Francis Ravenport

Francis was always told he had to help the family. His father was always power-hungry and so when he could arrange for Francis to wed Nicole, he didn't hesitate. Francis grew up resenting the idea and even when he met her as a baby, he didn't agree with it. As he got older, he prided himself in knowing much about the opposite sex. He did have the occasional visits and each time he did, she got lovelier. He considered that she would make a beautiful bride and if he were going to marry her, he would do it for himself and not because that's what his father wanted.

Over the years, she seemed to have a good upbringing and she was respectable. He knew she knew of the agreement, so when she turned sixteen, he kept a close watch on her. At the first ball she attended with Marie, he heard of Ronald and he was ready to storm out before he was told that his neighbor Austin handled it, even put Ronald in the hospital. Then he heard of Rebecca and grew furious someone would insult his finance in such a manner. Once again, he heard his neighbor handled it, but this time it was Jason. He grew concerned when she refused to attend the next ball. He was ready to go to the door when he saw Austin jump her back fence. He heard the whole thing and was mad enough to tell his father after Austin left. When he found out she went to the ball and that his father threatened her, he was angry. When he found out Henry had beat him, he felt bad because he felt responsible for it. After that, he didn't know how he restrained himself after seeing them together all the time. Austin was courting her and he didn't realize how jealous he was until he challenged him. He felt insulted when he learned Austin had taken off for the army. What was worse was that he had learned that he and Nicole still wrote to each other. Francis was about to make himself known to her when his father grew ill. After his father's passing, everything happened so fast. Before he knew it, he was on a ship heading to the Caribbean. When he got word that Nicole's heart had been shattered, he decided it was time. He wrote to her and for the first time since she wrote back. 

                                         My dearest Francis,

 The flower is beautiful, thank you. I cant wait to see the estate you are building but did you have to build one for me? I am sorry I have been distant lately and apologize for my behavior early on. I look forward to hearing from you again.

                                                                                          Nicole Bradshaw

It was short and sweet, but she was responding to him. He decided it was best to keep her interest.

                                         My dearest fiance,

 Of course, I would have it built for you. This is to be your home and I remember how fond of swimming and riding you are and I wish to make you happy. It is quite alright that you have been distant, you had a lot happening. As for your behavior, you thought you were in love. My only hope is that once you get to know me, you will come to love me, and hopefully, I can make you forget about him. You will always hear from me as long as that is what you want.

                                                                                 Your Francis

Nicole got the letter and was thrilled to read it. It was the only time she actually smiled anymore. She was happy to know that he understood and thought it might actually work and wanted to tell him as much. So she continued to write to him.

                                                            Francis,

 That is very sweet of you to think of me and my happiness and thank you for understanding. It means so much that you do. And how did you know I like to ride or swim? I do hope this will work and that once we are wed and we know each other more, we will both grow to love one another. I do wish to continue to hear from you and I hope I can actually see you one day.

                                                                              Nicole

Francis loved hearing her responses. She was so sweet and shy and modest and with each letter, he adored her more and more. He enjoyed their letters back forth and couldn't wait to see her. His only regret is that the first time she would probably see him would not be until their wedding. He always told her what was going on and always kept her up to date with everything happening so she would feel at home when she got to him.

                                              

                                           My dearest Nicole,

 Construction is running smoothly. One part of the house is finished already and I've been told the stables will be ready by next week. So far, I've had successful meetings with a few ship captains and have bought a few and hired crews. Three warehouses are being built for various items. The weather here is warm and the people here are friendly and welcoming. If you would like, I will have it arranged to have dresses and foods shipped to you so you may experience a little of the culture here. I think you would look absolutely lovely here and I can't wait for your response.

                                                                 Yours Truly, Francis

Nicole was sitting in the garden when her mother came in with her letter from Francis. She smiled brightly when she saw who it was from and her mother was happy to see her smile again. Marie was announced before she could open it and they read it together.

"He's so sweet. I'm so jealous. Francis really cares for you."

"I know. I only feel bad that I rejected him for so long. He's building this whole thing for me and making sure I feel comfortable there."

"You still think about Austin?"

"Of course I do. But I stopped writing to him months ago. He just stopped responding."

"Why?"

"I'm hoping it's because he just doesn't want to pursue me or he's busy and not that he's dead."

"You would rather hope he hates you?"

"I don't think I could bear it if he were dead."

"Does Francis know you still feel for Austin?"

"No, and he won't. I can't do anything about it. I'll likely never see him again."

They talked more as afternoon tea was brought out. Later that night, she sat at her writing desk and thought about what to say back to him. She smiled and got her ink well and quill.

                                        My dear Francis,

 I would enjoy your gifts very much. It's very kind of you to try and make me more knowledgeable about the island. You have accomplished much since being there and Marie says she is positively jealous. She says you are very sweet and very successful. I can not wait to see hear from you one more and the progress you are making with your business and our home. I hope to hear from you soon.

                                                                                                 Your dearest Nicole

Francis loved the idea that she called it their home. He loved making her happy so far and hoped she was forgetting about Austin. As time went by and she continued to receive his gifts, she felt better and better and soon even told him she was back in London. Unfortunately, with the business growing so well, he got busier and busier and couldn't write as often. He knew it was upsetting her based on her last letter. When he got a letter from his mother saying Austin was back and he was a Lieutenant-General and that he was in London on assignment. It meant they would run into each other and he feared the worst. He knew he had to write to her or see her. Austin could take her from him again and liked her too much now to give her up. He figured it was time for him to go back anyhow, she would be eighteen in two months, and then she could be his wife. 

When he returned to London, he found out that he was too late. A rumor had gone around that the two were seen about together and even that they were the sight to see at many balls. Even though he wanted to wait, he knew he would have to make himself known to her. He wanted to challenge Austin, but it was illegal to challenge one of his majesty's officers. The only thing he could do was try and convince her to stay with him instead of wanting Austin. After what he heard, he knew he had his work cut out for him.