You can't have her

Disclaimer: I do own these characters - they\'re mine! Mine I tell you...


What a handsome man the Captain is, tall and athletic...gorgeous hair and the most striking eyes…Purest blue with white streaks, like lightening flashing through his eyes… Thought Dian as she and her sister were escorted onto the newest ship in their father\'s fleet.

The Prime, as the ship had been named, was the largest cargo ship yet, designed to carry bulky cargoes from India to Britain quickly, and above all, cheaply. This was to be its maiden voyage, carrying the owner of the ship and his family to India, where they would bask in the heat and tour the country for several weeks whilst the ship was inspected for any damages incurred during the first journey.

\"Good morning Sir, thank you for arriving so promptly, and welcome aboard your newest ship.\" Captain Karrelos greeted my father warmly. “I would like to introduce you to my first officer, Malone.” Hands were shaken as the Captain went on. \"I assume these ladies must be your daughters, Lord Percy?\"

I looked on amusedly as my father introduced the Captain firstly to myself and then to my beautiful elder sister, noting as he did so that she was currently looking for a husband. My sister blushed prettily (something I could never do) and protested gently about informing a gentleman of her intents in such a crude manner.

My father promptly apologised as I rolled my eyes slightly. The Captain grinned and nodded his agreement of the situation. A thought occurred to me - if this man married my sister then he\'d be part of my family...at last, a partner in crime! I grinned to myself and decided I would try to engineer a situation which would force him to marry my sister Ellenne. Perhaps this journey would not be so terrible after all.

Once the greeting and small talk had concluded, the Captain motioned to several servants who dutifully took our luggage to the state rooms reserved for us. \"I would be honoured if you would join myself and my officers for dinner this evening, Lord Percy?\" said Karrelos.

\"It would be my pleasure, Captain.\" smiled my father. I\'m sure that he was most pleased for the chance to show off my sister in an appropriate setting, but I kept that thought to myself.

As we explored our cabins, my sister sat on the edge of her bunk and smiled impishly. \"So Dian, what do you think of our Captain? Dashing, isn\'t he? Goodness I was all aflutter when father mentioned that I\'m looking for a husband. Do you think the Captain is married already? That would be a shame, such a daring person, captaining the first of the large cargo vessels. I should think he rarely would be at home though, the best sort of husband in my opinion!\"

Ellenne rattled on about the Captain whilst I opened and closed cupboards and drawers, rearranged my sisters cosmetics to her preferred locations and generally poked around to see if anything interesting was in the room.

I nodded and agreed, making encouraging noises in what I thought were the right places until my sister, bully that she is said \"And I think parsnips would make a lovely present for mother\'s birthday, don\'t you?

I nodded and said \"Good idea\" slightly before my brain caught up with my ears. \"Ellenne, that was mean, you know I stopped listening after the 8th time you told me the Captain was handsome and you thought he needed a hair-cut.\"

Personally, I didn\'t think his waist-length blonde hair needed cutting at all. It suited him, allowing his jaw to be softened slightly whilst not losing one jot of masculine appeal.

\"I\'m sorry, I was mean. Forgive me, sis?\" Ellenne fluttered her not-inconsiderable eyelashes at me. I sighed \"Oh alright, you\'re forgiven. Tell me. Did you say anything other than the fact that you think our Captain is extremely handsome and that you want to marry him even though you\'ve known him for ooh, about an hour?\"

I fluttered my eyelashes back at my sister and smiled gently as she burst out laughing.

\"Alright, you win; I\'ll stop talking about him...For now!\"

I sighed theatrically as I flopped onto the bunk and began to undo the laces of my boots.

\"I hate these. Why can\'t women wear shoes which don\'t have heels? Men don\'t have to wear high heels.\" I grumbled gently and rubbed my now free toes.

\"Dian, you know we\'re supposed to look pretty and vulnerable. You\'re far too independent. I\'ll be surprised if you ever find a man who wants you.\" said my wonderfully conceited sister.

