7.

A few days after this, Nancy returned to her post and she resumed her daily servant chores, but I have not seen Mr. Connors do the same.

If anything, this man had truly been sent away, yet I doubted Kayo – for this was how I decided to call her in the end – had been so irrational to send away the only male support she would have, until the time came when she would be wed.

That is, if she ever were to accept any man's hand. According to Nancy, she was of age and since she was young, she would make a good wife bringing up any husband of hers to the high class rank, due to her large fortune, I assumed. But she was stubborn, strange and authoritive, which suggested a rather tough character to break and I imagined the man who would have her for his wife would risk taming a wild animal instead.

She reminded me of no woman I have ever met before, and I must confess, I had taken a liking to her because the surprise of knowing she was so young and fetching to the eye did not displease me to the very least. But she was harsh and demanding, stubborn and mischievous at times, which altered my good opinion of her because she would refuse any help when necessary and would have fits of passionate rage which pushed others aside, while she carelessly believed she needed no one beside her.

As soon as Nancy resumed her place in the house, the mistress refused to see anyone beside Liesl with whom she only gave a few lessons of music during the coming week.

Finally, when the sun came out through the clouds and announced a rather good weather, but chilly nevertheless, I was paid a visit by a group of men who had come around the house with Mr. Connors and, evidently, Reverent Johnson.

I was arranged to stay by the porch on my own, for some fresh air, before the group of men approached the house and Reverent Johnson smiled forcedly to us. He said his hello and waited so that the mistress of the house would make her presence by the entrance, after being called by Nancy.

'Madam! A good day to you!'

'Good day to you as well, sir', she said quietly, from behind the chair I sat on.

'Mr. Chase, hello. Uh, permit me to introduce these two gentlemen. They have come here for you. They are from a law firm called Hanson & Son. Perhaps you have heard of them?'

'Good day to you, sir', one of the two said. I could see their smug faces staring at me. Both were in their late forties, wearing a crown of white hair and clothes of the finest material, clearly men whose income fairly overcame mine over the course of one year. Even now, as I watched them briefly, I was convinced that if they have not been introduced as lawyers, then perhaps they would have been the representatives of something of a syndicate type.

I greeted them politely and one of them introduced both of them as a Mr. Rocket and Mr. Marryweather. Both of them came from the law firm as the reverent had said, but they came in representing a ship company called Richmonds & Co, with which I was very well acquainted.

'So, I take it you have come here to discuss the matter of the shipwreck', I said frowning hard.

'We have, sir, yes. If it's possible to discuss in private.'

'Oh yes!' the reverent said just then, staring at the woman behind me. 'Miss Dunn, I wish to speak to you on a matter of the utmost urgency. Would you allow me the pleasure of sharing a private walk with you through the garden?'

'Mr. Johnson, I apologize, but I am very busy at the moment. But you may introduce the gentlemen to the study if they wish to discuss maters privately with Mr. Chase. I am certain Mr. Connors will be happy to help with the task.'

Her voice was cold and she returned into the house before anything further was discussed. And while she was not rested by the priest until he had disturbed her for his conversation, so was I as restless after discussing with the two gentlemen. I would not be able to resume everything in one discussion, yet the matter was grave indeed, because the ship company who had hired us, having heard of our misfortune and having known the truth from the very start, was now under pressure from society that it would lose its reputation, should the truth be spilled out entirely to the world. So, they had devised a scheme by which to force us into lying, in exchange for something which we wished for for a long time, but could not achieve in this world even with the hardest of works.

I would have been promoted captain of the very same ship once rebuilt and ready to set sail, naturally this would bring about a good reputation and would open up finer paths than those opened for me currently. I would be given a rather fine sum of money to start with and I would be returned home under no cost of my own, and would be taken care of by the finest doctors. All of this in exchange for lying to the world and vouching for the perfection in quality and service of the company ship.

I was given at least two days of thought in order to seize for the moment and I would receive a letter within that time to which I would reply in writing and I would respond to the choice. Naturally, I came in distress and in revolt to the idea, as I refused vehemently to lie about what had gone wrong under this tragic course of events. I only thought of the men who had perished under no reason, and those shameful deeds we had been submitted to by the pirates in order to stay alive. It would have been wrong to refuse or to deny the truth, but both scheming lawyers begged that I reconsider the offer and that I would accept the 48-hour trouble in writing everything down as a letter. No action would be taken under my name until that time.

