Book Series: Byrnehouse-Davies & Hamilton Saga
Publishing Date: 2000
Author: Anita Stansfield
Publisher: Covenant Communications, Inc.
Category: LDS Historical Romance
Point of View: Third Person Omnipotent
Chapter Count: 23
Page Count: 560
To Alyssa Dawn
For bringing the light
of heaven into our home
Here's a very helpful family chart:
Prologue South
Queensland, Australia-1897
Thirteen year old Michael Hamilton is delirious with a raging fever. Alexa Byrnehouse-Davies, who acts as surrogate mother at their Home for (Throwaway) Boys, orders Michael put to bed and remains by his side, nursing him. She fights back her emotion when they discover hideous scars, old welts and fading bruises systematically covering the boy's upper torso indicating his biological parents were sick, twisted, child abusers. No wonder Michael ran away from home at age seven and learned to survive on the streets until he was brought here two years ago.
A little girl, dressed as a boy, arrived just a few days ago. She is believed to be seven years old, the same age as the twins and since she won't talk or reveal anything about herself (or her sexual orientation) has been given the name Lacey. She and the twins have already taken to each other. They are playing happily outside in the stable for the moment.
Michael's fever breaks. He scowls at Alexa's motherly concern over him. Suddenly, there's a commotion outside. A strange man with a gun has taken two hostages in the stable. One of the hands is already down with a serious gunshot wound. Alexa is shocked to discover her daughter, Emma, and a terrified Lacey in the grips of this evil man threatening to shoot young Emma unless Michael Hamilton, his son, is returned to him, NOW!
Jess shoots first, ending the conflict. Alexa is glad her husband arrived in time before anyone else got hurt. The girls are in shock but understand it's a dangerous and risky life out here in the rough back country of Australia.
Chapter 1 The Third Twin-1908
Eleven years later...Michael Hamilton is now 24 yrs old. After "graduating" from the Boys' Home, he stayed on to work as a stable hand. He's also been carrying a torch for Emma. He helps her into the saddle, silently agonizing over her indifference towards him. He desperately wants to ask her out but she doesn't even know who he is. Before he can even open his mouth, the others arrive.
Despite being twins, Tyson is now a head taller than Emma. Lacy remarks they will all celebrate their eighteenth birthday soon. Secretly, she's always been uncomfortable sharing the twins' life as their adopted daughter who can't remember anything about her past but it helps not to be related to them by blood. She's been in love with Tyson since the day he named her (as if she were a new foal) and she was taken into the family unit for which she will always be grateful.
The trio race their horses across the Byrnehouse-Davies property. Emma falls behind and Lacey finds herself alone with Tyson, who deliberately planned this so he could declare his true feelings toward her. They dismount and he takes her in his arms. Lacey feels the same. Tyson tells her the day they all turn eighteen, he's planning to leave on a trip around the world. He wants Lacey to join him. They'll get married first, of course. Lacey is agreeable to the wedding plans but not the extended honeymoon trip. She's quite content to remain here for the rest of her life, thank you.
Emma, meanwhile, returns to the stable where Michael Hamilton assists her. He comments on the spark between Tyson and Lacey that didn't go unnoticed by him and adds, gently, that Emma might be feeling left out.
Emma is intrigued this loner, who always dresses in black and never talks to anyone, would strike up a conversation with HER. Michael Hamilton is a tall, dashing figure with brown eyes and longish brown wavy hair, neatly trimmed beard and mustache. Impulsively, he asks her to go riding with him.
Flattered at being asked out on her first date, Emma hesitates, unable to get past the fact she's the boss's daughter while he's a formidable stable hand, older by several years. Does the caste system of the station even allow them to socialize? The awkward silence drags on. Micheal takes her hesitation as rejection, tells her to forget it and stomps off before Emma can explain. Emma wonders if she just missed something significant and worries she just missed her opportunity and will live to regret it. (Foreshadowing!)
Later that evening after dinner, Emma and Lacey meet in her bedroom for their nightly ritual of gossip while brushing through each other's hair. Both girls are the same height, 5'5" share clothes and a love of horses. Lacey has straight, dark brown hair. Emma and Tyson inherited their mother's wavy brown hair with reddish highlights and blue eyes. Emma is bold and adventurous while Lacey is shy and timid.
Emma smiles at Lacey, giving her blessing on this new step in Lacey's relationship with her twin. Now they are really and truly sisters. When's the wedding? Lacey confesses she agreed to meet Tyson tonight, upstairs in the gabled attic.
Aside from three window seats, the large attic room is bereft of any furniture. Tyson and Lacey fall into the pile of blankets in the corner to kiss and talk and plan their future together. Nothing inappropriate happens.
Next morning, Emma is unsettled to learn Michael Hamilton up and quit last night. He's gone. Tyson finds her but Emma keeps her confusing feelings and worries about Michael to herself, choosing instead to tease her brother about his plans to elope with Lacey and see the world. She hopes he'll change his mind about leaving. She'll miss them.
Chapter 2 No Promises
Emma has a weakness for romance novels. (Her collection can't be very big since escapist fiction for women and the first "Harlequins" won't hit bookstores until after WWI. In 1908, Emma's choices would've been limited to The Waverley Novels, Austen, the Brontës and Pamela.) This pastime has been officially ruined for Emma by Michael Hamilton as all the dashing male heroes are now him while every kissing scene becomes Tyson and Lacey. (Gross!) Disgusted by her pornographic thoughts, Emma tries to refocus on the story and read herself to sleep.
Upstairs, Tyson and Lacey are having their second meeting. Rain drums on the roof, the attic is very cozy tonight. Tomorrow they celebrate their birthdays. Lacey is excited to get married right away. Tyson's kiss becomes more demanding. Lacey puts on the brakes. Annoyed he can't satisfy his physical needs, Tyson gets up and leaves. Lacey cries. Tyson finds her later that night in the stable and apologizes before they finally retire to their respective beds.
Next day, Emma is a little disturbed to learn from Lacey that Tyson proposed last night and she accepted. They will announce their big news to their parents at dinner where envelopes containing their inheritance-checks made out to the tune of one-hundred-thousand Australian pounds-are waiting by each plate. Happy Birthday, you're all adults now. It would appear the big wedding announcement is forgotten when Jess tells Tyson how much he's looking forward to giving him more responsibility helping him run the ranch from now on.
Tyson has other ideas. He hates sheep. He hates this boring place where nothing ever happens. He's following his wanderlust. He's off to see the world. Anyone who wants to join him is welcome. Having said his piece, Tyson gets up and leaves the table.
Lacey finds him in the gabled attic. She tries to talk him out of going but Tyson won't listen. In one last desperate attempt, Lacey initiates the lovemaking hoping by giving herself to him completely she can make him stay and marry her. She'll help him see all the goodness and prosperity they enjoy right here, safe and warm at home with parents who use their wealth to ease as much suffering as they can. Doesn't Tyson understand how blessed he is? She relinquishes herself to him.
Early next morning, the entire household is upset to find Tyson, suitcases in hand, ready to leave without even saying goodbye to his own family. They send him off, let him go with their blessing. Everyone except Lacey who gives him a well deserved slap in the face.
Chapter 3 Consequences
Lacey is pregnant. Emma and Alexa aren't very surprised who the father is but Jess (typical male) had no idea two of his children were developing romantic feelings for the other. Now the truth is out.
Nine months later, Richard Tyson Byrnehouse-Davies is born. Lacey noticed the name on one of the headstones in the family cemetery and liked it. Alexa is honored Lacey would name her grandson after her first husband. A local woman is hired as a nanny to help raise the child and life goes on.
Over dinner a few weeks later, Jess shares a bit of interesting news with his family. Michael Hamilton was arrested for disorderly conduct with a woman and sentenced to three years in prison. Emma feels her heart sink, knowing it's all her fault for driving Michael away. She tells them what happened. Alexa reassures her daughter she is not to blame. Michael made his own choices but Emma knows Michael will always be her first and only infatuation. He's the perfect bad boy.
Three years pass. Richard is growing into a healthy toddler while Lacey is becoming more withdrawn and despondent. A letter from Tyson finally arrives. It's a breezy, newsy letter without a care in the world. Tyson's having a gay ol' time seeing all the places he could only read and fantasize about. He even enclosed a photo of the headstone of a grave in Wales, his great-great grandfather. He misses them all, of course and one of these days he'll get around to coming home. PS-Is Lacey married yet? Lacey is understandably upset over that last line and buries her face in her hands while Emma and Alexa do their best to comfort her.
Chapter 4 His Return
Six months later, Lacey is ready to accept her fate of being a single mother and all the social stigma that comes with it. Emma tries to think positive for both of them. Since three-year old Richard has been under the weather the past week, Emma volunteers to sleep in Lacey's bed tonight so she can get up with him while Lacey will benefit from a good night of uninterrupted sleep.
Unfortunately, this HAD to be the night bad men with wicked intentions planned to kidnap Emma for ransom. Instead, they got Lacey. Their leader is furious and sends them back for Emma who is bound, gagged and carried down the same ladder in the same manner as Lacey's abduction. Emma isn't too surprised when her blindfold is removed to reveal Michael Hamilton who asks her if she'd like to go riding. Emma is still gagged so she can't answer. Michael orders the two women placed on horses. Emma will have to ride double with him while poor Lacey is forced to ride alone with her gag and bound hands still in place. Emma tries not to lean back and relax against Michael's masculine form. She tries not to inhale his clean scent, as opposed to the rest of his gang who never shower. She falls asleep.
Lucky for all, Michael bought enough women's clothing and personal items for both to share. One of his men, seeing two pairs of spare riding boots in the stable just happened to grab both, unsure which was Emma's. Michael insists on sleeping in the girls' tent to guard the door. He has a dagger to show he means business. Lacey is terrified. Emma is more open to Michael's theatrics. She knows he won't really hurt them but wonders why he went to all this trouble just to prove his dislike for her family.
To add to the irony, Tyson just happened to pick today to return home and surprise everyone. The surprise is on him when he learns Emma and Lacey are gone. Richard's presence is explained away as another child abandoned by his parents, which is pretty close to the truth. To pass the time, Tyson squats on the rug to play horses with Richard who is delighted at the attention. Jess and Alexa look on. Will wonders never cease?
Chapter 5 At the Mercy of Michael Hamilton
Life as helpless captives, trekking through the outback, isn't all that bad. Emma finds the whole ordeal rather amusing, in fact. Michael makes them sing while squatting behind a bush so he'll know where they are. The binds are removed and three meals a day are provided. Michael makes his hired hands behave and watch their language in the presence of ladies.
One night, he threatens to have his way with Emma, who is more infuriated than offended. She retorts how, if he were to impregnate her, how much better off a child of his would be, raised by her back at the family home with lots of tender, nurturing, loving care while Michael would always wonder about the child he created, the responsibility he passed up as husband and lover to her.
Michael is twenty-eight and while he acts cruel and bullies them, Emma is able to hold her own while protecting Lacey who is both shocked and angry stuck being the unwanted third wheel (and chaperone).