I looked at her, sitting twirling a lock of carefully curled hair through her fingers. \"Thank you, dear sister, for that encouraging opinion.\" I stood, found my slippers and put those on, sighing happily at the comfort of having soft shoes on. \"I sometimes feel that life would be easier without being forced to find a husband. After all, he\'d surely not want a wife who wishes to journey to far flung lands and have adventures. No, I imagine he’d want a pretty wife to come home to who wouldn’t make demands on him, content simply to stay on dry land without him and watch over his children.”

With that, I sauntered from the room in search of conversation which perhaps would revolve less around the Captain and more around me. What, you expected me to be selfless and kind? Who do you think I am? The Queen?

“Get those boxes below lads, that’s the food for tonight. We’re having a dinner for the Lord and his daughters.” Karrelos winked “I think the elder one has taken a fancy to me too, a pity that the younger one is the one I want.”

The crew laughed and one wag called out “Why don’t you just have ‘em both then, cap’n?”

Karrelos grinned wickedly “Hah, it will be far more fun to let the elder try to gain an advantage whilst I seduce the younger of the two.”

“Speaking of the younger…” Malone nudged Karrelos. “She’s coming this way now. I reckon it’s time for us to skidaddle and let you two have some time alone.” Both men grinned before turning towards the young girl walking round the edge of the ship with one hand lightly trailing along the wooden rail.


Stepping onto the deck without my sister in tow felt very liberating. With comfortable slippers on, it was sheer bliss. I wandered, keeping away from the centre of the ship where the activity seemed to be, looking out at the land we had so recently left, and thought about the journey we were undertaking. After all, it was a long way to India. We would see many lands on our way and no doubt weather storms as we travelled. I was not looking forward to the storms.

Before I knew it I heard my name called by a soft voice next to me. So absorbed in the view, I jumped away from the sound and felt myself hit the rail then my feet left the ground and I was falling. I wailed as I clutched at the ship and slammed to a halt as strong hands caught my dress and hauled me back. Still wailing I wrapped my arms around my rescuer, feeling myself being lifted and taken towards the prow of the ship. A strong voice proclaimed “Bring a bottle of whisky and glasses. Quickly!”

Moments later a half full glass was placed against my lips and someone told me to drink. “There’s a good lass, drink some of this, it’ll warm the shock off you…” Presently I found out what the voice meant as I spluttered, the burning liquid tracing lines inside my throat. Searching for the source of the voice I discovered that the person who’d rescued me was the very handsome Captain Karrelos.

Oh, god. My face fell and my cheeks burned. “Thank you for stopping me getting a soaking, Captain.” I managed a wry grin, despite my face still radiating heat. “I appreciate your timely assistance…”

Karrelos burst out laughing as I spoke. “What, may I ask, is so funny about me falling overboard, Captain?” I started to feel even younger than my 17 years as he looked down at me huddled around my glass.

“I’m sorry Dian,” He managed to look apologetic “It’s just that you’re sitting there having downed two fingers of whisky – my best, I might add – and I was relieved that you felt well enough to apologise for the necessity of your rescue which was caused by me in the first place...” I stared at him, trying to work out if he was sincere. “It was my fault; I startled you out of your reverie. How was I supposed to know you could leap like a salmon?” My lips curled upwards as I began to see the ridiculousness of the situation. “That’s better. You look happy now.” Karrelos reached towards me and tucked a stray lock of my flame-red hair behind my ear. “Much better… Perhaps your father won’t make me walk the plank for this afternoon’s escapades.”

Oh god, my father…”Speaking of which…” I gestured with my by now empty glass, towards the cabins as my father came running followed by Malone. “He’s looking a little fraught…Perhaps I should deal with him?” I looked at Karrelos questioningly and was rewarded with a smile.

