Twenty Eight Part Two

Marcus sat back in the carriage feeling fortunate indeed. He had accomplished his goal and could now join his loved ones once more.

However, therein lie another goal he hoped to reach this day. He needed to tell Violet, and right soon. He decided right then and there that the first chance the opportunity came, he was grabbing it.

He was finished having a lie stand between he and his son, he wanted their relationship to carry honesty and integrity. That was a difficult thing to do when one withheld the truth from another. Violet deserved better than that, he deserved the whole truth. Marcus had never met a better man than the one his son had become, Marcus owed him this, and had for a long time now.

Marcus could not wait to get back to Katy and Vi, this last visit had been the best one yet, and Marcus knew it was because his heart felt free. He had told Katy his plans for their future, and now he only needed to tell Violet the whole truth, then he would truly be free indeed. Come hell or high water, he was done with his life of lies.

Marcus kept his thoughts positive and hoped all would work out as he had prayed they would.

The carriage slowed, Marcus leaned forward to look out the window to see they were almost there.

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Violet paced the King's antechamber. More than anything, he wanted to know what was happening with Betsy and the King. He had no idea what she was being subjected to, but he prayed she was alright.

He was her husband, he was supposed to be able to protect her, to keep her safe, to shield her from any unpleasantness.

It was driving him mad that there was absolutely nothing he could do.

Vi narrowed his eyes, what he would give to be a fly on the wall....

His pacing grew quicker as he worried she may be in a spot of trouble.

He would give his ship, his savings, his weapons, he would give all that he owned, just to know she was going to be alright.

He had done his best to put on a bold face and give her what reassurances he could, however, now that she was in there, and he was out here, his mind kept traveling over worst case scenarios.

It was not as if Elizabeth were her father.

Mayhap, since she was Alex's daughter, the King would have expected better from her, such as, to not shoot at an officer of the Royal Navy.

Violet still could not believe she had done it. And not just the once, she had shot at the old man twice!

Violet ran his fingers through his hair for the umpteenth time, then he had to retie it back again, for the umpteenth time. He resumed pacing the room, looking at the door she had gone through, each time he passed it.

Hopefully, the King would understand that Elizabeth had felt a need to protect her own.

Violet knew, if the King could only have seen her shooting rats from the yardarm, he would know the commander had not been in any real danger. She had never missed once..... But the King had not seen, and he could have no idea how precise she was.

It was not as if she had gotten lucky and shot the pistol from Eli's hand, that took true skill, or in Elizabeth's case, natural ability.

Vi groaned, as he came to the end of the room, pretending to look at the shining weapons once more.

The shine was all he saw as he was consumed with thoughts of his sweet wife.

His eyes blurred before the iron and steel, his thoughts took over, and all he could think of were her beautiful, innocent eyes smiling up into his.

He blinked his eyes back into focus, seeing the pair of dueling pistols mounted on the wall.

He smiled slightly at her choice of weapon. Most women he knew would have used their tongues. There were many women he had come across who could flay a man with that vicious weapon. But no, his wife liked steel and shot.

He grinned at his good fortune for a moment, as he thought of how much better one was than the other. A harping wife......Violet visibly shuddered.

He would take his own dear wife over that fate any day.

He could well understand the protective instincts that had possessed Elizabeth in that moment, instincts that had turned her from his sweet kitten, into a fierce lioness bent on defending her territory.

He knew he would not have taken it well if anyone had pointed a weapon at her. He, of course, would have shielded her with his own body if possible.

Just as he wanted to shield her now.

He sent a furtive glance to the door she had gone through for the hundredth time. A clue, he would be happy with the teensiest, tiniest clue as to what was going on in there.

Lady Eleanor had come out from her session and approached him, patted his chest, and told him all would be well, then she had left abruptly, saying she would return soon.

He had stood there like a fish out of water, his mouth hanging wide open, as she bustled away from him, out the door.

He had hoped she would return sooner than this.

Eleanor had given him no insight whatsoever into her conversation with the Monarch, she had just gone.

Vi sighed, and paced the room again, he glanced at the door, yet again, and then he prepared to do it all, over again.

