Part 39
The ballroom was alit with blazing candles that hung on crystal chandeliers and with the smiling faces of the guests as they twirled around with their partners as the sweet melody of the orchestra filled the vast room and beyond.
It was a beautiful night. The stars glittered in the velvety sky and the moon reigned regally among them, shining down upon the grand ball as it danced and drank its way through the night. It seemed as if it was a night meant for fairytales...If one found it in their heart to believe in them anymore that is.
Liz sighed deeply, taking in the breath of fresh air that she so desperately needed after spending so much time in the stifling ballroom. Her beautiful blue satin gown hugged her bodice tightly making it irresistibly hard to waltz even once without huffing and puffing and praying for a glass of water.
She leaned gratefully against the cool solid stone wall of the outside terrace, distractedly watching other couples entering and exiting..talking and laughing...it was most depressing really.
Loneliness shrouded her as she huddled more securely in her dark corner and closed her eyes, trying to make it all go away. But the images would not leave her, the voices, the caresses. An unwanted tear forced its way between her closed lids and trailed mournfully down her cheek. Sniffing, she hastily opened her eyes and wiped at it with her silken gloved hand.
It was no use, she thought miserably. Wherever she was, whatever she was doing it was always there with her. The joy, the hope that was with her as she watched him leap through the open window.
The instant he was out of sight she knew, come hell or high water, he would come for her. And this time, he would stay.
What she wasn't prepared for however, was that he father would one day enter the sitting room where she sat absorbed in her sewing in a way to pass the time, and solemnly inform her that unfortunately the Hawk had been captured the day of the confrontation, and that he was hanged for his crimes that same night.
Liz truly did not remember anything at all after that. All she knew was that she had been motionless with shock, then she had shaken her head over and over again in disbelief, chanting 'no' that it could not be true. She could not recall any tears...just screaming..horrible, horrible screaming that she could not stop as the reality and the anguish washed over her. There was so much pain...more than she could bear. The last thing she remembered was her father's arms coming around her...and then there was nothing.
There was nothing for months. She lived her life in a shell of despair and crumbling faith that life was worth living. It was not until these last few weeks that her parents had forced her to begin to accept what had happened and go on with her life.
"He saw such life in you Elizabeth," he father told her softly, finally admitting to himself how much that man had affected her and made himself a part of her heart, " do not let it disappear."
"Oh god", she now whispered to herself in her dark haven, " why did you have to take him away from me? I worshipped you loyally in my religion...all I wanted was to be happy." She bit back a harsh sob, " All I wanted was the man I love." Her eyes lifted heavenward as she appealed to the moon, the stars..." If only you could bring him back to me."
Anger struck her, anger and hopelessness. She knew it was impossible. And she hated it. Hated it, despised it. It made her want to scream at the injustice. He should have fled safely, and then she should have come back to sweep her away on his ship where they would live in happiness and love.
She could hold it in no longer. The sobs broke out raggedly, and the tears streamed down her face with a vengeance.and she made no effort to hold them back. They were due for a long time. Perhaps a merry ball was not the most appropriate place but at least she stood in a dark corner where she could release all her pent up emotions in quiet seclusion.
But perhaps she was not truly alone, for she could feel as if someone was near. A presence more felt than seen. It was all around her, dancing,embracing. It warmed her as she sniffed back more tears. A cool breeze settled between the fallen strands of her hair. It was the win she thought. Here to offer consolation.
"Elizabeth" whispered across to her and she shivered. " Elizabeth" it repeated. Her breath came out in a gasp. It was so close.
"Open your eyes" it entreated, but Liz kept them shut, unwilling to make this surreal moment disappear.
"Elizabeth" it murmured so close to her ear making her sigh.
"Elizabeth...Elizabeth" why was it so loud now? Her brows furrowed in a distressed frown. " Elizabeth" It was almost a shout and it made her snap her eyes open to look around her in alarm.
There was a man standing before her, entranced, but too disoriented to make him out clearly she opened her mouth to speak in wonder, " Ma-" yet at that instant the man approached and she could see him clearly now.
Jeffery eyed his daughter in concern as he leaned forward. " Elizabeth are all right? I have been calling you for a while now."
For an instant Liz could not speak. Tears threatened discovery once again but she resolutely held them back. What kind of fool was she?...many different kinds she thought bitterly. Whatever made her imagine he would come back from the dead for her.
Biting back another sob she smiled at her father. " I'm sorry father, I must have been lost in my thoughts again."
Jeffery was not so convinced but he chose not to comment,. " Why were you out here all by yourself dear?" he gently reproached.
"It was too hot in the ballroom. I simply wanted some fresh air, that is all." Liz replied vaguely." But I am better now. Come let us go back in and enjoy some more dancing." Jeffery took her arm and they both left the terrace and were soon swallowed up by the crowd.
