Misconception

Chapter 35

Bella balanced the tray securely in her hand before she raised her fist to knock on the guestroom door. She waited for a few moments until a melodic voice invited her in. She pushed open the heavy door and entered the bright room which smelled distinctively of jasmine.
“Your tea, miss.” Bella said quietly and Mirabelle Rousseau smiled widely at her.
“Thank you…Bella, isn’t it?” the blonde woman asked her as she placed her book aside and stood up from the settee.
“Yes, miss.” Bella said as she visibly relaxed at the woman’s warmth, “How do you take your tea?” she asked as she held up the teapot.
“Two scoops of sugar and milk.” Mirabelle answered and Bella complied before she handed her the steaming cup.
“Is there anything else I can do for you?” Bella asked and the other woman took a sip before she proceeded to study her thoroughly.
“I would like some assistance with my hair, if you are free.” Mirabelle answered and Bella inwardly cringed.
“I am afraid that the only thing I can really do is a braid, miss.”
“That’s perfect. Come. I’ve been starving for female companion.” Mirabelle beckoned her closer with her hand before she sat down in front of her mirror.
Bella picked up the brush from the mahogany dresser and started combing the other woman’s hair with slow but firm strokes.
“So…how do you like it here? Are the Stevensons accommodating?” Mirabelle asked her as she looked at Bella through the mirror.
“Very. I respect them very much.” Bella said as she divided the hair in three sections and started braiding it slowly.
“Hmm…I’ve heard you’ve had an…unfortunate incident a few months ago. Am I right?” Mirabelle asked neutrally and Bella paused.
“I am sorry?” she choked out.
“Someone kidnapped you. Instead of Miss Charlotte, is that right?” Mirabelle frowned up at her.
“Oh, yes. That is correct, miss.”
“So, what did you think of Jack Sparrow?” Mirabelle asked with a small smirk as she started twirling a small bottle of perfume in her hand.
Bella stopped and nearly pulled away from the woman but she stopped herself right on time.
“I beg your pardon?” she stammered and Mirabelle laughed.
“Sparrow. How did you find him? Charmer, isn’t he?”
Bella forced her hands to finish with the woman’s hair before she pulled back, “I am not sure how to answer that, miss. Do…do you know him?” she asked and Mirabelle turned to face her on the stool.
“You could say that. “
The reply was cryptic and Bella didn’t like it at all.
“That’s not a real answer.” Bella murmured.
“You didn’t answer me either.” Mirabelle pointed out.
“He kidnapped me. What do you think I think of him, miss?” Bella almost snapped but the blonde only smiled.
“I am only asking because Christopher mentioned that he was willing to let you go…for free. Now that is something that the Jack I know wouldn’t do. You see, he can charm anything with two feet and deep cleavage but he never misses an opportunity to get richer.” Mirabella said as she stood up and approached her.
“I cannot know what he was thinking, madam.” Bella forced out because the way she spoke about Jack was making her sick to her stomach. It was like she knew so much, too much. Like she had lived with him, spent time with him. It was disgusting; the implication of her knowledge of him was disgusting.
“Hmm…I’ll have to take your word for it then.” Mirabelle smiled easily as she walked over to her cup of tea.
The words were out of Bella’s mouth before she could censor them, “How do you know him, madam? Has he wronged you in any way?”
Mirabella swallowed her tea before she furrowed her brow slightly, “Wronged me? No, not really. Our relationship…was of a different nature than yours. But I was a long time ago.” She said before she smiled again, “He’s very good with words but sometimes they are not good enough.”
Bella’s breath caught in her throat at the words and everything clicked into place. That was why Jack knew her; because they had been together.
“Oh.” She voiced as she glanced towards the door, looking for an escape.
“I am sorry if I have upset you. I was merely curious. I apologize.” Mirabelle noticed her anxiety and something flashed in her eyes before it was gone completely.
“It’s alright, miss, but I really need to get back downstairs.” Bella said quietly and at Mirabelle’s nod she flew out of the room, her heart beating wildly against her ribcage.

