Tales of 'The Sweet Revenge'
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Tales of 'The Sweet Revenge'
Fleur de Lis on Tue Mar 11, 2008 2:44 pm
Dearest Readers...
This is a tale inspired by our favorite guys and sparked by another current fic, and discussions/im's we had between ourselves.
While some themes may seem at first to be similar, we think our "Tales" will be quite different.
This is a work of fiction, a fantasy tale co-written by
Fleur de Lis and MCR Maniac
And while some historical events and depictions are accurate, we realise we will make some mistakes, and take some liberties(with spellings of names and such) within the story.
Please forgive us if that occures too blantatly, however, we are sadly,
only human.
Hope you enjoy our little tale as much as we enjoyed writing it!!!
Sincerly,
Fleur de Lis
And now our cast of characters...
Tales Of "Sweet Revenge"...
Gerard Way= a Young Naval officer
Philbert McKracken= Fellow Naval officer and Gerard's Best Friend
Josephine Way=Gerard's sister
Elizabeth Cuttington=a Woman adored by Way
Robert Bryar=Gerard's Friend and Fellow Seamen
Hope Huntington-Stanwicke=a Young London Miss
David Stanwicke= Hope's Uncle
Francois The Tattoo= a French Pirate and Enemy of the Crown
Katherine=The Pirates Whore
Michael= a Long Lost Brother
Roslyn Thomas= a Tavern Keeper
Senor Toro= a Longtime Friend of Rosey's
Benjamin Taylor= a Tavern regular
Herr Schechter= an Investor
And now my co-writix two cents...
Thank you Lis...for that MARVELOUS introduction... (haha, gotta love Hocus Pocus )
Anywho...I just wanted to say that Me and Lis have been going absolutely BANANAS about this story. We worked really hard on it and we are REALLY excited that it is finally ready to show to you fine people.
And when I say we're excited...I MEAN excited...once the idea hit us, Tales became almost the ONLY thing we talked about. And for me, seeing it finally get posted...oh man, its REALLY AWESOME!!
And just one little note that Lis left out...We don't expect this story to get too graphic or anything...Just like a teen/young adult story...
But if we decide we absolutely need a smutty scene...we'll warn you in advance
~MCRManiac
It's Fleur again...
Don't worry kiddies she says no smut now.....But you all KNOW me...
AND When she says EXCITED, we were like On the rail EXCITED!
If not On the bus EXCITED!!!!
Okay she got her movie quote now I get mine..."It's Away!"(SW)
And now Begins...
This is a tale inspired by our favorite guys and sparked by another current fic, and discussions/im's we had between ourselves.
While some themes may seem at first to be similar, we think our "Tales" will be quite different.
This is a work of fiction, a fantasy tale co-written by
Fleur de Lis and MCR Maniac
And while some historical events and depictions are accurate, we realise we will make some mistakes, and take some liberties(with spellings of names and such) within the story.
Please forgive us if that occures too blantatly, however, we are sadly,
only human.
Hope you enjoy our little tale as much as we enjoyed writing it!!!
Sincerly,
Fleur de Lis
And now our cast of characters...
Tales Of "Sweet Revenge"...
Gerard Way= a Young Naval officer
Philbert McKracken= Fellow Naval officer and Gerard's Best Friend
Josephine Way=Gerard's sister
Elizabeth Cuttington=a Woman adored by Way
Robert Bryar=Gerard's Friend and Fellow Seamen
Hope Huntington-Stanwicke=a Young London Miss
David Stanwicke= Hope's Uncle
Francois The Tattoo= a French Pirate and Enemy of the Crown
Katherine=The Pirates Whore
Michael= a Long Lost Brother
Roslyn Thomas= a Tavern Keeper
Senor Toro= a Longtime Friend of Rosey's
Benjamin Taylor= a Tavern regular
Herr Schechter= an Investor
And now my co-writix two cents...
Thank you Lis...for that MARVELOUS introduction... (haha, gotta love Hocus Pocus )
Anywho...I just wanted to say that Me and Lis have been going absolutely BANANAS about this story. We worked really hard on it and we are REALLY excited that it is finally ready to show to you fine people.
And when I say we're excited...I MEAN excited...once the idea hit us, Tales became almost the ONLY thing we talked about. And for me, seeing it finally get posted...oh man, its REALLY AWESOME!!
And just one little note that Lis left out...We don't expect this story to get too graphic or anything...Just like a teen/young adult story...
But if we decide we absolutely need a smutty scene...we'll warn you in advance
~MCRManiac
It's Fleur again...
Don't worry kiddies she says no smut now.....But you all KNOW me...
AND When she says EXCITED, we were like On the rail EXCITED!
If not On the bus EXCITED!!!!
Okay she got her movie quote now I get mine..."It's Away!"(SW)
And now Begins...
_________________
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 
Ch 1 The Invitation
Fleur de Lis on Tue Mar 11, 2008 3:09 pm
Tales Of "Sweet Revenge"...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A young man with rather shortish dark hair stands by a window of his study and inhales deeply.
The morning mist and the green lawns should be a comfort to him, but they are not. He misses the salty sea air.
"Two weeks home and I am nearly being driven mad, on the one hand and yet..." He thinks of Elizabeth. "Perhaps not seeing her is the root of my problem."
He sits down to write in his journal.
March 14th, 1814th year of our lord.
'I have found no excuse to visit Miss Cuttington. Until I earn a commission as Captain of my own vessel, I am reluctant to make an offer for her hand in marriage.
My heart burns to make her my own and yet something holds me back. Perhaps it is the fear that her father will not think me good enough.
Surely once I make Captain... my family history is long and my own reputation sound. He will not be able to refuse me, besides the fact that my feelings for his daughter are true.
I have been too long at sea. I wish to start a new life and a family of my own, if God wills it with her.'
He closes his journal with a sigh. "If God wills it... if I earn my way to the top of the list, that will surely be a sign. I should be next. Perhaps by St. Nicholas day we should be wed. She would be the only present, all I wanted from the good saint anyway. "
Then he brings his long slender fingers together, placing his lips against them, as he thinks better of it. "No... Elizabeth will want to be a summer bride. Lavender and Roses, she will want fresh blossoms. I shall have to wait at least a year..." He smiles as he pictures her, "She shall be worth the wait."
He leans forward and reaches for the posts. He searches through the various invitations, setting most aside to send as regrets. His sister Josephine it seems is quite popular. He regrets that her season will be so limited. There is just not enough funds for an elaborate one.
In his own heart he wished to be a dandy, and run with the likes of Beau Brummel, but he can not.
He has a wedding and a brideprice to be saving for, and a ring to buy for his, hopefully, soon to be bride.
He happens upon a post from his best friend. A fellow sailor, albeit aboard a different ship, now back home in england, has sent word. He has recovered from wounds suffered in battle and now is well enough to be entertaining.
The note reads
'Way, I need to see you on a matter of great import as
Hell is about to freeze over.'
Gerard laughs, he knows what that means. His friend is Finally getting married.
As he sat there contemplating whether or not he should spend the money to see his friend, as a night out with Philbert was never an inexpensive one, he sorted through the mail of obvious invitations he had set aside.
Each would receive a cordial thank you, as he did not attend many parties. However, in all modesty, he knew he was a pleasant enough guest. Each hostess, routinely invited him in hopes that her party would be one of the select chosen few, that he would consent to attend.
He WAS a popular man he knew, He just could not fathom why.
Men seemingly wanted to be him, and Women..women envied the woman who held his heart in the palm of her hand.
Little did he know, that EVERY one knew something he did not.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A young man with rather shortish dark hair stands by a window of his study and inhales deeply.
The morning mist and the green lawns should be a comfort to him, but they are not. He misses the salty sea air.
"Two weeks home and I am nearly being driven mad, on the one hand and yet..." He thinks of Elizabeth. "Perhaps not seeing her is the root of my problem."
He sits down to write in his journal.
March 14th, 1814th year of our lord.
'I have found no excuse to visit Miss Cuttington. Until I earn a commission as Captain of my own vessel, I am reluctant to make an offer for her hand in marriage.
My heart burns to make her my own and yet something holds me back. Perhaps it is the fear that her father will not think me good enough.
Surely once I make Captain... my family history is long and my own reputation sound. He will not be able to refuse me, besides the fact that my feelings for his daughter are true.
I have been too long at sea. I wish to start a new life and a family of my own, if God wills it with her.'
He closes his journal with a sigh. "If God wills it... if I earn my way to the top of the list, that will surely be a sign. I should be next. Perhaps by St. Nicholas day we should be wed. She would be the only present, all I wanted from the good saint anyway. "
Then he brings his long slender fingers together, placing his lips against them, as he thinks better of it. "No... Elizabeth will want to be a summer bride. Lavender and Roses, she will want fresh blossoms. I shall have to wait at least a year..." He smiles as he pictures her, "She shall be worth the wait."
He leans forward and reaches for the posts. He searches through the various invitations, setting most aside to send as regrets. His sister Josephine it seems is quite popular. He regrets that her season will be so limited. There is just not enough funds for an elaborate one.
In his own heart he wished to be a dandy, and run with the likes of Beau Brummel, but he can not.
He has a wedding and a brideprice to be saving for, and a ring to buy for his, hopefully, soon to be bride.
He happens upon a post from his best friend. A fellow sailor, albeit aboard a different ship, now back home in england, has sent word. He has recovered from wounds suffered in battle and now is well enough to be entertaining.
The note reads
'Way, I need to see you on a matter of great import as
Hell is about to freeze over.'
Gerard laughs, he knows what that means. His friend is Finally getting married.
As he sat there contemplating whether or not he should spend the money to see his friend, as a night out with Philbert was never an inexpensive one, he sorted through the mail of obvious invitations he had set aside.
Each would receive a cordial thank you, as he did not attend many parties. However, in all modesty, he knew he was a pleasant enough guest. Each hostess, routinely invited him in hopes that her party would be one of the select chosen few, that he would consent to attend.
He WAS a popular man he knew, He just could not fathom why.
Men seemingly wanted to be him, and Women..women envied the woman who held his heart in the palm of her hand.
Little did he know, that EVERY one knew something he did not.
_________________
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 Tue Mar 11, 2008 6:25 pm
When he finished writing the last of his polite declines, Gerard glanced over to his message from Bert, which he had left out in the open on his desk. He sat back in his chair as he picked up the note again, re-reading it and smiling. He could not be happier for his long time friend. However, there was a part of him that wished it was he sending a similar message to Bert. As soon as I make Captain... he thought with a sigh. His promotion could not come soon enough.
"I need to get out of this house..." he said to himself quietly, "I've been locked away in here for far too long...perhaps a rendezvous with a good friend will help distract my restless soul." He laid the post from Bert on his desk as he stood from his chair and exited his study.
*****
Gerard rode through the countryside, the wide green landscape slowly transitioning to dirt roads and buildings speckled throughout. Then, the dirt roads turned to cobblestone streets and the buildings stood wall to wall; he'd made it to London. Once there, he rode to his family's modest but comfortable second residence, which they kept more for convenience than necessity. Though Gerard was not sure how much longer it would stay that way.
The Way family was an esteemed, well respected family of London, but with their fortunes slowly dying, the London home had a strong possibility of becoming their only home, and their manor in the country to be sold to the highest bidder.
He arrived at their London townhouse and rode around back to stable his horse in their small private stables. He wanted to walk the rest of the way to Bert's house, feeling that it would give him more time to enjoy the open air. It was not anything like that of the sea air he had loved and craved, but it was infinitely better than the stale air of his home.
Gerard casually strolled down the busy streets of London. Shouts from the street and horse hooves against cobblestone fought to be heard above the excited chatter of small shopping groups and the delighted giggles from small children playing in the streets. And while most would find the excessive noise nearly maddening (only when they themselves are not providing their own contribution), Gerard rather enjoyed this chaos.
It was times like this, when everyone was too preoccupied with their lives, that Gerard felt most comfortable. Because when it was like this, he could walk around London unnoticed. Whenever the city was quiet, he dreaded having to go out, afraid of running into either another London socialite begging him to attend their gathering, or a young, starry-eyed girl, attempting to change his heart.
Yes...Gerard rather enjoyed the chaos.
Before too long, Gerard found himself standing outside of the McKracken residence, which was not nearly as extravagant or decadent as the Way household. Bert was not as well off as Gerard, but they had become close during their time in the service together as young boys, now both proud lieutenants of the British Royal Navy.
Gerard stepped up to the door and knocked insistently, trying to mislead his friend. He smiled to himself as he heard movement and a quiet and muffled, "Where's the fire?" from behind the door.
The door swung open and there stood Lt. Philbert McKracken, a slightly gangly man with stringy, shoulder length black hair and a pointed, unshaven jaw. "Why Gerard, my good man!" He greeted as he beamed, opening his arms to his sides.
"Brother Bert!" Gerard replied with the same enthusiasm, stepping forward to give Bert a friendly embrace. "How have you been? Has your injury healed?" Gerard inquired as he pulled back.
"Ah, I'm afraid I am still a gimp." Bert answered with a chuckle. He limped backward a few steps and motioned inside "Come in, come in!"
Gerard stepped across the threshold. "Thank you" he said with a nod. "Now, what is this I hear about Hell freezing over?" Gerard asked with a smirk.
Bert sighed, " 'Tis true my friend. I am taking on the ball and chain. Soon I will lose my privilege of frivolous outings with my companions...which is why I summoned you." Bert added with a twinkle in his eye.
Gerard knew what Bert was implying, but he feigned ignorance, "What, my friend, is in your head?" Gerard's smirk now grew to a sly smile as he raised one eyebrow.
Bert clapped a hand on Gerard's shoulder and grinned, "I would like to enjoy one last night out with my good friends before I exchange my vows. And you, being my closest, most trusted friend of all, I need you to be a part of it."
"And when, pray tell, are such festivities to take place?"
"Tonight."
*****
"I need to get out of this house..." he said to himself quietly, "I've been locked away in here for far too long...perhaps a rendezvous with a good friend will help distract my restless soul." He laid the post from Bert on his desk as he stood from his chair and exited his study.
*****
Gerard rode through the countryside, the wide green landscape slowly transitioning to dirt roads and buildings speckled throughout. Then, the dirt roads turned to cobblestone streets and the buildings stood wall to wall; he'd made it to London. Once there, he rode to his family's modest but comfortable second residence, which they kept more for convenience than necessity. Though Gerard was not sure how much longer it would stay that way.
The Way family was an esteemed, well respected family of London, but with their fortunes slowly dying, the London home had a strong possibility of becoming their only home, and their manor in the country to be sold to the highest bidder.
He arrived at their London townhouse and rode around back to stable his horse in their small private stables. He wanted to walk the rest of the way to Bert's house, feeling that it would give him more time to enjoy the open air. It was not anything like that of the sea air he had loved and craved, but it was infinitely better than the stale air of his home.
Gerard casually strolled down the busy streets of London. Shouts from the street and horse hooves against cobblestone fought to be heard above the excited chatter of small shopping groups and the delighted giggles from small children playing in the streets. And while most would find the excessive noise nearly maddening (only when they themselves are not providing their own contribution), Gerard rather enjoyed this chaos.
It was times like this, when everyone was too preoccupied with their lives, that Gerard felt most comfortable. Because when it was like this, he could walk around London unnoticed. Whenever the city was quiet, he dreaded having to go out, afraid of running into either another London socialite begging him to attend their gathering, or a young, starry-eyed girl, attempting to change his heart.
Yes...Gerard rather enjoyed the chaos.
Before too long, Gerard found himself standing outside of the McKracken residence, which was not nearly as extravagant or decadent as the Way household. Bert was not as well off as Gerard, but they had become close during their time in the service together as young boys, now both proud lieutenants of the British Royal Navy.
Gerard stepped up to the door and knocked insistently, trying to mislead his friend. He smiled to himself as he heard movement and a quiet and muffled, "Where's the fire?" from behind the door.
