Hello hello, this is my very first fic so be gentle. I've had this idea floating in my head after reading a group of fanfics so I've started to put it all down.


A lady's protégé

Chapter 1

Have you as a child, ever had a friend that you loved but you knew that is didn't fit any meaning or reason, just that you that it fit perfectly, and held with all your heart.

Well. I have a story for you of some such children. For most children, the difference in age of eight and fourteen can be the greatest singularity and highest annoyance, but, with a little luck, they over came such an evil and be came close friend for that warm summer.

They are simply called, Elizabeth and Darcy.

Thus, we find ourselves in a little clearing in a golden forest, when the leaves turn to their end and lose their lush green colour that a painter could envy. And so we see a little girl with beautiful brown eyes, walking along the worn path.

Being careful of her petticoat, as she would be forever forced inside and to help her silly mama if she dirtied it, she called her dear friend. 'Darcy! Darcy where are you!?'

'I'm not mere 3 feet away from you little Miss Elizabeth' said the dark haired boy walking towards her.

Pouting, she replied 'Do you always insist on being as late as a snail? I've been looking you for the last half hour'

'I apologize for your trouble but I had a package from town and could not leave the manor until I had it.' He replied feeling a little embarrassed of being compared to a snail.

'Well, you're here now so come along' she said boldly. A child of 8 years can know very little outside their family, and can be very bold without the delicacy needed when addressing people.

Soon after a mere 10 minutes of walking, they cam upon a beautiful lake covered all types of lily pads and plants with the occasional fish swimming to the surface in the hope of food. On the lake there was a group of small islands cover in trees with a large majestic oak tree living on the middle and largest island. The rim of the lake sloped quickly to the deep, with roots, branches and greenery falling into the clear waters. With the sun low in the sky, it reflected perfectly on the partly still water of the lake.

They walked to a little wooden plank that was strong and sturdy and both sat at the end, being careful not as to fall in, and looked across the lake.

After a moments silence, the girl took out two small candles and said 'I hope you have brought the paper'

'Of course.' He replied taking out the carefully rolled item and showed it to her.

Together, they folded the paper to form a small boat and placed the two small candles in it. Carefully as not to burn themselves or the paper, they light the candles and placed it front of them.

Tucking her knees under her chin and looking into the two small flames. 'You promise not to forget then?' she said 'you promise to write to me, that we'll meet again?'

'Yes, of course' he said smiling, taking out a small red box with gold edging. 'And to prove that truth, I have this to give to you' handing her to box.

With excited hands, she opened the box and gasped. The box revealed the most handsome necklace and locket she had ever seen. A small gold locket engraved with vines and flowers, with roses, her favourite flower, hung on a simple chain that showed the locket's charm off well.

'It's beautiful Darcy!' she exclaimed smiling to her friend.

'You like it then?' he asked eagerly.

'Of course! Of course I do, but I can't keep this Darcy. I could never hope to own such a necklace!' she replied gazing back down at the locket.

'Yes you can. Look in inside' he simply told her, ignoring her endeavours to return the locket,

On opening the locket and seeing inside, gave another gasp from the girl. Within the locket was an engraving:

Our promise

E.B & F.D

On the other side of the locket was a beautiful group of tiny diamonds and rubies set into the shape of a rose carried on a boat

'You cannot truly wish me to have it, it's too beautiful for me' putting to the locket back into its little box.

'little Miss Elizabeth, you may tell me a hundred reason for you not to accept my gift but I will not hear one word out of ten because it is for only you, my little friend.' He said smiling.

'If you insist I must take it, then I must take it.' She replied signing dramatically which drew a small laugh from her companion.

'Ha! I feared I was in for a battle almost as fierce as when you where told to ride on Nelly, just to make you keep it!'

Pouting she said 'That horse is quite fiendish you know. I did not want to break my neck!'

'Quite right too! Come come, lets us finish so I may return you home before dark.'

Nodding happily, she tucked the box safely into her pocket and slowly placed the boat onto the water. Gently pushing the little boat forward, they both promise to meet again in the future and watch it move across the water with its candles flickering in the wind but never going out.

'I'll miss you Darcy'

'And I you little Miss Elizabeth' he said smiling down at her. 'Now we must return for your parents must be worried' helping her up.

'Not mama because baby Lydia has been talking these past 2 days and mama has no heart for anything else.'

'But what of your papa? Will he not be worried?'

'Oh!' she gasped 'I didn't think of poor papa!'

'Well then' he said walking away 'let's be on our way or shall I have the last of Betsy's famous ginger cake?'

'Not if I beat you first!!' she ran off laughing.

Joining in his friend amusement, he soon ran after her.

Neither of them looked back at the little boat just floating on the waters, both just happy to run and feel the joy of being together. Neither knew what was planned for them in the near and distant future. They could only hope that their promise is fulfilled and their friendship renewed …

… But such hope can never go perfectly


Well well well that's the end of my very first fanfic.

1,161 words chapter 1

Please click that review button, you know you want to. I promise to answer to every review I get

Tasha