Entry 2
For th' rest o' th' efternoon I sat in th' kitchen. Efter stayin' strict to meself for quite awhile allowin' th' misery take ower me. Me wallowin' in it as turned Miss Elizabeth's abrupt suggestion ower in me mind for several times. Wance again tryin' to see th' reason in it, as quite frankly it had completely destroyed me self-control. All th' feelings o' sadness 'n' achin' hertbreak returnin' in even greater intensity as I thought aboot th' scenario o' me workin' in th' hoose where th' man I adored would stairt a family wi' another woman. That woman bein' me Mistress who in addition o' bein' me employer claimed to care for me lik' a sister, juist because o' that darin' to propose to hire me as their servant 'n' force me to live th' remainin' time o' me life in continuous torment o' seein' 'em together? Such generous intended offer if accepted then makin' me remember th' fact that I'd lost William to 'er every day till I'd die.
While mullin' ower these dejected ponders I funnily enough didn't greet, even me agony was as grave as ever. But that moment I was in fact mair angry than sad, that wi' such frank coupon Miss Elizabeth had had th' nerve to ask me to become their hoosekeeper when she very weel kenned th' reason for me continuous melancholy, as weel as how much Will had meant to me. How much he still… I sighed deep. I had no intention o' agreein' to such aggravated request, even if William 'imself would beg me to consent. I had plans o' me ain, to earn enough money to buy me passage awa' from this wretched town I'd been imprisoned in efter Barbossa's men had stolen me savings. So resolute wi' me decision I noo leant me heid oan me palm, gazin' ootdoors.
It was awready dark, smell o' delicious food flyin' to me nose as I then turned me attention to me fellow maids who were preparin' th' late dinner for th' gentry. (Mattie had ordered me to leave th' remainin' work to th' four o' em, 'n' simply sit quietly afore it was time to go to bed. 'N' when I'd fled from th' dinin' room wi' me freish worries weighin' me hert, I'd been but grateful for that actually. Because though it usually did th' trick for me, this time nae even hoosework would've distracted me enough had I been obliged to serve food to Miss Elizabeth 'n' William.)
But even I thought that I in th' end couldn't juist sit idle, wi' a freish smile 'n' happier face oan me coupon standin'. Tyin' me apron again. "I'll go check th' settin'."
"No, I specifically told you to stay there and rest. You refused to go to your own room so I consented for you to stay, but tell you now to leave the matters to us!" Mattie breathed strictly, shooin' me aff wi' a dishrag but I only smiled at 'er. Openin' th' door.
"Ye ken I cannot sit still long wi'oot doin' anythin'."
"You sure seemed to manage that a moment ago after discovering to be hired as the housekeeper of Miss Elizabeth and Will."
I willingly didnae respond to that as then left th' kitchen for th' umpteenth time that day, goin' back to th' dinin' room where thank goodness were no signs o' Miss Elizabeth or William. Me seein' only Lily there, settin' th' table. But instantly efter arrivin' I noticed a major flaw in th' arrangement, quirkin' me eyebrows as sighed. Pointin' at th' empty spot at th' opposite side o' th' table across from Miss Elizabeth's seat.
"How many times must I remind ye Lily to set th' table for three noo!" I stated, Lily keekin' up to me from th' washed napkins which she was foldin' in deep concentration, me takin' th' initiative to include another plate for William. "Mr. Turner dines 'ere every evening, have ye forgotten that?"
"Well excuse me, miss perfect! I cannot help but to set the table for two, as am accustomed to Miss Elizabeth to dine only with her father", Lily remarked poignantly, though soon enough returned 'er attention to th' napkins. Pushin' 'em thro' their holders afore set each ontae th' plates.
Lily wasn't bad at 'er job by any means, but she juist sometimes tended to get sidetracked (lik' gossipin' wi' Hannah in middle o' chores). 'N' though 'er occasional negligence annoyed me, I admitted that she did fulfill 'er duties. So recallin' th' engagement o' William 'n' oor Mistress to have been a great shock to both 'er 'n' Hannah too, I then cut 'er some slack. Noo checkin' th' cutlery for any stains as efter all agreed wi' 'er. I didn't feel that comfortable to have to suddenly set th' table for three either…
"Miranda, there's someone at the back door to see you!" Estrella's voice exclaimed then from th' lounge, me gaze risin' to see 'er appear to th' door-opening. "It's about your brother."
A freish sigh left me lips as th' mention o' a person who'd apparently come to visit me for a reason linked to me brother sounded rather ominous to me. Me prayin' it nae to be what I feared as nodded to 'er, leavin' Lily to finish th' settin' as followed Estrella back to th' kithen. For me surprise findin' Robert, th' son o' th' town's baker 'n' one o' Peter's closest friends standin' there. Clearly relieved to see me.
"I need your help, Miranda", he told me, th' keek in his eyes indeed confirmin' me suspicions afore he even explained 'imself. Me frownin' in utmaist disappointment when he seemed rather mortified to say what was in his mind. "Peter and I went out to drink and now… you know him, he's completely hammered but refuses to pay his bill and go home to sleep it off. I thought that if it's you…"
I sighed deep as Robert silenced, me removin' me apron 'n' replaced it wi' a shawl, noddin'. "Where is he?"
"At Rowdy Rooster."
