Re: Tales of 'The Sweet Revenge'

Fleur de Lis · Fleur de Lis on Mon Jun 23, 2008 11:44 pm

xCyanidex wrote:hahaha! HU-motherfuckin-ZAH!

that was fabulous. bert should learn to not count his chicks before they've hatched.

Zombierocker wrote:Horray...Gerard may still win!

And wow....I am learning more about the laws of the sea than I ever though I would. lol

Vegan_Freak wrote:Thanks for that explanation about the promotions. I'm not confused anymore.

I love how Bert's limping, apparently he can't handle pain. And I hope Gerard gets the promotion!!!!

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He grinned strolling back towards his three radiantly smiling friends.

He sat back down next to a beaming Hope. His eyes twinkled as addressed her. "Miss Stanwicke..If you have any questions about the proclamation, I would be more than happy to explain them."

Hope's face glowed as he addressed her. His full attention on her sweet, but confused face.
"I, beg you forgive me my ignorance sir, but I do not understand how it is, that as Robert said, he may captain a ship of the line yet, not be Ranked so."

Gerard's eyes lit, as it was obvious to him that she was genuinely interested in what it was that he had to say, and was not just paying him false attention.

Jo leaned to Robert and whispered, "He looks as though he were a small boy and he has just awakened to the first fine snowfall of the year."
"Hope too looks as though she has just received the most elegant doll in the toy shop."
"Do you think perhaps my brother will now finally come to his senses?"
"For both His and Miss Stanwicke's sakes I certainly hope so."

Gerard for his part was paying no attention to anyone in the room aside from Miss Stanwicke. He turned towards her slightly and started to explain.

"You see, on board a vessel, any vessel in-fact, there must be someone who is ultimately responsible for the safety of the ship and her passengers."
"The same is true for any form of transport. "
"Yes. Yes indeed you are quite correct!" He gave her a dazzling smile, she was paying attention.

Hope blushed at the smile he gave her. Her cheeks warm and full of roses.

"But you see, In order to BE RANKED a Captain, you must have given a certain numbers of years to his Majesties Service and pass a test to earn a position as a Lieutenant. Then you go on the lists. Seniority matters but, having the right patron can make or break a man's career."

He stopped for a moment. And looked at Philbert now in a corner with Admiral-Lord Cuttinton having a rather heated discussion.

He turned his attention back to Miss Stanwicke and his explanation. "Even then you pray for your patron's safety as your fate could be that of John Pasco, the First Lieutenant on the Victory was under the patronage of Vice-Admiral Lord Nelson." Gerard bowed his head and placed his hand over his heart. "God rest him." He lifted his head and looked back up at the lovely girl sitting next to him. "Do you know anything of THE Battle Miss Stanwicke? Trafalgar I mean?"

"Only that the 'Little Frenchman" was defeated there and the Lord Nelson lost his life I believe. I was very young when it happened, but I do remember my father being Very upset."

Gerard's eyes became quite serious, and saddened at the memory "It was a great loss for Mother England. A shining star cut down in his prime." He seemed very far away. "As for Pasco, Lord Nelson undoubtedly meant to look after his protege, but died in the battle, and Pasco only got promoted to commander."

"Gerard served under Captain Hardy and Lord Nelson at Trafalgar, you know?"
"No! No I did not, Sir, Lt. Please I beg you to tell me of the adventure."

Gerard seemed a bit embarrassed. He would instruct his sister to hold her tongue later.
"It was an honor Miss. But I do not discuss it often, as I do not wish to ride the Vice-Admirals coat tales."

"Please sir, then tell me of him. Was he the hero they claim?"

"He was a true gentleman and a scholar. A good man. I was privileged to serve. We both were.." He turned to look at his what he now considered his former friend. What McKraken had done, how he had broken his word. He had ACCOSTED Miss Stanwicke..How would Bert ever be able to justify his actions. Could he explain the unforgivable?

Gerard's face clouded with melancholy. Everyone at table assumed it was over the losses at Trafalgar. Josephine leaned over and whispered to Hope.
"McKraken served as well."

Hope did not like the sadness in his eyes.
"I believe that he would, no doubt have been, quite proud of you this day, that is if my opinion matters at all." She said as she plucked nervously at her fan. She was worried that, after this meal, she would mean nothing at all to him ever again.

"Oh Miss, I find that, your opinion matters a great deal to me." He smiled at her briefly and then turned away as if he did not know what else to say.

She boldly asked another question hoping to keep his attention atleast a few moments more.
"When you stood there, as the commander handed you that parchment, you had no idea what it read did you?" She probed gently.

"No. No, I..I believed Bert when he said he'd made Captain. I thought.., I felt as though I were reading my own death sentence for some reason."

Gerard looked up the table to Elizabeth, who was now smiling sweetly at him. Hope followed his line of sight, and saw the 'Jezebel' luring him in. She knew she must warn him about their hostess.

Hope looked around to see who was in earshot, and if anyone was watching.
"Lieutenant, there is something...Something I must tell you.. in Private."

Fleur de Lis · Fleur de Lis on Mon Jun 23, 2008 11:54 pm

Gerard looked at her quite shocked. It was a highly irregular request for a modest young woman to ask a man like him to speak with her in private, even if she was good friends with his sister.

Coming from anyone else, he would have believed it a proposition. Yet as Gerard looked at her saw the worry and concern in her clear blue eyes. He could not help but want to hear what it was she wished to tell him. Whatever it was.

Elizabeth rose indicating that the meal was indeed over. She swept over to Gerard as he stood, she lightly placed a gloved hand on his arm.

"Thank you for your kind service sir." She gave him a captivating smile. Gerard was seemingly caught once again in her trap. "Thank you my dear lady? No Miss Cuttington, the pleasure was all mine." He said as he bowed slightly.

"Lieutenant, come now are we not passed those formalities? You see Miss Stanwicke, GERARD and I have known each other for years. Have we not? We know each other Quite well in-fact."

"Strange how, you can be acquainted with someone for years and yet still not know them." Hope said flatly.
"Or for a short time and and know everything important about them." Robert added curtly, looking directly at Gerard. Josephine was proud of Robert. Her brother was being SUCH a fool. She was afraid he was about to learn a very hard, painfully so, lesson.

Gerard seemed unmindful of everything however, except, the fact that Elizabeth now stood before him, smiling sweetly.

"Gerard would you care to escort me back to the great hall? I must offer my first dance to PhilBert as he still is our guest of honor." She sounded a bit perturbed at the prospect. Gerard wanted to smirk, 'Maybe now she will pay me my due attention', but instead he chose to be gracious, extremely gracious.

"I would be delighted to escort you both. I shall be the envy of every other man here."

"Both!?!" Elizabeth almost screeched turning all eyes to where they all stood.

"mm, Yes, as I was Miss Stanwicke's escort. And as Commodore Anthony said, I had a lovely and delightful companion for supper. How gracious of you to find me such a charming, attentive, young Lady for me to attend. I found her questions fascinating." He turned and the light in his eyes as her looked at her was Not ALL for Elizabeth benefit.

Elizabeth, it appeared to both Josephine and Robert, had not missed the look in Gerard's eyes either. Her cheeks shown red too, but they were not as roses. Instead they appeared as angry blotches in the middle of her cheeks and indeed at her neckline as well. It was most un-becoming.

Hope however thought she was being pitied. She did not wish that, especially coming from him. She found herself, becoming quite angry. She had wanted to warn him. Now she would let him find out what everyone else knew. Perhaps she she would not laugh when he was shown for a fool.

Fleur de Lis · Fleur de Lis on Tue Jun 24, 2008 12:13 am

Hope looked at him. Perhaps she would not laugh with the others once he was exposed as... what would it be?

Not a cuckold - he wasn't married to Elizabeth yet. Why could he not see he never would be.

But then again with McKracken NOT getting the promotion he thought he would, Elizabeth was once again now fawning over Gerard.

Gerard's head and heart were at war with themselves. Part of him saw how Elizabeth had been acting with Bert and now suddenly was acting the same way with him. Surely he tried to convince himself he had misunderstood Elizabeth's attention for Bert.

But then again there was no mistaking her OBVIOUS turn of attention towards him. Or the jealous glare she gave Miss Stanwicke. Gerard was pleased she was so enraged.

Yet as he looked at Hope her face downcast he didn't want her to feel slighted. She had been quite charming and attentive. Why if Elizabeth had belonged to another he may have easily set his sights on Miss Stanwicke.

She would make some man very proud someday to call himself her husband.

He did not want her to suffer Elizabeth's wrath. She had done no wrong. Neither did he wish to abandon her. He did not want to neglect his duties toward her as an attendant.

"No Lieutenant, there I am afraid you are quite wrong because you see, I shall be the envy of every man. As I escort Miss Stanwicke AND your sister down stairs. In fact, they both have already promised me a dance."

