Hello Dear and Faithful Readers,
Ah, the second to last chapter. I won't lie, I'm
rather saddened at the fact. I've enjoyed
writing this tale so much, it'll be strange to stop.
Thank you for all your encouraging reviews, and
comments that spurred me on for so long and
took me out of my writers block.
I hope you enjoy this chapter as much
as I've enjoyed reading your marvelous
reviews.
R.H.J. )-
James Hook, thou not wholly unheroic figure
And so it was that Wendy was engaged to Jack Belstow.
Over the many months of their engagement, Wendy picked out her flowers, dress and everything else that brides-to-be do. She and Jack went around London, seeing which flats they liked best for their future home. No one noticed Wendy's obsession with checking the post, or her desire to spend so much time in the nursery, gazing out the window.
No one questioned anything, because Wendy Darling was finally so blissfully normal, like the other girls her age that wanted to be married and have children. No one was more pleased with this arrangement that her father, who never shied from expressing to her how happy he was at her choice.
And so, even when Wendy did double guess her self, and ardently wish she could go back on what she'd said, she knew she couldn't do it. Couldn't face her family's disappointment.
Wendy tried her best to like Jack. She truly did. She tried even harder to love him. But, love is a fickle thing, like a strange animal that no one may willingly tame. It will simply be drawn from one to another until it settles on the one it cannot live without. So was Wendy's love, a most elusive creature.
Sometimes Wendy would look at Jack as they walked through the park, or zoo, and try to imagine him as a pirate, sailing the high seas. She would imagine his boring demeanor away, would attempt to imagine him a most romantic man who could easily defend her honor should he engage in swordplay.
But, this experiment would prove to be too painful in the end, and she would complain of fatigue or sickness. Wendy's imagination it would seem was growing weaker with each passing day.
Jack himself tried his hardest to love Wendy as well. Which wasn't hard since she was such a lovely girl. It was far easier for Jack to fall in love with Wendy. And now that she didn't tell stories of adventures, and nonsense such as that which often irritated, Jack found it even easier to imagine Wendy Darling as his wife.
He had admired Wendy from afar for almost two years now, ever since he'd met her at some party the bank his father worked for was holding. He'd seen her across the room, looking bored. And he'd been instantly entranced. Of course as the months went on, he hadn't plucked up the courage to ask for an engagement, mainly due to her status.
But when his father had passed on not long after, leaving him his fortune, Jack was a free man. And first on his mind was to have Wendy Darling for himself. And so he'd attempted to court her, having little luck. She was always telling him such unbelievable tales, and making him feel utterly dull in comparison. She hadn't liked him, he knew that much.
But, when he'd gotten the news that she had accepted his proposal, he had shot out of his chair at once, in surprised ecstasy. Oh, to have Wendy Darling say yes to him! How the lads would be envious! He'd the prettiest girl in all of London!
He had already planned the church they would wed in, the same his parent's had. And as they had planned the wedding out, Wendy had agreed to everything he desired.
But, her latest idiosyncrasies did alarm him.
And so it was, that one day as they walked through the garden one spring morning, and oh how lovely the garden was. If you were to see such flowers growing about, such colors and vibrancy. It is such a sight to behold.
Jack took Wendy's hand in his own, and glanced over. He was quite displeased to note the lack of change in her features. That distant look was in her eyes again, and he felt as if he were out walking with a stranger's wife, instead of his own fiancée.
"Wendy, I am more than fond of you, you know that," he started suddenly, causing Wendy to falter as they walked. She kept her eyes on the ground, her face unchanged.
"Thank you Jack," she finally offered unconvincingly.
Jack stopped then, and dragged a slightly resisting Wendy over to the more secluded area of the part. Cherry blossoms surrounded them, hiding them in sweet smelling security.
He stood across from her, his large hands upon her shoulders. She felt their warmth, suffocating her. His face had such an innocent quality, she felt rather sorry for him as he spoke next.
"But Wendy, I don't believe you care for me."
Jack's eyes were solemn, and as they looked from one to another Wendy felt a bubble of panic. It was true. She didn't care for him as he did for her.
"I do," she lied.
"I don't believe you," he replied uneasily. "Your eyes, they're so distant. I don't believe you care for me romantically. I believe you are interested solely in my fortune and in pleasing your parents."
Wendy felt the heat rising to her face at his accusations. His fortune had never really entered her mind. She'd simply known that she'd have to get married sooner or later, and Jack was the first one that had asked.
