The Masked Baron, page 26
Ellis’s expression turned solemn. “It was a blessing we discovered you.”
Eliana glanced at Lord Kerrigan and then back to Ellis. “I admit I didn’t think so in the beginning. I guess we Cadogens can be a bit hardheaded.”
“Yes, I believe we can be.” Ellis chuckled.
Eliana grabbed both of their hands. “Seeing you and Andalin together makes it conceivable that good can come from all of this. I can feel my faith returning.”
Miss Dubois put her hand on top of Eliana’s and Andalin’s. “Mine as well. There isn’t the fear and hatred I expected to come from either of you.”
Andalin beamed. “Miss Dubois, now that I know you are my cousin, you will not be able to leave here.”
“She speaks as if she is already the lady of the house, does she not?” Ellis grinned proudly. “Which, of course, is one of the reasons I need her. And we will need both of you to care for Braitwood Hall while Annie and I travel for our honeymoon.”
Andalin blinked. “Travel?”
Ellis tipped her chin up with his finger and leaned down and kissed her nose. “I’ve seen the way you pore over your books. I think it’s time you see some of those places for yourself.”
Andalin put her arm through Ellis’s. “Last night when I said I was happy, I did not realize it was possible to be happier, but I am.”
Ellis leaned down and pressed his warm lips against hers, sharing a part of him with his gentle kiss. When he pulled back, his blue eyes held hers, and he said softly, “Just wait. This is only the beginning.”
Author’s Note
Highwaymen might have lived a life of crime, but they were famous. Their stories entertained many, and their hangings were well attended. With the transition to cars and trains, highwaymen ceased to exist. In books they were memorialized and, apparently, still are!
The Black Forest is roughly set in today’s Kielder Forest, which did not exist during the Regency period and was actually man-made in the 1920s. The town of Thornton Way was created for the author’s purposes. All characters in this story are fictional and not meant to resemble anyone in history. Although there was a Cadogan line in the peerage, our dear Lord Cadogen is completely unrelated.
And witches, you ask? What was their role in the 1800s? The belief in witchcraft was not as common during the Prince Regent’s reign, but it still existed. Their punishments, thankfully, were not as brutal as they were in the previous centuries. However, unlawful crimes were committed by both believers and nonbelievers alike.
About the Author
Anneka Walker is an award-winning author raised by a librarian and an English-teacher-turned-judge. After being fed a steady diet of books, she decided to learn about writing. The result was a bachelor’s degree in English and history. When she isn’t dreaming up a happy ending for a story, she’s busy living her own, together with her husband and adorable children.
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Other Books By Anneka Walker
Love in Disguise
Anneka Walker, The Masked Baron