Back at the house, an unsigned ransom note arrives. The price for their safe return is one-hundred-thousand pounds, the exchange will take place at Crazy Rock, a five days journey from here. Tyson, Ben (see the last book) and the parents deduct the kidnapper must have been one of their own boys, now grown as Crazy Rock used to be a survival trek Ben once took a group on that proved unnecessary. He lists which boys were in that group. Michael Hamilton was one of them. Alexa admits she's rather relieved. Michael was always her favorite. The girls will be fine.
Having reached their destination and base camp, Lacey and Emma are allowed to bathe and wash out some clothes. Michael even ran outto the nearest Walmart to purchase a small bottle of scented shampoo for them. He really isn't so bad.
Fully clothed, Emma washes Lacey's hair then takes her place on the smooth rock for her turn. The two laugh for the first time in days as they frolic in the suds, wiping the lather over their dusty shirts and breeches before removing boots and stockings to wash their feet. Emma catches Michael's eye lounging under an outcropping of rock, reading a book and they exchange grins. The old attraction Emma harbored for years comes rushing back.
Chapter 6 Waiting
That night, fresh and clean in their bedrolls, Michael slips into the tent beside Emma to whisper sweet nothings in her ear. Lacey wakes up which annoys Michael who threatens them with a pistol until Lacey douses the lamp and they try to sleep. Emma wakes to Michael's soft groan. He's having a nightmare about his father abusing him. Emma is sympathetic but Michael is not anxious to talk about it.
They spend the following afternoon in the tent, bumming around, reading from a box of romance novels Michael bought to keep Emma entertained. He really did go to a lot of trouble to plan this. Michael even purchased a copy of Rouge of the Plains, her favorite. Emma is impressed, (So am I, since the closest book resembling this fictional title, The Sheik by E.M. Hall, won't be published until 1919!) now she can read about her favorite romantic hero who carries helpless young women off into the sunset on his white horse.
Wait, he's already here in the tent!
Emma giggles. Michael tells her to shut up and read.
That night, Michael is more careful, slipping beside Emma in the darkness with a soft warning she not alert Lacey to his presence. He needn't worry. Lacey is in a talkative mood tonight. She wants Emma to use her "wonder twin powers" to check on Tyson. Emma protests, she's can't turn her connection with her twin off and on at will, it just comes to her but she agrees to try. Michael even stops his soft caressing of her arm and neck allowing her to concentrate. Emma senses fear and anger. Lacey hopes maybe Tyson has been alerted to the family crisis and is on his way to rescue them. The ESP line goes dead and the girls try and get some sleep.
Always the rouge, Michael adds his own soft "Good night," in Emma's ear before all three succumb to sleep.
Next day, Michael forces Emma to take a walk with him, away from camp where they can talk privately. The conversation includes their first kiss, payment for the shampoo he bought them. Emma's flippant attitude about the kiss and the hurt that appears in Michael's eyes indicates a big piece of the puzzle for Emma. Michael is in love with her!
Just then, a scream from camp is heard. Lacey! One of the hornier thugs, Rafe, intends to have his way with her. He has a knife which accidentally stabs Lacey in her lower leg as she's struggling to break free. Michael and Emma arrive in the nick of time to stop Rafe who is nearly beaten to a pulp by Michael who is furious at all his men for letting this happen, If she dies, that ransom is worthless. They bandage Lacey's wound and Emma tends to her sister in the tent. Emma isn't angry at Michael. She notes Michael's hard edge just crumbled; he seems more distracted and troubled than ever. His ambition, this whole scheme to humiliate the Byrnehouse-Davies family is falling down around him. This worries Emma who fears Michael may not recover from such a failure.
Chapter 7 The Storm
Two days pass. Lacey's condition grows steadily worse. She has a fever and needs medical attention. Outside the tent, both women overhear arguing between Rafe, Corky the Cook, and Michael. To their horror, a shot is fired. Michael's gruff voice orders Corky's body taken away.
Emma ventures outside to investigate. Rafe wants to give up and leave; return to civilization. He draws his gun and fires. Emma screams and runs to Michael's side who milks the scene for all it's worth as he begs Emma to kiss him one last time. Unable to suppress his laughter Emma is outraged when it hits her this was all an act. Rafe's gun, every gun in camp in fact, was loaded with blanks by Michael to assure there would be no violence during this heist. Emma is not pleased to have been tricked like this.
Michael and Emma finally talk about that fateful day when she rejected his offer. She explains she was going to apologize and accept but he ran away. She calls Michael Hamilton a coward and a fool. Emma's disappointment in him is more than he can bear. Michael stands up and walks away.
The next day, Jess and Ben are waiting at the solitary gum ghost landmark. ("Gum Ghost" is an Australian eucalyptus tree with white bark and branches.) They hand over Lacey but Jess left the money behind at their camp (along with Tyson). Michael wheels his horse with Emma on the saddle in front of him and declares Jess has three days to return with the money or he'll never see his daughter again. They ride off just as the heavens unleash a downpour.
Finding a rock shelf to huddle under, they dismount. Emma promptly bursts into tears, beating on his chest in anger, telling him to go to the devil, disappointed she won't be going home yet. Michael just smirks before taking her in his arms to comfort and kiss her. Once Emma's calmed down, he calls her a spoiled little rich girl and a snob. She repeats her coward and fool statement. Michael raises a hand to strike her. Emma braces herself but the blow never falls. Michael can't do it. He's in the grips of a psychological battle. He will not let his father's blood define and control him. He begins clicking his thumbnail over his front tooth, like a ticking time bomb. Emma is truly afraid at the Pandora's box that's about to burst open.
Tyson is waiting anxiously for their return. Lacey is cold, wet and unconscious with fever. Jess yells at him to strip and get under the bedroll with her-it certainly wouldn't be the first time they've been this close. Tyson realizes Lacey told her family what happened the night before he left. When he was fifteen, Jess sat his son down for "the talk" which included the man's responsibility to the gentle sex not to let his raging hormones get the better of him. Tyson is ashamed at his father's disappointment in him.
The rain stops. Emma tries to escape but Michael makes her ride facedown across the saddle. When they reach camp, both are surprised to find all of Michael's men packing up to leave, scared that because Jess reneged on the ransom money they'll be turned over to the authorities, so they're getting out now, taking all of the camping supplies with them. Emma is surprised to see Corky alive. They exchange friendly farewells. The men mount up and Michael lets them go. Lucky for them there's a cave some of the other men were using to sleep in, a few supplies were left and Michael still has his horse so they're not completely marooned.
Once everyone's left, to boost Michael's ego, Emma makes a half-hearted attempt to escape, allowing Michael to catch her and bring her back, kicking and screaming but Emma has a twinkle in her eye as he binds her hands and feet. Despite Emma's attempt to cheer him up, Michael continues to sit and stare at the cave wall, clicking his thumbnail.
Chapter 8 The Truth
Michael paces around the cave, still clicking his thumbnail until Emma demands he talk to her, admit the truth, he's in love with her; he WANTS her. Michael unties her then forces a kiss on her so she'll push him away. Emma tries to discuss their personal definitions of love which is completely lost on Michael. All he knows is one thing. He removes his shirt and shows off his scars, as casually as if he were modeling the latest fashion. Emma weeps as he goes on to explain how each scar was acquired in his earthly home from parents-oh so kind and dear-NOT!
Now it's Emma's turn. She holds out her hand to demonstrate trust. Michael takes it. Tenderly, she places her other hand on his face and kisses him gently with true love and acceptance. Michael responds almost in desperation. He wants to know why. How can Emma love someone as despicable as HIM? Emma delivers the ultimate message of this book, "No amount of pain or hate can stand in the face of genuine love and forgiveness." (Have courage and be kind is better)
Hearing this, Michael practically explodes in an emotional meltdown to rival any previous Anita Stansfield novel. He throws his head back with a wail before collapsing into Emma's arms where he howls out his pain, then bawls like a baby for several hours until, at last, he cries himself to sleep. Apparently, it was a horrifying scene for Emma to witness. That's a lot of snot to clean up.
At the other camp, Tyson still doesn't know he has a son. Lacey tells them everything that happened during her ordeal. She still can't understand how Emma was such a good sport about it all. She suspects Emma even has FEELINGS for that horrible man! The nerve!
Chapter 9 Starting Over
What a night! Emma and Michael wake up to a new day. Like a newlywed couple who just consummated their relationship, they share breakfast-drinking out of the same coffee tin mug and eating canned peaches from each other's mouths like Lady and the Tramp. Michael declares he feels like a new man but he's not sure which direction he should go. He hasn't opened up and cried like that since he was seven. He's a little embarrassed. Emma assures him he is the bravest man she's ever known. Michael admits Jess and Alexa set good examples for him, especially when it came to chastity before marriage and fidelity afterwards. He wants that with Emma. If she'll marry him that is. Michael confesses his love. Emma returns it which scares Michael into playing the "I'm not good enough for you," card. He has nothing to offer her, his hands are empty! Emma tells him to stop underestimating himself. Her family will be happy to take him, even give him his old job back. His commitment to her is enough. Michael declares he would die for Emma. (He's Emma's imaginary boyfriend!)
They kiss and talk more about the possibility of marriage. Emma comments how dirty her hair has gotten. Camping out tends to do that. They joke about agreeing to marry each other but only if it includes washing each other's hair. And playing in the suds like Michael saw Emma and Lacey doing. It's a deal.
Tyson and Lacey spent the day on horseback, heading home. They make camp that night and Tyson apologizes to Lacey for leaving. Lacey admits earning her forgiveness will take some time but when Tyson kisses her, Lacey returns it along with a declaration of love. They crawl into their separate bedrolls in front of the fire and fall asleep.
Chapter 10 Mending Bridges (or "Robert Redford, Eat Your Heart Out!")
One of the reasons Michael chose this location for the base camp was the natural watershed collection pools amidst all the rocks, warmed by the sun. Emma sits on the ground by one of these pools. Using the tin mug, Michael lifts water over her hair and gets to work shampooing her with strong, gentle hands. He kisses her nose. He piles her sudsy hair on top of her head and kisses the back of her neck. Emma moans with genuine pleasure before confessing aloud her fantasies about Michael becoming the hero of every novel she's read since the day he left. Michael stops massaging her scalp, tilting her head back so he can look her in the eye. It's true. The best way to win a woman's heart is to wash her hair.
Emma scrubs Michael's head and beard, teasing him about looking like Father Christmas (that's Santa Claus in America). They wash each other's feet, tickling, but the laughter is cut short when Emma notices the burn scars on Michael's feet. She makes him look at her and tells him not to be ashamed or afraid. They are badges of courage. Michael kisses her. They rinse off and return to camp, newly baptized.
Emma fulfills Michael's fantasy request to watch her ride his horse and they take a long ride together.
While bedding down that night, Michael repeats his commitment to obey the law of chastity. He will exercise self control until their wedding night. He's already committed enough sins. Emma feels like a queen.
Over in another camp, Tyson suddenly jerks awake. Emma! She's not in trouble, but his wonder twin powers are telling him she's feeling happy, passionate. Lacey tells him to go back to sleep.
For Emma and Michael, the following day is very unproductive. The meeting with Jess isn't until tomorrow so there's little to do but eat more canned food, wash the dishes and take another long ride. They break camp in the morning. At the meeting place, Michael lets Emma down from their shared mount so she can run to her father's waiting arms of her own free will.
