by Lucy Langton
“Everyone who survived was bound and taken hostage by the pirates. I remember hearing the cries of my son from my cell aboard the pirate ship. I knew that he was alive. But when I was dropped off at a port in Spain, having been ransomed, I never saw my son again. Since that day, I’ve searched every port looking for him. Every pirate that has come into the English prisons I have questioned and interrogated, hoping to catch word of my son.
“When I heard that a pirate ship from Tripoli had been attacked and its pirates captured, I had little hope left that I would ever find my son after thirty years. But as you can see,” Lord Lucas said as he lifted up James’ left pant leg, displaying the burn marks on his leg, “this man not only looks like me, but bears the same burns that I watched my son endure.”
Loud remarks filled the room as they all considered the Duke’s words. The magistrate had been put in a hard position. If he denied the Duke and sent his alleged son to the gallows, he’d be shunned in society. If he let the pirate go, perhaps it would be better than to earn himself an enemy from such a prestigious family. As the magistrate was making his decision, it was then that Lord Lucas leaned forward and promised the magistrate a large sum of money if he let his son go.
With little needed to convince him otherwise, the magistrate pounded on his gavel, declaring, “Lord Lucas’ son shall be released and pardoned for all actions against the King of England!” There was chaos in the courtroom as the guards removed the chains from James and quickly stepped away. Lord Lucas then quickly led his son from the court room as shouts continued to rain around him.
James didn’t dare look back at his family, knowing that soon his fellow crew members would all be dead. He wanted to part with Leonardo with some words of encouragement, that the afterlife would be kind to the older man who had treated him like a son for so many years. But instead, James gathered the rest of his strength and moved forward, hoping that one day he could put all of this behind him. Now he couldn’t help but wonder if he could see Maria again.
Chapter 30
It was as if James was dreaming. One minute he’d been chained, preparing for his execution. The next he was dining in luxury at his father’s townhouse in London. It all appeared rather odd to him as he was served for the first time in his life. The finery of the townhouse, from its marble floors to the high ceilings and bright chandeliers, stirred the pirate in him. There was much he could steal and sell for a high price. But he had to keep reminding himself that he wasn’t a pirate anymore.
“So, James, tell me about yourself,” Lord Lucas suggested after their meal had come to an end. James had never eaten so much in his life, and as he’d watched his father eat, he tried to refrain from gobbling everything in sight and actually use the silverware.
James wiped his mouth on a napkin as he told his father the same story he’d told Maria the night they drank and listened to the guitar. James smirked, remembering the fond memory. He was eager to discuss Maria with his father once he felt he could trust the man. And once he’d discovered his father’s agenda.
“Ah, your mother’s sister, Bianca. You know, she first appealed to me when I met your mother’s family at the market. Bianca was bubbly and quick to please. But it was your mother, Tanya, who caught my eye because of her beauty and rebellious nature,” Lord Lucas said, remembering the sunny day he’d first cast his eyes upon Tanya.
James was surprised since he hadn’t spoken his mother’s sister name to his father, thus confirming that Lord Lucas really was his father. It made James wonder what it would be like to have a father after all these years. “I’ve always wanted to know more about my mother. Bianca told me only the facts of what happened, but it never really gave me a sense of who my mother was,” James spoke up, in complete awe that he had a real father.
Lord Lucas smiled at his son, having a hard time believing that his dream of thirty years was finally coming true. Though James looked rough from his years at sea, he could still see faint signs of his Tanya in him. “Your mother was the most wonderful woman I have ever met; from here to India, I’ve never met another like her. The ship I was traveling on was docked in Tripoli for a week. That’s all it took for me to fall in love with her, and for her to fall in love with me. Before the ship left, we married in secret and boarded the navy ship as husband and wife, setting our sights on traveling the world with plans to settle in England one day,” Lord Lucas explained, his gaze reaching to a far off place as he recalled the memories.
“There were many things that delighted me about Tanya. She was beautiful both inside and outside. She was kind to everyone she met and had the patience of a saint when dealing with intolerable people,” Lord Lucas said with a chuckle. “Tanya and I enjoyed sailing together, visiting every foreign market in search for small trinkets that would one day decorate our home and remind us of our first trip together. And it wasn’t long before she was expecting you.”
Lord Lucas winked at his son, causing James to smile. He could almost picture what his mother looked in his mind as his father described her. At least now he knew where his love for sailing came from. And the fact that he had two loving parents filled a void in his heart that had been empty for so long, even with his love for Maria.
“The day she died was the worst day in my life. The navy ship had been bound for England because I wanted to settle down now that you had been born. Pirates attacked our ship, killing your mother and setting fire to everything. I watched a young man steal you from your crib after you’d been burned, and as I was tied and bound, I couldn’t get to you. For years the guilt of losing you and your mother has haunted me,” Lord Lucas said, tears coming to his eyes. “I have never taken another wife, and I’ve spent all my days searching for you, praying that you’d survived and were alive somewhere in the world.”
