AN: Thank you so much to everyone who has reviewed, followed, and favorited my story! Knowing you guys enjoy it keeps me inspired! That being said, thank you to the Guest reviewer who suggested I show a few of Charlotte's flaws. This suggestion helped me get over a little bit of writer's block with this next chapter! Hope you all keep enjoying!
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Charlotte was nervous as she began dressing for the ball. No matter how she had argued against the idea for the past few days, they had all refused to stay at the townhouse tonight. She had no idea how Ian, Jack, Anne, and Charles were going to make it through an entire evening without being discovered. The thought of it made her absolutely ill, and so she tried not to think of the impending doom hanging above her head.
When the maid was finished styling her hair, piling curls on top while letting one ringlet fall to her left shoulder, she helped Charlotte into the ball gown. As soon as the maid began tightening the strings on the corset, Charlotte recalled just how painful the device was and would have cursed had there been enough air left in her lungs. Once the undergarments were properly in place and squeezing the life out of her, the maid helped her step into the royal purple gown.
When Charlotte had commissioned the dress, the seamstress had insisted that the color was entirely inappropriate for a woman her age and that it wasn't fashionable, but Charlotte had won the argument by compromising on an ivory lace overdress that let the purple show through while maintaining a nod towards societies rules of pastel for single women. The sleeves for the dress were long and the collar came up high on her neck even though the front of the gown was cut so low, Charlotte was sure if she breathed she would explode out of the top. A simple amethyst pendant rested between her breasts and Charlotte nodded at her reflection. When she stepped out on to the landing she saw Anne waiting at the top of the steps twisting her hands together.
"You look fantastic," Charlotte told her as she approached. Anne jumped and cringed, "How do you survive in this torture device? I can't breathe," Anne said as she twisted her torso around trying to get comfortable. Charlotte laughed a little bitter, "You aren't supposed to do anything, but look pretty like any other decoration. I'm convinced they strangle the breath from you so that you can't speak." Charlotte couldn't help, but remind her, "Remember, you are the one who insisted on going." Anne glared daggers at her before stomping down the stairs, mumbling about idiotic fashion, but Charlotte had a feeling Anne liked the way she looked and that was what was irritating her more.
Charlotte hadn't lied to Anne when she told her she looked wonderful. The seamstress had a mint colored dress ready except for some finishing touches and with Anne's red hair cleaned and styled similar to Charlotte's. she looked stunning. Not a moment later, she heard Jack telling Anne the same thing and she smiled at the shocked tone in his voice. Realizing she was standing on the landing like a fool, Charlotte walked down the stairs to join them. Jack was the first to see her and his reaction had Charles standing up straight from where he was leaning against the railing to turn and get a full look.
When he turned towards her, Charlotte couldn't look away. Both he and Jack had foregone the traditional powdered wig and had left their hair natural, but pulled back with a ribbon. Charles had on tan breeches covered almost entirely by the rich, grey waistcoat that brought out the stormy color of his eyes. The navy coat he wore over had gold buttons and the cuffs on the sleeves had gold thread sewn in an elaborate pattern. She knew that the fashion of carrying a sword helped ease any concerns Charles had about tonight. As long as he and Jack could fight then they could handle anything. He was ridiculously good looking in the formal attire and even though Charlotte appreciated the look, she preferred him in an open shirt, his hair down, working on his ship.
When she put her hand in his, he said, "You look unbelievable." Charlotte blushed, "So do you." Just then, the carriage arrived and the butler held the door for them as they filed out into the night. The ride was a short one, as the Admiral didn't live far. Outside the ball, the street was packed with carriages and people and Charlotte could tell that the crowds were making the others in her party uncomfortable. As they stepped out into the crowd, people began to greet Charlotte and she fell back on her old routine, calling back greetings automatically.
Once they made it inside, Charlotte began trying to find the Admiral, which really wasn't that hard to do since he was impossibly tall. Sir Stafford Fairborne towered over those around him at six feet four inches and when he saw his goddaughter his face lit up. Making her way through the crowd, she was scooped up and hugged tight by the Admiral. "I thought you weren't going to make it this year. Your father sent word that you were ill," Fairborne said as he sat her back down. Even at five feet eight inches, which was tall for most women, Charlotte had to lean her head back to look at her godfather, "I wouldn't miss seeing you! It seems as if we go longer and longer without seeing each other every year."
