21
The next morning Jensen and Jacob made the trip to Nesbit's home. They were early enough he was still a bed. He was surprised when his butler came into tell him that the Duke of Richmond and the Duke of Norwich were there to see him. What could his nephew want this early in the morning. He quickly dressed and greeted the men in his study. He sat down behind his desk and tried to look intimidating after all he was older than both boys. It was Jacob who handed Nesbit the letter of warrant for his arrest.
They could both see the color drain from his face when he began reading the warrant. They were both surprised he did not deny the accusations or put up a fight. He just made a comment.
"So, she finally talked?"
Jensen did not need to ask who. Seems Nesbit had known Pauline knew his secret.
"I always wondered when this act would catch up with us. What about the others."
Jensen answered for the first time in his life he felt bad for Nesbit not that he got caught but that he made so many bad choices in life.
"Moss and Cantor were taken in yesterday. You today and after what one of the agents heard I do not know when Landers will be brought in. We have Clementine the Marchioness of Newbury has kindly offered to keep her with her children. We have not found Jane yet, but your brothers want to meet the Baroness."
"I am glad that Jane can finally be a part of the family. She is a good girl and would have done Trudy proud."
Nesbit stood up almost in defeat he seemed to have a bit of defiance about him, but that is how Jensen always saw the old man.
"May I go and tell my wife what is to happen, I would rather your aunt hear it from me than from someone on the street."
Both men nodded and Nesbit walked out of the room resigned to his destiny. Cora was sitting in the sunroom doing her needle point when he walked in. He kissed her on the cheek and pulled a chair over to join her.
"I need to talk to you about something."
She did not put her needle point down she ignored him which is what she always did when she was about to get bad news. Her maid had already told her there were two Dukes downstairs one of course was of Jensen but the other one was the Duke of Norwich. Nesbit put his hands over the needle point to stop her from what she was doing and so she would pay attention to him.
"This is important Cora. I did something unbelievably bad in my youth and they have come to take me to jail for it. I need you to know that when you hear all the bad things I have done you will not look to harshly upon me. Talk kindly to me to our children and know that I never meant to bring you lot into the middle of this. I never thought my sister would talk and life would go on the way it always was."
He could see the tears streaming down Cora's face he wanted to comfort her, but time had run out for him. He kissed her on the cheek one more time and left the room. He went into his chamber and took out his gun. He could never survive in prison and the thought of the hang man's noose was not the way he would choose to go. This would be best for everyone. The whole house heard the shot ring out and everyone, but Cora went up to Nesbit's room where they found him lying on his bed with a bullet through his temple. Jensen could not help but think at least he saved his aunt Cora the embarrassment of a trial.
Jensen and Jacob went to report to Simon and to their amazement Wayne was there with Landers in one piece he was beaten but alive and had no missing parts as far as they could see. They reported Nesbit's suicide and were ready to leave when Moss spoke up.
"He really loved Trudy and was exceptionally good to her. She is buried under a special tree on your estate. It was her favorite tree so when he buried her he planted the tree so she would be at peace."
"What is the name of this special tree?"
"He had it shipped in from Japan it is called a Japanese Maple it is beautiful with all its changing colors. They had read a story together and the tree was drawn in the book and she had told him that was their tree. So, when she died he took all his allowance and bought her one so she would always be happy. He was going to release her and marry her, but when she died he was beside himself. He did right by the babe as well."
"Thank you for that information. It is nice to hear he was not a total monster."
Then Jensen walked out of the room. He needed to go see Johanna he needed to see her and hold her and wrap himself in the love they would share and their future and not the ugly past of his family. He also had a surprise for her, and he could not wait to show her. It was a family secret just for the Dukes and he would share it with her.
When he arrived at Hartford house he was not surprised that his Aunt was already there. Her and Johanna were making plans for the wedding of the Duke of Teck and the future Duchess. The thought of having to go through this twice was nerve racking so Jensen suggestion sounded reasonable at the time but later became a bit burdensome.
