Thirty Five Part Four

It was almost time.

Betsy sat with the crew in the front of the church. Her feet dangled and she swung one leg slowly, while turned slightly towards the aisle, in a large, sturdy pew. An empty space left between her and the aisle was unoccupied, intended for the King. Brutus, Margaret and Sam already arrived and had taken seats on the other side of her.

Violet awaited the beginning of the ceremony, standing in the front of the church, with his father and the King's reverend.

Betsy flirted covertly with her gorgeous husband, giving him hungry looks, while softly nipping upon her bottom lip.

Violet narrowed his eyes and shook his head at her.

Right now, standing in front of a church filled with his crew, it was definitely not a good time for her to get a rise out of him.

Betsy laughed, her eyes twinkling merrily at him, before she then narrowed them and gave him an austere look in return for his.

Violet regarded her fondly, amused and aroused, from the front of the sanctuary.

Smirking and shaking his head, his look promised retribution, before Violet forced his attention back to Marcus, hoping to stay out of trouble.

Pete and Rebecca arrived at the rear of the church, entering the impressive sanctuary arm in arm, they began immediately looking about them at the intricately wrought pictures that were etched in colored glass.

Rebecca continued to take in the sanctuary's beauty, as Pete guided her to proceed slowly up the center aisle.

The pair passed in front of Elizabeth, Brutus, Margaret, and Sam, smiling and nodding, as they approached their seats on the other side of them.

Sam nodded to the pair, before exchanging a mischievous look with Brutus.

Not that Brutus was much better off, Sam thought, as he saw Margaret lean forward and glance his way.

Sam winked at the small maid. She smiled sweetly, hiding her smile behind her hand, before her eyes fell to the floor, the smile still residing upon her face.

Sam looked to Brutus and smiled widely, "Me thinks Pete is a bit smitten." Sam whispered to his captain.

Both Sam, and Brutus, were wondering if Pete had met his match.

Sam had rarely seen Pete this past week. When all had traveled to Marcus's estate, he had seen him then.

But Pete had been in the company of the boys and their aunt at the estate, he also had gone home with them afterwards.

Other than that one time, and fleeting glimpses, Pete and Paulie had both been scarce around the Wench these days.

Sam could not really blame his friend, as the boys' aunt was definitely an attractive woman.

Yet, Sam did know how hard it had been for Josh to sail away, leaving his family behind to not know how they faired for months at a time.

Would Pete find himself in that same situation before long?

Sam could only be left to wonder, as he smiled kindly at Rebecca while she took her seat.

Pete sat between the two of them, and having caught Marcus and Violet's eyes across the empty space, he nodded to them, smiling encouragingly.

The Wench's crew were seated in the first two rows of the left side of the chapel.

The cabin boys were dressed in their finery Eleanor had purchased them for Violet and Betsy's wedding. All of them were seated in the second row on the right side.

Much whispering, teasing, and tom foolery was going on there. Receiving an occasional pointed look from Violet, the boys kept their antics to a minimum.

The row in front of the boys had been left empty for Marcus's family, those of whom had yet to arrive.

The pew would not remain empty for long, however, as Alfred appeared to the back of the church, the lovely Terese upon his arm.

Marcus's visage lit up upon seeing his younger son.

Looking very content, Alfred was leaning down towards Terese, speaking quietly to her, as they made their way towards the front and Marcus.

Marcus took the steps necessary to meet Alfred and his fiancée, embracing Alfred, then bowing over Terese's hand.

Alfred then genteelly handed Terese to a seat in the front pew, standing beside where she sat.

Violet approached Alfred, shaking his hand, "It is good you are here, it means much to Marcus." They embraced quickly, exchanging smiles.

Vi then greeted Terese, even as he noticed yet another new arrival.

His uncle Damien.

There was no mistaking who the man was.

When Marcus and Violet had stopped by Damien's townhouse earlier, Damien, the Marquess of Moonhurst, had been out.

They had been greeted in the sitting room, by Damien's beautiful, blonde, fragile appearing wife, Amelia.

She had greeted them cordially, explaining that Damien was not due back for some time. She had provided Marcus with writing implements, to allow him to dash a note down for his brother.

Violet had stood quietly to the side, noting the warmth and comfort that had been achieved in the home of his uncle.

The town home had been furnished extremely tastefully, and comfortably, much dark wood made up the trim and built in shelving around the room.

It reminded Violet somewhat of his cabins aboard the ship. He had felt comfortable in the familiar atmosphere where his uncle dwelled.

Having been sorry that he missed meeting his uncle earlier, Violet looked to Marcus, anticipating an introduction in the next few moments.

Marcus had seen Damien arrive also.

Marcus's face split into a grin, as did Damien's. Both men were extremely glad with how life had been treating them of late, and both were also anticipating a telling of their good fortune.

Damien had been gone from home earlier, signing the final papers giving his son, Drake, all that Damien held when he left this world.

