.
Chapter Four

Kent gripped the hat in his hands and stared out the parlor window in the Statesmans' house. Her father had to say yes. Whatever he had to do, he'd make sure he didn't leave until her father agreed to his request.

"You wish to see me?" Mr. Statesman asked as he entered the room.

Turning from the window, Kent swallowed the lump in his throat. "Yes, sir."

Mr. Statesman gestured for the servant to leave them alone, and after the servant closed the door to ensure their privacy, he sat down. "Have a seat."

Kent obeyed but sat on the edge of the chair.

"What is it you wish to discuss?"

He took a deep breath, his hold on the hat loosening only a little. "Sir, I hope you don't think I'm out of line, but I want to let you know that I love your daughter." When her father didn't respond, he added, "I came here to seek your permission to marry her."

Her father released his breath. "I thought that's why you were here." He rose from his chair and went over to the picture of Ann when she was younger. "Ann is my only child. As her real mother was dying, my wife and I promised her that we would give her the best in life."

Sensing this wasn't going the way he hoped, Kent slowly stood from the chair but didn't move forward. "Sir, I assure you that my intentions are honorable. There will never be anyone but Ann. If you worry I'll take a mistress, I can put your mind at ease. I'll be faithful to her until the day I die."

"I believe you mean well, but..." He turned to face Kent and shook his head. "I can't explain my reasons to your satisfaction. Maybe I wasn't born into money, but I didn't get to where I'm at by taking undo risks. Ann is more important than money, and I'd give up all of my wealth for her happiness." He glanced at her picture. "I can't give you my permission."

Kent strode over to him, his hold on the hat tightening. "Is it because I'll take her to New York?" Maybe Ann told her father about the plans they'd made. Maybe he wanted to make sure his daughter would be nearby so he could visit her. "I can keep her here in Virginia."

"Where she lives isn't a concern. I can afford to travel."

"Then what is it? Surely, whatever it is, it can be resolved. I'll do whatever you ask."

"There are some things you can't change."

His eyebrows furrowed. "Maybe not, but I don't see what can be so pressing that two people who love each other can't overcome it."

"I'm sorry, but the answer is no. I have to trust my instincts."

"You think I'll do something to hurt her? Sir, I assure you that you couldn't be more wrong."

After a long moment, he shook his head. "It's not you. At first, I thought it was, but it's not."

"Then what is it?"

"I'm not sure."

Kent let out a bewildered chuckle. "You're not sure?"

"I told you I can't explain it to you to your satisfaction. Suffice it to say that I'm old enough to know when I need to trust my instincts."

"If you had no intention of letting me marry her, then why did you agree to let me court her?"

"I thought I was wrong. I wanted to wait and see if I was hasty in telling you no. But my instincts are screaming louder than ever." He walked to the parlor door and opened it. "I'm sorry. I really am."

A strained silence passed between them as Kent thought of what he might say—what he could say—to convince her father that he was wrong, that Ann would be happy married to him. But how could he argue against something as intangible and vague as a father's 'instinct'? Shoulders slumped, he placed his hat on his head and mumbled the obligatory "thank you" before leaving the house.

***

When Kent entered his house, he tried to pass his father without speaking to him, but his father called out to him. Sighing, he entered the parlor.

His father set down the newspaper and rose to his feet. He motioned for the butler to leave them alone. Once the door was shut, his father turned his gaze to him. "What did Ann's father say?"

"I'll ask him in another month," Kent replied.

"He said no."

Kent gritted his teeth, not liking the way his father seemed pleased by the situation.

"Rebecca's father is impressed with you. He says you're an honorable man, one he can see partnering up with." His father gave him a pointed look. "I don't need to remind you what kind of money you'll get if he did."

Kent avoided eye contact with him. "No, you don't."

"Son, sometimes you have to do certain things in order to get what you want. You're young and inexperienced. When you get older, you'll understand that you have to sacrifice things you want in order to succeed. I think it's time you courted Rebecca."

"No."

"Kent," he snapped, drawing Kent's attention back to him, "you will not fail me and your mother in this. We've come too far with the Johnsons to lose now. You will court Rebecca, and in due time, you will marry her."

"The only reason you associate with the Johnsons is because of their money. You don't even like them."

"My reasons for dealing with them aren't your concern. Focus on what you need to do. It's your duty to honor your parents.

"So by honoring you, I have to lie?"

His father stared at him and though his eyes pierced right through him, Kent refused to break eye contact. If he was going to make his stand, he needed to do it now.

"You will do whatever it takes to secure the financial standing of this house," his father hissed.

His jaw clenched. "And if I don't?"

A tense moment of silence passed between them before his father said, "You don't have a choice." His father strode out of the room, his footsteps echoing off the hardwood floors.

Kent released his breath. No, he wouldn't marry Rebecca. There had to be a way he could marry Ann. He just needed to think of how. He'd ask Ann's father for her hand in another month. Perhaps by then, her father would agree. He'd denied Kent permission to court her twice before he relented. Surely, he could find a way to convince him that he'd be good to Ann. Whatever his instincts were telling him, his fears were unfounded. Kent would never do anything to hurt her. One way or another, he'd marry her.

***

The next day, he waited until Ann left the school before he asked her to sit with him under the trees.

"Oh Kent," she began, her face flushed with pleasure, "I saw the most beautiful wedding gown. Agnes says it'll be perfect for our wedding, but I want you to see it and tell me what you think."

Surprised, he asked, "Didn't your father talk to you?"

"About what?"

He studied her face and realized she had no idea he'd asked her father if he could marry her. He wasn't sure what to say to that. Was it a good sign? Did it mean her father might relent? Was her father trying to gauge how serious he was about marrying her? Whatever the reason, he had to plan for the possibility that her father would never agree to them marrying. Making sure no one was in hearing distance, he asked, "Ann, how important is it that you have money after we get married?"

She laughed. "I don't understand the question."

No, she wouldn't. Not really. And he didn't know if he should explain why he was asking it. If her father never approved of the marriage, then she'd have to give up the lifestyle she was accustomed to. But he couldn't tell her this without exposing his parents' lack of wealth. "What if," he ventured, "your father refuses to let me marry you?"

"He wouldn't. He knows how much I love you."

He sighed. She really had no idea what was going on. "Let's say he refused to let us marry." When she shook her head, he added, "He didn't want me to court you. It's not unlikely he'd say no to marriage."

"He has to understand that I don't want to be with Todd. I don't care what he thinks. I'll never be happy with him. Todd isn't you. You're the only one I want."

"Is that why he didn't want me to court you? Because of Todd?"

"I think so."

And maybe that was why he refused to let her marry him. Her father was hoping she'd change her mind and choose Todd. What was it that made Todd so important to the man?

"It doesn't matter," Ann said, offering him a smile that made him believe anything was possible. "I'll always love you, and nothing will change that."

"Do you love me enough to go somewhere else and live off a working man's income?" If he had to leave Virginia to be with her, he would gladly do so, no matter what the cost. He wasn't afraid of hard work. After all, what good did it do to have servants at his beck and call when he wasn't happy?

"That's silly, Kent," Ann replied. "We both come from wealth. Do you not know how substantial my dowry is?"

Yes, but would her father give him that dowry if he didn't approve of the marriage?

"I'll go anywhere with you, Kent," she continued, "but you have no need to worry about money. There's plenty of it. Even if my father prefers Todd, he'll honor his promise to give my dowry to you. Besides, your parents will leave you a sizable inheritance since you're their only son."

He stared at her for a moment as he considered her words. So she loved him but she needed money, too. She wouldn't be happy if she had to be the wife of a man who had no money except for what he could earn at a job. He wasn't sure how he was going to secure her father's permission. Maybe he'd consent because Ann would speak on his behalf. It worked before. He got to court her because she pleaded his case. It shouldn't be that way. Her father should have agreed based on his merits, but apparently, his merits weren't enough.

And maybe he would be able to establish financial connections without Mr. Johnson's help. Mr. Dawson was almost as influential as Mr. Johnson. His father was impressed with Mr. Dawson. Maybe it was time to become friends with Alex Dawson, even if he was Todd's friend and pulled senseless pranks.

"Would you like to walk me home today?" Ann asked, breaking him out of his thoughts.

"Um... Actually, I have a few errands to run," he replied. "I'm sorry."

"There's no need to apologize. I'll see you tomorrow."

He stood as she rose to her feet. As she walked down the winding path, he returned to his seat and thought about how he was going to make everything work.

***

As Kent entered his house, his father hurried into the entryway and beckoned for him to enter the parlor. "We've been waiting for you."

"We?" Kent asked as the butler helped him out of his coat.

"Yes. Now, come. Don't keep Mr. Johnson waiting."

Hesitant, he headed for the parlor, wondering what business he wanted with him. Knowing his father, this would probably be an unpleasant surprise. He took a deep breath as he approached him.

Mr. Johnson set down his glass of sherry and motioned to the chair across from him. "Kent! Good, you're here. Sit down and have a glass. We have much to celebrate."

"We do?" Kent asked, glancing at his father who shut the parlor door.

"Now, don't tell me you aren't a little suspicious of what your father and I have been doing." Mr. Johnson chuckled as he poured Kent a glass and held it to him. "Though, I'll admit I'm not at all surprised to hear you changed your mind about Miss Statesman. No one can deny how well you and my daughter get along."

He turned his gaze to his father who gestured for him to accept the glass Mr. Johnson was handing him. With a tentative smile, he took it. "I'm afraid I don't understand. What are you talking about?"

His father laughed and sat next to Mr. Johnson. "Even now, he's too shy to tell you. Kent, my son, I told Mr. Johnson you wish to court Rebecca."

Kent almost dropped his glass. "You what?"

"There's no need to be embarrassed," Mr. Johnson quickly assured him. "I heartily approve of the match. You and Rebecca will make a splendid couple. I understand you need to end your courtship with Miss Statesman and give a small space of time before you ask Rebecca if you can court her." He paused. "These things needn't be rushed."

Kent swallowed and looked at his father. How could his father do this to him?

His father drank some sherry. "You ought to tell him the other good news."

"Oh, yes!" Mr. Johnson set his glass down and rubbed his hands together. "I have decided to sign you and your father up as partners with me in a couple of investments. You'll need to keep the details to yourself since we don't want everyone finding out about them, but they're guaranteed to be fruitful in a year."

"And we'll go to the bank tomorrow to work on purchasing them," Kent's father added. "I'll pick you up in the carriage after school so we can head straight over there."

"But...I..." Kent struggled to find a way to tell Mr. Johnson he couldn't court Rebecca, but his father shot him a piercing look.

"You'll have to forgive my son," his father told Mr. Johnson. "I think our news has left him speechless."

"It's to be expected, given his age," Mr. Johnson replied. "I'll never forget how uncertain I was when I was seventeen. It'll be alright, Kent. As you get older, you'll be more confident."

His father chuckled and motioned to the door. "You may be excused."

Kent placed the glass on the table. He had to think of something and he had to think of it quick because if he didn't, his future would be unpleasant. With a polite good-bye to Mr. Johnson and his father, he left the room.
Chapter Five

The next day, Kent shifted in the carriage in an effort to get as far from his father as possible. His father was in a sickeningly good mood. The only thing that made his father this happy was when he was about to acquire a lot of money.

"These investments will make us both wealthy in a year," his father said, fidgeting with excitement. "We're very fortunate to have made friends with Mr. Johnson."

"Then I don't need to marry his daughter," Kent replied, hoping his father would relent.

"Rebecca will serve you much better. She might not come with a dowry as much as Ann's, but you can't deny Mr. Johnson has better connections than Mr. Statesman does. Why, to have anything to do with Mr. Statesman is laughable. What benefit can he be to you?"

"I don't care what he can give me. I just want to marry Ann."

His father shook his head. "Foolishness. That's all this is. You will marry Rebecca."

"No, I won't, and there's nothing you can say or do to make me."

The carriage pulled up to the bank and the driver opened the door, but Kent refused to look away from his father. His father finally broke eye contact and left the carriage.

As he joined him, his father whispered, "We'll see about that."

He glared at his father, but his father turned his back to him and approached the bank. If Kent didn't need the money, he'd head straight home. But he did need the money if he hoped to be with Ann.

When he entered the bank, his gaze fell on Todd who was at one of the desks. He grimaced. He forgot Todd worked here. It was because of Todd that Ann's father wouldn't let him marry her. What was so great about Todd?

"Kent, come over here."

Kent headed over to his father, his steps slowing when he realized Mr. Johnson had brought Rebecca with him. She smiled at him in a way that made his stomach churn. Noting his father's silent message to return Rebecca's smile, he did, but only because they were in a public place.

"Rebecca, my dear, why don't you wait for me over there?" Mr. Johnson gestured to the couch in the center of the room. "We don't want to bore you while we discuss business."

"Alright, Father," she replied, offering Kent another smile before she left.

Kent hardly paid attention while his father and Mr. Johnson went over the details of the investments, but soon enough, he followed his father to the teller. Feeling the heat of someone's gaze on him, he scanned the room and saw that Rebecca was watching him. His face warmed with a mixture of aggravation and embarrassment. Todd wasn't that far away, and he'd probably assume something was going on between him and Rebecca.

"Excellent," Kent's father told the teller, interrupting Kent's thoughts. He turned to Kent. "We'll arrange things with Mr. Wilcombe."

