A Marriage To A Fine Woman

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James sat reading the letter that he had received earlier that morning, yet again since he had first opened it. The first part of the letter, Aislinn seemed as though she was dodging talking about something, and the second part of the letter . . . it seemed like she was apologizing for the first part, and then relented telling him what she sincerely didn’t want to. About her attacks, and Lord Beckett’s response, and even about Mercer’s wound on his hand. Even though it was a dreadful and dire situation she was writing about, he couldn’t help the small smile that tugged at the corner of his mouth when he read the ‘hat pin’ defense she once used on him. It was amusing somewhat.

Near the end of the letter, she told about her visitors from England and then that they wished to stay until he returned. Hearing Conner’s name was what had him vexed. The name sounded familiar but he simply couldn’t place it. Perhaps in the years he had known Walter before he married Aislinn they had met each other, but he couldn’t put a face to the name.

He wrote back almost instantly, wanting it to go out with the day’s post so an answer would arrive to Port Royal as soon as possible. Of course, if she felt that she was safer with the accountants from London there, they could stay. Not inside their home, they needed to remain at the inn, but they could stay. James wasn’t so immune to jealousy and flights of fancy should they stay in his home with his young wife. Since they worked for her, it did give him some piece of mind that there were men nearby that she could call on if she needed help. It was apparent that Beckett was not the one to seek help from, as she had something he wanted and he would simply twist whatever situation it was to get it.

Still, that name . . . . where did he know that name from?

Sleeping Late

Connor sat down in James study, looking over the papers and reports that Aislinn had received earlier in the week, making sure that everything was in order. The clock began to chime and he looked up seeing the time thinking it was odd. A maid slid open the door and brought in a tray with tea to serve him, moving over and setting it on the desk.

“Is Lady Norrington alright?” Connor asked. “She’s still sleeping?” He inquired.

“Yes sir.” The maid answered. “I was not here when she had her first child, the cook is the only one who has been in their service that long. She says that Lady Norrington took to sleeping late the closer it came to the baby’s arrival.” She explained pouring his tea before setting down the pot and giving a curtsy and leaving the room.

The man took a sip of his tea and looked upwards wondering if Aislinn truly was alright. It was nearly noon, and she hadn’t stirred from her slumber yet. Not long after the reply came from the Admiral that Connor and his associate was allowed to stay, came another letter addressed to Connor from James, explaining what he was to watch for and when to call the doctor. It seemed as though it was getting to that point, but he was a little wary about sending for the doctor without asking Lady Norrington first.

Still, in James letter, he expressed the conditions of which he was allowed to stay in Port Royal, and one of them was looking after Aislinn in his place until he returned. He took out his pocket watch, and checked the time before slipping it back into his vest and standing from the desk, calling for one of the servants to come and carry a message for him.

Doctor Reports

The doctor came down the stairs after having examined Aislinn closely, to where Connor was waiting for him. “Is she alright?” He asked very concerned.

“Yes, all of this is normal for her.” He said. “Although I doubt her loneliness and worry for her husband since he’s been gone has helped her through this.”

“How long until the baby arrives do you think?” He questioned.

“Few more weeks perhaps. Less then a month I should think. I’ve not heard about the fleet’s whereabouts recently, but I very much doubt that the Admiral will return before she is due.” The doctor said as a maid brought him is coat and helped him into it.

“Will you be able to help her?” Connor asked looking up the stairs.

“I delivered her last child, so I think I at least have experience behind me.” The doctor said thinking that was a strange question. “May I ask a personal question, sir?” The doctor said. Connor looked back at the man and gave a nod. “What are you to Lady Norrington?” He asked.

Connor arched a brow not certain why he was asking, but almost recognized a tone of accusation. “My associate and I work for her. We’re stationed at the firm in London that handles her accounts.” How many times did he have to repeat this answer? Honestly, couldn’t people mind their own business?

“But you’re not in London.” The doctor pointed out, “How long will you be staying for?” He questioned.

“I promised her husband that I would stay until he returned.” He said starting to feel somewhat annoyed at this interrogation. “If you are implying, what it seems you are implying may I point out that you are insulting the Norrington family by even letting the thought pass your mind.” He said defensively, “If you knew that young woman upstairs, you would know that she is staunchly loyal and faithful to her husband, in her heart, in her mind, and in her body at all times.”

