A.N.
I would like to thank the following people for their reviews. Thank you very much . . . . elvenarcher13 . . . genevra. . . . and . . . Jacksrumrunner. . . Hope you continue to read my story. And to my other readers please do review, it gives me the boost and support to keep on writing.
CHAPTER 2: Lady Rose Clayton:
" Lady Clayton, it is an honor to have you with us as we make our way to Port Royal" said the Captain
I had just set foot on HMS Nautilus when the Captain came out to greet me. His crew was already lined in a row in front to receive me. And behind me five sailors carried my luggage. Giving the captain a nod, I politely asked him to show me my room for I was exhausted and needed some rest. And with a smile, he quickly ordered his chief officer to take me to my room. I could not help but smile as I saw my room. It had a wonderful and big bed with wide windows, being a Lady had some advantages and having the best room was one of them. Thanking the officer, I then quickly shut the door went to the bed and collapsed on it.
" I never knew wearing corsets could be this hard! " I complained.
Sitting up, I signaled Jo to help me out of my dress. Jo, my so-called lady in waiting, gave a small laugh as she began to unhook my dress and unlace the corset. Glaring at her with the aid of the mirror, I conveyed to her my displeasure of her laugh. But looking back at the mirror, I too gave a small laugh for both of us were a sight to look at. Kneeling on the bed was Jo trying to unlace my corset while I sat in front of her glaring. Looking at myself I had doubts that even if Will would recognize me, would he still like me or even come to love me? I can't help but compare myself to Jo. She had brown shoulder length hair that came down in soft curls, her deep-seated green eyes captivated anyone who would stare into them, her small frame was accentuated with curves that any woman would envy and her tanned skin completed the package, she was a beauty. As for me, I had straight black hair that reached my shoulder blades, I have dark blue eyes, I stand 5 feet and 4 inches a good 2 inches taller than Jo. I too had a small frame but my curves were less prominent than that of Jo. And for my skin, it was very much tanned. To me I looked plain.
After I finished getting out the dress, I took in a deep breath. It felt good to be able to breathe without any restrictions. Making sure that the doors were locked, I then changed into my favorite attire, breaches and a loose shirt. I then proceeded to take a book out of my case, take a seat near the window, prop my feet on top of a table and begin to read. The book I began to read was appropriately named The Easy Way to Learn Proper Etiquette.
" I should keep up if I am to pull this stunt of being a Lady! " I told Jo who I knew was looking at me in a weird kind of way.
Smiling at myself as I read, I can still remember the old days when I would run and hide whenever I knew that I had classes. I never did like to learn to become a lady then and I still do now. But one should make sacrifices to be able to find their one true love, right? Well that's just according to me.
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"It took almost two weeks before we arrived at Port Royal. Asking that I take my meals in my room, I was able to hide from prying eyes of the other passengers on board. I knew that rumors had been spreading about me. One of them was about me having only one lady in waiting when I should have two or as to why I did not have any maids with me. The other was that why was I travelling alone without anyone companion or guard for that matter. But aside from keeping away from the other passengers, I was able to spend some time reading and learning. And most of all I was able to practice with my dagger and sword without being seen or without having to explain how a lady can handle a dagger and a sword. It does not mean that because I am to become a lady that I should stop using my sword or stop being a pirate. And that too applies to Jo who has now become my sparring partner, she took the place of Sam who I miss very much.
Outside my room, I could hear orders being shouted to be prepared as the ship approached Port Royal. Looking out of my window, I gave a low growl as Jo quickly went to my side. She then gasped at the sight for what we saw frightened her. Dangling on a rock over the sea were three skeletons of pirates. They could be identified as such because of their tattered clothes that still clung to their bones and the sign saying PIRATES BEWARE.
" Don't worry Jo, nothing like that would happen to us. "
Giving her a smile and a squeeze on her hand, I asked her to prepare our things. I needed her to forget what we saw; it will be difficult to keep this charade of ours if she was too uptight. Looking out the window again, my eyes caught sight of a big beautiful house on top of a hill. It was the governor's house, and to great certainty I was sure that I would be accommodated there for the duration of my stay. Where else would the daughter of a Duke stay?
