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The Viscount's Wife

By Jenna Brandt

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Debbey Almonbury’s hand gripped the boat railing as she looked out over the ocean. In the distance, she could see the faint structures of the New York docks disappearing. The boats in the port swayed in the breeze, and just beyond, the buildings of the city were fading away.
She was exhausted from the whirlwind of travel since her marriage to her husband, Lord William Almonbury. As the second son of a viscount, he had left England to make a name for himself in America. While he finalized a business venture in West Linn, Oregon, a chance encounter brought Debbey and William together.
She had lived a simple life as the daughter of the local pastor, wanting only to marry and raise a family in her hometown. Debbey had never imagined she would be moving across the world after marrying an English nobleman.
“I promised you an exciting and adventurous honeymoon traveling to England,” William stated as he wrapped his arms around his wife’s waist from behind. He nestled the side of his face against her red locks which were piled on top of her head.
Debbey thought about her husband’s statement. She wasn’t sure she would describe it as adventurous as much as taxing. It had been a grueling week going by stagecoach from West Linn, Oregon, to Promotory, Utah, with limited breaks and accommodations.
For the next part of the trip, William had secured passage on the United States Transcontinental Railroad headed east to New York. To her surprise, the experience on the train had been much more agreeable than their stagecoach stint. Despite being new, the railroad tended to be reliable unless weather conditions interfered, which unfortunately for them, had been the case. The reoccurring problem of snow resulted in the train suffering significant delays, causing their time on the railroad to lengthen considerably. William, however, made sure to find activities for them to enjoy in attempt to keep her mind off of missing her home or worrying about meeting his family.
“Are you excited concerning your arrival in England in two weeks’ time?”
“I feel a whole myriad of feelings on the matter,” Debbey stated. “I’m not sure excitement would be a sentiment I would use to describe how I’m feeling.”
“You need not worry,” he stated as he pulled her around to face him, “My family will love you as I love you.”
As she looked into her husband’s beautiful blue eyes, she wanted to believe him. She knew he believed what he said, but she also remembered the story of her best friend Amelie’s wealthy European family. Amelie’s grandfather had been upset when Amelie’s mother had married below her station, and refused to condone the union. William was of noble birth. She worried his parents would not accept his choice to marry an American woman from a working-class family.
“I am concerned about traveling to England during the winter months,” William stated. “I have heard grumblings of iceberg sightings. There is a real possibility looming we may encounter icy conditions on this voyage.”
“Should we have waited to leave?” Debbey pondered.
“I do not see how. My mother insisted I return home at once. My family has never worried themselves with my whereabouts, let alone insisted in such a manner for my return.”
Debbey heard the concern in her husband’s voice which prompted her to ask, “How bad is it, William?”
“I am not certain. My mother has been vague in her telegraphs; stating only that I needed to reach England as quickly as possible to handle the family’s affairs.”
With a nod, Debbey reached out and placed her hand on her husband’s shoulder, then leaned against his chest. “No matter what happens, we’ll face it together.” 


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