Thirty Five Part One

It was decided, then. Marcus and Katherine would be wed at dusk the following day in the castle's opulent sanctuary.

Katherine could not come up with any worthy reason why not to wed so soon. The King insisted it could be done, and because of that, she resigned herself to the fact that it was going to happen, whether she felt ready yet or not.

Marcus teased her, knowing she was somewhat perplexed at the situation, "This will give you the entire day long to ready yourself and fret unnecessarily over the suddenness of it all."

Katherine gave him an evil eye, scrunching up her face playfully as she glared at him, "You are enjoying this, Marcus Mederios!"

"Not nearly as much as I shall be enjoying myself tomorrow eve." Marcus raised his brows at her, as her eyes grew wide and she smacked him upon the arm lightly. "You hush," She said under her breath, "The others will hear you!"

Marcus had slowed, the couple lagged behind the others, as they all made their way to a dining room for a small, intimate supper.

After dining, when the men usually retired to their brandy and cigars, Elizabeth and Katherine were asked to join them in the card room.

The conversation had been quite lively, all were enjoying themselves and none wished to be separated from the others quite yet.

Violet and Brutus regaled the rest with pirating stories, along with some of their more exciting adventures upon the high seas, the King enjoying the tales immensely. He found himself rooked into a game of noddy with Elizabeth, knowing from previous play, she would do her very best to trounce him.

After a while, however, Katherine was led off to her very own suite of rooms for the night.

She was taken first to the suite's sitting room, where a handful of the King's royal servants awaited.

Katherine was asked which blooms she desired for the wedding by the royal florist, she conferred with the pastry chef on the subject of cake, as one by one her desires were noted, suggestions were made, until only one remained.

Katherine was then measured by the King's seamstress. She was shown style plates, as the woman described the style of gown Katherine should wear.

Katherine trusted the experienced woman when told what style would accentuate her figure, and how it would modestly convey elegance.

That sounded good to Katherine, and the good Lord knew, she would not have time to make her own finery.

Katherine knew leather, and how to turn it into beautiful, useful items. She did not know current fashion, and she could only hope to accomplish a third of what the King's woman had spoken of in the time given.

The royal seamstresses would work late into the night, any alterations being required would be seen to in the morn.

The King was insisting upon tradition, Katherine would not see her betrothed again until they wed.

Katherine could find nothing amiss once she was finally alone. She could think of nothing that had been forgotten, and all seemed to be in very capable hands.

Katherine looked around the rooms she had been given, they alone were the size of her entire cozy cottage at home.

Which, now that she thought about it, would no longer be her home.

She had found the grounds of Marcus's estate quite lovely, and as long as Violet and Elizabeth were near, she could give up her cottage on the shore.

Hoping that Violet would commit to building there, Katherine prepared for bed, putting out the many lamps around the rooms, she then settled into the extremely comfortable, large bed.

She found herself tossing and turning, until finally, she quieted her mind enough to pray. Katherine prayed for help to not fret over things which had been taken out of her control. She prayed for help to roll with the tide, to relax, to trust that all would go well.

Her preferences had been asked after, and duly noted. Now she only needed to release her own natural instincts to fuss over things and attempt to relax.

She rolled to her back, huffing loudly. She then folded her hands upon her upper belly and concentrated on slowing her breathing.

It worked for a moment or two.

Then a thought occurred to her that set her mind reeling once more.

She would be wed to Marcus by this time tomorrow!

She felt nervous as a blushing bride when she thought of how long it had been since Marcus had had access to her body.

It had been a very, very long time. So long in fact, she had to admit she was a bit flustered over the whole idea. She would soon be a true wife to Marcus in every way.

Katherine huffed again, closing her eyes tightly, she tried once more to relax. Only finding peace when she returned to prayer, her supplications and thankfulness ended mid thought, as she finally drifted off to sleep.

Marcus was vividly present in her dreams, sharing warm, exciting feelings with her, his soulful expressions and dark, warm eyes shining with love.

The remainder of Katherine's night was spent restfully, dreaming pleasant dreams in unconscious anticipation of when they would finally come true.

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

Marcus returned to the Wench with Brutus, mellowed by brandy and the thought that he would be wed to the woman he loved by this time on the morrow.

Until then, however, he would not be seeing his betrothed again until the ceremony commenced.

