Thorne: Full Circle

(The direct continuation of Thorne: The Magic of Love)

By Atonia Walpole

Part 1:

The House provided soft background music throughout their dinner and it inspired Jack to bring down his violin and play for them. Toni lounged on the sofa, her head in Terry’s lap, and Jack stood in front of the fireplace. After a few attempts he began to play. Toni closed her eyes. He’d played that piece before when there was only the two of them in the House. She wondered if she would ever completely get over him and then she thought she didn’t have to. He was there and he always would be.

Terry absently played with her hair, his mind trying desperately to recall anything about her. When they’d come together in the gazebo his body knew her but his mind did not. He closed his eyes. The piece was familiar to him, too. He’d heard it aboard Jack’s ship. It occurred to him all his recollections so far had to do with Jack. He thought perhaps Jack would be the catalyst he needed to bring back his memory.

Jack, coming to the end of the piece, glanced at them on the sofa, both with their eyes closed. Had he put them to sleep? “Perhaps something a little more lively?” He moved over and took a drink from his glass of port.

Toni opened her eyes and smiled at him. “That was lovely, Jack. Play some more.”

“I think not. I shall take myself up to bed. I do believe my ship will come tomorrow.” He finished his port and came over to the sofa, kissed Toni’s hand and lay his hand on Terry’s shoulder. “Sweet dreams to you both.” And he left them alone.

“I’ve heard him play that before aboard his ship. There was an old lady there.”

“That was my Auntie. We were coming back from Norfolk. We’d been to my Mamam’s funeral and there was a terrorist scare at Logan airport so we couldn’t fly home. The roads were blocked around Boston and so Jack took us home aboard the Surprise.”

“I remember some of the ship’s crew being there. Dr. Maturin played his cello. Max and John were there. Where were you?”

“I was there, too, Terry. You can’t see me there, can you?”

“No, I can’t and I find that very strange. So far all my memories have to do with Jack. It’s like something blocking the way and I can’t get around it.”

“Terry, do you love me just a little?”

“Yes, I do. That’s probably not what you wanted to hear, but being with you today I can see how we got to where we were. I want to get back there again, Toni. I want to feel it.”

“You’re going to have to trust me enough and give yourself wholly to me, Terry. Maybe it’s too soon. Something inside of you is not ready. We’ve only been together here for a little over 24 hours. It didn’t happen that quickly before. A few days ago you didn’t know me at all.”

“Are we going to have to go through all that again?”

“I don’t know, darling. I hope not, and in the mean time I’ve got enough love for you to make up for anything you may lack on your side of things. I’m patient. I can wait until it happens and I believe it will, honestly I do.”

Terry slept with her in her bed that night and when he made love to her she knew his body knew hers. He knew exactly how to please her, but still he held himself away from her, not giving fully of himself.

The next morning Jack was on the bluff with his glass watching his ship, checking the sails and the position of the sun, calculating how long until it would arrive. Satisfied, he walked back to the table on the terrace where a tray with coffee and buns had appeared for his pleasure. It was a cool morning on the second of September, just enough bite in the air to let you know the seasons had changed.

Terry was returning to the house from his run. His feet knew the way along the paths and winding trails through the woods even if he did not. He caught sight of the house and slowed, memories flashing through his mind of cold mornings with frost heavy on the ground, an urgency to get back inside but for what he did not know. He rounded the house and came upon Jack with his coffee cup.

“Enough for two?” he asked, hardly winded at all.

“Of course. How do you do it morning after morning?”

“I dunno. It’s something I have to do. I don’t get much exercise otherwise. Not much time to work out anymore.”

“Is that so, and where do you 'work out', as you say?”

“London,” he turned and looked at Jack. “I think…I know I used to go to a gym when I was in town. Was that part of the movie?”

“No, not as I recall. I do know you ran in the mornings in London because we met one foggy morn.”

“I don’t remember that.” Terry stirred his coffee.

“You were having problems at that time, only recently having left this House and gone out into reality. You had a hard time letting the past go, things you thought you knew turned out not to be so, people and places. It wasn’t easy for you, Terry, and I do hope you don’t have to go through that experience again.”

Terry ran his hand through his hair. “So do I. I was telling Toni last night most of my memories have to do with you. I’ve remembered a few things that happened aboard your ship, some of the people. This morning I had a flash as I came on the house of a frosty morning and I was running to get back inside.”

“Hmm, well you are coming along, Terry. Do you see out there, she comes.”

“The Surprise. She’s a welcome sight to you I’m sure.”

“Indeed she is.”