Figures. I guess I didnae have any other choice noo did I? Why did Peter have to act so immaturely 'n' drink 'imself so senseless that it had to be always me getting 'im oot o' th' troubles he got 'mixed intae wi' his questionable behavior? I honestly experienced great temptation to juist leave 'im there 'n' deal wi' his troubles by 'imself, but lik' always gave in. He was me brother. 'N' weel, he hadn't juist accidentally forgotten th' day o' th' betrothal party, so by nae attendin' it wasn't a wonder he'd wance again chosen what he saw an easy wey oot o' his worries. Drink 'n' gamble, as even I'd offered to listen he maist certainly hadn't seen fit to speak to me. No, Peter wasn't th' type to speak aboot his emotions ootlood 'n' instead preferred to brood 'em in solitude, 'til he'd be 'imself again. Which in this case, wasn't clearly workin'. But even I understood 'im I still couldn't quite accept his recklessness, as by noo it had been goin' oan for weeks. Me stairtin' to have enough o' it when I had me ain problems to take care o'. But resigned I climbed th' stairs to me room to retrieve th' money I'd managed to save, returnin' doon.
"Take me to 'im."
Th' situation was exactly as bad as I'd imagined 'n' as Robert had described it to me. Th' deepest 'n' maist frustrated sigh eruptin' me lips when I stepped inside th' Rowdy Rooster tavern. Seein' me very intoxicated brother sprawled at th' nearby table, finishin' what I gathered a third bottle o' cheap scotch, then instantly floppin' againt th' backrest o' his chair when I came to a outraged halt. Me hauns risin' to me hips as me earnest gaze drilled intae Peter, some o' th' young men o' this town I also knew somewhat sittin' close to 'im noticin' me afore me target. 'Em wakin' Peter's awareness o' me presence by stairtin' to antagonize 'im, tease 'im.
"Oh look, your sister has come to tuck you in! Again!" one o' 'em jeered, clearly annoyin' me brother as efter finishin' a freish pintful o' somethin' I didn't care to be named, he threw th' tankard to his direction to silence 'im. Then givin' me a soft leer as I daunered beside 'im, 'im wavin' me awa'.
"Go away Miranda. I don't know what Robert told you…" Peter sent a slight glare to Robert too. "… but I'm perfectly satisfied staying here. He dragged you over here from the precious little party for nothing."
"Actually if ye had that much sense o' time left ye'd realize it to be rather late", I snapped at 'im, narrowin' me eyes as beckoned to th' drinks he'd evidently ingested. "Th' party was ower hours ago, but I see ye've been too busy drinkin' 'n' wastin' yer money to notice. How exactly are ye goin' to pay for those?"
Peter felt his pockets, finally locatin' th' wallet lik' pouch he kept his salary in. But as awready aniticipated by me it was empty, Peter simply shruggin' nonchalantly. "That's my problem, sis. Not the least bit yours, so if you'd kindly just go back to your respectable life at the mansion and leave me alone."
I could do nothin' but sigh at 'im, me seein' th' rather cranky lookin' inn owner to be standin' behind th' counter. His hard 'n' vigilant eyes starin' at Peter's back in case he tried to run wi'oot payin'. So as obviously Peter was penniless, it was left to me to pay for his irresponsibility. I went to th' owner to give 'im th' right amount, then marchin' back to Peter 'n' laboredly hauled his chair backwards.
"It is me problem if people keep comin' to me for aid when ye're too plastered to even walk by yerself!" I breathed annoyed, jerkin' Peter up to his feet. "Noo let's go afore ye make any further gowk o' yerself."
"Too late Miranda. You already took care of that for me."
"Robert, if ye please?" I asked Peter's friend, completely fed up noddin' at me brother who didn't express any intention to follow me willingly even his bill had been settled 'n' drinks run oot. But somehow Robert did manage to walk Peter oot o' th' inn, 'im crashin' against me wance we were ootdoors. His weight almost keelin' me ower, but I found me balance quickly. This wasn't th' first time I'd had to take Peter home in this condition. Especially durin' the last months.
"You're gonna be alright with him?" Robert queried, eyein' at swayin' Peter in disbelief, where I only smiled at him as bettered me grip o' Peter.
"Aye, thank ye Robert. Deliver me regards to Rose."
"Will do. Good night."
Once Robert left we stairted oor ain journey toward Fort Charles, me supportin' Peter th' whole wey. Me help clearly makin' 'im all but glad, as oan several occasions he yanked 'imself free from me arms. Only to have 'imself almost fall straight oan his face every time, soon enough daunerin' in me support again. 'N' efter stayin' wheest for a very long time I finally spoke, givin' me brother as scoldin' gaze as could muster.
"What were ye thinkin', Peter? Ye awready were denounced from ye title as th' Lieutenant because o' similar type o' impulsive behavior. Do ye want to get thrown oot o' th' entire Navy that bad that ye must test Gilette's patience by arrivin' back to th' Fort in this condition frequently?"
"Easy for you to say", Peter grunted (or mair lik' slurred). "You have no idea what I'm going through."
"Actually I have perfect idea. I was there today, at th' party, facing th' truth th' best I could where ye wasted yer time in useless drinkin'. Yer oot yer face!"
There was a small silence atween us as we turned a corner, me seein' Th' Fort's walls to rise nae long distance awa'. But as Peter then replied his voice was but gloomy, annoyed.
"Stop your preaching, Miranda. You sound like maw."
"Weel it's yer ain fault for forcin' me to play one for ye! Honestly, why do I have such a blockhead for a brother?"
"If I disappoint you so, you can always try someone else. I now a couple of guys who've kept asking about you now that you're all jilted by the handsome blacksmith , and am sure if you just showed up behind their door they'd give you an ideal brotherly love you so eagerly desire."