The door swung open and there stood Lt. Philbert McKracken, a slightly gangly man with stringy, shoulder length black hair and a pointed, unshaven jaw. "Why Gerard, my good man!" He greeted as he beamed, opening his arms to his sides.
"Brother Bert!" Gerard replied with the same enthusiasm, stepping forward to give Bert a friendly embrace. "How have you been? Has your injury healed?" Gerard inquired as he pulled back.
"Ah, I'm afraid I am still a gimp." Bert answered with a chuckle. He limped backward a few steps and motioned inside "Come in, come in!"
Gerard stepped across the threshold. "Thank you" he said with a nod. "Now, what is this I hear about Hell freezing over?" Gerard asked with a smirk.
Bert sighed, " 'Tis true my friend. I am taking on the ball and chain. Soon I will lose my privilege of frivolous outings with my companions...which is why I summoned you." Bert added with a twinkle in his eye.
Gerard knew what Bert was implying, but he feigned ignorance, "What, my friend, is in your head?" Gerard's smirk now grew to a sly smile as he raised one eyebrow.
Bert clapped a hand on Gerard's shoulder and grinned, "I would like to enjoy one last night out with my good friends before I exchange my vows. And you, being my closest, most trusted friend of all, I need you to be a part of it."
"And when, pray tell, are such festivities to take place?"
"Tonight."
*****
_________________
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 Tue Mar 11, 2008 10:03 pm
since this part was tripping maniac up this is a combined post some of the words are hers and some mine...
and boy after this ground work is laid..you better hold on for dear life cause I think this one will be a really fun ride....
side note: a Baron is sometimes addressed as Lord, but a lord is not always just a Baron.
and now more Tales....
Along with Gerard, Bert had also invited some of his other close companions, one of which being Mr. Robert Bryar, a Master-at-Arms in the Royal Navy. Bryar had been introduced to Gerard through Bert, and they had now become very close. And this relationship would prove important before the night was through...
Whyte's was a popular gentleman's club in London that offered both dining and gaming services for its patrons. The perfect place for Bert's last night out with his men. They began their evening with a hearty meal, laughing and joking about how Bert had allowed himself to be signed away. And as the night went on, the drinks were downed.
After they felt that they had been filled to the brim with food, they decided to try and fill their pockets at the gaming tables. They all knew better than to argue with Bert about coming away from the gaming, once Bert decided on a course of action there was very little that stopped him, for better or for worse.
Gerard stood by as he watched his friends gamble. He had neither the money, nor the taste for cards. he had no interset in squandering away the monies he had saved in hopes of asking for Elizabeth's hand in marriage. He had amassed a tidy sum. He was quite pleased with himself as he watched Mr. Bryar throw down his hand and get up.
"Enough! I have had enough." "I think it wise Mr. Bryar. Lady luck does not seem to be smiling at you this night." "Damn his eyes! The more he drinks the more bold and reckless his wagers!"
Most of the men had continued to drink lightly, but Bert seemed he could not finish off a pint quick enough.
"And yet still he keeps winning!" "Perhaps someone should warn His Lordship the Baron of Sussex of that fact."
They looked at each other and shrugged.
"His is OUR friend."
"And Lord Sussex IS a grown man." They both grinned at each other.
"No I think not!"
"I agree."
Gerard clapped Mr. Bryar on the back, and gestured towards another sitting area,
"You said earlier, there was something you wished to discuss with me?"
"Yes Sir..although I.., I am not sure how to broach the subject..You see-"
Robert never got a chance to finish his statement.
"Fire and Damnation!" The duke yelled as he took off one of his rings and threw it at Bert who was laughing heartitly. "I will see you in Hell MCKRACKEN!" "Correction Baron McKracken! I should like you to vacate the Barony as quickly as possible, as I will be moving in, in the morning!!" He laughed uproariously.
The new "Baron" was causing quite a specticule.
This wreckless behavior ultimately ended Bert's ability to let the other gentlemen gamble in peace, he began to get rowdy..Inevitably causing the groups dismissal from Whyte's. Despite his new title.
Though at first it took some coaxing, the men eventually convinced Bert to leave the establishment, where they now stood outside in the cool night air. As Gerard and Robert offered to see Bert home safely, Bert's other companions wasted no time in dispersing through the night back to their own beds, leaving the three men alone in the streets in a matter of moments.
"Ahh My last night on a hard bed! Now all I need is a pretty amful to keep me warm...WAY you have a sister do you not?"
Gerard stared at him in shock, but soon found his voice. "I do sir, you know that quite well. You have met her many times as has Mr. Bryar..." he said wairily, already he thought ill of friends implications.
Robert was Livid. "She is a fine young maid, dear and sweet of heart..Do you mean to say you would see her to your bed?!?"
"Mr. Bryar..surely My Friend can mean nothing of the sort, he mearly jests, because of his good fortune, and to annoy me. Is that not right Philbert?"
"Sweet you say? I find the pigeon, tart of tongue but a pretty lass none the less."
Gerard himself was angry at his talking this way of his sister, but he knew if Bryar got a hold of him he'd kill him. And Robert was too good a man to lose over, one of Bert's drunken tirades.
"BRYAR! Bryar ignore him it's the drink in him!" Gerard hoped Bert would have to good sence to hold his tongue. But then THIS WAS BERT.
"No! She's a dainty little doxy isn't she?"
Gerard had heard enough. "Retract that statement Sir, or you will answer to me!"
"I say again she needs a real man! Perhaps I shall take Bertram as my new titled name! Perhaps Bert should RAM it into her and show her what I am made of!"
"Take That Back! Or as sure as God sees me, I will see you bleed!"
"Dare you threaten a BARON, Lieu-TENANT?!" Bert shouted as he landed a powerful blow to Gerard's left jaw. Gerard was whipped around at the contact, and he stayed hunched over, now seething with rage as Robert just stood in shock. Gerard slowly raised himself back into a standing position, his entire body imminating his fury as his eyes burned into his friend.
He wiped at his lip, taking his eyes off of Bert only for a moment to see the blood on his hand.
"Whose Blood do I see Way?" Gerard growled at the drunkard.
"You will wish your mother never spawned you!" and he flew at him.
Before Mr. Bryar could react Gerard had launched himself at the staggering lout. He landed a blow to McKracken nose and one to his gut. The force with which he flew at him sending Philbert flying into a wall.
Robert grabbed Gerard and linked his arms up and over Gerard's shoulders holding him back. It took quite some effort, more than Robert had expected.
"MY SISTER! Is a DECENT and Honorable LADY!!! Her reputation is UNQUESTIONABLE!!! See here PHILBERT! You say one more word against her- and You'll TASTE MY STEEL!!!"
"WAY!! Way leave him!!" Byrar pushed Gerard away and own the street before turning back to the drunkard still slouched against the wall.
He said menicingly, squatting down to Bert's eye level, "See here McKracken..Lordship or no..Say one more slight against that fine lady and I.. I swear by Fire and Thunder, I will make you wish you died at birth! If you wish to go on living, LEAVE HER BE!!!"
Robert kicked him as he stood, and then followed after Way just to make sure Gerard continued his course home. His Lordship, DASH HIM, could find his own way home.
*****************************
and boy after this ground work is laid..you better hold on for dear life cause I think this one will be a really fun ride....
side note: a Baron is sometimes addressed as Lord, but a lord is not always just a Baron.
and now more Tales....
Along with Gerard, Bert had also invited some of his other close companions, one of which being Mr. Robert Bryar, a Master-at-Arms in the Royal Navy. Bryar had been introduced to Gerard through Bert, and they had now become very close. And this relationship would prove important before the night was through...
Whyte's was a popular gentleman's club in London that offered both dining and gaming services for its patrons. The perfect place for Bert's last night out with his men. They began their evening with a hearty meal, laughing and joking about how Bert had allowed himself to be signed away. And as the night went on, the drinks were downed.
After they felt that they had been filled to the brim with food, they decided to try and fill their pockets at the gaming tables. They all knew better than to argue with Bert about coming away from the gaming, once Bert decided on a course of action there was very little that stopped him, for better or for worse.
Gerard stood by as he watched his friends gamble. He had neither the money, nor the taste for cards. he had no interset in squandering away the monies he had saved in hopes of asking for Elizabeth's hand in marriage. He had amassed a tidy sum. He was quite pleased with himself as he watched Mr. Bryar throw down his hand and get up.
"Enough! I have had enough." "I think it wise Mr. Bryar. Lady luck does not seem to be smiling at you this night." "Damn his eyes! The more he drinks the more bold and reckless his wagers!"
Most of the men had continued to drink lightly, but Bert seemed he could not finish off a pint quick enough.
"And yet still he keeps winning!" "Perhaps someone should warn His Lordship the Baron of Sussex of that fact."
They looked at each other and shrugged.
"His is OUR friend."
"And Lord Sussex IS a grown man." They both grinned at each other.
"No I think not!"
"I agree."
Gerard clapped Mr. Bryar on the back, and gestured towards another sitting area,
"You said earlier, there was something you wished to discuss with me?"
"Yes Sir..although I.., I am not sure how to broach the subject..You see-"
Robert never got a chance to finish his statement.
"Fire and Damnation!" The duke yelled as he took off one of his rings and threw it at Bert who was laughing heartitly. "I will see you in Hell MCKRACKEN!" "Correction Baron McKracken! I should like you to vacate the Barony as quickly as possible, as I will be moving in, in the morning!!" He laughed uproariously.
The new "Baron" was causing quite a specticule.
This wreckless behavior ultimately ended Bert's ability to let the other gentlemen gamble in peace, he began to get rowdy..Inevitably causing the groups dismissal from Whyte's. Despite his new title.
Though at first it took some coaxing, the men eventually convinced Bert to leave the establishment, where they now stood outside in the cool night air. As Gerard and Robert offered to see Bert home safely, Bert's other companions wasted no time in dispersing through the night back to their own beds, leaving the three men alone in the streets in a matter of moments.
"Ahh My last night on a hard bed! Now all I need is a pretty amful to keep me warm...WAY you have a sister do you not?"
Gerard stared at him in shock, but soon found his voice. "I do sir, you know that quite well. You have met her many times as has Mr. Bryar..." he said wairily, already he thought ill of friends implications.
Robert was Livid. "She is a fine young maid, dear and sweet of heart..Do you mean to say you would see her to your bed?!?"
"Mr. Bryar..surely My Friend can mean nothing of the sort, he mearly jests, because of his good fortune, and to annoy me. Is that not right Philbert?"
"Sweet you say? I find the pigeon, tart of tongue but a pretty lass none the less."
Gerard himself was angry at his talking this way of his sister, but he knew if Bryar got a hold of him he'd kill him. And Robert was too good a man to lose over, one of Bert's drunken tirades.
"BRYAR! Bryar ignore him it's the drink in him!" Gerard hoped Bert would have to good sence to hold his tongue. But then THIS WAS BERT.
"No! She's a dainty little doxy isn't she?"
Gerard had heard enough. "Retract that statement Sir, or you will answer to me!"
"I say again she needs a real man! Perhaps I shall take Bertram as my new titled name! Perhaps Bert should RAM it into her and show her what I am made of!"
"Take That Back! Or as sure as God sees me, I will see you bleed!"
"Dare you threaten a BARON, Lieu-TENANT?!" Bert shouted as he landed a powerful blow to Gerard's left jaw. Gerard was whipped around at the contact, and he stayed hunched over, now seething with rage as Robert just stood in shock. Gerard slowly raised himself back into a standing position, his entire body imminating his fury as his eyes burned into his friend.
He wiped at his lip, taking his eyes off of Bert only for a moment to see the blood on his hand.
"Whose Blood do I see Way?" Gerard growled at the drunkard.
"You will wish your mother never spawned you!" and he flew at him.
Before Mr. Bryar could react Gerard had launched himself at the staggering lout. He landed a blow to McKracken nose and one to his gut. The force with which he flew at him sending Philbert flying into a wall.
Robert grabbed Gerard and linked his arms up and over Gerard's shoulders holding him back. It took quite some effort, more than Robert had expected.
"MY SISTER! Is a DECENT and Honorable LADY!!! Her reputation is UNQUESTIONABLE!!! See here PHILBERT! You say one more word against her- and You'll TASTE MY STEEL!!!"
"WAY!! Way leave him!!" Byrar pushed Gerard away and own the street before turning back to the drunkard still slouched against the wall.
He said menicingly, squatting down to Bert's eye level, "See here McKracken..Lordship or no..Say one more slight against that fine lady and I.. I swear by Fire and Thunder, I will make you wish you died at birth! If you wish to go on living, LEAVE HER BE!!!"
Robert kicked him as he stood, and then followed after Way just to make sure Gerard continued his course home. His Lordship, DASH HIM, could find his own way home.
*****************************
_________________
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 Tue Mar 11, 2008 10:03 pm
for this post Gerard's parent's colors are
Mother way
Earl Way (Gerard's Father)
The next morning Gerard woke up in a foul mood. He was NOT by nature a superstitious man. He believed in a man making his own way in life...
"There are a few exceptions of course... I do believe in fate... and destiny..." His brows furrowed together, "And heaven and hell..."
He pulled himself out of bed and walked toward the window. He pulled a heavy curtain aside and looked out.
Rain... a heavy sleeting rain. "Dash it! Probably cold too." He looked down at his hands. They were still a bit sore, the knuckles slightly bruised. "It's well worth a bit of pain, Josephine has done nothing to deserve such disrespect." He flexed his hand, the circulation helping to ease the pain. "I would wager he faired far worse than I. At least if the fates are kind, he did."
He breathed out a heavy sign and returned his gaze to the streets below. Where the streets were cobbled there may be ice, where they weren't it would be muddy.
"Today is the 15th. Beware the ides of March. Perhaps I should return to my bed. And sleep away the rest of the day. "
He considered it for a moment or two. "No good will come of hiding. I suppose I should dress and defiantly meet the day. Perhaps I shall still find a good luck charm. Today I have survived nearly 30 such ides and I remain standing. There must be some sign in that, and one man's poor luck is another's good fortune. Perhaps this day it shall be my turn."
He resolved to get himself dressed, which he did, before going down to his breakfast.
As he strode into the dining room, he saw that he was not alone. Odd, he was used to being the first one down and getting to eat in peace, the rest of his family not usually about. He greeted them as he entered.
"Good morning father."
"Is it a good morning, son?"
"Good morning mother." He stopped to kiss her on the cheek. "I am sorry father? Your meaning, sir?"
"Dash it Way, leave the boy in peace... We just did not expect to see you looking so well this morning."
Gerard looked puzzled. Josephine giggled. "You returned home very late last night."
"I did, so what of it? I am a grown man, not some young pup. Or little miss?" He tapped her on her nose as he said this teasing her. She crinkled he nose at him, and he at her.
Suddenly his tone turned distant and serious. "Besides after what Philbert said I could hardly come straight home..."
"You were with McKraken?" The elder Way asked suspiciously. "I detest that man! Dear boy, stay away from him - he will bring you to ruin."
"Said something? You exchanged words?"
"Mm. Aye sir, we did. As you see..." He held up his knuckles. "More than words. I am ashamed to admit I let my temper get the best of me, but I feel better for it."
"And you bear him no ill will?" Josephine couldn't beleive her ears, she KNEW how her brother felt for Elizabeth. How could he be so calm?
"Should I? If he bears me none, I should think to let bygones be bygones. I have known him far too long and hold him in too high esteem to bear a grudge against him."
"That is very noble of you son, very noble of you INDEED!" His father concluded. "Of course he is! It is just as well, perhaps the fates wil smile on you today."
"It is the ides of March ma'am." Josephine said looking at her mother. "I think not."
Her head swivled to meet her brother's gaze again. " And I think you mad for not holding a grudge. I should expect more from you my esteemed brother." Josephine was obviously annoyed.
