A/N: Hi all! This story is set in the English countryside during the Regency Period. I adore Jane Austen and thought I'd try to apply the style to SVM. Hopefully you'll enjoy what I do. The story is AH and slightly OOC, but I will try to stick to the canon as much as possible. It's mainly Sookie and Eric, but several SVM favourites will make an appearance. I have also borrowed a few character attributes from True Blood. Rating is a T but may go up to an M in later.

Disclaimer: I do not own SVM or True Blood nor am I affiliated with HBO in anyway. SVM and True Blood belongs to Charlaine Harris, Alan Ball and the good people at HBO. I am only using these characters for the purpose of this story.

Chapter One: Atlantic Crossings

The Atlantic Ocean, 1811

The billowing sails cracked overhead. Sookie breathed in the tang of the salt air. The wind ruffled the edges of her bright blue bonnet and tugged playfully at her long skirts. She looked out over the sea in great contentment. It was the first time that she had ever sailed the ocean, but it held no fears for her. She had discovered in herself a love of the endless expanse of moving, rolling water, the crash of the waves against the bow of the ship, the sting and taste of the spray on her face. Since the day the Adele, named after her beloved grandmother, had left the safety of New Orleans, Sookie had experienced a sense of freedom she had never felt before. In setting foot on the Adele's deck, she had left her cares behind her.

A shadow fell across her and she turned her head to find her brother, Jason Stackhouse, standing beside her at the rail. 'I should have you get your parasol, you know,' he remarked with a grin.

'Fiddlesticks! What do I care if I become as brown as you are? I won't have Mrs. Bellefleur and her ilk whispering behind my back in England,' said Sookie with a toss of her long blonde hair.

Jason's smile faded. 'I'm sorry you're still bothered by that, Sookie. I had hoped being on the sea would help you to forget.'

Sookie tucked her gloved hand into his arm. 'Oh, Jason, it has. I only mentioned the old cats because I was just thinking how free I am at this moment. The ocean is so vast and beautiful that one is quickly aware how small one's problems really are.'

Jason looked out to sea. There was a sense of love and wonder in his expression. 'Yes, you are right about that, sis. I wouldn't trade my life at sea for anything in the world.'

'How fortunate, then, that you have become a wealthy ship owner. Our uncle could have been a prominent farmer instead of a sailing captain and had no understanding of your passion for the sea,' said Sookie teasingly.

Jason grimaced at the thought. 'I am indeed lucky. When Uncle Bartlett offered to back me in the Adele, I knew that at last my dreams were to come true.' He looked down at his sister. 'I hope that you'll also find your place someday, Sook. I don't need to tell you how worried I've been about you.'

Sookie laughed. Her blue eyes warm with affection for him. Jason could be selfish at times, but he had always strived to be the best of brothers, growing from the mischievous and often impulsive boy to the strong and capable man that he is today. They've always been close, but since their grandmother's death last year, their bond is unbreakable. She loved him fiercely, and he her.

'You don't need to worry about me, Jason Stackhouse. I'll come about, never fear. Indeed, I think that the moment I broke my engagement I started feeling like myself again. When I look back on it, it was the mistake of my life to ever agree to marry William Compton. We would never have suited and how I could have thought otherwise, well, is beyond me. Bill wished me to be someone I could not be. And as for the resulting scandal, why, I never garnered so much attention in my entire life!'

'It is not the sort of attention that I could wish for my baby sister,' said Jason a shade grimly.

Sookie squeezed his arm. 'It's done with, Jason. And by the time I do return to New Orleans there will have occurred something far more interesting than my transgressions for the old cats to talk about. So do, pray, put it all out of your mind. I assure you, brother, I have!'

'You have always had the trick of turning to the sunshine, sister,' said Jason. Sookie laughed and kissed his cheek, then promptly diverted his attention to a pod of dolphins leaping beside the ship. The subject of Sookie's recent unpleasant experience as the center of malicious gossip was dropped and by silent agreement was not referred to again.

A day outside of England the American merchant ship Adele was hailed by a cutter flying the British colors. With little ceremony the British ship signaled intention to board the Adele. Mindful of the cutter's guns, the Americans acquiesced. As an oarsboat ploughed the waves towards the Adele, the passengers on deck shifted uneasily, murmuring. Since the Congressional renewal of the Non-Intercourse Act against England, the British had become more vigorous in its harassment of American vessels.

