Author's Announcement: This idea has been musing in my mind for quite awhile, but first I want to give credit to MissFit-Luster, author of Lost in Time, for inspiring it. When I first came upon fan fiction from Neverland, it was Wendy/Hook stories that grabbed me. Lost in Time was the first Wendy/Peter story I enjoyed (and then some!). The plot from this story comes from one of the ideas I had from Lost in Time and finally I decided to put it to type. MissFit-Luster has graciously given me permission to write this (very important to me) and in no way IS her story (it's still in progress! Yay!). It has a similar back story, but I've changed things (obviously) since this is a new story. What you need to know: Peter somehow made it to London searching for Wendy (he can't help himself!) but an accident caused him to lose his memory (Note to MissFit-Luster – please have Peter find a clue where he was found!). They have recently met (well, you'll read that in this very chapter), and he is quite taken with her. I probably won't write the back story, so just let your imaginations go wild. And read/review Lost in Time as well. In the meantime, someone else shall open this story…
Disclaimer: I, in no way, own the rights to the characters from Peter Pan, nor am I making any profit from writing this story. Same goes for a movie mentioned later which shall temporarily go unnamed, as I will not give away any of the plot. I will explain after the "idea" has been presented. Actually, the plot in my review of one of the chapters, so you can see I've had this idea for longer than that! Just don't peak until I post the chapter! ;)
Note to readers: I am trying to learn more about the ports of London around this time, travel, wealthy neighborhoods and such. If you know anything, such as where the Darlings are supposed to live, please let me know!
Chapter 1: The Return of the Jolly Roger
It was bright and early the day that the Jolly Roger made its path through the various ports along the Thames River, seeking the exact dock that would allow the Captain to officially register its visit. Captain Hook stood at the bow of the ship, patient yet anxious to get through the business part of his quest. He had another reason, of course, for his ship's arrival; one that he'd been plotting for some time.
The ship finally docked and Captain Hook made his way to the office of Mr. Creeley, a state clerk who was in charge of registering any ship coming into the port for business. He, the Captain, had all the right merchandise, of course. And Mr. Creeley knew him well, and knew the Captain would be more than willing to pay extra as to attract no unwanted attention.
Mr. Creeley looked up in surprise at the man who entered his office. He recognized the notorious pirate captain, of course, but he wasn't sure what to make of the man's changed appearance. Hook had cut his hair and shaven off his trimmed beard. His black, curly locks bounced slightly as he strode in confidence up to the desk. The man's usual state of dress had been changed to a dark, navy jacket and black modern trousers.
Mr. Creeley pulled out a blank document. There were others in the room, and it wouldn't pay to give Hook any extra attention.
"Ship's name and business?"
"The Jolly Roger." Hook could tell from his keen sense of observation that no one raised or turned their heads at the name of his vessel. "Spices and cocao from the Americas."
"I'll need to see your ship's certificate."
Captain hook pulled out an envelope and handed it over.
Without anyone being the wiser, the man quickly checked the contents but left the envelope on the desk.
"Fill this form out in entirety, Sir."
The captain reached for the quill on the man's desk and began to write. "I would like to have my ship announced in the next news edition."
Mr. Creeley nodded. He knew there would be extra payment and quickly made plans in his mind to go during lunch. The paper had a specific deadline, and he would have to hurry.
Two more customers came in and soon the other clerks in the office were busy. Mr. Creeley quickly slipped the envelope into his desk drawer.
When Hook was finished he handed the registry to the clerk. "Thank you, Captain. Enjoy your time in London."
Hook got up and left the office. It was too easy, but he wasn't worried. He smiled as he put his Captain's hat back on and strode toward the docks.
He found Smee waiting for him as the crew unloaded the ship's cargo for trade. "Have they gone yet?" Hook asked his most trusted mate.
Smee nodded vigorously. "Yes, Captain. They left just after you, when the dockhands came to ask how much we planned to unload today."
"And they took the street map with them?"
"Aye, Captain. They know where to go."
The Captain smiled. Yes, things were finally coming into play.
Two weeks prior
Alexander searched the library for a quiet place to sit. He had pulled two books needed for one of his University courses and needed a good place to work. He spotted a small table off in a corner near a small window. Perfect, he thought as he made his way over and placed the books and his bag on the table. As he pulled his chair in, he noticed a pile of books on the table. Catching his eye, he read some of the titles.
Journey to the Center of the Earth
20,000 Leagues Under the Sea
Frankenstein
No doubt a young lad wishing for adventure, he chuckled to himself.
He was only on the second page of the first book when he heard someone approaching him.
"Excuse me, Sir, but I was already seated at this table."
Alexander turned, surprised to hear a feminine voice. A very feminine voice. He looked up and saw a girl no less than a year his junior standing behind him, a flustered look upon her face. Her hair was pulled up but several locks hung freely around her pretty face. What caught his eyes the most, however, was her doe-like brown eyes and heart-shaped lips.
Alexander found himself speechless, something he was unaccustomed to. Especially around young ladies as he was usually confident and flirtatious around them. He took a quick glance around the room. "But the library is full," He told her, "Why can we not share?"
She, too, took a look behind her and noticed that yes, the library was indeed quite full and all the other seats were taken.
