Chapter Ten

The sun had barely risen when the Bertram family departed from Lyme in high spirits. Jasmine and her sisters were innocently talking of activities and places they wanted to see now that they had escorts. In the past, their parents had accompanied them to church or shops in Bath but they had not attended balls or assembly gatherings. Even then, Jasmine received cards from men desiring to be her suitors. Her mother knew enough people in town to increase their circle of acquaintances. Meeting the sons of her mother’s childhood friends always bought her discomfort, but everything would be different now. For the first time, she would be free to socialize without the annoyance of single men. One frown from Laurence could rout a swarm of suitors. She made a list in her mind of the things she wanted to do.

Laurence and his friends were doing their own kind of planning, but it had nothing to do with innocence. Their strategy was to guard the sisters and keep whatever affection they might have, toward themselves. They expected to see many of their fellow comrades there--Bath had long been a gathering for the Admiralty. Laurence would have to keep his eye on Jasmine especially. Since her preference was already disposed toward men in uniform, he would have his hands full.

The men felt frustration in not having the right to commandeer the ladies’ time. At assembly gatherings, they reasoned that other men would want to dance with them. After much debate, their best tactic was to trade off with each other.

Both coaches were full of planning heads: one was full of lighthearted activities, while the other--with serious strategizing. Jasmine had no concept of what length Laurence would go to protect her.

Julia Bertram, who was the only offspring and sole heiress of her father’s fortune, grew up a spoiled and beloved child. Her parents hoped for a better match than Robert Bertram, but when she became adamant, they fully yielded to her pressure. In the end, they wanted her happiness. It did not take long into her marriage before they realized their son-in-law was an exceptional man. He was able to rein in their daughter as they had failed to do. She had chosen the right man; very quickly they came to love him.

Doting on each of his granddaughters, Sir James would have spoiled them as much as he had done with his own daughter but Julia and Robert Bertram would have none of it. Sir James Hilton lived long enough to see his four granddaughters grow into early womanhood. When Jasmine was seventeen, he passed away; his wife survived him by two years. The house seemed bleak without them.

The Bertram family sat down to a late supper with somber hearts. The men expected the usual gaiety and did not understand the mood that was set until Daisy spoke up.

“I miss grand-mama so much.”

Rev. Bertram mentioned the recent deaths of his wife’s parents and the men made their condolences to her.

“Well, my dear, I believe the best thing to do now is to be ourselves. We do not honor them less by filling the household with laughter. I think your parents would be pleased to hear it.”

Mrs. Bertram smiled as she remembered the antics of her husband and daughters throughout the years. She baptized the evening by immersions of memory.

“The first thing my husband did to shock my parents happened when Jasmine was only a year old. He took my darling baby in his arms and rode down the stairway banister. I realized I had not married a normal clergyman. Now my parents had concrete evidence. Jasmine loved every minute of it. I think that is what made her hungry for adventure. I put a stop to the nonsense right then. It must have left an impression on him, because all our other daughters have been safe from such unbridled behavior.”

The vicar bowed his head in mock shame, as if he were a little boy caught stealing a pie from a windowsill.

“Do not let his contrite position fool you. I know secretly he is proud of his actions…are you not, my dear?” she said with mirth in her voice.

Rev. Bertram lifted his head, flashed a brilliant smile, and winked at his wife. The speed of joy did not slow down all evening.

Tuesday morning dawned with a flush of expectations. The men and women would split up in search of costumes for the masque, set for the following evening, and rendezvous in the Pump Room.

The Bertram family arrived promptly at noon. Partaking of the mineral water, the vicar and his wife kept a sharp lookout for acquaintances. Jasmine was only concerned about the tardiness of the men.

Twenty minutes went by before she saw Laurence and his friends enter the room. They had with them a distinguished looking couple. Jasmine and her father recognized his uniform immediately; he was a Rear Admiral of the White. Jasmine noticed something her father failed to see--many women were looking at the group as they entered the room. She felt a twinge of jealousy, which shocked her.

Laurence bowed to the family as they approached. “Please excuse our delay, we bumped into our dear friends quite by chance and would like to introduce them to you.”

He proudly presented Admiral Stowe and his wife. The admiral was a man of average height and strong build with thinning dark hair and a swarthy complexion. He had the look of keen intelligence and quick wit. His wife was a petite model of the coloring of Daisy, shorter than the other women were, and slightly plump. Her blue eyes were bright and merry.