Michael tells Jess he no longer wants the money, says farewell and rides away so Emma can run after him. Now they can return together and explain themselves to her father. Emma asks if they can keep Michael, as if he were a stray dog she'd found. Michael states his intention to marry his daughter. Jess raises an eyebrow but accepts them. To show there's no hard feelings, he insists Michael take the money anyway. Welcome to the family! Now let's go home.
Over the five days journey, Emma learns Tyson is home, reunited with Lacey and they are traveling back together; her leg is doing much better but Tyson still doesn't know the truth about Richard. Emma tells her father about Michael's emotional breakdown. Michael takes a moment alone with Jess to tell him his daughter's virtue is still intact. Jess is relieved to hear it.
Chapter 11 Coming Home
Jess has a great idea. Ben wants to leave his position as Boy's Home administrator and return to the outback to live and work with his own tribe and people. Michael would be perfect for the job. Michael is stunned but accepts. It certainly beats mucking out the stables.
Back at the house, Tyson and Lacey are very glad to be home. Richard greets them both in separate areas. Before he left on his trek, Tyson promised him a picnic. Now that his mommy's back, Richard declares they can ALL go together! The reality clicks for Tyson as this innocently sweet, naive, little boy leaps into his waiting arms asking if Tyson can be his father. Lacey, who followed her son onto the veranda, tells Richard it's already been taken care of. But the bitterness of Tyson's abandonment remains. Next day, Lacey gives him the silent treatment, locking herself in her room, for the entire day, not coming out until Tyson makes her come down to dinner.
Jess, Emma and Michael finally arrive later that evening. Alexa is delighted to see them all while Michael worries about the rest of the family's reaction.
Chapter 12 The Reunion
As anticipated, Lacey and Tyson glare daggers at Michael who receives a welcoming punch in the jaw from Tyson. The greeting of his twin, after nearly four years separation, is quite different but arguing ensues as everyone debates who is to blame for all these plot complications. Lacey can't believe Emma agreed to marry that monster. Tyson backs her up. Jess and Alexa enter to call a truce. From this day forth, Michael will be treated as family because of the abuse he suffered as a child. From this day forth, all of Michael's mistakes are in the past. There will be a double wedding. Lacey can't stand it. Tyson is also upset. The four young adults leave the drawing room and go their separate ways until supper.
Emma shows Michael to his room where the house footman/valet is busy drawing a hot bath and laying out clean clothes for Michael (who is starting to feel like Matthew from Downton Abbey, unaccustomed to being waited on). Emma finds her own room where her own bath is waiting. When she rejoins Michael, he's clean-shaven with just his mustache to hide a pretty bad childhood scar, compliments of his father, on his upper lip. Emma approves of his new look.
They meet Tyson outside. Now that he's had time to think it all over, he's willing to accept Michael into the family. He's made some pretty dumb mistakes too, abandoning Lacey and the son he never knew he had. This puts him and Michael on equal terms. They shake hands.
At the dining table, Lacey is not happy to discover Tyson went over to Team Michael. All her anger and bitterness is shifted to a new scapegoat. She will hate Michael Hamilton forever.
Jess shows Michael his new office. Tomorrow will be his official first day on the job.
Emma mounts a race horse and flies around the track with two other stablehands. Knowing Michael is nearby, soon to be her husband, she is happier than she's ever been in her life.
Chapter 13 Outside the Circle
After showing Michael his new office, Jess takes him to meet the boys. All seventeen eye Michael warily as he is introduced while Michael wonders how he'll remember all their names and ages which range from six to seventeen.
Two boys stand out: Michael, not just because of his name, who is six, orphaned with no immediate family and a real sweetheart. Then there's Toby, age ten, with weary eyes and hard shell indicating this little boy was a victim of child abuse too, just like him. Michael makes a very ridiculous speech that would never fly with kids today-threatening them if they don't obey and behave, he'll hang them from a tree and tickle them within an inch of their lives. He's tough but kind and he'll see them tomorrow.
Jess is dubious after witnessing such an act. Michael assures him he put on an even better show for his daughters. After checking on Emma and leaving her alone to catch up with Tyson, Michael returns to his office to begin reading the files on his boys. Turns out Toby's last name is Coogan, his father is Rafe Coogan, the same jerk who attacked Lacey. Then he comes across his own childhood file and starts reading. It's not a happy story.
When Emma finds him, Michael reads aloud the description of the incident that resulted in Jedediah Hamilton getting shot and killed, as written by Jess. He's relieved someone did the world a favor by taking his sick, maniacal, father out of it. They go up to Emma's room and are about to start gettin' it on, when Lacey comes knocking in need of some girl talk. She is annoyed to find Michael there who makes a hasty exit. Emma tries to explain how, after Lacey was returned, Emma was left alone with Michael who opened up. He's a victim of tragic abuse. On the outside she knows he looks vicious but he's really kind and gentle...Lacey isn't believing a word of it.
Next morning, Tyson catches Michael in the middle of getting dressed. Tyson had a lecture all ready to deliver to Michael about his responsibility to his sister but changes his mind after he sees the hideous scars on Michael's bare backside. Now, he just wants Michael to know he's okay in his book, while Michael promises he'll do his best to make Emma happy.
After breakfast, Michael leaves for his first official day of work as supervisor of juvenile delinquents. He finds Emma later in the stables and is about initiate a "roll in the hay" with her in one of the empty stalls when Tyson catches them. Emma is glad they've become friends. Now if only they can convince Lacey...
Chapter 14 The Rift
Michael meets little Richard. Lacey finds them playing horses in the nursery, throws a tantrum and completely ruins the moment for Michael. He never had a normal childhood, you know.
Lacey makes sure everyone at the dinner table knows that from now on, her son is never to be left alone with...HIM! And with that, she excuses herself.
Jess and Alexa talk privately. Alexa is just now realizing Lacey's not being a bitch on purpose, rather her current psychological issues of PTSD have roots going all the way back to her childhood and are probably about to burst forth, a la Michael Hamilton. All she needs is a trigger but Lacey doesn't want to talk about any of the issues bothering her. Tyson tries but Lacey can't get past the hurt. She tells him if he wants her complete forgiveness, he must restore all the pieces of her broken heart and give it back to her.
Chapter 15 The Accusation
Since today is Sunday and nobody has to work, Alexa has a long talk with Michael, sharing her insights about why Lacey hates him so much and how it has nothing to do with him, rather the incident that occurred during the Prologue. Michael is shocked. He had no idea Lacey and Emma were the hostages taken. No wonder Lacey's having such a hard time getting over being abducted. Alexa shares the "Beast in the Mirror" poem Jess wrote in the last book. Michael appreciates its relevance.
Everyone is enjoying the good Sunday dinner when the family solicitor, Ira Grant, comes calling. He found a connection to little Michael, a distant relative offering a home for him. He also does a double take after being introduced to Michael.
After everyone goes their separate ways, Ira tells Jess and Alexa he has some disturbing news: Michael is wanted in town for murder. Rafe Coogan filed the charge.
After Emma and Michael return from their ride, Jess calls everyone into the parlor for a family conference to discuss this new development but Lacey refuses to attend.
Michael and Emma share their side of the story: how they returned to find everyone breaking camp and deserting their leader. No bodies were left behind. Everyone alive and accounted for, including the man Michael is accused of murdering. They will send Tyson into town tomorrow to find out more.
Chapter 16 The Gabled Attic
Emma and Michael are about to have another make-out session, this time in Michael's room where no one will ever find them, except Tyson. He has a private matter to discuss with Michael. Ever the good sport, Emma leaves so they can talk.
Since Tyson is going to town tomorrow, he wondered if Michael had any more important information he could use to help prove his innocence. Also, with two grown men fully committed to their women, the purchase of engagement rings might be a good idea along with a few other things. Tyson promises to do all the shopping, since Michael is "laying low" out here on the ranch.
Monday is not going well for Michael and his charges. The boys are testing every limit, pushing every boundary. At his wits end, Michael marches all seventeen boys upstairs to the gabled attic for a good, long, group therapy session, straight out of The Breakfast Club (sans cannabis) where everyone gets the opportunity to share their deepest, most personal fears and secrets. Michael shares his own connection to this place, why he had to act tough so no one would ever know his terrible, awful secret. He then removes his shirt and shows off his scars. The boys are awed.
Toby bursts into tears. His deepest fear is that his father is going to find and take him away. Michael tells him Rafe will have to kill him first. Toby falls into Michael's arms, sobbing with relief. The other boys gather around for similar comfort and the scene turns Messianic as Michael touches each face and wipes away tears. One by one, each boy curls up next to each other, Michael stretches out and they all fall asleep. No child left behind, indeed.
Chapter 17 Strategy
Tyson returns from his day-long trip into town as everyone (except Lacey of course) is wondering where Michael is. The only good thing Tyson has to report is that none of his kidnapping gang knows where their leader disappeared to. The bad news is, the dead body of Corky the Cook was just brought in.
Lacey is nonchalant, calmly recounting the murder she heard while Emma can prove Michael's innocence because she saw Corky alive the day Lacey was returned and she was left alone with Michael, who wouldn't shoot a wallaby. Lacey is very upset that nobody believes Michael Hamilton is guilty of every charge he's being accused of and storms out of the room.
Where is Michael? At Alexa's suggestion, the two parents and the twins check the attic, discover the scene and respond with appropriate cuteness. Michael opens his eyes long enough to reassure them everything's under control but asks they leave the light on. They're afraid of the dark. Everyone leaves them be.
(Because there's nothing at all inappropriate about a grown man spending the entire night alone in the same room with under-age boys. Michael should change his last name to Jackson.)
Next morning, Emma and Tyson check the cafeteria hall where the boys are eating breakfast in high spirits. Michael is in his office, in conference with one of his boys. Michael hasn't eaten since yesterday. This man never stops working.
Emma leaves so Tyson can show him the presents and engagement rings he bought which Michael loves.
Later that day, Alexa calls Emma and Lacey to her room where she opens a trunk and removes her two wedding dresses in hopes her two daughters can wear them on the day of their double wedding. Both are perfect. Emma will wear the gorgeous, custom-made gown Alexa wore when she married Jess. Lacey can have the simpler dress from Alexa's first wedding to Richard. The girls beg Alexa to model the custom-gown. Jess is called in who teases her by asking her to marry him. Alexa replies she already did.
Emma misses Michael who has been busy with the boys all day. Their big session in the attic yesterday left the boys feeling extra vulnerable, requiring extra attention. Emma finds Michael (who should add social worker to his list of duties) in the library, talking intently with another boy who gives him a hug before he joins the others for silent reading time. While Michael would love to spend some time this evening with his fianceé, he already promised little Michael a serious "man to man" talk. Emma understands.
Chapter 18 Encountering Mr. Coogan
It's a girl's day out as Emma, Lacey and Alexa go to town for a huge shopping excursion for everything involving a wedding. They meet the constable who has new information about the charges against Michael and a new orphan boy for Alexa to meet. They follow him outside to his office where Emma and Lacey encounter Mr. Rafe Coogan while Alexa and the constable are out of the room.
