Tales of 'The Sweet Revenge'
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Re: Tales of 'The Sweet Revenge'
Fleur de Lis on Tue Jun 24, 2008 4:44 pm
Gerard was guided to a small sofa in the shopkeeper's store front. He sat listening as the owner began to display his wears on a low table in front of hi. The merchant was more than happy to help him.
"Miss Stanwicke is a sweet soul, if you don't mind me saying so sir. I knew her parents. They brought her in here the first time when she was still too young for a season. Even then she had the most startling blue eyes, and the sweetest disposition. She always showed them the utmost respect, yet it was clear how dearly loved she was. And she adored her parents. God in heaven rest their souls..." The shopkeeper and the Lt. both bowed their heads, a moment out of respect for the dead.
He continued. "It must have broken her heart, when she lost them. She didn't even come out of the house in the country, except for to attend the services..Until that beastly man brought her in here, I had not seen her in quite sometime."
"She had no season?" Gee frowned, but part of him was glad. If she had, had a proper season, she may already be TRULY spoken for. Her heart may already belong to someone else, perhaps one of the adle-brained young bucks that ignored her last night.
As he himself had so foolishly done.
"None that I know of Lt. I doubt that beastly man allowed her one. " The shop owner twisted his face in disgust.
"But I do know, he ordered her a small trousseau, it was barely adequate. And I believe wholly inappropriate for one so young.
Most of what he ordered for her either far to Matronly or far too
immodest for her. Only one appropriate evening dress."
"The lavender one.." He said to himself but the merchant still replied as though being spoken too.
"Yes I believe so..He did, have a suitable if a bit old fashioned riding dress, that was her mothers I believe, altered."
"Well then as you have seen her requirements, may I beg you to guide me in my choices. I wish to lavish her with pleasant surprises."
"I beg your pardon Lt. But I did say trousseau."
"Indeed you did. I am unfortunately well aware of her situation.
I, none the less, cannot think otherwise. If you believe my actions
wrong, I will bother you no more other than the three trinkets I have picked out on my own. I will find-" Gerard began to stand up.
"No. No, Sit please Lt. you misunderstand me. I do hope you give the young lady some happiness. She has had so little of late. I only mean to warn you that her uncle will not look kindly on your actions. If you take too much to her, or have it delivered, he may try to dispose of it-"
"You mean sell it. I am aware of his dispostion too. Can you arrange to have the goods, that I do not take with me, delivered to 'The GUARDIAN'?
In-fact to my care, as I sail as first mate."
"You do sir? Well then Perhaps her fate is not sealed.
Perhaps your were meant to be HER Guardian, if you do not mind
my saying so."
Gerard smiled a genuine smile.
"No, in fact from your mouth to the ears of The Almighty."
As he sat there he heard a small bell ring he looked up.
"Damnation! What are you doing here?"
"Miss Stanwicke is a sweet soul, if you don't mind me saying so sir. I knew her parents. They brought her in here the first time when she was still too young for a season. Even then she had the most startling blue eyes, and the sweetest disposition. She always showed them the utmost respect, yet it was clear how dearly loved she was. And she adored her parents. God in heaven rest their souls..." The shopkeeper and the Lt. both bowed their heads, a moment out of respect for the dead.
He continued. "It must have broken her heart, when she lost them. She didn't even come out of the house in the country, except for to attend the services..Until that beastly man brought her in here, I had not seen her in quite sometime."
"She had no season?" Gee frowned, but part of him was glad. If she had, had a proper season, she may already be TRULY spoken for. Her heart may already belong to someone else, perhaps one of the adle-brained young bucks that ignored her last night.
As he himself had so foolishly done.
"None that I know of Lt. I doubt that beastly man allowed her one. " The shop owner twisted his face in disgust.
"But I do know, he ordered her a small trousseau, it was barely adequate. And I believe wholly inappropriate for one so young.
Most of what he ordered for her either far to Matronly or far too
immodest for her. Only one appropriate evening dress."
"The lavender one.." He said to himself but the merchant still replied as though being spoken too.
"Yes I believe so..He did, have a suitable if a bit old fashioned riding dress, that was her mothers I believe, altered."
"Well then as you have seen her requirements, may I beg you to guide me in my choices. I wish to lavish her with pleasant surprises."
"I beg your pardon Lt. But I did say trousseau."
"Indeed you did. I am unfortunately well aware of her situation.
I, none the less, cannot think otherwise. If you believe my actions
wrong, I will bother you no more other than the three trinkets I have picked out on my own. I will find-" Gerard began to stand up.
"No. No, Sit please Lt. you misunderstand me. I do hope you give the young lady some happiness. She has had so little of late. I only mean to warn you that her uncle will not look kindly on your actions. If you take too much to her, or have it delivered, he may try to dispose of it-"
"You mean sell it. I am aware of his dispostion too. Can you arrange to have the goods, that I do not take with me, delivered to 'The GUARDIAN'?
In-fact to my care, as I sail as first mate."
"You do sir? Well then Perhaps her fate is not sealed.
Perhaps your were meant to be HER Guardian, if you do not mind
my saying so."
Gerard smiled a genuine smile.
"No, in fact from your mouth to the ears of The Almighty."
As he sat there he heard a small bell ring he looked up.
"Damnation! What are you doing here?"
Last edited by Fleur de Lis on Fri Aug 29, 2008 1:52 pm; edited 1 time in total
_________________
THAT is a Loaded Gun if I ever saw one!
Fleur de Lis- Goddess/Duchess
- Number of posts: 1158
Location: Principality of WAY
*: Original *13* Sister Of Sin #1
Registration date: 2008-03-06 
Re: Tales of 'The Sweet Revenge'
sOOPER sPUUN on Tue Jun 24, 2008 5:47 pm
kicken yer ass! *fangsupIMEANfistsup* i'ma hit you so hard, your patron will have bruises!
ahem. sorry, overexcited.
ahem. sorry, overexcited.
sOOPER sPUUN- Number of posts: 1018
Location: across the room, drinking your milkshake.
*: Original *13* Sister Of Sin 11
OFFICAL Lurker of Romanceketeers and Principalities there in
Special assignment Spelling police!
Registration date: 2008-03-12 -
Re: Tales of 'The Sweet Revenge'
Fleur de Lis on Fri Aug 29, 2008 1:23 pm
Gerard's eyes narrowed PhilBert was the last person he wished to see.
He turned to the shop keeper. "You know what my needs are. Have the purchases I made wrapped and ready. The rest you know what to do with. I leave the moment the parcels are ready." "Yes Lieutenant." He said as he accepted the bank notes out of the young officers hand.
The shopkeeper turned curtly towards Bert only showing the most basic amount of attention due a man of Bert's new ill gotten rank. "Excuse me your grace I shan't be but a moment."
PhilBert eyed his old friend. "And why are you out at this hour?"
"I could ask the same of you Your Grace." Gerard growled at his former friend.
"I had a gift to procure. A thank you for the elegant evening provided by Miss Cuttington."
"Hmph! I was there last night and I saw no such elegance on Elizabeth's part. As it was, I STILL had a delightful evening."
He smirked at McKracken.
They were interrupted by the shopkeeper, who handed Gerard a small, but not too small, burgundy velvet bag and longish parcel. "There you go Lieutenant and a small trinket or two from us. Wish her well from us would you?"
He nodded. "Indeed I shall. Thank you." And he left with a smile on his face. As he stepped outside the shop he looked at his time piece. "10:30..I have an hour to get to Mayhew. I shan't be a minute late." And he took off in the direction he had originally come.
Not long after he arrived at the Way home. He was barely inside when he heard his sister calling his name. "Gerard!! Gerard!! Thank you! Thank you!!"
"For dear sister?" He looked down at her, pretending he had no idea what she was referring to, she was glowing with happiness. "I take it my friend Mr. Bryar has offered for you? And did you accept?" He teased.
Jo was so happy she did not even blink an eyelash. "OH I DID! Oh Gerard he is the most wonderful man..."
"Aye and an honorable one. Mind you dear sister, I already think of him as a brother. Do not treat him as you treat me."
"I should say not!!! I LOVE him!"
Gerard fained shock, and gasped.
"Really dearest sister..WE Ways do not speak of such things." He looked down his nose at her, his eyes twinkling, trying not to laugh.
"We only feel them..." He finished softly. He kissed his sister on her forehead. "I do hope the heavens smile down on you, and Robert..I hope you will be very happy. I take it there shall be a celebration then, may I take an invitation with me, as plan on spending a good part of my afternoon with your dear friend Miss Stanwicke..?" He said grinning and rolled his eyes up as the squeals he expected poured from his sister's lungs.
"Yes! Yes!" she threw her arms around her brother. "Oh Gerard! I just KNOW we shall both be happy! We have both been blessed. Perhaps you will save Hope from that dreadful man that calls himself her guardian!"
"I hope so dear sister..I hope so..." He looked down at his timepiece, as he heard hoof beats out side. "11:25! Hurry sister or I shall be late!! I am to be at the Stanwicke home at noon and I shall be there!"
In a short while he was in an open carriage with his parcels and his sister's invitation safely tucked inside his coat. He was pleased Mayhew had chosen the open one. This afternoon they would make tongues wag. He looked forward to the delight on her sweet face. "My Hope.." He whispered to himself and smiled.
As they rounded the bend to her door, he looked at his timepiece, 11:55.
He jumped down not waiting for Mayhews help. He looked up at the home. There was Hope in a window smiling down, waiting for his arrival. Waiting for him.
He was proud of himself as he saw her leave the window he assumed eager to greet him. The next thing he knew she was in the door way. "Lieutenant! You said noon I am so delighted that you are here as you said you would be!"
He tipped his hat to her and grinned, he too eager to start their afternoon.
"Not a minute past!"
He turned to the shop keeper. "You know what my needs are. Have the purchases I made wrapped and ready. The rest you know what to do with. I leave the moment the parcels are ready." "Yes Lieutenant." He said as he accepted the bank notes out of the young officers hand.