Hope smiled gratefully at Robert who stood there with his arm extended. "Yes, thank you Lieutenant, I did find your stories intriguing but I do wish to spend some time with my old friend. He has not many days left home." And she accepted Robert's arm and walked away.

"Elizabeth! There you are! Come as hostess and guest of honor we must start the festivities, come."
"But I have an escort."
"Nonsense, Gerard won't mind will you OLD FRIEND." Bert said as he gently but firmly guided Miss Cuttington away.

Gerard found himself left standing alone.

Upstairs the festivities had begun as he entered the great hall. Laughter and music filled they air. Robert was chatting with Miss Stanwicke and his sister. Elizabeth was out on the dance floor with Philbert. Gerard was unsure as to what to do. Should he make it obvious that he was waiting for Elizabeth?

As he was deciding he saw Robert wave him over. Josephine was standing near smiling. Miss Stanwicke however seemed to be avoiding his gaze. He realized he must have offended her which he truly had not done so.

With a contrite heart he slowly walked over to where they stood.

"You see my friend you take too long to choose, you lose your choice. I intend to learn from your foolish example. Miss Josephine would you allow me?" "I would be delighted sir." And they swept out onto the dance floor.

Fleur de Lis · Fleur de Lis on Tue Jun 24, 2008 12:54 am

This post was another co-written in part by Both Maniac and I. I do apologise, as it was not written all at once, and so the flow is odd at times. I have done my best even so far as to going back today (the third time) as I am posting this here and tried to polish it/as well as added just a bit more description of characters movements and motives with in it.

Hope you enjoy...

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Miss Stanwicke however seemed to be avoiding his gaze. He realized he must have offended her which he truly had not done so.

With a contrite heart he slowly walked over to where they stood.

"You see my friend you take too long to choose, you lose your choice. I intend to learn from your foolish example. Miss Josephine would you allow me?"
"I would be delighted sir." And they swept out onto the dance floor.

Gerard cleared his throat and started awkwardly stammering for the first time in years. He had not done that since he was a boy. Even around Elizabeth.
"m- Missss Stanwicke? I DO apologise if..if I offended you in any way. I have been at sea too long perhaps. Or...Or else I was overwhelmed by the beauty around me."

"You mean to say when Elizabeth graced us," she said sarcastically, "with her presence you became unaware of everything else.."
Even Hope was inwardly shocked at her frankness. She realised she was hurt, she knew she had no right to be. When she was first introduced to the lieutenant Josephine had warned her that her brother's heart was already offered to another.

"No...No I m-meant both of you. I meant what I said. I did..that is to say DO, find your conversation most engaging, and your company a delight. And The Commodore was most accurate when he said I had a lovely supper mate."

Hope stared at him a moment. He had been speaking quietly, almost too softly to be heard. She had to glance quite often at his lips to understand his words. He did not seem to be teasing or joking, and his eyes seemed most sincere. If he was lying he was quite good at it.

"Is that an apology sir?"
"Yes, Miss Stanwicke, if you accept it.., It is. And I would be most grateful if you would accept it. I am often the fool when it comes to the fairer sex. As it seems I have been at-least three times this night, no at-least four, no perhaps.., it seems I have lost count. " He said slapping his hand to his forehead, trying to make her laugh.

And it worked. She smiled and laughed. She found she could not stay angry with him, even though he had been rude. It seemed unintentionally, but rude none the less.

"Perhaps going over a list of your transgressions is in order."
"It may help me not to make the same mistakes again? First I was a fool to leave you at the practice, then to fawn over Elizabeth, then to believe McKracken would keep his word. "
"That is three." She giggled from behind her fan.

"Yes Thank, you. How charming of you to help me keep a record." He said sternly yet his eyes twinkled at her. "Then perhaps the Biggest, most heinous mistake, I made tonight came next."

He leaned over to her a bit and whispered conspiratorially. "I...I underestimated you. I saw you on that patio, trapped I thought, by McKracken. You gave both he and I quite the surprise. I must say Miss Stanwicke, while it is not my PLACE to be Proud of you, I was indeed...
I took great pleasure in seeing you take him down a peg or two."

"Proud sir? I should take that as a compliment."
"As well you should! I am not easily impressed, nor for that matter amused. Yet in one action, you managed to do both. May I take it that I am forgiven my foolish transgressions?"

"Transgressions? That is plural." "Well for leaving you in the middle of the lesson."
"Ps-sha." she waived it away. "For being so slow in choosing too late in escorting you upstairs."
"Rubbish." His smile widened as she dismissed each of the charges away.

His eyes twinkled at her.
"For not seeing just how forgiving and charming you can be."
"You really should have noticed that sir." She said her eyes sparkling back at him.

He placed his hand across his heart and bowed slightly, though his eyes never left her face.
"And for the most grand of ALL of my mistakes.., for not having asked you to dance sooner Miss. May I have the honor and pleasure of the first waltz with you? That is if you do not mind a minor scandal?"

"Hope, no more formalities. I will not answer to the name of Stanwicke even once more from you this night. And I should be delighted sir. A girl should, at least once in her life, be the center of attention, before her wedding day." She said giddily. "I am assured, I shall be talked about for days, if my first waltz is given to so handsome a MAN as you."

He straighten up, and stood a bit taller, preening a bit for her. "Why Mi- Hope...? Are you flirting with me?"
"Why yes Sir. It seems I am sir." "Gerard. Please."
"If you are flirting back with me, than I am indeed." He offered her his arm, as they began to promenade around the hall.

Everyone took notice that he seemed quite taken with the quiet, they assumed, country mouse. Even he himself, noticed a change with-in his own heart.

"I should warn you, before this evening, I would have sworn on the Holy Book, that I was sure where my heart lay and to whom it belonged. As of this moment. I am no longer sure I was correct in my assessment."

She was glad her uncle was off drinking with his old war profiteer business partners. They were making a killing in the black market. And so he chose to celebrate with them, and left Hope basically unchaperoned.

Indeed everyone noticed them, including their hostess and guest of honor. Philbert altered his course so that Elizabeth saw, the two of them walking arm in arm, as she and Philbert danced by. "You see, you have not yet told him and he appears to have become tired of waiting. He has already moved on."

"No. Not with that..,that..little bit of fluff..that sparrow." She spat out the words. "You mean that song bird. That hell cat. Looks can be deceiving my dear. I know, I underestimated her. Did you not wonder why my limp was re-newed?"

Elizabeth's eyes narrowed as she watched Gerard and that bumpkin laugh and chat as if they were old friends. At least they were not dancing. Although she could swear the little chit was flirting with him.

Elizabeth said smiling sweetly to her dance partner. "I care not what birds you cage. Just know that if he ever asks me to share his bed...I will crawl across broken glass on my hands and knees, if need be to answer his every whim." Philbert fumed. He guided her, not too discreetly, to where his old friend and the bird stood.

"Why are you not dancing Way? You seem to have grown quite attached to your lovely supper companion."

"We, have chosen to wait, for the right moment. Look at Robert, he seems quite happy at the moment. Perhaps, I should talk to him."
"About?"
"My sister. She is of age. She has good breeding, her manners are good, to all but her brother, and she is not hard on the eyes. In fact to any old salt - like- Philbert why are you laughing? Elizabeth..? You too?"

Fleur de Lis · Fleur de Lis on Tue Jun 24, 2008 12:58 am

( Continuation of a Chels and me post)

He looked to Hope. She thankfully was not laughing, but instead had the most dreadfully sorrowful look about her. She pulled him back away from the two of them and a crowd of their click that was quickly forming around them.
"Gerard, did Robert NOT speak to you? He said he would, as he has not much time left home."

"Speak to me? Yes he said something about needing to talk to me but ..we were always being interrupted. Is there a matter I need attend to?'"

"Your Sister and Robert are all but engaged. Your father and mother have all but said yes. They were just waiting for Your approval, before they officially welcomed him in as part of the family." Gerard paled as he looked at the crowd and then to Josephine and Robert still dancing.

They seemed happy enough. They would make a fine couple. And Robert..he could not pick a man he would wish more happiness to. He would treat his sister well. Perhaps Robert would be getting the short end of the stick. His sister could have a acid tongue.

"But why has no one told me? I have been home a full two weeks. Here I am made out to be a fool yet once more. Only you and Jo and Robert not laughing once again tonight. And had either of them spoken to me...Only you can I hold blameless. Even though you knew, it was not your place to tell me."

He said looking down at her, she too was obviously distraught. " I ..I must get some air...Excuse me. " He said as he bowed and left her once again.

But this time she thoroughly understood. Hope turned and walked away from Elizabeth and her set. They were now laughing out loud, partly at her, but mostly at Gerard. Her heart ached for him, a man's pride could only take so much. A woman's laughter in particular, could make his heart soar or crumble into a million tiny pieces.

