Francis was always told he had to help the family. His father was always power-hungry and so when he could arrange for Francis to wed Nicole, he didn't hesitate. Francis grew up resenting the idea and even when he met her as a baby, he didn't agree with it. As he got older, he prided himself in knowing much about the opposite sex. He did have the occasional visits and each time he did, she got lovelier. He considered that she would make a beautiful bride and if he were going to marry her, he would do it for himself and not because that's what his father wanted.
Over the years, she seemed to have a good upbringing and she was respectable. He knew she knew of the agreement, so when she turned sixteen, he kept a close watch on her. At the first ball she attended with Marie, he heard of Ronald and he was ready to storm out before he was told that his neighbor Austin handled it, even put Ronald in the hospital. Then he heard of Rebecca and grew furious someone would insult his finance in such a manner. Once again, he heard his neighbor handled it, but this time it was Jason. He grew concerned when she refused to attend the next ball. He was ready to go to the door when he saw Austin jump her back fence. He heard the whole thing and was mad enough to tell his father after Austin left. When he found out she went to the ball and that his father threatened her, he was angry. When he found out Henry had beat him, he felt bad because he felt responsible for it. After that, he didn't know how he restrained himself after seeing them together all the time. Austin was courting her and he didn't realize how jealous he was until he challenged him. He felt insulted when he learned Austin had taken off for the army. What was worse was that he had learned that he and Nicole still wrote to each other. Francis was about to make himself known to her when his father grew ill. After his father's passing, everything happened so fast. Before he knew it, he was on a ship heading to the Caribbean. When he got word that Nicole's heart had been shattered, he decided it was time. He wrote to her and for the first time since she wrote back.
My dearest Francis,
The flower is beautiful, thank you. I cant wait to see the estate you are building but did you have to build one for me? I am sorry I have been distant lately and apologize for my behavior early on. I look forward to hearing from you again.
Nicole Bradshaw
It was short and sweet, but she was responding to him. He decided it was best to keep her interest.
My dearest fiance,
Of course, I would have it built for you. This is to be your home and I remember how fond of swimming and riding you are and I wish to make you happy. It is quite alright that you have been distant, you had a lot happening. As for your behavior, you thought you were in love. My only hope is that once you get to know me, you will come to love me, and hopefully, I can make you forget about him. You will always hear from me as long as that is what you want.
Your Francis
Nicole got the letter and was thrilled to read it. It was the only time she actually smiled anymore. She was happy to know that he understood and thought it might actually work and wanted to tell him as much. So she continued to write to him.
Francis,
That is very sweet of you to think of me and my happiness and thank you for understanding. It means so much that you do. And how did you know I like to ride or swim? I do hope this will work and that once we are wed and we know each other more, we will both grow to love one another. I do wish to continue to hear from you and I hope I can actually see you one day.
Nicole
Francis loved hearing her responses. She was so sweet and shy and modest and with each letter, he adored her more and more. He enjoyed their letters back forth and couldn't wait to see her. His only regret is that the first time she would probably see him would not be until their wedding. He always told her what was going on and always kept her up to date with everything happening so she would feel at home when she got to him.
My dearest Nicole,
Construction is running smoothly. One part of the house is finished already and I've been told the stables will be ready by next week. So far, I've had successful meetings with a few ship captains and have bought a few and hired crews. Three warehouses are being built for various items. The weather here is warm and the people here are friendly and welcoming. If you would like, I will have it arranged to have dresses and foods shipped to you so you may experience a little of the culture here. I think you would look absolutely lovely here and I can't wait for your response.
Yours Truly, Francis
Nicole was sitting in the garden when her mother came in with her letter from Francis. She smiled brightly when she saw who it was from and her mother was happy to see her smile again. Marie was announced before she could open it and they read it together.
"He's so sweet. I'm so jealous. Francis really cares for you."
"I know. I only feel bad that I rejected him for so long. He's building this whole thing for me and making sure I feel comfortable there."