But then so was Gerard becoming so. "My apologies, if I do not choose to quit a lifelong friendship over a... choice that was not mine to make. I for one, wish he'd never spoken those words. But he has, and I reacted accordingly. Now I must move on."
He said it so matter-of-factly that Josephine's jaw dropped. "If that sir is truly how you feel about the matter, then I will say no more."
"It is." Gerard was confused, Jo was really angry, had this not been the first time McKraken had said something like this? Gerard vowed he'd keep a weather eye out, just in case.
"Good, then this subject is closed."
"It is settled then. I suppose there is NO reason for you not to join us this night then? There will be many lovey young maids there."
"Join you?"
"Never mind dear. If McKraken wanted him there, he would have told him last night. Let it be." When his father wanted a subject closed it was best NOT to argue. Gerard just wanted some peace.
He looked puzzled again, not knowing what his father was talking about. "I beg your pardon sir, may I be excused? I have paperwork that I must attend to, and I have not yet checked the morning posts."
"Fine, my boy. Dash it! I AM proud of you. You acted as a gentleMAN should."
"Thank you? Good day father, mother, Jo..." he said as he rose from the table and walked away.
As he got near the study he felt a chill wind, rush toward him from the door. He heard a voice arguing, recognising it immeadately.
"Damn your eyes man! I just want to leave a note if he is not about."
Gerard decided to be gracious toward his friend.
"See here, I will bring him into the study, and see that he is brought some hot tea." He said to their doorman. "Very good sir."
McKraken looked at him sheepishly as he followed him into the study.
Realived now of his soaking wet coat, McKraken still looked like a drowned rat. His nose still a bit bloodied.
"Good Morning WAY." "Good Morning Your Lordship." Gerard remained quite distant. He stood at attention, his hands clasped behind his back. "I apologise if my home is not up to your usual surrondings." He said, his words dripping with sarcasism.
"Dash it WAY! I AM sorry! I should NOT have said what I said. Especailly the way I said it. You are my oldest and dearest friend. I should like you to be my best man. But as circumstances may prevent that, I should least like us to remain civil."
Despite what he thought himself to be, Gerard was a soft, kind, forgiving sort at heart, at least he was in most things. There would only be one thing Bert could ever do that would make Gerard find it impossible to forgive him for. And Gerard was sure his friend would NEVER do that.
"Damn it Bert! She is my SISTER! How in the name of the Mother and Child, could you imply those things?"
"I am sorry! It was the drink! I did not realise how much had gone to my head! Please, forgive your old friend? Tonight, my cousin's the Cuttington's throw a small dinner and party in my honor, to celebrate my recovery. Say you will be there."
"The Cuttington's?" Gerard looked at him hope sneaking into his eyes. He swallowed hard, and his palms started to sweat. "Cuttington House?" He thought of beautiful Elizabeth, this would be a perfect reason to see her.
He already wanted to forgive Bert. This was just the whipped icing on the cake.
"IF you SWEAR, on your honor, that you will NEVER say such things about Josephine or any other innocent miss. I will forgive you and I will make myself available to attend you this evening." He said trying not to sound too anxious to attend the Cuttington's, he did not wish to appear the fool.
"I swear, although I am not sure there is another innocent young miss in all of London...But knowing you WAY if there is you shall be the one she sets her heart on."
They both laughed a hearty laugh, and sat down in the study at an open chessboard, and some hot tea. Trying to give Bert a chance to wait out the rain.
Mother way
Earl Way (Gerard's Father)
The next morning Gerard woke up in a foul mood. He was NOT by nature a superstitious man. He believed in a man making his own way in life...
"There are a few exceptions of course... I do believe in fate... and destiny..." His brows furrowed together, "And heaven and hell..."
He pulled himself out of bed and walked toward the window. He pulled a heavy curtain aside and looked out.
Rain... a heavy sleeting rain. "Dash it! Probably cold too." He looked down at his hands. They were still a bit sore, the knuckles slightly bruised. "It's well worth a bit of pain, Josephine has done nothing to deserve such disrespect." He flexed his hand, the circulation helping to ease the pain. "I would wager he faired far worse than I. At least if the fates are kind, he did."
He breathed out a heavy sign and returned his gaze to the streets below. Where the streets were cobbled there may be ice, where they weren't it would be muddy.
"Today is the 15th. Beware the ides of March. Perhaps I should return to my bed. And sleep away the rest of the day. "
He considered it for a moment or two. "No good will come of hiding. I suppose I should dress and defiantly meet the day. Perhaps I shall still find a good luck charm. Today I have survived nearly 30 such ides and I remain standing. There must be some sign in that, and one man's poor luck is another's good fortune. Perhaps this day it shall be my turn."
He resolved to get himself dressed, which he did, before going down to his breakfast.
As he strode into the dining room, he saw that he was not alone. Odd, he was used to being the first one down and getting to eat in peace, the rest of his family not usually about. He greeted them as he entered.
"Good morning father."
"Is it a good morning, son?"
"Good morning mother." He stopped to kiss her on the cheek. "I am sorry father? Your meaning, sir?"
"Dash it Way, leave the boy in peace... We just did not expect to see you looking so well this morning."
Gerard looked puzzled. Josephine giggled. "You returned home very late last night."
"I did, so what of it? I am a grown man, not some young pup. Or little miss?" He tapped her on her nose as he said this teasing her. She crinkled he nose at him, and he at her.
Suddenly his tone turned distant and serious. "Besides after what Philbert said I could hardly come straight home..."
"You were with McKraken?" The elder Way asked suspiciously. "I detest that man! Dear boy, stay away from him - he will bring you to ruin."
"Said something? You exchanged words?"
"Mm. Aye sir, we did. As you see..." He held up his knuckles. "More than words. I am ashamed to admit I let my temper get the best of me, but I feel better for it."
"And you bear him no ill will?" Josephine couldn't beleive her ears, she KNEW how her brother felt for Elizabeth. How could he be so calm?
"Should I? If he bears me none, I should think to let bygones be bygones. I have known him far too long and hold him in too high esteem to bear a grudge against him."
"That is very noble of you son, very noble of you INDEED!" His father concluded. "Of course he is! It is just as well, perhaps the fates wil smile on you today."
"It is the ides of March ma'am." Josephine said looking at her mother. "I think not."
Her head swivled to meet her brother's gaze again. " And I think you mad for not holding a grudge. I should expect more from you my esteemed brother." Josephine was obviously annoyed.
But then so was Gerard becoming so. "My apologies, if I do not choose to quit a lifelong friendship over a... choice that was not mine to make. I for one, wish he'd never spoken those words. But he has, and I reacted accordingly. Now I must move on."
He said it so matter-of-factly that Josephine's jaw dropped. "If that sir is truly how you feel about the matter, then I will say no more."
"It is." Gerard was confused, Jo was really angry, had this not been the first time McKraken had said something like this? Gerard vowed he'd keep a weather eye out, just in case.
"Good, then this subject is closed."
"It is settled then. I suppose there is NO reason for you not to join us this night then? There will be many lovey young maids there."
"Join you?"
"Never mind dear. If McKraken wanted him there, he would have told him last night. Let it be." When his father wanted a subject closed it was best NOT to argue. Gerard just wanted some peace.
He looked puzzled again, not knowing what his father was talking about. "I beg your pardon sir, may I be excused? I have paperwork that I must attend to, and I have not yet checked the morning posts."
"Fine, my boy. Dash it! I AM proud of you. You acted as a gentleMAN should."
"Thank you? Good day father, mother, Jo..." he said as he rose from the table and walked away.
As he got near the study he felt a chill wind, rush toward him from the door. He heard a voice arguing, recognising it immeadately.
"Damn your eyes man! I just want to leave a note if he is not about."
Gerard decided to be gracious toward his friend.
"See here, I will bring him into the study, and see that he is brought some hot tea." He said to their doorman. "Very good sir."
McKraken looked at him sheepishly as he followed him into the study.
Realived now of his soaking wet coat, McKraken still looked like a drowned rat. His nose still a bit bloodied.
"Good Morning WAY." "Good Morning Your Lordship." Gerard remained quite distant. He stood at attention, his hands clasped behind his back. "I apologise if my home is not up to your usual surrondings." He said, his words dripping with sarcasism.
"Dash it WAY! I AM sorry! I should NOT have said what I said. Especailly the way I said it. You are my oldest and dearest friend. I should like you to be my best man. But as circumstances may prevent that, I should least like us to remain civil."
Despite what he thought himself to be, Gerard was a soft, kind, forgiving sort at heart, at least he was in most things. There would only be one thing Bert could ever do that would make Gerard find it impossible to forgive him for. And Gerard was sure his friend would NEVER do that.
"Damn it Bert! She is my SISTER! How in the name of the Mother and Child, could you imply those things?"
"I am sorry! It was the drink! I did not realise how much had gone to my head! Please, forgive your old friend? Tonight, my cousin's the Cuttington's throw a small dinner and party in my honor, to celebrate my recovery. Say you will be there."
"The Cuttington's?" Gerard looked at him hope sneaking into his eyes. He swallowed hard, and his palms started to sweat. "Cuttington House?" He thought of beautiful Elizabeth, this would be a perfect reason to see her.
He already wanted to forgive Bert. This was just the whipped icing on the cake.
"IF you SWEAR, on your honor, that you will NEVER say such things about Josephine or any other innocent miss. I will forgive you and I will make myself available to attend you this evening." He said trying not to sound too anxious to attend the Cuttington's, he did not wish to appear the fool.
"I swear, although I am not sure there is another innocent young miss in all of London...But knowing you WAY if there is you shall be the one she sets her heart on."
They both laughed a hearty laugh, and sat down in the study at an open chessboard, and some hot tea. Trying to give Bert a chance to wait out the rain.
_________________
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 Wed Mar 12, 2008 12:35 am
Gerard stared at his reflection in the mirror, searching for anything that could be out of place among his ensemble. He had chosen to wear one of his crisp white shirts with a tied cravat*, a dark blue overcoat that extended down to his knees in the back, and his black trousers with boots. He needed to look his absolute best tonight...for Elizabeth.
Tonight would be the first time seeing Elizabeth since his return and anxiety got the best of him. His palms became clammy and his mouth went dry just thinking about seeing her again, the butterflies now present in his stomach restless. How will she perceive me? Has it been too long? Has she lost interest in me? What if she has found another?
Gerard nearly jumped out of his skin when a knock came at the door. "Y-Yes?" he called as he began frantically fixing non-existent problems in his ensemble.
"Gerard? It's Josephine. Are you decent?"
"Ah, Josephine," he sighed, "Yes, yes, come in."
Josephine slowly opened the door just enough to peek her head through, "Are you almost ready? We must be leaving soon. We cannot be late for the supper."
Gerard looked himself up and down one last time in the mirror, "I...I believe so..." he said slowly, making sure everything looked in place. Then he turned towards Josephine with a smile, holding his arms out to his sides, "What say you?"
"Positively handsome, brother. Had you not already had the hearts of all the young London misses, you surely would now." She smiled back at him.
"Thank you sister." He began to motion for her to come inside, "Come, let me take a look at you. I need to know how much effort I will have to put forth to hold back the young men who will be begging your attention."
Josephine waved her hand at him, "Oh Gerard, come now. We really must be going. We cannot be late for supper."
"Come come dear, we do not have all night. And I am not taking one step until I see." he persisted.
Josephine rolled her eyes and sighed as she stepped into his room, pulling off her cloak. She turned herself in a full circle to humor him. She stood wearing a long, periwinkle blue dress, fitted just below her bust line, the bottom half draping gracefully down to the floor. Her neckline showed a bit of her chest, but not enough to be considered scandalous, and to cover her bare arms, long white gloves came up to her elbows. Gerard walked toward her, his arms once again out by his sides, "Absolutely stunning Josephine. I may not be able to leave your side at all tonight in light of the constant attention you shall receive."
"I am grown, brother. I do not need your protection." She teased.
He lightly grabbed her upper arms and gave her a small peck on the cheek. "Tis true," he began as he pulled back, "You have grown into a fine young woman. You no longer need me...though you are in need of a fine young man. And I am sure there will be at least a small number present at this party tonight. So..." He said as he pulled on his cloak and offered his arm, "Shall we?"
Josephine grinned as she pulled her cloak back on and took his arm, "We shall."
-----------------------------
*cravat -- According to Lis, its like those ruffly type things on the front of those old time shirts...but not too ruffly...more like ripples than ruffles
hahaha, that sounds like something a five year old would say..but yea. In case you didnt know, cuz i didnt
Tonight would be the first time seeing Elizabeth since his return and anxiety got the best of him. His palms became clammy and his mouth went dry just thinking about seeing her again, the butterflies now present in his stomach restless. How will she perceive me? Has it been too long? Has she lost interest in me? What if she has found another?
Gerard nearly jumped out of his skin when a knock came at the door. "Y-Yes?" he called as he began frantically fixing non-existent problems in his ensemble.
"Gerard? It's Josephine. Are you decent?"
"Ah, Josephine," he sighed, "Yes, yes, come in."
Josephine slowly opened the door just enough to peek her head through, "Are you almost ready? We must be leaving soon. We cannot be late for the supper."
Gerard looked himself up and down one last time in the mirror, "I...I believe so..." he said slowly, making sure everything looked in place. Then he turned towards Josephine with a smile, holding his arms out to his sides, "What say you?"
"Positively handsome, brother. Had you not already had the hearts of all the young London misses, you surely would now." She smiled back at him.
"Thank you sister." He began to motion for her to come inside, "Come, let me take a look at you. I need to know how much effort I will have to put forth to hold back the young men who will be begging your attention."
Josephine waved her hand at him, "Oh Gerard, come now. We really must be going. We cannot be late for supper."
"Come come dear, we do not have all night. And I am not taking one step until I see." he persisted.
Josephine rolled her eyes and sighed as she stepped into his room, pulling off her cloak. She turned herself in a full circle to humor him. She stood wearing a long, periwinkle blue dress, fitted just below her bust line, the bottom half draping gracefully down to the floor. Her neckline showed a bit of her chest, but not enough to be considered scandalous, and to cover her bare arms, long white gloves came up to her elbows. Gerard walked toward her, his arms once again out by his sides, "Absolutely stunning Josephine. I may not be able to leave your side at all tonight in light of the constant attention you shall receive."
"I am grown, brother. I do not need your protection." She teased.
He lightly grabbed her upper arms and gave her a small peck on the cheek. "Tis true," he began as he pulled back, "You have grown into a fine young woman. You no longer need me...though you are in need of a fine young man. And I am sure there will be at least a small number present at this party tonight. So..." He said as he pulled on his cloak and offered his arm, "Shall we?"
Josephine grinned as she pulled her cloak back on and took his arm, "We shall."
-----------------------------
*cravat -- According to Lis, its like those ruffly type things on the front of those old time shirts...but not too ruffly...more like ripples than ruffles
hahaha, that sounds like something a five year old would say..but yea. In case you didnt know, cuz i didnt _________________
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 Wed Mar 12, 2008 1:14 am
THE CRAVAT WAS A SOMETIMES INTRECATLEY TIED NECK GARMENT.
eventually they evolved down to our modern necktie
I just said to Chels..we pick a different time period..
and we STILL put him in tight clothes!!!
Nice TIGHT breeches and a formfitting cut away coat....
*sighs* happy thoughts *fans self*
Gerard sat in the enclosed carriage. The rain and ice had stopped earlier in the day, and the night air was actually warmer than it had been during the day.
Josphine sat next to him, his mother and father would come later, if they came at all..
They seemed disturbed that Gerard had accepted McKracken's personal invitation. Yet when questioned they seemed disinclined to answer.
"You seem pensive brother, what troubles you?" He tore his eyes from the window, and the passing scenery hardly visible in the darkness.
"I do not function well at these gatherings."
He was actually thinking what Elizabeth's reaction to seeing him again, and yet he did not wish to appear foolish. He tried not to were his heart out on his sleeve for everyone to see.
