Twenty Nine Part Four

Betsy sang and sudsed in the largest tub she had ever seen. Luxury such as this was strange to her, but she was more than willing to give it a try. The sumptuous suite of rooms that the King had insisted she and Violet stay in last night, had warmed her to the idea of such luxury. The bed had been like sleeping upon a cloud, when they had finally slept, that was. She and Violet had talked, cuddled up in the covers, until very late last night. Each sharing their thoughts on how the day had gone, and what the morrow would hold. Betsy knew Vi would be leaving her, to take Eleanor to Marlborough, and to deliver important papers to the Duke. After talking, they had then loved one another passionately until sleep finally took them both into its restful embrace.

Betsy had woken to a light swat upon her backside, her husband grinning at her, encouraging her to get up and greet the new day. After a breakfast that was fit for a King, including the wonderful chocolate she had become very fond of, Violet had returned to the ship to pack a bag, while Betsy had her measurements taken once again. It seemed the King wanted to make sure she had plenty of pretty dresses to choose from, so she would not have to wear her breeches around the castle.

Violet had returned with some of Betsy's belongings, to say his goodbyes, and procure what he needed from the King before leaving.

Eleanor had been excited to be on their way, she had not seen the Duchess, her sister in law, for fifteen long years. Eleanor was so happy for her brother, the Duke, and his entire family, to finally have Kathleen back at home where she belonged.

Betsy had waved them off as they started their journey, and as the coach left her sight, she turned to enter the castle once more. The King had been standing in the wings, waiting to ask her if she would mind walking with him a while. They had walked the rose garden together, he asking about her life growing up, she asking what it was like to be King. They had walked, talked, and laughed for a good hour, before the King's business had called him away.

Returning to her suite of rooms she had found the steaming bath waiting, along with a maid to help her dress and prepare herself for the evening ahead. The maid had introduced herself and gone, giving Betsy privacy while she bathed.

Betsy sang a bawdy, sailing tune while she sudsed, as she missed her Violet already. Lying back in the tub, her damp hair stuck to her temples and cheeks, she fully immersed herself back into the water. The scent of gardenias rose from the steam as her face came back up out of the water. After lying there for a good while, eyes closed and breathing evenly, she realized she had better get out before she caught up on her lost sleep right here. She did not want to turn into a raisin while she slept.

She dried herself and wrapped up in the linen, then walked back to the room where she and Violet had spent the night. The armoire was open, six new gowns were already hanging inside, along with sleeping gowns, a robe, and dainty underthings. Betsy dressed in a light, sleeping gown and lay down upon the bed to hopefully nap and catch up on the sleep she had lost the night before.

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Violet and Eleanor rode in her fancy carriage, the well sprung conveyance providing a more than comfortable ride. Eleanor spoke about her idea of a girl's school, her home for unwed mothers, or widows with children, that she hoped to soon make a reality.

"It seems we may have one orphanage already." Violet was encouraged by her news, and also amused, when she got around to telling him the rest of her plan.

"I will be needing a man around the house, one who will not frighten, or intimidate the women that I hope to aid. I hope you do not mind, but as you will not be pirating any longer, I have asked Paulie if he would fill that position." She had not really asked Paulie, she had told him in no uncertain terms that she needed him, while he had nodded and agreed.

Violet liked the idea, "I had wondered what some of the men would do now that we no longer have a ship, and I can see Paulie being very happy, as long as he is surrounded by children."

Violet did not think Paulie would mind, if Eleanor knew what had driven him to the seas, "He always wanted children, you see, but he was not blessed with any of his own." Violet told Eleanor as much of Paulie's past as he knew, giving the elderly woman a better insight into why Paulie had been aboard a pirate ship in the first place.

"He is a lovely soul, Violet, just watching him with the wee Jonah warmed my heart, I fell half in love with the man just because of that."

Violet smiled widely, he was happy for Paulie, he knew Jonah's loss would hurt the seasoned sailor, but Paulie was blessed in that he would be weaned from the boy slowly.

When returning to his ship this mid morning, Paulie and Pete had been preparing to head out to the boys' aunt's home, where they had been invited to spend the day. Paulie's eyes had shone with anticipation and joy as he paced the deck waiting for Pete to be ready.

Pete was pretty happy about their plans himself, taking a bit of extra care with his appearance, which Paulie had not been aware of.

"I am truly relieved," Violet replied, "I had the same thoughts, that he would help with the babes we took in, yet I am not sure how long it will be before we are able to have our own home for them."

