Revised, Published Version

The sunshine cascading through the window seemed to mock Jade's dark mood, as she sat checking her appearance in the looking glass, and sighed. To anyone else, she'd appear quite ordinary. She was anything but. A small smile turned up the corners of her lips while thinking of her time here in London. Jade discovered solace, contentment, and even happiness here, but it was fleeting.

In the span of a sennight, everything changed, only to be replaced by an all-consuming melancholy. Jade didn't even feel anger anymore, just a deep sadness. She would much prefer feeling vexed over the weariness now holding her captive, and did not know how to escape its clutches.

The arrival of Alexander Winferd had sent her into a tailspin, resulting in her gloomy thoughts, and she could foresee the trials that lay ahead. She knew, without a doubt, that Alexander would try to come between her and William and realized they had enough obstacles to overcome without adding him to the mix. She rolled her head left to right, trying to stretch out the knots and lessen the tension in her neck. The cause of her throbbing headache waited downstairs in the drawing room. Today, she'd accompany Mr. Winferd to the docks and give her input on the purchase of a new frigate, and the idea of seeing the man, let alone spending time with him, made her feel ill.

After the stern set down from Abagail, on her recent wanton behavior, Jade stayed away from William's sick room. She knew he would be like a balm to her weary soul if she could just see or speak to him. But alas, she could only daydream about him instead, while holding on to a tiny glimmer of hope.

Jade had a newfound fondness for the night and longed for the precious dreams of William that captivated her mind and soul. She kept her distance and was sure it thrilled that odious and stubborn valet. The man acted more like a guard than a servant. What did he think to accomplish by guarding William against her?

While she longed to speak with William, most of all, she missed him, his mischievous smile, his unfashionable long hair, and his unusual eyes. William's eyes were so enchanting that one look could cause a woman to lose all sensibility. When angry, they changed to the color of the river Thames, shining like a silver signet ring in the moonlight. She even missed their playful banter, yet more than anything, she missed his scorching kiss.

I am a besotted fool for this rake, but he must never know just how much I adore him. Men desire what they cannot attain, but I shan't reject him, not that I ever could. But how do I explain Alexander and our history or his unsavory character? Will he think of me as a silly, paranoid woman? Will he trust me after discovering that the very man I distrust and loath saved Miriam's life? Or deem me foolish and daft?

The sound of a knock brought Jade out of her musings. "Come in," she said, trying to hide her irritation.

Suzanna entered with a curtsy and a skeptical smile. "Miss Fulton..." She stood just inside the door as if moving any further would invade her mistress's privacy.

"Come on in, Suzanna. I'm glad 'tis only you, since I need a friendly face." Jade rose to greet her. "And I'm sorry I've been such a brute this morning. Can you ever forgive me?" She threw Suzanna a tight smile.

"There's not a thing to forgive. You are the kindest person I know, but we all have bad days every now and again. I just pray you don't shoot the messenger." Suzanna grimaced, clasping her hands behind her back.

"Never you, Suzanna. Now let me guess." Jade tilted her head, tapping her finger on her chin. "There is a snake in the drawing room, just waiting to sink his venomous fangs into me?"

"Perhaps..." Suzanna laughed. "And this snake seems rather anxious."

"Well, the repugnant reptile will have to wait!" Jade threw Suzanna a bright smile. "Abby has instructed that I must meet my mother and uncle in his study, and I'm assuming it's about the upcoming ball, or rather, my behavior at said ball. So, Mr. Slither Snake will have to hold his horses. A quick lecture on decorum shouldn't take too long." She winked, grinning at Suzanna.

"Miss, it is good to hear you laugh after being so quiet. I have worried about you." Suzanna reached for Jade's hand, giving it a gentle squeeze.

"'Tis sweet of you to worry, but I'm doing well." It was a lie, but she wouldn't burden Suzanna with her problems. "I just want to get this business over and send that evil bastard back to New York, but I'm also dreading the ball. Still, I feel guilty that everyone has worked so hard on my account and realize most girls would adore a ball in their honor. Shouldn't I want to dress like a princess, sip champagne, and dance with handsome gentlemen until the wee hours of the morning?" Jade sighed and dropped her shoulders in defeat.

"True, but you are not most girls. Try not to worry, miss, you might even enjoy yourself." Suzanna lifted a shoulder and smiled.

Jade raised a brow and crossed her arms. "Please, call me Jade. We are far beyond this 'miss' business. Remember, we are friends, and I've got a feeling I'm going to need all the friends I can get to make it through this madness."

"You can always count on me, Jade," Suzanna declared.

"Touché! I will always be there for you too, Suzanna. Now, I don't want you around that serpent alone, so please find the butler. Is his name Cuthbert?" Jade shot Suzanna a questioning look.

"Yes, Cuthbert." Suzanna giggled at Jade's obvious discomfort.

"Send him to inform Mr. Winferd that I'll join him in a quarter of an hour. Then you and I shall accompany him to the docks, but you must nudge, pinch, or poke me if I forget myself. And I promise to lock away my displeasure for the man and act like a gently bred lady, even if it kills me. I will be so kind that he will think me a changeling."

"I believe I can do that." Suzanna laughed. "This should be a most interesting trip and Abby says you're quite the actress."

Jade snorted with mirth and shrugged. "A girl does what she must. I shall meet you downstairs soon."

She deceived Suzanna with her feigned smiles and laughter, but in reality, it wasn't entirely insincere. No, Suzanna brightened her day, but the melancholy was still there, and Jade tried to shake the blue devils, to no avail. The heavy feeling in her chest, mixed with that of hopelessness, threatened to overtake her.

