One year ago...

Ralph opened his eyes and found a sleeping angel before him.

It was Lady in Blue!

Her wild, curly hair nearly covered her face as she slept sideways, her bare shoulder peeking through the thick covers.

Was he dreaming?

The question brought a frown on his face.

He blinked.

The woman was still there, but her face was far from the woman he saw when he first opened his eyes.

Cursing in his head, Ralph slipped out of bed and padded across the room to collect his clothes.

Before he walked out the door, now fully clothed, he looked over his shoulder at where his lover was still sleeping.

Why, in all of a sudden, did Lady in Blue came back to haunt him?

It was a question that may never be answered.

He left the estate and went to Grey's. He may not have answers there, but at the very least he would be distracted.

*****

"Now, do not think I am not happy, Lex, because I am," Ralph murmured to his now-wife, "but you must know the repercussions of our actions. And to think that my mother had everything to do with it is absurd at best!"

"Hush!" said Alex, "Sophia's sleepin'."

Ralph glowered across the carriage to find Nicholas grinning at him silently. It was as though his brother was already seeing his limp body hanging in the middle of Meriwether. "And to choose this one brother to be our witness is the worst of all," he said through his teeth.

"I have been witness to Maxwell and Maxine's wedding, brother," said Nicholas. "Trust me, I am the best candidate."

"And I am not sleeping," said Sophia. "I simply find no use opening my eyes when I can barely see anything," she added, snorting at her own jest.

"You and Mother ought to have another plan on how to keep your father from murdering your husband," Ralph addressed Alex. "For I would not receive his punishment as I have done nothing."

"You did say 'I do'," Nicholas reminded. "Did you hear him say it louder than I did during our wedding, Sophie?"

Sophia merely smiled, reaching for Nicholas' hand. It was a silent gesture to stop her husband.

"Are you not going away to travel the entire Town?" Ralph asked. "I was quite ecstatic to be free of you, really, brother."

"Oh, not quite yet, brother," Nicholas said, leaning his head back and closing his eyes.

Suspicion clouded Ralph's mind. "Why is that?"

"As ye've said, guv," Alex said, clasping his hand with a wicked smile, "Mother and I ought te have plans. And we do."

*****

Ralph was not certain he was feeling all right when he found himself riding the same carriage from Devonshire merely a day after their arrival from Tiny Town. As a matter of fact, he was feeling sick that he might throw up whilst his mother looked quite calm and ecstatic as she calmly folded her hands over her lap, sharing a smile with her new daughter-in-law.

Lady Alice's words when they arrived two days past still rang in his ears. "Very well, it is done. We must tell your father, dear. It is about time the Everards go to Meriwether."

"Fret not, my son," said his mother when she noticed Ralph's pale face. "Gustav shall not do anything harsh," she said, looking out the window. "Oh, I believe we have arrived!"

Alex nodded beside Lady Alice. "Aye."

The carriage stopped beside the road, at the edge of the stone forest and Ralph watched as his mother, clad in her canary gown, gracefully climbed down the carriage, saying, "Do tell the others to hurry, dear. We do not want the villagers of Blucksley to start wondering why the entire Everards are entering your home."

Alex stole Ralph a glance and laughed at his current state before she jumped out of the carriage, also in a dress his mother ordered that she wore before they departed.

"God be with us all," Ralph groaned before he forced himself off his seat to follow his wife and mother outside.

The fast and strong beating of his heart was muffled by the chaos outside as the other carriages arrived and his entire family stepped out, carrying their children, portmanteaus and wooden boxes.

"Oi! Hurry, ye'all!" someone shouted from the entrance of the stone forest. Ralph turned and found Ned, waving his hand. "Children first!" added Barto beside him.

Fiona and Faye excitedly jumped. Fiona grabbed her brother, Harold, by the hand and guided the boy toward Ned who was beaming at the pair. Faye grabbed her cousin, Lindsay, from Levi and followed close behind Fiona and Harold.

Maxwell took a long, deep breath, Bea in one arm, holding his wife's hand with the other. "Do not forget the boxes," he said to Ralph. "They are essential."

Nicholas was carrying one of the three boxes in both arms as he said, "Oi, Barto, guide my wife and do be careful!" to which Barto immediately agreed to with a pleasant smile toward Sophia.

"This is quite interesting," Ralph heard Margaret say as she and her husband, who was carrying their youngest, Katie, walked after the crowd disappearing into the dark, stone forest.