Marcus was hard pressed waiting for the next day to arrive.

He had been honest when he said that tomorrow could not be soon enough, as he wished he and Katy were already wed.

By this time tomorrow.... she shall finally be mine.

Marcus grinned as he undressed and slipped a nightshirt over his head.

Lying back on his bunk, Marcus prayed for patience. He prayed for Katherine, as he knew how she tended to worry over things.

Marcus looked forward to the morrow when he would get to show Violet the estate. To be blessed to spend time alone with Vi, finally as his father, was something Marcus had been quite looking forward to.

Marcus emptied his mind and drifted off quickly. He slept as the dead, his heart at peace. His fondest dreams coming to fruition, he needed none to fill his sleeping hours.

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

The morn dawned foggy and a bit chilly, as Violet and Elizabeth rode out of the King's stables, making their way to the docks, to then board the ship.

Elizabeth was staying behind, she would begin the task of packing their belongings from their cabins, as Michaels would be beginning his renovation work soon.

Marcus and Violet would be taking the horses and riding to Marcus's estate.

Elizabeth had been supplied with several different sized crates, and after greeting Marcus and kissing Violet goodbye, she began her task.

She started with emptying Violet's desk that stood in the outer cabin. Leaving the ship's log and records atop it, she began clearing out the drawers.

Betsy stood from the floor after emptying out the last of the bottom drawers.

She wondered for a moment if the large wooden desk she had christened with the sword would be staying here or going with them.

She stood and plucked up a smaller crate, making her way to their sleeping room.

Deciding upon efficiency, she saw no reason why Violet's personal desk in their bed cabin could not also be consolidated into the same crate as his work desk.

Opening the top, middle drawer of Violet's smaller desk, she began emptying it of it's contents, finally lifting out the letters she had seen there before.

Gathering up the pile of correspondence from his mother, Elizabeth then reached for the short, lightly scented stack of folded parchments she had not opened the last time she came across them.

Wrinkling her nose a bit, in anticipation of what she may find, she went to her and Violet's bed and sat upon it. She settled in, determined to read the letters that she had not dared to previously open.

She was mentally prepared for them to be love letters from a girl.

She hoped it was one from very long ago, one who had fallen for Violet's beautiful face and his confident, swarthy manner. One that he had not, hopefully, fallen for in return.

She hoped for a one sided love, one that absolutely nothing had come of. A girl that had not produced enough interest on Violet's part for him to pursue her.

Though she did wonder why he had kept the letters.....

Betsy was not prepared, however, for what she did find written to Violet.

She felt her heart break painfully inside her chest as she read the words that had been written to her husband. Her eyes filling with moisture, she blinked away the tears that began falling steadily upon the feminine scroll, as Elizabeth felt herself crumbling inward.

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

After passing sedately through London in the early morning fog, Marcus and Violet reached the outskirts of the city and gave the horses their heads.

After riding the forest and field lined road for a good while, they slowed their mounts to a walk. Riding abreast, they conversed leisurely, as the sun attempted to break through the grey mists.

Marcus began by telling Violet of Alfred and Gwen.

He told Violet of how upon Gwendolyn's accident, Alfred had informed him of Gwen wanting him dead, even going so far as to ask for help in having him killed.

Violet was suitably distressed, after hearing the full story. Marcus then filled Violet in on all else that had happened while Violet had been gone to Marlborough.

Marcus spoke of how strange it felt to now be free to pursue his desired life.

Violet, in turn, told Marcus about his own encounters. He described the highwaymen and their fearless, female leader. How Elizabeth's ring had been taken, and how Elizabeth had taken the news.

Marcus was glad Elizabeth had told Violet that he was what truly mattered. Every man could use to hear that when he had tried his best at something and failed. Marcus could tell that Elizabeth's reassurances had made Violet feel a little bit better.

Marcus could only imagine Violet's frustration and angst before telling Elizabeth, as Marcus could see that it still upset Violet very much.

Violet and Marcus did have a good laugh over Violet's telling of his run in with Lord Ravenwood, and Marcus was very impressed with the Duke's generous donation to their cause.

Violet remembered to mention Miss Whitaker, as both

Elizabeth and the King had lauded the young woman's skills to him yesterday.

Elizabeth had shown Violet a drawing showing herself, the King, and the boys. All of them engrossed in playing 'pirate' atop the wagons.

