The Love of Another

"Grace!" yelled a male voice, hammering on the door. "Wake up this instant, you lazy so-and-so!"

"Five more minutes," murmured Grace, snuggling further into her comfortable bed.

"It'll take less than five minutes for the pirates to reach your room and cut your throat!" came the urgent reply.

"Pirates?" she repeated, alarmed. Grace jumped out of bed and raced to her door. She pulled it open to find her seventeen year old brother, Andrew standing there with a mischievous grin playing around his lips.

"My, you do look beautiful, first thing in the morning, Gracie," Andrew laughed, noting his sister's disheveled hair and lack of proper clothing. Grace blushed. She really shouldn't be parading herself around in her nightwear, even in front of her family.

"There are no pirates, are there?" she asked suspiciously. Andrew shook his head.

"No. Well, not unless you count the one coming up the stairs." Grace's eyes widened, but as she saw the small figure winding his way up the spiral staircase to the first floor, she relaxed and laughed. "David!" she called and her little brother raced towards her, arms open wide. She caught him and lifted him up. She kissed the top of his head. "Oh, I missed you!" she exclaimed. "Did you have a nice time with Daddy?" The six year old nodded.

"I met a pirate." Grace raised her eyebrows and looked at Andrew.

"Oh?" she asked. "You did, did you?" David nodded again.

"He had an eye patch, and a wooden leg and a parrot." "Really?" Grace grinned at the little boy. "And what was his name?" David pondered for a moment, head cocked on one side.

"Crash," he replied. "Crash Bang Wallop." Grace laughed and set him down. As he wound his way back down the stairs, Andrew said,

"Did you fail to acknowledge the fact that I was also away at sea for two weeks?"

"I didn't fail to acknowledge the fact," Grace replied, "I simply relished it."

At breakfast Grace greeted her father with a huge hug and kiss, both of which he returned.

"How's my baby girl been?"

"Bored. Honestly, it's so dull sitting around in England while you take the boys to France, America, and the Caribbean. Why can't I come?"

Grace's father, Phillip Renishaw sighed and ran a hand through his hair, before replying, "Gracie, we've spoken about this before. It's too dangerous-"

"Too dangerous? Papa, David is six years old and you've taken him on voyages! I'm nine years older than him. How is it dangerous for me but not for David?"

"Grace, please." This was a different voice. It was that of Rebecca, the children's mother. "Your father's only just back from France and you're arguing already?"

"We weren't arguing, Rebecca, merely discussing."

"Good. Breakfast?"

After breakfast, Phillip called Grace, telling her he had a surprise for her. All previous disagreements were forgotten when he produced the most beautiful dress she had ever seen. It was white, and embroidered with tiny, delicate pink roses. Amidst the intricate white swirls were splashes of gold and silver.

"How much did you pay for this?" Grace exclaimed in awe. "Papa, it's beautiful!"

Phillip smiled warmly. "Never you mind about the cost. Only Paris' finest for my daughter."

"Thank you so much!" Grace threw her arms around her father and clung to him as she had done when she was younger. Phillip gladly returned the embrace.

"I'm sorry about this morning," Grace said, finally breaking away. "I never mean to argue, I suppose I just feel… cheated. But I know I shouldn't do, as you buy me all sorts of beautiful things. And I am grateful, but I miss you so when you're at sea. I wish I could spend more time with you." Phillip looked at his daughter, solemn and teary-eyed, and a wave of pity washed over him.

"Possibly- I'll consider taking you on my next voyage," he said, defeated by the lovely doe eyes, which instantly brightened up.

"Really?" Grace quipped.

"Really," Phillip nodded, smiling.