"Why not have a double wedding?"
Both women looked up in surprise, but then turned into excitement. Jensen had no idea that Pauline was planning a wedding for the first of May. That was only days away. Jensen cleared his throat and loosened his collar what had he just gotten himself into. He was thinking a wedding at the end of the season not at the beginning. Oh well why put off the inevitable. He did love her. He sat down in front of his aunt he needed to let her know what had happened to Nesbit. He had already sent a message to his uncles.
To his amazement she seemed to take the news of her brother's death quite well. He knew she would be alright when she turned to Johanna and asked her if they should go to Madame Galois to do a bit of shopping for the wedding night. When the ladies returned from their shopping trip Jensen took Johanna to see the surprise he had wanted to show her all day. She thought it funny that he had told her to bring the family crest key she had been given he was going to show her what he thought it was for.
They headed back to Bountiful where he was sure the key would open the secret door Jenner had showed him when he was little. He laughed thinking Jenner might have known all along that Jensen was destined to be the Duke because it was a secret only the Dukes were privy too. Which seemed funny the door was such a secret since no one could open the door, so no one even knew what was behind it.
"Where are we going?"
"You will see. I think I know what the key might have been for."
They walked through the forest of his land and towards the water that circled his property. He carried a lantern in his hand knowing it would soon get dark in this part of the forest. As they walked through he noticed the Japanese Maple Tree Moss had told him about. He made a mental note of where it was and to have Nesbit buried there alongside Trudy. They walked a bit further when they came to the moss-covered door and all the plants that were hanging in front of it. He smiled when he made his announcement.
"We're here!"
"Where here? there is nothing but trees and plants."
He laughed and moved the hanging vines out of the way to reveal the moss-covered door.
"Do you have your key?"
She nodded and got the key out and handed it to him. But he refused to take it.
"You earned it go ahead and see if the key opens it."
"Do you know what's behind the door?"
"I do not. All any of the Dukes knew was there was a mysterious door that we could not seem to open. So, let us see if that key will open the door and we can solve another mystery together."
She carefully extended the key to the lock and smiled when the key fit in the door. She was going to turn it but stopped and looked up at Jensen.
"Let us open it together."
He placed his hand upon hers and together they turned the key. The door creaked and they caught the musty odor of the air and the smell of moss that was growing on the walls behind the door. Jensen took Johanna's hand and together they took a step forward. He held up the lantern to help guide their way. She stopped and looked at Jensen with a warm and infectious smile.
"Do you have a knife?"
He did he had kept one on him since he took the persona of Jack Billings. He pulled it out of his boot and put it into her outstretched hand. He watched as she went over to the wall and cut out a section of moss off the wall.
"To help find our way back out."
He nodded and they started back on their way farther into what seemed to be a hidden cave. Johanna noticed that the ground under them was not moist which was a good thing just that meant the cave did not flood at least not on a regular basis. They walked on. A short distance later Johanna made another mark and they continued. After about an hour of walking they felt a cool breeze they were near an opening, so they kept going.
They stopped just before they turned what they believed to be the final bend.
"Do you smell the sea salt in the air?"
"It is so heavy I can taste it."
He agreed and then walked around the bend to find the most amazing sight either of them had ever seen. It was a large ship docked within the cave. The flags were tattered, but they could tell at one time it had been the flag of a pirate ship. They walked closer seeing that the ship had a dock and up to the gang plank. Jensen check to see if the wood would hold their weight. He was surprised at how strong the wood seemed for being there for who knows how many years.
"You read about my ancestor who was a Pirate what year was that?"
"I believe it was in the late 1600's early 1700's why?"
They stood at the foot of the gang plank looking up to the ship that was over 100 years old. On the side of the ship faded was the name of the ship Fancy. They looked at each other and smile they knew they were going to go explore this ship there was no way they were going to miss this opportunity. They made a forward step to start their way up the gang plank, but Jensen stopped her.
