The Ocean's Daughter (Sequel to Sirene)

Things were very busy so I haven't been able to finish the chapter, it's almost finished but not quite. However, I did not want to keep you all waiting, so this is part of it and the other part will come up on Wedenesday :)

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Chapter 8

Dear Callum,

It is hard to believe that already a week has passed since Beth’s engagement ball. I had thought to leave as soon as the ball was over but Beth and Miss Patterson are determined to keep me here for at least another two weeks it seems, maybe even longer. I have enjoyed my stay, but I find myself getting a little homesick. London really isn’t my boat and I am beginning to long for the waves and the sky that can only be truly appreciated from the cliffs by our home. Beth has promised me a trip to the country, so I’m in better spirits now than yesterday. We attend a shocking amount of parties, too many if someone were to ask me, but then no one ever asks me. I don’t know if everyone of wealth goes to so many parties, or if it simply something Beth enjoys doing, but I am tiring of going out night after night. Sometimes you just want a quiet evening home with a good book to read.

Another thing I dislike about the parties is we are always accompanied by Beth’s intended, Edward Burmmington. I don’t know who else to complain too, Callum, so I will tell all to you. From the moment I met Mr. Burmmington, he was obviously fascinated with me and since then has been actively seeking my company. Only a day after the ball I had gone for a little walk in the park and I met him there. He did not leave my side during the entire walk, talking a great deal and asking me a lot of questions I didn’t care to answer. The next day I met him at a bookshop where he insisted that he buy me a book, even though I did not wish him too. When I asked him why he was so generous, his reply was that any friend of Beth’s was his friend too. I tried to believe that this was his only motive, but now I am in serious doubt. It seems no matter where I go, he is always there. I am honestly beginning to think it is not just chance that constantly makes us meet. At the last party, he danced with me more than he did with his own bride. I hadn’t realized the fact at first, but when the truth dawned on me I was very upset. I don’t want to be rude to him, because I’ve already made enough fuss for poor Beth, but at the same time, I need to make it clear to him that his behavior is wrong. Today I shall try to talk Beth into letting me skip the planned party. I need a break from everything, especially Edward Burmmington. So far Beth doesn’t seem suspect anything, and that is not surprising, seeing as when Mr. Burmmington is around Beth he is kind and attentive, but at the same time his eyes never leave me. I don’t know how to tell this to Beth without causing her pain or alarm. I feel perhaps I should tell Miss Patterson, but I’m not sure how to go about that either. What would you do if you were in my situation?

Now for some pleasant news to go along with the unpleasant. I have made a new friend, he is a lieutenant in the royal navy. He is smart and intelligent, but at the same time not at all stuffed up and full of himself. His company is very pleasant and I enjoy myself. Only I haven’t seen much of him recently; I believe he has had many duties to attend too. At one point I did tell him my mermaid heritage and poor Beth was so upset when she found out she made me swear never to tell it to anyone else. There are really so many ‘don’ts’ here in London, I am reminded of my time in the orphan asylum.

Tomorrow we shall leave London to stay with a friend of Miss Patterson’s who has a home in Devonshire. Beth has told me it is the most beautiful county ever. I cannot fully believer her, as nothing can compare to our Scottish hills, but I am very excited about spending a week away from this noisy city and Mr. Burmmington. It truly is a pity we shall only be gone a week, but I do have something to look forward to when we return. As soon as we get back I plan to visit Stephanie and the children. I haven’t had a chance to spend quality time with them since my arrival because I am always having to attend Beth’s tea parties or evening parties or picnics or something like that.

Please write and tell me all that is happening back at home. Has Mrs. Nester come to call yet? Do the children ask about their dearest, most beloved and greatly missed school teacher? I eagerly wait to hear all the news.

Much love,

Oceana.

***

Oceana sighed with joy as Stephanie closed the door behind her. She had spent the entire morning and half the afternoon with Stephanie and the children. Time had just flown as they had read stories, played games and baked cookies. Adjusting the heavy basket in her hand she turned and her eyes widened in surprise. Leaning against a tree right on the other side of the fence, obviously waiting for her was Lt. Chesterton.

“Lt. Chesterton,” Oceana reproached as she opened the gate and stepped out into the street. “I remember telling you how I dislike it when someone stalks me.”

“Guilty as charged, Miss Oceana,” Wesley confessed, though there was neither guilt nor shame in his voice. “What is in your basket?”

“Oh, this is for a Mrs. Barnaby, Stephanie asked me to take it to her. She just had a baby and her husband is in Pentontville.”

“Where does Mrs. Barnaby live?”

“Stephanie told me to take it to the little parsonage that is located in the slums.“

“Miss Oceana,” Wesley’s voice clouded, “that is not a place for the likes of you to go. The London slums are no place for a lady, it is…very vile, if you follow me.”