The two men went to the office and filled out the necessary paperwork. When they were done, his father said, "I want to talk to Mr. Johnson. Sit over there and wait for me."

Kent looked at the couch where Rebecca was still sitting and sighed. The chairs were already taken, so there was nowhere else he could wait. "I'm not marrying her," he whispered.

His father ignored him and walked over to Mr. Johnson.

Gritting his teeth, he stumped over to the couch and sat down, choosing a section that wasn't right next to her.

She chuckled and scooted closer to him. "There's no need to be shy," she softly said. "My father explained everything."

"What did he say?" He saw the two men leave the chairs and cursed his poor timing. If he'd only waited a couple more seconds, he could have been sitting across from her.

She fiddled with her gloves. "Oh, about how you want to be with me. I had no idea you entertained romantic feelings for me all this time. If you'd only asked, I would have accepted your suit."

Is that what Kent's father told Mr. Johnson? He couldn't believe it. Settling a little further from her, he said, "Rebecca, I don't know how to tell you what's really going on."

"You don't have to. I already know. Our times together have been magical."

"I can't marry you." There. He came out and said it. "I'm going to marry Miss Statesman."

"I don't understand. There's nothing stopping us from being together. My father heartily approves the match." She frowned, her lower lip jutting out. "Why do you insist on marrying Ann Statesman instead of me?"

"Ann Statesman comes from one of the wealthiest families in town." Then before she could argue that she also came from wealth, he added, "She has a considerable dowry." And that was true. Ann's dowry was significantly larger than Rebecca's.

"But I thought your affections were for me."

He glanced at his father and Mr. Johnson. Neither would be pleased if he admitted that he had no desire to be with her, and quite frankly, it didn't seem fair to let her know that he never found her attractive. "They are, Rebecca," he finally hedged.

"So why don't you court me? Who cares about the money?"

"It's a lot of money we're talking about. I want to do some traveling and entertaining. Her money will provide for that and more."

Tears welled up in her eyes. "So you're giving up love for money?"

He inwardly groaned. What was he supposed to say to that?

His father approached them. "It's time to go. You may see Rebecca when we attend our next dinner party at the Johnsons."

As he stood up, he happened to catch the way Todd was staring at him. Narrowing his eyes, he waited for a moment. Todd refused to break eye contact with him. What had he ever done to Todd? Just because Ann didn't want to marry him, Todd hated him? Well, it was her choice who she ended up with.

He considered going over to Todd and asking him if he had something to say to him, but his father cleared his throat. "Kent, time is of the essence."

Reluctant, Kent looked away from Todd and left the bank.

***

"I've never been so happy in my entire life," Ann said the next day as Kent walked down the block that would take her home. "When do you think we should have the wedding?"

"I have to get your father's approval before we can make plans, but I'd like to do it sooner rather than later," he replied.

"Before you talk to him, I want to go to him and tell him how much I love you. I've decided if I can't marry you, then I won't marry anyone. I'm going to tell him that."

Touched, he paused and turned to her. "Really? You'll tell him that?"

"Of course. I don't want to be with anyone but you."

"And you don't mind going to New York?"

"As long as we're together, it doesn't matter where we are."

Glancing around to make sure no one was looking at them, he kissed her. "I love you, Ann."

She smiled. "I love you, too."

Once they reached her house, he said, "Let me know when you talk to your father. I'd like to make our engagement official as soon as possible."

"I will. Thank you for walking me home."

"It was my pleasure." He kissed her hand then bid her good-bye.

Once she entered her house, he headed down her walkway when a carriage pulled to a stop. His steps slowed when he realized the carriage belonged to Ann's father.

The footman opened the door and her father gestured to him. "I need to talk to you."

Kent noted the stern look on his face and hesitated. Something told him he didn't want to hear what her father had to say, but what choice did he have? Taking a deep breath, he entered the carriage and sat across from him.

"Take us to Mr. Ashton's residence," her father told the footman who nodded and closed the door. Once the carriage moved forward, he turned his attention to Kent. "You're not allowed to see my daughter anymore."

"Is this because you didn't give me permission to marry her?" Kent should have expected this. He'd hoped Ann would get a chance to talk to her father before her father realized he was still courting her.

"No, though the fact that I said no to your request is enough of a reason. But as it turns out, I know what's been transpiring between you and Miss Johnson."

His eyebrows furrowed. "What's been transpiring between me and Miss Johnson?"

"Don't treat me like a fool."

"I'm not, sir. There is nothing going on between us. Our parents are friends. That's all."

Her father glowered at him. "You would dare stare me right in the eye and lie to me?"

He swallowed, unsure of how to proceed.

"I found out about your conversation at the bank."

Kent's uncertainty slowly gave way to anger. Todd. Todd had been watching him. "Whatever Mr. Brothers said, it's not true, sir."

"I didn't find out from Mr. Brothers. I found out from Mr. Mitchell."

"Who?"

"He was from out of town. I don't know him and neither do you."

"I fail to understand how this involves me and Miss Johnson."

Her father pressed his hands on his knees and asked, "Are you going to deny that you told Miss Johnson you have a fondness for her? That you were only marrying my daughter for her dowry?"

For a moment, he couldn't breathe. Had he any idea someone was listening to his conversation, he never would have said anything. But how was he to know a stranger would meddle in his affairs? When he was able to release his breath, he said, "It wasn't the way it sounded, sir. My father is determined that I'll marry Miss Johnson, but I don't want to be with her."

"Then why not just tell her that?"

"It's not that easy."

"Of course, it is, if it's the truth."

"It is the truth."

Her father held his hand up to stop Kent from saying anything else. "I've heard enough. Your own words have betrayed you. I forbid you to marry her. Tomorrow, you will end your courtship with her."

"But—"

"Don't disobey." The carriage came to a stop and he added, "This is the last time I'll speak to you. Understand?"

The footman opened the door and Kent struggled with something—anything—he might say to rectify the situation, but his mind drew a blank.

"Go!" her father barked.

He slightly jerked at the subtle threat in her father's voice and hurried out of the carriage. It wasn't until the carriage was halfway down the street that a tear slid down Kent's cheek.
Chapter Six

That evening before Kent's parents headed out of the house, his father knocked on Kent's open bedchamber door. Kent glanced from where he sat by the window, trying to lose himself in the book he was reading.

Reluctant, he focused on his father. "What?"

"Your mother and I are going to the opera. We let the servants have a night off. Mr. Johnson will be here soon to get the book I borrowed. Make sure you're waiting in the parlor so you hear him when he knocks."

"Alright."

It wasn't like he had anything better to do. He tossed the book aside, rose from his chair and followed his father to the parlor.

"Your mother and I will be home in a couple hours." His father set the book on the table in front of the couch. "This is the book you'll give Mr. Johnson."

Kent nodded and plopped on the couch. After his parents left, he kicked off his shoes and settled onto his back. He stared at the ceiling for a long time, aware of how quiet it was when all he could hear was the ticking of the clock in the corner of the room. He took a deep breath, blinking back his tears.

His gaze went to the liquor cabinet.

Drinking wine at dinner was no longer as common as it'd once been since his father lost most of his money in a poor investment, but they still had some on hand for special occasions. Granted, this wasn't a special occasion, but he'd heard alcohol could dull any man's pain. And he wanted nothing more than to be numb, even if it was for one night.

He glanced at the clock. Mr. Johnson hadn't shown up yet, but since he'd be coming by soon, a little wine wouldn't hurt. Then after Mr. Johnson left, he could drink more and go to bed. He'd find another bottle to replace the one his parents bought and no one would be the wiser.

His plan in place, he went to the cabinet and selected one of the bottles toward the back. Once he was settled back on the couch, he started drinking it. He sipped it at first, mindful to listen for Mr. Johnson's arrival, but the clock ticked on and he sipped more and more.

By the time the knock on the door finally came, he felt lightheaded. He wasn't sure if Mr. Johnson would realize he'd been drinking, but at this point, he didn't care. His life had been singlehandedly destroyed because a stranger stuck his nose in where it didn't belong. He placed the bottle on the table and grabbed the book. He stumbled once on the way to the door but managed to answer it, surprised when he didn't see Mr. Johnson.

"Rebecca? What are you doing here?" he asked.

"My father had to meet with a business partner," she replied. "I came to pick up his book."

He held it out to her. "Here it is."

She took the book but didn't leave. "Are you alright?"

"I'll be fine."

She hesitated but nodded and headed back down the porch.

He shut the door and returned to the parlor, glancing at the clock. His parents wouldn't be home for at least another hour. Picking up the bottle, he plopped down on the settee and drank more wine. He leaned his head back and closed his eyes. The wine did a good job of dulling the pain. By now, he hardly felt anything.

Someone sat next to him, and he looked over in time to see Rebecca's concerned expression. "Kent, what's wrong? Did I speak out of line at the bank yesterday?"

He shook his head. "It wasn't you."

None of it was her fault. His father manipulated so much of his life. Why he thought his life would be any different after leaving New York, he didn't know. His father had made up his mind, and he was determined to use him to get as much money as possible.

She took the bottle from him. "Even so, I feel like I did something wrong. You were so nervous at the bank." She glanced around the room. "If you're going to drink, it'd be better if you did it from a glass."

"You didn't do anything wrong," he assured her as she carried the bottle to the glasses on another table and poured some wine into a glass. He closed his eyes, aware that the room was beginning to spin around him. "It's my father. He lives to make my life miserable."

"Does he?"

"Yes. All he wants to do is control everything I do. I don't know why he even let me believe I could marry Ann." He bitterly laughed. "He's the one who told your father I wanted to be with you instead of Ann. That's why it's not your fault. How could you have known differently?"

"Oh, so then you didn't fancy me at all."

Noting the disappointment in her voice, he winced. "I'm sorry. Will you forgive me for lying to you yesterday?"

She sat next to him and handed him a glass of wine. "There's nothing to forgive. You were in an awkward situation. What were you supposed to do? Be rude and tell me in a public setting that you didn't care for me? I would have done the same thing if the roles were reversed."

"It's not that I don't care for you at all." He sighed and ran his thumb along the glass. "You've always been kind to me."

She smiled and clasped her hands in her lap. "I'd be lying if I didn't say I wished you cared for me the way you do for Ann, but I know we can't help the way we feel. And Ann adores you. She'll be very good to you."

He shook his head, uncertain of the future. Would Ann be willing to give up everything to be with him? There was no way her father would give him her dowry now, and he couldn't afford to give her the things she desired until the investments matured. A year seemed like such a long time to wait until he could marry her. And would his parents even wait that long to see him secure a wife?

He drank his wine and glanced at Rebecca. "You can have a glass if you want."

"Oh, I'm not thirsty." After he finished the glass, she asked, "Would you like some more?"

"How much is left in the bottle?"

"About another glass worth."

"Might as well finish it."

Before he could go to the bottle, she took his glass. "I'll get it for you."

When she returned, he took the full glass and stared at the dark liquid. It was definitely soothing to drink alcohol. His body had relaxed to the point where he no longer cared about the day's events. He glanced at Rebecca. "Thank you," he lifted the glass, "for giving me more." He drank half the glass. "I don't deserve your kindness."

"Nonsense." She touched his knee, giving it a light squeeze.

His body responded to her touch, the alcohol only intensifying the pleasure from her simple action. There was no way she could be aware of his reaction to her. And that was why he had to send her home, before he did something they'd both regret. With a yawn, he placed his glass on the table and struggled to his feet. "You should go home."

Though she remained seated, she grabbed her father's book and said, "You're right. It's not wise for me to be here when no one else is in the house."

He yawned again and blinked to clear his vision.

"Help me up?" she asked, raising her hand.

"Of course." Had he been sober, he was sure he would have remembered his manners. He clasped his hand around hers and helped her to her feet. He blinked again and his vision blurred to the point where he thought he saw two of her. He needed to get to bed.

She placed her hand on his chest. "Kent, are you feeling alright?"

"I," he blinked again, "feel," the room spun, "fine." Then everything went black.

***

"What is going on here?"

Kent bolted up, unaware of where he was or how he got there. All he could see was a bright light as his father yelled in outrage. His head throbbed with piercing pain, and he thought he might vomit so he settled back onto the bed. A bed? Gulping down the bile in his throat, he opened his eyes and blinked back the blurry objects around him.

Strong hands clasped his shoulders and pulled him back into a sitting position. "Do you realize what you've done? Do you think the Johnsons will be happy when they hear about this?"

The room swam around Kent, making him grab his head and groan.

"I... I..." Rebecca stammered.

Kent forced his eyes open and stared dumbly at Rebecca who was next to him, holding a blanket up to her chin, tears in her eyes, her lower lip trembling. His gaze went to himself. The blanket was draped over his waist, but he didn't need to look under the blanket to know he was naked. And they were both in his bed. His startled gaze returned to his father whose face was bright red, his nostrils flaring with anger.

"This is inexcusable," his father finally said, rage simmering just beneath the surface. "Thank goodness your mother stopped by at a friend's so she didn't have to see this. It's scandalous. Unbelievably scandalous!"

"I-I'm sorry." Kent swallowed. His throat felt dry. He could barely form the words to speak, but even so, any apology would have been hollow. The last thing he remembered was helping Rebecca to her feet in the parlor. He'd meant to see her to the door but then... Everything was blank. Was this the kind of thing that happened when a man got drunk? He acted abhorrently then forgot all about it? Glancing at Rebecca who was crying, he whispered, "I'm sorry."

