A month after Olys funeral and reading of the will, Alexander and Monique were married. They were married by Clive in the church, an evening wedding, because of the mourning of the family.

Octavia, Annabelle, Maylissa, were there for the Warwicks, of course Jamie gave the bride away. He was a bit upset about the rush wedding but he understood.

For the Swensens, Orsen had came from school and Roland was there as the best man.

There was no music out of respect for Oly, and the whole wedding felt sad and a bit somber. But Monique assured her parents and sisters it was what she wanted.

Annabelle was kind of in disbelief here was her sister marrying before her, the one who said if she couldn't have Todd she would have no one. Here she was marrying the prize of all bachelors in Amberly.

It was early spring now, and soon Roscoe and his workers would start construction on Lissa's new stable.

It was still very cool and Fame wanted to run, Maylissa thought about the emptiness of her saddlebags. Usually there would be some cheese and wine in there, she would ride then stop by and see Oly for some tea and chess and a good talk. She missed him so much, he was like a grandfather she had never had.

She was so glad to have the new stable but she would give it and a lot more up to have Olys face watching her ride up from the Swensen parlor window to see him smile hear his rusty laughter.

She was also sad, this would probably be her last ride out before she would have to stay in. She was showing a bit but no one would see her.

She also knew Jeremiah would be arriving any day, and for some reason she was not looking forward to it. She was looking forward to tonights horse race. It was the first of the spring and Lucas and Tristen would be going.

Lucas had been seeing Valerie Swensen much to the chagrin of Neils, but Neils was so drunk these days he really did not know Ingrid and Valerie were slipping out to the races.

That night they met and kissed, he had been writing her from the academy. Lucas was really in love with her, but he was not sure she felt the same. There were all kinds of rumors about Ingrid and Valerie, even though they were snobbish young women, they liked to go visit Todds dance hall.

Pepper lost the first race of the season, placing second, but it was a close race and the horse that won was a bay from Phillidelphia that Mr. Roberts from Arcadia had bought.

Tristen wondered if his brother was too worried about Valerie talking to another boy, to concentrate.

At the Landers house Lewis was bathing his young son, since Olys death Astrid had had the flu twice, and he health was delicate, the doctor seemed to make her worse. So Lewis had asked Kate to help her and she seemed to be rallying a bit, but when it was the servants night off he had to stay home and care for the children, because Astrid was too weak to do it.

Thoren was great help with his mother, Lewis wondered where Ingrid was with Valerie, that was good, she would be safe there.

Neils might be a constant drunk these days but Olga would not allow the girls out unchaperoned.

Thorens greatest fears were he would loose his dear mother, he spent hours visiting with her and playing games with her. He had lost his grandfather and now mother was very ill. Her beautiful red hair had turned white, and she was oh so pale.

Thoren was such a good boy, Astrid adored him as much as she had Justin, but Thoren was so well behaved, he had the best grades in school and she really wanted to send him to the academy.

"Papa I am worried for mother, will you go speak to her, she was crying when I peeked in on her, I will mind Richard and Maurisa while you go spend some time with her.

"Good I was just looking for this book she wished to read." Lewis said smiling at Thoren, he was hoping he could spend more time with him then he had Todd.

"Good night father, I love you, I will stay in the nursery tonight," Thoren said.

"Richard and Maurisa are tucked in," Lewis said smiling at his son.

"Lewis do you love me?" she asked, as he settled beside her, she had been thinking about him a lot

"Quit it of course I do," Lewis said smiling at her.

"Here I am an old woman of 48, having baby Richard was hard on me, I was way past the age many women give birth, and you are young only 37 . . . I am . . .

"I am 41 years myself you are only seven years older, my darling I am not going anywhere so do not worry yourself." Lewis said, thinking of Delilah, she was the only woman he would ever leave Astrid for but she was married to that young fool Julius.

"When I die, I want you to remarry, but not one of those fluttery silly young things you enjoy flirting with, I want you to marry a woman who is a mother, who is solid," Astrid said softly.

