Chapter Thirty-Five
T he man removed his hat and coat, revealing a clean-shaven face. Rockford’s breath caught in his throat. Despite the deep facial scars that a thick grey beard had once hidden, he knew that face. It struck him like a musket shot, impossible, yet undeniable.
Fear, anger, disbelief, each surged through him, twisting together until he could no longer separate them. For years, Langley had been a ghost, a shadow of Rockford’s own regrets. And now, here he stood, flesh and blood, as if the past had never let go.
The playful figure by the street vendor who approved of his hat. How could this be?
“Captain Langley,” Rockford managed, his voice strained. The man who had seemed so harmless was the specter that had haunted him since the war and now stood before him.
“Good evening, Commander Rockford.” Langley saluted smartly, his eyes reflecting regret and determination. He glanced at Lora. “Lady Lora,” he nodded respectfully before returning his gaze to Rockford.
Barrington stepped forward, his expression a careful mask. “Captain, why are you here? More importantly, how are you here?”
Langley drew a deep breath. “It’s been a long journey to get here, and I owe you both an explanation. The events at the Battle of Toulouse set a series of actions into motion that connect to tonight.”
Rockford’s jaw tightened. “Go on.”
“I was tasked with exposing a traitor while under your command,” he said to Rockford. “The man you saw me speaking with on the battlefield was an enemy contact. The traitor was playing both sides. France wanted him eliminated as much as England did. During the process, we had a brief alliance regarding his removal.”
Rockford’s eyes widened. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
“There was no time, and I was sworn to secrecy by Duke Oakdene—”
“My brother!” Barrington exclaimed.
Langley glanced at Barrington and nodded. “Yes, sir. His involvement complicated matters greatly. After the explosion, which was an attempt on my life devised by the traitor, I had to disappear to continue my mission. I couldn’t risk informing anyone, not even you, Rockford.”
Rockford felt a tumult of emotions, betrayal, and confusion, but all with a flicker of understanding. “And now?”
Langley turned to Lora, a hint of admiration in his eyes. “Lady Lora, your bravery provided the break we needed. The highwayman had been elusive for so long. You hold the key piece of evidence. Please share what you discovered.”
She glanced at Rockford, who offered a reassuring nod. Gathering her composure, she faced Langley. “When the highwayman abducted me, I noticed he wore a unique fragrance, a blend of lemon and smoke.”
Langley’s eyes lit up. “The lemon is from bergamot, and the smoke is from birch tar.”
Langley turned to the others, his voice carrying authority. “Bergamot and birch tar is a unique cologne crafted for the Order of Shadows. In addition, I followed you and Hastings to the lodge.” He glanced at Rockford. “I kept a watch over her until you arrived.”
“You were the specter that followed me after my carriage accident,” Rockford’s voice was soft.
Langley nodded.
“There is one more piece of evidence. You see, the criminal is very brazen. He lost two buttons from his coat. One in the lodge which I believe Barrington found. The other was at the tree in the clearing where the highwayman retrieved Earl Fallsmith’s letter to His Royal Highness.” Langley took a button from his vest pocket and showed it to Barrington.
“Well done, Langley.” Barrington put the button he found into Langley’s hand, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction.
He shifted his gaze to his left, his voice cutting through the tense silence. “These are your buttons, Charles Hastings.”
A collective gasp rippled through the guests, the air thick with shock and disbelief. Lora’s eyes widened as she stared at Hastings, pieces clicking into place. Rockford’s jaw tightened, fury simmering beneath the surface, his fists clenched at his side.
Hastings blanched, his veneer of confidence slipping. “This is absurd.” His voice wavered as he made his half-hearted declaration.
Langley went on, his voice commanding attention. “The buttons, retrieving the letter, and your cologne gave you away, Hastings. Combined with Lady Lora’s testimony and the evidence we’ve gathered, your treachery is undeniable.”
“Anyone can purchase that cologne.” Hastings remained adamant, though his voice lacked conviction.
Langley produced a letter sealed with a distinctive crest. He held it up for all to see.
Lora frowned and turned to Rockford. “Whose seal is that?”
Langley met her gaze. His expression was grave. “It’s from Mr. Thompson.”
“Thompson?” Rockford echoed. “Our mentor?”
Langley nodded. “Yes. Years ago, I encountered Hastings at a tavern. He was down on his luck, and I introduced him to Thompson, hoping to help him find honest work. But Hastings betrayed that trust. Thompson uncovered Hastings’s collusion with the enemy and documented everything.”
He handed the letter to Rockford.
Hastings’s face paled further. “You have no proof!” Hastings glanced around desperately, realizing his allies had abandoned him. “You can’t do this,” he spat. “This isn’t over! You may have won tonight, but you have no idea what you’ve set in motion. My reach extends further than you know, and sooner or later, you’ll see the consequences.”
