Pirates and Prejudice by Kara Louise

is
enjoying your company. I hope that our paths will cross again soon. Perhaps you
would consider visiting our estate in Staffordshire? We have wonderful forests
and lakes around us. Melanie was never able to truly appreciate it, and I think
that has affected how she feels about David.” Jenny let out a sigh. “I know
that he cares for her deeply, but she claims her heart belongs to another. I
think he is finally ready for another lady to take hold of his heart, but I
would not wish for him to be hurt again.”
    At those words,
Elizabeth’s heart began to pound. Her mouth suddenly felt dry, and no words
would come. After a few moments she was finally able to mutter, “I would… I
would welcome his attentions if he so desired it.”
    Jenny smiled.
“That would make me so happy!”
    They walked a
little farther and found David eyeing a sign that had been posted in the window
of one of the small shops.
    “Now, you ladies
have no need to fear, for I shall protect you with my life!”
    Elizabeth
laughed and asked, “From what?”
    He pointed to
the sign. “From pirates!”
    Elizabeth leaned
in to read the sign. Ships have been sighted in the vicinity of the Isles of
Scilly engaging in the illegal act of piracy. Whoever can provide information
leading to the capture of these ships or the crew will receive a reward of £500 .
    She shuddered.
“The reward would certainly be most welcome, but I think I shall pass on the
opportunity of encountering – let alone capturing – a pirate!”
    “You must leave
this sort of gallantry to me, then!” David pushed his chest out proudly in a
display of bravado.
    Melanie gave
David a friendly push. “I have lived here all my life and have yet to see even one pirate!” Laughingly, she turned to Elizabeth. “We see these signs all the time.
While we hear occasionally that there are pirates, they do not come to
the big islands, but hide out in the rocks and caves of the smaller uninhabited
ones.” She directed a wink at Elizabeth. “But if David wishes to be gallant, we
shall not dissuade him.”
    Later that day,
Elizabeth and David were enjoying a stroll in the garden. He extended his arm,
and Elizabeth slipped her fingers around it.
    “Elizabeth, I
cannot tell you how much I have enjoyed getting to know you, and it grieves me
to think that you and your father will be leaving in just two days.” He looked
up to the sky and let out a puff of air. “Would you mind terribly if I were to
go to London with you on the ship? I need to return to the estate shortly.” He
turned and took Elizabeth’s hands in his. “If I may be so bold to say, I should
very much like to further our acquaintance.”
    “Oh!” Elizabeth
said, biting her lip. “I am flattered.” Her heart began to pound, and her
cheeks flooded with warmth. Looking straight ahead, she said, “If it is
acceptable to my father, I should enjoy it very much!”
    “I will speak with
him immediately upon our return, and if he is agreeable to it, we shall see if
arrangements can be made to accommodate me on the ship.”
    Later that
evening, David approached Elizabeth with a broad smile on his face. “Your
father has agreed! As long as passage can be obtained, I will be sailing back
to London with the two of you!”

Chapter 8
    Darcy was a natural leader, having the ability to
inspire loyalty among his crew which readily earned him their good opinion. He
gave orders to the men in a quiet, yet commanding voice that brooked no
opposition, but still treated them with the utmost respect, prompting them to
obey willingly. Darcy was surprised to discover that he enjoyed this role and
almost wished they could take the ship out to sea. He realized, however, that
it might prove too risky.
    As first mate,
Lindel knew precisely what needed to be done in regards to the ship, but he
tended to be harsher with the crew when Darcy relinquished control of the men
to him. Not surprisingly, the men did not hold him in as high esteem as