She was also ashamed, because while Jack was a handsome, although dull, man, he was a kind man. A sensible man. He was the best that a girl in her position could hope for. And for this, she did not want to leave him.
"I apologize if my feelings don't show as other girls' may," Wendy finally voiced, after a moments deliberation. "But please believe me when I say I care for you Jack. I do, deeply."
Wendy could barely believe that it was she saying such lies. That she could do so easily worried and saddened her. She'd never had to lie so shamelessly in her life. But Jack was as good a man as any other.
"I wish I could believe you," Jack said, his voice filled with conviction. But his eyes were so completely open and readable. His adoration for Wendy was evident, and his face leaning closer to her own delivered the message plainly. And Wendy knew she had to act a certain way, although it pained her.
And so Wendy's eyes closed tightly, and Jack's lips touched hers tentatively. And while Wendy didn't feel the same exhilaration from Jack's lips that she received when locked in a gaze with the Captain, the result was not unpleasant. His kisses which had been so dull to her beforehand were now mildly acceptable.
Jack's mouth continued, sweet and innocently pleasing. And although it was wrong, Wendy's imagination was already starting at the first touch. She could all too easily imagine her in the arms of her beloved Hook. It was his mouth against hers, not Jack's.
With such delightful reference in her mind, Wendy allowed her head to tilt back slightly as his kisses found their way down her mouth to her jaw, descending to her neck. There it was like the lightest of fairy wings upon her exposed flesh. She moaned slightly then, a name which haunted her dreams and waking mind.
"James..."
Jack pulled away quickly, looking down at Wendy. His features were flushed, but she could see the pain in his eyes at her words. His mouth gaped open a minute in surprise.
"What did you say?"
Wendy felt her cheeks reddening, and she pulled away from him. She could not lie any longer, not to this poor boy who could never measure up to the man she loved. Had loved.
"I'm so sorry," she replied, covering her face with her hands. She prepared to run, but was stopped by the force of Jack's hand around her upper arm.
"Wendy," he whispered his voice hoarse. "Who is James?"
And so, under the privacy of the cherry blossoms, Wendy fell to her knees upon the sweet smelling grass, and bid Jack do the same. And with his attention upon her, Wendy told him what she could. Of a man she'd known in her past, how she had been recently heartbroken and how it was hard to recover.
And whilst she told this story, for once Jack didn't look disinterested. He didn't look bored or uninspired. He looked positively rapt at attention. He didn't once smile patronizingly and tell her he wasn't in the mood for 'one of her stories'.
"Oh Wendy," he finally did cry when she had finished. "It all makes sense now! I'm so relieved."
"You are?"
"This entire time I thought you did not care for me out of something else. But, now I see that you were merely harboring a broken heart," his face grew more solemn as he viewed her face. He took her right hand in his own, stroking her hand with his thumb.
"All girls have their heart broken from time to time, especially beautiful ones. And while I cannot promise you will love me as ardently as you did him, this James, perhaps you will grow to love me in time. I promise to take care of you the best I can, Wendy. For I already adore and love you. I want nothing more than for you to be my wife."
Wendy wiped the remaining tears from her face, and looked into the face of sweet Jack. How had she even despised him at a time? Surely he wasn't the grandest, but he was a good man. And what more could she ask for?
Wendy had grown stranger still as the months passed. Quieter, more demure, withdrawn. Mr. Darling was thrilled, deeming it as maturity. Mrs. Darling however was more skeptical, but was repeatedly put off if she tried to mention such to Wendy.
Her once incorrigible daughter would simply give her a dead eyed look, shrug and say, "it is the way of adulthood," before settling back at the nursery window, looking out into the sky.
Almost a year since Wendy's departure for the Neverland, the bells of a church rang out in celebration. It was the Belstow wedding. All over London it was heard of, a most exciting event. The Belstow's were well known, and many had been invited for the celebration.
Presents were piled a mile high upon the tables at the reception hall that would take place soon after the wedding. The wedding cake sat waiting merrily, its frosty layers begging to be sampled. The guests milled about, chatting excitedly about the festivities about to be held. Everything was perfect.
At the Darling home however, celebration was not an issue. Wendy stood before the nursery window one last time. It was a windy day, looking like rain. Such a sight would have depressed Wendy, but now, she deemed it entirely suitable. She looked over at the long mirror before her and tilted her head to one side.