Lora and Rockford exchanged a worried glance. Rockford stepped in front of Hastings, “Who else was involved?”
Hastings laughed bitterly. “You’ll find out soon enough. Or perhaps you’ll recognize the face of betrayal yourself.”
Moments later, Greene re-entered the room, dragging a sullen figure behind him.
“James?” Rockford turned to Barrington then back to James. “You’ve been our family footman for years.”
James avoided his gaze. “I never wanted to do it. But… I had no choice.”
Rockford’s eyes narrowed. “What leverage did he have against you, James?”
James looked up, his face pale. “My brother… he’s in debt, deep debt. Hastings promised to clear it and keep him out of debtor prison if I helped him.”
Barrington signaled to Peter and Simon. “Take him into the castle dungeon.”
“This isn’t over!” Hastings shouted as he was led away, his voice echoing down the corridor until it faded into silence.
For a long moment, the ballroom remained still, the weight of what had just transpired settling over every guest. Then, whispers rippled through the crowd, some murmuring in shock, others exchanging uneasy glances. A few stepped away, as if physically distancing themselves from the scandal that had unfolded before them.
Lora exhaled slowly, her fingers trembling at her sides. Rockford stood beside her, his jaw clenched, his gaze steady despite the storm still raging within him.
Then, from across the room, Lord Whitfield cleared his throat, drawing attention. “Well,” he said, his voice carrying authority. “I daresay this evening did not unfold as any of us expected.”
A murmur of uneasy agreement spread through the crowd.
“But let us not allow the actions of one man to overshadow the greater purpose of tonight.” He raised his glass, his expression resolute. “The clinic remains a cause worth championing. If anything, this reminds us why we must stand together, to support those who serve our community with honor.”
Lora’s breath caught, her eyes flicking toward Rockford. Slowly, a sense of calm settled over the room, as if the guests had found their footing once more.
Whitfield lifted his glass higher. “In light of these events, I propose we all reaffirm our commitment to the clinic’s expansion. It is a noble endeavor, and I, for one, am increasing my donation.”
A murmur of approval followed, then scattered applause. One by one, others lifted their glasses, their voices rising in agreement.
Rockford glanced at Lora, something unspoken passing between them. This battle was over, but their work was far from finished.
Mrs. Turner appeared at Rockford and Lora’s side. “Dinner is served if you’d please have your guests proceed to the dining hall.”
Rockford smiled warmly. “Thank you, Mrs. Turner.” He turned to his guests. “Ladies and gentlemen, shall we continue our evening? Dinner is served.”
The atmosphere shifted significantly as the guests began to move toward the dining hall. Laughter and light-hearted conversations filled the space, the earlier tension replaced with a sense of ease and friendship. The gala was back on course.
Harriet sidled up to Lora, a mischievous glint in her eye. “Well, that was quite the turn of events. You do know how to keep things interesting.”
Lora chuckled softly. “I can’t take all the credit.”
“Oh, but you should.” Harriet squeezed her friend’s hand. “I’m so proud of you.”
Rockford approached them, his eyes softening as they met hers. “May I steal Lora for a moment?” His voice was gentle yet filled with unspoken emotion.
Harriet grinned. “By all means.” She gave Lora an encouraging nod.
Once alone, Rockford led Lora to a quiet alcove adorned with fragrant blooms and softly glowing candles. The distant melody of the quartet played in the background. He turned to face her, taking both her hands in his.
“Lora, tonight wouldn’t have been possible without you. Your courage and brilliance shone brighter than any star.”
She met his gaze, her eyes reflecting the warm light. “We accomplished it together. I couldn’t have faced Hastings without you.”
He exhaled, his heart pounding. “These past weeks have shown me something undeniable, you are my anchor, the light that guides me home. Every moment with you is a gift.”
Emotion swirled in her eyes. “Rockford…” Her voice was a whisper, barely audible over the soft strains of music.
Lifting her hand, he pressed a tender kiss to her fingertips. “Lora, you are the love I never dared to dream of. Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”
Tears welled in her eyes, and a radiant smile broke across her face. “Yes, Rockford. With all my heart, yes.”
Relief and joy filled his expression as he withdrew a small velvet box from his coat. “There’s something I wish to give you.”
She gasped softly as he opened it, revealing an exquisite necklace, a delicate chain holding an emerald pendant encircled by shimmering diamonds.
“This has been in my family for generations,” he murmured. “It was crafted by a medieval duke for the woman who held his heart, much as you hold mine. I want you to have it as a symbol of my love and devotion.”
Lora’s fingers brushed the pendant as she met his gaze. “It’s beautiful. I will treasure it always.”
He stepped behind her, fastening the necklace around her neck. The emerald settled just above her heart. “It pales in comparison to you.”