Admiral Stowe was in his mid fifties and his wife, a few years younger. Mrs. Stowe had lived with her elderly parents in London when her husband was at sea, and upon their death had inherited the house. Though childless, she had a cheery attitude and never lived in self-pity over her lonely state. She was a good, active woman who did much to alleviate the suffering of others.

Rev. Bertram did not chat about the weather nor the condition of the roads. He spoke without any formality and the admiral liked him the better for it. “Admiral Stowe, these fine young gentlemen have shared their admiration of you with us. We are fascinated by your lives at sea. I feel as if I know you already.”

Admiral Stowe could see the respect in his eyes. He was not making polite conversation. He valued sincerity and hated chitchat. He dreaded meeting the vicar at first, because he thought he would be a boring conversationalist. The only thing that changed his mind was the high praise Laurence had given him.

These four young men were his favorites. He knew he could not show partiality, but in his secret heart, he felt bonded with them most of all. Witnessing their exceptional bravery, he swore that if he ever attained the rank of admiral, he would do everything in his power to see them promoted. In doing so, he was only giving them their just due. They were superior to other men of his acquaintance, including some admirals he knew. Laurence was a cut above his friends and held a place in his heart the others did not share, but Laurence was completely unaware of this since the admiral had treated them equally well.

The admiral and his wife bumped into the young men off the Circus and talked as if they had been carrying on a conversation the evening before. They had not seen the men together for three years, since the peace treaty. Laurence told them that they were late for an appointment. When he entreated them to meet this new acquaintance, he could do nothing but comply. He should have realized Rev. Bertram could not earn such glowing respect from Laurence unless he was exceptional himself. He had not conversed with him half an hour before he decided he wanted the vicar for more than a passing acquaintance. His opinion was changing rapidly. He cast a glance at his wife who was engrossed in conversation with Mrs. Bertram. He could read by her expressions that she was as happy with her meeting as he was.

It was not long before Rev. Bertram found out that the admiral and his wife were staying at an inn only a block from where the men were. He made a side glance at his wife, she nodded her head and he made an invitation to stay at their estate.

Rev. Bertram’s generosity took the admiral and his wife by surprise, yet entreated with such warmth and good humor, how could they refuse? The young men nodded their acceptance and hid their smiles. Two married couples were enough chaperons for four single men and women. There would be no breach of decorum here. They took care to mask their jubilation--they would be close enough to guard the sisters well.

Set in famous Bath stone and displayed by the setting sun, the mansion revealed opulence in design and scope as it sat on the hilltop on the outskirts of town. The property exuded status but the unpretentiousness of the Bertram family communicated warmth.

The vicar greeted the admiral and his wife at the entrance. No formal pronouncement made by a servant down a long intimidating hall for them; Rev. Bertram pumped the admiral’s hand as if he was a long lost brother.

The afternoon was busy for all involved for the changing of residence was no small matter. When everybody had settled into their rooms, they began dressing for an elegant supper.

The admiral was a man with a sharp eye and astute perceptions, having already ascertained at the Pump Room that the four men were in love with Rev. Bertram’s daughters. When the ladies sat opposite the men, he perceived the preferred pairing. The loveliness of Mrs. Bertram and her daughters would have recommended them anywhere, even in court. He observed Jasmine closely, desiring to know what kind of woman could win Laurence’s heart. He knew of his aversion to women: often he would remain aboard ship to study rather than spend an evening in port. The other men, he knew, were not so fastidious, but Laurence was different--he was hard to please.

The evening turned a delightful corner when Rev. Bertram retold the story of his daughter’s archery experience on inexperienced suitors. He recited it with such a sense of longsuffering and weariness that his hearers wanted to commend his forbearance. Jasmine only blushed for a moment. Admiral Stowe could see she was preparing for a fight.

“Father, you can hardly condemn me for something you do so well yourself. If you blame my natural inclination, you must also fault yourself for being such a good instructor.”

“Dearest daughter,” he said in an exasperated tone, “I do not ever recall teaching you how to aim for a man’s foot!”

Laughter echoed throughout the room.

“I fear you shall grow an old maid with only bow and arrow to keep you company. I wonder Captain Laurence is still around. It is fortunate for us he has shown greater stamina than Mr. Dilbert and not succumbed to fainting fits.”

“Father, Captain Laurence has nothing to fear from my arrows. He is as great a marksman as yourself, maybe even better,” she said with admiration in her voice.

“Nay, my lady, you do not know your own prowess. Ever since that eventful day, I have been on my best behavior,” said Laurence with courtly elegance.

