A Hidden Queen

Chapter 14

The Governor raises his head proudly as he observes Josephine hook her arm within James'. James pats her hand affectionately moving off to the middle of the room. He bows before Josephine, taking her into his arms as they start to dance amongst the crowds. Smithen smiles bring his glass up to his lips.

"You have done well for yourself Governor." A deep voice says beside him.

Smithen raises his eyes up to the military General. General Armstrong was one of the few men who was there for Clinton and Josephine's trial. He still held himself high with confidence.

"Oh?" Smithen asks curiously.

"Josephine. You have done well with her." He points out, gesturing towards the couple. "Who would have known that young lady was the same pirate that stood trial a year ago."

"Oh, do not flatter me too much General. She is far from being a proper woman. I still have a devil of a time with her some days."

"Well, habits are not broken overnight. But still." He pauses, sighing. "I had thought you a fool for suggesting the notion of taking her into your home and reforming her. But I had allowed it considering it was your granddaughter and you had every right to make such a request. But I tell you now Governor, I did not expect such improvement in such a short period of time."

Smithen huffs, not willing to give his opinion on the comment. He brings his glass back up to his lips, silently watching the young couple spin about the dancefloor. Josephine wore a genuine smile, something he has not seen on the young woman since he took her in.

"It would seem Governor, that you have someone else in your corner now." The General points out, gesturing to James. "James Phillips is a fine young man and officer. He may prove useful in beating the remaining pirate out of her."

Smithen sighs, pondering over that thought. Yes, James would help him in getting Josephine up to where she needed to be. But what the General did not know is that the Governor has already promised Josephine to James. He knew that he could not care for Josephine forever, nor could he give her the love that a man her own age could. So, he had struck a deal with James that he could have Josephine if he found a way to court her without others knowing that he himself had set the whole thing up.

He raises an eyebrow as James grabs Josephine's hand. He leads her out of the crowd and into the empty foyer. The heavy doors opening and shutting quietly echoes throughout the house. Smithen would not have noticed it, had he not observed the pair sneak off. He walks to the window, pulling the current back a tad. He scans the area, his eyes landing on the two as they walk down the street hand in hand. A smile spreads across his face.

"There may be hope for her yet." General Armstrong says, noticing the pair out the window.

Smithen sighs contently, "Possibly so General."