Chapter 9

For some unexplained reason it rained almost every day for two weeks since Elizabeth learned of James' death. Today, the day of her wedding was no exception. She did not mind it much; it rather matched her mood for the last two weeks. The wedding plans seemed to accelerate and it was a lot for her to take in. She tried to be cheerful throughout the whole process but it was difficult. James was gone and her heart broke nearly every day when she reminded herself of that fact. She never imagined that she could miss a person so much. James was in many ways her best friend and she was in love with him.

Elizabeth felt so guilty for having these feelings. She was marrying Beckett after all and she did care for him very much. In the past two weeks she realized however that she loved James far more than she ever knew. Losing him has made her realize how much she was in love with him. She longed for a man she would never lay eyes on again. The sea as beautiful as it was claimed him forever and she was actually resentful of the sea. The one thing she admired all her life took the man she loved away.

Her heart hurt so much and was torn. Beckett deserved better than this, he deserved all of her heart but she knew he would never truly have it all. A part of her heart died along with James and would never be revived. These were awful thoughts, especially on her wedding day. Everything was just so unfair, why did James have to be gone? She always loved him but she accepted Beckett's proposal because she never thought her and James could ever be together. Beckett was good to her and would take care of her.

All these thoughts were going through her head while in the carriage on her way to the church. She had to put herself together; she had to be strong on this day. This was supposed to be a happy event. Her father was so happy with her. She knew he always wanted her to marry someone he felt was worthy of her. What better person to marry than a wealthy lord, right? Now that was an awful thought, she was not marrying Beckett simply for money or to even please her father. She did love Beckett, maybe not the same way as she did James but she did care very deeply for him.

Finally the carriage came to a halt. She saw that they had arrived at the church when the door was opened for her and was greeted by her father. He helped her out of the carriage and smiled proudly at her.

"Elizabeth you are absolutely breathtaking. You look so much like your mother," Governor Swann said cheerfully.

"Thank you father," Elizabeth smiled and nodded. She had on a beautiful ivory gown with subtle pearls sewn into it. The neck dipped down into a slight v shape and the sleeves were entirely lace. Iris, her maid suddenly approached with a beautiful bouquet of white roses in hand.

"Ms. Swann, I have the flowers you will carrying," Iris said and gently handed them off to Elizabeth. She pulled Elizabeth's veil over her face and stepped back and examined Elizabeth. "You look beautiful Ms. Swann."

"Thanks to you Iris, I would be lost without you! Father I am stealing her from you, you do realize this right?" Elizabeth laughed lightly at the Governor.

"I figured you might," Governor Swann smiled warmly at his daughter. Iris smiled and bowed slightly and excused herself.

"Well then, shall we?" Governor Swann offered Elizabeth his arm.

"I suppose we shall," Elizabeth smiled. She was struggling with her feelings of guilt. She briefly wondered if this was the right decision but knew it was too late for her to back out now. She hoped that she would one day grow to love Beckett the same way she does James.

Governor Swann walked her to the entrance of the church where Elizabeth heard the bridal music begin to play. "Are you ready Elizabeth?" He asked her seeming to sense her anxiety. Elizabeth took a deep breath and nodded. The Governor motioned for the guard to open the door and they stepped in. Elizabeth felt all the eyes of Port Royal on her and it was unnerving. Beckett stood at the alter looking rather handsome, watching her come down the aisle. The second her father left her side she felt panicked. She was alone now with her husband to be.

The ceremony went by in a blur, she barely remembered saying "I do". It was over quickly and the pair walked back down the aisle as husband and wife. The reception immediately followed at the Governor's mansion. It was extravagant and was very obvious a lot of money went into it.

Elizabeth and Beckett made their rounds around the room greeting everyone. They finally made it to their quiet little table and sat down. Elizabeth was quiet as Beckett was approached by what seemed to be an old friend and they chatted rather loudly. She tuned them out and her thoughts were with James again. She was amazed for a day that was supposed to be all about her and Beckett she thought of James quite a bit. She could not control herself. Abruptly she was taken from her dream world when Beckett said something to her.

"Elizabeth, darling, are you alright? You seem distracted," he said and placed a hand on top of one of hers.

"Oh yes!" she said a little too enthusiastically. She suddenly looked down realizing that sounded a bit fake. "I'm just a little tired," she added in a more normal voice. Beckett nodded and smiled.

The reception went on for another hour and Elizabeth was carrying on a pleasant conversation with a few ladies when Beckett suddenly approached her. "Come here with me darling," he said and abruptly pulled her away.

"Cutler, what are you doing? I was talking to them, that was a bit rude," Elizabeth said a little bit miffed off at him.

"Well you are my wife and I will have your attention when I want it," he said plainly.

"Yes, you will always have my attention but you do not have to do that. I think that was highly inappropriate," Elizabeth said. "Excuse me I need fresh air," Elizabeth said and walked away. She walked out to the balcony to calm down a bit. That really upset her and came out of nowhere. Why would he do something so rude? She then heard the door open and close again.

"Why did you walk away like that?" she heard Beckett's voice.

"Because you upset me and I needed a moment," Elizabeth replied.

"Why do you care what those old bats think anyway?" Beckett leaned against the rail.

"What is wrong with you?" Elizabeth was shocked at his behavior. Beckett suddenly leaned in and kissed her and she smelled the alcohol on his breath. "You're drunk?" He frowned at her.

"That's absurd," he said irritably. "Let's get out of here," he said.

"I don't want to yet," she said.

"You will do as you're told," Beckett snapped.