The doctor raised his hands in surrender, “You needn’t be so defensive. As her doctor I simply need to know what sort of situation she is currently in” He said.

“The young woman upstairs is probably the most noble and most gentle creature I’ve ever met. Man or woman. It angers and insults me to think you’re accusing her of having loose morals of any sort.” Connor said clinching his fists slightly.

The doctor gave a quiet nod and turned leaving.

Connor winced slightly realizing the show he must have just put on, and was somewhat embarrassed. Still, why did everyone of the upper class have to assume the worst? As if there was some juicy drama or tale to be told behind every door? When someone as private as Aislinn came along, for some reason everyone assumed that she had some of the darkest, deepest, sinful secrets of them all. Just because she was kind, and kept private matters just that. Private. It was frustrating really. He wasn’t sure how she could stand it all this time.

Unexpected News

Aislinn came hurrying down the stairs as fast as she could when the maid told her that Connor arrived. “Did you hear? Did you hear the news?” She asked quickly walking over to him with the message she had received.

“Aislinn, you shouldn’t be out of bed. The doctor told you, you shouldn’t let yourself get too excited or upset.” Connor said a little concerned.

“Yes, but look.” She said handing him the parchment, “The convoy is returning home for repairs. Lord Beckett promises that they will be home by the end of the week. Isn’t that wonderful??” She said unable to control her excitement. “James might be back before the baby is born!” She exclaimed happily.

He read over the paper and smiled for her a bit, even though he was still concerned for her being up and about like this. “It is good news.” He said before taking her arm and walking back over to the stairs, “But please, go back to bed.” He insisted, “You don’t want your husband to worry if you’re to out of sorts when he returns.”

She smiled at him a bit, “Connor, you’ve been such a good friend these past weeks. I can’t thank you enough for deciding to stay.” She thanked him yet again. “I can’t wait for James to meet you, I’m sure he’ll be pleased.”

Connor gave a nod and motioned towards the upstairs again. “Go and rest, and I’ll see that arrangements are made so he is met on the shore and brought home as soon as his feet touch dry land.” He promised her so she wouldn’t worry. Aislinn grinned, almost glowing and gave a nod as she started back up the stairs.

Returning Home

Unfortunately, the fleets return was not the triumphant one many were expecting. Many of the ships needed major repairs, and some ships were so damaged they were actually limping home, having to be pulled by others. Although they manage to succeed in their task, and their holds were bursting with prisoners, it was a very narrow victory indeed.

Connor and his associate waited down on the docks, seeing the wounded brought ashore first and then finally the officers from the ships. “Will you recognize him sir?” The man standing at Connors side asked.

“It won’t be that hard, John. He’s the only Admiral coming ashore.” He said.

It seemed as though James was the last officer to return, and Connor approached him to introduce himself. James had sustained a few injuries, but if they pained him in anyway he didn’t show it. There was a cut on his brow that was mended, and cuts on his hands. Who knew how many other injuries he had that his clothing covered.

“Admiral Norrington?” Connor asked when he approached him.

James looked up studying the man for a moment, and arched a brow. He had seen him before, “Can I assume you’re Connor?” James asked.

“Yes sir.” He said immediately, “I came to meet you on behalf of your wife. She was unable to come down herself, being so close to the time you’re child will be arriving.” He admitted.

Norrington started walking back up the beach and Connor stayed close, “How is she?” The Admiral asked, “Has she begun labor?”

“No, but the doctor has restricted her to bed rest. It has been quite difficult keeping her there since she received word of your returning.” Connor said. James’ steps slowed slightly as he looked towards Connor, not sure how he felt about this man referring to his wife and bed in the same sentence. But he shook it off, knowing he could trust Aislinn no matter what. Especially since she was an incredibly poor liar.

“That isn’t surprising.” He said remembering back when she had been restricted to bed rest before with Michael. “I will return home as soon as I can, after I make my report.” James mood wasn’t the greatest, having to bring home his fleet in such a manner. But the job was done, and the current threat to the East India Trading Company in the Caribbean was quelled. Connor gave a nod and turned motioning for his assistant to come with him as James headed up to his office, where no doubt Lord Beckett was waiting for him.