"You're going to make things right," his father barked, bringing his attention back to him. "You're going to marry her."

Without thinking, he nodded. "Of course. Yes," he glanced at Rebecca again and hoped to reassure her that he'd treat her honorably from this point forward. "I'll marry you. And I'm so sorry I did this to you."

He quickly looked away from her. She had to hate him for what he did. She'd been no match for him if he forced her to be with him. He didn't even want to think about it. His stomach churned and he thought he'd vomit for sure, but somehow he managed to keep it down.

His father walked to the other side of the bed and wrapped another blanket around Rebecca's shoulders. "We are terribly sorry, my dear. You may dress behind the dressing screen. I'll make sure my son doesn't do anything else inappropriate."

Kent shut his eyes, unable to bear the weight of his shame. Of all the things he might have done, he never thought he'd do anything like this. Never again. He'd never drink alcohol ever again. It caused nothing but grief and while he would willingly do the right thing, it had cost him what he loved most: Ann.
Chapter Seven

Kent took a deep breath to steel his resolve before he knocked on the door. He had to do this. It was no longer a question of what he wanted to do. It was now a matter of doing the right thing. If he could take back the previous night, he'd do it in a heartbeat. But he couldn't, and no amount of wishing he could turn back the clock would make it so. It was his sin to bear, and he'd bear it for the rest of his life. Resigned to his fate, he knocked on the Statesmans' front door again.

One of Ann's servants answered the door and he asked to see her, hoping her father wasn't there, though after today, her father should be happy. Kent would be out of Ann's life. Swallowing back some tears, he followed her servant into the parlor and waited for her.

He scanned the parlor, recalling the times he'd come over to show her pictures and talk about New York. They'd made plans in this room, plans for the future that wouldn't come to pass. Letting out a heavy sigh, he removed his hat. He felt as if he was at a funeral and in some ways, he was. He'd come to end the best thing that ever happened to him.

One of Ann's female servants came into the parlor, followed by Ann, and it took all of his willpower not to get on his knees and beg her forgiveness. This was going to hurt her, something he once swore he'd never do.

"Good afternoon, Kent," she greeted, her smile lighting up her face. "It's good to see you. Will you sit down?"

"No thank you, Miss Ann," he replied then, in shame, he lowered his gaze.

She remained standing, shifting uneasily from one foot to another, and after a long moment, she asked, "Did you have a bad day?"

"No. I...I have to tell you something." He took another deep breath, doing his best to ignore the way the clock ticked, ever reminding him he'd never get to be in her parlor again. "I don't know how to tell you this."

"Is someone in your family ill?"

"No, nothing like that."

"What is it?"

He had to do this. There was no choice. He gripped his hat and forced out, "I cannot call on you again."

"What?" she asked, her jaw dropped in shock.

"I love Rebecca Johnson," he quickly said, hoping she didn't notice the way he winced, "and I intend to marry her."

"How... When...?"

"It just happened. I didn't plan it. I don't think anyone can plan things like this."

If only he hadn't drank alcohol, then this wouldn't be happening. But wishing it was no use. Before he could break down and beg her forgiveness for how things turned out, he headed for the front door. His father and Rebecca had agreed that no one—not even Rebecca's parents—would know about him being in bed with her, and that meant he couldn't tell anyone, not even Ann. Besides, if Ann knew, she'd lose all respect for him, and then she'd never love him. That would be worse. Maybe it was selfish, but he wanted Ann to always love him, even if he couldn't be with her.

Clearing his throat, he forced out, "I hope there won't be any hard feelings between us. I'll see you in church tomorrow. Good-bye, Miss Statesman."

He noted the way she winced and gritted his teeth as he opened the door and left her house. Once he made it down the steps of her porch, he closed his eyes and steadied his nerves. It wouldn't do to cry. Men didn't cry, at least not in front of onlookers. When he could trust himself, he opened his eyes and proceeded down the sidewalk, putting one step forward, resigned to the future that loomed ahead of him.

***

"Did you end your courtship with Miss Statesman?"

Kent paused as he cut into his steak, debating whether or not to make eye contact with his father. Why did his father feel it necessary to ask him such a personal question during dinner?

His mother finished sipping her wine and placed the glass on the table. "You decided not to marry Ann?"

Kent glanced her way, noting her surprise. His father hadn't told her anything about Rebecca? He turned his gaze to his father who wiped his mouth with a napkin before setting it back on his lap.

"Kent is going to ask Mr. Johnson if he can court Rebecca. He plans to do that tomorrow." His father looked at him. "Don't you?"

"Yes, of course," Kent quietly replied.

"What caused this change of heart?" his mother asked.

Unsure of what to say, Kent turned his attention back to his father who waved his hand. "Love," his father told her. "As simple as it is, love has changed his mind. He has decided he'd rather marry Rebecca. A fine choice, if I say so myself."

She shrugged and poked her potato with a fork. "Ann or Rebecca, it's all the same to me. I suppose the mother is always the last to know these things when she has a son." She smiled at Kent. "Rebecca is a fine choice. Well done, Kent."

Though he returned her smile, it was hard to eat the rest of his meal. He would have thought his father would be insisting he marry Rebecca at once considering the circumstances. He watched as his father continued to eat as if nothing horrible had happened the previous night. He knew better than to say anything in front of his mother since his father was determined to keep the situation as quiet as possible. As difficult as it was, he managed to finish the rest of the meal.

But after dinner was over and his father retired to the informal parlor, he followed him, shutting the door for privacy.

"I don't believe I asked to speak with you," his father said, reclining in his favorite chair and picking up the newspaper.

"Shouldn't I be making plans to marry Rebecca as soon as possible?" Kent asked, keeping his voice low.

"That's not necessary." He opened the paper and put his feet on the ottoman. "But you did end your courtship with Ann?"

"Yes. I did that this morning."

"Good. You will go to Mr. Johnson tomorrow and ask to court Rebecca. We're going to do this the right way. She deserves to be courted for a year before you marry her. Now that we've secured those investments, we can afford to wait."

"But aren't you worried there'll be a baby? I don't want anyone finding out about this." Most of all, Ann.

His father lowered the paper and sighed. "You bring up a good point." He paused then continued, "If it turns out Rebecca's with child, you will marry her and go to New York. That will protect her virtue. No one needs to know she conceived before you married."

"But her parents will know."

"Kent, you worry for nothing. The chances of Rebecca getting with child from one time are so small that you needn't give it a second thought."

"But it only takes one time—"

His father groaned and crossed his arms. "If it turns out she's with child, we'll deal with the situation then. In the meantime, you will ask to court her."

Knowing his father wouldn't budge, Kent finally nodded and left the room.

***

"Rebecca, I..." Kent shook his head and ran his fingers through his hair. He glanced around her formal parlor, his gaze unwittingly going to the piano that had been the focal point of the dinner parties their parents subjected them to in the past. Forcing his mind off the piano, he turned to face her, still too ashamed to make eye contact with her.

"Are you sure you don't want to sit?" Rebecca asked, gesturing to the chair next to where she sat.

How could she sound so casual about everything? True, she knew he'd come here to make things right, but after the way he'd taken advantage of her... His stomach tightened and he felt sick. He couldn't even look at himself in the mirror. Of all the things he thought he was capable of, treating a lady as one would a common whore wasn't one of them. He rubbed his stomach and decided he'd better sit down. If he didn't, he might lose his breakfast.

Once he was settled in the chair next to her, he closed his eyes and regained his composure. Opening them, he turned his gaze to Rebecca, trying not to wince. "I don't understand how you can stand to look at me after...after..." He gulped. God help him but he couldn't say it.

"Kent, it's alright," she softly replied.

"How can you say that?" he asked in a low voice, his gaze going to the door to make sure no one would overhear them.

"Because you were drunk."

"That's no excuse. I shouldn't have been drinking to begin with." He rubbed the back of his neck. "I don't even remember it. The last thing I remember is standing up in the parlor so I could take you to the door. Then my father is waking me and I-I'm in bed with...with..."

"Kent, I understand." She placed her hand over his in a gesture he knew was intended to be comforting, but it only added to his guilt. "I don't blame you for it."

"You should."

"But I don't."

"I'm stronger than you. I..." He took a deep breath and braced himself for the answer. "Rebecca, please tell me the truth. I need to know. Did I," he winced, "force you to do it?"

After an agonizing moment passed, she released his hand and shook her head. "No," she whispered. "I willingly went to your bed."

He thought that should have made him feel better, and yet it didn't.

"It was a moment of weakness." She averted his gaze and fiddled with the lace on her dress. "You were going to walk me to the door and then you started kissing me. I'm afraid I let my desire to be with you override good judgment. I wasn't the one who was drinking. I knew better. I should have left."

"I would have let you leave?" He hesitated to ask the question, but he had to know.

"Yes. You might have asked me to go to your bed, but you didn't make me go there. After your father caught us, I was ashamed of what I'd allowed. You're not the one who should be apologizing. I am."

"No, it's my fault. If I hadn't gotten drunk, none of it would have happened." With a sigh, he studied the hat in his hands then continued, "I came here to make things right. I stole your virtue and because of that, it's only proper I marry you. My father says I need to court you for a year first then make it official with a wedding. But I..."

"You want to be with Ann."

"That's not what I was going to say." Though it was the truth and they both knew it. But this wasn't about what he wanted. He glanced at the doorway to make sure no one was listening to them. "I worry there might be a child. My father thinks there won't be, but how can we be sure? I know he said we can do a secret elopement and go to New York to avoid scandal if that's the case, but even so, your parents will learn the truth and that won't be good."

She tapped her fingers together and slowly nodded. "Well, I suppose that might happen."

"I wonder if we should marry now, just in case? It's bad enough I've done this to you. The last thing I want to do is ruin your reputation."

"I...I think your father's advice should be followed. We'll wait and see."

His gut clenched. "Are you sure you want to take that kind of a chance?"

She nodded. "Yes. I'm aware of the possibilities and am willing to handle the consequences of this decision. We'll court for a year then marry."

"Unless you're with child. I insist we marry before the child is born."

"Of course."

Well, if she was determined to be courted first and take the risk that their sin would be discovered, then there was nothing he could do to stop her. "Alright. Then we'll wait and see what happens. In the meantime, will you let me court you?"

"Yes."

He rose to his feet and forced himself to smile. "I'll tell my father we're courting."

"And I'll tell my father the same."

With a nod, he told her he'd be by later in the week to pay her a visit and left her house.
Chapter Eight

Kent's gaze went to Ann who was dancing with Todd. Todd. Of all the men she could have chosen to go to the ball with, it had to be Todd. No doubt her father had arranged it. From across the room, he could tell she wasn't happy, and what was worse was knowing that he'd only added to her misery by coming here with Rebecca.

His gaze went to his father who was laughing at something Mr. Johnson said. His father glanced his way, and Kent quickly looked away. What could he do? His course was set. By his own actions, he'd sealed his future...and Ann's. Ann would probably marry Todd, even though she didn't want to. Fathers had a way of making sure what they wanted happened.

"Kent's been very attentive to my every need," Rebecca told Debra who stood across from them with her dance partner. "Our parents are delighted of course. And why wouldn't they be? You know how well they get along."

Kent forced his attention back to Rebecca and smiled. Indeed, their parents got along extremely well. Had his father gotten along with Ann's father, he never would have gotten drunk that night and he wouldn't be in this position now. Nor would he have subjected Ann to a life she never wanted. He took a deep breath to ease his guilt. God help him but he didn't think he'd ever forgive himself for getting drunk that night.

Debra said something that made Rebecca laugh, jarring his attention back to her. He needed to focus on Rebecca instead of stealing glances in Ann's direction. He couldn't change the past. He'd deflowered Rebecca. The least he could do was give her his undivided attention.

"Would you like to dance?" he asked her as the orchestra got ready to play the next song.

"I'd love to," Rebecca agreed and joined him on the floor where the other couples assembled for the next dance.

As the music started, he tried not to look in Ann's direction but couldn't help it. Todd was talking to her and she was shaking her head. The two headed for the veranda, which was out of his view.

Rebecca followed his gaze and sighed. "I'm sorry, Kent."

Surprised, he turned his attention to her. "You have nothing to be sorry for."

She glanced at their fathers, a flicker of uncertainty crossing her face.

He sensed she wanted to say something but decided against it. Instead, she offered him a tentative smile. "I know this isn't the way you wanted things to be." After a moment, she added, "It must be hard to watch Ann with Todd."

He hesitated. While it would be a lie if he denied it, he didn't want to admit it either.

"I understand. Some things are better left unsaid."

He gave her a slight nod. It was the most he was willing to offer.

"I hope you don't grow to detest me," she whispered.

"Why would I do that?"

"Because I'm not her."

"I won't grow to detest you," he promised. "I will never deny my responsibility for how things turned out."

She lowered her gaze, something he wondered about. But then he figured that even if she wanted to be with him in his bed, she felt ashamed for acting on her desires.

"I think it's safe to say that we've both done things we're not proud of," he whispered. "But there's nothing we can do about it. Just accept it and move on."