Coogan really is an idiot. First he smirks about getting Michael Hamilton charged with murder then admits to Michael's innocence as a coward who would never shoot anyone. Coogan assumes Michael left the area with all that ransom money. Emma lets him believe it, adding she despises both him and Michael Hamilton. Lacey is too busy trying not to throw up in her mouth to add anything to the conversation.
Alexa and the constable return. As to the current whereabouts of the fugitive wanted for murder, the women plead the fifth. During the carriage ride home, Emma tells her mother and Lacey everything that happened during the three unchaperoned days she spent alone with Michael. His spotless character (Michael's hidden talent as shampoo boy is omitted) and how she forced him to face his fears. Michael emerged from those three days a changed man. Alexa is impressed while Lacey is still unmoved. She firmly believes Michael is guilty on all charges and no one can persuade her otherwise. She's angry at Tyson too.
The new boy is a rather unusual case. He flat-out refuses to speak. To anyone. Alexa couldn't get a word out of him yesterday in town. Jess is already fed up with the boy's defiance; because he keeps trying to break free and run away, Jess has to drag him out of the carriage and into the house, down the hall to Michael's office where one-sided introductions are made. Having already been warned of the situation, Michael shows no mercy. He glowers at the boy, who huddles closer to Jess, fires questions at him before giving him the name "Marvin," promising him that if he won't speak, the other boys will label him an easy target. They escort the boy into the next room where Alexa is waiting, looking like a picture, seated in her chair, surrounded by sunlight. But not even the beautifully angelic Alexandra Davies can get this stubborn boy to open his mouth and say his own name. He's given paper and pencil to prove he can at least read and write his own name. Michael accuses him of being a chicken and Trent finally breaks under the pressure, answering in the negative before realizing he just lost the entire game. Score another point for Michael Hamilton who certainly has a way with young boys.
Chapter 19 Balance
Emma is a little put-out with Michael right now. All week, she's been trying to get some alone time with him but Michael spends every waking minute in the Boys' Home wing, missing every family meal, never getting in until bedtime where Lacey keeps Emma sitting up in her room, listening to her monologue that all men can't be trusted.
Michael promises to make it up to her, just as soon as he sees little Michael off with his perfect new adoptive family. It's a touching sequence as Michael tells the happily married couple with seven children all about the new addition they've agreed to take on: typical little boy, big imagination, loves cookies with raisins, his horse Smiley and is willing to come live with them but only if a kitten is included in the deal. Since the family lives on a large, prosperous farm, this is no problem. Little Michael gives Mr. Hamilton a big hug and kiss and is lifted into the wagon, his horse tied onto the back.
Michael blinks back tears on behalf of his other boys, watching with barely concealed envy seeing one of their own chosen and taken away to a better, fairy-tale life, with a real family who will love and care for him.
Later that evening, Emma goes looking for Michael who, once again, missed the evening meal with the rest of the family, giving Lacey another chance to rub it in while Tyson looked on helplessly, wishing he could fix this mess he's in with his bride-to-be.
Emma waits while Michael resolves the issue between the two fighting boys, makes them apologize and sends them on their way but Emma is too upset to talk to him and exits.
Michael appreciates the tray sent up to his room. He freshens up and goes to Emma's room to say goodnight and renew his commitments to her. From ten to three, six days a week, Michael is expected to be with his boys. No more overtime. From now on, he'll spend all his free time with Emma and after they're married...
Lacey's knocking interrupts their conversation. This girl just doesn't know when to quit, always pleading for Emma to let her in so they can talk. Emma finally puts her foot down, insisting she's just not up to it tonight and besides, she opens the door wider and Lacey enters not realizing Emma already has a guest. Michael stands behind his beloved Emma and, like the final scene in a Michael Landon TV drama, tells Lacey she needs to find peace with herself, reconcile with Tyson and put her past behind her, like he did.
Lacey turns and slams the door. Guess they told her.
Michael removes his shirt and falls asleep on Emma's bed. She covers him and sits up to read herself to sleep. Lacey comes knocking, again. Seeing the hideous scars on Michael's back she gasps, but it's not enough to convince her of Michael's genuineness. Michael wakes up and Lacey leaves in a huff. Everyone retires to their respective beds and Michael walks Emma downstairs to breakfast the next morning. Ever the workaholic, Emma has to remind Michael that today is Sunday.
Chapter 20 The Fight
Everyone, except Lacey, is lounging in the drawing room. Tyson and Emma are playing chess while Michael observes. Alexa does her needlework, Jess reads his Sunday paper and even Richard has a stack of picture books to amuse him. (Illustrated books for children in 1908 were very different from the pop-culture explosion of today. While Richard would've had several in his nursery library, these stories were mostly explicit moral lessons filled with scare-tactics to emphasize obedience. Struwwelpeter by Heinrich Hoffmann is an especially graphic one. Hope Richard's not reading that!)
The constable from town is announced. While the women made a valiant effort yesterday to hide the truth, the constable confronted Ira Grant who admitted they were harboring a fugitive of the law. He's not here to arrest Michael, only to warn that he's on probation, under "house arrest" here at the station thanks to a respectable family with a squeaky clean record. He can't go anywhere until the date of his court trial. Michael agrees to the terms.
He has to bend them later that night though as Toby has run away. His horse is missing from the stables and Michael is the only one who might know where the boy is. He finds him in the grassy picnic meadow by the stream the family likes to utilize. Toby is upset because he was invited to go swimming but he can't because it means removing his shirt and revealing the embarrassing evidence of his father's abuse. Michael holds and comforts him, playing Savior again, promising if Toby will just open up and tell him everything, Michael will take all of Toby's pain and suffering and throw it all away for him. (Good luck with that, Michael. Who do you think you are, anyway, Sean O'Hara?)
Next day, Rafe is discovered hiding in the barn, waiting to pounce, take his boy hostage, threatening violence and even murder if they don't let him leave with Toby.
Michael pounds him while Emma watches, horrified, protesting the entire time while Michael ignores her. Rafe leaves just as Jess and Murphy approach the scene to find out what's going on. Emma sobs in Michael's arms declaring if Michael died, she could never go on living.
Chapter 21 Lacey's Rage
Michael and Emma talk about what just happened. Michael confesses; while they were apart, after he quit his job and left, he met a widow woman with kids and developed a platonic relationship with her. They never slept together because he loved Emma too much. All they ever did was kiss. One night, Michael was kissing her when he said Emma's name. Angry and embarrassed at himself, he immediately broke up with the understanding widow woman and found the nearest bar to drink himself into oblivion which led to spending three years in jail. He doesn't even remember the drunken incident that got him convicted. He was angry at the whole world. All Michael Hamilton ever wanted was to be free of the psychological scars he suffered as a result of child abuse and to have Emma's love. Michael is such a naughty boy.
There is arguing at the dinner table that night. Michael wishes everyone would stop being so darn charitable and understanding toward him. Lacey isn't. Everyone yells at her to leave Michael alone. Tyson reminds Lacey she was also found in the gutter, like Michael, and excuses himself. Lacey gets upset and leaves.
Michael follows Tyson outside so they can have another chat about overcoming past mistakes.
Emma finds them and steals Michael so they can have their own long talk. It is now late at night. Michael walks Emma into the house, impulsively throwing her over his shoulder, carrying her upstairs to her room while she smothers her laughter. Setting her down, Michael continues to talk like the kidnapper, threatening to "shoot a hole in your pretty little head" if she doesn't kiss him immediately. Emma is only too happy to comply.
Unfortunately, neither Michael nor Emma realized Lacey had been sitting in the dark, waiting up for Emma so they could talk. Hearing Michael's threats unleashed The Box and Lacey breaks wide open. Screaming and howling she bursts into the room and attacks Michael. Jess, Alexa and Tyson come running in and Lacey is taken out by Alexa.
For the next several hours, Alexa remains behind the closed door with Lacey, emerging to report Lacey finally broke free of her mental block. She remembers everything now about her childhood, her past. Her name was Mary. Her parents died in some freak accident when she was very young and the distant relatives she was sent to live with didn't want her so she ran away, dressed as a boy. Her abandonment issues went deeper than anyone could've comprehended. Michael's kidnapping venture along with Rafe's sexual assault didn't help either.
Tyson is sent in to keep watch but when Lacey wakes up, she's still furious at both Michael and Tyson. Emma comes in and sits with Lacey for the next shift. She can tell it isn't over yet.
Chapter 22 Charged for Murder
Michael and Tyson are talking outside on the front porch when, almost as if to spite Tyson, Lacey exits carrying a suitcase with Emma following, pleading for her to stop and think. Tyson doesn't need to think, throwing Lacey over his shoulder, he hauls her back inside, up the stairs to his room where he kisses her until she admits she really does love him. All it takes is a good night's sleep and Lacey is whole.
Michael and Emma, meanwhile, decided to take a walk together but when they returned to the house, two officers of the law are waiting to arrest Michael. Jess and Alexa watch sorrowfully as Emma and Michael share a tearful farewell.
The hearing is the next day. Ira pulled every legal string within his power to make it happen. Because it's a private hearing, there is no jury. The judge agrees to meet with Emma and Jess first so they can get back to the station. The final verdict will be announced tomorrow. Emma is disappointed but enters the judge's chambers with a brave face and answers all his questions honestly. Back at the house, Lacey is sympathetic but doesn't say much as she still hasn't completely forgiven or accepted Michael and remains the only member of the family who feels Michael's incarceration is for the best.
For the second night in a row, Emma cries herself to sleep.
Next morning, Michael walks through the door; a free man. After hearing all the private testimonies about the murder it was pretty obvious Rafe and his gang were lying with their conflicting stories so the judge threw the case out. They can go ahead with the plans for tomorrow's wedding. Everyone on the station, including Michael's boys, are all invited. Even Lacey is glad, for Emma's sake, that Michael is back. Let's get married!
Chapter 23 Into the Circle
With the wedding being held tomorrow and the minister invited to supper tonight, Michael takes a walk to the stables to calm his nerves. Rafe Coogan and his band are waiting for him there. Micheal doubles up his fists and takes them all on but he's outnumbered. Tyson discovers the scene but is knocked out cold before he even has a chance to react to Michael's beaten, bloodied, nearly dead form lying on the ground.
Dinner is over, the two grooms apparently went AWOL. Emma and Lacey go upstairs to the sitting room where Rafe and his men are already lying in wait for them. The girls are too frightened and in shock to do anything but listen as the thugs brag how Michael was left for dead while Tyson was knocked out.
Michael is still alive, of course. He revives Tyson and they split up on their return to the house. Micahel sends Tyson to check on Toby while he retrieves his pistol from his room before bursting through the door to avenge the ladies. He shoots the man holding Lacey. Tyson enters and joins in the brawl but is just as quickly knocked out cold again. Lacey fights in his place, using a fireplace poker to subdue her attacker. Rafe knocks Michael out the window but, like a scene from a movie, Lacey discovers Michael hanging for dear life from the window sill outside and she pulls him back in. Just in time for Michael to attack Rafe who is about to have his way with Emma. Jess and Alexa appear at the door and Michael takes advantage of the distraction to shoot Rafe dead.
