Chapter 3
Flint moved rapidly through the crystalline sand, securely clasping Evangeline’s hand tightly in his. His keen sense of perception had him discerning approximately where Lord Webb would search for Evangeline, and he discreetly observed the flicker of torches dancing in the distance from whence they came. He felt sand grains speckle on his boots from Evangeline being hot on his heels. Distract her, his ingenuity screamed at him, if she turns about and notices the blazing beacons on the beach, it may cause her to panic, and his plan to abstract her from the atrocious situation that she found herself in may completely backfire and turn horribly against them.
" We’re almost to the longboat Evangeline…" Flint’s tone was even but authoritative, as to keep her focused on the task at hand. "Keep pace, and we’ll be there before you know it."
Evangeline breathlessly nodded her understanding, furiously concentrating on keeping measure with James, her heart pounding relentlessly in her chest; part from fear; part from the excitement of their spontaneous escape from her scurrilous bridegroom, her hand tingling erratically as James so tightly grasped it.
Flint’s trained eye surveyed the perimeter of the dark beach, searching for any other signs of malfeasance he may have to defend them against. Seeing no other danger, he hastily threw a furtive glance over his shoulder, his gaze flitting protectively over Evangeline, her eyes wide and gleaming with determination, her blonde locks streaming about her as she hurried with him down the beach to her new found salvation. She was like nothing he had ever encountered before. He scowled and gritted his teeth, he didn’t need such impractical distractions at this very moment, and turned his gaze back to the task at hand, observing the longboat he had stashed a few yards from them resting calmly on the shore. But his thoughts raced restlessly as he decisively spirited them to their intended destination.
What in God’s name had made him become this beautiful creature’s savior all of a sudden? He was the most feared pirate captain in Nassau, for fucks sake, not a chivalrous knight in shining armor. He was usually so careful and calculating… not at all impetuous by any means, that was, until he happen to peer into the tepid pools of emerald of the fragile gentlewoman on the beach , and all sense of reason seemed to completely leave his body. He didn’t need this complication at this point of his life, but it was far too late to turn back now, he had made the decision to be her rescuer, and the gnawing realization was that he somehow inherently knew he had made the right decision, something deep within was telling him it was so.
Flint silently cursed, adeptly disciplining his own battle within, and, forcing his attention back to the waiting longboat, skidded furiously to a halt, James’ embrace completely encircling Evangeline’s petit waist , drawing her near to him before depositing her ever so gently in the bow of the waiting skiff. He angrily chided himself, quickly dispelling Evangeline’s delicate scent out of his senses, and scrambled to push the boat further into the swirling waves, before deftly jumping in, pulling up the oars and furiously began rowing them to his waiting vessel, anchored furtively just a mile off to the east of New Providence Island, partially overshadowed by the menial Silver Key.
Evangeline expelled a lengthy relieved breath, and gradually felt her pulse slowly return to normal, happy to be free of the trouble that undoubtedly would have befallen her on the beach. She furtively adjusted her position, quietly observing James forcefully row the longboat through the white capped waves, his muscular biceps obviously straining under the force of rowing the heavy boat with no additional assistance but his own.
Now that she finally had a tranquil moment, she stealthily studied him in the inky darkness that enveloped them. He was quite handsome, in a rugged sort of manner, lean and strong and manly, his expressions unintentionally mirroring his secrets within; Determination commanding his eyes right now, but, there was also a tinge of sadness… of loss… of something that was empty within; something that he tried hard not to convey to the outside world, but to Evangeline’s keen sensibilities, in that very private moment, it was all very clear to her. James portrayed what he wanted to others, take him as he was...he didn’t let anyone close enough to analyze him , or his vulnerabilities swimming just beneath his impervious surface.
Evangeline sat reticent as James continued his journey over the foamy waves, she wasn’t quite sure how to strike up a conversation with him or what they should even converse about. She didn’t formally know him from Adam, but she was sure once they reached their intended destination, they would right that situation very quickly. She let herself relax a bit as they moved forward, and after a while she caught the silhouette of a majestic vessel slicing through the moonlight, her breath catching in her throat at the imposing splendor of it. She was totally astounded, her view taking in the size, beauty and magnificence of it , and she was mystified, that was, until her fascinated gaze discovered the defiant flag fluttering brazenly over the sails, waving unabashedly in the slight tropical breeze.
