When a maid of honor to the Queen is rescued by a handsome and contentious pirate, she has to spend three days aboard his ship before returning to court. But is three days time long enough to truly get to know someone? And is English court as diffic...
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"I'd like to get to know you, Celia," James said.
Celia inhaled slowly, allowing her eyes to wander the scenery around her as she walked alongside James. "You know my name and title, my occupation at court, who my family is... What else is there to know?"
"Sir Harry seems to know a lot more about you than I."
Celia glanced up at James to find his eyes pained, looking off into the flowers in the distance. Perhaps he was not as bad as the rumors made him out to be. "He helped me through a very difficult time," she said softly.
The horrors of the Spanish attacking her ship flooded her mind, and her heart was struck with a pain. She stopped walking. Tears accumulated in her blue eyes as she recounted the events; the foreign shouting of the pirates, screams of women and children, a fearful Isabel and Lord Wright as they embraced each other before facing the fears on the weather deck, the cold water smacking Celia's body as she was pushed overboard by a careless Englishman.
And then, flashes of her time on the Golden Tide bolted across her brain; the very first time she laid her eyes upon Harry, when the Spanish attacked the ship, proving herself to Harry as she had slain more than one enemy pirate with a sword, the night they conceived their unborn child.
"Celia?" James' voice reeled her back into reality.
"Sorry," she whispered. "Can we sit?"
James nodded and led them over to a bench. Celia lowered herself onto the seat and closed her eyes briefly as she inhaled the sweet aroma of the surrounding flowers, her hands skimming her stomach where her child was growing by the minute. The thought made her smile.
"You love him," he said softly.
Celia felt her heart stop momentarily. Sweat gathered on her palms, so she wiped them against her skirt to dry them. "I'm sorry?"
"Sir Harry."
"I'm sure I don't know what you mean." Celia focused her gaze on the ground, her vision laser-like and not budging, though she could feel James' brown eyes traveling her face.
"It's quite alright, Celia, you don't have to hide it from me," James assured her. "I'll cease my endeavors toward you, if you wish."
Celia sighed softly, raising her eyes to meet James'. "May I confide in you?" James nodded. Celia ran her fingers against the leather strip that hung around her neck, debating whether or not she should reveal her secret. Finally, she pulled on the string and the ring that was tucked away popped out, the sunlight glinting off the metal. "Harry and I were married yesterday."
James raised his brows and licked his lips, contemplating his response before speaking. "In secret, I presume?" Celia nodded. "Without royal permission?"
"Elizabeth would never have allowed it," Celia said quickly.
"You don't have to explain, Celia." James placed his hand lightly on top of her's and ran his thumb across her skin. "Love is rare these days. Hold onto it and never let it go, no matter what."
He gave her a small smile and slid his hand off of her's, standing to his feet and placing a hand on his hip. Celia followed his actions and tucked away the ring.
"You will keep this to yourself, I hope," Celia said, her voice wavering with concern.
"Of course," he said. "The Queen will not be happy when she finds out, though."
Celia nodded, lacing her arm around his as they began to walk back to the palace. "I know. And she won't be happy that our engagement fell through either."
"Would it ease your worry if I were to change my advances, say... toward your sister?" His voice was a smidgen higher, his brows slightly raised along with the corners of his mouth.
Celia narrowed her eyes at him. "Izzy? She's only seventeen, and you are?"
"Twenty six."
"You reside where?"
"A manor in Essex."
"She would be cared for?"
"And allowed to visit you in Greenwich whenever she pleases, as well as receive visitors."
"Well, Lord Berkeley," Celia began with a smile, "I will indeed mention it to her. As you may have guessed, I will not force my sister into a marriage she doesn't want."
"Nor would I expect you to."
♛
"You, what?"
Celia pressed her back against the wall next to the door that led to Elizabeth's study, her ears opened and absorbing every word that was exchanged between James and the Queen.
"I simply find the younger Wright sister more alluring," James said casually. Celia imagined him shrugging a shoulder as he spoke, his eyes transfixed on nowhere in particular.
"Mistress Celia is a fine young lady," Elizabeth boomed in response. Celia was almost shocked that the Queen stood up for her.
"I mean no offense," he replied. "Celia, in fact, was very understanding."
"That little wench—after all I've done for her, she doesn't even put up a fight?"
Of course, it's my fault, Celia thought as she rolled her eyes.
"Despite what you say, your Majesty, a girl of her standing has been taught to never question a man's decisions. You should be proud of her, should you not?"
James makes a compelling point. Perhaps Elizabeth will see reason, Celia thought to herself.
"Yes, yes," Elizabeth said, frustrated. "But, I brought you here on strict business: to marry Celia. Now you've gone and changed your mind, claiming to be more attracted to her sister! She will be ridiculed."
So, Elizabeth is on my side?
"I'm sorry to hear that, I really am," James said. "Celia is very agreeable, I'm sure she'll find a suitable husband to match her."
Celia heard Elizabeth humph. "Get out, Lord Berkeley. Marry that Isabel and leave for Essex as soon as you can. You've made a mockery of me and my maid. I want you out of my sight."
Celia imagined that James would bow low before exiting. As the door swung open, Celia's breath caught in her throat. James closed the door gently behind himself and smiled to Celia. The two walked down the hallway until they deemed it safe for them to speak without Elizabeth hearing.
"Thank you," Celia sighed.
"Of course," James smiled. "Although, her Majesty will be very disappointed if I do not marry your sister."
"I've not had the chance to speak with her, but I will."
"Very good," he said. Celia watched him hold back a smile. Her heart swelled for her sister; the man was purely smitten with her. "I'm sorry if this arrangement causes you any difficulties at court."
"I can handle a few snickers and whispers," Celia said. "You've lightened the load that Elizabeth will bring down on me once she hears of my situation, and for that I could not be more grateful."
