“
Oh dear...” Luciana carried on.
“Oh goodness, don't tell me! Marcus, you didn't let her...!”
Luciana let out a tinkly laugh. “Oh darling, don't be so
embarrassed. It happens all the time, poor girls, can't help
themselves around a man like Captain O'Hare.”
Marcus could feel himself sweating. His
mortification at the situation continued to grow. He tried
anxiously to loosen his collar, fighting the feeling of suffocation
that filled the room. Luciana threw him a backwards glance, still
smilingly away.
“
Come here...darling,” she said,
dragging out her words. Marcus crossed the room to stand beside
her, glancing furtively in Kira's direction. He felt the
disapproving eyes of
The Reliance's
cook peering at him, but he could not meet
them.
“
We will all be so delighted to
have such a lovely child join us here. I'm sure my father will be
very interested to hear your stories of life on the docks. God
knows, I could never survive in such a world, but I suppose some
people were made for that sort of thing.”
Luciana stared icily at Kira, while continuing her
high-pitched welcome. When Kira glanced up at her momentarily,
Luciana flashed a frighteningly soothing smile.
“
And darling, we had been waiting
for
The
Reliance
to return before announcing
our news, but I want you to be the first to know. You are Marcus'
ward, after all.” Luciana threw her dainty hand into the air,
commanding the attention of the room. “We're engaged!”
Luciana smiled delightedly, with a look of
expectation at the room's occupants. “Isn't it wonderful?” she
cooed, flashing a large pink diamond on her left hand. She seemed
so enamored with the ring that the stiffness that filled the rest
of the room seemed to escape her.
“
Darling,” Marcus started, a tight
look on his masculine face, “Perhaps we should let our guest settle
in. Malcolm does need to be on his way.” The two sailors exchanged
a glance. Marcus felt a cold pain in his chest at the look of
disappointment he saw in Malcolm's eyes. He could not bear to look
at Kira.
Luciana kept up her attempt at
smoothing over the atmosphere by calling a maid to show Kira to her
room. Kira followed the timid servant up the grand staircase that
stood in the entryway. She felt her heart sinking as she imagined
staying in this majestic home with O'Hare's fiance.
Fiance?
Kira had been right all along about this reckless
rogue and she could feel the anger rising within her. Everyone
seemed so certain Kira would play along, timid little Kira, Marcus
O'Hare's young ward. She felt her mouth tighten. She wanted to
punch him square in the face, that's what she wanted to do.
As Kira fumed, the mousy-haired maid led the way
down a long hall on the second floor. When they reached the door at
the end, the quiet servant showed Kira in. She felt herself gasp in
awe.
The room was extravagant, with vaulted ceilings and
several tall windows. The draperies were a lovely green color that
shimmered softly and accented the intricate design of the white and
lilac rug. What really caught her eye, though, was the majestic bed
that leaned against the left wall.
Carved of a rich mahogany wood, the bed looked fit
for a queen. It was larger than any bed Kira had ever seen and
covered in the most beautiful cream silk duvet. There were pillows
covered in cream and the same shimmery light green of the
drapes.
“
Oh goodness!” Kira exclaimed. For
a moment, the beauty of the room overtook her other concerns.
“Isn't it lovely, ma'am?” The girl said softly.
Kira noted that the maid was very young, about her
own age, and seemed nervous. Her soft brown hair and large gray
eyes made her appear as a vulnerable animal. “Yes, thank you.” Kira
tried hard to smile, unsure if her anger at O'Hare had been
misinterpreted by the girl.
“
I've always thought this guest
room was particularly fine, ma'am,” she said with a curtsy, making
her way to the door. “Oh, excuse me, miss, I nearly forgot. Gowns,
in the wardrobe. I believe they were brought here just for you.”
The shy servant nodded slightly and slipped out the door, closing
it behind her.
Kira rushed to the wardrobe on the far wall.
Pulling open the doors, she was shocked to find three beautiful
dresses hanging there. Kira felt her stomach tighten with
excitement and confusion.
