Capt. Sterling

Sterling looked about the group as Aurore pulled hood up to protect fine curls from the weather. He watched her as she stepped outside to join them all but he found he could not smile despite the fact that she took his breath away. "Mr. Hazzards if ye would kindly lead the way," Sterling said, his tone suddenly as worn as he now felt. "Time to get this over and done with." He offered his arm to Aurore as Matthew Hazzards headed off.

Sherlock Holmes

Her expression troubled him. "I shall await ye outside then," he said as he turned for the door. He brought gloved fingers to eyes, rubbing them briefly, trying not to second guess what had just now passed. He wished to think that he was just worn. And yet, he felt more compelled to believe now that he could never make her happy. He cleared his throat and straightened before he passed through the doorway, putting into place a mask of his own and rejoined the others.

Sterling watched her as she moved to the door, then lowered his eyes. With a shake of his head, he whispered, "No Chere, ye are not hearing me. I am not tellin ye what to wear or what not to wear...although I must confess I had not expected this..." he said gesturing toward her garments. "I am saying that I do not expect ye to fall into what ever role my so called world says ye must. Please try to understand, I do not think ye a fraile creature that needs be set up in a safe place. I know well enough that yer mind is quick and ye handle yerself more than adequately in a given situation, if I did not, I would never have asked ye to accompany me on such a venture, but, please Chere, be yerself with me, not what others would have ye be."

"Relied on a woman's advice?! Good Lord, Lady, do you think I would not ask yer advice in matters that concern not just myself but ye as well? Do ye think I am a free man, Chere? My life is not mine own, I have officers, crew, and their families to answer to and soon to ye as well. Heaven forbid that I would ever think myself so above and better than you all as to souly make decisions without any of your consideration. As to "my world"... for once and for all let us settle in yer mind that I do not have a world into which I fit so snuggly like a piece to a puzzle. I live by mine own standards and not the ridiculous dictates of men, or would ye rather, once we are wed, that I treat ye like a piece of property and not as a human being and my partner?"

It was the men of The Archangel that swerved about to stare upon Aurore's entrance. "By God!" Sterling himself exclaimed throughly taken unawares until a double glance relayed to him who the young man truly was. Except for his oath, he was struck dumb by her appearance, taking several steps backward as she approached. Aurore watched him as his good eye moved rapidly over her taking in her apparel. "Chere, why are ye dressed like a man?" he finally whispered.

"Yes of course if that will ease yer mind. I am glad you shall join us.. I am certain ye will not be disappointed." Sterling shook hands with Devareaux, then with a last, disapproving glance at Christophe, he made his way downstairs to collect his officers and wait upon his betrothed.

"Oui Chere," Sterling said, somewhat disturbed by her need to hide and even more upset as he watched her cast her gaze upon the Frenchman. "I shall await ye downstairs then." He turned to Sabastian. "Thank you, my friend," he said. "We shall make quick work of this and then my plans are to move The Archangel out into the harbour. Mr. Dogge is already making her ready to sail. I shall take Aurore with me. She will be safe there, you have my word. We are supping late on board, around midnight this evening. I wish you to join us, it is of the utmost importance to me that ye attend. There are matters to settle before the church tomorrow. Can I count on yer attendance?"

"Well then," Sterling said offering his hand to Aurore to help her to her feet. "It is time we make our way. Are you feeling up to this mon amour?"

"Oh thank God then," Sterling said with a sigh of relief. He turned back to the lady where she lay then leaned down to her. "Chere," he whispered, laying a gentle hand upon her shoulder. "I fear I must wake ye, for I do not wish to see to this Striker without yer wisdom by my side." He could not resist stroking her cheek with fingertips still clad in soaken gloves. "Forgive me," he added as her eyes slowly opened.

The darkness was difficult for him to adjust to, so he fixed himself upon the shimmering glow and made his way toward it. When he arrived besides the sofa, without mishap, and saw Aurore sleeping, he felt at first a warmth spread over. He smiled down at her, so beautiful where she lay and found he did not wish to disturb her. But then, he shifted slightly to look back toward his host. "Is she all right?" he asked, not able to mask the sudden panic in his voice.

