Tides of deception ✺ Outlander/Stephen Bonnet Fanfic

♤39. Fetching Julie🕷

A thick, damp fog hung over the darkened waters as Declan and Justin rowed their sloop quietly, the rhythmic creak of the oars the only sound disturbing the still night. Their ship loomed in the distance, a shadow against the faint sliver of moonlight breaking through the clouds. They both sat in silence, expressions steeled as they approached the shore, where the faint silhouette of a woman stood waiting-a cloak wrapped around her, a small bag at her feet.

Declan leaned slightly forward, eyes scanning the shore as they approached. Julie, clutching her bag, stood at the edge, glancing around with tense anticipation. Her heart raced, knowing she was just moments away from leaving everything behind. Her fingers tightened on the bag's straps as she saw the small boat appear through the mist.

The sloop grounded on the shallow shore, and Justin stepped out, his boots sinking slightly into the sand. With a quiet gesture, he motioned her forward. "Lady Montmorency," he greeted with a respectful nod, his voice low, "we'd best be swift. Are you ready?"

Julie returned the nod, her face set with a mixture of fear and resolve. "I am," she whispered, her voice barely audible, betraying a slight tremor.

Declan took her bag with a nod of reassurance, meeting her gaze with calm, steady eyes. "Come, we'll get ye safely aboard. No one'll know until it's too late."

Julie took one last look at the shoreline, as if memorizing every detail she was about to leave behind, and followed Justin into the sloop. They helped her settle between them, providing what little cover the boat's sides offered as Declan took the oars again and began rowing them swiftly back out to the ship. The boat moved smoothly, almost soundlessly, as they glided away from shore, the distant lights of the town shrinking behind them.

As they rowed, Julie held her breath, listening to the night sounds around them-the lap of water, the low murmur of their voices when necessary, and the occasional call of an owl from the woods. She clenched her hands in her lap, her face pale but determined. Every second in the darkness brought them closer to freedom, yet the weight of what she was leaving behind tugged heavily on her.

Justin noticed her pensive look, sensing her unease. He leaned closer, keeping his voice gentle. "You are safe with us, my lady. Stephen wouldn't have us bring you here if he didn't mean to keep his word."

She looked at him, a flicker of gratitude and relief in her eyes, though she couldn't bring herself to speak. Instead, she offered a tense nod, clinging to the hope that her trust was well-placed.

Declan, his gaze fixed on the looming ship, muttered a warning. "Keep yer head down as we get closer. We're near enough that anyone watching might catch a glimpse."

Julie obediently lowered her head, her heart pounding as they rowed closer to the ship. Shadows stirred along the deck as the crew prepared for their arrival, ropes already thrown over the side to haul them up quickly. Justin gave her one last reassuring glance before securing her bag over his shoulder, ready to help her onto the ship without hesitation.

As the boat bumped against the ship's hull, Declan whispered, "This is it. No turning back now, my lady."

Julie took a deep breath, her grip tightening on Justin's hand as he helped her rise from the sloop. She nodded, a final moment of resolve settling over her face, and with swift, practiced motions, they lifted her up, into the night and the promise of escape, hidden in the shadow of the sea.

✺

Bernie entered the tearoom to find Stephen seated by the window, staring out thoughtfully as sunlight filtered in, illuminating the room with a soft glow. A small table held a glass of dark liquor at his elbow, and Stephen looked up with a mischievous glint in his eye as Bernie approached.

"Glad ye could make it," Stephen said, motioning for Bernie to sit. "I have a plan in mind. Something that might be a bit... unconventional for our more refined guests."

Bernie raised an eyebrow, already sensing something outlandish coming from Stephen. "Go on, then. What's this grand idea of yours?"

"A masquerade ball," Stephen said, his voice smooth yet laced with excitement. "The kind where everyone-high society or not-might feel free to let a bit loose. I know ye think it might be vulgar, but that's exactly the point. Masks mean freedom. A chance to see who's willing to bend the rules, even just a little."

Bernie leaned back, mulling it over with a skeptical frown. "You really think we should risk inviting... anyone to mingle with the Hawthornes and other esteemed guests? This might be a step too far, Stephen."

"That's where ye're wrong," Stephen replied, a glint of daring in his eyes. "If we mix it up-invite people from all classes-it'll shake the structure a bit. Have people guessing who's who, questioning their assumptions. And it's the perfect way to gauge how they really feel when they aren't pretending."

Bernie crossed his arms, a slight smile creeping in. "So, what? You'd bring a few pirates in to see how everyone reacts?"

"Aye, maybe even Blackbeard himself if he's close enough to the shore," Stephen said with a wink. "And Anita... now she's one who could loosen up and let a few secrets slip with enough champagne in her hand." He chuckled, his tone playful yet edged with purpose. "The last dinner showed we've earned a bit of goodwill. Now, let's see how the Hawthornes hold up when the masks are on, and the stakes are hidden."

Bernie's lips twisted thoughtfully. "Well, I have to admit, it'd be a memorable night. And it is for a good cause. The fundraiser should lend some respectability to the affair. I suppose we could frame it as a gesture of goodwill to the community, inviting all sorts, and pretending it's to raise money for the poor." He smirked, shaking his head. "Even if it's a half-truth, it sounds respectable enough."

Stephen clinked his glass against Bernie's in agreement. "Precisely. Besides, the allure of a masked ball will draw them in-the Hawthornes, the Montmorencys, and all their secrets. A little charm here, a touch of daring there. It'll be grand." He paused, eyeing Bernie with a mischievous grin.

Bernie chuckled, eyes sparkling with amusement. "Just try to resist kissing anyone else's wife, would you? I'd rather avoid half the county chasing you out."

After a few more minutes, Bernie took his leave, muttering his usual grumbling about Stephen's unconventional ideas as he went, though clearly entertained by the plan. Left alone, Stephen leaned back in his chair, one elbow resting on the armrest, his head on his hand, swirling his drink thoughtfully. The thrill of the plan danced in his eyes, a smirk lingering on his lips, when Maria entered the room.

She walked in quickly, holding something behind her back, her face bright with anticipation. Stephen watched her, eyes alight with curiosity, though he didn't move, his gaze tracking her every step. When she finally stopped in front of him, her hands still hidden, he arched a brow, the corner of his mouth lifting in that familiar, playful grin.

"What have you been up to?" he asked, his voice low, the faintest smile playing at his lips.

Maria quickly revealed a black velvet box, her own smile bright with excitement as she held it out to him. He glanced down at it, then back at her, brow raised.

"Is that for me birthday?" he asked, his grin softening as he straightened in his seat.

She nodded, still smiling. "I didn't want it to go by unnoticed."

Setting his glass aside, Stephen took the box, turning it in his hands thoughtfully. His elbows rested on his knees as he lifted the lid. Inside was a silver ring, crowned with a dark, gleaming garnet. Engraved inside, just visible along the inner band, was a single word: "ragamuffin."

He tilted his head down, his gaze fixed on the ring as a faint smile crossed his lips, though his eyes flicked up to meet Maria's, amusement and warmth dancing there.

"Thank ye," he murmured, slipping the ring onto his pinky finger. He looked up at her, hands reaching for hers, pulling her close. "Now I'll always think of yer messy hair when I see this ring."

Maria laughed, her eyes sparkling with a touch of mischief. "You like it?"

"Aye, I do." His fingers slipped to her waist, and with a gentle tug, he pulled her onto his lap. She laughed, warmth flooding her cheeks as she settled into his arms, their shared laughter filling the room, a quiet but certain moment of happiness before the plans and secrets returned to fill his thoughts.