A Gentleman's Prerogative (Unedited Version)

Chapter 13

Marioselle followed Sean up the steps with Ian not far behind. Once on deck he stopped and pulled one of the crew men aside. After a quick chat, he placed a few coins into the mans hand and bid him to hurry. The sailor nodded in answer to his request, scurried over the rail, and ran towards a row of delapitated houses.

"Where is he going?" She asked him. Sean didn't answer. "Sean is everything...?

Before she could finish speaking however, Sean grabbed onto the ships rail and began to sway. "Ian!" She screamed reaching out to hold him steady. The big man darted from behind her just in time to catch Sean before he collapsed.

Marioselle ran around and dropped to her knees beside him, placing her palm against his forehead. Dear God! He's burning up. I knew there was something wrong with him. We need to get him in bed."

Ian started barking orders. He called two burly sailors over to carry Sean below deck, then had another go for the doctor. Marioselle followed a cabin boy to the galley. There she grabbed a basin, rags and ordered the ships cook to put on a pot of tea. She ignored the mans grumblings, something about woman, tea, and parlour rooms, and walked away. The old curmudgeons feelings about females onboard were the least of her worries at the moment.

When she got to the room they placed Sean in, one of the crewmen was standing guard outside. She could here a commotion coming from within. It sounded as if Sean was putting up quite a fight. Worried about him, she started for the door only to be stopped by a rather abnormally, large forearm.

"I'm sorry miss, but I cant let you go in there. Cap'ns orders."

"What do you mean I can't go in there. I demand you open that door at once!"

"I cant rightly do that now miss. It aint proper seeing hows they 'ave 'im undressed and all."

Taken aback, Marioselles mouth fell open, and her cheeks blazed in embarrassment at the man's bold explanation as to why she couldn't enter. However, after a second she regained her resolve. Nothing, including Sean's state of dress was going to deter her from attending him. So she lied.

"Sir, that is my husband in there. Now I suggest you step aside and allow me to enter."

"Husband is 'e? The man asked, eyeing her skeptically, scratching his head while looking her over. He pointed to her hand. "Wheres your ring at then?"

"I dont have a ring. We were married tonight. There wasn't time to get one." She said mater a factly, hoping she was convincing enough. The man hesitated, still unsure if he should believe her.

Marioselle stood her ground though, and stared the big oaf straight in the eyes. She hated lying, and she would pay penance for it later, however she needed to get into see Sean. She would do whatever it took. If she had to lie at the gates to Saint Peter, than by God she would, if it meant being by his side. Before the man could come to a decision however, the door opened and Ian stepped out.

"Ian! Thank goodness. Your man here refuses to let me in. How is he? Is he going to be alright?"

"He's quite ill, Marioselle. We need to bring the fever down. He became delirious and fought us, however we were able to get a sleeping drought in him. He's resting now. Doctor Williams will stay with him. Why dont you get some rest, I will call you when he wakes."

"Rest! I cant rest when hes lying there helpless. I should be with him."

"Its not proper Marioselle. Williams stripped him down. He says his body needs to be kept cool, and bathed continuously. Do you understand?" She would have, but then the big Oaf stepped in.

"Cap'n there's nothing improper 'bout a lady tending her husband, he said, as he winked at Marioselle."

"Husband? Are you married then? Sean never said a word to me. When?"

Oh! blast it all. Now she would have to add another lie to her story. She would meet the devil for certain if she continued down this path. Well, at least it would enable her to care for Sean, she justified to herself. What's an eternity in hell, if she could spend a lifetime with him. So she did what she had to. "Yes, we married today, Sean insisted on it. Unfortunately it was quite rushed as someone was trying to kill us."

"Very well then. You may go in. However, I must warn you, he's quite out of his head. He may not recognize you. So please, do not get discouraged, it's just the fever talking. In the meantime, I will send a couple of my men out to inquire about Count Durand's health, and find an address for Madame Lee. She must have wanted Sean to be able to find her if she told him who she was. She's part of the demimonde, so it shouldn't be too hard. A few coins in the right hands and someone will talk"

"Thank you, Ian, for everything. Please, tell your men to be careful, and not to approach Madame Lee. She doesn't know them, and she is quite dangerous. She may kill them if she thinks they are her enemies."

"I will make certain they stay far away. I'll keep you updated if I hear anything." Ian started to leave, but turned back. "Marioselle. Try not to worry too much, he's strong and healthy, he will be fine. Besides, he needs to get better soon, I have a wedding to perform," he said as he winked at her, turned and left the room.

Her jaw dropped, and her cheeks turned crimson, as she stood their staring out the open door. She placed her hands on her hips and shook her head in amusement. He had known she lied to him, yet he still allowed her to go in. She couldn't help but smile at his retreating back.