"Please.......stop." Katherine begged, she had had enough. She was nervous as it was, and Violet's pacing was not helping matters any.

"Where did she go?" Violet came to a stop in front of his mother, hoping she had a clue to Lady Kent's whereabouts and return.

"She mentioned her townhouse and gathering her mail, that should not take too long, should it?" Katherine peered up at Vi questioningly.

"I do not know," Violet rubbed his temples, "I also do not know why she had to go now, why could she not at least have given me a clue as to how the King would receive Elizabeth?"

Violet was whining, he knew he was, yet this was his mother, and it just came to him naturally to do so.

Katherine stood and took him into her arms, she rubbed his shoulder and tried to reassure him, "I am sure all is fine, Violet. If we all love Elizabeth, will the King not also?"

Trying to be a voice of reason, she looked into his beautiful, black lashed, iris eyes, until he quit avoiding her and looked back.

"Can I have her back now, Mama?" His pleading eyes reminded Katy of when he was small and had lost his favourite toy, yet these were a man's eyes, and a man's pain and worry.

For some reason, that made it so much harder for her to bear.

Praise the Lord, the large entrance door opened, and Marcus sauntered across the room, his package in hand.

Katy was so glad to see him, as she feared she was being of no help to Violet at all.

Marcus was glad he had saved some time in getting here, thanks to his run in with Lynwood.

Violet and Katy were face to face, halfway across the room, both of them turning their heads Marcus' direction when he entered.

Marcus saw Violet's troubled face, he set his parcel down next to the other.

He came to place a hand on Vi's shoulder, "What is this, son? Have you lost your faith so quickly?"

Marcus' face turned concerned, "Has something happened?" Now he was worried also, he looked around for Ellie and Elizabeth, yet did not see them anywhere.

"Yes, no, yes.....not really." Violet stumbled over his words.

"Well, which is it, boy? Yes or no?" Marcus then turned to Katy, who gave him a weak smile.

**************************************

Jude woke from his nap with an even stiffer neck, and a small jolt. He had dreamed that he had fallen down the stairs and been paralysed, yet, in his dream he could still feel his body, but he had not been able to make it move.

Upon awakening, he thanked God it had only been a dream, and then his eyes found Gwendolyn.

Jude was not a praying man, hell, he was not even a good man. But he did believe their was a God up there somewhere, and he had a feeling that if he took two seconds to think about it, God was probably not too happy with him.

For some strange reason, in that very moment, Jude felt a need to pray.

He closed his eyes and lay his head back against the chair. He did so silently, as Gwen could awaken if he spoke aloud.

He asked forgiveness for his deceitfulness, he admitted he did not deserve it, but he swore to try harder, if God would just take Gwen quickly, so she would not have to suffer this fate for too long.

He lifted his head back upright slowly, and looked at her, this woman that he had used and lied to all these years.

Had he contributed in his own way to Gwen's evilness? Had she wanted him so badly she would be willing to kill to be with him?

He knew that was not it alone. Marcus' had not been the only name on her list. She had wanted to elevate Alfred, and thereby herself, so she had said before.

Jude sighed as he pushed himself up from the chair. He needed coffee and food, in that order, and then a change of clothes.

Gwen still lay with her eyes closed, he thought he should probably hurry in case she awoke soon.

He would think a nurse should be coming anytime.....

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Violet turned away from Marcus and threw his hands up in the air, "The Lady Eleanor went in and spoke with the King, then he wanted to see Elizabeth, so now she is in there alone, and I can not help her."

Violet turned back, gesturing towards the doors, and himself with his hands, "She is sequestered in there with him now, and Lady Kent left, she just left for her townhouse before telling me anything." Violet was pouting, he knew he was, yet again, he could not help it, he was frustrated and tired of looking at these four walls.

"Did you get a nice one, Marcus?" Katy asked cheerfully, hoping to interrupt and distract Violet for a moment.

"I did, Katy girl, and she is a beauty. Almost as beautiful as you." Marcus replied warmly, rubbing her shoulder.

He then turned to Violet, who it seemed could care less, he was talking to himself and still gesturing, pacing the floor.

