Page 54 of A Siren for the Duke

“I am not sure of all the details. I was twelve when she left, and I think my mother still thought me too young for family politics. But from what I can understand now, she never married. When her brother, my father, passed, she received quite a sum in his will. I think she was rather a libertine. My mother still does not like to speak about her or associate with her.”

“Seems the Upton name is bound to always have scandal attached to it,” Lionel mused.

Jemima turned to him with a glare.

“Has… something happened?” Mrs. Sherwood asked, looking between the two of them. “I am sorry to pry. It is just that your situation is an interesting one.”

“My brother... caused a bit of a scandal in the ton when he married a woman who was not an aristocrat. But because he is a man, it was smoothed over,” she said bitterly.

“You also caused a scandal, I presume, but it is harder to shake away a stained reputation as a woman,” Elena Sherwood guessed.

“Indeed,” Jemima said in agreement, her eyes briefly fleeting to Lionel, but he looked out the window of the carriage, stony-faced.

“What happened?” Elena prodded gently.

“I... fell in love with someone I was not allowed to love. We had a courtship in secret. When it was uncovered, it was all the ton could talk about. I don’t think my mother has yet forgiven me, nor will she ever. She is concerned my actions could poorly affect my sister’s prospects as well.”

She did not mean to let the words bubble forth like that, but once she started talking, she could not stop. Elena was the first person to have asked her what had happened, and Jemima realized she had not spoken about it to anyone for two years. Instead, she’d been sequestered from society, and her mother had not wanted to discuss it further.

“I am sure your mother was just trying to protect you, but I acknowledge and understand that it hurts. Should you choose to stay in Jamaica, know you have friends here in Port Royal.”

“Thank you. That means so much to me,” Jemima said, tears shining in her eyes. Now she felt guilty for ever being annoyed at the curious look Elena had given her.

It seemed as though the conversation would have continued, but at that moment, Jemima felt the carriage lurch.

“I believe we’re going uphill,” Lionel said, peeking through the window. “Ah. We’ve turned onto a private road. Her house must be quite secluded. And—oh! Well. There it must be.”

Jemima scooted over as far as she possibly could to see, and she was utterly unprepared. If the Sherwood’s house was fine indeed, then this was grand. The exterior was all white stone and stood tall and proud, overlooking the sea. Brightly colored tropical flowers framed the doorways and windows, and the avenue leading to her house was lined with large palm trees.

"Indeed. Your aunt Eliza knows how to make an impression. She lives in the most enviable spot in all of Port Royal,” Elena said.

"Quite right, Mrs. Sherwood. I must admit, Lady Jemima, your aunt's abode does have a way of stealing one's breath away."

“I simply hope she accepts me, much less remembers me.”

Mrs. Sherwood patted Jemima’s forearm reassuringly.

“My dear, don't fret. I am certain your aunt will be overjoyed to see you. Family ties run deep. I imagine she has kept you close to her heart all these years."

Jemima sighed, comforted by Mrs. Sherwood's words. She leaned back against the plush cushion, her gaze fixed on the approaching manor. As the carriage climbed higher, the view of the ocean became more expansive, the vibrant turquoise waters stretching out endlessly toward the horizon. The carriage finally came to a stop before the grand entrance of the house. Jemima's heart skipped a beat as the footman opened the door, and she stepped out onto the cobbled driveway, her eyes wide with awe. The intoxicating scent of tropical flowers filled the air, mingling with the salty breeze from the nearby ocean.

Aunt Eliza, a regal woman with silver-streaked hair and kind eyes, stood at the top of the grand staircase, waiting to welcome her niece. Jemima's breath caught in her throat as their eyes met, and a rush of emotions flooded her being. It felt as though time had momentarily ceased to exist, and they were both transported back to the days of her childhood. She was practically a female version of her late father.

"My dearest Jemima," Aunt Eliza said, her elegant voice laced with emotion. "Welcome home.

Jemima's nerves melted away as she climbed the steps, her heart filled with love and acceptance. She embraced her aunt tightly, the years of separation melting away in an instant.

"Aunt Eliza, it's so good to see you," she whispered, her voice trembling with suppressed tears.

Aunt Eliza pulled back and held Jemima at arm's length, her eyes brimming with affection. "And you, my darling niece. You have grown into a remarkable young woman. Port Royal is blessed to have you grace its shores.”

“I am sorry I did not let you know of my arrival sooner.”

Eliza waved a dismissive hand.

“There was an ocean between us, Jemima. I understand perfectly well. Mrs. Sherwood, lovely to see you. And you, if my eyes do not deceive me, you must be… Captain Hunt" she smiled. After exchanging formalities, they followed her inside. They walked into the marble foyer. It was a straight, wide, open corridor that went all the way to the back of the house so that one could see the ocean the moment they arrived at the front door. It was just a long expanse of white, with that gorgeous turquoise water beyond it. It looked almost like a path to the end of the world, but it was oddly calming.

“Do you like it?” Eliza asked after directing Lionel and Mrs. Sherwood to the drawing room for some refreshments.