Toni, finally able to get up and move around without feeling woozy, walked out on her balcony for some fresh air. It was coming. She could see the white sails upon the blue-green of the ocean and felt a little sense of loss for it was coming to take Jack away. She recalled walking the decks of that ship with Jack, the constant motion, and wondered how in the world she would be able to stand on those decks to be married. She’d be hanging over the side chundering her guts out. Silently, she asked the House for help in that direction. It wouldn’t do at all to be sick for her wedding.

“Wedding!” She turned toward the room and suddenly remembered the dress stand and her wedding dress she’d worn when she and John married. She’d been married in this house to him. There was a little catch in her breath as she walked to her wardrobe. Too many memories here…too many.

When she opened the door to her wardrobe the most exquisite thing she’d ever seen hung on the inside of the door. She fingered the fine, pale yellow muslin shot with gold. She’d never seen anything like it. Taking it down, she held it against her, a high waist under her breasts which would allow for her little baby bump. She turned it around and looked at it, at the inside of it. It was made by hand. Where in the world had it come from? Without a doubt this was her wedding dress.

A picture came into her mind and she walked down the hall and opened Jack’s bedroom door. She took a breath, his scent filling her lungs, and walked over to a picture on the wall, something painted in his era and there was her dress. Her hand went to her mouth and tears filled her eyes. Jack.

Back in her room she noticed the small trunk by her wardrobe and opened it. It contained pale green slippers that matched the leaves on the silk roses adorning her dress.  She thought she would go down and thank him for the dress after she had her bath and was dressed for the day.

Jack and Terry had gone down the cliff to greet the boat that was coming ashore. Terry recognized Barret Bonden, and Bonden touched his forehead in greeting. Bonden was Jack’s coxswain. Jack talked to Killick, who had come ashore, and told him there was to be a wedding aboard ship and to make ready. He also told Bonden to pass the word.

Turning to Terry, he continued, “You, as the bridegroom, will go aboard ship now. You are to be fitted out in proper clothing for the wedding.” Looking at Terry’s shorts and tee shirt he’d worn for his morning run, he added, “Something perhaps as befits your military station.”

Terry looked toward the cliff and back. “You aren’t coming?”

“Killick and I will await the next boat and I shall escort your bride.”

A look passed between them but Terry climbed in the boat and was rowed out to the Surprise anchored in deeper water.

Toni came out of her bedroom as Jack and Killick were climbing the steps. “Oh, Jack, I wanted to thank you for the dress! You did do that, didn’t you?”

“Yes, pet, I did. I thought as you were getting married on my ship you should fit your surroundings.”

“It’s beautiful, Jack.”

“I’ve sent Terry along to the ship to be outfitted according to his rank. Killick here has come to help me dress. You shall be married at noon.”

“Noon, oh my!” Her hand went to her hair. She would have to do something with it.

“Killick, my best if you will.” Killick moved down the hall and Jack took her arm, directing her back to her room.”

“I don’t know when I will see you again, barring any unfortunate circumstances that would require my presence. It may be at the birth of your child for I would like to come and see him.”

“I’d want that.”

“Terry said something to me earlier about his memories only involving his time spent with me.”

“Yes, he’s told me that.”

“I do believe when I leave his problems will be over. I can’t be certain of this, of course, and it does pain me somewhat to think I have caused you anguish.”

“Jack, whatever are you talking about?”

“My dear, he is fire and I am water. The two do not mix. He cannot remember anything to do with you because I stand in his way.”

“But you will always be a part of our life, Jack.”

“Yes, I shall, but once he has all his memories of you back, he can withstand me. It came to me as we waited for my boat to come ashore. I think he knows this as well for his look told me much. So after the ceremony I will send you ashore and I will away.”

She had no idea where Terry was, but assumed he was aboard when the ship began to move. Jack came into the cabin. “We aren’t going far out…what are you doing, pet?”

“Not much of anything. I give up. This dress calls for an up-do and I can’t do one without pins.”

Jack came over behind her, took her hair in his hands and began to braid it for her. “I’ll give you a seaman’s do.”  Once braided he asked Killick for a length of silk ribbon and Toni wrapped the braids around her head, securing them with a pale yellow ribbon.

“Thank you, Jack. Actually this is quite nice.” She looked in the mirror, seeing his face behind her and she smiled. “You do have my groom aboard?”

“I do, indeed. I doubt you will recognize him. He is resplendent in a red coat and white breeches.”

“Oh, I can barely wait to see him then. You’ve done so much for me…I hardly know how…” he placed a finger on her lips.

“Do not say it. What I do for you, I do out of love.

