Love in the Flower Archipelago: Rosie's Love Life

Written by The Sapphire Prince

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Previously on L.F.A:

The two best friends, Rosamunde and Lady Rochelle, participated in a brief, and might I add frivolous, quarrel, which proved nothing and nothing was gained. Rochelle was tormented by a dashing young fellow named Holden de Belleville, who was enamored of her at first sight and proud enough to claim her as his future spouse. The two friends made up in the end, as true friends do, and Rosie and the McDermott couple departed for Calendula Manor, where Rosie is to reside for many weeks...

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter Five

"Is not an ocean breeze the most comforting thing that one can find while on the ocean?" Aunt Peony asked as she tilted her pleasant face up to the sky, basking in the sun as the wind whipped her fuchsia out of its coiffure.

Rosie nodded her assent.

She had other things to think about: such as what the gowns would look like, if Hannah would be a notorious witch once she was married, in other words, if she would rub it into her face, and the like. Rosie had to decide on a manner in which to present herself and how to handle these possible situations.

"Oh," Peony grunted as she clutched her belly. Pain shot through her body and with her free hand, she clutched the rail until her knuckles shown white. She staggered.

"Dearest!" Mr. McDermott exclaimed as he lifted her back to her feet. He and Rosie crowded around her.

"Are you well Aunt Peony?" asked Rosie with a genuine look of concern displayed on her face. Ellie was poised, ready to dash down to the cabin at any moment to fetch assistance.

A wry smile tugged at the corners of her lips, "That one was rather powerful don't you think." She straightened herself up. "I will be fine; it is like that sometimes. You never know when those contractions may strike."

"Oh."

"Are you sure? I could fetch you some tea if you wanted some. Do you want some tea?" jabbered her husband.

"No thank you dear. I am fine. Just stop being so worried; I am the one having this baby."

He frowned. "I just want you to have the utmost comfort dear. Is it such a crime?"

"Only when you are being excessive. Please," she begged, "find something useful to do. Why don't you write a letter to your mother?"

"Fine," he said. He began to step away, "I can tell when my assistance in not required. Adieu my love, I will see you after I am done."

Rosie giggled.

"He is only trying to an attentive husband Aunt Peony. It shows that his love, or at least his regard, for you is tremendous."

"I know that Rosie but there is a time when a woman does not feel like being catered to. It is a natural thing, these contractions, and there is not reason why I cannot deal with them naturally, or in other words, without his assistance."

"I understand," she replied as she scratched Ellie behind her cobalt blue ear. Eleanor smiled in delight.

I hope that the baby will be a happy and healthy one.

"You are not the only one Ellie," she said.

Rosie walked off towards the part of the boat that is most pointy and took off her bonnet. Her hair, in its neat bun, was blown apart, the silver pins clinging to the loose strands. She gingerly removed them, depositing them into her pocket.

She knew that she was with two nautical miles from Star Fruit Island. There was no doubt that Hannah would be waiting for her, at the seamstress's shop. She would probably be beaming as well, for she'd been anticipating this her whole life. Sometimes, Rosie wondered how sappy a person could be; however, a voice inside, her conscience, told her that she was just a coward and perhaps even jealous.

She sighed.

What's wrong Rosie?

"I am just contemplating a few matters is all," she replied. A sudden vision of Skyler and Prince Burke appeared in her mind. She knew that Prince Burke was out of the question. He was a womanizer, and extremely arrogant, which was to be expected due to his position. Yet, Rosie could not help admire his confidence and his way with words. Skyler, well...he was Skyler. He was good-natured and kind, and, as if it really mattered, handsome. He loved his sister and his aunt and uncle. But, he was blind to the fact that they were not his true parents, but they were in the sense that they fulfilled each parental duty. Rosie held sympathy for the man. She could not bare the day when the truth will be revealed, yet she knew that it would come someday.

May I ask what it is that you are contemplating?

"Well, I was thinking of Mr. Skyler and of the Prince: the two men that are supposedly vying for my affection."

I would choose Skyler if I were you. Ellie said.

"Eleanor! I did not say that I was choosing who I wanted to spend my life with. I was just...thinking of them," then, shaking her head as if that was best thing to say, "yeah—that is it!"

For some reason I am having difficulties believing. It sounds as if you do not believe yourself. She said matter-of-factly.

She narrowed her eyes. There was no hiding anything from one's pokemon, one's first pokemon at that.

I say that I have hit the nail on the head Rosie. She took a breath. I know that the acquaintance between Skyler and yourself has just been renewed, but, being a believer in love at first sight, I must say that he really does have strong feelings for you. I know that your feelings might not be as strong but the best thing to say would be that it will take some time for them to strengthen. Who knows, it may be tomorrow or in three weeks; nonetheless, I am certain that it will happen. A man like him is a good catch and you should not ruin your life by passing up this opportunity. One like him comes once per lifetime.