She nodded and they continued to dance. The passage of time was a strange thing. In some ways, the evening progressed well enough. Rebecca, as it was turning out, wasn't as bad as he originally thought. He had no romantic inclination toward her, but he supposed they might develop something of a friendship after they married. He should be content with that. It was more than he hoped for when he realized he'd spent time in bed with her. Based on their conversations up to then, he assumed she lacked any significant depth. Now, he was learning his initial impression had been wrong.

But he couldn't love her. Not like the way he loved Ann. When his third dance with Rebecca ended, she excused herself so she could talk to her friends. His gaze went once more to the doors of the veranda. He checked his pocket watch. Ann had been out there with Todd for almost fifteen minutes. That seemed like an unusual amount of time. He closed his eyes and slowly released his breath. He didn't think he'd ever forget the expression on her face when he ended their courtship. And now he couldn't talk to her, no matter how much he wanted to.

"Try to act like you're enjoying yourself," his father said.

Slipping his watch back in his pocket, he opened his eyes and faced him. "I'm doing the best I can."

"You will do better than that. It's obvious to everyone you keep looking for Miss Statesman. Your focus needs to be on Rebecca."

He bit back the urge to snap at him. Why couldn't his father leave him alone? He was doing the best he could, given the circumstances. "I've danced with her. Now she wants to talk to some friends. I haven't talked to Ann all night, nor will I."

"People are watching."

"No, they aren't."

"Yes, they are." Before Kent could walk away from him, his father grabbed his arm and squeezed it with enough pressure that Kent almost winced. "You will not make a fool of me."

Kent forced his arm away from him. It was all about his father and how his father wanted everyone to perceive him. It was never about wanting to see his wife or son happy. And if he had to make others miserable, then so be it. "I won't make a fool of Rebecca," he finally said in a controlled voice so he wouldn't give away his agitation. As much as he tried to fight it, he was beginning to detest his father, something he didn't want but seemed to be happening despite his best efforts to appease him.

"See that you don't."

Ignoring the subtle threat in his father's voice, he turned away from him and headed over to Rebecca who was laughing at something Debra told her.

***

It wasn't until Kent and his parents were on their way home in the carriage that the town was abuzz with news of Ann's disappearance. A man riding a horse hailed the carriage and the driver pulled it to a stop.

"Whatever's going on?" his mother wondered, fanning herself.

"We'll find out in a moment," his father replied as he waited for the footman to open the door so he could lean forward to speak with the man who slid off the horse, his movements indicating that he was in a hurry. "Is something troubling you?" his father asked, his eyebrows furrowed.

"Have you seen Todd Brothers pass by on a wagon with two horses?" the man asked.

It took Kent a minute to realize the man was the Brothers' butler. He rolled his eyes and settled back in his seat. What did he care what Todd did? If he wanted to go riding through town on a wagon, let him.

Kent's father shook his head. "We haven't seen anything of the sort. Have you?" he asked the footman.

"No, sir, I haven't," their footman told the butler.

The butler nodded. "Thank you, sirs."

Before he could return to his horse, Kent's father called out, "What is this about? Should we be concerned?"

"There was a note. Todd is running off with Miss Statesman," the butler replied.

"With who?" Kent asked, his heart stopping as the cold hand of panic wrapped around it.

"Ann, you fool," his father muttered then turned his attention to the butler. "Where did they go?"

"Miss Statesman wrote they're heading out West so he can be a farmer. That's all we know."

"Unfortunately, we haven't seen either one of them," Kent's father replied.

With a sigh, he nodded. "Thank you."

As he returned to his horse, Kent's father motioned for the footman to close the door and settled back in his seat.

"Can it be true?" his mother asked, her eyes wide.

His father shrugged. "I suppose so."

"But why would Miss Statesman leave Virginia?" she pressed.

"How would I know?" His father turned his gaze to Kent. "Now you see that Rebecca is the right lady for you. Ann's feelings for you were never genuine if she's been planning to run off with Todd Brothers this whole time."

Kent wanted to protest that Ann hadn't been planning to go away with Todd, that this was something that happened because he broke her heart. There was no denying the pain in her eyes whenever she saw him with Rebecca, and his father insisted they appear in as many places together as possible. All he'd done was add insult to injury, and in the end, it drove her into Todd's arms.

I'll never love him, she once told him, no matter how much he or my parents wish it. I only want to marry you. Promise me you'll do everything you can to make sure we end up together?

And why wouldn't Todd take her? It was obvious he harbored feelings for her. He'd willingly taken advantage of her moment of weakness and took her out of Virginia so she'd have no recourse than to be with him. By removing her from her family and friends, he had selfishly claimed her all for himself.

Kent's hands formed fists. How could Todd do that to her? If he truly loved her, he wouldn't have preyed upon her weakness. When Ann realized the mistake she'd made, would it be too late? Would she be forced to be with him for the rest of her life, living with a man she didn't love?

As the carriage moved forward, his father smiled in satisfaction. "You see, Kent. Things have turned out for the best. You were meant to be with Rebecca. Fate has dealt kindly with you."

Kent bit back his reply. Turning his gaze to the window, he ignored his father and mother the rest of the way home.
Chapter Nine

The passage of time was something Kent hardly noticed. He went through one day to the next, attending dinner parties and balls, playing the doting fiancé to Rebecca. But it was all a blur. In many ways, he'd become numb, mindlessly doing what his father wanted, hardly aware of what was going on around him. His thoughts were with Ann most of the time, but he never told anyone.

Every morning he wondered where she was, if she was miserable and wishing she was back in Virginia. Of course, she had to be miserable. From what he heard, the life Todd had chosen as a farmer was one that would be hard on a lady. Ann had been brought up for better things than that. She had not been prepared for the hardships living out West entailed. It sickened him to think of what she might be going through, probably crying herself to sleep each night as she thought of everything she'd left behind.

The guilt gnawed on him. If he'd only kept his promise to make sure she would end up with him instead of Todd. If only he hadn't gotten drunk that night. He'd condemned them both. He'd condemned her to Todd and himself to Rebecca.

All he could do was move forward, something that got harder to do as each day passed. In the summer, he declined Mr. Johnson's offer to work in one of the companies he owned and chose to work for Alex Dawson's father instead. The pay was less than what he would have made under Mr. Johnson, but his father's control in his life would be weaker.

One evening in September after he and his parents ate at the Johnsons' house, he played their piano and Rebecca sang. The only time he could feel anything seemed to be when he was playing music. Tonight, Rebecca sang a happy tune, and he was back to the time when he met Ann. How he missed walking her home from school.

He didn't realize tears had welled up in his eyes until one slid down his cheek. He quickly brushed it away before anyone noticed.

Rebecca stopped in mid-song and glanced at him, a question in her eyes.

"I missed a note," he quickly explained and picked up where he left off, hoping she wouldn't ask anything else about it.

Fortunately, she didn't and soon enough, they were done with the song.

***

It wasn't until October that Kent debated whether or not to burn the letters Ann had written him while they were courting. He hesitated to do it because it was a reminder that they had been together, that they had planned to share a life together. Dreams that would never happen but dreams that often gave him comfort. And as much as he wanted to hold on to the letters, he didn't feel right marrying Rebecca while he held onto them. It wasn't fair to her.

With a heavy sigh, he collected all the letters from his desk and carried them to the parlor, figuring he'd burn them in the fire roaring in the fireplace. He stared at them for a long moment then decided to read them one last time. He sat on the couch and unfolded them, his hands careful not to do any damage to them, something which was ridiculous since he'd be burning them soon enough.

He felt foolish when he began to cry. This was a trap of his own making. He couldn't blame her for running off with Todd. It hurt her to watch him with Rebecca. He knew she did it to get out of Virginia. He pulled the handkerchief out of his suit pocket and wiped his cheeks before anyone could come in and see him. As soon as he married Rebecca, he'd get his own house. It wasn't New York, but it was better than being in such close quarters with his parents.

He quickly stuffed his handkerchief back into his pocket, and one of the letters slipped from his hand. Placing the other letters on the table, he knelt by the couch and reached under it so he could retrieve it. His fingers brushed something hard. Curious, he clasped the cool object in his hand and pulled it out with the letter.

Setting the letter aside, he inspected the bottle in his hand and noted the date written on it. April of last year. It was laudanum. His parents didn't use laudanum and neither did he. He thought over the people who'd visited the house back in April. A couple of his father's friends had stopped by, but he doubted any of them would have brought this bottle over. The only person who might have brought it over was Rebecca, that night that she came to get the book. His grip tightened on the bottle and his jaw clenched.

"Rebecca."

Bolting to his feet, he retrieved the letters and returned them to his room before he left the house.

***

It took all of Kent's self-control not to pound on the Johnsons' front door. He thought the walk to Rebecca's would calm him, but he only grew angrier with each step. The front door opened and he forced his tone to remain polite as he said, "I'd like to talk to Miss Johnson."

"Miss Johnson just went to the carriage house."

Thanking the butler, Kent hurried around the house, determined he'd find Rebecca before she left. She owed him an explanation. His grip tightened around the bottle in his coat pocket. He wasn't going to leave until she told him why she did it.

He flung the door to the carriage house open and made it two steps in when he saw her jerk from the young man she'd been kissing.

"What's going on here?" he demanded, not sure what surprised him more: the fact that she had drugged him to get him into bed with her or seeing her in another man's arms.

She quickly pulled away from the stable hand, her face a wild shade of red. "Kent, I..." She glanced at the young man and cleared her throat. Turning back to Kent, she continued, "I'm sorry."

The stable hand hurried to stand between her and Kent. "Why are you apologizing, Rebecca? You don't want to marry him. You want to marry me."

"Samuel, let me handle this," she said, her eyes pleading with him to do as she wished.

He crossed his arms, his jaw clenched.

She turned to Kent and clasped her hands in front of her. "Kent, what Samuel said is true, but," she glanced at Samuel, "my father will never allow it. Samuel, I'm sorry, but I can't." She released her hands and sighed. "My father is insistent I marry someone with money."

Samuel shook his head. "Who cares what he thinks? You think money will make you happy?"

"It's not as easy as that," she replied.

"It is that easy, but you refuse to acknowledge it."

"No, it isn't," she insisted. "Please, Samuel. You're only making things worse."

He threw his hands up in the air. "Fine. I'm out of here."

Kent waited until he stormed out of the carriage house before turning back to her. "What's going on?" he asked in a tone that was more bewildered than angry.

She approached him, her expression pleading with him to understand. "Kent, I have all the respect in the world for you. You're a good man, an honest man, a decent man. I promise that I won't see Samuel anymore."

"But you want to see him."

Wincing, she shook her head. "I can't. I won't."

"Why not?"

"Because I'm going to marry you. I can't betray my vows to you."

"Why are you marrying me? Because of this?" He brought the bottle out of his pocket and showed it to her, only mildly satisfied when her face paled. "Don't pretend you didn't bring this to my house and put it in my drink because it couldn't have been anyone else."

After a moment, she swallowed then lowered her gaze. "Yes, I did it. Your father told me no one would be in the house except for you."

"Why? You didn't even want to be with me this whole time, but you went through the trouble of slipping this in my drink so it'd look like we were together...that way. Or did we really...?" He couldn't even bring himself to say it aloud, even after all this time.

"We didn't. It only looked like we'd be intimate, but we never were."

"Why?"

"Um..." She took a deep breath and cleared her throat. "Your father caught me in a compromising position with Samuel and threatened to tell my father if I didn't make it look like you and I had been in bed together."

"But... Wait. Let's start from the beginning. I thought you were interested in me."

"It was all an act. Kent, that first night your family came to my house for dinner, my father wanted us to marry. Your family has old money and my father got along with yours. He figured an alliance with your family would benefit him financially."

At that, he laughed. Financially beneficial? If her father only knew how poor they were at the time, he never would have wanted such a thing. But now his father was very well off, thanks to the investments, and in the years to come, he'd be rich again. His father's ploy had worked. No one would be the wiser.

"I don't know what's so funny," Rebecca said.

"Nothing." He stopped laughing and motioned for her to continue.

Though she looked hesitant, she nodded. "Alright. Well, my father insisted that I do everything I could to be charming. When I realized you wanted to be with Ann Statesman, this was easier to do. I knew you'd never marry me, and when you married her, my father couldn't fault me for not trying. But then, your father saw me with Samuel..." She wiped a tear from her eye and took a shaky breath. "I am so sorry, Kent. I knew what I was doing was wrong, but I was so scared. Your father said I either do it or he'd hire someone to remove Samuel."

His eyebrows furrowed. "Remove Samuel? What does that mean?"

"I think you know what it means."

"No, my father wouldn't kill anyone."

"I didn't say he was going to kill him. He was going to hire someone to kill him."

"I can't believe that."

She adjusted the collar on her coat and shrugged. "Then don't. But that doesn't change why I did what I did. I wanted to protect Samuel. I'd rather spend my life without him than risk his life."

"And does Samuel know?"

Tears filled her eyes. "Yes. He thinks we can just run off and make a life for ourselves, but he has no money and I won't have any if I don't marry someone my father wants me to marry. My father will never allow a marriage with him. The whole thing is hopeless, and I never should have let it get as far as it did with him. The first time he expressed his feelings, I should have insisted my father hire someone else to take his place."

"But you couldn't."

"I was weak."

"There's nothing wrong with pursuing love, even if it comes at the most unexpected time." Letting out a heavy sigh, he slipped the bottle back into his pocket. "I can't fault you for what you did."