Susannah Adele Stackhouse, also known affectionately as Sookie, watched apprehensively as the oarsboat tied onto the Adele. 'Jason, what do you think they want?' she asked.

Jason Stackhouse's expression was grim. 'Nothing good; you can count on that, sis.'

The Americans watched silently as the British came aboard. Six British marines formed a guard for two officers. As the British seamen marched smartly up to the small knot of passengers, Sookie slipped her hand onto her brother's arm. His fingers covered hers with a reassuring squeeze.

The slighter of the British officers stopped with a hand resting casually on his hip. The marines flanked him with guns at the ready. The officer looked over the Adele's passengers with an unpleasant smile, his gaze stopping on Sookie's voluptuous form. Sookie shrank back, moving further into Jason's side.

'Good afternoon,' he said in a lascivious tone, giving Sookie a heated gaze. 'Beautiful day, is it not?'

'Damned puppy!' Sookie dared not turn her head to locate that low growl. She was too busy gripping Jason's arm, desperately trying to keep him from throttling the British officer. The passengers about her stirred, relaxing slightly. Someone coughed, hiding laughter.

The officer tore his gaze away from Sookie, and scanned the assembled crowd, his lips tightening as he heard the soft chuckles. His chilly eyes searched for the source of the voice.

'What can we do for you Captain…?' asked Jason, his Southern drawl thickening, his voice hard. Sookie knew that tone of her brother's and she glanced up at his deeply tanned face. It seemed carved from the hardest oak, giving nothing away.

The officer's mouth relaxed into a patent sneer. He locked his hands behind him and rocked on his heels.

'Wexler. Captain Barnard Wexler, at your service, sir,' said the officer with exaggerated courtesy. 'I regret to say that this vessel is found to be in violation of the Orders of the Council, which forbid trade with France. The vessel is therefore placed under seizure and is to sail to a British port for impoundment,' he said.

Stunned silence greeted the officer's pronouncement. Sookie winced as Jason's fingers tightened painfully on hers. Then a babble of protest arose. 'France! We've not been to France, sir. This is preposterous!' 'You can't seize an American ship. This is outrageous!' 'Damned, bloody blackguards, the lot of you!' 'Jason, can they do this?'

A high quaver rose clear of the loud confusion. 'We are on our way to England, sir, not France!' snapped Mrs. Thomasina Winters. Beneath her wide shading bonnet, her eyes flashed with ire and her ample bosom heaved with righteous indignation. She had to tilt her head up to meet the British officer's eyes.

The officer looked down his long nose at the old woman. He drawled condescendingly, 'So you are, Madame.'

A broad middle-aged man shouldered his way to the front. 'This ship is neutral, sir! Parliament's laws have no bearing here.'

The man's deep voice held a growl that the officer recognized as the one that had called him a "damned puppy". The officer's voice was cold. 'This ship will go quietly or suffer the consequences.' He nodded out to sea, drawing attention to the ugly snub noses of the British cannons. The sight sobered the knot of passengers. Sookie saw the helpless anger in the grim faces around her and in some, fear. As for Jason, his stony expression had not changed. Only his eyes betrayed his rage.

The British officer smiled again. Contempt narrowed his eyes as he swept a glance over Sookie and Jason. He addressed his subordinate officer over shoulder. 'Mr. Griggs, how many hands are we lacking?'

'Two, sir.'

'Ah, yes, that was it.' The officer's eyes roved over the American sailors, who were bunched loosely against the rail. His voice took on an exaggerated note of surprise. 'Mr. Griggs, I believe I have discovered deserters from His Royal Majesty's navy! Two, in fact.'

'Aye, sir!' Mr. Griggs made an abrupt hand movement. The British marines advanced on the American sailors, who had stiffened but continued to stand immobile in front of the threatening British rifles. Two sailors were herded away from the others towards the side where the British had boarded. One of the sailors had chanced to meet Sookie's gaze and she was appalled at the fear shining in his eyes. She recognized the seaman, who was really just a boy. Young Tommy Mickens had entertained all on board with his merry accordion. A marine nudged him roughly with a musket butt and the sailor stumbled past her.

'No! You cannot do this!' Sookie exclaimed. She hardly felt the warning pressure of Jason's hand on her shoulder as she stared straight into the British officer's surprised face. 'You have no right to impress our sailors. These men are American citizens and under our protection. You can't do this!'