Rosie gathered all that she had said and analyzed it. It made sense. Perfect sense at that. She sighed as she said, "what ever you say dear Eleanor."

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hannah waited patiently as the seamstress pressed pins into the beautiful white muslin that made up her gown. The lavender rosettes were located at random points on the gown, particularly on the skirt and on the snug bodice.

She had already decided that the bridesmaids' gowns would be the same lavender as the rosettes and that they would be modestly cut, with a bare minimum of cleavage.

There were to be three bridesmaids, Lady Rochelle, Rosie, and Charlene, Skyler's sister. Yes, Skyler was to be there after all, a detail he had failed to mention whilst speaking with Rosie that day. However, immediately following the wedding reception, he and Miss Skyler were to depart back for Sandalwood and await the two months before departing to Kanto. But more importantly, they would wait the month or so before calling on the McDermotts and their visitor.

Hannah decided that there would be no maid of honor.

Her parents, the Smiths, were to arrive that evening and stay with Yuki until a week after the ceremony. Yuki favored the idea, for he was eager to have more company besides the two lovebirds. Their conversational skills had grown considerably less intelligent after they were engaged. However, Joshua Fairfield, did not, referring to her parents as a nuisance that would invade their personal space. Hannah quickly contradicted his statement and said that their presence could possibly be the best thing for them, after all, Hannah needed to get some cooking and homemaking tips from her mother.

"Please don't fidget Mademoiselle, or else I'll prick you—" said the seamstress.

"Ouch!"

"I told you so. Stand still please, I only have a few more pins to place," she said as she took the remaining pins out of her puckered mouth.

Hannah groaned. Where are they? she thought. Rochelle would, of course, be a tad late, due to the fact that she had to wait until Holden de Belleville got his yacht prepared. She had wired her a telegram saying that it was completely unavoidable. That he had practically carried her to there. What disturbed her was that Rochelle was without a chaperone, yet a part of her insisted that Holden was a complete gentleman and that he would never make any sexual advances towards her.

Just then, Miss Skyler walked through the door, causing Hannah to flood over in relief. The two had met some time ago at a pokemon convention a year ago. They had become good friends since then.

"Charlene—ouch!"

"Mademoiselle!"

"I could not help it Madame LaSalle! I was simply happy to see my friend."

"I hope that the other two do not come until after I am finished."

"Hello Hannah; Miss Smith, I should say, but doesn't Mrs. Fairfield sound much more pleasant?"

"Indeed."

They chuckled warm-heartedly.

"What took you so long?"

"Freddie's blasted crew arrived rather late. The rotten blasphemers did so many unpleasant things to me. They whistled and howled...one even had the audacity to pinch my derriere! I quickly reprimanded him of course.

"I suppose that it had been a long time since they've seen a beautiful young woman. Would not it be funny if women behaved in that fashion? Simply hilarious! Thank God that we think with our minds and not with something else."

"You're horrible Charlene."

"I cannot help it, I grew up with a brother so I know these things."

Charlene sat in a nearby chair and rocked contentedly.

Skyler had checked them into a suite at the Hilltop Inn, which was not too far from Fairfield Hall, Hannah and Joshua's new abode. In fact, it was just a mile away. He claimed to have had some important business to take care. She dared not ask, she knew that he hated to be questioned and she did not want to appear nosy either.

"Where are those two?"

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sir Skyler eyed the mass selection of jewelry. Watches, bracelets, brooches, chokers, and most importantly, rings were abundant here. Each ring was better the rest, so his decision would be difficult.

He decided that he had better buy a wedding ring right then do that he would not have to do it some other time.

Sure he did not believe that his sentiments towards Rosamunde would returned if he paid his addresses then, but maybe, just maybe, she would in the near future. Although, he would wait for an eternity if he had to. He did not believe that there was anyone else in this world for him but her.

A particular ring caught his eye. It was a golden band encrusted with a large princess-cut diamond surround by a medium-sized blue sapphire and a twinkling emerald. This was the ring that he wanted. This was the ring that he wanted for Rosamunde Fierra, whom was hopefully his future Mrs. Frederic Skyler.

After purchasing the exquisite ring, he busied himself by ambling down the street Main, peering into the family-owned shops. There was, as always, a milliners' shops, general stores, furniture stores, and the like. He knew that he would eventually pass by the bridal ship where the girls were, and he wanted to desperately do something more productive than wait on them.

As if some sort of deity had granted his wish, an adolescent no more than seventeen waltzed up to him and challenged him to a pokemon duel.

Luckily, Skyler had his pokemon friends on him at all times. Always armed and ready: prepared for almost anything, whether danger lurked nearby or instances such as this.

"I would like to an one-on-one pokemon battle. I would prefer that it would be a water-pokemon battle."

