Chapter Text
The journey had been long and arduous, however the newlyweds found themselves able to pass the time with little discomfort. Emma Jones, dressed in a long violet gown, held the hand of her new husband, Captain Killian Jones, as they descended the gangplank. Looking up from underneath her bonnet, she released his hand and watched his eyes illuminate with joy. A tall, stocky man with auburn curls and a sailor’s beard approached, his arms spread wide.
“Little brother!” Liam exclaimed, wrapping Killian in a hearty hug.
Killian laughed, “You mean younger brother!” He returned the embrace before pulling back slightly and taking Emma’s hand, leading her forth. “Liam, allow me to present my wife, Mrs. Emma Jones. Emma Nolan, as was. Emma, this is my elder brother, Captain William Jones. We call him Liam.”
“I have heard miles of tales of your beauty, Lass, but I must say they pale in comparison to the woman before me,” he grasped Emma’s extended hand and bowed, kissing the back of it slowly. “Are you quite sure about this young man? If you change your mind, I can offer you a comfortable home here…”
Emma laughed, blushing and shaking her head. “It is a pleasure, Captain Jones. I believe I am absolutely sure about your brother. My sincerest apologies for letting you down.”
Both men laughed and Liam gestured up the shore. “Come, we must have tea and discuss your journey. Were the seas rough during your passage?”
Emma glanced around her, taking in the sights of the Irish countryside. Liam had been settled in a town called Wexford, where he was engaged in the task of scouting sights for a naval base on behalf of the United States Navy. Now, they walked up to a stone-paved road, along which they walked in the direction of a tea shop.
“The seas were calm, which is definite luck for this time of the year,” Killian explained, holding to Emma’s arm. “I was unsure of Mrs. Jones’s ability to remain well on a long journey, but she managed.”
Emma blushed softly, hoping Killian would leave out the details and the fact that they spent most of their time on the ship sequestered to their quarters below decks. “I could hardly be a sailor’s wife and be ill on a journey across the sea.”
Liam grinned and nodded. “Then I believe you have chosen most wisely, Brother.” He clapped Killian on the back, then reached out and opened the door to a small tea shop. “Finest tea in Wexford, I assure you.”
An older woman led them to a small table near the back of the shop, with a wide view of the sea. Emma settled into her seat and removed her bonnet. She smiled at her new brother-in-law as a dark-haired young woman approached the table and began placing out teacups and a kettle.
“Thank you for inviting us to Ireland for a leg of our honeymoon journey,” Emma turned the handle on her teacup after it was placed before her. “I have never been here and I have always wanted to make the trip. Now, I already find it beautiful and charming.”
Liam’s attentions seemed to be focused on the young woman pouring tea. He glanced to Emma with a smile of acknowledgement before glancing back at the girl. She placed the kettle upon the table. Before she could turn to leave, Liam spoke.
“Thank you, Miss Lucas. Diligent as always,” he smiled and nodded. The girl reached up and tucked some of her hair back beneath her bonnet with a smile. She curtseyed slightly and returned back to the kitchen.
Killian’s eyebrow raised slightly. “I take it you come here often, Brother. And I would wager a guess that it is not entirely for the tea.”
Liam’s neck turned pink and he cleared his throat. “How is your family, Mrs. Jones? Is the beautiful Lady Mills still vexing men left and right?”
Emma laughed, also noticing the flourish of crimson along her brother-in-law’s skin. “Lady Mills is now Lady Locksley. She has married a lovely gentleman who moved into the Maine territory.”
“What a shame,” he smirked. “I thought her to be causing mischief for the men of the county for quite some time yet.”
“I can say with all confidence that being married will in no way halt Lady Locksley’s reign of mischief,” the younger Captain Jones responded with a laugh, lifting his tea to his lips.
Glancing at her husband, Emma gave him a stern look, fighting a smile of agreement. She cleared her throat as the beautiful Miss Lucas again came to the table with a tray of sandwiches and tarts. It was clear to see that Captain Jones the elder’s attentions were absolutely focused upon this young woman.
“And might I add that the same applies to the new Mrs. Jones?” Killian added, seeing the glint of an idea forming behind his wife’s eyes. Emma turned to grin at her husband.