The Ocean's Daughter (Sequel to Sirene)

Dedicating this chapter to Nadia. Thanks so much for your support, you are the greatest fan anyone could ask for <3

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Chapter 3.

“Welcome home, Miss Warren.” The butler greeted them at the door. “I understand this must be the young Miss McNeil?”

“Oh, call me Oceana please,” Oceana quickly stated. “I can’t stand it when people call me Miss McNeil.”

“Oceana, this is our butler, Philip.” Beth introduced with a slight frown at Oceana’s earlier statement. “Philip, this is indeed Miss Oceana McNeil.”

“A pleasure to have you at our home, Miss McNeil,” Philip said with a smile. “Miss Warren can never stop talking about you and your letters are always waited for with great eagerness.”

“It is a pleasure to meet you as well, Philip.” Oceana shook Philip’s hand. “And I beg of you, call me Oceana.”

“Come along inside.” Beth pulled Oceana in. “Miss Patterson is probably getting very impatient. She has been so excited that you are going to come and stay with us. We’ve been wanting you to visit for so long, it is such a pity it only worked out now.”

“So, this is Miss Patterson’s grand house?” Oceana said as she took in the high ceilings, portraits on the walls and expensive furniture. “I have to say, it’s quite different from the way Mrs. Alberna’s house looked. Mrs. Alberna's home was so old fashioned, but I see Miss Patterson's furniture is a lot more modern. Speaking of Mrs. Alberna, how is the old lady.”

“Oceana, do not speak in such a manner," Beth admonished. “Mrs. Alberna is doing quite well. She was very ill this winter, but has made a complete recovery thanks to her son-in-law’s very attentive care.”

“Perhaps now she blesses the day her youngest daughter married a doctor.”

“She’s still not very fond of him, but after he pulled her through her sickness, he has risen a little in her opinion. Though Mrs. Alberna is still upset that there is no money in their family.”

“Oh, I really must visit Stephanie and Dr. Wilkens. I have kept in active correspondence with them, but nothing beats seeing them face to face. Beth, we really must go and visit them.”

“To be sure, we shall.”

“Do they know that I am in London?”

“No, I kept it a secret from them. I thought it would be great fun to surprise them.”

“Ah, great minds think alike, don’t they dearest Beth?” Oceana grinned pulling Beth closer to her.

“Felicity," Beth addressed the maid who stood in front of a closed door, "kindly inform Miss Patterson that Oceana has arrived.”

“Yes Miss Beth.” Felicity said and with an approving glance at Oceana knocked on the door and entered.

“What a beautiful name,” Oceana mused. “Felicity, it means happiness.”

“You always had a thing for names,” Beth smiled. "Knowing the meaning of a name was so important for you."

“Miss Patterson says for you to come in,” Felicity informed, appearing at the door again.

The two girls walked into a room with lavender drapes hanging over the windows and furniture that all had a tint of lavender in it.

“I have to say,” Oceana whispered to Beth, “Miss Patterson seems to enjoying color coding everything.”

“So, this is what our grown up Oceana’s voice sounds like.” Miss Patterson rose to meet them with a broad smile on her face.

Miss Patterson had not changed much over the years, except perhaps a few wrinkles on her face and hair was going grey in some places. She still dressed with great taste in fashion and conducted herself with great deportment.

“Miss Patterson, how wonderful to see you at last,” Oceana said as Miss Patterson took both Oceana’s hands in hers.

“Oh Oceana, how right Mrs. Alberna had been when she predicted you would grow up to be a beautiful young woman! Just look at you, such a lovely figure with skin white as ivory. And those large eyes still a deep green, and your hair. I wonder, Oceana, if you know just how beautiful you are?”

“Why is it that everyone asks me that?” Oceana sighed.

“If only you were dressed a little more, well, fashionable, but then I suppose village life doesn’t really go in the way of fashion.”

“Not in the way of city fashion, thought in the village world I wouldn’t say I was dressed poorly.”

“Only very simply.” Miss Patterson said with a slight shake of her head. She looked Oceana up and down again and then smiled. “There is so much I wish to ask you, my dear Oceana, but you must wash and change after your long journey. Beth, will you show Oceana to her room. We will chat over dinner, and catch up on all the latest news.”

Oceana leaned over and gave Miss Patterson a kiss, then followed Beth out of the room and up the stairs.

“Please tell me I am to room with you.”

“Of course not! Miss Patterson was very particular of making up the spare room for you. She even had new drapes made to put up on the windows.”

“But Beth, I want to room with you.”

“Oh Oceana, we are not little children anymore.”