Violet had been utterly charmed.

In the extremely life like sketch, the King stood royally, his visage was more than easily recognizable. Betsy stood upon the 'plank', a wee Jonah poking at her backside with a stick. Timothy stood next to the King, as the other boys were depicted here and there, 'swords' in hand.

Violet recognized talent when he saw it, and Miss Merry Whitaker definitely had talent.

That was why he had agreed with the King's suggestion so quickly.

What Violet had wanted to know, however, was exactly who she was, and how she came to be at the estate with all of them.

Marcus told Vi of Alfred's friendship with the charming, young woman, and how Alfred hoped to help her to pursue her art.

Violet then mentioned the suggestion made by the King, Marcus also thinking it seemed a sound idea.

They could certainly ask her if she would care for employment once they were closer to actually needing help with the children.

Marcus tried to rack his brain, trying to think of anyone else he may already know that had a way with youngsters and a skill to share.

This brought to Marcus's mind the men that followed them.

The King had sent along some men to assist them this morning.

Following behind them, the men should not be too far back now that he and Vi had been walking their steeds for a bit.

The King had sent along his royal architect and stonemason, to look over the building site and note their professional opinions, to then be shared with the King.

There must be large enough facilities dedicated to the schooling, feeding, sleeping, and worship for a good many children. They also needed boarding for the staff that would be required to teach and care for the many children they took in.

The King's men were told to take all this into account as they made their notes.

Marcus and Violet kept their slower pace until the King's men came cantering up behind them.

They all then covered the remaining ground together. Marcus led them on past the manse and stables, up the rolling, tree covered hill that lay behind.

Coming to the top of the rise, Marcus halted, as did Violet's steed beside him. The King's men, circled their horses and came back around, looking out over the land before them.

They had arrived early enough this morn, that fog still lay in wisps over the grass filled meadow.

A light, grey cloud lingered along the length of the creek bank, dissipating slowly as the sun's rays began to break through the cloudy sky.

Violet looked out over the green expanse of sprawling land.

Marcus told Violet his thoughts, how he would like to see the stone buildings set, maximizing the landscape for it's many uses. The King's men listening also, taking note of his desires.

Violet agreed with his father, who apparently had given some thought to this over the years. Marcus had a very clear idea in his head of how he thought things should be.

The King's men rode down to the areas Marcus had pointed out, there to check the suitability of the soil, and it's drainage.

The architect set about sketching several drawings, after hearing Marcus's ideas and then the King's man's assessments of suitability of one area over another.

Heading towards the stream that wound along the base of the hills and then out the back of the valley, Marcus and Vi left the men to their areas of expertise.

Violet and Marcus walked the horses along, finding and following the stream's grassy bank. On the other side of the creek, the hill rose up slowly, the forest growing in thicker as one would climb higher.

They saw wild game moving about at this early hour. The hares and birds the falcon had hunted were seen all along their way, but also, they spied a few, small herds of cautious deer.

"They come to visit the sheep once in a while," Marcus told Violet, as the second grouping of deer bolted from the men riding atop the steeds, "They also move through the forest and graze with the cattle, they easily clear the fences in a graceful bound, roaming wherever it is they wish."

Violet could see and hear the love his father held for this land. The way Marcus's eyes had shown with pride and much pleasure the moment they crested the hill, Violet had been convinced that Marcus wished it were he building in this tranquil valley.

"I wonder if I may ask you...." Violet had seen the main estate.

He felt it was large enough to start what he hoped to accomplish, and his idea may free his father to follow his heart.

"I have a thought, and I would hear what you think of it, Marcus." Violet reigned in his horse.

Marcus reigning in his own, he turned his steed to return to Violet and come back to halt beside him.

Violet turned his horse away from Marcus, spinning around to face the valley, as Marcus did.

"You are still agreeing to settle here, Violet?" Marcus turned to Vi, leaning forward in his saddle to see him better.

Marcus hoped that Violet wanted to live here in the country and not in London. Though, Marcus did realize the city was where many hungry children roamed the streets and wharves. He knew many more were consigned there to work in the factories.

"I am, Marcus," Violet sat tall and confident in the saddle as he assured his father, "I can see the benefits for children to live in such a peaceful place as this. As long as it is not a hardship to you, or Alfred, who already resides here, I will stay."