It was a peculiar looking flag, surely not one of the Royal British Navy or of Spanish descent. Evangeline squinted through the bright moonlight so that she could observe the banner a bit more obviously. WAIT. She gasped in utter astonishment as the flag finally came into her clear view. It undoubtedly had the distinguishing markings of a pyrate regalia, but why would her new found defender be spiriting her off to a pyrate haven? Unless…Evangeline felt a cold chill envelop her body, and she immediately lowered her petrified gaze so that "James" , or so he called himself, wouldn’t catch wind of her new found revelation.
Questions were whirling maddeningly about Evangeline’s head. She, of course, had heard the horror stories about these men from her father and his ilk; that they were loathsome, immoral brutes who held absolutely no regard for the laws of civilized society. Was this gallant gentleman who unselfishly salvaged her from her wicked new husband actually a bloodthirsty, marauding pyrate? Had she just inadvertently placed herself into a more reprehensible situation then she had just been rescued from? Her heart pounded furiously against her breastbone and she coarsely uttered an un-ladylike profanity under her breath.
What in heaven’s name was to become of her now?
Flint’s well muscled arms strained under the weighty oars and the chore of rowing the cumbrous longboat himself the mile or so through the choppy waves to his vessel. He may well have missed Evangeline’s astounded gasp if he had not hastily glanced towards her, all the while heave ho’ing with all his strength to get them both back to The Walrus unscathed and in improved spirits from when they were absconding from their inebriated assailants on the beach.
A furrow of concern touched Flint’s brow as he immediately recognized the cause of Evangeline’s distress. His eyes flitted to the Walrus’ ensign and promptly back to Evangeline’s apprehensive veneer. He realized he had to make her feel at ease before she lamented her decision to come with him and did something she would regret forever before she completely understood.
"Evangeline …Look at me, please. " Flint gently set down the oars as the longboat at last drifted alongside the Walrus. He surmised that she would be conflicted on whether she should board the waiting "pyrate boat" with him or perhaps try to jump overboard, utterly terrified, and attempt to swim the distance back to shore.
Evangeline shivered slightly and tentatively raised her eyes to meet Flint’s imploring stare. Her entire being was in total discord, for "James" didn’t actually come out and tell her who he was on the beach, but when she met his supportive gaze , she could actually feel that this man would bring no harm to her…no matter who or what he was. Just how could that be, if he was actually a pyrate that she had heard so many atrocious tales of?
Flint flashed a contrite smile as he began his explanation. " I realize that I did not tell you that I was involved in pyracy, Evangeline." He kept his tone even and reassuring. " I’m sure you have been regaled with horror stories about pyrates, and though some may ring true, others are fanatical tall tales that are concocted to terrify gentle folk so that they find it easier to jeer and scoff at us and label us the monsters that nightmares are made of."
Flint dared to reach over and cover Evangeline’s delicate hand with his. " Please believe me when I say that you are in NO danger whatsoever from me or my crew, and if you see fit to board this ship with me, I will be more than happy to answer any query that you may have. " Flint expertly scanned the dark waters and nearby beach for any additional trouble that may be lurking about. He squeezed Evangeline’s hand in reliable solidarity . " But , we have to make certain haste, as I am not certain our pursuers have withdrawn quite so easily."
Evangeline nervously held her breath throughout James’ dauntless proclamation, her keen insight not missing his meaning or his affirmation when he offered her absolute security from "his crew." Was he actually a captain of pyrates, did he wield that kind of power over his men and whomever he came into contact with? As confused as she was with the mystery of "James", in reality, she was still more petrified of what her new husband would subject her to given the chance, so she quickly decided that she would take a gamble, hear this pyrate captain out, and then decide on her course of action from there forward.
Evangeline steadfastly entwined her petite fingers into "James’" waiting grasp , and nodding resolutely, confidently gave him her full assurance. "I’m at the ready when you are, Mr. McGraw."