I wanted to leave the room as quickly as possible, having nothing to do with them, so I called for Mr. Connors, but he delayed in coming. His face was flushed and changed, his lips trembling angrily when he came and I had no idea what he had gone through, but he complied to the idea of helping me out from the room.

As soon as I stepped out from the room, the lawyers came from behind still requesting that I do some thinking, but I refused completely and I almost demanded that they leave the place at once.

Just then, I noticed the reverent had come out from what Nancy called the mistress's study and his face was grave, but decided. 'Please think of the proposition I have done for you, my dear. You will find that it is most efficient.'

She came out angry, her cheeks flushed and she pushed everyone aside angrily. 'I'd advise you to step outside, reverent, this is no ground of yours anymore!'

'Madam, this is not how a Christian should mind his guests! Remember, we abide by certain rues in this town.'

'Your words are foul and they brought ill omen to me! For this, I will ask that you leave at once and that you take Mr. Connors with you at once. He should not return in this house or I will have him whipped! Nancy! See them both out! Are you done as well, Mr. Chase?'

She was shouting now so angrily, I barely could hear what the other two were doing behind me. 'Yes, I think our conversation has ceased, madam.'

'Very well! Nancy, see to it that these two fine gentlemen are taken out as well.'

'Madam, I assure you - …'

'The man stated that his business with you is done. Is there more to discuss?'

'Miss Dunn, you should be ashamed of yourself! Such conduct and in front of men like so! How on earth would society gain respect on your behalf if your conduct is in such shameful manner?!'

'I'd advise you, reverent, to take your kind advice elsewhere, and take them strongly, while you step out!'

'How dare you…!'

'It is yourself, sir, who has dared enough! Now take your handyman out and leave at once! And you, gentlemen! Your business is done here, please leave.'

Nancy hurried to the door, once the mistress stared at her intently and drew it open, in awaitance. The two lawyers stepped outside confused, but bid their goodbyes and left. After this, Mr. Connors followed confused, but annoyed for some reason which I could not understand. Finally, a she stepped outside, he took one long glance in Nancy's direction, as if he were trying to ask her for help and support, yet she refused to look at him in return.

Finally, the reverent approached the door, his frown great and his upsetting greater. He eyed young Kayo with a disappointed look on his face and spoke to her harshly: 'I am saddened to realize the woman you have become, Kayo. I thought the father who had raised you brought some sense into you, yet you stubbornly refuse to take his lifetime advice in consideration. The world is not made out of shifting luck and good fortune, my darling, and you know perfectly well there will never be an opportunity like this ever again. This house will fall and you shall with it if you do not comply. You will bring shame to the name of William Dunn under such conduct.'

'Perhaps you should have advised this to him when he has decided to bring us to this country. Where were your good advice then, reverent?'

'How dare you…?'

'I dare, sir, because you dare challenge me to advice over the conduct of my life, when you have done the very same thing to my father and this is the very result. I will not have you do the same mistake to me. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a very important business to attend to. Nancy? After Mr. Johnson left, I will have you bring Mr. Chase his supper. I will be in the study, but I do not wish to be disturbed. And if any other some such figures come over for disturbance, please make sure to seal the door and not open it under any circumstances.'

'Kayo!'

'Do not address me in that fashion, sir! You have no right! No right at all.'

For a while, the house was engulfed into silence. I grew accustomed to the quietness of the rooms and to Nancy's daily tasks roaming about the rooms. She often hums lullabies and I would hear her sing, until she was called out by her mistress for some such task or chore.

I found it refreshing to realize that the house would have less guests and that few people were interested for visiting. The place was remote as it were, but the sound of the sea and the feeling of the sea breeze followed by complete silence calmed me completely. If ever I had been disturbed by the news brought on by the two lawyers, the silence of the place returned serenity to me. There was nothing to rethink of the matter or to reconsider, even if that meant that my career as aspiring captain of a vessel would waste itself upon this matter. The idea o truth was more appealing to me, because it showed the values I so desperately clutched to.

I knew not why or how the reverent had angered Kayo so, but she seemed to be bold enough to stand up for her values, so I would do the same for mine. She looked handsome ordering the gentlemen out form the house and I understood then that my liking for her would gradually grow in time, if she were to act bravely under such circumstances and so often.

