A Marriage To A Fine Woman

Late Nights

James lay awake in his cabin just starring at the ceiling with his arm behind his head. He must have read Aislinn’s letter over a hundred times, and then hundred times again. This would be the longest they had been away from each other since the day they were married. She seemed to be doing well, and he was happy to hear of their good news, but at the same time he couldn’t help but feel a bit worried about not being there for her. He knew that the doctors in Port Royal would take excellent care of her, like they had in the past. Yet he also knew how incredibly modest Aislinn tended to be. He wasn’t certain if there was something wrong that she would seek out help or keep it to herself because of embarrassment. He could only hope that Shannon would notice and insist that she find help in his place. The two girls seemed to be spending all of their time together with their husbands away, and that suited James just fine for countless reasons.

He rested his hand on his chest and tapped his fingers a few times. He felt incredibly anxious wishing that there was some way he could talk to Aislinn. Of course he wrote her back instantly, but written words simply were not the same as speaking to one another face to face.

The Admiral sighed and sat up, leaning over blowing out his candle before laying back down. It wasn’t as though it was the first long mission he had been assigned, he’d been on dozens of others. Yet once again, the creeping thought that those times was before he and Aislinn were married shot down any sort of comfort that might have afforded him.

He’d received another letter that day as well, he didn’t really feel a need to read it again. There wasn’t really anything of major interest to him. Lord Beckett had sent him instructions and reminders about what he was ordered to accomplish on this mission. As if he needed them. Then of course to be sociable he threw in a couple of tid-bits about home here and there. The weather and whatnot.

They would be making port in just a few days to take on fresh supplies and possibly some prisoners to be transported back with them. The men would no doubt want some shore leave time, which was perfectly acceptable and understandable. They had been at sea for weeks. Some sort of schedule would have to be made up so the port wasn’t overrun with soldiers and sailors.

Many thoughts passed through his head, as though searching for something, anything besides Aislinn to think about. It was driving him a bit mad, and he finally sat up and relit his lamp. Taking a piece of parchment and his quill he began to write out the schedule he had thought of, to take his worry out of his mind.

Invitations

“Must we really attend Aislinn?” Shannon asked with almost a pout in her voice. There was a tea coming up being given by one of the officers wives, and Aislinn and Shannon had been sent invitations.

“I know how you feel about this, Shannon. I promise you I do, but . . . I’m the Admirals wife, and you are the wife of an officer. It’s our duty to respect and represent our husbands at these functions.” She said with a sigh having finally relented after these years and just attended them knowing that James wished for her to.

“I don’t have anything to wear.” Shannon said hoping it would be a concrete enough excuse to back out of the invite. Aislinn smiled a little bit and wrapped her arm around Shannon.

“I know you’re new, but you needn’t worry. Unlike when I first came here, you have a friend.” She reassured her. “Now come on.” She said tugging at her skirt a little to get her to follow her. “James has spoiled me with new dresses quite often. I’m sure we can find something that will fit perfectly and you’ll like.” She said. Shannon sighed and gave a nod following her up the stairs.

Arguments

Aislinn sat in the carriage for a moment with her hand on her chest, trying to catch her breath. She felt her heart thumping wildly in her chest and heard each beat in her ears. She was absolutely terrified, and needed to catch her composure before exiting to carriage.

A vicious rumor had been started that Shannon was staying with Aislinn and pretending to be her friend, in an attempt to curry favor for her husband with the Admiral. It started as a whisper at first, but then it spread like wild fire through the gossiping aristocratic wives that had nothing better to do with their time. It had gotten to the point that it turned from a rumor to a common belief, and soon none of the women in Port Royal thought it necessary to keep up polite pretences.

It had gotten so bad one day, that Shannon came to Aislinn in tears. She was afraid that spending time with Aislinn caused more harm then good, not only for herself and her husband, but for Aislinn and James as well. Even though Aislinn had tried to tell her that she didn’t care what people thought about their friendship, Shannon had been driven beyond the point of being strong enough to deal with the day to day gossip.

Aislinn looked out the carriage window towards the house they had stopped in front of taking deep breaths. This woman, was easily the center of the most vicious gossip ever to grace Port Royal. It was no secret that she thought very little of her husband, and was quite adamant in confirming it every chance she received. Finally, she tapped on the ceiling and the doormen opened the carriage door offering her a hand and helping her down. “Thank you.” She said with a small smile.