He knew his father could be manipulative, knew his father would do many things to get what he wanted, but he still couldn't believe his father would make good on a threat to have someone killed for not doing what he wanted. Rebecca had been too scared to consider his father was bluffing.

He considered their options. He didn't want to marry her any more than she wanted to marry him. What had led them to this point was no longer relevant. What they needed to do was figure out a way to move forward.

"Rebecca," he began, "what if I could get enough money saved up to help you and Samuel leave Virginia and start a new life somewhere else?"

She blinked back her tears. "You'd do that?"

"I will but no one can know about it, and I can't do it right now. We have to wait until about March or April." That was when his investments gained enough profit to make it possible. "We have to bide our time until then and pretend we're still engaged."

"Kent, after all I did to deceive you, I don't deserve it."

"I know how my father is. He manipulates things until he gets what he wants. We can work through the details later."

To his surprise, she hugged him. "Thank you."

Feeling more at peace than he had in a long time, he smiled and patted her back. "Everything will be alright." And once he found Ann and told her the good news, it would be.

***

"She's with my brother," Agnes Brothers protested, glancing up and down the street to make sure no one overheard their conversation.

"She didn't want to be with him," Kent replied.

"But what about Rebecca? You're engaged to her."

"No, not anymore."

"Well, no one around here has been told otherwise."

He debated how much to tell her. Of all the people who would know where Ann and Todd went, it would be Agnes, her closest friend. "Don't tell anyone, but we have secretly ended the engagement. We will tell everyone when the time is right, but this isn't the time. Understand? It's very important you don't mention it to anyone."

Though she looked worried, she nodded.

"Good," he replied with relief. "Ann said you were the kind of person who could be trusted to keep her word, so I believe you'll let Rebecca and I tell everyone when the time is right."

"Even so, that doesn't change the fact that Ann is with Todd. You can't come between them."

"Is she married to him?"

"I don't know. I think so. The preacher wouldn't say if they went to his house or not on their way out, but my brother is an honorable man. He would have married her if he planned to live with her."

"Or he could have gone out West and told people he married her," he pointed out, not putting it past Todd to do something like that, and why would Ann disgrace herself by telling people otherwise? Making another attempt with Agnes, he added, "Surely, Ann told you how much I meant to her?"

After a long moment, she swallowed. "Yes, but that was back in April, before you broke her heart. She's had all this time to be with Todd."

"It's only been six months."

"And six months is enough time for her to fall in love with Todd."

"No, it's not. She told me she would never love him, no matter what. And I love her. Circumstances have compelled me to end our courtship, but it wasn't something I wanted. I promise you my feelings for your friend are sincere, and I'll spend the rest of my life making things up to her."

She shook her head. "I'm sorry, but I can't tell you. Todd's my brother. Ann might be my friend, but my first duty is to him and I believe he's better for her than you'd ever be." She glanced around them again and tucked her hands into the pockets of her coat. "Now, please go find a lady more suited for you."

He watched as she walked away, both disappointed and frustrated. How could he expect her to tell him? Todd was her brother. She'd do whatever she could to make sure Ann stayed with him, even if Ann didn't want to. But he also knew Agnes was the person who could lead him to Ann. He'd bide his time and watch her. Sooner or later, she'd lead him to Ann. And he had no trouble waiting. He'd wait an entire lifetime if it meant he could be with Ann in the end.
Chapter Ten

Three weeks later, Kent followed Agnes to the train station. He suspected she was going to see Ann, and if he could find out where she was going, he'd know where Ann was. With the amount of people gathered around to wish their loved ones safe travel, it was easy enough to blend in with the crowd so she didn't notice him.

"Excuse me," he called out to a ten-year-old boy who was standing by the newsstand, eyeing the candy while his parents talked to another couple a few feet away.

The boy turned to him. "Am I in your way, sir?"

"No," Kent said, offering him a smile, "but I can't help but notice you'd like some candy."

"Oh, yes, but I'm not going to steal any."

"I know you aren't. You look like an honest lad."

He nodded and turned his attention back to the candy.

"You see that young lady standing in line at the ticket counter who's wearing a green dress?" He motioned to Agnes who was in the line.

"Uh huh."

He lowered his voice so no one would overhear them. "If you tell me where she's going, I'll give you a nickel. You don't even have to talk to her. Just listen to her tell the man behind the counter where she's going."

The boy glanced between her and the candy. "All I have to do is listen to her?"

Kent nodded.

The boy headed off for the line and Kent dug out a nickel from his pocket. Kent watched as the boy got close to Agnes and stayed near her until she left with a ticket. He straightened as the boy ran over to him, swiftly dodging several people along the way.

When the boy reached him, he gave him a wide, satisfied smile. "Jamestown, North Dakota."

He handed him the nickel. "Thank you."

The excited boy ran to the newsstand and Kent turned away from him then watched as Agnes headed for the train. Soon enough, he'd be going to Jamestown.

***

"Oh, let him go," Kent's mother said during dinner that evening. "Mr. Jeffries is a wise investor. He might teach Kent a thing or two."

Kent wasn't necessarily fond of the idea that his mother had to speak up on his behalf, but considering how reluctant his father was to let him go to New York, he figured she was his best chance. And all he needed was a couple weeks. A couple weeks would be sufficient time to travel to Jamestown, tell Ann he would rescue her from Todd in April after his investments matured, and come back. He wished he had the money to start a new life with her now, but he'd have to bide his time. They'd have the rest of their lives together. Half a year was a small price to pay.

He glanced at his father as he cut into his steak. "Mr. Dawson is letting me take the time off so I can go."

His father sipped his wine then set the glass on the table. "I don't know why you refuse to work for Mr. Johnson. You'd have a much better job as his future son-in-law."

"I want to prove I can earn money on my own merit," he replied.

"You could go farther on Mr. Johnson's."

He hid his grimace. One thing he'd be sure to do when he married Ann was to move far away from Virginia. Maybe they could go to California. That was as far west as he could go and make it near to impossible for his father to track him down. Rebecca and Samuel were making plans to go to Canada where he had a distant relative who could use help with his horses.

"There's no denying Mr. Jeffries' advice would be of great benefit to you," his father finally said, bringing Kent's attention back to him. "How long will you be gone?"

"Only a couple weeks. Three at the most," Kent replied.

After a long moment, he nodded. "Very well. You may go."

Relieved, Kent continued eating while his parents discussed an upcoming ball they wanted to attend.

***

Kent's heartbeat picked up as he stepped off the train in Jamestown. The surroundings were much different from what he expected. It wasn't anything like the hustle and bustle he was used to in Virginia. There were open fields surrounding a small, dusty town, which had no more than a few stores and businesses surrounded by homes. He shook his head. This was no place for Ann.

She wanted to be in New York where they were supposed to go to balls and the theatre. She loved everything he'd described to her. This place out in the middle of nowhere was nothing at all like she wanted. If he could take her out of here today, he would, but he couldn't just yet. What he could do was offer her hope, to let her know that he was going to rescue her from this life. He only had to wait five months before the investments yielded enough money so he could give her the life she deserved.

He scanned the few people who were lingering about along the main street, talking and laughing. Perhaps one of them would know where he could find Ann. He decided to ask one of the women, figuring they'd be more likely to have befriended Ann. He took a deep breath and approached three women who stood outside the small post office.

When one of them looked in his direction, he offered a greeting then said, "A friend of mine recently came to this town with a man who took over a farm, and I was wondering if you know her. She goes by the name Ann Statesman. She has brown hair, is slender, comes from Virginia?"

The woman's eyebrows furrowed. "I don't know anyone by the name Statesman, but Ann Brothers fits your description."

"Brothers?" His polite smile faltered. Did she really marry Todd or was that the story he bound her to? Perhaps she went along with it to avoid harming her reputation?

"Yes. His sister Agnes came for a visit." The woman glanced at her friends who nodded.

"Yes, that's the Ann I'm referring to," he replied.

The woman's friend motioned to the grocer. "I saw her go in there."

"Is she still there?" he asked, his gaze going to the store across the street.

"She spends a lot of time there, so I assume so."

"She helps the owners out," the other woman added.

Kent winced as he thought of Ann degrading herself to helping people who owned a grocer. Never would she have had to do something so beneath her in Virginia. Just what kind of life did Todd give her? How could he be so selfish that he would deny her the comforts she'd grown up with?

Kent swallowed the lump in his throat. It was his fault Ann was in this predicament. If he'd only refrained from getting drunk, his father never would have manipulated things so that he believed he'd compromised Rebecca's virtue. Then he wouldn't have ended his courtship with Ann, and Ann wouldn't have run off with Todd. Kent had no one but himself to blame for how things turned out. But he was here to set things right, to let Ann know he was going to take her away from here.

Turning back to the women, he smiled. "Thank you."

Straightening his frock coat, he headed for the store, not entirely sure what he'd say once he saw Ann. The last time he saw her, he ended their courtship, and that was seven months ago. Would Ann even be happy to see him? What a silly question. Of course, she'd be. She promised that she would always love him, had even assured him that she'd never love anyone but him. Surely, time wouldn't change that.

He reached the store and stepped inside. He scanned the area but didn't see anyone. From the room in the back, he heard someone shuffling around. He thought to call out Ann's name but then thought he'd look foolish in case she wasn't there. He went to the back room, his steps slowing when he saw her.

Her back was to him as she took eggs out of a basket and set them on one of the shelves. The simple dress and her bun couldn't hide her beauty. No matter what time tried to do, it would never diminish her ability to take a man's breath away.

"My goodness, Ann," he whispered. "You're just as beautiful as I remember."

She paused then slowly turned around, her eyes wide.

Kent's smile widened, knowing she was in shock but hoping she was happy to see him. "I believe I caught you by surprise," he began uncertainly, not sure how much he should tell her, how much he could tell her. He promised Rebecca he wouldn't say anything to hurt her reputation, and it was a promise he had to keep, even from Ann. After a moment, he ventured, "I admit we parted under dire circumstances. I made an error in judgment. I am no longer engaged to Rebecca. She was a mistake. I came to apologize and ask if I can court you again."

"I'm married," she blurted out.

So she had married Todd. It wasn't what he hoped for but he couldn't blame her. "I know why you married Todd Brothers. You were distressed over my brief encounter with Rebecca. It is understandable that you ran to the first person who offered you comfort. This is my fault."

"But that doesn't change the fact that I am married. I belong to someone else now."

An uneasy chuckle rose up in his throat. "I'm sure we can find a way to get you 'unmarried'. Really, we can work through it."

"I vowed to be with him for the rest of our lives," she replied, and he sensed a slight uncertainty beneath her words.

"Vows are made to be broken," he assured her.

"I'm not leaving him."

"Hmm..." He struggled to figure out a reason why she would say such a thing when she had once promised to love him—and only him—for the rest of their lives. Then the answer came. There was only one reason why she'd willingly stay with Todd. A child. "I suppose you're expecting then?"

She shook her head.

Relieved, his smile widened. "Then there's nothing to fear. This marriage can easily be dissolved."

"No."

He hesitated, not sure what motivated her to still refuse to leave Todd and then realized exactly what it was. She blamed him for how things turned out. Because of his father's coercion, he'd broken his word to her. And she was right to blame him. With a sigh, he said, "I hurt you more than I realized. I promise that I will never hurt you again. There is no other love in my life. You will always be the one."

He took a step toward her, but she blurted out, "I love Todd."

He stared at her. Laughing in disbelief, he shook his head. The time she'd spent out here, away from her friends and family, had deluded her into thinking she wanted to be with Todd. "That's sweet. Todd is a good boy. I'm sure he's treated you very well out here, in the middle of nowhere. But a lady such as yourself deserves better in this life. You were meant for comfort and riches." She'd even said she wanted those things when he asked her if she'd marry him if he didn't have money, and she made it clear that she wanted the finer things in life, things that Todd could never give her. Hoping to speak reason to her, he gestured to her. "Look at your clothes, your hair, your hands! You don't even own a single piece of jewelry. You may love Todd but he has you living like a beggar. You were born for beautiful gowns, servants to wait on you, for your every desire to be fulfilled." He stepped closer to her. "Things I can give you." Lowering his voice, he added, "Enough of playing wife. Come with me. I can give you things that he can't."

He reached out and touched her cheek, something she used to enjoy, but this time, she shrieked. Blinking, he drew his hand away.

She ran for the doorway, but he stopped her.

"You can't be serious," he insisted, growing upset. "You would give up what we had for Todd?"

"Yes. Let me go!"

"Perhaps I need to show you what you're missing." Then, in an effort to remind her of her love for him, he brought his mouth to hers, thinking she'd recall the time when he told her he loved her and she had replied in kind.

"What is going on here?"

Startled, Kent released her and turned to see Todd who stood in the doorway, his hands clenched at his sides.

"Todd!" Like a scared child, she ran over to him.

Todd shook his head, his cold eyes piercing into Kent. "I can't believe this. I mean, it was a possibility but..."

"No. No! It's not what it looks like," she quickly insisted.

"Don't lie to him, Ann," Kent softly replied, not liking what he was seeing. Of course. It all made sense now. She knew Todd was going to be in the store. He probably told her he was going to pick her up and take her home. Whatever hold he had on her, she was afraid to upset him by admitting she wanted to be with Kent instead. "It will do you no good to deny it," Kent added, hoping she'd have the courage to tell Todd that she really didn't want to be with him.