It's all over. Michael is a hero. Lacey is more in love with Tyson than ever. Now they can have the wedding and the kids can leave on their honeymoons so Jess can finally have some peace and quiet.
With all the wedding guests assembled in the upstairs hall and a string quartet playing soft music, Jess escorts two lovely, blushing brides down the hall to meet their grooms. Richard is the ring bearer.
At the outdoor reception, Fiddler (still alive from the last book) does what he's named for. Everyone guzzles champagne and eats delicious food until the grooms excuse themselves with their new brides, taking them upstairs for some private time. At last, Michael and Emma can finally be alone. Hard to believe the kidnapping was only a month ago.
Epilogue
Because the Byrnehouse-Davies and Hamilton line can only have one living descendant by the 1990's, Emma gives birth to five girls until she finally gets her boy, Jesse Michael Hamilton. Lacey adds three daughters to her family. Jess and Alexa are happy and contented grandparents; truly blessed in their posterity and everyone lives happily ever after.
THE END
Eleven years later...Michael Hamilton is now 24 yrs old. After "graduating" from the Boys' Home, he stayed on to work as a stable hand. He's also been carrying a torch for Emma. He helps her into the saddle, silently agonizing over her indifference towards him. He desperately wants to ask her out but she doesn't even know who he is. Before he can even open his mouth, the others arrive.
Despite being twins, Tyson is now a head taller than Emma. Lacy remarks they will all celebrate their eighteenth birthday soon. Secretly, she's always been uncomfortable sharing the twins' life as their adopted daughter who can't remember anything about her past but it helps not to be related to them by blood. She's been in love with Tyson since the day he named her (as if she were a new foal) and she was taken into the family unit for which she will always be grateful.
The trio race their horses across the Byrnehouse-Davies property. Emma falls behind and Lacey finds herself alone with Tyson, who deliberately planned this so he could declare his true feelings toward her. They dismount and he takes her in his arms. Lacey feels the same. Tyson tells her the day they all turn eighteen, he's planning to leave on a trip around the world. He wants Lacey to join him. They'll get married first, of course. Lacey is agreeable to the wedding plans but not the extended honeymoon trip. She's quite content to remain here for the rest of her life, thank you.
Emma, meanwhile, returns to the stable where Michael Hamilton assists her. He comments on the spark between Tyson and Lacey that didn't go unnoticed by him and adds, gently, that Emma might be feeling left out.
Emma is intrigued this loner, who always dresses in black and never talks to anyone, would strike up a conversation with HER. Michael Hamilton is a tall, dashing figure with brown eyes and longish brown wavy hair, neatly trimmed beard and mustache. Impulsively, he asks her to go riding with him.
Flattered at being asked out on her first date, Emma hesitates, unable to get past the fact she's the boss's daughter while he's a formidable stable hand, older by several years. Does the caste system of the station even allow them to socialize? The awkward silence drags on. Micheal takes her hesitation as rejection, tells her to forget it and stomps off before Emma can explain. Emma wonders if she just missed something significant and worries she just missed her opportunity and will live to regret it. (Foreshadowing!)
Later that evening after dinner, Emma and Lacey meet in her bedroom for their nightly ritual of gossip while brushing through each other's hair. Both girls are the same height, 5'5" share clothes and a love of horses. Lacey has straight, dark brown hair. Emma and Tyson inherited their mother's wavy brown hair with reddish highlights and blue eyes. Emma is bold and adventurous while Lacey is shy and timid.
Emma smiles at Lacey, giving her blessing on this new step in Lacey's relationship with her twin. Now they are really and truly sisters. When's the wedding? Lacey confesses she agreed to meet Tyson tonight, upstairs in the gabled attic.
Aside from three window seats, the large attic room is bereft of any furniture. Tyson and Lacey fall into the pile of blankets in the corner to kiss and talk and plan their future together. Nothing inappropriate happens.
Next morning, Emma is unsettled to learn Michael Hamilton up and quit last night. He's gone. Tyson finds her but Emma keeps her confusing feelings and worries about Michael to herself, choosing instead to tease her brother about his plans to elope with Lacey and see the world. She hopes he'll change his mind about leaving. She'll miss them.
Chapter 2 No Promises
Emma has a weakness for romance novels. (Her collection can't be very big since escapist fiction for women and the first "Harlequins" won't hit bookstores until after WWI. In 1908, Emma's choices would've been limited to The Waverley Novels, Austen, the Brontës and Pamela.) This pastime has been officially ruined for Emma by Michael Hamilton as all the dashing male heroes are now him while every kissing scene becomes Tyson and Lacey. (Gross!) Disgusted by her pornographic thoughts, Emma tries to refocus on the story and read herself to sleep.
Upstairs, Tyson and Lacey are having their second meeting. Rain drums on the roof, the attic is very cozy tonight. Tomorrow they celebrate their birthdays. Lacey is excited to get married right away. Tyson's kiss becomes more demanding. Lacey puts on the brakes. Annoyed he can't satisfy his physical needs, Tyson gets up and leaves. Lacey cries. Tyson finds her later that night in the stable and apologizes before they finally retire to their respective beds.
Next day, Emma is a little disturbed to learn from Lacey that Tyson proposed last night and she accepted. They will announce their big news to their parents at dinner where envelopes containing their inheritance-checks made out to the tune of one-hundred-thousand Australian pounds-are waiting by each plate. Happy Birthday, you're all adults now. It would appear the big wedding announcement is forgotten when Jess tells Tyson how much he's looking forward to giving him more responsibility helping him run the ranch from now on.
Tyson has other ideas. He hates sheep. He hates this boring place where nothing ever happens. He's following his wanderlust. He's off to see the world. Anyone who wants to join him is welcome. Having said his piece, Tyson gets up and leaves the table.
Lacey finds him in the gabled attic. She tries to talk him out of going but Tyson won't listen. In one last desperate attempt, Lacey initiates the lovemaking hoping by giving herself to him completely she can make him stay and marry her. She'll help him see all the goodness and prosperity they enjoy right here, safe and warm at home with parents who use their wealth to ease as much suffering as they can. Doesn't Tyson understand how blessed he is? She relinquishes herself to him.
Early next morning, the entire household is upset to find Tyson, suitcases in hand, ready to leave without even saying goodbye to his own family. They send him off, let him go with their blessing. Everyone except Lacey who gives him a well deserved slap in the face.
Chapter 3 Consequences
Lacey is pregnant. Emma and Alexa aren't very surprised who the father is but Jess (typical male) had no idea two of his children were developing romantic feelings for the other. Now the truth is out.
Nine months later, Richard Tyson Byrnehouse-Davies is born. Lacey noticed the name on one of the headstones in the family cemetery and liked it. Alexa is honored Lacey would name her grandson after her first husband. A local woman is hired as a nanny to help raise the child and life goes on.
Over dinner a few weeks later, Jess shares a bit of interesting news with his family. Michael Hamilton was arrested for disorderly conduct with a woman and sentenced to three years in prison. Emma feels her heart sink, knowing it's all her fault for driving Michael away. She tells them what happened. Alexa reassures her daughter she is not to blame. Michael made his own choices but Emma knows Michael will always be her first and only infatuation. He's the perfect bad boy.
Three years pass. Richard is growing into a healthy toddler while Lacey is becoming more withdrawn and despondent. A letter from Tyson finally arrives. It's a breezy, newsy letter without a care in the world. Tyson's having a gay ol' time seeing all the places he could only read and fantasize about. He even enclosed a photo of the headstone of a grave in Wales, his great-great grandfather. He misses them all, of course and one of these days he'll get around to coming home. PS-Is Lacey married yet? Lacey is understandably upset over that last line and buries her face in her hands while Emma and Alexa do their best to comfort her.
Chapter 4 His Return
Six months later, Lacey is ready to accept her fate of being a single mother and all the social stigma that comes with it. Emma tries to think positive for both of them. Since three-year old Richard has been under the weather the past week, Emma volunteers to sleep in Lacey's bed tonight so she can get up with him while Lacey will benefit from a good night of uninterrupted sleep.
Unfortunately, this HAD to be the night bad men with wicked intentions planned to kidnap Emma for ransom. Instead, they got Lacey. Their leader is furious and sends them back for Emma who is bound, gagged and carried down the same ladder in the same manner as Lacey's abduction. Emma isn't too surprised when her blindfold is removed to reveal Michael Hamilton who asks her if she'd like to go riding. Emma is still gagged so she can't answer. Michael orders the two women placed on horses. Emma will have to ride double with him while poor Lacey is forced to ride alone with her gag and bound hands still in place. Emma tries not to lean back and relax against Michael's masculine form. She tries not to inhale his clean scent, as opposed to the rest of his gang who never shower. She falls asleep.
Lucky for all, Michael bought enough women's clothing and personal items for both to share. One of his men, seeing two pairs of spare riding boots in the stable just happened to grab both, unsure which was Emma's. Michael insists on sleeping in the girls' tent to guard the door. He has a dagger to show he means business. Lacey is terrified. Emma is more open to Michael's theatrics. She knows he won't really hurt them but wonders why he went to all this trouble just to prove his dislike for her family.
To add to the irony, Tyson just happened to pick today to return home and surprise everyone. The surprise is on him when he learns Emma and Lacey are gone. Richard's presence is explained away as another child abandoned by his parents, which is pretty close to the truth. To pass the time, Tyson squats on the rug to play horses with Richard who is delighted at the attention. Jess and Alexa look on. Will wonders never cease?
Chapter 5 At the Mercy of Michael Hamilton
Life as helpless captives, trekking through the outback, isn't all that bad. Emma finds the whole ordeal rather amusing, in fact. Michael makes them sing while squatting behind a bush so he'll know where they are. The binds are removed and three meals a day are provided. Michael makes his hired hands behave and watch their language in the presence of ladies.
One night, he threatens to have his way with Emma, who is more infuriated than offended. She retorts how, if he were to impregnate her, how much better off a child of his would be, raised by her back at the family home with lots of tender, nurturing, loving care while Michael would always wonder about the child he created, the responsibility he passed up as husband and lover to her.
Michael is twenty-eight and while he acts cruel and bullies them, Emma is able to hold her own while protecting Lacey who is both shocked and angry stuck being the unwanted third wheel (and chaperone).
Back at the house, an unsigned ransom note arrives. The price for their safe return is one-hundred-thousand pounds, the exchange will take place at Crazy Rock, a five days journey from here. Tyson, Ben (see the last book) and the parents deduct the kidnapper must have been one of their own boys, now grown as Crazy Rock used to be a survival trek Ben once took a group on that proved unnecessary. He lists which boys were in that group. Michael Hamilton was one of them. Alexa admits she's rather relieved. Michael was always her favorite. The girls will be fine.
Having reached their destination and base camp, Lacey and Emma are allowed to bathe and wash out some clothes. Michael even ran out
Fully clothed, Emma washes Lacey's hair then takes her place on the smooth rock for her turn. The two laugh for the first time in days as they frolic in the suds, wiping the lather over their dusty shirts and breeches before removing boots and stockings to wash their feet. Emma catches Michael's eye lounging under an outcropping of rock, reading a book and they exchange grins. The old attraction Emma harbored for years comes rushing back.
