Forever My Love (Historical Romance) by Constance O'Banyon Read Free Book Online Page A

glanced down at her tiny hand. "The years will pass quickly, Royal. Before you know it, you will be returning to Savannah. At that time I shall have decided about your future."
    "May I write to you and tell you of my progress in school?"
    His expression softened. "I will expect you to."
    She threw back her tiny shoulders and brushed a tumbled lock of hair out of her face. "I am resigned to my fate, Mr. Routhland."
    He stood up, laughing with delight. "Now that your immediate future is settled, I have a surprise for you."
    Her eyes sparkled with interest. "What is it?"
    "I have corresponded with Mrs. Fortescue, who is headmistress at Fulham School, and she has assured me that you will be allowed to have your own horse. As soon as you are settled in, I shall send you a suitable young mare from Swanhouse. Would you like that?"
    Her eyes lit up, and she clapped her hands gleefully. "Oh, yes, Mr. Routhland, may I?"
    "Have I not just said so? Also," he continued, "I have made arrangements with my London solicitor, a Mr. Webber, and he is to meet your ship when it docks at Plymouth. He will accompany you and your aunt to London, where he has been instructed to see to your needs. You are to have a complete new wardrobe"— he waved his hand—"and whatever else you will need to make you comfortable at the school."
    "Thank you," she whispered through trembling lips. "Can Aunt Arabella stay with me until I am settled?"
    "I see no reason why not."
    Royal's eyes were shining with tears. "You are the kindest man, besides my father, that I have ever known."
    Damon blinked his eyes in astonishment. No one before Royal had ever accused him of being kind. "I consider that high praise indeed."
    He took her hand and pulled her to her feet. "Go to bed, now, little one, and dream of all the wonderful adventures that await you." He turned to the housekeeper. "See her tucked in, Alba. I shall find my own way out."
    Reluctantly Royal moved to the door. Turning back, she blessed him with a smile. "I shall remember you in my prayers every night."
    "Do that, Royal."
    "Will you remember me?"
    "Forever and a day," he pledged, "for you are etched in my mind."
    "Is that a promise?"
    "That's a promise."
    A sad smile touched her lips, and Damon watched her disappear with Alba following behind. He saw months of loneliness ahead for Royal. Of course, Arabella had promised to visit the girl, but he felt sure that the actress would soon be caught up with her own friends in Paris and would forget about her niece.
    He pulled on his greatcoat and left, closing the door behind him. As he mounted his horse, he noticed that the rain clouds had moved away and a blood red moon lit the sky.
    Kicking his mount in the flanks, he headed for Swanhouse Plantation. He was concerned about the rumors of war with England, but hopefully war would not come, at least not until Royal returned. It would seem like a long time before he saw that charming little imp again.
    He would instruct John Bartholomew to answer Royal's correspondence and see to her every need. "I am not the fatherly type," he muttered aloud. "What in the hell have I gotten myself into?"
    ***
    It was the day before Royal and her aunt were to sail for England, and with an aching heart Royal had gone to place flowers on her father's and mother's graves. Standing in the shadow of the great oak tree, she whispered a prayer that the years away from home would pass quickly.
    Later in the afternoon, as she went through the house with Alba and Tobias, closing most of the rooms and draping dust covers over the furniture, her uncertainty deepened—this act made her leaving seem so final.
    That night after Alba and Tobias had gone to their own quarters and her aunt had retired for the night, Royal walked through each of the rooms, burning every familiar detail into her mind. When at last she climbed into her own bed, she was flooded with wonderful childhood memories. Finally, near dawn, she fell asleep.
    Royal's saddest