She saw a lovely gown made of a shimmery bronze
color, with pink accents around the collar and skirt. She
especially loved the intricate pattern of the bronze fabric,
lending allure to what she felt was a very sophisticated gown.
The second dress was a light mint green design with
white lace around the collar and sleeves. She looked at it
adoringly and held it to her frame, finding a tall standing mirror
in the corner.
It struck her that the green color was just right
and accented her red hair perfectly. How on earth had Luciana known
what colors to pick? Kira felt shocked that the haughty socialite
would have bothered to pick anything for her to wear at all.
The final gown was a deep purple dress with a very
majestic train. There were accents of emerald green throughout the
design, and Kira felt sure she would look like royalty in it. She
sighed at her reflection in the mirror.
The gowns were perfect, which accented the unkempt
state of her thick hair. Even her face had a smudge of dirt that
had gone unnoticed. She tried to fight the notion that she was
completely out of place here.
Kira looked around the room as emotional exhaustion
began to set in. She sunk onto the soft bed, wishing she didn't
feel so anxious and alone in this intimidating mansion. Her mind
traced over the events of the last hour, watching Luciana proudly
flaunt her beautiful engagement ring and relationship with
Marcus.
Kira almost choked on the feelings of frustration
and pain that rose up in her. How could she be such a fool? And how
could he be so utterly heartless?
She allowed her body to collapse
tiredly on the luxurious bed, feeling a weariness overcome her.
Kira couldn't stand the thought of living here, couldn't handle
watching him with
her
. So close and yet so out of reach. She felt sleep begin to
overtake her, closing her eyes to blink away a few rebellious tears
that would not be quelled.
~~~~~~~~
Marcus escorted Malcolm out, walking into the
cobbled street with the cook. Malcolm planted his feet squarely and
gave his captain a long, tired stare. “It's not my place, sir,” he
started with a fatherly air.
“
But...” Marcus continued for
him.
“
She's a lovely girl, Captain.
Really she is.”
“
I know, Malcolm. That's why I'm
marrying her.”
Malcolm cleared his throat with a small smile.
“Ahem...no sir, I mean Kira.”
Marcus felt his face flame. Was his attraction to
her that obvious? He was doing everything he could to get her out
of his head and still everyone seemed to be determined to keep him
from succeeding.
“
Kira is of no interest to me. I'm
a man. Like any man, it was tempting to have a woman on board.
Spending so much time away can be
difficult
. But that's all it was. A
distraction.” Marcus practically growled through his
teeth.
“
Of course, sir. Who am I to argue
with that?”
Marcus wanted to strangle the portly fellow. He
knew Malcolm had an opinion on the matter.
“
What
is
it?” Marcus said, dragging out
his words with a slight air of contempt.
“
Well, if I may, Captain...”
Malcolm started with caution, knowing he was treading on thin ice.
“I've never seen you distracted before. Never. In all my years as
your cook, you've been the picture of focus, determination, a
forceful will that doesn't waver. But now...”
Marcus ears burned; he wanted to explode with
anger. He was being criticized and he wouldn't stand for it.
“
She's beautiful...” He seethed,
his green eyes flashing with frustration. “Don't you understand?
She's got something, some kind of magic that makes me crazy. What's
a man supposed to do with a beautiful woman in despair, someone who
needs him?!” Marcus ran his hands forcefully through his blonde
hair and tightened his mouth.
“
But that's all. It was a bad
situation. I was
weak.
But I'm not anymore.”
Malcolm looked at the distraught face of his
captain, conflict distorting his features. He patted Marcus on the
back then took a step back.
“
If you've made a decision, I'm
sure you've got the wherewithal to see it through, sir. Forgive me
for butting in.” Malcolm shook his head sadly, thinking he
understood the Captain's own desires more than he did
himself.
Marcus stood in the street for a long while,
kicking at the stones. As Malcolm headed to his own lodging, he
prayed the younger man wouldn't make a decision that he would
struggle with for the rest of his life.