She started to walk up the walk way and paused for a moment taking another deep breath. What in God’s name was she doing here? She had never felt comfortable around the other wives, and since she was the Admiral’s wife, they had a tendency to keep whatever gossip they had about her very quiet, not wanting to bring down misfortune on their husbands and homes by taking badly about his child bride. Aislinn wasn’t an idiot, and she was well aware of the whispers about her, but she was able to somewhat ignore them. It’s when things were said about James that upset her, and now about Shannon. No, she couldn’t turn back now. She had come this far and it was to late. She was resolved to do this.

With a deep breath, she closed her eyes and forced herself to walk up to the door before she rang the door bell. Opening her eyes she starred at the door, almost as though she was in a dream, a nightmare she couldn’t wake up from. The maid opened the door and showed her in, before leaving to inform her mistress of their guest.

Aislinn rung her hands together a bit still not certain what possessed her to come here. When the woman appeared, Aislinn returned the smile that she gave her as she greeted her.

“Lady Norrington! It’s so very nice to see you! I wasn’t expecting you. Would you like to stay for tea?” She asked.

“No thank you.” Aislinn said almost unable to breathe, but decided she had to go through with it. “I actually had hoped that we could discuss a matter that has been troubling me.”

“Of course, I am at your service.” The woman said. Aislinn could feel the insincerity in every word, every look this woman gave her. There probley wasn’t a genuine bone in this woman’s entire body. She was the sort of person that most people would feel the need to slap just by being in her presence. This woman was one of the circle of friends that Christine had joined with, and Aislinn only hoped that Christine had the decency not to pass on these accusations.

“The recent rumors that have been circulating about Shannon must stop.” She said directly otherwise she wasn’t sure if she could get it out. “They are upsetting, and damaging, and I can assure you, untrue.”

The woman looked at her innocently as if she hadn’t any idea what she was speaking of. “Lady Norrington?” She questioned, “I’ve not heard any such rumors.” Aislinn starred at her for a moment, the audacity of this woman was amazing in itself. There was a small telling smile that always seemed on her lips, and it made any apologies null and void.

Aislinn smiled a small bit, knowing full well that not only had she heard them, but she had spread quite a few herself. “Perhaps. However, I must ask that you aid me in putting them to a stop. Maybe, just for a change, we could try spreading the truth around Port Royal.” She said still trying to keep her light exterior.

Many people thought of Aislinn as very young, and naive. Had she not been Admiral Norrington’s wife, many would have easily taken advantage of her kind and generous nature. “What is the truth exactly?” The woman said just as directly as Aislinn had spoken. “I mean . . . I would like to get the story correct . . . if it is what you wish.”

This was going to be more difficult then she had imagined. She thought for a moment, not sure what she could possibly say that would make this woman understand that she wasn’t kidding around. “Simply that Shannon is my friend, and my friend alone. Our husbands rarely have contact with one another, unless it is from a commanding officer to his subordinate. Admiral Norrington has shown their family no favor, nor been excessively lenient with Shannon’s husband. He treats him like all of his other solders.” The smile on the woman’s face grew. It was obvious to Aislinn that she was going to continue to spread rumors and perhaps even embellish them with whatever this meeting might have given her.

“Of course Lady Norrington. I would be most happy to pass that along.” She said disingenuously. There didn’t seem to be much else that could be done, and Aislinn wanted more then anything then to take her word and know that she would keep it. But this woman wasn’t even trying to hide her thoughts and plans. Aislinn smiled a bit and turned walking back to the front door.

However, she paused a moment standing next to the door keeping her back turned towards the woman. “Even though my husband doesn’t show favoritism to any of his men, or their families . . . he doesn’t seem to react well to my being upset.” She said simply. The woman’s smile fled from her face when she heard Aislinn say that.

Satisfied that she had done all she could, Aislinn opened the door and left.

Postal Conversations

James almost fell off of his bunk laughing reading the incident that Aislinn had described to him in great detail. It seemed his young wife was learning very quickly how to deal with what she had always done her best to ignore before. Although it was more the tone of the letter that amused him. She seemed extremely embarrassed and ashamed that she had made what sounded like a threat to her ears, and used his position to do so. Honestly, he didn’t see a thing wrong with it. She told the truth, that he didn’t show favoritism to his men, and he did get quite annoyed with people who upset Aislinn in any way.

He couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride when he read her letter. As it came to an end, Aislinn reported that her tactic seemed to work, as the rumors had either stopped, or gotten extremely quiet. Although Shannon still seemed upset, and if Aislinn wished to see her she had to venture to her home. It was understandable.

When he was done reading the letter, he quickly searched back through the pages to her update she sent him on her health. She was starting to show a swell in her abdomen as she did when she was pregnant with their first child. He smiled a little before closing his eyes and imagining what she would look like right now. She always seemed to have a glow to her skin, and a sparkle in her eyes when she was with child. It pained him to be missing this time with her.

A knock came to the door and Norrington closed the letter and put it away. “Yes?” He said giving permission for whomever it was to enter. The door opened and the ships surgeon came in carrying some supplies.

“I should have a look at your wound, Admiral. To make sure it’s mending well.” He said putting the supplies down on James desk. James sighed and stood removing his vest and cravat before taking off his undershirt and putting it aside. There was a large bandage around his middle, and a little bit of blood seemed to have soaked through. The Surgeon took his scissors and cut the bandage away. There was a large 5 inch gash that reached from his side to his abdomen. It had been sewn up with smaller stitches as he was, after all, the admiral.

“It’s healing well, sir.” The surgeon reported looking over the stitches to make sure that there was no infections. “Some of my best work, if you don’t mind my saying so.” He said inspecting the wound. Then he walked over and poured some water into the basin and soaked a cloth in it, before walking back over and began to clean the injury.

“I should hope so.” James said wincing slightly as the doctor passed over a tender spot. “My wife will not be happy if it wasn’t your best work. I’m afraid she’s quite skilled at healing such wounds and injuries.” He said.

“Oh?” The surgeon said, satisfied that it was clean as he picked up a new clean bandage and started to tie it back around the admiral. “Has she had very much experience with this sort of thing?”

“War wounds? No, I don’t think so. However, she was given quite the education on such things before we were married.” James admitted. The surgeon tied the bandage securely before washing his hands in the basin and gathering his things. The Admiral shifted a bit to make sure the bandage was fastened correctly before reaching for his shirt and pulling it back on over his head. The surgeon made a salute and left James’ cabin.

In the last week, they had fought off two attacks, and put a stop to three raids. Quite a number of men were lost, but the pirates and raiders responsible, he was happy to be able to report, were captured. The large wound on his middle was the worse one he had received. The others were mere scratches and a bruise or two. Either way, he had no intention of writing this news to Aislinn. It would be difficult enough to explain his new collection of scars when he returned to Port Royal. It had been a while since he had gotten any new scars of note. He hoped it wouldn’t upset her to much.

With a yawn, James looked at the time seeing it was past time to retire. He stretched a bit before blowing out his candle and heading for bed.

Marshal Law?

Back home on Port Royal, Aislinn was finding herself in even more trouble. Unfortunately, Lord Beckett was getting impatient with how long it was taking Aislinn’s appraisals to arrive from England. Even though he had been to visit her twice to discuss the matter since James left, she stood firm on her decision, and made it clear that Beckett would have to wait.

Mercer and Beckett were in his office, and Cutler paced back and forth across the window. “I am a patient man, Mercer. I have all the patience in the world. But that woman . . . that GIRL, has driven me to my last nerve!” He ranted continuing to pace.

“Perhaps she is holding out for a better offer, My Lord.” Mercer suggested. “She does seem to be quite savvy when it comes to her fathers business practices.”

“No, she insists that hers is the better way.” Beckett complained, “She’s simply clinging onto the ‘lessons’ her father taught her before he died. God forbid that she listen to any one else on the matter.”

“Except that not only has the Barley family holdings continue to be profitable, but they have grown substantially since she has taken over.” Mercer reminded him. “So she must be doing something correctly.”

“Yes, and in the mean time, the East India Trading Company is losing money where it should be making it hand over fist. It’s not as though she needs these properties, she and James have enough wealth for 20 lifetimes. She is simply being stubborn, I’m not entirely sure that she even knows what greed is, other then a word in her precious bible.” Beckett was trying not to shout but it was becoming very hard to keep his voice at a civil level. “How long until Admiral Norrington returns?” He asked Mercer as he walked to his desk and sat down.

“Another 3 months.” Mercer answered.

Beckett sighed and thought for a few moments, “There is some maneuvering to be done here. But, I believe, it will have to be done quickly. Before her husband returns.” His eyes shifted towards Mercer, “All my methods seem to have failed thus far. Perhaps it’s your turn to attempt to convince her.”