Chapter 6 Waiting
That night, fresh and clean in their bedrolls, Michael slips into the tent beside Emma to whisper sweet nothings in her ear. Lacey wakes up which annoys Michael who threatens them with a pistol until Lacey douses the lamp and they try to sleep. Emma wakes to Michael's soft groan. He's having a nightmare about his father abusing him. Emma is sympathetic but Michael is not anxious to talk about it.
They spend the following afternoon in the tent, bumming around, reading from a box of romance novels Michael bought to keep Emma entertained. He really did go to a lot of trouble to plan this. Michael even purchased a copy of Rouge of the Plains, her favorite. Emma is impressed, (So am I, since the closest book resembling this fictional title, The Sheik by E.M. Hall, won't be published until 1919!) now she can read about her favorite romantic hero who carries helpless young women off into the sunset on his white horse.
Wait, he's already here in the tent!
Emma giggles. Michael tells her to shut up and read.
That night, Michael is more careful, slipping beside Emma in the darkness with a soft warning she not alert Lacey to his presence. He needn't worry. Lacey is in a talkative mood tonight. She wants Emma to use her "wonder twin powers" to check on Tyson. Emma protests, she's can't turn her connection with her twin off and on at will, it just comes to her but she agrees to try. Michael even stops his soft caressing of her arm and neck allowing her to concentrate. Emma senses fear and anger. Lacey hopes maybe Tyson has been alerted to the family crisis and is on his way to rescue them. The ESP line goes dead and the girls try and get some sleep.
Always the rouge, Michael adds his own soft "Good night," in Emma's ear before all three succumb to sleep.
Next day, Michael forces Emma to take a walk with him, away from camp where they can talk privately. The conversation includes their first kiss, payment for the shampoo he bought them. Emma's flippant attitude about the kiss and the hurt that appears in Michael's eyes indicates a big piece of the puzzle for Emma. Michael is in love with her!
Just then, a scream from camp is heard. Lacey! One of the hornier thugs, Rafe, intends to have his way with her. He has a knife which accidentally stabs Lacey in her lower leg as she's struggling to break free. Michael and Emma arrive in the nick of time to stop Rafe who is nearly beaten to a pulp by Michael who is furious at all his men for letting this happen, If she dies, that ransom is worthless. They bandage Lacey's wound and Emma tends to her sister in the tent. Emma isn't angry at Michael. She notes Michael's hard edge just crumbled; he seems more distracted and troubled than ever. His ambition, this whole scheme to humiliate the Byrnehouse-Davies family is falling down around him. This worries Emma who fears Michael may not recover from such a failure.
Chapter 7 The Storm
Two days pass. Lacey's condition grows steadily worse. She has a fever and needs medical attention. Outside the tent, both women overhear arguing between Rafe, Corky the Cook, and Michael. To their horror, a shot is fired. Michael's gruff voice orders Corky's body taken away.
Emma ventures outside to investigate. Rafe wants to give up and leave; return to civilization. He draws his gun and fires. Emma screams and runs to Michael's side who milks the scene for all it's worth as he begs Emma to kiss him one last time. Unable to suppress his laughter Emma is outraged when it hits her this was all an act. Rafe's gun, every gun in camp in fact, was loaded with blanks by Michael to assure there would be no violence during this heist. Emma is not pleased to have been tricked like this.
Michael and Emma finally talk about that fateful day when she rejected his offer. She explains she was going to apologize and accept but he ran away. She calls Michael Hamilton a coward and a fool. Emma's disappointment in him is more than he can bear. Michael stands up and walks away.
The next day, Jess and Ben are waiting at the solitary gum ghost landmark. ("Gum Ghost" is an Australian eucalyptus tree with white bark and branches.) They hand over Lacey but Jess left the money behind at their camp (along with Tyson). Michael wheels his horse with Emma on the saddle in front of him and declares Jess has three days to return with the money or he'll never see his daughter again. They ride off just as the heavens unleash a downpour.
Finding a rock shelf to huddle under, they dismount. Emma promptly bursts into tears, beating on his chest in anger, telling him to go to the devil, disappointed she won't be going home yet. Michael just smirks before taking her in his arms to comfort and kiss her. Once Emma's calmed down, he calls her a spoiled little rich girl and a snob. She repeats her coward and fool statement. Michael raises a hand to strike her. Emma braces herself but the blow never falls. Michael can't do it. He's in the grips of a psychological battle. He will not let his father's blood define and control him. He begins clicking his thumbnail over his front tooth, like a ticking time bomb. Emma is truly afraid at the Pandora's box that's about to burst open.
Tyson is waiting anxiously for their return. Lacey is cold, wet and unconscious with fever. Jess yells at him to strip and get under the bedroll with her-it certainly wouldn't be the first time they've been this close. Tyson realizes Lacey told her family what happened the night before he left. When he was fifteen, Jess sat his son down for "the talk" which included the man's responsibility to the gentle sex not to let his raging hormones get the better of him. Tyson is ashamed at his father's disappointment in him.
The rain stops. Emma tries to escape but Michael makes her ride facedown across the saddle. When they reach camp, both are surprised to find all of Michael's men packing up to leave, scared that because Jess reneged on the ransom money they'll be turned over to the authorities, so they're getting out now, taking all of the camping supplies with them. Emma is surprised to see Corky alive. They exchange friendly farewells. The men mount up and Michael lets them go. Lucky for them there's a cave some of the other men were using to sleep in, a few supplies were left and Michael still has his horse so they're not completely marooned.
Once everyone's left, to boost Michael's ego, Emma makes a half-hearted attempt to escape, allowing Michael to catch her and bring her back, kicking and screaming but Emma has a twinkle in her eye as he binds her hands and feet. Despite Emma's attempt to cheer him up, Michael continues to sit and stare at the cave wall, clicking his thumbnail.
Chapter 8 The Truth
Michael paces around the cave, still clicking his thumbnail until Emma demands he talk to her, admit the truth, he's in love with her; he WANTS her. Michael unties her then forces a kiss on her so she'll push him away. Emma tries to discuss their personal definitions of love which is completely lost on Michael. All he knows is one thing. He removes his shirt and shows off his scars, as casually as if he were modeling the latest fashion. Emma weeps as he goes on to explain how each scar was acquired in his earthly home from parents-oh so kind and dear-NOT!
Now it's Emma's turn. She holds out her hand to demonstrate trust. Michael takes it. Tenderly, she places her other hand on his face and kisses him gently with true love and acceptance. Michael responds almost in desperation. He wants to know why. How can Emma love someone as despicable as HIM? Emma delivers the ultimate message of this book, "No amount of pain or hate can stand in the face of genuine love and forgiveness." (Have courage and be kind is better)
Hearing this, Michael practically explodes in an emotional meltdown to rival any previous Anita Stansfield novel. He throws his head back with a wail before collapsing into Emma's arms where he howls out his pain, then bawls like a baby for several hours until, at last, he cries himself to sleep. Apparently, it was a horrifying scene for Emma to witness. That's a lot of snot to clean up.
At the other camp, Tyson still doesn't know he has a son. Lacey tells them everything that happened during her ordeal. She still can't understand how Emma was such a good sport about it all. She suspects Emma even has FEELINGS for that horrible man! The nerve!
Chapter 9 Starting Over
What a night! Emma and Michael wake up to a new day. Like a newlywed couple who just consummated their relationship, they share breakfast-drinking out of the same coffee tin mug and eating canned peaches from each other's mouths like Lady and the Tramp. Michael declares he feels like a new man but he's not sure which direction he should go. He hasn't opened up and cried like that since he was seven. He's a little embarrassed. Emma assures him he is the bravest man she's ever known. Michael admits Jess and Alexa set good examples for him, especially when it came to chastity before marriage and fidelity afterwards. He wants that with Emma. If she'll marry him that is. Michael confesses his love. Emma returns it which scares Michael into playing the "I'm not good enough for you," card. He has nothing to offer her, his hands are empty! Emma tells him to stop underestimating himself. Her family will be happy to take him, even give him his old job back. His commitment to her is enough. Michael declares he would die for Emma. (He's Emma's imaginary boyfriend!)
They kiss and talk more about the possibility of marriage. Emma comments how dirty her hair has gotten. Camping out tends to do that. They joke about agreeing to marry each other but only if it includes washing each other's hair. And playing in the suds like Michael saw Emma and Lacey doing. It's a deal.
Tyson and Lacey spent the day on horseback, heading home. They make camp that night and Tyson apologizes to Lacey for leaving. Lacey admits earning her forgiveness will take some time but when Tyson kisses her, Lacey returns it along with a declaration of love. They crawl into their separate bedrolls in front of the fire and fall asleep.
Chapter 10 Mending Bridges (or "Robert Redford, Eat Your Heart Out!")
One of the reasons Michael chose this location for the base camp was the natural watershed collection pools amidst all the rocks, warmed by the sun. Emma sits on the ground by one of these pools. Using the tin mug, Michael lifts water over her hair and gets to work shampooing her with strong, gentle hands. He kisses her nose. He piles her sudsy hair on top of her head and kisses the back of her neck. Emma moans with genuine pleasure before confessing aloud her fantasies about Michael becoming the hero of every novel she's read since the day he left. Michael stops massaging her scalp, tilting her head back so he can look her in the eye. It's true. The best way to win a woman's heart is to wash her hair.
Emma scrubs Michael's head and beard, teasing him about looking like Father Christmas (that's Santa Claus in America). They wash each other's feet, tickling, but the laughter is cut short when Emma notices the burn scars on Michael's feet. She makes him look at her and tells him not to be ashamed or afraid. They are badges of courage. Michael kisses her. They rinse off and return to camp, newly baptized.
Emma fulfills Michael's fantasy request to watch her ride his horse and they take a long ride together.
While bedding down that night, Michael repeats his commitment to obey the law of chastity. He will exercise self control until their wedding night. He's already committed enough sins. Emma feels like a queen.
Over in another camp, Tyson suddenly jerks awake. Emma! She's not in trouble, but his wonder twin powers are telling him she's feeling happy, passionate. Lacey tells him to go back to sleep.
For Emma and Michael, the following day is very unproductive. The meeting with Jess isn't until tomorrow so there's little to do but eat more canned food, wash the dishes and take another long ride. They break camp in the morning. At the meeting place, Michael lets Emma down from their shared mount so she can run to her father's waiting arms of her own free will.
Michael tells Jess he no longer wants the money, says farewell and rides away so Emma can run after him. Now they can return together and explain themselves to her father. Emma asks if they can keep Michael, as if he were a stray dog she'd found. Michael states his intention to marry his daughter. Jess raises an eyebrow but accepts them. To show there's no hard feelings, he insists Michael take the money anyway. Welcome to the family! Now let's go home.
Over the five days journey, Emma learns Tyson is home, reunited with Lacey and they are traveling back together; her leg is doing much better but Tyson still doesn't know the truth about Richard. Emma tells her father about Michael's emotional breakdown. Michael takes a moment alone with Jess to tell him his daughter's virtue is still intact. Jess is relieved to hear it.
Chapter 11 Coming Home
Jess has a great idea. Ben wants to leave his position as Boy's Home administrator and return to the outback to live and work with his own tribe and people. Michael would be perfect for the job. Michael is stunned but accepts. It certainly beats mucking out the stables.