"That's enough! Guid god, whiles I do wonder is it truly ye or th' drink talkin' these obscenities. I hope for th' latter or maw would be very disappointed."
I released a tired wail as Peter made another sway, me usin' all me strength to keep 'im up. Me noo shovin' im oan his side. "Ye could at least dauner oan yer ain legs."
"You know what, at least I'm doing something about this mess with Elizabeth and Will", Peter said soon, this time rather bitterly. Not an ounce o' warmth in his voice which was but hard. "Where you're satisfied to wear fake smiles on your lips whenever face to face with Will, pretending that everything is as it should be. Because even you keep condemning my drinking to drown my sorrows, at least I'm not like you and bawl myself to sleep every night. As I bet you're still so pitifully heartbroken you cannot think straight while seeing them together, using all your self-control not to beg Will to take you back."
I so much wanted to slap 'im that moment, me momentarily enraged turned irises flashin' to Peter, but efter all chose th' familiar path by ignorin' 'im wi' a deep, frustrated breath. Noo using all me self-control nae to murder 'im, comin' to a curt halt 'n' meetin' his gaze wi' as hard face as could manage regardless o' th' hurt his comment had aroused.
"Ye'd better watch that geggy o' yers, or I'll let ye fall right ontae yer coupon. Tell me then how did it feel lik' spendin' yer night in th' gutter lik' a common town drunkard!" I snapped at 'im, me tense tone nae managin' to awaken any form o' regret in Peter as he locked indifferent gazes wi' me. Me experiencin' another sting o' sadness for that, then juist shovin' 'im forward, tellin' 'im to stay quiet th' rest o' th' journey or I'd skelped 'im.
I stubbornly led 'im toward th' gates o' th' Forth, someone spottin' us from th' wall 'n' probably hurryin' doon to aid us. 'N' durin' that walk I thought aboot Peter's words, me realizin' that even Peter had a tendency to say a lot things he didn't mean while he was blootert, I still couldn't help but to be hurt by his scorn. So in th' end insulted I neist flopped 'im onto a wooden box at th' Fort's entrance mercilessly, keekin' at 'im sharply.
"Guid night. Clear yer heid first 'n' then come speak to me th'morra if ye have somethin' nice to say."
"Miss Martins? What are you doing here so late?" Mr. Reeve's voice asked then as I turned to see 'im dauner thro' th' gatewey. His doilt eyes then turnin' even mair baffled as they saw Peter, who lifted his haun for a casual wave. A jeerin' grin oan his face. I shook me heid at 'im afore beckoned to 'im.
"I juist brought this dunce back. Noo he's all yers!" I breathed, givin' Peter one final glance 'til turned aroond. Wi'oot a word mair stairtin' to make me wey toward th' Swann manor.
"You should be careful and go straight home, Miss! You never know how dangerous it gets after sundown!" Mr. Reeve's voice shouted efter me, surprising me. But I waved at 'im thankfully, watchin' 'im noo lead Peter inside th' Fortress in turn, 'til I wrapped th' scarf tighter aroond me shoulders. Continuin' to follow th' familiar route back. Mr. Reeve's prompt for me to return quickly feelin' rather silly to me. Nothin' ever happened at th' streets o' Port Royal, there were no thieves or other kind o' danger oot 'ere. So trustin' to this fact I didn't haste me return, but took this moment to enjoy th' quiet evenin'.
I wasn't far from th' mansion when I all o' a sudden felt to be followed. Me nae seein' anyone, but I had this sensation that I was watched from somewhere. Shadows offerin' perfect hidinplaces to whoever I imagined to trail me steps, me stoppin' 'n' glancin' aboot. Seein' nothin' but empty town square, which as expected at this hour was devoid o' all people. So upoan realizin' me to be alone, I told meself to be a gowk meself by lettin' Mr. Reeve's warnings to make me so skittish. I was perfectly safe. So wi' confidence I noo set oot again.
Noneheless I couldn't get rid o' th' unsettlin' feeling which caused th' hairs at th' back o' me neck to prickle. Makin' me efter all paranoid when I happened to arrive to Mr. Broon's smithy. Regardless o' me vivid imagination alertin' me o' danger (I'd earlier convinced meself there to be nae) me comin' to a halt beside it, keekin' at th' sign, me thoughts instantly turnin' to William. He probably wasn't in there, but dinin' at th' manor. So efter a short moment o' remembrance I headed for th' end o' th' street, then however getting' frightened to death by a haun which abruptly took hold o' me arm from behind. Me almost lettin' oot a startled scream as twirled aroond, findin' meself to be starin' at a small group o' unfamiliar men. Th' three unknown coupons stirrin' true fear deep within me as I stared back at 'em.
"What do ye want?" I asked, carefully, retreatin' a wee. One o' th' men smiled reassuringly, his tone soothin' when it replied. But be that as it may I didn't feel meself any less nervous.
"There is no cause for alarm, Miss. We know your brother", he revealed, beckonin' to his mates behind 'im, where me gaze as weel rounded their faces in turns afore I quirked me eyebrows.
"Maybe, but that doesn't explain what ye want o' me", I remarked.
"Your brother… he's truly hard to find these days. We have some business to attend with him and we hoped you would help us by delivering a message to him", th' spokesman responded, me keekin' doon momentarily. I had a bad feelin' aboot th' lot o' 'em 'n' wasn't sure were 'em to trust. That was why I simply nodded in concur.
"Aye. But I haven't seen 'im in days meself, 'n' am afraid that cannot help ye in reachin' 'im. So if ye excuse me…"
I was aboot to bolt discreetly but th' stranger's voice stopped me. "Why, I believe you were just with him a moment ago."
