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EDITED ONLY

CHAPTER 5

Asking Permission

"Milord. Lieutenant Edward Gillette is here to speak with you," the butler, Miles said entering Reverend Danforth's study.

"Send him in,"

"Yes, my lord." The butler returned to the front parlor where Gillette waited patiently, and a little nervous. "You may go in now, Lieutenant."

"Thank you."

SCENE CHANGE

At the blacksmith shop, Will fought with another. The other figure wore a plain white button up shirt and brown breaches. If one were to pick the higher skilled of the two, an answer would not be reached. After a moment Will was thrown to the ground with the point of the sword at his throat.

"Not bad for a woman who has only received two years of training. Wouldn't you say, Mr. Turner?" Will smiled as the stranger removed the sword from his throat and helped him stand.

"You're just lucky this day, Hope. I'm not at my best." Hope laughed.

"Well, then. Shall we go again?" she said taking position. Will smiled as they continued.

SCENE CHANGE

When Gillette entered the study the butler closed the door. He looked behind him with a worried look upon his face.

"Lieutenant Gillette, come in please." Gillette quickly removed his hat and moved to stand before the Reverend. "Wonderful day, wouldn't you say?"

"Yes. Perfect." Danforth looked up at him.

"Now. How may I be of service?" Danforth said resting his arms on the desk and intertwining his fingers.

"Sir. I am sorry to bother you. I have come to you to ask your permission to marry your daughter."

"Have you?"

"Yes, sir." Gillette said trying to sound calm. Danforth looked at him before

closing his book, standing up, and walking to the window.

"Do you wish to sit, Lieutenant? You are free too."

"Thank you, sir, but I would prefer to stand."

"As you wish. So, Mr. Gillette. Tell me. Why do you wish to marry my daughter?"

"Hope is a fine woman. She cares for others and treats all she meets with the respect she would expect in return. In my life I have never met a woman like her before. I admire her strength and courage.

SCENE CHANGE

Hope and Will, now both nineteen, continued sparring as he was once again knocked off his feet. She had been blocking every thrust he threw at her.

"You are improving Hope. You are a much bigger challenge than before but still not at my standards."

"My dear, Will. Who has bested you all three rounds?"

"Like I said. You're just lucky."

"Will one more round change that arrogance you possess?"
"My dear lady, you are the one being arrogant."

"I had a good teacher," she said as they began again.

SCENE CHANGE

"I would be honored to call her my wife if you see fit to allow me that privilege."

"Do you love her?"

"More than anything. When we return from a tour the only thing I can think about is seeing her again. My heart is weakened and I am overjoyed every time I see her." Danforth tried to remain serious but could not help but smile at the lad's sincerity in his voice.

"You speak with much sincerity, my lad."

"Indeed, Reverend. I speak the truth although, aside from what I have already said, to me your daughter is beyond what any words can express." Danforth turned to him.

"And do you believe you can provide for her a long and happy life?"

"I do." Danforth was silent for a moment.

"My permission to marry my daughter, you have." Gillette's eyes widened and he smiled.

"Thank you, sir."

"Treat her well."

"I will, sir. I promise you." Gillette said still smiling big.

"Good day to you, Lieutenant Gillette."

"Good day to you as well, Reverend Danforth. And thank you," he said leaving the study and headed back towards the fort.

SCENE CHANGE

Hope kicked the sword from Will's hand and held her own to his throat.

"Now what were you saying about luck?" she asked.

"I still say it was luck." Hope laughed.

"If you say so, Will." Just as she spoke there was a knock on the door.

"Come in." As the door swung open both Will and Hope were shocked to see who it was.

"Elizabeth?" Hope asked.

"So, this is where you have been disappearing off too." Elizabeth asked walking in.

"Yes. If I practiced anywhere else someone would see and tell my father. Then, I would be in big trouble." Hope said as the two lowered their swords. Will was silent and starred at Elizabeth, enamored.

"Not much of a practice space. Will, it's good to see you again."

"Good day, Miss Swann."

"Will, how many times have I asked you to call me Elizabeth?" Will turned away and blushed. Hope saw this and smiled

"Elizabeth, what are you doing here?" she asked.

"My father had some business to attend to with Captain Norrington just down the street. I figured you might be here so I just wanted to come and confirm if you were to be attending my father's party he's holding at the end of next week."

"Yes. My father and I will be in attendance."

"Wonderful. I shall inform my father. Speaking of which I should be getting back before he starts to worry. Good day, Mr. Turner, Hope." Elizabeth said before turning and leaving the shop.

"Good day. Elizabeth." Will said yelling out the farewell but saying her name after she had already left. Hope hit him.

"Hey! What was that for?"

"You are absolutely pathetic. I think I am the only girl you know with whom you don't shy away from or blush in front of."

"Actually I used to shy away from you in the beginning if you remember?"

"But now you don't?"

"No reason to be. You are the closest friend I have here in Port Royal."

"Shall we continue?" she asked raising her sword once more. Will smiled as they began to fence once again. After continuing for awhile longer, Hope thought it best to return home before her father questioned her whereabouts.

"Same time tomorrow?" Will asked wiping sweat from his brow.

"Yes. Unless I come and tell you otherwise." Will nodded. "Now, if you would so kind and turn around, sir,"

"Of course. I need to replace my water supply. I will return shortly." Hope nodded as Will left the shop and Hope dressed taking off her shirt and breeches and putting them in a bag. Once her dress was on she attempted to fix her hair. Will returned during that process and saw the trouble she was having.

"Do you need any help?" Hope was startled a bit, but then turned around to him.

"Actually I could. Would you hold this top half in place?"

"Of course." He set the buckets of water down and reached to hold the bun she was trying to secure.

"Thank you." Hope said as Will took his hand away. Soon enough she secured her bonnet, handed her bag to Will and started to head out. "See you tomorrow, Will."

"Good day, Hope."

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Next Chapter: The Proposal