Hmm...Skyler thought. He only possessed one of this element. That would mean that he was compelled to choose—

"Go Snapper!" With that exclamation, a large Croconaw materialized onto the street, which was completely devoid of buggies. Only a few random pedestrians gathered on the sidewalks to watch the battle.

"A Croconaw, eh? I will choose my Seaking! Go!"

The large fish pokemon flopped on its side whilst it was in the street. It pained his heart that this pokemon was not where it belonged: in the water. Why his trainer would force it to battle on land, Skyler was very uncertain; however, he was sure that there was a legitimate reason.

"Are you certain that you want to go through with this?"

"Yeah," the teenager exclaimed with all of the youthful arrogance that some young men possess. Frankly, it reminded him of a man, from long ago, perhaps when he was just an infant...Skyler shook his head.

"If you say so. Why don't you use the first attack?" Skyler proffered. There was no reason why he should undermine his confidence.

"Water gun!"

The pokemon positioned itself upright with much ease and opened its mouth. A column of pressurized water shot out of its mouth, directed directly at Snapper's jaw. It made its mark but Snapper stood his ground. With a grimace he leapt out of harms way.

"Well done, Snapper. Now, use your water gun!"

Snapper swung his head in an impressive arc and sprayed the fish with twice as much power than the fish had given him. The pokemon was blasted across the ground.

"Do not give up Seaking. Use your tackle attack!"

The Seaking, no less undetermined from the attack, pounced at Snapper. Snapper jumped from place to place only to be matched by the surprisingly lithe Seaking.

This pokemon is amazing...never have I witnessed such a feat, Skyler thought.

"Bite it!"

With a might roar, Snapper clamped onto the ivory horn of Seaking and lifted it into the air.

"Quickly use a horn drill attack!"

Like an electronic screwdriver did the horn spin. The horn jabbed Snapper's tongue and teeth, causing him to drop it. Then, the fish pounced at his belly and Skyler was forced to retrieve him.

"Return!"

"Ha," taunted the youth, "we won! Great job Seaking. Thanks Monsieur, for letting me duel with you." With that, he marched off, filled with the joy that is prevalent in anyone at any age.

Incredible, thought Skyler.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Finally," Rochelle cheered.

"Finally what?" asked Holden as he docked into the port.

The voyage had just been completed and Rochelle was absolutely overjoyed.

"Finally I will be rid of you. That is right, I do not have to be disrespected by you again! Never will I see your face!" She practically jumped for joy at the pleasant thought.

Holden clutched his shirt in the place where his heart was supposed to be and gasped. "You are killing me. Surely you do not mean it!"

"I do."

"That can not be! I have never disrespected you Lady Carlyle. I have been an utmost gentleman when around you. I would never dishonor you; it is against my code of conduct."

"Then what do you call the constant pestering that I have suffered, at your hands?"

"It shows my ardent love for you."

"Ardent love," she repeated in disbelief. "Are you mad?"

"Do you believe in love at first sight?" he asked, completely brushing aside her query.

"Not in this case."

"Then you are blind Mademoiselle," he exclaimed. "Surely you cannot live without seeing my face; this handsome face I might add."

"You make me ill."

"Then why aren't you vomiting or even better, in the bed awaiting for my soothing touch. I can heal this type of sickness," he said smoothly.

"What type of sickness?"

He grinned.

She grew infuriated. "You cad! You disrespectable cad! How dare you say such provocative things?"

"Because it's what you want to hear," he said pinning her into a corner. His words breezing over her lips, causing her to tremble.

"I do not! Why are you hovering over me like this?"

"Prove that you do not want to hear it," he jabbered.

"What do I have to do that will make you leave me alone."

"To become my wife and bear my children," he answered matter-of-factly.

"Well," she said, grabbing his angular face, "you had better settle with this."

With all of that said, she pulled him into a heavy kiss, full of much more passion than she intended. Hell, she had intended to be a light kiss: no more than a pick. Damn, she thought, what am I doing?

When his hands began to clutch her waist, she wrenched herself away from his grasp and ran across the deck, hopped over the railing, and scurried to the bridal shop.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

And so the gang gathered together once more. Skyler had walked in just minutes before Rosie, who took his breath away. He mustered enough courage to engage in pleasant conversation. Rosamunde noticed that Skyler had a weird glint in his eye, as if he knew something that she did not. Rochelle arrived flushed and out of breath. Holden de Belleville was hot on her heels. Hannah was overjoyed and couldn't wait until her wedding day...

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I found that I had a really great time writing this chapter, especially the entertaining dialogue of Lady Rochelle and Holden de Belleville. I enjoy writing about them the most. They seem to have the most modern of courtships, if that is the word to call it. Anyways, in the next chapter, Hannah becomes Mrs. Fairfield and Rosie leaves Calendula Manor. Please read and review. I need to know how you feel. Signing off—The Sapphire Prince