Jasmine gave him an arched look. “I do not believe I have witnessed this ‘best behavior’ of yours. I have seen more of the pirate in you than anything else,” she said dryly.

A momentary flush spread over his face as he thought back to their encounter by the willow. He had been a barbarian. He looked into her eyes and what was unsaid spoke volumes between them. He bit his lip, but gamely stood, bowed, and raised his glass in triumph to her.

Admiral Stowe looked at Jasmine with admiration and chuckled to himself. The impossible had just happened--she cut him down better than any man could. Laurence had met his match.

“Are any of your other daughters equal in skill to Miss Bertram?” asked Andrews. His smile masked the seriousness of the question.

“Thankfully to men everywhere, my eldest was the only one who took up archery. I was willing to teach all my daughters never knowing, of course, that they would use them against my gender! None of them showed the slightest interest. Daisy was positively frightened of any pointy object,” Rev. Bertram said.

Bennett, Andrews and Miles were relieved; wayward shafts would no longer concern them.

Admiral Stowe laughed heartily. The evening had been so comical and joyous that he and his wife had never experienced a better time in Bath before.

The next morning after breakfast, the women decided upon visiting the Queen’s Bath. The men were intent on making the rounds of the gunsmiths. Both groups would have their meals out and crown the evening at the Assembly Ball Room.

Admiral Stowe found a few moments alone with Laurence when his friends went into a gun shop. Rev. Bertram walked across the street to an open market; he had no interest in firearms. Laurence desired all morning to speak with the admiral and braved a question as they looked in display windows.

“What do you think of the Bertram family?” he asked candidly.

“You mean, what do I think of Miss Bertram?” he said with a grin.

Laurence looked down. He did not think he was so obvious.

“The family is delightful, but she is a treasure. It’s no wonder you’re in love with her,” he said with deep insight.

“How do you know I’m in love with her?” Laurence said with quickening breath.

“How could you not be? I could not have fashioned a woman in character, intelligence, or beauty more suited for you.”

Laurence leaned his forehead against the shop window; his breath made the glass fog up. He turned to look at Admiral Stowe, his eyes filled with pain. He could not utter a word.

The admiral put his hand on Laurence’s arm and squeezed it in understanding. “I loved Anna a full two years before I knew her feelings for me. It took longer for her to understand her heart. Thankfully, I was only a midshipman then; I would have never had the concentration needed to command a vessel. I understand perfectly your torment, but you need to know that a woman may take longer to decide. Laurence, you are going to have to learn patience in the hardest area of life.”

This is what he needed: wise counsel for endurance. He was not the only man who felt this kind of pain, he had three close friends who were struggling also.

Laurence lagged behind to check out a pistol. As he left the shop, he heard the conversation of a pair of women who were walking just behind him on the street. Normally, he would have tuned out their voices but something caught his attention. They were heading toward the very inn he was making for, so he slowed down his pace enough to hear what they were saying.

“Can you believe they are a vicar’s wife and daughters?” said one.

“I felt completely overlooked. I don’t think I shall go to that spa again,” said the other.

“They have a heathenish beauty, especially the eldest. She could belong to Bacchus’ troop.”

“What an exotic name! Much too mysterious. Hardly respectable.”

“I heartedly agree with you.”

“I know I’m attractive but I felt plain next to her.”

“They are all unmarried, my dear. It won’t take long for them to be snatched up whether they have dowries or not.”

“I think it is more appropriate for a minister’s daughters to be plain, don’t you?”

This was all Laurence could catch since they were passing the inn. He went in with a quickening breath. If Jasmine and her sisters could cause such a stir between two gossiping women, what would they do with a room full of men?

Laurence entered the back parlor only to find that Admiral Stowe and Rev. Bertram were at the booksellers next door. Alone with his friends, he quickly told them the gist of what he had heard on the street. The men braced themselves up for an evening of vigilance for they knew that a masquerade was a place where mischief could easily happen.

Laurence heard a stir in the room before he saw them. Turning around, he beheld only Jasmine as she came through the entrance into the Octagon Room. Though they all had masks on, he would have known her anywhere. She wore a white Greek-styled gown with a string of white orchids intertwined in her long dark hair. Her gown revealed part of her slender back, which was more than was seen in their current style of dress. She had pearl broaches on each shoulder attached with thin golden cords that wrapped around her waist. Her arms were bare.

Laurence frowned--he was going to have trouble. He could hear people whispering all over the room. He was glad no one could approach them without proper introductions. He was never more grateful for protocol.

