Waking early Zeta got dressed and headed downstairs to find Smith had already woken up and was taking care of the horses. “Morning Smith” Smith gave a polite nod “Morning Miss Zeta you’re up rather early.” Zeta smiled “Phoenix and I are going to the farmer’s market; he should be here any time now.” Smith smiled “I must say you two sure have been getting a lot of attention.” Zeta shrugged “What’s new right?” Smith nodded as Phoenix walked up “Mr. Prescott good morning.” Phoenix grinned “Morning Smith you ready to go to market?” Smith nodded “Where’s Joey this morning?” Phoenix laughed “No worries he’s just out picking me up a paper before we leave.” Walking up to Zeta he smiled as he gave a sexy wink then pulled her in close by the waist and kissed her, “Morning love” Zeta giggled “Miss me?” Phoenix smiled “You know I did.” Zeta beamed “Good because I missed you too.” Joey ran up out of breath holding a paper, “I’m here.” Zeta sent Apollo and Artemis up front to ride with Smith then let Phoenix help her inside the coach, Phoenix and Joey followed. Phoenix opened the paper going right to the gossip pages. “Just as I thought, it looks like we have made the papers.” Zeta shrugged “What do they have to say?” Phoenix sighed “For all those ladies rejected by Phoenix Prescott over the years, get ready for disappointment because word is he has fallen and fallen hard for one Zeta Steel. You heard it right London’s eccentric Warlock has finally chosen a woman and it’s the Steel family’s Witch, beautiful, wicked and untamable. Word around town is his dream voyage may now include two, either way they should prove interesting to watch since half the women in town still want Phoenix and now half the men in town after seeing Zeta want her.” Phoenix shook his head “Well their not lying I’ve definitely fallen for you.” Zeta laughed “The Steel family Witch, that’s funny.” Pulling up to the market Phoenix jumped out and helped Zeta out, Joey followed. Holding hands, they walked through the market looking at things and talking and laughing ignoring the fact that every eye there was on them. Occasionally Phoenix would put his arm around her waist and whisper in her ear making her giggle. Zeta went and looked at some figurines while Phoenix gave Joey some money to go and get himself something sweet. Zeta was talking to a man selling jewelry when a man walked up and stood beside her. “Hello Zeta.” Zeta turned and knit her brow in confusion, “Hello do I know you?” The man moved closer “No but you can, I’m Harrison I’ve noticed you around town hard not to.” Zeta stepped back away from him right away feeling uncomfortable “Then I’m sure you have noticed I’m with Phoenix Prescott.” Harrison shrugged “That doesn’t mean you’ll end up with him. Hell you’re the first woman he has shown interest in and he has women hitting on him left and right who says you won’t end up just like one of them.” Zeta stepped back trying to put more distance between them. “He’s the only man I want if it doesn’t work out then so be it that doesn’t mean I’ll take whatever I can get, now if you don’t mind get out of my way.” Harrison got angry as he stepped in her way not letting her pass “Maybe you don’t know what you want, maybe you need to be shown.” Walking up Phoenix pushed him from behind “Maybe you should get the fuck back Harrison, Zeta is with me.” Harrison turned with his arms crossed over his chest “Maybe you should make me.” A crowd started to gather as Phoenix got right up in Harrison’s face “Are you sure you want to do this?” Harrison puffed up his chest “If you think this will be the last time something like this happens over Zeta your wrong, no ring means she’s fair game.” Grabbing Harrison by the shirt Phoenix pushed him back into the side of a building, reaching back his slammed his fist into his face making him fall forward. Gripping the hair on the back of his head Phoenix brought it down onto his knee once then once again lifting his head blood covered his face and had squirted down his shirt. Harrison swung at Phoenix hitting him in the jaw, Phoenix counter punched him in the stomach causing him to fall to his knees about to hit him again Zeta stopped him. “Come on let’s go.” Phoenix pushed him down then stood over him “I see you near Zeta again and I’ll kill you, understood.” Taking Zeta’s hand they walked back to the coach, when they got in Zeta moved over to check his face. “So I can just imagine what tomorrow’s paper will say, maybe we should skip going out to breakfast and just grab a pastry at the coffee shop.” Phoenix nodded “Sounds like a good idea.” When they got to the coffee shop, it wasn’t very busy, Phoenix walked in first holding the door open for Zeta, Apollo and Artemis followed. The man behind the counter started to complain but was stopped by another worker. “That’s Zeta Steel Tommy she can bring her dogs in here if she wants to.” Zeta sat with Apollo and Artemis at her feet while Phoenix ordered them both some coffee. Sitting down he rubbed his jaw “What a day huh?” Zeta sighed “I’d say so; maybe things will start looking up from now on.” Phoenix laughed “Is someone trying to be positive?” Zeta laughed “Me positive yeah well don’t get used to it.” Maxwell walked in “How’s everything going Tommy?” Looking around he saw Zeta and Phoenix and frowned “What are you two doing here?” Phoenix shrugged “Having a cup of coffee is there a problem with that?” Maxwell noticed the dogs and frowned “You brought those mutts in here?” Zeta laughed “Yes Maxwell I did and I don’t see the problem there’s only five people here right now.” Maxwell frowned “Yeah Zeta that’s the problem you never see the problem.” Phoenix stood up “Fine Maxwell we will leave.” Augusto walked in and smiled “There’s my baby girl, where are you heading out too.” Zeta looked at Maxwell and sneered “Leaving because Maxwell doesn’t want us here.” Augusto frowned looking from Maxwell to Zeta “Why is that?” Maxwell shrugged “She’s just trouble pops, not to mention she brought those God damn mutts in here.” Augusto frowned “Last time I checked she has as much stock in the Steel coffee shops as you boys, so how is it you think you can decide whether she can be in here or not.” Maxwell looked pissed “I run this coffee shop, I should be able to decide who’s allowed in here.” Augusto shook his head “Not when it comes to your sister you don’t, damn it Maxwell those dogs aren’t hurting anyone and as far as you running this coffee shop. I can easily hand it over to her to run, it belongs to the Steel family understand, family not sons, never mind.” Turning to Zeta he reached out and lovingly stroked her hair, “Sorry Lil Bit, I saw Miss Lane today she says your gown is ready for your fitting.” Zeta nodded “I’ll head over there when I’m done here.” Augusto shrugged “I was thinking I could pick you up for the Ball and Phoenix could meet us there.” Phoenix nodded “That’s fine with me as long as she walks in with me.” Augusto smiled “I can understand that.” Turning to Maxwell Augusto shook his head in disappointment “Can’t you at least try and get along with your sister, why do you have to be such a grouch on such a nice day?” Phoenix took Zeta hand and walked outside “I’ll see you later tonight.” Zeta looked to see where her father was then turned back and spoke in a whisper “Be careful alright, my father will be staying in town and will probably stop by.” Phoenix chuckled “Father or not I will be there, maybe a little later than usual but I’ll definitely be there.” Leaning in he kissed her then helped her into her coach. “Have fun trying on your gown.” Zeta smiled “See you tonight.” When Zeta arrived at Miss Lanes, she was surprised to find it so busy. Walking in everyone turned and looked at her, right away the whispers started. Zeta rolled her eyes “I guess I should be used to this by now.” Seeing Miss Lane she smiled “My father said my gown was ready for me to try on.” Miss Lane rubbed her hands together with excitement. “Have a seat and I’ll be right with you.” Zeta sat down and watched the other women each one so busy staring at her they forgot why they were there. One young woman studied her for a few moments then walked over and sat next to her. “I have wanted to be with Phoenix Prescott since I was fifteen, everyone thought I was crazy to want him because he’s so dark and strange but I’ve never wanted a man more.” Zeta shrugged “Why are you here telling me this?” The young woman shrugged “I have asked him to every party, Ball, and function in town and never not once did he accept. Then he meets you and three days later he asks you to the Wilcox Ball then he courts you in public and gets in a fight for your honor. I just want to know what you have that I don’t.” Zeta shrugged “Sorry but all I know is he and I have a great connection and a lot in common and I’ve never been in love before but I fell in love with him right away.” The young woman looked hurt “Does he love you?” Zeta shrugged “I don’t know for sure but I hope so because I can’t see living life without him.” Another woman walked up behind her putting her hand on the young woman’s shoulder. “Don’t worry Francis I’m sure it’s just a passing fancy. Phoenix is leaving on his voyage within weeks and there’s no way he will take her along.” Zeta laughed “Yeah keep telling yourself that.” Miss Lane came out “Miss Steel if you’ll follow me I’ll show you your gown I’m sure you want to keep it a secret until tomorrow.” Zeta flashed a smile at the other women as she got up and followed her into the back, turning to Francis she paused “I suggest you find a new man to obsess over cause Phoenix is mine and I don’t plan on letting him go any time soon.” Seeing her dress she bubbled over with excitement “Wow Miss Lane it’s beautiful.” Trying it on it fit perfectly and was easy to put on. “I can’t wait to show up wearing this, Phoenix will love it.” Miss Lane laughed “So will every other man there, Phoenix will have to watch you like a hawk.” Wrapping it up Zeta headed back to her apartment