Free The Reinvention Of Rudd Carter. A Western Action Adventure Novel by R.L. Davis

going to allow them to be together. Why? Because it wasn’t politically and socially convenient for their families, even though it was legal for first cousins to marry? Especially not cousins their age. They were supposed to play games and have picnics with the family, not ride off into the forest and make love day after day. Most assuredly, cousins did not fall in love with each other and have a baby. Nevertheless, he ached for her and resolved to be with her again someday, somehow.
    The next morning, Rudd awoke feeling rebellious and determined instead of remorseful and full of the sorrow he had gone to sleep with. He would welcome going abroad. He would welcome the opportunity to break away from his father’s on going effort to package him as if he were some kind of commodity being developed for the benefit of his family’s political ambitions. He would find Elizabeth and create a life for them under his own terms.
    That afternoon, he entered his father’s study to find both his parents waiting for him. Lord Carter motioned for him to sit down. Rudd chose to stand.
    “Very well, if you prefer to take what I have to say standing up, then I admire your grit,” his father said, “but before I continue, your mother has something to say to you. Margaret?”
    Lady Carter moved close to her son, placing the palm of her hand against his cheek as she often did when she expressed affection for him. He visibly relaxed under her touch.
    “Yesterday, you showed much concern for Elizabeth, and I am moved by that, for I know you must love her deeply. I can honestly say that I do not know what will happen to her, but I imagine she will live with relatives in another province in Canada until the baby is born. Then she will be placed in a religious girls’ school until she is eighteen. Don’t worry, she will be well taken care of by her family, but the two of you must not communicate with each other,” she cautioned.
    His eyes moistened. “Father, Mother, I want to apologize for any scandal I have caused. I am ready to accept any decision you make regarding my future. If you want to send me to Hong Kong, then to Hong Kong I shall go.”
    As he listened to his son’s apology, his father’s face softened. “I must admit, I’m very impressed with your attitude, taking your medicine like a man. This situation will pass in time, and if all goes well, in a few years you’ll be able to return as if nothing had happened.” He gave Rudd a more compassionate look. “It will take a week or two for me to make arrangements for your passage to Hong Kong. In the meantime, you may return to your normal everyday activities until you depart. Make no attempt to write to Elizabeth, as your letters will be intercepted, and it will appear to my brother that I have made no effort to discipline you for your part in this mess. You may go now.”
    As Rudd left his father’s study, anger welled up inside him. He had never felt hatred for his father before, but his seeming disregard for Elizabeth’s fate and cold dismissal of his feelings, as always, triggered an overwhelming emotion in him. He resolved he would never forgive his father.
    * * *
    After Rudd had gone, Lady Carter stood silently at the window, studying the rolling hills in the distance, and then turned to her husband. “Is it really necessary to send Rudd abroad? Since everything is being taken care of in Canada, no one here will ever know the difference.”
    “Margaret, I have to show my brother that I am taking strong steps with Rudd, or he will be greatly offended. His political and social reputation will be just as jeopardized as mine, and of course, his wife will feel compelled to write relatives over here and it will get out. We have to show that we have reprimanded him properly. After all, my political future could be at stake if this situation is not carefully handled.”
    Lady Carter turned back to the window, her eyes filled with tears. “Elizabeth is such a beautiful,