"You are not going to die." Lewis said.

"Humor me Lewis, when I picked you that day, I knew what you were, you are a man of pleasure, I fell in love with you, and I knew that you would do most of what I wanted but I did not think you would stay very long, but you have," she said.

"I love you," Lewis said, it was the truth he did love her, but he loved many, he thought as Delilah crept into his mind.

"I could almost believe that, but I am begging you do not leave me now." Astrid said tears welling up in her eyes.

"I would not leave you Astrid," Lewis said, it troubled him to see her so sad.

I want to know one thing, why did you take the name Landers?

When I was in prison I made a powerful enemy, I was young and foolish and did not know this man, he swore to kill Lewis Devon, so I took Landers," Lewis explained.

Most people in town think you are some relation of Johns, oh Lewis I do love you I don't remember John any more, it is like you erased him from my memory," Astrid said.

Lewis was going to say something but she was asleep, he felt her pulse, it felt stronger, and he smiled.

At the Swensen house, Janette had given birth to twins, Olivia and Odin, Janette however had little or no intrest in the twins or anything else.

Ivan and Victor cared for the infants, they thought about getting a servant, their nanny Miss Winters had married a farmer from Rivers Edge, surely there was someone they could get.

"We have to do something about mother, she has not bathed or eaten much, the midwife said her milk would dry up if she doesn't start taking care of herself, and we almost lost Olivia," Victor sighed.

"I sure will be glad when Orsen gets home from school. Maybe I should go talk to Roland about getting help in the house," Ivan said.

The babies were loosing weight, even with the goats milk Amelia brought them.

"That is a good idea." Victor agreed, Roland had always been eager to help, and he had been the one who brought Kate Keene to deliver the babies, along with her daughter Ava Maria, who was kind enough to help the boys learn how to care for the infants.

Roland sent a young servant he had purchased from Amberly to help his mother, Amelia had used her when she had given birth and needed help.

Roland also explained the problem of Janette to Clive Martin, and the parson agreed to visit her.

Birdy the servant woman, got Janette to bathe and clean up and fixed her hair for the visit.

It was fate that Liam opened the door not Ivan, for he would have probably slammed it in the parsons face. Katherine being her nosy self had to come and see who had came for a visit.

"Greetings Mrs. Swensen," Clive said thinking she did look very down, but at least she was better then what Roland had led him to believe. Which was good, she was a fine looking woman.

"Why Parson Martin it is so kind of you to stop by and take the time out of your busy schedule," Janette said. "It is no problem," he said, they made small talk a bit, then Birdy told the children dinner was ready. "Why do you not stay." Janette said, thinking it would be good to have an adult to talk to that would talk about more then cleaning a babys bottom or bathing.

Ivan insisted on sitting at the head of the table since Victor defered his usual seat. Olys chair was sat against the wall by his portrait.Both boys agreed no one should sit in it.

His rudeness to their mature male guest irked Janette.

Birdy was not a cook, but she was a servant trained in nursing and infant care, so the food she served a kind of beans and ham stew left a lot to be desired as a meal, served with corn bread, something the Swensens had never eaten, but Ivan decided he liked it with a lot of butter and a bit of molasses.

Victor said the blessing after his mothers prompting, he asked that they all stay healthy and get a good education.

"Ivan says there is no God and religion is a fake to make us all behave," Liam said percociously.

Kirsten and Katherine giggled nervously.

"Why he said no such a thing shame on you Liam for telling tales," Janette said.

"He is not I said that," Ivan said daring anyone to say anything to him about it.

"Ivan that is enough this is not the time nor the place," Victor said in a calm low voice.

"I should say not," Janette said, she was upset, and for the first time in a long time she had colour in her face.

Ivan glared at the parson and dared him to say anything but Clive had been a cleric for a while and had some experience with crisis of faith after a death.