Back at the house, Tyson and Lacey are very glad to be home. Richard greets them both in separate areas. Before he left on his trek, Tyson promised him a picnic. Now that his mommy's back, Richard declares they can ALL go together! The reality clicks for Tyson as this innocently sweet, naive, little boy leaps into his waiting arms asking if Tyson can be his father. Lacey, who followed her son onto the veranda, tells Richard it's already been taken care of. But the bitterness of Tyson's abandonment remains. Next day, Lacey gives him the silent treatment, locking herself in her room, for the entire day, not coming out until Tyson makes her come down to dinner.
Jess, Emma and Michael finally arrive later that evening. Alexa is delighted to see them all while Michael worries about the rest of the family's reaction.
Chapter 12 The Reunion
As anticipated, Lacey and Tyson glare daggers at Michael who receives a welcoming punch in the jaw from Tyson. The greeting of his twin, after nearly four years separation, is quite different but arguing ensues as everyone debates who is to blame for all these plot complications. Lacey can't believe Emma agreed to marry that monster. Tyson backs her up. Jess and Alexa enter to call a truce. From this day forth, Michael will be treated as family because of the abuse he suffered as a child. From this day forth, all of Michael's mistakes are in the past. There will be a double wedding. Lacey can't stand it. Tyson is also upset. The four young adults leave the drawing room and go their separate ways until supper.
Emma shows Michael to his room where the house footman/valet is busy drawing a hot bath and laying out clean clothes for Michael (who is starting to feel like Matthew from Downton Abbey, unaccustomed to being waited on). Emma finds her own room where her own bath is waiting. When she rejoins Michael, he's clean-shaven with just his mustache to hide a pretty bad childhood scar, compliments of his father, on his upper lip. Emma approves of his new look.
They meet Tyson outside. Now that he's had time to think it all over, he's willing to accept Michael into the family. He's made some pretty dumb mistakes too, abandoning Lacey and the son he never knew he had. This puts him and Michael on equal terms. They shake hands.
At the dining table, Lacey is not happy to discover Tyson went over to Team Michael. All her anger and bitterness is shifted to a new scapegoat. She will hate Michael Hamilton forever.
Jess shows Michael his new office. Tomorrow will be his official first day on the job.
Emma mounts a race horse and flies around the track with two other stablehands. Knowing Michael is nearby, soon to be her husband, she is happier than she's ever been in her life.
Chapter 13 Outside the Circle
After showing Michael his new office, Jess takes him to meet the boys. All seventeen eye Michael warily as he is introduced while Michael wonders how he'll remember all their names and ages which range from six to seventeen.
Two boys stand out: Michael, not just because of his name, who is six, orphaned with no immediate family and a real sweetheart. Then there's Toby, age ten, with weary eyes and hard shell indicating this little boy was a victim of child abuse too, just like him. Michael makes a very ridiculous speech that would never fly with kids today-threatening them if they don't obey and behave, he'll hang them from a tree and tickle them within an inch of their lives. He's tough but kind and he'll see them tomorrow.
Jess is dubious after witnessing such an act. Michael assures him he put on an even better show for his daughters. After checking on Emma and leaving her alone to catch up with Tyson, Michael returns to his office to begin reading the files on his boys. Turns out Toby's last name is Coogan, his father is Rafe Coogan, the same jerk who attacked Lacey. Then he comes across his own childhood file and starts reading. It's not a happy story.
When Emma finds him, Michael reads aloud the description of the incident that resulted in Jedediah Hamilton getting shot and killed, as written by Jess. He's relieved someone did the world a favor by taking his sick, maniacal, father out of it. They go up to Emma's room and are about to start gettin' it on, when Lacey comes knocking in need of some girl talk. She is annoyed to find Michael there who makes a hasty exit. Emma tries to explain how, after Lacey was returned, Emma was left alone with Michael who opened up. He's a victim of tragic abuse. On the outside she knows he looks vicious but he's really kind and gentle...Lacey isn't believing a word of it.
Next morning, Tyson catches Michael in the middle of getting dressed. Tyson had a lecture all ready to deliver to Michael about his responsibility to his sister but changes his mind after he sees the hideous scars on Michael's bare backside. Now, he just wants Michael to know he's okay in his book, while Michael promises he'll do his best to make Emma happy.
After breakfast, Michael leaves for his first official day of work as supervisor of juvenile delinquents. He finds Emma later in the stables and is about initiate a "roll in the hay" with her in one of the empty stalls when Tyson catches them. Emma is glad they've become friends. Now if only they can convince Lacey...
Chapter 14 The Rift
Michael meets little Richard. Lacey finds them playing horses in the nursery, throws a tantrum and completely ruins the moment for Michael. He never had a normal childhood, you know.
Lacey makes sure everyone at the dinner table knows that from now on, her son is never to be left alone with...HIM! And with that, she excuses herself.
Jess and Alexa talk privately. Alexa is just now realizing Lacey's not being a bitch on purpose, rather her current psychological issues of PTSD have roots going all the way back to her childhood and are probably about to burst forth, a la Michael Hamilton. All she needs is a trigger but Lacey doesn't want to talk about any of the issues bothering her. Tyson tries but Lacey can't get past the hurt. She tells him if he wants her complete forgiveness, he must restore all the pieces of her broken heart and give it back to her.
Chapter 15 The Accusation
Since today is Sunday and nobody has to work, Alexa has a long talk with Michael, sharing her insights about why Lacey hates him so much and how it has nothing to do with him, rather the incident that occurred during the Prologue. Michael is shocked. He had no idea Lacey and Emma were the hostages taken. No wonder Lacey's having such a hard time getting over being abducted. Alexa shares the "Beast in the Mirror" poem Jess wrote in the last book. Michael appreciates its relevance.
Everyone is enjoying the good Sunday dinner when the family solicitor, Ira Grant, comes calling. He found a connection to little Michael, a distant relative offering a home for him. He also does a double take after being introduced to Michael.
After everyone goes their separate ways, Ira tells Jess and Alexa he has some disturbing news: Michael is wanted in town for murder. Rafe Coogan filed the charge.
After Emma and Michael return from their ride, Jess calls everyone into the parlor for a family conference to discuss this new development but Lacey refuses to attend.
Michael and Emma share their side of the story: how they returned to find everyone breaking camp and deserting their leader. No bodies were left behind. Everyone alive and accounted for, including the man Michael is accused of murdering. They will send Tyson into town tomorrow to find out more.
Chapter 16 The Gabled Attic
Emma and Michael are about to have another make-out session, this time in Michael's room where no one will ever find them, except Tyson. He has a private matter to discuss with Michael. Ever the good sport, Emma leaves so they can talk.
Since Tyson is going to town tomorrow, he wondered if Michael had any more important information he could use to help prove his innocence. Also, with two grown men fully committed to their women, the purchase of engagement rings might be a good idea along with a few other things. Tyson promises to do all the shopping, since Michael is "laying low" out here on the ranch.
Monday is not going well for Michael and his charges. The boys are testing every limit, pushing every boundary. At his wits end, Michael marches all seventeen boys upstairs to the gabled attic for a good, long, group therapy session, straight out of The Breakfast Club (sans cannabis) where everyone gets the opportunity to share their deepest, most personal fears and secrets. Michael shares his own connection to this place, why he had to act tough so no one would ever know his terrible, awful secret. He then removes his shirt and shows off his scars. The boys are awed.
Toby bursts into tears. His deepest fear is that his father is going to find and take him away. Michael tells him Rafe will have to kill him first. Toby falls into Michael's arms, sobbing with relief. The other boys gather around for similar comfort and the scene turns Messianic as Michael touches each face and wipes away tears. One by one, each boy curls up next to each other, Michael stretches out and they all fall asleep. No child left behind, indeed.
Chapter 17 Strategy
Tyson returns from his day-long trip into town as everyone (except Lacey of course) is wondering where Michael is. The only good thing Tyson has to report is that none of his kidnapping gang knows where their leader disappeared to. The bad news is, the dead body of Corky the Cook was just brought in.
Lacey is nonchalant, calmly recounting the murder she heard while Emma can prove Michael's innocence because she saw Corky alive the day Lacey was returned and she was left alone with Michael, who wouldn't shoot a wallaby. Lacey is very upset that nobody believes Michael Hamilton is guilty of every charge he's being accused of and storms out of the room.
Where is Michael? At Alexa's suggestion, the two parents and the twins check the attic, discover the scene and respond with appropriate cuteness. Michael opens his eyes long enough to reassure them everything's under control but asks they leave the light on. They're afraid of the dark. Everyone leaves them be.
(Because there's nothing at all inappropriate about a grown man spending the entire night alone in the same room with under-age boys. Michael should change his last name to Jackson.)
Next morning, Emma and Tyson check the cafeteria hall where the boys are eating breakfast in high spirits. Michael is in his office, in conference with one of his boys. Michael hasn't eaten since yesterday. This man never stops working.
Emma leaves so Tyson can show him the presents and engagement rings he bought which Michael loves.
Later that day, Alexa calls Emma and Lacey to her room where she opens a trunk and removes her two wedding dresses in hopes her two daughters can wear them on the day of their double wedding. Both are perfect. Emma will wear the gorgeous, custom-made gown Alexa wore when she married Jess. Lacey can have the simpler dress from Alexa's first wedding to Richard. The girls beg Alexa to model the custom-gown. Jess is called in who teases her by asking her to marry him. Alexa replies she already did.
Emma misses Michael who has been busy with the boys all day. Their big session in the attic yesterday left the boys feeling extra vulnerable, requiring extra attention. Emma finds Michael (who should add social worker to his list of duties) in the library, talking intently with another boy who gives him a hug before he joins the others for silent reading time. While Michael would love to spend some time this evening with his fianceé, he already promised little Michael a serious "man to man" talk. Emma understands.
Chapter 18 Encountering Mr. Coogan
It's a girl's day out as Emma, Lacey and Alexa go to town for a huge shopping excursion for everything involving a wedding. They meet the constable who has new information about the charges against Michael and a new orphan boy for Alexa to meet. They follow him outside to his office where Emma and Lacey encounter Mr. Rafe Coogan while Alexa and the constable are out of the room.
Coogan really is an idiot. First he smirks about getting Michael Hamilton charged with murder then admits to Michael's innocence as a coward who would never shoot anyone. Coogan assumes Michael left the area with all that ransom money. Emma lets him believe it, adding she despises both him and Michael Hamilton. Lacey is too busy trying not to throw up in her mouth to add anything to the conversation.
Alexa and the constable return. As to the current whereabouts of the fugitive wanted for murder, the women plead the fifth. During the carriage ride home, Emma tells her mother and Lacey everything that happened during the three unchaperoned days she spent alone with Michael. His spotless character (Michael's hidden talent as shampoo boy is omitted) and how she forced him to face his fears. Michael emerged from those three days a changed man. Alexa is impressed while Lacey is still unmoved. She firmly believes Michael is guilty on all charges and no one can persuade her otherwise. She's angry at Tyson too.