Arriving Home

James moved up the stairs quietly after passing off his things to the servants including his hat and coat. They all greeted him excitedly, happy he was home. He half expected to see Aislinn, but with Connor and the Doctors reports of how she was doing, it wasn’t surprising when she was nowhere to be seen.

He opened the door of their bedchamber and slipped in closing it behind him. “Aislinn?” He asked softly as he walked around the corner to their bed. She was awake, and the pillows were propped up behind her so she could sit up and read. Her eyes brightened and a smile lit her face as she quickly put her book aside.

“James!” She said excitedly starting throw the covers back to get up. However Norrington hurried around the bed and stopped her sitting next to her so she wouldn’t attempt it.

“No no, it’s alright.” He said easing her back against the pillows. Now it was James turned to be somewhat surprised. Her belly was enormous. She looked as though she was about ready to burst any second.

“I’m sorry James, I wanted to badly to come to meet you on the beach . . .” She started to say, upset with herself for not having more will power to stand up to those who were keeping her bed ridden.

“Shhh,” He said with a smile. Aislinn couldn’t stand it another moment and wrapped her arms around his neck hugging him tightly, never being happier in her life just to see him again.

“Oh James, I’ve missed you so much, I . . .” She stopped when she felt James wince slightly and pulled back with a frown. She took his hands in hers seeing the cuts and bruises, before looking towards his face again. Reaching up, she carefully removed his wig and put it aside with a frown seeing the way his brow had been mended. The look of joy and brightness seemed to dim a little as she touched his face and tears filled her eyes. “James . . . what happened?” She said looking into his beautiful green eyes that she had missed so much it hurt her heart.

“It’s alight dear.” He said wrapping his hand around hers and bringing it from his face to his chest. “Just a few scratches. They look worse then they are.” He said sincerely. Aislinn frowned and freed her hand before removing his cravat and finding more wounds that were hidden. Her eyes returned to his wanting to know what caused them. James sighed and gave a nod. “I was on deck when a cannon ball grazed the bow. Most of what you see is shrapnel wounds from the splintered wood.” He said.

“Your ship?” She questioned almost afraid of the answer, “Your crew?”

“There were casualties.” He admitted, “Yet the ship was not sunk, and we won the battle.” He said with a small smile stroking her hair again.

Aislinn’s eyes were filled with tears as she touched his cheek gently with her hand again. She knew he had a dangerous job, especially being the admiral of the fleet. But seeing these wounds on his person . . . felt like daggers in her heart. She reached up and unbuttoned his vest, pushing it off over his shoulders, and then carefully took the hem of his shirt and pulled it over his head tossing it aside. James was hesitant about letting her do this, but he decided to cooperate.

Her eyes looked over his wounded flesh, and saw new scars that had formed while he was away. A knot formed in her throat and she bit her lip, seeing now what caused him to wince when she hugged him. A wound that was large, and had mended somewhat, but was still quite tender and sensitive. “I’m sorry.” She whispered in a shaky voice, “Oh James I’m sorry.” She said as the tears escaped her eyes and rolled down her cheeks.

He leaned forward and wrapped his arms around her hugging her tight to him, knowing that she was going to be upset when she saw him in this condition, but it wasn’t as though he could hide from her forever. They were married after all. “Shhhh, it’s alright.” He cooed and comforted holding her tight. “Nothing major, nothing to worry about, I promise.” He said rubbing her back and letting her weep if she truly needed to.

For a moment, another thought passed his mind that he couldn’t seem to shake. He had to see, even though the marks would most likely be gone by now. He reached up and smoothed her hair back from her shoulder and inspected her neck slightly. Aislinn pulled back a little and dried her eyes looking up at him. James, still needing to satisfy this curiosity, moved to look at the other side of her neck and swept the hair away from his view. “They’re gone James.” She said softly. “They were merely bruises left on my skin.”

Norrington reached over and picked up the candle holding it closer to give him more light to see her skin. One would have to look quite hard and quite close, but there were still slight shadows underneath her skin where the bruises had once been large and unavoidable. He sighed reaching up and stroking her hair again. “Aislinn . . . I’m the one who is sorry. To leave you here amongst wolves . . .” He looked down at her swollen abdomen and placed his hand there ever so carefully, ever so gently. “You and our child deserve better. So much better.” He said seriously.