Laurence was already sweating from the overcrowding, as couples passed by him into the Card Room. Why did they schedule events simultaneously? He thought with irritation. He had enough trouble with Miles, having talked him out of gambling at the whist tables and now Jasmine required all of his attention.

Rev. Bertram and Admiral Stowe went to appropriate their wives and the young men were not far behind them. Laurence had hardly gone a few paces when someone grabbed his arm in a familiar way. Turning around, he saw a man dressed in the period of a few decades past. He lifted his mask and Laurence saw an acquaintance, Henry Danner, smiling at him. He wondered how Danner could have recognized him and then realized he was in the company of Sir James Hilton’s daughter. That fact alone sealed any hope he had of anonymity. The Bath paper had listed all the members of their party that morning.

“You wouldn’t leave a shipmate stranded on the shallows, would you? I’d be eternally grateful if you would introduce me to that heavenly creature,” he said, looking at Jasmine.

Laurence’s heart sank. It was happening sooner than he expected. This was more than an annoyance; Henry Danner was a self-proclaimed womanizer. Laurence remember his first encounter with Danner. While waiting for the same review board to pass examination for lieutenant, he heard laughter as the man whispered to others about his conquests and despised him from that moment. Danner went in before him and failed the exam; he followed after and passed. His diligence had paid off. Commodore Stowe had been on the board. When he came back into the room to get his books, Danner was still there and asked how he had fared. He recalled Danner’s frown at his success and they parted with mutual disdain.

Now, of all the men Laurence knew over the course of his years at sea, the one he disliked most was seeking out Jasmine. It was a nightmare. Since he could not warn her ahead of time, he hoped her innate aversion to suitors would overcome her attraction to his status as a fellow officer.

Jasmine saw Laurence approaching. She would have known him anywhere--he was always the tallest man in the room. Tonight, she would have guessed him without that detail; he was dressed as a pirate. She noticed another man walking next to him who was of average height, with a trim, smart figure. He was handsome and walked with a confident air.

Admiral Stowe could not hide his displeasure--he knew all about Danner. Jasmine instantly read his expression and put up her guard. Laurence reluctantly made the introductions. Everyone could tell he did not relish the obligation and felt uncomfortable doing so.

Captain Danner made a slight bow as he asked Jasmine for the first dance. He made no polite conversation with her family. After the introductions, he had no interest in them. He was a very bold man and his overconfidence signaled his downfall in her eyes. His rudeness was evident to everyone. Jasmine had no qualms about being rude herself.

“I must decline your offer, sir…Captain Laurence is my dance partner for the evening,” she said distantly to him.

Laurence could not contain his joy and smiled brilliantly at Jasmine. He feared that she would succumb as many women had done. He should have known better--Jasmine was not a woman so easily influenced.

Captain Danner made another attempt. A better man would have recognized the snub and gone somewhere to lick his wounds. “Surely you will take pity on me. I have not been to a dance in two long years,” he pleaded.

Jasmine, nevertheless, was unmoved by his charm. He was devoid of the character essential in winning her respect. He was a dismal failure in her eyes, and the longer he continued there, the lower he descended.

His pride could not concede defeat: his success with women was his badge of honor. The lady only needed a little more coaxing. How exhilarating to apply more effort than usual! He did not know how different Miss Bertram was from any other woman he had ever known. He turned on his charisma--it had always worked before.

“Would you turn down Casanova?” he softly entreated. His disguise insured success with women; he wore it like a talisman and gave her his best smile.

Jasmine lifted her mask. She wanted this man to see how much she despised him. She did not know it only increased his desire. She was lovelier than he had anticipated.

Henry Danner lost his composure for one brief second. Laurence saw it and wished Jasmine had not lifted her mask. It was the only blessing in a dreadful night. The mask had kept her anonymity, now it was gone.

She arched an eyebrow at Danner looking at him long enough in silence to make him feel uncomfortable.

For the first time in his life, a woman was looking into his soul despising what she saw. The sensation caught him off guard; he felt naked. He had not calculated on such an experience and thought at a masquerade one would always be safe from exposure.

His costume held no magic for Jasmine. He could not have selected a worse person in history to emulate in her eyes. His choice had spoken volumes. “Sir, if it comes to taste, I’ve always preferred pirates to Casanova,” she said pointedly.

Laurence’s heart pounded like a drum, but he controlled his breathing. She turned her back on Captain Danner, completely ignoring him.

Laurence bent down and whispered to her. “It is a mask ball, remember?”