Marcus shook his head at Violet. Vi was fine as long as it was his own neck at risk, but if one he loved were threatened in any way, he seemed to worry tenfold.

Marcus could understand, and he wanted to do what he could to help his son.

Marcus walked over to the King's man at the desk.

Marcus pulled a card from his pocket and gave the man a smile and a wink, "At his earliest convenience, my good man."

Marcus knew it could be moments, hours, or even days before the King saw him, but he could at least try to get in a word with the monarch, if the King be willing.

When Violet looked again longingly to the inner sanctum door, the one Betsy had disappeared behind at least half an hour ago, Marcus decided he needed to give Vi something else to think about.

The three of them were the only ones in the antechamber, save the King's man, and a small group of officers far down the wall.

Marcus turned to Katy, giving her a meaningful look, shifting his eyes to their son.

Katherine closed her eyes momentarily, let out a cleansing breath, then nodded.

"Violet, son, come and sit with your mother and me over here for a moment." Marcus drew Katy down into a chair and he sat down beside her.

He patted the seat on the other side of himself, and Vi came and perched on the edge of it.

Violet leaned forward, elbows on his knees, hands joined in front of him. He looked to his side at his mother, who sat behind Marcus, "You can not tell me anything I have not already told myself a hundred times."

Marcus demurred, "Oh, I think we might have you there, Violet. This has nothing to do with our present circumstances."

Katy reached across Marcus' leg to hold his hand. Violet noticed the intimate gesture and was bemused. He raised his amused face to Marcus, one brow lifted.

Marcus squeezed Katy's hand, his joy that she supported him, overriding his nerves in telling Violet. "There is something I need to tell you." Marcus' eyes turned serious, "I would not have you blame your mother, as she, in all fairness, would have told you well before now."

Their eyes were locked upon one another, father and son.

"Violet, I am not your father's solicitor, nor am I his old friend." Marcus took a deep breath and let it out slowly.

"Sweetheart...." Katy started.

Marcus stopped her, "No, no, he needs to hear it from me, Katy girl." Marcus gave her a warm smile and squeezed her hand again.

Marcus knew she was trying to make this easier for him, but he had made his own bed, and he must lie in it.

He took a deep breath, smiled, and said with pride, "You are truly mine, Violet. My own son, my very own flesh and blood. I fell in love with your beautiful mother long ago, and I have always loved her, and you, more than you will ever know."

Violet sat back a bit and looked between them, this man and his mother. He closed his eyes and smiled slightly even as he placed his head in his hands.

He had already known.

Violet realised in that very moment, he truly, deep down in his heart.....had already known.

He suddenly felt euphoric. For the first time in his adult life, since that first time he had sailed away, he felt that he had truly come home.

A peace washed over Violet, he actually felt it flow through his mind and body, he knew then, he had needed this, he had needed to know from Marcus himself.

"I think I knew that," Violet spoke as if befuddled, he raised his head slowly, turning his seeking, violet eyes upon his father. "Deep down in my soul, I believe I knew."

Violet's brow furrowed in thought and he spoke his thoughts aloud, "I guess I also believed....... that if you did not want to claim me for your own reasons, I would take what you were willing to give, and to try not to ask any more of you."

Marcus squeezed Violet's hands as a tear sprang to his eye. Marcus spoke softly, yet fervently, "Violet, it was never about not wanting to claim you. You have no idea the amount of pride that swells up in me, son, when I think of you. You are already what I can only aspire to be. You are twice the man I am. The things you have done..." Marcus shook his head sadly, "It was me, Violet, it was all my fault. Imperfect and weak, I let others control my life when I should not have." His eyes beseeching, he tried to explain, "Your mother was the best thing that ever happened to me, she was my gift from God, and I made a mess of it." Marcus placed his hand on Violet's knee, "I made a mess out of everything. I betrayed her all those years ago, she did not deserve that, and neither did you."

"Why are you telling me now?" Violet was simply curious.

"I am finished with my marriage, son." Marcus pulled his arms back to hold Katherine's hand once more, "I am going to see if I can have my life resolved, so that I can marry your mother, and be the father to you I should have been all along."

