#enith needs saving too

[the-lonelyshepherd]

OC ROADTRIP OC ROADREIP PC ROADTRIP

[teamhook]

A Chapter a Day... Savage Heart CS AU

A love story between a pirate and his savior. An innocent, beautiful, selfless woman meets a man with no manners, no formal education and not even a last name. Will Emma fall in love with Killian once she discovers that beneath his tough exterior lies a heart-wild, but a heart of gold? This is a Captain Swan AU

Beta-ed by the awesome @ilovemesomekillianjones​​

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Chapter 19: Unfortunate Encounters

Time has ceased to move forward; at least that is how Emma and Killian feel. They find themselves in an almost euphoric state. They are so happy and they don't want to go out in the real world. They are currently sitting in the small kitchen enjoying the last of the food in an attempt to nourish them for the day.

Yet they will without a doubt soon find themselves venturing out into the world.

He knows that she wants to go check on her mother and he needs to check in on his business since he has left Smee without supervision for far too long. He trusts Smee but there is no need to give the man any temptation to possibly betray him. He knows his first mate to be a greedy man and for as long as he has been in his employ they have been successful in obtaining riches. He knows that is one of the main reasons he has remained loyal for so long; Killian has been a generous Captain and the relationship has been lucrative for the crew but none have enjoyed his generosity like his plump, red hat wearing first mate.

He is brought back to reality at the sound of his wife's soothing voice.

"Killian, I was wondering if I may join you on your trip to the Booth Estate. While you go about your duties I can visit with my mother but first, we will need to stop at the market for some food and other essentials."

"My love, I would love your company. I do need to stop at my office and check in with Smee. Then on my return, we can make a quick trip to the market and after that, we can head to the Booth's together."

"I can also go with you to the office. I would love to see it."

"Love, under normal circumstances I would be honored if you would accompany me but it is not a normal office. It is a room above my friend's tavern." He notices her eyes downcast at the mention of the tavern because although his wife has led a sheltered life she will still know the kind of dealings that go on in a tavern. "The location is only temporary; I will find an appropriate location soon. I will also need some sort of warehouse for the products. Last time I spoke with Archie before his departure he mentioned everything was flowing smoothly. If it would please you I can also send Smee in search for our food and whatever other supplies you require. That way we can have some extra time together and we can enjoy each other's company a bit longer now." He was looking at her with a gleam of mischief and promise of very enjoyable activities.

He would rather continue to enjoy his time with Emma; he had become addicted to her in such a short time. He wants to reach out and grab her and show her how much enjoyment he has to offer.

She looks into his cerulean eyes and feels a shiver go down her spine. She shakes off the desire and her mind clears.

"You look at me like you want to devour me and I would love to continue to enjoy your company but we both have some duties to fulfill. If you cannot accompany me to the market I am capable of going alone while you go to your office and take care of your business. Then we can go to the Booth's together."

"My love, I believe I have proven extensively that I can, in fact, devour you and I gladly will continue doing so until the end of time." He smiles as he holds her hand. "If I didn't know better I would say that you are denying your husband. That is simply bad form, love."

"I'm not denying my insatiable husband anything. Besides, one of us has to be reasonable and I thought you liked my form." She smiles and bites her lower lip. "All I'm saying is that you need to report back at the Estate and I need to check up on my mother. If only to prove I'm still alive and that you have been good to me." She flushes at the last statement. He had been good to her and made her feel things she knew nothing of.

Killian studies her face and smiles at her slightly flushed face. She is correct although all he wishes is for them to remain in the comfort of their home. They have duties and he feels reassured at the realization that they have their futures ahead of them. The vow was simple 'until death do us part'.

"It seems I cannot deny you anything, since you insist on going to the market instead of allowing me to send Smee in our place. I should be done in an hour. Is that enough time for you to go to the market and return home and then we can make the trip to the Booth Estate together."

"Yes, Killian, that should be enough time."

She notices he looks upset. "What is bothering you?"

"I don't like the idea of you going alone to the market. Before you jump to conclusions it is not because I think you are not capable." He takes a deep breath. "Sweetheart, I know you are more than capable of going to the market but everyone that has ever mattered to me has been snatched away from me and I'm afraid to lose you too."