"And he is old, as I am," Eleanor's eyes twinkled, "We shall get along just fine, Paulie and I." She looked forward to her home full of love and laughter, then mayhap spending her evenings by a fire, with Paulie for companionship. He was such a sweet thing. Eleanor had caught Paulie praying aloud once or twice, and it tickled her that he did that.

"'Tis a good thing you did not meet him a month ago, you would have never let him near a child, much less to care for one." Violet's eyes shined mischievously, remembering the cursing he had not heard in so long now.

"What makes you say that?" Eleanor tilted her head, curiosity residing in her eyes.

"Let us just say that Elizabeth had a wee bit of work there with the old man, bringing him up to snuff." Violet laughed, remembering Betsy's first encounter's with the man.

"Well, he is simply lovely now." Eleanor decreed.

"Yes, he is." Violet continued grinning, as they pulled into the yard front of an inn. They would have their supper quickly, and be on their way again. Hopefully, they could reach the next town at a decent hour, where they would spend the night, to resume their journey in the morn. Violet assisted Eleanor from the coach, as they both raised their faces, drawing in the aroma of meat of vegetables that wafted from the establishment.

"Oh good, that smells heavenly," Eleanor breathed. "I am sure you have not noticed, but my stomach has been growling for the last hour at least." Ellie dipped her head shyly, an embarrassed smile upon her face.

"I heard it, Eleanor, when my own was not rivalling yours for attention." Violet laughed along with her, as they made their way inside.

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Marcus tried to speak with Gwen, yet she closed her eyes, and she would not open them again.

After a few moments, he resigned himself to the fact that she was better off with Jude, whom Marcus knew, had always been her favourite cousin.

He left after only a few moments, thanking Jude once again for his willingness to care for her.

He had found and spoken to Alfred, both of them commiserating over his mother's demise.

Alfred then shared the news of his new lady love, Therese, and his plans to mayhap marry and travel across the Atlantic.

Marcus was glad for Alfred, and for himself. He felt a bit of guilt for feeling that way, yet, now he would not have to create a scandal by divorcing Alfred's mother.

Marcus returned to the Wench, finding Katherine in the galley with the boys, reviewing their lessons.

"I need to steal away your tutor boys," Marcus stated, as he ruffled Jessie's hair and smiled upon the group, "Keep to your lessons, or Miss Elizabeth will be doubly hard on you when she returns!"

They all groaned as one, bending to their lessons once again, as Marcus led Katy to procure a cup of coffee from the galley, before taking her to Violet's cabin.

They sat at the table, where Katy waited patiently, hoping to hear what had upset him so deeply the day before.

"I have bad news and, well, I guess you would call it good news, yet it is hard to see it as such, considering the circumstances." Marcus knew he was beating around the bush, yet this just was not something one would blurt out haphazardly.

"Just tell me, Marcus, I have been wondering all day what happened." Katy implored.

"My wife is dying, Katy. She fell down a staircase and she will not recover from her injuries." Marcus watched Katy's face as she took in his words, concern and disbelief residing in her eyes.

"Oh Marcus, I am so sorry." Katy placed her hand atop his, and squeezed lightly, trying to comfort him.

"I must tell you there is no love lost there, Katy. While I would not have her dead, she will no longer be an impediment to my being with you, if you would still have me." Marcus looked upon her hopefully, as he had never received a clear answer on their futures.

Katy stood as Marcus sat up fully, she came and sat upon his lap and held him for a moment, before giving him his answer.

"Marcus," She leaned back and took his face in her hands, "I have waited most my lifetime, wishing I could be your wife, you do not really believe I would say you nay, do you?" She smiled into his eyes, as tears formed in his own.

"I could only pray, Katy girl, and I have done an awful lot of that lately." Marcus held her tight, as he thanked God she would still have him.

For the first time, since Marcus had married another, Katy set her lips to his. Sweet, pure, overwhelming joy filled Marcus' heart as he tightened his hold and kissed the love of his life more deeply.

She backed up of a sudden, "Whoa, there darling, you are not free yet and until you are no longer married to another that is all you shall get." Katy smiled through her tears, holding his precious face in her palms.

He laughed aloud and drew her close again, "Whatever you say, Katy girl, you are the one in charge of such things." He chuckled against her neck, a she held him tightly, knowing now she did not have to let him go back to his wife, not ever again.