Flint sighed loudly, relief flooding thorough him, thankful that she hadn’t lost her head and had a foolish notion that may have cast her into more immediate danger. He gingerly lifted her from the hull of the longboat and wrapping his hands around her slight waist, guided her gently to the netting of his ship, not missing the slight shiver that trembled through her body.
Flint wrinkled his forehead, hoping that she still wasn’t frightened of him, but also fully aware of the gradual warmth that radiated in the pit of his stomach and circulated into his veins. He was baffled, yet intrigued, over the effect this beauty was having on him, usually it was easy for him to be intimate with a woman and not feel any emotion whatsoever, granted most were whores and just business transactions, but still, even in this early stage, Evangeline held some kind of mystical influence on him.
Just exactly what it was, though, he wasn’t really quite sure yet.
Flint boosted Evangeline up and onto the netting that straddled the side of The Walrus, patiently guiding her rise to the baluster of the majestic ship, his attention solely focused on ushering her safely to the to the vessel’s deck. He was grateful that the entire crew was on sabbatical, as he could already picture their bewildered reactions to him bringing such a refined lady aboard such a treacherous abode. There would be whisperings and innuendos that he would have to quash, and honestly he didn’t have the patience for all of that imprudence at this time.
Evangeline tentatively let James guide her to the deck of the imposing ship, she had never boarded quite this way, she was nervous, but somehow having James accommodate her, there was a sense of security knowing he would get her safely to where he needed her to be. She had faith in her valiant savior.
It seemed like an eternity but with James’ careful navigation, Evangeline finally reached the baluster of the Walrus, when suddenly out of nowhere , a powerful hand snaked over and grasped her wrist, pulling her sharply over the railing and flush onto the lap of a very surprised man, whom she prayed was one of Captain "James’" crew and not an interloper seeking to cause them both harm.
Evangeline didn’t even have a moment to scream, because a split second later, "James" was on top of her and the stranger, drawing Evangeline close to him, and at the same exact time, unsheathing his sword, his intention to bury it deep in the throat of the unknown assailant .
"No!!! Captain Flint…!!! NO!! " The flustered man stuttered nervously. " Wait!! ….WAIT!! …It’s me …..SILVER!!! " John Silver waved his arms wildly about in a show of surrender, praying Flint wouldn’t run him through due to the fact that he didn’t recognize who the trespasser was prowling about on his ship.
Flint instantly halted, scowling ferociously at his quartermaster, John Silver, a protective arm draped tightly around Evangeline’s waist. He gradually lowered his sword and raised a questioning eyebrow at Silver, who in fact, at that very moment, was supposed to be partaking in all that Nassau had to offer, and in turn, Silver shot Flint a surprised glance. What exactly in the name of Hades was going on here?
Evangeline clung tightly to "James" , her head spinning from the velocity of the moment. Did she just hear this man, " Silver" correctly? Did he just call "James" … Captain Flint? As in Captain Flint, the most ferocious and feared pyrate ever to wield his power over Nassau? The infamous tales that she had heard of this Captain Flint … "James" most certainly couldn’t be the nefarious Captain Flint..or....Could he actually be him?
"What in the bloody hell are you doing here all alone and skulking about in the dead of night? " Flint growled irritably, deftly sheathing his sword and gently unhanding Evangeline, now that he was positive that there was no imminent threat against her person.
Silver shrugged sheepishly, grunting painfully as he clumsily brought himself to a standing position, his gaze sweeping appraisingly over Evangeline, questions dancing in his hazel eyes.
"Ummm. Well you see, Captain…" Silver grinned nervously and flushed a bright crimson, his eyes flitting uncomfortably to Evangeline. He obviously found it quite awkward discussing his escapades in front of such an obviously refined lady.
"Ummm..well. There I was minding my own business and having a whale of a time at the whore-" Silver chomped down hard on his lip and sheepishly met Flint’s inquiring stare. "Pardon, I meant to say the local tavern,..and well…" Silver cleared his throat and nervously scratched at his head. "Without getting into too much detail..when it came time to pay for.. umm…shall I say..services rendered....I got into a little disagreement with the whore-" Silver winced and shifted uncomfortably. " I mean… lovely young lady… and the fine establishment decided I was in the wrong..so suffice to say…I probably will not be engaging in any amenities they have to offer for quite some time. "
Captain Flint’s disgruntled glower seemed to penetrate straight into Silver’s soul, and he fidgeted about anxiously. He didn’t want to in any way be on the outs with his Captain, he was sure that he would intensely dislike the consequences. He nonchalantly, and very hastily tried to change the subject by turning towards Evangeline in the way of an introduction.