About this time Robert and Josephine noticed the commotion. They stopped dancing and came to the crowd.

Philbert could not contain his glee.
"Oh Robert!!! That was priceless. Sail with me and you shall have double rations of rum for a month!"
"I..do not understand." "Where is my Brother? And for that matter Miss Stanwicke?"

"Your brother, needed some air. It seems a blow to his pride was too much for him to take..And the bird flew away!!!" McKracken snickered.

"Blow to his pride? What did you say to him? Have you finally told him?" Robert said glaring at Elizabeth.

Elizabeth's tongue was as acid as a viper's.
"I do not know what you mean sir. It was not I who intends to marry his sister, yet will not broach the subject, after having so MANY opportunities. And it seems his lovely companion was not skilled enough to assuage his dented pride."

Josephine turned to Robert. "Oh No! we must find them both!"

"Yes Let's lets make a party game of it. The first ones to bring them both back here wins a prize!" Elizabeth clapped her hands an evil glint in her eye. This way, that chit will be made such a fool, she will never show her face in society again. And Gerard would come crawling back to her. Whether she was promised to McKracken or not.

Fleur de Lis · Fleur de Lis on Tue Jun 24, 2008 12:59 am

Philbert how ever had other ideas.
"Yes lets' split up and go in teams. I shall choose first as I am guest of honor. I choose Our divine hostess and I choose the gardens, the rest of you must wait 5 minutes before you may start your hunt." The other revelers groaned but obeyed. Bert pulled Elizabeth out by her elbow. He was determined to get her out side.

"What do you think you are doing McKracken?" she said as he pulled her into a secluded alcove.
"Reminding you who your finance is!" And took her face in his hands and kissed her. Quickly his hands moved to encircle her waist and pull her closer to him. At first she struggled abit, but only in anger. A moment or two later she was pressing herself into his arms.

They had no idea they were being over heard. The last place they had expected Gerard to be was the lovers garden. He was alone, why would he go there? But he had finally heard. Now everything in the previous evening make sense.

How Elizabeth fawned over Bert when he seemed to be getting a promotion. The reason Admiral McKracken was so jovial prior to the announcement, and so disheartened after ward. He wanted the best marriage he could for his daughter. Suddenly now McKracken, who had appeared to be the better match, was no longer. That was why the Admiral had acknowledged Gerard from across the room, something he had never done before.

But how many others knew this, what he had refused to see with his own eyes? He found himself realising he was more upset about appearing the fool, rather than, losing Elizabeth.
"Did I ever REALLY have her?" he wondered a loud, although not too loudly to himself.

He thought back over the evening. Robert had said strange things. And Even Miss Stanwicke..Hope had said, that it was unfortunate that you could be acquainted ..how was it again?
It did matter, she had been trying to tell him something without being rude. He had just not paid attention. She had even said, she had to tell him something of Great import. But just then Elizabeth glided over...

HOPE had been trying to warn him. But, even if she had, would he have listened? If he was honest with himself, probably not. But at-least she had tried.

He decided he had had MORE than enough party for the evening. He hoped he would find Miss Stanwicke and apologize for not staying for the waltz. He was sure that while being disappointed, she would understand.

But as he climbed the lawn to the house he saw a most unusual sight. There, standing on the patio, without a wrap, in the cold night air, was Miss Stanwicke. As she saw him, she turned once to look back at the party. No one was coming, so she took off running towards him.

Hope knew her soft shoes would be ruined by the muddied ground, but she did not care. Whether it was her place to tell him or not did not matter to her anymore. She would NOT see him made a fool of again. She did not care, she knew that she WOULD be shunned by all of Elizabeth's friends. Her uncle was sending her away soon anyway. She literally had almost nothing left to lose.

Unless..She stopped dead in her tracks. Unless, he would become angry with her. What if he blamed the messenger? As the thought grew in her head, so did an icy hand grip her heart. She turned to run back to the house but then she heard him call her name.

"Hope! Hope Wait! Please..." She turned back to him and he saw that she was shivering. "Come up, closer to the house..What are you doing out here? You could catch a death of a chill." He said as guided her up on to a patio, the sounds of the dance echoing through.

She thought for just a moment, even if he hated her, she would not have long to watch him do so. She resolved to tell him, at least that way, she would sleep at night knowing she had not lied to him.

"I..I came to tell you something.., and I am terribly afraid that you will hate me for it." He smiled gently. "I cannot fathom it..I cannot imagine hating you.., tell me what troubles you."

"I fear it is more trouble for you than me..." "You have come to tell me, what if I had eyes, I would have plainly seen already ?..I know about Elizabeth and The Commander."

"You- you DO?"
"Aye! I have just found out on my own. But they have no knowledge I know. I must thank you, Hope.." his voice thickened with emotion as he looked down at her small face. "Only you wished to spare me some embarrassment. Not even my family could be truthful with me. "

"Perhaps they were afraid of hurting you.." "That may be, but more likely, they just knew, I would not believe what I Would not see with my own two eyes."
"You SAW them?!?!"

"No. Not in each others arms, but I heard them. It was plain enough what was going on. The odd part is, I am more upset that they lied to me, and were trying to almost ..cuckold me in a manner of speaking, than having lost Elizabeth."

His smile broadened a bit.
"And I believe I know why. I believe I have been so distracted tonight, that I did not see what was right in front of me. But now that the haze of..'does Elizabeth belong to me' has been swept away. A bright, lovely, alabaster moon is visible. I can see my way clear again..." He moved a step closer to her. His forefinger lightly grazed the spot just below her chin, raising her face up to look at him, his thumb lightly caressing her chin.

"How lovely you are..." he whispered to her. Suddenly he heard a crunching sound as some-one's footfall disturbed the gravel path way leading back into the house, from a different direction Gerard had come. He heard McKracken swearing as he got closer to the house.

"I am sorry..." He whispered and bent his head and kissed her.

It was soft and gentle, almost barely a kiss at first. He did not want to frighten or offend her. At first he felt her stiffen from the initial shock, but then, as she relaxed, she melted into the kiss and his arms wrapped around her.

Gerard's arms involuntarily pulled her closer to him. He had not felt lips so soft and warm and innocent in a very, long time, if ever. As she moved closer to him, wanting more of his kiss, he deepened it just a bit. He was concerned about her being offended. He did not want to hurt her, or use her.

And yet, he was quite reluctant to let her go, whether McKracken was on his way or not.

Bert came through the gardens, along the path to where they were standing on the patio..He stopped short not believing his own eyes.

"SAY! Way Is...Is that you?" McKracken's confusion only increased as he saw Gerard very reluctantly release Hope's lips and, smile down into her eyes as if no one else in the world existed.

Gerard looked at her lips. They were soft and slightly bruised from his kiss. He was POSITIVE he had been the only one to ever do so. He stood there his eyes flitting from staring into her beautiful eyes, to her soft warm lips, and then back again.

She looked up at him, doe-eyed. She knew that it was mostly for McKracken's benefit that he kissed her. She could not care at all, she felt as though she were in heaven. She smiled a small dreamy smile just for him, as she felt her cheeks go warm.

Gerard pulled away and his smile broadened as he realised what must be running through Bert's head at this time. .."Philbert, my good OLD friend! I did not hear you coming! Were you on your way out?"

Elizabeth had not yet come up a the path trying to make it look like they had not been together...

"Out?N-no. I was looking for our hostess have you seen her?"

Hope felt as though she were flying. But, it was a bit embarrassing, that a stranger should witness her first kiss.

"Oh, I am sorry Philbert, but I have not..." he looked back at Hope and smiled a crooked smile.
"I have been a bit distracted." Gerard noticed Hope was blushing.
"Why my dear, what is wrong? They were bound to find out..." His voice deepened abit, becoming a bit throatier as he addressed her again.
"Do not be distressed my Hope."

Gerard found that..innocence, QUITE charming. She was unlike Elizabeth, in that she was still completely untouched, even as far as kisses went. Hope's was obviously innocent. Gerard felt it was a honour he would never forget. That she should let him take her first kiss, to help him save face.

"It is just a bit disconcerting...Your Friend? Will you not introduce me to your FRIEND, as we have not been FORMALLY introduced."

' Aye She IS a cheeky little lass' Gerard thought, that only endeared her more to him.

Gerard turned back to face Philbert and pulled Hope a little closer. "This lovely young flower is Miss Hope"
"Huntington"
"Huntington?" she nodded slightly. "Huntington-Stanwicke..." The young Lt. smiled gently at Hope and with his other hand motioned to Bert "And this, Hope, is my good friend, COMMANDER Philbert McKracken."

Elizabeth came onto the patio from the garden and found the three of them standing there. She was shocked that Gerard is, holding Miss Stanwicke IN PUBLIC!! It was obvious from Miss Stanwicke's face that she is enamored of him, and he seemed to be quite taken with her.