"You will love Meriwether, Maggie," promised Ysabella.

"I dare to disagree," said Wakefield wryly. "But I would love to see Gustav."

"Hurry, you two," Emma urged the couple. "And Ralph, the boxes! My hands are currently full!" she ordered, lifting the two portmanteaus she was carrying.

"William, the luggage!" gasped Ysabella. William groaned and let go of his pregnant wife to return to their carriage, grumbling, "I was hoping she will forget."

"Hurry, Benedict!" their mother hissed from somewhere.

"Ayah, stop wailing," his eldest brother tried to comfort his only child.

"Give her to me and get the other box," Agatha said to her husband, collecting Ayah in her hands.

Benedict walked to pick up the second of the three boxes and sent Ralph a look. "Get the last one."

"I'll do it," said Alex, already lifting the last box.

"No, give it to me," Ralph insisted, but his wife shook her head. "Ye guide Mother."

"Come, son," Lady Alice said, reaching for his arm. "Oh, this is more exciting than a picnic in the woods, is it not?"

Ralph groaned. "I am not quite certain, Mother," he replied, looking ahead as his entire family started to disappear into the darkness, led by Ned and Barto, the children's laughter ringing in the air followed by Ayah's constant wailing. "Do ask me the question after we meet my father-in-law for as of now, I see naught but chaos."

*****

Gustav looked very much surprised to find that his village had a crowd of intruders who were starting to cause havoc. The children and the adults who had not yet been to Meriwether were in wonder as they looked up at the giant hole above them and around the stone cottages and further to the vast plantation ahead. Those who had been to Meriwether were trying to catch the children when they began to run to different directions, now quite unstoppable.

His father-in-law looked dumbfounded when his eyes roamed around. His jaw dropped an inch when his eyes landed on Lady Alice and he barely moved when Maxwell walked past him, patting his large shoulder as greeting. He whirled around once more to look for Ralph.

"Stop there, young man!" Barto was shouting from somewhere. "Who's child are ye, ye little devil!"

"Mine! Mine! He's mine! Harold, come back here this instant! Cole! Do get him! Get him!" Margaret was shouting from afar.

Gustav sent Ralph a questioning look but before he could open his mouth to say anything, Alex said, "I took the liberty te bind Ralph and take 'im te Tiny Town, 'Pa," she said, placing the wooden box among the two others carried by Benedict and Maxwell. "We're married now."

Lindsay had managed to escape her cousins and had come close to Gustav, looking up at him in awe and wonder, never having seen any man with such long hair and beard. She lifted both arms and reached for him, her blue-grey eyes filled with curiosity and excitement.

Gustav growled and bent down to pick up the child. The scowl on his face remained even while Lindsay tugged on his beard with giggles. "Ye've done what?" he carefully asked his daughter.

"They have married," said Lady Alice, breaking her silence with confidence. She stepped forward and smiled at Gustav. "I am Lady Alice, Ralph's mother. You are Mr. Gustav Griggs, yes?"

Gustav studied Lady Alice and merely grunted in reply.

"Ah, your daughter told me you would not find the news appealing," said Lady Alice with a wave of her hand. "But I told her when I urged her to kidnap my son to elope to Tiny Town that I would take any punishment you may bestow upon them."

Gustav frowned and returned his gaze on the woman. "Urged te kidnap yer son?"

Lady Alice nodded. "It was my idea," she whispered to Gustav conspiratorially. "Ralph was willing to be patient and wait for your signal, but you know us women..." she added, allowing her voice to trail away. She straightened her back while Gustav looked at her, quite dumbfounded, Lindsay now tugging harder on his hair and beard. "Now, if you do not wish to punish me for my meddling, we have brought gifts! Ralph, be so kind to open the three boxes of brandy and wine for your father-in-law." She started to walk past Gustav who turned to follow her with his eyes. "What a wonderful place you have here, Gustav." She looked over her shoulder. "I can call you Gustav, yes? Since we are now family."

"Grandmama!" cried Fiona and Faye from afar. "They have a fountain! A fountain! Come and see!"

"Grandmama!" cried Fiona, "can we stay longer here?"

"Of course, dear!" Lady Alice replied. "Your Grandpapa Gustav would love to have you here!" And she added in a stern voice, "But do not tell any of your friends about this wonderful place. This is our family's little secret, yes? Grandpapa Gustav would be very sad should anyone else come and visit!"