“He would, in all probability, feel reassured if you were to speak to him.” The Captain offered his hand which I gratefully accepted, having just drunk quite a large amount of alcohol for one unused to it. As I swayed slightly, Karrelos put one hand to my back to steady me, bringing me close enough to his body to feel the heat radiating off him. Blushing brightly I stepped slightly away, only the tips of his fingers remaining on my shoulder, anchoring me to him. Why do I feel so warm suddenly? Tingling all over… Perhaps it is the shock? Or could it be… I gasped and looked up at the man who was being so gentle with me. I… like him? I want to touch him and have him touch me? Oh my father is going to be livid…He wants this man for Ellenne…

“Is there something the matter Dian?” Enquired the handsome man before me, looking very concerned all of a sudden. “N-no, Captain. I’m fine.” I smiled, hoping that he would believe me. I don’t think it worked. I turned, letting his hand stay at my back as my father came closer.

“Dian, you are not hurt?” My anxious father scrutinised my face as I nodded. “You are sure?” he asked.
“Yes father. I was simply looking out over the sea and was startled – it was fortunate that Captain Karrelos was near enough to catch me before I fell far. He brought me here and gave me a restorative draught… As you can see, it worked. I am fine, father.” I looked sternly at him. “So there’s no need to worry, no harm was done to me by falling such a short way.” My father dragged me into his arms, kissing my head and generally being a worried father.

After several minutes of this I felt it was time to extricate myself. “Father, I really am alright. You can let go now?” I added hopefully.
“I was so worried that you were hurt my dear.” He frowned “What was it which caused you to try going for a swim in the ocean?” I sighed gently. “A noise startled me, father. Nothing happened, I just…jumped.” I contrived to look as innocent as possible. I don’t think my father quite believed me but he at least pretended to in front of the Captain.

“Alright my child. I will be in the stateroom watching the birds fly by if you need me…” I was kissed on the cheek by my father. “Captain, I cannot thank you enough for rescuing my daughter. She is prone to…accidents. May I prevail upon one of your staff to ensure this does not happen too frequently? Perhaps, since she wishes to be on deck, we could devote a small area to her comfort?”

“Of course Lord Percy, I shall see to it immediately.” Captain Karrelos bowed low to my father, who nodded and with one last stern look at me, went back to the stateroom.

I sighed with relief and smiled at Karrelos, who smiled warmly back. “Right.” Said Karrelos. “We should design a comfortable area for you on deck. Should we ask your sister for assistance?” One perfect eyebrow was raised at me in challenge.

I ignored it and simpered gently (and sarcastically) “Oh yes, Captain, I think that is such a wonderful idea…” I smiled vapidly, fluttering my eyelashes and was rewarded with peals of laughter and a hearty slap on the back.

“Good lass…we’ll see you right with the shelter. At least it’ll keep you away from your father?” he said enquiringly.

I nodded enthusiastically. “It would make the journey somewhat pleasant if my father were to let me have some peace from talking about why it is wrong to eat too much, or why hasn’t my sister got a husband yet.” I let my face curl up in disgust.

Karrelos looked amused. “I take it, Dian, that you do not wish to marry?” I thought hard about my answer.

“I… I think it would be wonderful to have someone who loved me, and whom I loved also. However, I do not wish to be tied to a house somewhere never able to do anything… fun!” I looked up at the Captain sheepishly. “I suppose that’s a very childish thing for me to say, but it’s the truth. As much as it would be wonderful to have a family of my own, I want to see the world, discover places and people…” I stopped talking before I made myself sound any sillier. “Let’s get paper and pen and get designing, shall we?”

Karrelos smiled and stared down at me, making me quite uncomfortable. “Yes,” He said gently. “We’ll make a good shelter. And something you may wish to remember? Not every man wants a trophy wife…”

My eyebrows rose at this, my heart fluttering unexpectedly as he sauntered towards his cabin to retrieve the necessary materials. “I’ll just get my sister, shall I?” I called after him.

Turning, he nodded, and then smiled, saying “Yes, I’m sure she’ll want to take over designing this, but it’s probably best to keep her happy.” I couldn’t help it; I burst out laughing, which set him off as he walked away.

“Ellenne, are you awake?” I called softly as I walked into her room. The curtains had all been pulled shut, cutting out the light, the see breeze still ruffling them gently, flickering shadows around the room. “Ellenne?” I sat on the edge of her bunk and shook her shoulder gently.

“Mmmm?” she murmured “Is it time to go to dinner?”