The shopkeeper turned curtly towards Bert only showing the most basic amount of attention due a man of Bert's new ill gotten rank. "Excuse me your grace I shan't be but a moment."
PhilBert eyed his old friend. "And why are you out at this hour?"
"I could ask the same of you Your Grace." Gerard growled at his former friend.
"I had a gift to procure. A thank you for the elegant evening provided by Miss Cuttington."
"Hmph! I was there last night and I saw no such elegance on Elizabeth's part. As it was, I STILL had a delightful evening."
He smirked at McKracken.
They were interrupted by the shopkeeper, who handed Gerard a small, but not too small, burgundy velvet bag and longish parcel. "There you go Lieutenant and a small trinket or two from us. Wish her well from us would you?"
He nodded. "Indeed I shall. Thank you." And he left with a smile on his face. As he stepped outside the shop he looked at his time piece. "10:30..I have an hour to get to Mayhew. I shan't be a minute late." And he took off in the direction he had originally come.
Not long after he arrived at the Way home. He was barely inside when he heard his sister calling his name. "Gerard!! Gerard!! Thank you! Thank you!!"
"For dear sister?" He looked down at her, pretending he had no idea what she was referring to, she was glowing with happiness. "I take it my friend Mr. Bryar has offered for you? And did you accept?" He teased.
Jo was so happy she did not even blink an eyelash. "OH I DID! Oh Gerard he is the most wonderful man..."
"Aye and an honorable one. Mind you dear sister, I already think of him as a brother. Do not treat him as you treat me."
"I should say not!!! I LOVE him!"
Gerard fained shock, and gasped.
"Really dearest sister..WE Ways do not speak of such things." He looked down his nose at her, his eyes twinkling, trying not to laugh.
"We only feel them..." He finished softly. He kissed his sister on her forehead. "I do hope the heavens smile down on you, and Robert..I hope you will be very happy. I take it there shall be a celebration then, may I take an invitation with me, as plan on spending a good part of my afternoon with your dear friend Miss Stanwicke..?" He said grinning and rolled his eyes up as the squeals he expected poured from his sister's lungs.
"Yes! Yes!" she threw her arms around her brother. "Oh Gerard! I just KNOW we shall both be happy! We have both been blessed. Perhaps you will save Hope from that dreadful man that calls himself her guardian!"
"I hope so dear sister..I hope so..." He looked down at his timepiece, as he heard hoof beats out side. "11:25! Hurry sister or I shall be late!! I am to be at the Stanwicke home at noon and I shall be there!"
In a short while he was in an open carriage with his parcels and his sister's invitation safely tucked inside his coat. He was pleased Mayhew had chosen the open one. This afternoon they would make tongues wag. He looked forward to the delight on her sweet face. "My Hope.." He whispered to himself and smiled.
As they rounded the bend to her door, he looked at his timepiece, 11:55.
He jumped down not waiting for Mayhews help. He looked up at the home. There was Hope in a window smiling down, waiting for his arrival. Waiting for him.
He was proud of himself as he saw her leave the window he assumed eager to greet him. The next thing he knew she was in the door way. "Lieutenant! You said noon I am so delighted that you are here as you said you would be!"
He tipped his hat to her and grinned, he too eager to start their afternoon.
"Not a minute past!"
_________________
THAT is a Loaded Gun if I ever saw one!
Fleur de Lis- Goddess/Duchess
- Number of posts: 1158
Location: Principality of WAY
*: Original *13* Sister Of Sin #1
Registration date: 2008-03-06 -
Chapter 25
Fleur de Lis on Fri Aug 29, 2008 2:04 pm
He helped her up into the carriage and climbed in behind her. He took his seat next to her, smiling as he did.
"Well m'lady..Do have any need of me to assist you with any of your errands? Or is our afternoon free?"
She sighed a happy sigh. "I am pleased to report, that ALL of my bothersome tasks are completed. I am FREE to enjoy your Most pleasant company!"
"Then allow me to entertain you. Mayheiw drive." Gerard turned to Hope. "Perhaps through Hyde park?" Hope nodded. "Hyde park it is then! Fashion Row! I wish to show everyone my fair companion is as lovely in the sun as she is in the moonlight..
If not more so."
Hope blushed, and smiled a small smile at him. "But. As it is so bright and I would not wish the lovely alabaster skin to be burnt." He reached down under the seat and pulled out the long parcel.
She HAD brought a parasol, but the one she carried was worn and tattered around the edges. Not badly enough to be an embarrassment, but still, not new.
She looked down at the package and then up into his eyes. "Sir...you did-not need.."
"On the contrary. I did in-point-of-fact NEED to. I know you are about to leave our shores, and the sun is quite strong in the islands. I NEED to make sure you were well cared for. I may not be able to keep you under my protection. But I can at-least offer you this. Think of me when you use it?"
"If you put it that way..How can I refuse?"
He smiled. "You cannot. Just as I can do naught but think of ways to spoil you. Had I MY WAY I would be LAVISHING you with gifts. As it stands, I do not wish to offend your sensibilities, nor incur your uncle's wrath down upon your head."
Hope tore open the present as a child does it's Christmas gift. He smiled broadly as she sighed with appreciation. She fingered the fine ivory lace before opening it and modeling it for him.
"It's LOVELY!" She said with delight.
"It pales in comparison with it's new owner. I only wish to make you happy, and spend as much time basking in your glow as you will allow..." He leaned in his lips almost brushing hers.
"Oh! I have almost forgotten!" He reached in to his pocket and pulled out his sister's invitation, and handed it to her. She looked at the writing. "Josephine?"
He nodded once. "Robert has offered for her. They hold a family celebration this evening. It will be a small affair. Nothing so grand as last night..But I know she wishes you there. She desires your company..As do I. If you accept, May I be your escort?"
"That offer alone is enough to say yes,,Had I not already wished to be there to help Jo and Robert celebrate. But I cannot say for sure that I can accept. As this is my last night here, I have no idea if my uncle has any plans for me..I should not have left as it is..We shall cause a scandal with no chaperon."
"Are you frightened? Shall I take you back?" He said quite reluctantly.
"No he is already taking me from my beloved England. Has taken My home and sold my future. There is not much more he can take from me. Today is mine. I shall not have him take that too. He probably will not miss me as it is."
"He did not return until very much later than after you had left. He will probably sleep the day away. When he does wake, he will assume I am hiding in the library. He will not look for me, lest he has plans for me. If he has plans of his own..to see his cronies..he will not even notice my absence."
"Then We shall endeavor to keep you occupied and entertained all day. I shall be delighted to spend the whole afternoon and into the evening and dinner hour with you. Every moment with you I am offered I will gladly devour." His voiced deepened as he finished the last statement.
He leaned in this time and their lips met. His kiss soft and gentle, although insistent. His thumb caressed her hand as he held it in his. He pulled back abit. His eyes shining down into
hers. "This day will be a Glorious one!"
***********
But on an island some where in the Caribbean, it was far from glorious...
"Well m'lady..Do have any need of me to assist you with any of your errands? Or is our afternoon free?"
She sighed a happy sigh. "I am pleased to report, that ALL of my bothersome tasks are completed. I am FREE to enjoy your Most pleasant company!"
"Then allow me to entertain you. Mayheiw drive." Gerard turned to Hope. "Perhaps through Hyde park?" Hope nodded. "Hyde park it is then! Fashion Row! I wish to show everyone my fair companion is as lovely in the sun as she is in the moonlight..
If not more so."
Hope blushed, and smiled a small smile at him. "But. As it is so bright and I would not wish the lovely alabaster skin to be burnt." He reached down under the seat and pulled out the long parcel.
She HAD brought a parasol, but the one she carried was worn and tattered around the edges. Not badly enough to be an embarrassment, but still, not new.
She looked down at the package and then up into his eyes. "Sir...you did-not need.."
"On the contrary. I did in-point-of-fact NEED to. I know you are about to leave our shores, and the sun is quite strong in the islands. I NEED to make sure you were well cared for. I may not be able to keep you under my protection. But I can at-least offer you this. Think of me when you use it?"
"If you put it that way..How can I refuse?"
He smiled. "You cannot. Just as I can do naught but think of ways to spoil you. Had I MY WAY I would be LAVISHING you with gifts. As it stands, I do not wish to offend your sensibilities, nor incur your uncle's wrath down upon your head."
Hope tore open the present as a child does it's Christmas gift. He smiled broadly as she sighed with appreciation. She fingered the fine ivory lace before opening it and modeling it for him.
"It's LOVELY!" She said with delight.
"It pales in comparison with it's new owner. I only wish to make you happy, and spend as much time basking in your glow as you will allow..." He leaned in his lips almost brushing hers.
"Oh! I have almost forgotten!" He reached in to his pocket and pulled out his sister's invitation, and handed it to her. She looked at the writing. "Josephine?"
He nodded once. "Robert has offered for her. They hold a family celebration this evening. It will be a small affair. Nothing so grand as last night..But I know she wishes you there. She desires your company..As do I. If you accept, May I be your escort?"
"That offer alone is enough to say yes,,Had I not already wished to be there to help Jo and Robert celebrate. But I cannot say for sure that I can accept. As this is my last night here, I have no idea if my uncle has any plans for me..I should not have left as it is..We shall cause a scandal with no chaperon."
"Are you frightened? Shall I take you back?" He said quite reluctantly.
"No he is already taking me from my beloved England. Has taken My home and sold my future. There is not much more he can take from me. Today is mine. I shall not have him take that too. He probably will not miss me as it is."
"He did not return until very much later than after you had left. He will probably sleep the day away. When he does wake, he will assume I am hiding in the library. He will not look for me, lest he has plans for me. If he has plans of his own..to see his cronies..he will not even notice my absence."
"Then We shall endeavor to keep you occupied and entertained all day. I shall be delighted to spend the whole afternoon and into the evening and dinner hour with you. Every moment with you I am offered I will gladly devour." His voiced deepened as he finished the last statement.
He leaned in this time and their lips met. His kiss soft and gentle, although insistent. His thumb caressed her hand as he held it in his. He pulled back abit. His eyes shining down into
hers. "This day will be a Glorious one!"