Fairborne nodded, "I know, my dear. How do you like the horse I sent? I was told he was the finest one available." Charlotte beamed, "Absolutely fantastic! You know you shouldn't have, but he is incredible." The Admiral squeezed her hands in his and Charles could see that he completely doted on Charlotte. Fairborne seemed to notice the rest of Charlotte's party and turned to face them. For a brief terrifying moment, Charlotte thought the Admiral recognized them, but the look passed from his face and he smiled. "Admiral, I'd like to introduce William, James, and Abigail.
As everyone provided the customary bows and curtsies, Charlotte watched them all, looking for any signs that something might go wrong. Satisfied they had all passed inspection, Charlotte began her questioning of the Admiral.
"So, I read in the paper that the annexation of Nassau hasn't gone as planned. The paper was vague, but do you know what happened," Charlotte asked looking directly at Fairborne. He looked down at her for a moment before saying, "Governor Rogers it seems, has fallen ill, and during his recovery time the criminal he insisted on taking with him has begun running the island again. This Guthrie woman tried to hang the pirate Charles Vane, but was thwarted by rebels on the island who, according to the tales, was cut down from the noose by a musket shot."
Charlotte gave the Admiral the appropriate reaction, bringing her hand to her chest, "My word! What a tale. Is any of it true?" Fairborne continued, "Most of it is. Of course, you must allow some room for embellishment, but I was given the report from soldier who was there." Charlotte nodded, "What do you intend to do? Has the governor asked for assistance?" Fairborne answered, "He has asked for assistance, but the crown refuses to aid him. He was told when he left that what he sailed with was all he would get. The crown isn't interested in Nassau at this time. Its interests lie in opposing the French and Spanish in the American colonies and the new Russian regime rise. It can't be bothered to worry about a few pirates in the Caribbean."
Charlotte held in her sigh of relief. That meant that if they could defeat Rogers that would be the end of English occupation for the time being. Just then, the Admiral was called away, leaving the group alone to talk. Jack was the first, saying, "We need to confirm what our dear admiral just said. Once we do that, we can leave before we are found out. I could have sworn he recognized us." Anne nodded as Charles said, "I agree with Jack. Once we confirm this we need to leave." Charlotte shook her head, "If we keep asking questions, he will get suspicious. I think we've pushed our luck enough."
Charles argued, "If we go back without actual evidence and England sends its navy, we will never survive." Charlotte made sure she looked as if she were smiling as she hissed, "I didn't say we wouldn't get evidence. Let me go to his office and see if I can't find any correspondence stating England's noninvolvement. The Admiral said he got a first-hand account of your…Vane's hanging. Some type of correspondence must have been had between Fairborne and the crown."
"I'll go with you," Charles said, but Charlotte waved her hand dismissing him. "No, I'll go alone. If I'm found no one will be suspicious. If we are found together, the Admiral won't let you leave this house alive no matter who you are," Charlotte said. Charles grew a little angry at her dismissal of him with a simple wave of her hand, but let it go for the moment, knowing her logic was right. Charlotte continued, "I'll start heading that way now. If you don't want to dance, I suggest staying out of the ballroom which is just one more door down the hall. Everywhere else should be safe. His office is on the second floor and I shouldn't be gone too long. I'll find you when I have what we need.
Charlotte didn't wait for them to agree and set off through the crowd, not knowing that Charles followed her from a distance. As Charlotte stopped to talk to a few different people, a woman approached Charles smelling of heavy perfume. "I don't believe we have met," she said with heavy eyes. If the woman hadn't been in a townhouse in London, Charles wouldn't have been able to tell her from any other prostitute, but, knowing she had to be someone important Charles bowed and took her hand saying, "I don't believe we have. William, at your service." The woman's high pitched giggle made Charles want to shudder, but he smiled instead. The woman clung to his arm like she had known him forever, "Lady Elizabeth. If you aren't busy, I was wondering if you might help me with something."
Charles replied, "I must apologize as I am on my way to check on a friend. Perhaps later?" As Lady Elizabeth, pursed her painted lips in a fake pout, Charles again wondered at the falseness of England. If someone wanted to fuck on Nassau they didn't go through this whole fake conversation about nothing. It just proved to him that the English were no better than anyone else, they just lied to themselves. Extracting himself from her claw-like grip, Charles walked away from the cloud of perfume and searched for Charlotte. After searching the main floor for what felt like an hour, Charles took the stairs to the second floor. He didn't know Lady Elizabeth was following him until just as he saw Charlotte coming out of the servant's entrance at the back of the hall. As she looked right and left out of the doorway, Lady Elizabeth whispered in Charles ear, "I thought you'd never slip away from the crowd downstairs."
