Seeing Rossi Again

One day, Victor was walking with Veronica in the courtyard of the Lord's Mansion. A maid followed them, pushing a wooden baby carriage. Little cries came from it now and then. Inside lay Victor's son, Little Charlie.

More than a month had passed since Victor returned to Two Rivers Territory. He had spent most of that time with his wife and son, leaving the territory's affairs largely to its civil officials and his father, Old Baron Wembley. He stepped in only to make the important decisions.

As he was talking with Veronica, a guard hurried into the garden. The moment the guard saw Victor, he dropped to one knee.

"My lord, Duke Alex has sent someone to see you. He's brought quite a few goods with him!"

Victor turned to Veronica. "I'll go see what this is about. Stay here and rest with Charlie!"

Veronica smiled. "Go on. You've spent every day with Charlie and me lately. You've barely had time for the territory's affairs.

"If my cousin has sent someone, he must need something from you. Find out what it is. You left them behind and returned to Vela early—perhaps something happened after you left!"

Victor nodded. "I'll go and find out."

He followed the guard out of the courtyard and went to the gates of the Lord's Mansion.

A group was already waiting there, chatting with the mansion's steward. More than a dozen carriages stood outside the gates, packed to the brim. They had clearly brought a great deal with them.

As soon as Victor appeared, a man stepped out of the group and bowed. "Marquis Victor, it's been a long time!"

Victor studied him for a moment before asking uncertainly, "Are you Baron Rossi?"

The man nodded at once. "I am. I never expected Marquis Victor to