"We need to be careful we do not know what condition the wood is in after all these years. And we do not know if there are any traps."
She gave him a disturbing smile and took another step forward.
"You are not afraid of the unknown your Grace?"
He smiled and followed her but he could not help but think to himself if he had been afraid of the unknown he would not have asked a young woman he had only known for a short time to marry him. They continued up slowly every time Johanna tried to rush them out of her excitement he pulled her back knowing something unexpected could be waiting for them. He had read stories of Pirates when he was younger, and they were not a trusting lot to say the least. It happened suddenly just when her hand slipped out of his she sprang a trap. There was a door in the gang plank that plunged her down about 100 feet or more into the cold water of the Thames. Johanna who was an excellent swimmer did not panic she had never jumped in the water from this high up before but she was confident in her abilities to remain calm and change her position to head first arms outstretched as she had been taught.
Jensen did not know if Johanna could swim and he was not going to take a chance that she could not after all most women of the day could not swim it was something only men were taught. He hit the water seconds behind her, and he franticly searched for her. He found her and went into rescue mode where he placed her on her back, and he swam them to the shore. When they reached safety, he was winded and confused when she started to laugh.
"I do not see what is so funny under the circumstances."
He was on all fours dripping and panting.
"You look like a drowned dog not the stately gentlemen you are."
He started to laugh with her after all he was sure he presented an amusing sight. She sat back up and looked at the gangplank and looked over at Jensen.
"Are you ready to try again?"
"Do not be dim witted you almost were killed this was too dangerous I will hire someone to investigate it."
She stood up and put out her hand to help him up never saying anything. He took the offered hand and she helped him up. Once he was up and trying to shake the water off himself she was already starting up the gangplank.
"Johanna come down from there its dangerous."
"I have not come this far your Grace to be thwarted but a dead pirate is not going to stop me from solving this mystery."
He had no choice he needed to follow her for her own safety. He had to admit he was curious as to what they would find abord the ship. This time they made it all the way up the gangplank without any mishaps and now were standing on the deck of the Fancy.
"I think we should go towards the stern of the ship I believe that is where the Captains quarters is."
"And you know this how?"
"After I found your ancestors journal I did some research."
"Do you always research everything?"
"I like to know everything after all when you have Katie as one of your friends you have to stay sharp on all sorts of subjects."
He could agree with that after all Katie was brilliant and hardly afraid to show it. They headed in the direction she had pointed out and went to explore the captain's chambers. They walked in not sure what to expect from a cabin of a pirate. Jensen was not prepared to see a replica of his study in one part of the cabin and in front of the arched windows was a replica of the dining table at Bountiful. It was amazing the Captain of this ship had taken and recreated a condensed version of the mansion. He did not see a bed then he noticed that instead of a stairway to the top of the bookcases there was one leading to an upper floor. Before he could suggest going up Johanna was already on her way.
He watched as she seemed to admire the place she had a look of awe on her face. He wished she had taken as much time going up the gangplank but no matter he was behind her just encase there were more traps. When they reached the upper floor, Jensen was not surprised to see it was another replica of his bedroom at Bountiful.
"This place looks familiar?"
He laughed she had spent hours in his bedchamber looking for clues.
"It is a replica of my bedchamber."
"Oh, yes I knew I recognized it. On the ship it is most beautiful. She walked to the wardrobe that was in the bedchamber and opened it and found a closet full of clothing. This was a very neatly dressed Pirate all of the clothing was still intact which was amazing after one hundred years, she had to assume that the wood had kept the bugs or the air out to keep them as if the Captain had not used them in a very long time. She took out two sets of clothing and then started to rummage for a belt the clothes might fit Jensen, but they would not stay on her. When she had everything, she needed she went behind the dressing screen and was delighted when she saw something she had only read about a flushing toilet and a bathtub built into the cabin.
"Oh my, your grace you should see this."
"I am sure I should not yet my lady."
She started to laugh, and he did not understand.