***********
But on an island some where in the Caribbean, it was far from glorious...
_________________
THAT is a Loaded Gun if I ever saw one!
Fleur de Lis- Goddess/Duchess
- Number of posts: 1158
Location: Principality of WAY
*: Original *13* Sister Of Sin #1
Registration date: 2008-03-06 -
Chapter 26
Fleur de Lis on Fri Aug 29, 2008 2:09 pm
MCRManiac wrote:
let us see what is happening in the Caribbean...
The high sun shown down, reflecting off the white sands of the island. The gulls called and the palms blew gently with the slight breeze. A wonderful sight for any to see...
On the beach.
However, further inland, it was quite another story.
Tortuga was a small yet wild island town, filled with peoples of all kinds. Madness and mayhem ever present through out the small shacks and dirt streets. Shouts and gunfire a permanant stain on the atmosphere on the place. Yet the one thing that seemed to remain uniform in this small town was the common place, where every inhabitant had visited at least once a week, many more often than that...the tavern.
The "Rose On a Coffin Door", or Coffin for short was a popular spot for villagers of all kinds. Though most business occured in the evening. But here, at high noon on this Glorious day...the Coffin was quiet, its keeper, Rosey, mindlessly wiping down the counters.
Today however, the air of the Coffin seemed...different. It seemed heavier, tenser. If someone had walked in they could feel it. That little sensation deep inside you that something was just not right. While Rosey was usually full of spark and could hold her own, in the quiet of the bar at this moment, she seemed weak and broken. Though she hid it well. This had not been the first time she was like this, and yet, not many of her patrons questioned it. And if she did she'd merely wave her hand with a smile and reply, "Oh, tis just my monthly visitor. The curse of womanhood...now how about another pint?"
And that was that. No more questions. No more answers. Just more alcohol.
The only person who had ever questioned further was the same person who was sitting with her in the bar. As he did everyday. He had become close friends with Rosey over the years, and now felt that he had taken the place of brother with her. Protective.
And it was today that he found out exactly what had been causing her this grief. He sat silently at the bar, just staring angrily at her as she cleaned. And she knew he was doing so. But it had to be this way...she could not have told him.
"Why did you not tell me sooner Rosey? How could you have hidden THIS from me?"
"Oh Toro, please calm yourself. I do not need your help. I can handle myself."
"Rosey please! Look at you! Look at what it has done to you!"
"It has changed nothing. You yourself did not know until today, and that is ONLY because you REFUSED to do what I had asked."
"I could not just LEAVE you! I had to figure out this plaguing you suffer every month..."
"And now that you know, you will not leave it be, like it should be! THIS is why I tried to keep it from you Toro...I do not want to be pitied or looked down on. I intend to stay Rosey, the keeper of the Coffin. No one else...You must promise me Toro..." Rosey got deathly serious, placing both hands down on the countertop and staring straight into his eyes. "You must PROMISE me that you take this secret to your grave. Not another pair of ears must hear of what goes on here behind closed doors. Do you hear me Toro? Not...a...soul."
"Rosey, you canno--"
"TORO! I am asking you as a friend. Please..." Her eyes softened slightly, showing her desperate need to keep whatever it was buried deep where no one could ever find it. "...keep this quiet. It is better locked away where no one can ever find it."
Toro sighed a heavy, sad sigh. He saw her desire to keep everyone out of it. Though it PAINED him to see her battle this horrible secret every month, he knew how much she wanted it to stay private. He himself did not find out until today, though he knew something was going on for much longer...
"I promise."
"Promise what, Toro? You must tell me EXACTLY what you promise."
"I promise to hold my tongue."
----------------------------------
_________________
THAT is a Loaded Gun if I ever saw one!
Fleur de Lis- Goddess/Duchess
- Number of posts: 1158
Location: Principality of WAY
*: Original *13* Sister Of Sin #1
Registration date: 2008-03-06 -
Re: Tales of 'The Sweet Revenge'
Fleur de Lis on Fri Aug 29, 2008 2:13 pm
"Then We shall endeavor to keep you occupied and entertained all day. I shall be delighted to spend the whole afternoon and into the evening and dinner hour with you. Every moment with you I am offered I will gladly devour." His voiced deepened as he finished the last statement.
He leaned in this time and their lips met. His kiss soft and gentle, although insistent. His thumb caressed her hand as he held it in his. He pulled back abit. His eyes shining down into hers. "This day will be a Glorious one!"
Hope looked up into the dark eyes of the young Lieutenant sitting next to her. They warm and held such tenderness there she thought she might weep..She knew her time in England was short and she had, until yesterday, thought when she left it's shores, 'twould be as if she had died.
She was loathe to admit it, even to herself, but she had thought, perhaps when they were in the middle of the crossing.. to throw herself into the icy depths and join her Mama and Papa. Surely her uncle would not miss her. She thought he'd be happier if she were dead..Then the FULL inheritance would be his.. That thought, and the fear of spending eternity in Hell, were the ONLY things stopping her from REALLY formulating a plan.
But then Last night happened..and her WHOLE world had changed..She had been QUITE fond of the Lieutenant.., but she never DARED think he would ever notice her..After all, everyone KNEW his heart belonged to Elizabeth, as he talked of almost nothing else...
Until last night.
Once he KNEW the kind of woman she REALLY was ..Then he did what any self respecting man in his position would.
LIE.
She was delighted she could help him save face in that MONSTROUS situation.
Hope started to laugh softly to herself,
.."What brings that twinkle to your eye, and the soft sound of pixie bells that is your laughter to your rosebud lips, MY Hope?"
She sighed and sweetly blushed. "I was thinking about last night and How HAPPY I was that you chose me for your...Ruse."
"I DO apologize My Dearest Lady, I Meant NOT to put you in so awkward a position. To Kiss a Man you barely knew, all because he was TWICE, No THRICE a fool.!"
Her sweet face twisted in puzzlement. "Indeed, Once for having ever loved, or believing I had loved Elizabeth. Twice for EVER believing PhilBert was truly my friend or Indeed simply a Man of Honor."
He turned toward her in the seat, twisting his body to be ever so slightly closer to hers. "And thrice My BIGGEST, indeed Most Heinous Mistake of all, NOT seeing so Lovely a creature when she was right under my nose, and in my home weeks ago..HOW Much more pleasant my life would have been."
His eyes searched her face for her reaction to his words. "Perhaps, I could have.. dissuaded your Uncle from this..offensively cruel..plan of his. Had I but known, had I but used the Brains the Good Lord gave me, and my eyes, to see with."
His stomach turned at the thought that he Could have made SUCH a difference in BOTH of their lives, had he NAUGHT been so stubborn.
"I SHOULD have been able to save you from this ..dreadful situation you find your sweet self in. Indeed I Find us BOTH in..MY Sweet Hope..How can I possibly let you marry another man? Especially, one that does not love you?
When strikingly, I find myself, MADLY in love with you?"
He said as he closed in for another kiss, afraid that she might laugh in his face at such an outrageous declaration. After all they had only spent part of one evening together.
Instead, Hope whispered. "Your words have made me the happiest girl in the empire, indeed known world." and she offered her lips to him.
Gerard, may have been a fool once, in ignoring her. BUT he would NOT make the same mistake twice. He whispered against her lips.
"Hope, My Hope..Run away with me?"
He leaned in this time and their lips met. His kiss soft and gentle, although insistent. His thumb caressed her hand as he held it in his. He pulled back abit. His eyes shining down into hers. "This day will be a Glorious one!"
Hope looked up into the dark eyes of the young Lieutenant sitting next to her. They warm and held such tenderness there she thought she might weep..She knew her time in England was short and she had, until yesterday, thought when she left it's shores, 'twould be as if she had died.
She was loathe to admit it, even to herself, but she had thought, perhaps when they were in the middle of the crossing.. to throw herself into the icy depths and join her Mama and Papa. Surely her uncle would not miss her. She thought he'd be happier if she were dead..Then the FULL inheritance would be his.. That thought, and the fear of spending eternity in Hell, were the ONLY things stopping her from REALLY formulating a plan.
But then Last night happened..and her WHOLE world had changed..She had been QUITE fond of the Lieutenant.., but she never DARED think he would ever notice her..After all, everyone KNEW his heart belonged to Elizabeth, as he talked of almost nothing else...
Until last night.
Once he KNEW the kind of woman she REALLY was ..Then he did what any self respecting man in his position would.
LIE.
She was delighted she could help him save face in that MONSTROUS situation.
Hope started to laugh softly to herself,
.."What brings that twinkle to your eye, and the soft sound of pixie bells that is your laughter to your rosebud lips, MY Hope?"
She sighed and sweetly blushed. "I was thinking about last night and How HAPPY I was that you chose me for your...Ruse."
"I DO apologize My Dearest Lady, I Meant NOT to put you in so awkward a position. To Kiss a Man you barely knew, all because he was TWICE, No THRICE a fool.!"
Her sweet face twisted in puzzlement. "Indeed, Once for having ever loved, or believing I had loved Elizabeth. Twice for EVER believing PhilBert was truly my friend or Indeed simply a Man of Honor."
He turned toward her in the seat, twisting his body to be ever so slightly closer to hers. "And thrice My BIGGEST, indeed Most Heinous Mistake of all, NOT seeing so Lovely a creature when she was right under my nose, and in my home weeks ago..HOW Much more pleasant my life would have been."
His eyes searched her face for her reaction to his words. "Perhaps, I could have.. dissuaded your Uncle from this..offensively cruel..plan of his. Had I but known, had I but used the Brains the Good Lord gave me, and my eyes, to see with."
His stomach turned at the thought that he Could have made SUCH a difference in BOTH of their lives, had he NAUGHT been so stubborn.
"I SHOULD have been able to save you from this ..dreadful situation you find your sweet self in. Indeed I Find us BOTH in..MY Sweet Hope..How can I possibly let you marry another man? Especially, one that does not love you?
When strikingly, I find myself, MADLY in love with you?"
