The day of Thomas and Mrs Octania’s announcement finally arrived, but Christine refused to go. She told James she had a splitting headache but they both knew the truth: she didn’t want to face Thomas.

“Are you certain you don’t want me to stay with you?” James asked, truly just wanting a reason to stay too

“I’ll be alright,” Christine replied, lounging on the sitting room couch

James sighed and left the house. He stood on the front steps for a while and finally decided to visit the ship docks. He didn’t want to hear what the announcement was anyway. He walked down a different street to avoid Eric and started to smile when he saw his only friend, Nickolas. His smile faded when Nickolas didn’t smile back, as he locked the gates to the ports.

“Nickolas old chap!” James pat him on the back, “What’s been going?”

“Oh hello James!” Nickolas said, “glad to see you, friend…wish it were under better circumstances”

James looked at the locket gate.

“We had to let off several sailors recently, running too low on funds. It’s hard to watch, Waltz, most of the blokes have families to take care of”

“I imagine so”

“Speaking of such….you’re a married man now! Haven’t seen you since years ago, who’s the lucky girl?”

James sighed, “I married Christine Octania….wouldn’t say she’s a lucky one”

Nickolas laughed, “With a dashing and delightful man like you? Don’t sell yourself short! She’s Lady Octania’s daughter? I know who you’re speaking of….she’s a catch”

“Uh….yeah,” James looked around

Nickolas shifted his weight, “say….didn’t her father die? When was that?”

“About seven years ago,” James replied

“Don’t you know a lot,” Nickolas said

“I’ve known her my whole life, Nick,” James shrugged

“Never would’ve known,” Nickolas turned and started walking, “for her being the love of your life, you never said much about her”

James didn’t correct any of Nickolas’ assumptions.

“I don’t often have much to say,” he said instead, “to be honest, we weren’t too fond of each other as children….she found more benevolence in Thomas”

“You aren’t too fond of her yourself, are you?” Nickolas asked, “Don’t think I didn’t notice”

If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

“It was arranged….not by us”

“Well why don’t you love her?” Nickolas asked the million dollar question, “old grudges are reason enough?”

James said nothing. He noticed plenty of chattering in the center streets and went to see what was happening. Nickolas followed. Many townsfolk and people of the court pooled out of the street Lady Octania resided on. Nobles rode in carriages while the townspeople walked on foot in endless conversation.

“Oh it truly is exciting to have another relationship to follow,” one woman said to another

“Oh yes, but I do feel a little uncertain about it. Seems a little soon, don’t you think?” The other woman replied

James and Nickolas kept walking, looking around the streets.

“Thomas Waltz and Lady Octania really know how to get the gossip going,” a man said

They reached the beginning of Lady Octania’s street and James turned to face Nickolas, “I better step in, I’ll see you soon, alright?

“Sure thing! See you around Waltz,” Nickolas pat James on the back and left the street. James made his way through the smaller number of people still leaving the house. Thomas spotted him right as he walked in and smiled, running towards him.

“James! You’re awfully late, brother!”

“Sorry,” James was surprised as Thomas was seemingly ignoring their last discussion, “I….was catching up with an old friend”

“No worries….there is someone I’d like you to meet-“

“Look Thomas,” James interrupted, “I need to talk with you about something….it’s important”

“Well, by all means, go on,” Thomas’ demeanor hasn’t changed

James sighed and started pacing, trying to collect words, “as you know, we decided to end the letters between you and Christine. Reluctantly I know, but you did stop and thank you for that. I thought it would limit the pain for both of you….I’m afraid I was wrong”

“Will you never let me finish?” Thomas laughed

“I’m not talking about you, Thomas” James stopped pacing, “I’m talking about Christine”

Thomas’ smile faded.

“What’s….what’s wrong with her?”

“She’s devastated,” James held nothing back, “and has been, ever since the letters stopped. She will barely eat, barely drink, and hasn't smiled since I don’t know when….”

Thomas nervously put his hands in his pockets, “James….what are you asking me to do?”

“Just listen,” James’ voice was stern but patient, “I want you to talk to her. I’m not asking you to send any letters….just talk to her. And….I think you should do that right now”

Thomas said nothing. He avoided James’ stare.

“I admire how you want to work this out. Truly, I do. If you would have let me finish earlier, this conversation might have gone differently. Now, let me start with this. I love you….and I loved Christine….but I’ve moved on. I had to. I’ve been courting someone else for a while now. She’s from Cambridge”

James let out a small scoff of surprise.

“What did you expect me to do? I hope it wasn’t to wallow in my sorrow for the rest of my life!” Thomas exclaimed

“I expected you to have some respect for the situation!” James replied, “What is wrong with you? You must be mad to have fallen out of love so fast-“

“Oh yes, because you know everything about love,” Thomas said flatly

“I know that love is considerate!” James yelled, “and empathetic, and patient….she would have killed for you or even just for one more letter!”

Thomas said nothing in return.

“How you have moved on is truly not mine to deal with,” James spoke more quietly, “but can’t you at least explain our discussion to her?”

“Why haven’t you?” Thomas asked

James was afraid of that question.

“I….thought you would do so better”

“No,no,no,” Thomas said, “that isn’t it-“

“My heart can’t take it,” James whispered

There was a long pause. Thomas looked at James.

“You love her”

James smiled slightly and muttered, “No-“

“You love her! I’m so stupid-“

“Thomas, you love her. At least you did….and she still loves you. So go right to the house and communicate….please,” James said

Thomas scored and smiled, shaking his head, “Quite the situation we have here, brother. You cannot hide from me….but I’ll cover for you, don’t worry”

He left quickly to a coach outside. James tried to catch up but the coach was already leaving.