Then again, her mother would hardly have approved of this gown. It wasn’t the sort to please a mother. The dress was expensive, made from sheer impo...rted silk. The material was thin, for all its finery. Not quite transparent, but suggested much about what wasn’t shown. When the chambermaids finished lacing her in, the gown fit like a second skin, clinging tightly and highlighting her body’s every curve. It was a good body, one Rosalyn took pride in. Not so curvy as was fashionable in court, but. “No, that’s okay. That was nothing. I don’t think I’ve seen you here before. Are you from Palm Beach, Matt?” Sally asked. Mathew laughed and explained, “Oh no, we are from Marblehead, up in Massachusetts. I am just down here to babysit the Whydah until my parents take the train down for the season.” “The Whydah?” “Oh, sorry, that’s the family boat,” explained Matt, “Dad named it after “Black Sam” Bellamy’s pirate ship. It was lost at sea and never found. Dad fancies himself a bit of a pirate,. 'With anyone?' I shook my head, not wanting to drag Caitlin into this.I finally realised that mum wasn't here. 'Where's mum?'He sighed, and looked down briefly. 'She got herself all fucking drugged up and is now staying with your grandmother.'I nodded once, fear taking a hold of me. I couldn't live with him alone. I knew he would beat me tonight, and the next and the next. 'Come and sit with me.' he said.I numbly walked over to him and sat on the couch. 'Your mum's an alcoholic and a slut. She. He understood, he was just amazed that she finally understood why people had families. ‘You want a baby, someone you can care for and nurture and protect and raise.’ She nodded, her eyes softening again. ‘I know you’re forty, and I know I’m a little old to start. But I want to try. I want a family. Us, our baby. I need more in my life. Not just you, but you and a baby. A family.’ He kissed her. ‘Then you’ll stay?’ ‘Is that a yes?’ He nodded. ‘An enthusiastic yes.’ Her tears increased, her eyes.