At seven I padded down the long hallways, humming in happiness. I didn't care if Beckett was on the island because I had my husband back. I headed to the ballroom and sat down at the grand piano to play a tune when a maid snuck up behind me and informed me that James was waiting in the dinning room for me. It was quite surreal to have him home and have him sitting at the table when I walked in. He stood and helped me to my seat, letting me take note of his new uniform. He was cleanly shaven, a new wig with two, not one, two curls on each side. His new uniform was of gold and blue, the complete meaning of the word "elegance" written all over him.
James eyed me as well, noting my cream gown with mint green ribbons and such around the low neckline and sleeves. I wore a new pannier and fresh corset, feeling completely at home. We dinned on fine halibut and sipped our wines silently, smiling at one another.
"You are extremely happy this evening…" He murmured before pouring more wine.
I smirked but continued to eat.
"May I inquire as to why?"
"I am only happy because you are finally home and you are finally focused on something other than your job."
He chuckled, but his eyes were somewhat sad as if he were keeping something disturbing from me.
"What is it?" I asked, taking a small dainty bite of the delicious fish.
"Brenna, I have some…surprising news. Lord Beckett has ordered that we sail for a certain ship that contains a certain property in two weeks time."
He watched for a gasp or ghastly expression, but he only received a sigh. "Well, if you must go, then go."
"That's not all of it. Lord Beckett has ordered that you accompany us on the voyage."
That was when he got the gasp and ghastly expression. The halibut I just swallowed lodged in my throat and make me cough on it. James handed me a glass of wine, watching me with worry as I downed three glasses of it. I coughed some more until I slammed my hands on the table and blinked a few times, trying hard not to throw something across the room. This, in all honesty a lady could give, was ridiculous! All I wanted was to be a wife to a man who was successful and give him heirs while in the midst of that all, feeling completely at peace and in love. Was that too much to ask?
It was at that time that I began to count all the horrible things that happened to me and what could have been worse when James took hold of my hand. "Brenna, I was a fool for leaving you the way I did. I left you to become a target to Beckett and now I fear the worst has happened. But, I am here now and if you need me…I will always answer to your call."
"Oh James…" I said, tears spilling over. I quickly gained control of them and took a deep breath. I nodded, accepting what he was offering. I had felt completely at bliss for only three hours until it was all washed away again. I was to be on the same ship with my ex-fiancé and husband for as long as it took for Beckett to realize that I was a lost cause.