Captain Norrington made his way down to the dining room just after sunrise to eat breakfast, and found Jacqueline already eating a biscuit and drinking tea. "Do you ever sleep?" Norrington asked as he sat down at the other end of the table.
Jacqueline smiled sweetly as she picked up her teacup. "Yes, and I slept very well last night. That bed is fit for a queen," she said, lifting her cup as though to toast before touching it to her lips. Norrington smiled slightly as she closed her eyes. He poured himself a cup of tea.
"I am glad you slept well," Norrington said. "More tea?"
"Yes, thank you." Jacqueline held out her nearly empty cup. "Although I admit it was a little difficult to get to sleep without the rocking of the ship."
Norrington smiled and began drinking his own tea. "I can understand that."
"A message was delivered for you, sir." Norrington turned to see his butler enter, holding an envelope.
"Thank you," Norrington said as he opened the letter and began to read it. He was slightly distracted by the fact that he could see Jacqueline watching him curiously over the top of her teacup.
"It appears I shall have to leave you on your own this afternoon," Norrington said as he finished reading the message. "Governor Swann has invited me to his manor for afternoon tea."
"You must be rather important, Captain," Jacqueline commented, taking another sip of tea and closing her eyes.
Norrington paused halfway through refolding the letter. "Jacqueline," he began quietly, finishing folding the letter and placing it on the table. "Would it be inappropriate for me to ask you to call me James?"
Jacqueline appeared somewhat surprised. "Terribly," she said after a moment. "But that won't stop me, James."
Norrington silently cursed his cheeks as they grew warmer. He attempted to cover his face by taking a sip of tea. Once again, Jacqueline ignored his flushed cheeks, but Norrington swore that her own face appeared slightly pink.
That afternoon, Norrington bid Jacqueline farewell before mounting his horse and departing for the Swanns' estate. Norrington greeted the Swanns' butler very enthusiastically, almost frightening the poor fellow. Norrington bowed his head respectfully as Governor Swann entered the foyer. "Welcome, Captain Norrington. I am very pleased you could come." Governor Swann motioned toward the parlor, and the two entered the exquisitely furnished room.
Elizabeth Swann sat near a window, gazing out toward the sea. "Elizabeth," her father said to get her attention. Miss Swann stood and curtsied to Norrington.
"Good afternoon, Captain Norrington," she said politely. "Pleasure to see you again."
Norrington bowed in return. "A pleasure to see you again, Miss Swann." Miss Swann sat back down on the couch, looking towards her father as though silently asking if she was to do anything else.
"Please be seated, Captain," Governor Swann said, motioning to the couch on which Miss Swann was seated and strategically taking the only other seat in the room. Norrington sat down next to the young lady, who slid slightly away from him, refusing to look at him. On another day, perhaps, this would have concerned him.
Governor Swann tried to begin a conversation with the two as the servants poured the tea for them. "Elizabeth, Captain Norrington made port yesterday. Perhaps he has a story to tell from while he was at sea."
Norrington somehow kept himself from flushing as the image of Jacqueline on the island beach came to his mind, her hair whipping about her face in the wind…
"Did you meet any pirates?" Miss Swann asked excitedly. Norrington couldn't help but smile at this. She had always had a strange obsession with pirates. It seemed that Jacqueline had lived the life Miss Swann wanted to have.
"No, Miss Swann," Norrington said. "But I did meet someone who has."
Miss Swann was suddenly gazing at Norrington very eagerly, moving closer to him as though he had begun whispering. "There was a desert island out at sea," he began, pleased to see that Miss Swann was hanging on his every word. "Usually, we would have passed by without a second thought, but I spotted smoke rising from the island."
"Someone was marooned there!" Miss Swann exclaimed in her excitement.
"Elizabeth," Governor Swann said in a disapproving tone. "Allow Captain Norrington to tell his story." Miss Swann looked down at her hands.
"The interruption was welcome, Governor Swann," Norrington said. "Your daughter is correct." Norrington proceeded to describe Jacqueline and her rescue. He carefully called Jacqueline "Miss Elodie" and refrained from physically describing her. He also avoided mentioning the fact that the woman was currently residing in his home.
Miss Swann listened to him eagerly as he described Jacqueline's experience with pirates. Norrington made sure that he emphasized that Jacqueline's father had been murdered by pirates; Miss Swann needed to learn that pirates were not always the romantic free men she dreamed of.
When Norrington completed his story, Miss Swann became quickly disinterested in him as he and Governor Swann spoke about the plans for the new Royal Navy ship, the Interceptor, which was currently being built. If it was anything like the plans Captain Norrington had seen, it would be the fastest ship in the Caribbean, and possibly the entire ocean. Miss Swann resumed gazing out the window. Governor Swann kept attempting to get her to join their conversations about politics and culture, but Miss Swann refused to be a part of them.