He did not want to deal with any more Henry Danners. She smiled shamefacedly and put her mask back on. Laurence escorted her into the ballroom where the five massive chandeliers cast a soft dreamlike glow on the two tiered columns. The dying embers of a brilliant sunset was still reflecting colors through the second storied windows. Up in the balcony the musicians were warming up for the first dance. The high ceiling provided the heat of the crowded room to escape and Laurence took a deep sigh of relief as his own temperature went down in proportion to his previous anxiety. He held out his hand and led Jasmine to the dance floor. The younger couples followed their suit and in a few moments, Captain Danner was alone.

He could hear the whispers all around him. Everyone nearby had witnessed his obvious snub. He made his way through the forest of people and hid in a corner observing the dancers. The longer he watched Jasmine, the more his desire festered.

Laurence was so entranced he did not notice any other woman. Jasmine, however, was not so enraptured to leave her senses…she noted many women looking her way with envy. Except for church services, all her encounters with Laurence had been in private. She had no idea that he had such a strong pull on women--gravity definitely worked in his favor. She understood why women were so enamored. He wore his costume as if born for it. He did not look like a man in a pirate costume: he seemed like a real pirate, exuding a danger that attracted her. She was not the only woman he affected. She started the evening needing him for protection but now felt responsible to guard him.

After three dances in a row, she took him by the hand. He followed obediently like a little boy, shrugging his shoulders and winking at his friends, as she drew him from the dancing pairs toward the Card Room. She remained undaunted as she passed tables of shocked whist players. Amidst the whispers, she held her head high while the obedient pirate bowed like a naughty boy ready to be punished by his mother. She took a side door out into a tiny garden. She was not going to leave him out of her sight for a moment. She found a bench, sat down, and took off her mask. Laurence mimicked her.

“May I ask why you’ve brought me here? You haven’t planned something mischievous have you? Did you bring me here to kiss me?” he said with suppressed laughter.

This was a complete role reversal. Laurence had never thought about the possible new twist: Jasmine protecting him from other women! He was never more grateful for feminine attention and silently blessed every woman in the ballroom.

It was obvious he was having fun, but she was not amused. “No!” she said in all seriousness. “Any time you don’t want my company, I shall be happy to throw you to the sharks.”

Laurence shook his head. He would not press his luck. She could have men falling all over her if she wanted, but had chosen to be with him instead. He leaned closer to her and whispered, “Do you really prefer pirates to Casanova?”

“At the moment, I do not see much difference between the two,” she said dryly.

Her wit was on the prowl so he switched to a different approach. “Who are you tonight…Aphrodite or Athena?”

“You already know whom I would prefer. If I could have found an owl, I would have brought him to the ball.”

Laurence laughed in delight.

“Do you want to know why I dressed this way?” she asked mysteriously.

He nodded as his smile disappeared.

“It’s the only gown I could wear with my hair down. I’m almost barefooted,” she said, showing him her sandals. “And most importantly, I do not have to suffer the torment of a corset. I grabbed it as soon as I saw it. It was the only apparel I found that made me feel free.”

Jasmine would never have chosen such a costume to attract men. She had her own reasons for wearing it. He sighed as he resigned himself to the inevitable--men would be drawn to her regardless of what she wore.

“I shall make a new goddess in the Greek pantheon! You think like Athena, look like Aphrodite, and hunt like Artemis,” he finished cleverly.

Jasmine smiled at this and played on. “You only mention attributes. What would you call this new goddess?”

“Why, I would dub her Triple A,” he said without missing a beat.

“You are an impossible man!” She threw back her head and laughed. “That will not do! Where is the romance in such a coarse name?”

“You are the woman who threw out a perfectly romantic Casanova for a practical pirate. Believe me, pirates are very practical.”

“Who is this Captain Danner?”

His reference to Casanova got her off course. Laurence could have hit himself for his blunder.

“How long have you known him?”

Amusement left his face: the expression changed from soft to hard in a moment. “He is only an acquaintance. I do not know him well and have no wish to. He is not a respectable man when it comes to women. Jasmine, please be careful with him.”

“It is strange how you are both captains, yet so dissimilar. I knew I could depend on you from the beginning, whereas him--I would not trust in a million years.”

Laurence sighed in relief. He should have counted on her instincts more. Four years of suitors had made her a connoisseur when it came to sizing up men. Her discernment was out in force tonight and he was never more grateful for it. Though John Dilbert had been child’s play compared to Henry Danner, she had found a way of dealing with them both.

