After patiently allowing Aunt Margaret to mess with her hair, and Janet assisting, but snickering, for over an hour. Kate finally had had enough, "You know, I appreciate all you are doing Lady Mountbatten but my hair will be fine up." Sitting in front of her on the vanity table were ribbons and barrettes. Kate fiddled with them and rolled her eyes.

"Katherine, this is a special occasion." She tried to attach a ribbon and Kate pulled at it.

"No." She stood up, slightly put off by all of this.

Margaret put a comforting hand on her shoulder, "I realize that you are having a difficult time. Leopold's injury, the wedding being postponed…"

"Maybe I wouldn't be having a hard time, if everyone didn't mention it every two minutes. No offense, Lady Mountbatten, but I would like to get ready on my own. Janet is perfectly capable of helping me if I need assistance."

Margaret looked a little disappointment, but understood. "Fine. If you need anything.."

"I know where to find you. Thank-you."

After she left the room Kate flopped down on the bed sighing. Janet sat on the edge of the bed.

"You really don't want to go, do you?"

"Not especially. But it is my duty as the future Duchess of Albany." She said sarcastically. "So what are you and Jack up to tonight?"

"He is taking me to a dancehall, with proper music and everything. I didn't even know he could dance." Kate loved her bizarre innocence. She had been through a lot, experienced life but she still had a child like innocence that was wonderful. Especially when she talked about Jack.

"I envy you. You can do what you like. I have to be on my best behavior at these functions, do the right thing, say the right thing. Go through all the motions, from one countess to the next. Get their approval. It isn't any fun."

"But you are to meet the queen. Isn't that exciting enough for you?"

"I would trade places with you in a minute."

"You mean you would go to the dancehall with Jack and I would go to the gala with Leopold? Not on your life. I know I might sound fickle. A few days ago I only had eyes for Leopold, but that has all changed. I want to be with Jack forever."

Kate smiled at her, "And he wants to be with you too. He told me last night you two are thinking about marrying soon after we get back to Sussex."

"We would like that. He was all ready to have some long courtship, but it doesn't make sense. We want to be together as soon as possible. But I don't want this to upset you, Kate. I told Jack maybe the timing was bad."

"No, it's perfect." But Kate couldn't help but think how hard it would be for her watching them wed, when it should've been her and Leopold.



Leopold took it easy in the morning. Yesterday had been way too much, on him and it had left him exhausted. Also he hadn't slept well at all. Kate had been all that was on his mind. Otis left him alone till it was time to dress. When Otis laid his clothes on the bed, Leopold eyed them with indifference. Because it was a royal function, the full regal attire was required. The ornate red and gold brocaded vest and sash, white shirt and tie, and black jacket and trousers. With his shoulder still bandaged and his arm in the sling, nothing was comfortable, "This is going to be a nightmare. Do you think there is any slight chance of them not missing me if I was not in attendance?"

"I realize, sir, you are not thrilled with these type of functions, but it is for your engagement."

"And my aunt would be devastated if I should cause a tantrum and not go. I know it means a lot to her. For the life of me, I will never truly understand it. These events are all the same, same people-boring, same conversation-boring. This evening is likely to be dull and intolerable. If only I could have taken Kate to the opera, or for a walk along the river. Now that would be an evening I would thoroughly enjoy."

"It does sound lovely. But there will be other times."

Leopold was picturing it in his mind. If there was only a way, he could get out of this damn party.



When Kate first laid eyes on Leopold that afternoon, he was dressed in his finery and she had to admit, he looked incredibly handsome as well as sexy. And Leopold was taken aback to find Kate in a beautiful scarlet satin off the shoulder dress. His eyes lit up, "You look exquisite, good enough to eat." He proceeded to kiss her right shoulder, and Margaret cleared her throat.

"Enough of that, Leopold. None of that open display of affection at Windsor, you are the duke and not some common man."

"So common men are allowed to show their affection in public. I knew there was something about common men that I liked." He teased.

"You are mocking me, Leopold."

"Did you have a hand in choosing my fiancé's dress, aunt Margaret? Because if you wanted me to behave like a duke it was a poor choice."

"It's a beautiful dress, Leopold."

"I am not arguing that at all. You are quite right, and very suited to Kate, but it has the ability to even cause a Duke to feel slightly amorous." Leopold smiled at Kate and proceeded to kiss the other shoulder and she giggled.

Margaret was cross, "Fine, behave like a child now, get it out of your system, Leopold. I will not have you make a scene at the gala. This is so important."

