The Sea Maiden (41 page)

Once at the hospital they were informed of both Karina and her father. Lord Pembroke was resting in one room and Karina was with a male visitor in another so they were instructed to wait outside. The nurse informed Captain Drake and Karina of the two gentlemen. Eric promptly went to greet the two visitors in the waiting room. He recognized Jonathan and remembered Nate, who assisted Lord Pembroke’s at the dinner party. Captain Drake went over the events leading up to Karina’s hospitalization. He held back the fact that Karina was with child and had lost it. Jonathan and Nate visited Karina, she was happy to see them both especially after believing Nate to be dead.

Both Karina and Peter remained in the hospital several days. Eric, Lynnette, Nate and Jonathan, who had become good friends, made regular visits. Karina regained a more positive mental state. Lord Pembroke’s heavily sedated state was an actual blessing because he missed the traumatic events that might have interrupted his healing and recovery, and was greatly relieved to see Nate again.

When Charles saw his daughter Karina she was much more composed. Back at the cabin she had not been able to tell him about Eric. So she immediately told her father of her feelings for Eric and how he had now rescued her twice with the help of her friend Peter who had sustained a serious injury. Charles became enraged upon learning that Karina had conceived a child by Captain Drake until Karina refreshed his memory of his own past with Lavinia and Jonathan. After that Charles had to make an attitude adjustment. Jonathan and his father were unprepared for their reunion so it was awkward at first but with Karina’s intervention both soon began warming up to one another.

Charles also warmed up to Eric once Eric apologized to him for his own behavior with Karina and officially asked him for her hand in marriage as well as suggest the merging of their shipping business. Charles insisted on immediate wedding plans to which Eric agreed but was even more intrigued at the idea of merging their business, and saw Eric in a different light it would be good to have him at the helm of the business now that he needed to retire.

Karina and Peter were both released from their hospital stay a few days later; they had survived their ordeal. They exchanged a friendly embrace with one another then headed to their new homes accompanied by their mates, Eric and Lynnette.

Lord Pembroke and Nate awaited them at River Oaks Court. Wedding plans were in the works, the true engagement party would be taking place that weekend. Karina pinched herself, she was about to marry a man she adored and both her father and brother Jonathan would be in attendance. She counted her blessings; her father’s improved health alone was short of miraculous. Nate was still with them watching over her father, who she regarded more as a member of the family, and then of course her two dearest friends Peter and Lynnette. Her daring and risky venture had worked. Regretfully there was the heartbreak of losing her baby but thankful for the opportunity to try again, this time with everyone’s blessing. The doctor had assured her she would have no problem conceiving again and that it was best to start her married life with Eric this way, with no room for gossip.

The day of the engagement party the house was buzzing with activity Eric had sent for his Aunt Dorothea and Uncle Mathias, while in Yucatan through a fellow trade ship returning to England. According to a message received on a newly arrived ship they would be arriving in time for the christening of the Lady Dorothea, the ship on which Peter would be 1st mate. Dorothea and Mathias were overjoyed upon hearing that Eric and Karina were to be married soon. Lynnette’s own mother and twin brothers were expected to visit New England in the coming months as arranged by Karina.

Guest began to arrive, Jonathan and his family arrived and they brought with them Jonathan’s mother Lavinia still a gracious lady at 70. Charles had not expected to see his old flame again so many years later. It was a pleasant surprise; soon they were both laughing and talking with each other once again. Life was about second chances Karina thought and smiled to herself.

Jonathan’s siblings by his mother, as well as Eric’s business associates and friends continued to fill the house. After growing up in seclusion with only staff surrounding her, Karina was now happily surrounded and embrace by her newly found extended family. She was now also known as Aunt Karina, as she was called by Jonathan’s children. Eric and Karina happily greeted their guest.

One more visitor was announced that evening. Mr. Sherman Craft, a peculiar little man, who was not among the invited guest. He identified himself as an official representing Lord Gunther Harmon’s Estate. He urgently asked to meet with Lord Harmon’s widow, Lady Karina Harmon.

Karina and Eric met with the little man in the study away from the multitude of guests. The official apologized for his intrusion during an obvious family event but there were documents she needed to sign. Mr. Craft went on elaborating the trouble it took to find her. Then he went on to explain that as Lord Harmon’s widow with no other heirs she was now awarded his entire estate. Karina’s mouth dropped open in amazement; Eric raised his eyebrows and smiled at her. The official went on detailing the estate and assets which included Harmon Hall, six ships, a hotel in France and country villa with a vineyard Gunther had recently purchased due to his love of French wines. Also included were his property in New Providence, plus a cabin in the New England woods. Gunther was indeed a very wealthy man. His insatiable greed to also acquire all of Karina’s and her father’s wealth and assets had backfired leading to his own demise and instead making Karina’s his very wealthy widow.

“Well it seems your father’s business is no longer in trouble.”

“Eric he was your
half-brother, this should all belong to you.”

“Darling, Gunther never saw me that way, but he did make you his wife and put you through plenty of misery to achieve it.”

“I just don’t feel right to receive what should be rightly yours?”

“Then see it as ‘Poetic Justice’. Everything he acquired through force and greed, I now receive through love, do you agree with that?”

“Yes.”

“Then don’t worry about it darling, after all to me, the real prize is the bride.” He winked. Karina threw her arms around him.

“I love you Eric.”