Her dress was rather lavish, considering what she always thought she'd be wed in; her mother's wedding dress. But Jack had insisted that she be bought a new one. It was long on the ground, with a large train out the back. Gold trim on the bottom gave it that added expensive flair.
Mrs. Darling came in with the veil, giving a soft smile to her daughter. She saw her daughter's frame, looking out the window with longing.
"Oh Wendy," she said with a smile, "you look exquisite."
"Thank you Mother," Wendy replied lifelessly.
Mrs. Darling did not however mention the one thing that had been troubling her since her daughter's return. The fact that, if you were to look carefully to one corner of Wendy's mouth, you would see that the kiss, which all Darling women seem to inherit, no longer resided there.
Which meant, it was now with whom the kiss belonged to.
Mrs. Darling had never really plucked up the courage to ask whom it was, and Wendy had never volunteered such information. But, Mrs. Darling did know that this kiss was the reason that Wendy was so changed.
"Do you know why swallows build in the eaves of houses, mother?" Wendy suddenly inquired softly, her eyes never leaving the sky.
"Why my darling?"
"It is to listen to the stories."
Mrs. Darling said nothing, not truly understanding her daughter's words, but knowing they held some significance. She only wished she knew what.
"Are you ready to go to the church?" Mrs. Darling offered after a long bout of silence. She almost willed her eldest child to object. But Wendy didn't. She simply sighed darkly, looking even more fragile and alone.
"Might I have a moment?" Wendy inquired her eyes still on the graying sky.
"Of course."
Mrs. Darling shut the door quietly after her, leaving Wendy alone in the room, her dress trailing behind her, and her eyes filled with tears.
This was it. The end.
As if signifying all that meant, there was a crash of lightning from afar, a rumbling thunder, and finally a downpour that seemed to bathe all of London.
"Oh!"
Wendy closed the nursery window quickly, shivering as the raindrops landed on her skin. Before she could help herself, she had kicked and slapped at the walls around her, furious for what was happening. Jack was a good man, but did that mean this was all that poor Wendy could expect in life?
"It's not fair!" She cried angrily, pounding her fists even more harshly against the nursery wallpaper, scratching and sobbing as she did so. She was filled with such confusion and anger and hurt, she didn't know what she was doing.
But before Wendy could do real damage, there was a knock at the nursery door. She stopped her actions, panting heavily and looked nervously to the door.
"Yes?"
"Wendy?" Her father's timid voice was at the door. "There's a visitor here to see you."
"Who is it?"
"Well, he won't say," Mr. Darling whispered fiercely against the door. "I've never seen him. But, he looks rather well off."
"Let him in," Wendy said, distracted with the event about to take place. She almost hated her family for ever pressuring her into marriage in the first place. But more furious with herself at allowing it.
She suddenly looked to the engagement ring upon her finger, and disgustedly wrenched it off her finger. Property. That was all Jack truly saw her as. Without any heed to her actions, Wendy threw it across the room, hearing its soft plink across the floorboards and not caring.
Wendy stood with her back to the door, not that interested in her new guest. What point was there in seeing people? She was about to sign her life away. What else could go wrong?
Just then she heard the door open, a figure enter and the door shut with a click.
"I apologize whomever you-," Wendy started, turning slightly.
Her voice however ceased as the familiar figure stepped closer to her. His once resplendent outfits replaced with a tailor fit suit all the fashion in London. His face clean shaven, the long, flowing curls replaced with a shorn, respectable style. But that singular shining item upon his right arm remained the same, and she loved him for it.
"Wendy," the Captain's voice was hoarse.
Wendy felt her eyes growing wet, and without a word, she allowed his strong arms to embrace her. Oh how good it felt to be in his arms again. How good it felt to be wanted and needed by him. She smelled the ocean and wind upon him, through his cologne. As she nuzzled into his chest, she could feel herself being almost transported back onto the Jolly Roger upon churning waves and warming sun.
"I never thought I'd see you again," she whimpered relieved into his chest. She sobbed all the heartache she'd felt for the past year, the resentment and relief intermingling. "Oh how I've missed you."
But, all too soon, Hook had pulled away from her, making his way to the nursery window. Wendy could only stare after him in mild shock at his actions.
"I wish I could believe that," Hook said, his voice suddenly filled with remorse.
"Whatever do you mean?" Wendy questioned in panic, her eyes widening at his words. She drew nearer to him, sensing the unease radiating from him. All too soon he had spun around, his eyes coldly upon her own.