"Yes, aunt, I know and I will behave accordingly, as long as I can fondle Kate in the carriage all the way to Windsor."

He knew this would get to her and Millard walked up to them hearing his last remark, "Leopold, behave. You know how your aunt gets at this functions." Rodney helped Margaret into the carriage, and Millard preceded her.

Leopold whispered into Kate's ear before they got into the carriage, "I really would like to fondle you in the carriage."

"After last night, I am sure that isn't all you want to do."

"You must behave as well, this evening."

"I'll think about it."

He leaned towards her kissing her. In the last few days, It was getting much harder to pull away. Otis stood behind them and smiled. After last night's fiasco with Edgar it was wonderful to see both of them so relaxed. Jack and Janet who had come down the front stairs interrupted them.

Jack went up to Leopold and whispered in his ear, "It's all arranged."

Leopold smiled, "Wonderful." Kate looked at him questioningly.

"What are you two up to? Does this have anything to do with Edgar?"

Leopold shook his finger in front of her face, "Shame on you. That name is not supposed to be mentioned whatsoever in my presence. You do want me to get well, now, don't you, Kate." He smiled, teasing her. "I do believe a punishment is in order."

"Going to the gala is punishment enough, don't you think?"

Leopold smiled at Jack, and Jack intern said, "Your timing is going to be perfect on this one, your grace."

"I do believe so." Kate was curious. She turned and glared at Jack, and Leopold noticed even Jack was eyeing her in the dress. He proceeded to pull her shawl up around her shoulders, "You will keep that on, all evening."

"Leopold." She then pulled it back down.

Janet smiled, "You look magnificent. Your aunt was right, you will be the belle of the ball, and on Leopold's arm to boot. Have a lovely time. Or at least try." Janet gave her a hug. They had become awfully close. She then looked at Leopold and back to Jack. There was something going on, but she had no idea.

Leopold took Kate by the elbow and Otis helped her onto the carriage and then Leopold followed suit. Otis would be traveling with them, in case Leopold needed any assistance and he was to ride with the driver.



The grand ballroom at Windsor was everything Kate had expected. Just the size of it alone was incredible, and then being filled with every member of royalty you could possibly imagine added to its grandeur. A chamber orchestra was playing in the corner and many were dancing. As they walked in they were announced and the whole room was a buzz. Of course everyone had heard of Leopold's engagement to an American, and then there was the shooting accident. He escorted Kate through the masses of people, and some exchanged pleasantries as they walked past, he tried to smile and finally turned to Kate. "If by any remote chance we are separated, meet me by the balcony doors in one hour." Kate looked up to see a clock. He was looking at this pocket watch.

"What is going on?"

" Do you want to spend anytime whatsoever alone with me?"

"Yes."

"Then don't ask questions." His aunt showed up behind him.

"Leopold, we have been requested an audience with your highness." She straightened his tie,

"Stop fussing, I am not a little boy, I know how to address the queen."

Margaret turned to Kate, "He made a right fool of himself as a child, the first time they were introduced. Asked her if she was an evil queen like in the fairy tales."

Leopold smiled, "And because of that remark she has been endeared to me ever since. I do hope, you will not be hovering over me, aunt. In fact, I would like a private audience with her without you and uncle."

"Leopold, that is disrespectful."

"My way or not at all."

"Fine. Go on." He took Kate's arm and they headed towards a room off the ballroom.

As they approached the room he told her, "Be yourself. Don't listen to anything my aunt has said. It will be brief and we will exchange pleasantries, I promise you she won't judge. And she does like me. No matter what my aunt believes, she finds my openness and honesty a rarity."

Kate was amazed as they approached the queen seated on what Kate would describe as a thrown but just a high back chair of plush gold velvet. She looked just like pictures Kate had seen and she couldn't help but think of Dame Judi Dench portraying her in "Mrs. Brown" and wondered if any of that was true. Leopold bowed and Kate took his lead and curtseyed.

When the queen put out her hand, Leopold proceeded to kiss it and then she smiled, "My dear, boy, I know you are hardly a boy now, but I do hope you don't mind if I call you that."

"Of course not, your majesty."

"I was so sorry to hear of your accident, is it quite painful?"

"The pain has actually subsided immensely. I am on the mends."

She looked at Kate, "And this is your young lady."

"Katherine McKay, your majesty."

