The occasion at the governor's mansion was one of high regard. The Turners arrived in the Swanns' own carriage, Jack laughing and calling out each time the nimble wheels fell into the road's uneven sides. "I don't feel good about this at all," William remarked while holding the squirming child.
"I can't believe that after all this time, you still don't think my father approves of you. Would you like for me to go nearly get myself killed so you can safe my life…again?" Will frowned at her usual sarcasm and continued to watch the landscape roll by. She sighed and placed her cheek upon his shoulder, the boy climbing into her lap. "For five years, you have stayed with me and provided a more than wonderful home. You've given a beautiful grandson and made an extremely well-known name for yourself in your craft, Will. The man adores you, I promise." The elegant gables of Elizabeth's childhood home appeared into the distance and William began to grow nervous.
"Grandfather always has chocolate," the boy muttered, and Elizabeth smiled. William glanced to his son with a sudden confidence. She was right; the governor had to admit Jack was a beautiful boy.
"Elizabeth!" the governor called as his daughter jogged up the front steps. The two hugged briefly before the spoiled grandson leapt after. William slowly stepped forward, waving for the horses to pull away. There was no escape now. "My boy, John! How are you? Look at how you've grown this spring!"
"Hello, Grandfather!" Jack gasped, "you've grown too!" The governor burst into a great guffaw while holding his favorite and only daughter's child, returning to the entrance of the grand estate. William was soon at Elizabeth's side, still quiet, and nearly hiding behind her.
"So, John Michael, how do you fancy your new pony?"
"He's so fast! I rode all the way to the gate!" The governor beamed and set the boy down upon the marble floor of the parlor.
"Elizabeth?" the elder called to the foyer. She entered with Will and smiled briefly to each of the guests. "Come and tell everyone how you've been." She continued to greet each of those she had seen years and years before, ever since she was a girl listening to them tell her how much she had grown. Now they pecked at her son with the same bubbling dribble, Jack still young enough to enjoy the attention.
"Jack, come here—no chocolate before dinner." The governor suddenly turned to face the small family, William frozen in fear of a mistake.
"What did you call him?" the noble asked quietly, his eyes narrowed. Elizabeth took her boy's hand and drew him to her side.
"Jack," Elizabeth repeated quietly. Jack didn't quiet understand how cold his doting grandfather's voice sounded. The governor scowled, now having the attention of the entire party.
"John Michael is a wonderful name; why cut it short to such a mockery."
"John Michael William Turner is a mouthful for a boy," Elizabeth replied coolly, "and he prefers Jack." The younger grinned madly at hearing his name.
"Mummy says Jack is a fine name for a boy, Grandfather." The governor's eyes widened in pure horror. He then looked to the quiet husband.