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I walked arm in arm with James as he introduced me to the soldiers who bowed to me as I passed. Lord Beckett paced in front of us; detest still emanating through his features. After meeting the entire crew and fleet on the ship, we headed off to dinner in Lord Beckett's salon where surprise struck me.
There were men dressed in formal attire, all standing about holding wine glasses and some holding rum. They all conversed with each other in hushed tones until James and I walked by them. They all watched me with interest and confusion, whispering and whatnot as to why I was with them. Lord Beckett appeared from no where and explained at once the reason for my intrusion.
"Countess Norrington has been ordered by the King to travel amongst us. We have recently heard word of a kidnapping and she was to be involved. The King is…quite fond of the Countess and views her as one of his own." Lord Beckett recited to the other gentlemen.
Though I kept my composure, I was shocked. Not only was I to be part of a kidnapping of some sort, I was a favorite of the King. Nevertheless, I dipped into a deep bow with my hand raised into a delicate appearance, my other hand over my heart. My bow and the fact that I was the King's favorite must have made me far more respected. The men bowed to me and immediately asked me questions of Port Royal and how well the parties were.
I broke into a polite smile and answered their questions as best I could. "They are highly entertaining. I must admit that I would much rather enjoy an opera, but unfortunately, there are no theaters on the island."
"Why not perform them in your own home? That is what the Dauphine is doing at Versailles and it is increasingly popular amongst the royals." A man spoke up with high interest in a French accent.
"Countess Norrington, let me introduce you to the Comte de Chartres. He is only visiting with us for a few nights until he must leave for France."
The man bowed deeply and was most handsome. "I must admit that I heard of your beauty in France but I was not able to contemplate the truth of it before seeing you."
"You complement me, my lord, with such grace. I thank you."
The man nodded in approval before the others were introduced. "Here we have the Duke of Rochester and the Baron Radcliff."
They all bowed before dinner was brought in. We all took our seats and I was fortunate enough to sit next to Baron Radcliff. James sat across from me as I sat on the right hand side of Lord Beckett. He sat at the head of the table of men who were all conversing with each other except for the Baron Radcliff.
"You hail from England, I presume." Baron Radcliff smirked at me, twirling his fork in his hand. He was relaxed and felt at ease in my presence unlike the others.
"Where else would I be so fortunate enough to hail from?" I asked, a smile breaking my solemn appearance.
"Well, if you were French, the Comte would have married you. If you were from German descent, the Duke would have married you and if you were British I would have married you."
I laughed at him, understanding what he was getting at. All three men who I had previously met were all vouching for my attention. The French Comte was eyeing me with extreme interest, the Duke viewing my like a portrait, and the Baron conversing me as if I were already his fiancé. "I see, but I am a married woman and I did marry a British man."
"Yes, but he is not of title. You married a great military man, but not one of your means. You could have married Lord Beckett."
I was beginning to think the Baron despised me for my decision to marry James and I was entirely insulted when he continued. "But I see you are far smarter than your frivolous friends at Port Royal."
"How can you presume, sir, when you have not met them or me before this?" I asked taking a small bit of the lamb we had been served.
"But I have met you. You were at Lord Beckett's, but you were the center of attention so I could not introduce myself properly. While your friends talked of men and outfits, who looked the best and worst, you were contemplating." He leaned in close to my ear. "You were wondering what to tell everyone about your husband's disappearance. You were wondering how you were going to get your husband out of such a dreadful situation of shame if anyone knew he was forced to resign instead of die."
The meat lodged in my throat and I reached for a glass of water. Yet he continued. "You made up a lie that everyone eagerly took and to your astonishment, you were a success."
"If you can see right through me, then how am I smarter than my frivolous friends?"
He chuckled softly into his wine glass. "Unlike your friends who would not know what to say and be shamed in front of the entire society of Port Royal, you defended your husband's honor. You would rather take the blame for a lie than have him wrongfully committed of treason and rash actions. You, my lady, have a wondrous head on your shoulders."
I looked away from him, confused if I should hate this man for knowing my secret or liking him for knowing it.
"I also know of your previous engagement to Lord Beckett."
"Please, sir." I whispered in a hiss. "How have come to know of such things?"
"I am a distant cousin of Lord Beckett's and his advisor on political matters. He has often expressed to me the current scandals of your life with great amusement."
"And do you find them amusing?" I asked, my lips synching into distaste.
He cleared his throat and continued in a whisper. "I find your life tragic and therefore I sympathize. I do not pity you, Countess. I only share deep remorse for the situation you have tangled yourself in."
"What is that?" My voice was short and irritated.
"You are on a ship with about three hundred soldiers, two maids, your husband and your ex-fiancé. You are surrounded by men and are forced to pay your respects to the man that wants you while simultaneously sharing your undying love for your husband. You feel torn between what will happen to you in the event of James's death and above all, you fear my cousin deeply. You are afraid that you just might give into him and like him if you should ever be forced to speak with him on normal terms."
I swallowed. This man could have been viewed as a threat, but there was no hint of anger of his cousin's loses in his voice. "But don't worry Countess. I shall keep your secret safe because I am bound to it."
With that, he turned from me and jumped into conversation with the other gentlemen. I forced a smile to James who was watching me with worry. I glanced at Lord Beckett who was glaring at his cousin. I felt sick to my stomach of what had happened, or could that have been my child?