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Betsy was dressed, coiffed and decorated in jewels, just as if she were a true Lady of the ton. Her midnight blue evening gown fit her as a sheath, trailing behind her, as she descended the stairs to be greeted by the King.

He watched her come down, her eyes sparkling almost as brilliantly as the jewels he had loaned her for the evening. The neckline cut straight across her bosom, barely revealing any cleavage at all, but lending a beautiful backdrop to the diamonds she wore. The King only saw her eyes, twinkling and bright, as she smirked and put her hand upon his arm. "You are going to spoil me terribly, you know."

"I have every intention of doing so, just as long as you will allow me to." He smiled warmly at her, it gladdened his heart to see her mood had not suffered because of her husband's absence.

"It is the chocolate, by the way," Elizabeth teased him, "that is my weakness, the way to a woman's heart." She smirked as she told him this, her eyes teasing merrily, before she took in the room they were entering.

He was chuckling at her admission as he led her to the receiving room where many people stood about in groups.

Betsy slowed, a little bit nervous to be being taken into a room full of people she did not know.

The King felt her resistance and placed his hand upon her own that rested on his arm. "You are aware of who requires a curtsy, and the others who do not?"

"I think so yet, when I was Arianna's maid, I rarely had occasion to meet people of this caliber." She looked to him a bit nervously, as he nodded and whispered, "I will help you, just do not fear, they pounce on fear, you know." He gave her a sidelong glance as the room full of people hushed.

Bows and deep curtsies were attributed to her escort, as she smiled tremulously and spoke out the side of her mouth, "I am terrified." She admitted.

He spoke softly, so only she could hear, "Just imagine them in their skivvies, my dear, and you should do fine."

Betsy giggled as the first guest approached them.

"Curtsy." The King whispered, before introducing her to the Duke of Ashton.

She did, and as the King spoke to the Duke, she stood at his side smiling widely, imagining the Duke in white drawers, with little red hearts all upon them. They moved on momentarily, and she received her next cue.

"Dip." The King whispered, as she was presented to a Baron of small consequence.

She gave a small dip, imagining the Baron in long, grey underwear, as he was so skinny and tall.

"Better?" The King asked her softly.

"Oh yes, now 'tis fun." She smiled radiantly up at him, as he laughed in pleasure, wishing he knew what she was thinking with each introduction.

She told him at supper, what she imagined to be under everyone's clothing, as he chuckled and adoringly agreed with her observations.

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The black lacquered carriage flew through the dark, leaning a bit in the corners, as the conveyance raced down the smooth, yet, winding road. The wind buffeted Eleanor's driver and footman, while the light, stinging rain soaked them both quickly to the bones. The outriders huddled in their cloaks, shooting their glances outward along the stretch of grasses that lay between the road and the wooded area beyond. They fought against the gusting wind and rain, watching for any threat the opulent coach may encounter. One riding ahead, one riding behind, they closely guarded the occupants and their possessions.

The storm had come upon them suddenly, they had left the last town but an hour before, and the next lay at least an hour ahead. They had decided to push on this evening, before the storm had come upon them, as they knew they still had a half day's ride ahead of them on the morrow.

When they left the inn, the night had been clear yet, 'twas not long before the wind had started gusting, pushing the coach to the side with its force. The moon had shone full, the stars had been bright, and then had come a crisp, chilling wind, causing Violet to close the windows completely. The driving wind had caused all outside the carriage to tighten their wraps, then booming thunder, accompanied by flashing sheet lightning, hit them all at once.

Violet and Eleanor sat across from each other inside the carriage. They could hear the howling wind, and they felt it push the carriage, then they heard the crackling thunder build into a loud, roaring boom. A deafening sound, akin to the sudden roar of a ship's guns, began to assail them.

"Oh my," Ellie gripped her reticule in a tight grip, more to keep centered after jumping a foot in her seat, than anything else. The coach flew smoothly over the well traveled road. The dirt had been packed firmly over the summer, as the road led to a major crossroads up ahead. It was the thunder directly overhead that had unsettled Ellie. "I do hope it goes as quickly as it came." Her voice trembled. Eleanor looked to Violet nervously, she had never liked storms unless she was tucked safely under a competent roof, in a large, solid home, preferably.

Violet grinned at her, the lanterns hanging at either side illuminating his visage. "T'was a storm that convinced me of God's power, Lady Eleanor, I can not fear them, just as I can not think that God saved me then, only to kill me now."

