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Across the Atlantic, at a place Godwin and Heather often met and called their Windmera, Godwin stood and stared out to sea For no reason at all, he was sure Heather was alive If she was alive, he would see her again How could he not?

Heather had escaped the brothel, and surely she would find a way to return to him

Was he just hoping against hope?

His friend put a hand on his shoulder and said, “Co, Godwin”

They both turned at that round and Godwin sighed “It is Roderick”

“The boy has been through a great deal,” Captain John said gently “He needs you”

“Aye, that he has, and didn’t deserve what he has suffered He is the innocent in all this He is a good lad,” Godwin said sadly

Roderick jumped nimbly from his pony and hurried over The boy looked up at Captain John “Please, sir, could I speak with my…with his lordship for a moment?”

“That you can, lad, that you can Maybe you can distract him from himself,” the captain said, and moved off

Godwin looked at Roderick with affection He loved the boy All that had taken place had not dilectful at a tie that He gave the boy a warm smile and ruffled his black curly hair “Son…what is it?”

Roderick eyed him and Godwin realized just how hurt the boy was and opened his arain so the lad would understand, “Son, my son”

Roderick was in his arht

Godwin sighed What had he done? Roderick’s years had not equipped hiht, withdrawal of one parent and the coldness of a ht of any but herself

“Please, sir” Roderick suddenly began to cry, as tears slid down his sive us, come home”