"I am not indecent your Grace you may come back here and look at the luxuries your ancestor had upon his ship."
Jensen walked around the screen and found a beautiful wooden cast iron tub. There was a seat with pipes and chains he had never seen before, but it matched the tub and went quite well with the decor.
"It is quite extravagant for a ship do you not think so my Lady?"
"It is exquisite he was a man before his time truly he was."
He started to back away so she could get out of her wet clothing, but she stopped him.
"I am going to need help getting out of my dress. I am so sorry to put you in that position."
Jensen did not mind at all he was very experienced in this area of women's undress, but he was not so sure he would be able to just walk away from her. He reasoned they would be married within a fortnight so if he took a few liberties it would be forgivable. He started to unlace her dress and when he was able to expose a bit of her shoulder he placed a kiss upon it. She shivered but he knew it was not because she was cold.
"Do you like that?"
"Oh yes, it is quite nice. Please continue."
Jensen obliged her. He worked his way to the other shoulder. Soon he had her wet dress off her. To his surprise when the dress fell to the floor and he saw what she was wearing or what she was not wearing. He turned her around to get a better look at her undergarments were linen and only covered her breasts and barely that. Her womanhood was covered with a piece of cloth that resembled a loincloth that was sewed together to cover the sweet spot he so long to bury his stiffened manhood.
"What manner of dress is this?"
Johanna looked down and laughed. She had just gone to Madam Galois upon her arrival to London and purchased a few cooler undergarments. Johanna had been so comfortable she had forgotten she was wearing them. She smiled at him not sure what to say they were historical undergarments something her Cousin Eden had introduced her to.
"I am sorry if it offends you, your Grace but I happened to like the undergarments of the fifteenth century than todays. I do wear proper clothing when it is required but since we are not in a formal social setting, I do not require all the form fitting tight fitting underclothing of the day."
He pulled her to him and kissed her hard and passionately. She took that as he liked what he saw. At first, they stood and kissed each other and then his hand found her breasts and caressed them till he heard her mewing. Then he removed his lips from hers and started to kiss each of her breasts and suckle them causing her to pull him to her bringing them even closer together. Soon she wanted to reciprocate the treatment he was giving her she freed her hands and pulled his shirt open and started to reenact what he was doing. At first she was surprised that his skin was salty and had a hint of a woody taste mixed with a citrus and ginger flavor. She wanted to taste more of him and licked him to get more of his flavor. This time she added spice and cedarwood and a hint of something flowery.
She pulled away from him to get her breath and noticed she was no longer wearing her top she was exposed to the world. He noticed the lack of warmth and the cool air that was now between them. He seemed to come to his senses this was not one of his mistresses or even Pearl this was the woman he would soon love honor and cherish. Not defile and disrespect. He took a step back from her, surprised he even could step back.
"I am so sorry I did not mean to disrespect you. I am truly shamed for my behavior. Please forgive me."
Johanna looked confused and quite satisfied at the same time.
"Is that all there is to lovemaking? Please do not apologize I quite enjoyed it. I am simply confused because there are parts of me that are screaming out for more, but I do not understand the need I feel."
He took her hand and brought her over to the bed and knew he could not leave her wanting more not knowing the bliss two people can share. He pulled a sheet out of one of the drawers under the wooden bed and laid it out, so she did not have to lay on the dusty comforter. Once the sheet was down he picked her up and placed her on the side of the bed. He took her hands and looked into her lovely golden-brown eyes. He wanted to make sure before he took her virginity that she was willing and would not regret what they would share with one another.
"Johanna I will not lie to you I would love to show you what comes after what we have already done but I cannot give back what you will lose. I need you to understand that before we go on."
"You mean my virtue. I am willing to give it to you have you not pledge to me and my family that we will be wed? Then I give it to you gladly and with my full knowledge and consent."
