The Island
Caribbean Sea
Talbot entered the house and came back a short while later with two large glasses of fresh fruit juice. Hannah laughed and covered her mouth with her hand.
"I remember these glasses!" They were some of the glasses that came from the trunks.
"You had collected an entire household worth of goods, my Darling. They were safe and sound when I returned because you had organized them so well in the cave. I just had someone come and wash all of the linen and wash all the dishes and pots and pans and then place them in 'your' kitchen inside your new house." Then he paused briefly, "Which I will show you later. All in good time."
The breeze blew Hannah's hair gently and she rocked, hand on heart, quite content just where she was. She wanted Talbot to be allowed to show her his gift as he saw fit. Talbot took the other rocking chair and just stared at her looking out at the water.
"I have to tell you the truth. I missed this place so much when I went back to Baton Rouge. I dreamt about it and thought about it so much. I really loved it here. With you." She smiled and lowered her head, then started shaking her head and laughing. "Oh Talbot so much has changed since we were here, hasn't it?"
"Yes, my Love. The universe turned on it's side to bring us together like this. Is all well with you?"
"All is well with me kind Sir!" She smiled that diamond smile of hers. She was so happy to the point of bursting. Everything that she wanted had come true. Her greatest love had returned to her. And not only that, he returned to her with gifts in hand. He was amazing.
Talbot thought the same of Hannah. She had been through so much in her life. Her loyalty to her husband even under the most difficult and trying circumstances. Her strength of character, her endurance, her will to live and to help someone else survive. Even a formidable business woman. She was remarkable. He was so glad that heaven and earth had moved so that he could be with her for the rest of their lives.
"Talbot this house is magnificent but how can you build a house on someone else's island?"
"I know the owner."
"Oh that is wonderful. Who is it?"
"You!" He said to her astonishment.
"ME?"
"I have something to tell you." Talbot started.
"Yes, please do speak, my Love." Hannah wide-eyed, looked a bit worried.
"Don't fret Pet. Its good news."
"Oh, fine." She relaxed again. "What is it then?" She said more calmly.
"Remember Captain Elmshurst's box I found on his desk?"
"Yes."
"Remember the engraved plate and key."
"Yes." She anticipating the end of that story.
"When I left you at the train station, I watched you get into the carriage. You did not see me for the fog. I wanted to make sure that you were safe. When you left, I wept profusely." He smiled shyly. She took his hand and squeezed it. She smiled too over the expressions of his heart.
"I immediately made a voyage to London, England, which was a long one. And I went to the address that was on the plate."
Hannah just fixated on him could hardly breathe.
"Hannah, it was the address of a lawyer. Captain Elmshurst's lawyer. I proved my identity and he told me that Captain Elmshurst had no wife, children or family. He considered me like his son, his only son and .......only heir."