Dark Night

Aislinn slept erratically lately. Her back seemed to protest if she lay wrong for any length of time, and her body was starting to change in a manner that made everything uncomfortable. Not to mention she found herself missing James more and more, as his side of their bed went unoccupied.

With a sigh, she sat up and threw the covers back standing from the bed. Reaching her arms over her head she stretched her back with a slight moan, before walking over and pouring herself a glass of water, and sipping it slowly. Her stomach had a tendency to get upset sometimes if it wasn’t carefully given food or drink.

Suddenly, a sound caught her attention. She put her glass down and turned in the darkness, squinting her eyes trying to see. The shutters were closed and the curtains drawn leaving no trace of light anywhere. A strange sort of terror overcame her, like one would feel when waking up from a terrifying nightmare, to scared to move. Taking a deep breath she started to make her way back to the nightstand beside her bed to light a lamp, but before she could reach for the matches, she found herself caught up from the floor. Someone wrapped their arm around her middle, and clasped his hand over her mouth. Her hands reached up trying to pry their wrist away from her face, but it was no use. They were far to strong.

Aislinn tried to scream, but only strange muffled sounds could be herd, and it made the stranger tighten their grip on her face that much harder. Her feet kicked in the air and she tried to drop her weight. Still the stranger held fast to her body. Trying to remember what James had told her about defending herself should anyone attack her, she remembered something he’d told her if someone grabbed her from behind. Still finding it difficult to draw a breath, she slammed her heel back against someone’s knee as hard as she could. They hollered and dropped her to the ground, she coughed trying to breathe again and felt incredibly light headed. She heard what sounded like thundering footsteps, and turned seeing the shutters slapping against the wall with the wind. Whoever had attacked her fled, and she sighed feeling a slightly relieved.

Help Me!

“Lord Becket, I didn’t dream anything. I’m telling you someone was in my room last night and attacked me.” Aislinn said standing before his desk. “Please, can’t you have someone watch my home tonight?” She asked in desperation. She was scared, and had every right to be.

“My dear lady Norrington, have you no idea how difficult it with such a small force when the rest of the fleet has gone on their missions, to make sure everything that needs to be done is done? I can’t simply hand out guards and soldiers as though they were in abundance for arbitrary purposes.” Beckett said.

Aislinn’s jaw almost dropped when he said that. “Arbitrary?” She said in disbelief, “Someone, was in my room! Someone physically attacked my person . . . they might come back again and I don’t wish to be alone with no defense.” She countered.

“As I said, we are spread very thin as it, Aislinn. Putting a guard on your house just doesn’t seem prudent to me at this time.” He said picking up his quill and starting to write on a parchment that was laying in front of him. After a moment, however, he stopped writing, doing his best not to smile. “Although, perhaps I could be persuaded to put a guard on your house . . . if you would sign a few documents for me.”

The young woman looked at him a moment, not certain what he was talking about. “Documents?” She said, “What documents?”

Beckett put down his quill and folded his hands, “The land properties in England we’ve discussed a few times. If you sign over ownership of them to the East India Trading Company, and we conclude our business transactions, then perhaps I could find a guard or two to stand watch over your home.”

She just stood there for a moment, not certain if she had understood him correctly, “Lord Beckett,” She began carefully. “Are you truly using my fear to force through the selling of my fathers property to you.” She said directly.

“No, of course not.” Beckett said with a charming smile as he stood from his chair and walked around his desk. “I just think it would be one less matter for the company to concern themselves with, and may free up a few soldiers that could be put to use somewhere else.”

“I’m not as naïve as I once was, Lord Beckett.” She pointed out in a straightforward tone. “I know what it is to be blackmailed by someone, and I have already agreed to conclude our business matters once the appraisals arrived from England.” She said looking at him never flinching or moving her eyes from his. “Why are you doing this.”

Beckett arched a brow slightly and decided that his original plan of charming his way through this was not going to work. “Lady Norrington, I know it may be difficult for someone who runs her business solely by letters and other correspondence, but the East India Trading Company is growing and spreading throughout the world. Delaying transactions such as this one, when appraisals have already been brought from home by our company, is a waste of time. Now, you can take my word that the appraising that was done was done correctly and reported accurately, and have the piece of mind and safety of having a guard posted on your house. Or, you can continue your childish notion of what business is, and find a way to protect yourself in your husbands absence without the aid of any soldiers or E.I.T.C agents.”