He failed in that aspect. Mercifully the carriage ride was short and before Josephine could press him further, they had arrived.
+++++++++++++++++
Before the meal there were greetings and salutations. And the cuttington's on Miss Elizabeth insistence had provided a mini course on the latest most outrageous dance, the WALTZ.
"Oh!" Josephine clapped her hands, "I simply MUST learn it!"
"No."
"What ever do you mean no for brother?" "I mean no. It is un-seemly." "But I had hoped, that you would escort me to the lesson, besides would you wish to appear backwards in hers and everyone's eyes?"
Gerard looked around before leaning down to hiss at his sister. "Hold your tongue! You KNOW I do not wish to be made the fool of, in her eyes especially."
"I KNEW IT! I Knew your feelings for her were not surrendered! Then come with me and learn. Show her what kind of man you are! You are not the stuff of lessermen."
Gerard thought about this for a moment. He would like to be ready should the opportunity present itself to hold her in his arms. The hairs on the back of his neck stood on end at the thought he may actually get to feel her warmth next to his. He raised one eyebrow as he spoke.
"Very well, but I shall be keeping a close watch on you good sister. Nothing too forward, too many young men are MUCH like a pack when aroused, and I shall have no one to help me fight them off of you."
"I will sir..I will fight any and all away from her. You have my arm."
"ROBERT!!! I did not expect to see you here." Gerard was grateful for a TRULY friendly face. "I was informed this morning that my presence was required so here I stand. And glad of it." He smiled and Josephine. He touched his hair as if tipping his hat. "Good Evening Miss Way. Lovely to see you again."
"Again?" "Dear brother, you have been aboard ship too long, Mr. Bryar and I are well acquainted." She fanned herself a bit, and smiled behind her fan. Even though it was not hot outside in the house it was oppressively so.
"Are you?...Robert after dinner I must speak with you."
"I wished to speak with you as well, I tried to broach the subject last night but-"
"Lords and Ladies, officers and fine gentle men..please follow me."
And the conversation was over.
eventually they evolved down to our modern necktie
I just said to Chels..we pick a different time period..
and we STILL put him in tight clothes!!!
Nice TIGHT breeches and a formfitting cut away coat....
*sighs* happy thoughts *fans self*
Gerard sat in the enclosed carriage. The rain and ice had stopped earlier in the day, and the night air was actually warmer than it had been during the day.
Josphine sat next to him, his mother and father would come later, if they came at all..
They seemed disturbed that Gerard had accepted McKracken's personal invitation. Yet when questioned they seemed disinclined to answer.
"You seem pensive brother, what troubles you?" He tore his eyes from the window, and the passing scenery hardly visible in the darkness.
"I do not function well at these gatherings."
He was actually thinking what Elizabeth's reaction to seeing him again, and yet he did not wish to appear foolish. He tried not to were his heart out on his sleeve for everyone to see.
He failed in that aspect. Mercifully the carriage ride was short and before Josephine could press him further, they had arrived.
+++++++++++++++++
Before the meal there were greetings and salutations. And the cuttington's on Miss Elizabeth insistence had provided a mini course on the latest most outrageous dance, the WALTZ.
"Oh!" Josephine clapped her hands, "I simply MUST learn it!"
"No."
"What ever do you mean no for brother?" "I mean no. It is un-seemly." "But I had hoped, that you would escort me to the lesson, besides would you wish to appear backwards in hers and everyone's eyes?"
Gerard looked around before leaning down to hiss at his sister. "Hold your tongue! You KNOW I do not wish to be made the fool of, in her eyes especially."
"I KNEW IT! I Knew your feelings for her were not surrendered! Then come with me and learn. Show her what kind of man you are! You are not the stuff of lessermen."
Gerard thought about this for a moment. He would like to be ready should the opportunity present itself to hold her in his arms. The hairs on the back of his neck stood on end at the thought he may actually get to feel her warmth next to his. He raised one eyebrow as he spoke.
"Very well, but I shall be keeping a close watch on you good sister. Nothing too forward, too many young men are MUCH like a pack when aroused, and I shall have no one to help me fight them off of you."
"I will sir..I will fight any and all away from her. You have my arm."
"ROBERT!!! I did not expect to see you here." Gerard was grateful for a TRULY friendly face. "I was informed this morning that my presence was required so here I stand. And glad of it." He smiled and Josephine. He touched his hair as if tipping his hat. "Good Evening Miss Way. Lovely to see you again."
"Again?" "Dear brother, you have been aboard ship too long, Mr. Bryar and I are well acquainted." She fanned herself a bit, and smiled behind her fan. Even though it was not hot outside in the house it was oppressively so.
"Are you?...Robert after dinner I must speak with you."
"I wished to speak with you as well, I tried to broach the subject last night but-"
"Lords and Ladies, officers and fine gentle men..please follow me."
And the conversation was over.
_________________
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 Wed Mar 12, 2008 1:57 am
They all followed along a great hallway, down to a smallish empty room. This was not where the party was to be held. Instead this was a small practice space, this was where they would learn.
Gerard kept glancing around the room in hopes of seeing Miss Cuttington. 'Where is she?' he thought. 'Why do I not see her?'
"Who are you looking for sir? May I be of some help?" A rather oily looking man all in shades of brown asked. Gerard did not recognise him.
"No sir, I am in need of no assistance. I beg your pardon I did not introduce myself. I am Lt. Way" He said still glaning around abit.
"Ah yes..you are friend of Mister or should I say Baron McKracken's?"
"I am, and you sir are?" "My name is Stanwicke, David Stanwicke..My neice is attempting to learn this mad dance. Although I can not see why..It's not as though anyone would ask that 'little bird' to dance the Waltz no less." He scoffed in a rather ill manner.
Gerard frowned, he was not aquainted with the young lady, but he thought, 'How rude to speak so poorly of one's own flesh and blood.'
"Still it is an interseting crowd is it not? All here to see what Philbert will do next!"
"Excuse me sir?"
"Oh I beg your pardon Lt. I had forgotten that you two had been serving aboard differnt vessels before he was injured. Bert has become the toast of the town, that is he and his ladyfriend have, although I don't beleive the engagement has been made official."
"I would not know sir." Gerard said coldly.
"AH Yes, I know you now! You are the "Country" sailor! It is a pleasure to finally put a face to the name!"
"I see you have me at a disadvantage sir..As I know NOTHING of you." 'Nor do I care to.' he thought.
David acted as though Gerard had not just spoken. "Well Lt. as you see there are a good deal of lovely young ladies to choose from..Especailly that little philly in cyan..She has a spark I'll wager.. I wonder if that young man knows what an armful he holds?"
"That sir Is My Sister! And that young Man is a Officer in the Royal Navy! And one of my Dearest friends sir! Watch what it is that you imply!"
Gerard stormed away towards the door. On his way out, he stopped as he noticed a young lady off in a corner by herself. She had her eyes closed and her arms out as though dancing with an imaginary partner.
He was charmed by the site of it, yet it was at once sweet and sad at the same time. He resolved to do something 'Highly Irregular'. He strode back to his sister and Mr. Bryar.
He tapped Jo on the shoulder. "Excuse me, Robert? I beg your pardon Jo, but do you know that young lady? The one there in the lavender?"
Jo's eyes followed her brother's line of sight. "Yes I do. She is a dear friend of mine. She is a sweet soul."
"Her guardian is of a boorish cut, though."
Gerard's eyes were bright as he looked at his sister. "Would you introduce me, then?" She looked at her brother, he seemed somehow uncomfortable. He began tugging at his collar.
Robert stiffled a chuckle, as he knew Gerard was indeed very nervous. Whether it be at learning this new dance to impress Elizabeth or meeting this young lady, Robert knew not. Robert spoke, "Come, Mi'lady let us put your brother out of his misery."
The three of them approached her. Josephine spoke first, "Hope?" The young lady stopped immediately, opened her eyes and went white. Mortified at being caught especialy by him.
There standing before her was a Greek god, though he was dressed more like Beau Brummel and then less like Apollo.
He looked kindy at her.
"My Dear friend Hope, allow me to introduce my brother Gerard." Josephine introduced them VERY informally, as normally it would not be Christian names exchanged.
Hope looked at Josephine for just a moment and her eyes turned to Gerard. "Your...Br-brother The leiutenant? In the Royal Navy??" Her eyes went wide with admiration. Gerard smiled at her even as he tried to scold his sister.
"I beg your pardon miss, as my sister is quite forward at this. Introducing myself to you using your Christian name."
"No, no sir! Josephine and I are more like sister's than friends. Hope is a pleasant enough way for you to address me. Unless you think it unseemly."
"Then I will, if only you will allow yourself to address me in a similar manner."
"But sir, Leiutenant has such an air of authority about it!" She said brightly her face lighting up.
"Aside from the fact that my guardian would see it as a brazen act."She said with an air of defiance.
"Then if only for that reason, for this one practice, humor me."
"Then I shall be delighted, sir, to obey your request."
'Is this young miss flirtting me? Because it seems I am with her, perhaps to ward off the sting of Elizabeth's indifference. This pretty thing shows seems at the least interested in what I have to say.' He stood abit taller.
"Catch up Way!" Robert shoved Gerard a bit onto the dance floor. He extended his hand and Hope walked as gracefully as she could into his waiting arms.
Josephine placed his hands in the proper fashion as Robert pulled back on his shoulders a bit.
"Get it right man! Do not be a lout about this poor soul. Mind your toes Miss." Gerard shot him a murderous look as Robert and Josephine returned to their positions.
Gerard looked down at her, small and fragile in his arms. They had both listened to the instructions, but they now took their first awkward steps.
"It is one thing in theory, but quite another in practice, is it not?" Hope laughed at his remark, her face losing all of it's nervousness, to become one of pleasure. She nodded in agreement as she relaxed a bit in his arms.
"I am charmed by you mi-- Hope." Her eyes fell to the floor as she blushed. A pleasant bloom sprung to her cheeks. His voice deepened as he said, "Roses become you, Hope." She glanced up at him, a slight smile adorning her face.
"Thank you Liu-- Gerard."
His name never before sounded as it did from her lips.
Yet he berated himself. 'What are you at, Way? You are playing as though with fire. You flirt with this young innocent as though it was Elizabeth in your arms. Yet would Elizabeth feel so natural in your arms, as does she?'
The thought troubled him, that his heart answered, 'I would not think it so.'.
Gerard abruptly stepped away from her, an apology in his eyes and on his lips.
"I am sorry Miss Hope, but I have matters I must attend to." He turned and walked away.
Once out in the hallway, he turned and looked back. He saw her slowly, seemingly sadly, leave the dance floor. He scolded himself out loud, "You are a Black-heart Way! And a Scoundrel! That young miss did nothing to incite such harsh treatment. She does not know that Elizabeth owns your heart."
The troubling answer came from within him.
'Elizabeth owns your heart, does she now?'
Gerard kept glancing around the room in hopes of seeing Miss Cuttington. 'Where is she?' he thought. 'Why do I not see her?'
"Who are you looking for sir? May I be of some help?" A rather oily looking man all in shades of brown asked. Gerard did not recognise him.
"No sir, I am in need of no assistance. I beg your pardon I did not introduce myself. I am Lt. Way" He said still glaning around abit.
"Ah yes..you are friend of Mister or should I say Baron McKracken's?"
"I am, and you sir are?" "My name is Stanwicke, David Stanwicke..My neice is attempting to learn this mad dance. Although I can not see why..It's not as though anyone would ask that 'little bird' to dance the Waltz no less." He scoffed in a rather ill manner.
Gerard frowned, he was not aquainted with the young lady, but he thought, 'How rude to speak so poorly of one's own flesh and blood.'
"Still it is an interseting crowd is it not? All here to see what Philbert will do next!"
"Excuse me sir?"
"Oh I beg your pardon Lt. I had forgotten that you two had been serving aboard differnt vessels before he was injured. Bert has become the toast of the town, that is he and his ladyfriend have, although I don't beleive the engagement has been made official."
"I would not know sir." Gerard said coldly.
"AH Yes, I know you now! You are the "Country" sailor! It is a pleasure to finally put a face to the name!"
"I see you have me at a disadvantage sir..As I know NOTHING of you." 'Nor do I care to.' he thought.
David acted as though Gerard had not just spoken. "Well Lt. as you see there are a good deal of lovely young ladies to choose from..Especailly that little philly in cyan..She has a spark I'll wager.. I wonder if that young man knows what an armful he holds?"
"That sir Is My Sister! And that young Man is a Officer in the Royal Navy! And one of my Dearest friends sir! Watch what it is that you imply!"
Gerard stormed away towards the door. On his way out, he stopped as he noticed a young lady off in a corner by herself. She had her eyes closed and her arms out as though dancing with an imaginary partner.
He was charmed by the site of it, yet it was at once sweet and sad at the same time. He resolved to do something 'Highly Irregular'. He strode back to his sister and Mr. Bryar.
He tapped Jo on the shoulder. "Excuse me, Robert? I beg your pardon Jo, but do you know that young lady? The one there in the lavender?"
Jo's eyes followed her brother's line of sight. "Yes I do. She is a dear friend of mine. She is a sweet soul."
"Her guardian is of a boorish cut, though."
Gerard's eyes were bright as he looked at his sister. "Would you introduce me, then?" She looked at her brother, he seemed somehow uncomfortable. He began tugging at his collar.
Robert stiffled a chuckle, as he knew Gerard was indeed very nervous. Whether it be at learning this new dance to impress Elizabeth or meeting this young lady, Robert knew not. Robert spoke, "Come, Mi'lady let us put your brother out of his misery."
The three of them approached her. Josephine spoke first, "Hope?" The young lady stopped immediately, opened her eyes and went white. Mortified at being caught especialy by him.
There standing before her was a Greek god, though he was dressed more like Beau Brummel and then less like Apollo.
He looked kindy at her.
"My Dear friend Hope, allow me to introduce my brother Gerard." Josephine introduced them VERY informally, as normally it would not be Christian names exchanged.
Hope looked at Josephine for just a moment and her eyes turned to Gerard. "Your...Br-brother The leiutenant? In the Royal Navy??" Her eyes went wide with admiration. Gerard smiled at her even as he tried to scold his sister.
"I beg your pardon miss, as my sister is quite forward at this. Introducing myself to you using your Christian name."
"No, no sir! Josephine and I are more like sister's than friends. Hope is a pleasant enough way for you to address me. Unless you think it unseemly."
"Then I will, if only you will allow yourself to address me in a similar manner."
"But sir, Leiutenant has such an air of authority about it!" She said brightly her face lighting up.
"Aside from the fact that my guardian would see it as a brazen act."She said with an air of defiance.
"Then if only for that reason, for this one practice, humor me."
"Then I shall be delighted, sir, to obey your request."
'Is this young miss flirtting me? Because it seems I am with her, perhaps to ward off the sting of Elizabeth's indifference. This pretty thing shows seems at the least interested in what I have to say.' He stood abit taller.
"Catch up Way!" Robert shoved Gerard a bit onto the dance floor. He extended his hand and Hope walked as gracefully as she could into his waiting arms.
Josephine placed his hands in the proper fashion as Robert pulled back on his shoulders a bit.
"Get it right man! Do not be a lout about this poor soul. Mind your toes Miss." Gerard shot him a murderous look as Robert and Josephine returned to their positions.
Gerard looked down at her, small and fragile in his arms. They had both listened to the instructions, but they now took their first awkward steps.
"It is one thing in theory, but quite another in practice, is it not?" Hope laughed at his remark, her face losing all of it's nervousness, to become one of pleasure. She nodded in agreement as she relaxed a bit in his arms.
"I am charmed by you mi-- Hope." Her eyes fell to the floor as she blushed. A pleasant bloom sprung to her cheeks. His voice deepened as he said, "Roses become you, Hope." She glanced up at him, a slight smile adorning her face.
"Thank you Liu-- Gerard."
His name never before sounded as it did from her lips.