"Good day to ye, " Sterling said, his tone automatically following suit. "I pray ye are well. I am sorry to trouble ye but was told I might find Aurore here," he added in a whisper.

"Thank you...once again," Sterling said warily. The two adversaries circled each other as they exchanged places, like cautious fencers, neither willing to strike the first touch. He made his way up the stairs, but not without one quick backwards glance to confirm that the Frenchman was still watching him. He fought down the urge to make comment, it surely would not help. Instead he thought to pity the man, he would not wish to be in his shoes where Aurore was concerned. A light rap upon the barrier between him and his beloved was gently given and then he waited...

Is that what you've been learning in class???

Thank you... some of the work is truly amazing...

Seth Childermass' words suddenly took on another light as Sterling studied Lambert. He could not shake the feeling that things would never bode well between him and the Frenchman. And, although he chose not to believe that Christophe would be the man willing enough to kill to keep Aurore to himself, his feelings for Aurore would always provide a distance between them. "Ah, I see. Thank you," Sterling replied, still eyeing the other man.

Fortunate Fellow! although I do not envy you the task of keeping the other crewes at bay...

Love the caravans... are any of them finished on the inside?

The return walk was a quiet one, Sterling still mulling over the things Childermass had said. His words had been few and yet each was filled with key information. He resigned himself to the fact that he had much to learn and that a steady hand and much love would help bring him into the proper accord with his intended bride. He smiled to himself... the love would not be difficult to give. As they reentered the bookseller's, Sterling gave a nod to Hazzards and March. The first lieutenant, his look of relief quickly fading to one of disapproval for the captain's earlier actions of running off, folded his arms in front of him and gave a hesitant nod in reply. "Any word as of yet?" Sterling asked. "No sir, not yet," Hazzards replied. "Thank you, Mr. Hazzards. If ye wish to move about the area, do so. I cannot have ye loitering about if ye would rather not. I shall remain here..." Sterling quickly glanced at March. "Ye have my word. Return when the hour is near gentlemen." "Thank ye sir," Hazzards said with a slight bow. Sterling made his way to the back room. "Chere?" he called softly. But she did not answer...

"No, I think it best I return. We are awaiting a reply regarding a change in plans where this Captain Striker is concerned. If he truly knows anything that would be of aid, I would be foolish to postpone or, worse, miss my opportunity," Sterling said. He bowed to the young lady. "Thank ye lass for allowing me the use of yer home." He pulled his still dripping coat tightly about him then looked once more to Childermass. "Will ye accompany me back to the book shop, or should I just rest in the knowledge that ye shall be following safely behind?" he added with a sly grin.

Sterling stood quietly, listening to what Childermass had to say. He chewed over his words a moment longer before he fixed sights with the other man. "I must confess I know little of their ways... a brief enounter once in Africa, and a different tribe as well, so I do not wish to make discernments based on what little I have knowledge of. I can say that I do indeed love this girl, and thus, I do not wish to be any cause of harm to her. It pains me that some day I may have to take her from those she loves so dearly... And do I wish, for selfish means, to press her into something that will shatter like fragile glass, if one were to think she would only be made miserable by a hard life. I want to make things right by her and give her my best. I do not plan to live a wretched life, but then again, no one does, do they? I know well the gamble she takes, as does anyone willing to give their heart into the keeping of another. I shall mind yer words, sir, and keep them well in rememberance and press on with the course I have set. I thank ye and I also thank you for yer assistance before..." He took a step closer to Childermass and held out his hand.

Touche`, Amour, Touche`

Very pretty Chere... but, mon amour, how do ye keep yer feet so clean?

Welcome aboard Kate! Have a pint on me and I shall find thee a towel...

Welcome to the Pub, Sir. A Marine what? My little brother claims that fine title as well. 12 years... well done and thank ye. Here's to you and hope to see you onboard often.