“No, sis, not yet. We were wondering, that is father thought it would be a good idea if we made a shelter on the deck so that we can sit outside rather than in these cabins. Captain Karrelos is partitioning a section of the forecastle off for us. We could sit outside and watch the sea birds with a shade? But we wanted to know if you would help with the design. Would you like to?”

Ellenne’s eyes opened and a calculating look crossed her face. “Captain Karrelos is going to help with the designing too I take it?”

I smiled inwardly “Yes, he has gone to fetch writing materials so that we can all put together a shade and area for us to sit.”

Ellenne appeared to mull this over momentarily. “Alright then. Let me make myself presentable and send a servant in to escort me to the forecastle in, say ten minutes? I feel uncomfortable walking around the ship on my own.”

“Yes Ellenne, I’ll fetch someone for you.” I leant over and kissed her soft cheek. “I’ll see you on deck then dear sister.”

In his room, Karrelos opened the desk and brought out a package of coloured pencils, a sheaf of paper, and some scraps of fabric. Almost as an afterthought, he took the tie out of his hair and let it fall free around his shoulders. Looking in the mirror, he grinned as he thought of the two beautiful women who were, no doubt, about to vie for his attention. The afternoon was looking up already. On his way to the deck, Karrelos found a servant to bring water, wine and fruit to the deck. So readied, he sauntered happily into the sun and began thinking of how he could seduce Dian.

Once on deck, Karrelos called for Malone, who came running. “Malone, we need a table and several chairs up here, one of the servants is bringing food up so smaller tables for that would be helpful. Get me parasols too; strap them with ribbons to two of the chairs. You have the helm Malone whilst I sort out this shelter.” Humming, the Captain walked off to set up the tables.

Well, Thought Malone. He’s certainly got a plan up his sleeve… I think he may need a little help pulling this one off. Dian may just be as strong as he is…

The sun shone down on me as I stepped onto the deck, making me glad I’d grabbed my hat as I left the cabin. I stood for a moment in the light, letting my eyes become accustomed to it. My eyes wandered over the crew, watching the way everyone obeyed the orders given by the first mate as he controlled the ship in lieu of the Captain. As I thought of him I noticed him standing with his back to the ships rail, watching me. I blushed (again) knowing he must have been watching me as I examined his crew. I waved and trotted towards him, one hand holding my hat on, the other clutching a book I’d purloined from my sisters room with all the latest fashions.

As I reached the last step I noticed the additions to the area – a small table with three chairs arrayed around it had been added, along with two colourful parasols draped with ribbons and tied to the backs of our chairs. “Oh how lovely!” I exclaimed in surprise. “That will make it much easier to work on the shelter. Thank you Captain.”

“There’s no need to call me Captain, Dian. Just call me Jack.” He smiled at me as I looked at him wide-eyed.

“Thank you…Jack… I would be pleased to do as you ask.” My face fell. “I feel that my sister may take umbrage if I was allowed to call you by your Christian name before you asked her to also.” I looked at the wooden planking beneath my feet whilst awaiting a response, noting that the shadow the Captain cast was moving towards me. His hand reached out towards me, lifting my chin and forcing me to look into his lightening-kissed eyes, my lips parting involuntarily at the contact, I dared not move for fear he would let me go.

“I am asking you to call me Jack. You have earned the right.” He smiled down at me, “Besides, if your sister objects then she can take it up with your father, can’t she?” My heart leapt and I swear I giggled at him.

\"Alright, Jack... If it\'ll make you happy.\" I smiled up at him from so close, feeling like I would burst with pride that he would honour me by allowing me to use his christian name!

Jack moved his hand from my chin to my shoulder and looked at me curiously. \"It would please me for you to do so, Dian...\" His hand was so warm, resting on my thin shawl, lightly stroking my skin through the cotton. I never knew a small touch could reach so much of me, my whole body seemed suddenly too warm...A discreet cough drew Jack\'s attention from me, giving me the chance to gather my extremely scattered wits. Maybe I wont let Ellenne have him...

Perhaps the time has come for me to think of myself, not of my sister...