Jasmine felt protected by Laurence but even if she had been alone, Captain Danner could not have progressed further than being a nuisance. He presented neither temptation nor curiosity; posed no danger or threat. He belonged to the category of annoying suitors. In her security, Jasmine became playful. Laurence was fair game to tease. He started it--she would finish it. “I’ve never witnessed your effect on women, until this evening. I could easily caution you,” she said with a saucy smile.

Laurence frowned. She hit a spot as unprotected as the soft underbelly of a dragon. Here was new ground to even the score. She stepped closer and lifted her face. “You are far too handsome for your own good. I understand why women fall all over you. You have something not quite tamable in you…it’s the pirate lurking in the core, I suspect.”

“Jasmine, let’s talk about something else.” He sounded genuinely annoyed.

So much the better, thought Jasmine “Remember, I told you that I would get even after your obvious delight in Mr. Dilbert’s endeavor at courtship? You either thought or hoped I had forgotten.”

“Yes, I recall it well,” he smiled.

“Why not say that you remember it fondly?” she said with an arched look. “I knew exactly what you were doing and haven’t forgotten.”

Laurence smiled shamefacedly: she had caught him. He was a book she could read all too well. Her intellect could prove bothersome, especially in regards to her memory.

She looked at him longingly again and sighed deeply. “You are so handsome.”

Laurence gritted his teeth. “I get teased enough from my friends! I don’t need it from you!”

Grabbing her hand, he led her back inside and she followed breathlessly as he took long strides, almost tripping before he slowed his pace. The roles were back to normal. Laurence would not let any man near her, which did not bother Jasmine a bit.

They caused quiet a stir as they came back into the room: they were the only people without masks on. Admiral Stowe and Rev. Bertram watched the proceedings with increasing amusement. When Jasmine led Laurence outside, Rev. Bertram arched his brow at the admiral. When Laurence led Jasmine back in, Admiral Stowe returned the gesture and they both laughed.

“That’s my girl,” said Rev. Bertram to himself.

“That’s my boy,” thought Admiral Stowe.

Laurence found a seat underneath a window next to the fireplace and Jasmine sat down thankful to catch her breath. He leaned close and looked dangerously at her.

“Every time you bring up my effect on women, I’ll bring up your effect on men. Is that understood?” he said firmly.

“Yes, Captain Laurence,” she said meekly glancing down.

He began to calm down as Jasmine returned to her sensibilities. “Would you care to dance again?”

“I’d love to.”

He led her down to the dance, but before the next set started, Admiral Stowe stepped up to them. Laurence smiled and put her hand in his. They chatted pleasantly and the admiral was enchanted. Before a new dance had begun, a lieutenant approached her. She trusted the admiral’s judgment and he rewarded her with a wink as the young man escorted her.

Admiral Stowe spied Laurence standing with a group of fellow officers. He had been laughing over a comment a young midshipman had just made but frown as he saw the admiral approaching.

“Where is Jasmine, I mean, Miss Bertram?” he corrected himself.

“No need to worry, your little lamb is safe. I did not surrender her to the clutches of a wolf. She is dancing with Lieutenant Saunders over there, two points off your starboard beam.”

Laurence glanced over the dancing pairs and calmed down. Saunders was a baby when it came to women and only had confidence with them when he danced. Unconcerned, Laurence turned back to the gentlemen and continued his story. The next thing he knew, Saunders was with them. The gathering storm of his displeasure displaced his sunny smile. “Where is Miss Bertram?” he asked of him.

Laurence looked over the dancing couples but did not see her. He turned back to Saunders and the young man began to tremble. A glint in his eyes made him look dangerous. “Well?”

“Sir, something happened to one of her shoes as we were dancing the last set, so she excused herself and went into a side room.”

“Which one? Show me.”

Saunders was so flustered he found it difficult to remember the room.

Captain Danner hid behind a Grecian column as he stalked Jasmine with his eyes; the crowded ballroom provided perfect cover for him. He grabbed his opportunity as soon as he saw her leave the ball. He followed her into a side room and saw her bending over to tie her sandal.

“I see you danced with other men besides Captain Laurence.”

She looked at him with contempt. Never had a woman bewitched him more; her denial only increased his desire. “Sir, you act as if I’m indebted to you for something. I owe you nothing!” she said with a toss of her hair.

He grabbed her arm. “I don’t like being refused.”

“How dare you touch me!” She slapped his face hard.