Yet he berated himself. 'What are you at, Way? You are playing as though with fire. You flirt with this young innocent as though it was Elizabeth in your arms. Yet would Elizabeth feel so natural in your arms, as does she?'
The thought troubled him, that his heart answered, 'I would not think it so.'.
Gerard abruptly stepped away from her, an apology in his eyes and on his lips.
"I am sorry Miss Hope, but I have matters I must attend to." He turned and walked away.
Once out in the hallway, he turned and looked back. He saw her slowly, seemingly sadly, leave the dance floor. He scolded himself out loud, "You are a Black-heart Way! And a Scoundrel! That young miss did nothing to incite such harsh treatment. She does not know that Elizabeth owns your heart."
The troubling answer came from within him.
'Elizabeth owns your heart, does she now?'
_________________
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 Wed Mar 12, 2008 2:02 am
'Elizabeth owns your heart, does she now?'
"O-of course she does. Had her family not been hosting this function, I would not be here." Gerard told himself. "She is the reason I attended tonight." And do you own her heart?
This thought really struck a nerve with Gerard. He thought about the night so far, how Elizabeth had not spoken to him once since he had arrived. That is if he could even spot her among the crowd. The times he did see her, not too far away was Philbert. "Surely she is just being polite. He is, after all, the guest of honor. But I am the one she loves." Do you know that? Or do you just wish it to be so? The questioning thoughts in Gerard's mind now started to make him angry, "I know Elizabeth loves me. And I should be returning to her..." Gerard convinced himself as he began to turn to go back inside. But in order to return to her...you would have had to have been with her. However, you were with Hope. "Merely a lonely soul off in a corner who needed a friendly face." Gerard said with a nonchalant wave of his hand. Though the gesture showed otherwise, Gerard was not sure if that was all Hope was to him. And you were her friendly face... "That I was. And that was all I was." Then why is it you are standing here when you should be inside? Is it not because you felt you were becoming too close to Hope? "I cannot recall," he lied, "but I should return inside. Elizabeth will have been looking for me." Of course she will have. Gerard sighed a slightly depressed sigh. "She will." he said quietly to himself as he headed back inside.
Once inside, he found the focus of the room was now towards the front. There stood a man, the same man in fact that had escorted himself, Robert, and Josephine to the waltzing lessons. The man stood straighter as he announced, "Lords and Ladies, Officers and fine gentlemen...If you could please accompany me to the dining hall, dinner is served."
As the guests began to follow, Gerard spotted Elizabeth, her back to him as she too walked with the crowd. He instantly brightened just seeing her and he quickly made his way to her, politely pushing himself through the other attendees. He reached her and began to speak, "Elizabeth--" "Gerard!" she beamed as she turned around to face him, "There you are!"
Gerard felt his butterflies return as she smiled at him. Her smile only further complimented her beauty, and it made Gerard feel like a young boy with a crush all over again. And she has been looking for me. How could I have doubted her loyalty? She has simply been busy being a good hostess. "Gerard, I have a proposition for you," she said as she began walking again.
"Propostion? For me Elizabeth?" Gerard filled with pride. She needed him...and he would certainly go to the ends of the earth for her. "Yes Gerard...I would like you to accompany a young lady by the name of Stanwicke at dinner this evening."
Gerard instantly deflated. "Stanwicke?" Was that not the name of that lout from earlier? "Yes Stanwicke. Could you please be her escort as I am tending to our guest of honor, Baron McKracken?" Her eyes twinkled the slightest bit when she said Philbert's title. And as she asked, she seemed not to notice the impact of her request on Gerard. "Of...of course Elizabeth. Anything you require of me."
Elizabeth smiled her dazzling smile at him again, making his hurt convert to slight annoyance and anger, "Thank you Gerard." She showed him to his seat just as Robert approached with Josephine on one arm...and Hope on the other.
"Ah, Mr. Bryar! You have a great sense of timing. Lieutenant Way, meet Miss Stanwicke." Elizabeth said as she motioned towards Hope, who had a sad expression painted on her face. Gerard got over his brief moment of shock and said, "It is my pleasure to meet you Miss Stanwicke." An apology hidden in his greeting as he nodded his head slowly, though he did not take her eyes off hers.
"As is mine, Lieutenant." She replied flatly. Elizabeth looked between the two of them confused, "Uh...Lieutenant Way will be your escort for dinner tonight Miss Stanwicke. Do you object to this? "No no, I do not object. I only hope I am no burden to you, Lieutenant." "Nonsense, it is my honor to escort you Miss Stanwicke." She gave him a small nod and a thank you as he pulled out her chair for her. Elizabeth gave them both a small suspicious look. She knew something was off, but she just could not tell what. Then she shortly departed to her seat not too far down the table next to Philbert.
"Are you sure you will be alright Hope? I can take you to another seat if you wish." Robert asked as he glared at Gerard for a brief moment. He was not happy with the treatment of Hope from his friend at the waltzing lessons. "No thank you Robert. I will be just fine in this seat." "As you wish Hope" Robert replied as he gave Gerard another glance before taking himself and Josephine to their seats also nearby.
"I truly am sorry for earlier Miss Stanwicke. I...I do not know why I acted so." Gerard said as he sat down. "It was nothing Lieutenant," she said. "As you said, you had other matters to attend to." Hope's voice began to crack a bit as she spoke, her defenses weakening.
"I was a fool to leave you like that...please could you forgive me?" Gerard asked, locking eyes with hers. And they showed his genuine regret. Hope hesitated for a brief moment before answering, "Yes Lieutenant...I can."
"Bow your heads everyone please..." Bert announced from his seat, beginning grace. Gerard reached over and grabbed Hope's hand, giving it a gentle squeeze as he gave her a small sweet smile. Hope smiled back before they both bowed their heads.
"Dearest gracious Lord we thank thee..."
"O-of course she does. Had her family not been hosting this function, I would not be here." Gerard told himself. "She is the reason I attended tonight." And do you own her heart?
This thought really struck a nerve with Gerard. He thought about the night so far, how Elizabeth had not spoken to him once since he had arrived. That is if he could even spot her among the crowd. The times he did see her, not too far away was Philbert. "Surely she is just being polite. He is, after all, the guest of honor. But I am the one she loves." Do you know that? Or do you just wish it to be so? The questioning thoughts in Gerard's mind now started to make him angry, "I know Elizabeth loves me. And I should be returning to her..." Gerard convinced himself as he began to turn to go back inside. But in order to return to her...you would have had to have been with her. However, you were with Hope. "Merely a lonely soul off in a corner who needed a friendly face." Gerard said with a nonchalant wave of his hand. Though the gesture showed otherwise, Gerard was not sure if that was all Hope was to him. And you were her friendly face... "That I was. And that was all I was." Then why is it you are standing here when you should be inside? Is it not because you felt you were becoming too close to Hope? "I cannot recall," he lied, "but I should return inside. Elizabeth will have been looking for me." Of course she will have. Gerard sighed a slightly depressed sigh. "She will." he said quietly to himself as he headed back inside.
Once inside, he found the focus of the room was now towards the front. There stood a man, the same man in fact that had escorted himself, Robert, and Josephine to the waltzing lessons. The man stood straighter as he announced, "Lords and Ladies, Officers and fine gentlemen...If you could please accompany me to the dining hall, dinner is served."
As the guests began to follow, Gerard spotted Elizabeth, her back to him as she too walked with the crowd. He instantly brightened just seeing her and he quickly made his way to her, politely pushing himself through the other attendees. He reached her and began to speak, "Elizabeth--" "Gerard!" she beamed as she turned around to face him, "There you are!"
Gerard felt his butterflies return as she smiled at him. Her smile only further complimented her beauty, and it made Gerard feel like a young boy with a crush all over again. And she has been looking for me. How could I have doubted her loyalty? She has simply been busy being a good hostess. "Gerard, I have a proposition for you," she said as she began walking again.
"Propostion? For me Elizabeth?" Gerard filled with pride. She needed him...and he would certainly go to the ends of the earth for her. "Yes Gerard...I would like you to accompany a young lady by the name of Stanwicke at dinner this evening."
Gerard instantly deflated. "Stanwicke?" Was that not the name of that lout from earlier? "Yes Stanwicke. Could you please be her escort as I am tending to our guest of honor, Baron McKracken?" Her eyes twinkled the slightest bit when she said Philbert's title. And as she asked, she seemed not to notice the impact of her request on Gerard. "Of...of course Elizabeth. Anything you require of me."
Elizabeth smiled her dazzling smile at him again, making his hurt convert to slight annoyance and anger, "Thank you Gerard." She showed him to his seat just as Robert approached with Josephine on one arm...and Hope on the other.
"Ah, Mr. Bryar! You have a great sense of timing. Lieutenant Way, meet Miss Stanwicke." Elizabeth said as she motioned towards Hope, who had a sad expression painted on her face. Gerard got over his brief moment of shock and said, "It is my pleasure to meet you Miss Stanwicke." An apology hidden in his greeting as he nodded his head slowly, though he did not take her eyes off hers.
"As is mine, Lieutenant." She replied flatly. Elizabeth looked between the two of them confused, "Uh...Lieutenant Way will be your escort for dinner tonight Miss Stanwicke. Do you object to this? "No no, I do not object. I only hope I am no burden to you, Lieutenant." "Nonsense, it is my honor to escort you Miss Stanwicke." She gave him a small nod and a thank you as he pulled out her chair for her. Elizabeth gave them both a small suspicious look. She knew something was off, but she just could not tell what. Then she shortly departed to her seat not too far down the table next to Philbert.
"Are you sure you will be alright Hope? I can take you to another seat if you wish." Robert asked as he glared at Gerard for a brief moment. He was not happy with the treatment of Hope from his friend at the waltzing lessons. "No thank you Robert. I will be just fine in this seat." "As you wish Hope" Robert replied as he gave Gerard another glance before taking himself and Josephine to their seats also nearby.
"I truly am sorry for earlier Miss Stanwicke. I...I do not know why I acted so." Gerard said as he sat down. "It was nothing Lieutenant," she said. "As you said, you had other matters to attend to." Hope's voice began to crack a bit as she spoke, her defenses weakening.
"I was a fool to leave you like that...please could you forgive me?" Gerard asked, locking eyes with hers. And they showed his genuine regret. Hope hesitated for a brief moment before answering, "Yes Lieutenant...I can."
"Bow your heads everyone please..." Bert announced from his seat, beginning grace. Gerard reached over and grabbed Hope's hand, giving it a gentle squeeze as he gave her a small sweet smile. Hope smiled back before they both bowed their heads.
"Dearest gracious Lord we thank thee..."
_________________
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 Wed Mar 12, 2008 2:28 am
This post was Co-written by Chels and I
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The meal was delicious and the company surprisingly entertaining. Gerard sat between his sister Josephine and Miss Stanwicke, Robert across the table from them.
A bit further down the table was Philbert and next to him Elizabeth. They were out of ear shot, Gerard had no idea what Elizabeth or Bert were saying, but they certainly appeared to be enjoying each other's company. She appeared almost to be holding court.
Gerard sat watching Elizabeth a bit. She was laughing and smiling entirely too much at Philbert.
'Playing at hostess is one thing..but the amount of attention she is paying him is WELL beyond politeness. It seems she is flirting with him. Hanging on his every word. Does it matter to her that I am even alive? Tell me Elizabeth ..Do you care at at all?'
Gerard HATED thinking these things of her. But was a man not to believe his own eyes, yet looks could be deceiving....
'Elizabeth is showing you PITY and yet still pairing you with someone she does NOT see as a threat.' He looks over to a abit sullen Miss Stanwicke. He decides to be a charming as can possibly be, to Miss Stanwicke. 'I will show her my FULL attention, and let Elizabeth see, if she cares to look.'
"Are you not enjoying dinner Miss?" He knew that was not the most charming place to start, but he must start somewhere?
Her eyes briefly met his. He made eye contact for a moment then gave her a small smile.
She smiles back for short time and then tears her eyes away only to see Elizabeth glaring at them. She starts to eat mostly pushing her food around, seeming very distraught.
"What troubles you Miss Stanwicke? It is not my rude behavior from before is it?"
"No, no. I have forgotten that entirely already, and you were not rude, merely abrupt. I did learn something of the dance while in your arms. Had it not been for you, I would have spent the whole lesson alone."
"I have my doubts about that Miss Stanwicke..If no one else I am sure Mr. Bryar may set his eye on one so lovely as you. "
Hope looked at him puzzled. 'It almost seems as if..he..is showing some interest in me.' she shook her head the thought was preposterous! 'Inconceivable!'
"B- besides Mr. Bryar-" Hope stopped as Robert caught her eye and shook his head no, just once. "I- is just a very good old friend. No I am troubled by something entirely different."
'That fact that I am enamoured of you. And I am sure all I would receive from you is pity..That I do not wish EVEN if it comes from you. ' She was afraid of being found out by him..So she let him continue to believe it was something else troubling her, although in truth, it really was.
"Am I concerned. It is obvious, to me at any rate, that my uncle has plans for me. And as I am unsure of my future, this may be my only gay night out. And yet here I sit selfishly worrying over it instead of enjoying your good company. I apologise Lieutenant Way."
"Nonsense! Pish posh Miss Stanwicke...you have nothing to apologize for. Especially to me. You have done nothing that would make me feel ill in the slightest towards you. What you feel is normal...uncertainty is a cruel mistress...but do not let it ruin this night. Just try and escape it and enjoy yourself."
"If you say so I shall indeed try..perhaps I should look on it as an adventure rather than uncertainty."
"That's the spirit!"
She smiles as it appears she has interested him "May I ask you sir..Is the crossing, to the islands, is it quite dangerous? What I mean to say sir, do you enjoy your life on the sea sir?"
He let out a small happy sigh as if remembering a pleasant memory.
"Oh Miss Stanwicke...Life on the sea is the only life I truly wish to live...." His smile was warm and gentle.
"The only reason I come back to land is for my family...and to meet lovely young ladies such as yourself. " He shot Elizabeth a glare. As he sees her finally staring at him, his smile brightens abit, only he is smiling at HOPE.
Yet as he looks at the young miss His words become wistful, even hopeful as he looks into her eyes,
"Perhaps to find a..soul-mate.. to start a family with..." The words, inspired directly by her, surprise even him.
And Miss Stanwicke blushes a bit and looks up at him with 'roses in her cheeks'( that's what they called blushing) "Surely you do not mean me sir... I am nothing like our gracious hostess, I am painfully plain in comparison."
He looks back to Elizabeth who is OBVIOUSLY not happy, then turns back to Hope.
"Tsk tsk tsk. No m'lady, Quite the contrary...she is the painfully plain one..." He stresses painfully with a tone of how much pain shes putting him through by ignoring him, but he chooses Not to dwell on it.
"If, she were even comparable to your graciousness."
Hope found herself basking in the glow of his attention, and she did not wish for it to stop. She had to think of a way to keep him talking.
"Thank you for your kind words sir, but tell me more about the sea..Is it.. is it true that it is forbidden to say the name of Davy Jones on board?"
There were MANY naval men at the table, and at the mere mention of the name, the place got deathly quite. Miss Stanwicke's voice the only one still heard.
Gerard glanced up at Elizabeth once to see if she was still staring at them, when in-fact she quite obviously was. And Bert was too.
"Do you know what happens when the name Davy Jones is uttered aboard a ship Miss Stanwicke?" His voice carries through out the now quite room.
He smirks a bit, knowing how terrified McKracken will be at his story, but then, He Always was.
Her eyes brighten and she leans in conspiratorially, "No sir..I beg you to tell me?"
His eyes brighten as well in her interest in the sea...more than Elizabeth had ever shown and he leans in close too.
"It calls him to you, my dear...Saying his name is like a beacon to the Flying Dutchman itself..."
He leans back away, "So yes my dear...I would say that saying the name Davy Jones aboard a vessel is not recommended."
Elizabeth was furious, fuming at over hearing him.