"Not even a year."
"What?"
"Not even a year has passed, and you are to be married." Hook took another step towards her. "Not even a year and you are to be another man's wife. Was I that simple to forget? Am I to believe your heart was ever so broken Wendy Darling? Do you think me a fool?"
"You don't understand," Wendy insisted, stepping nearer. "I wasn't marrying Jack for love, I was-"
Hook scoffed loudly at this, turning his back to her once again. "I was so foolish to come here...to think-"
He stopped short, his head sinking slightly as he sighed. Wendy watched his tall frame seem to collapse into itself, and she felt her heart aching so badly.
"When did you arrive here?" Wendy inquired, needing to know more.
"A little over three months," was the short reply.
"And you chose to make yourself known only now?"
"I chose to make a life for myself," Hook's voice was low, and empty. "I chose to get myself a proper job, buy a home and make a new, respectable life. I chose to do all of this before I came to ask a particular woman to be my wife, to offer her the life I believed she deserved."
Wendy felt her heart give a merry hiccup, and she smiled broadly stepping towards him in glee. But all hope and smiles were wiped from her face as Hook faced her once more, a look of pure loathing on his face. And for once, since his arrival, Wendy was frightened of him.
"And then," Hook continued angrily, "Reading the paper not even a week ago I was affronted with the news that this woman, the woman I thought to be my perfect match, was to be wed to another man. That they had been engaged for nearly a year. That I had given up my old life only to become a mockery in my new one."
"But-"
"I came here to see proof," Hook continued, looking everywhere but her face. "I needed to see if it was true, if you were truly getting married today."
He glanced over her wedding dress then, his face crumpling as his eyes made their journey. Never before had Wendy felt so horrid in her entire life. She did her best to cover her dress, but in vain.
"And now that I have my proof, I am leaving, never to bother you again. And so goodbye, Miss Darling."
"But James-" Wendy rushed towards him, grabbing his arm tightly within her grip. "You don't understand, I couldn't care for Jack as I do you!"
"I saw you with him," Hook whispered harshly, pulling from her. "I didn't wish to tell you that, but now you've forced me. I saw you two for your walks, and your picking out of china patterns and homes. I watched it all silently, but I couldn't believe that you'd actually go through with it all. I continued wishing, like the fool that I am, that you'd call it off."
Wendy could only stare dumbfounded at the fury in his voice and eyes. She was completely speechless. Hook was pacing now, shaking his head in anxiety. He didn't seem at all the sea captain he once was. He seemed all to flesh and blood real to her.
"And then...that day in the park." Hook looked to his shoes now, needing a minute to collect his thoughts. "When...you kissed. And you didn't look the least revolted. I knew then that it was more than a game or joke. I knew that you cared for him. But still like the fool, I waited. And today...the day. I see that all my waiting was in vain."
And with this, Hook was at the door, bursting through it and leaving Wendy to stare after him in dull shock. She heard her father trying to say something to Hook, but stopping as the front door burst open, slamming shut after a moment.
And Wendy, in all her propriety knew that to chase a man through the busy streets of London, especially on her wedding day, was completely inappropriate. She knew that it was a silent rule in today's society.
But, as you may know dear readers, Wendy Darling was never one for rules.
Without so much as a thought to change from her wedding dress, Wendy had dashed down the stairs, ignoring the bells sounding from the nearby church, her heart in her throat and only one thought in mind.
"Wendy-" her father began as she rounded the kitchen, only to see his daughter give him a head shake of impatience.
Before either parent present could oppose her actions, Wendy had thrust open the front door of their home open and rushed out into the downpour, her dress growing muddy with each frantic step she took.
"Who was that fellow that was here?" Mr. Darling questioned to no one in particular, watching his daughter race out the door and down the lane into the street.
"The one whom the kiss belongs to," Mrs. Darling whispered wistfully to herself, her eyes on the window. Mr. Darling was silent a moment before turning to his wife in utter confusion.
"What?"
Wendy raced down the street, her eyes blurred from intermingling rain and tears. She was sobbing openly, ignoring the concerned cries of those she passed.
Only one thing mattered now to her. Only one man. The only man she had ever truly loved and cared for.
Wendy dashed down the street she imagined Hook had rushed down as well. She could almost imagine him commanding the attention of those he passed, even without his resplendent clothing. He was a man that commanded attention in his presence alone.
She passed by so many bustling people; playful children, scolding mothers, happy lovers, doting mothers...she could barely contain her sorrow.
