Yeah, I didn't know what to title the chapters, so I got lazy and did the whole 'Act whatever, scene whatever' deal. I know, I know, I'm terrible.

But not terrible enough to stop talking and get right into the story.

The only woman among Trip's group of men, Kara—who was also their battlefield nurse—was giving Garrett a massage. "You have far too much tension, milord."

"And why shouldn't I?" Garrett coldly questioned back. "The position of Duke was promised to me and yet I have to sit back and watch it go to a man who was once my protégé."

"Still you remain loyal to Trip?" that came out more as a question.

"Loyal?" Garrett sat up. "I would rather be a weed in a hedge than a rose in his garden. I do not stay loyal: I stay close. Close enough to gather any information that I may use against him to secure the position that is rightfully mine." He sighed. "Oh, what I would give for a little chaos and calamity; a chance to do evil."

"Perhaps I may offer a suggestion?" Grant Ward, another one of Trip's men (and Kara's suitor) entered the room.

"Ah, my most favorite protégé," Garrett got off the massage table and put his arm around Ward. "You are the only one who truly understands me and my desire to create mischief and agony. What information do you have for me?"

"I couldn't help but overhear a portion of conversation between our esteemed Duke and young Mr. Fitz."

"The inventor boy?" Ward nodded. "Yes, he has slowly worked his way to a top position among Trip's men, and therefore has become another enemy of mine. The boy barely talks and when he does it's about the darling 'Princess of Messina'. What could he and the Duke possibly have to talk about?"

"It appears our dear, little Fitz is madly in love with the girl you have dubbed the 'Princess of Messina'."

"Yes, yes, that much is obvious; now would you care to tell me something that I don't know?"

"The Duke has agreed to prepare the girl for a surprise from Fitz."

This piqued Garrett's interest. "And what surprise would that be?"

"A proposal of marriage."

"Really?"

"I'm sorry gentlemen," Kara cut in, "but I do not see how that news can be used to our advantage."

Garrett smiled a sly smile. "You're just not widening your mind like I am, Kara, my Dear. If you want to stop a powerful man: you must first cut off his resources. Fitz is a valuable asset with his vast knowledge and inventive skill. We just need to break his loyalty to the Duke by using his lady love as the catalyst." He snaked his arms around his companion's shoulders. "I will have your loyalty, will I not?"

Ward spoke for him and his mate. "Until the day we die, Sir." Afterwards, Kara also nodded in agreement.

"Good boy." He patted Ward's shoulder. "Now why are we all idling around when we have a party to get ready for?" He led the two into the very same hallway Coulson and his group of women were walking down. Naturally, the two groups met halfway. Quickly wiping the smile off of his face, a serious Garrett took Jemma's hand and kissed it. Afterwards, he bowed to the small assembly. "Governor. Ladies," then he led Ward and Kara away.

"I didn't see John Garrett at dinner tonight," May noted to Coulson. "I do not trust him."

"There is no need to rush to judgment," Coulson defended. "Perhaps he was not in a festive mood."

Jemma nodded in agreement. "He does seem a rather gloomy man. He does not say much either."

"And I like that about him," Bobbi commented. "I would rather involve myself with a quiet, serious man who is always unhappy so that his melancholy disposition would greatly lift my spirits."

"Do you not want a husband, niece?" Coulson inquired with a chuckle.

"Absolutely not. I am much happier as a free woman."

"Perhaps you will change your mind someday."

"Not until man is no longer a descendant of Adam, or until man is created by a female God." At the end of the hallway, Lincoln was waiting with an assortment of masks and costumed accessories. "I also would not mind a man like Lincoln who knows that he must please me if he wants to remain in my good graces." Lincoln looked at her confused.

"Pay no mind to my niece, Lincoln," Coulson put on his mask. "Are we all set?" He waited for everyone to put their masks on. "Very well, let's party!" The group cheered and hurried out into the backyard where the party was in full swing.

A man in a lion mask approached Jemma and bowed to her. "May I have this dance, milady?" he extended his hand.

"Well…" Jemma could tell that this was not the man she really wanted to dance with.

"Go on, Jem," Bobbi—with a cat mask over her face—attempted to sway her cousin to dance with the man in the lion mask. "What is the harm in one dance?"

Jemma took the man's hand. "I shall entreat you to one dance, good sir."

"One dance is all I need," the lion-masked man began leading her in dance.

Bobbi smiled at this as a man wearing a ridiculously large, smiling clown masked made his way over to her. "And who did we have here?" He was obviously speaking in a fake accent. "One Miss Bobbi: niece of the Governor of Messina and former wife of Sir Lance Hunter."

"You seem to know so much about me," Bobbi could tell it was Hunter under that mask and speaking in a terrible Scottish accent (perhaps he was trying to imitate Fitz), "and yet, I do not know who you are. I suppose my former husband told you about me; the man never shuts his mouth after all. He has probably gone about the party telling people that I stole my best quips from a joke book."

"Actually, I have not been properly introduced to Mr. Hunter."

