A/N: Hello dear readers! Forgive me for making you wait for so long. I'm afraid my brain had been caught up in more seriousness which does not quite suit the tone of this story so I had it rested for a while.

Enjoy!


Part of Growing Up

(Hertfordshire, 1804)

It had been widely known in the little town of Meryton in Hertfordshire, that the young pirate Lizzy has vowed to leave the life of piracy. Many of whom have heard this news were concerned for surely their little pirate was feeling out of sorts when she had declared such a speech.

Among them was one Sir William Lucas, who have just been knighted over a month ago. The talks of his knighthood had been terribly eclipsed by the unprecedented move of pirate Lizzy, even the retirement of his son as Captain Blackbeard had not been talked about as more than just a passing comment.

But, Sir William of course knew well enough why this sudden talk of her retirement from the long-lived piracy in Meryton had left the country in tumult of concerns and emotions. That was because no one would believe it of the girl; Lizzy had loved the Blackbeard pirates ever since she was small. Therefore, such gossips would soon come to pass, and Meryton would be speaking again of his knighthood.

P&P

The Blackbeard Pirates had been there for series of generations, starting from the first line of the Harrington's upon entering the county, and passed down from Captain to the man of his choosing. In fact, Sir William Lucas, in his childhood had once been hailed Captain Blackbeard, 'till he passed it down to Mr. Phillips once he came out of age. Then on the title went to Mr. Barnes, then to his own son, John, and now to Frank Churchill. Now, this generation had rather put the Blackbeard pirates in a precarious situation.

Really, Sir William could not blame his son for choosing the Churchill boy, instead of Peter Goulding. Frank was a promising boy. He had such a lively disposition that was very much like Lizzy's, only tending to be more inclined to that of a dandy's attitude; while Peter Goulding was somewhat of a shy nature, and no doubt would be over-shadowed by the prominent figure of the then-first mate pirate Lizzy. Well, if Lizzy were a boy, she no doubt would have been the new captain, but of course, that could not be, as she was born female. Truly, had she been a boy, she would have made a better captain than Frank.

P&P

He had heard tales of her punching the poor Churchill boy's nose but did not believe it. Not until he saw the proof during the Sunday morning services. The lad's good looks had been dented by a slightly broken nose – which still did not deter many young girls to pronounce him handsome – even his eldest daughter Charlotte Lucas. If anything, Frank must be thankful to Lizzy for garnering more sympathies from the ladies with his injury.

But that was not the news that had him so daunted. He was baffled, to be sure when it was Mr. Bennet and Mr. Morris – the designated solicitor who keeps all the legalities and formalities of the pirate crew – who approached him, and not Mr. Churchill – the adoptive father of the injured lad. As the acting magistrate, he had expected to hear some words of apology coming from the Bennet's quarter, but no, he was to be disappointed. Then came Mr. Bennet's request to have word with him on the morrow. He observed that Mr. Churchill did looked their way many a time before finally departing in their carriage. Lizzy, he did see, along with the Bennet girls and matron. If Lizzy did not wear a contrite expression, he fancied himself too far to note the countenance of the little girl.

Monday morning came and the sunlight lit the threshold of Lucas lodge, darkened by the shadows of Mr. Bennet and Mr. Morris. There was a brief passing of papers but not a minute to pause and peruse them. It was then not so surprising when Sir William choked on his tea when Mr. Bennet spoke.

"My girls wish to retire from the crew. As of today, they are no longer a part of the Blackbeard Pirates." As if done with the whole business, Mr. Bennet casually stood, delivered his goodbye, bowed and deftly left his study; he had not even touched his tea.

Sir William Lucas was extremely caught off guard. Lizzy retiring was something he already heard about, but all the Bennet girls?

Mr. Morris then took the floor as Sir William had yet to close his gaping mouth. "Here, I have all their resignation letters, everything has been signed by the concerned parties – only needing your seal of approval as the magistrate." Mr. Morris then handed him another set of papers, all five distinctly similar, excepting the name from whom the paper belonged.

Mr. Morris heaved an almost grievous sigh and with a slumped form softly spoke his blues, "Charming little girls. Such a great loss for the crew." Then he turned his pained eyes to him, "Sir William, pray tell me sir, what shall happen to the crew?"