“Lt. Chesterton,” Oceana was obviously annoyed, “I will remind you that I was raised by smugglers and have been in all sorts of ‘vile’ places, but I came out alive as you can very well see. I thank you for the caution, but I assure you it is unnecessary.”

“Then allow me to go with you.” Wesley persisted, not at all comfortable with the idea of Oceana going off alone.

“That is very kind of you.” Oceana agreed, she generally was never against the company of Wesley.

“So, smugglers,” Wesley said as they started off. “Two of them, if I am correct.”

“Yes, Chandler and Callum.”

“Callum.” A shadow passed over Wesley at the sound of that name. “One of them was named Callum?”

“Yes, why the gloomy face?” Oceana asked.

“Nothing,” Wesley shook the shadow away, “I just don’t care for that name.”

“It’s a good thing you don’t live in Scotland then, because Callum is probably one of the most popular names up there.” Oceana said with a small laugh.

“I suppose that is a good thing,” Wesley smiled, “so Callum was from Scotland, and where was Chandler from?”

“France.”

“Ah…not exactly a very French name.”

“It wasn’t his real name, at least, I don’t think it was. Chandler was a mystery, he never told anyone anything about his past or where he was from before he started smuggling.”

“So this is why you speak Gaelic, French and English?”

“Yes.”

 “And where are they now?”

“Chandler is dead,” Oceana gave a sad sigh, “he died when I was eleven years old.”

“What did he die from?”

“I’m not sure, not even the doctor knew. I’m thinking he picked it up when he was in the prison.”

“What were they like?”

“Callum was a very quiet fellow, he never talked much, Chandler…Chandler was very ‘French’. He loved women and wine, all the better if they came together.” Oceana chuckled sadly, “he was a great sinner and he was very proud of that fact.”

“And yet someone you managed to come out so good.”

“I am not good, Lt. Chesterton, and I was a whole lot worse before. Oh, it’s a very long story and I’m not in the mood to tell it right now. Maybe some other time.”

“I fear Miss Oceana, that there is not going to be another time.”

“What do you mean?” Oceana looked at Wesley quizzically.

“My leave is over and duty calls me back to the ship and sea.”

“Where are you going?”

“I believe we are to set sail for India.”

“Ooooh, India, how exciting, how exotic.” Oceana’s eyes became a little dreamy, “I have always dreamed of sailing off to the east, but Chandler never went any further than the Europe. I have seen all of Spain, Portugal, France and of course the British Isles. When are you leaving?”

“Tomorrow.”

“Oh…” Oceana hadn’t counted on him leaving so soon.

“Our ship leaves at noon, as soon as the tide will come in. Perhaps,” Wesley paused for a moment, “perhaps you could come and see me off.”

“Perhaps I could.” Oceana said and her cheeks colored a little.

***

“Oceana, we were sick with worry.” Miss Patterson reproached when Oceana returned back home. “It is very late outside and we had no idea where you were.”

“Miss Patterson, do not fear, it is not even nine o’clock yet.”

“Where were you?”

“I went over to mission in the London slums, Stephanie asked me to pass on a basket for a very poor mother.“

“What!” Miss Patterson and Beth gasped in unison.

“Oceana, wicked foolish girl,” Miss Patterson admonished, “We can't even leave you alone for a moment and you are getting yourself into all sorts of trouble. Don’t you know what danger you put yourself into?”

“Don’t worry, I was not alone,” Oceana reassured.

“No?” Beth raised an eyebrow, “who was with you?”

“Lt. Chesterton?”

“You went down there…together?”

“It was something of an accidental meeting, I left Stephanie’s home and he was right there, standing on the street.”

“He was there….” Beth’s voice suddenly trailed off as a smile appeared on her face. “Oh that wicked, cunning man. How could he, how dare he?”

“Beth, what is the matter? What are you talking about?” Miss Patterson asked.

“Earlier today I went out on an errand and just as I leave the front door I noticed Lt. Chesterton walking down the street. At first I was sure he was just passing by, but I noticed that once he gets to the next house he turns around and starts walking back. He goes back and forth like this for some time, while I am wondering how best to call out to him with making everything very awkward. At one point he noticed me and putting his pacing to a halt greeted me in a rather embarrassed voice. I asked him if he was lost and he started laughing and told me I was a young woman of great tact. He said that he came over to leave his card but couldn’t gather the courage to knock. Mentioned something about being a true coward, who didn’t flinch at the thought of danger but couldn’t even must enough strength to perform a simple call. He asked if you, Oceana, were at home and I told him you were visiting Mrs. Wilkens. Here he asks me if Mrs. Wilkens is the wife of a certain Dr. Wilkens. I in return asked him if he knew Dr. Wilkens and he says, ‘is it the Dr. Wilkens who lives on…’ and his voices trails off. I finish the sentence and give him the address. Lt. Chesterton nods his head, says you introduced him to Dr. Wilkens, then Lt. Chesterton leaves card and walks away. I thought nothing more of the incident until now. He didn’t know where Dr. Wilkens lived, that was just his very clever way of pulling the address out of me. What is more, I totally fell for it, didn’t even suspect it for a moment. Oh dear, I am such a gullible little child am I not.” Beth laughed at herself. “I am so naïve,” she finished once she had calmed down a little.

