12

Monica showed James the letter and James took the letter to Garret. Garret was in his room surrounded by empty bottles. Things were broken and stuff was everywhere. Garret had fallen hard it was testing their father’s patience.

“Garret, Monica got a letter from Kiera. She going to London. Her father wants her to start searching for suitors.”

“Over my dead body.”

He got up and rode for London.

James watched John scowl after him and order a carriage. James feared his brother and said as much to Monica.

“Things aren’t going to end well.”

“You never know. Shawn could still come around.”

“Not likely, but I hope you are right.”

Over the next couple of months, James got letters from Garret. He knew his brother was lost.

Monica came in and noticed the distress on his face.

“What is it?”

“Garret has bought a ship and has been taught how to use one. Dresses have been ordered and made for Kiera for a warm climate and they plan on running together. He plans on sailing first to find them some place to live and then come back for her. My brother has turned pirate to be with her.”

“James?”

“I can’t save him, but it means there will be pressure on me. Not like there isn’t enough since I found out.”

“Its not your fault and the doctor could be wrong.”

“We’ve been trying for almost a year, Monica. Face it, I can’t have kids.”

“What do we do?”

“I don’t know.”

John warned Garret not sail off but he did anyway and told him he would shunned from the family and that he was no longer a Bradford. When n John returned home, he informed everyone as such. He went to Shawn directly and told him of the news before it got out. Dominic happened to be in the room. Once the news was said, Shawn looked right at Dominic.

“Feel like getting married?”

“Sir?”

“I want you to court my daughter, propose and marry her.”

“I don’t know, sir?”

“You heard the duke. We need to clean this up before the mess is seen. Lieutenant, Ill promote you to captain if you this for me.”

“It would be my honor, sir.”

“Good now that its settle, you ride for London.”

Dominic rode for London. Ben had gotten the letter and informed her about Dominic and Garret. She already knew about Garret. Monica sent her a letter. She wrote to Monica and told her.

                                                Monica,

Do you remember me telling you about that guy that has a thing for me? The Lieutenant? He just happened to be in the room when John told my father. Guess who is being sent to London to court me. I can’t even believe this. I cannot wait for Garret to come back.

                                                                                                                        Kiera

Monica showed James and knew Garret would not handle it well. He only prayed Garret didn’t kill him.