The footman and driver braced their feet against the boards to keep themselves steady, as the coach leaned one way, then the other. Their bodies swaying against the lean of the carriage, whichever way it happened to be leaning at the time. They picked up speed and the carriage leaned even more precariously in the turns.

Violet moved across the carriage next to Eleanor. He put an arm around her shoulders to help keep her from swaying so much, as all of a sudden, she was looking positively green in the gills. Hopefully, at this pace, they would arrive that much sooner, and Lady Ellie could get out of the swaying coach.

The outriding guard to their rear was taken completely by surprise, there had been not a thing he could do, as he found himself hauled from his saddle. Suddenly and violently, he was dispatched from his steed, which raced off into the night.

Eleanor's footman saw the steed run by the carriage without a rider and looked back to seek the man out. What he saw made his blood run cold as his body began trembling. At least six riders with muffled hooves had gained the back of the conveyance.

"Highwaymen." He said the one word that turned the driver's head to look beside and behind them.

The driver began sawing at the reins, while the footman leaned forward to retrieve the rifle that sat by his feet. Six more riders came in from the side, pulling and cocking their weapons, making their intentions perfectly clear. The coach began to slow as the driver applied the reins. They had been lax in their watching, and now their occupants would pay the price.

Violet wondered why they were stopping, surely it was too soon to be at their destination. Mayhap a downed branch or tree blocked the road, he thought, as he pulled on his jacket and placed his tricorn atop his head. He was ready to assist if that be the case. He took the papers the King had given him from his jacket pocket, and tucked them down into the seat, between the cushion and the side of the coach next to the door. He would not want them to get wet in the rain.

The front outrider had slowed and pulled his weapon, however, the pistol pointed directly at his chest by an advancing highwayman, convinced him to toss it down to the earth.

Violet waited until the coach came to a stop.

Violet moved to open the carriage door, just as Eleanor pushed past him, wrenching the door open herself. She flew from the coach, to lose the battle with her stomach, leaving it's contents on the ground next to the carriage's rear wheel. Eleanor was mortified. Yet, Eleanor was also sick, she heaved until nothing else remained inside her, then she pulled a handkerchief from her bodice.

Wiping the perspiration and rain from her face, she turned to her escort, "Please forgive me, Violet."

"Violet?" A sultry, female voice drew Violet's attention immediately.

Eleanor turned, only to realize, they had just become the victims of highwaymen.

When Violet had followed Eleanor out of the carriage, she had been his only concern. Until the one spoke, he had not even realized the thieves were there. But this was something Violet could relate to. However, he was used to being on the other side of the fence. The one who had spoken, was slim and svelte, she happened to be a highway woman if his ears did not deceive him. He had noted that she definitely had a lilting brogue to her voice. Her lower face and her hair were covered by a light, black cloth. He could see sapphire eyes shining at him as well as the rain and the dark allowed. Violet took the hat from his head, sweeping his most flamboyant bow at the lass, one foot forward, his knees bent, he came very close to dragging the feather upon his hat in the mud.

"Violet Petals, for your pleasure, my lady." Violet drawled out his words, almost seductively...... but not quite. He had never dealt with a female pirate before, but there was always a first time for everything, and he was preparing to give her the best performance he could. After all, there could not be that much difference between what he did, and what they did. They, just happened to do their pirating on land.

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After supper there was dancing. The King escorted Elizabeth to the ballroom, and took his place on his throne, but only after a footman had brought Betsy a small chair with which to sit beside him if she wished. She did for a little while, admiring the grand room that was done in white with gold leaf. It was bright and stunning, setting off the ladies' colorful dresses vividly against the stark white walls. Some of the men were awfully colorful too, Betsy giggled at the men dressed as peacocks, strutting their wares around the room.

The King chuckled beside her, as he noted enjoying his life a little more lately, looking at it through her eyes. She turned down at least fifteen offers to dance. Very sweetly, and politely, she turned many a swain away. The King had glared a couple away himself but, there had been a few he felt she could have said yes to.

She had no desire to dance with anyone save Violet. Why should she dance with other men, when she was married to the most warm hearted, gorgeous specimen of manhood any woman could ever want?

The King would have none of it however, "I hope you will not say me nay, if I ask for a turn around the room with you?" He looked upon her lovingly, feeling a father's pride in her comportment.

"I would be honoured, Sire." Her eyes shined with warmth as she was becoming a bit enamored with the King herself.