I turned to th' man again, frownin' a wee. "Have ye been followin' me?"
"That's that for the surprise then… Aye we were. Your brother owes us money."
I stiffened. "So?"
"So as he has proved to prefer to let his debt grow instead of returning what is ours, we were thinking you to be more helpful to have this matter resolved", th' man explained, givin' me chills as he approached me again, where I retreated mair. Swallowin'. Had I anticipated to get ambushed by people who Peter owed money to, I wouldn't have given everythin' I had to th' owner o' th' inn. True fright noo causin' me hert to flutter as I locked gazes wi' th' men who stared back at me serious, expectant.
"I have nae money to give ye", I confessed, th' truth. But though th' man smiled, I kenned he was far from pleased as in a blink o' an eye he was standin' right in front o' me wi' a couple o' strides, causin' me to flinch as he neist grabbed me. Pullin' me closer from me arm even I tried to wrench meself free, leanin' closer wi' a freish type o' smirk oan his lips which gave me th' creeps.
"That's unfortunate. But then I see no other option but to rely oan something else you can use to settle your brother's scores…" I was horrified when he noo keeked me ower significantly, his eyes fixated oan me chest area for a while which was risin' rapidly due to me quickened breathin'. "You aren't half bad looking for a Scottish gal."
"No. Let go o' me", I ordered briskly, afraid beyond description as saw th' other two noo dauner closer, th' one holdin' me captive neist tryin' to kiss me. Me drawin' awa' from 'im sharply, fightin' back wi' all I could as felt his free arm try to take a secure hold o' me to prevent me from runnin', panic takin' hold o' me when I realized nae to be able to escape 'im. "No! Let me go! I said no, don't touch me!"
Finally a startled exclaim left me lips then as all o' a sudden me molester was yanked awa' from me, me hert skippin' a beat as I found meself to be saved by another stranger who'd arrived as abruptly as me attackers. That small voice within me wishin' it to be William, but efter a short moment o' beatin' up th' trio much deeper 'n' clearly older voice stairted to speak. Throwin' th' man to th' ground, finally steppin' intae th' light o' a street lamp. For me utmaist bewilderment me realizin' me savior to be Mr. McTavish, who noo drew a flintlock pistol from his belt. Pointin' it at th' three men while standing in front o' me.
"On yer wey noo, or a sharply aimed bullet wll mak' sure ye won't sat oan yer arse for a whole week. 'N' if ye ever show yerself to th' lass again wi' similar intentions, as ol' friend o' th' Guv'ner I'll have ye tardily hanged from yer baws lik' common sea rovers."
His threat caused th' men to scram efter a short exchange o' stares wi' Mr. McTavish, me lettin' oot a low relieved breath as then watched 'em to vanish as quickly as they'd appeared. Me hert however nae settlin' doon in me chest, me placin' a haun upoan it as th' Scotsman put awa' his weapon. Turnin' to me.
"Ye weel, lass? Did they scoundrels scathe ye afore I turned up?" he inquired, eyein' at me, where I simply shook me heid while attempted a smile. Curtsyin' as it was all I figured to do, as rather flabbergasted I was aboot his sudden appearance. As if he'd known to arrive at that specific place at that specific time beforehand.
"Naw, I'm guid me laird. Thank ye for savin' me."
" Don't lie tae th' man, lass. Ye're shiverin' lik' a leaf o' an aspen tree."
I gazed at me hauns astonished, 'n' indeed… I was tremblin', for fright which still hadn't released me 'n' had bewitched me hert to race lik' crazed. 'N' was it a wonder, I'd though those men to… If only Mr. McTavish hadn't appeared when he did I dare not to even think what they would've done to me, so efter gettin' me nerves somewhat under control I keeked up to 'im. Sincerely thankful.
"Aye, I… Got feart that's all. Thanks to ye sir, nothin' worse occurred", I responded, aboot to curtsey again, but instead o' allowin' me to express me gratitude in th' only wey I could he then as abruptly took me arm. Though far from roughly, stairtin' to lead me at his wake in calm pace.
"Enough o' that, we must get ye inside where it is safe for frail lasses lik' ye. We won't havin' ye dauner aboot alone 'ere any mair in case those crooks want to pay ye anither visit", Mr. McTavish remarked, so resolutely that his tone made me speechless. Me nae sayin' anythin' as simply followed 'im all th' wey back to th' manor. Tryin' to even th' throbbin' o' me hert 'n' calm meself th' rest o' th' journey, as indeed nothin' had happened to me. But only a thought how close I'd been from bein' presumably molested… It terrified me. 'N' that moment I was only grateful that I was wi' Mr. McTavish, 'im by me side no one darin' to attack me again that evenin'.
"What a delicious meal!" Elizabeth stated delighted, placing her fork onto the plate as exchanged a look with me and her father. Governor Swann as well smiling in concur as wiped his mouth, next taking his glass to finish his wine.
"I agree. We should enjoy it more often, this dish. I'll inform Mattie to make it a regural for every week."
"Sounds perfect."
I smiled as dropped my gaze down to my own plate, to stare at the remains of my portion. I had hardly managed to eat it all, and neither the wine though excellent seemed to agree with me that evening. I guess I was just too worried to eat. And Elizabeth apparently reached the same conclusion, eyeing at my plate for a fleeting moment until placed a hand on mine to calm the restless tapping of my fingers.
"Is something the matter, Will?" she asked, indeed worried herself before tint of humor appeared into her voice. "One rarely sees you refuse steamed cauliflower."