It was not until late afternoon when Sir William found his wits. Lady Lucas saw his distracted mood and inquired. The next morning, all the talks within the Meryton parlours were of the Bennet's early resignation from the crew.

While it was expected that they would eventually leave it, the suddenness of it all gave rise to speculations. Many connected it to Lizzy's punching the new Captain – why, it was a start for mutiny. The more sensible of the little girl's plight, though, connected it to the implied inequality of the sex – why, there have been lady pirate captains in the seas, why could not a little girl be captain to a local pirate crew, which was only there to entertain the children while their parents were entertaining themselves?

P&P

It was not long until the issue of captaincy and how Lizzy could have been a suitable captain as well as Frank Churchill was raised. Every tongue spoke of how Lizzy could have served well as captain, even some of the Blackbeard pirates, themselves, felt the loss of the previous first-mate. Less and less children went to the pirate ship (just a cottage really; built on the lands of Mr. Harrington). When spoken to, they would bemoan the dullness of the new captain's games.

Peter Goulding would say, "Churchill only entertains the girls. He is a pansy – always playing prince and princess. Lizzy would have led us to a race to some cave or a swim to the lake, or tree climbing. We would all be laughing by now, and not skulking around eating burnt cookies Mrs. Churchill bought."

Sir William was very surprised at the usually shy boy speaking at length that his verbosity flew out to the farthest corner of the world, never to return that day. He could sympathize with the current lack of energy of the crew. He was once a lad, too. Hearing of all the games Lizzy had shared to the crew made him excited and feel like a fresh child once again. If he could, he would have joined them on their races as well.

They also played such games during his captaincy, and only one would not join them, opting to sit under a tree with only his books for company. Well, Thomas Bennet had never really enjoyed pirating, not as much as his own Lizzy seemed to do. He would laugh at them all, despite his being a part of the crew as well. He must be behind Lizzy's withdrawal.

But, back to the problem at hand. What must he do to prevent the breaking of the Blackbeard Pirates, which had become an important legacy to those of Hertfordshire folks. Since Lizzy's withdrawal, most of the crew wanted to go with her. Apparently, Lizzy's games were much more interesting than that of Frank, another reason was Frank's decision to repaint their jolly roger to add a crown to it – this, as stated by Mrs. Phillips, was also one major reason why Lizzy decided to leave.

As magistrate of the beloved county, Sir William Lucas could not just leave this time-changing occurrence to destroy the legacy that had been running for over 30 generations. It had been more than just a hundred-year legacy, and to be threatened by a change of jolly roger - a jolly roger that had been as old as the legacy, well, it cannot be. It just cannot be. He must pay a call to the Bennet family.

P&P

"Ah." Mr. Bennet indifferently acknowledged Sir William's entrance in his study. He had received many gentlemen callers, all inquiring after the Blackbeard Pirate's future. Truth be told, he did not care a single thing about it. Ah, no. In all honesty, he did care about it very much – that was when his daughters, especially Lizzy, were so engrossed by it.

He had hoped that the crew, with the changing times, would also be more open to new things. However, it was not to be and there went all his daughters. In fact, after Lizzy's withdrawal, all his daughters seemed to be drawn to his home. They no longer frolic about the country in the mornings but flock in the house, except for Lizzy of course.

After having her withdrawal formally acknowledged, Lizzy had spent the better hours of morning walking about the country – she called them exercise. Jane sometimes would accompany her when she was given leeway by her mother from learning whatever ladies were ought to do. While his remaining three daughters would disturb his library, searching for whatever books he had placed in the shelves that were allowable to them.

Well, just Mary was actually reading. Kitty and Lydia would displace all his books and re-arrange them in colours that pleased them. It did not matter to him; it was quite pleasing to the eyes. They had rather enjoyed coming in and out of his library after that fateful day, and he had never thought that he would also enjoy such a sight.

Indeed, they would come and go, but they have learned to temper their enthusiasm to not disturb his attentions from his own book. He rather enjoyed the times they would jump on him when on his leisure. It was rewarding to observe Mary interacting more with her sisters, see Kitty voicing her own thoughts, and watch Lydia doing more worthwhile things. But the most rewarding of all was Mrs. Bennet's lessening use for smelling salts. Dare he believe that soon those salts would be forgotten altogether?