He grabbed her hand and put it behind her back, as she struggled in his grasp. Most women by this time would have screamed, but not Jasmine. She never expected anyone to rescue her--she could fight him herself. His strength shocked her but she was undeterred. She kicked his leg as hard as she could. For the first time in her life, Jasmine wished she had shoes on.

He did not let go of her hands. He was stupefied: a woman had never resisted him before. In his immorality, he could not fathom a woman fighting for her virtue. He assumed she was like the others he knew, with only the appearance of purity. He had planned to wear down her pretense with seduction. Was it not all part of the game? Now, for the first time in his life, he felt unable to handle a situation with a woman. Her outrage confounded him.

Jasmine tried to kick him again, but fell back when Laurence came up from behind. Captain Danner was surprised and swung at him, but he easily swerved his blow. The next moment, Danner was flat on his back with a bloodied face. Laurence turned to Jasmine with concern. “Did he hurt you?”

“I am more shocked than hurt,” she replied truthfully.

“Your mother and father are just outside the door. Go to them. I will join you in a moment.”

Bennett, Andrews, Miles and Admiral Stowe came into the room and closed the door upon Jasmine’s exit. She fell into her father’s loving embrace.

Laurence picked up Danner by his coat lapel and lifted him off the floor. “Choose any ground you want, any weapon you want, any time you want and I will satisfy you.”

Danner turned pale. Laurence’s reputation as a marksman was larger than life. He knew if he fought a duel with him, he would die.

“Indeed sir, I do not dare!”

“You only have courage when fighting a defenseless woman. You are lower than a rat. These men and I bear witness of your cowardice. If I see you anywhere in Bath tomorrow, I shall not be responsible for my actions.”

Danner was enraged yet helpless at the same time. Admiral Stowe was there; his whole career at sea was at stake. Laurence let him go roughly and wiped his hands on his clothes as if soiled. Danner swiped his bloody nose, looked at the men for a quick moment, and ran out a side door.

The gentlemen went in search of the Bertram family and found them outside the Assembly Rooms. Jasmine chanced a peek at them from the comfort of her father’s arms. She trembled uncontrollably at their grim faces. These men faced battles, killed with their own hands, and as such, required reckoning.

They rode back to the house in silence. When they arrived, the men went straight to the den. Mrs. Bertram took Jasmine upstairs to her room while the rest of her daughters prepared for bed.

Rev. Bertram heard what happened to Jasmine and how Laurence responded to it. If he had no proof Captain Laurence loved his daughter before, he had it now. He would fight for her honor.

The men made plans for the morning as if a duel were going to take place. Laurence would wait at the house for any message sent by Danner and Bennett would remain as his second. The rest of the men agreed to take different areas of town, inquiring at every inn for him.

If Laurence’s conscience bothered him, no one would have known it. He slept like a child worn out after playing all day, and woke up refreshed. He had a quick, early breakfast with his friends but only he had an appetite. Bennett left immediately afterwards to purchase dueling pistols. Laurence could afford the very best.

Jasmine went down late for breakfast and found only the women were there to greet her. She sipped her tea but did not touch her food. She grew concerned when none of the men made an appearance. Her alarm increased when she saw a troubled glance pass between her mother and Mrs. Stowe. After the meal, she sought out her mother and found her speaking to a servant.

“What is wrong? Where have the men gone?” she asked anxiously as soon as they were alone.

“Darling, your father and I discussed matters last night and decided it would be better not to tell you. I am bound by my word not to mention anything.”

Jasmine knew it was pointless to prod further. She sighed in resignation as she returned to her room, but found no solace there. She started pacing but stopped as soon as she heard someone walking up the gravel path. She looked out her window and saw Bennett returning from the stables. He had a leather bound case in his hands. She rushed to the stair landing, saw him cross the large hall floor, and waited a few moments in indecision before following him into her father’s study. She opened the door without knocking and found Laurence holding a pistol in his hand.

“Michael, please don’t fight him,” she begged.

Bennett left the room immediately.

Laurence steeled himself against her entreaty. “I made the challenge. I will not go back on my word.”

“He didn’t do anything badly enough to forfeit a life! Please don’t do this, Michael, for my sake.” Tears began falling down her cheeks.

“Jasmine, you are tearing me apart!” he said in anguish. “Shall I deny the kind of man that I am? Do you wish it so? I cannot change my nature nor take back what I have said. You do not know what you are asking of me.”

“I do not understand a man’s world nor comprehend the honor that keeps him bound. I only know I cannot have you risk your life for me,” she replied tearfully.

