by Lora Thomas
“I see.” After several attempts, Hugh lit his pipe and clenched the item in his teeth. Taking several puffs, the smoke filtered outward, and he spoke. “And, Oliver, my boy, you agreed to her nonsense?”
“I had no choice,” Oliver replied.
“No choice? You most certainly did. If you are legally wed, then she had no right to take your bride from you nor does she have the right to forbid you from seeing your bride without Char present,” Hugh replied, calling Charlotte by the pet name he had given her.
“She is as stubborn as Grams, Hugh. You know this.”
“That she is. But you have that same strong-willed St. John blood running through your veins. Combine that with that irritating Winters’ blood,” Hugh said, referring to their mother’s family, “and you can best her anytime you wish.”
“Don’t let Mother hear you call her family irritating,” Matthew replied.
Hugh grasped his pipe with his hand and pulled it from his mouth. “I have told her so, many times. Her entire family should be hanged. I have never seen such an unhappy group of individuals in my entire life. Elizabeth is the only one even tolerable, and I credit that to your father. Robert has a tendency to bring the best out in people.”
“I thought you and Father did not see eye to eye?” Oliver asked.
“We don’t…on matters of your grandmother. He wants her to be coddled. I, on the other hand, know she can handle her own quite well and have seen how well she manages on her own. If he visited from time to time, he would see that for himself. Instead, he has not set foot in England for well over ten years.”
“It is a long trip,” Matthew defended. “I will not protest his refusal to sail on that reason alone.”
“I think it is because your mother has him henpecked.” Hugh placed the pipe back into his mouth and clamped down. “He loves her entirely too much and allows her to control him.”
The brothers looked at each other and then laughed.
“Uncle Hugh,” Oliver began, “You have it all wrong.”
“Then why does he not sail to England?”
Jacob answered, “Sailing no longer agrees with him.”
“What?” Hugh did not believe the reason.
“Sailing began disagreeing with him.”
“He gets seasickness worse than Eli or me,” Matthew replied.
“You’ve got to be joking,” Hugh replied. “Hell, he used to captain his own ship. He’s traveled to and from England more than any of you.”
Jacob shrugged. “It is true. The onset came after a severe ear infection. He was dizzy for several months afterward.”
“He most likely should have seen a true doctor and not that voodoo woman that your brother Eli insists on keeping around,” Hugh said.
“If it weren't for Eli’s voodoo woman, Father would have died,” Oliver defended. “The physicians weren’t doing anything. They said to give him fluids and then poured enough laudanum down his throat to help ease the pain and sedate him. The voodoo woman saved him, and there is nothing that can convince me otherwise. He was rambling like a madman before Natasha came. She came despite Mother’s protests for Mother has the same opinion as you do of Natasha. So, we dragged Mother from the house and allowed Natasha to tend to Father. By the next morning, his fever had broken, and he was no longer combative. He was resting and slept for three days. When he awoke, he was no longer incoherent. He was weak, but his mind was good. Afterward, any sudden motion caused him to become nauseous. Natasha said it would most likely never leave.”
“I never knew,” Hugh admitted. “Elizabeth wrote that he had been ill but not the gravity of the situation.”
“She didn’t want everyone to worry,” Oliver informed him. “She knew that Grams could not make the journey and would insist upon doing so. She decided just to tell everyone that he was not feeling well.”
“If Grams discovered this, she would be furious at the lot of you for not telling her,” Hugh said.
Matthew nodded. “We know. That is why we never mentioned it. Her temper is worse than any of the St. Johns.”
A deep breath left Hugh. “It comes from her gypsy blood.”
“Or the fact that she’s just mean,” Matthew said, smiling. Of all the St. John grandchildren, he was the closest to her. Then again, he had lived in England for well over fifteen years and lived with Gramps and Grams for part of those years.
“You can say that. I fear that if anyone else did what she does, she’d clobber them with her walking stick.” Hugh took several puffs from his pipe. “Now, the wedding?”