"Excuse me? You must be drunk because the Cutler I know would not be acting like this," Elizabeth said.

"Okay this debate is over. Come now," he roughly grabbed her wrist and pulled her inside.

"I want to see my father before we leave," Elizabeth said and suddenly stopped and yanked her wrist away from him.

"Fine," Beckett conceded and she went to find the Governor and Beckett followed her. Quickly she spotted him.

"Governor, I am afraid Elizabeth is a little tired and wishes to go home," Beckett said before Elizabeth had a chance to speak. "The evening has been most enjoyable," he added. Elizabeth felt like screaming at Beckett just then. How dare he make it seem like she was the one that wanted to leave.

"I will see you very soon Father," Elizabeth smiled sweetly and kissed him on the cheek.

"Ah I am sure you will! It has been an excellent evening! Elizabeth you could not have married a better man. I am sure Lord Beckett will take very good care of you," Governor Swann smiled at the newlyweds. Elizabeth nearly rolled her eyes and wanted to say how much of a jerk "Lord Beckett" was being.

"Take care Father," Elizabeth smiled.

"Enjoy the rest of your evening, Governor," Beckett added.

The pair made their way to their carriage in silence. Beckett offered his assistance for her to get in the carriage and Elizabeth refused. Elizabeth could swear she saw him smirk at this. The ride to her new home was in utter silence. She even refused to make eye contact with him.

When they arrived at his mansion she continued the silence. They entered the mansion and they were approached by an older woman, Elizabeth assumed her to be a servant.

"My Lord," the woman bowed slightly.

"Regina, this is my wife, Elizabeth. She is tired so show her to our room please," Beckett said.

"Milady, please follow me," Regina said warmly walking slowly toward the beautiful spiraling staircase. Elizabeth shot Beckett a glare but followed the older woman.

They walked up the stairs and Elizabeth looked down and noticed Beckett walk toward a different room downstairs. She wondered what he was going to do. Hopefully not drink anymore.

"Here we are Milady," Regina said as she opened a door. Inside was a beautiful room. The room was finely decorated in very rich colors. "You will find that all your things have already been delivered and put away. Please allow me to help you out of your dress," Regina said. Elizabeth nodded and turned around so she could unlace the back of the dress. Regina carefully helped her out of the dress and offered Elizabeth a warm bath. Elizabeth gratefully took the offer and stepped into the washroom.

"I will leave you this gown to dress in when you are done," Regina said setting a silky white gown on a nearby table. "Please let me know if there is anything at all that you need. I shall leave you to your privacy," Regina said. Elizabeth nodded and thanked her.

The bath felt amazing; it was definitely helping her wind down from a long day. She still could not believe Beckett's behavior. He was so rude and even mean. She actually dreaded when he would come up here to more than likely want to consummate the marriage. Honestly she did not really want to be near him after his behavior earlier. She wished more than ever right now that James was here. He never would treat her this way. She dipped her head into the bath water. She just wanted to stay here forever and hoped that Beckett would not come up anytime soon. Could she refuse him? She had been told about her "wifely duties" but did she really have to submit to him after he had been such a jerk?

After she was satisfied that she was clean she stepped out and toweled off. Elizabeth grabbed the white gown but did not recognize it as hers. He must have had it bought for her. She walked into the bedroom and examined the room a little more closely. It was a very cozy and inviting room; it even had its own fireplace. She spotted her vanity and was so happy to see a little piece of her old home. She sat down at it and began to comb out her hair.

At least two hours seemed to pass before Beckett finally showed up much to her displeasure. She had been comfortably curled up on a chair reading a book. He glanced at her and began to take his coat off and threw it to the side. He had an annoying grin on his face and Elizabeth suspected he did in fact drink more.

"Elizabeth, my darling, you feeling any better? You were a bit cranky earlier," he said.

"Excuse me? You were the one being rude," Elizabeth said and snapped the book shut.

"It'll be okay. Come here," he said with his arms outstretched. She reluctantly approached him and he pulled her close. The stench of alcohol was heavy on him and frankly repulsed her. Just yesterday this was the sweetest man in the world and now he was different. "Look at me," he demanded. Elizabeth refused and he grabbed her chin and forced her to. "You will obey me Elizabeth," he said and roughly kissed her. She pushed him away.

"Stop acting like this," she said.

"I am afraid I don't know what you are talking about. Do not push me away again," he said dangerously. He grabbed her hard and pulled her to him and kissed her again. She tried to push him off but he would not budge and forced her against a wall.

"Cutler you are hurting me!" she tried to get away again but he would not allow it. Suddenly as if guided by instinct Elizabeth smacked him. That made him back away but now he looked angry.

"What the hell is wrong with you woman?" he demanded.

"You were hurting me," she said pointing at her bruised arm. "I don't want to be with you tonight, you are clearly drunk."

"Elizabeth, do not make this difficult. You are my wife and you will obey me even if I have to force you to. Your primary job is to please me and that is what you will do," Cutler forcefully picked her up and dropped her on the bed and began taking his waistcoat off. She could not believe this he was really going to make her do this. "Now just be a good woman and keep your mouth shut, okay?" he said as he began to slip her gown off. She felt like crying, this was not how she imagined her wedding night would be.

A/N: I am sorry this chapter was very short and rushed but I really just wanted to get that stuff out of the way! Forgive some minor mistakes I may have made I know I wrote this quickly. I have some good stuff planned for future chapters so please bear with me! Thank you to all my readers. I hope you enjoyed this one!