Thirty Four Part Two

Violet, Elizabeth, and the King reposed companionably together in the King's study.

Upon he and Betsy's return to the King's private room, Violet had given a detailed accounting of the highwaymen to the King's man.

The man had then left them, to dispatch the additional information, sending even more men to join the riders patrolling the road between London and Marlborough.

Once business had been taken care of, the King suggested to Vi and Betsy a more intimate seating arrangement, their discussion turning to one of a more personal nature

The King relaxed back in his chair, his hands folded upon his lower chest, his legs stretched out and crossed at the ankles, his feet keeping warm before the cheerily lit hearth.

Angled towards the fire, he faced Violet and Elizabeth, as they sat upon the settee across from him.

Now that the King had spent some time acquainting himself with Elizabeth, and this man's crew, the King wanted to gain a deeper knowledge of this pirate his Elizabeth had wed.

The King encouraged Violet to tell him how he became a pirate captain, Violet in turn, recanting the numerous times Ol' Chancey had almost run the Wench aground.

This led to stories of the crew's encounters upon the high seas, Violet recalling the close call with the Barbary ship, also the clash with the Scotsmen that had earned him the Claymore now hanging in the King's collection.

The King asked Violet how he had come upon his skills with swords and rapiers.

Violet's eyes had became bemused, while recanting the sword fight with the Laird upon the Bonny Lass, the amusing amicable ending, and his being gifted with the massive piece.

Now Violet's eyes grew wistful as he remembered a mentor and friend that had left them long before.

"'Twas a Frenchman that sailed under Chauncey many years ago." Violet put an arm around Elizabeth's shoulders, as she cuddled against his side.

The King smiled satisfactorily. The more he saw these two together, the more he could see that they truly seemed meant for one another.

"Michel was a romantic pirate, if you could imagine," Violet's visage became amused along with his memories, "He was a master with the sword, teaching Brutus and I all he could. We worked for hours at the rapiers, until we could at least hold him at bay."

Violet chuckled in remembrance, "After that, he gave us no quarter, until we were both as skilled as he. Then he taught us how to fence for entertainment's value."

Elizabeth laughed, remembering Violet's dip in the sea. The King wondering at her slight blush, as she looked to her lap and recalled helping her gorgeous husband out of his wet breeches that eve.

"I had not thought of Michel in a very long time," Violet grew nostalgic, "He left us in New Orleans long ago, and we have not seen nor heard of him in many years. It was a beautiful Creole woman he left us for. Hopefully, he found what he was looking for in the new country."

Violet prayed that Michel was healthy and happy somewhere, as Vi found he missed the Frenchman. Michel's lute playing, and singing of an evening, under the stars, aboard the softly rocking ship, was a memory Vi had not recalled for some time now.

It had usually been a spot of rum that had inspired Michel on those occasions. Vi could still see the man's face in his mind, as he had sang his sad songs, drunken tears running down his cheeks.

The King sensed Violet's change of mood. He changed the subject, attempting to lighten Violet's line of thought.

"Your mother and Marcus should be joining us soon, I issued an invitation to supper, we should be expecting them any time." The King imparted.

Violet turned from wistful, to glad. Not having spent much time with his father since that revelation had come to pass, he awaited his parents arrival with pleasure.

Violet thought of he and Marcus' last bout with the blades, "I was impressed with Marcus' improvement with the sword, upon my return. I was told you are to thank for getting him up to snuff." Violet chuckled, as he saw the King's brows raise and his eyes light up with merriment.

"I knew 'twas not Marcus who had honed your skills with the blade." The King chuckled.

The King then said ruefully, "I, myself, was much better when Elizabeth's father kept me sharp."

Elizabeth and the King shared a moment, their eyes sparkling at one another.

Goodness, she looked so much like him, the King thought. He was so very thankful that the old wound was beginning to heal. She was a balm to his soul, he thought, as he smiled upon her.

Violet thought of all Marcus had taught him, though their times together had been short, Marcus had taught him many valuable lessons.

"Even though Marcus could not always be there, when he was able to be, he taught me all he could. I can tell you I was very glad of his riding lessons when I departed Marlborough."

Violet spoke honestly, with gratitude, and without regret that his father had not always been present, "I was also blessed to have more than one man in my life to teach me life's lessons, as Brutus' father was also an example."

Violet looked to his little wife lovingly, before returning his gaze to the King, "Mr. Marks was an example of how a good husband should be, and I am very grateful for him also."

Violet had paid close attention through the years to the Marks' marriage. The teasing banter between the two, always given and taken with love and affection. The easily recognizable esteem for one another, always being evident in their eyes and actions.

Violet had observed when they touched one another. A simple kiss when departing the home, a soft caress upon the arm when thanking one another for a kindness that had been bestowed.

Vi could not have asked for a better tutelage, than to simply watch the two of them, then model his own marriage somewhat after theirs.