James had his own tears in his eyes as he looked at his father, so many features in his aging face reminding him of his own appearance. It was as though he was looking in a mirror or seeing a picture of himself and of what he would look like later in life. James watched as Lord Lucas wiped his eyes clear of tears and straightened his posture once more.
“But that is all now in the past, and we have a bright future together,” Lord Lucas declared, standing from the table. “Come, my son. We have much to discuss.”
Lord Lucas led his son from the dining room into another fashionable room that Lord Lucas had to explain to James was a sitting room. “Is there is room for every activity?” James asked with a laugh.
Lord Lucas loved the way his son viewed everything and couldn’t help but laugh with him. “In my home, it would more than likely appear so. You see, I am a duke. The next in rank would be the Prince of England. So, as you can very well see, I have enough wealth to live a very comfortable life,” Lord Lucas explained, enjoying being able to watch his son as he thought deeply about all of this.
“I’m very happy for you,” James commented, not knowing what else to say. This time, it was Lord Lucas who laughed heartily, seeing that James had inherited his mother’s kindness.
“My dear son, you are also very wealthy. As my son, you will one day be Duke of Kemberly and inherit all that I have and own. Till that time, you shall want for nothing and I shall educate you on how to manage the dukedom,” Lord Lucas explained.
James became very still then as his father’s words sunk in. It was all rather strange because James had spent his whole life living with the intention of owning his own ship one day. The thought of staying on land for a long period of time didn’t settle well with him. But as he thought about Maria, he knew that if he was going to seek her out, being the son of a duke was bound to give him the chance to finally be with her again.
“You’ll have to forgive me, Father, because this has all been quite sudden. I was fully prepared for death just hours ago, and now I’m being given a second chance at life with the ability to live comfortably. I will not lie and say I’m not a bit overwhelmed,” James said as he looked at his father, hoping the man would show
him a little leniency.
“Of course, James, of course. I don’t expect you to know my way of life by tomorrow. There is still plenty of time to learn these things and I dare say I don’t expect to die anytime soon,” Lord Lucas said, a smile reaching his eyes. James smiled in return, feeling a sense of relief. “We will take things one day at a time and I’ll teach you a little here and there as we go about our days. In time, you can decide for yourself what you want to make of the rest of your life. And when you’re ready, I’d be happy to introduce you to society when you are interested in taking a wife.”
James took his chance, knowing that the best way to make new friends would be to speak with complete honesty. “Father, that is something I would like to discuss with you. You see, there is already an English woman I have fallen in love with,” James declared, shocking his father.
“My word. That I was not expecting. Pray tell, where did you meet such a woman?” Lord Lucas asked, positively intrigued.
James smiled as he dove into his tail of Maria, how he’d met her and the experiences they’d been able to share together in the short time they were aboard a ship. James explained how the navy ship had captured them, having been employed to rescue Maria. And even then, Maria had declared her love for him.
“You see, Father. Now that I am of means and of a prestigious family, like Maria, I want to find a way to see her again and perhaps gain her hand in marriage,” James ended with. He’d watched his father closely, a bit worried about what the man would think of his story.
A smile crept onto the older man’s face as he thought that his son’s love story was very charming. “Well, it seems that you have much to learn about English society in a very short amount of time. In the morning I’ll have Duncan search for the whereabouts of Lord Willcox and we’ll make preparations to visit with him and his family right away,” Lord Lucas declared as he stood with his port in hand. “Now seems as fitting as any time to begin your education. You’ll need to know some things if you’re going to impress Lord Willcox.”
“Thank you, Father,” James said as he stood with the man. “I don’t know how I’ll ever be able to repay what you’ve done for me.”
Lord Lucas clasped his son on the shoulder as he looked deeply into his dark green eyes. “It is the least I could do after I lost your mother. She would be happy to know that we are finally together. I will do her honor justice by ensuring your happiness,” Lord Lucas declared.
For what felt like the dozenth time that day, James was surprised by the kindness of his father as the man led him from his room and towards what he called the study, intent on teaching him all he knew about etiquette, customs, and English culture. James had a feeling that it was going to be a long night. But if it meant that it would allow him to marry Maria one day, then he was ready to work hard to prove himself to her family.
~*~
A fortnight later, Lord Willcox sat in his study, enjoying a good book on a warm day, when Mr. Thatcher came in and delivered him the morning post. Amongst the letters that were addressed mostly to Lady Willcox, Lord Willcox noticed a peculiar letter that he did not recognize the penmanship of. Picking up the letter as he set his book aside, Lord Willcox turned the letter over and gasped as he read the name of the sender.