But I hardly saw or spoke to her and I found it that her company was more appealing if she hid away in between rooms than when she came to my room and made certain to show a more scheming, evil-like side of her. After all, she would be mischievous but she was righteous and stubborn enough not to be tampered with.

As it came of a surprise, on the following day, Liesl did not show up for her music lessons, and Nancy felt compelled to step outside and watch for her, for fear that perhaps the child had come alone and had gotten lost on the way.

'Madam, I'm afraid there is no sign of her.'

By this time, I was making a few steps on my own, as slowly and as gradually as possible, leaning against the few pieces of furniture I had along the path I was exercising on. I had met with both women in the hallway, Kayo standing in between the entrance to the room where she had her music lesson and Nancy by the entrance door.

'Should I go and inquire of her at her house?'

Kayo frowned and pressed her lips together. 'No. There is no need.'

I frowned as well and stood still, but spoke nothing. Nancy stared at me confused and then at her mistress. 'Are you certain, Ma'am? I'd be back by dawn, I know I would.'

'I've said no, now go about your task!'

'But, Miss…!'

'You will do as I say. Now!'

She shut her mouth and walked away from the entrance door, while returning to her chores hurriedly. In response, her mistress shut herself in the room and I was left alone in the hall. I walked as slowly as possible towards the room and I tried finding my balance several times, screeching at my teeth before I finally reached the door knob. There was music coming from inside and I realized that she was playing at her strange instrument. As I finally managed to touch the door knob, I twisted it and the door opened. I was met with great light coming from the large screens extended towards the sea view, a room large enough to fit a ball, decorated in the very same way as the other rooms, a lavishing Oriental manner which undoubtedly had met its glory at its early stages of architecture.

The walls were painted with wallpapers of Oriental imprints and there were paper screens hanging from every wall, written with black ink, Japanese writing by hand. There were two small beautifully crafted paper screens on each corner of the room and in the middle, there was a small stage with a large strange instrument I had had a peek on during my earlier days here. It was as large as a human lying on the floor and it was covered in strings from head to toe, with white small protuberances sustaining the strings and with a large strap of Japanese silk decorating its bottom end.

Kayo was lying on her knees in front of it, with her fingers covered in small bandages where the knuckles met. The instrument was exquisite and beautiful, but the way Kayo stood beside it felt like she had always belonged beside it. She was using her bandaged fingers to play at it, a song I had heard before. When I stepped inside, she did not hear me, so was her concentration dedicated to this instrument.

'You know why Liesl will not be coming today, do you not? and I suppose you know that she would not come tomorrow or the day after tomorrow or for a very long while, for that matter. Is it not true, Madam?'

'I do.'

She refused to look at me at first, but then she raised her eyes to me and startled when she saw me by the door, leaning heavily against the door. 'Who has given you permission to enter in here, sir?'

'No one, I came of my own will.'

'Then perhaps you should reconsider doing so for next time. I do not take offenses such as these lightly.'

She stood up and walked up to the corner of the room, one of those hidden from sight by one of the beautifully crafted screens. She pulled out something from behind it and came by the door holding something of cane-like proportions. It was something of the sort, slightly curved to the middle, resembling a kind of bow, but when she came to me and handed it, I looked at me frowning as I said:

'I was not aware of the offense. What's this?'

'You may use it to keep balance, but be careful when doing so, sir. Else, you may learn to fear it.'

I said nothing, but frowning, I took it and used it as I would a cane. It gave me balance and sustenance, so I took a liking to it enough. 'Very well. Now about the matter with Liesl…'

'There is no matter, Mr. Chase. Certainly none to concern you. Now, will you please make haste and leave?'

I frowned to her, as she returned to her musical instrument. I frowned at her harshly. 'Are you seeing me out, woman?'

'Yes, I am. I have business to attend to. Would you rather I see you out from the house like I did with the reverent and his henchman?'

'I assume you refer to Connors.'

'I do indeed, sir, I am referring to Mr. Connors.'

I took a step towards her shorty, balancing myself against the new cane I was given for support. 'Have they done you wrong, madam?'

'That is none of your concern, Mr. Chase. As it is not Liesl. She has chosen not to come anymore, henceforth, our music lessons are over from this day forward.'

I took another step towards her as she took a seat on the ground in front of her instrument, while on her knees and prepared her fingers to start playing once more. 'You wish me to believe that you remain unaffected by this change, then? I think it's fair to say I've grown accustomed to your moods, and I believe you're lying to yourself if you pretend that you're alright with this arrangement.'

