The Announcement
By M and Bridgid
Jack Aubrey rested his book on his chest and turned to the woman who lay
beside him in bed. "I have been thinking my love, we should have a dinner
party, invite M and Mr. Thorne, would that please you?"
Bridgid had been quiet since the Australia Day celebrations, it was nothing he
could put his finger on and he hoped it had nothing to do with him but, her
melancholy was evident. Others he knew would not see it, his Siren was adept at
concealing her feelings but he knew, there was little she could hide from him
and he from her.
After all she'd been though with that bloody snake and the indignity that went
along with it, she was not her usual self of course. Now she was knee deep in
the new business in Coffs. Opening the Outrigger Sail Shop was something she'd
kept quiet from the community with the exception of one person. Max Skinner had
approved a small business loan for her. That suited her. She wanted to do this
for the most part on her own.
"Jack, it would be great. I've not seen hide nor hair of M and Terry since we've
been here with the exception of that...professional visit.
"I can't seem to find the time to do this in my mind. Not now that the shop will
be opening. Maybe in a couple of weeks," she sighed
He reached out his hand to stroke her hair. "You have no idea how worried
I was when you were bitten, thank goodness for M. You know all work and no play
is not good for you my dear." He dropped the book on the floor, hoping The
Admiral wouldn't mind and turned to her. "I understand how important this
venture is to you Bridgid but you should make time for you. I fear you are
running yourself into the mast love."
"Please don't worry, "she replied. "Jack, I thrive on stress and you know that
once the shop is open, things will slow down. At least for me but I'm not sure
about M."
Turning so she could look into his eyes she smiled sweetly. "I should make time
for you, Aubrey. I've been meaning to back you into a corner about something you
said to my brother. Remember?"
Her eyes always enchanted him. In them he saw the sea, the sky and absolute
love. "Madam, you may back me into a corner any time you choose but as for your
brother I remember not what I said to him, enlighten me."
This was amusing her. It was the night Jason arrived when Jack had called him
his future brother in law.
"Ah avoiding it are we," she teased. "And here I thought you were going to make
an honest woman out of me."
It was the game that she found amusing, the game of teasing Jack. He was either
loaded for bear to fire back when she did this or he stumbled completely. This
should prove to be an interesting exchange.
"Madam, I have always believed you to be an honest woman, are you telling me you
need me to affirm that? If so then I shall take an advertisement out in our
newspaper. Commander Jack Aubrey would have you know that Bridgid Morgan is an
honest woman. That do you?"
With a shrug and soft smile of disappointment she replied "I think I have Cal's
phone number in my wallet. He gave me his card so I could advertise in the Glen
Times. If you would like to call him, I'll get it for you."
"Why don't you give it to me in the morning, I have other things on my mind
tonight." His hand traced the length of her leg. "I love you Bridgid, you
are the truth in my life."
"I love you too, Jack," came her reply, but she got out of bed and made her way
to the shower. That's what she needed right now, some cleansing."
The Commander decided he would not go after her. Tomorrow she would know and
that was time enough. She didn't need to give him Cal's number, he had it
already. When the advertisement went in the whole Glen would know. He smiled as
he closed his eyes, the siren and the sailor.
The Commander called Cal early the next morning. It was an announcement Cal was
happy to include in the paper.
"Residents of The Glen. Commander John Aubrey respectfully requests the hand of
Bridgid Morgan in marriage. Madam, I would hope you answer yes."