" Welcome to The Walrus, M’Lady…I’m John Silver, the quartermaster of this magnificent vessel. Silver tipped his head slightly and flashed Evangeline his most engaging smile. " May I inquire as to who you may be?"
Silver’s hope was instantly dashed when he heard Flint angrily clear his throat, the seemingly permanent scowl still aimed in his immediate direction. " NO, you certainly may not."
Flint lightly wrapped his fingers around Evangeline’s upper arm, and commenced to lead Evangeline away from Silver, prompting her progression towards his cabin. He surmised that she had heard Silver proclaim exactly whom he actually was, and she was probably more perplexed than before. They needed to discuss the predicament they found themselves embroiled in, promptly and in absolute privacy.
" What you see here is a very delicate and discreet situation." Flint’s eyes reflected steel , his unrelenting stare chilled Silver’s insides. " You will say nothing about this situation to anyone Mr. Silver… That is a direct order from your Captain." Flint halted for a brief moment, tilted his head towards Silver, his unwavering gaze still locked on Silver’s disconcerted facade . " Please tell me that you understand."
Silver swallowed hard and verified his assent with a curt nod , casting a nervous side long glance at his Captain and the mysterious "guest" he had delivered onto the Walrus. He was insanely curious, of course, who wouldn’t be? But he dared not oppose Captain Flint, as he’d witnessed him destroy many a man for much less then outright imprudence.
Flint nodded sharply at Silver and continued to lead Evangeline gingerly down the steps into the hull of the ship, he could sense her fear, it was almost palatable, but he could also feel that she trusted him, at least enough to listen to his explanation before she passed a biased judgment on him.
Somehow, he felt the need to tell her his narrative, to unburden himself, to make her understand what made him tick..the real him, and not what the world unjustly portrayed him to be.
Evangeline’s heart was beating out of her chest as "James" or Captain Flint, as she now knew him to be, guided her through the darkened hull of The Walrus. She was understandably frightened, but more so, she was intrigued by this man who had gallantly rescued her on the beach, but from the tales regaled of him, he was known to be a vicious, apathetic murderer, without an ounce of remorse for his "victims" whatsoever.
But as apprehensive as she was of the stories relayed of him, just being in his actual presence, she was more fascinated then frightened. She wanted to discover his defense of the horror stories she had been expressed of him. At least he deserved that , being that he had just extricated her from certain abuse from her new husband…or maybe something even more treacherous. And she couldn’t just discard the warm reaction spreading through her nether regions that she had trouble explaining to herself, just by feeling his capable touch.
Flint couldn’t help but notice how soft and delicate Evangeline’s hand was as he led her through the men’s sleeping accommodations , eating area, and finally to the ornate door of the captain’s quarters. He was lost in thought, sheer confusion furrowing his brow, as to just how a woman he had barely just met expounded this kind of effect on him. It made absolutely no sense to him and his analytical way of thinking.
Flint reluctantly released Evangeline’s hand as he opened the door to his cabin and ushered her swiftly inside. Gesturing towards a chair next to his desk he murmured , " Please Evangeline, make yourself comfortable." Flint lifted a decanter of rum and poured them both a long draw of the fiery libation. " I’m sure we could both use some liquid reinforcement right now."
As he handed her a half filled stein, Flint eagerly downed his drink, his eyes peering curiously over the rim to gage Evangeline’s reaction to his humble living quarters. He assumed, her being a lady of some means, she was used to a more luxurious residence; he was a little surprised that she wasn’t even scrutinizing his cabin, that she had quickly quaffed her rum and fixed her luminous emerald eyes directly on his. He was instantly mesmerized, and found it difficult to focus on the task at hand, which was of course, a necessity at this moment.
Evangeline thankfully drunk of her proffered rum, secretly hoping it would help to settle the bout of nerves she was inconveniently suffering. She had countless questions that she required answers to and she needed her druthers about her to even know where to begin.