'And what will you have me do, sir?'

'I expect you to walk to the child's place and inquire if she is at least ill!'

Suddenly, she turned her head towards me and stared at me in spite. 'Oh, that is a fine suggestion, Mr. Chase! The finest ever! Strolling across town in sight of all those who despise me, bringing shame to myself as I walk up to a commoner's house!'

'It would seem to me the child is less a commoner than you are, madam!'

'You know nothing of the kind of person she would become.'

'And I suppose you are well aware of how her destiny may present itself for her? That is a selfish assumption, woman.'

'Don't you dare call me so, I have a name and you will call me by that name!'

'I won't call you Miss Dunn, if you refer to that, instead I will call you Kayo, because that is how children should be called: by their first name. And your behavior is no more different than a child's.'

'Mr. Chase, I'd advise you not to step off the line. I am fully aware that I am a woman and that I am at an age when most of us will run desperate for husbands and trying to make a living for ourselves. And I am also aware that I am deemed foolish and spoilt because of my young age and my sex, but I do not accept anyone jeering at me.'

'I am not jeering, I am simply stating facts. And under these circumstances, I believe you are childish.'

She suddenly stood up and there was a change in her facial features, as if she'd grown up under the process of standing up. Her figure was straight, her posture offensive and her bright blue eye glowing angered. 'The assumption has no meaning to me, sir. I will not be bent no matter how many of you men will try.'

I took a heavy step towards her, looking straight at her. 'Kayo…'

She too moved away from me, keeping the distance. 'Leave this room, sir. And do not, pray, address me so lightly.'

'You should take my advice and speak to Liesl's parents. Undoubtedly, she will not come now because that priest has spoken with her father and mother of your conduct. Is this a fair thing, not to let the child have a proper goodbye?'

'That is their choice, not mine.'

'You should be wiser, woman. Do something about this.'

'I am having no discussion into this matter any further, sir!'

She was angry now, because she was raising her voice at me and I should have been surprised, yet I had grown accustomed to her temper. She had a harsh, bad one, which shifted from one feeling to the other, simply because she had grown without a man in her life, to tame and to subdue her properly.

'I'd advise you not to speak to me in that tone, Kayo.'

'I will speak to you any way that I please, this is my house and you are my guest, whether you like it or not. I have rules in this place and you shall abide, whether you like it or not. Should you refuse, then I will have you out. There is nothing to force me from keeping you now. The bargain I had with Reverent Johnson is over and done with. If you do not like the terms I enforce upon you, then you are welcome to fetch for his henchman and have them drive you off to a better place.'

'That is selfish and arrogant of you! You are the most stubborn woman I've ever met!'

'I could not care less for your words! Now get out!'

And with this, she turned towards one of the smaller tables decorating the room and took something from on it, throwing it beside me towards the door. The object was perhaps a china which smashed into smithereens as soon as it met with the wooden surface of the door.

I looked at the pieces and then at the woman in front of me, as she faced me with her back, staring at the screen quietly, gradually calming down.

'Very well', I said frowning. 'But be aware, madam, it is this kind of conduct which convinces me of the child – not the woman – I have before me.'

As I came through the door helping myself to the cane I'd received, I noticed Nancy was staring at me from behind the half opened door to the kitchen. She pressed her lips together and came out guiltily. 'I believe your mistress is in need of your service', I told her.

'Yes, sir, I'm sorry, sir…'

Later on the very same day, when the female servant came to fetch supper for me, Nancy seemed brightened and high-spirited. She made me smile and so, I served dinner while she made sure of the open window and the cleanness of the room. just before she left, however, she stopped at the entrance and bit her lower lip fidgeting.

'What is it, Nancy?'

'Nothing, sir, it's just… w-well, I know it's none of my business and all, but seeing as how this day was… it was terrible, sir, I admit it, but I'm glad the Miss kicked that man out, I sure am. I mean Connor, sir. He's always been funny and untrustworthy, I've said that before. And he's always eyed the Miss so funnily, I really think he gave me the creeps, sir, I really do. But I also think he's been stealing from this place, I really do, sir, and I've asked around in town and they have confirmed it. He was stealing a lot of silver cutlery, sir, I'm telling you he was, and the Miss, well she found out and kicked him out. I know she did, sir, because I know I don't like her, but Miss Dunn is righteous, I vouch for that, sir, I really do. Pardon my saying so, it's not kind to speak ill of the dead, but her father was a good-for-nothing and he brought disgrace to this place before she stepped in, and I mean it, sir. There are rumours, I tell you, they are terrible, but they say that he used to drink up all his money or gamble.'