He stood and held out his hand to her, she laid her hand atop his, rose from her chair, then she gave him the curtsy she had practiced for hours all those years ago. He inclined his head in return, then led her into the dance.

The King did not dance often, the last time had been at least a week ago. At the Harrison's ball with the Duchess of Marlborough.That dance had stamped his approval on her return. Telling one and all he was more than happy she had returned to them. She had not left her husband and children as some had maliciously believed. The woman had been stolen from her family and kept from them for years.

It had been his pleasure to welcome the Duchess back with open arms and a waltz.

Elizabeth now had his stamp of approval, she would be welcomed into any home, a coveted guest, because of her apparent standing with the King.

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Violet lifted his eyes from his bent forward position, he kept them trained on the lass as he stood before her, regaining his stance. He continued eyeing her as she spoke.

"Violet Petals, ye say? I dinnae ken that I have heard the name afore. Ye dinnae jest, do ye?" Her men laughed as a group, gustily.

Violet pushed his hat back onto his head, and huffed, crossing his arms across his chest. "Tis not a jest, 'tis my name, and all of ye are really quite rude, ye know." Violet put on his performance, acting most exasperated, his eyes sweeping the group of men, taking in their positions while he did.

She, however, was not laughing. She was coldly, and calculatingly, assessing him. As was her evilly chuckling, giant of a man who stood beside her.

Violet in return, was doing the same. He could unarm her and take her under his power, forcing her men to back off if he desired. Yet, there was Eleanor to think of, and the lady's giant, and one wrong move could get himself, or Eleanor, killed. Violet decided to wait and see how badly things became before he made any move against her.

She wore a pair of rapiers, each to one side of her hips, she had a knife sheathed at her waist, and guns strapped there, also. Violet raised a brow at her full dress of armor, this lass did not seem to bandy about, she was armed to the teeth, and Violet had a feeling she knew how to use them. He was instantly glad that Elizabeth was not here, God only knew what she would do...

Eleanor was a titch in shock, and for some reason, hilarity bubbled up in her as she found all of this amusing.

Violet then reintroduced himself, "I am Captain Violet Petals, of the notorious pirate ship, The Saucy Wench." Violet grinned at the lass in a conspiratorial way, "I believe you have me at a disadvantage, my Lady Pirate." Violet looked her directly in the eyes, trying to read her mood and thoughts, to see if he could determine her next actions.

She swept the black cloth out and around, sweeping it away from her face and hair.

Violet knew right away, as soon as he saw her face revealed in the lightning's illuminating flash, that she felt she had nothing to lose. There was something burning in her visage, a need of some sort. She did not do this simply for the pleasure, she had a cause, and Violet could well understand that.

But, through and through, the lady was a damn she-pirate. Vi could just picture her standing at her own helm with her face turned into the wind, the long, fiery, red tresses blowing out all around her. He could picture her captaining her own ship, directing her men, raising hell, while plundering the weaker at sea. He realized with her unveiling, her men had ceased their laughter. One second of silence ensued before she unsheathed her rapiers and quickly flicked his knife and pistol from his waist.

She swiftly retrieved them with the tip of her blade then held her rapiers towards him, "Ya dinnae have any hidden blades, do ye?"

"One in my right boot." He pointed his boot out to the side and wondered if he was supposed to retrieve it or if she would.

"Ivar." She stared Violet down, as the giant behind her came around, his eyes gleaming as steel through the slits in the black mask he wore. The man relieved him of his blade, then ran his hands over Violet's body, searching for hidden weapons.

Violet held his arms out away from his sides a bit to enable the man easier access, "Find anything ye liked?" Violet raised a brow at the man, as the man almost ran him over. Stepping aside quickly, Violet saw that Eleanor was his next victim.

"Be there any items ya shouldnae have, Lass?"

Eleanor was unprepared for the big man yet, already feeling giddy with shock and amusement, she smirked as she had to crane her neck all the way back to meet his eyes. My goodness, he was a large one. He was so large, to see his eyes, she even had to take a step back.

"I do not believe so," Eleanor's eyes twinkled up into his, "I have only my luggage atop the coach."

He glimpsed up at the bag she mentioned, "Ye havenae any.... Pointy things upon yer person then?"

"Nay, sir, I do not, not on my person, that is." Eleanor beamed up at him, he was kind of funny for a giant.

He stared her down coldly, until her smile wavered. Her attention was drawn to the woman again as a quick gesture sent her men rifling through the luggage and the coach.

