Prologue
April 25th, 1310
She looked out the window at the world below. London. Such a diverting city full of many things a young lady could do. But, Elaine was stuck at home with many lessons to catch up on. Which she had acquired when her parents had learned about her night out with David, even though nothing had happened. He was not well liked because he was of low stationion in the Royal Navy.
Nonetheless, Elaine had managed to grow rather fond of him and they met in the park often.
Scandalous, we all know. But, something inside of Elaine just said that she liked to be with him. He was handsome, and a gentlemen in all respects and he kept his distance as if they were courting. A wish that was set deep in Elaine's mind and would never come true until the day he was one of high rank.
She sat in her window seat, watching the rain pelt the window, wondering what the day would have been like if it was sunny. Her parent's, knowing now that all her trips to the park where to meet David Jones, would never let her out of their site. But, they were out of town on business and wouldn't be back for quite some days. Elaine was left in the care of the housekeeper, Mrs. Smidt, whom never really payed attention to what the girl was doing because she had 'more important matters' to attend to.
Elaine sighed, it was going to be a long evening. She knew that David would not be waiting for her, they had agreed that on rainy days it was out of the question to meet. But, she longed to see him.
His beautifully deep eyes, his brown wavy hair, his strong jaw. Everything about him that made her feel happy to see him. He was so wonderful in so many ways imaginable and she didn't know what she would do if she didn't have him.
Although, he wasn't really hers to 'claim'. They weren't officially courting, so they weren't destined to be married. But something told Elaine that it would happen, some how.
She loved him.
But, the question was, did he love her? All of the times he had written her.. all of the times they would touch for an instant when he was helping her into her carriage. The times in Bast that they would dance together, her card taken by him. (Three dances only, of course, any more and that would prove to be scandalous.) It was as if they were pointing at one thing. He loved her as well.
"My Lady." Mrs. Smidt said, opening her door slowly. "Someone to see you." The housekeeper curtsied and left. A man dressed in uniform came in and smiled brightly.
"David!" Elaine said, bounding toward him and engulfing him in a hug. She did not care about manners when no one was around to see them together.
"Oh, Elaine, I missed you so." He kissed the top of her forehead and smiled at her. He obviously did not care either. It had been some weeks since Elaine had been allowed to leave the house, due to her being punished.
"I must tell you something." David paused, cupping her chin with his hand. "I'm being sent to sea." A frown crossed Elaines face.
"To sea? But why?" She asked, her voice growing shaky. She didn't want to cry in front of him.
"Lord Cromwell came to me this afternoon and told me. Elaine, you must know that I would rather die than leave you." He smiled, brushing away a tear that had tumbled down her cheek.
"I love you Elaine."
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Dearest Elaine,
It is hard to say how long I will be gone, but know that I love you and that you will always be in my thoughts. I will be back soon, to claim your hand, so wait for me.
Davy
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Dearest Elaine,
We have been at sea for some months now, and I fear that I will never come home again. The crew is dying, having caught some illness from these Carribean waters. But, I will stay strong for you, my sweet Elaine.
Davy
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Dearest David,
I know that some time may have past since I have written this letter. I fear that this news will not reach you soon enough.
Upon the celebration of your abscence, my parents have promised my hand in marriage to Lord Cromwell. Though, I know that he is not on your voyage right now, he is your ranking officer.
David I am so sorry. I have no way to express my anger towards my parent's. It was inevitable that we should end like this.
I fear that I may already be married when this letter reaches the Carribean Isles. If it reaches you before August 25th, come and save me. Take me away to a place where we can be together.
I love you,
Elaine
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August 20th 1310
"Madam, someone to see you." Mrs. Smidt said. Elaine fumbled out of her wedding dress, hoping that it would rip. It didn't. She slipped into a decent dress, hoping that it was not the Captain coming to call.
Elaine entered the study, her head low, not wanting to look into the cool blue eyes of her fiancee.
"Elaine?" She heard a sweet, velvety voice ask. Her head shot up, pearing into deep eyes.
"David?" She barely whispered, throwing her arms around him and kissing him passionately. He had come to save me!!!! To take me away to that secret Isle and for us to never return to the dreaded London. She thought as she fell deeper and deeper into their kiss.