His first instinct was to turn and hit whoever had snuck up on him, but when he turned to see her he grabbed her instead and pulled her into a dark corner. "Lady Elizabeth, you need to go back downstairs," Charles started, but she pushed herself against him and pouted once more, "You aren't going to send me away are you?" Seeing Charlotte slowly walking down the hall Charles did the only thing he could to keep Elizabeth facing him. Bringing his mouth down on hers, he kissed her exactly like she had been wanting. Charles had kissed many women over the years, but this one had to be the absolute worst. He hoped Charlotte found the room she was looking for quickly so that he could end this nightmare.
When he opened his eyes again, the hall was empty and he quickly broke the kiss. Elizabeth rubbed herself against him and Charles pushed her back, "I'm sorry, I don't know what came over me. We need to go back downstairs." Not giving her any time to reply, he took her hand and drug her behind him. The situation was made worse when he met the Admiral on the stairs. "I was hoping to speak to you alone," Fairborne said. Lady Elizabeth excused herself and Charles nodded to the Admiral. Following Fairborne back upstairs, he hoped that they didn't enter the same room where Charlotte was.
/
Charlotte snuck out into the dark hallway, thinking that her plan so far was going marvelously. No one had been identified, she had a verbal confirmation that England was staying out of Nassau and now all she had to do was make it a few doors down to find written proof so that she could get back out to sea with Charles. Someone moaning had Charlotte flattening herself against the wall as she searched the hall. When she found the culprit, her heart shattered in her chest.
There, at the end of the hall, was Charles with a woman draped across him. For a moment, Charlotte couldn't breathe as her world crumbled around her. Christ, she had to be the biggest fool on the planet. She had told herself at the beginning, not to expect a commitment from him, that he wasn't the type, but somewhere along the way she must have forgotten and now this brutal reminder slapped her in the face. Opening the door closest to her, she hurried inside as she burst in to tears.
She hated crying, but the heart-wrenching sobs that came out couldn't be held back. Her body shook as she hugged herself sliding to the floor against the door. How could he do this to her? The least he could have done was end things between them before he bedded someone else. Charlotte wasn't sure how long she sat on the floor in the dark room before she became aware that she had stopped crying. The ache hadn't lessened, but it seemed as if her eyes had dehydrated themselves and couldn't produce another drop of moisture.
Taking a deep breath, she slowly pulled herself up off the floor and realized that she had at least entered the correct room. She had only been in the Admiral's office once before when she was a little girl, but she recognized the desk that was in the same place by the window. As she searched, she briefly thought about abandoning the whole idea, letting Charles worry about Nassau. She could travel someplace else and start over, again, but she quickly let that go as she thought about Anne, Jack, Billy, and all the other friends she had made that called Nassau home. She couldn't abandon them no matter how disloyal Charles was. As she searched the desk, she cursed herself for being such a soft-hearted fool. She had told him she respected and trusted him and he had thrown those words back in her face in less than a week. He had to be laughing at her right now as he did as he please.
She opened a letter box and found the evidence she needed, a letter from the crown stating that the Admiral was to focus his attention on the American colonies and to abandon any attempts at help for Governor Rogers. Her first thought was to run to Charles to tell him the good news, which was quickly followed by rage as the picture of him kissing that woman came to the forefront of her mind. Anger surged up in her as she grabbed the letter box to put it back, only to have the one person in the world she hated at the moment, crack the door and call her name.
/
When Charles followed the Admiral into a well-lit room that appeared to be a library, he quickly looked around and breathed a sigh of relief that Charlotte was nowhere in sight. That relief was soon banished when the Admiral poured a glass of scotch and then turned directly to him saying, "I know exactly who you and your friends are, Charles Vane." Vane went deathly still, resting his hand on the hilt of the sword at his waist.
The Admiral's eyebrows rose slightly before he took a sip, "You won't be needing that. At least not right now. What I want to know is why my goddaughter is bringing you to my home under false pretenses, and how she met you in the first place." Charles didn't relax as he said, "She saved me." Fairborne nodded, "I thought that was her from the description I received, but what was she doing in Nassau?" Charles answered, "She ran from an arranged marriage her father set up." Charles watched as the Admiral stiffened and his eyebrows furrowed into a scowl. "Damnit, who did he arrange this with," he asked, hoping Charles knew. "Lucien Anderson," was all Charles said before the glass shattered in the Admiral's hand. "That son of a bitch," said Fairborne as he took out a handkerchief, dabbing at the alcohol and blood.
He continued, "So she fled to Nassau and saved you from the noose. Charlotte has more adventure in her than her mother or I ever had." As he said it, Charles watched Fairborne as his face showed a degree of shock at sharing that news. "She's your daughter," Charles asked slowly. After a moment, Fairborne nodded, "But that does not leave this room. Her mother and I were the only ones to know, and now, so do you." Charles stood still for a moment until his anger at the man, overrode his tongue, "So if she is your daughter, why haven't you protected her from that man she calls father!"