Though Oceana had several statement she wished to retort back to Beth, she decided to remain quiet for the time being.

Beth opened a door that led to a pleasant room with yellow drapes on the windows, a large bed painted white with a pale yellow bed spread, yellow chairs and a table painted with pale yellow designs.

“Miss Patterson really does have a thing with color coding, doesn’t she?” Oceana turned to Beth after surveying the room.

“You already said that," Beth giggled. "But yes, she likes to match things up. It’s a sort of hobby of hers. This is where the bathtub is.” Beth led Oceana through a little door in one side of the room. “We now have running water in the house. You simply turn this tap and the water comes out. I can send a maid for you if you wish to help you bathe and dress, but remembering how independent you always were, I figured you would manage on your own just fine.”

“Thank you very much ,but I have no need for a maid.” Oceana agreed with Beth. “Thank you so much Beth, for inviting me to come to your engagement ball. I want to hear all about it once I have settled in.”

“To be sure, to be sure, we’ll have plenty of time to talk.” Beth put her arms around Oceana and gave her kiss on the cheek. “You settle down and I’ll go change. Dinner will be in about half an hour if you think you’ll be ready by then.”

“I certainly will, you must come and fetch me because I don’t know where the dining room is and this house is so large I fear I will get lost.”

“Don’t worry,” Beth giggled at Oceana’s honest, almost frightened, statement. “Tomorrow we’ll give you a full tour of the house, and you will know your way around. I must go now or I won’t have time to prepare for dinner.”

Beth gave Oceana another kiss and left for her own room.

***

“So my dear, tell me what you have been doing all these years. Beth mentioned to me that you became a school teacher?” Miss Patterson asked as the three of them sat for dinner.

“Yes, Miss Patterson, I now teach at the village school. This was my first year teaching and it proved to be quite a challenge The good thing is I love challenges and tackled this one with all my might. I enjoyed it greatly, even though some of the students proved to be less than obedient.”

“At last you finally got a taste of your own medicine.” Beth couldn't help from saying.

Oceana frowned. “Oh Beth, now you sounded just like Callum. Come on, I was not such a bad student. I actually learned the lessons and was always at the top of my class.”

“But you behavior always left much to be desired for. I tell you, Oceana, Miss Morgan still cannot get over how you constantly put up those public arguments with the teachers over minor details.”

Oceana giggled. “Poor Miss Morgan, I didn’t mean to be so difficult, but she also refused to accept the fact that I had been raised very differently and needed a different approach.”

“Oh Oceana, that woman had fifty children to feed, clothe and educate,” Miss Patterson pointed out.

“Speaking of Miss Morgan, how is she? And twhat of the rest of the people I knew at the orphanage? I lost contact with dear Cassey about two years ago, do you know anything of her?”

“Miss Morgan is doing very well, she’s a little bent now and relies heavily on Miss Grey to help with the management of the orphan asylum,” Beth said. “Miss Ringers married a missionary and last we heard they had sailed for India, how exciting is that? There is a new teacher now instead of Miss Ringers, she goes by the name Miss Moreland. They say she is very serious and not at as popular as Miss Ringers used to be. Cassandra left the orphanage two years ago to work as a governess for some well to do family and I have not heard from her. Shirley has also become a governess, I believe she now lives in York with a very wealthy family. Kristine is now a teacher at the asylum, though I believe she will soon marry a school teacher and take up housekeeping. I haven’t been to the orphanage in quite a long time, so I don’t know all the recent news.”

“What a pity no one knows where Cassandra is,” Oceana sighed. “I was very sad when our communication came to an end, I was always very fond of that girl and hoped some good people would adopt her. I wonder where she is now. Another pity is that Shirley is not here.”

“I think it is a good thing that Shirley is not here,” Beth pointed out. “The two of you never did get along, and I don’t think things would have changed any even though the two of you have grown up some.”

“Grown up some?” Oceana burst out laughing. “The way you put it, Beth, it would sound as though you were ages older than us. I will remind you that you are the same age I am.”

“Three months older.”

“Not much of a difference.”

“Ah, but admit, I was always a lot more grown up than you ever were.”

“Fine, fine, have it your way.” Oceana laughed as she waved her fork in the air. “What I want to know is how your Burmmington proposed to you and all the intricate details of your romance.”

“Oceana!” Beth blushed. Miss Patterson couldn’t help but chuckle.

“Ah, Oceana, there are some things that just never change. You are just as blunt and Beth is just as shy. Why don’t you wait till you are in the safely behind closed doors before you get such details out of her.”

“Very well.” Oceana agreed. “Tell me about the preparations for the ball. I’m guessing it is going to be something of a grand affair?”