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Bella placed the cup of coffee on the desk and then stepped back.
“Thank you, Bella.” Christopher smiled warmly up at her and his eyes stayed on her a little more than necessary before he reached for his coffee.
“You’re welcome, sir…Um, may I ask you a question?” the words were out of her mouth in a rush and he looked up at her with a frown.
“Of course.” He nodded and then his eyes narrowed, “Is something the matter?”
“I just…Ms. Rousseau said something to me…She knew what happened to me. With Jack.” And then her eyes widened at her little slip, “Sparrow, I mean.” She corrected herself and watched as Christopher leaned back in his chair.
“Oh that. Yes, I am afraid that I told her while we were having a conversation.” He confirmed and Bella bit her lip.
“Does it bother you?” he asked her quietly and she looked at him surprised.
“No…Not really, sir. I just…it seemed like she knows him. Is that probable?” she asked and he chuckled.
“Oh, yes. It’s more than just possible. She didn’t say anything to me but rumors have it that he is the one who…um, corrupted her? Her brother has been trying to keep her on a short leash ever since her encounter with Sparrow.” He confessed and Bella blinked stupidly.
“Oh…Are you saying that they have dealings with pirates, sir? I mean they are merchants and they should be their…I don’t know, enemies?” she asked timidly and Christopher smiled at her kindly.
“I am sorry for saying that. I know it’s not my place but-…”
“It’s alright, Bella. I like it when you talk to me.” He smiled again and she found herself blushing, “And if you asking questions about the Rousseau clan is the only opportunity I have to talk with you then you’re welcome to ask anything.” He chuckled and she smiled.
“I am sorry.” She repeated and he shook his head.
“Don’t apologize. And to answer your question, yes. It is true that in the past they had rather…illegal dealings with pirates. And I think it’s possible that it was then that Mirabelle met Sparrow. They have assured me that those times are over though.”
“And you believe them, sir?” she asked him and then cringed at her words.
“I suppose I’ll have to because if I work with them I will increase my family’s profits. They seem honest so far.” He frowned a bit and then brightened, “Her brother has already left for business as we speak.”
“Oh…and she’s going to stay here?” she winced at how whiny she sounded and he noticed.
“I am afraid so…Did she say something offensive?” Christopher asked and Bella quickly shook her head.
“No. I am sorry I implied something like that.” She said as she started backing out of the room.
Christopher looked at her and when he gave her a nod she smiled and walked out of his study, shutting the door on her way out.

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A month later…

Bella walked down the dark hallway towards the kitchen as quietly as possible. She entered the kitchen but when she realized that someone else was already there she yelped.
“Oh, my God!” she exclaimed as Mirabelle turned to face her with a frown, “I didn’t see you, miss.” She said as she forced a smile.
“I can see that.” Mirabelle answered and it was then that Bella noticed the envelope in her hand.
“Um…”
“It’s a letter.” Mirabelle said curtly with pursed lips, “I found it in front of the kitchen door. It has your name on it.” She outstretched her hand and Bella saw that it shook slightly.
“My name?” Bella murmured as she reached for it.
“It says Bella. That’s your name, isn’t it?” Mirabelle asked and Bella’s eyes widened at her tone.
“Um, yes.” She whispered as she looked down at the envelope with a small frown. She didn’t recognize the handwriting.
“A secret admirer perhaps?” Mirabelle’s voice shook her from her musings and she smiled tentatively.
“I think not…Um, is there anything you need, miss?” she asked after clearing her throat.
“No.”
The blonde was gone from the room in the blink of an eye and Bella stared after her with confusion.
With a last look at the kitchen she left and headed back towards her room, the need for water long forgotten at the curiosity that clawed at her insides.
Once she was safely in her room, she sat on the bed and opened the letter.

Your window was locked. Not me fault if this ends up in the wrong hands.
There’s going to be a ball at the end of this month. The Stevensons are organizing it. Don’t ask how I know it. I can’t tell you. Find an excuse to be there. I can’t keep coming in the house. Too crowded for me taste, if you get me drift. Stay away from the Rousseau lass. She’s trouble.

Xxx JS

Bella gasped and she looked around her room until she stared at the window. She walked over to it and noticed that the glass had scratches on it. Probably from rocks. She sighed and then looked down at the paper in her hand.
A ball? What was he going to do in a ball? Who would let him in?
At that her eyes widened. Was it possible that…? No. Would he work with them? With Mirabelle’s brother? How did he know about the ball if someone hadn’t told him about it? And the most important question, why did he have to be there? What about Joan?
And last but not least how was she going to go to such an elite gathering? Impossible.
She shook her head and went to her bed while holding the letter to her chest. Sleep couldn’t come fast enough that night.

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“Ahem.”
Nellie and Bella quickly spun around to face Mr. Stevenson. They smiled at him and he nodded at them before he entered the kitchen.
“Can we help you, sir?” Nellie asked and he took a deep breath.
“I need you two to find some proper attire. Take this.” He handed Nellie a pouch and Bella frowned.
“What for, sir?” she asked and he looked at her.
“You will be serving at the night of the ball. I will call a few more girls and please tell James that his presence will be needed as well. Find some proper clothing, preferably the same color and please do something about James’ clothing as well.” John Stevenson said but he looked a bit wary at the whole idea of the ball.
“Certainly, sir. Will I need to cook?”
“No. There will only be a few appetizers and drinks. The ball will take place at the new theatre in West End. Be quick. The ball is in four days.”
With those last, curt words he turned and walked out of the kitchen.
Nellie turned to Bella and grimaced, “Bloody hell.” She muttered and Bella could only nod in response.

End of chapter 35