"Have ya anythin' shiny to boast of, Mr. Petals?" The she-pirate queried.

Violet crossed his arms across his middle, "Nay, nothin' a'tall."

"I'll be takin' tha' ring." She looked pointedly at his hand.

"Oh," Violet had forgotten the extra adornment he had worn for a visit with a Duke and his Duchess, "I suppose you would be." He smiled sheepishly before removing his amethyst ring as she held her rapier out to receive it. Violet slipped the ring onto the tip and she turned it to her giant who plucked it from the blade.

"An' the chain aboot yer neck. I'll be havin' it as well."

Vi clasped his neck, "My chain?"

Damn!

"Aye." She now smirked, as Violet sweated.

"Hurry now, mon, I donae have all night." She needled.

Damn! Damn! Damn! Violet blew a wisp of hair from his face trying to buy a second for thought. He reached back and unclasped the chain, drawing it out from one end, so Elizabeth's ring fell into his shirt. He handed the chain towards her. The giant stepped forward and retrieved it.

"Yer a smart one, Mr. Petals."

Violet looked innocently at her.

"I'll be havin' whatever ye let fall down in yer shirt." She pointed to his waist, where Betsy's ring resided.

Violet narrowed his eyes and clenched his jaw, as he searched her face for mercy, "You would take the only thing an orphaned Miss has to remember her parents by?" His heart started pumping quicker and his anger was rising.

"Aye, if it be of value." She shrugged a shoulder, as she smirked her reply.

Eleanor questioned him worriedly, "What is it you have, Violet?" She could sense his tenseness and barely leashed anger.

"Eleanor, now is not the time." He was barely keeping himself in line.

"Speakin' o' time, Petals, I tire of your play. Hand o'er your trinket, and I'll be takin' yer coat just for the fun o' it." She grinned as her giant rumbled with laughter.

Violet stalled for time, "Me coat as well? Surely, on such a stormy night..." Violet wheedled, adopting her brogue.

"Hand 'em o'er, Petals, before I decide I like yer britches as well."

Damned she-pirate! Violet sighed dramatically, removing it, he held his coat out to the giant who took it before stepping back. Vi then undid the button of his shirt at the waistband and removed the gold band he had tried to hide. He held it out to the giant but, the lass stepped forward sheathing one of her swords. The other she traced carefully down Violet's neck.

Violet breathed calmly, and evenly, watching her closely as she advanced.

"We appreciate your cooperation." She whispered huskily, as she eyed his lips suggestively.

His eyes dipped to her own perfect lips, noticing they were bowed beautifully, just begging to be kissed. By some other man, of course.

She reached for the ring, and Violet threw caution to the wind, he grabbed her around her middle and brought her flush up against him. Her men pulled their weapons as Eleanor gasped.

Violet whispered across her cheek, "The only reason I give you this ring, lass, is your well armed guard. But have no doubt that we shall meet again, and when we do, I will retrieve the band."

He let her go as quickly as he had taken her, releasing her, and the ring, he raised his hands out from his sides.

She pursed her lips prettily, "We shall have to see aboot that, Petals."

She looked to one of her men, then swung her gaze back to Violet, "Well, Petals, we thank ye, and yer lovely companion, for yer hospitality and bid ye safe travels."

Violet wished there were some way he could keep the ring. Short of losing his life, he could not, for the life of him, think of a way. He knew her cause meant more to her than any stranger's pleas. He committed her face and form to memory, "Until next time, my lady."

She smirked at him, as she had won. Violet resigned himself to the fact Lady Eleanor was safe, and he had his life also.

Violet helped Eleanor back into the coach, looking back at the fiery haired beauty, Vi considered begging her to return the ring. Lightning struck nearby and the sky began to crackle and rumble, the horses spooked and took off as Violet swung himself up into the coach and slammed the door home.

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Elizabeth was being handed a glass of punch as a new attendee approached the King.

He bowed deeply to the Monarch, while the servant bringing her drink blocked him from Betsy's view, "I would beg permission to dance with your lady."

The King grinned swarthily. Now this may be what he had been waiting for...."You by all means have my permission, it is hers you shall have to attain, my lord." The King's eyes sparkled merrily.

The servant moved aside and Betsy's eyes lit up, "Will! My Lord," She dipped her head shyly, "'Tis truly wonderful to see you!" She then beamed up at her lady's brother, as he grinned suggestively at her and held out his hand.

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Well? Lol, What do you think?