Misconception

Chapter 5

Miss Charlotte Stevenson turned out to be a big surprise. She was nothing like Isabella had envisioned her to be. She was beautiful of course, but her character was complex. She was well behaved, polite but extremely feisty at the same time. She defended her opinions strongly and she never let anyone get away with doing something she didn’t approve of. Her young age didn’t really show for she was quite mature where she needed to be. As a girl though she was a dreamer, of course, and too girlish for Isabella’s tastes.
Her father and brother were servants to her every will but not always lenient. Isabella had been in the house for three months and she had seen it all; from fights to open shows of affection between them. If she were honest with herself she would admit that she was envious of the family. They had something that she never had and she couldn’t help but feel that she was lacking; particularly in the emotional level. She had never felt what Charlotte felt towards her father and brother and it saddened her.
Living at the Stevenson household had its benefits but Isabella could admit that the young miss could be quite insistent and tedious. Something that her father realized and he had tried many times to save his employees from Charlotte’s insistence.
Isabella’s life was quite mundane but she could not be more thankful about it. Every morning she had to wake up at six thirty. Help Nellie in the kitchen. Serve breakfast and then the rest of her day would be spent with Charlotte. In the afternoon, she’d help again in the kitchen and then she’d help Charlotte again with her nightly ritual of getting ready for bed. At first Isabella had been quite speechless at the amount of time young Charlotte would spend in front of her mirror but then she had gotten used to it.
John and Christopher Stevenson were proud men but kind enough given their powerful position in society. Both were tall, dark and imposing men. At first Isabella had been a little put out by their presence and attitude but then she had come to admire them for their character. They were in fact tolerant and if handled correctly they could become extremely kind and thoughtful.
Nellie and Dave were older but very sharp. The Stevensons treated them like family and that made the atmosphere in the house very light and welcome.
James, the young man Isabella had met on her first day at the house, was in charge of the coach and the horses. He spent most of his time at the stables and he was Nellie’s nephew. At first glance you’d think he was rude but with Isabella he was anything but. He was a bit impertinent but he had a good heart which he showed only when he wanted to. He was sharp and he could drive a sane person insane with his antics but Isabella had grown accustomed to his jokes.
It would be safe to say that Isabella almost didn’t recall her previous life since she had so little time to think about it. Every night she fell onto her bed exhausted but with a soft smile on her lips. Her dreams came less often and when they did they didn’t bother her as much as they did. The incident, which was how she had decided to call it, with the infamous pirate, had slithered into the back recesses of her subconscious and even though she found herself thinking about it at times, it didn’t anger her as much as it had in the beginning. It seemed like her boring life as James had once called her existence was a quite useful remedy for making her forget any melancholy thoughts she had.