He said as he closed in for another kiss, afraid that she might laugh in his face at such an outrageous declaration. After all they had only spent part of one evening together.
Instead, Hope whispered. "Your words have made me the happiest girl in the empire, indeed known world." and she offered her lips to him.
Gerard, may have been a fool once, in ignoring her. BUT he would NOT make the same mistake twice. He whispered against her lips.
"Hope, My Hope..Run away with me?"
_________________
THAT is a Loaded Gun if I ever saw one!
Fleur de Lis- Goddess/Duchess
- Number of posts: 1158
Location: Principality of WAY
*: Original *13* Sister Of Sin #1
Registration date: 2008-03-06 -
Re: Tales of 'The Sweet Revenge'
Fleur de Lis on Fri Aug 29, 2008 2:16 pm
MCRManiac wrote:
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Gerard, may have been a fool once, in ignoring her. BUT he would NOT make the same mistake twice. He whispered against her lips.
"Hope, My Hope..Run away with me?"
What did you just say, lad? 'Run away with me?' Where is your head?! You know all to well that you must go off on a voyage tomorrow with this fine young lady. And no matter if she is destined to arrive at her port or not, you must still remain on board! Do you really wish to keep her aboard? You know the rough life a sailor lives...do you really intend to keep a delicate flower such as the one in front of you stuck on such a ruffian vessel?
And even after the voyage, what then? Where will you go? How will you get there? Your family's dwindling fortune is surely not enough to start a life of your own and keep such a life without a second source of income?
But you mustn't deny...you do indeed love this woman. She almost called to you from that shaded corner at your dear Elizabeth's party. And now, you wish to be permanantly stuck in that first waltz with her, paying no mind to the rest of the world and whoever may be watching. Because you know that you have never felt happier in any of your days. Even when you believed you were madly in love with Elizabeth, she'd never given you the same assurance of yourself as the beautiful creature before you.
If only you had opened your eyes sooner, Gerard...your position in this world could have been quite different. The only similar condition between that instance and this would be Hope.
You have fallen hard and fast my friend...let us only hope that she will be there to catch you...
_________________
THAT is a Loaded Gun if I ever saw one!
Fleur de Lis- Goddess/Duchess
- Number of posts: 1158
Location: Principality of WAY
*: Original *13* Sister Of Sin #1
Registration date: 2008-03-06 -
Re: Tales of 'The Sweet Revenge'
Fleur de Lis on Fri Aug 29, 2008 2:21 pm
Gerard held his breath.. he continued to berate himself.
'Are you mad? How could you offer such a thing? She deserves SO much MORE. And why is she not answering?
True, life would be hard, we WOULD have to leave England. Perhaps the highlands would be far enough away, or India or the Americas...
Perhaps that is the answer, we still make the crossing to Bermuda and then we find another ship...
But in Heaven's Name ...WHY has she not said anything?'
Gerard had begun to fear he had once again given his heart away too easily..He realised he MUST find out what was in her heart!
"HOPE?" he said hesitantly afraid he was the only one who felt this deep affection already.
'GOOD GOD man You've already admited it !! YOU ARE in LOVE with her!'
"My Hope?... Why do you not answer? Do you find my proposal so distasteful? Do you not wish a life with me?"
Hope's hand flew to her decolletage. "No! No, not at all! I Find myself overcome.. I am overwhelmed that you would even consider giving up everything you hold dear for me. Your family, your home, your reputation..."
She found herself flushed..She had lay awake in her bed last night fantasizing about Just such a proposal..She never dared DREAM it would ever become real..She wanted nothing more to run away from her troubles and straight into his arms..With him by her side she was prepared to endure all sorts of hardships. But she had to think of him first. His honor. His Life was more important than her mere happiness.
"You are an officer in the Royal Navy - you would be a deserter. The Crown would never let you rest. And your family would be disgraced... I cannot allow you to even consider it for even a moment longer. However, it makes my heart lighter than a feather that for even a moment you would wish a life with me. I would love nothing more dearly than to spend my life with you. However.."
'Are you mad? How could you offer such a thing? She deserves SO much MORE. And why is she not answering?
True, life would be hard, we WOULD have to leave England. Perhaps the highlands would be far enough away, or India or the Americas...
Perhaps that is the answer, we still make the crossing to Bermuda and then we find another ship...
But in Heaven's Name ...WHY has she not said anything?'
Gerard had begun to fear he had once again given his heart away too easily..He realised he MUST find out what was in her heart!
"HOPE?" he said hesitantly afraid he was the only one who felt this deep affection already.
'GOOD GOD man You've already admited it !! YOU ARE in LOVE with her!'
"My Hope?... Why do you not answer? Do you find my proposal so distasteful? Do you not wish a life with me?"
Hope's hand flew to her decolletage. "No! No, not at all! I Find myself overcome.. I am overwhelmed that you would even consider giving up everything you hold dear for me. Your family, your home, your reputation..."
She found herself flushed..She had lay awake in her bed last night fantasizing about Just such a proposal..She never dared DREAM it would ever become real..She wanted nothing more to run away from her troubles and straight into his arms..With him by her side she was prepared to endure all sorts of hardships. But she had to think of him first. His honor. His Life was more important than her mere happiness.
"You are an officer in the Royal Navy - you would be a deserter. The Crown would never let you rest. And your family would be disgraced... I cannot allow you to even consider it for even a moment longer. However, it makes my heart lighter than a feather that for even a moment you would wish a life with me. I would love nothing more dearly than to spend my life with you. However.."
_________________
THAT is a Loaded Gun if I ever saw one!
Fleur de Lis- Goddess/Duchess
- Number of posts: 1158
Location: Principality of WAY
*: Original *13* Sister Of Sin #1
Registration date: 2008-03-06 -
Re: Tales of 'The Sweet Revenge'
Fleur de Lis on Fri Aug 29, 2008 2:24 pm
"I would love nothing more dearly than to spend my life with you. However.."
She looked into his eyes, dare she believe him? He had said
"strikingly, I find myself, MADLY in love with you." Not that she thought him a liar, on the contrary. But she did wonder whether their feelings, his as well as HER OWN could be trusted. After all the had only spent part of one evening in each others true company, and even less time in each other's arms.
But then she remembered her awful fate that awaited her in the colonies. Bermuda was an island like mother England but that was were the similarities stopped.
They would have today and the voyage to her fate and then, her life may as well be over. How could she do anything accept revel in these feelings if only for this brief span of time.
"However." she started again. "I can hold nothing in reserve from you. You have my heart dearest Gerard. And if my life were my own, and my decisions to make at my will, much more as well. I know you must think me bold and brazen."
As she had been speaking his whole face changed from one of nervous anxiety to one of great joy and immense pride. He had NOT made a fool of himself. It fact not ONLY had she NOT laughed in his face, she had confessed her feelings for him were still as they had seemed last night, if not increased in measure!
"NO! No I rejoice in your words! You have made me deliriously happy! I shall endeavor to make our time, that we have, the most pleasant you will allow!"
He took her hand and raised it to him lips. He kissed it and could feel the warm of her hand beneath the soft material. He knew her own hand must be innumerable times softer, how he wished to feel the touch of that hand on his skin.
He looked down at the glove it was somewhat threadbare. "Oh Flower of my heart..this will never do!" he said as truly notice the said state of her gloves. "Sweet lady, please allow your servant to protect such delicate treasures." He reached behind him and pulled out the small velvet bag.
He presented it to her with a smile. "Another treat, oh sweet sir..I cannot allow you to spoil me so."
"MY hope you have given me a reason for hope! You must let me share my joy with you. Say not that you will refuse my gifts, lest I fear you refuse my heart as well."
She so obviously wanted to accept these small, dare he say it, love tokens, but as a properly bred young lady, she appeared to afraid to accepts so many gifts all at once. Gerard could see the indecision, in her eyes so he pressed his advantage.
"And if you will accept these few small trinkets I give you my word I shall try my utmost to not further "spoil you" as you have said, at least for the immediate future."
Her countenance blossomed, her smile transforming her whole face. "Then sir JUST to allay your fears I must accept!" And she eagerly open the bag. Her delight plain to see. Gerard's face shown too as she seemed so happy over what he considered such a small thing. It was not as if he had given her all the gold in Davey's locker.
First she pulled out a small silken Fan. It was painted in the oriental style, a riot of colors against a lavender silk to match the dress she had worn last night. "Oh." She breathed as she touched it. "It is breath taking. But when shall I have a chance to use it?"
"Well you see, in the islands it will be quite warm. I had hoped when you used it, you would think of me, as you paused to give your self some peace. And to, if you are besieged by other men, as I believe you will be, you will at-least be reminded of the heart you have already in your hands. It will shield you as well from any unwanted attentions I hope, My Hope! Go on there is one more! "
She opened one more fabric covered piece. In it she found not one but two pair of delicately decorated gloves. One pair short and ivory, coming to just past her wrist. The other pair, snowy white, with just a hint of gray, like snow clouds in winter. They were long, up well past the elbow, both pairs decorated intracately with pearls similarly toned to the gloves fabric.
"OH! MY!" "Say not that they are too rich! I have it on good authority, that they had caught your eye."
"NO! They are wonderful! I did indeed wish for just such a pair. I know they are a bit to much for daytime but..I can not resist!" She quickly took off her gloves and pulled one of the short ivory ones on. He boldly grabbed her other hand, himself not being able to resist feeling it's softness. He brought it to his lips. "Think not ill of this rogue lady."
"No sir a scoundrel is what they called you. And a thief! You have indeed stolen my senses from me. How else would I so willingly allow such impertinence and enjoy it so?"
She didn't pull her hand away as he held it tenderly in both of his arms, gently caressing it. She picked up her new fan.
She held it up shielding her face from his. Her eyes twinkling over it.
"Once again Dearest Miss, you seize the very breath from my lungs!"
"WELL Boy! Are we not smitten or so it appears!" "Or mislead by seemingly innocent country miss. Did you KNOW her heart belongs to another?"
