Somehow, thought Logan, his face and tone do not indicate great joy.
“But I would be gravely remiss if I did not warn you that I think you are making a serious mistake by wanting to return to London alone.”
“Because of the danger?” asked Logan.
“More than that, because of the separation it would mean between you and your future wife. You know, I believe, something of the story of my past?”
Logan nodded.
“We all know the Lord has used it for good,” Dorey went on, “but I was so young and foolish. It was impetuous of me to send Maggie to America while I remained behind myself. Good . . . yes,” he sighed; “the Lord used it to strengthen us. But I just don’t want to see you make a mistake you might regret.”
Logan nodded again, receiving the words of wisdom from this man he had grown to respect.
“Take her with you, Logan,” he concluded. “Now that the Lord has brought you together, do not let anything happen to interfere with your love.”
“I will think about what you have said,” said Logan. “You may be right. Thank you.”
Dorey rose and extended his arm. The two men clasped hands and shook them firmly. “The Lord bless you, son,” said Dorey at last. “I meant what I said. Welcome into this family. I have no doubt that great good will come to Stonewycke and its descendants through the virtues you bring to the line. I pray the Lord’s fullest blessings on you and your marriage.”
It was now Logan’s turn to fight back the tears rising in his eyes. God had indeed prospered him beyond anything he deserved by bringing him into the wealth of this heritage.
The following afternoon Logan and Allison once again walked in the walled garden. Circumstances had kept them apart the entire morning.
“I spoke to your father last night,” said Logan quietly.
“And?” replied Allison expectantly.
“It was just like you said.”
“He smiled and shook your hand . . . am I right?”
“Well, yes . . . in a way,” said Logan with a smile. “He smiled. Then he gave a great roar of laughter. Then he embraced me in a huge bear hug that nearly burst my wound open again. When I winced, he jumped back, a pained look of apology on his face. Then he laughed again. And then . . . finally, he did shake my hand!”
Allison laughed. “That’s just like Daddy! So warm . . . so boisterous!”
“And I had a visit from Dorey too, late last night.”
“Yes?”
“We talked about several things. He welcomed me into the family, and gave me his blessing. He truly is a remarkable man.”
They walked on, hand in hand, saying nothing for several minutes. Finally Logan broke the silence.
“Do you still want to go with me to London?”
“Oh, Logan, do you mean it?” exclaimed Allison.
“If you want to. I’ve already spoken to your mother. She said she would be free to accompany you.”
“How wonderful. I can’t wait!”
“We’ll have a great time. I’ll show you all the sights of the big city! Molly will love you both!”
Turning, they walked back toward the garden gate. “Oh, Logan,” Allison said, “I’ve never been happier.”
“Neither have I, Ali,” he replied, bending to kiss her forehead. “God has given me everything. What more could be left?”
“Only more of the same!”
They left the garden and, laughing like two children, walked toward the great castle where they had found treasure beyond compare—not only each other but also the fullness of God’s love.
Lady Margaret, having seen them approach, walked to meet them. She reached out, took each of their hands in one of hers, gazed deeply into Allison’s eyes, then turned to Logan and did the same. She needed to speak no words. The love which she felt and the prayer of her heart for their well-being was written all through her face. They saw, received, and understood.
After a moment, she turned with them, and the three, still hand in hand, walked into the house to join the rest of the family.
About the Authors
Michael Phillips is a bestselling author with more than seventy of his own titles, ranging from historical novels to contemporary whodunits, from fantasy to biblical commentary. He’s also served as editor of many more books, adapting the works of author George MacDonald (1824–1905) for today’s reader, and his efforts have since generated a renewed interest in MacDonald. Michael and his family spend time each year in Scotland but make their home in California. To learn more about the author and his books, find him on Facebook or visit macdonaldphillips.com.
Judith Pella is a bestselling, award-winning author whose writing career spans more than two decades. Her in-depth historical and geographical research combines with her skillful storytelling to provide readers with dramatic, thought-provoking novels. Judith and her family make their home in Oregon.
Fiction by Michael Phillips
THE RUSSIANS*
The Crown and the Crucible
A House Divided
Travail and Triumph
THE STONEWYCKE TRILOGY*
The Heather Hills of Stonewycke
Flight from Stonewycke
Lady of Stonewycke
THE STONEWYCKE LEGACY*
Stranger at Stonewycke
Shadows Over Stonewycke
Treasure of Stonewycke
THE SECRETS OF HEATHERSLEIGH HALL
Wild Grows the Heather in Devon
Wayward Winds
Heathersleigh Homecoming
A New Dawn Over Devon
SHENANDOAH SISTERS
Angels Watching Over Me
A Day to Pick Your Own Cotton
The Color of Your Skin Ain’t the Color of Your Heart
Together Is All We Need
CAROLINA COUSINS
A Perilous Proposal
The Soldier’s LadyNever Too Late
Miss Katie’s Rosewood
CALEDONIA
Legend of the Celtic Stone
THE HIGHLAND COLLECTION*
Jamie MacLeod: Highland Lass
Robbie Taggart: Highland Sailor
THE JOURNALS OF CORRIE BELLE HOLLISTER
My Father’s World*
Daughter of Grace*
On the Trail of the Truth*
A Place in the Sun*
Sea to Shining Sea
Into the Long Dark Night
Land of the
Brave and the Free
A Home for the Heart
SECRETS OF THE SHETLANDS
The Inheritance
*with Judith Pella
Books by Judith Pella
Texas Angel
Heaven’s Road
Beloved Stranger
Mark of the Cross
THE RUSSIANS
The Crown and the Crucible*
A House Divided*
Travail and Triumph*
Heirs of the Motherland
Dawning of Deliverance
White Nights, Red Morning
Passage Into Light
THE STONEWYCKE TRILOGY*
The Heather Hills of Stonewycke
Flight from Stonewycke
Lady of Stonewycke
THE STONEWYCKE LEGACY*
Stranger at Stonewycke
Shadows Over Stonewycke
Treasure of Stonewycke
DAUGHTERS OF FORTUNE
Written on the Wind
Somewhere a Song
Toward the Sunrise
Homeward My Heart
LONE STAR LEGACY
Frontier Lady
Stoner’s Crossing
Warrior’s Song
PATCHWORK CIRCLE
Bachelor’s Puzzle
Sister’s Choice
RIBBONS OF STEEL**
Distant Dreams
A Hope Beyond
A Promise for Tomorrow
RIBBONS WEST**
Westward the Drea
m
Separate Roads
Ties That Bind
*with Michael Phillips
**with Tracie Peterson