The Ruby in the Storm

Chapter 7: Anima Sola

Chapter 7: Anima Sola

Belmoran Island, 1842

Lucy paced the length of the cabin while Ross and Phillip discussed the matter further. She did not want to hear what they had to say; because she knew that either way this would not end well for her and Ross.

Separated... They were to be separated, and why? Because James came back into her life and ruined everything, as if he had the right to do so. God, if ever there was a chance in her life that Lucy was glad that a man was dead, it was now. James's corpse rotting in the backwater they had left it in elated her to no end, but it also infuriated her.

She couldn't stay here, but she couldn't leave Ross. The best way for this to be fixed was for both of them to leave, but they could not even do that together. What sort of cruel world was this that everything was to fall apart yet again?

"John..." She skidded to a halt and turned to face Ross and Phillip. "I-I can't leave yet, I have to find John..."

Before she could even turn to the door, Ross intervened and brought her back. "Lucy you know that that is not a good idea."

"He is my brother!" She protested. "Ross, I have to tell him what happened. He will know what to do, he always knows what to do."

"Lucy, he may be your brother, but you've only known him for barely a month."

"That doesn't mean anything!" Lucy pushed Ross away. "I want to go find John, Ross!"

"Lucy, no!" Ross shook his head. "You have to let this go."

"How can I?" She sat down and buried her face in her hands. "He's ruined everything for me once again. Even dead he's taking everything from me."

"That doesn't have to happen if we play our cards right," Phillip said, standing as well. "And if you two are to leave, you must do it tonight, while you have time on your side."

"Leaving would make it worse," Lucy said, looking up. "Even if they couldn't discern the time, it would make us look just as guilty."

"It's better than you being here along with the corpse of the man who came here to pursue you, sometimes you have to pick the lesser of two evils," Phillip glanced out the widow. "How fast can you charter two vessels out of here, Ross?"

Ross sighed and ran a hand over his face. "It would take an hour, at most."

"That will do, but we need to hurry," Phillip looked to Lucy. "Are your things still at the Worthington residence?"

Lucy nodded slowly. "Yes, everything."

"Good," Phillip nodded. "Good, this is good. If you show your face there and act as if everything is normal, then you can easily spin the tale that you mean to return home as soon as possible."

"You did mention that you need to show your face in London," Ross reminded her. "That can be your guise, no one would question it. They all knew you would have to return home eventually."

"But everyone knows that we are engaged as well," Lucy reminded him. "What will they say when you do not leave with me?"

"I will answer for that on my own, you don't worry about it," Ross stroked her arm. "Focus on your own singular plan and let me handle the rest."

"And how do we account for the hour?" Lucy pressed.

"Your mother is ill, right?" Ross reminded her. "Use that, say that she has fallen even more ill. Say that you have to return home at once."