Bit of a new venture for me – hopefully a few people will stumble over and enjoy. :)
Set several months after, and based specifically on, the latest TV version of the story, which matters for two important reasons. Firstly, the treasure is thrown overboard by Jim Hawkins and the expedition returns virtually empty-handed, which deviates considerably from the novel as I remember it. Secondly, Captain Smollett is played by the legendary Phil Glenister, who is not only very easy on the eye but buckles his swash rather well and looks good in a pair of breeches.
For the purposes of this story I have assumed that both Squire Trelawney and Smollett would have been married men: I have no idea if this is really the case, call it a bit of dramatic licence necessary for the plot.
Obviously, none of the original characters belong to me, but Sophie is entirely my creation. I hope the good captain is suitably grateful …
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Sophie's Choice
Chapter 1
Captain Smollett watched the little group as they progressed slowly along the quayside, Dr Livesey standing head and shoulders above the shuffling old man and the slim woman currently gripping his arm tightly. Jim Hawkins trailed a few steps behind the rest, keeping pace with the luggage cart.
Smollett had to admit he was somewhat intrigued. When the doctor had approached him about the possibility of an attempt to retrieve the treasure, his first instinct had been to give it a very wide berth. Two factors had changed his mind. Firstly, that he had been promised a generous share of the proceeds, enough to retire on with any luck. And secondly, that it was being funded by Trelawney's young widow, who wished to accompany them on the voyage, along with her aging father-in-law as chaperone.
Finally, they approached the gangplank, and the doctor escorted Sophie Trelawney onto the ship first, leaving Jim to keep an eye on the old man. A large brimmed hat hid her face, but as they stepped onboard she finally raised her head and he found himself staring into a very attractive pair of deep brown eyes. She held his gaze boldly as Livesey made the introductions.
"Captain Smollett, may I introduce Mrs Trelawney?"
She had a generous mouth and a pretty heart-shaped face, and as he bent over her hand he decided that maybe he was right to have taken this commission after all.
"Your servant, ma'am."
"Thankyou for having us aboard, Captain. I promise we will inconvenience you as little as possible."
Her intelligent dark eyes were assessing him, favourably he hoped.
"No inconvenience at all, Mrs Trelawney, I assure you."
"You are very kind."
They turned to watch as Livesey escorted the old man aboard, and the Captain readied himself for another introduction but she held his arm gently to prevent him.
"He's as deaf as a post, Sir, and almost blind. It would only confuse him, trust me."
He noted with pleasure that her hand remained in place a second or two longer than necessary.
"Would you like a tour of the ship before I escort you to your cabin, ma'am?"
Her eyes lit up, and she took his proffered arm without a moment's hesitation.
"Thankyou, Captain. That would be most interesting …"
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By the time they finished the tour he had to admit he was really quite taken with her. Not only had she listened attentively to everything he'd said, but she'd clearly understood it all, asking several intelligent questions in return. There was a lot more to her than just a pretty face, it seemed.
He unlocked the door to her cabin and stood aside for her to enter, placing the key on a small table under the window. The space was compact but comfortable, and she professed herself to be more than happy with it as she familiarised herself with the lay out and furnishings. He indicated another exit to one side of the room.
"There is a connecting door with the Captain's cabin but the key will remain on this side of the door, so even if I were in the habit of sleep-walking I can promise you will be completely safe."
She looked up at him from under long lashes.
"I don't doubt it. But what guarantee of safety do you have, Sir?"
Was she really flirting with him? For a second he was non-plussed, and then he recovered his composure.
"Are you in the habit of sleepwalking then, Mrs Trelawney? I must endeavour to put some heavy piece of furniture in front of the door, just in case."
She spotted the glint in his eye and hid a smile as he bowed to her and took his leave.
Afterwards she slipped her shoes off, lay back on the bed and gazed dreamily at the ceiling. Why had the doctor never remarked on how attractive Captain Smollett was? After all, she'd questioned him endlessly about him. He was so tall and commanding, with those arresting blue eyes and that irresistible pout that just made you want to nibble his lower lip. Livesey had made him sound taciturn and morose, at least to start with, although he did admit a very different fellow emerged under duress. She'd been half expecting a grizzled old sea dog and instead she'd found a handsome, charming man in the prime of life. He was bound to be married, though. The best ones always were.
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Dr Livesey stayed on board for dinner that night even though he wasn't sailing with them the following day, and a very pleasant evening was had by all, Sophie thought, despite her father-in-law's habit of nodding off between courses. It wasn't as though he could hold much of a conversation anyway, not being able to hear or to lip-read, and she realised that there would be ample opportunity to talk to the captain when the three of them dined together each night.
A shiver of anticipation ran down her spine at the thought of spending time in his company, and she glanced towards the connecting door, realising he was sleeping only a few feet away on the other side of it …
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Updates on this one will be as and when because I'm fitting it around other fic writing and a heavy workload at the moment!
If you enjoyed please let me know – it makes all the effort worthwhile. :)