"Nothing is going to happen to me if I go to the market alone. I may have a solution for that. How about we get Tink out of the Convent and bring her to live with us? We could get her a tutor or I could do it myself. I was homeschooled by the best tutors courtesy of Cora."

"Emma, would you truly do that for her? Wouldn't it seem improper? We are newlyweds and I hate to admit this but my reputation with women may not be the best and sadly it was well earned." In reality, he doesn't know how to tell her of his past with Tink.

"It will not be improper because we are married and besides we both know she hates the Convent. I know your reputation with women but I know you love me and Tink is my friend."

"We will discuss this later once we are in the comfort of our home."

"I have another question before you go. Killian, shouldn't Archie be back from Arendelle by now?"

"I believe the question you are truly asking is if your father should have returned by now and the answer is yes, but it truly depends on the weather, love."

"Oh, that is good news I can share with my mother." She smiles brightly then suddenly starts fidgeting in her seat.

"I was wondering if you plan on staying as Steward at the Booth's after August and Milah return."

He knows that is not the real question she is asking him. "No sweetheart. Once August returns I will tender my resignation. My business is doing fairly well and I have enough money saved for us to live comfortably. If you want to talk about this further we will."

They finally say their goodbyes and he leans in to kiss her. He truly wishes that she would have succumbed to the temptation of staying home and finding sustenance within each other.

Killian is walking to The Golden Goose Tavern thinking about the rest of the day and what it holds for them. He knows Cora doesn't object to his absence. He hates that he will be providing Cora a bit of information that will surely brighten up the rest of her life. He will be giving her her heart's desire once he informs her that upon August's returns he will be tendering his resignation. He hates giving that woman the satisfaction.

He has no idea how soon he will be giving his resignation and coming face to face with a scorned ex-lover.

Enith is tending to the garden when she sees a carriage approaching. She runs towards the house and goes straight to Cora's bedroom. She knocks urgently to get her mistresses attention.

"Come in," the older woman commands.

"Mrs. Booth, Mr. August, and Miss Milah have returned." The maid is filled with excitement at the news. She knows her mistress will be in a better mood now.

"Good, finally, thank you." Cora promptly gets to her door and in seconds is on her way to greet her son.

"Milah, I saw the carriage from my window. Oh, August it is so good to see you both." She hugs them tightly.

"Aunt Snow, we left as soon as we received your message. Did we make it in time?" Milah hopes that is the case.

"I'm afraid not. The wedding took place last week. I wasn't even present at my daughter's wedding." Snow says with tear-filled eyes.

"Emma is so different now and it is all that man's fault. I tried to convince her to wait for her father, for you but she refused. I tried anything and everything to deter her."

"That does sound unlike her. I wish we would have made it in time. I'm sorry; we really tried to arrive to stop Emma but we failed."

"Mrs. Nolan, how is it possible that Emma agreed to marry Killian? Last time we saw her, she was still insisting that being a nun was her aspiration."

"I have no idea. They spent a lot of time together because of that man they found sick and beaten. He found a way to corrupt her thoughts. She would have never thought to raise her voice at me before coming across that man. I just want my daughter back." Snow sniffles. "August, I asked your mother for help since I knew of her dislike for the man but my pleas fell on deaf ears."

Sadly, Cora is not the first to reach the newly arrived company. She is astounded at the speed in which Snow arrived to greet August and Milah. She cannot help but think that for someone with health issues, Snow sure moves quickly. She arrives just in time to overhear the end of the story that her old friend is telling them. She should have known that Snow would tattle and complain she did nothing to stop the wedding.

"Mother, it is so good to see you." August greets her and goes to hug her.

"Mrs. Nolan was informing us about the endless assistance you offered to Emma in marrying Killian, a man you despise and no one knows the reason." He looks at his mother curiously.

Cora lets out a laugh at the scene in front of her. "Let me guess, she was complaining that I did nothing to stop the wedding. That I didn't forbid Emma from marrying Mr. Jones."

"Mother, we all know that you hate Killian. I remember mentioning a match between them before he started his Steward position here and you were appalled. Then we leave on our honeymoon and come back to the news that you pretty much gift wrapped Emma for Killian. Explain to me, how any of this makes sense?"

