AN: I love you, yes you, reading this story, right here, right now. Because that means that you've liked chapters 1-6 and are eager for more. And that flatters me. Which brings me to my next announcement. You see, I had the beginnings of an Alice/Jasper story in my head, and then after I mentioned it in the previous chapter, I got another. So I took a leaf out of another author's book and posted a poll on my page with the summaries of the stories for you to vote on. I'll write them both, but I just need to write one first. And that's where you guys come in. So please visit my page and vote!
En Guarde
Elizabeth stretched and sighed in contentment. She had no idea how long she had been asleep, but she finally felt rested. For the first time, she really surveyed her new room. There was a desk and a mirror pushed awkwardly against the walls, and her hammock was underneath Mr. Collins' and crammed in the far corner of the room. It wasn't very roomy, but it wasn't bad. She couldn't complain.
She got to her feet with some difficulty as her hammock proved tricky to dismount, but she was most intrigued with the contents of the desk. She hoped that there were enough paper, quills, and ink for her to continue writing to Jane.
When she was satisfied with the contents, she sat down and wrote once more:
Dearest Jane,
I have lost track of the days that I have been aboard, but I still hope that you are not worried. I am fine. I have a bed to sleep in, three proper meals a day, and Mr. Collins to keep me company (though the last I would not categorize as a blessing).
It's so interesting being on a pirate ship, even though I get to see none of it. Several men have come by, the captain's son, his friend, and the first mate, no less. The former was rather rude. The latter was far more amiable. I do not blame the captain for choosing him as his first mate as opposed to his own son, though I gather that it is quite the scandal.
The third man that I have met was very charming and handsome. He reminds me of you, Jane, you both are so sweet and compassionate. I wish you could meet him.
I have also learned some rather alarming news. The Darcy's did not betray our agreement like father told us. In fact, they believe it was us who were the dishonorable ones. Perhaps there is something more sinister afoot. I shudder to think of an adversary powerful enough to fool us both.
Love,
Elizabeth
She drummed her fingers on the desk, waiting for the ink to dry. She had wondered if she should include her assault, but had ultimately decided against it. Jane always saw the good in men, never any bad, and such news would be quite a shock. She would hate to do that to her sister.
She folded up the letter and tucked it with the other two into her corset for safekeeping. She began drumming her fingers on the desk again. Oh how she wished for a book.
She had nearly resorted to waking Mr. Collins when a soft knock resounded in the room. Curiously, she stood up and called, "Come in!"
To her delight, it was Charles who opened the door. She smiled so that she was mirroring his expression.
"My dear Mademoiselle, I come with happy news. The captain has just given word at the recommendation of Mr. Wickham to allow you to wander about the ship at your own leisure," he said.
"You do not jest?" she asked, now very excited.
Charles shook his head. "I have actually come to escort you to the deck. My captain believes that you are in want of some fresh air and exercise."
"Your captain is an intelligent man," observed Elizabeth. Charles offered her his arm and she took it.
They twisted and turned through several corridors on the ship until they at last ascended into the light of the early afternoon.
Charles released Elizabeth and she threw her head back, simply marveling at the sea scent in the air and allowing the mild wind to whip at her hair.
Charles laughed. "Would you care to observe our sparring practice?" he asked kindly. "It will keep you out of the way."
Elizabeth nodded, her eyes alight with curiosity.
Charles laughed again and towed her to a far corner of the ship, where no men were busy mopping the deck or pulling ropes.
A rugged-looking man was practicing strokes alone with a wooden cutlass. He looked very skilled and totally immersed in his own imaginary battle.
Charles shook his head at this sight and called out, "Colonel!"
The man looked up and broke into a grin.
"Who's the pretty lady Charles? You know the captain doesn't like us smuggling girlies on board," he chided, dropping his sword to his side.
"Meet Mademoiselle Elizabeth Bennet," responded Charles, unaffected.
The rugged man raised his eyebrows. "She's allowed to be viewed?" he asked half sarcastically.
"Only to a privileged few," she responded, rolling her eyes.
At this the man threw back his head and laughed aloud.
"Beautiful, rich, and clever," he sighed, shaking his head, "I wish every girl in England were like you. Then finding myself a bride would be an activity of leisure."