Hope addressed Elizabeth. "Ahh Miss Cuttington mr- excuse me COMMANDER McKracken was looking for you and found ...We two I am afraid..." Again Hope's cheeks bloomed fetchingly to Gerard's eyes.

Gerard turned toward Elizabeth's approach.
"Well there you are! You had COMMANDER McKracken quite worried MISS Cuttington..." Gerard's eyes now had a slightly evil twinkle in them, as he stared at the woman he loveD...Once, but no more.

"Gerard when I paired you up with Miss Stanwicke tonight at supper, I had NO idea you knew HOPE?"

Bert muttered under his breath.
"It appears He KNOWS her quite well"

Gerard looked to Bert. "Indeed. The lovely Hope and I know each other quite well..." he looked down at the girl in his arm again and smiled.

Hope blushed anew, smiling a small, seemingly secret, smile. The kind that says 'how could I have been so blessed'.She said gazing up at Gerard's face.
"He has been ..entertaining me in the country since he has returned." She stopped and stared pointedly at Elizabeth. "I felt no need to return to the city."

"ENTERTAINING?!" Elizabeth said the word as if she had never heard of such a thing. "Indeed! He has not graced US with his presence SINCE his return!"

Bert added, once again, almost under his breath,
"Apparently he has had other matters to 'Attend to'."

Gerard looked at the two of them standing there seemingly accusing him of neglecting his duties toward them. His eyebrow raised, and he put on as haughty an aire as he could.
"Tis true, I have been somewhat..." He stopped and a smile spread across his face, as though remembering something particularly pleasing, "immersed in other pursuits.."
He looked down at Hope again, who's blush deepened. He would have wished to enjoy those roses a moment longer, but then he remembered, they were not alone.

His eyes hardened as he lifted his head to face them once again. "But it seems that you have not missed my presence much."

He looked down at Hope again, seemingly unable to take his eyes off of her.
"I, on the other hand, had a delightful homecoming. How fortunate I am that my sister has so charming a friend."

Elizabeth said, doing her very best to be rude to Hope. "Gerard! I WAS looking for you there is a matter we need to discuss.." She pointedly looked at Miss Stanwicke "Privately!"

Gerard gave Elizabeth an angry glare. "Anything you have to discuss with me can be discussed in front of Miss Stanwicke! But I am in no mood to discuss anything with you at the moment."

Gerard took his arm from around Hope's waist and offered it to her "May I escort you back to the party my dear? You do not deserve this treatment from the likes of these people." Hope eagerly accepted it. And he lead her inside proudly, giving Bert and Elizabeth one final glare before they crossed through the doors.

Fleur de Lis · Fleur de Lis on Tue Jun 24, 2008 1:50 am

This one is as Zombie says hella-long!
Btw "an armful" at that time roughly would translate as in to something like..Hot stuff or hot babe. It could be used to sound like a compliment or a very derogatory meaning

enjoy!!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Gerard gave Elizabeth an angry glare.
"Anything you have to discuss with me can be discussed in front of Hope, but I am in no mood to discuss anything with you at the moment."

Gerard took his arm from around Hope's waist and offered it to her
"May I escort you back to the party my dear? You do not deserve this treatment from the likes of these people." Hope eagerly accepted it. And he lead her inside proudly, giving Bert and Elizabeth one final glare before they crossed through the doors.

As they swept back inside, they caused quite a stir. Everyone's heads turned and tongues started to wag. They could hear vague whispers as they passed by people. Gerard finally saw Robert and Jo looking very concerned. He strolled her out across the dance floor. Making sure EVERYONE saw them arm in arm.

Robert's jaw dropped when he saw the looks on their faces. Jo looked at her friend and was worried her heart would get broken. But then that was bound to happen to every young girl sooner or later. At least her brother would treat her like a lady in the process. And not take her most precious prize.

But then Jo looked at her brother. Something was different about him. He seemed not so...restrained, as usual. As if some weight had been lifted off of his shoulders, as he and Hope glided up toward them.

"Really Jo, the next time you introduce me to such a lovely creature, and I do not respond..you have every right to have Bryar knock some sense into me..But perhaps there will not be a next time." He stopped and smiled down at Hope. "Perhaps, that is the last time, I will have made that dreadful mistake."

He looked back at Robert and let go of Hope, but only for one moment. He held out his hand.
"I understand we need a few moments later. But I believe you will be quite pleased with my reaction to the matter." And he shook Robert's hand. Again a murmur rippled through the crowd.

Just then Elizabeth and PhilBert walked into the room. As they did her father immediately signaled for the waltz to begin to play. PhilBert grabbed her arm and pulled her into his. Gerard saw Elizabeth staring at him, and part of him was pleased. Part could not care at all.

He looked down at the lovely, delightful creature next to him. He reached for her hand and brought it to his lips, bowing as did. He stayed there but looked up into her eyes.
"Miss Stanwicke, My Hope, would you honour this.. mere mortal, with this dance?"

Hope's face lit up the room.
"Oh sir, the honour and indeed the pleasure is all mine." She very formally curtsied before him. As she rose from the curtsy, he noticed how graceful she could be if she did not think about it. Earlier tonight it was all merely nerves, as it had been for him. Now they moved also as though walking on air.

He lead her out onto the dance floor as the music began. He very carefully placed his hand on her back. Her hand went to his shoulder, and he offered his other hand to her. At first her hand fluttered in his, but then she looked into his eyes and a smile bloomed across her face. They moved around the dance floor as though their bodies were made to work as one. A murmur went racing through the crowd, and they twirled around the room.

"You see, mis- Dear Hope, You are quite the sensation."
"No Lei- Ger- Gerard I am being stared at and and talked about only because I have such a handsome devil of a partner."
"My, My you are a cheeky little lass are you not?"
"No sir, normally I am not. But for some reason this evening I am emboldened. Perhaps it is the company."

He looked down at her, one eyebrow raised.
"Why, if I did not know better I would say that you were flirting with me again little miss." "And if I were sir?"
"I would have to flirt right back..You know, now that PhilBert saw us, and I am sure he has told Elizabeth about the kiss, I may have compromised your reputation."

"As side from the glare she wore when she saw your arm around me, I would imagine she would spread some ugly rumours about me, one WAY or the other sir. Either WAY I do not care. I am Having a GLORIOUS time. At least one night of adventure to think of when I am old and gray."

"That will be not for sometime I assure you. You know we have lead them to believe their is much more between us than there is..at-least at the moment."
"I realise that quite well sir. But in the fairy stories, two souls can find each other in less time than we have spent."

"You do not mind them all thinking I have kept you, quiet company?"
"No sir..Not in the slightest. I would live out the fantasy, if only for one evening. Would it be so hard to imagine you would have noticed me?"

"In point of fact not. On the contrary I am, appalled, at my lack of vision and taste, that I did not notice you before this evening. I meant what I said to Josephine. I am TRULY sorry Hope. I was heartless and blind."

"Poppycock! I will hear no more of that sir. All that matters is this evening. What has gone before is done and there is nothing to be done for it. In a few days I shall set sail for the islands and never see my beloved England again no doubt. Nothing else matters except this night and this moment."

"Then, would you allow me certain..liberties?" Now it her turned to arch that one eyebrow. "That depends sir on what liberties that you intend to take?"

"Well The first is to tell you that, that color becomes you. And that your eyes remind me of the deep blue of the Mediterranean sea. And yet in certain lights they appear and the bright aqua of the Caribbean."

"Be careful sir. I have been told that when angered the become the color of storm clouds and steel."

"I will do my utmost to avoid viewing such terrible beauty. You must appear as Athena in all her glory. No, as I think on it, not Athena, the moon goddess, Diana." "Artemis. I sir prefer the original Greek." "As I said Cheeky..." Her eyes twinkled at him as he pretended, for just a moment, to be offended at the correction. But as he looked at her a genuine smile slowly crept across his face.

"I am curious sir? What exactly did Your Friend say to you on the patio after he and I had had our ..encounter."

"You mean after you wounded both his foot and his pride? Well, we did speak about you and other things as well.."
"And about me you seem reluctant to discuss what his opinion of me was."
"I am, I would not wish to offend you sweet lady."
"Go on please sir. This may be my only night of adventure, and would wish to know all of the details."

"Very well, IF, you promise to remember, that these are his words and not mine, and thus visit not your anger on me."
"I give you my word."
"Coming from you m'lady, that in an of it's self is enough for me."

He let out a deep breath. "He did call you a cheeky lass, as I have. Yet, he meant it with no affection, as I do." Her eyes grew larger in her face at his admittance of his care for her.
"And He, he called you an..an armful."

Hope knew she should be shocked, but when in-fact she was merely amused.
"And you sir do you see me as a armful?" "Do you wish me to say something that may shock you?"
"I don't think you could, anything coming from your lips, no matter how rude, on this night, I would take as a lark and treat it as quite the compliment."

