Short chapter, illustrating Elizabeth even more as a conceited b****! Man, I love writing her that way… *grins*

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Chapter Seventeen

What He Couldn't Have

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               After dinner one night a few days later the man with the panpipes was sitting in the corner of the parlor, looking out the window in a melancholy way and sliding his lips along his instrument. The ghostly tunes swept over Connor as he awkwardly approached the couch, where Serenity's father sat smoking a pipe and reading a book. Connor cleared his throat and Sam Williams glanced up from the words on the page and smiled. "What may I do for you?" he asked.

               Connor sat down in the chair opposite of Sam and folded his hands onto his knees, leaning forward in a rather anxious way. The panpipes continued their haunting melody as Connor opened his mouth to speak. I hate formalities, he thought, even though he was from Ireland and when a man wanted to court a woman in Ireland, you had to get the permission of the girl's father there too. It's the same thing, Connor tried to reassure himself. "I was wondering, sir," he began, hating the nervous sound of his voice as he began to speak. Sound strong! Assured! Make him want me to court Serenity! He glanced towards the open doors that led out of the parlor, knowing that Serenity was hiding behind them, listening to every word. "I was wondering, sir, if I may ask permission to court your daughter," he forced out. Behind the double doors, Serenity smiled, knowing how Connor hated this sort of thing with a passion. She was relieved when her fathers words sounded more pleased that apprehensive. After the two men talked in low voices under the music of the panpipes for a little while, Connor appeared in the doorway, smiling brightly.

               "He said yes?" Serenity whispered, already knowing the answer. Connor smiled brightly and kissed her as the music faltered and slowly faded into the background mists of a black Caribbean night.

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               Even the darkness of the night did not prevent Daniel from making his habitual trip down to the dock to check, once again, if any new ships had come into port. Only a British merchant boat had, not a scallywag aboard. He wondered what had happened to the scoundrel that he had paid off a few days ago to get him some information, but he hadn't really expected him to come back with anything solid. Angrily he sighed and kicked at the sand that was scattered across the wooden surface of the dock. Am I ever going to get home? He thought as he glared out into the darkness. The sky traced a moonlit pattern across the ocean from where the opalescent orb hung in the sky. Constellations passed unnoticed over Daniel's head as he trudged back to the inn, wondering why he didn't want to ride down to the smuggler town and hire himself a prostitute. He hadn't had once since his last visit down there and to his surprise, he didn't miss it as much as he thought he would. Maybe I can bag that Williams girl, pretty thing she is. What a prize that would be back on my ship! I would be welcomed back with open arms… he mused as he kicked a pebble down the street with his toe. Lets just hope that she doesn't find out anything before I leave. After, though, he laughed to himself, it won't matter much, will it?  

               Will. That blasted Turner boy. Spittin' image of his father, he is, but that just makes things easier for me, doesn't it?  

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               Serenity walked happily a few days after that to the Swann house, a smile brightening her already pretty features. This did not go unnoticed by Lady Chastity, who mentioned the current buoyancy of her mood, and the tutors were confused of how willingly Serenity complied to their orders that day. The children were happier too, as Serenity was a much better playmate when she was happy. Elizabeth, visiting her aunt again for tea, was taking more notice of Serenity than usual, as her happiness probably meant that either she had taken her relationship with Will higher or she had found someone else. All Elizabeth could think of during the time that she was supposed to be discussing party plans with her aunt was hoping that it was the latter that the girl was so happy about.

               And, for once, fate seemed to be on Elizabeth's side as the butler led a clean-shaven, good-looking man into the parlor while she was finishing a scone. He's a nice looking boy; Elizabeth couldn't help thinking as the butler announced him as a 'Mr. Connor O'Malley.'

               "He is here for Miss Serenity, Lady," said the butler, addressing Chastity.

               So she's managed to find someone who's at least as good looking as Will! Thought Elizabeth, surprised. That girl has a touch with men!

               "Very well," said Chastity, remaining unaffected by the unfamiliar face. "They're just finishing up their lessons, they will be a few minutes," she said to Connor. "Please, sit down."

               And that is how a poor Irishman with his hat in his hands found himself sitting in the sophisticated parlor of the richest family in town.

               "What brings you to Port Royale?" asked Elizabeth.

               "I'm a sailor," he said.

               "I see," said Elizabeth. "How do you know Serenity? Are you courting?" she added, knowing that she could get away with being forward because she was speaking to someone of lower class. However, Connor looked confused and rather affronted by her words.

               "Yes," he said slowly, "Serenity and I are courting. I'm staying at her father's inn," he said, his brows drawn together.

               So he is taken, thought Elizabeth disappointedly. But now Will can be mine!

               Coincidently, Serenity was also thinking of Will at that moment. She felt a bit guilty, but at that time she was so far convinced that Will had only kissed her because he couldn't have Elizabeth that part of her didn't care anymore. She still loved him, yes, but not with the same devotion that she had earlier. He would always be a loving brother in addition to the brother she already had. You won't be forgotten, Will, she thought, but there had to come a time when I had to leave you behind…

               Her thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door. "Miss Serenity," said the butler, "A Mr. O'Malley is here to see you." The smile returned to her face as she went to Connor in the parlor and tried to ignore the way that Elizabeth was looking at him. Connor slid his arm protectively around her waist as she stood next to him.

               "For your services today, Miss Williams," said Chastity as she paid Serenity for her day's work.

               "Thank you, Lady," said Serenity as she curtsied and then followed Connor out the door.

               And even though Elizabeth had really won, she couldn't help feeling that she had lost at the same time.