Flint carefully sat the empty cup of rum on his desk, warily contemplating Evangeline’s mood from his perch in the Captain’s chair. He expelled a weary breath and leaned forward, elbows propped, his sapphire stare meeting Evangeline’s head on. " I assume that you have many questions about me and what you have undoubtedly heard about Captain Flint and his "nefarious" ways. " Flint‘s façade turned reflective, his inner thoughts obviously lacerating his soul and evoking overwhelming conflicting emotions.
Evangeline drew in an expectant breath, half frightened to hear James spin his tale; half captivated to learn how he had come to be the most formidable pyrate captain in the history of Nassau.
Flint took full notice of the fascination lighting Evangeline’s gaze and his spirit was bolstered by it. She actually WANTED to know the story of his history and not condemn him to infamy just by his name alone. It gave him a spark of hope. Lifting the carafe of rum, he sighed in the relief of knowing that he could finally chronicle his history to a sympathetic ear, and who may finally understand, and not see him as a monster and realize the reasons why he had turned rogue and had done the atrocious things he was decidedly accused of.
Flint threw back a lengthy swallow of rum before he initiated his story, meeting Evangeline’s avid gaze with his own hopeful query. The words tumbled out of him so easily, he felt emboldened in her presence ; he could confess everything to her without being prejudged. It was a liberating feeling. England. His mother’s horrid death; His father’s execution.. His grandfather’s patient tutelage of the ways of the sea, ..Nassau….Mr. Gates…his auspicious rise to Captain..his mission and his passions.
Evangeline listened in awe –struck silence, barely breathing, her lucid eyes wide in the antipathy of knowing what "James" had suffered at the hands of England. The greed, deception, and cruelty he had endured were atrocious ; Her emotions ran the gamut from sorrow to anger as she watched him relay his narrative. The misery, the outrage, the obsession for revenge ..All put on display for her to regard. She was transfixed by his fervency as he erupted his mesmerizing recital.
As James neared the conclusion of his unimaginable tale, Evangeline found she felt certain coherence with the embattled Captain. He indeed was actually human and not a merciless monster; He experienced emotions just like the rest of humanity; He suffered; He agonized; He bled. But, as she also learned, he refused to be defeated by the remorseless cowards who tried to have him submit to their submissive ways. Instead, he resolutely rose to the ranks of a pyrate captain to take his vengeance on those who had done their damndest to try to disparage him. Her image of him was completely altered for the better: He was driven by a need to vindicate the vile treatment he and his family endured ; He was not a villainous savage, he was a justified avenger.
Evangeline finally expelled the captivated breath she felt she had been holding since James had began speaking and met his apprehensive expression with her own empathic one. She couldn’t discern if it was the effects of all of the rum she had consumed while James spun his account, or if his impassioned outpouring struck a chord with her, but she abruptly rose from her seat, darted around the desk and flung her arms around a very startled Captain Flint’s neck, embracing him a secure hug in a display of solidarity.
" Oh, James, I could just sense that you were not the savage monster people portrayed you to be !" Evangeline drew back and peered intensely into James’ very relived, but bewildered eyes. " What you have endured at the hands of England is beyond atrocious. I can’t presume that I know exactly how you feel, but I can declare that I’m beginning to comprehend your animosity towards Britain and your need to seek revenge against the empire that treated you with such distain. "
Evangeline tenderly brought her hand up to delicately brush James’ flushed cheek. " I do not interpret your reactions to the abominations you suffered as being monstrous… I see you as you truly are ..A man that is only human and reactionary to the afflictions put upon you by a corrupt regime. Please know that I empathize, and I understand your need for retribution. "
Flint was a bit taken aback by Evangeline’s show of familiarity towards him. Emotions were churning madly through his blood, surely fueled by her proximity to him, perhaps abetted by his copious consumption of all of that sweet dark rum. She was velvety, feminine, compassionate..her full enticing lips a few scarce inches from his.