“It seems that Oliver has fallen for his bride,” Jacob supplied.
“That so?” Hugh asked, still puffing on his pipe. “She is a rather intriguing chit. Did you know she can speak Latin?”
“How the hell did you find that out?” Oliver asked.
Hugh removed the pipe from his mouth. “If you hold actual intellectual conversations…instead of trying to get into one’s bed…you will learn all sorts of information.”
Heat traveled up Oliver’s face as Matthew and Jacob laughed.
“Well, getting into one’s bed is the true challenge,” Matthew replied.
“And you have been into many. I do say, it makes it quite an awkward situation in the House of Lords…you know, considering I am dealing with men whose wives you have had relations with. I am amazed I have not been shot.”
Matthew did not even appear to be fazed by the accusation. All knew the facts to be true. Matthew loved his bachelor life. That is until Chessi came into his world, Then he found that she was the only woman that he ever wanted.
“We are getting off topic,” Hugh said. “Wedding. Char said it’s to be held at three on the deck. She insists that it be decorated and has assigned me that task.” Hugh shook his head. “I have no bloody idea why? What does a man know about decorating for a wedding?”
“Perhaps it was just a way to get you out of the way. There is nothing to decorate a wedding with upon my ship,” Jacob said. “And I will be damned if I turn around to gather flowers.”
“Well, we had better do something. If we don’t, we’ll all have hell to pay. Since she could not see our Anne married in a fashion she deemed appropriate, she is placing all that energy into your wedding to Madelena.”
Jacob spoke, “I’ll speak with Bob and see what he has.”
“That funny little Chinaman?”
“His wife is onboard. Hopefully, Etta will have something.”
“Etta? What an odd name for a Chinese woman,” Hugh said, returning his pipe to his mouth.
“Nobody can say her real name except Bob. So we all call her Etta.”
“Do you think she can decorate the ship in a fashion to suit your aunt?”
Jacob shook his head. “I sure the hell hope so.”
Madelena was left speechless as Charlotte dragged her down the hall, babbling the entire way about the upcoming nuptials. Following Charlotte into her chambers, a gasp left Madelena upon viewing the size of the room. It was designed like a sitting room with two small settees in one corner. A man reading a paper sat upon one of the sofas, a pipe clenched in his teeth. The man did not even look up from his newspaper as Charlotte continued to speak. A table with three chairs sat in another corner. A desk sat against the far wall, and a thick ivory rug was a striking contrast to the highly polished dark wood.
Charlotte continued talking as they entered. “Hugh. Hugh!”
The man did not even lay his paper down. He continued reading as he replied. “Yes, Char?”
“Don’t be rude, Hugh. We have a guest. And not just any but Oliver’s bride.”
Hugh lowered his paper and peered over his wire-rimmed spectacles. “Who?”
Charlotte threw her hands in the air. “I swear, Hugh Ashford, do you even know any of my family? Oliver. My nephew.”
Hugh’s eyes widened. “Oh, him. I wasn’t aware he was traveling with us. I thought it was only Matthew.”
“Oliver just joined us. Now
, this is Madelena. She states that she and Oliver eloped last evening. I cannot have that. I simply cannot! They need a proper wedding, and it will happen today at three.”
A deep breath left Hugh. “Charlotte, you’re being a little dramatic, aren’t you? If they eloped, then they are married.”
“They need a proper wedding.”
“Are you doing this because of Anne?”
“Absolutely not! I am looking out for the welfare and reputation of Madelena. I know my nephews, Hugh. They love female companionship. If Madelena and Oliver are truly married, then this wedding is only a formality.”
Hugh laid down the paper. He knew better than to argue with Charlotte when she thought she was doing what was right. But sometimes, she needed a reminder. “Charlotte. I know you are concerned—”
“What do you think his mother would do if she discovered we were allowing them to travel without a nuptial properly witnessed?”
“She wouldn’t care. And she will be furious if she discovers that you are doing this to anger her.”