'Why is Gerard being so...familiar with that..that chit!'
McKracken lost all his color. Even on land he was deathly afraid of coming face to face with that monster. Bert thought to himself,,'and if WAY was thinking as any good sailor with an ounce of brain should be, he would be too!!'
"I should like to remember that sir..Have you seen him Lieutenant?"
Gerard begins to tell his tale...he paints the picture very vividly. The room at large listening to him. Other than he and Hope's and her questions, there is not a sound being made.
Except for Robert's soft chuckle as he knows what is coming. He believes it to be legend, as he was a man of science. And he too knew that Gerard would tease McKracken unmercifully with this story, he had since they were all boys.
Even now, they knew Bert would soil himself if Gerard told his tale too well. Gerard endeavored to spin a new yarn. One that Bert would not know.
Hope hung on his every word, much like most of the others in the room. Her eyes are bright, her breathing shallow, her lips parted just the slightest bit. The little pulse in her throat quickened and her chest was heaving and flushed.
Gerard noticed his affect on her and is quite pleased with himself. A new gleam entered his eye, and for the moment at least, Elizabeth was all but forgotten.
Hope is all he sees.
"And tell me sir do YOU believe such things?"
She is quite literally enthralled by the look in his eye, and the sound of his voice.
"The night sea was deathly still...Like glass, no moon, and yet..! The water gave off an eerie glow. No wind in the sails, they were DEAD! in the water..."
"When suddenly a fog rolls in from no where. Thick as pea soup. and this...MONSTOROUS, horrible, BELLOWING noise was heard. The sound comes from all directions! No one can figure out from whence it comes!"
"Then suddenly a shot is fired across their bow. The crew all attends battle stations. The drummer drumming out the battle orders... the only problem?"
"Who is there to fight? Yet another shot is fired and sound GROWS! None is in sight when suddenly a very feminine scream is released from one of the seamen as they turn to the sound.. the seamen faints and out from the hat tumbles long curly locks. "
Gerard could not help and reach out to Hope. Her hair was pinned up in the fashion of the time, yet he KNEW her hair MUST be long and soft. He admired her curly tresses, daring to touch one framing her face.
Hope KNEW she should be outraged that he should do something like that in public. The scandal it would cause. Yet it seemed to her that it was the most natural thing in the world, and that no one else existed.
Robert and Josphine looked at one another. Robert eye brows raising at Gerard's almost shocking behavior.
'So..Elizabeth does have competition for your heart.' Josephine thought to herself pleased in her brother's choice.
But Gerard was making no conscious one he was letting fate guide him.
He continued his story his eyes never leaving Hope's upturned face. He changed his voice to a rather raspy one. "'It'd be her I come for!!' They heard the beast say," he continued. "She shouldn't be aboard..Do you lads not know tis bad luck for a woman to be stowanway? For a woman aboard tis bad luck enough, although I may had turned a blind eye..but ta be lyin' to yer captain..that there be grounds enough to take ya ALL below!" Gerard's eyes were expressive for Hope as he told his story. He wanted to entertain her.
"W- What ha- happens?" She was fearful yet he did not quite take that in, he was so intent on weaving this story just for her. He had told a story like this many times, yet never did he feel it's power as strongly as he did this moment.
No one even caused a stir as McKracken got up from his chair muttering as he left the room.
"Who? Who was she?"
"No one Knows..perhaps she was no one in particular, but it seems that Captain did indeed know that SHE was aboard. He had been keeping it from his own crew. Including the stow away. He Knew she had followed him aboard and had been waiting until they were too far out at sea to 'discover' her. It seems she meant a great deal to him, as he was willing to make a bargain with the spawn from hell...."
"The captain struck a deal with the Davy Jones. One hand at cards, if the captain won the lady remains un-harmed and with the Captain. If not,
if the specter won, he gets both the lady and the captain for being so foolish, as to fall for such trickery. It's a bet the monster cannot resist..."
"Does? Does he win?" "Gerard look at what you have done to poor Miss Stanwicke." Elizabeth tried to interrupt.
They both ignored her.
"IS is this True? Have YOU seen him? Know him to be real?" Hope was MORE than alarmed.
His voice was somber as he answered her last question."The sea is a powerful and mysterious thing Miss Stanwicke...though I cannot honestly say I have encountered the monster known as Davy Jones...I will not say that I do not believe he is out there somewhere...waiting for some poor soul to be foolish enough to call for him."
"Th..then how does a female cross to the other side of the world?" She said nervously.
Only now does he see genuine fear in her eyes...He went a bit too far.
"I...I apologize Miss Stanwicke. I did not mean to frighten you so. Rest assured, you're passage on the sea will be a safe one."
"How can you know sir? Ignore me I, I am being a foolish child as my uncle says." She turns to Elizabeth "I Know this is highly irregular, but may I beg your pardon as I believe the night air is more to my needs at the moment." Not waiting for an answer, she stands up from the table quickly and runs from the room, shaken.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The meal was delicious and the company surprisingly entertaining. Gerard sat between his sister Josephine and Miss Stanwicke, Robert across the table from them.
A bit further down the table was Philbert and next to him Elizabeth. They were out of ear shot, Gerard had no idea what Elizabeth or Bert were saying, but they certainly appeared to be enjoying each other's company. She appeared almost to be holding court.
Gerard sat watching Elizabeth a bit. She was laughing and smiling entirely too much at Philbert.
'Playing at hostess is one thing..but the amount of attention she is paying him is WELL beyond politeness. It seems she is flirting with him. Hanging on his every word. Does it matter to her that I am even alive? Tell me Elizabeth ..Do you care at at all?'
Gerard HATED thinking these things of her. But was a man not to believe his own eyes, yet looks could be deceiving....
'Elizabeth is showing you PITY and yet still pairing you with someone she does NOT see as a threat.' He looks over to a abit sullen Miss Stanwicke. He decides to be a charming as can possibly be, to Miss Stanwicke. 'I will show her my FULL attention, and let Elizabeth see, if she cares to look.'
"Are you not enjoying dinner Miss?" He knew that was not the most charming place to start, but he must start somewhere?
Her eyes briefly met his. He made eye contact for a moment then gave her a small smile.
She smiles back for short time and then tears her eyes away only to see Elizabeth glaring at them. She starts to eat mostly pushing her food around, seeming very distraught.
"What troubles you Miss Stanwicke? It is not my rude behavior from before is it?"
"No, no. I have forgotten that entirely already, and you were not rude, merely abrupt. I did learn something of the dance while in your arms. Had it not been for you, I would have spent the whole lesson alone."
"I have my doubts about that Miss Stanwicke..If no one else I am sure Mr. Bryar may set his eye on one so lovely as you. "
Hope looked at him puzzled. 'It almost seems as if..he..is showing some interest in me.' she shook her head the thought was preposterous! 'Inconceivable!'
"B- besides Mr. Bryar-" Hope stopped as Robert caught her eye and shook his head no, just once. "I- is just a very good old friend. No I am troubled by something entirely different."
'That fact that I am enamoured of you. And I am sure all I would receive from you is pity..That I do not wish EVEN if it comes from you. ' She was afraid of being found out by him..So she let him continue to believe it was something else troubling her, although in truth, it really was.
"Am I concerned. It is obvious, to me at any rate, that my uncle has plans for me. And as I am unsure of my future, this may be my only gay night out. And yet here I sit selfishly worrying over it instead of enjoying your good company. I apologise Lieutenant Way."
"Nonsense! Pish posh Miss Stanwicke...you have nothing to apologize for. Especially to me. You have done nothing that would make me feel ill in the slightest towards you. What you feel is normal...uncertainty is a cruel mistress...but do not let it ruin this night. Just try and escape it and enjoy yourself."
"If you say so I shall indeed try..perhaps I should look on it as an adventure rather than uncertainty."
"That's the spirit!"
She smiles as it appears she has interested him "May I ask you sir..Is the crossing, to the islands, is it quite dangerous? What I mean to say sir, do you enjoy your life on the sea sir?"
He let out a small happy sigh as if remembering a pleasant memory.
"Oh Miss Stanwicke...Life on the sea is the only life I truly wish to live...." His smile was warm and gentle.
"The only reason I come back to land is for my family...and to meet lovely young ladies such as yourself. " He shot Elizabeth a glare. As he sees her finally staring at him, his smile brightens abit, only he is smiling at HOPE.
Yet as he looks at the young miss His words become wistful, even hopeful as he looks into her eyes,
"Perhaps to find a..soul-mate.. to start a family with..." The words, inspired directly by her, surprise even him.
And Miss Stanwicke blushes a bit and looks up at him with 'roses in her cheeks'( that's what they called blushing) "Surely you do not mean me sir... I am nothing like our gracious hostess, I am painfully plain in comparison."
He looks back to Elizabeth who is OBVIOUSLY not happy, then turns back to Hope.
"Tsk tsk tsk. No m'lady, Quite the contrary...she is the painfully plain one..." He stresses painfully with a tone of how much pain shes putting him through by ignoring him, but he chooses Not to dwell on it.
"If, she were even comparable to your graciousness."
Hope found herself basking in the glow of his attention, and she did not wish for it to stop. She had to think of a way to keep him talking.
"Thank you for your kind words sir, but tell me more about the sea..Is it.. is it true that it is forbidden to say the name of Davy Jones on board?"
There were MANY naval men at the table, and at the mere mention of the name, the place got deathly quite. Miss Stanwicke's voice the only one still heard.
Gerard glanced up at Elizabeth once to see if she was still staring at them, when in-fact she quite obviously was. And Bert was too.
"Do you know what happens when the name Davy Jones is uttered aboard a ship Miss Stanwicke?" His voice carries through out the now quite room.
He smirks a bit, knowing how terrified McKracken will be at his story, but then, He Always was.
Her eyes brighten and she leans in conspiratorially, "No sir..I beg you to tell me?"
His eyes brighten as well in her interest in the sea...more than Elizabeth had ever shown and he leans in close too.
"It calls him to you, my dear...Saying his name is like a beacon to the Flying Dutchman itself..."
He leans back away, "So yes my dear...I would say that saying the name Davy Jones aboard a vessel is not recommended."
Elizabeth was furious, fuming at over hearing him.
'Why is Gerard being so...familiar with that..that chit!'
McKracken lost all his color. Even on land he was deathly afraid of coming face to face with that monster. Bert thought to himself,,'and if WAY was thinking as any good sailor with an ounce of brain should be, he would be too!!'
"I should like to remember that sir..Have you seen him Lieutenant?"
Gerard begins to tell his tale...he paints the picture very vividly. The room at large listening to him. Other than he and Hope's and her questions, there is not a sound being made.
Except for Robert's soft chuckle as he knows what is coming. He believes it to be legend, as he was a man of science. And he too knew that Gerard would tease McKracken unmercifully with this story, he had since they were all boys.
Even now, they knew Bert would soil himself if Gerard told his tale too well. Gerard endeavored to spin a new yarn. One that Bert would not know.
Hope hung on his every word, much like most of the others in the room. Her eyes are bright, her breathing shallow, her lips parted just the slightest bit. The little pulse in her throat quickened and her chest was heaving and flushed.
Gerard noticed his affect on her and is quite pleased with himself. A new gleam entered his eye, and for the moment at least, Elizabeth was all but forgotten.
Hope is all he sees.
"And tell me sir do YOU believe such things?"
She is quite literally enthralled by the look in his eye, and the sound of his voice.
"The night sea was deathly still...Like glass, no moon, and yet..! The water gave off an eerie glow. No wind in the sails, they were DEAD! in the water..."
"When suddenly a fog rolls in from no where. Thick as pea soup. and this...MONSTOROUS, horrible, BELLOWING noise was heard. The sound comes from all directions! No one can figure out from whence it comes!"
"Then suddenly a shot is fired across their bow. The crew all attends battle stations. The drummer drumming out the battle orders... the only problem?"
"Who is there to fight? Yet another shot is fired and sound GROWS! None is in sight when suddenly a very feminine scream is released from one of the seamen as they turn to the sound.. the seamen faints and out from the hat tumbles long curly locks. "
Gerard could not help and reach out to Hope. Her hair was pinned up in the fashion of the time, yet he KNEW her hair MUST be long and soft. He admired her curly tresses, daring to touch one framing her face.
Hope KNEW she should be outraged that he should do something like that in public. The scandal it would cause. Yet it seemed to her that it was the most natural thing in the world, and that no one else existed.
Robert and Josphine looked at one another. Robert eye brows raising at Gerard's almost shocking behavior.
'So..Elizabeth does have competition for your heart.' Josephine thought to herself pleased in her brother's choice.
But Gerard was making no conscious one he was letting fate guide him.
He continued his story his eyes never leaving Hope's upturned face. He changed his voice to a rather raspy one. "'It'd be her I come for!!' They heard the beast say," he continued. "She shouldn't be aboard..Do you lads not know tis bad luck for a woman to be stowanway? For a woman aboard tis bad luck enough, although I may had turned a blind eye..but ta be lyin' to yer captain..that there be grounds enough to take ya ALL below!" Gerard's eyes were expressive for Hope as he told his story. He wanted to entertain her.
"W- What ha- happens?" She was fearful yet he did not quite take that in, he was so intent on weaving this story just for her. He had told a story like this many times, yet never did he feel it's power as strongly as he did this moment.
No one even caused a stir as McKracken got up from his chair muttering as he left the room.
"Who? Who was she?"
"No one Knows..perhaps she was no one in particular, but it seems that Captain did indeed know that SHE was aboard. He had been keeping it from his own crew. Including the stow away. He Knew she had followed him aboard and had been waiting until they were too far out at sea to 'discover' her. It seems she meant a great deal to him, as he was willing to make a bargain with the spawn from hell...."
"The captain struck a deal with the Davy Jones. One hand at cards, if the captain won the lady remains un-harmed and with the Captain. If not,
if the specter won, he gets both the lady and the captain for being so foolish, as to fall for such trickery. It's a bet the monster cannot resist..."
"Does? Does he win?" "Gerard look at what you have done to poor Miss Stanwicke." Elizabeth tried to interrupt.
They both ignored her.
"IS is this True? Have YOU seen him? Know him to be real?" Hope was MORE than alarmed.
His voice was somber as he answered her last question."The sea is a powerful and mysterious thing Miss Stanwicke...though I cannot honestly say I have encountered the monster known as Davy Jones...I will not say that I do not believe he is out there somewhere...waiting for some poor soul to be foolish enough to call for him."
"Th..then how does a female cross to the other side of the world?" She said nervously.
Only now does he see genuine fear in her eyes...He went a bit too far.
"I...I apologize Miss Stanwicke. I did not mean to frighten you so. Rest assured, you're passage on the sea will be a safe one."
"How can you know sir? Ignore me I, I am being a foolish child as my uncle says." She turns to Elizabeth "I Know this is highly irregular, but may I beg your pardon as I believe the night air is more to my needs at the moment." Not waiting for an answer, she stands up from the table quickly and runs from the room, shaken.
_________________
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 Mon Jun 23, 2008 10:33 pm
Hope ran out to the patio feeling as though she were about faint. She stood there her head spinning. She began to speak out loud to herself.
"I am terrified." She said looking heavenward, if only her parents were not gone..They would not be making her do this awful thing. "Terrified, but not of any monster. I will never see the Lieutenant again..I know when my uncle makes me sail away from England, I will be losing everything that was ever important to me.."
"And now the worst part is, He has finally noticed that I exist. That I am even alive...and I embarrass myself AND HIM by acting as such a child!"
She grips the rail of the patio and tries not to swoon. She is about to fail miserably in that attempt, when she feels a strong arm go around her.
Strong, but not gentle.
"There, there little bird, nothing to worry your pretty little head over. I shall be named Captain tonight and I will keep you safe on the crossing. Perhaps you will never want to leave the ship."
She looks up shocked to see McKracken staring down her dress, the alcohol on his breath sickening her.