As soon as They entered the ballroom a green satin flurry of skirts came rushing towards them, blonde curls swaying this way and that.
Maria came to a stand still by Liz. " Liz I've been looking everywhere for you sweetie. Where on earth have you been?" she demanded promptly, hardly sparing Jeffery a glance, to which he could only shake his head ruefully.
Liz immediately smiled brightly at Maria to cover up her pain from her shrewd eyes. " Sorry Maria It just simply got too hot in here and I went out for a brief fresh of air." In demonstration she flipped open her fan and began to fan herself. " Whew...it was very much needed."
Maria seemed to relax somewhat and she quickly agreed. " Yes I know...it's absolutely stifling! Not only that but my poor feet are positively aching!" she complained as she lifted one leg off the ground and twisted it around to try and ease the discomfort.
Liz arched a brow," Someone has been dancing a bit too much I think."
"And no wonder!" Maria argued in defence, she waved a gloved hand ," Look around you, who wouldn't want to dance in such merry surroundings I ask you!"
Liz couldn't help but laugh, " Come now Maria admit it...you just simply cannot say no to the gentlemen who keep asking you."
Maria blushed tellingly, then regained her composure and grinned, " Well, what can I say? I couldn't find it in my heart to refuse the poor men."
"Ah so it was an act of kindness now was it?" Liz teased.
"I am a kind person Lizzie." was all Maria said. They both burst into laughter.
Jeffery stood by and watched the two young ladies talk. He was glad Elizabeth had found such a wonderful friend. He remembered when Maria was introduced to him as Maria St. John, an orphan who's sole benefactor had recently past away leaving her to fend for herself. The Parkers had taken her in and quite frankly never regretted it once.
Jeffery smiled to himself secretly. It was a good story they had come up with he acknowledged, but he believed that his dear daughter under estimated the power of his memory. He remembered Maria quite well during that fateful night on the beach. But he said nothing of course.
He also quite vividly remembered Maria's...beau..to put it delicately. Somehow..after all the pain and distress his daughter had suffered-which he believed he played a part in causing- he decided he had to make it up to her and her friend in some way.
That was why, determindly, he had inquired after the fate of the Hawk's crew. He found out that most of them escaped. Only a few were captured. Later he found out that one of them was Michael.
After many negotiations his offer was accepted. Which was that Lord Parker could offer the prisoner a chance to redeem himself and serve him. It was up to the prisoner however whether to accept or refuse.
He remembered the day quite vividly...
" What do you want?" Michael demanded rudely as he watched the lord approach him in his cell. He recognized him well. Very well, he thought bitterly.
Jeffery remained polite, "Mi-Mr. Geurin-may I call you Michael?" he asked.
Michael only grunted, and he took that as a yes.
"Michael, I came here today to offer you a chance."
"A chance to what?" Michael snapped back, not entirely sure where this was headed.
"To get out of prison and come work for me." Jeffery said simply.
Michael stared at him in shock before his eyes turned molten in sudden anger. " What is all this crap? Wanting to salve your conscience are you? Think you can set everything right by getting me out of here!" He approached him menacingly, his fists clenched.
Jeffery backed away, not feeling too secure. "Look here. I did not come here for violence, I only thought to help-"
" Help? Help!" Michael roared. "Why now? Why didn't you first help my friend? my captain?" He stared at him with absolute hatred. " You had the power-don't even bother trying to deny it-but you chose to let him hang. Why should I want to work for you, let alone let you help me out of here?"
Jeffery had no answer. He cast his eyes down in guilt. " I am sorry for the loss Michael. You are right. I could have stopped it...but I didn't." He raised his eyes to meet him squarely. "But now I'm here. For you. For Ms. St. John."
Michael's anger suddenly turned to confusion and suspicion. " Ms. St. John?"
" Young Maria" Jeffery explained gently, and before Michael could question him, he hastily offered, " and no, she did not ask me to do this. At the moment she is settled in all comfort at our home where she will be cared for."
"That is good" Michael said gruffly.
"You have an opportunity to begin anew Michael. I'll make no more excuses for my part in this tradgedy, but I am trying to make things as right as I possibly can here." Jeffery paused to take a deep breath. " I allowed one man to lose his life. Let me help another one regain his."
In the end...Michael accepted.
" Also I am feeling a bit annoyed." Maria confessed to Liz.
Without asking Liz knew what she was talking about. " Michael does not like such balls does he." she sympathized.
Maria huffed. " Not unless there was drinking and gambling."
"Well at the very least you do not have to add whoring to that list anymore." Liz offered, quite comfortable with the word because of her recent experiences.
Maria's face brightened slightly and she flicked a glance at the engagement ring on her finger. " Indeed not!"
