Chapter 14 Hendon Hall The journey to Hendon Hall took several days on horseback.
Finally, Miles said, Look, sir.
He pointed to a large house on a hill.
There's my home, Hendon Hall.
Edward noticed that Miles had tears in his eyes.
I wonder if anyone will remember me, he said.
Will all the same servants still be there?
No, I'm being silly.
Miles shook his head slightly.
My father, brothers, and Lady Edith will be mad with joy to see me.
He looked to Edward, and they will be quite pleased to meet you.
Miles stepped off his horse.
He walked up to the house and burst through the front door.
Edward was close behind him.
Inside, the house looked gray and solemn.
The rooms felt cold, despite large fires in the hearths.
Miles walked briskly into the front room.
A man was sitting in front of the fire.
His back was to the door.
Hugh, Miles called.
How good to see you.
Stand up and give your brother a hug.
Hugh stood up quickly.
When he saw Miles, he jumped back.
At first he looked surprised, but he soon regained his sense of calm.
He looked closely at Miles.
I'm afraid, stranger, that you are confused.
I am not your brother.
Hugh frowned at Miles.
He had recognized his brother instantly, but he didn't want Miles to know that.
"'Pardon me,' Miles said.
He took another step forward.
"'Aren't you Hugh Hendon?'
"'Yes, I am Hugh,' he said.
"'It is you that I have my doubts about?'
"'I am Miles.
I know that I've been away a long time, but I can't have changed that much.'
"'How dare you!'
Hugh stood up straight.
My brother died seven years ago.
Remove yourself this instant or I will have you arrested as a fraud.
Miles tried to protest, but Hugh held his hand up.
We received a letter saying that my brother, Miles, was killed in battle.
We mourned his loss many years ago.
Bring me to our father, Miles said.
He was almost shouting.
Why wouldn't his brother believe him?
Our father will recognize me insteadly.
One cannot call the dead, Hugh said calmly.
Our father has died.
Miles held his head in his hands.
Our poor sweet father.
He looked back at Hugh.
And what of the Lady Edith?
Is she well?
Does she still live in Hendon Hall?
"'Of course,' Hugh said.
"'And our brother Arthur?'
Miles asked.
"'Does he still live?'
"'No,' Hugh said.
"'My brother died some six years ago.'
"'Then bring in the servants.
"'They will recognize me.
"'Someone from my youth will know me.
"'They have all worked here for many years.'
"'Alas, almost all are gone,' Hugh said.
"'But I will bring some in if that will prove your point.'
Hugh left the room.
Miles paced back and forth.
I don't understand any of this, he said.
After so many years in a prison camp, my escape, my troubles in returning home, and now no one recognizes me.
It's like a bad dream.
He turned to Edward.
Please believe me, Your Majesty, this is my home.
That was my brother, Hugh.
My name is Miles Hendon.
I do not doubt you, Edward said simply.
You did not doubt me.
I will give you the same respect.
Once again tears came into Miles' eyes.
Thank you, sir, he said.
I thank you with all my heart.
Suddenly a door opened.
A beautiful woman entered, followed closely by Hugh.
She walked slowly, her head was lowered and her eyes were fixed on the floor.
She looked horribly sad.
Edith, Miles called, my darling.
Edward noticed that the woman trembled slightly when Miles spoke.
She began to blush.
Hugh held up his hand and stepped between them.
He turned to Edith.
Look at this man.
Do you know him?
She paused for a few seconds before looking up.
I do not know him, she said quickly.
She returned her gaze to the floor.
A moment later, she ran from the room, fighting back tears.
Miles sank into a chair.
He held his head and moaned.
Servants entered the room, and Hugh asked if they recognized Miles.
They all shook their heads in silence.
So there you have it, Hugh said.
There must be some mistake.
The servants don't recognize you.
My wife does not recognize you.
Your wife?
Miles looked up at Hugh.
In an instant, Hugh was pinned against the wall.
Now I know what you've done.
You wrote that letter yourself.
You convinced everyone that I was dead and took my place.
Why else would Edith marry you?
You wanted her money, so you faked my death.
You took my love.
Hugh called the servants to help.
But sir, one of them said, he's armed.
Are you all cowards?
Hugh screamed.
They can do as they like, Miles said.
I have only one thing to say.
I, Miles Hendon, am master of Hendon Hall, and I will not leave.
Do not doubt me.
Hugh signaled again for the servants.
They pulled Miles away from their master.
Hugh sneered at Miles before storming out of the room.
