- The disclaimer is in chapter one if your looking for it.
- To everyone who has previously reviewed, thank you so much. This is the last chapter, I promise.
Chapter 12
Two Months Later
"In summation, Majesty, Captain Krusix, Captain Roxton and their crew successfully aided your forces in putting down the rebellion in Cuba".
"Mistress Tribune and her brother?".
"Deported back to Spain where they are facing their Majesties as we speak" The Duke informed her.
"And they have been informed of the charges?" The Queen pressed.
"The Spanish emissary was given a copy of the charges".
"Excellent work, my lord. I hear you have good news".
"Yes, Maria has accepted my proposal, and we are to be married, well as soon the arrangements can be made".
"Bring in our guests" The Queen commanded.
"Are you ready?" Ned felt his heart beating through his chest.
"Now or never, Neddy boy" the door were opened.
Murmurs ran through the crowd, the tale of how a small band of English buccaneers was able to stop the plan of the Spanish Lieutenant Governor has already made its way through the court.
"How handsome they are".
"Who knew that the sea could produce such fine skin, I must find out what they use".
"Majesty" they bowed low.
"I thank you, Captain Roxton, as does the entire country for your bravado".
"It was nothing, Majesty, really".
"And you, Mistress Roxton, I thank you and I believe congratulations are in order" Although Margo's dress concealed her growing abdomen; she knew that it wouldn't for very long.
"Thank you Majesty, we are very happy".
"I believe such bravado should be rewarded, bring the document".
A page carried in the scroll.
"On this date, November 2nd, year of our lord 1538, I proclaim that Captain John Roxton, in honor of his bravery in defending Queen and Country, shall be titled Lord Roxton, Earl of Avebury, to passed on to his heirs for all time".
"Majesty, we thank you for the offer, but Margo and I are both sea faring folk. We had hoped to raise our children by the sea".
The Queen made a face.
"What my husband means to say, Highness, is that we are grateful for the honor" Margo cut in.
"Perhaps, your Highness, we may offer them a small cottage in Bristol for entertaining during the season" The Duke offered, knowing that it was social suicide to turn down a gift from the Queen.
"Excellent idea, my lord. As you suggest, it shall be" The Queen turned her attention to Ned and Valencia.
"I have read your accounts of the revolution, Mr. Malone, I am impressed. The position of secretary of the minister of Defense is open; I believe your talents would be well suited to the position".
"Thank you, Your Highness, I accept" Ned tried to stay calm, but his excitement was obvious. Even the Queen couldn't help but smile.
"Dr. Chancus".
"My Queen".
"Your treatise on the native medicinal plants is fascinating; my physicians are very excited by your discoveries".
"It was my pleasure, Majesty. The natives were very open to sharing their medicines with us".
"Would you consider a position at Oxford? There are many would be interested in hearing your findings".
"Thank you, Majesty, the offer is most generous, but I have been a sea faring man all my life. I could not live without the sea".
"Understood, Dr. We all have our passions to pursue. Perhaps I may offer you a ship of your own to Captain? Your courage cannot go unrewarded," The Queen offered.
"You are most charitable, Your Highness, thank you".
A month later, they stood at the dock as George's ship, The Summerlee, prepared to ship off.
"A Captain in your own right and a ship of your own, George" Margo couldn't help but shed a tear; George had been much more than a lieutenant to her.
"I've been waiting for this since I was a boy".
"Thank you for everything" Valencia couldn't help but hug him. Margo gave into the temptation and shared the hug.
"I almost forgot. Your uncle bade me to give you these" he handed each of them a locket; each had a miniature of their parents. Valencia had inherited her mother's golden hair and tanned skin; Margo's darker coloring had come from her father.
Arthur had been symbolically buried; a few precious belongings put in casket and pushed overboard. He had been buried at sea, where he lived, loved and died.
"Captain, ready when you are" George's first mate called out from the bow.
"Let us know when you're in town, George" they watched the Summerlee disappear into the horizon.
"I'll do that".
"Send a messenger when the baby comes" Two carriages appeared, one to take Ned and Valencia to their London townhouse, the other to take John and Margo to Avebury.
"John Roxton, what are you grinning about?" she asked a week later as she lay in bed.
"Nothing, just looking my beautiful wife" he got into bed.
"Really".
"Well, I had something made, just on a whim" he opened his hands, revealing the heart shaped pendant with the initials, JR and MK.
"You shouldn't have" the world around them closed as they became one.
"And they lived happily for the rest of their days" John stood for a moment, watched his granddaughter sleep as Marguerite's voice echoed up the staircase.
"John, the kids are home".
She stood in the doorway, watching them. She was still the most beautiful woman in the world. Of course she would complain that her once jet-black curls were now silver and the clothes she had been able to wear had been put away, but she knew that he meant every word. He also knew that she would say that he looked dignified and handsome, ever the elder statesman, Lord Roxton. The 40 years away from the plateau had not changed anything between them.
"How was she?" John and Marguerite's oldest son Will asked.
"Perfect".
"We saw Danny and Erin at the party, they're practically glowing, and everyone was asking about you" Abby, Will's wife said.
Daniel and Erin Malone, Ned and Veronica's son and daughter in law was expecting their second child.
"Good night" the door closed behind them.
"Good evening Lord Roxton, Lady Roxton" The family butler, Bulwark greeted them at the door.
"Good night, Bulwark".
"Lord Roxton, that package from the bank arrived earlier; it's on your desk".
"Thank you, Bulwark".
"John, what package?".
"A family heirloom, I'll be right in".
Opening the package, he couldn't help but feel like a child on Christmas morning. With every generation, the legend of his ancestor and namesake, the original Lord John Roxton and his sea faring wife, Margo expanded and now he had the original pendant. JR and MK, he couldn't help but smile. Was it just history or was there something more at work? He didn't know and at that moment, he didn't care. Whistling to himself, he slipped box into his pocket and joined his wife in the bedroom.
Done, finally, I feel like it's taken me forever. Not forever, I know, it just feels that way. Please, now that it's finally done, can I please have some reviews?
