Just the feeling of being back in this room brought so many unpleasant memories of whippings, screams, and beatings. Nothing good, but soon forgotten about when he left home at twelve to attend Eaton, never to return until this day, his birthday of all days.
He could not even enjoy his day without his father summoning him home. Curse the man to hell!
“I see that you have finally arrived.” The brittle ominous voice seethed behind him.
“I am here as summoned. Why?” Sebastian replied.
“You are to marry. You will meet your wife on the morrow and marry by the end of the week.”
Turning in a flash, Sebastian saw his father for the first time in fifteen years. The man had not aged well. In fact, he looked like death, if anything could look like death. Not as tall as he remembered, but more rounded in the middle. Balding and oddly yellow-looking, his father looked like a walking corpse. Apparently even death was afraid to take him, for there he stood, reeking of evil and triumph.
Sebastian wanted to laugh. The old man was making no sense. Finally, he had lost his mind, and Sebastian could not be happier. The look on his father’s face held a glimmer of punishment and scorn, and that worried him. He was up to something.
Why couldn’t the old man just die and leave him in peace?
“I cannot marry. I have other plans.” Sebastian said, walking over to the side cupboard and pouring a brandy. Swallowing it in one gulp, he quickly poured another.
“Too bad! You will marry!” his father roared.
“I do not need a wife, nor do I want one. Good day, Your Grace.” Sebastian grinned and began walking past the old man.
“Sebastian, you will marry Lady Penelope Donavon on the morrow. Her father the Duke of Rothesay has agreed to the marriage upon her birth. The Archbishop of Canterbury has already agreed and signed the proxy, with the King’s seal. Her guardian and I signed for both of you in your stead. The wedding is just a formality.”
“You son of a whore! What rights have you?” Sebastian seethed.
“I have every right to protect what is rightfully mine!” he roared in full glory. “And you, my only son, will never take that from me.”
“What in Hades are you talking about? I have never taken anything from you.”
“Oh but you will. Once I die, you will take and squander it all. I have prevented that. Your wife now controls everything. You’ll be given an allowance, but nothing more. Any children from the marriage will inherit and thus so forth. My heir will only keep the title. I have taken care of everything and saw to it that you get nothing.”
Sebastian knew good and well what his father had done. He had taken away his birthright. There was nothing he could do about it. Regardless, with the King’s seal, he was surely already married to Lady Penelope.
Oh god, she could not be!
“Wait! What is my wife’s name again?” he asked.
“Lady Penelope Anne Donavon, the daughter of the late Duke of Rothesay.”
Sebastian just roared heartily. It was too much. Laughing boisterously, he doubled over holding his stomach.
“See here! This is no laughing matter, Sebastian,” his father admonished.
“Oh but it is, for I have already met my wife and she is sailing home to America as we speak!” Sebastian laughed again.
“What the devil are you talking about?” his father asked.
“Lady Penelope Donavon. Flame-red hair, pale with rosy lips and eyes as blue as a summer’s sky?”
“Yes, that is her. You say you two have already met?”
“Yes. I bid her safe travels before she boarded a ship for the Americas. So it was not I who has taken anything from you, but my wife, and she sailed on the morning tide with everything,” Sebastian gleefully informed his father as he headed for the door. “And just so we are clear. I have never asked you for anything, nor will I ever. Thank you for the title, but I have no need for it. I never wanted it. Good day to you, sir.” With that, Sebastian walked away from his father and all he had ever known.
* * * *
Nicholas Sexton, the current Duke of Avalon, watched as his only son, Sebastian, left in a fit of rage. There was nothing more he could do to protect his family name. Too many lies and so much deception over the years, he did not even know what was true and what was not.
He had done everything, trying to prevent the past from coming forward, except for one thing. Walking over to the large desk, he sat in the leather chair and opened the drawer before him. Taking out the pistol and a single piece of parchment paper, he placed them both before him.
With a shaking hand, he began to write his final command. Everything that he had worked for was now sailing on the morning tide. He had to rectify what was soon to be lost before he died. He knew it was not going to be long now. His body had already begun to deteriorate, and he knew it was his own doing, too many whores, spirits, and gambling. He had wasted it all. His only good deed in his life was his son, and even he wanted nothing to do with him.
There was nothing he could do to change his past, but he could change the future.
He knew Sebastian was on the same path as him, and he refused to let that happen. With the flourish of his signature, he folded the paper and sealed the fate of the ducal family, with the crest of his ring. Shouting for his trusted butler, he ordered the man to bring him the jewel-encrusted music box and place it before him.
Slowly opening the lid, the soft melody rang throughout the room. He took off his ducal ring and rolled the letter, placing the ring over it, holding it in place. So many years had passed since his brother, the rightful duke, had passed, leaving him the sole heir of the ducal, and he had nothing to show for it. He had run the family name into the ground, and his coffers were empty. He had no legacy to leave to his son but debts and shame. His only hope was that one day a future successor would find a way to do right by the family and bring it back to the glory it once had. Until that day happened, he knew his family would be cursed.