"Save yourself the trouble. He is no one of importance."

"He's not?" the accent had started to fade.

"He's the Duke's jester, and very awful one at that. The man thinks he is amusing, but the only one laughing is himself. Often he will get a laugh by slandering a person, not a very smart thing to do—but then again, the man himself is not smart."

"Ah," Hunter quickly resumed his bad accent, "well if I see him, I shall tell him what you said."

"Please do," as Bobbi begun to leave, she accidentally bumped into a man in a monkey mask. "Oh, sorry Sir."

"It's fine," this man was also trying to disguise his accent. He must have done a better job because Bobbi had no idea it was Fitz under that mask. Fitz was standing at a distance watching the interaction between Jemma and the Duke. He briefly lifted his monkey mask to get a better look, shaking with anticipated nerves knowing that now Trip was telling Jemma that she was expecting a surprise from her admirer.

"Ah, good Sir Hunter," Fitz quickly lowered his mask as Garrett approached with Ward behind him.

"Oi, yes," Fitz disguised himself as such, "can't fool you; I am him."

"You are on close terms with the Duke that I hope I can ask a favor of you."

"Uh…sure, ask away."

"See, Ward and I overheard the Duke swear his love for the governor's daughter."

They couldn't see Fitz's face fall under the mask. Still, he kept in character as Hunter. "Surely you are mistaken."

"I also recall him saying he wants to marry her tonight," Ward added.

"Oh dear," Garrett noticed Jemma hug Trip with delight, "it appears he has already spoken with the girl." He put his hand on Fitz's shoulder. "You are a man of many words Hunter; perhaps you can find the words to tell Leo Fitz. The poor boy, I would not want to be anywhere near him when he receives that news; him being so in love with her and all. Come Ward: let us hurry to the buffet table before all of the food is gone."

A jealous Fitz watched as Trip kissed Jemma's hand before stepping away. When Trip left, Fitz couldn't help but notice the lovelorn smile plastered on Jemma's face. "Why didn't I see this before?" he ripped off his mask and threw it on the ground. "I have seen the way he kisses her hand, the way he praised her beauty when he laid eyes on her. The plan he told me was only a lie so that he may tell Jemma he loves her and ask her to marry him. Why should she refuse? Trip is handsome, he is wealthy, he's the bloody Duke for God's sake." A sigh. "What chance do I stand against Trip?"

"Oi, Fitzy," Hunter went over to Fitz, "you're not wearing your mask?" Fitz started storming off. "Hey, hey, wait a minute," Hunter caught up to him, "Did you not notice the Duke has gotten your Jemma?"

"I hope he enjoys her."

"Whoa, whoa, where did this attitude come from?"

"Leave me alone, Hunter." Fitz angrily walked away.

"Poor boy looks more upset than usual," Hunter noted. "Can't imagine why; the Duke is with the Governor asking for a marriage blessing on his behalf. If anyone should be upset it should be me! He did not hear the things that Bobbi said about me!" He gasped in realization. "She knew it was me under that mask! That crafty little minx. Oh! Oh, I will get back at her for that…and for that insult this morning. My revenge will be brilliant!"

"Hunter," Trip made his way to his friend, "Hunter, have you seen Fitz?"

"Yes, but he seems rather upset over something."

"Oh?"

"He looked as if he had been betrayed by a friend."

"Has he?"

"I do not know; he asked that he be left alone."

"Then what was that last part I heard you say about revenge? Is this revenge against Fitz?"

"No, against Bobbi; I could never hurt Fitz." He noticed Bobbi heading toward them, her arm linked with Fitz's. "Speak of the she-devil." Bobbi approached the men. "Trip, please tell me that there is an errand I can run, or an arduous quest I can undertake for you."

"I would like nothing but your good company."

"I do not think I could offer good company in such a bad presence," he was scowling at Bobbi as he stomped off.

Trip chuckled. "It seems to me, Bobbi, you have lost Hunter's heart."

"It's no good anyway," Bobbi watched Hunter skulk off. "I thought I had won it once—even gave him my heart in return—but it was all a cruel charade. So you may say that I had lost his heart to begin with." Bobbi tugged on Fitz's arm. "Regardless, I have secured Fitz so that he may accompany us to our talk with the governor."

Trip notice the upset on Fitz's face as they headed off. "Fitz, what's wrong?"

"Nothing," Fitz bitterly replied.

"Are you ill?"

"No."

"Fitz is neither sad nor sick," Bobbi observed. "Why, I believe he's jealous."

"What has he to be jealous off?" Trip asked as they got closer to Coulson and Jemma. "Fitz, I have done what I have promised." He nudged Fitz forward, "now I believe you have a surprise for Jemma."

Fitz's jaw nearly hit the floor. Trip had kept his word after all. "I…I…"

"Fitz," Coulson took his daughter's hand and guided it into Fitz's, signifying his blessing, "I believe the Duke has successfully played matchmaker."

"Successfully?" Coulson nodded. "This means that..." another nod from the governor. A stunned Fitz was absolutely speechless.