excited about seeing Phoenix later that night. Driving down the road Zeta was surprised to see Captain Crumb walking alone, signaling Smith to stop she jumped out. “Smith, park ahead I only need a moment.” Walking toward him, she gave him a seductive smile “Captain Crumb fancy meeting you here.” Just watching her walk up made the Captain’s heart beat quicken she oozed sex appeal the sway of her hips alone was enough to drive him crazy. “Miss Steel what a nice surprise.” Zeta bit her bottom lip as she smiled up at him “What has you so far from the docks?” The Captain couldn’t help but swallow her up with his eyes “Just meeting an old friend about a shipment and you?” Zeta shrugged “Picking up my dress for the Wilcox Ball.” The Captain nodded “I assume you’ll be attending with Phoenix?” Zeta smiled “Yes in fact I hate these kinds of parties; I’m only going because he asked me. I don’t even get invited anymore; he will be the only one there that even likes me except my family of course.” The Captain frowned “How anyone could not like you I don’t know, hell even I was invited.” Zeta found herself excited at just the thought of the Captain at the ball maybe even a dance if she was lucky. “So I will see you there then?” The Captain shook his head “No Zeta you will not.” Zeta frowned “And why is that?” The Captain reached out and moved a strand of hair away from her face “The only woman I’d even consider taking is already going with somebody else.” Zeta tilted her head to the side “Who is she going with?” The Captain laughed “Phoenix Prescott I do believe.” Zeta couldn’t help but laugh “I swear you’re such a tease.” The Captain laughed “Am I?” Zeta chewed at her bottom lip “I think you can see by my reaction I was already looking forward to you being there and if my luck was good maybe you even honoring me with a dance. Poor me Zeta smiled as she turned and looked back at Smith and her waiting coach. “Damn I have to go, I’m glad I ran into you, maybe I’ll see you again soon.” The Captain nodded “I’d like that, I hope you enjoy the Ball I’m sure you will look enchanting.” Zeta smiled “Good bye Captain.” When she returned to her apartment she found a letter waiting, curious she set down her gown poured herself a glass of wine and sat up in her window seal to read it. Figuring it was from one of her sister in laws giving her advice for the Ball the next day. Dear Miss Zeta Steel, After reading about you and Phoenix Prescott in the gossip pages I quickly came to London to see for myself, how a man so bent on never settling down and finding a wife can turn and within days become serious and even begin to court a woman is beyond me. I like many other women have spent countless hours in pursuit of him, I have even refused offers from other men with the hope he would one day look at me the way he seems to now be looking at you. Having heard of you and your character I can’t see what he sees in you. A lady you are not and you’ll never make an appropriate mother to the children of a man such as him nor the wife he will need later on down the road. His head has been in the clouds for years with this voyage of his, he hasn’t thought about the future beyond it or what he will need in a wife after it’s through. I’m sure you’re exciting to him now, but that won’t last, your colorful character will fade and he will be left with nothing but a memory of what you once could give him. I write to you to ask that you think of him and not just your own personal gain. He is a man of wealth and prestige and you are a nobody living in the shadows of your family’s success. Phoenix and I are meant to be together and I will not back down so easily in fact I plan to approach you both tomorrow night at the Ball and if you truly have any feelings for him you will take a step back and allow him the chance and opportunity to make the right decision and choose me, the feelings that he and I have shared over the years outweigh any that you and he have experienced over the last week once he sees that you will no longer be a factor. Sincerely Colette Bermi Zeta was shocked and well pissed off and looking forward to meeting this woman. A nobody living in the shadow of her family’s success, damn the bitch will be lucky if she didn’t strangle her in front of the whole town. She wondered what Phoenix would think of all this. Phoenix was looking forward to getting to Zeta’s if he could have her with him at all times he would, he had been thinking about how great it would be to have her with him on his voyage it made it all the more exciting and him all the more eager for it to come. Making sure he wasn’t being followed he snuck in through the cellar and up through the floor board to find Zeta sitting up in the window. “Hello, beautiful.” Zeta gave a weak smiled as she jumped down, Phoenix frowned “What’s wrong?” Zeta shrugged as she handed him the letter “This was waiting for me when I got home.” Phoenix took the letter and sat down to read it, when he was through he sighed then