"You still think about Austin?"
"Of course I do. But I stopped writing to him months ago. He just stopped responding."
"Why?"
"I'm hoping it's because he just doesn't want to pursue me or he's busy and not that he's dead."
"You would rather hope he hates you?"
"I don't think I could bear it if he were dead."
"Does Francis know you still feel for Austin?"
"No, and he won't. I can't do anything about it. I'll likely never see him again."
They talked more as afternoon tea was brought out. Later that night, she sat at her writing desk and thought about what to say back to him. She smiled and got her ink well and quill.
My dear Francis,
I would enjoy your gifts very much. It's very kind of you to try and make me more knowledgeable about the island. You have accomplished much since being there and Marie says she is positively jealous. She says you are very sweet and very successful. I can not wait to see hear from you one more and the progress you are making with your business and our home. I hope to hear from you soon.
Your dearest Nicole
Francis loved the idea that she called it their home. He loved making her happy so far and hoped she was forgetting about Austin. As time went by and she continued to receive his gifts, she felt better and better and soon even told him she was back in London. Unfortunately, with the business growing so well, he got busier and busier and couldn't write as often. He knew it was upsetting her based on her last letter. When he got a letter from his mother saying Austin was back and he was a Lieutenant-General and that he was in London on assignment. It meant they would run into each other and he feared the worst. He knew he had to write to her or see her. Austin could take her from him again and liked her too much now to give her up. He figured it was time for him to go back anyhow, she would be eighteen in two months, and then she could be his wife.
When he returned to London, he found out that he was too late. A rumor had gone around that the two were seen about together and even that they were the sight to see at many balls. Even though he wanted to wait, he knew he would have to make himself known to her. He wanted to challenge Austin, but it was illegal to challenge one of his majesty's officers. The only thing he could do was try and convince her to stay with him instead of wanting Austin. After what he heard, he knew he had his work cut out for him.
When Henry saw Austin step out of the carriage with Marie and Nicole, he was skeptical. When they walked in, Henry asked to speak with him in his office. Austin agreed and smiled at Nicole and followed Henry inside. Once inside, Austin was very professional. "How are you, Austin?" "I am well, My Lord." "A Lieutenant-General now?" "Yes, My Lord. It is a great honor." "One you earned?" "Not in the way I want to earn it, My Lord." "Tell me." "While in Scotland, a war chief was gathering forces in secret. I was on patrol and happened across him seeking through the woods. I followed and uncovered their whole operation. I told my commanding officer and unfortunately, it ended with us killing about fifteen of them. I feel responsible for their deaths." "But you uncovered an entire rebellion." "Yes and that is why I was promoted." "So, you like Nicole." "Yes, sir, I do." "You really broke
Once back home, she walked in the door, and from the look on her father's face, they both knew it had gotten back here. Henry looked at Austin and scowled. "In my office, now." "No, father. I made my choice." "I know. Things need to be sorted out, my dear." Nicole watched as Austin walked into the office. She wondered what would happen and when Francis would show up. She went with her mother to the parlor and she told her everything and that the kiss was unexpected for both of them but it was the best thing she had ever experienced. "I don't know if it makes sense, but when his lips touched mine, my heart felt like it was dancing." "It makes sense to me. I got the same feeling with your father." "Really?" "Yes, But there is something I must ask you." "What is it?" "Austin is in the army. At any given moment he could be called away and it could be the last you see him. I do believe it's why he let you go
Nicole had walked out of the shop and was waiting for the maid Claire had sent with her. She turned around to look for her when she was snatched from behind. Panic set in as she didn't know what was happening. When she was tossed into the carriage, she took the moment to turn and she paled as she saw Francis. The ride to the docks was rogh as she was tied up and left on the floor. Francis didn't say a word and didn't even look at her as they rode. Once they got to the docks, he pulled her out and took her by the arm and led her onto his ship.Once on the ship, she was thrown into the cabin and the door was shut and locked. She walked over to the window in the cabin and watched with sickening fear as she watched England get smaller and smaller and she feared the worst. Austin arrived a day early and when he showed up at the Birkshire mansion, the authorities were everwhere. Lee was deep in his cups and Jason was trying to calm a hysterical Claire. They were ques