"Speak, Fitz," Bobbi told him, "this is your cue."

Fitz didn't take his eyes off of Jemma. "I read somewhere that silence is the perfectest herald of joy and now I understand why. Jemma: I know I don't have much to give you; but I give myself and all of my love," Jemma gasped as he got down on one knee. "Marry me!" He cursed under his breath. "I mean, will you marry me?"

"Speak, Jem," Bobbi broke the silence, "or accept his proposal with a kiss."

Jemma brought Fitz to his feet and planted a tender kiss on his lips. The audience applauded as Fitz wrapped his arms around Jemma and let the kiss linger on.

Sighing wistfully to herself, Bobbi sat at a marble fountain and watched the young lovers gently pull away from their liplock and begin dancing—her cousin's head on Fitz's shoulder and his arms around Jemma's waist. She looked away after Fitz placed a gentle kiss atop Jemma's head.

"They truly make a beautiful couple," Bobbi's peace was disturbed by the local friar and a close friend of hers.

"Well Mack," Bobbi patted the open seat beside her, "it appears as though you have yourself a wedding to officiate."

He sat down beside her. "You really are quite the hopeless romantic."

"I suppose so. Everyone does seem to be pairing off with someone, except me."

"The only way to cure you of that is to find you a husband."

"I had one once. I married a man I thought I was in love with, and look what good that did."

"Perhaps you should take a lesson from your cousin and marry a friend."

"Why Mack: are you asking me to marry you?"

"If you would like to."

She patted his knee. "You are sweet; but I could never marry a friend, for then I would surely lose him again. I would rather us remain the way we are now."

"I understand."

"Well, I think I'm going to turn in early this evening." She kissed Mack's cheek. "Goodnight, Mack." She went over to her uncle and the Duke. "I am done for the evening; goodnight gentlemen."

"Duke, answer me honestly," Coulson waited for Bobbi to leave before speaking, "do you think my niece would be happier if she were married?"

"Do you want to know what I really think?" Coulson gestured for Trip to continue. "I think she still harbors feelings for her former husband and the insults she spews at him is merely her way of trying to deny said feelings. The same can be said for Hunter. He beds women after women, but cannot sustain a relationship like the one that he had with your niece because no other woman can ever duplicate the relationship he had with Bobbi."

"Maybe it would not be such a bad idea to see them espoused again."

"Speaking of espousing," Trip noticed the recently engaged couple speaking to Mack, "perhaps they are asking the Friar to bless their union this very evening."

"Excuse me," Coulson excused himself and went over to them. Trip couldn't help but chuckle. Yes, Coulson approved of the marriage, but if he was going to see his only daughter married off, then he would want to see it properly. Coulson soon returned after a brief chat. "Apparently, we have set the wedding for this Sunday." Another chuckle. "And with today being Friday, we have less than a day to prepare."

"Will my assistance be needed?"

"It is not necessary Your Grace."

"Very well; then I shall pass the time with an impossible task."

"Oh?"

"I am going to get Hunter and Bobbi to fall in love with each other all over again."

"Oh really?"

"What can I say; I like playing Cupid." Coulson laughed. "And I'm certain that with a little help, I can accomplish the task within the next few days."

"Well you shall have my assistance. Now, what do you propose we do?"

…

Garrett was brooding in his bedroom while the party was still occurring. "Damn them all!" There was a knock on his door. "What?"

Ward entered. "I trust you have heard the news of the engagement?"

"Unfortunately."

"They are set to be married this Sunday." Garrett growled. "If it helps: we almost succeeded, Sir."

"It doesn't. Christ, why must everyone be so damn loyal to Trip?"

"Did you not sense the intense jealousy from Fitz when you told him the Duke was in love with Jemma? The Duke would have easily lost Fitz's loyalty had no one else been helping to arrange this engagement."

"Yes, well that jealousy from Fitz is understandable; love can make a man foolish."

"Perhaps we can use that against him."

A thought occurred in Garrett's deviant mind. "Perhaps we can."

"Sir?"

Garrett removed a satchel from under his bed. "A derelict old man claiming to be a clairvoyant stopped me once after a battle and gave this to me." He revealed what was in the satchel.

"A wig?"

"Look closer," he passed the wig to Ward. "Whose hair does that most resemble?"

"It does bear a striking resemblance to Jemma's hair."

"This 'clairvoyant' man said that it would be most beneficial in the most devious of schemes." An evil smile formed on his face. "Now I believe I understand why." When Ward tried to hand him the wig, he declined it. "I think that would be best suited for Kara…particularly in a bedroom scenario." A plan began to form. "Yes, and with Trip as a witness…it all works to our advantage."

Ward looked at him with utmost confusion. "I'm afraid I don't follow. What does Trip have to do with Kara wearing this wig?"

"Then why I don't I make this a little easy for you to understand?"

Ooh, what could this devious scheme be? And how does the Duke plan to rekindle the spark between Hunter and Bobbi?