"Oh, well, it is quite simple. You married her cousin instead of her. To make up for that unfortunate circumstance and lack of judgment on your behalf, I helped the poor girl since her mother just about disowned her for merely following her heart."

Milah cannot stop herself. "Following her heart? My cousin hates Killian just as much as you do and if it's possible even more." She completely misses her slip of the tongue but her mother-in-law catches it.

"Oh, my darling girl referring to another man by their first name indicates a very intimate knowledge of said person, and to come to his defense? I'm sure Killian would appreciate the gesture coming from a stranger. That is very unbecoming behavior for a newly wedded and young girl of your class to say of a mere stranger." She is intensely studying her reaction as she finishes speaking.

"Oh, I didn't mean anything by it. I have just heard August refer to Mr. Jones in such an affectionate way that it slipped."

Snow just watches the conversations between them.

"Of course darling, I'm sure that is all it is." Cora analyzes Milah's face and she can tell there is so much more to this story. She will leave that for now.

"August, dear, I thought you would be happy and approve of my assistance in the union of your," she rolls her eyes, "childhood friend and Emma, after all, you boasted of what a wonderful match it would be, did you not? Interesting, isn't it, Milah dear. How upset my son is to hear of the wedding of his ex-betrothed?"

Milah glances at August. "Does it bother you that Emma married someone else?"

"Of course not, I'm just concerned since she assured everyone that she wanted to take the vows and look at how distraught your poor aunt is."

Enith is still frozen in place and suddenly volunteers some interesting information.

"There was a rumor going on in town about a young countess getting involved in an unsavory relationship with Mr. Jones."

Snow snaps. "Are you implying my daughter had a prior relationship with that pirate before? She was betrothed to marry August and once that was no longer an option she was heartbroken and joined the convent."

"I'm sorry, I'm only repeating what I heard in town. If it wasn't Miss Emma, the only other choice would be Miss Milah." Enith cowers under Snow's glare.

All eyes fall on Milah. She takes a breath and defends herself. "I have lived in Port Royal most of my life and once I arrived here I was soon courted by my husband. It wasn't me. Oh, dear, it seems my perfect little cousin was not as innocent as she has led all us to believe." She looks in her mother-in-law's direction. "Maybe now you will see that I was the best choice for your son."

"Milah, you know perfectly well, Emma would never do anything like that." Snow is outraged that her niece would so easily taint her daughter's name.

"Aunt Snow, you have to admit she was adamant in marrying him. You said it yourself, there was no stopping her. No way to reason with her. Haven't you asked yourself why?"

Snow glares at Milah and walks away with her head high. "I don't need to further defend my daughter's honor."

"Mother, do you think Emma was in a relationship with Killian, prior to my return?"

"I would find it hard to believe but seeing as she just married him. I don't know, but I do know of the gossip that erupted once the news of the upcoming nuptials and leading up to the wedding day was extreme. I can only imagine that there was quite a spectacle at the chapel. Oh and the whispers of the gossiping commoners as they gathered around only to witness the fall from grace of a woman of honor degrading herself by joining her life to a lowlife bastard scoundrel. Sadly, I could not attend and show my support for such a union in public even if I hold Emma in high regards. I need to maintain some sort of pride in our image."

Milah cannot believe it; they are too late. "August, sweetheart, I'm going to go check on my aunt she was so upset. I hate that my cousin has disappointed her so much."

"Yes my love, you are so sweet and caring."

She smiles at him sweetly and glances at Cora as she walks away to follow her distraught aunt.

"Son, maybe we should continue this conversation inside. Even though we are in our home it will not stop the help from talking." Cora then turns to her faithful housemaid and waves her to follow. "Enith, go make sure that my son's bedroom is ready for him and his wife to rest because of the long trip they just endured."

They walk inside the big house. Cora cannot help herself and assesses her son's behavior to the news. It is almost as intriguing as her daughter-in-laws reaction.

"Mother, I have to admit that I'm shocked at the turn of events."

"Son, why are you lingering at the fact that Emma married Mr. Jones? What truly bothers you? The fact Emma married your old friend or just the fact that she married at all? Cora cannot contain her smile. "My dear boy, you wanted her to pine for you in perpetuity. I would never have thought of you to be such an egotistical man."