Flint found himself focused on Evangeline’s bewitching eyes, almost completely adrift in the loveliness of them, but he eventually managed to gather himself and hastily drag himself back into the here and now. He couldn’t allow himself the luxury of desiring her…She was more than likely tipsy and to top it all off she was wedded to a British Lord, albeit unhappily, as he had witness first hand for goodness sake. But still a highly dangerous gamble to try to partake in.
Flint shifted awkwardly in his seat and deliberately cleared his throat. " Evangeline ..I wholeheartedly thank you for allowing me the courtesy of relaying my daunting biography to you and not rushing to damn me for the vengeful acts I commit in retaliation for England’s perverse treatment of my family and I." A deep unburdened sigh flowed heavily out of Flint’s chest , he felt almost purified by
Evangeline’s acceptance of who he was and the reasons that he did the things he did. He carefully studied Evangeline with an inquisitive, yet sympathetic gaze. " Now, Evangeline…Might you be ready to relay to me the events that led up to you being safely ensconced in a pyrate Captain’s quarters in the dead of such an otherwise beautiful evening?"
He allowed a wry grin to touch his lips as Evangeline unsteadily unseated herself from his lap and cautiously went back to her original position in one of Flint’s ornate desk seats. She seemed preoccupied and apprehensive by his straightforward query, not that she didn’t know it was coming, it was only fair after he had professed his soul to her that she reciprocate, she literally felt ill at the thought of having to relive the abhorrence she harbored towards her new groom and her father for literally forcing her to wed him. But for the unselfish hero that valiantly saved her from certain harm, she would find the strength in her to muster through.
Evangeline gestured decisively towards the almost depleted bottle of rum, which Flint promptly handed to her, and watched wordlessly as she took one of many more sustaining swigs of the medicinal liquid. She squeezed her eyes shut for a long moment, as to gather her eddying thoughts, and when she finally hazarded to open them, Flint noticed a steely resolve gleaming in her entrancing pools of jade, and he recognized that she was fully prepared to disclose her past to him.
Evangeline haltingly started to speak, having some difficulty in finding the correct verbiage to property illustrate her life after she arrived on New Providence Island with her father , Lord Powell, in the year 1712, after he inherited a lucrative sugar plantation from his father, who had great success in making the sugar business quite prosperous for him and his family. A far away mist clouded Evangeline’s eyes as she spoke of suddenly having to uproot herself and everything that she was comfortable with in England, to a barely habitable obscure island she knew absolutely nothing of.
It wasn’t exactly the smoothest of transitions for Evangeline, to hear her tell her tale, though the accommodations were competent, she was completely sheltered from the "outside" world as she so desolately called it. Her father was adamant about keeping her at a remote distance from the "pyrate vermin" who inhabited the "bawdy, lecherous town of Nassau". She listlessly whiled away her isolated days in her modest boudoir tediously reading books her father provided for her, and occasionally she was permitted outside to tend to her small garden, an otherwise small haven in the veiled life her father insistently surrendered her to.
All was moving along at a steady albeit tedious pace at the plantation. Evangeline's days were blurred with mind numbing boredom, as her father would never dream to let her even step one foot off of the grounds of the house to explore the beauty that New Providence Island had to offer, all because Nassau, to him, was indeed the actual gateway that led to the fiery damnation of Hades.
Evangeline had caught whispers from the servants of the disreputable inhabitants of Nassau. She overheard them speak of the escapades of mercenary pyrates and tawdry ladies of the evening and even though she should be thoroughly repulsed, instead, her curiosity and imagination were both piqued by the indecent tales, although she would never take it upon herself to defy her father and see with her own eyes if the stories were indeed authentic.
Although exciting and perhaps a respite from her mundane existence that she suffered, it was still not the most prudent or safest trip to embark on all on her lonesome. Although she was inquisitive, she
certainly was not senseless. So Evangeline tolerated her unremarkable regimen and steadfastly obeyed her father’s authority...That was until the ill -fated meeting. This particular day was different than the others.
Evangeline sighed weightily, her knuckles turning white as they tightly constricted around the rum carafe she was heavily sedating herself with. This was going to be the most difficult part to negotiate through, but with the aid of the alcohol running favorably through her veins, and James’ silent encouragement, she knew she had the courage to soldier on.