Damien's son, Drake, the Earl of Trent, was now securely wed and his heir was hopefully on it's way. Drake had come home and willingly fulfilled his duties as heir. He had come home and made his father a very happy man.

In addition to that, Damien's own life could not be any sweeter than if he were on his own honeymoon.

Damien, and his wife, Amelia, had recently cleared some muddled air, after many years of misunderstandings had come between them.

The clearing up of said misunderstandings, lent to an extremely passionate, and long-awaited reunion.

For the most part, their reunion had been taking place between the sheets.

Upon his arriving home this afternoon, Damien had been dragged immediately to their bedroom, stripped down just as quickly as time had allowed, and then he had proceeded to be accosted by his wife.

Only afterwards, had Amelia given him the missive from his brother, leaving him alone to read it, as she left him to freshen up.

He had reposed in their bed, nude, in the middle of the afternoon. Damien grinned now, at the church in remembrance, as he had read his brother's words.

Gwendolyn passed away due to an accident, and Katy has agreed to wed. We shall do so this eve, at the sixth hour, in the King's Cathedral. I shall hope to see you there, I am sorry to have missed you, Marcus

Damien had cracked a smile in wonder, and partial disbelief, as he had left the bed to find his wife.

Amelia had donned a robe, she was pouring water into a basin with which to wash.

Damien had come straight up against her backside, and convinced her that a leisurely bath for two would be infinitely more desirable.

It was an extremely satisfied man who now greeted Marcus warmly, embracing him tightly and patting him upon the back. "Marcus, you sly dog, how in the hell.....?"

Marcus chuckled low, deep in his chest, as his gaze took in their surroundings, "Only you, Damien, and in a church, no less."

Damien cringed, realising the truth in his brother's words, "Well damn, Marcus, you sure do know how to shock a fellow. Last I knew you were headed down south, now you are headed down the aisle, and this...." Damien gestured to the opulent sanctuary.

"I shall have to tell you later how it all came about, for the moment, let me greet your wife, you selfish oaf, and I need you to meet someone."

Marcus bowed over Amelia's hand, greeting her warmly, then passing her off to Alfred.

Alfred then made the introductions to his fiancée, Damien and Amelia cordially meeting Terese, as she graciously replied to their greeting.

Damien handed Amelia to her seat, "I shall return forthwith." He assured her, before turning back to his brother.

"Come Damien," Marcus led him the few steps to where Violet stood waiting, feeling a slight apprehension at meeting his titled relation.

Violet was curious as to how his uncle felt about him.

"This, Damien, is Violet." Marcus's pride could be heard in his voice, if not seen upon his face, as Damien was too taken with how Violet looked, to even notice his brother.

"Good God, man," Damien shot Marcus a stricken look, before quickly returning to look at Violet. "How in the hell did you manage that?"

Violet looked confused, how did Marcus manage what?

Marcus chuckled, "I told you so."

Damien had never believed Marcus's praising of Violet's looks. He had always thought... (though he would admit, unkindly) He had always unkindly thought, that compared to Alfred, Marcus had just managed to create a more handsome specimen when he sired Violet.

But never, ever, had Damien seen a prettier man in all his life, than the one that stood before him.

"Good Lord, that is amazing, Marcus." Damien looked Violet over, from toe to head, noticing the questioning look that Violet sported.

"Bah, I still can not believe it, you must have a most beautiful mother, boy." Damien looked back to Marcus, squinting, "And his eyes, I have never seen the like. His mother?" Damien questioned.

Marcus nodded and grinned satisfactorily, as Damien held out his hand, "Well, I guess it can not be helped, boy. It is what it is." Damien said, shaking his head in wonder. "I, am your uncle, Damien."

"I had figured that out, my lord." Violet was amused at the man, and the exchange between the two brothers, "I am honoured to finally meet you."

Damien then turned back to Marcus, "This is the pirate?" His voice disbelieving as he still shook Vi's hand.

Marcus again nodded and chuckled.

"Unbelievable." Damien shook his head again, as he continued to shake Violet's hand. "We shall have to talk later, my boy. I have a need to hear your story."

"I will be most glad to oblige." Violet liked his outspoken uncle, and once Damien finally released Violet's hand, Violet looked forward to coming to know him better.

Damien turned and embraced Marcus again, "I could not be gladder for you, you know."

"I know, and I for you." Marcus pulled back, looking happily into his brother's eyes as he patted Damien upon the shoulder.

"Now there is a story for the telling!" Damien exclaimed, his eyes scanned around for the King, who was not present, "Why, Marcus, did the King tell you what he did to my son? Did you hear? He........"

The organ began playing in that instant, the sharp notes signalling a prelude to the bridal march.

Damien stopped speaking, looking around himself suddenly, as the first note chimed out.

"Well, I shall tell you later, old man. You had best be getting about it, it seems." Damien held his brother's upper arms, patting him on one side, Damien smiled widely at Marcus's suddenly furtive face.