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Isabella cursed under her breath as she found herself on her back, her feet tangled with the now pretty much soiled sheets that were her laundry. She pushed leaves from her dress and hands before she tried to stand up. A hand was thrust in front of her and Isabella looked up. She rolled her eyes when she saw the smirking face of James and took his offered hand to pull herself up. Once she had regained her footing he let go of her and pinched her rosy cheek.
“How many times have I told you not to do two things at once?” he asked with a raised eyebrow and Isabella frowned.
“What?” she asked as she leaned down to pick the sheet.
“You were drying out your clothes and thinking. You can’t do both, Bella.” He said and she swatted his arm with irritation.
“You seem determined to make me actually believe I’m stupid.” She stated as she placed the dirty sheet in the basket and looked up at his still smirking face.
“Me? No. I’m just pointing out the obvious.” He said with a shrug as she leaned down and picked up the basket.
“Need help with that?” he asked suddenly while rubbing the back of his neck in what someone would call a nervous manner.
“From you? Are you actually asking to help me? That’s a first. You should help your aunt instead, who is always begging you to do some of her outdoor chores.” Isabella said and he scowled.
“Fine. Forget it. I have to feed the horses anyway.” He snapped with his usual petulant manner and Isabella sighed as she watched him stomp away.
She shook her head and entered the house through the kitchen. She saw Nellie struggling with the dough for the bread and paused.
“You need help?” she asked and Nellie looked up.
“It’s your day off, dear.” The older woman said with a smile but Isabella shrugged.
“I have nothing better to do.” She replied as she tapped her fingers on the basket she was holding.
“Then…by all means I do need the help.” Nellie beamed and Isabella chuckled.
“I’ll put this in the washroom. I can do it later.” She called as she walked out of the kitchen.
An hour later they were in the process of baking the bread when Miss Charlotte bounced into the kitchen a huge smile on her face. Isabella looked up and smiled at her. Her hair was falling down her shoulders in golden ringlets and her bright blue eyes were sparkling with excitement.
“Good morning!” she beamed and Nellie looked up.
“Hood morning, young miss! You’re up early.” Nellie said as the young girl approached the counter.
“I couldn’t sleep and I was so bored up in my room all alone.” Charlotte replied while looking at Isabella who smiled at her.
“Is there something you’d like?” Isabella asked as she wiped her hands on her apron.
“Um…well, I know this is your day off, Bella…but I saw this wonderful pair of gloves the other day at the market and I was wondering if you could come with me.” Charlotte said with puppy god eyes that she knew no one could ever resist.
“Oh…I suppose I could.” Isabella trailed off while looking between Charlotte and Nellie. James appeared in the doorway and leaned against it with a smirk on his face.
“Oh, I am sure she could, Miss.” He called while staring at Isabella who stuck her tongue out at him, causing him to raise a single eyebrow up in amusement.
“Really? Because father won’t let me go on my own.” Charlotte clapped her hands together and smiled happily.
“I suppose I will then.” Isabella relented and James chuckled quietly at how easily she could be controlled by the young girl. Isabella glared at him but he only winked and turned to prepare the carriage.
Isabella flushed at his reaction and cleared her throat before she turned to Charlotte.
“I’ll just get my coat then, Miss.” She said and Charlotte nodded before she turned to leave.
“I’ll go tell, Papa!” she called and Nellie sighed.
“That child will be the death of all of us.” She murmured but Isabella only chuckled before she left to fetch her coat.

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A few months later…

Charlotte hummed softly as Isabella brushed her hair and then put the brush away. She touched the girl’s hair and then divided into three parts before she proceeded to braid it. Charlotte looked at Isabella through her mirror and pursed her lips.
“Bella?” she asked and Isabella gazed back at her through the mirror.
“Hmm?”
“Do you like it here?” Charlotte asked and Isabella chuckled.
“Of course I do, Miss.”
“Hmm. Did father tell you about the upcoming ball?” Charlotte asked and Isabella shook her head.
“No. I haven’t seen Sir John since yesterday morning.”
“That’s because he has been at his office all day. Anyway, there is a charity ball next week and I am going to need new shoes.” Charlotte said and Isabella tied the end of the braid with a blue ribbon.
“Only shoes?” Isabella asked with a smile and Charlotte gasped.
“Bella! Are you trying to insinuate that I’m spoiled?” she asked as she turned in her seat and mock glared at her.
“By all means no, Miss. But it comes to me as a surprise that you do not wish new clothes as well.” Isabella said and Charlotte suddenly giggled.
“Yes, well, if I did my brother would kill me! Anyway, so you have to come with me to purchase them.” She said excitedly and Isabella inwardly grimaced.
“Again at the shops tomorrow? I don’t think my job entails outdoor activities, Miss. Your father might-…”
“My brother likes you, Bella.” Charlotte cut her off and Isabella’s eyes widened.
“Excuse me?” she stammered and Charlotte chuckled.
“He does. And my father is fond of you so you mustn’t have any worries about upsetting them. If you haven’t realized it yet, I am good at judging people’s characters. Oh and one more thing; James likes you as well. I think in a much different way than my brother though…” she trailed off and then she shrugged.
“So, no problem with you accompanying me everywhere.”
“Miss-…”
“Well not everywhere because I can’t take you to the ball, which is a same. You could wear that lilac dress that we bought! Why are you not wearing it?” Charlotte rambled on excitedly.
“The dress that you bought me, Miss. And I couldn’t possibly wear it in the house.” Isabella said as she went to the large bed and pulled back the covers.
“Why not?” Charlotte pouted deliberately.
“It’s too tight.” Isabella muttered automatically and Charlotte started laughing.
“It’s supposed to be.” She said as she jumped on the bed and slipped under the covers. Isabella fixed the covers around her and smiled.
“Anything else?” she asked with a raised eyebrow and Charlotte tapped her chin with her finger in thought.
“Bella, can I tell you something?” Charlotte asked as she bit her lip.
“Of course, Miss.”
“The reason I want to go to the ball is because…” Charlotte trailed off as her cheeks reddened.
“Because…?” Isabella asked expectantly.
“There is a young man-…” Charlotte abruptly stopped talking when her bedroom door opened and her brother walked in.
“Really for bed, bug?” Christopher asked as he cast a quick glance towards Isabella who smiled and then stepped back from the bed.
“Yes. And we were in fact talking, Chris.” Charlotte rolled her eyes and her brother chuckled.
“I apologize but Nellie’s in need of Isabella’s assistance.” He said as he smiled at Isabella who in return nodded and headed for the door.
“Of course, Sir. Goodnight.” She bowed her head slightly before she brushed past him and walked out of the room quickly. She could hear Charlotte’s protests all the way to the kitchen after that.