Part 2:

Toni was brought up on deck, but hidden behind  a sheet of canvas by a group of grinning able seamen. She was a little nervous, having no idea what to expect. She heard a drum beating and suddenly Jack appeared by her side and took her arm. The canvas was dropped and she stepped out with him to where the Reverend Martin stood behind a dais, catching her breath when she saw Terry. Close-fitting white breeches, a red coat decorated with gold braid and epaulets, shinning gold buttons and a red sash around his waist a sword slung low on his hips completed his attire. A smile decorated his face.

Jack walked her up and stood beside her. The Reverend Martin began in a high voice:

DEARLY beloved, we are gathered together here in the sight of God, and in the face of this company, to join together this Man and this Woman in holy Matrimony; which is an honourable estate, instituted of God in the time of man's innocency, signifying unto us the mystical union that is betwixt Christ and his Church; which holy estate Christ adorned and beautified with his presence, and first miracle that he wrought, in Cana of Galilee; and is commended of Saint Paul to be honourable among all men: and therefore is not by any to be enterprised, nor taken in hand, unadvisedly, lightly, or wantonly, to satisfy men's carnal lusts and appetites, like brute beasts that have no understanding; but reverently, discreetly, advisedly, soberly, and in the fear of God; duly considering the causes for which Matrimony was ordained.

Toni recognized the passage from the Book of Common Prayer. The ship swayed softly and she moved her feet to steady herself, Jack keeping a firm grip on her arm.

First, It was ordained for the procreation of children, to be brought up in the fear and nurture of the Lord, and to the praise of his holy Name.

Toni moistened her lips. They’d already procreated.

Secondly, It was ordained for a remedy against sin, and to avoid fornication; that such persons as have not the gift of continency might marry, and keep themselves undefiled members of Christ's body.

Thirdly, It was ordained for the mutual society, help, and comfort, that the one ought to have of the other, both in prosperity and adversity. Into which holy estate these two persons present come now to be joined. Therefore if any man can shew any just cause, why they may not lawfully be joined together, let him now speak, or else hereafter for ever hold his peace.

You could have heard a pin drop on the deck of the Surprise.

I REQUIRE and charge you both, as ye will answer at the dreadful day of judgement when the secrets of all hearts shall be disclosed, that if either of you know any impediment, why ye may not be lawfully joined together in Matrimony, ye do now confess it. For be ye well assured, that so many as are coupled together otherwise than God's Word doth allow are not joined together by God; neither is their Matrimony lawful.

Jack's eyes strayed upward. The wind was picking up a little. He wished the good Reverend would get on with it.

Terrence Thorne, WILT thou have this Woman to thy wedded Wife, to live together after God's ordinance in the holy estate of Matrimony? Wilt thou love her, comfort her, honour, and keep her in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all other, keep thee only unto her, so long as ye both shall live?

Terry answered, “I will.”

Toni Stanley, WILT thou have this Man to thy wedded Husband, to live together after God's ordinance in the holy estate of Matrimony? Wilt thou obey him, and serve him, love, honour, and keep him in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all other, keep thee only unto him, so long as ye both shall live?

“I will,” answered Toni.

"Who giveth this Woman to be married to this Man?"

“I do,” Captain Jack Aubrey answered. He took Toni’s right and placed it in Terry’s right hand and stepped back and slightly to her left.

Reverend Martin smiled slightly at Terry, “Repeat after me:”

I ,Terrence Thorne, take thee, Toni Stanley, to my wedded Wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us do part, according to God's holy ordinance; and thereto I plight thee my troth.

He turned to Toni and nodded and she repeated her vows as she looked into his eyes.

I, Toni Stanley, take thee, Terrence Thorne, to my wedded Husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love, cherish, and to obey, till death us do part, according to God's holy ordinance; and thereto I give thee my troth.

Stephen Maturin produced Toni’s ring that Killick had remembered to get from her just before she came on deck. He handed it to the Reverend, who then gave it to Terry, and once again he repeated after Rev. Martin:

WITH this Ring I thee wed, with my Body I thee worship, and with all my worldly Goods I thee endow:

 In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.

                                                                     Let us pray.                 

O ETERNAL God, Creator and Preserver of all mankind, Giver of all spiritual grace, the Author of everlasting life; Send thy blessing upon these thy servants, this Man and this Woman, whom we bless in thy Name; that, as Isaac and Rebecca lived faithfully together, so these persons may surely perform and keep the vow and covenant betwixt them made, (whereof this Ring given and received is a token and pledge,) and may ever remain in perfect love and peace together, and live according to thy laws; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Rev. Martin then joined their hands together.

Those whom God hath joined together let no man put asunder.

'Asunder.' Jack rolled the word around in his mind. No, she was whole now; he would not.