There was a murmuring of support amongst the passengers of the Adele and a restive movement toward the men holding the American sailors. The British officer flicked his hand in command. Sookie's breath caught as muskets were trained on the passengers. The moment was suspended. Tense fear curdled the air.

The British officer's gaze passed indifferently over Sookie's shocked face to settle on Jason, who stood close behind her with his hand still gripping her shoulder. The officer's voice was clipped, meaningful in tone. 'Your wife is admirably soft-hearted, but her pity is wasted on these deserters. It is futile to interfere in the King's business.' He started to turn but stopped at the sound of Sookie's voice.

'You, Captain Wexler, are no gentleman. You are a coward, masquerading as a man of honor!' Sookie spat, no longer able to hold her temper.

'Susannah! Enough!' Jason chastised, tightening his grip on her shoulder and shooting her a look of warning.

The officer turned his gaze to Jason, hatred clear in his eyes. 'I have run men through for lesser insults. If I were you, I would muzzle her, sir. Anything can happen to a woman at sea.'

'Is that a threat, Captain?' Jason asks with barely concealed rage.

'Threat? No sir, fact.'

Jason clenched his teeth. 'To what port will you escort us, Captain?'

'To Southampton, sir. You will not be inconvenienced long, I trust. There is adequate lodging to be had, as well as transport,' said Captain Wexler smoothly. He bowed, then turned on his heel and, followed by his subordinate, strode to the side of the ship. After the officers had disembarked, the American seamen were prodded over the side into the waiting oarsboat. Within moments the Adele's passengers had the deck once more to themselves. They crowded to the rail to watch the oarsboat pull away. Jason and Sookie stood together, as one in their anger and frustration. Sookie's slim fingers were tight on the wooden rail as she watched the forlorn American sailors in the oarsboats grow smaller with the increasing distance. The event had been awful enough, but she was shaking with the realization of what might have happened. She briefly closed her eyes and saw again the ready British rifles.

'Well, lad, a bad ending for your first voyage,' said a gruff voice. Sookie turned her head. The middle-aged man who had openly protested against the British officer's pronouncement stood beside them. His eyes were on the American sailors, who could be seen climbing reluctantly aboard the British vessel. He sighed regretfully. 'Aye, a bad business, for those men especially. Nothing to be done, poor lads.'

Jason, too, stared out over the sea at the swaying British ship. He grasped the rail so tightly that the tendons stood out white on the backs of his hands. 'There is nothing to be done now, I'll grant you that. But once we get to Southampton, we shall see.'

Sookie looked at Jason worriedly as the gentleman beside them chuckled at the strong purpose in the younger man's voice. Shrewdly, he measured Jason's hard expression. 'It will likely be a hopeless cause, lad. But you've a look of determination that I like. Therefore I am with you.'

Jason turned to eye the gentleman. He knew from the passenger list and the infrequent conversations that he had held with the gentleman that he was an Englishman by the name of Calvin Norris, recently retired from trade and now returning to the land of his birth a very wealthy man. At his searching look the older gentleman chuckled again. 'Aye, lad, I know. What can a man like myself do? But I've influence of a sort. It is yours when we touch land.'

Jason's face lightened with a dazzling grin. He held out his hand and the two gentlemen shook hands. 'I thank you, sir. Any aid that you may give me will indeed be welcome.'

Sookie added her own expression of gratitude. 'You are most kind, sir. My brother and I truly thank you.'

Mr. Norris' eyes twinkled at her. 'You are a young lady of backbone, Miss Susannah.'

'Please, call me Sookie.'

'Well, Miss Sookie, you've got spirit. I admire that quality in a woman.'

'My sister's sense of independence has always been a source of pride for our family, but I have never been prouder than when she spoke up on behalf of our sailors. No matter how foolhardy,' said Jason, placing his arm around his sister and grinning widely.

'Aye, it was bravely done,' said Mr. Norris with a nod.

'Perhaps, but my bravery seemed close to bringing disaster upon us all,' said Sookie with a shudder.

'Aye, the insolent dog had the audacity to threaten you! To threaten all of us!'

'Make no bones about it, Mr. Norris, I shall not let that go unquestioned, I promise you. Captain Wexler and I will meet again,' said Jason, his gaze frosty as he turned his eyes once more toward the sea. Sookie glanced back at the British cutter. It followed the Adele like a great winged shadow, its prow dashing spray.