It was unbelievable what he had just said, and a smile on his lips the entire time. As if he knew she was cornered and was going to have to agree to his terms no matter what. It was a sickening feeling, as she had always tried to look for the good in people but Lord Beckett was making it more and more difficult to see any in him. Without a word, she turned and left his office closing the door behind.

The smile faded from Beckett’s face as it seemed she had declined his proposal once again. Mercer stepped from the shadows having observed everything that had just happened.

“I suppose her attacker wasn’t threatening and aggressive enough.” Beckett said never turning his eyes away from the door Aislinn had exited through.

Twilight

Aislinn closed the shutters, and put the board across them as she had had a man come in that afternoon and install them on the window. She stood back looking at it a moment, before reaching up and making sure that it was securely in place with no give. With a sigh, she moved over to her bed still starring at the window as she sat down.

Her hand rested over the small swell of her abdomen as she sighed, “I wish now that I hadn’t refused to learn when James wanted to teach me how to fire a pistol.” She said still nervous, “I think now . . . I’ll ask him to show me when he returns.” Her eyes looked down at her body as she imagined their child growing inside of her. “I wish James was here.” She whispered.

She had spent the whole day in worry and fear and now she felt incredibly exhausted. Scooting back, she slipped her legs under the covers and leaned against the pillows, pulling the blankets over her to keep warm. Her eyes wondered back towards the shutters again, not knowing if they were going to be secure enough to keep anyone out. Shaking her head a little, she rubbed her eyes with her fingers before leaning over and blowing out the candle, as she closed her eyes and began to pray.

A few hours later, perhaps no more then 3 or 4am, Aislinn was sound asleep in her bed. So soundly that she didn’t hear a door open and close, and the lock being turned, which would have usually woken her up. A dark figure moved towards the bed, and leaned over her looking at her face. Now they were close enough that their breath was on her face, and that was enough to wake her up. Her eyes slowly started to open, when she realized she wasn’t alone and she took a deep breath preparing to scream. But it was a futile attempt, as the familiar hand from the night before wrapped around her throat and began to squeeze.

She gasped as her eyes started to water, and her hands wrapped around the figures wrist trying to pry it away. But they held so tight that it was no use. Then, she felt something that caused her entire body to stiffen and her terror rise. She felt lips against her face, and then moved to her lips before they kissed her savagely, biting her lip. She gasped for air finding that it was useless trying to get the hand from her throat, and she reached over to the nightstand, knocking over the candle and matches to the floor. She continued to reach, whimpering against the lips that were attacking her in the darkness. Finally, her hand felt something familiar and she quickly grabbed it. Without hesitation, she drove the hatpin into the hand against her throat as hard as she could. The figure hollered again as it had the night before. Aislinn knew that it had gone through as she felt the needle poke into her own throat. When the hand released her she started to cough and gasp feeling lightheaded. However, unlike the night before, the figures other hand came through the air smacking her so hard it threw her back against the pillow.

Aislinn’s hand covered her face, feeling as though her eye would have popped out should she have been hit any harder. Before she could make any sort of move, half in a daze, and still trying to gasp for air, the door of her room slammed open and whoever had attacked her this time, was gone again.

The young woman started to cry, terrified, scared, and she wiped her mouth with both hands feeling incredibly dirty and violated.

Frustrations

“How are you feeling miss?” The maid asked as she put some ice into a cloth and give it to her mistress. Aislinn’s eye was swollen and a mark had formed on her face where she had been smacked, and bruises on her neck where she had been half strangled. She took the small ice pack and pressed it against her sore face, flinching a little but knowing it was the only way to make the swelling go down. “A piece of meat would work better.” She said.

“And would smell, and get blood all over my face, and be wasted food.” Aislinn answered. “This will work just fine, and is colder anyway.” She said closing her eyes, still feeling quite ill.

“Is there anything else I can get for you, M’lady?” The maid asked. Aislinn thought for a moment, not really wanting to go back to him again, but she didn’t seem to have very much choice.

“Send for Lord Beckett.” She said softly. “Perhaps now he might believe it wasn’t a dream.” She said. Aislinn didn’t want to be vain, and she did her best not to be. But if she went out of the house looking like this, . . . it would simply not reflect well on James. The maid curtsied and left the room.

Aislinn’s hand went to her head having a frightful headache, as tears started to fill her eyes. This was a nightmare, and she couldn’t seem to wake up from it, no matter how hard she tried, and it seemed to get worse the longer it went on.