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Nellie was washing the dishes while Isabella was cleaning the table. Dave and James were sitting around the table. Dave was reading the morning paper while James was doing what he did best; staring at Isabella. Not able to take another moment of his gaze she stopped what she was doing and looked at him.
“What?” she snapped tiredly and he grinned as he held his hands up.
“Wondering when you’re going to finally give in and let the little Miss dress you up like a doll.” He stated and Isabella rolled her eyes.
“Very funny, James. Did it take you long to think such a funny joke?” she asked and he shrugged.
“It wasn’t a joke. Admit it. The girl has you grabbed by the-…”
“I do not have any of those for her to grab!” she cut him off and both he and Dave burst out laughing.
”Just leave her alone, you two! She does what she has to do.” Nellie scolded them and Isabella frowned.
“I like Charlotte. She is carefree. Like a young girl her age should be.” She said quietly and James looked at her carefully before he slammed his hand down on the table, making both women jump.
“For God’s sake, child!” Nellie gasped loudly.
“You’re coming with me.” James stated and Isabella blinked.
“Sorry?”
“I am going out for a drink and you are coming with me.” He said and Isabella flinched inwardly.
“I am not.” She refused with a shake of her head.
“Why not?” James asked as he tried to lock eyes with her.
“I am tired. I have to wake up early tomorrow.” Isabella said swiftly.
“And do what? It’s your day off tomorrow.” James smirked and Isabella stared at him.
“Have you been counting the days until my day off?” she asked and he shrugged.
“And what if I have?” he asked as he tilted his head to the side and regarded her with amusement.
Isabella was dumbfounded by his response and she saw Dave smiling out of the corner of her eye.
“Well? Are you coming?” James persisted as she fumbled for a proper response.
“I…”
“Go on, lass. It’ll do you good to go out for a while.” Nellie encouraged and Isabella sighed.
“Fine…I’ll just get ready then.” She said reluctantly and James grinned widely, his eyes sparkling.
“Hurry up then.” He waved at her dismissively and she had the urge to hit him with her shoe.