The only drawback, really was Lizzy's melancholic attitude. Not really melancholic, but rather pensive expression. She was still as animated as ever, but lately, she seemed to be more contemplative when she believes herself to be alone. Before, Lizzy never seemed to have an idle time. If she was not with the crew, she would be analysing maps and reading about geography in his book room, or she would be practicing the pianoforte as she believed that it was a necessary skill for a pirate.

Mrs. Bennet had tried to assure him that it was only because she was nearing 'that' age and so he did try his best to come to terms with it. Still, it saddened him. He had enjoyed the afternoons when Lizzy practiced her piano skills, and when deemed perfect by herself, her enthusiastic playing to entertain them in the evenings. To date, he had never seen her sit on the piano bench.

The one time he saw her, she was slumped, fingering the ivory keys, yet never pressing to make a sound. He knew… he felt his daughter's longing keenly.

"Lizzy, why have you not been playing lately? Do you not like to play the pianoforte anymore?" Kitty asked her sister from her perch on the drawing table.

"Indeed not, Kitty." Lizzy answered softly but not looking at her sister.

"Silly, Kitty." Lydia giggled – somehow, she had picked up on the Harrington girls' favourite exclamation. "Then why, Lizzy? Do you not want to play music anymore?" still, her attention was caught by her sister's comment.

"That's not it, Lyddie."

"Silly, Lyddie." This time, it was Kitty who giggled at her sister.

Mr. Bennet intended to check their words, however, he was more intent to learn the workings of his second daughter's mind. "Then why? I do wonder why you don't practice anymore. I thought you wished to be the best pianist."

Lizzy heaved a great sigh and played a faltering do-re-mi before answering with barely concealed wistfulness, "For what it's worth, I am no longer a pirate. Being good at the pianoforte is no longer necessary, for I shall not be able to play in a ship." Another sigh.

Quite suddenly, she bubbled in laughter and addressed Mary with her trademark grin, "Worry not, my dear Mary, for I still shall teach you how to play. Though I fear that I shall be a poor instructor."

Mary looked upon her sister with a serious mien – she always was serious observed Mr. Bennet – "Indeed, Lizzy. I worry not at all. I have long known your propensity to share your knowledge in everything you deemed necessary to share. Mayhap if you could not be a pirate, you may become a governess?" then she turned her attention to her Papa. "Papa, do you think Lizzy could become a governess?"

And quite suddenly, Mr. Bennet found himself in a disturbing quandary for in that instant, all his daughters shared their dreams for future employment.

Kitty wanted to be a painter, could she become a painter, and also, are there painters that paints on dresses.

Lydia said that when she grew older, she would like to buy a lot of bonnets and dresses, then she will pull them apart to make them look better. She even showed him the dress (really just a piece of cloth wrapped around the doll and knotted around its neck – a rather scandalous attire) she made for her doll, Lolita – was she not just as charming as she? She said she tried to make Jamie a dress as well, but Mary thought it too frilly for Jamie, so she pulled it apart as well. She would gift it to Jamie when his birthday came.

Then Mary said she wanted to become a parson. Said it looked to be a very respectable occupation.

For once, he wished that they could just become pirates had they wanted it. Well, as they had been sharing all their dreams, might as well have all his girls confess.

He looked at Jane who was too mild to join the chaos that were her sisters. Immediately, the trio sobered and looked up to their sister with anticipation. The attention only succeeded to make Jane demure further. His look persevered and soon was rewarded with her shy and halting reply, but by the end of her statement, she found her own courage, "Someday, Papa, I hope to… have a home of my own to fill with happiness and love, like we have here at Longbourn."

It soothed him that at least Jane had the proper inclination, it reminded him, though, that this daughter of his would soon be declared out in society and it would be just a matter of years before she left him for her own home.

Then he looked to Lizzy who was again slumped on the bench, again that contemplative look in her eyes directed on the floor.

"Lizzy?" he prompted.