Damien turned to the aisle seat that had been left open for him, joining his wife, where she next to Alfred.

Marcus quick stepped to his position in front of the reverend.

Violet smiled indulgently at Marcus's back, noting his impatience, as he sauntered to stand at his father's shoulder.

Vi saw Marcus gulp once, and then take several deep breaths.

Reminding Violet of his own wedding day, of his own inability to breathe the moment he saw his bride, immediately Vi's gaze was drawn to find Elizabeth.

She was looking right at him, and Violet knew, as soon as his eyes found hers, that he would not be able to look away.

She just sat there looking at him, the joy in her eyes so overwhelming, that tears slowly slid down her cheeks.

Violet was hit in the gut yet again, almost as deeply as he had been on the day when they wed.

He looked to her pleadingly, his eyes begging her to stop, as he could not bear to get overly emotional right now.

Betsy blinked and smiled at Vi tremulously, as she used her thumb to wipe the moisture from her cheeks.

Violet continued to look at her, his eyes filled with painful love, his heart knowing why she cried. There were times when love was felt so strongly, that it hurt.

Vi longed to go and take her into his arms, as he was feeling the very same way about her at the moment.

She kept up her trembling smile, as her longing projected across the room to him, as her love for him was returned in his eyes wholeheartedly.

Betsy could not wait to be in his arms once more.

She had missed him all day and she could not wait to be beside him again.

She tore her eyes away from his, looking to the rear of the church, waiting, as the organ wound down.

It began again in a crescendo, the doors sweeping outward, the King and Katherine were framed in the doorway.

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

When the doors were finally swept open, and Marcus was revealed to her gaze, Katherine did not feel how she thought she would feel.

Of a sudden, she felt renewed.

Katherine smiled beautifully at her betrothed across the length of the church, she stole a glance at the King quickly, who looked pretty happy himself.

Katherine answered his querying, royal brow with a quick nod.

Her eyes flew back to Marcus, filled with pure longing and joy, as she and the King began the long, slow walk that would take her to him.

Marcus recognised the beautiful woman instantly. He smiled so widely and his eyes teared up so quickly he could barely see her, though he longed to with all of his being.

He dashed at the happy tears and saw the hopeful love upon her face he remembered so well.

She looked just as she had when they were young. The same joy now shone upon her face that he remembered her having then, the days when she believed she was giving herself to him in trust, so long ago.

Marcus had not seen his Katy wear this expression since the day he betrayed her. Her purely joyful expression had fled these many years, chased away by heartache and his betrayal.

But those were gone from her visage now, the woman he watched come towards him was as a vision that had escaped him for nigh on three decades.

But here she was again, his very own Katy girl, the love from his youth.

He took a few seconds to admire her finery, as Marcus had never seen his Katy girl look so elegant and refined before.

Her body was sheathed in satin, emphasising her youthful figure, yet, the drapery was simple, allowing the focus to be drawn to her incredible violet eyes and her natural beauty.

The joy she emanated shone upon her face. All of her worries and concerns had fled, leaving Katherine's visage to hold nothing except anticipation of the life they were meant to have.

Marcus dashed again at his eyes, as Katherine came even closer, and he saw it was not an illusion.

Not a trick his eyes played upon him, or a memory conjured up by his mind, but she truly had shed the worrisome nature that had aged her.

Leaving her youthful, carefree, and in love, the concerns and hurts of the past seemed to have melted away.

Katherine also remembered when they were young and in love. She remembered this man in a churchyard, holding her hands in his, pledging his love and care for her.

He had still managed to do those things, he had loved her and cared for her all these years, even though he had not been hers.

She knew he had wanted to be, just as she had always desired the same.

Katherine stole a glance at their son, as Violet allowed his own happy tears to rain down his cheeks. Katherine shook her head at Violet quickly, blinking her eyes, and quickly returning her smiling gaze to Marcus.

If she looked upon Violet again, she would cry, and she did not want that.

Marcus sent a prayer of thanks upward, as he remembered his prayers for Katherine. From what he could see, they seemed to have been answered in full.

He then whispered his thanks that this was coming about at all.

Violet, upon hearing his father's thanks, smiled wider as his mother approached.

As Katherine and the King came to the front of the church, they paused. Katherine looked to the King, as he leaned down and bussed her cheek. They shared a look, her own loving and grateful, the King's, approving and glad.

Then the King ceremoniously placed her hand into Marcus's.

She held onto Marcus's hands, gratefulness welling up and overflowing her heart.

Smiling up into his beloved face, Katherine could hardly believe this was real.

Finally.

The King took his seat beside Elizabeth, taking her hand, they watched the ceremony commence.

"Dearly beloved...."

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

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

I hope you all are having a beautifully blessed day! It is time to work/play in the garden, the sunshine is calling me. 😀 I hope you liked it!