Hope spoke her eyes blazing! "Not my heart Elizabeth, As you can plainly see!"
She looked into his eyes, dare she believe him? He had said
"strikingly, I find myself, MADLY in love with you." Not that she thought him a liar, on the contrary. But she did wonder whether their feelings, his as well as HER OWN could be trusted. After all the had only spent part of one evening in each others true company, and even less time in each other's arms.
But then she remembered her awful fate that awaited her in the colonies. Bermuda was an island like mother England but that was were the similarities stopped.
They would have today and the voyage to her fate and then, her life may as well be over. How could she do anything accept revel in these feelings if only for this brief span of time.
"However." she started again. "I can hold nothing in reserve from you. You have my heart dearest Gerard. And if my life were my own, and my decisions to make at my will, much more as well. I know you must think me bold and brazen."
As she had been speaking his whole face changed from one of nervous anxiety to one of great joy and immense pride. He had NOT made a fool of himself. It fact not ONLY had she NOT laughed in his face, she had confessed her feelings for him were still as they had seemed last night, if not increased in measure!
"NO! No I rejoice in your words! You have made me deliriously happy! I shall endeavor to make our time, that we have, the most pleasant you will allow!"
He took her hand and raised it to him lips. He kissed it and could feel the warm of her hand beneath the soft material. He knew her own hand must be innumerable times softer, how he wished to feel the touch of that hand on his skin.
He looked down at the glove it was somewhat threadbare. "Oh Flower of my heart..this will never do!" he said as truly notice the said state of her gloves. "Sweet lady, please allow your servant to protect such delicate treasures." He reached behind him and pulled out the small velvet bag.
He presented it to her with a smile. "Another treat, oh sweet sir..I cannot allow you to spoil me so."
"MY hope you have given me a reason for hope! You must let me share my joy with you. Say not that you will refuse my gifts, lest I fear you refuse my heart as well."
She so obviously wanted to accept these small, dare he say it, love tokens, but as a properly bred young lady, she appeared to afraid to accepts so many gifts all at once. Gerard could see the indecision, in her eyes so he pressed his advantage.
"And if you will accept these few small trinkets I give you my word I shall try my utmost to not further "spoil you" as you have said, at least for the immediate future."
Her countenance blossomed, her smile transforming her whole face. "Then sir JUST to allay your fears I must accept!" And she eagerly open the bag. Her delight plain to see. Gerard's face shown too as she seemed so happy over what he considered such a small thing. It was not as if he had given her all the gold in Davey's locker.
First she pulled out a small silken Fan. It was painted in the oriental style, a riot of colors against a lavender silk to match the dress she had worn last night. "Oh." She breathed as she touched it. "It is breath taking. But when shall I have a chance to use it?"
"Well you see, in the islands it will be quite warm. I had hoped when you used it, you would think of me, as you paused to give your self some peace. And to, if you are besieged by other men, as I believe you will be, you will at-least be reminded of the heart you have already in your hands. It will shield you as well from any unwanted attentions I hope, My Hope! Go on there is one more! "
She opened one more fabric covered piece. In it she found not one but two pair of delicately decorated gloves. One pair short and ivory, coming to just past her wrist. The other pair, snowy white, with just a hint of gray, like snow clouds in winter. They were long, up well past the elbow, both pairs decorated intracately with pearls similarly toned to the gloves fabric.
"OH! MY!" "Say not that they are too rich! I have it on good authority, that they had caught your eye."
"NO! They are wonderful! I did indeed wish for just such a pair. I know they are a bit to much for daytime but..I can not resist!" She quickly took off her gloves and pulled one of the short ivory ones on. He boldly grabbed her other hand, himself not being able to resist feeling it's softness. He brought it to his lips. "Think not ill of this rogue lady."
"No sir a scoundrel is what they called you. And a thief! You have indeed stolen my senses from me. How else would I so willingly allow such impertinence and enjoy it so?"
She didn't pull her hand away as he held it tenderly in both of his arms, gently caressing it. She picked up her new fan.
She held it up shielding her face from his. Her eyes twinkling over it.
"Once again Dearest Miss, you seize the very breath from my lungs!"
"WELL Boy! Are we not smitten or so it appears!" "Or mislead by seemingly innocent country miss. Did you KNOW her heart belongs to another?"
Hope spoke her eyes blazing! "Not my heart Elizabeth, As you can plainly see!"
_________________
THAT is a Loaded Gun if I ever saw one!
Fleur de Lis- Goddess/Duchess
- Number of posts: 1158
Location: Principality of WAY
*: Original *13* Sister Of Sin #1
Registration date: 2008-03-06 -
Re: Tales of 'The Sweet Revenge'
Fleur de Lis on Fri Aug 29, 2008 2:33 pm
Hope spoke boldly almost forgetting to be polite. "My heart Miss Cuttington, has been given to this fine young example of the British Navy. It was his EVEN before he knew it existed."
"That I do not find hard to believe, Dear sweet Hope." Elizabeth said sarcastically. "HIS heart was not his to give." "And YOUR hand is already given to another."
Gerard, had been dumbstruck up until this point. He would have never believed Elizabeth to be so hurtful and spiteful as she now showed herself to truly be. Nor his former comrade, now showing his TRUE colors, would take such delight in hurting one so innocent as His Hope.
"I thank the heavens I stayed in the country as long as I did! Had I not I would not have met such a sweet soul as MY Hope. And I would have thrown my heart away foolishly to one so unworthy of the blessing's of love. As for her hand, she MAY be PROMISED to another, but the heavens and the fates may have other plans for her hand and OUR hearts..I can only pray it be so! Until then though I am at HER service!"
Gerard turned from facing Elizabeth and his "Old Friend" to look at Hope once again, this time he did NOTHING to hide his feelings for her, as he knew he should. He knew in public they should be restrained and discreet he could not care at all that they saw how he TRULY felt for her.
"I will rejoice in the time Heaven has blessed us with, though any thing shorter than a lifetime would be too short."
Philbert laughed out loud. "Smitten is an understatement it seems. You look at her as though you were some stray, and she was offering a warm lap! Is that what she has done? Offered you a warm soft place to lay?"
Gerard froze and turned to stare icily at the devil in the next carriage. The next words came out as almost a snarl.
"Hold your tongue "Old Friend". Insult NOT this fair lady or by lightning and thunder, you will wish you had never been born. I will see to that myself!"
"Dear Gerard, all Bertie meant was the both of you left so quickly last night, you failed to take your cloaks..She must have done something to ward off last nights chill." Elizabeth spoke almost sweetly, it was a shock to Gerard that he had been SO blind.
"Perhaps they found another WAY to warm each-other alone in that LONG carriage ride home?" Philbert smirked.
"Perhaps we did! Perhaps I am indeed the "armful" you spoke of," Hope spoke with such a tone of innocence that it was IMPOSSIBLE for anyone to believe that she had done any such thing. But then she looked into the young man at her side eyes, she spoke wistfully, "but ONLY for Gerard!" . Gerard's shoulders broadened a bit as she wrapped her hands around his bicep and lay her head on his shoulder. It was WILDLY, outrageously inappropriate, and yet felt to the two of them the most natural thing in the world.
He covered her hand with his free one and rubbed his cheek on her hair. He didn't care who saw.
"If the fates are kind, and heaven helps us, perhaps we will still have chance at that lifetime."
Elizabeth fumed. "Gerard if you want your cloaks back you may come for them yourself. BY yourself."
"Keep them! We will have no need of them! My Hope goes to the tropics and will not need hers, and if the fates are so cruel as to separate us, Nothing, and NO ONE will ever warm me again." Gerard smiled down at her, his heart on his sleeve for all the world to see. But Hope did not miss the verbal slap he had taken at Elizabeth.
Her smile was soft and full of pride at his showing such open deep affection for her. She showed the same in return as she spoke."As long as Gerard is with me, I will not have any need of it even if I travel the snowiest mountain pass."
Elizabeth gasped and Bert snorted. "Driver! Forward! I will not be a witness to such public lewdness. Now!"
Gerard didn't even notice they had left. He was too caught up in the rapture of their words between them.
"Do you MEAN that My Sweetest Hope? Do I warm your heart?" Hope nodded, so much in love with the young Lieutenant she could barely speak.
"With all MY heart I do.." she whispered.
Gerard could not help himself but to tilt his head down to her upturned one. Their lips met one another's, their eyes closed, overwhelmed by the emotions washing over them, like a wave crashing over the side of a ship.
When he lifted his head he kept his eyes closed and involuntarily licked his own lips trying to gather in even the tiniest taste of her kiss.
"My Hope, some how, someWAY," he said as they finally opened their eyes, "I will find a way to save you from so gruesome a fate as marriage to a man that does not love you..Especially when I already love you so."
Hope sighed happily and rested her head once more on his shoulder. Gerard didn't care where they spent the day. He had wanted to show her off and instead Elizabeth had tried to hurt her. Bert too was quite rude. He suspected that Hope did not care whether she was in the finest luncheon establishment, or some open field with no one else around having a simple meal of bread and cheese.
Gerard smiled down at her, he could easily see himself giving up even the sea for her, if that was her request. He would do ANYTHING to see her happy, and yet it seemed short of being next to her, he need not DO anything else to make her so.
"My Hope, perhaps my sister could use some of your good company, and indeed help as she prepares for this night. Robert is going to be a lucky man, though NOT as lucky as I. For I tonight will have the fairest flower of Mother England for MY dinner companion..Would you MIND if we spent the afternoon more quietly and closer to my Home in-case we are needed?"
"Would you hide me away in-case my uncle should have spies and try to haul be back like some piece of baggage?"
"I would! I would hide you to keep you from harm..AND to keep you all to myself!"
"Then I will happily go any where you chose, but ONLY if it because you wish to be alone with me and not to help your dear sister, Josephine will have to live without my help. My time is too precious little, to NOT be spent with you." She KNEW she should be discreet in her feelings and statements but TIME WAS indeed MOST valuable, too valuable to be wasted.