Violet was surprised at the joy this brought to his heart, it came upon him so quickly, he grinned at his mother.

"Going to make an honest woman out of her, are you, Marcus?" Violet laughed softly.

"Oh, you!" Katherine leaned over and swatted at Violet's knee as she glared at him.

Katy then got up and went to the chair on the other side of Vi, she took his hand, and looked into his eyes beseechingly, "You are not angry with me, sweetheart? I have feared your hurt and anger more than anything." She placed her other palm against his cheek.

He covered her hand with his own and turned his head to kiss her palm, he then looked at her in wonder, "Why should I be angry, Mama? No, I am not angry."

Joyful tears came to Violet's eyes as he clasped her hand tightly, "Do you have the faintest idea how many of my prayers were just answered?" Vi shook his head in wonder, "So, so many prayers, Mama."

He smiled sweetly at this woman, while happy tears fell down his face. He embraced his mother, comforting her, he knew she loved him above all else, and he knew it had hurt her to keep the truth from him. "I truly just thank you for picking Marcus."

He swiped at his tears, joking with her, and tried to lighten the mood. "You might have chosen some scurvy sailor, who could have truly gone and drowned in the sea."

Katy erupted with nervous laughter, "Smart mouth." His mother chided him, as she swatted his arm. She then dried her own tears, "This moment I have dreaded for years, and you make jokes, Violet."

She looked lovingly at these two men whom she adored, and shook her head, "You two deserve each other." And though she did not say it like that, she meant it in the best possible way.

She rose and walked away from the chuckling pair of men, pretending to be interested in the weapons wall, as she gave the two some space to talk.

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Betsy leaned forward in her chair and the King could tell she was going to paint him a nice, rosy picture of her pirate husband.

"You see, he is really......" Betsy started to say, her eyes were alit and her face was quite animated.

The King was grinning, remembering Alex, and his face, when he would get excited about something.

This girl was a balm to his soul and a joy to behold. The King was enraptured just looking at her, he had not been this content to just sit and look at someone ever before.

A sharp, quick rapping came from the door. The King's man, who had shown Betsy into the room, entered at the King's request.

The man brought the King a card, apologising for the interruption, as he explained, "The man said at your earliest convenience, Sire."

The man then turned, and after smiling at Betsy, he quit the room, closing the door behind him.

The King read the card, and looked at it curiously, he then told Betsy, "Hold onto that thought, my dear, I shall return."

The King stood and went to the door. "There is a man here I must see. Do not go anywhere, I want to hear all about your pirate husband, but once you start, I want no more interruptions." His eyes sparkled with mischief, as he then left the room, closing the door behind him.

He was gone so quickly, Betsy could only be left to wonder when he would return.

Betsy frowned at the closed door, she did hope he would not be gone for too long.

After a moment or two, she looked around her. There were some very beautiful art pieces sitting about, and she saw some lively, colourful tapestries on the wall.

She glanced to the door, while listening for any noise, but she could hear nothing.

After a little while, she stood and perused the room, not touching anything, just looking at the pretty things that caught her fancy.

******************************************

Pete held Rebecca's hand as he led her up the gangplank. He assisted her aboard the Wench, then watched her as she took in the top deck.

"The boys will be below, shall we start with Timothy? Jonah is probably at his nap about now." Pete was so relieved for the boys, Rebecca was truly a Godsend.

Rebecca was a big girl, with the most beautiful, engaging eyes he had ever seen. Her face was lovely, she had jolly cheeks that seemed to stay rosy all of the time. The one time he had threaded her arm in his to help her across the street, he had noticed that her blush rose up upon her neck. He also noticed she had not taken her arm back, even once safely across the street. Her personality was lovely, and Pete found her curves to be utterly lovely also.

He thought that he had better stop admiring her, as they did have a goal to accomplish here.

"Yes, let us see to Timothy first." She smiled at Pete, a nervous smile, she so wanted the boys to like her.

"Do not worry, doll, Timmy will be very relieved. He has been worried, but I believe ye are the answer to his prayers." Pete reassured her kindly, the very best he could.