"If that is the case. I think you are a blossom, about to sweetly burst into full bloom. Lucky is the man that finds himself, privy to your lovely countenance and your lush heady aroma. I myself would, cherish, such a sweet bloom."

Hope eyes lit from with-in and the roses in her cheeks glowed anew. His words tender and his voice hushed.
"Ahh, there they are. The blossoms bloom before my eyes."

Just about this moment the music stopped. She curtsied low once again, and he could not help but notice, her creamy, alabaster skin over the lavender of her gown. Or the soft, dark, curls he had dared touch earlier, framing her small face. As she stood he said to her in a low voice,
"You My dear, are the loveliest flower in this garden." He had not realised that Elizabeth was in earshot.

Hope could not believe her ears as she looked up at him. "Come Sweet Hope? Will you walk with me?" He said his voice just barely above a whisper.
"Yes..Gerard, I would be delighted to.", she answered back softly.

They strolled back out onto the patio. The moon was high now in the sky and it's strong silvery glow cast shadows as they stood. There was a bit of chill to the night air, but it had actually gotten warmer as the night had progressed.
"Spring will be here soon." he said trying to think of something to say, other than how lovely she was again.

All he could think of at the moment, was how soft and innocent those lips had been. And how MUCH he wanted to feel them on his once more. All thought of Elizabeth banished from his mind and heart.

"I ..I am afraid I will not be here to see it..I sail soon to one of the islands ...I do not know which..My uncle has a ..friend there..a..business partner of sorts, he owes him a great deal of money...And ," Her voice caught in her throat. "And he needs, it seems ..a wife."

Gerard felt the world spin around him. He had not known her even one evening, and yet, he felt as though he had been kicked in the stomach at her words.

"I am told that that my traveling there, is just and informal chance for us to become acquainted..But I know my uncle. I have no illusions."She said sadly.

"Perhaps he will take one look at you and become quite...smitten...as ..as I have."

Hope looked up at him her eyes pleading with him. "I..I, Know I should wish for you to stop saying such things,,,and yet My ears and heart drink your words in, as-though they were the nectar of the gods."

Gerard stepped close to her.
"No dear miss, it is in-fact your sweet lips that drip with the honey of the gods..Never has my name sounded so much a sonnet, as it has except from your lips like wine. You have indeed intoxicated me...I wish to drown myself in your eyes and have you steal the very breath from my body at the touch of your lips to mine."

He could not help himself but to reach out to trace the line of her jaw as he moved closer to her. Her hands jumped of their own accord to touch hips lips in return. He reached up with one hand and caught them in his hand. They could feel the heat of each others hands even through the the cloth. "Tonight," he said quietly, "you are MY Hope.."

He bent his head as she lifted hers. Their lips touched in one magical moment. He released her hands so he could pull her into a tighter embrace. Her hands found their way up and around his neck. Their kiss deepened.

He felt the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end, and a shiver run down his spine. He could feel her breathing change beneath his hand. Her lips were moist and soft. His were gentle, and yet hungry at the same time. He never wanted to let her go. He felt her shudder and her body begin to melt into his arms. He felt that delicious tightening of all of his muscles, the heady tension of desire.

As much as he was loath to do it, he lifted his head. His voice was husky, almost strangled with his hunger for more.
"My Hope. I must return you inside. Otherwise I shall become that beast that McKracken tried to be."

"I have no wish you run from you." She said breathlessly. "I wish to be no place else." He smiled at her, taking no small pleasure in the fact that she, seemed to show an eagerness for his touch.

"My Hope, while I am, more than pleased to hear those word fall from your lips. I must remember your reputation. I will not be responsible for it's complete ruin. I will not give your uncle that much rope to bind you with."

"But I am bound already! Both in his eyes..and in my desire..I wish this night never end!"

Gerard 's heart soared at the thought that she seemed already to yearn for him.

"Come my lady, you have not yet left England ..Perhaps I can dissuade your uncle yet, to never make you lose sight of it's sweet shores. I am sure I can think of a way or two, to make him see reason. As I have no desire to see your heart broken, as it would be, if you left...England."

Her eyes filled with Hope as she let him step away from her, although rather unwillingly. "Here lady, let me bring you inside and we two shall share a glass or two of punch and dance this night away. Never leaving each others side but for a moment or two. And I suppose..,I could.., perhaps..,, allow Robert one chance at a turn on the floor with you, but No More!!" he said possively.

She glowed as a smile played across her lips.
"Taunt me no more, my dear temptress, or I shall cause even more of scandal in seizing you here, and running off to find some preacher in the middle of the night."

As she laughed he thought he heard angels sing. He looked down at her. He made up his mind. Tomorrow he would lavish her with gifts.

He had been saving to offer for Miss Cuttington, now that was the furthest thing from his mind. Even if there was no way to convince her uncle to spare her, to what amounted to little more than a whores bargain. He would make sure she would never forget him. That is, if he had any say in the matter. Even If, she had to leave, he would make sure he gave her something to remember him by.

Fleur de Lis · Fleur de Lis on Tue Jun 24, 2008 1:51 am

He guided her to a small alcove and left her only after a small bow and a peck on her hand. Her flesh beneath the glove tingled where his lips had been.

"Did you enjoy your tryst Hope?" She heard Elizabeth's voice next to her ear. "I have not made up my mind to let him go.."
"You are engaged to McKracken."
"I am Promised, not engaged, to the Commander. The lieutenant may still make captain before he does...Either way..I have not yet dismissed him."

"He is not some beast at your beck and call." "He is If I choose it."
"I beg your pardon ELIZABETH. But His KISSES say otherwise."

THAWPT!!! The room stopped as the heard and some saw, Elizabeth strike Hope.

Gerard himself was on his way back with two small cups of punch. They crashed to the floor as he saw the blow.

"MISS CUTTINGTON!!! HOW DARE YOU?!" He pushed passed her to Hope. There was an ANGRY red hand-print forming across her face. "Admiral! I would have you Teach your daughter some manners! Come Blossom, we leave now." He said as he shieled her from Elizabeth. He spoke as he pushed through the crowd.

"Robert see to it my sister gets home safely. As I do not believe my parents ever attended. Admiral I would thank you had it been a lovely evening, but as it has not been save for my time with Miss Stanwicke, I cannot. Good evening sir..." He said as they reached the hall not waiting for their cloaks to be handed to them.

He lead her out to his carriage, the footman opening the door and then covering their legs before closing it again.

He looked at her cheek again.
"It shall not be bad for long..It will sting a bit but it should be gone by morning, your porcelain skin should be no worse for wear. But just in-case..let me sooth it just a bit..." He said as he reached around to kiss it gently. He kissed a small trail down the line of her cheekbone, where the hand print could be clearly seen. His kisses became less and less like pecks, as he reached the apple of her cheek. She turned her head to meet his lips. He was already once again, hungry for the taste of her.

They kissed for a few moments before he groaned.. "OH, HOPE!!! I must take you home.."

Fleur de Lis · Fleur de Lis on Tue Jun 24, 2008 2:02 am

MCRManiac wrote:Part one of two...im so excited i finally get to post...damn school and work...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"OH HOPE!! I must take you home!!"

"Perhaps...perhaps you are right." Hope said, sounding slightly hurt as she sat back against her seat.

"Oh my Hope, please understand I wished not to offend you. It seems I can never seem to find the right words to express myself." He said apologetically as he reached up to touch her still pinkish cheek.

"No, no Gerard. You did not offend." She looked into his eyes, hers appearing glassy as if she were on the verge of tears. "I...I only wished tonight would never end. These past hours with you have no doubt been the happiest in my days. And the thought that I must now go home..." She let her thought hang in the air unfinished.

Gerard gently stroked her cheek with his thumb "I too have had a wonderfully magnificent evening with you, my Hope. Though I have only truly met you this night, I feel that our relationship has been building for a lifetime." He stopped and got a small smile before turning away from Hope and banged on the wall of the carriage. Then, a small horn-like object fastened to the wall of the carriage began to speak. "Sir?"

"Mayhew, take the longest, most winding path as possible to the Stanwicke residence. And slow your steed." "Of course sir."
Gerard and Hope felt the carriage slow slightly as Gerard turned back towards Hope, taking her hands in his, then gently kissing them, maintaining eye contact with her.
"Now my dear Hope we have at least a few moments more."

Hope smiled sweetly at him then began to speak "With these extra moments you have bought us...could you please tell me more about the sea?" Hope asked shyly.

"Oh my dear, I would prefer to hear more of you! That is if it would not make you uncomfortable. Besides...surely you do not wish to listen to the ramblings of a sailor?"