"Mayhew! Home!" he called, almost triumphantly. Gerard broke into a grin, his eyes twinkling at her. "Philbert WAS right about one thing,
My Sweet Hope, You ARE a cheeky lass."
"That I do not find hard to believe, Dear sweet Hope." Elizabeth said sarcastically. "HIS heart was not his to give." "And YOUR hand is already given to another."
Gerard, had been dumbstruck up until this point. He would have never believed Elizabeth to be so hurtful and spiteful as she now showed herself to truly be. Nor his former comrade, now showing his TRUE colors, would take such delight in hurting one so innocent as His Hope.
"I thank the heavens I stayed in the country as long as I did! Had I not I would not have met such a sweet soul as MY Hope. And I would have thrown my heart away foolishly to one so unworthy of the blessing's of love. As for her hand, she MAY be PROMISED to another, but the heavens and the fates may have other plans for her hand and OUR hearts..I can only pray it be so! Until then though I am at HER service!"
Gerard turned from facing Elizabeth and his "Old Friend" to look at Hope once again, this time he did NOTHING to hide his feelings for her, as he knew he should. He knew in public they should be restrained and discreet he could not care at all that they saw how he TRULY felt for her.
"I will rejoice in the time Heaven has blessed us with, though any thing shorter than a lifetime would be too short."
Philbert laughed out loud. "Smitten is an understatement it seems. You look at her as though you were some stray, and she was offering a warm lap! Is that what she has done? Offered you a warm soft place to lay?"
Gerard froze and turned to stare icily at the devil in the next carriage. The next words came out as almost a snarl.
"Hold your tongue "Old Friend". Insult NOT this fair lady or by lightning and thunder, you will wish you had never been born. I will see to that myself!"
"Dear Gerard, all Bertie meant was the both of you left so quickly last night, you failed to take your cloaks..She must have done something to ward off last nights chill." Elizabeth spoke almost sweetly, it was a shock to Gerard that he had been SO blind.
"Perhaps they found another WAY to warm each-other alone in that LONG carriage ride home?" Philbert smirked.
"Perhaps we did! Perhaps I am indeed the "armful" you spoke of," Hope spoke with such a tone of innocence that it was IMPOSSIBLE for anyone to believe that she had done any such thing. But then she looked into the young man at her side eyes, she spoke wistfully, "but ONLY for Gerard!" . Gerard's shoulders broadened a bit as she wrapped her hands around his bicep and lay her head on his shoulder. It was WILDLY, outrageously inappropriate, and yet felt to the two of them the most natural thing in the world.
He covered her hand with his free one and rubbed his cheek on her hair. He didn't care who saw.
"If the fates are kind, and heaven helps us, perhaps we will still have chance at that lifetime."
Elizabeth fumed. "Gerard if you want your cloaks back you may come for them yourself. BY yourself."
"Keep them! We will have no need of them! My Hope goes to the tropics and will not need hers, and if the fates are so cruel as to separate us, Nothing, and NO ONE will ever warm me again." Gerard smiled down at her, his heart on his sleeve for all the world to see. But Hope did not miss the verbal slap he had taken at Elizabeth.
Her smile was soft and full of pride at his showing such open deep affection for her. She showed the same in return as she spoke."As long as Gerard is with me, I will not have any need of it even if I travel the snowiest mountain pass."
Elizabeth gasped and Bert snorted. "Driver! Forward! I will not be a witness to such public lewdness. Now!"
Gerard didn't even notice they had left. He was too caught up in the rapture of their words between them.
"Do you MEAN that My Sweetest Hope? Do I warm your heart?" Hope nodded, so much in love with the young Lieutenant she could barely speak.
"With all MY heart I do.." she whispered.
Gerard could not help himself but to tilt his head down to her upturned one. Their lips met one another's, their eyes closed, overwhelmed by the emotions washing over them, like a wave crashing over the side of a ship.
When he lifted his head he kept his eyes closed and involuntarily licked his own lips trying to gather in even the tiniest taste of her kiss.
"My Hope, some how, someWAY," he said as they finally opened their eyes, "I will find a way to save you from so gruesome a fate as marriage to a man that does not love you..Especially when I already love you so."
Hope sighed happily and rested her head once more on his shoulder. Gerard didn't care where they spent the day. He had wanted to show her off and instead Elizabeth had tried to hurt her. Bert too was quite rude. He suspected that Hope did not care whether she was in the finest luncheon establishment, or some open field with no one else around having a simple meal of bread and cheese.
Gerard smiled down at her, he could easily see himself giving up even the sea for her, if that was her request. He would do ANYTHING to see her happy, and yet it seemed short of being next to her, he need not DO anything else to make her so.
"My Hope, perhaps my sister could use some of your good company, and indeed help as she prepares for this night. Robert is going to be a lucky man, though NOT as lucky as I. For I tonight will have the fairest flower of Mother England for MY dinner companion..Would you MIND if we spent the afternoon more quietly and closer to my Home in-case we are needed?"
"Would you hide me away in-case my uncle should have spies and try to haul be back like some piece of baggage?"
"I would! I would hide you to keep you from harm..AND to keep you all to myself!"
"Then I will happily go any where you chose, but ONLY if it because you wish to be alone with me and not to help your dear sister, Josephine will have to live without my help. My time is too precious little, to NOT be spent with you." She KNEW she should be discreet in her feelings and statements but TIME WAS indeed MOST valuable, too valuable to be wasted.
"Mayhew! Home!" he called, almost triumphantly. Gerard broke into a grin, his eyes twinkling at her. "Philbert WAS right about one thing,
My Sweet Hope, You ARE a cheeky lass."
_________________
THAT is a Loaded Gun if I ever saw one!
Fleur de Lis- Goddess/Duchess
- Number of posts: 1158
Location: Principality of WAY
*: Original *13* Sister Of Sin #1
Registration date: 2008-03-06 -
Re: Tales of 'The Sweet Revenge'
Fleur de Lis on Fri Aug 29, 2008 2:43 pm
(The elder way Gerard's father is voiced in mediumseagreen)
Lt. Gerard laughed and smiled at the pleasant company he had all day. Hope was a delight. Her radiant smile and quick wit would have intrigued any man. Her keen questioning intellect enchanted him. She was quite curious about all the lands he had seen and all the adventures he had had.
As they walked around the grounds of his family estate after their luncheon in a small outdoor cafe, they talked at length.
"You turned many a head 'Miss' Stanwick. All of them wondering who that enchanting creature was with this poor sailor."
"No sir, just the opposite.. 'Who is that little mouse with that dashing nay stunning Leiutenant?'"
"Do I stun you, sweet Hope? Enough to call you mine? Long enough to steal a kiss?"
"It would only be stolen if I did not wish for you to have it." She turned with a sunny smile towards him.
"That is if you want it." She whispered as he stepped closer to her, staring at her lips the whole time.
"I daresay I want nothing so much as that." Gerard pulled her gently closer into his arms. His lips were warm and gentle on her soft, supple ones. He was reminded again of how innocent he was.
He lifted his head and looked down at her wearing his heart on his sleeve.
"My Hope. Perhaps yet we will be able to disuade your uncle from so heinous a crime as to making you marry a man that does not love you and exiling you from England. This country and this seaman cannot afford to lose so sweet an English Rose."
"But I am no Rose.. more a poor country garden."
"Then sweet smelling lavender then. Calming and soothing to ones nerves. Forgive my impertinence, but I imagine I would never sleep so peacefully as I would with you in my arms lying next to me."
Hope blushed sweetly looking up at him adoringly. Since she seemed to take no offence, he dared kiss her again. She melted against him and the Lieutenant's head swam as if he were sailing on a rolling sea.
He reluctantly withdrew. "My Hope." He said sounding almost desperate. "We MUST find a way."
That night at Josephine and Robert's engagement celebration, the Ways began to look forward to their families future. It seemed their son, as well as their daughter, had finally found someone to return their affections. It was a refreshing change instead of him wasting all of his efforts on one whose heart seemed to be ruled by how fine an address a man could provide for her.
Mother Way seemed pleased and the elder Way enchanted by Hope. He took his son off to the side after dinner.
"I say my boy. She is a charming one. A marked improvement over the last. Do you mean to ask for her?"
"I would father, in the blink of am eye or the beat of a heart."
"Then why not ? I do not understand. If it's my approval you want, I whole heartedly give it. Your mother is already quite fond of her as she is your sister's friend. I only wonder why you did not have the eyes to see her."
"I had eyes sir, just not the wisdom to look beyond my own headstrong ideals. I wanted... What I believed true was false... yet true beauty I simply ignored. If I had used the brains our good God has given me, perhaps it would be my own engagement we would celebrate tonight, if not my sister and my own good fortune."
"Then offer now my boy, tonight! We could yet still celebrate with you. Your sister would not mind. And Mr. Bryar wold be most amicable."
Robert walked up and had heard part of the conversation. "I WOULD! Hope is a sweet soul! Short of your sister, I know of no one sweeter. Ask her man! Josephine would be delighted if Hope indeed became her sister if only through you!"
"Sadly, I have. And she thought to accept, but her uncle has promised her to one of his cronies. She sails on the first tide. Her fate, alas, seems life apart from mine. In Bermuda."
"Zounds! I sail on that vessel!"Mr. Bryar was astonished.
"But son, you announced just this morning your intent to sail again! And on the morrow!"
"Indeed I do, only because I wish to spend every last moment possible in her cheery glow and console her as her fate nears."
"Does she not want the union?"
"No, in all modesty, she has told me she would sooner lead a peasant's life with me than as a princess' without."
"Then there is.. Hope!" Bryar chuckled at his own statement.
"Perhap son the sail you can persuade her uncle to change his mind." His father's genuine support bolstered his confidence.
"If you succeed.. if the heavens present you an opportunity, take it! You have my full blessings!"
Lt. Gerard laughed and smiled at the pleasant company he had all day. Hope was a delight. Her radiant smile and quick wit would have intrigued any man. Her keen questioning intellect enchanted him. She was quite curious about all the lands he had seen and all the adventures he had had.