Todd glowered at him, and for a moment, he thought Todd was going to strike him, but he just turned and stormed out of the room.

"Todd!" she cried and ran after him.

Kent quickly followed her, wanting to tell her she didn't have to worry, that he knew she only said those things to him because she knew Todd might be in the store listening to them. It all made sense. Why else would she protest the way she had? But when he caught up to her, he saw another woman in the store.

"I'll come back for you," Kent said, hoping it'd give her hope. He wanted to tell her more, to explain he needed his investments to mature first, but with the woman staring at him, he didn't dare. Who knew if the woman would tell Todd? If only he'd had more time to talk to Ann in private! Maybe next time Ann wouldn't be so afraid of what Todd would say or do. "I'm sure you'll come to your senses in time."

With another glance at the woman who was still watching him, he inwardly groaned. Obviously, she wasn't going to let him finish talking to Ann. Well, it didn't matter. He couldn't take Ann with him today anyway. Things might not have gone as he hoped just now, but maybe next time, they would. Ann thought she'd never see him again. He'd caught her off guard. He hadn't prepared her.

Looking back, he chided himself for thinking she'd run into his arms and thank him for rescuing her. Maybe next time. Maybe now that she knew he would be back, she'd be more open to hearing him out. With nothing else to do, he left the store.
Chapter Eleven

Kent returned to Virginia as soon as he could. He'd taken the first train out of Jamestown, had thought of many things he could have done—should have done—differently. But he couldn't go back and change anything. He had to get back home before his father suspected something. Next time he went for Ann, he'd make sure he had enough money to rescue her.

Before he could make his escape, he had to contend with his father and help Rebecca and Samuel get to Canada. Patience. He just needed to be patient. All good things came to those who waited. He repeated this to himself as he got off the train in Virginia and carried his luggage home. He could have summoned a driver, but he preferred to walk because it put off facing his father a little bit longer. As soon as the investments matured, he'd no longer be under his father's thumb. His life would be his own.

"Patience," he whispered as he strolled down the street. "It's only a few more months."

It didn't occur to him that people were glancing his way and shaking their heads in disapproval until he reached the front of his house. Surprised, he studied the couple who quickly averted their gazes once he made eye contact with them. What was going on?

"Excuse me," he told the man who jerked, an indication he hadn't expected Kent to talk to him. Not letting this fact dissuade him, Kent waited for the man and woman to stop before he asked him, "Am I wearing something inappropriate?"

The man's eyebrows furrowed. "You're concerned about what you're wearing?"

Letting out an uneasy chuckle, he glanced around and saw a woman across the street whisper something to her friend. As soon as she realized he saw her, she took her friend by the arm and the two hurried down the street.

"I can't help but notice everyone's looking at me as if I'm improperly attired, but," he motioned to his clothes, "I can't think of anything that's out of place."

The man sighed and asked the woman to wait for him then led Kent a few steps away from her. In a low voice, he said, "It has nothing to do with your clothes and you know it."

"No, I don't know that."

"Mr. Ashton, far be it from me to tell you what to do, but if I were you, I wouldn't be so casual about it."

"Casual about what?"

"Miss Johnson. What you did to her is all over town."

"What I did to her?" Kent asked, barely aware that his voice was rising in frustration and fear.

"Ending your engagement, especially after you learned of her miscarriage. If you were a decent human being, you'd do right by her and marry her instead of leaving her in disgrace."

Miscarriage? Ending the engagement? Whatever was he talking about? Before Kent could ask, the man shook his head in disgust and returned to the woman.

Despite his apprehension, Kent proceeded to his home and gave the butler his luggage. Before he could make it past the parlor, his father stepped into the hallway, arms crossed and eyes narrowed.

"In the parlor," his father said in a voice that indicated there was no room for argument.

Knowing it was pointless to protest, Kent released his breath and followed him into the room.

After his father shut the door, he turned to face him. "So, you thought you could fool me."

"Fool you?"

"Watch what you say, Kent. I'm a lot smarter than you give me credit for. Did you really think I wouldn't figure out you never went to New York?"

He hid his apprehension. He'd been so careful, making sure he covered all his steps.

"I'm more influential in this town than you give me credit for," his father continued, his hands behind his back as he glared at him. "Do you honestly think you can buy a ticket for Jamestown and the conductor wouldn't tell me about it?"

Kent gritted his teeth but didn't reply. So that was his mistake. How was he to know the conductor would care where he was going?

"The conductor has connections to Mr. Johnson. When Mr. Johnson came over here, I had to say something to explain why you'd run off to find Ann Brothers."

Managing to hide his wince at the mention of Ann's last name, he focused on what his father was telling him. "Then the miscarriage and engagement ending... That was you who spread those rumors?"

"I had to do something."

"What exactly did you say?"

"I did what any sensible father would do in my position. I told Mr. Johnson that you and Rebecca were engaging in inappropriate conduct and that when she had a miscarriage, you took that as your chance to quietly slip out of here to go after Ann. Congratulations, Kent. You didn't want to be trapped into a marriage with Rebecca and you succeeded. Mr. Johnson won't let you anywhere near her. He could have insisted I drag you back and make you do right by her, but Rebecca pleaded with him to let her live with the disgrace of being tossed aside so thoughtlessly. The poor girl isn't the same. She won't see anyone. Mr. Johnson said he's never seen her so miserable. And why wouldn't she be? What decent man is going to marry her now? I hope you're satisfied. You have destroyed everything we've worked so hard for."

"No," Kent snapped, his shock over his father's lies about a miscarriage and inappropriate behavior quickly fading in light of his mounting anger. "You're the one who manipulated everything. It's because of you Rebecca felt as if she had no choice but to go along with you and make me think she and I had been together intimately. You're the reason Ann ran off with Todd. You got in the way of Rebecca and Samuel's plans to marry. Don't you dare point the finger at me," he hissed and pointed at him. "This is your doing. And you're still ruining people's lives. I'm going to tell Mr. Johnson everything and set it all straight. I never laid a hand on Rebecca. She's been honorable through the whole thing."

As he turned to leave, his father softly chuckled. "And who do you think Mr. Johnson will believe? You or me? I'm not the one who ran off to North Dakota."

Kent paused and thought over what his father said. He should have disguised himself. In his hurry to find Ann, he had never stopped to consider what might happen if the conductor or some other busybody didn't have the common sense to mind their own business.

"No one will believe you," his father added, sounding smug. "They won't believe Rebecca either if she supports you."

He tried to think of some way—any way—his father could be wrong, but with Mr. Johnson knowing he went to North Dakota, he knew how bad things looked. He stared at his father. Up to now he hadn't hated him. Sure, he'd been annoyed by him, frustrated by him, even angered by him. But he had never hated him. Until now.

"You won't get away with it forever," Kent finally replied, an unexpected determination in his voice. "All you do is manipulate people into doing what you want, and so far it's worked. You have things just as you want them. But mark my word. The day is coming when I will no longer be under your control."

"If that's supposed to make me worry, you've already lost your case. I have no use for you anymore. My financial standing is secure without you."

Kent clenched his hands as his father left the room. It wasn't fair that his father could use people for his own advancement and get away with it. And what was even worse was how little his father cared if he had to ruin lives in order to do it. But it couldn't always be to his advantage. Sooner or later, he'd have to reap what he'd sown. No man, no matter how powerful or clever, could get away with it forever. There was always a day of reckoning. There had to be. But even as Kent kept repeating this to himself, he wasn't comforted.

***

A month passed and Kent didn't see Rebecca. As his father said, she refused to leave her house. And as expected, people blamed him for it. When he wasn't working, he made it a habit to go by her house. One time he knocked on the door and was told Rebecca wasn't receiving visitors. He couldn't be surprised, not with the whispers going on around town.

Frustrated, he walked down the porch steps. How was he supposed to apologize to her when he couldn't talk to her? He made it to the bottom of the steps in time for someone to wave from the carriage house. He glanced at the front door then the windows in the house to make sure no one was watching him before he headed for the carriage house.

Samuel opened the door wider and waved Kent inside. As he shut the door behind Kent, he turned to face him. "Mr. Johnson won't let Rebecca see anyone. Did you hear the rumors?"

"Who hasn't?" Kent asked. "I'm sorry. I never meant for this to happen."

"I know you didn't. Rebecca knows it too."

"Have you been able to see her?"

"Twice but not for long."

"When you see her again, will you tell her I'm sorry?"

Samuel nodded. "Of course. And she knows you aren't to blame."

"I'm afraid I am. I went to North Dakota. I should have waited until the investments matured before going there." He sighed and slipped his hands into the pockets of his coat. "Will you still be able to take Rebecca to Canada as you planned?"

"By the time April comes, we'll be long gone."

"Good." At least he hadn't destroyed that part of the plan. He rubbed the back of his neck and sighed. "Is she alright?"

"I think she's relieved."

"Really?"

Samuel shrugged. "It's not in anything she said but in the way she looks, as if a weight's been lifted off her shoulders."

He couldn't blame her for that. All she had to do was bide her time until she could leave with Samuel. Then her new life would begin. Even though she wasn't going to be surrounded by wealth, he suspected she was going to be much happier.

If Ann could have been content with an income similar to Samuel's, Todd never would have gotten in the way. When she ran off with him, didn't it even occur to her that Todd wouldn't be able to give her the life she wanted? No, it hadn't. She was so overcome with grief because he ended their courtship that she just wanted to get out of Virginia. She hadn't considered what life would be like as a farmer's wife.

But Rebecca had thought about it and had chosen love over wealth. She'd been willing to give up love to protect the man she loved. He had no doubt that she and Samuel would be happy together. "You and Rebecca will do well together."

Samuel smiled. "Thanks to you. How did things go when you saw Ann?"

"Not as well I hoped. I should have done a better job of preparing her for my arrival. Next time will be better." Next time, Ann would know he was coming to rescue her. "Merry Christmas."

"Merry Christmas."

Feeling much better about Rebecca, Kent left the carriage house.

***

Two days later, Kent was in the middle of writing a letter to Ann when a hand slammed over it. Startled, he turned from the desk in his bedchamber in time to see his father pick up the letter and rip it to shreds.

"Inappropriate," his father muttered. "You will not have anything else to do with that Statesman girl, do I make myself clear?"

Gritting his teeth, he rose to his feet and glared at him. "I don't believe you have the right to tell me what to do, especially since you're the reason she ran off with Todd."

"If she truly loved you, she would have stayed here."

"She does love me. It's because she loves me that she couldn't stand to watch me and Rebecca parade ourselves all over town like you wanted us to."

"You fool. Have you lied to yourself so much that you can no longer tell fact from fiction? She married another man. If she loved you, she wouldn't be Todd's wife."

"She was hurt and Todd took advantage of that."

"It doesn't matter what the circumstances were. She's his now and her parents just came back from seeing them. According to them, she's very happy with him."

Kent shook his head. No. He wouldn't—he couldn't—believe it. She couldn't be happy with Todd. "Todd's frightened her, and her parents wanted her to marry him. They never did like me. So why would she tell them the truth?"

His father stared at him for a long moment then laughed.

"I don't see what's so funny," Kent replied, his eyes narrowing at him.

"Either way, it doesn't matter now, does it? You don't have her. You never will. She belongs to Todd, for better or worse. And I have been subjected to a rather unpleasant visit with her parents, one in which Mr. Statesman made it very clear that you can't go near her again. You will go over there and apologize. You will assure them that you will never go to North Dakota. Do I make myself clear?"

"And if I don't?"

His father grasped his shoulder, his fingers digging into him. "You will do it. I leave you with no choice."

"I'm afraid you no longer have any power over me," Kent argued and shoved his hand off of him.

"That's where you're wrong. I know you and Rebecca have formed an agreement. I might not know the nature of the agreement, but I can certainly spend time finding out."

He gritted his teeth. He hated his father. As soon as his investments matured, he was going to cash them out and be gone. Then he'd never have to see him again. April. At that time, Rebecca and Samuel would be safe in Canada and his father would have no other way to control him.

Without a word, he brushed past his father and stormed out of the room. Fine. He'd do it. He'd apologize to her parents and promise he wouldn't go back for her, hoping that she'd understand he had to do it, that his father had given him no choice. He accepted his coat from his butler and headed out of the house.

***

Ten minutes later he stood in the Statesmans' parlor and waited for someone to enter the room. He couldn't help but recall all the times her father had refused to let him court her or marry her. For all he knew, they were plotting with Todd the entire time to get her out of Virginia.

When he heard footsteps approach, he faced the doorway. It took all of his willpower to not scowl as her father entered the room.

"Mr. Ashton," her father greeted, his tone cool.

Not surprising, her father didn't offer him a seat or something to drink. Kent hadn't expected anything of the sort. Her father had never approved of him and never would.

Swallowing the bitter lump in his throat, Kent forced out, "I'm here to apologize for going to North Dakota. I assure you that I will not do so again."

After a long moment of silence passed, he offered a stiff nod. "See that you don't."

Kent waited to see if her father would say anything else, but he didn't. Instead, he stared at him, his expression unreadable, his eyes penetrating him.

"If it's alright with you, I'll take my leave now," Kent finally said.

Her father didn't reply, so he took that as permission to do so and strode to the parlor door. As he reached it, her father called out, "If you do go to North Dakota, you better not step foot in Virginia again."

