When they arrived at Port Royal, her uncle's carriage was there to greet her. He was a fairly wealthy merchant sailor, and had gained some status on the island. As she entered the carriage, she found his gray eyes staring at her, unsmiling. She had heard that he was not necessarily looking forward to her stay with his family. She decided to ignore his obvious displeasure, and tried to engage in polite small talk.

"Hello, Uncle Edmund, I hope you are well?" she asked.

"Quite well, Annabelle. Your aunt is fretting over preparations for your meeting with the Captain." he stated bluntly. His forehead creased and his thin lips turned downward.

"Ah, yes. The Captain," she said carefully. "I don't believe I remember his name, forgive me…"

"Montel. It's Captain Jacob Montel. His father and I went to school together. Wonderful family, very high standards," Edmund informed, eyeing her slowly. "It's not every day a woman gets chosen to be associated with such a high name."

Annabelle looked at him curiously. Something in his tone implied that she wasn't necessarily worthy of such treatment from such a respectable family. She tried her hardest not to bristle at his tone as she replied.

"I feel very honored, sir. I can only hope that I can impress such a wonderful sounding man." she fibbed, giving a forced smile.

Edmund nodded curtly, and promptly turned his head to look out of the small window of the carriage, obviously finished with such useless idle talk. Annabelle took a look outside as well, and met a breathtaking view. Tall palm trees and green grass, with a cliff jutting out from where the military fort stood. It was lush and green and new. It was exhilarating.

As the carriage halted to a stop at the front of a small manor, a short, plump woman in an emerald dress came rushing out to greet them, followed by an even plumper maid.

"Wait! Wait, Miss Loraine!" she called as she bustled after Annabelle's aunt. "You never told me the cutlery to set out for the feast!"

"Oh just pick some, Gemma!" the other woman called over her shoulder, waiving the maid away with one pudgy hand.

The maid stopped mid-stride and turned back, slowing her pace as she walked back through the door. Annabelle rolled her eyes, only Loraine would plan such an extravagant feast for the arrival of one person.

"Anna!" she called, extending her arms as the young girl exited the carriage.

"Aunt Loraine," Annabelle replied, a genuine smile crossing her lips now. She'd always enjoyed spending time with the oldest of her mother's sisters. She was loud, funny, and also quite flighty. Annabelle found her to be a riot.

Loraine tucked an ebony curl behind her ear after she finished embracing her niece. She held Annabelle out at arms length and examined her, grinning slyly.
"My, my," she said. "I'm sure Jacob won't be able to resist such a beautiful girl! You look so much like your mother, Anna. It's almost frightening."

Annabelle smiled shyly at her aunt, not knowing how to reply to such lavish compliments. Edmund saved her from any awkward response she might've made.

"Loraine, dear," he asked stiffly. "Should we show the girl her room?"

The two women turned to see a tall, thin and graying man, struggling to carry several pieces of luggage at once. He looked fit to fall over.

Annabelle suppressed her laughter as her aunt replied, "Oh, yes. Come, Anna, I'll show you your room."

After they entered the manor, they proceeded up a set of stairs and down to the end of a long hallway on the west wing of the house. They entered a lavish room, with a cream colored rug and matching drapes.

"I do hope you'll like it," Loraine said hopefully as Annabelle examined the gorgeous room. She was just about to reply when a loud thud issued from behind them. Both women whipped suddenly around to find Edmund standing in the doorway, all of Annabelle's luggage around his feet.

"Ahem," he cleared his throat awkwardly. "Your-er-your luggage."

Annabelle picked up the various pieces of luggage and moved them to the other side of the room.
"Thank you, Uncle," she replied as graciously as she could manage. "I appreciate your letting me stay here. Really." she addressed both of them.

Edmund nodded quickly and exited the room. Loraine looked at her with a sort of excitement as she whispered, "I can't wait for you to meet Jacob tonight!"

Annabelle's mind blanched. "W-What? Tonight? No one said anything about tonight!"
"Oh, don't worry dear!" her aunt laughed. "I have it all organized. All we need now is to help you dress. We want you to look as presentable as possible. That shouldn't be too hard a job." she winked playfully and let out another loud laugh.

Annabelle sat herself heavily down on the thick comforter of the bed. Her head was racing. She thought she'd have more time! Everything was moving much more quickly than she thought it was going to. She didn't even notice her aunt had left the room, she was so absorbed in her own thoughts.

That night, Annabelle could barely control her shaking hands. She wanted desperately to leave, escape into the balmy night air. Alas, she could not. She had to stay and meet the dreaded Captain Jacob Montel, for the sake of her mother, and the sake of her aunt and uncle, who had spent so much time making arrangements for this moment. She busied herself by smoothing out creases in her navy gown, which the maids had graciously donned on her on her aunt's request.
"Oh, you're going to look gorgeous!" Loraine had squealed. "It will make your eyes look simply beautiful!"

Of course, she had been correct. Annabelle couldn't help but notice how much deeper her blue eyes looked against her pale, slightly freckled skin. She toyed with a few of her auburn curls, painstakingly pinned up to frame her gentle face. Not wanting to do any damage to them, she switched to wringing her hands together. Finally, she heard Loraine call to her from the stairs. She took a deep breath as an attempt to calm herself. It failed.

As she descended the staircase, she was greeted by her Loraine and Edmund, she smiling brightly, he not so much. There was also another couple near the age of her aunt and uncle. The woman was statuesque, with golden hair swept up in elaborate curls. Her face, although marked with a few stray wrinkles, looked as though it could be made of marble. She was beautiful, and as emerald eyes met blue, Annabelle was greeted with a gentle smile. The woman was wearing a deep crimson gown, fitted with lace trim. She was stunning.

The man next to her was equally handsome, although Annabelle thought the wig made him look a bit silly. He had a strong jaw and bright hazel eyes that seemed to pierce through anything they gazed at. He stood straight and tall, an honorable soldier to the Queen. He gazed at Annabelle with a friendly, welcoming curiosity.
Finally, her eyes settled on a young man that stood between the two couples. He had a wig as well, which made her curious as to the color of his natural hair. He looked much like the older man, with a strong jaw and a look of friendly open curiosity. His eyes were emerald, like the woman's. Annabelle had to admit: he was handsome. As she came to the last step, the young man extended his hand to her. She took it gently as he helped her down the last step.

"Captain Jacob Montel, miss," he introduced himself. "I presume I'm in the presence of the lovely Annabelle Crowe."
She smiled at him. "I do daresay you are. It's an honor to meet such an esteemed man."

The older man spoke. "Men, Miss Crowe. Esteemed men. Don't think I'll let that charming son of mine take all of the attention tonight. Charles Montel." he took her slim hand in his strong one and kissed it regally.

Annabelle nodded politely, a smile now stuck to her face. She was afraid that this would be a horribly formal affair, but could see now that it would be at least bearable. She turned to the woman next to Charles. She extended her hand gracefully.

"Maria," she said in a musical voice. "I must say you are a stunning young woman, Annabelle."

"Thank you, Mrs. Montel," Annabelle replied, trying to come off just as graceful while taking the woman's hand. "You are too kind."

"Well," Loraine interjected after introductions were finished. "shall we start dinner?"