Episode 5

After Tabitha's departure, Ethan apologized again to the couple and, as if nothing significant had happened, continued his conversation with Granger. The man dodged all of Devereux's questions about how he knew there were no other survivors or what might have washed ashore. Ethan found this behaviour strange, but remembering he was still very close to France, began to wonder if he might be in a worse situation than before. Deciding not to press the matter, he explained that they were traveling to England when the storm struck. He implied that he had married Tabitha against his family's wishes, which seemed to satisfy the couple. Shortly after, he excused himself, implying he had matters to settle with his wife, which made Josias smile and nod knowingly. After all, women should know their place.

As Ethan climbed the stairs, he thought about how to convince Tabitha they needed to pretend to be married. He concluded it would be best to share his suspicions with her. When he reached the door to the room, he knocked and entered, finding Tabitha sitting by the fireplace with an expression of fury. Hmm…this was going to be fun.

“You seem quite upset – he remarked as he entered. – Can I help you with something?”

“Why didn’t you refute that ridiculous idea that we were a couple?” – She asked in an aggressive tone.

“First, because it’s safer this way. After all, we don’t know anything about the people who saved us. And second, because I don’t trust them” – Ethan replied calmly.

“You don’t trust them?! So now I’m forced to share a room with you? That’s completely insane. What could possibly happen? Don’t tell me—I’ll wake up with you trying to assault me. Oh wait, that’s already happened.”

“I didn’t try to assault you, Tabitha. At most, I started to make love to you” – he answered with a smile, which only enraged Tabitha further.

“Everything is a joke to you, isn’t it? Fine, I’m not staying here and sharing a room with you, letting people think we have a relationship that doesn’t exist and, frankly, I don’t want.” – She stood up and started heading toward the door. Ethan moved at the same time, grabbing her arm and pulling her to face him. Tabitha felt her body react to his touch. Her nipples hardened, and a shiver ran through her. My God, what was happening to her?

“Tabitha, get this through your stubborn head: we don’t know who they are or what they do. For all we know, they could be a gang of murderers. England is at war with France, and we’re on an island that’s more French than English. Your parents are dead, and you don’t know why. And if that’s not enough, you’re the sole heir to an immense fortune—if what Amélie said is true. You’re in danger, whether you like it or not. And right now, I’m the only one who can protect you” – he said in a stern voice.

Tabitha gazed at him in astonishment, her eyes brimming with unshed tears. How dare he address her in such a manner?

“Don’t look at me like that” – he said, softening his tone. – “I just think we should stick together until we get out of here, for safety reasons.”

“If that’s the case, then you’ll sleep on the sofa, and no kisses “– she replied softly, trying to free herself. Devereux chuckled and, disregarding her efforts to break free, drew closer to her.

“Is that what bothers you? Where I’ll sleep? Don’t worry, I’ll take the sofa, and I promise on my honor as a gentleman that I won’t do anything you don’t want “– he said, letting her go, but not before giving her a kiss that left her trembling. –” As for the kisses, well, this one seals our agreement, and I won’t give you another unless you ask me. Now, come with me; let’s go for a walk. It will do you good to clear your pretty little head with more cheerful thoughts “– he said with a smile, seeing that she was about to argue again. Allowing his hands to slide down her arms, he released her for a moment, only to take her hand and guide her toward the door. His suggestion made her feel more at ease, nearly causing her to forget the agreement they had made about sharing a room that night. Together, they descended the stairs and proceeded toward the front door, where they were once again intercepted by Smith, the butler.

“My lord and my lady, are you going out?”

“Yes, Smith. We’re going to see the gardens. We’ll be back for dinner. Please inform your employers.”

“Very well, sir. Dinner is at five o’clock” – and with that, he opened the door for them to leave.

Tabitha and Ethan descended the mansion steps hand in hand, under the butler’s watchful eye. Once in the gardens, she tried to pull her hand away, but when he didn’t let go, she remarked:

“We’re out of sight now; you can let go of me, my lord.” – Ethan smiled at this, which made her anxious again.

“Have you considered that I might not want to? “– But seeing how nervous she was, he decided to humor her and released her hand. She immediately stepped aside, putting some distance between them.

“Don’t stray too far. If someone sees us, they’ll think it odd. We’re supposed to be a couple, madly in love. Besides, I don’t bite. You can trust me.”

“I’d sooner trust a wild animal than you, my lord.“ – At this, Ethan laughed but decided not to provoke her further and changed the subject.

“Tell me about yourself. What was it like growing up in France?”