“Connor and his friend John decided to stay in Port Royal until you returned. It seemed as though all attacks or even threats of attacks stopped then.” She said hoping it might ease his mind to know that.

James already knew this, and the reason for it. Connor’s ‘friend’ or ‘associate’ was also a body guard. With a reputation, and skills that would rival Mercer’s any day. Connor explained that he had sent his body guard to watch over the house each night, to make sure that Aislinn was safe. If there were any more attempts to enter their home, or attack Aislinn, they came to an abrupt end before they even approached the house. Even with this, James and Connor didn’t feel it was a good idea to tell Aislinn of this. It was better that she simply felt safe, even if she was unaware of the reason why.

“Darling.” He said cupping her face in his free hand still leaving his hand to rest on the swell of her belly. “How are you doing? Really?” He inquired, having been worried about her for months. “Have you been ill?”

Aislinn hesitated a moment, as though she was considering telling him yes or no. “Only a little. That’s why the doctor insisted that I remain in bed as though my legs were broken.” She said with a slight pout. “I’ve been here for over a week.”

“That’s good.” He replied, “Making sure that our child is safe and healthy is your first priority. I’m glad you decided to take the doctors advice without arguing.” He said with a smile. Aislinn turned her eyes away slightly when he said that. James smile faded a little, “Or did you?”

“I still don’t understand why it has to be complete bed rest? Why can I not still continue to move around, if I promise to stay seated most of the time?” She questioned. Norrington smirked slightly, whenever it came to this subject, or anything medical, she always seemed to have an opinion about it. He leaned forward and kissed her head, before touching her nose with the tip of his finger.

Labor, Pain, And Agony

James paced in the foyer, no longer able to just pace in his study. It was unbelievable. Months of wishing he was here, wishing he could get to her to take care of her, thousands of miles to get home to her side, and here he was. Standing around like a lump with nothing to do as blood curdling screams came from their bedroom upstairs. It was like a nightmare.

It went on for hours, and Norrington thought he would lose his mind until the screaming died down and finally, silence from upstairs. Now, he stood at the foot of the staircase starring upwards. For some reason, this was more nerve racking then the screaming there had been before. Finally, two of the maids came down the stairs carrying liens with them that had been exchanged for fresh ones. James didn’t even wait or ask if it was alright and took this as a sign that he could finally see his wife.

Hurrying up the stairs, taking three steps to every one, he went to their bed chamber and knocked a few times hardly able to wait for an answer before he pushed the door open quietly and stepped in.

The doctor was washing up and putting his things away, and the midwife that had agreed to assist the doctor held a bundle in her arms. “Come in Admiral, come in.” The Doctor said. James didn’t have to be told twice and approached them, looking over to see Aislinn out cold. Her hair had been combed and done in braids, and her nightgown and the liens had all been changed for fresh clean ones.

“Is she alright?” James asked trying to keep his voice down so as not to disturb her. The doctor gave a nod.

“She worked very hard to bring your child into this world. She’s exhausted.” The doctor said also keeping his voice soft. “Another large healthy one to add to your family, Admiral.” The doctor said with a smile.

The midwife moved over next to James holding the bundle close and pulled the cloth back just enough for him to see. James smiled a bit. He thought for certain that all babies looked the same. But this one, this one looked completely different from any he had seen. Including Michael when he had been born. They looked nothing alike. Except the same small fragile features, and the same delicate fingers. “You’re certain he’s healthy?” James asked never able to take his eyes off their child.

“Oh yes. Very much so. She’s strong, like her mother.” The doctor said correcting James assumption.

“A girl?” James asked his eyes wide as he looked up at the midwife. She smiled and covered the baby back with the blanket. Norrington was a little shocked, for some reason it never occurred to him that they might have a daughter. It was foolish really, but there was no disappointment in the news. Still his excitement didn’t dim, and he couldn’t be more pleased.

His eyes shifted over towards Aislinn again, seeing how pale her skin was, and the dark black circles around her eyes. She looked as death warmed over. “Are you certain she’s alright?” The admiral asked the doctor again as he approached Aislinn and sat down beside her on the bed. He reached up resting his hand gently to her face, “She’s cold as ice.” He said not thinking that to be normal at all.