In order to bring Francis and his crew to justice, his ship was towed behind Ryan's. Austin chose to stay on Francis' ship, unable to face Nicole. Not only was he not there when she needed him most, but he failed to protect her. One of his biggest fears was that he was unsure if he was unable to protect her virtue. Nicole woke up in Ryan's cabin and panicked. She didn't know this man sitting in front of her and she looked for Austin. The doctor came in and checked her over, day after day. The doctor finally advised she have no visitors. Her wounds had healed and he confirmed her virtue was intact. He did report that when he told her where Austin was and why she began to cry. She understood that Austin felt like he failed and she could have comforted him about that but what really got her was that he felt shamed by her without even asking her anything. As she thought more about it, she grew angry. A man just kidnapped her but what he cared about was if her virtue was in
Nicole sat in her window and kept watching to see if Austin would return, but after two months, she gave up hope. Maybe he had moved on and that was what was best for him. How could she ever make him happy if he constantly saw her as the worst possible version of herself? She would've come down to him the day he was here, but she couldn't do it. She couldn't see the looks of pity, shame, anger, or even guilt if he had it. She kept herself locked in her room and refused to come out. Food was left for her at her door, but not even Marie had seen her. Nicole told her what happened and why she couldn't face him, even when nothing happened. It was the sting that he thought it did and it hurt. Even if she gave her word, would he believe it? Would he force her to go through an examine and humiliate her just to prove she would be a virginal bride? She didn't dare ask and she didn't want to know. Night after night, she cried for hours. Some nights, she only shed a few tears, and others, her
As Nicole waited on her knees in front of him, she began to cry. His face and emotions were unreadable to her at that moment and she was fearful he would reject her and she felt her heart crumble into a million pieces. His face softened and his eyes grew sorrowful as he saw her tears and joined her on the floor and took her hands in his. He cleared his throat, but she stopped him. "If it's bad, I don't want to know. It'd be easier if you just left." "Nicole, I...." "Autin, please. I need you. Just stay with me." He took a deep breath and stared at her. "I have to go, right now I will be back." "What?" "I'm sorry." Nicole was a mess on the floor as Austin left her heart in pieces when he walked out of the door and basically out of her life. Marie found her and saw the numbing look on her friend's face as she saw Austin leave. She didn't know what to do and then she went t the window and realized that she couldn't do anyt
Nicole had just finished breakfast when Marie came running in. She hooked her by the arm and led her outside. She had just gotten back two days ago and her friend never left her side. Marie looked around and finally sat them down and pulled a letter from her pocket. She handed it to Nicole and Nicole began to shake. "Marie?" "I wrote to him and I am having his letters sent to me so I can give them to you. You can do the same." "Why? You know what he did." "And also know how you've been since he left and your father kicked him out." "Marie...I" "Just read it." She took it out and began to cry. She hugged Marie and walked upstairs. She hurt so much just hearing from him and even though he apologized she couldn't get over it. How could she? She pulled out a piece of paper and wrote back and she hoped she would understand just how much it hurts and she thought this was the best way.
Austin was at the small field hospital checking on his men as the battle had been won and there were many causalities. Austin hated how good he was at fighting and killing but his need to see Nicole again drove him to never stop. While he was talking to the doctor, a couple of men came in with a soldier to see him. Austin walked them to his tent and sat down with them. "How can I help you, gentlemen?" "We are here on behalf of Duke Henry Bradshaw." "What is it? Is it Nicole? What's happened?" "We have this letter." One of them handed the letter over and Austin opened it at seeing Henry's seal. Austin, I know I am the one who ran you off, but I fear I have made a grave mistake. Nicole's ha