"Yes, yes, of course. Miss McKay, if Leopold has chosen you for his wife I am sure you are the right woman for the job. He has always had a mind of his own and knows what he wants. I only wish my sons could possess some of his finer characteristics, but alas I wasn't so blessed. I have heard the wedding has been postponed much to the dismay of the whole court. Leopold has always been popular whether he likes it or not. We all wish him the best, and of course you as well. I think it was a wise decision to hold off on the wedding. He must be fully recovered. Although, I am sure your aunt must be furious, Leopold."

"You know her to well, your majesty."

"I am sure I don't need to ask you this question, Miss McKay, but I will anyway. Are you in love with Leopold?"

"Very much so." She looked at Leopold and they exchanged a tender glance.

"Well, then I give you both my blessing and I hope your recovery is speedy so you don't have to keep Miss McKay waiting much longer. "

Leopold smiled, "I hope so as well, your majesty."

"Now run along and have fun. Don't allow any of those pompous arrogant socialites cause you any grief. This is your party, you do as you like."

They both bowed and curtseyed, and preceded back into the ballroom, she turned to Leopold, "That was bizarre. Does she just sit in there and not even come out to her own party?"

"She has had a long mourning period for her husband, she is not that comfortable with crowds of people. Only a select few in this room will even be allowed to speak to her."

A young gentleman appeared by Leopold's side, "Your grace, I am so glad to see you up and about. Such a tragedy should occur so close to your wedding date."

Leopold acknowledged him, "Thank you for your concern, Lord Newbury. But I am on the mends and the wedding should be taking place within the month. Let me introduce you to my fiancé, Miss McKay."

"It is a privilege, Miss McKay. Would it be out of the question to ask for a dance, Miss McKay?" He looked at Leopold for approval, and he looked at Kate.

"Leopold, would you mind?" She asked.

"Of course not, I am unable to partake in the activity this evening and it would be a shame if you missed out as well." He leaned over and kissed her cheek and whispered in her ear, "Don't forget at the balcony at 9pm."

She nodded as Lord Newbury took her arm and they headed for the dance floor.





Kate had danced nearly every dance since she had left Leopold. And felt exhausted. Just as she thought she would sit one out another gentleman was by her side requesting a dance with her. And she couldn't turn any of them down. She kept trying to look for Leopold but he had been swept away by various parties involved in tedious conversations and Kate was glad she on the dance floor and not having to partake in trivial small talk. She then looked at the clock and realized it was shortly after 9. She excused herself and headed towards the balcony, where Leopold stood.

He was looking at his watch, "You are 5 minutes late. Enjoying yourself now, are you?"

"It was alright."

"Everyman in the room had his eyes on you."

"Leopold, you are exaggerating. And anyhow, I would much rather be spending time with you, just not here. It is too crowded and I am tired of being poked and prodded by the English aristocrats."

He smiled, "Then leaving is something you would contemplate?"

"Leaving? How can we leave? We came with your uncle and aunt, and I have seen them. They are in no way ready to leave."

"Come with me." He took her arm and she followed him. Out the main hall and down the steps where a carriage and Otis were waiting.

"What's this?"

"A carriage, what does it look like?"

"But it isn't the one we came in."

" Like you said my aunt and uncle aren't ready to leave, they need a ride back to the house. Jack arranged for this one. We are having a night out. Just you and I."

She looked at Otis, "And Otis."

"No, miss, I am going to sit with the driver and you won't know I am even here."

Otis helped her into the carriage and Leopold got in next to her, his one arm pulled her close to him, "Now I can fondle you all I would like."

"Your aunt and uncle will have a fit that we have left."

He smiled, "Yes, I realize that. They will be slightly infuriated for a short while, but they know what I am like. I can always say I had another fainting spell or something along that line."

"Where are you taking me?"

"Every young lady needs to be escorted along the riverside with her intended, it is a tradition. I couldn't have us leave London without anytime alone."

She snuggled up to him, "This is lovely, Leopold. Just this morning I was so envious of Jack and Janet for being able to do exactly what they like."

"We can do anything you like this evening, within reason obviously."

" I am perfectly content with the carriage ride and the walk along the Thames."

The carriage pulled away from Windsor and Leopold leaned towards her kissing her, "Now this is more like it. A beautiful starlit night with the only woman on earth I could ever imagine being with."

She was relieved he was so content. After last night she had no idea how he would be, but for Kate it seemed he really was trying to put Edgar and the Spencers out of his mind, relax and concentrate on her. And she was looking forward to their evening together.