"Very well." She sat down without saying another word and opened the book she had just retrieved from the shelves. Blackbeard.
Alexander went back to work, but every so often he would glance over at the girl. She was completely immersed in her book, held in both of her hands covering his view of her lovely face, and paid him no attention at all. Nearly two hours passed before Alexander decided to take a break. He looked over at the girl again and wondered how she could continue reading without minding his presence.
"Lovely day out."
Still, nothing.
"Well, are you not going to at least introduce yourself?" he asked, slightly put off that she ignored him. What kind of lady was she?
The book finally lowered and she gave him a small frown. "Were you speaking to me?"
"There is no one else at this table. Think of the possibility."
She chuckled then, and set her book down. "You must think I'm horribly rude,"
Alexander smiled and shook his head, and then nodded. He reached his hand over. "Alexander DuMont."
"I have heard of your family," She said without impression, then reached her hand over to lightly shake his. He wanted to kiss it, but they were seated and there was no chaperone with her to give proper introduction. "Wendy Darling."
Alexander reached into his mind for any recollection of the family name, but couldn't recall a time when he'd ever heard of it. Then again, he hardly listened to or cared when others spoke of name and position in society.
"A pleasure, Miss Darling. Now, I shall not take you from your reading any longer, for the moment, as I am sure your book is far more thrilling than reading essays of economics."
She laughed in a low tone, for this was a library. "I take it your at University?"
"Yes, I am about to complete my second year. And you? Surely you have finished school."
"Yes, almost a year ago. I had hoped to continue, but father didn't think it proper. But as much time as I spend here, he has been considering it."
"And what do you wish to major in?" He said eyeing her books.
Wendy blushed. "There are many interesting topics, but I do believe literature would be well worth my pursuits."
"I can only imagine the look on your professors' faces when they learn of your interests in the field."
"Not the sort a lady is supposed to find interest in?"
"Well, I suppose it's all on who the lady is."
She smiled at him, and he found his heart racing. But to his disappointment, she picked up her book again and continued her reading.
Alexander was disappointed when he left the library four hours later. Miss Darling had not stopped reading, and paid him no mind when he left, having exhausted himself from studying. He wondered how much longer she planned to stay in the library, but knowing his mother expected him for dinner he had simply gathered his belongings and left quietly. At the very least, he had learned her name. He planned on finding out more regarding Miss Darling at the nearest opportunity.
The next day Alexander sighed as he looked about the room of his final class of the day. He had noticed that there had been two, and only two, women in all his courses. One was attending on behalf of her husband, who had been injured and was unable to attend the remainder of the term. The other was middle aged, and was in his history class as part of continuing her education as a teacher. There were rumors, of course, that William James, brother to the author Henry James, and schooled the first woman to receive a doctoral degree. She had been shunned by her classmates, and the professor had taken to teaching her in his private time, his wife often serving refreshments to the two in their home.
On Friday Alexander had found no opportunity to inquire about the lovely Miss Darling, but fate intervened as he was having lunch with his parents at an exclusive restaurant in downtown London.
"As I was saying," His father said droning on about his business, "There can only be…" His father stopped as his eyes apparently caught something…or someone, of interest. "Excuse me a moment," He said as he stood and went over to another part of the restaurant.
Alexander shrugged and went on looking at the menu. His mother took careful delight in tasting her cocktail, a usual Friday afternoon event.
Mr. DuMont returned a few moments later with company.
"Alexander, Elizabeth, this is George and Mary Darling, and their daughter Wendy."
Alexander's eyes shot up and he quickly dropped his menu to stand up and give proper greeting.
Wendy had obviously been surprised, too, for her eyes were nearly as wide as saucers.
As introductions were made, Alexander waited patiently for the two to be properly introduced. When offered her hand, he bowed and graced a kiss on her fingertips. Wendy blushed to his delight, but their fathers were too busy to notice, as he and Mr. Darling were catching up on something he wasn't privy to.
When his father finally returned his attention to his family, he explained, "Mr. Darling has just been promoted to President of the western division of Crest Bank and Investments."
"How wonderful, Mr. Darling," Mrs. DuMont exclaimed. "Your husband has told me of your wise management of our holdings."
Mr. Darling thanked him, and the two ladies chatted for a moment. Alexander simply could not take his gaze off Wendy, and she appeared rather flustered at the silent attention.
Before he knew it, the Darlings were off to their own table. But a smile remained hidden inside him. They had finally been introduced.
AN: The facts about William James, founding father of my field, Educational Psychology, and his female pupil is true.
Chapter II Tease:Wendy was sipping her morning tea, reading a section of the morning paper that her father wasn't currently engrossed in. She flipped through the pages as usual, hoping for something to catch her eye. Something did, although she wasn't sure why.
Monday morning, at approximately nine in the morning, the ship Jolly Roger registered its arrival for trade in cocoa and spices. The ship is docked at Port Westpoint, and will be in business for trade the remainder of the month.
Wendy wasn't sure why the announcement caught her eyes, but she took note of the dock and continued reading.
The name of the ship, the Jolly Roger, continued to linger in her mind the rest of the day. She wasn't sure why, but the more she thought of it the more she became intrigued. She had already planned to visit the library the next day, as she did several times a week, but in her loneliness throughout the day a plan started to take form.