He alone had changed the fate of his family so many years ago, and he prayed that when he stood before the gates of hell that his punishment was swift.
Closing the lid, he instructed his butler, “Hartford, deliver this to the marquis himself. No other hands shall touch it but his.”
“Yes, Your Grace,” the man whispered.
“Go now,” he grumbled.
Nicholas watched as his only friend these last years took the only truth and hope for his family and left.
There wasn’t anything he could do about the matter now.
Taking one last sip of brandy, he picked up the pistol, put it to his head, and pulled the trigger knowing that, upon his death, he would take to the grave all the sins of his forefathers and, rightly so, that was where they would stay.
Chapter One
Devonshire, England, Spring, 2001
Her laughter carried on the wind as she ran giggling through the open field of wildflowers. So beautiful, her long flowing chestnut hair glistened in the afternoon sunshine. He watched as she stopped and twirled, arms out wide, spinning as if the wind could carry her to far-off places. The magical innocence on her face was pure joy.
He laughed with her when she tripped and fell. As he walked toward her, her sweet laughter filled his heart. Just being around her made him forget everything in his past. She was joy and love. He was anger and hatred. For a short time, he opened his heart and allowed this little girl to show him life through her eyes.
“Catch me, Gabriel!” she shouted as she ran into his arms. Catching her, he spun her around and around in the sun, her joy filling his dark soul.
For one brief moment, she showed him heaven.
* * * *
Treasure Cove, Fall, 2003
Gabriel could hear shouting the moment he got out of his car. Shaking his head, he walked up the steps and entered the house.
Standing back and listening, he watched as his two best friends scolded her. Though he agreed with them, it still broke his h
eart to see her sitting there with tears gently falling from her beautiful eyes.
She shouldn’t have snuck out. He knew it was taking everything in her not to shout back. She was a strong-willed girl, independent and smart. She should have known better, but she was only a naive teen. She could have gotten hurt. Just the thought of her hurt had his heart trembling in fear.
Listening as they berated her, he wanted so much to go to her and hold her, protect her, but it was not his place to do so. She needed to learn from this mistake. That was all it was, just a simple teenage mistake. She would learn. The moment she turned and saw him, his heart literally broke.
Her eyes widened, and her tears came in earnest. He knew he should not have, but he opened his arms as she ran to him, seeking shelter from her brothers.
“You’re not helping,” Jeff said, looking at him angrily.
“Let me talk with her. Maybe I can help,” he said, holding the crying girl in his arms.
He watched as Jeff threw his hands in the air as if washing himself of her.
He walked her over to the couch and sat her down. Taking a handkerchief from his suit pocket, he gently wiped her tears and then handed it to her.
“I just wanted to see Kelly. I wasn’t going to be gone long. I swear,” she sobbed, blowing her nose.
“But you left without telling your brothers,” he said, looking at her.
“I just needed to see Kelly,” she whispered.
“What was so important that you had to sneak out in the middle of the night to see your friend? You know you can talk to your brothers about anything,” he asked.
“I can’t! Not about this!” she shouted, getting to her feet.
It was the alarm on her face that told him exactly why she needed to see her friend. When clarity stuck, he sighed. He should have known. She was at the right age.
Getting to his feet, he kissed her forehead and gently sat her back down. “I’ll be right back.”
Walking into the kitchen, he found her brothers drinking coffee, neither talking. When he approached, he just told them what he believed the problem was. He would have laughed at their pale faces, but he could not blame them any more than he could be angry with her. She was a young girl who desperately needed her mother, but with no female around, her brothers were doing their best.
After a couple of phone calls, all three of them watched as Anne Conner and her daughter Kelly arrived. Within minutes, the woman and young ladies headed to the waiting car.
He watched as she barely spoke, looking shyer than he had ever seen, but when she should have gotten into the car, he watched as she turned and ran into his arms, giving him a tight hug. Her soft whisper of thanks warmed his heart.
As quick as she hugged him, she fled back to the waiting women.
* * * *
Treasure Cove, Summer, 2006
The house was full of people all eager to help celebrate with her. She had graduated from high school with honors and would soon be heading off to college. Her brothers were proud of her as she hugged and laughed with them.
It was a good day.
Watching, he enjoyed the merriment of those around her. Over the years, he had done his best by her, helping her brothers. Now, she eagerly waited to walk out into the big world before her. Even though she was determined and sure of herself, he worried for her. So did her brothers, but her independent nature refused to be squashed.
Like so many young adults who thought they could take on the world with their young knowledge. He prayed she never fell. Oh, he knew she would eventually. He just wished that it was not such a hard fall. This she would have to learn on her own. She was no longer a child, but rather a naive woman.
Remembering every little bit of her life, he smiled, assuring himself that she would be just fine. She was a survivor. She would succeed in anything she put her mind to.
He had fulfilled his promise. He could let go now.
Turning to leave, he felt her close. When her soft hand touched his, he turned to see her smiling up at him.
“You’re leaving?” she asked.