'Nancy, you know it's not good to eavesdrop or bad-mouth someone.'

'Yes, I know, sir, but I've seen you and I think you want to help Miss and she won't tell you ever how it is, but I know it's been very hard on her, I know it for certain. Everyone's got secrets, I know that, sir, but I think we should help one another and strive to be better at whatever we're good at, is it not true? Secrets never helped anyone, I mean it, sir, and people say this house's full of secrets and lies and cheats, don't be hard on the Miss, she's after all a good lot, just under a bad influence.'

I smiled kindly to her. 'I think I know that, Nancy. Thank you for telling me though. Should I take it that you like her now, that there will be no more Mr. Connors in the house?'

To this, the maid smiled widely. 'Oh, yes, sir, bless her heart! The man was giving me shivers!'

8.

No letter came for me on the following days. There was no notice to show that I would be once more contacted by those two lawyers and I doubted I would change my mind by the time they were reminded to do so.

Indeed, we received a mysterious visitor one day, a few days after the fated events mentioned previously, and I was certain that he had been sent by the ship company, but Kayo refused to see him and thus he was forced to wait until I would. As it happened, the man had indeed come in the name of the ship company who had hired us and his attempt had been once more to persuade me to change my mind, else I would bring upon me terrible consequences, such as never boarding a ship again. The threats left me cold.

'I won't abide by the rules of your company, sir, if this means I should step on the truth and lie about it. I've spoken once with the solicitors and I told them then what my opinion was of the matter. I'm not going to change my mind.'

'Mr. Chase, I don't think I've made myself clear enough. This is not a matter of choice anymore. It is simply a matter of cause and effect. If I were you, I'd certainly do some thinking to the effect itself, before I decided upon the cause. I have an agreement that I should have your name written down on your resume, so that should you ever attempt to resume your job over seas, then this would not be possible. You will need to carry the paper with you, else you will be fined greatly.'

'These threats will not get you anywhere, sir. I'm not changing my mind. I can't lie about what has happened. And what of those who perished during our fight for survival. What of those who have died and left children fatherless and wives widows? I'll be lying to myself and to them as well if I accept. Rather than carrying that burden, I'll accept that of never sailing again.'

'I see you've made up your mind, Mr. Chase, and that is your final offer, is it?'

'Yes, sir.'

'Remember, you will sign a paper to do so and this paper will be with you at all times.'

'Under what clause should I be forced to sign such damn thing?! I'm not signing anything.'

'You will, sir, else, you will pay half the price for the damage to the ship.'

'I will not sign any such paper and you won't force me. Now see yourself out, sir!'

'I am warning you, sir…!'

'Damn you and your threats! Get out!'

'Mr. Chase!'

I pushed the door aside with my shoulder, screeching at my teeth, as I came out through the main hall and I saw that Kayo had stepped out from her office, wearing a black dress with her silk large sleeved coat over. Her hair was caught up with long silver pins and she reminded once of the Oriental fashion she so strangely adopted. When seeing me upset, she eyed the man following me and frowned hard as the man stepped outside and stared at her.

'Oh, forgive me, madam.'

'No matter, sir, may I know who you are and what business brings you here?'

'This fellow came to see me, but the meeting is already over. I will have you out, my good man!' I took him by the arm brutally, with one hand and he tried pushing away.

'Mr. Chase, I'd advise you not to act like this when you are one step away from trouble!'

'What is this trouble Mr. Chase is in, pray, tell me, sir.'

I frowned and eyed Kayo, as she stared at the man who was one step away from walking out. He pushed my hand away and straightened his clothing at the collar. 'Nothing of your concern, madam. Just that you may yet harbor an indebted man who is unwilling to pay the amount of money he owes to the company management who was so kind enough to hire him.'

'Damn it, sir, I owe no one nothing!'

'What is this debt you speak of, sir?'

I looked at Kayo and I felt ashamed and angered at the same time: 'Damn it, woman, stay out of it! This man was leaving!'

