"Deluca..." Liz contemplated for a moment, then raised her head and stared straight at Maria. "Are you by any chance related to a Lord Deluca?" she asked cautiously.

Maria blinked. Then laughed. "Oh heavens no. Same surname, completely different relations" she paused then said" and occupations."

Liz paid no particular attention to that information, all that she cared for, for her great relief, is that Maria Deluca was in no way related to the Lord. That thought bought back memories. Liz spared another look in Maria's direction. She is in no way like him. Not in looks, not in personality. Not in humanity.
"Elizabeth, allow me to introduce to you Lord Deluca" Liz curtsied politely and rose to confront what she had thought would be her worst nightmare. Blond cropped hair in the latest fashion, penetrating icy blue eyes, a face quite pleasing on the eye. Elegantly dressed in a dark forbidding suit making the aura of cold power even more palpable. She was only a few feet away from him, and she was almost furious with herself for barely restraining the shiver that past through her body.

"Lady Elizabeth, it is a pleasure indeed" he bowed over her hand keeping his cold blue eyes fixed pointedly unto her own warm amber ones. Liz tried her best but her apprehension won out and she looked away.

"My Lord" she returned politely. Managed a smile too, for the sake of her father who stood at her side. Jeff smiled with satisfaction. He thought he had the perfect match.....oh how wrong he was.

"You have a very lovely home my lord" she commented, trying to keep the conversation running, trying to stop from showing any fear. Sean stared at her for a minute, then silently reached out to take her elbow respectably and began leading her away from her father. "A very brave woman" he commented in a low voice, filled with some amusement. Liz caught her breath and looked frantically back towards her father. He was just standing there, smiling waving encouragingly. Liz swallowed.

'This is not happening. This is not happening' she repeated to herself but even as she was lead into the ballroom and swept into a waltz, held trapped in his arms, going round and round, she knew that it was indeed happening.

"I feel like a very lucky man" he said after a while, his mouth near her ear. Liz stiffened, but continued with the dance. Yet she still felt obliged to thank him for the compliment. She was a lady after all.

"You flatter my lord" she replied with a tiny small smile that she knew, he knew, it was fabricated. He continued on nevertheless. "Indeed, you are quite beautiful, soft-" he tightened his grip on her hand and the other hand on her back moved in a rubbing manner for an instant "sweet, perfectly shaped....." he paused "i can very gladly say you'll bore a very healthy heir" he finished and by the end of it Liz had stopped moving completely. She was shocked, and dismayed.

"If you'll excuse me my lord" she made a move to release herself from his grip but he had an iron grip on her.

"Now now my lady why do you leave in such haste? have I offended you in some way?" he inquired but they both know it wasn't genuine concern.

"I will not tolerate being spoken to in such a manner" she replied crisply.

He shook his head slightly " I do not see what is so intolerable about speaking with my soon to be wife" he stressed remarkably on the last word and Liz shuddered at the very thought.

"I am not you wife yet my lord. Until then you will unhand me and speak to me in a respectable manner" she countered and tried once again to get free of his hand. He let go. He then inclined his head in what seemed to be understanding.

"It won't be long till then" he said. Liz drew herself up.

"I'll have you know my lord, that I shall try everything within my power to stop that from happening" she shouldn't have said that, his pleasant face contorted with concealed anger. Then he suddenly burst into laughter. "You are welcome to try my sweet, but with everybody else being agreeable to this marriage, including myself, your objections will go unheeded" and Liz had the sinking feeling that it was the truth.

She noticed that people were staring so she forced a smile on her face but spoke with the most venomous tone she could muster. "My lord, the idea of being wife to you may be a tempting prospect to any other woman, but not to me. I will not marry a man I have no feelings for, yourself included, and if I have to steal away on a ship bound to the seas, I shall jump at the chance" she paused then changed her tone to a sweet one " Have a good evening my lord" curtsied and left his side.
Well she certainly got what she asked for, she thought. Liz sighed.

Clouds hung in the sky. The sun hiding behind their gloom. It was not a nice day, and it fit well with Lord Parker's mood as he alighted his carriage and made the journey to the docks. In no time at all he was on a boat to Venice. There he was to meet the Lord that was to be his future son-in-law and inform him of the most terrifying news. He did not cherish the result of the confrontation. His dear Elizabeth was gone.

He had thought she had probably taken herself off after the argument just as she naturally did whenever they had a disagreement that she did not get her way in. Yet she always turned up by dinner time. Elegantly dressed in her evening gown, giving him the cold shoulder, he regretting it yet glad she was home. She always worried him when she ran away for part of the day, made him think she would not return. But he knew his little Elizabeth, and so he did not let it affect him. For in the end...she always came back.

Now she hasn't. And Jeff was in a rage. He should have known it would happen. No actually he didn't...because Elizabeth would never abandon her family. Something must have happened. He was sure of that. Something was wrong. It is just not in her character to just run away. Nancy is surely worried and Jeff had decided...after searching every gutter in Florence to seek other help. And Sean would be just the one to help him find his little girl.

