Disclaimer: I own every thing! (Yeah Right, I wish) I own nothing except for characters you don't recognize and the plot.
Veronica closed her eyes as she leaned against the ship's railing, her dark hair blowing back in the sea-breeze.
I wish Nathan was here with me, she thought, grinning slightly to herself.
Nathan, her brother, had prepared a place for her in the Americas, to which she was sailing to now. After their parents had died when she was four, Nathan, at age ten, had taken the responsibility to care for her to the best of his ability. For a while, they lived under the care of Weatherby Swann, a friend of their fathers. He had lost his wife and lived only with his daughter Elizabeth until the two were given to him.
Though Elizabeth was three years older than Veronica, the two established a close, sibling-like relationship. However, when Elizabeth's father was granted governorship in Port Royal, Veronica, at age ten, was left behind to be educated in an abbey where her mother had wished her to go. Nathan went along with them, but soon became his own independent person as he was old enough to establish his own profession as a merchant, and now,twelve years later, he had sent for Veronica.
Veronica reopened her green-blue eyes, relishing the sight before her. Never before had her eyes beheld such beauty as the sea. Before her, an endless ocean extended in waves of blue and green and white surf. As time passed, the colors deepened, and on the horizon the water caught fire where the sun had sunk to touch the sea.
About her shoulders, Veronica pulled her shawl closer. Though the weather had been warm lately, an unusual chill was in the air. Just as a shiver passed through her, Veronica felt an arm wrap around her shoulder.
"Why, Mr. Goldman," Veronica smiled. Looking down at his hand, she blushed slightly. "A lovely evening, is it not?"
"Yes, Miss Levine, a beautiful evening." Jonathon Goldman looked down at the young woman he had come to know well during the past months and smiled. "Absolutely beautiful."
Veronica looked up and found Jonathon staring directly at her. She smiled slightly and blushed.
"The wind is bitterly cold tonight, my lady. Would you care to be escorted back to your cabin?"
"No," Veronica whispered, breathing in the deep sea air. "No thank you, sir. At least, not just yet."
Turning her eyes from Jonathon's handsome features, Veronica gazed back over the water. The silver light of the stars and moon were just starting to reflect in the calm waters surrounding the ship. Veronica felt Jonathon's arm fall from her shoulders down to her waist, and she sighed contentedly, leaning into his embrace.
She had become quite taken with this young man, a friend of her brothers who happened to be in England when Veronica had been searching for a way to reach the Americas. Somehow, Jonathon had managed to get her a spot aboard one of her brother's merchant vessels. The only other woman was the captain's wife, Mary Hawthorne. The two had become quite close to one another.
Veronica felt Jonathon shift and check his pocket watch.
"Miss Levine," he murmured into her hair, "I think it's high time we head back to our cabins. It's already been an hour and a half. Might I have the privilege to escort you to your quarters?"
Veronica's eyes met Jonathon's soft blue ones for a moment before reluctantly nodding. She hadn't realized how much time had passed since the water had swallowed the sun. Jonathon offered her his arm which she willing took, though she missed the feeling of his arm around her waist.
As they descended the steps, Jonathon began, "The captain has informed me that our ship may be arriving in Port Royal within the next two weeks, Veronica ... I'm sorry, Miss Levine." In the dimness of the hall, it appeared to Veronica that Jonathon was quite embarrassed.
"No, it's alright ... Jonathon," she said softly.
He stopped, almost mid-step, and looked down at her. He held her gaze for a moment, but then he dropped his eyes and continued.
"Well," he continued on, "since I have become acquainted with you, since I have come to know you, I have found you to be a noble woman, a woman of honor who I hold in the highest esteem. However, I have not been clear about myself and my intentions. What I mean to say is – well ..." Jonathon seemed to be fumbling for words, and it made Veronica smile slightly. "I am wanting to know if you would mind if I should call on you once we've reached Port Royal."
"No, I wouldn't mind at all," Veronica replied softly, grinning bashfully. "I'd be honored."
A heavy silence fell between the two as they walked to reach Veronica's cabin. Just as her hand fell on the handle of the door, Jonathon's hand caught her other. He tugged her gently towards him, and she released her other hand from its grip.
"Good night, my Veronica," he whispered. He hesitated for a moment, looking down at her. Then he swiftly placed a kiss of her cheek and disappeared down the hall.
Veronica wistfully placed a hand on the place where his lips had touched her skin and breathed, "Good night, my Jonathon."
AN: dear readers (meaning you!)
PLEASE review!!! I've never done a fan fic before. Oh and no flames please! Besides ... I admit, that was a really boring chapter. It was just to introduce characters, add some scenery and all that boring stuff. Oh I hate that! But it must be done. However, HAVE NO FEAR!!! The pirates are coming (along with their infamous captain!) So no need to panic. I'll try and get this story moving as quickly as possible, but that might get put on hold, seeing as I'm going on vacation and moving ... Oh well, I'll try.