Chapter 7 & 8

Dinner that evening was the usual affair, the large dining area seemingly reverberating with the sound of voices, and the cool salty scent of the ocean intermixing with the smell of the food. Ava primly sat her eyes plastered to the door in nervous wait. Henry had sent a letter of promise to her room that afternoon, stating he would be attending the evening meal that eve and expressed his desire to see her once more. The mere thought of his name played a smile across her face, while the searing heat of an unmistakable blush darkened her cheeks at the memory of his kiss. Unaware of the fact that her finger had rested upon her lips she grinned, until Catherine’s sweet yet nervous tinged voice broke through her thoughts.

“It is a marvelous feeling to be in love, is it not?” She lowly whispered as she quizzically gazed upon Ava. “Just think of it my sweet Ava, we could be married to brothers,” Catherine sighed dreamily once again turning from her elder sister to resume her vigilant watch for Franklin.

Ava gazed upon her sister in disbelief, although Catherine had refused to speak of her actions earlier that afternoon, she knew in her heart, for Cat had changed and been seemingly walking on clouds ever since. “Come now, it was only a kiss… That does not insinuate a marriage proposal.” Ava stated, though the prospect of her losing Henry now caused a terrible heartache.

“Yes a kiss that was close to a ravishing,” Catherine retorted with a small yet teasing giggle. “And if I were to tell grandfather… It would certainly seal your fate,” she continued fixing Ava with her laughing pale blue eyes. “Is that not what you desire? Although I had not known you to be so brash,” Catherine playfully mocked, igniting both fury and a sense of desire within Ava.

“Ava, Catherine,” Beatrice interrupted before Ava had the opportunity to quiet her sister. Slowly and nervously Ava turned to rest her gaze upon her grandmother while she fell into silent prayer that Beatrice had not heard what had just been said. “There has been a small seating change in light of recent events,” The duchess continued, unaffected. “The young Viscount has requested to dine in your company this evening.” She stated in a matter of fact tone, that allowed Ava to release a long hiss of breath that she had been unaware she was holding. “Are you displeased Ava?” her grandmother questioned in bewilderment, hearing the subtle sound.

“N-no, Grandmother I am merely surprised,” Ava stammered in response as she made the breathless excuse.

“Well…” Beatrice breathed, narrowing her eyes in a scrutinizing manner that unnerved both young women. “It is quite an honor, so I do understand your nervousness.” She warmly replied, with a soft smile. “As well I wanted to ask that you forgo your evening escort with Catherine, for young Franklin has requested a private meeting with her, and…” Ava’s heart beat fast as she saw the look of displeasure that crossed her grandmother’s face. “The captain has requested a stroll with you, Ava. Unfortunately there will be no one available to escort you and your grandfather believes that all will be well.” The older woman seemed nervous at the revelation, yet continued. “In this event I am to ask that you behave in an appropriate manner, and understand that a captain is not befitting of our family.” Beatrice dourly finished, her eyes narrowed in undeterminable annoyance before she walked away.

“A Captain is not…” Catherine singsonged in a mocking whisper.

“Quiet yourself Catherine,” Ava scolded her, cutting her sister off before she could continue.

“Good evening milady,” Henry’s deep gravelly voice cut into her mind before she could continue the ministration of her scolding.
“Good evening h-sir,” Ava greeted unable to withhold the smile that crept across her face or the blush as she realized she had nearly said his name, a rather intimate greeting that was generally reserved for married couples. Fortunately, he had not seemed to notice as she realized that his intense gaze was focused upon Catherine in a most knowing manner. Causing the younger of the two girls to blush furiously. Before anyone could speak any further, Franklins chipper voice cut through the tension.

“Good eve Lady Ava,” He began cheerfully before he turned his affectionate yet shy gaze upon her sister, the faintest tint of a blush creeping into his cheeks. “Lady Catherine,” he sighed dreamily as if all else in the room ceased to exist but him and her sister…

Alex sat heavily upon the lounge in his private quarters, his mind racing, for already two months had passed. A shiver ran through his body, despite the crackling fire and half bottle of expensive French brandy, he had consumed. His head throbbing, the dull ache having begun when his uncle had passed down his edict. Absently Alexander stared into the flickering blue and gold flames while his mind remained focused upon the argument he and his sister Sophia had four day earlier; when he’d informed her she was to stay with their cousin in London until he came for her in late August. At the time he had made the arrangements it had seemed well enough, being he would be able to travel from Lorraine’s, straight to the Wilshire Manor.

A fearful and hollow laugh erupted from him then, as he thought of the letter that lay upon his desk, the invitation to Duke and Duchess George Carmichael’s estate for their granddaughter’s announcement ball. A granddaughter no one had been aware of until late, a granddaughter in whom may be just what he needed.

The temporary amusement having worn off, Alexander rubbed furiously at his temples, in an effort to ease the dull ache that seemed determined to reside behind his eyes. While he thought of how Sophia had been so adamant in her disregard to his decision. Her pretty young face contorted with child like rage and hurt. “I DON’T WANT TO STEP A SINGLE FOOT INTO THAT DROLL HOUSE!” she had cried out in disdain acting far from her thirteen years of age.