"I've just lost my appetite", I replied truthfully, smiling at her reassuringly. "Nothing to worry about."
"But isn't that just it? You're worried, aren't you?" she inquired, surprising me. Were my feelings that easy to read unbeknownst to me? I sighed quietly as met Elizabeth's gaze, possibly detecting slight irritated flicker in her irises then. "You're worrying over Miranda again, aren't you? Will, you should just stop thinking about her feelings over yours. These last months she hasn't given you any reason to do so, even she should've had the time to sort them out."
I guess I couldn't hide anything from Elizabeth. So after all I just came clean with my ponders, nodding. "Yes. I am worried, she didn't seem to take your surprise all that well. I don't want to make her any more miserable than she already is."
"Will, trust me. Once we're married and she finally sees how happy you are, she'll get over her sorrow. Because right now she'd just being cruel by tormenting you like she does."
"Surprise?" Governor Swann now cut in, referring to the earlier surfaced topic, his eyes movin' from me to Elizabeth in interest.
"Yes, I asked Miranda to become the housekeeper of our future home", she specified, Governor Swann appearing to support the idea by nodding. Complying smile on his lips.
"That's a very good idea Elizabeth. I have no objections, Miranda indeed would fit into your service quite nicely, taking that you two were basically brought up together. She'll do fine as your housekeeper, I'm sure."
"Yes, but she hasn't agreed into anything yet", I reminded, earning surprised looks form both Elizabeth and her father as I straightened my posture. Facing Elizabeth and lifting my eyebrows remarkably. "Miranda was shocked to hear your proposal, and because of that didn't give us any answer. You know how hard decision that is for her to make, Elizabeth. That is why you should've talked about this with me before bringing it up to her."
"Why? I did say it was a surprise for both you and Miranda, didn't I?" Elizabeth asked puzzled, then turning serious, shrugging. "Actually I don't see my little idea to have the nature to shock her so much… I simply thought that even she couldn't be with you the way she wanted, this way she could still be part of your life. Isn't that what you want as well, Will?"
"And you're fine with it then, Elizabeth? In the light of what you just said are you then sure Miranda to be the right person to become the matron of your house?" the Governor questioned, Elizabeth smiling at him.
"I am."
"Elizabeth, think about it…" I urged, shaking my head. "Of course I want Miranda in my life, but think about how hard it would be for her. To work for us… We cannot ask that from her."
"And why not? I say, if she's at all grown up she should be able to handle it", Elizabeth remarked curtly, confidently. "Besides isn't it her decision and not yours?"
That last statement stole away any further objections of mine. Me then only letting the issue be as she clearly had already made up her mind. Well if that's what Elizabeth wanted, and I know she had thought of me while making this choice, then why should I try to stop her? But then again, what of Miranda? Her feelings should as well be taken into consideration, and by the look of her paled complexion and horror stricken eyes this afternoon I was sure to guess them. She'd been as outraged as I for Elizabeth's abrupt announcement, me still not comprehending fully why she hadn't discussed about it with me first before venting it out as if it was a done deal without Miranda's consent needed. Because remembering how insulted she'd seemed back then, I knew her not to agree into it. Even I wouldn't, and that realization caused my heart to squeeze again. Me then thinking a moment, until eventually stood form my seat determined. Waking the attention of Elizabeth and the Governor from their ongoing discussion concerning the wedding.
"Excuse me", I mused, bowing to my father-in-law, where Elizabeth only looked confused when she followed me round the table in clear attempt of leaving the dining room.
"But Will, its time for the dessert! Where are you darting off to all of a sudden?"
"There's something I need to do. I won't be gone for long."
Indeed I had something to check. I had to know was Miranda alright, because as said she surely hadn't seemed like it earlier. It wasn't at all like her to allow expensive tea set to shatter due to her own clumsiness as she was very careful when it came to her duties as a maid. She definitely had been shocked more than I believed, me feeling immediate remorse as marched through the foyer. Bypassing Elizabeth's prompt not to concern myself with Miranda's matters any longe, walking toward the kitchen where I guessed to find her. And if not, I would just go straight upstairs to her room. Because during the dinner I'd decided it to be finally time for us to talk things through, as in the end I owed an apology to her.
I had several times tried to explain to Miranda how sorry I was, but not even once had I managed to make her listen to me long enough to ask her forgiveness. But even if she would act like her normal self, trying to avoid me by running away, I would make her listen. I couldn't bear yet another month apart from a person who meant so much to me, especially when I hoped her to attend my wedding with Peter as part of my family. Because even I hadn't offered her but friendship all those months ago, she still was like a sister to me. And I wouldn't let her go by any means.
Regardless of my intentions, soon sounds coming form the kitchen however halted me just when I reached the door, me recognizing the voices to belong to Miranda and Estrella. But the third one was strange to me, until after listening to it for a while and eventually peeking inside the room I finally remembered to whom it belonged. His unannounced presence in the mansion at this hour surprising me, especially when I soon realized him to have arrived with Miranda.
"Miranda! What on earth has happened, you look so upset!" Estrella asked, hurrying to receive Miranda who stepped in with Mr. McTavish. Her expression indeed rather distraught when she then was sat down to a chair by the Scotsman, Miranda's tremulous voice causing me to frown for worry when she soon enough replied.
"I…was oan me wey back to th' manor efter takin' Peter to th' Fort 'n'… I was ambushed by a group o' men. They were acquaintances o' Peter, some people he owes money to. 'N' as Peter has apparently avoided to pay 'em, they wanted me to compensate in his stead."
