2

The day the Earl saw hope was the day Monica turned sixteen and Patrick insisted she was old enough to marry Dale. When Daniel refused, Dale lashed out. He was now twenty-three and was growing tired of waiting. He went to find her and lashed out. She ran to James and found Garret in the field. She hid behind James’ little brother, knowing full well, at fifteen, Garret had a foul temper. She knew he wouldn’t let Dale touch her. When Dale approached, Garret stood firm between them.

“You are in my way, boy.”

“I may be the second son, but I still hold a higher title. That’s no way to speak to your betters.”

“How dare you?”

“How dare I? I see my brother’s best friend shaking in fear behind me and you close behind her.”

“She is mine.”

“Well, seeing as this is my father’s land you are standing on, I’ll only ask once for you to leave before I make you.”

“What do you think you’ll do, Garret?”

“I don’t think you want to find out.”

As Dale looked around and saw targets in the distance and realized that Garret was practicing, he thought better than to fight. When he took too long to decide, Garret fingered the pistol on him. Dale turned and left. He turned around in time to catch Monica as she passed out. As he lifted her in his arms, he saw the bruise on her arm. He rushed her back to the house.

When John saw him, he asked what happened.

“Garret, what is the meaning of this?”

“She was running from Dale. She was looking for James and caught me in the middle of target practice. I defended her, but then she passed out due to the standoff he and I had.”

“Let’s bring her into the parlor and set her on the couch.”

“Father, James should know she is here. Once he sees her, though, I fear he won’t be here long.”

“Why is that?”

As Garret set her down, John saw the bruise on her arm. John understood and sent for James. When he came down and was told what had happened and saw the bruise, he left. John saw James ride off toward her home.

When Monica woke up, she was greeted by Lady Candice. She tried to get up but was stilled.

“You have been out for some time, try not over do it.”

“Garret, is he…”

“I’m fine.”

“Garret. Thank you for…”

“Please, I would hope someone would do the same if it were Kiera.”

She nodded her at hearing him say his intended’s name. Kiera was the daughter of the general of his majesty’s armies. John walked in some time later and asked what happened. She told them that Patrick came to rush the wedding and her father refused. Dale came looking for her with the intent of taking her innocence, one way or the other. After some time passed and Olivia came in, Monica noticed James wasn’t present and asked after him.

“Is James not here?”

“He was. Then, I told him why you were here, and he saw that bruise on your arm, he stormed off. He hasn’t been back yet.”

She grew pale and worried after him.