He paused, a snide remark on the tip of his tongue. Her father cared nothing about her happiness. How her father could wish for her to be with someone she didn't love—wouldn't ever love—was beyond him. Unclenching his hands, he left the house.
Chapter Twelve

In April, Kent cashed out his investments. He had waited long enough. Within a day, he'd be out of Virginia, and he'd never look back. He went to the train station and waited for Samuel who had written that he'd be bringing Rebecca with him.

When he got there, Samuel was standing next to a woman wearing a hat that made her hard to recognize unless someone looked directly at her. She also wore a dress that marked her as someone who didn't come from wealth, which made her even harder to recognize in the crowd. Samuel was fortunate to have a woman who looked beyond money and was willing to give it up to be with him.

From the way Rebecca was smiling, Kent knew this was the best thing for her. He'd never seen her this happy in all the time he'd known her. And Samuel looked just as happy to be by her side. Yes, the two would do very well together.

"Thank you for helping us," Rebecca said when Kent approached them.

"I haven't seen you since October," he replied as he handed Samuel the envelope with the money they would need to start their lives together. "You look good."

"I thought if I stayed away from others, it'd be easier to escape."

She had chosen the best option she could have. Had he not needed to work and accumulate more money, he would have stayed hidden, too. God knew the stares and whispers were hard to endure, but he'd managed to survive it because he reminded himself that he'd be with Ann soon enough.

"I don't know how we can repay you," Samuel told Kent as he examined the amount of money he'd given them.

"Get to Canada and enjoy being together," Kent said. "That's the best way to repay me."

"We'll be able to do that," Rebecca began, "thanks to you." She gave Kent a quick hug. "Good luck, Kent. We'll never forget you."

Smiling, he thanked her and joined them to the ticket counter, ready to purchase his ticket to North Dakota.

***

The first thing Kent did when he arrived in Jamestown was find out how to get to Ann's house. Then he paid to borrow a horse from the livery stable. His heartbeat picked up when he saw her house come into view.

From the yard, a dog barked, waking Ann from the porch swing. She sat up for a moment before she entered the house. She probably didn't recognize him from the distance. But that didn't matter.

Soon, they'd be together again, and she'd never be a prisoner again. She'd annul her sham of a marriage and start a real marriage with him. He hated thinking of how much time she'd spent out here, forced into a life of misery, anxiously waiting for his return.

When he arrived at the house, he tied the reins to a post and stepped up on the porch. The dog stood between him and the door, barking at him.

"Shoo," he told the dog, but the animal kept advancing toward him. He hesitated then tried to step around the dog, but it snarled at him. "It's alright. I'm not going to hurt anyone."

He took another tentative step up to the door and knocked on it, hoping Ann would answer. What did Todd do? Train the dog to intimidate anyone who came to the property? His determination renewed, he knocked on the door again.

"Ann?" he called out. "It's me, Kent. Can you open up, please?"

The dog barked again, this time choosing to advance toward him.

Kent gulped. He'd never been fond of dogs, and this one definitely didn't look friendly. He knocked on the door again, this time harder and more insistent than before. He couldn't leave without Ann. He'd come too far to leave without her. And she was depending on him. He couldn't let her down. Taking a deep breath, he ignored the dog's growling and knocked on the door again. Why wasn't she answering? He tested the doorknob, but it didn't turn. Why would she lock the door?

The dog leapt at him.

Startled, he stumbled back, his elbow shattering the window in the door. He pulled his arm out of the broken window and examined the wound. The sleeve of his shirt was ripped. He rolled it up to examine the damage, the dog still barking in its annoying way. The cut wasn't too bad, though he was bleeding as if it was.

"Stop it!" He yelled at the stupid animal and waved for it to leave. Some of his blood got on the animal, which served it right for scaring him. "Go!"

The dog growled and closed in on Kent. Before he had time to react, he fell against the door, screamed for the dog to get away from him, and covered his head with his good arm, using his wounded one to push the animal away from him. The dog finally left, running down the porch and to the fields.

Relieved, Kent relaxed against the door, his heart hammering in his chest. What was wrong with that dog? He shook his head and rose to his feet. It was Todd's dog. His guard dog.

Well, the dog was gone so Kent could safely enter the house now. He reached in through the shattered window and unlocked the door.

Silence filled the house. He walked through the parlor, searching for any signs of Ann, but she wasn't anywhere in sight. He turned to the staircase and headed up it.

"Ann?" he called out. "Are you here?"

She had to be here. He saw her enter the house.

"Ann," he tried again, "I know you're here. I saw you from the porch when I was coming here."

He reached the top of the steps and held his wounded arm to try to stop the flow of blood, but a few drops landed on the hardwood floor in the hallway. He grimaced. This wasn't going to make her feel safe about him being here. He quickly took the handkerchief from his breast pocket and placed it on the wound. It wouldn't soak up the blood for long, but at least it worked for now.

He stopped at one of the bedrooms, seeing nothing but a bed and empty dresser. Then he went into another bedroom that was similar. No one had slept in either room for quite a while.

Ann had to be somewhere up here. He'd already checked the downstairs. Laughing in disbelief, he said, "I don't understand why you're hiding from me." Unless... Maybe she couldn't answer him because Todd was there, holding his hand over her mouth. Just how far would Todd go to keep her? "Is Todd here too? Is he keeping you quiet?"

He looked under the bed but saw nothing was under it.

"It's alright, Ann. Just knock and I'll know where to find you," he said as he went back to the first bedroom and looked under the bed.

His steps a little faster, he went to the last bedroom, afraid if he waited too long Todd might do something drastic, like hurt her. But when he got to the bedroom, he stilled, unprepared for what he saw. Her things were with Todd's.

He swallowed the bitter lump in his throat, his hand clenching into a fist. "Hmm... It looks like you two got friendly. I thought you were going to stay pure for me. I told you I'd be back for you."

Todd. It had to be Todd's doing. Todd saw him talking to Ann at the mercantile and probably forced her to consummate the marriage. He lifted the edge of the bed sheet but no one was under there. Then he went to the armoire but only clothes hung from there. She had been up here.

He glanced out the window and caught sight of her running in the yard, heading in the direction of the barn. Hurrying to the window, he opened it with his good hand. "Ann? Are you running away from me?" he yelled, shocked she would do such a thing, unless Todd was downstairs waiting for him.

Gritting his teeth, he stormed down the stairs, ready to confront Todd and tell him he had no right to keep Ann here against her will. He went through the kitchen and parlor, checking everywhere a man might hide but found nothing. Shaking his head, he rubbed his forehead. Why would Ann run from him? Was she ashamed because she wasn't a virgin anymore?

He hurried out of the house and followed her as she fled to the barn. "Ann! Wait! I can forgive you for sleeping with Todd," he called out.

She entered the barn, not looking back. She probably didn't hear him. He could only imagine what Todd had put her through if she was too afraid to talk to him. Well, after today, she wouldn't have to fear Todd again.

He followed her and once he entered the barn, he found her standing by one of the stalls, holding an axe. He halted, his eyes wide in shock. "Ann, I came back for you. Aren't you happy to see me?"

"Go away!" she yelled. "I want to be here. I love Todd."

Of all the things she could say to him, this took him by surprise. Recalling all the times she'd insisted she didn't want to be with Todd, he asked, "What has happened to you out here? Have you gone mad?"

"Please, leave," she said, tears in her eyes.

Todd. It had to be Todd. Maybe Todd told her something that made her afraid of him. "Ann, I wouldn't hurt you. I love you. I want to marry you. It should have been you. Rebecca got in the way. She seduced me, as I'm sure Todd seduced you." He paused. It wasn't accurate to say Rebecca seduced him. She hadn't. That was how it looked at first, but it hadn't been the way it seemed. He glanced around the barn. Did he really have time to explain everything when Todd could show up at any moment? With a sigh, he ventured, "Can't you understand that I never wanted to end our courtship?"

"It doesn't matter what happened, Kent. We've already made our choices. You have to move on."

He felt as if the wind had been knocked out of him. Was this the same person who'd told him she wanted to spend the rest of her life with him, wanted him to do everything he could to make sure they ended up together? "Are you preaching at me?" He moved forward a step, unable to believe she, of all people, would tell him to leave her alone.

She took a step back, glancing over her shoulder at the horse in the stall.

"I've had enough of people reminding me that I need to move on," he said, thinking of their parents and all the grief they'd given him. "What I need is to get back to the way things were a year ago. You can't honestly stand there and tell me you like it here."

"Yes, I can."

"No, Ann! You're not supposed to like it here. Todd forced you out here and kept you a prisoner against your will. I'm here to save you."

She shook her head. "I want to be here."

"No!" He took another step toward her.

She shrieked and swung the axe.

He immediately backed away, shocked she'd try to hurt him. All this time out here with Todd... She must have lost her wits. There was no other way to explain her strange reaction to him.

She reached for the latch on the stall door.

Seeing his chance to get the axe, he grabbed it, and as he pulled it away from her, she fell to the ground. He shook his head when he saw her trembling. Just what did Todd do to her? "Do you think I'm going to use this on you?" He put the axe gently on the ground. "I don't want to hurt you, Ann. I want to marry you."

"I'm not yours."

"We can change that. You ran away with Todd. Run away with me."

"No."

She rose to her feet, shaking her head.

"You have to love me, Ann," he pleaded, struggling to get her to understand, to remember how things had been between them, before Todd made her forget.

He reached out to embrace her, but something hard struck him across the side of his head. Pain throbbing in his temple, he released her and touched the wound. He glanced at the floor and saw the rock she'd used to hit him with.

It took him a moment before he could collect his thoughts together. He couldn't believe she had resorted to flinging an axe around and hitting people with rocks. That kind of behavior had to be a result of the things Todd had done to her. He had to get her out of here. Even if it would take time for her to learn to trust him again, he wouldn't give up on her. He promised to love her forever, and he'd fulfill that promise no matter how much work it took.

He turned his attention to her as she was climbing the door of the stall. He hurried forward and grabbed her foot before she could fall in, before the horse could hurt her. She grabbed the horse's neck, and it bucked in protest. She lost her balance and fell forward. He tried to hold on to her, but everything happened so fast, all he could do was grab the hem of her dress. He inwardly cursed himself for being so careless and started to climb the stall to pull her out before the horse stepped on her.

"Let me go!" she screamed and kicked at him.

A gunshot rang through the air and Kent felt a bullet graze his ear. Startled, he stumbled back, finding it difficult to gain his footing. He grabbed his ear. Blood seeped through his fingers.

"Get away from my wife."

Looking up, he saw Todd sitting on a horse, a rifle pointed at him. Kent slowly backed away from the stall, his hands up in the air. Todd probably thought he was trying to hurt her, especially since she was huddled in the stall and crying.

"It's not what it looks like," he told Todd.

Todd urged his horse forward, his hold on the rifle steady and focused on him.

Kent backed up until his back hit the wall of the barn.

Todd glanced at the stall where Ann was. "Are you alright?"

Surprised by the tenderness in Todd's voice, Kent studied Ann who wiped her tears away and peered up at Todd with a look that she used to reserve for him. That's when he realized her feelings had changed in her time out here. She loved Todd. Todd wasn't keeping her here against her will. She really did want to be here. Kent swallowed back his tears. All this time he'd been holding on for the chance to be with her, and she'd moved on. And who could blame her? He had ended their courtship and got engaged to Rebecca. She had been true to him, but he hadn't been true to her. This was his error, and he was going to have to pay the consequences for getting drunk for the rest of his life.

Todd inched the horse forward, directing his attention back to him. "I ought to kill you for attacking my wife."

"Don't...I..." Kent's voice shook. "I won't come back. I promise."

"How do I know you'll leave her alone?" Todd demanded as the dog ran into the barn, barking.

Ignoring the dog, Kent motioned to Todd's gun. "Look at you. You're ready to kill me. I don't want to die." His touched his ear and examined the blood on his fingertips. Then, he turned his gaze back to Todd. "I understand now. She wants to be with you. I thought I was rescuing her but I wasn't."

"You told her parents you would leave her alone. But here you are. I don't believe a word you're saying. I think you'll say anything to get out of trouble."

He started to shake his head and explain that he didn't realize Ann had fallen in love with him when someone called out, "Mr. Brothers?"

Todd glanced over his shoulder.

Kent followed his gaze and saw his father standing in the doorway of the barn. Realizing that this might be his only means of escape without having a bullet put in his hide, he hurried out of the gun's range.

"Son," his father said with a disapproving scowl, "you have caused much grief to your mother and I. Mr. Brothers, I apologize for trusting my son to stay away from your wife. Kent, get your horse. I want to talk to Mr. Brothers."

Kent nodded and left the barn, leaving his father to tell Todd whatever he wanted, knowing full well his father wouldn't tell him the truth about the engagement, how he manipulated Rebecca into making him think he slept with her, how he did everything possible to make sure Kent would never marry Ann. No, his father would make himself look good, leaving Kent to blame for the whole mess.

