A Hidden Queen

Chapter 16

James places a hand on Josephine's back as a servant leads the pair to a sitting room in the back half of the house. Smithen glances up from his book, smiling brightly at the couple. He takes his glasses off, resting them against his knee.

"Back so soon? Did you two enjoy your walk?" Smithen asks pleasantly.

"Yes, we did actually. James showed me a beautiful view of the harbor." Josephine states.

"The harbor? My goodness boy why would you show her that? She gets enough of that here at the house."

"Because grandfather James has been promoted to commodore and he has his first commission." Josephine beams proudly.

"My boy. Which vessel did you receive?"

"The Governor sir." James states mildly.

"And he has agreed to take me along. So, if you don't mind, I have to go pack." Josephine rushes out.

"Hold it." Smithen commands. "What do you mean you have to pack?"

"Well." Josephine pauses. "James has the explanation for that!"

Josephine shoves James forward closer to her grandfather. James stumbles forward a bit catching his balance at the last second. He turns, glaring at Josephine. She merely jerks her head towards Smithen. James growls, gesturing his hands upwards. Josephine smiles devilishly shrugging her shoulders.

"And how would you like to explain this packing to me son?" Smithen clears his throat.

James flinches, raising his eyes before turning to face the man. "Well sir. I would like to take Josephine with me on the trip. She has inquired of me to take her. That is if it is alright with you sir." He tries to concede.

Smithen sits in his chair ominously. He taps his glasses against his knee in an irritated rhythm. The vibrant green eyes dart back and forth between the couple. He settles glaring at Josephine a bit, who just glares right back at him, before resting those intense eyes on James. James licks his lips waiting for the berating he knows he is about to get. Smithen sighs, slowly closing his book.

"Josephine darling, will you give us a minute?" Smithen asks.

"I'm not sure I should." Josephine is cut off by an icy stare.

"Josephine. Leave, now." He hisses.

Joe glances at Smithen, then James, before excusing herself from the presence of the men. James groans as she walks through the archway of the room. Smithen gestures for him to take a seat in the chair next to him. James rearranges his sword allowing him to sit more comfortably. The light brown eyes moved about the room, never focusing on one thing for too long. They finally focus on Smithen, as James can feel his intense stare on him. Smithen leans over, placing his book on the tea table between them.

"Tell me James, do you think that decision is a wise one?"

"I do believe it is sir. It is not like Josephine would let me have a say in it." He remarks jokingly.

"You have every say young man. You are the gentlemen; she is the woman. You have every right to tell her no and enforce it. She has none to be making demands of you." Smithen bites out. He sighs heavily, rubbing at his brow. "I had thought we had curbed that attitude of hers. She should know her place in society by now."

"Well, she is a stubborn one sir. Even my efforts have gone on deaf ears at times." James offers.

"That is not comforting James. She is still determined to be a part of that wretched life she had before. I am at my wits end with her."

"I understand Governor, which is why I was allowing her to come with me. I think it can present a perfect opportunity in curbing her behavior and molding her into a perfect proper lady."

"Oh? How so?"

"While on the voyage she will be under my care. A ship is run much differently than a household."

"She has lived on a ship before James, I doubt it will be foreign to her."

"Perhaps. But she has not been a naval ship before. There is a pecking order that is established on the ship from the very beginning, and she will have to learn her place among it quickly."

"She will still speak her mind. Even mouth off or charge first if she feels she had to. Have you even considered the danger that may come about this voyage?"

"That has been seen to it. She has promised me that she will obey me no matter what. But if she does not and decides to mouth off as you so put it. Well, she will be dealt with no different than my men."

"Now see here James." Smithen seethes, leaning towards the young man. "You will not harm Josephine. You may do as you see fit with her as I have kept my promise in giving her to you in courting and marriage. But, if Josephine comes back with any marks on her that is not sustained from her own hands, I will revoke my other privileges I have bestowed on you because of being with Josephine. Do I make myself clear?"

"So, I get to take her with me then?" He questions, ignoring Smithen's warning.

"James." He snips.

"Do not worry good Governor. She will be handled with the most delicacy as I can muster." James reassures.

Smithen eyes him for a moment, "Alright Commodore. You may take her with you. And if you succeed in making her a more suitable woman, well I will make sure that she marries you the second you two get back and I will restore the other things we have discussed as well. Just please try to bring back my granddaughter in one piece. I beg of you." Smithen counters with humor.

James leans back in his chair, relaxing into the soft fabric, "I will sir."

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Josephine leans her head against the wall. She takes in a deep breath trying her best to hold back the tears the prick at the corner of her eyes. When Smithen had asked her to leave she could not bring herself to go far. So, she pressed her back up against the wall on the other side of the archway. She listened intently to the whole conversation. Her heart became heavy as she heard James' real want in bringing her along. It finally broke when she heard the governor say that he had given James much to be with her. So, was James really with her because he loved her? Or was it all for the fame and promise of riches? She thinks bitterly. The merriment of the two men fills the silence. It engulfs her like a poisonous cloud. Josephine rests her shaking hand on her forehead.

"What was she to do now?" She mutters sadly.