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Upon reaching the deck, I saw that it was already filled with people excited in getting down from the ship. They were waving to the people on the dock. And it seemed that almost all of Port Royal had come to meet the ship. If I am not mistaken, they are all waiting to see the daughter of a Duke arrive. It will be more difficult now to ask around for Will; it is surely bring to much attention to myself and my intentions. What would a lady want with a blacksmith's apprentice? That is why I am going to find him in another way . . . A pirate's way, sneaking around. Suddenly I felt a chill run down my spine; something is about to happen. I usually get the chills if something unexpected is about to occur. I should be ready for anything. And as the ship came to a halt, I took in a deep breath and readied myself.
A robust man came up as soon as the gangplank was down. He then immediately came towards the place where I was standing beside the captain.
" Good day Governor, It is nice of you to come greet us! Let me introduce you to Lady Rose Clayton, daughter of Duke Clayton of York. My Lady, this is Mr. Weatherby Swann, governor of Port Royal " Spoke the Captain.
" Welcome Lady Clayton to Port Royal! " Said the governor.
" It is an honor to be here Governor Swann. " I replied.
" It is also my honor to see you once again my lady, it has been many years since I last saw you! " Spoke Swann with a smile on his face.
" I beg your pardon Governor? " I quickly retorted for I was visibly shocked with his words.
" I am sorry my Lady for giving you quite a shock. You may not remember our meeting before. You were but just a child then; around six years of age I think when I last visited your father in London. "
" You must be correct Governor Swann, I am truly sorry for not remembering you. " I immediately agreed as to not bring to suspicion to my state of shock.
Then I gave him my sweetest smile. At the back of my head I was worried. This is going to become a big problem. I am sure he might know of my disappearance and that he would try to inform my father of my presence here. I must try to find some ways so that news of my presence here would not reach my father.
" It is not a problem my Lady, that was the last time I was able to meet you and your father. I haven't been able to speak to him after. I have been busy here making sure Port Royal is coming along well. "
I gave him a bigger smile. I was relieved that the secret of my disappearance was still safe.
" I think all the introductions are done, I am sure the Lady would like to rest. I am sure you are still upset with the news, but my compliments to the Lady for bearing it well. "
" What news is that Governor Swann? " I inquired as I slightly raise an eyebrow. I felt a little sure of myself and beside I was a lady, I was supposed to know all the news going around.
Shock immediately graced on his face, which in turn made me worry.
" You did not receive the news about your father, the Duke? " He asked me, his voiced filled with worry.
" I did not receive any news concerning the Duke. I have been constantly been moving about and news from my family takes a long time to reach me. " I said as I shook my head and trying to look sincere, confident and truthful but deep down my heart was beating wildly. Maybe my father already knew of my plans in coming here. Maybe he is on his way here. What am I going to do? Should I leave now? But what about finding Will? These thoughts were in my head. Then I saw the governor looking at me directly with a very sad face; he then proceeded to take my hands and grip it tightly.
" I am sorry to be the one to tell you of the bad news my Lady but your father, the Duke of York died last month in his bed. "
I gave a gasp. I knew it was wrong of me to run away but I always intended to go back home even just once to see my father and to tell him that I loved him. I also wanted to tell him that it was not because of him that I ran away . . . He was just part of it but not entirely the whole reason. Something deep down in me felt that he blamed himself for my leaving. Who would not? I left after our argument over looking for Will. But now I would never have the chance to see, talk or even embrace him. I then felt tears running down my cheeks but I made no attempt to wipe them away. Then I gave out another loud gasp, a thought had suddenly occurred to me. With my father dead that means I am now the Duchess of York. Of all times, why now? Being a Lady is already a big burden for me, now that I am a duchess, my burdens have just become bigger.
" Now I understand as to why you let yourself still be introduced as Lady Clayton when you are already a Duchess. But with you knowing this sad news, now I am absolutely sure you would like to take rest, Duchess. "
With this new information still in my mind, I only gave a nod. Everything felt like a dream, I was in a daze. And the next thing I knew, I was being led to a bedroom in the Governor's mansion.
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" What now? " Jo spoke breaking the silence of the room.