They walked arm in arm along the Thames, where other couples also were enjoying the lovely evening. They got a few glances since both of them were overly dressed for such an activity, but Kate and Leopold were oblivious to them. They talked about the evening and Kate tried to list all the men she had danced with.

"You are making me jealous. I want desperately to hold you in my arms again and waltz you around a room."

"It will happen again, soon. You are so much better today."

"The pain is still there. But the dizziness is subsiding. I am keeping my word, Kate. We will be married before the end of the month."

"No rushing. Your health is more important than anything."

Kate looked up at the night sky and it was beautiful, she thought of Charlie for some reason and Leopold saw her faraway look.

"You are a million miles away."

"I was thinking of Charlie. What do you think he is doing right now?"

"Well, for one thing, it isn't right now for him. Kate he isn't even born yet. I know this time continuum theory is all a bit confusing, especially since we actually have experienced it. But if you would allow me to explain.."

"Don't bother, I didn't understand when Stuart explained it and I won't understand it now. I can just imagine what I'd like. Is that alright with you?"

Leopold nodded.

" He has probably been to a few auditions today and failed miserably, but took it in his stride, much like Charlie would. He will never give it up. Probably has watched some TV, some sporting event of some sort.."

Leopold added, " And he has been wining and dining Patrice as I suggested, and possibly made some headway. Maybe even an engagement."

Kate laughed, "Charlie? I don't think so. She probably moved in with him, that is more his style."

"Moving in with one another is such a strange concept for me, without the sanctity of marriage. You are allowed to try out your prospective partners. I find it very primitive indeed. I don't agree with it whatsoever"

"With all the divorce going on, it is really the best thing."

"So do you wish you could try out the goods before you actually make the commitment?"

"Your way is the 19th century way, and I accept that. I am pretty sure your goods are all in working order and high above the standards I am used to."

"You make me sound like a piece of machinery."

"A fine piece of machinery, Leopold." She teased. "Very fine indeed."

He pulled her close to him, "More like a damaged piece of machinery who is in desperate need of some tender loving care."

"Now that I am capable of." They stood along the riverside and passionately kissed, then continued their walk, shutting out the rest of the world around them.



Jack and Janet were off at the crack of dawn heading back to Balinor on Mordrid and Merlin and to return the books to Millard's study. It was a time they would both savor, knowing that once back at the house, there would be plenty of work to do and their time together would be limited. Jack wished he could give her more. How he would like to have a wife and family, and not have them be in service would be a dream come true. But at the time it was not to be. Leopold was still content on building them a house, which would be started right away. But until then they would have to make do with the one room off the stables that Jack had called home since he was a child. He had never known his mother. She had died in childbirth and had spent his first few years with an aunt and uncle, until his father the Mountbatten's groomsman had sent for him. It had been the same year Leopold's parents had died. And he had lived there ever since. It wasn't ideal, but it would have to do. Leopold had given him an extra 10 guineas for his mission to recover the books and yesterday he had bought Janet a wedding ring with the money. As they rode out of London, he felt the ring in his pocket, and Janet had turned to smile at him. She was all he had ever wanted. She put her hand out and he took hold of it, and they rode this way for a few miles until they reached the countryside and Janet was intent on galloping at high speed. He could see how happy she was and that was all that was important.

After a stop for lunch at an inn in a small village, Janet and Jack had a stroll before they got back on their horses. They weren't too far from Balinor now, and were making good time. Janet took his hand and dragged him up a hill where a small church and graveyard sat. You could see for miles and Janet was enjoying reading the tombstones and wondering what the various occupants had done in their lives. Jack noticed the vicar was sweeping the front step and he smiled at Jack. He put his hand in his pocket again and felt the ring, looking back at the vicar. Janet was preoccupied reading tombstones and he headed over to the vicar.

"Good day," Jack said, "this is sure a lovely spot."

"Yes, it is. I don't get a lot of visitors up here when it isn't Sunday, it's lovely to see you and your young lady friend enjoying the view."

Jack held out his hand, "Jack Blackmore and my young lady friend is my fiancé, Janet."

"Reverend Allen. Are you just passing through?"

"On our way back from London, do you know the big house, Balinor about 30 miles from here?"

"I know it well, I was the parish vicar for that aligning area for years, a long time ago mind you. I married the Duke of Albany and his wife. Such a beautiful little chapel on the estate.

"I work there. I am the present Duke's groomsmen."

