Broken Faith
Disclaimer: I still don't own any of the original Pirates characters, living or deceased (as the story line dictates.) I own Henri, a pub, and a seaside cottage. And the plot bunnies.
OC/E, J/E, W/E, N/E
Chapter 13: A proposition, of sorts.
"That was lovely, Lisette." Henri leaned back in his chair. "My compliments."
"Thank you, Henri." Elizabeth blushed slightly.
"Lisette, there is something I wish to discuss with you." Henri leaned over the table so that he was closer to her. "I have recently spoken with your father."
"Oh?" Elizabeth decided to play dumb, as though she hadn't had this conversation with her father two days earlier.
"I have asked him" Henri looked down, affecting nervousness. "I have asked him for your hand in marriage."
"Oh." Elizabeth breathed. "And what has he said?"
"It was rather funny, actually." Henri looked up at her. "He said 'As for myself, I would be more then happy to have you as a son-in-law, but you shall have to ask my daughter.' What did he mean by that? I confess I am slightly confused."
"Father doesn't feel like he can marry me off without my consent. I always end up circumventing his plans." Elizabeth laughed lightly, but her heart was not in it.
"I suppose he was referring to the blacksmith."
"You mean my first husband." Elizabeth corrected with a hint of disdain in her voice.
"Of course, darling. I suppose it comes to this, then. Will you have me? I'm an awful nice chap when you get to know me." Henri looked up at her, expectantly.
"Yes. Yes, I will marry you Henri." Elizabeth waited for the flood of joy that had come with the same promise when she had become engaged to Will. She continued to wait, but it did not occur.
Henri leaned over and kissed her on the cheek. "Forgive me, I forget myself. You must understand, my Lisette, that I have dreamed of you uttering those words for years."
"Of course." Elizabeth patted his hand. "I hate to sound like a bore, Henri, but I've a bit of a headache. I think I'll go lie down, if you don't mind. You should go talk to my father at any rate." She rose, uncertainly.
"Mais, oui, mon petite choux. Shall I walk you to your room?" he offered an arm.
"No." Elizabeth said hastily. "It wouldn't be proper." She added, rather weakly. "The woman in this town to talk so."
Henri bowed to her. "A demain, my love."
"Tomorrow." Elizabeth agreed.
"I shall show myself to the door. Rest yourself." He kissed her lightly on her forehead, then went to the door. After the door clicked shut, Elizabeth made the slow walk to her bedroom, willing herself to believe that Jack had simply left. He hadn't.