“Rest is what’s best for her now, Admiral.” The doctor said. “She had a tough time of it. But she’ll soon regain her strength and her color.” He reassured Norrington. The doctor motioned for the midwife to take the baby into the nursery and watch over him while James seemed to be intent on watching over her young mother. “Her spirit is a strong one, sometimes it’s difficult for her body to keep up.” The doctor said before heading out of the bedroom door and closing it carefully.

James smoothed her bangs that had fallen across her eyes out of her face, and wrapped his hand around hers, feeling how cold it was and wanting to share his own warmth with her if he could. He sighed a bit as he studied her face. She was still beautiful, even more beautiful to him then ever, despite the fact she looked very exhausted and sickly ill at this moment. But the years they had spent here, in this place that most thought of as a paradise, had definitely taken their toll. James leaned closer and kissed her forehead ever so gently, “This is no place for you.” He whispered gently still holding her hand in his. “Nor for our daughter.”

Contracts and Agreements

“Lord Beckett,” James said having almost lost his last ounce of patients, “Have I not served you well these years? Have I not whipped your entire fleet back into a respectable state, brought you great profit and protected the E.I.T.C. shipments so there were hardly, if any, lost to sea or pirates?” James demanded to know.

“Yes. You have done your job extremely well. Exceeding our every expectation. Why do you think we wanted you more then any other officer in his Majesties Navy.” Beckett said looking at him squarely, “Even with all your good deeds, and excellent record, you still have 3 years left on your contract. Are you saying you wish to resign your commission?” He questioned. Resigning ones commission would put a huge black blot on anyone’s record, as James knew all to well.

“The East India Trading Company operates all over the world, in every ocean and sea. Especially in England. Why would the request for a transfer be so difficult to grant? I will still be in your services under your colors, but simply operating in a different part of the world.” James argued.

“Because, your services are needed here. As I’m sure you’re well aware, the print in our contract stipulates that you serve here in the Caribbean. Because this is where the threats are and this is where you are needed most. It is the deal we struck James, and I have always considered you to be an honorable man.” Beckett countered.

“So I am to understand that you are refusing my transfer then?” He questioned.

Beckett sighed tossing down his quill as he stood up, “Yes . . . I am, and before you hand me your resignation, effectively ending your military career and destroying your rather remarkable record in the process . . . let me assure you that there is no need for any of this.” Cutler said. “If you or Aislinn have need of something, anything at all to make your stay here more comfortable, or livable, arrangements can be made to have it brought here. All you need do is ask.”

“I believe my family would be much safer in London, then here on the front line our England’s territory expansion.” James said as plainly as possible.

“You signed a contract James, you made a deal.” Beckett pointed out yet again.

“Yes. I signed a contract and I made a deal with you. Aislinn did neither. But she’s suffered for one reason or another from the moment her foot left the shores of home.” Norrington explained. “She has paid quite dearly, with the loss of her father, and the loss of our son. How exactly, do you propose that the East India Trading Company could possibly compensate for such losses?” Beckett arched a brow slightly. James sighed, “I’m not saying that I’ll quit working, I’m not even saying that I’ll resign. But I would like to be able to take my wife and child back home where they belong.”

“I’m sorry James.” Beckett said looking at him seriously, “I see absolutely no way for this to be resolved, other then your finishing out your last three years of your contract.” Beckett said. “If your wish is for your wife and daughter to return to England, I can arrange an escort indeed even a ship specifically to carry them back safely.”

James gave him a look as though it was the stupidest thing that Becket could have ever said out loud. Of course he didn’t want Aislinn to be so far away from him at any time. It was bad enough that he just spend the majority of the year at sea unable to hold her in his arms.

This conversation was going no where and James could see that. He shook his head, bid Beckett good day and left his office. Cutler smirked slightly; it was easy to take a small amount of joy in torturing James after what Aislinn had put him through.

Luncheons

“I was rather surprised when you wanted to meet with me for lunch here at the Inn, sir.” Connor said sitting with the Admiral waiting for their meal to be served. “Wouldn’t be a better setting to dine at your home with your lovely wife?” He questioned. James just sat starring at Connor for a few moments which made him incredibly uncomfortable. “I apologize Admiral Norrington. I did not mean to offend you by speaking of Lady Norrington so informally. I assure you that there is and will never be anything between us.” He said quickly knowing the Admiral’s reputation for being somewhat jealous of his young bride.