“If Danner has any remnant of manhood and shows up, he will be the one in danger, not me,” he said grimly, checking the pistol’s balance.

“Have you done this before?” she asked sadly.

“No. I have never challenged anyone to a duel. This is not about vanity, Jasmine! When he affronted your womanhood, I could not let him go unchallenged. Every bit of manhood in me cried out for satisfaction. Your father understands. I cannot explain it in a manner that a woman would comprehend.” After a moment’s pause, he said, “Jasmine, I have to speak with Bennett. I need you to be brave.”

He looked at her intently and she cast her eyes down. She felt a gulf had widened between them that was impossible to cross. Who was this man? She stifled a sob and left the room hastily in search of her mother. Mrs. Bertram was distressed when she found out Jasmine knew what was happening. She could offer her little comfort; she did not understand the act of dueling any more than her daughter did. She held Jasmine in her arms trying to sooth her agitation.

Hours passed but no message came. Andrews and Miles came back at four o’clock to report that there was no sign of Captain Danner. Rev. Bertram and Admiral Stowe went to Laurence an hour later.

Jasmine was in a frenzied pitch of emotions. She waited at the top landing of the staircase, listening for the men as they came out of the study. All she could catch was Laurence requesting Bennett to purchase swords and fell into a deep faint. Laurence saw her just as she was falling.

“Jasmine!” he yelled, as he ran up the stairs. He had her in his arms, in a moment, and soon everyone surrounded them.

“Why did she faint? What could have caused it? Has this ever happened before?” He shot off the questions to her parents.

“Never,” said Rev. Bertram concerned.

“She has not eaten nor slept in twenty-four hours, which may be part of the problem,” volunteered Mrs. Bertram.

Jasmine was in a dead faint. Laurence carried her to her room and laid her down on her bed. He had never seen her so pale before. He checked her pulse and it seemed weak to him. He took a small mirror off a side table and put it next to her face. It grew a little misty, for her breathing was shallow. Her parents watched Laurence with curiosity and love; here was a man who knew how to tend the sick.

“Shall I get the salts?” asked Mrs. Bertram.

“Let her remain as she is. This may turn into a natural sleep which is what she needs right now,” said her father.

Mrs. Bertram closed the drapes and lit a candle on a dresser. The vicar took his wife by the arm and led her out of the room. “God bless you, Captain, for tending to our daughter,” he said as he paused at the door.

Laurence nodded to them but his face lost none of its concern. He sat down mechanically on a chair in the corner of the room. The last time he was by someone’s bedside was when his father lay dying. It had been a heavy burden to carry as a twelve-year-old boy. The doctor had said his heart had failed; he never woke up from his coma. The memory of helplessness and horror that he experienced as a boy came flooding back to him. Deep fears stirred memories he had long suppressed. Dark thoughts brooded. A dullness pounded in his brain, numbness seeped into his heart. The sepulchral silence crept into his muscles and bones and slowly sucked every bit of warmth out of him. His oasis of hope was drying up. Sphinx-like he sat in the chair staring out into a desert void of all life, guarding the tomb of his dead.

Jasmine looked white and lifeless against the linen sheets. The glow of the candle cast an eerie pallor over her. She looked no differently than his father had at the point of death. Contemplating his loss of her, hell opened wide its mouth to swallow him alive.

In his torment an hour went by but he did not know it. Jasmine mumbled and began to stir--relief cascaded over him. He started trembling the moment she began moving. Laurence stood, walked to her bed, and leaned on the bedpost to steady himself. She opened her eyes slowly and then closed them again. Laurence looked so pale and somber. “Are you real? Are you a ghost?” she whispered.

How sweet her voice sounded to him! A slight smile registered on his face as he thought of her overactive imagination. “Jasmine, it’s me. I am fine as you can see,” he said reassuringly.

“You did not fight the duel?” she whispered again.

“No. No one can find a trace of him in Bath. He may have left during the night.”

One tear fell down her cheek in gratitude. God had answered her prayers.

“You must get stronger. Where is my little fighter? You should eat something even if you do not feel like it and you need to sleep. I will see you tomorrow when you are better.” He bent down, kissed her forehead and said, “Goodnight.”

Jasmine smiled weakly. How sweet it was! He kissed her as if she were a little girl. It gave her such comfort, she promptly feel asleep.

Laurence stayed a few minutes longer, relieved to see her breathing deeper. He gave a silent prayer of thanksgiving to God, blew out the candle, and closed the door.