About an hour later, Norrington was mounting his horse and riding away from the Governor's manor. Miss Swann had curtsied to him without needing to be prompted by her father, which indicated to Norrington that she was a little closer to liking him. She always seemed to be fonder of him when he had tales of pirates to tell. Norrington smiled. Miss Swann seemed quite determined to not like him, while her father seemed determined to make her fall in love with him.
Norrington entered his home and went into the parlor, where he expected to find Jacqueline. The room, however, was empty. He made his way up the grand staircase and knocked lightly on the door to her room. "Jacqueline?" There was no answer. He dared to open the door a crack, but saw no one inside.
Norrington began wandering his home, glancing into every room. His house seemed so empty—even most of the servants were gone. Many of his servants would do their shopping while he was away. Norrington finally ran into his upstairs maid, who curtsied to him. "Good evening, sir," she said.
"I seem to have lost my houseguest," Norrington remarked. "Would you happen to know where Miss Elodie is?"
"She said she was going for a walk, sir," the maid answered. "About half an hour ago," she added, anticipating Norrington's next question.
"Did she say where?"
Anne thought for a moment. "Sorry, sir. I don't believe she did."
Norrington nodded. "All right. Thank you." The maid rushed off. Norrington stood silently in thought. Port Royal was not always completely safe, especially for a woman alone. He looked a nearby window. The sun was starting to set. The city was going to be even more dangerous when night fell.
Norrington left the house and mounted his horse again. He rode into the shopping area of town, but Jacqueline was not in sight. In fact, he didn't see any women, though there did seem to be plenty of drunken men. "Wonderful," he muttered. Then he suddenly realized where Jacqueline would be.
Norrington dismounted as he reached the beach, tying the reigns to a pole. He smiled in relief when he saw the figure of a woman against the sunset. He knew it could be no other than Jacqueline. She was walking in the shallows, kicking at the water. She held up the skirts of the dress Norrington had given her a few inches to keep it relatively dry.
Norrington approached her from behind, his boots crushing the sand beneath his feet, yet making no discernable noise. "How long do you plan on following me before announcing yourself, James?"
Norrington was rather startled. "I was about to," he said rather awkwardly, catching up and walking alongside her. "It isn't safe for you to be out alone at this hour."
"I don't believe I am alone, James. Or am I speaking to no one?" she said.
Norrington smiled softly, looking down at his feet. "No. I suppose you're not."
"And with the valiant Captain Norrington by my side, no crook would dare approach me," Jacqueline said playfully. She suddenly took Norrington's arm. "I'm sorry," she said. "I didn't mean to worry you. I was planning on returning soon. I merely lost track of the time."
"I couldn't really expect you to remain indoors all afternoon," Norrington said. "After all, you did live on the sea. It's just that it would be prudent to return before nightfall." Jacqueline nodded silently. After a few moments of slightly awkward silence, Norrington said, "The Governor's daughter found your story entertaining."
"My story?" Jacqueline inquired.
"Of your life. Of meeting pirates and living on the sea," Norrington explained. "Miss Swann has a…obsession with meeting pirates."
"Did you mention that they killed my father?" Jacqueline inquired quietly.
Norrington nodded. "I had hope that would lessen her desire to meet a pirate, however…" He trailed off.
"Did you tell her I was staying at your home?" Jacqueline asked, her attitude changing quickly.
Norrington smiled. "No, I didn't."
"Of course, it's vastly inappropriate," she responded.
"Terribly," Norrington agreed.
"And being on a first name basis, James," Jacqueline said, continuing her mockingly disapproving tone.
"Scandalous, Jacqueline," Norrington said with a grin. Night had now fallen, the stars and moon the couple's only light. "We behave as though we were married."
"Even less formal," Jacqueline said with a little laugh. "That is my fault, I'm afraid—I am so used to more casual relationships with people. Comes with living so long aboard my father's ship."
"I've never enjoyed spending my time with anyone more, Jacqueline," Norrington said sincerely.
"And I've enjoyed your company, James."
Norrington's heart began beating more rapidly. "I've never met a woman like you." Jacqueline said nothing, sensing that the conversation was growing serious. "Nor have I felt for another woman as I feel for you." Jacqueline took a deep breath, but still did not speak. "You are as beautiful as the sea by moonlight," he said, all to aware that his voice was quavering. "And unique," he added quietly. He hadn't planned this—he wished he had, he sounded so foolish.
"James," Jacqueline said, slowing to a stop. Norrington turned to her, taking her hand.
"Please, Jacqueline," Norrington said. He was sure that he would lose his courage if he took any longer. "I know that we have known each other for merely a week," he said.
"And you have been very kind," Jacqueline interrupted. "In caring for me…"
"And I wish to continue caring for you," Norrington said. "I want to make sure you are never hurt again," he said, thinking of the pirates who had attacked her father's vessel. "Jacqueline," he breathed. "I love you."
Jacqueline's eyes widened slightly, reflecting the moonlight. Her hand shook a little as Norrington gently brought it to his lips. "Jacqueline," he said quietly. He took a deep breath. "Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?"