Treasure in Trouble - Heart's Treasure Part 3: Heart's Treasure

By Ann Mikal

Now, back in England, Marisa finds that she is faced with a new challenge – that of fitting into English society.  But that's not all – how could she have anticipated the appearance of a rival, a formidable foe in the form of Byron's ex-fiancee, who seems determined to make her new, idyllic life a major misery.  And. if that weren't bad enough, when Marisa thinks things can't get any worse, her nemesis throw an unexpected bomb that blows her world to pieces, a catastrophe that causes her to question her husband's fidelity to her.

 

Byron is bowled over when a ghost from his past shows up and turns his world upside down.  He'd thought that was bad, until a second, unethical, ghost uses his influence to have him apprehended, his freedom endangered.  How can he gain his freedom so he can protect his family from this terrifying threat?  How can he regain the trust of his wife and win back his life?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Phoenix Publishing Limited
• Release date: Nov 3, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393072508

Book preview

Heart’s Treasure

Book Three

Ann Mikal

Now, back in England , Marisa finds that she is faced with a new challenge – that of fitting into English society.  But that’s not all – how could she have anticipated the appearance of a rival, a formidable foe in the form of Byron’s ex-fiancee, who seems determined to make her new, idyllic life a major misery.  And. if that weren’t bad enough, when Marisa thinks things can’t get any worse, her nemesis throw an unexpected bomb that blows her world to pieces, a catastrophe that causes her to question her husband’s fidelity to her.

Byron is bowled over when a ghost from his past shows up and turns his world upside down.  He’d thought that was bad, until a second, unethical, ghost uses his influence to have him apprehended, his freedom endangered.  How can he gain his freedom so he can protect his family from this terrifying threat?  How can he regain the trust of his wife and win back his life?

CHAPTER ONE

T he London dock seems even bigger than I remember it. As Marisa leaned against her husband, she drew in a deep breath of the salty air and smiled in satisfaction.  She could not believe she was finally back, taking in the view of the port city, the same city from which she’d sailed almost three years before.

After ripping up roots and sailing to Canada, after settling in that safe haven and starting a life of her own, she and her family were now looking to start a new life in England.

And this was a new family that she had - a new and bigger family - one in which she now had a husband and two boys - Harry, who was now almost fourteen, and Luke, her toddler of only two years.

Marisa drew in a shaky, but fortifying, breath.  She was excited to be back in her native land, but more than a little apprehensive at what would be next in her life.

Would she fit in?  Would she be able to play the part of the wife of a captain, a noble man, no less?  How would she fit into a society with which she was so unfamiliar?

She glanced over at Byron.  He seemed so calm, so unperturbed by the prospect of re-entering English society, of again picking up his position as a gentleman and highly respected member of society.  Maybe it was because he had made multiple trips back to Britain.  Marisa did not know to which factor to credit his calm.  Whatever the source, she was grateful and willing to seek solace and find support in her husband's strength.  She had a feeling that she would need it.

Come back, you little rascal!

Marisa whipped around to see Luke looking so naughty and nice at the same time.  She smiled at her son as he toddled toward her.  What have you been doing, to be looking so pleased?  Were you in the sugar bowl again?

Even worse, Harry said, running up behind his little brother, clearly intent on thwarting any plans the little one had to plunder any more jars along the journey.  He emptied his plate of peas onto the floor.

Marisa pursed her lips in an exaggerated pout.  Luke, that was not very nice.  Now apologize, young man.  Tell your brother you are sorry.

Realizing he was not being welcomed with open arms, Luke's face fell, his super-bright smile disappearing.  Instead, he had a toddler frown and the pout he'd practiced for when he wanted to secure the sympathy of his chosen target for the moment.

Seeing that no such sympathy was forthcoming, the pitter-patter of Luke’s

running feet slowed.  His eyes round and filled with regret, he turned to the bigger boy.  I sorry, he said, and when he turned back to his mother, his chubby face was flushed with shame.

Not the one to watch her son suffer, Marisa quickly crouched down and stretched out her arms.  Well said, little one.  Now, come and let me give you a hug.

Immediately, the sun popped back out from behind the clouds of his frown and his face lit up in his usual cherubic smile. 

Marisa's heart melted.  How could anyone resist that smile?  Ahh, come to Mama, Sweetie.  As Luke chortled and ran forward, Marisa welcomed him into the warmth of her waiting arms.

These were the moments that Marisa loved most, when she would be far from the outside world, lost in the love of family, nothing more than Marisa to her husband and Mama to her boys.  But, as she smoothed her little boy's hair and rose to her feet, she knew that it was not a heaven that would last forever.  She was on the brink of a new beginning, and one that would be fraught with new first-time experiences and new fears but, happily, also one with new friends.

As Harry approached, it was Byron who first reached out to greet him and tousle his hair.  Ready to start your new life, my boy?

Harry grimaced.  I don't know.  I liked it back in Canada.  I miss my friends.

Byron nodded, looking sympathetic.  I know.  But you can write them.  I will make sure they get your letters. And one of these days, when I am delivering supplies, you might want to take a trip back with me.

That sounds like a good idea, Harry said gleefully.

No, it does not.  Marisa decided to nip that idea in the bud.  First, you need to settle down in your new home before you start thinking of any more adventures.  Your first new adventure must be with a governess.

Aaww!

Harry's moan meant he was neither enthused nor amused.

Marisa laughed.  It will not be that bad.  I promise.

That evening, after they’d disembarked and journeyed for almost an hour in a wagon with their luggage, they finally arrived at Byron's country house, a cozy cottage nestled at the foot of a green hill, colorful with fall foliage and trees full of autumn leaves.

Your home, Marisa whispered, in awe.  It is so beautiful.

Our home, Byron replied, as he covered her hand with his. This home is for you.  For our children.  Our family.

His words were music to Marisa's ears.  It was what she'd been waiting for all her life.

As soon as she could, she hopped out of the wagon with Luke who, like her, was eager to explore.  Let's leave the men to unload, she said, laughing.  Time for us to have fun.

Marisa soon found out that it was, indeed, a beautiful home, with a charming parlor where she would be able to welcome her neighbors for a spot of tea or where Byron could engage the men in lively debate and banter.  She could just picture it - a life where she would soon make fast friends with the neighborhood women and learn all the norms of polite society.  Soon, she would be a lady in high demand,