As they walked around the grounds of his family estate after their luncheon in a small outdoor cafe, they talked at length.
"You turned many a head 'Miss' Stanwick. All of them wondering who that enchanting creature was with this poor sailor."
"No sir, just the opposite.. 'Who is that little mouse with that dashing nay stunning Leiutenant?'"
"Do I stun you, sweet Hope? Enough to call you mine? Long enough to steal a kiss?"
"It would only be stolen if I did not wish for you to have it." She turned with a sunny smile towards him.
"That is if you want it." She whispered as he stepped closer to her, staring at her lips the whole time.
"I daresay I want nothing so much as that." Gerard pulled her gently closer into his arms. His lips were warm and gentle on her soft, supple ones. He was reminded again of how innocent he was.
He lifted his head and looked down at her wearing his heart on his sleeve.
"My Hope. Perhaps yet we will be able to disuade your uncle from so heinous a crime as to making you marry a man that does not love you and exiling you from England. This country and this seaman cannot afford to lose so sweet an English Rose."
"But I am no Rose.. more a poor country garden."
"Then sweet smelling lavender then. Calming and soothing to ones nerves. Forgive my impertinence, but I imagine I would never sleep so peacefully as I would with you in my arms lying next to me."
Hope blushed sweetly looking up at him adoringly. Since she seemed to take no offence, he dared kiss her again. She melted against him and the Lieutenant's head swam as if he were sailing on a rolling sea.
He reluctantly withdrew. "My Hope." He said sounding almost desperate. "We MUST find a way."
That night at Josephine and Robert's engagement celebration, the Ways began to look forward to their families future. It seemed their son, as well as their daughter, had finally found someone to return their affections. It was a refreshing change instead of him wasting all of his efforts on one whose heart seemed to be ruled by how fine an address a man could provide for her.
Mother Way seemed pleased and the elder Way enchanted by Hope. He took his son off to the side after dinner.
"I say my boy. She is a charming one. A marked improvement over the last. Do you mean to ask for her?"
"I would father, in the blink of am eye or the beat of a heart."
"Then why not ? I do not understand. If it's my approval you want, I whole heartedly give it. Your mother is already quite fond of her as she is your sister's friend. I only wonder why you did not have the eyes to see her."
"I had eyes sir, just not the wisdom to look beyond my own headstrong ideals. I wanted... What I believed true was false... yet true beauty I simply ignored. If I had used the brains our good God has given me, perhaps it would be my own engagement we would celebrate tonight, if not my sister and my own good fortune."
"Then offer now my boy, tonight! We could yet still celebrate with you. Your sister would not mind. And Mr. Bryar wold be most amicable."
Robert walked up and had heard part of the conversation. "I WOULD! Hope is a sweet soul! Short of your sister, I know of no one sweeter. Ask her man! Josephine would be delighted if Hope indeed became her sister if only through you!"
"Sadly, I have. And she thought to accept, but her uncle has promised her to one of his cronies. She sails on the first tide. Her fate, alas, seems life apart from mine. In Bermuda."
"Zounds! I sail on that vessel!"Mr. Bryar was astonished.
"But son, you announced just this morning your intent to sail again! And on the morrow!"
"Indeed I do, only because I wish to spend every last moment possible in her cheery glow and console her as her fate nears."
"Does she not want the union?"
"No, in all modesty, she has told me she would sooner lead a peasant's life with me than as a princess' without."
"Then there is.. Hope!" Bryar chuckled at his own statement.
"Perhap son the sail you can persuade her uncle to change his mind." His father's genuine support bolstered his confidence.
"If you succeed.. if the heavens present you an opportunity, take it! You have my full blessings!"
_________________
THAT is a Loaded Gun if I ever saw one!
Fleur de Lis- Goddess/Duchess
- Number of posts: 1158
Location: Principality of WAY
*: Original *13* Sister Of Sin #1
Registration date: 2008-03-06 -
Re: Tales of 'The Sweet Revenge'
Fleur de Lis on Fri Aug 29, 2008 2:45 pm
Gerard reluctantly saw the evening come to a close. Hope and Josephine had been smiling and laughing all night. The had been planning Josephine's trousseau, as when the time actually came , sadly Hope would be half way around the world. Far from the shores of beloved mother England. Gerard knew that Hope already had been provided with one herself in anticipation of her own pending nuptials. Gerard desired nothing more than to be the groom she was being given to. And he knew, sadly, that would not be the case.
So he stood and smiled and enjoyed watching her and his sister. He would not begrudge them this evening. After all he did have a bit more time due him with her..True it would only be a few weeks on board ship, but perhaps that would be enough time to convince her uncle to change his mind.
If not, how unfortunate it would be for all of them. Josephine was losing almost a sister, Gerard his hearts desire.
He reluctantly reminded her, that the evening must come to a close. "You are, of-course right, although I am loathe to admit it, let alone leave." She graciously thanked the Ways and allowed Gerard to escort her home.
Gerard had Mayhew bring around the closed carriage, his excuse being the night air was still chilly, this early in the spring. When in truth, the real reason was he intended a few stolen moments with her in his arms, and few stolen kisses from her lips. She willingly melted against him. Gerard's head filled with all sorts of thoughts of how he wished to be spending the night, instead of saying goodbye to her and delivering her back into her uncle's care. As the reached the edge of her families estate he called a halt to Mayhew. "Hold Mayhew, ... My Hope, may I beg you to allow one last moment or two?" Hope nodded, as silent tears started spilling over her lashes.
"No My Sweet Hope, I beg you do not cry..Your tears are the one gift I do not want from you, save happy tears on our wedding day. May God have mercy on me, I still pray that day will come. But please, do not make me guilty of the crime of hurting you once again.." He began to kiss her tears away.
"Please, I never meant to make you cry."
"But you see, I am weak, these tears are NOT directed as, or caused by you. These are angry tears at myself, as I want nothing more than to NOT leave your side, and yet I am too much of a coward to do just that. I want to do as you wish."
"Then cry no more, my love. Soon I will uncover a way to see to it that we never again have to be parted. Do you believe me? Moreover, do you trust me?" He said as he took her small face in his hands.
"Yes! With all my heart, yes!" His smile was full of pride. He was pleased that she answered so quickly, and with an almost fanatical fervor.
"Good. Then on the morrow, as you board that ship at least we will be assured at least a few more weeks to convince him. We share triumph My Hope..True Love can surmount any and all obstacles..And I will not rest until you are mine." He said with such confidence there was NO way she could not believe him.
He bent his head and took her last offered kiss. Her lips were soft and warm and yielding. He could not allow any one else to ever taste those lips.
Come hell or high water, he WOULD find away!
He tapped the ceiling and they felt the carriage begin to move again. Soon they were in-front of her home. Gerard stepped down and helped her out of the carriage. He bent over her hand one last time, his lips barely grazing her gloved hand. He stood straighter and saw her uncle's eyes were glaring from an upstairs window.
"Good Night my Love, if Heaven helps us, soon we will need never again say goodnight, and then part ways."
He climbed aboard the carriage, after he saw her enter the house safely.
He found almost no rest that night, dawn and his chance to see her could not come swiftly enough for him.
So he stood and smiled and enjoyed watching her and his sister. He would not begrudge them this evening. After all he did have a bit more time due him with her..True it would only be a few weeks on board ship, but perhaps that would be enough time to convince her uncle to change his mind.
If not, how unfortunate it would be for all of them. Josephine was losing almost a sister, Gerard his hearts desire.
He reluctantly reminded her, that the evening must come to a close. "You are, of-course right, although I am loathe to admit it, let alone leave." She graciously thanked the Ways and allowed Gerard to escort her home.
Gerard had Mayhew bring around the closed carriage, his excuse being the night air was still chilly, this early in the spring. When in truth, the real reason was he intended a few stolen moments with her in his arms, and few stolen kisses from her lips. She willingly melted against him. Gerard's head filled with all sorts of thoughts of how he wished to be spending the night, instead of saying goodbye to her and delivering her back into her uncle's care. As the reached the edge of her families estate he called a halt to Mayhew. "Hold Mayhew, ... My Hope, may I beg you to allow one last moment or two?" Hope nodded, as silent tears started spilling over her lashes.
"No My Sweet Hope, I beg you do not cry..Your tears are the one gift I do not want from you, save happy tears on our wedding day. May God have mercy on me, I still pray that day will come. But please, do not make me guilty of the crime of hurting you once again.." He began to kiss her tears away.
"Please, I never meant to make you cry."
"But you see, I am weak, these tears are NOT directed as, or caused by you. These are angry tears at myself, as I want nothing more than to NOT leave your side, and yet I am too much of a coward to do just that. I want to do as you wish."
"Then cry no more, my love. Soon I will uncover a way to see to it that we never again have to be parted. Do you believe me? Moreover, do you trust me?" He said as he took her small face in his hands.
"Yes! With all my heart, yes!" His smile was full of pride. He was pleased that she answered so quickly, and with an almost fanatical fervor.
"Good. Then on the morrow, as you board that ship at least we will be assured at least a few more weeks to convince him. We share triumph My Hope..True Love can surmount any and all obstacles..And I will not rest until you are mine." He said with such confidence there was NO way she could not believe him.
He bent his head and took her last offered kiss. Her lips were soft and warm and yielding. He could not allow any one else to ever taste those lips.
Come hell or high water, he WOULD find away!
He tapped the ceiling and they felt the carriage begin to move again. Soon they were in-front of her home. Gerard stepped down and helped her out of the carriage. He bent over her hand one last time, his lips barely grazing her gloved hand. He stood straighter and saw her uncle's eyes were glaring from an upstairs window.
"Good Night my Love, if Heaven helps us, soon we will need never again say goodnight, and then part ways."
He climbed aboard the carriage, after he saw her enter the house safely.
He found almost no rest that night, dawn and his chance to see her could not come swiftly enough for him.
_________________
THAT is a Loaded Gun if I ever saw one!