"There are a bunch of boys aboard ship, so let me go and fetch him for you." Pete started to leave her, when she placed a hand on his arm.

"What do you mean, a bunch of boys? Were they all the victims of these pirates?" She looked at him, aghast at the thought.

"Nay, the others were orphans, but they be our cabin boys, now." Pete smiled with pride, Rebecca could tell that this man loved children, just as did she.

"Go ahead, Pete, I shall wait right here." Rebecca turned and folded her arms on the rail, she looked down into the water, but immediately her brother and his gruesome death assaulted her mind. She closed her eyes and said a prayer for his soul, before opening her eyes and staring down into the water again.

She shook the morbid thoughts away and tried to think of something more pleasant.

Pete was something special. Rebecca smiled slightly, her neck colouring, thinking of when he had taken her arm and escorted her here. She had felt safe, protected, and cared for, as she never had before. It felt a bit strange to her, as they had only just met. Also strange, was the feeling that Pete liked her too. No man had ever made her feel beautiful and dainty, but somehow, next to Pete, that was exactly how she felt.

And it felt nice.

Pete entered the galley where the boys were having their lunch.

Timothy had been waiting for Pete to return and rose as soon as he saw him.

"Did you find him?" Timothy knew where Pete had gone, he hoped Pete had good news. It seemed so, if the large smile upon his face meant anything.

Tim had come to stand in front of Pete to ask, and he could not help smiling also, because Pete seemed so happy.

"I found the house but things were not as we had hoped, my boy. I found ye an aunt, and I am pretty sure you are going to like her. I do already, she is a right nice lady from what I seen."

"So grandfather....." Tim's face went slack.

"Is gone, we missed him by a fortnight." Pete placed a hand on Timothy's shoulder. "But your aunt has come to meet ye, and she is waiting patiently up top, do ye care to come an meet her?" Pete wanted to go back up top and see her again himself, that much he knew.

"I guess I should." Tim was nervous, he did not know his aunt. He had heard stories from his father of aunt Rebecca, and the stories were always funny. When his father had spoken of her in the past, Tim had always thought he would like to know her. "Alright, yes, I want to meet her."

"That is my boy!" Pete rubbed Tim's shoulder and they made their way topside to where Rebecca waited.

***************************************

Marcus looked down at the floor between his knees, he quit chuckling, then raised his eyes to Violet imploringly, "Can you forgive me, Violet? I never intended to hurt you. It killed me everyday not to be with you, but I will admit I was the worst sort of coward. I hid behind a lie and I can not change that. I can only promise to do better by both of you from now on."

Violet's whole perspective had changed. "God is good, Marcus. There is nothing to forgive, if you need me to say it I will, but truly, I do not feel the need to."

Violet's eyes were soft and understanding, "We all make mistakes, and all we can do, is to try not to make them again. But just look at me, Marcus, here I was doubting again, worrying and fretting over my bride, when I know God is in there with her."

Vi smiled at his father, "I am going to look upon this differently. Eleanor said all was well. She would not have said that, nor would she have left, had there been any doubt. It is now my work to believe. Just as I used to make believe, and pray you could be my father, and now......you are."

Marcus stood and pulled Violet up, He embraced him tightly and gave him a few manly pats on the back, "Thank you for that, Vi. I do not deserve either of you, but I am grateful that you do not think so. I too, am blessed, and you are right, God is good, Violet." They embraced once more, "He is very, very good."

Marcus' tears were joyful ones, the weight was gone, he felt stones lighter with the truth revealed.

Marcus realized his own prayers had been answered, as he had prayed in the crow's nest, so it had been. And now that he had claimed his son, nothing on this earth would keep him from doing what he needed to do.

He needed to be rid of Gwendolyn.

He did wonder how Alfred was going to take all this. Would he accept Violet? Could they, mayhap, even become friends? They were half siblings, even if Marcus could see no similarities between them, they were brothers.

He should tell Violet more about Alfred.

But that could wait a bit, he had given Vi enough to think about already.

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This one is dedicated to annenuefeld, my lovely, devoted reader who has waited SO patiently for Marcus to tell Vi :D

I do love each and every one of you though, just so you know!