FORASMUCH as Terrence and Toni have consented together in holy Wedlock, and have witnessed the same before God and this company, and thereto have given and pledged their troth either to other, and have declared the same by giving and receiving of a Ring, and by joining of hands; I pronounce that they be Man and Wife together, In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.

Terry met her eyes for a moment before placing a soft sweet kiss on her mouth. She’d seen something there that hadn’t been there lately. Had it happened? She tried to catch his eye again but he was being congratulated and Toni was kissed by Jack and handed back to Terry. A cheer went up down the lines formed on the deck by Jack’s crew, “Huzzah, Huzzah, Huzzah!”

Jack, Stephen and the Reverend Martin went down to Jack’s cabin to sign the piece of paper that would make their marriage legal. Jack complained about the amount of room allowed for his signature. Stephen who wrote in a small, cramped style had no problem but Reverend Martin’s signature was nearly unreadable for the flourishes. Toni and Terry came down for a celebratory drink before disembarking for shore.

Jack handed the marriage certificate to Terry. “I should put this in a safe place, my brother. It’s worth gold.”

“I know what it’s worth,” Terry replied and looked around for Toni, taking her hand. “Are you ready, luv?”

“Yes, I’m ready to be Mrs. Thorne,” she smiled. They said their goodbyes and came back up on deck. They were handed down to the boat and rowed to shore.

“That’s a first, Jack,” Stephen commented, leaning on the railing with Jack.

“Aye, and it has rekindled a strong desire to see my Sophie again."

Terry felt it the nearer to shore they came. The water was receding. He turned back and looked at the ship, the wind ruffling his hair and an understanding of the magic at the House of Four Seasons came to him, why the four elements and why they could not occupy each other’s seasons. He also understood the strengths of the four elements and realized his was not the strongest one but somehow he had prevailed. He tightened his arm around Toni and she looked up at him, her eyes full of love.

Terry helped Toni climb the cliff path and they walked to the bluff and watched as the boat returned to the ship.

“Two souls as one,” Terry said and kissed her ring.

“You peeked?”

“I did not. I know what is engraved there because I asked for it to be there.”

“Terry, has it come back?”

“Some of it.” He ran his hand down her back then turned and looked at the house. “I’m about ready to get out of these clothes. I can barely breathe.”

“You look beautiful, Terry, you really do.” He gave her a half smile and steered her toward the house.

“You’re the one who is beautiful today, Toni. You’re blooming.” Once inside he took off the jacket that was pulling across his shoulders, held it out and looked at it.

“Where did you get these clothes?”

“The coat belonged to one of the Marines. It was modified by a seaman to resemble an officer of the British Army. The sash was made for me out of a piece of silk taken from an American privateer and who knows where they got it. The pants belonged to Captain Pullings as do these boots which, by the way, are killing me. The sword, and I have no idea why it was necessary, belonged to one of the marines. Quite an assembly.”

“We should keep these clothes forever. They’re very special.”

“Where did you get that dress anyway? It looks like something from Jack’s era.”

“It is. It’s from him. He requested it for me from the House. It’s from a painting in his room.”

He turned her around, looking at the dress. “I’m not going to ask how you laced the back of it up.”

Toni smiled, “Then don’t. Oh, Terry, we are well and truly married now.”

He took her in his arms. “Almost.” He kissed her deeply. “I love you, Toni. Let’s go upstairs.”

Toni carefully held her skirt up as they climbed the stairs then started for her room but he shook his head and opened his bedroom door.

She knew as soon as she stepped into his room.It shimmered with vibrant colors, the reds and blues in the Turkish carpet, the icy blues of the bed linens and the scent surrounding her, nearly making her woozy. Terry sat down on the bed, removed the offending boots and unbuckled his sword. The ruffled shirt did not suit him and he pulled it over his head and looked at her. “Your turn.”

“You’ll have to help me.”

“With pleasure!” He moved behind her and unlaced the ribbons on the back of her dress and, loosened, it fell at her feet and she stepped out of the pale slippers. Terry untied the ribbon in her hair and parted the braids Jack had so carefully worked, ran his hands through her hair and pulled her face to his and kissed her.

“Toni, I want you to drown me, drown me in your love because I can take it, I need it.”

“Oh, God, Terry!” He picked her up and put her on the bed and worked the unfamiliar breeches off.

Later he lay with his head on her belly, listening to the swooshing sounds his child was making. “Where do you keep it, Toni?”

“Keep what, darling?”

He propped on one arm, running his hand over her body. ”Where do you keep my love warm?”

Tears came immediately. “In my heart.”

He looked at her and everything she wanted, everything she ever needed was in his eyes.