"And what makes you so sure they'd say yes?" asked Elizabeth.
The man chuckled again. "And what a tongue," he mused.
"Did Mr. Bingley call you Colonel?" asked Elizabeth.
He waived his hand as if sweeping away the notion.
"A silly nickname," he said. "They said that I acted like a colonel, and the name regretfully stuck. I suppose I ought to introduce myself to you as Colonel Fitzwilliam now, to avoid the rest of the crew confusing you."
"Colonel Fitzwilliam sounds better than just Mr. Fitzwilliam," said Elizabeth pointedly.
Colonel Fitzwilliam rolled his eyes.
"And thus my real title is lost," he said mournfully.
She laughed.
The Colonel now turned to Charles, who had watched the entire exchange with an amused expression on his face.
"Shall we practice, Charles?" he asked.
"Absolutely," said Charles, grinning. "Let's give her a show."
The Colonel nodded solemnly.
Charles went to pick up another wooden cutlass from the small pile towards the edge of the ship and turned to face Colonel Fitzwilliam.
"En guarde!" said the Colonel, flourishing his weapon very elaborately.
"I will never understand how you can be considered skilled if all that you learn are simple tricks," said Charles, shaking his head. He raised his weapon.
The Colonel laughed and slashed, which Charles easily blocked. Then Charles struck at him.
Their fight was short but well matched, with the Colonel finally closing in and halting his sword on a lucky strike to the neck. Charles sighed.
"Next time the victory will be mine," he said.
"I refuse to allow that," replied Colonel Fitzwilliam with a wolfish grin.
"May I try?" asked Elizabeth. Her own father had practiced similarly, and she had badgered him until he tutored her. She hid a knowing smirk as the men pondered.
"Here Mademoiselle, perhaps the Colonel can educate you on the proper handling of a sword," said Charles at last, handing her his weapon tip-down, as if she could hurt somebody by simply holding the blunt wooden stick. She took it daintily.
"Now here," said the Colonel, swooping in to correct her grip. "Shall we take a practice swing?"
Elizabeth laughed. "I'll have none of that nonsense."
The Colonel shook his head knowingly. "This is not as easy a sport as it may appear. Practice is a grace from God."
Something out of Elizabeth's line of sight caught his eye.
"And here you may have your proof," he said, before calling, "Will! Come practice!"
Elizabeth could have sworn she heard a grumpy sigh before the unmistakable voice of William Darcy called out behind her, "Not if I must hand your manhood back to you again, cousin."
"Then perhaps you ought to put the eager Mademoiselle Bennet in her place?" suggested the Colonel.
Elizabeth turned to see him shaking his head. "Have you gone and lost to the lady, then Colonel?"
Colonel Fitzwilliam blanched. "Never in a thousand years!" he proclaimed.
"Though he refuses to even attempt," said Elizabeth, grinning slyly.
William chuckled and strode forward, plucking the sword from his cousin's hands.
"Very well, Mademoiselle. Perhaps this will teach you to think twice before you boast," he said, meeting her eyes with a very serious glare that countered his jesting tone.
Elizabeth felt her blood begin to boil. How dare he insult her?
She pulled her face into a taunting smile.
"Unlike you, I do not feel the need to pretend to be flawless. In fact, I only wish that I were able to check your nauseatingly swollen head."
Darcy raised his eyebrows. "Such strong words for a woman without skill."
"I said nothing of the sort," she said, feeling his voice enrage her. She took a defensive stance. "Begin?" she offered in an acidic tone.
Darcy shrugged and lazily struck at her. She wasn't entirely sure of her actions, but she did her best to be defensive. Block every blow, she chanted to herself, block, or this overconfident, rude man will have all the more reason to gloat.
He was strong, quick, and undoubtedly a powerful adversary, but she somehow held on. She began to gain confidence, striking at his chest, his head, stabbing at him then blocking his repost. Then one of her swings hit. Not hard, but suddenly she was staring at her sword on his neck, gently nudging the pulsing artery.
The Colonel let out a low appreciative whistle.
Elizabeth smiled, her eyes sparkling.
"That's for your insolence," she said, and dropped her sword.
Will was speechless.
PS: Review if you love me XD.