And through it all, she scanned the sea of faces for those striking blue eyes, and the hands of gentleman far off, looking for that gleaming hook.
Alas, it was to no avail.
She had been running for a long while, and she was no longer a child. Oh how horrible it was to realize such a thing! In the Neverland it seemed she was never out of energy.
With such despair, Wendy fell to the steps of a large building, and allowed the sobs long suffering in silence to be heard. They racked her body, and made her eyes burn.
Here she was, on her wedding day, looking for another man. Oh how father would be disappointed. How mother would be ashamed. Poor Jack would be heartbroken.
And yet, none of that seemed to matter much. What Wendy wanted more than anything was to have Hook's arms around her. She wanted to tell him everything.
Only a short time passed before an elderly woman, carrying a large basket of flowers came over to the girl. She looked at the torn wedding dress, and the youthful girl wearing it. It didn't take her long to deduct what had happened.
"Now now," said the older woman, kneeling at Wendy's side. "Don't you fret none dear. Jane Whittle here'll help you. Have a flower."
"Thank you, Mrs. Whittle," Wendy said trying to be polite as possible, allowing the woman to place the rose at Wendy's side. "But I don't think you could help me if you tried. I don't think anyone could."
"Now now," Mrs. Whittle said, clucking her tongue in disapproval. "What is this talk then? You just tell me what's what, and I'll see what I can do to help."
"I've lost my..." Wendy couldn't go on, and instead let her tears fall more freely onto her ruined dress. She felt the cool stone under her body, and felt all resolve leave her.
She felt Mrs. Whittle patting her back comfortingly then, and she sniffled lightly, trying to regain control of her sense before she went mad.
"What is his name then my dear?"
"James..." Wendy looked up at the woman in surprise and then hope. "Captain James Hook. Have you heard of him?"
"I'm afraid I don't know anyone by that name," the woman looked kindly at the tearstained face of the young girl and handed Wendy a handkerchief. "Perhaps if you describe him."
"Tall," Wendy managed, "and so handsome. His eyes are the clearest blue you've ever seen. His hair is a glossy black, and when he smiles-" at this Wendy broke off, burying her face in her hands, her words muffled.
"Is there anything more?" the woman questioned after a minute. Wendy took pause, finally speaking softly, as if she could see such a man before her then.
"Upon his right arm there is a hook."
At this, the woman stood up with a start, pulling Wendy harshly up with her. Her dark eyes were alight, and she smiled so broadly Wendy felt her heart jumping.
"I did see him passing miss! Why, he went into that building right there not even ten minutes ago!"
Wendy stood looking to where the woman pointed. A large house that Wendy often passed when going to the library or shopping with her mother stood before her. They often paused to admire the large stature of the home. Of it's tall stately windows with their crimson curtains and the large wooden door, with its bright brass knob. It looked like a most resplendent, decadent home.
'It is such a shame that house is not lived in', Mrs. Darling would remark, and they would continue on. For it was well known that the home had been empty for quite some time. And Wendy recalled now, two months prior she had heard her mother comment one morning over tea, that the home had been sold.
"Oh my," Wendy gaped in awe. She stepped up to the door, swallowing thickly. She looked behind her, about to thank the woman who'd aided her, only to see that the street was now empty.
She raised a hand to the door, about to knock when she saw it was already open a hair. She took a deep breath, looking nervously around her before opening the door with a small creak.
Silence.
Darkness.
Wendy stepped over the threshold, looking round at the shadowy room. She then noticed a room, at the end of a long hallway, which seemed to be the only light in the entire home.
As she went down the long hallway, Wendy saw one room in passing, since the door was open. Inside this room there was a large piano and violin and Wendy felt her heart swell with memory. For you see, Wendy had believed the Captain to have forgotten such moments.
And as she drew to that little room at the end of the hallway, Wendy felt her lips pulling into a smile. A smile of memory, and of hope and love. And with those feelings, Wendy allowed herself to enter the room of light.
Wendy viewed the Captain's back, as he stood before the fireplace, his arms crossed. He looked utterly miserable. Wendy was silent as she entered the room, pausing only a moment to view the large chairs before the fire, the entire set up reminding her far too much of the Jolly Roger. Wendy smiled, realizing that the Captain could never really leave that life, no matter how hard he tried.
The crackling of the flames were all that sounded in that large room. A room filled with so many items, but in the end, so unbearably empty.