The Adele landed at Southampton on the rugged Hampshire coast. The green harbor was surrounded by hills, but Sookie thought Southampton itself was run down, ugly and too industrial. Houses crowded the shoreline and their steps were overgrown with seaweed, while the tide washed at their foundations. Sookie's opinion was further colored by the outrageous treatment afforded the Adele upon docking. Customs officials swarmed over the ship to ransack every cabin, spilling out the contents of every barrel and chest and box in their search for contraband. Surplus stores especially liquor, were confiscated.

Jason Stackhouse could do nothing but stand by while his ship was summarily stripped of everything of value by the Duties officers. Calvin Norris stood beside him, once even reaching up to squeeze his shoulder in sympathy. 'Don't worry, lad. We'll have our day.'

The Adele's passengers were set ashore and the small band took a subdued leave-taking of one another before separating for their individual journeys.

Sookie and her maid, Tara, took rooms at an inn that looked fairly respectable and then embarked on an exploration of the town. The people in the streets were ruddy-cheeked and well-fed. Many of the men were wearing uniforms of the volunteer regiments to which they belonged, reminding Sookie that England was a nation at war. As for the women, they wore extremely thin gowns and their shoes clattered on the pavement as they walked.

'Why, Miss Sookie, I ain't never seen such gowns! It's almost enough to make one blush,' exclaimed Tara Thornton, unable to tear her eyes from the shocking sight. Tara, who'd been Sookie's maid since they were five years old, was a dusky-skinned beauty, with large brown eyes and curling black hair. She'd been born to one of the female slaves and the overseer on her parent's old plantation in northern Louisiana. When Adele Stackhouse died last year, Sookie moved to New Orleans to live with her brother and brought Tara with her.

Sookie looked over at her best friend and confidante. 'Indeed it is, Tara,' said Sookie, equally fascinated by what she saw. She stopped outside a dress shop and exchanged a glance with her Tara. As one, the women entered the shop, giggling.

Under the guidance of Calvin Norris, Jason set in motion an official protest. His goal was to have the charges of illegal trade dropped and to regain possession of his cargo, as well as free his two impressed crew members. Jason was met with cynicism and indifference; but he learned quickly that it was otherwise with his ally. When Mr. Norris made known his identity and mentioned those in certain circles with whom he had influence, he was treated with swift deference. Therefore, the protest lodged by the unknown American shipowner Jason Stackhouse was given unusual priority in high quarters.

Jason was soon caught up in the tangle of bureaucracy and he realized that the struggle would take longer than he had anticipated. Though he and Sookie had taken lodgings at the same inn in the quayside town, he rarely saw his sister. Hew was aware that she was made restless by the enforced inactivity and he was also uneasy Sookie was alone, save for Tara, in a strange town.

One evening as they sat over a late dinner, he spoke his thoughts aloud. 'I believe that it would best suit both of us if you were to go on ahead to our cousins. It would stop me from worrying about your safety so much and you'll have something better to look forward to than another dull day.'

'Oh, Jason, I can't abandon you. Besides, I wish to know the outcome of the whole tedious business. I can't very well do that if I'm with our cousins. And I have Tara with me, so it's not so bad. We've been doing a fine job keeping ourselves busy,' Sookie said. Even as she protested, though, the thought of leaving the dull, ugly port city held appeal for her.

Jason thought he could read her thoughts fairly well and he pressed his advantage. 'Come, Sookie, there is the post. I promise that I'll write to you everyday so you'll know all that is happening. It will be as though you never left. The only difference being that you will not be obligated to stare at these same four walls while waiting for me to come in each evening. You can't convince me that it pleases you to kick your heels while I am about on business.'

Sookie laughed and shook her head. 'I don't deny that the patient role does not suit my nature. Fine, I'll do as you suggest and go to our cousins.'

'Good. I'll make travel arrangements for you and Tara in the morning,' said Jason. He leaned back in his chair and with an unconscious sigh. His face settled into tired lines.

'Poor Jason. Is it going so badly, then?' asked Sookie sympathetically.

Her brother shook his head. 'It is going slowly. Damned slowly. However, without Calvin's help it would have been an impossible task to even be granted a hearing. But eventually I think we shall bring it off exactly as I hope.'