threw it down and grabbed Zeta pulling her down into his lap. “Don’t listen to that it’s ridiculous, I want you and I have never wanted anyone else. I’m sick to death of people telling me what I want and what I need. I want you and I need you and I’ll have you no matter what I have to do to get you. Colette has been after me for years and not once did I give her the idea that she and I would ever be together, and I will tell her that tomorrow night. In fact every man and woman at the Ball will know that you and I are together.” Zeta laughed “Oh really and how will they know that?” Phoenix grinned “That’s for me to know and you to find out, now give me some love I’ve missed you.” Zeta smiled as she leaned up to kiss him “Will you be staying tonight?” Phoenix frowned “No honey not tonight, I have a meeting, did you get your gown?” Zeta nodded “Yes, are you going to meet me there?” Phoenix chuckled “I would have rather picked you up but your father wanted to so I’d like it if you could just meet me in the garden around eight o’clock then we can go in together.” Zeta smiled “Alright, I have to admit I’m kind of nervous after the last Ball I went to.” Phoenix smiled “Don’t worry I’ll be with you the whole time.” Zeta sighed “I wonder how many women are going to try to confront us?” Phoenix shrugged “It won’t matter I’ll take care of everything.” After making love Phoenix snuck back out and headed to Maxwell’s to meet with Augusto, Maxwell joined them in the study, Phoenix faced him “Sorry Maxwell but I’d rather speak to your father alone if you don’t mind.” Maxwell groaned Augusto chuckled “You heard him boy out with you.” After he had left Augusto sat down Phoenix followed, “I want to ask Zeta to marry me tomorrow night at the Ball in the gardens before we go in.” Augusto wore an amused expression “Really?” Phoenix remained serious “Yes Sir and I have already made all the plans for her to join me on my voyage, actually, I did that two days ago without her knowing of course.” Augusto was happy it was obvious “Are you sure that’s what you want?” Phoenix nodded “I’ve never been surer about anything before.” Augusto looked to be thinking it over “When will you make the announcement?” Phoenix gave a nervous laugh “At the Ball, I figured I could just introduce her as my fiancée.” Phoenix pulled out a platinum diamond ring and showed it to Augusto. “Do you think she will like it?” Augusto smiled “Yes Son I think she will love it.” Augusto stood and walked to the fire place “Does she have any idea that you plan to ask?” Phoenix shook his head “No Sir not a clue.” Augusto nodded “Where will those damn mutts go while you’re on your voyage?” Phoenix laughed “Captain Crumb says they can come along.” Augusto looked relieved “Good, alright you have my blessing and I’ll keep this to myself.” Phoenix stood and walked toward him with his hand out ready to shake his hand Augusto laughed giving Phoenix a manly hug. “Zeta is lucky to find a man like you, a true match no doubt.” After leaving Maxwell’s Phoenix headed home to tell his father the good news, when he walked in Webster was sitting at his desk. “Planning on staying home tonight are we?” Phoenix laughed “I’m going to ask Zeta to marry me tomorrow night in the gardens before we go to the Ball.” Webster laughed big “Now that’s the best news I’ve heard in ages, you and Zeta what a match I guess you can thank your father for that, your great and wise father.” Phoenix laughed “Yes Pops thank you.” Pulling out the ring he sat it in front of his father “What do you think?” Webster looked at it and smiled “It’s very nice, I’m sure Zeta will love it.” Phoenix nodded in agreement as he put it back into his pocket and walked to the door, “Good night.” That night Declan walked into Captain Crumb’s quarters to find him lounging back in his chair staring at the ceiling. “What has you so quiet in here Captain?” The Captain shrugged “I walked into Zeta Steel today on the street.” Declan laughed “And?” The Captain shrugged “She’s not only beautiful she’s well hell man she’s perfect, her laugh, her humor, her voice alone can put a man into a trance. She’s smart and strong minded and she oozes sex appeal.” Declan laughed “And she will be a married woman within week’s Sir.” The Captain nodded “I know, hell I don’t plan on being unfaithful to Shannon, I’m just thinking about her is all. You know I can control myself and she’s obviously in love with Prescott. Can’t a man dream a little?” Declan smiled “Yeah Captain as long as that’s all it is. Let’s not forget they’ll be living on the Wind Serpent soon enough.” The Captain nodded “How could I forget that.” Zeta took Apollo and Artemis to the park and spent a few hours drawing in her sketch book while it seemed like everybody in town walked by to look at her. After receiving the letter earlier she was curios how the Wilcox Ball would go sure she would meet even more of the women infatuated with Phoenix wondering what they would be like and how Phoenix would act around them.