Oliver's  POV

"That is not my child.  I've not seen that woman in over a decade."  I said.

"Roseland is 9 years old, Oliver.  You are her father."  He looks at me like he is taking joy in stirring this mess.

"I've never been told of a child.  I believe if I ever fathered a child, I would know by this date."  I dismissed his claims. 

"It's true, if you believe it or not, she is your daughter."  He insists.

"I believe the lengths you've gone to has proven you to be a very sorry man, Armstrong.  I trusted you with my wife and children, and all you've done is bite the hand that feeds you."

"The validity of these claims could never be proven, dear cousin.  My brother has done nothing wrong if he never knew of the child's existance.  My question is, why you have such an obsession for Oliver's past love, and now his wife?  You act as if you've never had past indiscretions, when we all know a man of your age has had plenty.  Myself being younger than you has had my fair share, so do not play as if you are a better man."  Norman cut in to throw in his two cents.

"I've never bedded a married woman, so cousin, I do expect you to climb off that high horse and state your intentions."  I said. 

"I love Naomi within the deepest parts of my soul.  I love her enough to want to see her happy.  I do care for my wife, and that is the reason she is here with me on our property.  I did not bring her to hurt Naomi, because she is the last person I intend to inflict such suffering.  I was unaware of the child's paternity until after our marriage.  It seems we have quite the conundrum, since my wife still holds a flame for her past love.  She used me to get to you, I'm afraid.  We have made peace between us with an understanding that I would not hide that child from her father.  I have no intentions of speaking this truth to Naomi."  He said.

"I'm afraid I don't believe the false words of your intentions.  If in fact that's my child, I will not hide that truth from my wife.  She is aware I had indescretions prior to our marriage."  I said.

"If Evelyn and Rose's presence causes turmoil in Naomi's heart, I will take them away."  He said.

"I would appreciate your respect of my marriage while you are in this home.  Naomi is not to be alone with you at any time.  Is that something you can respect, or is your departure expected by morning?"  I asked.

"I've held my infatuation at arms lengths for more time than I care to discuss. It will not be an issue." He said.

"We are building Westlake Manor, and by spring, you will have the home to run as your own, but until that time, I am the owner of this house and will not sign off on that deed until such promises are kept.  You are a solicitor, so you know by law I do not have to honor our agreement since such harm came to my family under your care.  Out of kinship I will honor it as long as our families may live in peace, and my wife agrees to these unfortunate circumstances."  I informed him before walking away to find my lovely wife. 

"Mother, have you seen Naomi?"  My mother looked at me in a way I've never imagined. 

"You don't think the yelling and screaming in that room was heard by everyone?  Oliver Westlake, I've never been so disappointed.  Not in just you, but that wife of yours, and your cousin.  Of course she ran off, but I'll tell you something young man.  All of you better fix this entire situation.  She is carrying yet another one of your children.  I won't lose another grandchild, I don't have the strength."  She turned and walked away. 

I ran outside, but she was nowhere to be found, so I went to the stables to get my horse.  She most likely didn't take hers, so I'm sure I can catch up quicker than what she can run.  My heart sank when I walked in and there was a horse missing.  She knows she can't ride right now, what is she thinking?

I saddled the healthiest horse, knowing my wife will run hers until it gives out. 

"Oliver, could we speak?"  Evelyn stood in the doorway of the barn.

"No, it would be best to let me find my wife."  I snapped.

"She needs space, and we need to speak."  She said, and I turned toward her with so much hatred, I could kill her with the glare in my eye.

"How dare you show up here after a decade and claim I fathered your child?  You're married to my cousin!  You are not my top priority at the moment!"  I threw the blanket over my horses back. 

"I wanted to reach out to you, but father found out.  He forbid me to tell you about our child and married me off to Lincoln Cowell.  He died at the beginning of the war in Ft. Sumpter.  We bore no children together."  She said.

"That means nothing to me, Evelyn.  What we had was years ago, and there was no love.  Not like I have with my wife.  You supported your father's plantation and his business dealings.  You know you would never of made a suitable wife."  I said.

"I would have accepted your ways, just as I'm forced to now.  I can't help the way I was brought up, and you are my only true love." 

I laughed.  "So you married my cousin to come and try to destroy my happy marriage?  That is not love, Evelyn." 

"She was unfaithful to you, Oliver.  Can't you see that we were meant to be?  Armstrong came in my life for a reason, and that was to bring us back together." 

"You're married, didn't that cross your mind when you took those vows?  You have no idea what my wife suffered while I was at war.  Your secret should have been kept as just that, since your child had a father in your late husband." 

"She's our child, and she was created out of love.  I've suffered a decade."  She started to cry.

"I was seventeen, Evelyn.  You were my first experience as a man, and I was too young to care about that indiscretion.  That's what you were, an indescretion I've now learned to regret.  I've made your husband promise to respect my marriage, and I'll have you do the same."

"She's your daughter!"  She cried.

"When was she birthed?"  I asked.

"January 12, 1856 in my husbands home in Virginia.  We were left destitute, Oliver."  She cried.

"You have married quite well, so you are not my burden. I will support my child, but my wife and children come first."  I jumped on my horse.  "If you can't respect my marriage and home, you're welcome to take your departure.  Also, if you ever speak of my wife's infidelity to anyone, including my mother and Naomi, I'll destroy both you and Armstrong, and that includes making sure you never see that daughter of yours again."  I kicked my horse, and took off in search of the one person I need more than anyone at this moment.