He sent up a silent prayer to god thanking him she did not want him to stop and she was willing to continue with the course of nature and the joys of love making. He divested himself of his clothing and then took her remaining garment off. Before he joined her on the bed he wanted to make her assured that she could ask him about anything and if there was something she wanted him to try he would be more than willing to give her any type of pleasure she could think of. She seemed surprised, she had always been told that love making was for the man's pleasure and not for the woman they were just to lay there and let the men do what they wanted.
"So, if I like something I can tell you and you will do that for me?"
"Yes, I will get pleasure by giving you pleasure, and we will learn to pleasure each other and bring each other to the height of desire. So, if you still want me to continue I will show you how wonderful the two of us together can be."
She moved up and laid fully down on the bed making ready for Jensen to show her the way between a man and woman. He laid down beside her and used his hand running it along her skin.
"You may do what you would like to me touch me anywhere kiss me."
She smiled at him and reached out to take his manhood in her hand and started to stroke and feel. She was wondering how he was going to fit inside of her it seemed impossible.
"What if I am too small to accommodate your largeness?"
"You will not be I promise I will not attempt to breech your maidens head until you are quite ready for me."
"Will you know when that is?"
Her naivety was quite charming. He told her yes and then started to kiss her and moved his finger into the place no one had ever touched her, and he vowed he would show her there was nothing to be afraid of. At first when he touched her womanhood, she tensed but when he spread her legs a bit and stroked her and she started to move to the rhythm his finger was directing her. Soon she was thrashing about the bed. He tried not to smile at her utterances which were a lot of oh my's and oh I like that, and at times she would scream out more. She was still stroking him, and he was growing harder with each of her touches. He was not sure how long he could allow her to keep touching him before he spilled his seed something, he did not want to do by her hand but buried deep within her warmth.
When he thought she was ready he removed his finger and slid down to stroke her with his tongue. When she screamed out the first time she was able to release. He was stunned when after she caught her breath, she pushed him onto his back and started to use her mouth to place kisses starting at his lips then she slowly started to move down. Before she reached his manhood she picked up her head and asked permission to continue which he gladly granted her. Soon she had taken him fully into her mouth and brought him to the brink of his release. He had to stop her he did not want to release like this not for her first time. He switched their position and looked down upon her and first kissed her nose and then smiled at her.
"I need to know if you will be alright if I give us both the release, we both need to make our bodies feel fulfilled? Remember we have not gone so far as for you to have lost your virtue so if you want me to stop now would be a good time to tell me."
She nipped at his nipple and smiled.
"I may have not lost my virtue but if you do not show me what it is my body is screaming for I will have lost my mind. So please show me what it is my body is screaming for my beloved."
With that invitation he plunged deep within her and before he came to the barrier of her maiden head he took her mouth with his and in one quick thrust broke it. He saw her eyes grow wide, but her body was calling him on. She was moving in rhythm to his thrusts soon the two of them were able to share a unique experience of both of their bodies exploding with passion at the exact same time. Once he had finished with his release Jensen partially collapsed upon Johanna.
"Can we do that all the time after we are married?"
He started to chuckle god he had died and gone to heaven. He had never made love to a virgin before, but if he had known it would be so invigorating he might have disregarded his principals and devested more virgins. He pushed himself up looking down in her lovely face.
"Christ Johanna we can spend the rest of our lives making love if that is what you wish to do? You were amazing and it will only get better over time when we know more about each of our likes and dislikes."
"Oh, that sounds lovely. Can we move the wedding up?"
"I think you will survive for a fortnight my love. And if you cannot we will find a way to share another day making love if that is what you wish?"
"I do wish that your grace I do. I know of a very private place aboard a pirate ship if you do not mind. I think I would like to explore the different places love can be made on a sailing vessel."
Jensen must have died and gone to heaven a bride who wanted to spend the rest of their lives making love. The two of them redressed but in the pirates clothing theirs were still wet and made their way back to Bountiful. When they reached the manner house it was late in the evening. They were not even missed but there was a message left for Jensen telling him they could not find the assassin that was after Johanna and that she was still in danger.