Westminister

[Carlotta]

Basinstoke Estate

Ard and Payton were summoned from their sitting room, being told that there was a Constable from Scottland Yard wishing an audience with them. Rushing through the halls from their personal area, they'd soon arrive to the lower level of the Plantation house, where Jerek Franklin stood in wait.

Jerek glanced up as he noticed the flurry of activity directed towards him. A grim look upon his face as he watched the Master and Mistress of the house hurry his way. Turning to face them, his hands clasped behind his back.

Payton wanted to faint when she seen the look upon the Constable's face. A grim look would mean the news he bore would be equally so. She just knew this in her heart. Her hand quickly reached out for Ard's arm in need of steadiment. Suddenly she was finding it hard to breath and her heart was racing as if about to explode in her chest.

The look on the lawman's face, then the feel of Payton's hand upon his arm, both had him steeling himself for what ever news they were about to learn of. Leading his wife to where the Constable stood, a moment taken to gain his wind. "Top o' the morn t' ye Constable Franklin. Me servant said ye 'ave some news for us." Trying to remain calm, if for nothing else, for Payton's sake.

"Master Basinstoke, Mistress." Curt nod of his head to the Lord and Lady of the house. "Yes, I come bearing news. I would consider it to be good news, if nothing else. We've received a letter from your daughter. When you hadn't appeared at the Yard, we figured you had not received one yourself." Hands unclasped from behind him, he'd then withdraw the evelope from an inside breast pocket. This he would offer to Ard, though he was looking at Payton. "Your daughter is fine and well, Mistress. Now you can rest well at night." That said, a bow from his waist and then stood. "We have marked this case as closed with positive results. Those who offered us up the information that was based on lies, have been prosecuted. We're positive they were after your reward, and why they produced such a horrid story. The distress they put you through will be vindicated." That said, he'd nod to each in turn. "Good day." His job completed, he'd turn without further word. Leaving them to the letter now in the Master's hand.

Hearing it was good news, she felt a flood of relief rush through her. No sooner had the letter be placed in Ard's hand, she wanted badly to reach out and snag it, to read it for herself, but she wouldn't do that to embarass Ard before the Constable. Though no sooner had the man left, she turned to face him, quite anxious to learn of the letter's content. "What does it say?"

He was at a loss for words, to say the least. His daughter was fine and well, having written a letter to Scottland Yard and not her family who was frantic over her disappearance? All he could do was nod in return and stare at the letter that he held. Torn between relief and anger. No words were given the man in departing as he just stood there. Drawn from his thoughts by his wifes question. A glance up at her, then slowly he opened the envelope that encased the letter. For some reason he felt as if he didn't wish to learn what it had to say. In fact, he could barely make out the words on the parchment, as his eyes teared. He couldn't explain it, perhaps it was the rush of raw emotion. What ever the reason, wordless still, he'd hand the letter to Payton, letting her read it first.

Seeing the turmoil upon her husband's features and within his now wetted eyes. A hand would move to rest upon his arm and give a reassuring squeeze. Accepting the letter offered, she'd then turn her head to read the words penned by her baby daughters own hand.....

______________________________________________________

To the Constable of Scottland Yard,

Upon having brought to my attention the most astounding story I had ever heard, I am forced to send to you this letter of explaination. I am Carlotta Estelle Basinstoke, the very woman that the Gazette has listed as being a victim of some piracy. I know not where such a flamboyant story was created from, nor if this falsety was placed in order to gain wealth and or recognition.

I assure you that the story you have been told is quite untrue. I am fine and well, living in a kingdom known as Heathfield. I keep residence at Barrett Bay, where I'm employed as the manager of the ports upscale inn.

I was not abducted as the story reads, but left on my own to leave the place that was once home. I beg you to not inform my family of where I am, but I know that you'd not do such a thing, in order to put their minds at ease, and perhaps to even follow up on this letter sent to prove it's validity.

When you see my parents, tell them I am fine and well, and that I intend to remain where I am. I am also informing you of this as well, so there will be no mistaking that this is my choice. I also ask that a retraction of that story also be made and clarification of that which was printed was nothing more than a fabrication.

Sincerally

Carlotta Estelle Basinstoke

______________________________________________________

She read the letter several times over, more the part of her request of not telling her family of where she was. It was as if someone plunged a dagger in her heart and twisted. The letter fluttered from her hand to land upon the floor. Eyes now teary with the pain she was feeling within. "What did we do, Ard? What did we do that was so horrible, that our daughter feels she needs to hide from us?"