I was shocked to hear this, my thoughts momentarily turning to Miranda's reckless brother. Yes, it would sound very much like him to owe money to some men who'd then attack his sister to have the debts paid. Especially now after he'd returned from his voyage four months prior, he hadn't been quite himself since then. I'd noted it on several occasions, like seen him drunk in middle of the day or walking arm in arm with several different girls. But now to learn that Miranda had been close to assaulted for his fatuities, it made me but angry. Me now finally pushing through the door and walking into the kitchen, my eyes looking nothing but Miranda.
"Is that true?" I demanded, surprising Miranda so much that she actually looked up to me. Eyeing at me for awhile in astonishment until my features softened, me kneeling before her. "Are you alright? Were you hurt?"
"She's quite awright, juist a wee shaken", Mr. McTavish replied in her stead, my eyes rising to him as did Miranda's.
"Mr. McTavish saved me", she explained, meeting the Scotsman's eyes. Standing, me following her to curtsey to him in gratitude. "Thank ye wance mair, me laird. I don't ken how to repay yer considerate deed back in full."
"There's no need fur such debt tae be owed, lass. I only did what a man is expected tae do whin womenfolk ur in distress. 'N' fur yer fortune it sae happened that I was offered a chance tae became yer knight in blue tartan."
I examined the man as he smiled at Miranda in amusement, bowing a little. Miranda actually returning the smile a little amused herself, until she became rather abashed when the man continued then with more serious voice. His expression telling of nothing else but determination.
"Though if ye wish tae return th' favor oan yer free will… I believe such request is gey muckle in me power tae fulfill in th' days that follow."
We all were taken aback by this notion, the rest of us staring at the man in bafflement, where Miranda blinked her eyes a few times. Not knowing what to say in response, simply looking down. But after thinking a moment she then straightened, taking a step forth. Me being able to tell that she was very perplexed by the situation, wishing to escape it as eagerly as my company.
"I really should go to bed…I feel a wee gueasy."
So she indeed said, and next left without any farewells to the Scotsman or me. But on her way toward the stairs leading to the servant's quarters she then came to a sudden halt, me eyeing at her profile questionably until the as sudden stagger of hers caused me to gasp. For my curt fright Miranda soon losing her balance as she keeled over without a warning, me juist in time catching her before she fell on the ground. McTavish frowning in confusion as he watched me to turn Miranda over, calling her, her however not opening her eyes as Estrella tried her forehead. Informing her to have a slight fever, presumeably caused by the continuous overwork she'd insisted upon for weeks now. And as she then just slept soundly, I reckoned that to be very true. The fatigue must have finally caught up with her. Because every time I'd stopped by the manor to see Elizabeth, I'd taken notice how hard she'd tried to distract herself from her emotions by entrenching into incredible amount of work. Me now only sighing, scooping her up.
"Weel, if th' lass is mair or less unharmed I should get goin", McTavish mused then, me possibly imagining to spot some form of significant meaning hidden under his polite tone, as he now nodded at me and Estrella while touching the brim of his hat. Then opening the door to exit as I bowed my head to him in response.
"I'll make sure she gets rest", I promised, meeting the Scotsman's eyes for a moment until he nodded for the second time. As a sign of goodbye.
"Good lad, I trust 'er tae yer care then. But nevertheless guid evening to ye, Turner. Mak' sure also nae tae be too long awa' from yer fiancé. Nights ur cold, even 'ere in th' Caribbean."
His usual type of brashness shocked me as always, but in the end I only ignored it to be polite. Only smiling and making a second nod myself. "Till the next time we meet."
"Peter? You're in there?" I called, though already knew the answer, banging the door of his room so forcefully that he must've heard me even if in deep sleep. Me then waiting impatiently for him to let me in.
After getting the majority of the work done that morning I'd left the smithy to go to the barracks of the Fort. To see my friend and enquire about the incident I'd learnt to have occurred last evening, about those men who'd cornered Miranda and demanded money for his debts. Only a thought what could've happened to her because of Peter's scatterbrained way of living making me more irritated than maybe was my place. But I'd always been overprotective of her as any brother would be of their sister, and a recollection of Miranda's obviously upset exterior (though she'd tried to hide it when I'd stepped into the kitchen) only stirred up my anger.
I had no idea what was going on with Peter. Repeatedly I'd tried to ask him but he'd only shrugged my worry of with indifference, where I knew something was up. Only proved by the fact that instead of showing up to the engagement party yesterday, Miranda had been retrieved to take him home from a tavern where he'd been drinking throughout the day once again. For a reason unknown to me, as no matter how many times I'd insisted him to tell me what was wrong he refused to talk. And as enough time had passed I'd let it go, as I had enough challenge in trying to patch things up with his sometimes as hellbent sister.
Minutes ticked by and I still waited, leaning against the wall in frustration as after all didn't gain an answer from the occupant of the room. But finally after another moment of waiting when I wasn't still allowed in, nor did I hear any noises from within which would've informed me him to be awake, my patience ran out. As said my mood rather foul so that I didn't care for much discretion and yanked the door open myself, finding it unlocked and marched straight in. Only to have my anger whisked away by plain awkwardness, as right after I stepped into the room I was frozen at the doorstep by the sight of Rose. The little sister of Robert, as well stiffened to stare at me embarrassed, holding her dress up to cover her undergarments as my gaze next found Peter. Saluting me from the bottom of his bed as I discreetly looked away from our friend's sister, clearing my throat.
"Hi, um…Rose. I'm sorry, I didn't know you were here", I said apologetically, however then directing a sharp glance to Peter who only shrugged as was his nonchalant habit in situations like this, Rose sending me an awkward smile in return as I noticed her start to put on her dress. Me instantly turning my back to her.