The new boy is a rather unusual case. He flat-out refuses to speak. To anyone. Alexa couldn't get a word out of him yesterday in town. Jess is already fed up with the boy's defiance; because he keeps trying to break free and run away, Jess has to drag him out of the carriage and into the house, down the hall to Michael's office where one-sided introductions are made. Having already been warned of the situation, Michael shows no mercy. He glowers at the boy, who huddles closer to Jess, fires questions at him before giving him the name "Marvin," promising him that if he won't speak, the other boys will label him an easy target. They escort the boy into the next room where Alexa is waiting, looking like a picture, seated in her chair, surrounded by sunlight. But not even the beautifully angelic Alexandra Davies can get this stubborn boy to open his mouth and say his own name. He's given paper and pencil to prove he can at least read and write his own name. Michael accuses him of being a chicken and Trent finally breaks under the pressure, answering in the negative before realizing he just lost the entire game. Score another point for Michael Hamilton who certainly has a way with young boys.
Chapter 19 Balance
Emma is a little put-out with Michael right now. All week, she's been trying to get some alone time with him but Michael spends every waking minute in the Boys' Home wing, missing every family meal, never getting in until bedtime where Lacey keeps Emma sitting up in her room, listening to her monologue that all men can't be trusted.
Michael promises to make it up to her, just as soon as he sees little Michael off with his perfect new adoptive family. It's a touching sequence as Michael tells the happily married couple with seven children all about the new addition they've agreed to take on: typical little boy, big imagination, loves cookies with raisins, his horse Smiley and is willing to come live with them but only if a kitten is included in the deal. Since the family lives on a large, prosperous farm, this is no problem. Little Michael gives Mr. Hamilton a big hug and kiss and is lifted into the wagon, his horse tied onto the back.
Michael blinks back tears on behalf of his other boys, watching with barely concealed envy seeing one of their own chosen and taken away to a better, fairy-tale life, with a real family who will love and care for him.
Later that evening, Emma goes looking for Michael who, once again, missed the evening meal with the rest of the family, giving Lacey another chance to rub it in while Tyson looked on helplessly, wishing he could fix this mess he's in with his bride-to-be.
Emma waits while Michael resolves the issue between the two fighting boys, makes them apologize and sends them on their way but Emma is too upset to talk to him and exits.
Michael appreciates the tray sent up to his room. He freshens up and goes to Emma's room to say goodnight and renew his commitments to her. From ten to three, six days a week, Michael is expected to be with his boys. No more overtime. From now on, he'll spend all his free time with Emma and after they're married...
Lacey's knocking interrupts their conversation. This girl just doesn't know when to quit, always pleading for Emma to let her in so they can talk. Emma finally puts her foot down, insisting she's just not up to it tonight and besides, she opens the door wider and Lacey enters not realizing Emma already has a guest. Michael stands behind his beloved Emma and, like the final scene in a Michael Landon TV drama, tells Lacey she needs to find peace with herself, reconcile with Tyson and put her past behind her, like he did.
Lacey turns and slams the door. Guess they told her.
Michael removes his shirt and falls asleep on Emma's bed. She covers him and sits up to read herself to sleep. Lacey comes knocking, again. Seeing the hideous scars on Michael's back she gasps, but it's not enough to convince her of Michael's genuineness. Michael wakes up and Lacey leaves in a huff. Everyone retires to their respective beds and Michael walks Emma downstairs to breakfast the next morning. Ever the workaholic, Emma has to remind Michael that today is Sunday.
Chapter 20 The Fight
Everyone, except Lacey, is lounging in the drawing room. Tyson and Emma are playing chess while Michael observes. Alexa does her needlework, Jess reads his Sunday paper and even Richard has a stack of picture books to amuse him. (Illustrated books for children in 1908 were very different from the pop-culture explosion of today. While Richard would've had several in his nursery library, these stories were mostly explicit moral lessons filled with scare-tactics to emphasize obedience. Struwwelpeter by Heinrich Hoffmann is an especially graphic one. Hope Richard's not reading that!)
The constable from town is announced. While the women made a valiant effort yesterday to hide the truth, the constable confronted Ira Grant who admitted they were harboring a fugitive of the law. He's not here to arrest Michael, only to warn that he's on probation, under "house arrest" here at the station thanks to a respectable family with a squeaky clean record. He can't go anywhere until the date of his court trial. Michael agrees to the terms.
He has to bend them later that night though as Toby has run away. His horse is missing from the stables and Michael is the only one who might know where the boy is. He finds him in the grassy picnic meadow by the stream the family likes to utilize. Toby is upset because he was invited to go swimming but he can't because it means removing his shirt and revealing the embarrassing evidence of his father's abuse. Michael holds and comforts him, playing Savior again, promising if Toby will just open up and tell him everything, Michael will take all of Toby's pain and suffering and throw it all away for him. (Good luck with that, Michael. Who do you think you are, anyway, Sean O'Hara?)
Next day, Rafe is discovered hiding in the barn, waiting to pounce, take his boy hostage, threatening violence and even murder if they don't let him leave with Toby.
Michael pounds him while Emma watches, horrified, protesting the entire time while Michael ignores her. Rafe leaves just as Jess and Murphy approach the scene to find out what's going on. Emma sobs in Michael's arms declaring if Michael died, she could never go on living.
Chapter 21 Lacey's Rage
Michael and Emma talk about what just happened. Michael confesses; while they were apart, after he quit his job and left, he met a widow woman with kids and developed a platonic relationship with her. They never slept together because he loved Emma too much. All they ever did was kiss. One night, Michael was kissing her when he said Emma's name. Angry and embarrassed at himself, he immediately broke up with the understanding widow woman and found the nearest bar to drink himself into oblivion which led to spending three years in jail. He doesn't even remember the drunken incident that got him convicted. He was angry at the whole world. All Michael Hamilton ever wanted was to be free of the psychological scars he suffered as a result of child abuse and to have Emma's love. Michael is such a naughty boy.
There is arguing at the dinner table that night. Michael wishes everyone would stop being so darn charitable and understanding toward him. Lacey isn't. Everyone yells at her to leave Michael alone. Tyson reminds Lacey she was also found in the gutter, like Michael, and excuses himself. Lacey gets upset and leaves.
Michael follows Tyson outside so they can have another chat about overcoming past mistakes.
Emma finds them and steals Michael so they can have their own long talk. It is now late at night. Michael walks Emma into the house, impulsively throwing her over his shoulder, carrying her upstairs to her room while she smothers her laughter. Setting her down, Michael continues to talk like the kidnapper, threatening to "shoot a hole in your pretty little head" if she doesn't kiss him immediately. Emma is only too happy to comply.
Unfortunately, neither Michael nor Emma realized Lacey had been sitting in the dark, waiting up for Emma so they could talk. Hearing Michael's threats unleashed The Box and Lacey breaks wide open. Screaming and howling she bursts into the room and attacks Michael. Jess, Alexa and Tyson come running in and Lacey is taken out by Alexa.
For the next several hours, Alexa remains behind the closed door with Lacey, emerging to report Lacey finally broke free of her mental block. She remembers everything now about her childhood, her past. Her name was Mary. Her parents died in some freak accident when she was very young and the distant relatives she was sent to live with didn't want her so she ran away, dressed as a boy. Her abandonment issues went deeper than anyone could've comprehended. Michael's kidnapping venture along with Rafe's sexual assault didn't help either.
Tyson is sent in to keep watch but when Lacey wakes up, she's still furious at both Michael and Tyson. Emma comes in and sits with Lacey for the next shift. She can tell it isn't over yet.
Chapter 22 Charged for Murder
Michael and Tyson are talking outside on the front porch when, almost as if to spite Tyson, Lacey exits carrying a suitcase with Emma following, pleading for her to stop and think. Tyson doesn't need to think, throwing Lacey over his shoulder, he hauls her back inside, up the stairs to his room where he kisses her until she admits she really does love him. All it takes is a good night's sleep and Lacey is whole.
Michael and Emma, meanwhile, decided to take a walk together but when they returned to the house, two officers of the law are waiting to arrest Michael. Jess and Alexa watch sorrowfully as Emma and Michael share a tearful farewell.
The hearing is the next day. Ira pulled every legal string within his power to make it happen. Because it's a private hearing, there is no jury. The judge agrees to meet with Emma and Jess first so they can get back to the station. The final verdict will be announced tomorrow. Emma is disappointed but enters the judge's chambers with a brave face and answers all his questions honestly. Back at the house, Lacey is sympathetic but doesn't say much as she still hasn't completely forgiven or accepted Michael and remains the only member of the family who feels Michael's incarceration is for the best.
For the second night in a row, Emma cries herself to sleep.
Next morning, Michael walks through the door; a free man. After hearing all the private testimonies about the murder it was pretty obvious Rafe and his gang were lying with their conflicting stories so the judge threw the case out. They can go ahead with the plans for tomorrow's wedding. Everyone on the station, including Michael's boys, are all invited. Even Lacey is glad, for Emma's sake, that Michael is back. Let's get married!
Chapter 23 Into the Circle
With the wedding being held tomorrow and the minister invited to supper tonight, Michael takes a walk to the stables to calm his nerves. Rafe Coogan and his band are waiting for him there. Micheal doubles up his fists and takes them all on but he's outnumbered. Tyson discovers the scene but is knocked out cold before he even has a chance to react to Michael's beaten, bloodied, nearly dead form lying on the ground.
Dinner is over, the two grooms apparently went AWOL. Emma and Lacey go upstairs to the sitting room where Rafe and his men are already lying in wait for them. The girls are too frightened and in shock to do anything but listen as the thugs brag how Michael was left for dead while Tyson was knocked out.
Michael is still alive, of course. He revives Tyson and they split up on their return to the house. Micahel sends Tyson to check on Toby while he retrieves his pistol from his room before bursting through the door to avenge the ladies. He shoots the man holding Lacey. Tyson enters and joins in the brawl but is just as quickly knocked out cold again. Lacey fights in his place, using a fireplace poker to subdue her attacker. Rafe knocks Michael out the window but, like a scene from a movie, Lacey discovers Michael hanging for dear life from the window sill outside and she pulls him back in. Just in time for Michael to attack Rafe who is about to have his way with Emma. Jess and Alexa appear at the door and Michael takes advantage of the distraction to shoot Rafe dead.
It's all over. Michael is a hero. Lacey is more in love with Tyson than ever. Now they can have the wedding and the kids can leave on their honeymoons so Jess can finally have some peace and quiet.
With all the wedding guests assembled in the upstairs hall and a string quartet playing soft music, Jess escorts two lovely, blushing brides down the hall to meet their grooms. Richard is the ring bearer.
At the outdoor reception, Fiddler (still alive from the last book) does what he's named for. Everyone guzzles champagne and eats delicious food until the grooms excuse themselves with their new brides, taking them upstairs for some private time. At last, Michael and Emma can finally be alone. Hard to believe the kidnapping was only a month ago.
Epilogue
Because the Byrnehouse-Davies and Hamilton line can only have one living descendant by the 1990's, Emma gives birth to five girls until she finally gets her boy, Jesse Michael Hamilton. Lacey adds three daughters to her family. Jess and Alexa are happy and contented grandparents; truly blessed in their posterity and everyone lives happily ever after.
THE END