"What a small world. I actually christened Leopold."

"Really?"

"How is he? I noticed he was to be wed."

"Yes, the wedding has been postponed due to a shooting accident, but if all goes as planned they should be wed by the end of the month. You know he would love to see you I am sure."

"The last time I saw him was at a service for his parents. Sad little boy."

"Yes, that was extremely difficult for him, but he is happy now."

"I am glad to hear it. And I will definitely plan on a visit."

Jack looked over at Janet who looked curious that he was talking to a vicar.

"I was wondering Reverend Allen, what is the possibility of you marrying my fiancé and myself this afternoon?"

"Well, this is not something I usually have requests for. Most young people want their family present."

"This place just seems idyllic and I know it would make us both very happy. I have the license. Everything is in order."

"I don't see the problem, I would be glad too."

"Wonderful. Let me just talk to my fiancé. Excuse me for a minute."

Jack went over to Janet, and she looked curious, "Why are you talking to a vicar, Jack?"

"Before you say anything. Hear me out. This guy will marry us, now, today. We won't have to wait. It makes sense, Janet. The last thing either Kate or Leopold needs is for us to have a wedding on the estate. I know Leopold has said to me it's fine. But I think the postponement has gotten to both of them. We get married here, and it's done. No hassles. And this guy married Leopold's father, how is that for a coincidence."

"But Jack, you don't even have a ring or a license. I feel you are rushing this so you can get me into bed and for no other purposes." Janet raised her voice and Jack thought for sure the vicar had overheard. "What about a proper courtship? That's what you wanted last week."

"I think you better think that one through, Janet, who wants who in bed?"

"Surely you don't think I am rushing the wedding solely to share your bed. You are mistaken."

"Fine." He walked away from her, "we should head home." He then turned to her, "and for your information I have the license and the ring, but you probably aren't' even interested." He stormed off. And Janet ran after him.

"Jack, you have a ring?"

He was cross, "I said I did, didn't I? And I am a man of my word."

She approached him carefully, "Can I see it?"

"Why should I show it to you? You have accused me of marrying you so I can bed you. And I am insulted."

"But I know you want to bed me."

"That isn't what this is about and you need to understand that."

"Why do you love me, Jack?"

He was frustrated, "Janet, I am not in the mood right now. I was doing something totally spontaneous. This is a beautiful place and …oh, bloody hell, why does it matter?"

Janet placed her arms around him, and her touch affected him, "And if you think that is going to change anything."

"That? What is that?" She began to caress his back.

"Leopold was right, you are very distracting." She started to reach into his pocket and he quickly jumped back and smiled. She plunged towards him, but he was too quick and played a game. Darting back and forth while she tried to grab him.

"Jack, you are so mean. Let me see it."

"You can see it when it's on your finger and not before then."

She reached for him again and he placed his hand on her forehead, and stiffened his arm. So he had her at arms length and she couldn't reach him. He started to laugh as she fought desperately. "So what is it to be then?"

"Jack, this is unfair."

She was waiting for him to back down but it didn't seem like it was going to happen. Janet then had an idea and she looked past him down the hill, "Oh, my word, what is that?"

He immediately let go and turned, she laughed and managed to get her hand in his pocket. He quickly turned around and grabbed her around the waist. They were both laughing, and they toppled to the ground rolling slightly down the hill. They landed with Janet on top of him, her hand in his pocket, and Jack smiling as he held her close to him,

"I don't think it's the ring you are after at all."

"I have you right where I want you, Jack Blackmore."

"I am sure you do." He teased

"Are you going to show it to me now?"

"No", he smiled. "Say you will marry me today."

"I won't."

He kissed her, and her defenses were down, he managed to roll with her and soon was on top of her. She looked up at him and had no desire to fight anymore. "Oh, and to answer your question…I love you because you are the most beautiful woman I have ever laid eyes on, you make me laugh and you make me feel whole. You are my best friend and I can't picture my life without you by my side. I love the way you smile and the way you say my name. God, Janet, I am incomplete without you and I don't want to wait another day. I have waited all my life for you."

"That was beautiful. You say such wonderful things to me."

She wrapped her arms around him and this time managed to roll him back over onto his back and she kissed him, she stroked the side of his face and ran her fingers through his hair, "I will marry you today."

He let out a holler, and she giggled, "These village people are going to wonder what is going on out here. You making such a commotion."

"And you. Who was chasing and attacking me?"

She got up, "Are we going to get married or are we going to have another spat.?"