“What do you know?” Charlotte said. Pointing to the door, she said. “Out. I need you to see to it that the deck is properly decorated for a wedding.”
There was a knock upon the door.
“Enter!” Charlotte called.
Madelena watched as a beautiful blond-haired woman entered. She was wearing a dark blue dress that made her eyes seem like sapphires. The woman appeared slightly pale and was clutching the doorframe.
“You needed me?” the woman asked.
“Chessi!” Charlotte greeted in excitement. “You look pale, my dear. Is it the baby?”
“I am fine,” Chessi replied. “I just don’t like sea travel. How many times must I remind you?”
“Every time,” Hugh mumbled.
“Why are you still here?” Charlotte asked her husband. “I told you to leave.”
Hugh removed his glasses and laid them upon the seat. Standing, he approached the door and spoke to Chessi, “Maybe you can talk some sense into her.”
“I heard that,” Charlotte said.
“I was hoping you did.” Hugh patted Chessi’s hand. He looked at Madelena. “Are you certain you want this?”
Madelena nodded. “Yes.”
“You are Italian?” Hugh observed, noting her accent.
“I am.”
“You speak English rather well.”
“Thank you. I also speak French and some Latin.”
“You don’t say? I never met a lady…or anyone for that matter…who could speak Latin.”
“Hugh!” Charlotte interrupted. “Why are you still here?”
“I was just leaving, my dear.” Hugh gave a kind smile and left.
“What is going on?” Chessi asked.
“Chessi, this is Madelena. She and Oliver eloped last night, but I believe they need a proper wedding.”
Chessi closed her eyes and groaned. “Not another proper wedding. Wasn’t mine enough? You nearly drove me mad.”
Charlotte grinned. “Well, I had to. You know, since your mother passed and all, you needed a woman’s help.”
“You took over, though. Your sisters and Grams wanted to help.”
“Isabella and Claire know nothing of fashion. And Grams did help. She ordered me about like I was her servant. But your wedding was so beautiful! If only I could have helped with my Anne’s…” Her voice trailed off. “Anyway, Madelena here needs our assistance. She had to depart unnoticed and was forced to dress as a servant. She will need a gown. Do you have any to spare?”
“I do.”
“Good.” Another knock came upon the door. “Enter!”
A man opened the door. He was followed in by another man. The pair was holding a large wooden tub.
“Where would you like the tub, my lady?” the man asked.
“The bedchambers.” Charlotte approached a closed door and opened it.
The men carried the tub inside and sat it down. As they did, a boy appeared carrying two buckets of water. The boy worked diligently, and after several trips, the tub was filled with warm water. Lidia appeared at that time and curtsied.
“My lady,” Lidia addressed Charlotte. “You requested my assistance?”
“Yes. Madelena needs your assistance in bathing and hair. Make it a beautiful updo. It is her wedding day, and she must look her best.”
Charlotte entered the adjacent room.
Madelena stood in the middle of the sitting room, looking around like a lost child.
“You’ll get used to her,” Chessi informed, approaching the settee and sitting down. “She’s like a whirlwind, but she means well.”
Madelena looked at Chessi. “This is a mistake. I don’t need her to witness my marriage.”
Chessi shrugged. “That is just Charlotte.”
“What of the others? Will they be just as demanding?”
“Others? I assume you mean their parents?” Chessi shook her head. “I am not certain how they are. I have never met them.”
Concern drew Madelena’s brows together. “You haven’t?”
“No. Matthew and I married some time ago, but neither of us likes to sail. He gets seasick, and I cannot swim. But now that we are expecting our first child, he decided he wanted to see his parents again and managed to persuade me into coming.”
“So, you are as much a stranger to the St. Johns as I?”
Chessi nodded. “I’m afraid so.”
“How? You said you have been intertwined with this family for some time.”
A deep breath left Chessi. “I have. My past is complicated, you see. I come from the lower levels of the world. My mother was a maid to a duke.” She decided she didn’t need to mention that the duke was her true father and not the man her mother had wed.
