Page 36 (1/2)

Marcus glanced at Eldridge The scene was surreal, and heartrending

"There were more … men," Avery wheezed "Is she safe?"

"Yes, she’s safe"

Avery nodded, his breath rattling in his lungs, and then he stilled, his body slu into death’s embrace

Marcus stulanced at St John who said softly, "You saved my life"

"Consider my debt paid for your like service to e?"

"The poor hway robbery" St John yanked his sword free "My men will make certain he is found at the appropriate time and in the appropriate manner If we are done here, I shall see to it"

Marcus could not prevent the twinge of guilt and sorrow he felt He’d adht hiruffly "If I never see the blasted thing again it will be too soon"

"Myover the bodies with the bloody tip of his sword "We are liberated, Westfield I trust the king will believe the tale when told to him by both you and Barclay Then the bad seeds will be routed froe’s threat to haunt ated"

"Yes, I suppose that is true" But Marcus found little co He knew he’d be haunted by this day forever

"Marcus?"

He turned at the tentative sound of his wife’s voice Elizabeth stood a few feet away, a pistol weighting her arht of her, so shtness in his chest, and he left the ugliness behind to find solace in her arms

EPILOGUE

London, April 1771

The weather was perfect for a ride in the Park, and Marcus relished the day His mount was spirited and pranced ied the reins with one hand, while touching the bri with the other It was the start of a new Season, his first complete Season with Elizabeth as his wife, and he could only call his mood elated

"Good afternoon, Lord Westfield"

Marcus turned his head toward the landaulet that drew up beside him "Lady Barclay" He smiled

"May I inquire after Lady Westfield?"

"You , I am sorry to say I pine for her coaret asked, her brows drawn into a frown beneath her wide-brimmed hat

"No, she’s well Weary and a bit achy at the moment, but then we just returned to Town, as you know The journey can be tiring" Of course, he hadn’t allowed her rew more beautiful by the day, and ht of the portrait of herabove the fireplace in the formal parlor of Chesterfield Hall He’d once wished to see such happiness reflected in Elizabeth’s countenance Noould say her contento he’d thought to sate his lust and end his torment The former would never happen, not while he breathed, but the later was a distant ed to slay her deether, they’d found peace, and it was a state of being he cherished

"I aer to see his aunt again, and she promised to call this week"

"Then I’m certain she shall"

They spoke for a few itated, Marcus bade his farewell He took a less traveled path than the Row, and freed hishe’d given Elizabeth enough tiardless