"They are not ramblings! Quite the contrary! I was in awe at your tale of Da—" Hope stopped herself, having gained a new sense of respect for this cursed name of the seas. After a brief pause, she began again. "I can see the passion in your eyes and hear it in your tone as you speak of the sea. Please share the beauty of the sea with me again?" Hope said, slight begging in her voice. Gerard filled with delight as he listened to her. She wanted to hear about his interests. She wanted to more about what made him who HE was.

"Though my travels on the high seas are indeed a great joy in my life, there seems to be another love vying for its place." His eyes twinkled as he smiled a genuine smile at her and her roses returned in full bloom. She looked down at the floor with a small, embarrassed smile. He tilted her face back up to look at him and stared deeply into her eyes, "If my Hope wishes it, I shall try and impress upon her the majesty of the sea..."

Gerard began on some other tales from his days aboard the ships of the Royal Navy. When she snuggled up closer to him, he wrapped his arm around her, "My, my Hope. Bold, are we not?" He said with a small smirk. When he felt her start to pull away, he squeezed her closer "No, no my dear. You must deal with the consequences of your actions." He teased, tilting her head up for a brief, sweet kiss on her lips. He felt like a young boy again.

It felt so wonderful to be able to share his love with another, and her be so taken by it. Hope was legitimately interested in what he had to say, and she would hang by every word. Not even his dearest Elizabeth could PRETEND as much. And Hope would even engage herself in the conversation, asking questions about the way ships would be run, and what kinds of places his travels had taken him. This carriage ride was the first time in a very long time, if not THE first time, someone had shown such curiosity in his interests.

As Gerard began to talk once again of the sea, Hope shifted closer to him and wrapped her arms around his middle, resting her head on his shoulder. She never wanted to let go of this moment...she only wished Mayhew would never stop driving and this carriage ride last the rest of her days. Because she knew once this ride was over, then she would probably never see him again. The way Gerard spoke of the sea, Hope found she could actually enjoy it, instead of being frightened by this powerful force of nature that had stolen very near and dear people to her. She tried to bury this horrible experience by getting involved, asking questions at every turn, trying to get the lighter side of the sea in-grained in her mind. And while they did help with the memories, it did not help with her own journey coming closer and closer by the moment. It seemed that with each question, her departure from England grew closer and closer, along with the front door of her home.

Fleur de Lis · Fleur de Lis on Tue Jun 24, 2008 2:13 am

MCRManiac wrote:
Part two ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Finally Hope couldn't hold in her anxiety any longer. "Though I still dread my impending sail, you have undoubtedly made me less fearful of the journey." Gerard tensed at the mention of her departure. He had nearly forgotten until she had just now reminded him. "Though..."

"What is it Hope?" Gerard got slightly concerned and tried to lean down a bit to look her in the eye, "What is troubling you? I cannot, no, WILL not, let you leave this carriage unhappy." Hope sat up with a sigh and returned his gaze. "I...I..."

"Hope, please, you must tell me. I wish to assuage your doubts and fears, but I must first understand what it is they are." He said quietly as he brushed her hair from her face.

Hope bit her lip nervously, debating whether to be so bold as to tell him what was in her heart. "I...I only wish that you would be there with me on my first sail...since the storm.." She finished sheepishly, looking away from his intense stare.
"Storm? You have sailed before?" Gerard was slightly shocked...her interest in the subject matched that of someone who had never seen the ocean with their own two eyes.

"I have sailed many times...my parents would always take me with them on their voyages...then..."

Hope began to break down.
"I decided not to accompany them for one sail...ONE!...and then there was a storm..." Hope covered her face with her hands and wept at the memory, unable to finish. All the sadness came rushing back, just like the day she had first heard the news. She hated herself for showing such weakness...but she could not hold in her grief any longer.

Gerard was stunned. He could not have imagined the pain this dear young lady must have been feeling...surely, he had seen the deaths of many fine gentlemen and officers in his days on the sea...but he had never had to personally experience a loss so close to him such as his mother and father. This did however explain her deep interest in the sea...He imagined that Hope was trying to find what she had loved about the sea again...trying to rid the awful stain it had left on her.

"Hope, I...I do not know what to say." He wrapped his arms around her again and hugged her close, trying to comfort her as best he could. "I am unable to fathom the terrible pain that haunts your memories of the sea. But I shall do my best to try and reawaken your passion in it. May I help you Hope? Will you allow me to try and show you the lighter side of the seas?"

"I...I would l-love nothing m-more th-than to l-love the sea again. P-please show m-me again..." Hope stammered between sobs.

"That settles it then. I shall go to the harbor master tomorrow and sign myself to your vessel..." Hope brightened a little, "Y-you will?"
"Of course my dear! Where is it you will be headed? I must know for the harbor master."

Hope visibly deflated. "I...I do not know my destination. I simply know that it is to be one of the islands, and I know not which."

Gerard sat and thought for a brief moment, but then a smile spread across his face, "Then I believe I will have to come visit you tomorrow on my way to the harbor master. You can learn of your destination from your uncle in the morning and then you can inform me."

Gerard then lost a bit of his charming attitude as they arrived outside the Stanwicke residence. He stepped out of the carriage and helped her out and he began to speak again, this time a bit more shy, "Is that acceptable Hope?" He asked as he reached for her hand and helped her step down, "Would you mind it if I perhaps stop by, at least for a brief moment, tomorrow morning?"

Hope's face was joyful. "I would be delighted! By all means, please! I shall inquire as to my destination over breakfast tomorrow. When should I expect you?"
"As early as you will allow!" Gerard beamed.
"Then come by around noon. I shall have my information ready for you then."
"I shall arrive not a MINUTE late!"

Fleur de Lis · Fleur de Lis on Tue Jun 24, 2008 2:30 am

MCRManiac wrote: Part three****************

Gerard walked her to her door, stopping just outside it. He looked for the last time of the night into her eyes, still a bit puffy and red from crying. He gently brushed her hair away from her face and said quietly, "Hope, I greatly admire your will to try and forget this horrible image of the sea that has been painted for you. And I am honored to be taking a part in such a task." He slowly leaned down for a soft, goodnight kiss.
"Noon then?"
"Not a minute past." Gerard replied with a smile. She smiled back at him and slowly, reluctantly entered her home.

Gerard sighed at stared at the door for a moment before turning to return to his carriage. Tonight with Hope was one of, if not THE best, he had had in a very long while...which seemed odd due to all the dramatic changes for the "worst" that had taken place.

He began to climb back into the carriage, then stopped himself, he looked up at the coachman.
"Mayhew?" "Sir?"
"May I accompany you on the return trip? I believe that some night air would be good for me."
"Why of course sir. What ever you wish." Mayhew replied as he shifted himself over to allow room for Gerard. "Thank you." Gerard said as he sat down next to Mayhew, who, with a flick of the reigns, put the carriage back in motion again.

Gerard had grown quite close to Mayhew over the years, having been with his family for as long as he could remember. When his father was not available, which was a majority of his youth, Mayhew always found time to spend with young Gerard. Which is why he felt the need to sit up with him tonight. He needed someone to talk to, and he knew if it could be anyone, Mayhew would one of his first choices.

But Mayhew broached the subject first.
"Sir, is all well? You seem...preoccupied with something." He was not stupid. He had witnessed how he had gotten along with Miss Stanwicke, both when he picked them up from the party and just moments ago outside her door. But he knew his place, so he would allow Gerard to decide how much he wanted to reveal.

Gerard sat forward and propped his elbows on his knees, rubbing his face, "Ah Mayhew...much has happened tonight."
"Do you wish to unload some of your worries upon me sir? I could keep the return trip home slow as well?" Mayhew offered with a small friendly smile.
"A good night's rest is likely to be best for me. But do not rush home." Gerard sat back in his seat and looked up at the starry night sky, his face almost dreamy, and he sighed a happy sigh.

"You enjoyed yourself this evening? It seems you picked the perfect gathering to attend this year sir."
"That I did! I found one of the loveliest creatures on this earth tonight."
"Was that the young miss accompanying you this evening?"
"Indeed..." Gerard sighed again, "Oh Mayhew, it was magnificent! To think, such a lovely young flower as she to be dancing alone in a corner when first introduced? How is it she was not harressed by all the bucks in that place?!...Surely twas the heavens smiling down that allowed me to discover her first."

Mayhew was a bit taken aback by Gerard's love-struck attitude. "May I insert my opinion sir?"

"By all means Mayhew! You have been with me through my childhood...you feel more a dear friend to me than others who I have considered my friends." Gerard hissed his last word, remembering the actions of Philbert over the past few days. But Gerard would not let him ruin this night, so he quickly forgot about him.