"Well I was hoping Ivan and Victor would bring you all to church Sunday," Clive said studying Janette.

"Not me," Ivan sighed, no one would make him either.

Clive thought Janette was very pretty, and he really had always liked her, but figured he did not have a chance with her.

Janette liked Clive a lot, it was so kind of him to stop by.

After the meager meal, and all the humilation from her sons and the meal quality itself, she told Clive, "Oh Clive what am I to do with Ivan."

"Do not stress so Janette, the boy is hurting, he lost his father and he blames God, all he needs is time to heal. I will keep the church door open to him and offer to be there for him or anyone in the family." Clive said.

"Thank you so much Clive, I really need someone to talk too," Janette said.

There was an awkward moment where they both stood there wanting to hug each other, and then he said goodnight.

Jeremiah arrived in late spring, he was handsome and reminded Octavia a lot of Jamie at that age. Lucas also came home, the two brothers were three years difference in age, but Jamie thought that Lucas would be the perfect one to show his brother around.

Lucas was not too sure he wanted to do that, Jeremiah seemed to be a bit of a prig. But he suposed that he would enjoy going racing, who would not enjoy that.

"We are so glad you came as promised," Jamie said looking at his son, the future duke of Warwick.

"Glad to be here," Jeremiah said, "Everyone lives so simply here, I am sure I will get used to it."

"Do you like horse races, this afternoon at . . ." Lucas started.

"I am sure your brother is tired." Octavia said.

"No actually going out to a race would be nice, I slept so much I doubt if I could sleep if I don't get out and ride or something." Jeremiah said.

"What horse can he ride?" Tristen asked he had been on the way out to the stable to saddle the horses.

"I think maybe that sorrel mare," Jamie said smiling.

"Father, what will I ride? If you let him ride Flower?"

"You don't need to go," Octavia said, thinking Tristen did not need to go.

"Mother that is not fair," Tristen said, "Father allow him to ride Ginger."

There was a knock on the door.

It was Valerie, and she smiled at Jeremiah, he was handsome as Ingrid had said, she had gone to the station to see Alexander, their father had disappeared once again. She had seen Jeremiah there getting his bags with his father.

"Oh hello, you both must come to the party tomorrow night, Amberlys are giving it at the salt box, and Julius will be playing and Orsen accompanying. Your brother is invited as well," Valerie said smiling at Jeremiah.

"Valerie may I introduce my brother, Jeremiah Warwick from England," Lucas said, smiling, he was proud of his girl, he bet Jeremiah didn't have such a beautiful girl.

"Enchanted," Jeremiah said smiling, "I hope you have a sister as lovely as yourself," Jeremiah said.

"No but I have a cousin Ingrid, she will be there, and I am sure she will save some dances for you,"

After she had gone the boys turned to Jamie and asked in unison, "Well can we go?"

Jamie laughed, he had not expected for Jeremiah to ask permission after all he was almost eighteen. He like Jamie was short for his age while Lucas was tall like Octavia's family.

"Of course you both may go, come let us eat before you go off to the race, and I think you can handle Ginger just don't race her, she one who will run away with you if you are not careful," Jamie said.

Octavia sighed, and looked at Tristen, but he had missed his brother and maybe it was unfair for him just to come home and then be off with Jeremiah all the time.

Pepper was not used to day races but this event had been planned by the town, who wanted the boys to quit racing horses in the dark after a boy from Rivers Edge was killed last fall.

Westly Timberlane had brought the bay stallion that had won the race that Pepper had lost, and put Alvin aboard him.

Cannon the stallion led the race, Paul Amberly on Sly Fox, and Lucas on Pepper followed him.

Pepper did not like the idea of following another horse, but Lucas forced her, hoping she had enough speed left to pass.

Finally Lucas saw a break and took it loosing the reigns ever so slightly, and saying softly, "Come on Pepper."

The mare flicked her ears and her hooves pounded even faster then his heart. She was doing it she was passing the big bay.