The door was opened by the footman and Jeff was ushered in without question. He entered a large foyer. The ceiling was three stories above him, making the entrance more impressive than it seemed on the outside. The foyer was vast, appearing more so because it was unfurnished and the black and white marble floors carried a one's eye relentlessly down the hall. The walls were painted an elegant white. Not a colour to suit the Lord Deluca but fashionable nevertheless and the lord is nothing if not fashionable.

"Please inform his Lordship that Lord Parker has come to call and that the matter is very urgent" Jeff instructed the footman at the door as he handed over his coat and gloves to the aging man of about sixty. After taking care of his coat and gloves he disappeared for a few minutes then returned.

"Yes milord, if you'll follow me into his lordship's study...."he trailed off as he led the way down the hall. The walls were lined with royal blue wall paper, along with delicate lamps that hung by a clear golden mirror. An amazing contrast between hall and foyer. But Jeff barely noticed. He was nervous and intent on his mission.

The footman stopped at a large tarnished door and knocked lightly. An answer came a few seconds later. "Enter". The footman lightly opened the door walked in with Jeff following and stood by it, allowing him to continue forward.

"His Lordship Jeff Parker my lord" he announced. Lord Deluca nodded once without looking up and the footman promptly left.

Jeff was apparently shown into a study. The walls where a dark shade of red. A large bookcase lined one of the walls, all neatly sorted. A small chandelier hanged from the ceiling along with a few rare lamps that addressed the walls and a dark wooden commode. The room was carpeted with a rich heavy rug. Two chairs surrounded a small table with a chess board placed upon it. The hearth was glowing with fire. It was barely summer. Jeff wondered at that particularity.

Lord Deluca was seated at a large desk, of finely polished wood. Unlike Jeff, the lord was had an extreme measure of cleanliness. Jeff credited him that, along with the other charms that made him a suitable partner to a woman like his Elizabeth.

Sean looked up from where he was writing some notes and his expression registered momentary surprise then his brows scrunched together. "My lord Parker, this is indeed a surprise" he rose from his leather chair. Jeff stepped closer revealing clearly to Sean the intent and the unhidden fear. The hair on his arms rose. Something was wrong, he could tell. He rounded the desk and came forward to confront Jeff.

"What brings you here my lord?" he asked carefully. Jeff swallowed and looked visibly grave.

"I have come for a matter of great importance and graveness" he started then paused. Sean was impatient. "What matter is that my lord?"

"Elizabeth" the one word was followed by a deadly silence. Sean was confused but he did manage to understand that something was wrong with Elizabeth. He stilled, a certain nervousness, that could be related to fear gripped him. He strove to remain calm.

"Elizabeth?...what is wrong my lord? What has happened?"

Jeff sighed and motioned towards the seats in front of the desk. Sean nodded and strode back to his chair while Jeff took one of the seats. Then Sean leaned forward and regarded him intently. Jeff started uneasily.

"Elizabeth has disappeared. We were...discussing a subject in my study last evening and she left. I went to check later at night that she was safe. She was gone. I have reason to believe that she may have been taken. She is not the kind to run away my lord.
I know my own daughter, something has happened or someone has taken her. Either way my lord i come here to seek your assistance. Your help to recover your future wife." Jeff explained and watched the emotions that crossed Sean's face.

Shock, dismay, resolute.

"Elizabeth has been kidnapped?" he sought to be reassured that this was the case. Jeff nodded. "I have reason to believe so though i cannot be sure."

Sean rose from his chair once again and began prowling about the study. His posture rigid, his face intent. His mind on Elizabeth.

Finally he stopped and turned to face Jeff. "We must begin a search" he declared. Jeff shook his head. "I have already conducted several. Nothing has come up".

"Then we will search again and this time be more thorough" he snapped and Jeff nearly winced.

Sean raked a hand into his blond hair causing it to stand on ends. He started pacing again and when he passed a mirror and noticed the ends he raked his hand again into it and smoothed it out. He turned back to face Jeff.

"Every city in Italy will be searched, from the gutters and up, no place will remain unearthed" Sean continued. "Private detectives will be hired to look into the matter. We shall await any letters or notes that would be sent in matter of ransom. You will bring those to me for reviewing. Also I will be conducting a thorough search of Elizabeth's room-"

"What? Search her room?! no. Absolutely not!" Jeff interrupted, liking all the suggestions, save the last one. No one will invade his little girl's room.

Sean's eyes narrowed. "You cannot forbid it Parker. Necessary steps must be taken to insure every possible reason for Elizabeth's disappearance." he bit off, impatient and irritated. Jeff stood.

"There is no need Deluca. There is nothing in Elizabeth's room to help in this matter. The captor would not leave evidence there and she is not stupid enough to leave anything behind to lead us to her if she had run away" he argued. Sean remained momentarily silent.

"You cannot know that for sure Parker" he finally said. And Jeff had to admit it was true.

"That may be true Deluca but I will not allow you to invade her privacy" he countered. Anger filled Sean's eyes.

"Your daughter may be in danger for her very life and all you can think of is her goddamn privacy?!" he bellowed into the room and the very sound froze Jeff. He could not deny that the lord also spoke truth in this as well.