“You will stop this nonsense immediately! For I’ve business to attend to that you would only be underfoot,” Alexander grimaced as the full impact of his words hit him. He had never spoken to her so abruptly in her twelve years and judging by her silent response to him over the course of their journey, he had wounded her deeply. A pain that would certainly take many a month to remand… now he could only pray that their relationship would once more regain the strength it had once possessed.

As if his guilt over leaving his sister in the care of their cousin had not been enough, Baroness Le’Fore had come to him this eve. Under any other circumstance, he would have found a bit of solace with his favorite mistress, yet tonight’s events proved their relationship had come to an end. An animal growl of embarrassment rather than desire escaped his throat as he thought of their interaction.

“Whatever is the matter my lord,” Evette had purred, trying to mask her aggravation at his lack of capabilities as Alex rose from the bed and hurriedly pulled on his breeches. When he failed to respond to her, she rose from the bed, without a stitch of clothing to cover her lovely body, a vision that normally caused him to react like a rutting boar and sauntered towards him. “Come now, normally you find peace with me,” she purred seductively, reaching her smooth hand to his cheek.

Alex watched in silence as he grabbed her hand and pushed it away, causing Evette to slit her chocolate brown eyes in aggravation. “Is this about your uncle’s ultimatum?” She suddenly questioned with a chilly laugh. “So you find some unwitting young woman, marry her and we continue our happy arrangement,” She finally stated her usual cheerful tone returned. “Then your uncle will be happy, and I don’t mind if you sleep with her in order to produce an heir, tis not like I have an exclusive claim upon you.” She murmured huskily in his ear.

Incredulously Alexander stepped back, gazing into her eyes for any sign that she had been anything but serious yet what he found was far from humor. He knew that when he married he would not stray, his parents had always per his knowledge been utterly in love and despite his uncles demands, and he refused to marry for anything but.

“Evette, I am afraid that is not to be,” He finally spoke somehow managing his anger at her unbelievable statement. “Dress yourself, while I call for your carriage.”Alex muttered with disgust, as he tossed her gowns at her and headed towards his door. “This is to be our last meeting,” he dully informed her, not bothering to turn around before exiting, shutting the door to her angry cries.

“You’ll tire of your virginal bride soon enough and when you come crawling back on your knees, begging for my favors I assure you, I shall not take you back…” She had hollered after him, but all he could think was he was not going to ever return to her, or go to any other woman beside his wife…

“Lady Ava, I was hoping I could induce you to accompany me for an evening stroll,” Henry questioned as they completed their meals. Unknowing how to respond and not wanting to hurt him, she barely breathed as she thought of her response.

“I would very much enjoy that, yet…” the look of questioning hurt that crossed his face caught her breath for the briefest moments. “Unfortunately my Grandfather and Grandmother have already granted permission to the Captain to escort me on a stroll this eve.” She sadly murmured, Ava’s breath catching in her throat at the swift, dark and vicious way Henry’s eyes darkened at her response.

“I see,” Henry finally stated, when Ava imagined he had regained his composure, “I shall have to await until tomorrow for my stroll with you. If you would have me?” He stated with a small smile, despite the angry twitch at the corner of his mouth.

“Most assuredly, I shall accept your invitation,” Ava gleefully responded just before Captain Regan appeared to request her escort.

The only sounds that seemed to cut through the cool night air of the ocean seemed to be the soft click of Ava’s hard soled slippers and the handsome captain’s boots against the deck. “You look lovely tonight,” Captain Regan, stated finally shattering the silence as he stopped and faced her. Ava shivered ever so slightly when he took her hand into his, and gently brushed his lips over her knuckles.

Unsure of how to respond and unnerved by the blatant display of affection Ava hurriedly pulled away from him like a startled deer. “Thank you for the compliment C-captain Regan.” She stammered slightly, as she settled her thoughts. “I appreciate your invitation, this walk has been quite liberating. But I truly must retire, for I am terribly fatigued.” She excused herself, saying the first thing that came to mind as she turned and hurried towards her cabin…

Henry paced back and forth before her cabin door, the jealousy that had begun to build the moment she explained her evening’s events to him, had now grown into rage. At first, he had attempted to relax within his quarters, but the idea of her out with the captain had prevented him from doing so until all he could do was walk. Unfortunately, his legs had guided him here, to the door of her cabin where he had waited for what seemed an eternity.

“Did you intend to make me jealous?” he gruffly questioned as soon her silhouetted form came visible in the dim light, waiting as a panther would to strike its prey before grabbing her against him and kissing her like he would never kiss her again.

“I-I assure you that was not my intention in the least,” Ava stammered in surprise once her breath returned, while Henry stared upon her in the most unnerving manner. Hurriedly she attempted to dispel the thoughts that Henry was doing unthinkable things to her in his mind and squelch the blush that darkened her cheeks. “Sir, I insist upon you releasing me this instant,” Ava indignantly replied when he failed to remove his grasp and she had recovered.

