A/N: Thanks everyone who reviews! I know this is getting suspenful...but please bare with me. I have a huge surprise later on...
Chapter 21: Forgiveness and Aid
Two weeks went by after that eventful night. Charlotte, along these weeks fell into a state of depression. She also had fallen very ill, and was put to bed rest. Beckett tried to be by her side, but she decided against it. Charlotte did not want to be anywhere near him; she felt disgusted. Although she still loves him, she could not bare to be anywhere near the man. One surprising thing about Charlotte is that she is not angry with Isabella. The "old" Charlotte would have been fuming; accusing Isabella that she seduced Beckett. But this "new" Charlotte thought otherwise. There was only one person to blame for this misfortune, she thought to herself. And that was Lord Beckett.
Isabella, on the other hand...said nothing. For the past two weeks, she spoke nothing. Everytime James would want to get close, she would start crying. The truth is...she felt disgusted with herself, she felt dirty after Beckett touched her. Although he didn't get to far, he still layed his hands on her body. Isabella wasn't comfortable being intimate with James anymore, although he would be gentle and give her pleasure. Isabella felt she was not worthy enough for James anymore, she felt low. At night she would wake up and sob until she had no more tears to shed. James tried his best to soothe her, but it was no use.
The afternoon sun was shining on the open horizon. Isabella was sitting in her cabin reading and said nothing.
"Madame, Dutchess Beckett wishes to speak with you". said Roselyn from the doorway, she also knew Isabella sunk into a state of depression. It seemed the two young dutchesses were restless and had lost themselves completely.Isabella closed the book shut and stood gracefully, without a word she made her way over to Charlotte's cabin.
Upon entering, Isabella was surprised to see Charlotte in bed. Since Isabella had not left her cabin for the past two weeks, she had not known that Charlotte had fallen ill.
"You wanted to speak with me". Isabella said quietly.
"Yes, please sit". Charlotte offered the silk chair by her right side.
Isabella was a bit confused to Charlotte cordial behaviour, but she decided not to question it yet.
"I am listening intently". Isabella felt really uncomfortable and wanted to get out as soon as possible.
"I know my behaviour is a bit unexpected, considering that you and I are not on the best of terms. But I wish to settle our differences now". replied Charlotte, she now realized the snake she has for a husband.
"Very well". Isabella was curious to hear what she had to say.
"First of all, I know everything. What happened between you and my husband...I am sorry for that and for everything I had done to you". Charlotte looked at Isabella. "I now realize also that he is ruining your marriage".
"He has intervened in our marriage long before he married you. You know, when you married him, I thought to myself...I am now free from his clutches. I was relieved, but yet he still tormented me". Isabella saw the truth in Charlotte's eyes.
"Again I am sorry for all the pain he caused you, and of course for all that I have done to add to it. Although I still envy you". Charlotte half heartedly smiled.
"Why is that? You have everything".
"Not a husband like yours. Isabella, listen to me...watch over him. I can see the love in your eyes everytime you are near him. His eyes reflect the same. Don't let that snake of a husband I have poisn your love for eachother." replied Charlotte.
"Yet you tell me all this, but you still love him". Isabella saw it in her eyes, she hates him...but loves Beckett at the same time.
"I hate that I love him. But it is my burden to bare". Charlotte simply replied.
"Thank you for everything, you are not as bad as I thought you were".
"Niether did I".
"Will you accept my apology as well, I have not been the kindest person to you".
"Apology accepted". Charlotte smiled.
"What will you do now"? Isabella asked
"I have absolutely no idea. I wish to return to Port Royal to be with my son. I don't want to be near Cutler any longer, so I will go aboard another ship and have it take me back to Port Royal". replied Charlotte.
"Well, I wish you good luck".
"As do I and thank you for accepting my apology".
"You are welcome". Isabella replied and left the room. She now only had one enemy who stands in her way of happiness.
Lord Beckett was locked away in his office. He was frustrated that Charlotte did not want to be near him. So he decided to soak his sorrows in a bottle of brandy or whatever liqour there was.
"Ah, good you are here". Beckett said as he saw James enter.
"What are your orders"? James asked cooly, he has yet to confront Beckett about the other night.
"You will be posted to take over the dutchman. I no longer need you here".
"When do I leave"?
"Tonight". replied Beckett cooly.
"Very well. I am taking Isabella with me". James was not going to leave her at the mercy of him.
"No you will not. She is in far better comfort here than she would be aboard the dutchman". snapped Beckett.
"Why, so you can take advantage of her once again"! yelled James.
Beckett just sat back and smirked. "Please, do you really want to argue with me knowing well I could ruin everything you worked so hard to attain".
"I was the one who brought you the heart"!
"Like I said, she will be in far better comfort here". Beckett ignored his last statement.
"Yes. Beckett is right Admiral Norrington". James and Beckett turned to see Jax casually come in. James just glared at him and stormed out of the cabin.
"What do you want"? Beckett was obviously irritated by Jax's presence.
"Nothing, just torment you. But my work here is done, now if you will excuse me". Jax left Beckett's office and went after James.
"Admiral Norrington"! called Jax
"I am confused as to whose side are you on"!
"Yours. Now I only said that to make Beckett think I am helping him. When in truth, I am helping you and yout precious Isabella". replied Jax
"And what is in it for you"? James asked smugly
"The pleasure of seeing Lord Beckett go mad with greed. Now, when do you leave"?
"Tonight, why"? James questioned.
"Good. I can help you sneek Isabella aboard the dutchman without Beckett noticing".
A/N: Cliffie! Sorry about that...but I will be back with more. Thanks MadameDeficit1793 for her ideas! Please R&R!-Michelle