"It's alright. I didn't either expect to find myself here."
I hold back an urge to roll my eyes as heard the bed creak, Peter probably rising to his feet to go to Rose. I figured it to be safe to turn and I did, only to witness Peter to kiss Rose for my ultimate dismay (though if the scene I'd walked right into hadn't been shocking enough). Then smiling at her like a true womanizer he'd become.
"See you around. Thank your brother for me."
"I will. Bye Will", she replied with a giggle, me answering her smile my own very uncomfortable as nodded my head to her, watching her leave. But instantly after seeing the door close my outraged attention moved to Peter, following him start to dress himself as if nothing dubious had just happened.
"Peter, are you insane?" I demanded, not believing to be staring at my best friend square in the eye as he turned to face me. His expression nothing but jovial, smirk on his lips (but I could see he was suffering from terrible hangover). "Really, Rose? Wasn't there any other girl to seduce instead of Robert's sister? What do you think he's going to think when he finds out?"
"He won't. Rose certainly isn't going to tell him", Peter simply stated, astounding me with his what else than carefree reaction to such a serious matter. Putting on a shirt as turned his back to me. I lifted an eyebrow at him, crossing my arms over my chest.
"And all those other girls you've been seeing? Are you serious with even one of them, or are they all just amusement to you?" I inquired. "This isn't a laughing matter, Peter. You should stop."
"What, find myself the right girl and settle down like you?" he questioned with laughter, me narrowing my eyes as watched him sink his head into a water basin. Cleaning his face. "Sorry to disappoint you Will, but that ship has already sailed. I'm not forcing any of those girls into anything, but they choose to be with me by themselves. Who am I to refuse if a pretty girl offers me her affection, even for one night?"
"Listen to yourself", I stated, appalled. "This isn't you talking."
"Oh yes it is me", Peter remarked emphatically, turning to stare at me his eyebrows drawn into a earnest line. Him throwing the towel in his hand into the corner of the room as took a step toward me. "I've never been more myself."
"But fooling around with whoever girl you see fit is wrong. Not only for you but for them as well."
"If I need a sermon in morals I can go to church. The least I want is you telling me what to do to be as ideal man as you."
"That's not what I mean, Peter."
"Then let me loll in my debauchery and offer your advice to someone who appreciates them."
I sighed, eyeing at my friend who was in even fouler mood that I. Well he was like this every day it seemed, me then following Peter to slump back down to his bed, rubbing his forehead. Or it could've just been the ache of his head which made his tongue so sharp. But even I reckoned so I couldn't shake off the feeling to have detected some hidden meaning behind his grumpy words. But bypassing such unfounded notion I then thought a moment, sighing again as walked closer to him.
"What about that girl you had feelings for? You gave the diamond to her?" I then queried, recalling the valuable necklace he'd asked me to make out of the gem he'd taken from Isla de Muerta. Peter let out a laugh, but he was hardly amused.
"No. If I had, do you think you would've found Rose here?" he remarked matter-of-factly, me spotting a tint of sadness from his voice which inflicted a sting of pity in me.
"But you still love her, don't you?" I asked, trying to read Peter's expression when his eyes were staring at the floor. Them hardly revealing anything, before he finally cracked somewhat. For my surprise me seeing a similar type of miserable look in his irises I'd seen in Miranda's many times, me then shaking my head. Baffled by his current reaction which was in contrast with his careless behavior.
"If you love someone how can you act like this?" I asked, inquiring an explanation to my confusion. But apparently this question was a sensitive one to Peter, hitting a nerve, his for a fleeting moment dark eyes flashing to me in an instant.
"Exactly why I am like this!" he exclaimed as a response, his tone now but tense as he frowned at me. "The best way to be distracted is in the arms of another woman! You'd know that too if your dear Elizabeth would suddenly pledge her love for another and you'd be left to yearn after her, seeking salvation to your misery from someone who can make you forget even for a fleeting moment!"
Another silence descended as we stared at each other, my chest filling with compassion as my own frown smoothed. Me now seeing as clear as day that Peter was just like Miranda. Hurt inside, stranded with his sorrow and disappointment without a way out other than self sought oblivion, distraction from all that wounded them. And realizing this as the answer I sought, Peter then sighed. His irritation momentarily gone as his head hung, him leaning on his knees as continued after a small break. His voice as heartbroken.
"I told you, it's too late. She's to marry someone else. Someone I thought I was able to count on in everything. But he ended up stealing the love of my life."
I sighed. Examining Peter who'd turned serious during the last phrase, his gaze now directed forward, me noticing his eyes to have become hard when he clenched his fingers into fists. Clearly bitter for what he'd just told me, and I understood him. However not knowing what to say, as like with Miranda there was no way I could ease his discomfort with words. So we were simply silent. After a few minutes Peter then sighing again his eyes closed, until they rose back to me. Looking more like himself again, lifting his eyebrows.
"My head is about to explode, so would you just tell me what you came here for already?" he questioned, me cringing as recalled my original intentions. My anger of that time long ago forgotten and I blinked a couple of times, gathering my thoughts. In the end turning serious again as walked closer to Peter.
"It's about Miranda", I revealed, lifting my jaw. "She was attacked last night. By men you owe money to."
"Truly?" Peter stated, me frowning a little for bafflement until made a stiff nod.
"She was saved in time by Taran McTavish, family friend of the Swanns", I replied calmly. But even my temper had cooled down during my visit, it was again set ablaze by Peter's so impassive reaction to the news. Him tilting his head, my incredulous eyes then watching him to walk over to his writing desk.