"I told you Alfred has been living in town, Violet, and he has no objections to my claiming your mother, nor you."

"Then I was thinking..." Violet began again. "Why do you not build a new home here?" Violet swept his gaze to encompass the valley that Marcus loved so much. "I am sure it would mean quite a change for you, Marcus. Yet you seem to have no objections to the other many changes you have made of late."

Marcus furrowed his brow, "But what of you and Elizabeth?"

"I would have no objections to having lakefront property." Violet smiled widely, "To have sheep grazing out front of our home in the pasture."

Marcus had never thought Violet would care for the manor home. He questioned Violet with his gaze for a moment, before turning his eyes back to the valley.

Violet went on, "To have my father living right over the hill, in a home where he dwells happily with my mother."

Violet looked back to his father, continuing his argument, "One that he did not previously share with another woman for nigh on three decades."

Marcus' eyes flew from the serene valley, to Violet's face.

All that Marcus saw in Violet's visage, was complete understanding.

The knowledge that the manse did not hold bitter memories for his son, came across Marcus' mind of a sudden.

"I do have a hunting lodge your mother and I could use until this is built." Marcus was thinking the idea an inspired one.

Violet could see that Marcus was already imagining the home constructed in the large meadow. "We could move things around at the manor, Mayhap, we could even hope to accommodate some children in as soon as a few week's time." Violet did not want to wait the months it would take to build, he would like to start taking in souls as soon as possible.

Marcus, also, could not wait to begin. He could not wait to begin living his new life as Katherine's husband.

To have her finally as his very own, to be able to act upon his desires when it came to her lovely form, to spend each and every day with her trying to make her happy.

To try and make up for all the years they had been apart.

Marcus sat atop his horse and began grinning.

A fresh start. Yes, that was exactly what they needed.

Violet read his father's enthusiasm for the idea in his facial expression, as he sprang another idea upon him, "I believe you should leave everything to Elizabeth and I, if you do not mind." Violet leaned upon his pommel, looking askance at Marcus. "You could take your bride to her cottage for a honeymoon, she will want to collect her things." Violet spoke as a voice of reason, as Marcus was somewhat reeling with how quickly his life was changing.

All for the better, of course, yet still, it was only yesterday that Gwendolyn had passed, leaving him unfettered and ready to begin this new life.

It was truly only hours now until he would be married to Katherine.

Marcus felt his spirit soar with that thought, and answered Vi, "She would most likely appreciate that."

Marcus shook his head, he had not even taken the time to consider they may benefit from some time alone together.

And her things from the cottage would need collecting, "You are wise beyond me, Violet. I am finding it hard to even think straight today at times."

Marcus was relieved to give over the manor house to tell the truth. He had thought to have to erase the thought of Gwen every time he turned a corner.

Even after being wed to Katherine, the fact that Gwen had previously resided there would have to have somewhat dampened their joy.

Marcus liked the idea of allowing Violet and Elizabeth to do what they liked.

They would turn it into a new home, with new life under it's roof, unfettered by memories of it's past.

"A new home, unfettered by memories of my previous mistake." Marcus spoke aloud as he looked around the valley once more, at his beloved willows and the winding stream.

The clear, steady cadence of the water, running along the base of the hill, made it's own melody as it traveled along.

As though it were a sparkling, winding ribbon, it shimmered in the sunlight through the willow boughs, as Marcus could not imagine a more beautiful setting.

Now he could not wait to show it to Katherine and tell her of their plans.

Marcus smiled at Vi, putting out his hand, he gripped Violet's shoulder lightly, "If I am to have a honeymoon, son, I shall need to pack. Let us ride back up to the estate, I will show you around, gather my things, and we should be on our way. I still need to stop and ask my brother to attend the ceremony later."

Vi nodded, and they rode across the field to climb the hill, then they slowly made their way back down the other side, to leave their horses with Marcus' groom.

They came out of the dark stables, blinking in the bright mid morning rays of the sun, to head for the manor.

"You and Elizabeth may start as soon you wish, I shall have the staff informed, they shall be at your disposal." Marcus felt lighter than he had felt in decades. The burden that had been his life previously was gone.

A new horizon had opened up for Marcus, and it felt good. It felt strange, exciting and new, and it felt damned good to finally feel that way.