Self Defense

“Thank you for letting me stay here tonight Shannon.” Aislinn said walking around to the other side of the bed and rearranging the pillows. “I haven’t told anyone that I was coming here. Not even our servants.”

Shannon was on her own side of the bed as she turned down the covers, “I think Lord Beckett is being ridiculous.” She said sitting down. “Is he blind? How can he in good conscious not have guards posted in your home with the marks on your throat and face?” She said in disgust.

“Business men like Lord Beckett don’t have a conscious.” Aislinn said with a sigh sitting down on the bed too. Her back was a little sore and her hand rested on her abdomen. Shannon reached over and helped her get comfortable.

“How are you doing?” She asked, “Have you seen the doctor yet?”

“No, there’s not been a need for one.” She admitted. “I’ve just been a little tired recently. No doubt due to lack of sleep with everything that’s happened this week.” She said as they pulled the covers up over them.

Shannon was quiet a moment before she simply had to ask, “What’s it like Aislinn?” She asked softly, “Having a baby?”

Aislinn turned over on her side towards Shannon, “Hard to explain.” She said. “It’s the strangest feeling having a life growing inside you . . . but at the same time, and honor to know your carrying your husbands child.” Aislinn half smiled, “Now the actual act of bringing our baby into this world. That is a horror story left for another time.”

“It’s really that bad then?” Shannon asked.

“You don’t remember the pain exactly. You remember that it was hard and felt like forever, but you don’t actually have the memory of it. It’s strange.” Aislinn yawned a little feeling very sleepy.

“Jonathon said that when he returned from his mission . . . we’d start a family of our own.” Shannon said softly. “I never thought I’d feel a little nervous about it.”

“Don’t be nervous.” Aislinn said softly, “Trust your husband.” She whispered as she started to drift off to sleep. Shannon knew she was tired and she wasn’t going to keep her up talking tonight, but she did have some questions, and Aislinn seemed to be the one to ask. Turning over, she blew out the candle and settled in to go to sleep.

Unexpected Visitors

“M’Lady?” A maid said as she came into Aislinn’s bedchambers. Aislinn was sitting at her vanity brushing her hair and putting some combs in it. “There is a gentleman here to see you.”

“A gentlemen?” She asked, “Who?”

“I don’t know miss, I’ve never seen him before.” Aislinn looked towards the maid thinking that was strange, and gave a nod. The maid curtseyed and hurried back down stairs. Aislinn stood, and straightened her dress before heading down the stairs as well. There were two men standing in the foyer that she hadn’t seen before, and she smiled politely.

“Hello.” She greeted them, “My husband isn’t currently at home, but I can try to help you with whatever you need.” She offered.

“Aislinn Bartley?” Aislinn’s smile faded somewhat hearing her maiden name, and the men took off their hats, “Forgive me, I meant lady Aislinn Norrington.”

“Yes?” She said not certain what was going on, but knew that these men where there to see her.

“My name is Conner Weir, and this is my associate.” He said, “John Haninbee.” He introduced them.

Now Aislinn recognized them and she smiled, “Oh yes. You work for the firm in London that oversees my families accounts.” She said, “How may I be of help?”

The man just stood there a moment admiring the young woman’s features. “You are nothing like I’d pictured.” He said still a little stunned.

“Older?” She asked as it was the most common shock that people seemed to have when they first met her.

“More beautiful then I’ve imagined.” He said trying to be polite. Aislinn’s hand was so strong in her correspondence and business transactions, many thought of her as a old hag of a woman, with a raspy voice, and a hard look. Now, standing before her, Connor was stunned to see her in person for the first time. “I knew your father, we worked closely together in London.”

Aislinn smiled finally meeting one of her fathers business associates in person. “You are a long way away from home, Connor. What was so important that it couldn’t be written in a letter?” She ask curiously.

Connor was still admiring her for a moment before he caught his wits and took his briefcase from his associate opening it. “The appraisals you sent for.” He said taking out the papers and handing them to her. “The properties that you wanted to know about specifically, are worth much more then anyone realized. I was sent in person to advise you against selling them.” He said.

She took the documents and read over them, seeing that the ones he was talking about were the properties that the East India Trading Company had been hounding her for. Seeing the price they were valued at, she felt a twinge of anger and disappointment that Beckett had lied to her and then tried to blackmail her outright. Connor noticed something when her head was turned, a few bruises on her neck. “Are you alright?” He questioned.

