Page 61 of Valour

“Will you do it now?” Fliss asked, Emlyn nodding behind her.

Now. They wanted to be married right now. The bottom dropped out of Hester’s stomach, a rushing noise filling her ears. Fliss had barely spoken to her, and now wanted her to do this? “Now? I’ve never done it before. I’d need the Bible.”

Fliss beamed at Emlyn, then scurried off.

Hester dashed after her, grabbing her elbow. “Maybe wait till we’re back in Havenport.”

Fliss’s face fell, and Hester dropped her elbow. Her insides writhed like tentacles. She was losing Fliss. Losing her to a man. Fliss would fade away. No more reading in the chart room, drinking in the taverns till sunrise. And she’d move out of the Valour. Move in with him. Hester would be alone. All alone.

Fliss shook her head. “But—I don’t want to wait.”

“Alright,” Hester said, stepping back, her world crumbling around her as she realised waiting would only delay the inevitable. “Why wait? If you love him.”

“Why wait?” Fliss said before she hurried off.

Hester returned to Winston’s side, breathing deeply.

It was a happy day.

So happy.

Fliss returned with the book and stood arm in arm with Emlyn before her. The rest of the crew gathered round, and a few wolf-whistles were called.

“Dearly beloved,” Hester began, gripping the open Bible to stop her fingers trembling.

“I’m surprised that book doesn’t set on fire with you holding it, Captain,” Winston quipped.

Hester snorted, wishing it would set on fire. “We are gathered to witness the marriage of Felicity Wild to Emlyn Cooper.”

Hester paused, unsure how she could possibly proceed. God, she was sure her heart was being torn asunder, but she looked from the excitement on Fliss’s face, to the pride in Emlyn’s, and she shoved her sorrow down and continued, “Does anyone here know of any reason why they should not be married?”

Fliss looked around the gathered crowd, her eyes narrowed in threat. She smiled when no one spoke.

“Emlyn. Will you take Felicity to be your wedded wife, and love her, comfort her, honour and protect her, as long as you both live?” Hester nearly choked on the words. How fine it would be to be comforted, honoured, protected. She would never have that. She hardened her heart. She didn’t need it.

Emlyn grinned. “I will.”

“And Felicity. Do you take Emlyn to be your wedded husband, and love him, comfort him, honour and protect him, as long as you both live?” What was that stuck in her throat?

“I will,” Fliss said, gripping Emlyn’s arm tighter.

“Alright. Lay your hands here,” Hester said, taking a deep breath and holding the bible out in front. She would not break down. Even while watching her oldest friend torn from her. “In the presence of God, I pronounce you man and wife,” Hester said, her voice tinny in her ears. She blinked back the tears that threatened. “You may kiss the bride.”

Emlyn grinned and tugged Fliss to him, bending her backwards and kissing her deeply. A cheer went up from both crews.

Hester took a small step backwards. She could have sworn her heart was in a vice. She snuck off as the happy couple were swept up by the rest of the crew, crashing down the corridor to her cabin. Hester shut the door behind her, leaning against it with her eyes closed and her chest heaving.

She knew it was awful to run away like that and not stay to celebrate, but she just needed a moment. Just a moment, and then she’d go back out.

“Hester? Are you alright?”

It was Charlotte. Hester hesitated, then opened the door and let her inside.

“I need a minute. I’m fine,” Hester said.

Charlotte eyed her suspiciously. “I don’t believe you.”

“Charlotte—I’m fine.” But her voice broke, rising to a squeak. Charlotte would never believe her now. But how could she explain without sounding petty and jealous?