Miss Patterson and Oceana had laughed along with her at how Lt. Chesterton had managed to find out where Oceana was, but Oceana found herself wondering if Beth was really blind to Mr. Burmmington’s obvious attentions towards Oceana. Once again, Oceana considered maybe telling her friend, and once again she decided against it. After all, Oceana was going to leave in a week or two and Mr. Burmmington would forget his foolish fancy and all would be well. The fear of hurting Beth and breaking her heart kept Oceana from saying anything on the matter.

“Chesterton,” Miss Patterson was busy thinking, “I knew a man of that name once. In my day he went by the name of Captain William Chesterton, though later on he was promoted to the status of Admiral.”

“Admiral William Chesterton, but that is that man who raised Lt. Chesterton.” Oceana put in.

“Is it now,” Miss Patterson smiled, “Is Lt. Chesterton his son then?”

“I don’t think so, he never calls him his father.”

“Considering Admiral Chesterton is old enough to be his grandfather, perhaps Lt. Chesterton is his grandson. Did the lieutenant ever say anything about his parents?”

Oceana shook her head, “no, he doesn’t talk much about his past. It is very annoying, there is no way of getting to know who he was before I met him.”

“Hah, look who is talking now!” Beth burst out, “my dear Miss Oceana McNeil, at last you are getting a taste of your own medicine. She finally met her match, Miss Patterson, and just look how upset she gets. Maybe now you will settle down and behave like a normal, well mannered girl.”

“But that would ruin all the fun.” Oceana stubbornly shook her head.

Beth sighed, wondering why on earth Oceana insisted on behaving so immature, so foolish, so much like a little child instead of a grown woman of eighteen years of age.

“Oh, Oceana, a note arrived for you earlier this day. I don’t know who it is from, a messenger brought it over. I had it placed in your room.”

“Perhaps it is Lt. Chesterton sending her love notes.” Beth teased. Oceana felt her face go a little hot.

“I think not, Lt. Chesterton isn’t one to pass notes, remember he couldn’t even come inside to give his card.”

“But he is an obvious admirer, we should be careful or he will be calling every day from now on.” Beth was happy that at last she could get back for all the times Oceana had teased her about Edward.

“No, we shan’t,” Oceana shook her head. “His ship is leaving tomorrow for India and he will be gone for a very long time.”

“For India, goodness, that is very far away.” Beth observed

“Ah yes, that is a very big downside of the navy,” Miss Patterson nodded sympathetically, “they constantly travel around and are never in one place very long. That was perhaps the main reason why I never considered marrying poor Admiral Chesterton.”

“Miss Patterson!” Beth gasped.

“Oh Beth, I had many suitors in my day,” Miss Patterson pointed out with a laugh. “And the admiral was very attentive and I was very fond of him.”

“So why didn’t you marry him?”

“Now what sort of a foolish question is that? Didn’t I just say why? I couldn’t see myself a sailor’s wife, with my husband away on endless voyages and me having to travel from port to port wherever his ship is anchored. Or worse yet, what if he were to want me to travel with him on his ship? No, I am not now, nor have I ever been cut out for such a life. Admiral Chesterton understood this and never once made me an offer. I have to say, of all my suitor he was perhaps my favorite. I lost contact with him and haven’t heard from him in a long, long while. And now his own grandson was in my home. How silly of me to not have realized the connection. Dear Beth, you are not alone in not noticing very obvious things.”

“Especially in connection with Lt. Chesterton.” Beth added with a giggle.

Oceana excused herself and went to her room in search of the note Miss Patterson had mentioned. It was lying on her dressing table and was addressed to Miss Oceana

Opening the note she read the following

Miss Oceana,

I request a private interview with you tomorrow at 12 noon. I wish to discuss with you something that concerns Miss Warren and yourself.

With respect

Edward Burmmington

Oceana drew her lips into a thin line, what did the man want? Something in the air told her this was not going to be a pleasant meeting, but this was also a chance for her to confront Mr. Burmmington on his behavior. She resolved to go and talk to him, hoping the ‘interview’ would be short enough for her to be able to get to the docks on time to see Lt. Chesterton off.