"Hide from us?" His wife's words drew that inner anger a bit forward more. Stooping to snag up the letter, he read it over several times before it was wadded up and tossed aside. Without a word spoken, he turned on his heel. Making way to his den where the door was slammed closed, and locked.

Lost and confused as to what was going on. Payton did what any mother would under the circumstances. Turn and flee to her room, flinging herself upon her bed where she would lay and begin to sob. A mixture of emotions rushing through her. Later would come the task of trying to make sense of all of this.

[Carlotta]

The Return

After the abduction by the cunning pirate, her life plummeted for quite some time. Her life a living hell, but nothing in comparison to that which she unleashed upon her captors. Irish spirit came alive, the will to survive.

Once again, she'd find her rescue to be gained by one particular rogue of the open seas. The man may have thought himself to be cunning, but no match was he for the darked haired demoness that captained the Black Swan.

The man dealt with by JD, they all returned to the Isles. Here life took on a semi-peaceful state, for as much of one that could be gotten within an area used for hiding and trading of looted goods. She found she needed to get away for a bit, too much had happened in too short of a time. Loves found and lost just as quickly, along with all the other turmoil that invaded her life. This would be the cause behind her returning to her home in England. It wasn't a choice she made easily, nor quickly. Much debate, but there were matters that needed to be dealt with there. To ensure she wasn't abducted again, due to her families push to get her back.

JD was unable to accompany her in this voyage, due to tending to a matter that called her attention more. Though the Black Swan II was placed in her disposal, along with a fit crew; men who wouldn't be readily recognized or incarcerated upon their landing to make it impossible for her to leave. If that was her want.

Good-byes exchanged, and soon she was again upon the open seas. This time heading back to where her parents maintained home and business. Through news by travelers, she had learned her father laid claim to High Chancelor within the Royal House. A proud position indeed, but would her sudden appearance back home create problems for him? More so, for her?

She would gain her answers soon enough. Several weeks it took for them to reach London's port, where a hack would be rented to carry her to the family estate. She knew not if any of her siblings resided there, having climbed off their high horses long enough to acknowledge their parent. If nothing else, her father's new station in life would be enough of a draw for a few. Those who drank in the prestige that positions of power produced. To walk amoungst high society, as if that was where they belonged. Which in truth, their only reason for being there, was because her father worked himself to death, gaining recognition which placed his family higher on the totem pole of Nobility.

She remembered those harsh times, when her parents were shunned for the love they could not ignore. How they were driven from their native Ireland shores, and forced to make a new lives for themselves upon those of England. Her father pushed from the seat of authority, in which he had to rebuild again; and his promotion proved his worth.

The hack pulled up before the very stately home of the Basinstokes, a footman was quick to greet her with opening the door and offering a hand out. Another arrived to tend to her trunks. Lead up the stairs, then greeted by the family butler. A man who had been with her father since she was but a young child.

Stepping up to the elder man, the warmth of her smile would appear. "Hello Alfred, it's good to see you again." Softly stated as her hand took his offered and stepped to his side.

Those grey eyes had lost their luster over the years as age set in, but upon seeing the face of the youngest, his smile would give them life for the moment. "My Lady Carlotta, what a wonderful and delightful suprise. It's good to have you home again." A warning look then given. "You've given the Master and Mistress fits, be prepared for a lecture that could very well last till the coming of dawn." His voice lowered almost conspiratably.

Soft was her laughter, a light pat to his hand. "Won't be the first den of wolves I've walk into, and I'm sure it won't be the last." Lifting up to place a kiss on his cheek. "You always did look out after me, why I always adored you so much." Meant as well as a tease for an old friend ... who was more like a member of the family.

He would lead her inside, a moments pause as she reaquainted herself with the surroundings. A peek over to Alfred and she'd smile warmly. "Alright, let's get this done and over with so I can find some rest." Playful wink.

He would just grin and offer her an arm in escort, taking her to the door of the den where he knew the family rested this evening. Releasing her arm, he'd knock on the door and await permission to enter. The booming voice of his Master had him opening the door and stepping through. "My Lord and My lady Basinstoke, I wish to announce the return of Carlotta."

She heard the gasp of her mother and the instant motion that took place in the room before she stepped through. Standing just inside the door, gazing upon the features of her parents as they looked upon her as if she was a ghost. A smile upon her lips, she'd not give in an inch. "Good evening, Mother, Father....."