Three years past and Isabella was now fourteen. She had tried to inquire what her father was keeping held hidden but she was having no luck. She had to stay in her room all day because the servants were preparing for the ball that would honor her father that night. She searched through her drawers all morning looking for the book that she had hidden in there a week ago. The Pirates Code. It was a truly fascinating book. Isabella kept it hidden behind another book so that she wouldn't get in trouble if anyone happened to walk in.
At seven her female servants started preparing her for the ball. She wore a beautiful pale gold dress that was tightly corsetted to enhance her new found curves. Her hair was in out in curls and the top layers was pulled back into a jeweled clip.
" You look lovely Miss", Elaine said," Your mother would be proud if she could see you now."
" I'm sure she would be", Isabella said.
" Are you ready to come down my daughter", her father said from outside the door.
" Yes father", Isabella said with haste rushing out to him," Has it started already?"
" Yes. But merely ten minutes ago. Do you know that Lord Beckett is here?"
" Really", Isabella said stiffly.
She knew that her father wished for her to wed him but she'd rather not. In the crowded room Isabella found only stiff proper people who carried false pretenses. She took a seat at one of the many tables and tried to keep herself awake.
My God, she thought angrily, Why do I have to come to these things they are so boring.
" Isabella."
She looked around and saw her father and Lord Beckett walking over to her.
Great.
" Good evening Miss Dawson", Beckett said taking her hand and kissing it," It is very nice to see you."
" You as well", Isabella said blandly.
A slow classical song started playing. Beckett offered his hand to Isabella.
" May I have this dance?"
Grudgingly Isabella grabbed his hand and followed onto the dance floor.
" You look gorgeous tonight", he said leading her.
" Thank you."
" It is a truly marvelous job your father has. He has work for many years protecting our ports from the pirate scum."
" I don't feel that they are scum", Isabella snapped.
" Ah but you are just a young girl with these foolish thoughts", Beckett said with a laugh," They are nothing but a band of misfits always have been always will be."
" I think that they are more of a kind of adventurer. Someone who gets by in this world by doing what they have to do. Not what is right by the rest of the world."
" Yes but they are punished for these crimes. These injustices. These crude acts to nature."
" By our navy who they get past on many occasions. The song is over now I think that I shall sit down again."
Isabella stormed over to the table and sat down. The ball dragged on for about another hour then the guests left and Isabella happily retired to her room.
" How was the ball Miss", the servant Penelope asked tucking the bed covers around Isabella.
" Honestly I found it rather boring", Isabella said with a yawn.
" I see that Lord Beckett's taking a strong liking to you."
" Yes. I suppose he has but I for one don't return that liking."
" That of course is your choice Miss. Good night."
Penelope started to leave the room.
" Wait", Isabella called.
" Yes Miss?"
" How is your brother? Isadore I believe his name is?"
" He is fine", Penelope said awkwardly, " I haven't seen him in over a month though Miss."
" Do you know if he still teaches fencing and those other fighting techniques?"
" I'm sure he does Miss. But I do not understand what you're getting at. You don't want to-"
" I think we sould pay him a visit tomorrow should we not", Isabella said brightly.
" I do not think that your father would allow you to see him", Penelope said fearfully.
" He doesn't need to know", Isabella said slyly," We are just going to visit town tomorrow that's all. And I shall be with you."
" It's not right to lie to him Miss!"
" It's not lyling. We're just not being completely honest. Good night now Penelope."
" Good night Miss."
Isabella dressed and ate with speed the next morning.
" Father", she asked tentatively during breakfast," May I go to town today with Penelope?"
" Sure", he said happily," Of course you can! Just behave yourself my daughter."
" Thank you father."
Isabella finished breakfast then headed out to the carridge at the front gate with Penelope.
" Why do you want to do this", Penelope asked anxiously.
" Because it's what my heart wants", Isabella said as the carridge trudged on.
" But it's not right for a lady to partake in such actions! I don't even think that he will teach a female!"
" Isadore will teach me. I have no doubt about that."
The carridge let them out in town saying that he will be back in a hour.
" Lead the way Penelope", Isabella said smiling.
Penelope led her down to the backstreets of the town.
" He's in there", she said pointing to a run down looking shop.
Isabella opened the door and walked inside.
" Come on Penelope", she said holding the door for her servant,
Reluctantly Penelope walked inside the dusty old shop.
" Look at all these swords", Isabella said examing the swords in the racks that lined the shop.
She reached out her hand to touch one when a voice errupted from behind her.
" Don't touch what isn't yours!"
Isabella turned around and saw an intimadating man in around his late thirtys glaring down at her.
" Hello", she said happily holding out her hand," You must be Isadore! I'm Isabella Dawson! I'm here with your sister Penelope! And I was wondering if-"
" Penny", Isadore said looking at his sister," Haven't seen you in ages! How are you?"
" I'm quite fine Isadore. But my charge here would like to know if you will teach her your arts."
" No", he said flat out," Girls are too weak for this. Too sensative and emotional to engage in fighting."
" Well I'm not like other girls!", Isabella exclaimed," I'm willing to push myself to become strong and you can help me with that! I know what clientel you've had before!"
" Are you talkin about the pirates I've trained?"
" Yes! So why not teach me! I can pay you!"
This seem to catch his interest.
" How much?"
" 70 shillings per lesson", Isabella said pulling out a money sack.
" 100."
" 80 and thats my last offer", Isabella said," I'd take it if I were you since you don't seem to be making much business anymore."
" Fine but one complaint and I'm done", Isadore said taking the sack.
" I won't let you down! I promise!"
" See you tomorrow then!"
" I'll be here", Isabella said ecstacically.