"I want this for the children we take in. For Elizabeth and I to have a marriage that teaches by example how to love and cherish one's spouse. To teach them life lessons on a daily basis, preparing them with the tools they will need to succeed in life. Then to give them the freedom to pursue whatever gifts the good Lord has given them."

The King could tell Violet had put much thought into these things, that he felt a conviction deep inside his soul to carry through and bring these things about.

Violet went on enthusiastically, "Whether it be husbandry, sailing, blacksmithing, artistry, or architecture, I would like to employ a well rounded staff, giving the youths a broad field to find where their interests lie. To bless their lives with a vocation that will enable them to have better lives than they would have otherwise, and then give them a sense of responsibility to carry forward and bless others as they find their own way through life."

"Teachers such as, mayhap, Miss Merry Whitaker I met today?" The King asked.

"I had not even thought of that," Violet smiled warmly at his ruler, "But yes, exactly such as Miss Whitaker." Violet nodded at the King's insight, "I shall have to ask her if she would be interested in sharing her gift, now that you have thought of it." Violet turned to Elizabeth, "It seems God may have already provided our first teacher, if she be willing." Violet's eyes shone with enthusiasm as he warmed to the idea.

Elizabeth spoke excitedly, "If we pray about this, I have no doubt that God will provide us with exactly whom we need. It is too bad for us, however, that Brutus will still need Michaels, as his carpentry and shipbuilding skills would be an excellent asset."

The King thought upon this, "Is there any reason why he could not use an apprentice or two, teaching them aboard the ship?"

"I do not see why he could not," Violet was enjoying this conversation immensely, as it was growing his dream even more by the moment, "Luke, also, could apprentice young men interested in doctoring, Pete and Sam could mentor the youths interested in sailing."

The King nodded his approval, "I could use good men who were already trained in those areas for my Navy," He tapped his chin with a finger, then pointed it at Violet, "Any youth who proves worthy, and decides he desires to sail the seas as a loyal subject of mine, shall be placed in my service, free of commission."

He grinned at Violet, "My gift to you, for I know you would have served me if you could have afforded a commission yourself."

Violet nodded solemnly, as the King spoke the truth, "Yet.....but is it not true, that if I had gained a commission, there would be a good many children who would not have been saved from evil men or from living their lives as beggars?"

"Very true, Pirate Petals, very true." The King chuckled, as Violet rolled his eyes slightly upon the Monarch's usage of the moniker for himself.

"I am sorry," The King laughed his words, "I amuse myself at your expense. Yet I would not forget your choice of profession in order to accomplish your good deeds." That Violet had used a piratical ruse did amuse him to no end. "Actually, from what Elizabeth has told me I have not met the true pirate, Violet Petals yet.

The King remembered Elizabeth describing Violet's persona of the gay blade, trying to imitate his walk and his flamboyant bowing. She had told him all about Redbeard and that encounter, Violet's behaviour, and her disguise, being the only light part of that conversation.

Betsy sat there quite amused, enjoying every moment of these two men that she loved, working out their future and making plans, getting to know and like one another. She smiled at the King as he teased her husband.

"I implore you to use my given name, my liege, I am Violet or Vi, and as I do not plan on pirating any longer, Pirate Petals is a chapter I hope to leave behind me."

"Unless you choose to carry a wench off once in a while, that is." The King laughed heartily, he had seen a touch of the pirate in the bow Violet had bestowed him with, when Elizabeth had been slung over his back.

Violet also expressed his mirth, chuckling as he held Betsy tighter, looking down into her eyes, "Only the one wench, Sire."

Betsy smirked at Violet, a slight blush crawling up her cheeks, as she looked to the King's amused expression. She wrinkled her nose and glared at him for amusing himself at her expense.

The King decided to change the subject, though he was enjoying himself immensely. He apprised Violet of Marcus' plans, "Your father has hopes of keeping you close, you know." The King imparted.

"I too, would appreciate the opportunity to be close to him, being that we have been kept apart these many years. Yet, I am not sure as to the future, as I have yet to find where God would have us be." Violet thought of the draft in his pocket, generously given to him from the Duke of Marlborough. "I do have help, however, as the Duke has generously provided funds, and the Duchess has promised to raise awareness, and more funds, as much as she is able."

Elizabeth squeezed his hand, smiling brightly his way, she had known the Kent's would help once they heard of Violet's cause. She sent a silent prayer of thanks to the heavens as she saw the hope and conviction in her husband's eyes.

The King nodded, pleased with his Duke and the newly returned Duchess, "I also, will be assisting in your endeavor. You shall receive my donation upon breaking ground, young man." The King nodded nobly, as he realized how good it made him feel to promise his assistance.

"I have positions in the castle that could also use apprentices as we come to find what interests the youths show a penchant for." The King was finding himself as excited about the prospects as Violet was, he had not been involved in such a noble cause for a long time.

He realized, as he sat there conversing with the ex pirate, that he had not been bored since the Earl of Trent had hit his shores, and he was not the least bit bored now.

He was actually feeling quite inspired being around this young man, and he had definitely been happier since Elizabeth had walked into his life.