"I'm aware. The esteemed highlander deigned to pay me a visit and inform me", he explained while pouring himself some scotch, surprising me. After a small ponder me then frowning in even greater puzzlement.
"When?"
"Last night."
"How did he know where to find you?"
"He's a resourceful man, he could've acquired such information anywhere. Besides it isn't a secret that I live at the Fort."
I was silent as gauged at his response, somehow not being able to bring myself to trust in it fully. I had this feeling that something wasn't right about this whole ordeal. I'd though Peter to have been too drunk to even walk home by himself, so now he told me to have had a run in with the suddenly returned McTavish he'd never met before? But as expected Peter said nothing more about that, me thinking feverishly, my mind then bringing back a memory from yesterday afternoon when I was making my way to the engagement party.
"Was it one of your creditors I saw you give money to yesterday?" I inquired, either this time not gaining almost any reaction from Peter.
"Yesterday?"
"I saw you meet with someone", I specified, Peter turning around to meet my gaze which had once again turned harsher. "When I left the smithy and was on my way to the manor, I saw you hand money to some man outside the Rowdy Rooster."
"Just got one of the thorns out of my flesh", Peter stated sarcastically, downing his drink with one gulp, my patience running out again.
"How can you be so calm when because of your debts Miranda was endangered? She could've died!" I reminded him, in utmost seriousness. But as my voice rose Peter's amusement lessened, him returning my stare as earnestly.
"Well she didn't. I know the men I owe money to best, they're true bastards but not murderers."
"At any rate for what I heard instead of money they were close to take something as valuable as her life", I informed grimly, by now the least amused myself.
"And since when do you care does she get molested or not?" Peter retorted annoyed, lifting his eyebrows again as crossed his arms over his chest. Leaning against the table, his poignant remark causing me to flinch until I sighed.
"I simply don't want someone I love to be hurt", I said, sincerely as met Peter's darker irises.
"Don't you? Well that's exactly it mate! You don't love her anymore, at least not enough to give you the right to guard her chastity from others. I told you to leave her be if it ever came to such a situation we're in now, and what you do? Exactly the opposite, so I think I'm not actually the one to be lectured here about how to behave."
I frowned now in utmost confusion, wonder filling me as I stared back at Peter who'd become peeved again. Though expectedly when the conversation was returned to his sister, me feeling guilt start to gnaw at me even I tried to seem dour like him. And regardless of my made conclusions I now wanted to hear an actual reason for his continuous vexation straight from him, no circumlocution this time.
"What's with you?" I demanded, shaking my head as Peter seemed to ignore me what else, turning his back to me again when I spoke. "Ever since you got back you've been extremely strange. I know why Miranda was targeted last night, because she went to drag your drunken ass here when you couldn't do it yourself. To sum your mood swings and bizarre behavior together, all in all it seems you're not very happy for me and Elizabeth which causes you to act like this. She was very disappointed when you didn't come to the party yesterday."
Peter started to laugh grimly, turning to me with mock filled eyes. "I apologize if I cannot muster enough balls to pretend to be elated for you two, when the whole joke's on my sister."
I froze due to the sound of this, dropping my gaze as after all even Peter's way of expressing it was rather rude, he was right. I'd known it all along, there was no way for me to win over this argument.
"Because the fact is, and I'm not sure can I ever forgive you for that, is that you abandoned Miranda by taking Elizabeth for yourself", Peter continued, his tone judgemental.
"Me of who is the most aware of that, and I regret the way things went back then. But regardless of what I did to Miranda, it still doesn't justify you to treat me like your enemy!"
Peter's irritated eyes gained a spark of amusement due to my latest remark, him then shrugging. "What can I say? As certified by my absence yesterday and personal conduct at present, I'm a jerk. So knowing that still want to be friends, mate?"
I was silent before responded. Thinking, until after a while sighed deep. Letting this go as so many other things these past months, making a slight nod along with a smile. "You're right. You really are a jerk these days."
Disclaimer : I don't own POTC, just my own characters and additions to the original plot.
(the presented words are mostly same used in all the chapters, just put them here as a complete list as a reminder)
Scottish words:
Pronouns etc:
o'= of, th'= the, 'em= them, oor= our, 'n'= and, intae= into, 'er= her, 'im= him, me=my, ontae=onto, tae = to, sae = so, fur = for, naw = no, nae = not, oan = on
2 chap:
efternoon = afternoon, efter = after, meself = myself, ower = over, wance = once, hert = heart, aboot = about, hoose = house, stairt = start, lik' = like, wi' = with, juist = just, 'em = them, greet =cry, mair = more, weel = well, ken = to know, 'imself = himself, ain = own, awa' = away, noo = now, heid = head, outdoors = outside, awready = already, afore = before, freish = new, coupon = face, face = expression, aff = off, wi'oot = without, ye = you, didnae = didn't, noo = now, to keek = to look, 'ere = here, thro' = through, utmaist = utmost, 'imself = himself, wey = way, aroond = around, ootlood = outloud, doon = down, haun = hand, dauner = walk, freish = new, awa' = away, yerself = yourself, gowk = fool, wheest = quiet, atween = between, maw = mom, whiles = sometimes, geggy = mouth, skelp = hit, blootert = drunk, neist = next, guid = good, th'morra = tomorrow, doilt = confused, 'til = until, baws = manhood, feart = scared, anither = another, gey = very, muckle = much, ur = are
Yer oot yer face = you're very drunk