“I know.” James said simply. Just then their food started to be served and James waited until they were alone again before speaking once more. “Do you know, from the time I met you, I thought you looked strangely familiar. It wasn’t until your dining at home with Aislinn and myself that I could place you.”

Connor took a drink of his wine waiting to hear what the Admiral had to say. Although it seemed that some secret that had been hidden was figured out by James, Connor didn’t feel the need to aid in the discovery.

“When I first met you, before Aislinn and I were wed, I had my suspicions. Now that I have seen the two of you side by side, together . . . I’m certain of it.” He said seriously.

The young man sighed and put down his wine glass. It was obvious that the one secret in his life he was sworn to keep until his death had become common knowledge. “Have you told her?” He questioned.

“No, but I think you should.” James said.

“I couldn’t possibly.” Connor admitted. “She’s so pure, and sweet. Have you heard the way she talks of Lord Bartley? You would swear she talked of a saint, a king, or even a God. Revealing this could cause her pain that I don’t wish to be the cause of.”

James sighed and just looked at Connor taking a sip of his own wine. “She is usually quite perceptive; I’m surprised she hasn’t figured it out. Perhaps it’s because there has never been a mirror present when the two of you are standing in it.” He said. Connor couldn’t eat; this was all very awkward now. “Why were you not given half his properties when he died, Connor.” James said shifting the subject slightly.

“When I was born, Aislinn’s mother was still alive.” He said not wanting to put it so bluntly.

“Same father, different mothers.” James said plainly. “Walter was married to Aislinn’s mother but not to yours.”

“Yes sir.” Connor said confirming it. “However it is not what you think. Lord Bartley took good care of my mother and myself. As soon as I was able he saw that I got an apprenticeship, and it wasn’t long before I had earned a standing of my own thanks to him. Never once did I feel as though I were unwanted or a mistake.” Connor admitted.

“You worked closely with him then.” James said.

“Very much so. I was with him with most of his business ventures, I traveled with him quite extensively.” He said. “He was a very kind man, and not prone to adultery. It was not something he indulged in often, or really any other time then with my mother.” He said.

“You don’t seem to resent Aislinn.” Norrington said thinking that would only be a natural response. “Inheriting everything, her father’s wealth and empire. While you remain in her service.”

“It was not her fault, Admiral. I cannot blame her for something that she herself did not do to me. Now, having met her face to face, I doubt if she would be capable of even dreaming of such a thing purposely. She has been very generous to everyone in her service. When Lord Bartley died, she raised everyone’s salary and payments almost to double what they were before.” Connor explained. He paused a moment before he shook his head, “There is no need for her to know of any of this Admiral Norrington. I promised Walter that I would aid her if there ever came a time she needed my help. But she doesn’t need me anymore, I’m obliged to back out of her life and return to England.”

“There is where you’re wrong Connor.” James said. “Now she needs you more then ever.”

“Sir?” Connor questioned not understanding how that could be.

“You say you knew Lord Bartley, and spent time with him.” James said. Connor gave a nod. “Then you know that that Bartley name is a dying one. Aislinn has no living relativities. Or so she thought when her father died. You’re her brother, Connor. You have no idea how much it would help her to know that she isn’t alone.”

“But she has you, and your daughter. You’re her family.” Connor pointed out.

“Yes, but . . . I’ve come to realize that may not be enough.” James said with a sigh. “Oh, she tries her best not to think or long for anything else. But when her father died, it’s as though a part of her soul died with him. All these business affairs that she has been handling since Walter’s death only remind her of that.” James eyes shifted towards him, “The news of a brother would only help her, Connor. You might be surprised how much.”

Connor folded his hands together thinking a moment. “I’m only her half brother sir. It is not the same. And I am very happy with my life. A life that Walter helped me build on my own. I don’t wish to be given anything, or really for more then I have. I’m fond of my anonymity, and not having the name of Bartley. Making it known that she has a half sibling, could be very detrimental to that.”