Wendy raised a trembling hand, and tentatively placed it upon the Captain's shoulder. Hook jerked violently as if he were being attacked and turned, his hook raised. It lowered as he viewed Wendy's pale face staring back at him.
"Wendy," Hook began his features cool and distant. He hadn't the faintest how she'd found him, but he didn't care. He wasn't to stay in this cursed place another minute while she was married off.
"Before you even begin," Wendy insisted, "you shall listen to what I've to say James Hook."
"I shall n-"
"And you shall not interrupt," Wendy continued unfettered, "even though I know you've a terrible temper and would love nothing more than to order me out of your home this instant."
Hook did not oppose, but instead seated himself before the fire, looking to her with strained patience. Wendy felt her legs trembling, but continued.
"Yes, I did allow myself to be engaged to Jack Belstow. I did so because I felt I had to," Wendy looked to Hook's face then, seeing the disbelief imprinted there.
"I waited at every opportunity for a letter, a parcel, anything from you that would allow me to believe you'd marry me. That you loved me. And as the days passed, and the letters and parcels never arrived, I believed that you had forgotten me."
"Forgotten you?" Hook's face was now confused, worried even.
"That the spell of the Neverland had worked its magic on you. And so I grew up. I resigned myself to a loveless marriage with Jack. And I did so because I never believed that I would ever see you again."
Wendy saw Hook's features soften through her speech, and as she spoke she saw his anger melting away. Wendy dropped to her knees before him, grasping his hands.
"I love you, James Hook. Only you. You must believe that."
"I want to believe you," he whispered, looking into her face. He stood, as did she. She saw the pain in his face, heard it in his voice and wished nothing more than to erase it.
"So badly."
"Has it been that long since you were truly loved?" Wendy inquired, resting her hand against his smooth cheek in comfort. "So long that you cannot recognize it before you now?"
"Forgive me." Hook's eyes fell closed at her touch. "I thought you had forgotten me. At first I thought that your feelings in the Neverland to be nothing more that craft to escape me. But...that afternoon in the cabin. And this..."
Hook grasped something out of his pocket, and handed it to Wendy. Wendy opened her hand, and felt her heart flipping, and her eyes watering as she recognized the item.
"The thimble," she whispered.
"I knew that it was more," Hook went on, wiping away her tears with his hand. "And I knew that you deserved a real life, Wendy. One I could never give you on the ship, or in the Neverland. And then, seeing you in that wedding dress...I'd never felt more pain than in that moment."
"Nor had I," admitted Wendy.
At this, Hook embraced her tightly, and she welcomed it. And she did not cry. Instead she smiled, bringing her arms tightly around him. It was right.
They stood there embracing a long while, their lips finally finding one another. Wendy allowed her arms to wrap around Hook's neck, pulling his mouth more fully against her own. He groaned, pulling her closer, his kisses intoxicating her. And all at once, Wendy felt happy. Truly happy.
Hook pulled his face back, holding her head in his hands, gazing at her with such adoration Wendy blushed. He allowed his eyes to take in one long look at her. At the one slip of a girl who had done this to him.
"Oh Wendy," he whispered, kissing her forehead, then eyelids, then cheeks, then mouth. Wendy felt her heart jumping with every touch of his lips. There was a magic within them that Neverland could never recreate. It was a real magic, not one of stories.
"Wendy," Hook repeated, gazing at her. Both still drenched from the rain. He held her tightly against him, kissing her once more soundly upon the mouth.
"Marry me Wendy Darling," he whispered against her cheek, embracing her still so tightly Wendy could barely breathe. Wendy felt the warmth of her tears slipping down her cheeks, and she nodded, smiling through her tears as the Captain slipped a most exquisite ring onto her finger. She buried her face in his chest as he stood.
And so it was that Wendy was engaged to Captain Hook.
It was a story so unlike her mother's proposal that Wendy had to laugh. What an exciting life they would lead. She was to be married to a man she adored, and to live a life that would never be commonplace. Wendy Darling was as happy as any young woman could ever be.
And so, back at the Darling home, Mr. and Mrs. Darling were surprised to see their daughter entering the door with a tall, distinguished looking man with a hook.
It was only Mrs. Darling that knew immediately whom the man must be and she smiled kindly at the stranger and he smiled back just as kindly.
"Mother? Father?" Wendy smiled, grasping Hook's good hand even tighter and looking to her parents in utter contentment as she spoke.
"There is someone I should like you to meet."