Aislinn looked up at him not certain why he had asked, “Of course? Why do you ask?”

Connor pointed to his own neck a moment, “Your neck.” He said before pointing towards hers, “Were you injured?” Aislinn reached up touching her neck realizing that the bruises she had sustained were visible when her head was turned, and fixed the collar of her dress to find them.

“It’s nothing.” She said not wanting to speak of it, or stray into the topic. She smiled as she looked at them, “You’ve traveled a long way, would you join me for lunch?” She questioned inviting them to dine with her.

“Of course, thank you M’Lady.” Connor said with a smile handing his briefcase back to his associate.

Financial Disasters

As the five individuals sat in Beckett’s office, the tension was tight and made the atmosphere in the room incredibly heavy and uncomfortable. Mercer and Beckett, and then Aislinn with Conner and his associate.

“Why couldn’t you have just been honest with me.” Aislinn asked, “Why did you insist on showing me appraisals that showed these properties at a mere fraction of their worth?” She questioned.

“I assure you I had no idea that our documents were faulty, Lady Norrington.” Beckett answered. The look on his face was one of extreme irritation and disgust that she had not only received the documents he had been hounding her for, but what seemed to be back up as well. “I apologize for any inconvenience or distress this may have caused you.” The insincere tone in his voice and the dark look on his face told of his distaste for the whole situation. “I suppose that you’ll be wanting me to revise our offer to incorporate the new and apparently accurate findings.” He said reaching for a few papers.

“No.” Aislinn said directly. Beckett paused his movements and looked up at her.

“No?” He questioned not sure where she was going with this.

“I’m sorry Lord Beckett, but we can no longer do business together.” She said seriously. Beckett’s look darkened even more as he sat back in his chair and just starred at her, “Had you been honest and up front with the truth with me, then I may have sold you what you wanted at the price you quoted.” She paused a moment, “But you haven’t been truthful, and I cannot make agreements with you when I cannot trust you.”

Beckett could hardly believe it. “Lady Norrington,” He began as he leaned forward folding his hands together, “Good business dictates that any transactions or purchases result in a profit. Paying the exact price properties are worth, is not good business. Now, I realize you have a somewhat naive view on business practices, and since you have gone out of your way to have everything done ‘properly’ in your mind . . . I will pay you top dollar, every cent that these properties are worth. Which is far more generous then I can assure you any other person would ever get from me.”

“I may be naïve to your eyes in some areas, but these gentlemen are not. They work with the firm that handles our accounts in London, which in turns work with our other firms that manage our other accounts. They have come all this way to personally deliver what I requested to my hands, to adhere to my fathers beliefs of business practices.” She stood from where she sat and everyone else stood up as well. “I must stand on my decision, and decline your offer. Even if you were to offer me twice what these are worth, I can not allow the Bartley family name and legacy be tarnished by doing business with such an immoral Company as yours.” She started to turn and froze in place. Her eyes caught the bandage wrapped around Mercers hand. Usually, one could not see his hands, as they were covered in leather gloves. But the bandage was to large to fit into them, and the wound seemed rather severe.

Her heart caught in her chest as all sorts of thoughts flooded through her mind, and her eyes raised towards Mercer’s face. The main issue being, if it had been Mercer who had been terrorizing her, then there was no doubt that it was Beckett who had sent him to do so. “Good Day.” She said as a chill went down her spine, wanting to be anywhere but here. The three turned and exited the office together closing the door.

Beckett shouted and threw the books off of his desk; he was so close to getting what he wanted. Yet now, he had lost the entire deal and was completely infuriated.

Evenings

After dinner, Connor sat in the parlor with Aislinn and they finished up some other matters that needed attending to and her signature. Then they sat talking for a while as Connor told her of London and how things were there.

“You said you worked closely with my father?” Aislinn asked after a while. Connor smiled and nodded. “Did you know him well?” She asked.

“Yes. Very well. I knew your father every since I could remember, and he was always very kind and very generous to me. I never had a father of my own you see.” He said trying to be as discreet as possible. “Lord Bartley took me under his wing really, and helped me get on my feet in life.”

Aislinn smiled. All her life she knew how generous and kind her father was. The medical advances that were made and practiced at the convent she grew up in, were in no small amount due to his contributions for letting her live there. “Did you know my mother?” She asked after another moment.