He turned to smile broadly at his son, clapping an arm around Vi's shoulders, as Violet strode beside him.

Violet returning the warm look his father gave him, as they both saw their new futures opening up before them.

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

Alfred had been given James' blessing, he and Terese were now betrothed.

In light of this, she accompanied him to Shelly, the elegant carriage pulling up to the top of the drive, as Marcus and Violet were leaving the stable yard.

Making their way over to the coach, Marcus saw Alfred alight, then turn back to hand down a lovely, redheaded woman.

"Alfred." Marcus approached the pair, Violet slowing behind him, allowing them time for their greetings.

Marcus embraced Alfred, then letting him go, he kept his hand upon Alfred's shoulder, as Alfred introduced the fair beauty beside him.

"Father, I would like you to meet my betrothed," Alfred's face was lit with pride, "Lady Terese Ferguson, this is my father, Marcus Mederios, Lord Baron of Shelly."

Marcus took the hand she offered, bowing over it, he raised his sparkling eyes to hers. "This is a great pleasure, my lady, Alfred has spoken very highly of you."

Terese inclined her head to Alfred's father, "My Lord, I am so sorry for your loss, yet also, I am very pleased to meet you."

Marcus turned to Vi, who stood back waiting patiently, though he and Alfred nodded to one another.

"Alfred," Marcus introduced, "This is Violet."

Marcus then took Terese's hand, tucking it in the crook of his arm, "Would you accompany me, Lady Ferguson? I wonder if tea would be welcome after the ride out here to the country?"

Terese realized Marcus was trying to leave the two men alone, she went along with him graciously, murmuring that a cup of tea sounded simply divine.

Terese did wonder why she was not introduced to the incredibly handsome man behind Marcus, but she did not dwell upon this overmuch as Marcus led her up the steps of the manor.

She had, however, mayhap just come across Alfred's payback.

Her eyes gleamed in sweet revenge, as she graciously accepted Marcus's offer to freshen up. She definitely could make use a privy after the long ride out.

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

Alfred knew he did not physically resemble Marcus in the least.

Upon seeing his elder brother for the first time, Alfred saw that Violet did.

This man was his elder brother.

Violet.

Violet Petals.

"I am most glad to finally meet you." Alfred held out a hand, which Violet gripped and pumped heartily.

A half smile resided upon Vi's face as he met a young, serious, scholarly looking man. Violet assured his younger brother, "'Tis glad I am also."

The two men smiled ruefully at one another, taking each other's measure.

"Father told me about you, and what it is you do, I am somewhat jealous of your life upon the seas," Alfred admitted, as they began strolling towards the house. "I have a desire to see more of the world myself."

"And I have harboured jealousy that you had our father here to raise you when I did not even know who he was." Violet and Alfred admitted their shortcomings readily, each accepting one another's feelings, and commiserating with the other.

"I only learned of you recently," Alfred imparted, "Marcus was very diligent in keeping you and your mother safe from mine." Alfred understood Marcus's need to keep them safe from Gwendolyn's vicious tongue, he did not blame Marcus whatsoever.

Alfred could only imagine his mother's wrath had she known Marcus had another son. Especially one older than he.

"Honestly, Alfred, I was only just told that Marcus was my father. I had thought him a good friend of my deceased sire. I did not know I belonged to him, so I did not realize I had a brother either, until only recently."

"And here I shall be leaving in a few days time." Alfred shook his head slightly at their loss.

"I have not heard you were leaving, where is it you are going?" Violet inquired, he looked to his side at Alfred. Both of them being of similar height, their eyes met on a close to even plane.

Alfred was taken aback, as he noted the light, violet eyes of his elder brother, whose name he had barely grown accustomed to, as of yet. His eye colour reminding Alfred of his name in that moment.

Alfred did not have to wonder how Violet faired with the ladies, he would wager all he had that his brother must beat them off with a stick. With Violet's looks, paired with a name Alfred assumed the ladies would find romantic, he was sure Violet did not find himself lacking for female attention.

It made Alfred very glad in that moment he had secured Terese's hand the evening before, as he hoped she did not see Violet, and then regret her acceptance of his own proposal.

There were many men out there much more attractive than Alfred was. His brother being only one of them, served to remind Alfred he must keep Terese in the manner she was accustomed to, so he could keep her happy.