"I have yet to find what makes me happiest, Papa. I would at least give Mary's recommendation a try. Perhaps it would suit me well were I not able to catch a husband." Ah, at least, Lizzy's humour was still intact.

P&P

It was not until Sir William cleared his throat that Mr. Bennet's musings were interrupted.

"Thank you for approving of my girls' resignations, Lucas." Mr. Bennet spoke distractedly as he found himself a more comfortable position on his chair.

"In that I most fully regret my inaction to prevent such a thing. Bennet, I find I must speak frankly with you. I have been to visit the crew to observe on the previous days. I have heard the fun escapades your daughter Lizzy has led the crew, and truly, her games are nothing but capital. Your daughter is worthy of being called a gem."

With this pronouncement, Mr. Bennet interjected, "But not the gem polite society would welcome – and you know that full well, Lucas. If you are here to talk me of returning my girls in the crew, I must disappoint you. My daughters are gently born and the society expects them to behave as gently bred ladies do, which most assuredly would not be learnt by parading as pirates about Meryton."

"But the Blackbeard Pirates is a special kind, Bennet. It is a rather capital idea of entertaining children, instead of having them play with unguarded mischief." At the last pronounced words, Mr. Bennet should be forgiven for laughing at his old friend. Unguarded mischief – no words put together had been more foolish.

"Tell me Lucas, why do you insist on having them back, what about your daughter? You could just as easily return her to the crew."

Sir William looked deflated – it was obvious from the very beginning that Bennet would not make it easy for him. "You know very well that my Charlotte is well past the age of gallivanting about town as a pirate. And it was Lizzy's leadership that most of the crew wanted back. Truly, Bennet, the crew is in a precarious situation. It may not at all last long with the constant lessening of attendees. I have seen the log myself just this morning, and noticed only about half the usual numbers, most of them girls. Most of the boys just skulk about the cottage; they miss playing your daughter's games."

In all the years of their acquaintance, Mr. Bennet was surprised that the usually affable William Lucas could also be morose. Although, such a change of countenance was not enough to shake Mr. Bennet's resolve.

"You must be confused." answered he. "Churchill is their captain, is he not. It is his responsibility to lead his crew, and not my daughters'."

Seeing his friend about to speak, Mr. Bennet held up his hand and looked him straight in the eyes, "I admit to speaking my thoughts and fears of their playing pirates to my Lizzy, but it was not I who made the decision. Naturally, without Lizzy's prompting them to play pirates anymore, the other three wanted out as well. Jane, as you must know, had long absented herself from the crew. I did nothing to persuade nor dissuade them, I still believe my daughters have the right to speak their minds.

"Lizzy is a bright child, Lucas. She has sense enough to draw the line where fantasy and reality departs. She had long accepted the fact that she could not play pirates forever, that she must grow and understand how our society works. I know that your Charlotte is a sensible girl as well, and I believe that you understand my sentiments well on the matter."

Defeated, Sir William soon took his leave, but unlike Mr. Bennet, he finished two cups of his tea, and even three morsels of shortbread and a slice of fruitcake. If asked how this came about, Sir William could only wonder how capital those treats were. Mrs. Bennet truly served the best in her plates.

Nevertheless, the issue was still hanging on his head. The issue of his knighthood being replaced by the Bennet's retirement he had accepted with reserve, but soon, his natural gregariousness took place and it was no longer clouding his countenance.

Still, he was reluctant to leave the issue at hand, such a legacy – a very important legacy – was at risk of being disbanded, dissolved, forgotten. It was an equally precious legacy for all of Meryton folk. He must at least speak with Lizzy.

He went back to Mr. Bennet's study and was given permission to speak to the child.

Immediately, he observed that the air around the child was much calm – still lively, but her exuberance was diminished somewhat, it was more proper-like, more lady-like. This transformation made him wonder how children grow so quickly. With his very own eyes, he had observed how this precocious little girl turned into such a lady of confidence and lightness of step, her mischief-filled eyes turning into brightly intelligent ones, and her once run-a-mile mouth spoke with everything proper. At least, Miss Lizzy addressed him properly, unlike her father.

"Good afternoon, Sir William, I trust you find everything in our little town well."