"I beg your pardon sir..I need NO help from YOU!!! Aside from the fact, I know not when my uncle plans for me to leave. At any rate, I would rather sail with Lucifer himself, than be trapped on board with you!"
Hope's fear is forgotten, outrage has taken it's place.
He tries to pull her closer. "You will be missing England little bird.. Perhaps I may cage you and keep you for my own."
Just then we see Gerard, who had excused himself after he saw how distraught she was. He comes looking for her, as he believes his story was the cause of her distress. He comes to where he can see them out on the patio, and over hear them as well.
He is ready to tear Philbert apart, in part because he has already broken his promise, and even more because of who he has broken the promise with.
Philbert is obviously over stepping the bounds of decency, with one, Gerard is assured an innocent. He has done this, broken his promise, after giving his word of honor, in LESS than one day.
Gerard decides to go out and stop this at once. But then he overhears Hope say, "Then sir you had better have that cage ready at once because this bird intends to fly."
Hope stomps down on his foot, smirking at him, and his outraged howl.
Turning she tosses her head and leaves. McKracken curses and reaches for her, then he sees Gerard standing there.
Waiting.
Hope gets away on her own. She runs right into Gerard who is quite pleased both that she did it herself and that he got to see it.
"Here Miss Stanwicke, come inside the night has turned a bit chilly. I beg your pardon that I can not, at this moment, escort you back to the hall. Desert is about to be served. But the BARON and I have much to discuss. I am afraid, I must keep him occupied, for a few moments, at any rate."
He said hoping she would understand his meaning. He would keep Bert from following her and accosting her once again.
He stared intently at her, "Miss Stanwicke? Are you well?" The question came out almost a whisper. Gerard was afraid Bert had indeed done something to frighten her.
Her eyes blazed defiantly as she glared at McKracken. Although she knew in her heart she would not feel so bravely, nor be so bold as to act as she was, had the Lieutenant not been there. "My appetite has returned sir. I feel QUITE well." They soften with gratitude as she returned the Lieutenant's gaze. Oh how she wished she could give him a small peck on his cheek, but she dare not. "Thank you."
Gerard looked down at her, smiling at her spirit. Admiration in his eyes. He stepped aside as she walked in.
"Cheeky little lass." Bert growls.
"McKracken I would have a word. I need to speak with you PHILBERT!"
He strode up to his 'old Friend.'
"Is this what your word of honor means? That display was so LOW!!! You are despicable!!" Gerard was white with rage. He had no idea why he was THIS upset, he just knew that he was.
"I am SHOCKED at what you are capable of!"
"I am terrified." She said looking heavenward, if only her parents were not gone..They would not be making her do this awful thing. "Terrified, but not of any monster. I will never see the Lieutenant again..I know when my uncle makes me sail away from England, I will be losing everything that was ever important to me.."
"And now the worst part is, He has finally noticed that I exist. That I am even alive...and I embarrass myself AND HIM by acting as such a child!"
She grips the rail of the patio and tries not to swoon. She is about to fail miserably in that attempt, when she feels a strong arm go around her.
Strong, but not gentle.
"There, there little bird, nothing to worry your pretty little head over. I shall be named Captain tonight and I will keep you safe on the crossing. Perhaps you will never want to leave the ship."
She looks up shocked to see McKracken staring down her dress, the alcohol on his breath sickening her.
"I beg your pardon sir..I need NO help from YOU!!! Aside from the fact, I know not when my uncle plans for me to leave. At any rate, I would rather sail with Lucifer himself, than be trapped on board with you!"
Hope's fear is forgotten, outrage has taken it's place.
He tries to pull her closer. "You will be missing England little bird.. Perhaps I may cage you and keep you for my own."
Just then we see Gerard, who had excused himself after he saw how distraught she was. He comes looking for her, as he believes his story was the cause of her distress. He comes to where he can see them out on the patio, and over hear them as well.
He is ready to tear Philbert apart, in part because he has already broken his promise, and even more because of who he has broken the promise with.
Philbert is obviously over stepping the bounds of decency, with one, Gerard is assured an innocent. He has done this, broken his promise, after giving his word of honor, in LESS than one day.
Gerard decides to go out and stop this at once. But then he overhears Hope say, "Then sir you had better have that cage ready at once because this bird intends to fly."
Hope stomps down on his foot, smirking at him, and his outraged howl.
Turning she tosses her head and leaves. McKracken curses and reaches for her, then he sees Gerard standing there.
Waiting.
Hope gets away on her own. She runs right into Gerard who is quite pleased both that she did it herself and that he got to see it.
"Here Miss Stanwicke, come inside the night has turned a bit chilly. I beg your pardon that I can not, at this moment, escort you back to the hall. Desert is about to be served. But the BARON and I have much to discuss. I am afraid, I must keep him occupied, for a few moments, at any rate."
He said hoping she would understand his meaning. He would keep Bert from following her and accosting her once again.
He stared intently at her, "Miss Stanwicke? Are you well?" The question came out almost a whisper. Gerard was afraid Bert had indeed done something to frighten her.
Her eyes blazed defiantly as she glared at McKracken. Although she knew in her heart she would not feel so bravely, nor be so bold as to act as she was, had the Lieutenant not been there. "My appetite has returned sir. I feel QUITE well." They soften with gratitude as she returned the Lieutenant's gaze. Oh how she wished she could give him a small peck on his cheek, but she dare not. "Thank you."
Gerard looked down at her, smiling at her spirit. Admiration in his eyes. He stepped aside as she walked in.
"Cheeky little lass." Bert growls.
"McKracken I would have a word. I need to speak with you PHILBERT!"
He strode up to his 'old Friend.'
"Is this what your word of honor means? That display was so LOW!!! You are despicable!!" Gerard was white with rage. He had no idea why he was THIS upset, he just knew that he was.
"I am SHOCKED at what you are capable of!"
_________________
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 Mon Jun 23, 2008 10:41 pm
This post was written by Chels...
"What I am capable of?" Bert scoffed. "Dear Gerard, you act as if some great travesty has been committed here."
"Because it HAS!" Gerard retorted, now stepping closer towards Bert. "You made a promise to me today Bert. You gave me your HONOR that you would NOT speak in such a manner towards another young lady the way you spoke of my sister last night. And yet, here you stand, mere HOURS later, caught in the act again."
"What act? I was simply trying to comfort the girl after it was you who frightened her."
Gerard opened his mouth to speak, but stopped. His expression melted from that of extreme anger to a sly, slightly amused one. He smirked and examined his nails as he said, "Are you quite certain it was she who needed comforting?" He looked up and raised his eyebrow. "Because I know how much you enjoy that tale, Philbert."
Now it was Bert who shook with rage, "I do not know of what you speak Gerard." "Of course you do." Gerard returned to examining his nails, "However, I must say I am quite proud of you Philbert. You managed to stay seated for longer than I believed you could. Bra-vo."
Bert had taken as much teasing as he could, and now he decided it was time to turn the tables again. "And I too was surprised by the nerves of that little armful. She held out for much longer than I had expected." "You hold your tongue Philbert! You know nothing of the trials that poor girl has and still is going through" "And you do?" Bert asked as he himself grew a smirk.
Gerard thought for a moment. He indeed did not know much about young Miss Stanwicke. Only that she seemed a broken soul, no doubt due in large part to that uncle of hers. And yet here he stood as if he had been helping her fight her battles for years.
Bert noticed Gerard's hesitation and began to speak again, "You treat Miss Stanwicke as if she were your dear Elizabeth." Gerard shook his head a little as he brought himself back to the moment, taken aback a bit by Bert's familiarity with her. "No, I just understand how to properly treat a lady...a course my friend you should take part in." "Oh you do, do you? So leaving in the process of a dance lesson is proper now? Perhaps I should take note. What are some other 'proper' traits I could learn from you? You could perhaps help me adjust to my ball and chain, as Elizabeth has already fastened you with one, and yet you remain unwed. Why is that Gerard?"
Gerard rushed Bert now, grabbing a fistful of his collar as he growled, "I am merely waiting for the opportune moment, but that would not be any of your business."
Bert reached up and jerked Gerard's hand away. "Watch yourself Lieutenant. As a soon to be Captain, it would be unwise for you to treat me so." "Captain? You are...you are being promoted?" All the color from Gerard's face drained. He was SURE that his promotion would come before Bert's.
"That I am...tonight. So I would advise you to remember your place, Way." Bert said as he shoved past him and went inside.
"What I am capable of?" Bert scoffed. "Dear Gerard, you act as if some great travesty has been committed here."
"Because it HAS!" Gerard retorted, now stepping closer towards Bert. "You made a promise to me today Bert. You gave me your HONOR that you would NOT speak in such a manner towards another young lady the way you spoke of my sister last night. And yet, here you stand, mere HOURS later, caught in the act again."
"What act? I was simply trying to comfort the girl after it was you who frightened her."
Gerard opened his mouth to speak, but stopped. His expression melted from that of extreme anger to a sly, slightly amused one. He smirked and examined his nails as he said, "Are you quite certain it was she who needed comforting?" He looked up and raised his eyebrow. "Because I know how much you enjoy that tale, Philbert."
Now it was Bert who shook with rage, "I do not know of what you speak Gerard." "Of course you do." Gerard returned to examining his nails, "However, I must say I am quite proud of you Philbert. You managed to stay seated for longer than I believed you could. Bra-vo."
Bert had taken as much teasing as he could, and now he decided it was time to turn the tables again. "And I too was surprised by the nerves of that little armful. She held out for much longer than I had expected." "You hold your tongue Philbert! You know nothing of the trials that poor girl has and still is going through" "And you do?" Bert asked as he himself grew a smirk.
Gerard thought for a moment. He indeed did not know much about young Miss Stanwicke. Only that she seemed a broken soul, no doubt due in large part to that uncle of hers. And yet here he stood as if he had been helping her fight her battles for years.
Bert noticed Gerard's hesitation and began to speak again, "You treat Miss Stanwicke as if she were your dear Elizabeth." Gerard shook his head a little as he brought himself back to the moment, taken aback a bit by Bert's familiarity with her. "No, I just understand how to properly treat a lady...a course my friend you should take part in." "Oh you do, do you? So leaving in the process of a dance lesson is proper now? Perhaps I should take note. What are some other 'proper' traits I could learn from you? You could perhaps help me adjust to my ball and chain, as Elizabeth has already fastened you with one, and yet you remain unwed. Why is that Gerard?"
Gerard rushed Bert now, grabbing a fistful of his collar as he growled, "I am merely waiting for the opportune moment, but that would not be any of your business."
Bert reached up and jerked Gerard's hand away. "Watch yourself Lieutenant. As a soon to be Captain, it would be unwise for you to treat me so." "Captain? You are...you are being promoted?" All the color from Gerard's face drained. He was SURE that his promotion would come before Bert's.
"That I am...tonight. So I would advise you to remember your place, Way." Bert said as he shoved past him and went inside.
_________________
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 Mon Jun 23, 2008 10:51 pm
Gerard's internal voice is Underlined and italicised
"Captain?! You are...you are being promoted?!" All the color from Gerard's face drained. He was SURE that his promotion would come before Bert's.
"That I am...tonight. So I would advise you to remember your place, Way." Bert said as he shoved past him and went inside.
Gerard stood there stunned. He was SURE he would be first.
"Now how long will I have to wait?" He raged at the darkness. The moon wash not quite full, and it cast strange shadows.
"Elizabeth...? OH God! How Long will I have to wait?" the voice in side his head said, 'Will SHE wait? Does she even now?'
"Of- Of-course she does...That is I believe she does..But then..WHY is she snubbing me so, ignoring me as she has? And why is she paying so much attention to Bert?" He realized he REALLY did not wish to think about the answers.
'That is just my point WAY..and Philbert is right why Exactly are you still unwed?'
"As..As I said, I am merely waiting for the opportune moment."
'You mean the moment of your commission, the one BARON McKracken about to receive?'
"Yes! Yes! twas SUPPOSSED to be MINE! I was ..I AM Due!..How can I ask for Elizabeth's hand now?"
'But do you even still want it? Her hand..? Is it something worth wanting?' Gerard stopped and looked puzzled a bit. "What do you mean yes of course I do...It is, what I have striven for..for SO long..." He held on to the rail and bent at his waist as he looked around a pained expression on his face.
"I have thought of nothing else, except the sea and she. I have saved and scrimped..I have toiled, all in order to be enough for her." He stood back up and stared once again at the heavens.
'What if you are never enough? What if she does not want to marry you? What if she wants someone or something else more?'
Gerard's eyes went wide with panic. He looked as though he were a caged animal.
"NO! She wants..."He was stunned, what indeed did she want?
'You yourself said you were waiting for the 'opportune' moment. Did you not mean when you believed yourself enough of a 'catch' for her to respond favorably?'
Gerard swallowed hard. His breathing increased. He was panicking.
'Do you think that is the only way she will walk eagerly into your arms? Or will she treat you as Miss Stanwicke did Philbert?'
"Miss Stanwicke..." The thought of her chased all the troubling thoughts from his mind. He smiled as he thought of her. "No she was provoked..and yet she held her composure. She appears to have fought a battle or two before on her own already."
'and WHY should you care?'
"N- Nonsense I could not care at all..."
"Then why are you out here talking to yourself my good man?"
Gerard jumped at the sound of Robert's voice. "Hope sent me out here to make sure you are alright. She was afraid you were having words with McKracken."
"I-I Was. I did. Is she well?" "She is quite well, angry but well. Just what did the 'Baron'", he said sarcastically, "do, or more accurately fail to do? He was not well when he stormed, well hobbled angrily, back in for dessert."
"I found him out here, Robert. He broke his word. Just this morning, he cave me HIS WORD of HONOR. That he would not treat another innocent as he spoke of Jo last night. And yet he stood there MENACING HER."
Robert hung his head and shook it for a moment as though he were afraid to hear what had happened. And yet Gerard noticed that his friends hands had balled into fists and the mention of McKracken words about Jo the evening before. Bryar slowly raised his head, still shaking it. "And what did you do Gerard?"
"Nothing. I did not have the chance. At first I was stunned that he was doing it again. He had that poor broken soul cornered. And I wanted to kill him..." He face broke in to a huge smile.
"But before I could DO anything...." He said his mouth twisting at the irony of his words. "That poor Broken soul..." He laughed out loud. "She tartly put him in his place and smashed her heel down onto his foot!"
Robert laughed at the image, "Is she so broken?"
"It appears not! Bert's foot seems more broken than she! He howled in outrage. And he WOULD HAVE pursued her Except for me, standing there. But I wanted to kill him Robert. I was so angry at his breaking his word again!"
"And then there is Miss Stanwicke..." Robert let the words hang in the air a moment.
Gerard frowned and tried to cover his obvious distress at being caught off guard. Robert had hit on the very thing that bothered him most of all. He was upset because it was her in Bert's arms. Even Bert himself had hinted at it.
"Poppycock!!...S-She was simply an innocent young miss, a...a friend of Jo's! No less any decent man would have defended her..You would have !"
"Aye I would have. She is a sweet soul. But I would not be so nearly as disturbed as you. Come Gerard what truly troubles you? Is it that you are worried that she too is not as she appears to be? I assure she does posses the kind, gentle, HONEST and true manner she displays."
"No sadly, I do not understand my own mind..She seems as she has endured so many trials in her short life. And why should I care what they are? Why do I feel this way?" He started pacing as his friend stared at him, a smug look on Bryar's face.
"I know nothing of her tribulations..Why do I feel as was made to fight them...As though I have already been fighting her battles?...We have only just met, before tonight I have never laid eyes on her!...And yet? There is something within me that WANTS to protect her"
"Well as to that I cannot say, but you have met her before."
"Have I?" "Aye She IS your sister's friend. A dear one in-fact. She was at your home coming dinner. She was quiet and withdrawn, but she was there. And the next day she nearly talked Josephine's and indeed my own ears off. She was quite taken with you, and all you did was inquire about Elizabeth to anyone you saw."