No matter what Alvin could do whip and spur could not bring the bay up faster, and Pepper passed him.

"Come on Pepper, Come on Lucas! Tristen shouted.

Lucas could hear Pauls horse and Alvins horse pounding up behind him, but Pepper was pouring it on, she was born to run, and he had not made the mistake of the last race and allowed Pepper to take the lead too soon.

They passed the finish line and Lucas slowed her to a trot. She was tired and obeyed him, she had ran her hardest race ever, Alvin finished barely before Pauls horse.

While he was cooling down Pepper and Tristen was jabbering to him so excited at winning such a nice purse and their first time out without Alan.

Jeremiah was talking to Ingrid, and impressing her with smooth talk and flattering her in ways Lucas, who she liked a lot had never done.

"Oh brother really rained on their parade," Tristen boasted he could not wait until he could ride Dreamer, Lissa had promised him the horse to ride.

"You did very well, I thought for sure that bay or the chestnut had you, then you and the light bay come pounding around that corner and that was really a race." Jeremiah said smiling.

When Lucas and Tristen were busy with collecting the purse, Jeremiah decided to make his move. "It is too bad you are seeing my brother."

"We are just friends. Come over to the Landers garden tonight," Valerie whispered to Jeremiah.

"All right how will I find this place?" he asked.

"It is the next farm over, you will see it on the way home," Valerie said.

"We better head home mother will have supper ready, Valerie can we see you home?" Lucas asked polietely.

"Of course, but uncle Lewis has taken Ingrid and Astrid to Rivers Edge to buy new ball gowns, Thoren is okay to watch Richard and Maurisa for a few hours but not at night. So I am spending the night." Valerie said smiling.

"All right then we will see you to there," Lucas said smiling, she was so beautiful, and he loved her so much.

Later Jeremiah stood in the Landers garden and called up softly, "Valerie."

"Come on up the children are asleep but be very quiet," Valerie called down.

Oh my but she was beautiful, Jeremiah thought sucking in his breath.

Valerie thought he was very handsome, she had been attracted to Lucas's looks and the fact he was a nice boy. But she had a feeling that Jeremiah was no boy, and he was even more handsome then his younger brother, not only that he was a Duke to be.

They kissed and talked and kissed some more for a long time.

Oh my but he wished to take her to the chamber and loosen those small buttons, and have his way with her but he would bide his time.

He really wanted her, and he knew all good things come to those who wait, he would have her, just like he had every girl he had ever wished back in England. So what if he were to marry the Earl of Kent's brat Penelope Kentland when she turned sixteen in two years, he would have his fun before that.

He heard a horse and straightened his clothing.

It was late, almost midnight, Lewis was coming back from Arcadia after a delightful rondevue with Ferrin, something the two of them missed and seldom got a chance to do since Ferrin was General. So Lewis was in a good mood, glad that Roland had offered to take the ladies.

"Who are you and what are you doing at my house at this hour?" Lewis asked, and was struck by how much this boy looked like Jamie but he had seen Tristen and Lucas the other day, and they were not this boy.

"Jeremiah Warwick sir, and I was passing by and saw a man lurking about your home, I came to see if everyone was all right my father said that the Coates had been robbed a fortnight ago," Jeremiah lied.

Valerie smiled hearing the lie, it was true and before he had gotten here she had heard noises, she assumed it was Prince kicking in the stall, but her uncle had his palomino.

"Oh I see, well you could have waited outside, it is hardly proper for you to be alone in the house with my niece." Lewis said, this boy was trouble and he did nto trust him as far as he could toss him.

"I will just be going," Jeremiah said in a cool voice.

"Uncle Lewis you have this wrong, he just came here to watch over the house I would not let him go get his father. I was so frightened," Valerie pleaded.

"All right," Lewis said, but he did not believe it. That young man was not like Jamie, Quentin, or Lucas, he was much like himself.

Lewis vowed to have a talk with Jamie about that young man.