Even the Bad Guy Gets A Girl

Written by:hotaruchan2002

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters except Elizabeth. (Much to my dismay that I can't own Rathbone.)

The carriage rocked back and forth as it moved down the nearly empty street. The older man looked over at his daughter sitting across from him.

"My dear, I know you may not wish to hear this, but you are soon to be of age to marry, and I have been looking into suitors for you."

"Father, you know I wish not to speak of these things. I will marry when the time is right."

"But I will not be around forever, and you need someone to look after you once I pass."

"Do not speak like that father. You are in good health, and you shall be around for a long while yet."

"All I ask is that you give some of the young men your attention tonight. I am sure there will be atleast one that catches your interest."

"I will try father, but I make no promises." The rest of the trip followed in silence. The carriage stopped and the two climbed out. They walked up the stairs into the large foyer of the mansion where their cloak and shawl were removed and they were announced. The two descended the stairs and began to mingle and talk with various people.

"Elizabeth!" a young blonde squealed, rushing over to her. "You look absolutely splendid tonight! That shade of green looks beautiful."

"Thank you Elaine." Elizabeth said, before being pulled away from her father.

"Come, you must meet some of the other women here tonight." Elaine said, draging her over to where three other young women stood. "Elizabeth, this is Diana, Helena, and Hailey." she continues, pointing to two brunettes and another blonde. "Girls, this is Elizabeth." The other girls said hello before they began to chatter and gossip.

"I hear Lord Rathbone himself is supposed to be attending this party tonight." Diana, one of the brunettes said, looking over her shoulder.

"I hope he is. I would love to dance with him!" Helena, the other blonde giggled.

"You just wish he will be your suitor!" Hailey said, a wicked grin on her face. The group of girls began to giggle again and Elizabeth rolled her eyes, then glanced around the crowd. Her father stood almost half way across the room, talking to various young men. Suitors, she thought to herself. The other girls saw where her gaze lie and they let out a collective gasp.

"Elizabeth! Do you know who your father is speaking to?" Elaine shrieked, gripping Elizabeth's arm.

"He's talking to Lord Nelson Rathbone, tenth in line for the crown of England!" Helena added, as she began to stare dreamily at him."Oh my goodness! He's looking this way!" She said, quickly turning away coyly. Elizabeth continued to look, and her and Lord Rathbone made eyecontact. He held her eyes for almost a minute before he looked away, after what Elizabeth assumed someone called his name.

"He was staring at you Elizabeth! You should be so lucky to have a man like him staring at you." Diana said jealously.

"Why would he stare at her! He was purely staring at me!" Hailey said hotly.

"You're all a bunch of children! Listen to yourselves sometime. Utter nonsense and gossip is all you ever talk about!" Elizabeth said, having had enough of their chatter. She walked away from the girls who were now giggling, at what she assumed was at her. Not having anyone to talk to at the moment, she headed out to the garden. Sighing, she wondered if she had made the right choice walking away from them. They were the only ones there she knew and they were roughly her age. She walked slowly down the path, the only sounds were her skirt swooshing and a few crickets here and there. Elizabeth stopped at the large white fountain in the middle of the garden and sat down on the ledge. Turning her head to the sky, she caught glimpse of a shooting star. She closed her eyes and made a wish. She openned her eyes and then began to look at the water rippling in the fountain. the sound of footsteps broke Elizabeth out of her revery and she stood to face who it was that approached her.

"Nothing good to gossip about anymore?" the man asked. Elizabeth looked up and there stood Lord Rathbone.

"Lord Rathbone," she said, curtseying. "They were gossiping. I was standing there listening. That's all they do is drabble on about who's courting who and this that and the other thing...Listen to me, I am babbling." she stopped herself, then looked him over. He was quite a handsome man. Strong, dark hair, captivating eyes. Elizabeth shook her mind to stop staring at him. "May I ask why you followed me out here?"

"I was speaking with your father." he stated, then began to circle her. "I hear you are almost of age to marry. I am sure you have many suitors lined up."

"My father wishes me to marry by my birthday. I on the other hand wish to marry a little later on."

"Are you aware that I am single as well?" He said, stopping infront of her again and looking her straight in the eye.

"I was unaware of that fact." she said, turning away.

"A woman of your beauty, intelligence and nature should not be alone." he said, running his hand down her cheek. "Your interests and studies intrigued me. Your father does not approve that you learned fencing and pistols."

"He deems it unlady like. I on the other hand believe that it is wise for women to know how to defend themselves. How else could we show men that we are not as fragile as they believe we are." she stated, straightening up.

"I admire strong women." Lord Rathbone said, before turning his head towards the open door. "I believe they are playing my song. Care to join me in a dance?"

"I would love to, mi'lord." Elizabeth replied, placing a hand on his extended arm. He led them into the ballroom, right passed the four girls Elizabeth had been talking with meer minutes ago. Elizabeth smiled, pleased at the jealous looks the girls had on their faces. "So you are tenth in line for the throne?"

"Yes, sadly. A nephew to the Queen Victoria. Her favorite nephew though." he said annoyed,as they began to dance.

"An unfortunate accident that happens to occur while all the heirs are present could fix that." she whispered, a wicked grin on her face.

"Lady Angelline, that would be considered treason had anyone else heard you." Lord Rathbone laughed. "I think I've fallen in love with you alread." he added, which shocked Elizabeth. The music stopped and they headed off the dance floor. "Allow me to see you again. We can go riding, or go for a walk."

"I think I just found the first suitor." she giggled, turning a little red. "Is tomorrow alright?"

"Tomorrow sounds splendid. How about an afternoon ride?"

"I shall be ready for two o'clock." she said, just as her father approached.

"Ah, Elizabeth, I see you have met Lord Rathbone. A fine young man." her father said.

"Yes, we have met. And we are to go for a horse ride tomorrow at two, Lord Angelline." Rathbone said.

"Wonderful! Elizabeth, are you ready to return home for the night?"

"Yes father. Good night Lord Rathbone." she said, curtseying.

"Good night, my fair lady." he replied, kissing her hand before she turned and left.