The Ruby in the Storm

Chapter 13: A Sudden Light

Chapter 13: A Sudden Light

Belmoran Island, 1842

Phillip's coach took Lucy to a secluded part of the docks, where a ship was already prepared to set sail. She looked around for possibly another vessel that Ross would be taking, but couldn't find one. Did this mean that Phillip had decided the she and Ross would depart together?

"No," Phillip said, when Lucy asked him. "His vessel is waiting for him at the other end of the docks, so that no one sees the two of you leaving together."

"I do not see what difference that makes," Lucy replied stiffly. "We are both leaving the island the same night James is found dead, that is suspicious enough."

"James Boatwright was robbed and murdered," Phillip said. "You tell yourself that enough and you will start to believe it. Hardly anyone knew he was here save for those he met in his short stay. Even on Belmoran, word cannot travel that fast. And those that did know are acquaintances of yours; acquaintances that know that your mother is poorly and that you are Ross are engaged. If would make sense, then for him to travel with you to meet her on her deathbed."

"Except we are not leaving together."

"No one but the three of us know that, and you would be wise to keep it that way."

Lucy didn't reply to that, only tried to create the most vivid memory of the last moments she had shared with the love of her life. When would she see Ross again? When would she feel his arms around her, his kiss on her lips? Or would she go the rest of her years without him? Could she do it?

"I've made it long enough without Ross in my life," she finally said. "And I want to say that I've done my best. But now that I know he exists..." She looked at Phillip. "This plan better work, Mr. Doyle."

"Trust me, I have a vested interest in making sure it does."

"And that interest is what your brother owes my uncle," Lucy muttered. "Which you still have not told me about."

Phillip looked at her but didn't answer that. "We're here."

Lucy looked out the window and saw the dark, shadow of her ship looming over the dock. A feeling she could only liken to that of fear and dread sunk deep into her gut, but Phillip was right. She had to keep it together and hold up the façade. When they were out at sea, then she could think about what was going to happen next.

And John... Well, she only hoped he would forgive her for what she had to do. She hated leaving him with no word, no explanation.

Lucy wrapped her shawl around her shoulders while Phillip went to go speak to the captain. She wondered if she would lament her parting, glance around what she could see of the island and remise over the memories. Meeting her brother for the first time, making new friends... Falling madly and desperately in love. Most importantly, she found herself here, who she really was and what she was capable of. She was still learning, even while standing on the docks, ready to leave. No one knew she was going and it broke her heart. Eliza and Leila would have to find out from Samuel, not her. She owed her friends more than that, but what could she do? With James's death looming over her, she would not be able to make conversation with her friends without revealing everything out of guilt. She was lucky that did not happen with Samuel!

"The ship is ready when you are," Phillip said, approaching her. "I've paid the captain for a voyage from here to Portsmouth. When we dock there, we have to move quickly before word travels that you have returned."