Jade made her way down the corridor, halting at the top of the grand staircase, longing to march straight to William's bedchamber, just to lay her eyes upon him. She felt one look from him could dispel all her misgivings, but tossed those thoughts from her mind and descended the stairs. Soon, she promised herself.

At the door of the duke's study, she raised her fist to knock, feeling a burn in her jaw, from frowning and clenching her teeth. Jade dropped her hand, shook out the tension, and practiced smiling for a moment, and although it felt silly, it seemed necessary. A relaxed countenance and a smile would be a good start, but she would never fool her mother. After hearing laughter from within, she rapped on the door.

"Enter," her uncle bellowed, and she heard the warmth in his deep baritone voice. Jade arrived in the room, a light grin plastered on the corner of her mouth, but her smile soon turned to genuine surprise. The five people gathered in the study all stood smiling at her.

Jade's uncle and Lord Darnley, the Duke of Windsor, both stood while her mother, aunt, and Abagail sat with silly grins.

Face flushed, Jade gave a low curtsy to both men, then made her way to the plush armchair, and arranged her skirts before taking a seat. The laughter from mere moments before ceased, and a hush now filled the room, causing her concern. Her eyes found Abagail, and Jade lifted her brows in a questioning glance.

Abagail nodded as a mischievous smile traveled up to her glimmering eyes.

"Bella, I believe you should be the one to impart this bit of good news," her uncle said while beaming at Jade.

"What, pray tell, is going on? You all look like the cat that ate the canary." She glanced left and right at the occupants of the room.

"Jade, a proper lady should wait for me to speak," Bella admonished, but her sympathetic expression seemed to soften the blow.

"I'm sorry, Mother, pray, forgive my manners." Jade dropped her head to hide her embarrassment.

"All is forgiven, but you must always remember your manners, and act like the lady of your station at all times. I realize your passion and spirit make you forget yourself and never forget that I love that about you." Bella smiled at her daughter. "But you must accept, you're an aristocrat, my dearest. We will present you to Society for your come-out ball on the morrow, and you must make a good impression."

"Yes, Mother, but I fear the ton will look upon me as a mere cit, a merchant's daughter. Albeit, a very wealthy merchant's daughter." She didn't even try to hide the venom in her words.

"You are the granddaughter and niece of a duke," her uncle announced. "The very essence of a lady and your blood runs blue. There will be some who won't accept you and gossip, but remember, they are a fickle lot, and some will wag their tongues about the scandal your mother created. 'Twas long ago and forgotten, but with both of you back, it's bound to resurface." The Duke of Lancaster shot his sister an encouraging look, then returned his attention back to Jade.

"With that being said, you are a strong girl, yet your heart is soft. I want you to hold your head high, and your behavior must be above reproach. There will be a lot of jealous debutants, fortune hunters, and gossip mongers, but you must take the high road and be the bigger person, never forgetting who you are." The duke regarded Jade, looking proud.

She felt the burn behind her eyes and couldn't stop the flow of tears. "Your words touch me, Uncle, and I will hold my head high, making you all proud. I understand I'm fortunate to be a part of this family and forgive me for being a watering pot." Jade laughed through her tears.

"'Tis quite all right, poppet. Now, we must let your mother give you the good news before she expires from excitement." He chuckled and looked at his sister.

Bella and Abagail rose from their seats and stood before Jade with hands clasped. Tears poured down Abagail's cheeks as Bella said, "The final papers have arrived and I have signed them. I am beyond pleased to inform you that Abby is now your legal sister. Abagail Mercy Fulton, my daughter, at last!" Bella swiped at the tears gathered in her eyes.

Her melancholy forgotten, Jade jumped up with fevered enthusiasm, and the armchair toppled backward as she threw her arms around Abagail and her mother. She tore herself from the embrace, and through her tears said, "I cannot find the words for my happiness! You have always been my sister, Abby, and now 'tis legal. I know Father is smiling down on us from the heavens. His wish is now granted."

"I am honored to have you all as my family. This is the happiest day of my life, and I owe it all to Mr. Fulton. I just wish he could be here today to see how happy he's made me!" Abagail exclaimed and turned to Bella. "Forgive me, Bella. I owe it to you as well. You've loved me like a daughter, and I know not what I would have done without you." Abagail sniffled, tears of joy shone in her eyes.

"We are honored, and you are a blessing to us in so many ways. Now, there is much to discuss: the adoption, the ball, and your inheritance. It has changed a bit with the adoption, and you now have your own money and an enormous dowry." Bella smiled at the astonished look on Abagail's face. "We shall discuss all this later," Bella said and reached for each girl's hand. "I had hoped to speak with you both on a matter of delicacy. There is something Lord Darnley and I would like to tell you. However, Mr. Winferd is waiting for Jade in the drawing room, and I trust you are at ease with this plan?" Bella gave their hands a little squeeze and waited for Jade's reply.

"Yes, Mother, I think it best that I accompany him, but I am taking Suzanna as a chaperone and wish for Abby to accompany me, considering our new and wonderful circumstances." Jade turned to Abagail, pleading with her eyes. "That is, if you would like to go down to the smelly docks?"

"I would love to go. Shall we?" Abagail extended her arm to her sister. Both girls turned and gave curtsies at the door as elation showed in their expressions.

Jade looked at Abagail with a defiant gleam in her eyes. "Now, let's go play nice with the snake in the drawing room."

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Lady Lisa

September 2023 Revised Version