Evangeline ‘s eyes became stormy as she came to tell James of how her father had "set her up" to meet with a most industrious, handsome, and best of all, single, Lord Webb, who it seemed immediately became entranced with Evangeline’s exquisite beauty.
Evangeline was just wandering in from tending her treasured garden when her father beckoned her from the living room. Apparently there was a visitor he was eager for her to meet. Evangeline swept into the living room in a whirl of crinoline and petticoats, and was met with the most charming gentleman that even in her inexperienced dealings with the stronger sex, knew that he was trying his utmost to impress her and make it known that he was interested in courting her. And in that early blooming stage...with her father's blessing..she let him.
Never would she have imagined that this "well intentioned" Lord would soon become the bane of her existence, and with absolutely no resistance from her father. The discomforting whisperings of how Lord Webb was not as upstanding as he was perceived to be were soon confirmed by the manor’s stable master, much to her bewilderment and distress. Yet, her father still planned to partner in business with the immensely well connected and wealthy Lord Webb, and he had no qualms in utilizing her as a bargaining chip, even though he was well aware of the Lord's sordid ways with lewd woman and cheap liquor.
As much as she protested and objected to her father about her involvement with the salacious Lord, he did nothing to dissuade Lord Webb from continuing to pursue her, which he did as if nothing was amiss, even to go as for telling Evangeline that soon she would belong to him forever, which terrified her and even caused her to become physically ill. Her only saving grace was that she clung too was there was no plausible way her father would permit this abuser of woman and alcohol to be allowed to marry his only daughter.
A single excruciating tear overflowed Evangeline’s watery gaze and rolled listlessly down her cheek. Flint’s recesses turned cold at the sight of Evangeline’s visible sorrow; He leaned over the desk and delicately brushed the somber evidence from her face, hoping the sympathetic gesture would quell some of the obvious anguish that was torturing her at that moment.
Evangeline ‘s gaze softened, a grateful smile starting on her lips, and aided by James’ show of empathy, she continued on.
Despite all of her heated outcries and obvious turmoil she adamantly displayed to her father, it apparently was all for naught. Much to her utter dismay, a wedding date was set… The sooner the better, according to both Lords’ stringent timelines. Her inner being was in absolute turmoil as wedding preparations were planned all around her, she felt lost, hopeless and totally humiliated, especially when she caught the arrogant and crass looks that her unwanted fiancé was imparting on her.
Evangeline firmly swallowed back her revulsion as she apprehensively relayed to James the vile whisperings that Lord Webb would expose her to when there was no one about to discount him. About the immoral way he wanted to take her on their wedding night, the crude and obscene acts that he would have her suffer to satisfy his perverse sexual desires.
Flint hastily turned his gaze away from Evangeline, gritting his teeth to help dissuade the rage that was starting that all too familiar slow burn through his veins. He was uncomfortably accustomed to dealing with the arrogance of British Lords, who felt it their God-given right to wield their illusory power over their much less defenseless victims, and apparently feel no remorse in doing so. And yet they had the audacity to call him a savage. Fuck every last self important one of them.
Evangeline sighed heavily, her head spinning with the effects of the rum and total exhaustion, her story almost to the point of conclusion, or better said, to where her fate inexplicably intertwined with James’ when he valiantly rescued her from the clutches of her sadistic husband. " And even with all of the misgivings that I endlessly relayed to my father, he still had me pair with this monstrous brute…All for the sake of procuring even more wealth and power..using his only daughter as a hapless pawn in his merciless game."
Evangeline wiped tiredly at her stinging eyes. She was utterly emotionally and physically spent, and to top it all off she had a relentless headache. They had been conversing and drinking for hours on end and now the effects of this frenzied evening were staring to catch up with her.
Flint sat silent, lingering for a moment, partly trying to process the callousness and barbarity Evangeline had been subjected to, and partly, trying his damndest to quell the undeniable rage that he realized was doing its’ best to overtake his entire being. He was furious at how yet again the monarchy’s subjects felt they could toy with the less affluent and somehow not be persecuted for their narcissistic discrepancies. He fervently cleared this throat, inwardly tamping the rage down into the dark abyss, something he realized he would have to contend with at an ensuing time; Evangeline needed his full consideration at this precise moment.