Introductions
Kira awoke to the soft light of early evening
seeping through the windows. She stirred sleepily on the bed,
feeling the soft, silky duvet beneath her.
Her sleep had been restful and restorative, a
welcome escape from the turmoil in her waking life. She blinked her
eyes a few times, realizing she must have slept for several hours.
A rumbling in her stomach caused her thoughts to turn towards
dinner.
A quiet knock at the door prompted Kira to sit up.
“Yes...” she said sleepily. The mousy-haired maid opened the door
stealthily with an apologetic look on her face. “I'm sorry, miss,
if I did wake you. It's just...Miss Luciana says you are to join
everyone for dinner in an hour.” The pale girl smiled meekly at
Kira, seeming to understand her feeling of displacement.
“
Oh, alright, thank you...um,”
Kira searched for a name but could remember none. “It's Maisie,
ma'am.” the girl smiled, tilting her head downward ever so
slightly. Maisie had a slight frame and wore a pale colored dress.
She seemed eager to be of assistance and floated across the room to
open the wardrobe.
“
What about this one, miss?”
Maisie smiled brightly, pulling out the bronze and pink gown that
was so distinctive. Maisie's eyes fell on Kira's wild hair and a
small giggle escaped her mouth. “Course we'll have to get you
bathed first, miss.”
Kira realized she must be a sight and clasped her
hands to her head. She tried her best to smooth the unruly mess of
locks, but had little luck. “Oh dear,” Kira sighed, fighting a
combination of laughter and tears. “I must seem so silly in this
big house, with all these sophisticated people.” A long sigh
escaped her mouth and Kira's shoulders slumped defeatedly.
“
Now, now, Miss Kira...”Maisie
started with a soothing tone. “You needn't be afraid of what anyone
here thinks.” She laid the dress across a chair by the window and
approached the bed.
“
I can fix your hair up right nice
and you'll look just as pretty as any lady there ever was.” She
smiled cautiously, her eyes wide and gentle.
Kira looked up at the kind maid, managing a smile.
“Of course. I'm just feeling sorry for myself.” Plucking up, Kira
swung her feet off the bed and smiled determinedly. “Do your
worst!” she exclaimed.
Delight filled the timid girl's eyes and she led
the way to the bathing room.
~~~~~~~~
Holding her hands over Kira's eyes, Maisie adjusted
the other girl in front of the long mirror in her room. The two had
fallen into a playful kinship right away, sharing stories of their
lives and families.
Kira felt a relief to have discovered at least one
person she could call a friend in this hostile upper-class world.
Maisie was a comforting reminder of the kind of people she had
grown up with.
“
Ready, miss?” Maisie said with a
breath of excitement. Kira nodded rapidly, anxious to see her new
appearance. Removing her hands with a flourish, Maisie announced,
“There!” Eyes widened, Kira took in her reflection. Her attention
flew to the regal arrangement Maisie had created with her
hair.
It was swept up and accentuated the lines of her
face in an enchanting manner. Kira was spellbound, studying her new
image. She'd never worn a corset before and now the feminine curves
of her body were unmistakeable in the gown. There was a soft rosy
glow to her cheeks and her supple lips were the perfect pink. Kira
couldn't stop staring.
“
Oh goodness, you've made me
beautiful,” she exclaimed, stunned by her own reflection. Maisie
beamed proudly, looking at the finished product of her
handiwork.
“
Oh dear, you were beautiful all
on your own! No one will doubt you're a lady now,”she said with
delight. Kira turned and gave Maisie a long embrace. The kindness
of another woman had been something lacking on
The Reliance,
and now Kira felt some
of her loneliness abate.
“
Just got to go down and show
'em,” Maisie said with a forceful laugh. She looked a bit
embarrassed by her enthusiasm and bowed her head slightly. Kira let
out a small laugh and then felt her nerves start to unsettle her.
Bracing herself with one last glance in the mirror, Kira turned to
make her way downstairs.