“How did you meet? I mean, if you were a servant.”
Chessi smiled. “I was never a servant. My mother was. I was a thief… a skilled one. Matthew hired me to retrieve a family heirloom that had been stolen.”
A gasp left Madelena. She suddenly felt the desire to keep a closer eye on the few items that she had packed.
A laugh left Chessi as she sensed Madelena’s apprehension. “Relax. I have since retired from my light-fingered ways. I have no need to steal to survive. That is what I did. I stole to stay alive.”
“But your mother—”
“Was murdered by my father.”
Another gasp left Madelena as her hands came to her mouth.
“All of our pasts are complicated. If you are like the other wives of the St. Johns I have met, then your life is full of tragedy as well. Jacob’s wife had a life much like mine. And Eli’s wife is another matter entirely.” Chessi turned her head slightly to look at the door Charlotte had gone through. “London…that is what everyone calls Eli’s wife. Her name is actually Reanna. She is not one you should confess your secrets to. She cannot keep them. Her life is somewhat complicated, as well. The others, I have not met, but I hear that their pasts are as fascinating as mine. What of you?”
“Me?”
“Yes. You married a St. John. It will be assumed that you have a fascinating past. And if you don’t, Grams will call you a liar.”
“Who’s Grams?”
“Their grandmother, Vivian St. John, the Dowager Countess of Hyntington.” A fond smile came to Chessi. “If you should ever meet Grams, you will love her. Just don’t be surprised by her boldness. Now, your past?”
Madelena shook her head and looked down at her hands. “I am afraid my past is rather dull. I am a simple basket maker.”
“Basket maker?”
Madelena nodded. She could not tell these people who she truly was. If she did, then it would somehow get back to her father, and she would not go back to Rome to hang for a crime she did not commit! “Yes. I make baskets. I am afraid I am as boring as they come. No family mysteries. No pirates in my background.”
Chessi gave her a skeptical look. Her eyes ran the length of Madelena and noticed an item sticking
out from a pocket in her skirt. “Why would you mention pirates?”
“One evening at dinner, Oliver spoke briefly about his family.”
“Interesting.”
“You seemed surprised that he would confess such a secret.”
Chessi nodded. “Grams arranged for the pardon of Jacob’s wife, Jules. I think our father-in-law arranged for the pardon of the eldest brother.”
“Madelena!” Charlotte called from the other room. “Come here, dear girl.”
Madelena rolled her eyes.
“She can be very persistent,” Chessi said, standing. She approached Madelena and gave her a reassuring embrace, her hand slipping into the pocket in the process. “Just entertain her. She means well.”
“What other choice do I have?” Madelena mumbled. Standing, she entered the bedroom and was surprised to find it was just as large as the sitting room. A large bed sat against one wall. Another held a large wardrobe. This room was larger than the one she found Oliver in, and that was surprising.
The tub of warm water was sitting against a wall. The steam rising from the tub looked tempting. A hot bath would feel wonderful if it were under different circumstances. Madelena had no desire to marry, let alone participate in a fake wedding. Well, it would be a real wedding, and if she weren’t careful, then she had no doubt that an annulment would be out of the question for her and Oliver. He was a handsome man and could easily seduce her with just that smile. And it was a long voyage to the Caribbean.
“Now, let’s get you out of that dress and readied for your vows. Lidia!”
The maid stepped forward. “Ma’am,” Lidia addressed Madelena.
Madelena walked to the tub and looked into the water. What had she gotten herself into?
Chapter Twenty-Four
The wedding went by too fast. Before Madelena could comprehend what was happening, she had said “I do” and was whisked around the deck, Oliver’s family wishing her their best and the crew offering her their congratulations. Even Charlotte’s friends were excited for her. All were excited, except for her and Oliver.
She looked at him, and he had the same look of dread that she did. Was he regretting his part in this ruse? Would he confess that they were not actually married before? Would he demand that their marriage be denounced?