'And with your troublesome sister safely ensconced in the English countryside, you may concentrate fully on the struggle,' Sookie teased.

Jason laughed, a genuine laugh, the first for many days. He stretched out his hand to her and lightly clasped her fingers. 'Thank you, sis. I don't know what I'd do without you.'

The following morning Jason put Sookie and Tara into a carriage. He had had second thoughts about the wisdom of sending two defenseless women on the journey to Hardgrove Chase without himself for escort, for he had been hearing for days of brooding unrest in the countryside due to the long economic depression, and there were disturbing stories of rioting amongst the unemployed. But at breakfast when he had voiced his concerns, Sookie pooh-poohed him. 'Fiddlesticks, Jason! I assure you that I am now determined to leave this damp place and nothing you say shall stay me,' she said, drawing on her gloves.

'You're right, of course, dear sister. As a shipowner I should demonstrate more firmness of purpose, should I not?' said Jason smiling.

He had been somewhat cheered by his sister's lack of hesitation. Sookie could be trusted to keep a cool head on her shoulders. And, of course, Tara was there to temper any impulsiveness on Sookie's part.

Tara. Jason looked over at the raven-haired beauty. She caught his gave and smiled sadly, causing his heart to squeeze painfully. Jason Stackhouse had loved Tara Mae Thornton since she was ten and he thirteen, but knew nothing could ever come of his love for her. Mayhap love was colorblind, but society, unfortunately, was not. There was no place in this world for Jason and Tara's love. Jason tamped down his feelings for Tara and locked them away deep inside him.

Sookie noticing the shift in her brother's demeanor, squeezed his hand in a comforting gesture. She was not blind to her brother's feelings for her friend, but there was nothing to be done. Society's dictates would never allow a happy ending for these two.

'We must leave, Jason,' Sookie said softly, looking down at her brother.

'I don't like you and Tara traveling alone, Sookie. Perhaps there is someone we can engage to act as an escort,' he said.

'We'll be fine, Jason. Besides, what would I do with an escort?' asked Sookie scornfully. 'I am hardly one of those helpless ladies who swoons at the slightest excitement. I'm a Stackhouse. Between us, Tara and I will be able to handle whatever may arise.'

He laughed, acknowledging that it was probably true. 'Still, I am sorry that I can't accompany you myself. But I won't know anything for certain for several days yet. In the meantime, we must do all that we can for Tommy Mickens and the other seaman.' Jason's eyes turned suddenly cold and his jaw hardened. 'As for the cutter's commanding officer, our good Captain Wexler, we have some unfinished business.'

Sookie, knowing what a hothead her brother could be at times, squeezed his fingers. 'Jason, do not do anything foolish.'

'Sookie, I can handle it. That son of a dog will pay for his insolence.'

'Now you listen to me, Jason Stackhouse. You will not put yourself in danger. You're all I've got left in this world and I won't lose you to something as idiotic as a duel! Let the law do its job. We will win, Jason. I know it in my heart. We have right on our side. As soon as I get to Hardgrove Chase I shall tell our cousins of our misfortune. They are part of le bon ton and as such will know someone with influence. I may yet be able to add a persuasive voice to the fight.'

Jason nodded. He suddenly grinned. 'I know you find it difficult not to be able to help. Perhaps at Hardgrove Chase you will find a way to do just that.'

Sookie smiled at her brother. 'I'm a Stackhouse, Jason. Could I do anything less?' Impulsively, she reached over to kiss his lean, brown cheek. 'I love you, brother. Goodbye and good luck hunting!'

Jason stepped back from the carriage, signalling the driver. 'Goodbye, Sook, Tara.'

A whip cracked and the chaise jerked forward. He put his hand to his mouth and called. 'And Sookie, just think before you leap, will you?'

Sookie wrinkled her nose and waved. She knew he was remembering her near tragic impetuosity on board the Adele. 'I will, Jason! I promise!'

The carriage gained speed, its iron tires clattering over the damp cobbles. Jason watched the chaise until it disappeared, sending a silent prayer up to Gran to watch over Sookie and Tara.

What did you all think? I did a lot of research before posting this story and I wanted to make it as authentic as I could. I know there was no Eric, but he will definitely make an appearance in the next chapter. Next up: Arrival at Hardgrove Chase, we meet the cousins, Mr Northman makes an appearance.