"No my lord. I want Elizabeth back as much as any father who loved his own daughter. But-"

"No 'buts' my lord Parker. You must accept this is a serious investigation. Every matter must be dealt with, with the utmost thoroughness. We cannot afford any blanks in this" Sean interrupted and waited impatiently for the agreement. It came.

"I fear you are correct my lord. A search will be conducted by-" Jeff was about to say himself when Sean interrupted him again.

"Me" he said. Jeff seemed startled.

"My lord i agreed to breach my daughter's privacy but it will at least be done by her own father and not a stranger" he retorted angrily.

"You call her future husband a stranger my lord?" Sean countered just as angrily.

"No. My lord, no I do not. But you are not her 'husband' yet. You are still by all means a stranger to her." he answered much more calmly.

"And what if you miss something? You are already reluctant to invade her precious privacy. You will no doubt feel to 'invade' as little as possible" Sean snarled.

Jeff was incensed but he was guilty as charged. He would hardly have creaked open a drawer and then closed it seemingly satisfied. He knew that Sean knew that, too. There was no way around this. His little girl was in trouble and he would by any means return her into his safe home where he could watch over her. He finally nodded.

"Very well my lord. A search may be conducted." Jeff conceded. Sean looked pleased. " But I must insist that it be only yourself" he continued. Sean nodded. accepting the agreement.

After a few moments of silence, Sean walked over to the decanters where the spirits are kept and began to pop open one and place above a glass.
"Would you care for a drink my lord?" he asked.

"Yes. Thank you it would be much appreciated" Jeff replied.

Sean nodded and started filling a clear glass with dark brandy. Then another. He crossed the carpeted room and handed one to Jeff.

"Drink up my lord" Sean said" I have a feeling you shall need it."

A clatter as a plate was dropped before her. She looked at the contents. Cheese. Fruit. Bread. Ale. A generous lunch. One that Liz was most grateful for. She looked up at the shadow that accompanied that little peace of heaven. But even before she raised it the hair on her nape stood up with electrifying awareness.

Max stood before her. Arrogant. Unmannered. Outlaw.And..........Handsome..she thought grudgingly. He was not exactly smiling but he was not regarding her ferociously either. Her heart was beating quickly. She was a prisoner. He was her captor. She was afraid.

"It's lunchtime" he stated. She rocked back on her heals and stared up at him. The bucket lay between them. "I can see that" she said glancing briefly at the plate of food. He looked as if he was surveying the deck.

"A good job for a first time" he said, with approval. Liz felt a flare of anger rise within her. "I am so relieved you approve" she bit out. He did not seem to hear her.

"Hmm yes you will do even better the next time and with your other tasks" he continued, stroking his chin with a blunt finger. She snapped and jumped to her feet.

"I have had enough sir. You have no right to keep me hear against my will. I have not stolen anything from you and i do not intend to pay for something I did not do." she declared angrily, chagrined.

Her anger sparked his own. He reached out and grabbed her arm roughly. "When will you learn thief that I shall have none of your lies? Either give me my gold or serve me till you do or pay it off" he replied.

Half the crew stood watching the display. They had never seen their captain lose his temper like this. It was refreshing, yet frightening. How did this woman evoke his temper so, they wondered.

Liz took an involuntary step back. Recoiling. Remembering his strength, his power. He believed her a thief and there was nothing she could say to change that. Well...there is something...but should she do it? Is now the time to bring up the truth? Endanger her families fortune? Hide behind her father's name?

Liz drew herself up. She could never do that. Would never do that. She was in a sticky situation that was true....but perhaps...well if seriously...he would really keep her forever would he. Soon she would have paid her so called debt and he would set her free. He can't punish her forever. She'd work for him, she'd scrub his deck, clean his dishes, do his laundry....and whatever else he requires. She would become his willing prisoner...resolute to her own fate.

He in turn would appreciate her work. And in time she would or he would remark that her debt his paid. He would set her back in Florence and she would return home. A perfect plan. But....Liz shuddered....suddenly she remembered last night. He had said he wanted her. He was attracted to her and this time her father would not be their to chase him with a pistol. She was at his mercy in that area.

She might have been able to salvage some control over the situation, being the gentry lady she was. But in the pirate's case she was nothing but a lowborn theif. He would think himself free to take away her only precious gift regarding her with no more than a tumble in the hay. He would not feel he was bound to honor her with a marriage proposal....And anyway...She did not want to marry a damn pirate! That was ludicrous! She wanted to marry a man. A real honorable man. Handsome, loving, sweet and caring, smart and protective. This pirate was nothing of this, with the exception of being handsome...and she though annoyingly she was recalling that more often than she would have liked.

Was this a risk she was willing to take? There are ways she could surely..unattract him...she could even ask Maria for help. She seemed to know about men and pirates. There was no sign of her reassuring smile now, unfortunately enough...she had gone to seek out her own pirate after their brief conversation.

Liz sighed. "Very well pirate. I shall do as you wish" she said quietly. He appeared momentarily startled but recovered enough to smile faintly and nod.

"Let us hope so Liz" he replied with a suddenly husky voice that sent shivers up her spine. He spun around and walked off taking time to call over his shoulder "Enjoy your lunch".

This is it. Her decision was made.