A Gentleman's Prerogative (Unedited Version)

Chapter 12

As the carriage careened and manipulated it's way down the busy cobblestone streets of Paris, Sean took the time to appraise Marioselle's condition. Her maid sat wide eyed, terrified for her lady, wondering what had happened to her. Sean managed to ease the girls worries by telling her Marioselle had simply fainted. If he told her the truth now, she would likely get hysterical. That he couldn't afford to deal with at the moment. He was close to losing control himself.

The drug Chen Li used was incredibly potent, as he witnessed after she shot the Count. The mixture had been strong enough to mobilize the man to the point that Sean had thought him dead.

However, after a his cursory examination, he concluded that Li must have used a lower concentration. Marioselle's color was improving and her heart rate was no longer slowed. She did seem to be a tad sluggish, but that was to be expected.

Still, Sean worried. So he sat there listening for each breath, as her head rested against his shoulder. He would have the ships doctor give her a thorough evaluation once they boarded. Although, the drug wasn't as strong, it still had the potential to be lethal. Had she not been young and healthy, such a substance could have killed her, especially if she had suffered from a weakened heart. He thanked God for that, and prayed there would be no lasting affects on her.

The entire incident had upset him so deeply, that it tore at every fiber of his being. The thought of losing her was making him physically ill inside. It was at that moment that he realized just how important she was to him. He loved her dearly, and he needed her in his life. After this was all over, he would ask her to marry him, he could only hope that she would accept. Especially after what his error had just cost her.

They were getting closer to the wharfs. Sean could smell the acrid aroma coming from the fishermans nets, and the taste of the salty air drifted in through the open windows, clinging to his lips. He licked them out of habit.

As they drew closer, he could hear the ships hulls beating against the docks. The sound so peaceful and rhythmic it could induce a grown man to sleep. Like himself, he thought ironically, as he caught himself fighting to keep his eyes open. What he needed was rest, unfortunately he didnt have that luxury.

He sighed with relief as the carriage finally came to a halt. They had made it. Now all he had to do was get Marioselle and her maid safely on the ship. Then he could put an end to all of this.

He had thought hard on the matter and decided he needed to go back. Chen Li had spared their lives, and now she was in danger. He owed it to the girl to at least try. He didn't know why she chose to stay, however he was fairly certain it was for someone close to her. She had done an hounarable thing by helping him, now she needed his help. Marioselle would understand.

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Marioselle didn't understand. As soon as they boarded and settled in, Sean had Ian call for the ships doctor, an islander he had brought from Wales. He seemed a bit odd, unlike any physician Sean had ever met, however Ian swore by his skills as a healer. The reference was good enough for Sean, therefore he allowed him to proceed. After he ran her through a series of questions and a few physical tests, he pronounced her fit as a fiddle. Whatever that meant, Sean wasn't certain, but he assumed it meant she was going to be fine. He thanked the doctor and asked him to send Ian back in.

When Ian returned Sean filled him and Marioselle in on everything that had happened. He told them of his enlistment from Eton. How he had worked as an agent for several years and why he was in France. They both listened to his story intently, nodding their heads in understanding. When he was finished he answered each of their questions carefully, without divulging confidential information. They were his friends, he knew he could trust them with his life. However, he had sworn an oath to his country, and he took his vows seriously.

He had watched Marioselle's expression as he spoke, wanting to ascertain her reaction. Would she hate him for lying to her? Could she forgive him if she did? He couldn't tell. She hadn't seemed angry, but he could see the hurt look in her eyes at his admission. His secrecy may have destroyed her trust in him, but he would do everything in his power to win it back. That was of course, if she decided to allow him the opportunity. Her next words would tell him soon enough.

"So this is why you pushed me away? Why you sent me that letter? You did it to keep me safe, to protect me?

"Yes."

"You didnt think that was my decision to make? Yet, here I am, still in danger, regardless of your self imposed distance."

"I thought it best. I didn't mean to hurt you. I just wanted to keep you safe. However, I underestimated my enemies, and now they are after you, with intent to hurt me. I'm sorry Marioselle. I never meant for any of this to happen."

"Sean, this is hardly your fault. You couldn't have known that they would come for me. Although, I am unnerved by all of this, I understand why you didn't tell me. I do wish however, that you would have trusted me to decide for myself."

Sean couldn't have loved her more at that moment. Here he had put her in danger, and she still cared for him, had forgiven him. "You are right, I shouldn't have decided for you. I should have given you a choice. It's too late for that now, however. I have already put you in the crosshairs, without your knowledge. Something I meant to avoid. I intend to rectify that soon." He then turned to his friend.

"Ian will you see her to London safely? Jonathon will be able to protect her better there."

"Whatever do you mean?" Cried Marioselle. "Aren't you going with us?"

"I cannot. I must go back and find who is behind all of this. Whomever it is, they are very powerful. If I dont stop them now, we will always be looking over our shoulders."

"Sean, do you think you may have stumbled onto something? It doesn't make sense that they would expose themselves by coming after you and those you love for no reason."

"I didn't think of that Ian. You may be right. I'll have to retrace my steps. Look to see what I missed. What I really I need to do is find Chen Li. She is the key to all of it. Marioselle, I need you to go with Ian. You will be safe at Waverly Hall with your brother. I will join you when all of this is finished. I promise."

"No! I will not leave you here. I'm coming with you."

"Absolutely not! I wont allow it. These are treacherous men. They will not hesitate to kill either of us. You will leave with Ian tonight!"

"You will not allow me? I am not asking for your permission. Do you forget where Marcus found me? I grew up on the streets of London, for god's sake. I know how to protect myself."

Her inflection on the word you, was not lost on him. This wasn't going well at all. The woman was a stubborn creature. If he didn't take her with him, she would only go traipsing off alone. He definitely wouldn't allow that. So, his only recourse would be to take her. At least then he could keep an eye on her.

"Fine, you win. Ian, will you wait for us?" He asked as he pulled a letter from his coat pocket. "If we are not back by morning take this to her grandfather. He will know what to do with it."

"Do not worry, I will wait." He said. "Sean," he called to him as he and Marioselle started to leave the cabin. "If you need help send a messenger. I will gladly watch your back."

"Thank you, my friend. I hope that wont be necessary. "Until tomorrow," he nodded, then walked out the door. Marioselle followed.