“It is going to be a grand affair indeed. We have invited many friends from good society to come.I have kept most of the details of Beth's sad past to myself and people think of her to be some distant relative of mine. We don't let it go around that she is from the asylum, it wouldn't do good for the gossip circle. We have invited a great many people and this is going to be the ball of the year. After all, I only have one adopted daughter and she is only going to get engaged once, so I must make the best of it.”

Beth’s cheeks glowed and a shy smile crept to her face.

“Tell me, Oceana, what do you plan to wear to the ball?” Miss Patterson asked.

“I’ve brought my best dress with me.”

“Mmmm.” Miss Patterson’s face became skeptical. “Knowing you live the life of a very simple village girl, I’m guessing your dress is of a very simple nature. No doubt too simple for the kind of ball we are hosting. No, Oceana, I am afraid that this week Beth and I shall have to take you shopping and find you the perfect dress for the occasion.”

“And we shall have to give her a crash course in dancing and proper etiquette as well,” Beth put in. “For of course you must dance at the ball, Oceana, but you don’t know how and we don’t have much time to teach you. Though knowing your talent for learning, I believe you will catch on very quickly.”

“And what is wrong with my etiquette?” Oceana lifted an eyebrow.

“Nothing is wrong with it, Oceana dearest, but it is a little, well, village like. Not quite the thing for a ball Miss Patterson will be hosting.” Beth tried to explain in a way Oceana would understand.

“So you plan to turn me into a fashion queen?” Oceana asked skeptically. “Something of what you are now, Beth?”

“I suppose you could put it that way, but don't worry, it will only be for one night. Think of yourself as Cinderella, for one night you will be changed from servant girl to princess.”

“You always liked fairy tales, didn’t you Beth?” Oceana stated with a smile. “And now at last your own prince charming has come along and your fairy tale is coming true.”

Beth turned a deep red. “Well, at least I hope it is,” She stammered, but her eyes shone with joy.

***

“Pssst, Beth, are you asleep?” The door to Beth’s room cracked open and Oceana peeked in.

“Oceana, foolish girl, what are you doing here? You should be in your room getting ready for bed!” Beth said, laying down her hair brush to look at her friend.

“Who can think of sleep when I have so much catching up to do?” Oceana asked with a giggle running over and hopping onto Beth’s bed. “You’ve got such a soft mattress, it’s great for jumping on.”

“Oh Oceana, you are still such a child,” Beth said as she braided her glossy black hair for the night.

“You look so lovely with long hair.” Oceana sighed. “Don’t get me wrong, the short hair matched you too, a lot better than it matched me, but I like you even better with long hair. It’s so thick and curly. Must be quite the hassle to take care of.”

“It is a bit of a nuisance, which is probably why it’s not as long as yours.” Beth looked at the long auburn braid reaching well past Oceana’s waist. Beth’s own braid reached nearly halfway down her back.

Standing up, Beth walked over to where Oceana had already snuggled underneath the covers. “Oh Oceana, we really must sleep…”

“Stop being such a little pig,” Oceana commanded. “Come on, out with it. I want to hear all about your future husband. You didn’t mention him very often in your letters. Will I be able to meet him tomorrow?”

“I’m afraid you won't. He’s gone away right now and will only return in time for the engagement ball.”

“What does he look like?”

Beth felt herself blushing. “He’s rather tall and has blond hair and grey-green eyes. His chin is a little pointed and his nose is small.”

“He’s got a stubby nose?” Oceana made a face.

“I never said that! I just said that it was rather small. He’s got a good brow though, and he’s very handsome.”

“And what does he do for a living?”

“He has an occupation in the law.”

“Oooh, the law. Is he an attorney?”

“A barrister.”

“It’s all the same time me.” Ocean stated with a shrug. “I thought he might have been a duke or something.”

“He's not a duke, but his uncle is an Earl. Edward Burmmington is a gentleman of very good family and good means and will be able to give me a comfortable life.”

“Who cares about comfortable life, are you in love with him Beth?”

“Oh Oceana, you don’t ask such things?”

“Don’t I? You of all people should know, Beth, I always ask such things. Come, please dinnae tell me you are marrying the man just because he can give you a comfortable life.”

“No indeed,” Beth felt herself blush again. “I don’t think I could marry a man just because he could take care of me. Miss Patterson is leaving me with enough money for me to be able to take care of myself. Edward is a good man, he is very dear to me, I have become so fond of him…so very fond of him…” Beth’s voice trailed off and she hid her face in the pillow. Oceana laughed and tickled her friend, who in turn fought her off as best she could while keeping her face hidden.

