Seduction Upon A Voyage

Chapter 1

December, 1831
London

Charlene looked up into the gloomy mansion that was now her mother's home. Mother remarried three years after father's death. Charlene could understand her mother's decision to married again. It had been a struggle surviving without father. No, it was more than a struggle. They were chased out of their home, almost left out on the street with nothing save for the clothes on their back. If not for grandmother's coincidental visit, they would be no different then the beggars circulating London's streets. Grandmother also helped begged grandfather for forgiveness. 

That was how mother met Lord Garrett the Marquess of Winchester, one of the oldest surviving marquessate in England. Recently widowed, Lord Garrett was calling on grandfather the day mother, Charlene, and Charles arrived in grandmother's carriage. Lord Garrett came back the next day and the day after and before Charlene knew what happened, mother agreed to married Lord Garrett. Charlene was happy for her. Mother was now Lady Winchester. Charlene knew father would be happy too. 

Grandfather send Charles away to school at Edinburgh a month after they arrived. Still, he visited more often than Erasmus. Charles always brought back presents during his visits. Such as books on the latest discovery of new species, zoology, or new ideas on the development of life on Earth. One of her favorites was Zoonomia by Erasmus Darwin, whom her oldest brother was named after. Reading the book, Charlene could understand why father admired Mr. Darwin. His ideas on the origin of life on Earth was vastly different from all scientists. He unambiguously suggested that all living organisms might have rising from one common ancestor, he named a "living filament." 

Charles went straight from studying to war. Grandfather bought him a commision in Her Majesty's Army. Charles sold it after a couple of years. Charlene was happy that Charles would be coming back but he became a Lieutenant in the Royal Navy instead. Charlene would be more disappointed if not for Charles's letters every months. But his last letter was more than three months ago. That was the main reason for her visit today. Charles's letters were never late. She was worried that something might have happened to him.

Charlene felt her reticule, making sure Charles's letter was still inside. Taking a deep breath, She marched up the steps and knocked on the hazel wooden door. Keil, Lord Garrett's butler, opened the door.

"Good morning Mr. Keil. Is mother up yet? I wish to speak to her." Charlene said, trying to make her voice joyous. 

"Yes, Miss Arwin. Her Ladyship is in the Green Room. She's been expecting you." 

Charlene didn't need to guess why. Mother must already heard about Charlene's outburst with grandfather last evening. But it was expected. How could grandfather forced her to marry Mr. Hackleney? He looked as old as grandfather! Even if Mr. Hackleney was ten years younger and a gentleman in grandfather's eyes, Charlene could not tolerate his attitudes toward her. He even tried to kiss her once! The insufferable old fool! So she stepped on his foot as hard as she could and ran away. Thinking back, Charlene felt stupid telling grandfather about the incident. She should have kept her mouth shut! When grandfather approached Mr. Hackleney about his behaviour, the old fool have the audacity to said that he couldn't stop himself because he was in love with Charlene. He even ask for Charlene's hand in marriage! Charlene felt imprisoned thinking about her possible future. There is no goddamn way she would marry Mr. Hackleney. Over her dead body!

"Would you like to come in now, Miss?" The butler said, bringing Charlene back to the present.

"Yes," Charlene mumbled as she made her way inside. She handed Keil her cloak and walked down the hall toward the Green Room. Before she made it to the door, a small cheery voice called her from behind. She already knew who it belonged to without turning around. As she guessed, Lady Juliet's small form rushed toward her with arms wide open. Charlene couldn't stop the smile forming on her face when she saw the little ten years old that was her half sister. Charlene crouched down in time to welcome her sister's embraces.