“No!” Henry’s tone was menacing and caused fear to nearly choke her as she gazed into the deep blue pools of his enraged eyes. “Not until you consent to be my wife,” he growled as he once more lowered his head to hers, brushing a chaste kiss against her cheek. The simple and sweet gesture disappointing and softening her flared temper all in one.

“Henry…” Ava’s tone was unsure, just as she felt unhinged at his sudden question, the full brunt of his comments sinking in.

“MMM,” he murmured into her hair.

“Were you jealous,” she innocently questioned, knowing the answer without his reply by the rapid heartbeat that pounded against her breast.

“Yes, how could I not be? When all I’ve thought about, dreamed of these last three years is you…” He murmured, suddenly fragile.

“Of course I would marry you,” Ava smiled, as she reached her lips to his in a nervous gesture. “Especially considering I would very much like to get some rest,” she playfully grinned.

“Thank you!” Henry exuberantly replied, the sound of footsteps and voices breaking his hold on her before he could kiss her again. Ava watched in bemusement as his figure disappeared into the darkened corners of the ship, “Hurry in my dearest Ava…” Came Henry’s whisper from the dark, bringing a smile to her face as she realized he was doing the same…

One month later... Chapter 8

George and Beatrice had found of Catherine’s indiscretions the following day, although they had refused to say in whom informed them. Ava could not dispel the feeling that the Captain had done so, out of hurt pride from her lack of acceptance. Thus ending any further interactions with either Henry or Franklin unless under the strictest of supervision, which had been mildly disappointing to Ava for she had desperately wanted to feel his kiss again.

Even their arrival at the grand manor had been overshadowed by Catherine’s misjudgments and had seemingly turned their lives upside down, as Beatrice planned the hastened nuptials.

On the morning of the day before Catherine’s wedding, Ava stealthily snuck towards her grandfathers office scarcely breathing for fear that her grandmother would find her and exact some form of grueling torture upon her. Reaching the door, she stopped, wondering if she should dare knock as she heard muffled voices coming from within, when she heard her grandmother’s voice echoing through the hall. Snarling orders at one of the many housemaids, Ava made up her mind and knocked, waiting impatiently for her grandfather to bid her entrance.

Since they had first arrived at Wilshire Manor on July third, Ava had found that her grandfather’s office was a place of quiet comfort. With its masculine colors, scent of sweet tobacco, brandy, leather and lemon oil, she could relax in the quiet confines while her grandfather poured over the books. Yet today was different, the air was charged with tension. Stepping further into the room, she shut the door behind her while her gaze fell upon a coolly eloquent woman, “could this be grandfather’s mistress?” She silently wondered, the mere idea lurching in her stomach. Solemnly she gazed upon her grandfather, whose face was taught with frustration.

“Ava, may I present Madame Francis Marchal,” his tone was short as if he had not desired their acquaintance. “Madame Marchal, my eldest granddaughter, Ava.” If she had found his introduction strained before, this one was far more and she noted that an odd look of forbiddance seemed to pass from the Duke to this mysterious woman.

“It is a pleasure, Madame.” Ava nervously greeted unable to shake the feeling that this woman despised her. “Have you come for the wedding?” She tentatively questioned, ever hoping that it was not to be.

“No, I have come on business,” the woman’s response was sharp as she soaked in every inch of Ava with a cold grey-eyed scrutiny. “Well I see that Lady Annette boar a child of greater beauty than she herself had once been.” She sneered, her icy tone startling Ava. “Pray tell my lady, how does it feel to be elevated from the gutters of the earth, into nobility,” Francis questioned coolly her gaze unflinching.

“That is enough,” George boomed, shooting the woman a wary and threatening glance. “Ava I assume you’ve other activities to occupy your time,” her grandfathers tone had softened and yet was still edged with steel.

“I apologize Grandfather,” She hurriedly admonished grateful for an opportunity to get away from the malicious woman. “It has been a pleasure to make your acquaintance Madame,” she finished with a slight curtsy before exiting the room.

“What do you want Francis,” George finally began, once he was sure that Ava was out of earshot.

“For you to end this preposterous relationship between that bastard and my daughters betrothed,” the cruel smile that crept across her face was enough to give away her next comment. “Or else my lord, I shall let loose all of my secrets and your family will be ruined.” She laughed out, the cold sound grating on the dukes ears.

“It seems you have me at an impasse,” George snarled, knowing that his granddaughter’s heart would soon be broken. “Yet I assure you… If I ever hear one slanderous word against me or my own, I shall personally break your neck,” the Duke threatened menacingly, a small smile playing across his lips as Francis blanched and shrank into her seat. “As well, you know that my granddaughter is of greater blood than your own daughter despite their shared blood, so I must insist that you refer to her accordingly.” He finished with a cold smile, as visions of the woman’s lifeless body danced before his eyes.

“I shall continue my silence, provided you keep your end of the bargain,” Francis stammered hotly, once she had recovered from his murderous glare. “Yet I do wonder my lord... does she know of her beginnings,” Francis had been unable to resist the final stab, as she stood and exited without giving him the opportunity to speak further…