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Isabella sat stiff in her chair as James poured gin into her glass and then refilled his own. The tavern he took her at was nothing like the Madame’s but Isabella couldn’t help but feel uncomfortable. To shake off her nervousness she reached for her glass and took a tentative sip while her eyes swept over the crowded space.
“Bella.” James called as he gently touched her hand. Isabella stiffened under his touch but tried not to show it.
“What?” she asked as she turned to look at him.
“Are you scared of me?” he asked surprisingly gently and Isabella felt like the air was being squeezed out of her in the tight lilac dress that she had finally decided to wear. She swallowed hard and slowly shook her head.
“No. Whatever gave you that idea?” she spoke at last and he regarded her carefully.
“You’re always tense around people. Especially me.” He said with pursed lips as he ran a hand through his already tousled brown hair.
“I am not afraid of people, James, And I definitely am not afraid of you.” She said at last with a small smile, “I am just…I don’t open up easily and I do not trust people so much.” She shrugged and he blinked.
“You trust Nellie.”
“I do. She is one of the few people I trust.” She agreed and he sighed.
“Then it has nothing to do with me?” he asked with a grin and Isabella chuckled.
“I assure you it hasn’t. Now does this awful place serve dessert or not?” she asked and he grinned.
“Who’s paying?” James asked with a smirk and she pouted trying to ignore the fact that his eyes were immediately drawn to her mouth.
“You are the gentleman not I. You have to pay.” she said and he took his eyes away from her lips with a small cough.
“Cake?” he asked as he waved the barmaid over.
“Sure.” She smiled and he nodded. She leaned back in her chair but she was almost knocked over when someone bumped against it, causing her to sway precariously. James’ hand shot out and grabbed hold of her chair, steadying her as he glared at the man who had bumped into her.
“Careful!” James snapped and the man looked back, his haggard features showing no sign of remorse.
“Sorry, mate.” Isabella looked at the man and her eyes narrowed. His face seemed familiar but she could not place it. The man looked forward again and walked further down the room. He slipped into a chair among some other men whose faces were obscured by a pillar.
“You alright, Bella?” James asked and she turned to him.
“Yes, I’m fine. Where’s that cake then?” she asked and the incident was forgotten immediately.

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A week later…

Isabella finished with Charlotte’s hair and stepped back as Charlotte twirled around.
“Well? How do I look?” she asked excitedly.
“You look wonderful, Miss.” Isabella smiled indulgently and Charlotte beamed at her.
“I have to get going. Oh! I have that book you asked me. It’s on my nightstand. You’re welcome to read it here while you wait for my return.” Charlotte said as she wrapped her expensive cloak around her shoulders.
“I will, Miss. I hope you have a good time. And don’t part from your friends and your uncle.” Isabella said and Charlotte frowned.
“You will be in here when I come back? I want to tell you all about it.” She said and Isabella pointed at her attire.
“I am already in my nightwear so…I am not going anywhere.” She replied and Charlotte grinned.
“Alright. The coach is waiting. I’d better go or James will be mad. Goodbye!” the younger girl waved before she slipped out of the room.
Isabella sighed and looked at the nightstand. The book was there alright. She walked over to it but then reconsidered. She walked by the French doors and opened them slightly for it was quite warm inside. She drew the curtain and then walked back to the nightstand. She picked up the book and allowed herself to sink into Miss Charlotte’s comfy chair. The house was extremely quiet since only Nellie and Dave were inside and she relished in the tranquility. She opened the book and started reading. Two chapters later she had fallen asleep with the book on her lap.

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When she awoke hours later the room had gotten slightly cold and she groggily opened her eyes. She shifted in the chair and groaned when she noticed the strong wind entering the room from the open balcony doors. She stood up and the book slipped from her lap and onto the carpet with a dull thud. She sighed and sleepily leaned down to pick it up. Once she had grasped it in her hand she straightened and then froze when she heard footsteps behind her. Her hold on the book tightened as she listened. She made to turn but a strong hand clapped around her mouth and a rough arm went around her waist. She gasped against the hand and she felt hot air against her neck.
“Not a word, lass.” The grave voice hissed before a wet cloth was thrust over her nose and all see saw next was darkness.