“Not really. I have a vague memory of seeing her when I was young, but that’s about all.” Aislinn gave a nod, not really wanting to get into it. The conversation fell silent and Connor studied her a moment, before deciding to take a turn, “Are you happy here, Aislinn?” He asked. Her eyes looked up at him thinking that was a rather odd and random question. “It’s just that . . . you seem very nervous, and somewhat shy. Is it because you’re unhappy?”

“Yes.” She admitted turning her eyes down, “It’s been months since James left, and it will most likely be months more before he returns.” She said sadly, “I miss him terribly.”

Connor gave a nod, “I imagine it’s not easy. Being the wife of an Admiral in the Kings Navy.” He said. Another moment passed as he seemed hesitant to ask his next question, but it was on his tongue, “And the baby?” He asked.

Aislinn blushed bright red turning her eyes away. Had she gotten so big that she couldn’t hide it anymore? “Our second.” She said softly, “Our first . . . our first passed away. He’s buried in the churchyard.” She hoped that would quell anymore questions on that subject.

“Will the Admiral return before the baby arrives?” Connor asked trying to explain what he had meant without embarrassing her further. Aislinn wasn’t entirely sure, but it was very unlikely and she shook her head. “I’m sorry.” He apologized. “It’s just that . . . since we’ve arrived, I’ve noticed that you’re alone here in your house. With only servants to keep you company.”

“Shannon.” She said with a smile, “A friend of mine, she is the wife of one of James officers. We’ve kept each other company since our husbands left. I’m not completely alone, I go to see her and we visit a while.”

Connor cleared his throat putting down his glass as he leaned closer to her, “Aislinn . . .” He began. “The marks on your throat, and the lesser ones that have almost healed on your face . . .” She was starting to blush again in embarrassment. “You didn’t request that Lord Beckett put a guard on your home when we spoke with him. . . . do you know who attacked you?” He said realizing that she seemed very solemn and even more nervous since that meeting they had together.

Aislinn was quiet, she didn’t answer right away, not wanting more people to get involved, and truly not wanting it to get back to James what had happened. She couldn’t even say it out loud or whisper it, afraid that someone might hear. Instead, she just turned her eyes down and gave a nod. Connor wasn’t exactly certain how to read this and he tried to understand better.

“Is it known that you are with child?” He asked her trying to approach this from a different angle.

The young woman shook her head a bit, “Only Shannon, and I’ve written to James. Unless I am failing at hiding it well now, then they are the only ones that are aware of it.”

“Hmm.” Connor said leaning back in his chair and thinking studying her. Aislinn felt strangely comfortable around this man. More comfortable then she had ever felt with anyone before. He was soothing, and somehow familiar to her, but she couldn’t quite place the memory of meeting him before. “Lady Norrington . . . would it be permissible for my associate and I to stay here in Port Royal until your husband returns?” He asked.

“Do you not have to return to England?” She questioned thinking it a strange request.

“My duty is to you, M’lady.” He said. “If not for you . . .and your father, I would never have risen to such a station as I have now.” He shook his head, “You shouldn’t be alone in your condition while your husband is away.” Connor said sincerely.

“Connor,” Aislinn said, “I appreciate your offer and your concern. But, James and I are already the main line of gossip in Port Royal. Poor Shannon has come under fire of it simply because we were spending a great deal of time together. How would it look, if you were to stay here while James was gone, and we were seen together? Who knows what sorts of rubbish and gossip would flow then, and God forbid any of it should get back to James when he’s on such a dangerous expedition as it is.”

He half smiled, “You don’t seem like one who puts much stock in gossip.” He pointed out.

She smiled a bit “I don’t. But so many here do, and I don’t wish to make James’ life anymore difficult then it already is. I don’t want to dishonor him by letting those sorts of rumors begin. But I do appreciate everything.” She said not wanting him to think she was ungrateful.

“Well, be that as it may . . . I would like to request to be able to stay here in Port Royal. That way should you need anything you could send for me. Then you wouldn’t be alone and if something arises where you need assistance, you will have it.” He said.

She looked into his eyes for a moment, a small smile on her lips. “You loved my father.” She said directly. Connor seemed to hesitate a moment before giving a nod.

“Very much so. So many times I thought of him . . . as my own father.” He said his eyes turning away for a moment. “Were he still alive, I know he would want you to have help close by should you need it.”

Aislinn looked at him for a moment before reaching out and covering his hand with hers, “Mine isn’t the permission you need to seek.” She said honestly.