He must be willing to work hard, learning all he could, so he could keep her by his side and not have her head turned elsewhere.

He answered Violet's query, knowing that in a few days, at least his handsome brother would be an entire sea away.

"I am traveling with Laird Ferguson to the States, to work for him, and to wed his daughter."

Violet lightly clapped Alfred upon the shoulder, "Congratulations. She is lovely, you are a lucky man."

The young woman Alfred had escorted was a beauty. She had briefly reminded Violet of the highwaywoman, yet Terese's features were not quite so refined as the damned she pirate's had been.

Lady Ferguson's hair had been wrong also, a deeper red, rather than bright and fiery.

Smiling at his younger brother, Violet offered his best wishes, "I wish you a long and happy marriage."

"Thank you, I did hear that you were also wed recently?" Alfred questioned Violet as they came to the landing.

They walked to the side a bit, both turning to lean upon the rail, their arms crossed, to look out over the view.

Vi nodded, "I am, she is the perfect bride for me, a God given gift, which I thank Him for everyday." Violet looked out over the lake and pastures, imagining future evenings spent on this very porch with Elizabeth.

"I shall miss this place." Alfred admitted. "A short time ago I did not appreciate it for what it was, but now I find I shall miss it greatly."

Violet looked out over the land, the lake sparkling under the sun, the willows dipping their branches into it's cool depths, with fluffs of white, wooly sheep dotted throughout the pasture. With the large barn set off to the side, boasting fine steeds and milk cows, it seemed to be a virtual heaven upon earth to Violet.

To actually be able to live upon land such as this gave a lift to Violet's heart. He had never dreamed of anything near to being as perfect as this was.

"What are your plans, brother?" Alfred queried, having heard of Violet's endeavour through Marcus, and Marcus's hopes that Violet would build an orphanage upon the estate.

Alfred was curious if they had decided to do so.

"I have convinced Marcus to start anew in the valley. Elizabeth and I will start a home for orphans here at the manor." Violet wondered what Alfred would think of that.

Violet would be more than willing to change his plans if they upset Alfred in any way. After all, this home should be entailed as Alfred's inheritance one day.

"I believe you have found the very thing to dispel the gloom my late mother brought to this place. I shall be glad to know it will be helping those less fortunate."

Alfred had his own plans an ocean away, and he wished Violet his best, as they turned to enter the manse.

If things worked out the way Alfred hoped, his title and the estate would hardly matter. He was more than ready to begin a new life with Terese, and he was prepared to sell his soul to her father to keep her by his side.

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

"Do you enjoy living in New York, Terese?" Marcus asked the beauty that sat on a chaise next to Alfred, across from he and Violet.

"I do, very much so." Terese spoke very animatedly, "I have lived there as long as I can remember. It is an incredibly busy city, full of people and opportunities."

Terese decided that now was as good a time as any to start paying Alfred back for his behavior the evening before.

"Living where I do also affords me the opportunity to indulge in a little hobby of mine." Terese smiled humbly at Alfred, as he lifted a brow, wondering which hobby she was referring to.

Marcus provided the prompting she awaited, "And what hobby might that be, my lady?"

Terese leaned forward as if imparting a secret, as all three men unconsciously held their breath, her attempt at secrecy assuring their interest, as they acted accordingly to make sure they heard her clearly.

"It is not your usual hobby for a young lady to have, you see, and some men simply would not approve of a lady indulging herself." She acted as though she was having second thoughts about telling them at all, as Alfred began frowning a mite.

Marcus, along with Vi, gave her an indulgent look as they realized she was good at building suspense.

"Come now, Lady Ferguson, surely you can tell us." Violet turned his charm upon the young lady, as she leaned in even closer to Violet.

Alfred's frown deepened, as Violet's eyes obligingly dipped to Terese's cleavage.

Violet did not know what game she was playing with his brother, but he had been alive long enough to know his part.

He was to help her infuse jealousy on the part of her betrothed.

Why, Vi did not know, yet he had a feeling revenge was involved, and he was a firm believer in revenge when it was due.

Terese fairly glowed as Violet played right along with her, "Well, I could tell you......but then again, you may not believe me....." Terese glanced back at Alfred, catching him unawares, as he quickly schooled his frown into a sickly grin.

"Do tell, Terese, you have us all on pins and needles now." Alfred tried to control his feelings over his intended being so friendly with his extremely good looking brother.