“Then it need not be a wildly known fact, if that is what you wish. It would be a family secret between only us.” Norrington countered. “She needs to know, Connor. You must tell her.” Connor looked as though he still wasn’t sure or convinced that she wasn’t better off not knowing. “Connor . . . she and I have been married for . . .” James paused a moment not really having counted up the years before this moment, “Eight years.” He said with half a smile. “Trust me, I know this woman very well. She needs to know that she’s not alone in this world.”

Connor sat there in silence for several moments with a sigh, trying to decide what he should do.

First Time Introductions

Aislinn stood opposite James in their room, absolutely still just starring at him for what seemed to James like an eternity before she spoke, “James . . .” Aislinn began, “I’m an only child, you know that. You’ve known that since before we were married.” She said softly.

James recognized this; he had seen it several times before in their marriage. Shock. Shock had a tendency to make things sink in slower when Aislinn was told about them, and this was definitely one of those instances. “I would know if I had a brother.” She said in almost a whisper.

“He’s your half brother, darling.” James said trying to approach this slowly. “Both you and Connor have the same father, and that makes you brother and sister.” He tried to explain once again.

“But that’s not possible.” She said her eyes staying on James. “Connor is only five years older then I am. If he is only my half brother that would mean . . . that would mean that my mother and father were still married when he was born.” She said trying to grasp the situation and turn it over in her mind.

“Yes.” James said agreeing that she was correct in her assumptions. “Aislinn, he is your brother. He is the very image of your father, and when the two of your stand together it’s painfully obvious how much you look alike.”

“Why wouldn’t father tell me?” She said in a ghost like voice. James walked over and took her hands in his holding them tight as he pulled her closer.

“You grew up in a convent, Aislinn. Your own mother didn’t even know of Connor’s existence, nor did anyone else. It’s been a well kept secret for a very long time. One that Connor has been content with keeping.” He touched her chin wanting her to look at him. “He’s waiting down stairs for you, Aislinn. He wanted to introduce himself properly, as your brother.” He said gently.

Aislinn was frozen in place for a few moments before her eyes moved towards their bedroom door. Taking a deep breath, she gathered her courage before giving a nod and releasing James’ hands and walking to the door.

Connor waited anxiously in the foyer, still uncertain about all of this. Who knows what sort of reaction Aislinn was going to have to this new found knowledge. She could be quite angry and order him out of her service immediately. Heiresses had a tendency not to like possible competition, and would rather quell it and any chance of it ever becoming a problem instantly. He wasn’t sure if he had the nerve to go through with it, and turned to consider a possible escape. However, he froze in place when he saw Aislinn standing at the foot of the staircase studying him curiously.

He cleared his throat looking from left to right, not certain what to say. Aislinn continued to stand in silence just looking at his face, his features, and the way he held himself. Not sure if he could take another moment of silence, Connor decided that he should say something. “Good evening . . .” he began, “I . . .”

However, before he could get another word in, Aislinn seemed to spring from where she stood and wrapped her arms around him hugging him tight. A bright smile on her face. Connor was in utter shock. Of all the things he imagined happening this wasn’t one of them. He wrapped his arms around her and returned her embrace.

Without a word, and the simplest of actions, it was as though she accepted him fully without demanding explanations, suspicions, or any other judgment. It was more then Connor ever thought possible, and far more then he could have ever hoped for. He smiled and hugged her a little tighter.

James stood at the top of the stairs watching the scene below quietly.

Night Time Quandary

Since the day their daughter was born, Aislinn and James had spent one single night alone in their bed chamber. Instead of their young one staying in the nursery with her nanny, Aislinn insisted that their child stay in her arms, in their bed every moment of every night.

It was understandable, considering what happened to their first born, but it was also somewhat frustrating at the same time. Not once had he been able to touch her intimately since he returned home, and every moment he spent lying beside his lovely wife unable to touch her, was like laying on needles and pins.

James didn’t have the heart to force her to let their child sleep in the nursery. With all the countless traumas that Aislinn had gone through, he couldn’t imagine causing her more pain. She did seem in somewhat better spirits once Connor’s secret had been entrusted to her. The knowledge that she did have family out there in the world besides herself seemed to ease her burden that she had been trapped under for quite sometime. It wasn’t that she didn’t count James and their young one as family, she loved them both dearly.