“Dear Lord, what could the Duke of Kemberly want to write to me for?” Lord Willcox wondered aloud as he tore open the letter and began to read. The more Lord Willcox read, the larger his eyes grew.
“Thatcher!” Lord Willcox called into the open hallway, causing his butler to scurry to the study.
“Yes, my lord?” Mr. Thatcher said, surprised to hear his master shout as he was normally a very mellow man.
“Summon my family in the drawing room at once. I must share some splendid news with them. Have Mrs. Bath bring a tea tray,” Lord Willcox explained as he stood from his desk and followed Mr. Thatcher out of the room and towards the drawing room. Lord Willcox could hardly contain his glee as his family came into the room several minutes later.
“What on earth is going on?” Lady Willcox asked once she noticed the way in which her husband was smiling, rubbing his hands together in anticipation. Maria had settled into a chair to watch what was about to unfold, quick to gather a teacup in her lap as she listened to her parents.
“I’ve just received a very unusual letter from Lord Lucas, Duke of Kemberly,” Lord Willcox announced, causing the room to fall into an instant silence.
“My word, what did the Duke write to you about?” Lady Willcox eventually said as she settled into a chair.
“My dear, he has written to announce his coming into the country, to our very neighbourhood. And, he’s throwing a party so that he might meet everyone. He’s sent as an invitation, hoping we’ll attend and get to meet his son as well,” Lord Willcox explained with excitement, his eyes falling on both his children.
“But, Father, Lord Lucas doesn’t have a son. At least, no one I’ve ever met,” Gregory spoke up, finding this all rather peculiar.
“Indeed, I don’t think I’ve ever heard of Lord Lucas having a son. Do you think he’s illegitimate and that is why they’ve come to the country?” Lady Willcox said, surprised that they would ever be invited to a dinner party of a duke.
“I say we find out,” Lord Willcox offered as he looked at his family. “I wish to respond to Lord Lucas’ letter immediately but wanted to speak with you all on the matter before I did so.” This time Lord Willcox focused his gaze on his daughter as she looked up at him from where she sat.
Maria took a deep breath, knowing that the final decision would rest upon her. She appreciated her father’s kindness but could also tell how excited they all seemed to discover who the duke’s son was. Perhaps it wouldn’t hurt to socialize for an evening. Here in the country, it wasn’t unusual to attend a dinner party, but they were rather infrequent compared to that of Town. She reasoned it couldn’t hurt to spend just one night amongst society.
“I’m sure we’ll all have a lovely time, Father. It will be interesting to discover the story of the Duke’s son since no one has ever heard of there being one,” Maria agreed, at least having something to keep her mind occupied. Perhaps the man was lame and therefore the Duke had kept him hidden for years. There was certainly a story to be told considering the matter, and it would give Maria something to look forward to.
“Fantastic. I shall respond to the Duke this very instant and we shall look forward to this dinner party in a fortnight,” Lord Willcox declared before he quickly left the room.
Lady Willcox chuckled as he watched her husband scurry off. “My dears, you have such a wonderful father. He could very well not have informed us of his decision, but instead he took the time to speak with us first. What a doting father you two have,” Lady Willcox declared as she looked lovingly at her children. “And I can only guess that there will be dancing and such after dinner. I wonder how large of a party it will be.”
“As long as Miss Julia is not present, I believe I’ll have a splendid time,” Gregory announced. Maria couldn’t help but laugh at her brother’s plight. There weren’t too many eligible ladies in the country, and he’d been rather called upon by Miss Julia’s parents.
“You should simply expect to see her so that you may be less displeased, brother. She is of a good family and will no doubt be invited as well,” Maria reasoned as she took a sip of her tea. Though it was lavender, it gave her a funny taste in her mouth. She quickly set the cup aside, curious to know why she didn’t find it comforting like normal.
“I’m quite curious to know which other families have been invited. And with a fortnight to prepare, I’m sure I could discover who has received a letter from the Duke,” Lady Willcox thought, already planning who she’d like to call upon that morning to discover which of her neighbours would be dinning with the Duke and his son as well.
“Well, Mama, I’ll leave you to your discoveries. I’ve been meaning to practice the pianoforte and think I’ll do so now,” Maria said as she sto
od.
“How lovely, dear. I look forward to hearing you play. Perhaps you’ll even be able to play for the Duke,” Lady Willcox said, the thought exciting her more.
“I pray not, Mother. I am out of practice and would not be able to be ready for a performance in even a fortnight,” Maria said with a shake of her head.
“You never know, my dear. You simply never know,” Lady Willcox said as Maria left the drawing room, seeking solitude elsewhere in the house. Though Maria had done her best to appease her family, she herself was not looking forward to the social outing. She’d much rather stay home but didn’t want to offend anyone.