The next few days passed by in a blur. Rumors had erupted within the society about Juliet sudden engagement to the most eligible bachelor in the city. Some debutantes pointed fingers at Juliet for purposely seducing the earl while others gossiped that Juliet was pregnant and that was the only reason why a nobel would marry such a plain lady.

Juliet took all these into stride. She didn't much care about those nosey wart's comments though Titania's betrayal still stang. For days, she avoided Titania and whenever she saw her, her sister always greeted her with hostility.

Even though Titania was her sister, she would not condone the fact that she had prostituted herself and even wanted to seduce Edmund.

Mrs Rosewood had fanatically busied herself with all the arrangements. For the first time in her life, she showered compliments on Juliet who felt a little awkward and embarrassed by the attention.

When the day of the engagement party came, Mrs Rosewood called Titania and Juliet downstairs.

Upon arriving at the parlor, Juliet was startled to see Madame Ethel smiling at her.

"I've asked Madame Ethel to kindly prepare a new dress," Mrs Rosewood announced. As Madame Ethel revealed the dress, even Juliet couldn't help but gasp with delight.

The dress wasn't revealing the least bit but it was made with the finest Chinese silk and little rosebuds embroidered on it.

"Mother," Titania exclaimed in delight. "Your kindness is indeed expected!"

Mrs Rosewood scowled. "It's not for you. It's for your sister. Juliet, come now and try it on."

Juliet looked startled as Madame Ethel took the dress and held it up. "Congratulations Ms Rosewood," Madame Ethel said in her coy, sweet voice. "Or should we say the future Countess?"

"It's still early days." Mrs Rosewood waved her hands but she clearly looked pleased.

"It's not fair!" Titania burst out in anger. She whirled towards her step-mother. "She doesn't deserve the dress! I deserve it! It's utterly wasted on her!"

"Hush, you insolent girl," Mrs Rosewood snapped. "Fear not. I'm sure with your sister's status as a Countess, you won't be left out. Be quiet while I prepare your sister. Madame Ethel?"

The dressmaker nodded and ushered Juliet into a private room. Juliet tried to ignore her sister's loud protests outside but it was indeed difficult to ignore the beautiful dress.

*********

The hours came and went and evening descended upon them. Juliet sat in her chambers, staring at the mirror as she listened to the guests arriving downstairs.

The society's who and who were due to arrive and this was the moment her step-mother wanted. She touched her dress and enjoyed the fine feeling of pure silk. Ah, bliss.

"Are you ready?" She heard her step-mother knock on her door.

"Yes, m'am," she answered and stepped out into the hallway.

"Now, hang on to Edmund Aughust as if he's as important as your life," Mrs Rosewood instructed. "The fact is, you've not made your vows yet and any beautiful debutante can sweep him off his feet and you will be left a spinster."

"Yes, m'am," Juliet said dutifully. She highly doubted Edmund was that sort.

As she reached the stairs, she walked carefully down as Mrs Rosewood announced, "Here comes the girl!"

Everyone clapped politely and Juliet scanned the crowd. She saw Jasper staring at her, his mouth wide open. She wanted to wave but that wouldn't be polite to the rest of the guests. She simply nodded as Mrs Rosewood proceeded to introduce her to some other important people.

She didn't see Edmund but there was such a large crowd that she could have easily missed him. As she listened to repeated greetings of congratulations, her mind became numb.

"Having a good time?" She heard a soft voice by her side. She spun around and found Edmund smiling at her.

"Yes, I was just wondering where you were," Juliet said half-accusingly. "You left me at the hands of the vultures."

"A pretty apt word." Edmund nodded. He looked visibly relaxed than usual and it was strange because he wasn't the type to enjoy social functions like that.

"Did I mention?" he whispered into her ear. "You look utterly beautiful in that dress."

"You're just saying that." Juliet blushed.

"No," Edmund said. "I've missed you so much." He wrapped an arm around her. It was no longer improper, thankfully, considering they were as good as married now.

"You just saw me yesterday when you came over on the pretext of discussing some details with my step-mother," Juliet laughed.

"Ah," Edmund chuckled. "That certainly didn't mask my real intentions."

"Congratulations."

Edmund instantly stiffened and Juliet looked up to see Jasper staring at both of them.

"Jas," she whispered. "It's nice of you to come."

"My best friend's getting engaged," Jasper replied wryly with a bitter smile. "I should turn up, shouldn't I? If not, I will seem like a sore loser in this battle of love."

"It isn't a war," Juliet protested quietly. "You knew from the start that I liked you only as a friend."

"Don't blame yourself, Juliet." Jasper shrugged but he looked troubled. "I was a foolish man."

"Please, Jas." Juliet shook her head. "Your words are make me upset."

"I'm sorry then," Jasper replied sadly. He held up his wine glass filled with brandy. "Congratulations." He downed the liquor at one go before striding away, his shoulders hunched back.

"That didn't go well," Edmund observed.

"It's all my fault, Edmund," Juliet sighed. "I've caused so much unhappiness to so many people- my sister and my best friend."

"He will understand."

Suddenly, a loud, booming voice sounded out. "Dearest Edmund!" A pompous-looking man came barrelling towards them and he heartily shook Edmund's hand. Everyone turned around to look at this strange person.

Juliet turned to Edmund questioningly, half-wondering if they should send this man away but she found him smiling. "Old pal, I didn't know you were back," Edmund laughed.

"Aye," the man boomed. "I wasn't due back till tomorrow but I caught the earlier ship so that I can see my old pal get engaged. Where's the little missy?"