James sat at his desk penning a letter, incredibly bored. He was under quite a bit of stress, the tension he felt lately was so strong it was no wonder it didn’t snap his own neck . . . or he snap someone else’s.

Aislinn appeared at his study door, and slid it open a small bit so she could see James. She watched in in silence for a few moments as he worked. His jaw always seemed clinched lately, it was no wonder if his teeth and mouth weren’t sore from the constant tension. He was on edge and even shouted at the servants several times earlier in the week. Slipping into his study in silence, she closed it behind her.

Norrington started to dip his quill in the inkwell again, but stopped seeing Aislinn standing near the door in a beautiful day dress, and her hair cascading down her shoulders and back in soft curls. He sighed and set down his quill rubbing his hands over his face in further frustration seeing her standing there so beautifully. “Yes?” He said dropping his arms to his desk. “Is there something wrong?” He questioned.

She stood still for a moment as though she was quite nervous about being there at all when he was in such a mood. Then she finally summoned her courage and walked over to him beside his desk. “That is what I came to ask you.” She said softly resting her hand on the desk. “You have not been yourself since you returned home.” Actually, he hadn’t been himself until after their daughter was born, and it had been quite clear that he was to enter a life of celibacy despite the fact his time away from her consisted mostly of frustration and a burning feeling that was unbearable at times when he couldn’t get to her. “What’s wrong, James?” She asked slipping around the desk and kneeling down beside his chair putting her hands on his arm.

James’ eyes starred at her delicate soft hands as they touched him, sending prickles up his spine and down his thighs. Had it really been so long that just her touch sent him into such a torturous frenzy? He didn’t answer right away, needing to collect his thoughts. Norrington’s eyes moved towards her face, looking deep into her eyes. She was beautiful, as she had always been. He started to reach up to cup her face in his hand, and feel the warmth of her skin, the softness of her breath. But he stopped, realizing that perhaps it was not the best idea to allow himself to touch her in anyway at this moment. Frustrated beyond words, his eyes turned down away from hers and he dropped his hand back to his knee in defeat.

Aislinn couldn’t understand why he seemed to be so incredibly upset, even more he seemed depressed and so defeated. She frowned seeing him withdrawal from her so completely like that. “James . . .” She said reaching up and resting her hand against his face, stroking softly. “ . . . please, tell me?” She asked.

He closed his eyes and leaned his face into her hand, feeling his heart beat rapidly in his chest at the feel of her soft fingertips. Breathing deeply, his eyes opened as he looked into her eyes again. “Where is Abigail?” He asked looking deep into her eyes.

“She is asleep in her room.” She said. “Jane is looking after her while she sleeps.” She reassured him. James couldn’t stand it another moment and he suddenly reached up cupping her head in both hands kissing her deeply. He’d missed her taste, her touch, the mere feel of her being close enough to kiss. Aislinn was somewhat caught off guard by the extreme onrush of passion, but kissed him back eagerly.

After a few moments, the kissing and touching got a bit more passionate and somewhat aggressive. At once, James reached for Aislinn’s hips and lifted her from the floor to sit on his desk as he stood and sought out her lips once more. When he started to lean her back, and reached for her skirts, Aislinn gasped slightly and pulled away from his lips placing her hands on his chest. “What are you doing?” She said nervously.

James looked into her eyes a moment feeling as though he was going to die if she halted him in his endeavor now. “Aislinn.” He said reaching up cupping her face in his hands kissing her lips once more. “Please, it’s been so long.” He whispered against her cheek kissing her again.

Aislinn’s eyes were wide, as she looked around his study. “Not here. During the day? A maid could walk in, the cook even . . . to announce lunch.” She said nervously. James sighed as he closed his eyes and leaned his forehead against hers. It was inappropriate; he couldn’t fault her for that. Aislinn reached up and touched his face gently with her fingertips and kissed him softly. “Can we go upstairs?” She asked in a whisper.

Norrington’s eyes opened, looking at her as a smile swept his face. Aislinn smiled too when she saw the light she had missed gleam in his eye. Without another word, James took her hand as he rushed out of his study and Aislinn gathered her skirts barely able to keep up with him as they rushed up the stairs to their bedroom slamming the door behind them.

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