I knew it! I knew Jou-Jou/Julia had gone through the same thing as James, it was slightly obvious, to me at least ^^ And I like it! I really like what she is. How else would they have become so close to one another? Only she can really understand him.

Again, congrats for this beautiful piece of work, it is wonderfully written and I really enjoy your story! (even if secretly I'd want them to fall in love with each other lol I can't help it, I guess I'm just too much of a romantic girl, pity that!)

I just love how in every chapter we're getting more and more into the deep, complex enigma that is our favorite gal :D
To put it lightly, and in the simplest of terms, It's Really Cool!

I'm practically bouncing in my seat with each revelation.

This really does explore Julia's character, from the ripped lace hanging from the sleeve to the 'Lady Hainsworth.' And, of course, the 'with style and grace. As always.'

Needless to say I like how you weave so much attention to detail, foreshadowing, and little things from real life, like thinking of Julia as Marie Antoinette. That is how it went down, I think, because didn't it take seven years until Marie Antoinette and King Louis the 16th consummated their marriage?

Wowsa! That last line, as you implied, was most definitely a major blow to the gut. I never in a million saw that coming, yet, again just like you said, when you think back to Bells, there are many clues. Very clever. Personally, I love it girl!

So that's Julia's big secret! Wow, I wonder how her 'fall from grace' came about. Is Beckett related to it? I think so, if only because she addresses him as Cutler (but that might just be her nature).

Really digging the start of this. I really like the idea that ol' James thought he was doing the right thing, too bad they didn't include that scene. As always, you're brilliant at capturing the angst.

Wow. I'm so excited to see you back with something new! It takes a lot to get people interested by just a summary, or musings, more like, and you do it so effortlessly. Can't wait to get started.

YES! THE SEQUEL! I thought that many scenes, especially the very last one, were very beautiful. The part where James reflected on Elizabeth - that really showed a soft point in his character.
Twenty-eight? He was only twenty-eight (or 26, whatever)? Whoa...I'm writing a story where I'm pairing him with Jack's sister, at the very least making them friends (bit overdone, but most pairings are nowadays, and I'm trying to make it different), and Jack's sister is about three years younger than him...which means she is in her early thirties. I might bump James's age up a bit, but he'll still be younger than her...and I quite like it, so thanks for sharing that bit of info.
I hated how they cut so many scenes. I own all three junior novelizations, and they had some very good scenes with James in them that really would've added depth to him and shown a softer side to him. really ticks me off.
I really like this story's beginning. I'm curious - is the mistress Jou-Jou? Methinks it is. I'm guessing that whoever she is she is the 'au fait emissary at Norrington's state' you mentioned in the James and Cutler scenes. By the way - good job with Cutler, you're doing an excellent job with characterizing him. He's such a good villain that you love him while simultaneously hating him.