CHAPTER SEVENHe rose and walked firmly on.
Now he could see the great house in the distance and stopped for a moment to take in the view of the honey-coloured building with its towers and turrets.
This lovely place was his and he was going to bring his bride here in pride and joy.
With his Verna at his side he would be a reformed character. Together they would rule the estate benignly, loved by all their dependants as his mother had been.
His heart swelled with happiness and hope.
Another twenty minutes brought him to the house. Walking round it he came to the stables where he could see several grooms.
One looked up and a grin of delight spread across his face as he saw Michael.
“My Lord!” he bellowed. “Welcome home!”
They all came running towards him then, their faces full of jo