Gustav whirled around to face Ralph and Alex, his eyes wide and mouth hanging open. "That's yer mother."

"Yes," Ralph groaned in reply.

"Aye," Alex uttered with amusement.

"Fret not, Gustav," said Emma, patting his shoulder as she walked past, "You will get used to her."

Lindsay started to tug more of Gustav's beard until the man winced in pain. Benedict came from behind and introduced himself to Gustav. "I believe we have not met. I am Benedict."

Gustav nodded, avoiding Lindsay's hands. "The Beast."

Agatha laughed beside her husband.

Benedict merely sighed as he reached for Lindsay. Gustav shook his head, saying, "She is not causing harm."

The eldest of the Everards merely shrugged. "Very well." He motioned toward Ralph. "My brother seems agitated, fearing that you do not like the fact that they married without your blessing. What can we Everards do to not force you into harsh actions?"

Gustav lifted one hand to stop Alex when she made a move to speak. "Let me speak, child," he said, tearing his eyes from Benedict. With Lindsay still in his arms, Gustav said, "Prepare ye two."

"Prepare?" Ralph and Alex asked in unison.

"The gentry weddin' happened but the bandit one has not. We're havin' one right this very day," Gustav said, voice laced with finality. He then turned to Benedict and ordered, "Gather yer family, guv. We're havin' a weddin'."

And without further words, he turned away, murmuring to Lindsay, "Where d'ye wanna go, lassie? Ye wanna see the fountain?"

*****

A bandit wedding was not for everyone, more so for most gentries all over the Town.

It was chaotic at best and everyone believed a vicar was of less import. So long as the bride and groom were present and the village elder was capable to make the union possible, a wedding could very much ensue.

Alex was hastily dressed in a white, loose dress that showed her shoulders and trailed the ground, her hair donned with flowers, her hands painted with intricate patterns by the much older women, a privilege only a bride could have once in her life in Meriwether.

The festive music from wooden drums and wind instruments had long started and everyone had started to gather around the circle of wild flowers where the pyre used to be. The sunlight from aboveground washed over the circle, making every color more vibrant.

The Everard children were seen playing with the village children, their clothes dirty and utterly ruined, but their faces red and radiant with joy.

Alex's uncles, Dan and Gun, were hastily called to join the celebration. And as though it was a common understanding amongst those who knew, the two men were not given the privilege to learn of Ralph's connection with the Guards. It was Gustav's adamant idea that the other bandits not be informed for it would not do anyone good should talk reach the other bandit villages.

Ralph and Alex were joined together in matrimony by Gustav himself, half of the time the man growling as he proceeded with the ceremony. And when finally, Ralph and Alex were declared by Gustav as man and wife, everyone around them threw flowers.

"Now, the rite of passage," declared Gustav, making Ralph stiffen and his brothers to stand up in surprise. But Alex gave him a wink as she stepped back, a bouquet of wild flowers in her hands and laughter in her eyes.

Ralph warily looked at his father-in-law, finding the man draw out a dagger from his boots. He swallowed and looked over his shoulder at where his entire family was standing. Emma and Ysabella looked quite nervous, his mother frowning as she assessed the situation, his brothers a mixture of amusement, alarm and excitement. The children did not seem bothered as they continued to run around. Barto and Ned, on the other hand, were quietly chuckling behind Gustav.

"It won't hurt much, Ralph," his wife whispered to him as her father reached for Ralph's right hand.

"M-much?" he asked and nearly yelped when Gustav turned his arm with his powerful hand, positioning the dagger over his pulse.

"Now, don't move, young man," Gustav said as he placed the blade merely an inch away from where his pulse was. "One wrong move and ye'll bleed te death." He lifted his head while holding the dagger against Ralph's wrist, saying, "Today, another is joinin' us by marriage!" The bandits roared in cheers and Gustav carefully slit Ralph's skin. Blood oozed out and Gustav immediately covered it with his left hand and raised Ralph's arm up in the air. Another round of cheers erupted.

Alex gave Ralph a reassuring pat on the shoulder. "As I've said, it won't hurt much." She looked at her father and asked, "Can I have me husband now?"

Gustav rolled his eyes and dropped Ralph's bleeding arm. Alex grabbed it and covered it with her hand, receiving the cloth handed over by another lady bandit. She tied the cloth around Ralph's wound. "Yer the first Guard te become a part of a bandit village," she whispered, voice wicked. "Quite a mockery, isn't it?"