But she brought on more anger to me when she gestured with one hand facing me, as if she were training a child to be quiet at her sign.

'This man, madam, must sign a paper in which he should claim never to hire himself on board a ship again. The damage brought on to his ship was most devastating for the business and we claim accusations and that offenders be punished.'

'Surely, the ship wrecked, the men perished one by one, and Mr. Chase is only the survivor. How could you accuse them of offense? Was there cause to believe that the men on board forced the ship wreck?'

'Kayo, stay out of this. And you should not say another word to this young woman. Leave at once!'

'I will not leave without the papers signed!'

'I will sign no paper! Get out!'

'Very well, I will pay the debt.'

We both turned to face the woman in between us, with her stance so straight and her face so young to be foolish enough for such a gesture.

I was more concerned and so I frowned at her. 'You are not doing this, Kayo. You will stay out of this.'

'Tell me, sir, if I pay the debt on behalf of this gentleman, then will your company management be satisfied?'

She ignored me deliberately, as she stared at the now-confused gentleman from beside me. 'I, uh, y-yes, madam. I believe so, yes.'

'And will this promise that the gentleman in question may still be allowed to set sail on board the ship, at any time and under any rank whatsoever?'

'His credits would not be removed, undoubtedly, madam.'

'Very well. The I will pay on his behalf.'

'Kayo!'

I caught her hand out of balance, while I dropped the cane to the ground, but I could not care less if the gesture had been so intimate in front of the audience. 'I won't let you do this.'

'I'd advise you, Mr. Chase, not to touch me like that, it hurts.'

'You will not do this. Do not accept the money, sir!'

The man began to speak, but Kayo jerked her hand from mine and spoke before he did. 'Oh, the gentleman will take the money alright, it is what he's come here for all along. Money has always been the problem of anything a man desires.'

'Madam, I wish you would not put it that way…'

'How else should I put it, sir? You prey on this gentleman when he has done nothing wrong, and now you've come to let me believe he has to undo the wrong he was never to be blamed for from the very beginning. Your scheming is shameful, sir, I would not take it so lightly as to speak further.'

'Kayo!'

I caught her hand before she welcomed the man into her office. She stared at me frowning. 'Don't do this.'

'You wish to return out into the sea after you have healed, is it not?'

'Yes, I do, but not under such terms.'

'They will not accept any other terms.'

She tried leaving again, but I stopped her once more. 'Kayo, please, do not do this. Please be aware of what this will appear like to everyone else. I would not want to be indebted to you, as much as you would not want to bring more gossip into town than they already have.'

'People have always gossiped of this house.'

'Please tell me that you are aware of how people must see us living under the very same roof, even under some such circumstances. Until now, we have not proven their words, but if you do this, you will most likely seal your fate in front of any future marriage perspective. I will not have you on my conscious for that.'

She frowned hard and jerked her hand gently. 'It's my money and I have no use for it. As for the prospect of marriage, I have no intention of finding a husband. If by this deed I am deemed less than a child in your eyes than a woman, that this would be enough for me.'

'Kayo, I will not have you do this just to change my opinion of you! Countless times I have heard you say that you don't care for it.'

'I am doing this, Mr. Chase, and I doubt your foe company cares where the money comes from.'

'But I do, woman, and I will not have you do this!'

'I'd like to see you try.'

She smiled at me before she walked up to the study where the gentleman was waiting for her.

'If you do this, then I am marrying you!'

To this, Nancy came out from her room and she stared at us in the hallway. Kayo ignored me and came in through the room. 'You will do not such thing.'

'Yes, I will. I will have Nancy call for Reverent Johnson.'

But disbelieving, Kayo closed the door behind her and so Nancy stared at me confused, until I frowned at the door to the mistress's study and said: 'Go!'

'Beggon your pardon, sir?'

'Call for the priest. Tell him Miss Dunn's found a husband. And he'll need to officialize the ceremony tonight.'

'But, sir…'

'You heard me, woman! Go now!'

Ten minutes later, when the man was done with the paperwork, he came out through the door from the study and without looking at me, he bid us farewell. Just before he left, I called out and said: 'You are not leaving, sir!'

'What do you mean?'

Kayo came out from the study frowning. 'What is this? The man's business is done. He has received the payment.'

I frowned hard at her. 'And I say he stays. So you will, sir, and you will bear witness to the ceremony.'

