Broken Soldier ~ Assassin's Creed 4

Chapter Forty Six

Most guests had left by now, apart from the few aunts and uncles who wanted to get their fill of wine before bundling into carriages. The wine would keep them warm, was their excuse for drinking their weight's worth. Edward was with his daughter at a table while she ate a slice of cake and drank water. I made my way over, seeing as Phoebe had left me now, and sat opposite them. Jennifer finished her mouthful, and then gave a toothy grin.

"Father spoke a lot about you on the boat and in the carriage."

"Oh, he did, did he?" I shot a sly look at Edward.

"Yes. He said--"

"Jennifer, I have told you this. It is a ship, not a boat."

"Fine, but--"

"No, no, I still do not think you quite understand it."

"Fine! Father said, on the ship, that he--"

"That is quite enough now, Jennifer. Finish your cake."

"Your name is Elisa, isn't it?" I nodded. "It is nice to meet you." She held out a hand for me to shake, so I did.

"It is lovely to meet you as well. I have been friends with your father since we were around your age."

"But that is forever!"

"Not quite as long as that, Jenny." Edward snickered.

"You don't look as old as father."

"I will assure you, Jennifer, that your father is the same age as me." She widened her eyes.

"Really?!" I nodded, trying to hide my smile. "Wow... But how did you know how old I am?" I leaned over to whisper in her ear.

"I know everything." Then, moving away again, I held a finger to my lips. She mirrored my actions.

"What did she tell you?" Edward asked, playing along with the story.

"I can't tell you, father. It was nothing too important, anyway." She tried her best to wink at me, smiling as she did so.

"Well, surely that isn't fair."

"Elisa made me promise." Edward's eyes went to the large grandfather clock in the corner of the room. The hall was empty now, bar a few maids who rushed about to clean up spills.

"I believe that it is past your bed time, Jennifer. Elisa, could you show us to a room which we can stay in for the night?" I nodded and got up from my chair.

"Right this way." Jenny skipped a little way behind us, still following us to the room. "I will try to find an empty guest room. If not, I hope you will be comfortable in my room."