The festivity was longer than the ceremony itself and it was filled with music and dancing. The pyre was back as night drew in. The children had calmed down as they lay on their backs, looking up at the clear night sky above.

Lady Alice and Gustav were laughing together now, Ralph's brothers drowning themselves in brandy with Dan and Gun, their wives keeping eye on them and the children.

As to the newlyweds, they decided to go and disappear for quite a while into the cornfields.

"Where are those two off to?" Lady Alice asked.

"Let 'em be," said Gustav, chuckling. "That's their special place. Now, tell me more 'bout how me daughter took yer son to Tiny Town."

"Oh, yes," Lady Alice said, eyes lighting up in merriment. "Nick, dear, who was it who brought the rope?"

*****

"I see you managed to escape our sister's side?" Ralph noted a month later.

Wakefield sighed as he took a seat. The server immediately delivered his favorite brandy. "It was she who told me I ought to have this night off. She knows I would not have much time once the babe is born."

"How considerate," Maxwell droned.

"And I see you brought along your wife," said Wakefield, grinning at Alex playing cards at the next table, dressed in Ralph's shirt and trousers.

"This is her third night at Grey's this week," Ralph said through his teeth, eyes on his wife. "This is my first."

Wakefield laughed, looking amazed.

"She had been coming home, bragging about her wins."

More laughter followed.

"It is not even amusing."

"Meg did it once," Cole spoke beside Maxwell.

"Mine barged right into Rock'oles," Maxwell said with a shrug. "Stop fuming, brother. It is not that bad."

"Has anyone else heard news about Durley?" Cole asked in a low voice when a long silence followed.

"Nothing apart from what I read on the Herald," Wakefield replied.

"The man cannot be fully trusted, Ralph," Maxwell said, serious. "Keep an eye on him whenever you can."

"It is reassurance that he loves his sister enough to spare us, but yes, I would keep an eye on the man."

Cole drew in a deep breath. "Meg and I agree he is not the enemy for now."

Maxwell stared at Cole for a long time. "Our sister is working on another project, is she not?"

They knew Cole would not divulge any information and tonight was no exception. "She always is," was his vague reply. "And I am keeping an eye on her," he reassured the brothers.

Wakefield gulped down his glass and asked for another.

"My lord!" someone shouted from the doorway. Everybody turned to find Wakefield's butler, Morris, rushing forward. "My lord!" he repeated breathlessly.

Wakefield jumped to his feet looking alarmed.

"It is time! It is time!" Morris said, eyes filled with excitement.

"Bloody hell!" Wakefield cried out gathering his coat.

Ralph jumped up together with Maxwell and Cole.

"I did tell you not to go out tonight," Morris said to his master.

"Bloody shut up, Morris! Prepare the carriage at once!"

"It is already waiting, my lord!"

Ralph rushed to where Alex was just as Cole said, "I will go get Meg."

"Apologies, gentlemen, my wife is expected to retire early for tonight," he said when he reached Alex's table. "Your friend is giving birth."

Her initial protest instantly disappeared.

"Next time, friends," she said to the gentlemen she was playing with.

"Go with Wakefield," he said as she dashed to the door with everyone else. "Max and I will gather Mother and Emma from the manor."

*****

Jefferson was surprised to open the doors of the manor and find Maxwell and Ralph.

"My lords!" he said as the two rushed up the grand staircase.

"Ysabella is giving birth, Jefferson," said Ralph. "Have the carriage drawn out at once!"

"Yes! Of course, my lord! Right away!"

The two brothers parted ways on the second landing, Maxwell to the west wing to find their mother and Ralph to the east to get Emma.

Ralph went straight to his sister's bedchamber and without knocking, pushed open the door.

What he found froze him.

"Ralph!" he heard Maxwell cry out from down the hall. "Mother is getting ready. Tell Emma to move faster, else we are leaving her behind!"

Ralph's jaw tightened as anger start to boil inside him. "That will require a bit more time, Max," he growled as Maxwell approached in hurried steps.

"What do you mean—"

Maxwell's words came to a halt when he saw Ralph's dreadful discovery. His older brother's face darkened instantly.

"We shall try to explain," Emma said, pulling the covers over her bare shoulders. Beside her was Samuel looking deathly pale and very much naked.