Author's Note: Hey everyone!!! Chapter 2 is slightly depressing.

Disclaimer: I own Captain Morris and Governor Peregrine.

Chapter 2

Refusal

When Isabella walked down the stairs an two hours later, she found Captain Morris waiting at the steps talking with Governor Peregrine.

"Good evening Captain Morris," she said with a forced smile.

Captain Morris turned quickly and took her hand. "A pleasure as always, Miss Peregrine."

"Have a great time at the theater, Isabella, dear," Governor Peregrine said.

"Of course, father." She left the house without looking at him.


She enjoyed the production at the theater as usual. It was one of her favorite things to do. It was what was going to happen after that she dreaded.

"Miss Peregrine, would you walk with me in the gardens?" Captain Morris asked as he helped her from the carriage back at her home.

"Of course."

They walked for a time before anyone said anything. Captain Morris stopped Isabella in front of the water fountain in the center of the gardens.

"Isabella, it comes a time in a man's life that he needs to make a choice. I have watched you grow up from a sweet child to a beautiful woman. The more I have gotten to know you over the years, the more I realized that I need you in my life as more than just the Governor's daughter. Isabella," he said taking her hand. "I want you to be my wife."

Isabella was silent for a few moments and turned away from him.

"Captain," she said turning back to him. "I have known you my entire life and have admired you as a friend. Although I enjoy your friendship and company very much, some friendships much stay just that. I'm sorry, but I will not marry you."

Isabella felt like she had just stabbed him through the heart. She realized from the look on his face that he really did care for her.

"Then we have nothing more to say to each other for the time being."

Isabella walked to him and brushed her fingertips against his chin and looked at him in the eyes.

"I'm sorry." She made sure that he understood that she was serious and then she fled.