And while Liz observed with the utmost happiness, Maria's good fortune...she could not help envying it as well. And that saddened her beyond any emotion.
This did not go unnoticed by Maria and she felt a pang in her heart for her friend. Why did fate have to be so cruel?
But before she could say a thing a young man stepped up to them and requested that Maria dance with him. She was about to refuse when Liz smiled and told her to go on. " We'll meet up later" she promised.
Maria could only agree, unwilling to upset her even more, and let the young buck lead her away.
Lord Parker then walked up to his daughter and took her hand. " Come my dear, let us go get some punch hmm?" he suggested and lead an unprotesting Liz through the room.
As soon as they got halfway to their destination however a young man approached them. He was was tall, lanky, with laughing blue eyes that warmed Liz considerably as they came to settle on her. "Good evening my lord," he nodded towards Jeffery and then smiled charmingly at Liz, " Miss Elizabeth...a pleasure" he bowed.
Liz only managed a small smile in return and a nod in acknowledgement. "Mister Worthington. How do you do?" she murmured softly.
"Very well. Though I would be a great deal better if you would do me with the honor of a dance" he ended questioningly, his eyes snapping cautiously between herself and Jeffery.
Lord Parker had no objection. Indeed he was glad of the young man;s interest, perhaps it would distract his daughter from her troubles. He himself felt too helpless. Nodding encouragingly he released Liz's hand and stepped away.
Unwilling to be rude at that instant and refuse, Liz carefully placed her palm into his warm one and allowed herself to be led through the crush and onto the dance floor. Where Mister Worthington proceeded to place one hand at her waist and entertwine the other with one of hers. Her free hand rested at his shoulder.
Following the orchestra's sweet melody Liz took a deep breath and followed her partner in a sweeping waltz.
Keeping a perfectly respectable bodily distance between them they danced for the first few turns in absolute silence. Liz was too unsettled to attempt to ease the situation. Worthington was the one who finally broke the silence.
"You are looking mighty lovely this evening Miss Elizabeth."
Liz burst in a small nervous laugh. " I've been flattered enough tonight Mr Worthington I think, but thank you all the same." And she said no more.
Jack Worthington eyed the top of her head thoughtfully for a long while. Assessing. "Permit me to be so bold as to comment..." he paused when she only looked at him curiously, " but I do believe you are troubled." he concluded quietly, seeing it in her eyes, her body language.
Liz's eyes refused to meet his at that point. " I apologize if I look like I'm not enjoying myself. Indeed you are a very fluent dancer-"
"That is not what I meant and I think you know it." He cut in sternly.
Liz stiffened considerably. " Mr Worthington I do believe you are trespassing on personal matters here and I would appreciate if you remained a respectful distance."
" I apologize. It was very forward of me. I just hate to see a beautiful young lady like yourself seem...distressed."
Liz's angry demeanor faded at his apology and she smiled slightly at him." It is no matter sir. Whatever..distress that I am in will soon be gone." she lied to reassure him of his sharp observation.
Jack sighed though very much unconvinced. " Very well Miss Parker. I just hope that whatever troubles that lay behind those pretty eyes are vanquished soon, before they begin to haunt you."
Oh but they already have, Liz thought miserably, and I cannot escape him.
However before she could reply and inform him that her troubles weren't nearly so bad there was a distinct hush around the ballroom. The music kept playing but the dancers and other guests seemed to slow down. Liz looked around her, watching as every woman's head turned in the same direction.
The talking slowly ebbed to hushed whispers behind flapping fans. Curious Liz wondered who had suddenly walked through the front door. Jack too noticed and turned his head to look. Being a good foot taller he could see well above the heads of others though he still could not see the figure that stepped inside. For Liz it was futile to even try to look. It was very frustrating.
It must be someone of great importance to illicit such a reaction from the refined ton, Liz thought.
Waltzing very slowly, she kept her eyes glued in the same direction through every turn, feeling a deep urge to see who it is. At that moment, the orchestra's piece came to a melodious end and they halted in a flurry of swishing skirts.
The crowd parted and Liz spotted the butler Blakes as he stood solemnly by the door by a man hidden behind the bodies of other observers. He announced loudly and formally. " His Grace the Duke of Everington." and the man stepped forward into her line of vision.
Liz's eyes widened and she stared in utter and complete shock. Her mouth opened and closed, yet with no sound coming out. She could not find the will to breath.
"Ah a Duke. No other man could warrant such an awed greeting hmm?" Jack commented. He turned to regard her questioningly when she did not offer a reply. His expression quickly turned to concern when he noticed her wide dilated eyes and her ashen complexion." Miss Parker are you all right?
You look like you've just seen a ghost."
Liz's only response was for her eyes to roll back into her head and to fall to the floor in a dead faint.