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When she awoke next she was lying on something hard and she felt as if her entire body was swaying back and forth. The distinct sound of water slapping against rocks made her freeze. She could hear two male voices talking nearby and she tried to focus on them while keeping her eyes tightly shut.
“Weigh anchor as soon as possible and take the…lass to the brig.” A smooth make voice said and Isabella stiffened at the sound of it. It was familiar.
“Did we really have to do that?” another voice asked and she heard the previous speaker click his tongue in irritation.
“Me compass led me here. Me compass is never wrong. Besides, we need the money. Pillaging ships is getting all the more difficult and tiresome. Wealth is sparse these days. That family is awfully rich, mate. She happens to be the only daughter. I’ve done me homework Mr. Gibbs. Have no fear.” The man said and Isabella felt as if someone had knocked the air right out of her.
I know that voice.
“I have everything under control, mate.”
“That’s what scares me, Captain.”
Pirates. She panicked but dared not to move as she suddenly realized who those men were.
“We don’t do kidnapping, Jack.” The other man said and Isabella opened her eyes at that.
Her breath hitched as she took in her surroundings. She was aboard a ship. A pirate ship. In a cabin. Her heartbeat accelerated and she found breathing a difficult task to accomplish.
“Well, I wouldn’t call it that. I’d call it a negotiation that will benefit both parties.” Her eyes finally fell upon the Captain and she froze as the blood ran cold through her veins. At that moment the two men noticed her awake and turned to her.
“Oh my God.” She breathed as her skin started glistening with sweat. Jack Sparrow was looking at her with a smirk as he approached her immobile figure. It was then that she realized that her hands were tied together behind her back.
“Well, well. Looks like our guest is finally awake, Gibbs.” Jack said as he leaned over her and peered down at her face. His eyes narrowed briefly as if in confusion before he grinned.
“And isn’t she a sight for sore eyes, eh?” he continued as Gibbs came closer and smiled at her sympathetically.
Isabella’s mouth fell open and that earned her a chuckle from Jack who straightened and regarded her from head to toe with his dark eyes.
“Untie her hands, Gibbs. I am sure she won’t go anywhere. Won’t you, love?” he said, his voice the same husky baritone that she remembered. She wanted to smack that grin out of his face but she tried to remain calm as Gibbs leaned down and freed her hands. Once her hands were free she rubbed her wrists and looked at Jack with narrowed eyes. He seemed taken aback by her fiery gaze but he only grinned further as he waited for her reaction. When he received nothing but her death glare he sighed.
“Cat got your tongue, lass?” he asked as she slowly stood up and continued sending him death glares.
Gibbs looked between the two with confusion but remained silent.
“Oh, well then. I am happy to welcome you aboard the Black Pearl, love.” He said with a flourish when she remained quiet.
Isabella’s hands fell at her sides and she tightened them into fists as he approached her and chuckled.
“So angry and I haven’t even really done anything yet. Are you always like this, Miss Stevenson?” he questioned and Isabella’s eyes widened in alarm.
Miss Stevenson…? They think I am…Charlotte. She thought and her anger flared again.
Before she knew what she was doing, she stomped up to him and her hand connected quite painfully with his stubbled cheek. His head flew to the side and his eyes widened as he winced. Gibbs gasped loudly and his eyes went wide as he stared at the young woman who stood there, breathing heavily.
Jack brought a hand to his cheek as he turned to her. He rubbed the reddening skin there as he regarded her appraisingly.
“I think I might have deserved that.” He murmured with a lopsided grin as he remained still staring at her. When he didn’t move to return the blow Isabella raised her hand again but he caught her wrist in a death grip before she had the chance to strike him again.
“Ah, ah. Easy there, darlin’, or I might have to tie your lovely little hands again.” He hissed as she tried to pull her hand back from his grip and when she was unsuccessful she raised her free hand as well. He caught that one too and chuckled.
“You bastard.” She finally spoke and his eyes widened in mock offense.
“Oh, she speaks! Mr. Gibbs,” he started as he pulled her hands behind her back and motioned towards them, “If you please.” He smirked and Gibbs tied her hands again securely albeit reluctantly.
Isabella twisted in Jack’s grasp but he only shook his head and picked her up from around her waist.
“I’ll be taking her to the brig meself. You take us out of here.” He called as he walked out of his cabin with the squirming woman in his arms.
Gibbs shook his head and sighed.
“And so trouble begins.” He muttered as he headed for the helm.

End of chapter 5

Á/Í: Reviews??? :D