Chapter 18

"Will You Marry Me Someday?"

Following the funeral of his father, John stood by Melody's side as the reality of his father's death began to sink in. He wasn't in a talkative mood and not even seeing the parents of his girlfriend would bring a smile to his face. In fact, there were times where he would lose control of his emotions, but fortunately he didn't do so. But there was something else to consider now that his father was gone and that was his future with the Danish princess he had fallen in love with.

"Father," he thought as the band began to play waltzes that allowed guests to walk onto the dance floor. "If you could hear me right now, should I confess my love to Melody and even ask her to marry me someday?"

Of course, Nelson was dead, but John felt his spirit next to him and with no one listening, he heard a voice.

"When the time is right, you can confess your love. But for now, I hope you remain at a courtship. Think of your mother and the rest of your family right now."

As soon as he heard the voice of his father, John extended his hand to Melody and led her out on the dance floor. From her point of view, Melody thought that John was pulling himself together. A nice dance to the music of the waltzes that England was known for would do them all good, given what had happened over the last few months.

"Melody, can I ask you something?" asked John while the first waltz was played.

"Sure John, what is it?" remarked Melody.

"I know we have known each other for a short time," stammered John. "And after all we have been through together against the French and Spanish after all, I think it is right of me to say that…that…."

John struggled to what he wanted to say, but Melody sensed that she knew what John was trying to say to her. In a way, she could also feel like John was the young man for her. Sure, they were both young, but they were destined to be together.

"If it is to say that you love me," chuckled Melody, a smile on her face. "Then, I love you too. But, can't we wait until we're older before we decide to unite as one?"

John nodded at this and agreed with Melody that they should indeed wait until they were older to even think about getting married.

"Besides," continued Melody as John spun her around. "Let's just enjoy all the comforts of life, starting right now, shall we?"

Watching from a short distance, both Ariel and Eric could listen in to what their daughter was saying. Having John as a son in law would be a whole new experience for both of them. However, Ariel began to think back to how her father was disapproving of her relationship with Eric and began to feel like she was going to act the same way.

"Eric, I can't help but wonder," remarked Ariel as they watch their daughter dance with the young Englishman. "Do you think that Melody and John will one day…?"

"Why do you worry, Ariel?" wondered Eric. "I thought you want Melody and John to be together. Remember how you always wanted to love me over your father objections?"

Ariel nodded slightly as Eric extended his hand out to her in an effort to get her on the dance floor. Although her mind was clouded with a slight case of fear, Ariel accepted her husband's invitation and joined her on the dance floor, her purple gown fluttering as they danced.

"I know what you mean, Eric," said Ariel. "But, she's only 12 years old, she's just a child."

"It's never too late to think about the future," laughed Eric. "We can only dream the best for our daughter, you know. Let's just have them start slow and then they can build their relationship."

Ariel could smile in response to what her husband had said, but both she and Melody were right about one thing and that was it was best to wait until that they were both older before John and her would be married.

Meanwhile, out in the gardens, Victor and Vanessa were sitting alone as the sun had started to come out. It had been over several months since the attack on the wedding ship and they were wondering if maybe, just maybe that they would finally get married. It had been put off long enough and they both knew it.

"Nice of God to give us sunlight again, Victor," remarked Vanessa. "I just hope only good comes out from here on in."

"I hope so too, Vanessa," sighed Victor, as they watched a young couple walk past them. "We've been through so much together. I mean with you imprisoned by the French and all. I just can't help but think of what could have happened if Eric and Ariel hadn't gone to war with the British."

"Then let's not think about it," said Vanessa, playfully touching Victor's collar. This got Victor in a playful and joyous mood as he tackled Vanessa to the ground, both of them laughing in glee and joyfulness. The English were always known for maintaining standards and some people that were walking by were indignant at their display, but some were glad to see the unusual way of the two lovers confessing their love for one another. During this time, Victor was planning a strategy to finish what he and Vanessa had started all those months ago. Yes, he did propose to her, but that was before the events of Trafalgar and Ortega. He wanted to do it all again as a way of starting over.

"God, if you can hear me," he thought as their playful nature continued. "Please create a joyous moment for my love and I to start over once again."

Finally, after a few minutes, the two lovers pulled themselves together and walked back into the palace, their clothes ruffled slightly from their playful nature. After joining in on a waltz, Victor walked over to a table and grabbed a glass, tinkling it to get the attention of everyone in the room.

"I promise to be brief, Ladies and Gentlemen," announced Victor as Vanessa let out a sharp gasp. "But, I just want to thank his majesty, King George, for allowing us to stay while we recover from the events of recent. Now, if my darling love would sit down while I do something that I did before."

Vanessa could only believe what was about to happen and tears began forming in the corners of her eyes. It seemed that she knew of what Victor was about to do. Getting down on one knee, Victor took Vanessa's hand and asked the question that was once asked before.

"Vanessa, will you marry me…again?"

"YES!" screamed Vanessa and the entire ballroom broke into applause, supposedly closing the book on a dark period in their personal history.

But, they still had a wedding to prepare for before they could close the book on this dark chapter…