August looks away from his mother to avoid her knowing eyes. "Mother you are wrong. I'm just surprised at the swiftness of the events. It does make me wonder if perhaps there had been a hidden affair between the two."

"I will not dwell on those thoughts. I'm just glad it is over with. The thought of having to continue being civil with the man tires me."

"Mother, how much help did you offer?"

"Enough to move things along and I may have offered a dowry as well."

"That sounds generous of you."

"He declined the dowry. Maybe you were right and they are a good match. Now I feel a headache coming, please excuse me."

She leaves her son standing in the middle of the living room as she walks to her room in a triumphant strut.

August, feeling dejected walks aimlessly towards the office and finds solace in the company of his father's ghost.

Milah walks to her aunt's room and knocks.

"I don't want to talk to anyone."

"It's me."

Snow opens the door and looks at her niece and waves her in.

"I'm sorry for the things I said."

"You know perfectly well that Emma would have never done anything to disgrace the family name."

"That means you think it was me."

"I never said such a thing. Milah, people talk because they have nothing better to do. I believe that sometimes situations are misread. Perhaps my sweet Emma was just seen being polite and nice to the pirate and because of his reputation it was seen as scandalous."

"I think you are right. It was probably just an innocent encounter."

"Aunt Snow, maybe I should go see her and talk to her. I know it is too late but there are possible solutions. Offer the pirate money to leave her and send her away."

Yes, that could definitely work. They could send Emma away and keep the money for themselves. That solution would be perfect. She would keep Killian and no one would ever know that it was her. Actually, they would realize it by the time it was too late. She could see herself and Killian in a faraway land enjoying each other.

"Milah, I think that is a lovely idea. I don't have the address but Cora does. I'm sure she would not object to giving you the information."

"I think it would be a better idea if you ask her for it. She still has not warmed up to me."

"I will go ask her for the address. I really had hoped you would have arrived in time. I will be right back."

Snow leaves Milah behind in her room. Milah hears the door shut close behind her aunt. She walks to the window and thinks of her next move.

Meanwhile, Emma and Killian are leaving their home after an early day of errands.

Killian had quickly gone over the daily reports. Michael Thomas had proven to be a fast learner even though he was left to be trained by Smee. He would catch Mr. Thomas looking at him once in a while and then he would smile and ask him if there was anything else for him to do. Killian found the behavior odd and had asked him numerous times the reason behind his stares. The man would simply answer, "You remind me of someone I used to know."

Killian thanked Smee and Mr. Thomas for their work and informed them he needed to leave early to meet with his wife.

Smee would smile at him slyly as if he was in on a secret.

Killian noticed Mr. Thomas open his mouth and promptly close it.

"Is there anything else, Mr. Thomas?"

"No, I just wanted to extend my congratulations on your marriage and wish you a good day sir. I would greatly appreciate it if you would say hello to Miss Emma. I hope that I'm not overstepping."

"You are not overstepping. My wife is very fond of you. I will gladly convey your wishes and greetings to her. If that is all for the day, I have to meet my wife at home, enjoy the rest of the day."

Killian finally makes his way to his lovely wife. They exchange a quick kiss hello mostly because Emma is afraid Killian will get carried away and are quickly on their way to the Booth Estate in the carriage.

Emma is looking out of the small window admiring the scenery. "Are you nervous to go back to the Booth's?"

"No, I'm just hoping my father is here soon. The longer I wait for his arrival, knowing he is on a ship finally coming home, I worry something has happened."

"My sweet love, everything will be fine and before you know it your father will be here."

"You do know we both will have to answer to him about our rushed wedding among other things. My mother will not stay quiet about her position on the nuptials."

"For you my love I would face anyone, including an unhappy father. Besides, I truly believe I will win him over once he gets to know me like I did his stunning daughter."

The ride had ended speedily because of the discussion and the kisses Killian sneaked in during the conversation. They arrive at the house only to come face to face with an irate woman.

Milah sees the carriage approach the house from her aunt's window. She runs out of the room and makes her way to meet the carriage occupiers.

She is so full of anger she cannot think straight. Once she reaches her destination she stops in her tracks as she sees the intimate interactions between the loving couple. Milah glares at the pair.

