The simple, and perhaps sad, truth was that they BOTH loved him.

And while the stigma upon her may be fierce, labeled with such terms as “fallen from grace”, or “fickle”, or “disgraceful”, or any number of terms muttered by highborn matronly ladies who shake their heads sadly as they speak of the Governor’s Daughter, the black gaping mark upon him would be much much worse should it ever be discovered.

He was nauseous with jealousy when he saw them kiss. Not over HER, but over him. Not only could he never have that pleasure, he could never even admit to wanting it. But Will vowed deep in the darkest corner of his heart that he would pursue Elizabeth as long as he could.

Not to have her for himself. To keep her away from Jack.

END