“Yes, little bird. I have an appointment to attend to.” He lied to her for the first time, and it burned his stomach to do so.
“Walk with me?” she asked, pulling him along. They walked hand in hand out the front door into the warm sunshine. Sitting on the porch, she leaned her head on his shoulder, never letting go of his hand.
“Thank you,” she whispered.
“For what?”
“Everything.”
“You’re welcome.”
“Gabriel?”
“Yes.”
“I love you,” she said softly like the blowing wind. Raising her head, he looked into her beautiful eyes, unsure of what to do or say. The moment she leaned in and lightly kissed his cheek, something unfurled within him. A light burst, exploding as brightly as the afternoon sun.
Before he could say anything, she laughed and fled back to her party.
Sitting there, alone, he never heard him approach.
“She has her whole life ahead of her, Gabriel,” her brother said firmly.
Gabriel sighed, “I know.”
“I need your word, Gabriel,” her brother said, determined.
He did not need to turn to see his friend or ask what he meant.
He already knew.
“I give you my word,” he said, getting to his feet. Just like that, all the warmth and goodness in the world fled, and he was once again cold and uncaring. He never bothered to say good-bye. Getting into his car, he never looked back, for if he did, he would crumble.
He could never have her.
She belonged to the wind.
Chapter Two
Present Day
Standing before the wall of glass overlooking the Danube River, he stared into the night as the city of Vienna bustled with life. The sound of Bach’s Air on the 6th String resonated throughout the spacious room. Holding a crystal tumbler filled with Maison Dudognon cognac in his left hand, he lifted it to his lips and swallowed, allowing the warm, smooth substance to trickle down his throat. His thoughts were impassive, for he felt nothing, not even the cold hand that touched his arm.
“Are you going to tell me what has been bothering you? You have been moping around for weeks.”
He sighed within his mind, how could he explain what was going on in his mind when there was so much turmoil and anguish? He turned to look at his best friend, Alexander, and wondered if he would even understand. They had been friends since childhood, and there wasn’t anything that Alex did not know, but he had kept this from him. It wasn’t intentional, but he gave his word long ago, and it did not seem right talking about what was never going to be.
“Nothing is bothering me, just a little melancholy,” he muttered, turning away from the window.
Walking over to the bar, he set his glass down and slowly removed his tie. Unbuttoning his top button on his white shirt, he turned to look at his best friend. He knew Alex could see right through him. He always could. Alex had a sixth sense concerning Gabriel.
He watched as Alex pondered what to say, or if he should say anything at all, but mainly he prayed Alex would leave it alone. He wasn’t in the mood for a heart-to-heart talk.
“You’re lying to me and to yourself, you know,” Alex said, breaking the silence.
“It doesn’t matter,” he whispered.
“Then tell me about her.”
“No.”
He watched as Alex stood, brushing off his pants and righting his suit jacket. “Well then, I guess there is nothing more to talk about. I must get back to London. Parliament will be in session soon. Call me if you want to talk.”
Moments later he heard the door shut. He was finally alone. Walking back over to the glass, he stood with the cognac in hand, taking another sip. He relished the heat as it slid down his throat, warming as it went.
Taking his wallet out of his back pocket, he retrieved the familiar, worn photo of a young woman
. So breathtakingly beautiful, his heart stilled. Her dark, chestnut hair cascaded down in waves around her. Her pale skin shimmered like ivory under the early morning sun. She smiled lovingly at him. Her eyes, a hauntingly pale green, sparkled with mischief as she held the yellow-and-pink kite in her hand.
She, this lovely woman, had haunted his dreams since that one night he had given into temptation. A curse upon his soul, he knew it, for he had tasted the forbidden fruit, and now he would live with the remembrance for the rest of his days, for he could not have what his heart desired. He knew he should not have, but even he was man enough to admit that, in that drunken haze, his lust for her was too much, and he relented, and he kissed her.
Turning, he sat on the dark leather furniture, staring at the picture.
What would it be like to have her smiling at him forever? To have her laughter surround him in a warm blanket, to wake with her cradled against him every morning and go to sleep with her in his arms every night?
Sighing, for he already knew the answer- that it was impossible. There was nothing that could be done. Since that night, she had disappeared, and he had no idea where she was. Even if he did know, there was nothing he could do about it.
He had given his word.
Soft footfalls interrupted his thoughts. He looked up and saw the beautiful submissive standing there. “Yes, Violet?”
“Sorry to interrupt you, Master Gabriel, but this just arrived for you,” the beautifully-tailored woman said, handing him a cream-colored envelope, contritely looking at the floor.
“Thank you,” he said, taking the envelope from her hands. “That will be all.”
Waiting until she left the room, he leaned back, placed his glass on the small table in front of him, and opened the letter. Taking out the hard sheet, he smiled as he read its contents…
You’re cordially invited to attend the Wedding & Commencement Ceremony of
Mr. Braxton Henry Connelly, Mr. Jordan David Whitmore,
Gabriel's Heart [The Men of Treasure Cove 5] (Siren Publishing Ménage Everlasting) Page 2
