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Chapter 3

September 1733- Africa

Veronica had been in Africa for about two months now. Ever since that day, five weeks ago, when she escaped from Beckett's manor, she had been behaving herself. She only spoke when spoken to, never gave her opinion, and spent most of the day locked in her room or in the garden, at least in those two places, so may find some peace. Veronica was behaving herself because she never wanted to incur that man's wrath ever again. What Veronica found most odd about that day, was that after he hit her and yelled at her, Beckett just smiled at her. He even gave her a sapphire necklace as a gift and tried to whisper sweet nothings in her ear later that night. They never spoke of that incident ever again, he would just smile at her, but he had increased the amount of bodyguards and servants around her. Also, ever since that day, Veronica had been melancholy and withdrawn. She was becoming into the type of a woman that Cutler wanted.

Veronica was walking through the gardens with her maids and guards when Mr. Mercer approached her. "Mr. Mercer, what can I do for you?" Veronica asked annoyed and wearily. She didn't care for the man in front of her. He was cruel, malicious, and vile. He was also in charge of Beckett's bodyguards and the state of his affairs in Beckett's household.

"Mr. Beckett wishes an audience with you, my lady."

"I will be there in a moment."

"Now, if you please." he said while grabbing her arm and giving her a cruel smile.

Veronica wretched her arm free and said, "Don't touch me. Mr. Mercer, you may have some dominion here but you will never have dominion over me."

As she started walking away, Mercer grabbed her arm again and turned her towards him. He had a death grip oh her upper arms and said, "If I were you, I'd be careful with what you say, my lady, someone may not be as kind to you as my master is. I for example would be less gentlemanly if a beautiful woman was staying in my home, just three bedrooms away from my own. Who knows what will happen to you if you don't please my master." He released one arm and used the other to drag her into the house. "Look who I found dawdling in the gardens."

"Ahh, Veronica, there you are. I know that you have been melancholy these past few weeks and I can only imagine it is because you miss London and my family so I did something to hopefully bring you some type of happiness."

With a wave of his hand, two servants opened the doors that lead to the north wing of the manor to reveal the rest of the Beckett family. Veronica was so happy to see them that she hugged each member of the Beckett family tightly. "Cutler, thank you." Veronica said.

"It is no trouble at all. And they are just in time."

"In time for?"

"For the party of course."

"Party?"

"Your birthday party. I believe it is in a week's time."

"Oh, yes it is. I suppose with all that has happened within the last few months I have lost track of time."

"That is alright, dear." Cutler said.

"When is the party supposed to be?"

"In two days time."

"Well that doesn't leave us much time to prepare everything." Mrs. Beckett said. "Come along, Veronica, let us go prepare." She dragged the young woman upstairs.

Two days later, it was time for the party. As Veronica was getting ready, one of the maids came in with a package for her. "What is that, Charlotte?"

"A gift from Mr. Beckett, miss."

The maids opened it to reveal a beautiful red dress. "He wants you to wear it tonight." the maid said.

After putting it on, Veronica went down to the party and was introduced by the announcer. Beckett approached her and kissed her hand lightly before taking her arm and introducing her to everyone. By the time it was over, she needed a drink.

She took a glass of wine and stood to the side. She was approached by someone she didn't expect to see. "I didn't know you were coming, Captain Sparrow?"

"I didn't plan to but seeing you again made coming to this boring party filled with all these stuffy people worth it."

"Well thank you."

"Would you like to dance, Miss York?"

"Yes."

"Would you like a more robust song?"

"You read my mind."

The Captain walked over to the band and had them play something more fast paced. As the two were dancing, they were lost in their own world and didn't notice that everyone was starring at them. When the song ended, Jack dipped Veronica and they were both panting and looking into each other's eyes. They were trying to figure out each other's secrets while trying to understand these emotions they were feeling towards each other. They broke out of their daze when he there was applause and Beckett approached them.

"Well that was something. I didn't know you were such an accomplished dancer, Captain Sparrow."

"A bit but the true dancer is Miss York here. She is very vigorous."

At that, Veronica became angry and walked away. "I apologize." Beckett said.

"No, sir, it is alright."

"Tell me, Captain, how do you find her?"

"She is beautiful and young and very agile. Why ask my opinion?"

"I'm going to marry her."

"Well, I think you will have your hands full but I think your time will be well spent."

Beckett smirked at said, "So do I."