“Beth is in love, Beth is in love,” Oceana crooned into Beth’s ear, causing poor Beth to go hot all over.

“Oceana,” Beth suddenly sat up, “did you say ‘dinnae’ in your previous sentence?”

Oceana replayed everything she had just spoken to Beth in her head. “I believe I did.”

“My, is it just me or is the Scottish accent beginning to take the upper hand?”

“Well, that cannae be helped, lassie, seeing as I live wi' up there among them highlanders. Th' only French I speak is when I read tae Callum,” Oceana stated, taking great care to sound as Scottish as she could, sending the girls into a fit of laughter.

“We are straying from the subject. Tell me how you met your Mr. Burmmington?”

“I was sure I mentioned the incident to you in one of my letters. It was at a party, I had been standing off in the corner on my own for quite some time, and then suddenly he showed up out of nowhere and asked me to dance.” Beth sighed at the memory.

“Oh, how romantic, how cliché,” Oceana giggled. Beth reached over and gave her a shove, making Oceana slide off the bed.

“What was that for?” Oceana asked, untangling herself from the blanket that had fallen with her and climbing back on.

Beth didn’t answer, just winked at her friend.

“Alright, you met him at the party, and then what?”

“Well, he danced with me three times at that party and was very attentive. The next he called on us with his mother and for the next couple of months we saw much of each other. I have never been courted seriously by any man and so was very surprised when he came to propose. His mother was at first not so sure of the marriage, seeing as I am an orphan, but when she learned that Miss Patterson was settling a good deal of money on me and that I am from respectable family, she became kinder and very supportive.”

A shadow crossed over Oceana’s heart, but she took great care to hide it from Beth. To think that Mrs. Burmmington only became kinder to Beth because Miss Patterson was settling a lot of money on her. This wasn't a very comforting thought. Beth should be liked for who she was, not because she happened to come well supplied. Oceana couldn’t help but wonder just what sort of a mother-in-law Mrs. Burmmington would turn out to be.

“Tell me how he proposed?” She asked Beth.

“He called on me one day as I was sitting with Miss Patterson in the drawing room. He quietly came to Miss Patterson and asked if he could speak to me alone. Miss Patterson smiled and said of course he may. As soon as Miss Patterson was gone, he came up to me, got down on one knee and taking me hand told me how fond he had become of me, and how from the first moment he had laid eyes on me he told himself that one day I would be his. He then asked if I would do him the great honor for becoming his wife.”

“Let me guessing, knowing you Beth, you probably turned a deep red and shyly looked at everything other than him.” Oceana teased.

“Something like that,” Beth giggled. “At last I told him I would be more than honored, I would be the most privileged and happy girl in the world. We wanted to announce our engagement right away, but he had to go over to the north country where his father is away on business and get his official permission. I was a little nervous, but Edward calmed me, saying his mother and already spoken to his father and all this was mere formalities. Yesterday he wrote me saying he is returning to London with his father and that we can carry on our engagement as planned. Oh Oceana, dearest, Oceana, isn’t it wonderful? To think that in only a matter of time I will become Elizabeth Burmmington.”

“Somehow I think I like Elizabeth Warren more.” Oceana pointed out good naturally.

“I’m sorry but that can’t be helped.” Beth giggled. “What about you, Oceana? Have you found anyone yet? Surely the boys over at the village are all fighting each other over you?”

“Could be, could be.” Oceana shrugged. “I don’t care for any of them, so if they are fighting it is all for nothing.”

“But surely you plan to marry someday?”

“I don’t know, I do have a mermaid heritage and that means there is always the risk that if I ever do marry, it will come to no good. Mermaids and men are never a good combination.”

“Oceana, please don’t tell me you are still going about claiming to be half mermaid.” Beth couldn’t help rolling her eyes. “I would have thought you would have grown out of the story by now.”

“Grow out of the only past I have? I should say not.” Oceana obstinately shook her head. “I’m afraid Chandler so faithfully ingrained into my brain that I am half mermaid I have trouble believing anything else. Besides, if I am not half mermaid, then who am I? Can you come up with a better explanation of me floating around in a boat that was adrift at sea on a clear, calm day?”

Beth shook her head and shrugged her shoulders. “No matter how much or how little truth there is in your story you can’t allow that to keep you from falling in love.”

“I’m not letting it keep me from falling in love,” Oceana assured, snuggling into the soft covers. “It’s just that as of yet, I haven’t found anyone to fall in love with.”

“And what will happen when you do?”

“I guess I’ll cross that bridge when I come to it.”