Fleur de Lis- Goddess/Duchess
- Number of posts: 1158
Location: Principality of WAY
*: Original *13* Sister Of Sin #1
Registration date: 2008-03-06 -
Re: Tales of 'The Sweet Revenge'
Fleur de Lis on Fri Aug 29, 2008 2:50 pm
The Lieutenant watched as his beloved Hope ascended the gang plank. He dared not go to her lest his feelings for her shine through.
Their eyes met for a brief moment and his heart filled with joy. Yes they would be forced to part soon, but not that soon. They would still have some time together during the crossing.
Perhaps even enough time to disuade her uncle from so monstrous a bargain as he had made. Hope's innocence was being stolen from her. Her Uncle using her to cover his payment for his debt. Gerard would find a way to pay them and save her. Perhaps offer for her himself, as he believed she would accept the offer of his heart as eagerly as he wished to give it.
She smiled sweetly wearing a new pair of gloves, ones he recognised immediately, and carrying the parasol he had given her.
Gerard stood a little straighter knowing she wore his gifts.
Her uncle bellowed, "Someone show me to my quarters now! This ungodly pitch and roll turns my stomach."
Hope begged, "May I stay top side? I wish to see Mother England for as long as God allows." "Do what you want, I care not as long as you remain on this blasted vessel! No ideas about leaving this ship and staying in London."
Hope's eyes caught Gerard's, "I swear to you uncle, on board this ship is precisely where I wish to be."
For the next few weeks, the young Lieutenant played court to Miss Stanwick whenever his duties allowed it. Hope's uncle was NOT at all pleased, yet could find no real reason to demand they not spend their time together. The young officer was indeed a gentleman, taking great care to not allow even a hint of anything unseemly to be done.
They were always in very public settings, strolling the deck or at the rail. In the evenings they often were found challenging one another to a game of chess. Always very proper.
It wasn't that they didn't wish to be alone... indeed Gerard wished to be less than so noble with her. But he also feared her uncle's wrath. Not for his own sake, but for hers.
Then too, there was the problem of the Captain, well, the Commodore.
His former friend seemed to be carrying a grudge against him. Although Gerard could not understand why. After all, he and not Philbert was the "injured" party. Although now in hind sight, perhaps he was. Gerard was surely the luckier man. Even if Heaven did not intervene, and Hope didnot become his. At least he was not still smitten or worse, BOUND to Elizabeth in Unholy Matrimony, as Philbert would be upon his return.
Yet Philbert seemed to be trying his best to find fault with everything Gerard did. Which, of course, just made Gerard do things in a manner so near perfection that Philbert was hard pressed to find anything he could reprimand him for.
But that just made Philbert angrier. Which, in turn, made life worse for all on board. Rules on board ship against things like profanity which were normally lax were now STRICTLY enforced for all those EXCEPT the Captain himself.
Gerard found himself appauled at the double standard. Although he did have to admit he was more offended because of Hope's presence on this sailing than for any other reason. He did not want her subjected to vulgarity that he himself would give not a whit about, had she not been there.
And one evening over a private drink between officers off duty Gerard told him so. Bert nodded, deathly quiet. It made Mr. Bryar very uneasy. For Gerard, it seemed had made what was a potentially fatal mistake.
That night as Gerard strolled along the deck with Miss Stanwick, he too felt a sense of unease. They were perhaps less than two weeks sail left until they reached the islands, if that. He assumed the knowledge he would soon have to watch her walk away forever from his arms was the cause of his forboding.
Hope stopped along the railing to look up at the moon. He was so lost in thought he collided into her, nearly knocking her over. His hands shot out to reach for hers. One of them grazing her breast through the soft material. She tingled at his touch and roses bloomed in her cheeks. Gerard felt all of his blood center in one body part.
He looked from the site of contact to her eyes, pools of blue so deep thay were almost black in the moonlight. He realised he could happily drown in those eyes. He glanced at her lips slightly parted, little gasping breaths coming from between them. He longed to kiss those lips again. As he closed the distance between them, his eyes looked into hers.
"I LOVE YOU MY HOPE, if you were free... I would DEMAND that you marry me."
"And I would happily obey..." He pulled her into his arms, as his lips captured hers. His kisses were warm and gentle, she felt as though he were enveloping her in a coccoon of loving protection. In his arms nothing could hurt her.
They for once threw caution to the wind, they needed to find just the few stolen moments alone. He lifted his head and looked around, finding a small portion of the deck piled high with supplies. He led her back behind them and they became hidden from view.
Their eyes met for a brief moment and his heart filled with joy. Yes they would be forced to part soon, but not that soon. They would still have some time together during the crossing.
Perhaps even enough time to disuade her uncle from so monstrous a bargain as he had made. Hope's innocence was being stolen from her. Her Uncle using her to cover his payment for his debt. Gerard would find a way to pay them and save her. Perhaps offer for her himself, as he believed she would accept the offer of his heart as eagerly as he wished to give it.
She smiled sweetly wearing a new pair of gloves, ones he recognised immediately, and carrying the parasol he had given her.
Gerard stood a little straighter knowing she wore his gifts.
Her uncle bellowed, "Someone show me to my quarters now! This ungodly pitch and roll turns my stomach."
Hope begged, "May I stay top side? I wish to see Mother England for as long as God allows." "Do what you want, I care not as long as you remain on this blasted vessel! No ideas about leaving this ship and staying in London."
Hope's eyes caught Gerard's, "I swear to you uncle, on board this ship is precisely where I wish to be."
For the next few weeks, the young Lieutenant played court to Miss Stanwick whenever his duties allowed it. Hope's uncle was NOT at all pleased, yet could find no real reason to demand they not spend their time together. The young officer was indeed a gentleman, taking great care to not allow even a hint of anything unseemly to be done.
They were always in very public settings, strolling the deck or at the rail. In the evenings they often were found challenging one another to a game of chess. Always very proper.
It wasn't that they didn't wish to be alone... indeed Gerard wished to be less than so noble with her. But he also feared her uncle's wrath. Not for his own sake, but for hers.
Then too, there was the problem of the Captain, well, the Commodore.
His former friend seemed to be carrying a grudge against him. Although Gerard could not understand why. After all, he and not Philbert was the "injured" party. Although now in hind sight, perhaps he was. Gerard was surely the luckier man. Even if Heaven did not intervene, and Hope didnot become his. At least he was not still smitten or worse, BOUND to Elizabeth in Unholy Matrimony, as Philbert would be upon his return.
Yet Philbert seemed to be trying his best to find fault with everything Gerard did. Which, of course, just made Gerard do things in a manner so near perfection that Philbert was hard pressed to find anything he could reprimand him for.
But that just made Philbert angrier. Which, in turn, made life worse for all on board. Rules on board ship against things like profanity which were normally lax were now STRICTLY enforced for all those EXCEPT the Captain himself.
Gerard found himself appauled at the double standard. Although he did have to admit he was more offended because of Hope's presence on this sailing than for any other reason. He did not want her subjected to vulgarity that he himself would give not a whit about, had she not been there.
And one evening over a private drink between officers off duty Gerard told him so. Bert nodded, deathly quiet. It made Mr. Bryar very uneasy. For Gerard, it seemed had made what was a potentially fatal mistake.
That night as Gerard strolled along the deck with Miss Stanwick, he too felt a sense of unease. They were perhaps less than two weeks sail left until they reached the islands, if that. He assumed the knowledge he would soon have to watch her walk away forever from his arms was the cause of his forboding.
Hope stopped along the railing to look up at the moon. He was so lost in thought he collided into her, nearly knocking her over. His hands shot out to reach for hers. One of them grazing her breast through the soft material. She tingled at his touch and roses bloomed in her cheeks. Gerard felt all of his blood center in one body part.
He looked from the site of contact to her eyes, pools of blue so deep thay were almost black in the moonlight. He realised he could happily drown in those eyes. He glanced at her lips slightly parted, little gasping breaths coming from between them. He longed to kiss those lips again. As he closed the distance between them, his eyes looked into hers.
"I LOVE YOU MY HOPE, if you were free... I would DEMAND that you marry me."
"And I would happily obey..." He pulled her into his arms, as his lips captured hers. His kisses were warm and gentle, she felt as though he were enveloping her in a coccoon of loving protection. In his arms nothing could hurt her.
They for once threw caution to the wind, they needed to find just the few stolen moments alone. He lifted his head and looked around, finding a small portion of the deck piled high with supplies. He led her back behind them and they became hidden from view.
_________________
THAT is a Loaded Gun if I ever saw one!
Fleur de Lis- Goddess/Duchess
- Number of posts: 1158
Location: Principality of WAY
*: Original *13* Sister Of Sin #1
Registration date: 2008-03-06 -
Re: Tales of 'The Sweet Revenge'
Fleur de Lis on Fri Aug 29, 2008 2:54 pm
A shaft of moonlight made her skin glow.
She looked to the young Lt. like and angel come down from heaven. He held her close in his arms his lips capturing hers once again. Suddenly they heard footsteps.
He motioned her to stay quiet, placing one finger first to his lips and then hers. She daintily kissed them and he couldn't help but smile for a moment.
Then they heard a voice say something that sent chills down their spines.
"I don't like bein' a party ta this." It was a voice neither recognised.
Another voice answered gruffly. "The gentleman will pay us well when that slip of a girl is dead. It's time for that 'poppet' to become an Angel, and join her parents in their watery grave."
She looked to the young Lt. like and angel come down from heaven. He held her close in his arms his lips capturing hers once again. Suddenly they heard footsteps.
He motioned her to stay quiet, placing one finger first to his lips and then hers. She daintily kissed them and he couldn't help but smile for a moment.
Then they heard a voice say something that sent chills down their spines.
"I don't like bein' a party ta this." It was a voice neither recognised.
Another voice answered gruffly. "The gentleman will pay us well when that slip of a girl is dead. It's time for that 'poppet' to become an Angel, and join her parents in their watery grave."
_________________
THAT is a Loaded Gun if I ever saw one!
Fleur de Lis- Goddess/Duchess
- Number of posts: 1158
Location: Principality of WAY
*: Original *13* Sister Of Sin #1
Registration date: 2008-03-06 -
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