And at this point, Kent didn't care. What did it matter anymore? All of his plans...his dreams...the future he wanted with Ann were gone. As he got up on the horse, he couldn't help but look at his father who was talking to Todd and Ann. Todd had his arm around Ann, and she leaned into him, another indication that she now loved him. Would always love him. Ignoring the tears in his eyes, Kent urged his horse off Todd and Ann's property.
Chapter Thirteen

Kent sat on bench, head in his hands, as he waited for his father at the train station. So many things went wrong. The future he had looked forward to for so long was shattered and there was nothing he could do to fix it. He felt like such a fool. Why didn't he understand what Ann had been trying to tell him when he saw her in November? That she was happy with Todd. That she no longer loved him? Looking back, it was so obvious. There was nothing else she could have done to tell him she no longer wanted to be with him.

He brushed more tears from his eyes and focused on the pain in his arm. It was easier to deal with physical pain than the pain in his heart. He inspected his wounds and noticed no glass got into his arm. Well, that was good. While he was bound to have scars, at least he didn't require a doctor.

He mentally cursed himself for being such a fool. He should have known Ann had moved on. He should have known she wouldn't be pining for him.

Never again.

Never again would be open himself to someone the way he'd opened himself to Ann. From this moment forward, he vowed never to fall in love again. It was too painful. And the pain wasn't worth it.

Someone sat next to him. He didn't have to look at his father to know it was him. The grunt of grave disapproval was all he needed to hear. He blinked back more tears, determined his father wouldn't see him cry.

"I'm sending you to your uncle," his father said, his tone indicating that he had no choice in the matter. "Maybe while you're living the life of a peasant, you'll get an appreciation for all I've done for you."

Kent let out a bitter laugh then looked at him. "All you've done for me? All you've ever done is use me to get what you want. That's all you do to anyone you come across."

It was on the tip of his tongue to ask him what he'd told Todd and Ann so he looked innocent of everything but decided he didn't want to know. His father had manipulated things. He knew it as sure as he knew his name and that was enough.

"Before you got back on your horse," his father continued, "I took the liberty of retrieving the money you brought with you."

Kent stiffened and checked the leather sack he had placed beside him. It was empty. "You stole my money?"

"No, I took back the money Mr. Johnson gave you. You think it's a small matter that you've made a fool of me and of him? Not only have you disgraced me but now Rebecca's long gone to who knows where."

"It's because of you all this happened. If you'd just let me be with Ann—"

"Who's better off with Todd. You and I both know that's true so don't pretend that her being with him is worse for her."

"She could have been happy with me."

"Not as much as she is with him. Whether you want to admit it or not, I did the best thing for you."

"Including manipulating things so I almost married Rebecca?"

His father shrugged. "If you had followed through and married her, you'd be on your way to being one of the wealthiest men in Virginia."

"What good is money if neither she nor I would have been happy?"

"You will never be rich if you insist on being happy. Wealth means sacrifice. It means doing whatever is necessary to obtain it."

"Including hurting people?"

"If it must be, then it must be. Had you listened to me to begin with, you would have pursued Rebecca instead of Ann. The only one to blame for your unhappiness is you."

The comment was so absurd that Kent couldn't help but laugh. He never met anyone who could explain away his actions as well as his father could. "You know what?" Kent finally said. "Take the money. It's tainted because it's connected to you. Some day I will build up wealth, but I'm not going to do it the way you did, through lies and using people. I'm going to do it honestly, and when I have it, I'll use it to help others instead of manipulating them."

His father chuckled and shook his head. "You won't be anything but a pauper for the rest of your life." The train pulled into the station and he rose to his feet. "I sent your uncle a letter. He'll be expecting you at the end of next month."

Refusing to look at him, Kent stood up and boarded the train. He wouldn't see his father ever again once he got on the ship, and that suited him just fine.

***

At the end of the next month, Kent stepped off the ship in Ireland, exhausted but relieved to have finally completed the long journey. America was a long way behind him. In some ways, everything that happened over the past year seemed like it happened in another lifetime. Ann, Todd, Rebecca, his father... All of it was behind him. Exactly where it should be.

He scanned the faces in the crowd of people gathered to greet the passengers of the ship, focusing on the men who looked as if they didn't have any money to their name. His uncle had written to his father that he'd be wearing a red bow tie, saying it would be easier to spot him in a crowd that way. And Kent did find someone wearing a red bow tie, except this was a man of means, not a peasant who needed help on his farm.

Kent turned his attention to the brass tag in his hand and wondered if he should collect his trunk, which currently contained all the things he owned, which wasn't much. Just his clothes. He decided to wait on giving the tag to the person retrieving luggage and turned his attention to the men in the crowd. But none of the men who looked like farmers were wearing red bow ties. He tapped the tag in his hand and sighed. Maybe his uncle forgot to come.

"Pardon me, are you Kent Ashton?"

Kent turned and saw the same well-dressed man with the red bow tie he'd seen a couple minutes before. Eyebrows furrowed, he wondered what the man wanted with him. "Yes, I'm Kent."

A smile spread across the man's face and he gave him a friendly pat on the back. "I'm Patrick Ashton, your uncle."

"But," he glanced at the man's clothes that spoke of wealth and abundance, "you can't be my uncle. My uncle is a poor farmer."

"That is what I told your father so he wouldn't interfere in my life." He gestured to the tag in Kent's hand. "Let's get your trunks then I can explain everything."

As they headed for the man who was bringing people their luggage, Kent said, "I only have one trunk."

His uncle waved to a man who hurried over to them. "This is my footman. He will bring it to the carriage."

Kent handed the tag to the baggage handler who went to get his trunk. When he brought it to them, the footman picked it up.

"You don't have much," his uncle commented as they headed for his carriage. "I expected something larger."

He shrugged. "I thought I would barely have room for that trunk in my bedroom."

"It's alright, Kent. You can tell me the truth."

"The truth?"

"Your father left you with little else but the clothes on your back because you refused to do what he wanted."

Kent hesitated to answer. While he had no respect for his father, he had a hard time voicing his thoughts about him.

They stopped in front of the carriage with gold trim, and his uncle turned caring eyes in his direction. "I know what your father is like. I grew up with him."

Unsure of what to say, Kent remained silent and sat in the carriage.

His uncle waited until they were out of town before he continued to speak. "When your father left for America, he had stolen a significant portion of my half of the inheritance."

"But he said that your father didn't have anything."

"My father left both of us a fortune. My mistake was trusting him when he said he wanted to be partners with me and ran off to America with most of my money. If he doesn't have any money left, it's because he made bad investments, gambled it away, or lived beyond his means. Maybe it was a little of each one. It took time, but I built back my wealth and then some. I never told your father because I was afraid he'd come back."

Kent stared out the carriage window as they traveled down a path in the country. Rubbing his eyes, he said, "I don't understand why you want me to be here. I thought I was supposed to help you with a farm because you have no wife or children to help you."

"It's true I don't have a wife or children, but what I have is a nephew. When I heard what happened in New York, about Wilma and how your father wouldn't let you marry her because she didn't come from a wealthy family, I knew your father was trying to use you the same way he'd used me."

Looking at his uncle, he noted the concern on the older man's face. "So all that time you wrote those letters..."

"I was hoping to save you from a bad situation."

Kent's gaze went back out the window where a large estate appeared on the horizon. He leaned forward to get a better view of the manor, the grounds, and the gazebo. Never in his life had he seen anything so luxurious. If his father had any idea how much wealth his uncle possessed, he would have never let him come here. He would have kept him in Virginia and had him work for him.

"Kent," his uncle began, his voice soft, "I don't know exactly what your father put you through, but I hope you can put all of that behind you and move on. It does no good to dwell on the past. I brought you here for a fresh start."

Tears welled up in Kent's eyes as he stared at the manor, which was coming closer into view as the carriage proceeded down the path. "I never knew money could cause so many problems."

"It's not money that causes problems. It's what people do with it that causes problems. You'll learn that in time."

"I've made such a mess of things. Did my father tell you that I went to North Dakota? I tried to break up a marriage. I frightened the woman I love. I made her think I was going to hurt her when that wasn't my intention. She hates me now, and who can blame her?" Though he tried not to cry, the tears fell. He grabbed the handkerchief in his breast pocket and wiped them away. "I thought she wanted money. I waited until I had enough before I went to her, and now I know she could have been happy with me without it. She's happy with a farmer who can't give her much more than a simple gold band." He wiped more tears away and chuckled at the irony of it all. "If I'd only known that, I would have married her and taken her with me to New York as soon as I could. But every decision I made was the wrong one."

"Kent, I know that you're ashamed of what you've done, but you can't change the past. What happened is already done. Grieve it, learn from it, become a better person because of it. But don't stay trapped in the cycle of wishing you'd done things differently. You can't let your past ruin your future."

"You really think I can be a better person?"

"I wouldn't have insisted your father send you here if I didn't. You have a decision to make. Either you're going to be a better person because of this experience or you're not."

"I want to be a better person."

His uncle smiled. "Good because I brought you here for a new start. Everything that happened in America is behind you. When the carriage door opens, you will get an opportunity to be the person you want to be."

The carriage pulled to a stop in front of the manor and a few seconds later, the footman opened the door. Kent studied his new home with the green hills that spanned around them in all directions. It was nothing like New York or Virginia, and that meant, he wouldn't have anything to remind him of the past. In this place, he'd get another chance and there was nothing he wanted more.

He glanced at his uncle, feeling a glimmer of happiness that he hadn't experienced in a long time. "I want a new start."

His uncle's smile widened.

Returning his uncle's smile, he stepped out of the carriage to begin his new life, leaving the past where it belonged—in the past.
It might not have worked out between Kent and Ann, but Kent will return to America in 1907 and end up in Omaha, Nebraska with the Larsons in...

Catching Kent

Kent Ashton has returned to America in search of a new start, a chance to live a quiet and unassuming life. A life where he is determined to be a bachelor until the day he dies. But fate has other plans.

Dave Larson finds Kent—beaten and stranded close to the train station—and brings him home to recover. Rose, Dave's eighteen-year-old daughter, takes one look at Kent and knows he'll be her husband.

Realizing he's being pursued, Kent does everything he can think of to dissuade her. But Rose has always gotten what she's wanted in the past, and she's sure it's just a matter of time before she catches him.
All Books by Ruth Ann Nordin

(Chronological Order)

Regencies

Marriage by Scandal Series

The Earl's Inconvenient Wife

A Most Unsuitable Earl

His Reluctant Lady

The Earl's Scandalous Wife

Standalone Regency

Her Counterfeit Husband (happens during A Most Unsuitable Earl)

Marriage by Deceit Series

The Earl's Secret Bargain

Love Lessons With the Duke

Ruined by the Earl

The Earl's Stolen Bride

Marriage by Arrangement Series

His Wicked Lady

Her Devilish Marquess

The Earl's Wallflower Bride

Marriage by Bargain Series

The Viscount's Runaway Bride

The Rake's Vow

Taming The Viscountess

If It Takes A Scandal

Marriage by Fate Series

The Reclusive Earl

Married In Haste

Make Believe Bride

The Perfect Duke

Kidnapping the Viscount – coming soon

Marriage by Fairytale Series

The Marriage Contract

One Enchanted Evening

The Wedding Pact – coming soon

Historical Western Romances

Pioneer Series

Wagon Trail Bride

The Marriage Agreement

Groom For Hire

Forced Into Marriage

Nebraska Series

Her Heart's Desire

A Bride for Tom

A Husband for Margaret

Eye of the Beholder

The Wrong Husband

Shotgun Groom

To Have and To Hold

His Redeeming Bride

Isaac's Decision

Misled Mail Order Brides Series

The Bride Price

The Rejected Groom

The Perfect Wife

The Imperfect Husband

Chance at Love Series

The Convenient Mail Order Bride

The Mistaken Mail Order Bride

The Accidental Mail Order Bride

The Bargain Mail Order Bride

South Dakota Series

Loving Eliza

Bid for a Bride

Bride of Second Chances

Montana Collection

Mitch's Win

Boaz's Wager

Patty's Gamble

Shane's Deal – coming soon

Native American Romance Series

Restoring Hope

A Chance In Time

Brave Beginnings

Bound by Honor, Bound by Love

Virginia Series

An Unlikely Place for Love

The Cold Wife

An Inconvenient Marriage

Romancing Adrienne

Standalone Historical Western Romances

Falling In Love With Her Husband

Kent Ashton's Backstory

Catching Kent

His Convenient Wife

Meant To Be

The Mail Order Bride's Deception

Contemporary Romances

Omaha Series

With This Ring, I Thee Dread

What Nathan Wants

Just Good Friends

Across the Stars Series

Suddenly a Bride

Runaway Bride

His Abducted Bride

Standalone Contemporaries

Substitute Bride

Co-Authored Romances

Historical Romance Anthologies (with Janet Syas Nitsick)

Bride by Arrangement

A Groom's Promise

Contemporary Anthology (with Catherine Lynn)

Bride By Design

Thrillers

Return of the Aliens (Christian End-Times Novel)

Late One Night (flash fiction)

The Very True Legends of Ol' Man Wickleberry and his Demise - Ink Slingers' Anthology

Fantasies

Enchanted Galaxy Series

A Royal Engagement

Royal Hearts

The Royal Pursuit

Royal Heiress

Nonfiction

Writing Tips Series

11 Tips for New Writers

The Emotionally Engaging Character

To find out more about Ruth Ann Nordin's books and upcoming titles, you can go to the following sites:

Her Website: www.ruthannnordin.com

Her Blog: https://ruthannnordinauthorblog.wordpress.com