"How does marrying my cousin help our plans? Please explain your reasoning to me."

Killian straightens his back and the tension rising there causes a loud crackling pop.

"Oh, Milah you are back. You must share details of the honeymoon, since I owe my breathtaking bride a much-deserved honeymoon of her own. It seems that some plans change and are not meant to come to fruition." He holds on to Emma's hand and looks at Milah. "You have personal experience in that matter. If you recall, there was once a long betrothal entered by an innocent young girl and a short courtship between a very different woman and a commoner that led to a proposal as well. The young girl got her heart broken and the other only thinking of her well being accepted the second proposal forgetting the promise she had made. In that moment a familial bond and a commitment made of love were broken."

Milah doesn't back down as his gaze stays focused on her every move, it is not fueled with passion but with fury.

"The man you left behind is no more."

"I refuse to take this lying down and be miserable, married to August? You and I had plans." She turns to Emma and back to Killian and laughs. "Shall I tell her? We were going to run away with all the Booth money we could get our hands on."

"Those plans are over and done. The only woman I want to run away with is my wife. You made the choice to marry Booth and it is only fair for you to suffer the consequences of your betrayal."

"I will not be the only one that is unhappy. You and my cousin will not enjoy your so-called happy ending for long."

"Do not threaten my marriage because I surely will forget that you once held a place in my heart or bed."

"How about you dear cousin, what do you think of our plan?"

Emma looks Milah in the eye.

"I cannot say it surprises me." Emma looks at Killian and looks back to Milah.

"Emma, sweetheart, I should have been honest with you..."

Emma shakes her head. "I asked for your intentions the minute you arrived and you lied to me. I didn't just ask once did I? Your response was the same; I want to be a better man."

"I did not lie about my feelings for you. I became a better man because of you. I love you. I fell in love with you. Yes, at first my intentions weren't honorable but the more time I spent in your presence and the conversations we had, those were real." He is looking at her with regret in his eyes. "We can overcome this. My love, if your love for me is real, I know we can."

"I'm not the one that lied. I do love you and that is the reason it hurts so much. I chose to see the best in you."

"I will never stop fighting for us."

Emma looks at Killian and smiles softly at him. Milah's voice brings her out of his loving gaze.

"Emma dear, you do not love Killian. Your heart has always belonged to one man and that is my husband. Just admit the truth; you only married Killian to get back at me for marrying your beloved. I still remember the vile things you would say to keep me away from him." She points at Killian. "I'm the one that loves you, she doesn't and never truly will."

"You are correct, we may not have started as a couple in love but we do love each other now. We lied to ourselves trying to convince ourselves that we were only marrying to protect your family from the rumors, but it is real. I love Emma and she loves me too. The here and now is all that matters."

"You two are delusional. It is hard to know who is conning whom."

"Milah that is enough! He is right, we love each other and we will honor the vows we made before God."

"Emma, tell me how it felt when he took you for the first time? Was it filled with passion and heat? That is the way it always was between us."

"He made love to me and it was beautiful."

"I don't know if I should feel sorry for you, cousin. That just means you do not inspire passion in him and he will soon get bored with you. He will soon take a lover."

"Let me guess, with you?"

"You have no idea how right you are. The fact that you arrived at that conclusion so rapidly is outstanding. You may not be as delusional as I thought you were."

"Bloody hell, Milah, we are over. There will be no rendezvous or clandestine meetings. Let me be clear about the simple fact that I made love to my wife because I love her. I will never tire of her. You have no idea how I hunger for her."

Killian walks toward his wife and holds out his hand for her to take, once she does they intertwine their fingers and walk into the house hand in hand.

They have no idea the luck that has shrouded their exchange as nobody's the wiser to the conversation. Snow is talking to Cora. Enith is following her mistress's orders to ensure August and Milah's room is clean. August had descended to the office to sort his thoughts.

The ship finally docks at Misthaven and David and Archie are finally home. Archie spots a young man named Felix and calls him over.

"Felix, is there any news on Captain Jones?"

"Mr. Hopper, the Captain married a countess just last week."

Archie turns to look at David. "We should head to the Booth's. I believe that is where we will find them."

"Alright let's go find my family."

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