For the first time in my life I did not have any answer to give her. I did not know what to say. I was confused as to what I would do. If I were to find Will, what would I do next? Would I tell him I was now a pirate or that I was a Duchess? But what would our lives be like if I were to g back as a pirate? Certainly being a pirate is not a good choice, is it? The best thing for me to do is to accept the idea of me being a Duchess and live a somewhat normal and happy life with him? But should I return to the life that I despised and had desperately run-away from? The other major reason I ran away because I truly despised the life of a lady. And if I would force myself to return to that life, would I be truly happy? Would Will be Happy? And what would happen to my ship, my crew and Sam? I know that Jo was waiting for me to give an answer, I have to decide quickly.
" If I find Will and everything turns out to what I hope would be, then I would go back to London and accept my heritage, I would become the new Duchess of York. And If I don't find him or things does not turn out well, then I will find means to eliminate anything that would tie me to my past. I will leave everything behind including my memories and I will live my new life to the fullest. Nothing will hold me down anymore for I will have nothing to hold on too by then. "
Looking at Jo, I expected her to make a comment but she did not. She only gave me a smile and a nod. I think that she knew how difficult it was for me to say those things and I certainly appreciate her for understanding.
" I think we should start preparing, the governor expects you to have dinner with him and some few guests. He told me that the ball in your honor was postponed due to the events that had occurred. "
Giving Jo a nod of approval, she then set to work preparing me a bath.
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" Duchess, I would like to introduce you to Commodore Norrington. He makes sure that Port Royal is safe from intruders like pirates. " Said Swann.
" It is my pleasure to be in your presence Duchess. " Norrington spoke as he bowed. He then took my hand and gave it a kiss.
" Like wise Commodore. " I answered.
" I would have liked to introduce you to my fair daughter Duchess but she and her fiancé still did not arrive from their journey. But I am sure they will be here tomorrow. " Swann explained.
" There is nothing to worry about Governor I am sure I would meet your daughter tomorrow. People in love should be able to spend as much time as they can with the person they love. " I assured Swann.
Giving me a big grin, he then proceeded to lead me to the dining room where we had a delicious meal. The only problem was that everyone present kept asking me about my life, my family and the other people in court. I was lucky to have kept tabs on my family and what was happening to the royal family for I was able to answer all questions. And after dinner I quickly excused myself stating that the travel and the news had made me feel exhausted and that I needed more rest. Knowing that I got everyone's sympathy and understanding I immediately went back to my room.
Upon entering my room, I discover that my black shirt, trousers and boots had already been neatly placed on the bed. Looking at Jo, I see that she was already holding out my sword and daggers.
" I know you would like to go out and start the search tonight so I took the liberty of preparing your things. "
" Thank you Jo, and thanks for understanding. "
" Your welcome, but this does not mean that I totally agree with what you are doing. It is dangerous out there. I am sure they have doubled their guards in order to ensure the safety of a certain Duchess. And don't stay out too long, you will need your sleep. And be careful! No fooling around! " She began to lecture.
" Don't worry, I will be extremely cautious. I am just going to look for the blacksmith, scout around a little then come back. "
After seeing that Jo accepted my answer with a nod, I then quickly proceeded to change into clothes that I was known for. But this time I added something, I wore a simple black mask. I wanted to make sure that if anyone saw me that I would not be recognized. And with cat like reflexes, I jump unto a tree outside my window, silently climb down and then proceed into town making sure to stay hidden within the shadows.
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Jo had been right about the guards; I have already encountered at least 10 of them already. And at the present time two of them were passing by. After making sure that they were gone, I slid out of my hiding place then proceeded to cross the road. Safely on the other side I made sure no one was around as I began reading the sign with a smile. The sign read: Blacksmith. Looking at the door, I saw that it was locked. Just my luck I did not bring my tools for picking locks with me. Looking up I saw that a window was open, then looking about I saw that I would be able to reach it without any difficulty. So with a gin I started climbing and lucky for me just as I enter the window two more guards went passing by.
The room was deserted and dark, but I still proceeded to explore it. Something deep down felt that I had finally found him. The moment my foot touched the ground inside this barn-like room I immediately knew that it is my Will who had been working here forging these swords that I now see before me. I started to reach out to touch a sword when I heard some keys jingle outside. That's when I knew that someone was coming. I quickly jumped up to the beams above and then make my way to the window. If it was Will, I did not plan to meet him looking this way. Looking down, I could see the door open. That's when I proceeded to jump out and then make my way back to the house.