"Plenty of time for spats, the rest of our lives, Miss Collins." He stood up and gave her a swat on the behind.

"Stop that right now. Behave."

He smiled wickedly at her and then picked her up and carried her over his shoulder, "Put me down this instance."

"Not on your life. I am not letting you go. We are getting married and I want to place you inside the church myself, before you change your mind."

As he carried her up the hill, the vicar smiled. They were both laughing and he could tell how much in love they were. It was pure joy to see two young people so in love and so carefree. Jack carried her past him, "I think we are ready, reverend."

Janet protested, "This is uncivilized, Jack." She began to beat on his back.

Jack turned to the vicar, "I have to apologize for my fiancé, she does tend to get carried away in the moment." Jack laughed.

When he finally sat her down in front of the altar, she looked around her at the church, the vicar standing before them and then at Jack who tenderly kissed her, "Just wanted one last kiss as a single man."

She couldn't believe this was really happening. It wasn't the idyllic wedding most woman would dream of but all that mattered to her was the man standing by her side and that she would be spending the rest of her life with him.



Hand and hand Jack and Janet headed back into the village to fetch the horses, they were happy, laughing, but then Jack spotted a young boy near Mordrid. It looked like he had a small bag of grain in his hand and was trying to get the horse to eat. Jack was very protective of those horses and he let go of Janet and called out, "Hey, you, get away from those horses" He ran towards him. Janet closely behind.

The boy backed off and was scared to death, "I wasn't doing anything, mister. Just giving them a bit of feed."

Jack grabbed the bag from his hand and stuck his hand in the feedbag, pulling out a handful of feed and sniffing it.

Janet thought he was being ridiculous, "Jack, he meant no harm. For god's sake."

Janet watched as Jack's face built up with anger, and he grabbed the child by his shirt, "Where did you get this feed? What the hell do you think you were doing?"

Janet tried to pull Jack off him, "Let go of him, Jack. He is a child."

The boy started to whimper, "Somebody gave it to me."

"Somebody? Who?"

Janet finally got Jack to loosen his grip and the boy cowered behind Janet. "you are scaring him, Jack."

Jack held out a handful of feed, "This is poisoned feed, Janet. He was going to feed it to Mordrid."

She looked shocked in disbelief. She got down on her knees and faced the young boy calmly, "Who gave it to you?"

"I didn't know there was anything wrong with it, Miss. I was just admiring the horses and a gentleman came up to me and asked if I would like to feed them, he gave 6 pence. That's a lot of money, miss, and I love horses. I would have done it for nothing."

"What did this gentleman look like?" Janet looked up at Jack who was fuming, pacing back and forth.

"Shorter than you." He pointed at Jack. "He smiled a lot."

Jack kicked the hitching post, "It was Edgar."

Janet sent the little boy on his way, "It's okay. Just be careful next time and make sure you know what you are feeding them." He nodded and ran off.

Jack turned to Janet, "He isn't far from here. I can catch up to him."

She grabbed his arm, "You will do no such thing. That man is dangerous."

"Janet, we can catch him. He did this."

"That means he's been following us, Jack. And we didn't know it. That frightens me. For all we know he could be waiting ahead to ambush us, or shoot us, or god knows what." Janet closed her eyes and thought of the numerous incounters with him and it gave her the shivers. Jack noticed the faraway look in her eyes, and drew her towards him, comforting her.

"You are right, I am being foolish. It's our wedding day, and nothing is going to spoil it. We don't even know it was Edgar."

"What if he is waiting for Leopold's coach? Jack, you need to warn Leopold."

"No, he isn't going to try something like that again."

"You don't know that."

"Come on, we need to head back. I know another route we can take. It will be safe I promise." He gave her a kiss. "You have to trust me, Mrs. Blackmore."

She smiled as he called her that. He helped her up unto Merlin, and she leaned forward patting the horse. Jack mounted Mordrid, "Why would he want to poison Mordrid? It's just a horse."

"Mordrid is like Leopold's flesh and blood. He raised him from a foal, Mordrid's mother had to be put down because of a bad leg. This horse means everything to Leopold. Edgar knows that."

"He is sick, Jack."

"Yeah." He reached over and took hold of her hand, looked at the wedding band on her finger, rubbing his finger across it. Edgar once again had tarnished something so special. He was raging inside. But knew for Janet's sake he had to let it go. This was there day, and somehow he would salvage what was left of it, and put Edgar out of his mind.