"Good afternoon, to you, too, Miss Lizzy. Yes, yes, my dear Miss Lizzy. Everything in Meryton is well and good. You are well?"

"As well as you find me to be, Sir William."

"Miss Lizzy, you are a very intelligent girl, and I hope you would consider my offer. I came here with one purpose and I must find myself to speak frankly and deliver my point across to you, as your father could not be persuaded to acquiesce to my request. Would you hear me, Miss Lizzy?"

"Surely, Sir William."

"Thank you, Miss Lizzy. I would not prolong it anymore as it truly affects me so and I find my thoughts quite distracted. I could barely resolve the issue of Mr. Benton's scullery maid's and Mr. Goulding's stable boy's running away with one of Mr. Wilson's horses. The effects of your sudden retirement cling onto my mind like scales to my eyes. I could barely see to another of my tasks." Beseechingly, he took a look at the contrite girl.

"I beg you forgive me, Sir William. It was not my intention to stir an uproar with my retirement. I only hope that you accept my sincerest apologies and acknowledge that I have thought of my withdrawal deeply, and I have yet to regret my decision."

"Miss Elizabeth…" somehow it sounded more suitable an address, "truly you humble me. But if you will, would you listen to my request and return to the crew? I know that your playmates miss you terribly. You would not want to disappoint them, would you?"

"Again, Sir William, you must forgive me. The crew had been almost a second family to me, sir. In spite of that, I am withdrawing. I hope that you would recognize the firmness of my resolve. I am not to return to the crew, sir. No matter the inducements. Even if I return, time will come that would necessitate my leaving, I have only advanced it a bit. Surely, sir, you must understand. And I hope that you know me well enough that I mean what I say."

P&P

Mr. Bennet and Lizzy stayed in the study even long after Sir William left.

"Do you truly wish it, Lizzy? To leave the pirate crew?" Mr. Bennet asked his daughter intently.

"I do Papa. It is not simply because I have to face the polite society soon, no. I care not about how they would perceive my person."

"What is it then, my sprite? What has convinced you to leave your beloved pirate life behind?"

"Need you really inquire, Papa." She casted him a teasing glance. "What better inducement than a silly dandy for a captain?" she giggled, while Mr. Bennet fought hard to remain serious or he would never know the truth from her.

As if reading his thoughts, she composed herself and answered seriously, "I could simply not submit myself to a leader who I do not respect, and whose principles greatly vary from mine. Believe me when I say, Papa, that I am glad to be free from it. His and my beliefs and interests are so different we would only create a divide in the crew which is more dangerous than my leaving. Surely the boys will find new games to amuse themselves, and I do hope Frank gets tired in his foolishness soon."

Mr. Bennet ignored her attempt at levity – he would have joined her had it been three months ago. He pursued the tone of seriousness. "Then why the melancholy, my dear. You are not one for blue moons, I believe you have said that, but observing you as you are now, I could not perceive any hint of happiness."

Lizzy smiled, a smile Mr. Bennet had seen before. It was the smile she had given him when she relayed her fears to him about understanding society, it was the smile she had given him to soothe him off his guilt at not having the control of time. It was a smile that told him his precious, precious sprite was maturing. An inevitable progress to life. His preciously innocent little sprite was understanding more of the world, and in the process, was learning to conceal a part of her heart from the world.

Soon, her honesty would temper into measured civility. Soon, her precociousness would be tampered with subjectivity. Soon, her wit will be curbed to demureness. Soon, his little sprite would be no more, forever cocooned to the proper lady the English society expected of her.

"Well, as Mamma said, it was only because I am at that age."

"If you say so, my dear. If you say so."


Thank you very much!

PS: I have been told that I may need a beta reader... (wink, wink)

Poor me, all my friends are busy with the RL. It seems that I am the only one living in quite a fantasy (but if you must know, I am only escaping to here whenever I find RL daunting.)

Reading and writing soothes my heart.

What about you guys, what soothes yours and would you like to be my sweet beta?

I am rambling.

Oh, PPS: I know that you all have been wanting to read something about Mr. Darcy. Do not worry, we shall have Mr. Darcy next time. Only give me time to write it to my heart's content.

Again, Thank you very much.