"Here." Edmund gestured to Juliet. "My fiancee," he announced proudly.

Juliet felt a little self-conscious as the man examined her curiously, not in a leering way of course. He merely seemed inquisitive. "Edmund....this is...?"

Before Edmund could answer, the man laughed. "Why, missy, I'm Captain Jack, head of a huge fleet of ships and the person who heads the marine council."

Juliet widened her eyes. So this was the famous Captain Jack. Court affairs usually bored her but even she had heard of him. Captain Jack was the one who commanded the royal navy and whilst he was good-natured, he had a strange temper. She never knew that Edmund was acquainted with him.

"Edmund, you've good taste." Captain Jack winked. "I knew you weren't the type to go after those pompous-looking ladies like the one over there." He pointed towards someone.

Juliet followed his gaze and she realised that he was referring to Titania, who was busily flirting with Sir Bernard. She said, feeling a little embarrassed, "That's my sister."

Any other person would have apologized but Captain Jack raised his eyebrows. "Why, I pity you, little missy."

A bald man approached Edmund and they were soon in deep conversation. Juliet stared at Edmund, unable to take her eyes away.

"He's a treasure, isn't it?" Captain Jack drawled.

"Who?"

"Your fiance," Captain Jack repeated. "My sworn brother."

"He's your sworn brother?" Juliet asked, surprised. Edmund was such a proper gentleman and it was strange to associate him with the ill-tempered, albeit powerful captain.

"Aye." Captain Jack nodded. "He saved my life one time and I still owe him one. He's a good person."

"I know that," Juliet said softly. "That's why I love him."

"You're a strange little missy," Captain Jack said. "But I like that." He laughed, his voice boomed throughout the entire room.

Juliet nodded. "I've always questioned why Edmund would like me but not some other girl, like my sister."

"Tis' an easy question." Captain Jack's eyes twinkled. "A pretty face is all for naught if it contains only poison inside."

Juliet wasn't sure if she understood that but she nodded.

Suddenly, she saw Sir Bernard approach her with Titania in tow.

"Congratulations Juliet," he said warmly. His expression soured as his gaze landed on Captain Jack. "Why, Jack, I never knew you were one for parties," Sir Bernard injected sarcastically.

"Have to protect my brother from certain people," Captain Jack said easily. He didn't seem to be intimidated by the Duke.

"Who's this darling?" Titania asked.

"This is the infamous Captain Jack," Sir Bernard introduced stiffly.

"Infamous?" Titania quirked an eyebrow.

"He has killed many people before."

"Only pirates and traitors," Captain Jack guffawed. "Those bloody bastards deserve it."

Titania looked a little put off by his crude humor and she touched Sir Bernard gently. Nodding, both of them whisked away.

"What a disgusting pair," Captain Jack commented. "I'm sorry that you've a sister and a future brother-in-law like that."

"Why?" Juliet asked.

Captain Jack looked around conspicuously and he lowered his voice. "Sir Bernard isn't a good man. You should stay away from him. It appears that your sister's already defected to him so there's no point saving her anyway."

"Pardon me?" Juliet stared at the man. Maybe all those rumors about him being crazy were true.

The captain stared at her for a moment, as if he was contemplating something. "You're a trustworthy person, I can tell that. Furthermore, you're going to be Edmund's wife which makes you part of my inner circle," he added slowly.

Juliet frowned. What was he driving at?

"Don't breathe a word of this to anyone," he warned. "I've reason to believe that Sir Bernard's a traitor of the British Empire. He has defected to the French regent."

"That's impossible," she said defensively. "He's a good man." Still, Sophie's words came ringing back to her. Even Titania had admitted that Sir Bernard tried to instigate her to cheat Edmund.

"Believe it or not, lil' missy," Captain Jack snorted. "Everyone's not who they seem. We've no idea who in this room-" He gestured to the guests who were milling around. "- are innocent and who are the traitors. Your fiance is assisting me in uncovering the truth but it is difficult."

"Edmund never told me all these," Juliet huffed. How many more secrets have Edmund hid from her?

"'Tis a heavy thing," he admitted. "He's not supposed to tell anyone that, even his own mother until I give permission. And seeing that you're trustworthy and potentially useful, I've decided to reveal this to you."

"Who else is on it?" Juliet demanded. Was everyone she knew on this thing?

"I can't tell you that." Captain Jack shrugged and downed his ale. "Just remember to not trust anyone but Edmund and me. I know that trust has to be earned but 'tis a war, we need everyone on our side. I presume that you aren't a French traitor?"

He said this last part light-heartedly but Juliet could see the shadow pass by his eyes.

"I'm not," she said shortly. "You can trust me. What can I do to help?"

"Keep your eyes open and report any suspicious thing to me. You're the only woman on the team and sometimes, a man's sneaky plans can't beat a woman's intuition."

"I will," Juliet promised.

"You're a treasure." Captain Jack nodded. "I should be off now, lest someone hauls me out of the house."

Juliet laughed. It was ludicrous to imagine any of these well-dressed gentleman attempting to challenge him to a fight.

The captain nodded and he lumbered away. She stared after him, unable to forget whatever he just said. Part of her wanted to just dismiss the captain's words and continue living her simple life. But she knew Edmund was on this and if he was, she must be on it too.

Suddenly, she froze. There was a servant tailing his master, some gentleman she had never seen before but she recognized the servant and she needed to talk to him.

"Cedric!"