Yes, the King was quite pleased indeed. "We shall speak more of this in the future, I want to be involved and able to lend assistance when needed, but for now, I would have you indulge me in a little sport before we dine. I have a desire to work up an appetite for supper, and I know just how I would care to do so."

Violet and Betsy exchanged amused glances, as the King stood and rubbed his hands together, "If you would but follow me."

The King walked purposefully from the room, Violet and Betsy keeping up with him, as he took them to a part of the castle they had not been to yet.

As soon as they entered the room that was his destination, Violet grinned in anticipation, as Elizabeth prepared to be thoroughly entertained.

The King gestured to a comfortable seating area, Elizabeth plucking up a side of her skirts and dipping to him, before placing a kiss on her husband's cheek. "Give him no quarter, he will want your best." She whispered to Violet. He winked at her and assured her it would be so.

He then turned and caught the rapier the King tossed his way, before bowing flamboyantly at his foe, then immediately engaging with the Monarch, no en guarde announced, nor needed.

Betsy sat and slipped her shoes from her feet, tucking them up underneath her, as she watched the action commencing in front of her.

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"Have I told you yet this evening how ravishing you are?" Marcus said quietly and appreciatively, as he handed Katy down from the carriage. His eyes roamed over her, aglow in anticipation of the moment he could make her his own. "Does Katherine not look beautiful, Lynwood?"

Lynwood was extremely pleased with the unforeseen changes that had come about.

Lynwood had known Katherine for years. He knew her as well as one could, having taken Marcus south to her cottage himself quite a few times.

He had watched things progress, or rather, had watched the lack of progression, throughout the years.

Even he had wished in the past, much as Marcus had, that Katherine and Violet had been Marcus' true family.

It seemed he and Marcus' wish would soon be a reality.

"Katherine always looks beautiful, my lord." Lynwood nodded at Marcus, smiling satisfactorily at Katherine, before then closing the carriage door.

Katy blushed and flustered.

"You two are partial," She fussed with her skirts, brushing them down lightly in the front and back, "Though I accept your praise, and thank you for it."

Marcus looked quite dapper, having brought a fresh suit of clothes from his estate.

"Have a most wonderful evening, my Lord, my Lady." Lynwood bowed as Katherine flushed again, her eyes darting to Marcus and opening wide.

Marcus laughed his words aloud as he led her to the portal leading to the King's private domain, "You forgot about that part, my Lady?"

Katherine nodded dumbly, as she was set off balance once more, she would be a titled Lady of the ton, good Lord!

Her head spun, and her knees once again became weak, she had been so set off balance by Marcus' proposal that the thought of her becoming a titled member of the ton had not entered her mind.

Lynwood climbed atop the carriage. Setting the team in motion, heading to his daughter's for his own supper, he never looked back. He did not take notice of the man dressed in black, leaning against a lamppost, a short distance away.

Marcus and Katherine's path stretched out before them. Marcus looked down upon Katherine, amused at her flustered state.

Katherine's eyes darted to his, and Marcus felt amused sympathy, as he could only imagine how his Katy girl must feel.

Having been born and raised in her small seaside town, never having left the security of her tight knit community, he knew she must feel intimidated by the thought of socialising with the gentry.

Marcus knew that in time, as his wife, Katherine would find strength and confidence, letting her true self come to the surface. He had watched it happen with the King that afternoon, and after their Monarch, who else truly mattered?

"Have you forgotten you have already gained the King's approval, my Lady?" Marcus teased lightly, his voice warm and approving, sending tremors across her skin.

"I am still trying to comprehend how I came to be here a'tall, Marcus." She blinked up at him bewilderedly, "It should be a wild dream I am having, it is beyond belief how quickly things are happening, I feel caught up in a whirlwind of a sudden." She gazed up at him with wide, violet eyes, "I could never have imagined, standing at my kitchen table a fortnight ago, that I would be here, soon to be your wife, my son wed already." Her face became wreathed with anticipated joy, "Mayhap, a grandchild on the way."

"Keep that thought in mind, my dear Kate, as Violet should be returning soon. If it is not a certainty already, I am sure it will be in due time." Marcus rapped with the door knocker as they smiled conspiratorially at one another, both of them thinking upon that thought, before the door opened and they were admitted entrance into the foyer.

Giving his name, Marcus then escorted Katherine, following the king's man into the maze of corridors that led to a door, which the man opened and then stood aside.

Marcus and Katherine exchanged a pleased glance as they beheld their son, and their King, clashing steel.

A movement and exclamations to their left gained their attention. Swivelling their gazes, they saw Elizabeth half raised up on her knees upon the davenport, her own arm executing moves, sans a blade, shouting advice and encouragement to both men as their swords rang out, both of them fully engrossed in their heated bout.

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The man in black watched covertly as the couple made their way into the castle. Lighting a cheroot as he walked away, he felt his confidence grow.

The King had proven lax in his security measures this day, taking no men with him for protection while visiting Shelly's estate. Hopefully, the King would feel confident enough in the future to do so again.

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