Saltwater Hearts: A Pride and Prejudice Variation

By Heather Hawley

Despite the perils of war, against the vastness of the ocean, love can blossom...

 

In this thrilling Pride and Prejudice variation set against the backdrop of the Napoleonic Wars, Captain Fitzwilliam Darcy sets sail on a mission to defend his country's shores. Amidst the chaos of war, the brave Captain encounters Elizabeth Bennet, a spirited young woman assisting her uncle aboard the hospital ship he has been sworn to protect.

 

Amidst the perils of battle and the vastness of the ocean, Darcy and Elizabeth find solace in each other's company. Bound by duty and driven by their shared desire to serve The Crown, they navigate the treacherous waters of loyalty, courage and love…

 

Join ODC in this exciting new romance, sure to set your heart and spirit soaring!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Daisy Chain Publishing
• Release date: Jan 4, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224645497

Book preview

Saltwater Hearts

Saltwater Hearts

A PRIDE AND PREJUDICE VARIATION

HEATHER HAWLEY

Daisy Chain Publishing

Copyright © 2023 by Daisy Chain Publishing

All rights reserved.

No portion of this book may be reproduced in any form without written permission from the publisher or author, except as permitted by U.S. copyright law.

Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Also from Daisy Chain

One

The gray mists of early dawn clung to the docks like a funeral shroud, swirling around my boots as I made my way toward the HMS Pemberley. My trunks, heavy with the burden of my extensive travel, were hauled behind me by silent dockhands, their shoulders hunched against the morning chill. The creaking of ropes and the distant call of gulls combined into the morning’s dirge for those about to set sail, of to war once again.

My sister, walking beside me, sighed loudly enough that I could hear her voice over the cacophony of sound.

Fitzwilliam, Georgiana's voice quivered, tears yet unshed as she grasped my hand. Please, promise me you will return. I could not bear to be alone, to lose you to something as senseless as all this.

Her desperate gaze searched mine, seeking an assurance I desperately wished to give. Yet, in my heart, I knew that any words of comfort that I spoke would be hollow. Still, perhaps they might bring her some hope.

Dearest sister, I replied, the weight of my uniform coat nothing compared to the heaviness in my chest. I will do everything within my power to return to you.

I pressed her hand to my lips briefly, the promise hanging between us, fragile as the fog.

Be safe, she whispered, releasing me with reluctance.

Always.

Mounting the gangplank of the Pemberley, I was greeted by the familiar scent of salt and tar. The deck beneath my feet was a testament to countless voyages past and the ship's survival against all odds. Sailors bustled about, their movements efficient despite the undercurrent of apprehension that hung in the air.

Captain on deck! The call went up, and the crew snapped to attention, their eyes reflecting a respect it took me years to earn.

At ease, gentlemen, I commanded, my voice carrying over the din of preparations. We have a daunting task ahead, but I have every faith in this crew. We will show Napoleon what the British are made of, yet.

Sir, Midshipman Hurst approached. The last of the supplies are aboard. We're ready to make sail at your command.

Very good, Mr. Hurst, I said, clapping him on the shoulder. His eagerness was a balm to the weariness that wore on my spirit. Allow me to confirm our course in my quarters. We shall set sail within the half hour.

I moved among my men, offering words of encouragement, absorbing their quiet strength. Their readiness to face battle once more bolstered my resolve, each knot tied and sail unfurled a step closer to ending this interminable conflict.

Captain Darcy, Boatswain Edgar saluted, his gaze steady. The men are heartened by your leadership. We shall follow you through hell's gates if need be.

Thank you, Edgar, I responded, nodding my appreciation for his steadfastness. But let us pray it does not come to that. We have not lost a sailor in battle yet and I do not intend to start this day.

As the final preparations were made, I stood at the helm, watching as my sailors set about their duties. I could not help but feel honored. This ship was my domain, her crew my responsibility—a charge I bore with solemn pride. Once I was convinced all was well, I crossed the deck to the one place on the HMS Pemberley that was mine alone.

The polished brass of my quarters gleamed under the morning light that filtered through the window. I cast a lingering glance over the room, filled with my books and a few comforts of home, before my thoughts were interrupted by the sound of a heartening voice.

Darcy! Charles Bingley exclaimed, his eyes alight with the camaraderie that only years of friendship could kindle.

Charles, I said, feeling a rush of relief as we embraced. It had been a year since our last parting—a year that had carved more than a few lines of experience into both our faces.

Prussia has not been kind to you, I see, I said with a smile of jest, but noting the shadow of fatigue beneath his eyes.

Nor has the sea to you, my friend, he replied, his chuckle belying the gravity