Gerard's face fell and contorted in disgust at his own actions.
"How could I have been so... heartless?"
"She does not seem to be holding a grudge. She sang your praises as her defender to Josephine. It was only in the last moments when McKracken returned and you did not, did she seem the slightest bit concerned."
"S-She was...affected..by my absence?" His eyes alight as he asked."You seem rather eager to hear my answer.." Robert laughed as Gerard began to scowl a bit. "And Yes..She missed YOU."
Pride bloomed on his face as a huge grin played acrossed it. "Suddenly I am starving again Bryar! I hope I have not missed dessert!"
And he virtually flew back into the party.
"Captain?! You are...you are being promoted?!" All the color from Gerard's face drained. He was SURE that his promotion would come before Bert's.
"That I am...tonight. So I would advise you to remember your place, Way." Bert said as he shoved past him and went inside.
Gerard stood there stunned. He was SURE he would be first.
"Now how long will I have to wait?" He raged at the darkness. The moon wash not quite full, and it cast strange shadows.
"Elizabeth...? OH God! How Long will I have to wait?" the voice in side his head said, 'Will SHE wait? Does she even now?'
"Of- Of-course she does...That is I believe she does..But then..WHY is she snubbing me so, ignoring me as she has? And why is she paying so much attention to Bert?" He realized he REALLY did not wish to think about the answers.
'That is just my point WAY..and Philbert is right why Exactly are you still unwed?'
"As..As I said, I am merely waiting for the opportune moment."
'You mean the moment of your commission, the one BARON McKracken about to receive?'
"Yes! Yes! twas SUPPOSSED to be MINE! I was ..I AM Due!..How can I ask for Elizabeth's hand now?"
'But do you even still want it? Her hand..? Is it something worth wanting?' Gerard stopped and looked puzzled a bit. "What do you mean yes of course I do...It is, what I have striven for..for SO long..." He held on to the rail and bent at his waist as he looked around a pained expression on his face.
"I have thought of nothing else, except the sea and she. I have saved and scrimped..I have toiled, all in order to be enough for her." He stood back up and stared once again at the heavens.
'What if you are never enough? What if she does not want to marry you? What if she wants someone or something else more?'
Gerard's eyes went wide with panic. He looked as though he were a caged animal.
"NO! She wants..."He was stunned, what indeed did she want?
'You yourself said you were waiting for the 'opportune' moment. Did you not mean when you believed yourself enough of a 'catch' for her to respond favorably?'
Gerard swallowed hard. His breathing increased. He was panicking.
'Do you think that is the only way she will walk eagerly into your arms? Or will she treat you as Miss Stanwicke did Philbert?'
"Miss Stanwicke..." The thought of her chased all the troubling thoughts from his mind. He smiled as he thought of her. "No she was provoked..and yet she held her composure. She appears to have fought a battle or two before on her own already."
'and WHY should you care?'
"N- Nonsense I could not care at all..."
"Then why are you out here talking to yourself my good man?"
Gerard jumped at the sound of Robert's voice. "Hope sent me out here to make sure you are alright. She was afraid you were having words with McKracken."
"I-I Was. I did. Is she well?" "She is quite well, angry but well. Just what did the 'Baron'", he said sarcastically, "do, or more accurately fail to do? He was not well when he stormed, well hobbled angrily, back in for dessert."
"I found him out here, Robert. He broke his word. Just this morning, he cave me HIS WORD of HONOR. That he would not treat another innocent as he spoke of Jo last night. And yet he stood there MENACING HER."
Robert hung his head and shook it for a moment as though he were afraid to hear what had happened. And yet Gerard noticed that his friends hands had balled into fists and the mention of McKracken words about Jo the evening before. Bryar slowly raised his head, still shaking it. "And what did you do Gerard?"
"Nothing. I did not have the chance. At first I was stunned that he was doing it again. He had that poor broken soul cornered. And I wanted to kill him..." He face broke in to a huge smile.
"But before I could DO anything...." He said his mouth twisting at the irony of his words. "That poor Broken soul..." He laughed out loud. "She tartly put him in his place and smashed her heel down onto his foot!"
Robert laughed at the image, "Is she so broken?"
"It appears not! Bert's foot seems more broken than she! He howled in outrage. And he WOULD HAVE pursued her Except for me, standing there. But I wanted to kill him Robert. I was so angry at his breaking his word again!"
"And then there is Miss Stanwicke..." Robert let the words hang in the air a moment.
Gerard frowned and tried to cover his obvious distress at being caught off guard. Robert had hit on the very thing that bothered him most of all. He was upset because it was her in Bert's arms. Even Bert himself had hinted at it.
"Poppycock!!...S-She was simply an innocent young miss, a...a friend of Jo's! No less any decent man would have defended her..You would have !"
"Aye I would have. She is a sweet soul. But I would not be so nearly as disturbed as you. Come Gerard what truly troubles you? Is it that you are worried that she too is not as she appears to be? I assure she does posses the kind, gentle, HONEST and true manner she displays."
"No sadly, I do not understand my own mind..She seems as she has endured so many trials in her short life. And why should I care what they are? Why do I feel this way?" He started pacing as his friend stared at him, a smug look on Bryar's face.
"I know nothing of her tribulations..Why do I feel as was made to fight them...As though I have already been fighting her battles?...We have only just met, before tonight I have never laid eyes on her!...And yet? There is something within me that WANTS to protect her"
"Well as to that I cannot say, but you have met her before."
"Have I?" "Aye She IS your sister's friend. A dear one in-fact. She was at your home coming dinner. She was quiet and withdrawn, but she was there. And the next day she nearly talked Josephine's and indeed my own ears off. She was quite taken with you, and all you did was inquire about Elizabeth to anyone you saw."
Gerard's face fell and contorted in disgust at his own actions.
"How could I have been so... heartless?"
"She does not seem to be holding a grudge. She sang your praises as her defender to Josephine. It was only in the last moments when McKracken returned and you did not, did she seem the slightest bit concerned."
"S-She was...affected..by my absence?" His eyes alight as he asked."You seem rather eager to hear my answer.." Robert laughed as Gerard began to scowl a bit. "And Yes..She missed YOU."
Pride bloomed on his face as a huge grin played acrossed it. "Suddenly I am starving again Bryar! I hope I have not missed dessert!"
And he virtually flew back into the party.
_________________
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 Mon Jun 23, 2008 11:17 pm
Written by Chels
--------
As Gerard made his way back to his seat with his new found comfort, the dining hall was buzzing with all sorts of conversations being held by the other guests at the party. Though as Gerard crossed the large room, he noticed a vast majority of the eyes darted to him, knowing that the cheery Lieutenant's expression MUST be some sort of act, even though not one of them had actually been present to witness what had happened. So they offered no more than curious looks, which were acknowledged with a smile and a small wave from Gerard. The onlookers shot him back a polite smile, then returned to their conversations.
Gerard did not really mind the prying of the guests. All he could focus on was Robert's voice in his head, And yes...she missed YOU... Glad someone does, eh Way? Gerard scowled a bit at himself, but he quickly beamed again when he saw Miss Stanwicke as he reached his seat.
"Lieutenant, so glad you have returned." Hope greeted him cheerfully as he took his seat. "I must say I was a bit concerned when I saw the Baron return and you did not."
"Well thank you for your concern Miss Stanwicke, but I assure you all is well." For the most part anyway... "Glad to hear it Lieutenant"
Suddenly Gerard felt a tap on his shoulder and he quickly turned to face the commodore, "Lieutenant Way I wish to speak to you for a moment."
Gerard was slightly taken aback. He looked over to Hope then back to the commodore, "Of course sir." Gerard turned back to Hope, "If you would please excuse me, Miss Stanwicke." He said as he got up from his chair and followed the commodore to the front of the table. "Is everything well Commodore?" Gerard asked him as the Commodore finally stopped and turned to face him, stopping in very close proximity to Bert.
The commodore sighed, "Lieutenant, do you know what announcement is to be made about Lieutenant McKracken this evening?" The commodore too did not take Bert's Baron title seriously, so he avoided using it when at all possible. "Only that he is supposed to get a promotion..." Gerard said, trying to keep himself calm and professional.
"That he is...and I personally do not feel he should be receiving it. But I cannot control his seniority over you. I know that you deserve this more than he, but in order for you to advance, he must first. Do you understand Lieutenant?" The commodore asked. "Yes sir. Of course." "Excellent...now, that being said, would you do the honor of reading his promotion proclamation this evening?"
--------
As Gerard made his way back to his seat with his new found comfort, the dining hall was buzzing with all sorts of conversations being held by the other guests at the party. Though as Gerard crossed the large room, he noticed a vast majority of the eyes darted to him, knowing that the cheery Lieutenant's expression MUST be some sort of act, even though not one of them had actually been present to witness what had happened. So they offered no more than curious looks, which were acknowledged with a smile and a small wave from Gerard. The onlookers shot him back a polite smile, then returned to their conversations.
Gerard did not really mind the prying of the guests. All he could focus on was Robert's voice in his head, And yes...she missed YOU... Glad someone does, eh Way? Gerard scowled a bit at himself, but he quickly beamed again when he saw Miss Stanwicke as he reached his seat.
"Lieutenant, so glad you have returned." Hope greeted him cheerfully as he took his seat. "I must say I was a bit concerned when I saw the Baron return and you did not."
"Well thank you for your concern Miss Stanwicke, but I assure you all is well." For the most part anyway... "Glad to hear it Lieutenant"
Suddenly Gerard felt a tap on his shoulder and he quickly turned to face the commodore, "Lieutenant Way I wish to speak to you for a moment."
Gerard was slightly taken aback. He looked over to Hope then back to the commodore, "Of course sir." Gerard turned back to Hope, "If you would please excuse me, Miss Stanwicke." He said as he got up from his chair and followed the commodore to the front of the table. "Is everything well Commodore?" Gerard asked him as the Commodore finally stopped and turned to face him, stopping in very close proximity to Bert.
The commodore sighed, "Lieutenant, do you know what announcement is to be made about Lieutenant McKracken this evening?" The commodore too did not take Bert's Baron title seriously, so he avoided using it when at all possible. "Only that he is supposed to get a promotion..." Gerard said, trying to keep himself calm and professional.
"That he is...and I personally do not feel he should be receiving it. But I cannot control his seniority over you. I know that you deserve this more than he, but in order for you to advance, he must first. Do you understand Lieutenant?" The commodore asked. "Yes sir. Of course." "Excellent...now, that being said, would you do the honor of reading his promotion proclamation this evening?"
_________________
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 Mon Jun 23, 2008 11:34 pm
xCyanidex wrote:oh hell! not only does gerard have to watch bert get promoted when he doesn't deserve it, now he has t read the procolomation! poor guy.
Vegan_Freak wrote:Why does Bert have to be promoted first? :?
Zombierocker wrote:Poor Gee.....
Maybe some good will come of it.....but I doubt it. :?
author's note: Promotion in this time period (much like today) had less to do with ability, and EVERYTHING to do with who you knew.
Having a powerful patron could see a man advanced very quickly to post captain, picking the wrong patron or having none at all would often lead to a stalled career.
The move from lieutenant to captain was the hardest promotion to achieve, and depended very much on a mans 'interest' or patron. An intermediate step was commander, this would enable an officer to command an unrated vessel such as a sloop or gun brig.
Although this route was often a dead end, and after his first commission an officer could find himself ashore on half pay, with no prospect of being made a post captain.
Sometimes a promotion was not necessarily a good thing....
******************************
"Only that he is supposed to get a promotion..." Gerard said, trying to keep himself calm and professional.
"That he is...and I personally do not feel he should be receiving it. But I cannot control his seniority over you. I know that you deserve this more than he, but in order for you to advance, he must first. Do you understand Lieutenant?" The commodore asked. "Yes sir. Of course." "Excellent...now, that being said, would you do the honor of reading his promotion proclamation this evening?"
Gerard tried to maintain a calm composed expression. Philbert's smirk told him he had NOT been successful. "Sir? Wh- Why Not Not Lord admiral Cuttington? He is after all," Gee swallowed hard and his collar felt uncomfortably tight. "The lord of the house, and McKracken's patron..."
"I think Cuttington will find this promotion ...insightful as to his standing in the Admiralty." Gerard looked at the Commodore, a slight puzzlement on his face.
"Trust me." Commodore Anthony-Smythe said to him as he pressed to document into Gerard's hand.
"Yes Sir! Of-course sir." He turned and faced the room.
'Oh well, you would have impressed her, now you are to be made a fool of to boot as you read your friends promotion.' Gerard wasn't even sure which HER his own mind was speaking of.
Gerard took a deep breath to steady himself. The Commodore addressed Bert. "Lieutenant-Commander McKracken..Perhaps You should rise so the whole room can have a proper view as Lieutenant-Commander Way reads the proclamation."
"Delightful idea! I would not wish ANYONE else..DO ME.., the honor. Please Lieutenant-Commander Way." Gerard, and indeed No one else in the room missed the inflection in Bert's voice. He was going to enjoy watching Gerard squirm.
Gerard looked out and saw three friendly faces. Robert his friend, Josephine his sister, and Miss Stanwicke. Hope, Josephine had said. She looked almost sickened, as Bert had stood up. Yet as she looked at Gerard, her face became as pleasant as an Angel's. She gave him a small smile, in his support, in-spite it seems, of this public slap in the face.
Gerard squared his shoulders and began to read aloud. "Let it be known, that the High Admiralty, of His Royal Majesties Navy..." His voice trailed off for a moment as he read a bit ahead, his eyes narrowing abit as he read a bit further down. His head craned forward as if he could not believe his eyes.
As he stood tall again there was a definite change in his tone as well. "I do apologise Philbert. May I begin again?"
"Get on with it WAY." McKracken's eyes narrowed something was amiss.
Gerard eyes twinkled as he started again.
"Lords and Ladies, Fine Officers, Gentle Souls, and Fair maids.." he looked to Hope, as he said the last. "Let it be known, that the High Admiralty, of His Royal Majesties Navy does hereby decree and promote the former Lieutenant-Commander Baron Philbert James Matthew McKracken, to the right- Honorable rank of.." Gerard paused for effect, he knew everyone in the room expected to hear.
"Go On SAY IT!!" Bert hissed at him.
"The rank of Commander..as his first commission as an officer." Gerard fought hard to keep the mirth out of his tone.
Hope turned to Robert as she heard him try to stifle a chuckle.
"I..I do not understand.." Robert tried his best to keep his composure. "Dear Hope all you must understand is, while he can captain a vessel, that is be in charge on board ship, He does NOT hold the RANK of Captain. Gerard may still beat him to it."
"Do you mean?" "He got a promotion to be sure, just not a very Good one." Josephine was delighted for her brother.
Hope turned and looked to Gerard standing next to McKracken. Philbert snatched the parchment from his hands. "This cannot be! This is Wrong! Commodore! I was assured I was receiving a promotion!" Bert limped to where the Commodore was seated. Gerard chuckled at Hope's handy work.
"And so you have Commander. Just NOT to the rank of Captain." "But this is a travesty! I was assured by-" "By Lord Admiral Cuttington. He is a Naval Officer, Not a Sea Officer Sir. I suggest you be gracious in receiving this promotion at any rate."
PhilBert looked at Gerard who still stood almost at attention. Although everyone in the room had thought Lt. Way to be the fool it now appeared otherwise. The Commodore caught Gerard's eye, and nodded once quickly.
"Lieutenant-Commander Way, thank you for the honor you bestowed on us all with your reading. Please do not let us keep either your dessert or your lovely company waiting. You are dismissed. " "Thank you sir."
Gerard bowed slightly and turned. He grinned strolling back towards his three radiantly smiling friends.
He sat back down next to a beaming Hope. His eyes twinkled as addressed her. "Miss Stanwicke..If you have any questions about the proclamation, I would be more than happy to explain them."
_________________
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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