She frowned at me harder. 'What ceremony?'

'I have sent Nancy to get the wretched priest and we are going to be wed.'

'Oh, please, this is nonsense!' she laughed in my face and then she hid in her study.

The gentleman waiting with me in the hall eyed me concerned, uncertain of what he should do, but if he tried to leave, I stood in the doorway, so that he would not. There was nothing I could think of to symbolize our future married relationship, but I did remember the gift I had received from one of the ship mates, several silver rings wrapped lightly around a string of leather, hanging from around my neck. I still had it even if I often forgot it was there. So this time, I ripped it off from around my neck, examined the rings and prayed that at least one of them fitted her ring finger, as another – a larger one – certain fitted mine.

Reverent Johnson came to the place thirty minutes later, riding a horse and holding his Bible in one hand. He hurriedly came over demanding that this nonsense be explained.

'What is this, Mr. Chase! I see you sent for Nancy to give me the most outrageous news, that Miss Dunn would agree to marry. Is it so?'

'It is, sir, and we have a witness here!'

I pointed at the company staff member and he looked at both of us awkwardly. To him, the reverent smiled confused, before he turned to me. 'So, it is you whom she will be wed?'

'Yes, I am her future husband.'

The man looked at me confused, frowning and then squinting. Clearly, he had no words to describe how he suddenly felt, but I would have sworn he was incomprehensible to the very end. 'Have you gone out to play tricks to a man of the church, sir? Or has her ladyship gone completely mad?'

'I'd rather you not speak to the lady in question like this. We've agreed to wed and that is the arrangement, now can you perform the ceremony or not?'

'Yes, I could, but this is outrageous!'

'Nancy, go fetch your mistress. Pull her by the arm if she refuses to come out!'

'Now, Mr. Chase, I hardly think you should resort to such action. Perhaps you've merely suggested something and the lady misunderstood…'

'Oh, she heard me perfectly, sir!'

'And what was her answer?'

'She's indifferent to it, but not for long.'

'Mr. Chase, I think - …!'

'What is this nonsense?' Kayo's voice came out from her study, while Nancy hid behind her, before she slipped aside. When her mistress saw the priest in her home once more, her facial features went pale and she looked at me accusingly. 'What is this man doing here?'

I frowned at her and grabbed her hand gently, before I pulled her in. 'He's going to wed us, my sweet.'

'Excuse me?! Are you mad?! I will not marry anyone!'

'See there, Mr. Chase, nothing of this kind is certain.'

'Have you the proper papers for the certificate?'

'Well, yes, but…'

'Great! Then do it!'

'Mr. Chase!'

I crushed her shoulders against mine, as my arms wrapped tightly around her neck. 'Do it, Mr. Johnson. Now.'

'What is this?!'

The reverent stared at me frowning before he began his sermon quietly, speaking the words quickly. Beside me, Kayo was too confused to react, but her expression was pricelessly angry and filled with eagerness to push everyone aside. The priest shortened the sermon, and when the question came that we should wed, I said "Aye!" and gave no chance to Kayo to refuse, as I pressed a hard kiss over her mouth when she was to reply, so all she could utter was "I…" which could easily be reckoned as an affirmation similar to mine.

Her lips were soft and young, so I enjoyed kissing them. When all was done, Johnson stared frowning at me and asked if I had any rings. I pulled out mine and he slipped on larger ring over my finger while he did so with a smaller one for Kayo. 'I now pronounce you man and wife', he finalized before the woman beside me could say anything.

After this, there was a marriage certificate to be done and witnesses to sign, and to this I called Nancy and the wretched man who had come for the money, to sign the paper and have everything legalized. I took the paper and folded it, tucking it at the breast pocket of my coat before Kayo would lay an eye on it.

But she was too stunned to do anything, furthermore, she pushed my arm away brutally before she hid herself in the study. I had forced her hand to make a mark on the paper, as a signature and even this did not convince the priest that what we had done had been completely under mutual accordance.

By rights, now all that belonged to this woman belonged to me, so by definition, the money she had given to the man of the company were not hers anymore, but ours. Kayo and her house now belonged to me, along with the fortune everyone so desperately believed she had.

When all was done, I asked Nancy to see everyone out, and I took one single glance at the study room before I slowly headed for the room I was guested in. I was certain that, knowing Kayo's temper, she would be terribly upset by now and would not speak to me for a great deal.