Turning to face him, her voice thick with emotion, she whispered, “Rockford, you’ve shown me a happiness I never imagined. I promise to love and cherish you, now and always.”
He cupped her face, his voice reverent. “I vow to honor and protect you, to stand by you through every sunrise and storm.”
Their eyes locked, and in that moment, the world around them disappeared. She leaned in, and their lips met in a tender kiss, a silent promise of the life they would build together.
When they parted, their foreheads rested softly against each other, their breaths mingling.
“Together, we’ll create a future filled with love and wonder,” she whispered.
He smiled, his gaze full of devotion. “Our adventure is just beginning.”
A sudden blast of trumpets sounded, signaling the King’s arrival. The guests rose from their seats, anticipation rippled through the air. Footmen swiftly opened the doors leading to the ballroom, guiding the attendees to where His Majesty would make his entrance.
Rockford offered his arm to Lora, a joyful twinkle in his eye. “It seems our special guest has arrived,” he said.
She took his arm, her fingers curling around his with newfound assurance. “I’m ready to face whatever comes next as long as we’re together.”
The grand doors opened, and with a regal presence, the king entered. His attire was magnificent, a deep velvet coat adorned with gold embroidery, and a crown that glittered under the chandeliers. His gaze swept the room with a kind yet commanding presence. It was the lady who accompanied him that had the assembly whispering.
Rockford and Lora stepped forward to greet him. Rockford bowed deeply. “Your Majesty, it is an honor to have you with us.” He turned to the woman. “And you, too, Lady Harriet.”
Lora curtsied gracefully. “Your Majesty.”
The king smiled warmly, his voice resonant and welcoming. “Good evening. I apologize for the late arrival. Matters of state, you understand.” He paused, his eyes twinkling with kindness as he regarded them. “As well as a little interruption. Lady Harriet has told me a great deal about this evening as well as the admirable cause it supports. But I suspect there’s more to celebrate.”
Rockford spoke confidently. “Your Majesty—”
The king held up his hand. He glanced at Lady Harriet, who handed him a letter. “I must tell you, Rockford, Lady Harriet made a delightful courier. She stopped my carriage and wouldn’t move until I read the thing.” He shook his head. “She was very insistent. So, neither of you knew that Lord Fallsmith had made a request on your behalf. I find that very interesting and…romantic.”
“We would like your permission.” Rockford stood before His Majesty, composed and with a straight posture. “Lady Lora and I wish to announce our engagement.”
The King’s eyes twinkled. Then, his gaze fell on the Rockford necklace. “You have my permission, and my heartfelt congratulations to you both.”
The guests erupted, the room filling with renewed excitement.
The king addressed the crowd. “Let us raise a toast to truth revealed, to noble causes, and the happy couple. May their union bring joy and prosperity.”
Glasses were raised as a resounding “Hear, hear!” echoed through the hall.
The musicians began to play, and the dance floor beckoned.
Rockford turned to Lora, offering his hand. “May I have this dance?”
Lora glanced at the king.
“You go on. I need to talk to Barrington. He can fill me in on what has happened.”
They moved onto the center of the ballroom. The challenges of the past weeks faded away, leaving only the promise of their future together.
Lady Dorset whispered to Lady Napier. “They make a splendid couple, don’t they?”
Lady Napier nodded. “Indeed. Their bond is strong. And to think we nearly let baseless gossip cloud our eyes.”
Ellington approached Lady Harriet. “I must say, the clinic’s expansion will do wonders for the community. I’ve always supported your father’s efforts. Excellent doctor. I’m increasing my contribution.”
Harriet smiled appreciatively. “Your generosity is most welcome. It’s heartening to see everyone come together.”
As the evening progressed, it became a celebration not just of Rockford and Lora’s engagement but of truth, reconciliation, and the strength of the community.
Later, after the king departed, as the gala began to come to an end, Rockford and Lora slipped out onto the terrace. The night air was cool, a gentle breeze rustling the leaves.
Lora looked up at the stars, the night air crisp against her skin. “Everything feels right now,” she murmured, the weight of the past weeks lifting. For the first time, there were no unanswered questions, no lingering doubts, only the steady warmth of the man beside her and the promise of the future they would build together.
Rockford wrapped an arm around her. “It does. With Hastings exposed and the truth now known, we can move forward unhindered.”
She rested her head on his shoulder. “I’m excited for what the future holds.”
He pressed a kiss to her temple. “As am I. We’ll accomplish great things together.”
They stood in comfortable silence, content in each other’s company.
Finally, Lora spoke softly. “Thank you for believing in me.”
He turned to face her fully. “It’s I who should thank you. Your courage and perception were pivotal. You are, without a doubt, the heroine of this story.”
She laughed lightly. “Perhaps we can share that title.”
He smiled. “Perhaps we can. But regardless, I am grateful to have you by my side.”
“Always,” she agreed.