This made Alfred wonder if his brother held to his marriage vows, or was he one to dally on the side if the opportunity arose?

Alfred could only continue to wonder, as Terese turned away from him, back to the men in front of her.

Leaning Violet's way once more, giving him a clear view of her assets, she looked directly at Marcus, as if speaking only to him, "I have a habit of trading stocks." She imparted conspiratorially.

Sitting back and grinning wickedly, she looked to her side to see Alfred look at her as if she were mad.

He had never heard the like before and he had to guess that she was lying.

Was she paying him back for last eve trying to shock his father and brother?

Alfred did not think it right that she involve others in her paying him back. It would be one thing if they were strangers, but this was his family, and she should not tell tales to her soon to be relatives.

Or was she paying him back? Could it be she was a compulsive liar and he was only just being made aware of this?

Surely she did not do business in a trade that should involve men only. Why, she was but a woman.

In her early twenties, she was barely of an age to be wed and have children, much less conduct business in a man's world.

Alfred did not believe it. She had to be lying.

He hoped she was not the type of woman who liked to entertain herself with lies and exaggerations, he had not thought so previously.....

Besides, even if she had dabbled in a man's world, it was no doubt an indulgence on her father's part, now she would be much too busy awaiting him and his needs, as she cared for their children and home while he went out to earn their income.....

Would she not?

Alfred looked at her skeptically, surely she was fabricating a tale. Mayhap, this was her way to tease him and get him back.

Terese saw that Alfred did not want to believe her, but that Violet had raised his brows in interest, as Marcus adopted an 'I'll be damned' look upon his face.

"Truly?" Marcus asked. Though he did believe her, he was still suitably impressed enough to ask for confirmation.

"Truly!" She nodded excitedly.

Violet grinned at her cheekiness, as Marcus became intrigued. "This hobby of yours," Marcus winked at her, as he noted Alfred frowning her way, "Are you gifted at it?"

Marcus smiled widely at the sparkle in her eyes.

Terese decided Alfred needed a bit more to chew on, so she turned her full attention on Violet, while she answered Marcus, "I am very good at it, indeed." She affirmed in an extremely silky voice.

Violet gave her the warm, interested look she was hoping for, as he helped her play her game.

Her eyes sparked at him in thanks, before she leaned forward once again, looking to Marcus, "I trade for my father also, as he was the one who taught me to do so. I also own two textile factories outright, and quite a few shares of father's shipping companies."

She was having the hardest time not dissolving into laughter, as she could only imagine what Alfred must look like now.

If Marcus's face was any indicator, she was sure it was priceless. But she was not finished with her betrothed yet.

"We are trying to arouse interest and investors in railroads there, such as you have here. Research for development is one reason why we are here." She sat back smugly, as Alfred studied her, thinking her either a very gifted liar.....

Or she spoke the truth.

"Another reason was for me to find a titled gentleman to wed. It was very fortunate I met Alfred, as he meets all my father's requirements in a son in law."

She had just reduced Alfred to a commodity, and he did not like it one bit.

Violet and Marcus however, were having a field day.

"I do hope you will find the opportunity to visit us, at least once, to see how Alfred fares." Terese included Alfred, as she looked back and forth between the three of them.

When her teasing gaze finally rested upon her betrothed, he narrowed his eyes at her and asked her outright.

"Truly?" Alfred asked her, his face a mask of confusion, as he was not sure if she teased him or not, and in what capacity.

He was one step from marching her from the room, demanding she cease flirting with his brother, and tell them all the truth.

However, he was really beginning to think this was all for his benefit, even as he was still trying to find out what her game was.

"Oh, I assure you, darling, every word is true, except the husband hunting," Terese laughed softly, "That just happened by chance."

It was then, that Alfred decided he had better be more careful in the future, as his future wife was much better at this game than he could ever hope to be.

His mind spun as he looked at her, so beautiful, so fragile..... He realised in that moment, she could take him down a notch whenever the mood struck her.

Alfred then decided he would be better off playing along, "Mayhap, I should just stay home and raise the children."

Terese turned to Alfred and replied, "Now there is an idea...." As Violet and Marcus erupted into laughter.

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Until next time :)

Please point out anything I need to fix if you notice anything that hinders, I have reread it too many times already! Lol