Many thanks to my wonderful beta-reader and co-author Sam. H.
September 1812
A ship drew ever closer to London's port, seamen rushed around completing their task to prepare for docking. One man stood silently at the bow. Blonde hair, gently tousled by the wind, his expression was stoic as he gazed intensely on the nearing harbour. If his stillness did not catch the eyes of the other passengers, his tall stature and striking good looks surely would have.
Five long years he had been absent from England's shores and as the ship slipped closer, the scene which was the impetus for his leaving replayed in his head.
"What were you thinking!" his father raged at him. "Challenging him to a duel, you could have been killed. Or arrested. You know duelling is illegal!"
"Father, that gentleman is lucky he did not show, if he had, I would have killed him for what he did to my cousin."
"Yes, your cousin, that little fool. I blame her just as much for this mess. We are lucky I could find a school far from London to take her on such short notice."
"I agree it was good to send her away for her wellbeing, but she was not at fault. She was taken advantage of by that arrogant rake. I have learned he has a reputation for ruining young ladies, and it always follows the same pattern. All the Ton knew he was engaged and yet that cretin had the audacity to make promises to my cousin so she might let her guard down. Promises he never had any intentions of keeping." The son had been pacing back and forth in his agitation, but he stopped to look his father in the face. "That man is a menace to polite society, and it was my duty to seek justice."
His father had been very angry and disappointed in him. He made it clear he considered his son's actions irresponsible.
"Son, there are other ways to resolve these issues without resorting to unnecessary violence. I certainly would not see you sitting in Marshalsea or compromising the whole family's reputation. Perhaps it is good you will be busy with your chosen career. It will teach you to control yourself and keep you from causing any further trouble."
He had always intended to embark on a military career, so he used his savings to purchase a captain's commission. Once enlisted, he and his regiment departed English soil to travel to Canada. The beauty of Canada's vast terrain had captivated him, and he had been content with his life there.
However, his life took an unexpected turn on receiving a letter from his father containing astonishing news.
April 5, 1812
London
Dear Son,
I am the bearer of such news that requires your immediate and urgent attention. As you are aware, a few years ago, my uncle and his only son died in a carriage accident and my eldest brother inherited the title and fortune.
However, in the last year my three older brothers met their end. One died tragically fighting on the continent and had no descendants. The other passed quietly in his sleep, leaving behind only two daughters. My eldest brother and my only nephew were in a carriage accident two weeks ago and perished from their injuries.
As you can imagine, our situation and your destiny has changed fundamentally. I now hold the title of Marquess, and have inherited all the property and fortune that entails. You, my son, are my only heir.
I beg you, hasten your way back home to me and to England, and secure your place in society.
Regards,
As he read and reread his father's letter, he could not help but feel some disappointment. The past five years of his life in Canada had been good. He had grown to love the place and the people there. Yet his father's words permeated him with a sense of duty that could not be ignored.
Despite his confusion over staying versus leaving, the choice was removed from him. His superior had received a similar letter from London and after calling him into his office for a meeting, he was ordered to do his duty to England and would be returning on the next available ship.
PPP
The ship arrived at port and as he descended the ship's ramp, he spied a familiar figure waiting below. The two gentlemen stood and stared at each other and speechless. The last time they laid eyes on one another, the words spoken in anger were to have been their final ones. All the hurt and anger melted away as he walked towards his father.
The man before him had aged much in the past five years, with greying hair and many more wrinkles, but his eyes sparkled with vitality and emotions. He too, had changed; life in the military was physical work and his build had never been so brawny.
Smiling, his father rushed forward and greeted him, "Welcome home, Sebastian. I have missed you so much. You have finally returned." The words were simple, but they carried a warm solemnity assuring Sebastian that his father was indeed pleased to have him, at long last, home.