"Thank you sir, I feel quite honored. But do you not seem to be falling fast for Miss Stanwicke? What has become of Miss Cuttington? Were you not so enthralled with her just earlier today?" Gerard got slightly irritated at the mere mention of her name, the way she had played him for a fool! Even this evening. And how she still TRIED to play him after Philbert's promotion did not pan out as expected.
"Elizabeth it seems is NOT the girl I believed her to be."
"Then how can you know if Hope is true also?"

Gerard was getting irritated now at Mayhew. Was he not happy for him? He of all people should know how miserable these past two weeks had been for him. And when he had finally found some joy in his return, Mayhew was questioning its truth!

"You do not know Hope as I do...She could not possibly be as...misleading as Miss Cuttington." "But did you not only meet her tonight?"
"Tis true, tonight we were officially introduced...but she IS a friend, a close one it seems, of Josephines. Hope just...she...I KNOW she is not false!"

"I am sorry sir. I did not mean to upset you. I just wish to not see you hurt again as it seems Miss Cuttington has. Surely Miss Stanwicke is honest in her feelings, as you are to her. Pardon me sir, twas not my place."

Gerard sighed heavily, "No, no Mayhew. You are perhaps right. I should learn to not fall so hard so quickly. But there IS something special about Hope...I can just sense it."

Mayhew pulled up to the Way household and dropped Gerard off at the front door. "She seems a very kind and sweet young Miss sir. And do not believe that what I was implying was what I believe of her. I do not know her but the few moments where I have seen her enter and exit this carriage. I merely intended to show you another view."

"I understand Mayhew. Thank you, you are a good friend."
"Thank you sir." Mayhew nodded once, tipping his hat. "Goodnight sir."

"Goodnight Mayhew." Gerard responded thoughtfully, as he turned and began to walk up the front steps.

"I am to have the carriage ready by half past eleven tomorrow morning?" Mayhew called after him with a smile. Gerard turned and spoke back whistfully.
"Not a minute past!"

Fleur de Lis · Fleur de Lis on Tue Jun 24, 2008 3:06 am

Gerard awoke the next morning after a fitful nights sleep. He rose and dressed. He needed to walk. He resolved to travel to see if he can narrow down, as to on which ship, Miss Stanwicke is sailing.

He just needed to leave, he couldn't stand being away moment longer. He longed to see Miss Stanwicke. To see if the connection is still so strong as to wish to follow her to sea.

The voyage would be comparatively short for her, as she would be leaving the ship once they reached her destination. And perhaps unbearably long for him, once she had left.

But for she and her kindness to him toward him, last night, he would have had nowhere to turn.

Yet not only had she sought to warn him; and save him some embarrassment, she had willingly gone along with his ruse, contributing to it as well.

Today he felt, for all the world, the heel. He was sure he had stolen her first kiss. "Before the day is over," he resolved, "I must apologize to her. I must see if she still appears to feel, as I believed she did last night and if indeed I do as well..."

He looked about, the morning mists had not dissipated. Not many souls would be about. It was too late for morning services and too early for the "fashionable set" to be seen.

Just as he wished it.

He knew Eliza would not be awake. And if PhilBert's state last night was any indication, neither would he. He could be about his business of clearing his head privately.

The only souls about were the merchants setting out their wares.

As he walked, he was neared a park. He heard hoof beats. "At least one other soul with either no where to be, or on a mission like myself."

Out of the mists two riders appeared, one on a pony and one on a fine piece of horseflesh. He tipped his hat before he saw the faces. He only knew it must be a young lady as her chaperon rode the small pony nag.

As they neared him, he saw a bright smile alight the rider's face.

"Good morning Lt. Way! I did not think you would be about at such an hour."

"Miss Stanwicke! I should say the same of you." Gerard was obviously happy to see her.
"Miss Johnson, please see to our necessities as we have not much time." She tried to dismiss her uncle's watcher.

"Miss you should not be talking to this rogue alone. People are already talking."

"Nonsense, I am in the public view, and you shall be well within earshot. Now please do as I ask."

"Yes Miss." And the chaperon rode only a bit away, stopping at the first vendor.

"A rogue, am I?" His eyes twinkled at the very thought.
"Hm - and a scoundrel and a cad. It seems you are viewed as taking advantage of me Lieutenant. I say again, you are a bad man."

She was merry and her mirth infectious.
"And you young miss are an angel. A guardian one in fact. It seems rather than gain a reputation as a fool, I have one as a thief - and a rogue, it seems."

"How so sir?" He looked up at her, his smile warm and gentle.
"I did steal your hidden first kiss, did I not?"

"Thievery would only be implied sir, had I considered myself robbed. As it was, I am most grateful and delighted to not have had it wasted on one who thought it was his right, whether I wished to give it or not."

"And under different circumstance would you have given it?" he said his throat constricting slightly in nervousness.

"You must know? YES!- yes I would have gladly, however had things been different you would not have wanted it...." Her eyes held pain as she seemed to be a thousand miles away. "Some say they find my company so trying."

"They say, that about me as well. They say, I can be quite difficult. As to your company, They are, and pardon me for saying it thus, they are DAMNED fools."

He looked to her face and noticed it was guarded, even fearful. It held not the happy glow it had last night. Was she now in the cold light of day sorry she had given him that honor?

"May I speak plainly sir?" "Please m'lady do."
"Do you regret your actions last night? Was I so green as to make you wish you had acted differently?"
She held her breath as she waited for the answer.

"Do you mean to say do I regret kissing you? No! No only, only ,the circumstances surrounding it. I had intended to formally apologize, but as it is instead, I thank you for the honor. You were.."

His eyes grew a bit larger, as he thought of how fond of her he had so quickly become.
"You were QUITE charming miss.."

Gerard took a step closer, his voice dropping to barely a whisper. "I thought of you almost every waking second after I left you last night. Even in my dreams ..you were there."

"And were they pleasant dreams? Because I tell you truly, where you were in mine, they were."

Gerard's face brightened. "They were m'Lady! So pleasant..," He paused and swallowed hard. "only the thought I might see you this day pulled me out of my bed."

"Might sir? Did we not arrange a meeting this afternoon."

"Aye we did, yet I was afraid, you would think better of it and send me a note to not come..I chose to be not available to receive such a note. That way, as I darkened your door, you would not send me away...at-least I hoped you would not."

"I Would not! In-fact just the opposite. I am about so early as to make the many preparations I must, before, my sorrowful sailing. I wanted all of this awful business completed before your arrival. I wanted to have no other cares, aside from the inescapable sail, hanging over my head as we were meeting." And even then I wished to banish all thoughts of anything, save your good company..

"That sail, will you still allow me to accompany you on that voyage? It would be My Great Honor if you would allow me to. I would do my best to..help you fall in love..With the sea!! WITH THE SEA!! I meant to say with the sea."

"And if sir, I say you, have already begun to help me.., Would that please you?" Gerard noticed her wording, and it emboldened him.

"You said not the sea." He whispered hopefuly as his eyes searched hers for meaning.

"No sir. I meant not to." She said sweetly with a soft smile.

Gerard knew that he should be circumspect and discreet. But as he stood there, is heart soared at her implication. And he let it show, at-least to her, on his face.

"Then Lady let me NOT stop you from that hateful business, as I wish it to be over and put away quickly. Do you by chance know of your destination? For then I too would be able to have this whole matter settled when we meet again."

"Before you keep so kind an offer as you are making, to sail away with me, I must remind you Handsome Lt., My uncle sees fit to sell me as a broodmare. He has debts to satisfy. But since last night things have changed. As I told you I suspected last night, I had no illusions about my uncle's intentions. I have been formally engaged, unknowingly and AGAINST my wishes, to a 'cohort' of his."

"Lady that is appalling!! Is this the reason you sail so quickly? On which island does this scoundrel live? How may I stop this demonic action?"

She looked as though she were about to weep. "There IS no stopping it..I sail.., in the morning.."

"To where? Tell me where my fate lies." He suddenly knew he HAD to be onboard that vessel. It mattered not to him that he sail as passengeror crew. Not as an Officer of His Majestys' Royal Navy or a cabin boy. AS LONG as he could be in her presence, at least enought to see her, if nothing else.

"The Islands..to Bermuda. But are you sure Lt.? Are you
sure I am worth your troubles?"

He saw her fear, as plain as day, and he wished nothing more, then to at this moment, to dispel it all away.

"Sweet Lady if you sailed away on that ship without me, I would still not be here. I would not be a whole man, as my spirit would have flown to your side. Doom me not to that existence. Will you let me at-least, look upon you for as long as the heavens will allow?"

Hope felt her heart turn over in her breast. "Oh sir! That would make me delightfully happy!"

Gerard stood a bit taller, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "Then may I still call on you this afternoon Miss? May I spend the afternoon basking in your glow?"

The blush returned to her cheeks, as did a radiant smile.
"PLEASE DO!! But ONLY on the condition that use call me either by Hope or a name of your own choosing. No more formalities, for one more day at-least, I wished to feel as though I were a princess, and my prince has finally found me."

