The Diary of Elizabeth Hart

[~*¤elizabeth¤*~]

Dear Diary,

I rode Lieutenant to my secret place again today, for which I was stared at quite cruelly. Alex followed me for a bit, but I lost him in town. I was afraid he'd gotten completely lost, but I later saw him with his father at Mr. Brown's.
Regarding the stares, a few of the gossipmongers whispered betwixt themselves as I rode past. I understand that I am one of the few, and perhaps the only, female rider in Port Royale. Or rather, I'm one of the few that can ride fairly well. Why is that, even when I'm wearing a corset and gown from London, the women of the town seem to still gossip and stare? I almost told them what I thought of them, but held my tongue only by God's good grace.
I met a few newcomers today. They didn't seem as though they were from around here at all. Perhaps they are from the Colonies. They spoke a bit oddly, and their garments were unusual. I believe them to be pirates, so I assume their garments and speech would be a bit different.
I also had the pleasure of meeting a Mr. Colin Gram today. He is working for Commodore Norrington. Commodore Norrington had the good sense to hire the man. Although, I must admit that there seems to be something a bit odd about Mr. Gram. I cannot figure it out, however.
Sind Fleur refused to pay his bill at the tavern today. He told the bartender I would pay his bill, and then took me outside. Mr. Gram found us and joined the conversation, adding to the little scenario. We had quite a crowd watching us, and I hope that shant happen again soon.
In all, today was rather exciting. I wish it was moreso, but I suppose today shall do. There is a party to be held tomorrow at the fort, and I look forward to that.

Later

Upon returning home this evening, I ate dinner and went through my usual routine before bed. As I wrote at my desk, Father arrived home from the fort. He was later than usual, which worried me only slightly. A few minutes later, he knocked on my door. I bade him enter, and he did, carrying a box. After a quick embrace and kiss to welcome him home, he opened the box. Inside laid a beautiful new dress. Father said it had been shipped all the way from London. I touched the silk fabric lightly, not quite believing it was there. Father has always spoiled me, though not usually with dresses and such finery. I carefully lifted it out, and Father told me to try it on so he could see how it looked. As I went behind the screen, I thought of Mother. She once had a dress similar to the one Father gave me.
Father nodded and said the dress looked suitable. I thought it was beautiful. It is a deep navy blue, like sapphires. Intricate designs are embroidered in white near the bottom. The bodice is creamy white. The sleeves are long and form fitting, as I like them. The neckline is square, with white material around the hem. It's truly quite exquisite...but why am I describing it here, where noone will ever see? Perhaps, because my diary is the only thing that's ever accepted me as I was? But then, why must I prove that I do find delight in new dresses and such? There are so many unanswered questions, and I fear I shall never have half of them answered.

[~*¤elizabeth¤*~]

Diary,

I feel that, in a world of utter chaos and confusion, I find solace only in writing my feelings and emotions. Father would be furious if I ever told anyone how I felt. I wonder if I would be allowed to display my emotions more freely if I had a mother? I have not called anyone by that name in years, and never intend to again. For mother is a special word, meant to be given to a special person, and that special person has gone, as has the word.
Pirates attacked Port Royale today. After a rather long and, I must admit, a bit boring, promotion ceremony in Lieutenant Gillette's honor (he is now Captain Gillette), I took Liana to a secret passageway. Liana is one of my very few friends; she understands who I am and does not care if I wear breeches or know how to use a gun. While we were in the passageway, Colin Gram, of all people, found us. We then learned that KC Lockhart had followed us, and our small party doubled in size. Just at that moment, we heard a rather large explosion. I am growing to dislike the fact that I can identify cannonfire, and often the model of cannon, being fired. After a rather long and daring escape, during which we lost Colin, only to find him much later again, we were able to swing to the ocean and swim to the beaches. I believe the pirates are cursed; they are immortal. I know I sound mad, but I am fairly certain that it is true. They seem to also want the gold medallion I am currently in possession of. Liana has an identical one. The pirates will be searching for us, and we must not endanger our friends.
Liana, KC, Colin, and I were able to take a few of the townspeople to safety. We led them to my secret place. Yes, my thinking place. The place where I go to be alone and think and cry and let all of my caged emotions fly free . . . the only place other than this diary where I am free to do so. I still am not certain why I am so protective and upset over the loss of its secrecy . . . perhaps because I was the only one who knew of it, or so I thought? Still, I rant too often. Even to my diary, my own sanctuary, I rant too often. It would seem as though finishing school did absolutely nothing to "finish" me. I am still the outcast. But, quite frankly, I believe I enjoy it slightly. I have several friends. I believe it is the wealthy holier-than-thou socialite who is the outcast.

[~*¤elizabeth¤*~]

Diary,

I write with trembling hands and a sad heart. Father has gone home today. And not in the literal sense, either. Father is dead. Pirates have killed him. And it's all my fault. Father was a great soldier; how could he have died? Why did I have to go gallavanting off on something as frivolous as staying away from him? If I had been there, could I have saved him? Or would we both be dead? At least he is with Mother now. I have noone. I am an orphan. The very word sends chills down my spine. I had never imagined myself as an orphan. At least Father has left me with something to help me provide for myself. And, I suppose I am not completely alone. I have KC. And Colin. And Liana. And, with my friends by my side, I will always have family. But, I swear, I will break this curse or die trying. I want to kill the pirate who killed my father. But, how am I to know who it was? If the curse is broken, I could kill any one I choose. And I want to see the expressions on their faces when I do.