Fairborne stood up, "I would have claimed her if it wouldn't have destroyed her! I loved her mother and I love Charlotte which is why she has stayed with Sommerfield. Her mother begged me to let her live a titled life that was secure and I have kept my promise." Charles shook his head, "So you let her be beaten and almost sold to a man who would kill her?" At this, the Admiral looked confused, "Beaten, by whom?" Charles growled, "Her father. You didn't know?" Fairborne looked stunned, "Good Lord, no. She never said anything."
Charles laughed, derision in his voice, "Of course she wouldn't. She's not one to complain." Fairborne looked hard at Charles then, "You care for her, don't you?" Charles head snapped up, looking the man in the eye and for a moment he didn't answer. Fairborne nodded his own confirmation, "Of course you do. You're here in the middle of London to make sure she is safe as she tries to pry naval information from me." The Admiral laughed, "Charlotte always thought she could lie, but the truth was always on her face." He stopped smiling, "And the truth is, she cares for you too. How on earth my daughter has fallen for a pirate is baffling, but I could see it on her face downstairs when she introduced you." Charles said nothing, but took a deep breath. It was one thing to be with Charlotte, it was another to have her father staring at you acknowledging she was.
"This is an absolute mess," Fairborne said. "For tonight, you and your compatriots are safe, but I want you out of England by morning. And you will leave Charlotte in London," At his final statement, Charles began shaking his head, but the Admiral waved his hand cutting off the protest. "She is not yours. She never should have left England in the first place and now that I know what is happening, I will protect her," Fairborne said with authority. Charles ground his teeth, but knew there was no point to arguing. He would find Charlotte and they would be gone before the Admiral knew. When Charles didn't argue, Fairborne nodded, "Good man. Now I suggest you go downstairs and collect your friends." As soon as Charles left the Admiral in the library, he hid in a room not far so that he could make sure Fairborne left before he searched for Charlotte.
Not long after, the Admiral walked back downstairs to the party and Charles began searching rooms. He had searched several when he stuck his head in the doorway whispering her name only to have a box shatter by his ear. He was able to identify Charlotte just before a letter opener came sailing his way, embedding itself not two inches from his head. Ducking inside the room he shut the door and yelled, "Jesus! Charlotte! Stop, it me!" When this only accelerated the objects being thrown, Charles dodged them and tried to grab her.
Charlotte was able to deflect his hands, as she ran to the other side of the desk, "Don't you fucking touch me!" Grabbing anything she could from the desk to throw, Charles stopped chasing her after one more lap around the desk. "What the hell is wrong with you?!," he shouted knocking objects out of the air. Charlotte was physically spent and placed her hands on the desk breathing hard, "Fuck you Charles! Nothing is wrong with me!" Charles, being both angry and confused shouted back, "Like hell there's not! Your running around like a madwoman throwing shit and cursing me!"
"Just get out and leave me alone!" Charlotte begged, about to cry again. Charles stood completely still, confused more than he ever had been in his life, "What happened?" Charlotte did begin to cry then and she sobbed out, "You! You fucking happened! It's all your fault!" Charles tried to come around the desk again, but Charlotte backed away. Sensing she wasn't going to explain any more he said, "You'll have to give me more than that for an explanation." Charlotte put her face in her hands, shaking her head back and forth, when she raised her face to him a few moments later he saw the tears pouring down her face and her red eyes that said she had to have been crying for hours.
Charlotte took a deep breath, "If you need more of an explanation to tell you why I am upset, then you've been kissing too many women, and I am done." Charles was so relieved he almost laughed, "That's what you are upset about?" He didn't get to say anything else as Charlotte shrieked, throwing a glass from the self behind her. "Charlotte! Stop! Let me explain!" he yelled ducking a vase. "I don't want to hear anything you have to say! I saw plenty!" she shouted grabbing a book. She tried to make a run for the door to get away, but Charles blocked her, "You'll listen to me whether you want to or not!"
Charlotte backed towards the balcony window and did something Charles didn't expect. "I won't. I don't care what you have to say. Your words mean nothing. You mean nothing," she spit out as she jumped over the balcony beyond his reach. Charles didn't know about the bushes below the window, but Charlotte did. Landing in them wasn't as soft as she had thought, as the branches stabbed her and caught on her dress, but it did keep her from breaking her neck. Clawing her way out of them, she didn't look back to see Charles fuming mad or the hurt in his eyes.