"Then you must use my christian name as well." He leaned in and whispered almost conspiratorily. "It would not do for you to do otherwise, considering our supposedly secret country tryst.." he said smiling.

Then suddenly he looked alarmed. "Your uncle did not force this upon you because of my actions last night did he?"

"No. The arrangements were made well in advance. But he does in-fact claim that scandal must be avoided. I found it thrilling to be the center of such talk last night."

Her eyes clouded with anger as she spoke. He thought Athena in all her righteous anger and glory, was never as lovely as the girl on horseback before him. Her eyes indeed turned the color of a stormy sea.

"I am nearly of age, and I have not once in my whole life been disobedient, or not done as either my dearly departed parents or even he has asked of me. This once..this ONE DAY...I will LIVE for myself, and my own wishes. It will give me something to think on when I am despairing. Will help me L- Gerard?"

He grinned as he heard her say his name, the heavenly choir
would not sound so sweet.

"Then perhaps I shall take you out for a luncheon? Would that please you? Let us make their tongues wag, shall we?"

"Nothing so much, as spending the afternoon with you, would please me more! I will be about my business quickly and will await your call. Noon then still?"

"Not a minute past!!!" He said feeling like he could conquer the world if she asked.

She smiled and blushed abit already looking forward to the afternoon. "Good Day Gerard."

He very improperly reached for her hand. He kissed it ever so briefly. "Good day Sweet Lady." He said gazing up into her eyes.

As she rode away he said to himself. "If I may spend it with you, it shall be indeed."

sOOPER sPUUN · sOOPER sPUUN on Tue Jun 24, 2008 4:57 am

damn you both and your romantic tale. i ought not to have read this on such a night.
i did find myself giggling, however, at the thought of gerard and bob speaking politely
in old english.. not to mention the time appropriate (TIGHT!)clothing. and the
information! quite fantastic. i would have so enjoyed living then, in some aspects.
i rather fancy talking in such a manner. ('philbert' *snicker*)
ah, and 'dash it' is now my favorite interjection.

Fleur de Lis · Fleur de Lis on Tue Jun 24, 2008 4:11 pm

AN: Powder Monkey's were the lowest on board ship. They litterally ran the gunpowder to who ever needed it during a battle it was dirty grimy DANGEROUS work..usually left to small uncommissioned boys and occasionally women if they were on board it was a Thankless Dangerous job.

Hope smiled and blushed abit already looking forward to the afternoon. "Good Day Gerard."

He very improperly reached for her hand. He kissed it ever so briefly. "Good day Sweet Lady." He said gazing up into her eyes.

As she rode away he said to himself. "If I may spend it with you, it shall be indeed." He knew she was already out of earshot but he needed it to be said none the less.

He suddenly turned and walked briskly to the commission house. he entered quickly he was a man on a mission.

"Good day sir. I hold the rank of Lt. Cmdr. and I wish to make myself available for a particular sailing. I am not required to sail again as I have just returned home from a long tour of duty. However a situation has arisen. For the right sailing, I would take any assignment, even travel as a powder monkey."

He thought for a moment he would do anything to be on that ship with her.
The sailing would take at - least a month.

"Or if necessary, if there are any berths left, as a paying passenger if need be."

"Yes lieutenant, and on which ship do you wish to set sail?"

Gerard stopped. In his excitement at her wishing him to still help her, he had forgotten to ask, he did not know the name of the ship.

"Forgive my ignorance. All I know is that it sails tomorrow and is bound for Bermuda at least."

"Ahh yes. It is intended as a Pirate hunter."

Gerard could not hide his disbelief.
"Pirates? In this day and age.., surely you jest."

"Ahh the called themselves Privateers now, because they hold a worthless scrap of paper from the short french man, or the upstarts in the colonies. The call themselves the American's now! But they are Pirates no matter what they choose to call themselves."

Now Gerard was really alarmed. "But surely there will be civilian passengers aboad..The captain will not hunt until such time as they are not?"

"It would seem so yes. But lieutenant , you know yourself, if you sail there is always danger. Either from the sea itself, or men like that. And with that part of the world, even ships have disappeared. Davey prowls those waters it seems."

Gerard was in a now near state of panic. He could NOT let Hope go, or if she did he MUST be with her.
"Tell you have need of me on-board! Or..or else sell me Passage. I beg you!"

The harbor master began looking through the record of the ships company. "Aye sir, we could use you. As always we are woefully in need experienced navy men like you. The pay is good and they do need a first mate."

"Confirm for me one thing and you shall have me. Is there a Miss Stanwicke listed as a passenger?"

"Lieutenant you know I cannot tell you that.", he said as he picked up a book and started thumbing through it. "Does this Lady mean a great deal to you?"

"Enough that I take leave of my family and home much earlier than need be...She may in-fact mean more to me than the sea itself." Gerard was surprised at himself as he realised he truly meant what he said..If a life with Hope meant giving up the sea, he would gladly never set foot of off dry land again!

"Ahh so it would seem sir. But while I sympathise I cannot help you. If I were to show you this page, this manifest and allow you to see these names in would be most egregious broach of privacy."

He looked at the poor young man so obviously enamored of the lady in question. He picked up his ink well. "Damnation! I need to walk WAY over there, and refill it sir. Lt. would please make sure no one else comes near my records as I do?" He winked at him and got up and walked away.

Gerard saw his opportunity and took it. He turned the book to face himself and trailed his fingers down the list. He shook slightly hoping on the one hand to find her name, and on the other hoping she would not be sailing on so dangerous a ship. In the end he knew what he had to do.

There in black letters was her name.

"Harbor Master? Draw up the documents. I am your man."

Fleur de Lis · Fleur de Lis on Tue Jun 24, 2008 4:30 pm

Little while later he found himself strolling along a shoppers thoroughfare. He wondered where about Hope was, and what errands she had left to run. He remembered his promise to himself, lavish gifts upon her. He knew that although his feelings were strong, he could not give her too much, as her uncle would become incensed and perhaps forbid her to see him at all.

Yet he wanted her to take memories of him with her wherever she went.

"What can I give her that will not be to forward yet, useful. Something she will need and yet treasure. Something her uncle could NOT sell. That rules out jewelry, to presumptuous anyway."

He spoke to himself as he strolled past the shops. He was quite taken with her.
"Flowers will die and fade before the do. Besides no flower could compare to her. No, something that even if our feelings be doomed, she would still have need of it and still feel my protection of her that I wish so dearly to give. Something that even if another man tries to turn her, she will still think of me first?"

He heard some one laugh. "My WAY! You have, fallen quickly have you not? Is this about Hope? You presume she would wish to remember you."

He turned to Robert's voice standing a bit straighter and fixed his own coat. "She has said as much. She has..Twice! In point of fact."

"Do not take offence! I merely jest. She was quite taken with you as well..even before the waltz."

"Do you speak truly? Bryar I consider you one of the two men I called my closest friends, and it seems both of you have with held vital information. Please do not play me false in this matter."

"No. I do not. But I do have need to speak with you, about your sister. I sail tomorrow and I wish to make my Offer for her hand, before I leave. Do you have ANY objections? Say so now, if not I go this minute to your father's house."

"No Robert. I would welcome you as a brother-in -law. You are already almost a brother to me. Treat my sister as I believe you intend to do so, and I will be satisfied. It may be you that regrets the decision. My sister can have an acid tongue."

"Perhaps to her brother, but not to me. She is the sweetest, most fair Lady in the whole of England, nay the whole world."

"I beg to differ, but the lady of my heart, claims that title."

"For you perhaps..but that is just as well. We two are lucky men. I must be off. If all goes well, Join me and your sister and family in a celebration. My last hurrah before I sail. And if you come tonight, Your sister's friend shall be there as well."

"If you mean the lady I think you speak of, a pack of wolves would not keep me away." Gerard's eyes twinkled at the thought of spending another evening at Hope's side.

He smiled as Robert took off, eager to be about his business.

He looked around again, chewing on his bottom lip. He saw a shopkeeper window. Fine ladies accessories it said. He walked towards it.

In the window there were all sorts of little trinkets, and even a parasol or two.

"I wish to protect her.." He muttered. He looked at the gloves and fans and small purses. "And keep others suitors separated from her. If she holds my fan, and wear's my gloves, she would always have my image in her thoughts, even as they would try to make her forget."
He resolved to astound her, as he walked purposefully inside the store.

"There lies a delicate pair of buff colored gloves in your window. I would have them for a special Lady. And tell me, as you do much business with the other clothiers, I assume, do you know of Miss Stanwicke's needs or tastes? .."

"Yes sir I do. She was quite fond of those, but they were not with-in her uncles requirements."

Gerard he pulled out his wallet signaling he was ready to spend what was necessary.

"I would be..most interested in fulfilling..ALL of her desires."