Chapter 3: Settling In and Slipping Out

Alice sat in the soft bed looking around the room, hardly able to believe her luck. The governor had set her up in one of the rooms at the mansion, and even supplied her with a temporary wardrobe. She met his daughter, Elizabeth, shortly after Norrington had left. Alice thought she looked like a bit of a bitch, and was relieved to find her to be quite personable. She supplied more than a few clothing items, and Estrella, her maid, gave the girl a thorough bath before dressing her in far too many layers. The maid offered to toss the clothes out that she had arrived in, but Alice asked if the maid could have them cleaned. When the woman looked at her oddly, she simply said that she would like to keep them. Alice joined Elizabeth and the governor for lunch, and was grateful for the familial comfort she found there. The governor smiled at the two girls fondly, happy to see that there seemed to be an easy friendship there. After lunch, Alice chose to retire early. She apologized for being rude, but they understood. Estrella helped her to undress down to her shift, and then helped her into the bed. Alice was annoyed by the unnecessary modesty that forced her to have to wear, well, anything to bed, especially in the hot, humid Caribbean weather. She crawled down further into the bed, her eyes heavy. She wished she had chosen a better time for this journey, rather than immediately following an 8-hour shift in a boring office. She had been tired when she got home, and should have slept then. But there was nothing else she could do about it now.

Alice did not even remember falling asleep, as it happened so swiftly. Now Estrella was rousing her from bed, talking about tea and breakfast, and opening the curtains to let in the sunlight. Had she slept all day and night? It appeared so. Elizabeth popped in as well, helping Estrella rouse and dress the new girl in their house. Breakfast was a simple but lovely affair and, after they finished eating, Elizabeth showed her around the grounds, and they took tea in the garden. Her father had told her some of Alice's fabricated plight, and Elizabeth's curiousity, especially at the mention of pirates being involved, could hardly be contained. Alice was a bit surprised to find that Elizabeth seemed quite dismissive of Norrington. She was curious about the man, but found that Elizabeth deemed him boring and too authoritative. She was surprised, however, to find that Elizabeth was quite knowledgeable about pirates, and she even lent Alice a book she had about them. Alice had read the book before, but this was an original copy, not a 21st century edited version, so she happily flipped through it. Alice couldn't recall much of what she'd read about several of the pirates; it was as though her memories of events from this time period were becoming hazy. Probably because they haven't happened yet, she reasoned to herself. She would have to mention that to Mark when – and if – she returned.

The gate creaked open and the two girls looked up to see Captain Norrington striding across the grounds toward them. Alice beamed but Elizabeth seemed to roll her eyes. She bid him a polite welcome before taking her leave to spend some time on creative endeavours.

"May I have a seat?" he asked Alice.

"Of course you may!" She was surprised by how happy she was to see him, and mentally cursed herself. He sat across from her in the seat that Elizabeth had vacated, and removed his hat, which he set in his lap.

"I just wanted to see how you were getting along here," he said with a touch of concern.

"Splendidly!" she responded. "Everyone has been very kind – kinder than I had expected, really." This eased his concern.

"I am glad to hear that. How are you and Miss Swann getting along?"

"Very nicely. She seems like a very kind-hearted person."

"Indeed. And what about money?"

"The governor supplied me with a small allowance," she smiled a bit uneasily; Alice had never been good when it came to charity.

"Wonderful," he smiled. "Well, I must take my leave now, as duty calls. I am glad to see you are acclimating nicely," he said as he stood, replacing his hat. "You should get out and see the rest of the town and what it has to offer. It is not a very dangerous place, but I would advise you to take an escort with you, just in case."

"Thank you, James." He smiled in return, gave her a small bow, and then turned and left. Alice was a little sad to see him go. She seemed to have taken an interest in the captain, but she was fighting against it, knowing it was just a reaction to his kindness and concern. She sighed and closed her eyes. Maybe she should go see the town. She went inside to find Elizabeth sitting in the foyer flipping through the pirate book; Alice was sure she had that book memorized and was just passing time until Norrington left.

"Has he left already? That wasn't a very long visit."

"He was just checking to make sure I was getting along okay. Elizabeth? Could we go out? I would like to see more of Port Royal."

"Of course! Let me arrange for a carriage!" Elizabeth seemed quite excited to get out of the mansion and had Mr. Glass call a carriage for them. They went upstairs and spruced up a bit before heading out. Alice had never been in a carriage before, and she was thrilled. She did her best to not immediately run up to the horses and start doting affection upon them, which was admittedly hard, and all but jumped inside. The bumpy ride was fun for her, though Elizabeth seemed to merely be tolerating it as she pointed out various shops and eateries. They stopped in the middle of town and wandered through several places, Elizabeth picking up several small trinkets and accoutrements for them both. Alice felt very comfortable with the other girl, though she found her slight haughtiness off putting. Luckily it was not constant, and she was not completely snooty. As they headed back, Alice made note of the locations of several taverns.

They returned in time for dinner, which was simple yet elegant, and the girls talked for a bit before retiring to bed. When Estrella came to Alice's room to help her undress, Alice asked her about the rules for coming and going. When the maid seemed confused, Alice explained that she would like to go out to the taverns. Estrella looked around to be sure they wouldn't be overheard, and told Alice that she could slip in and out through the service entrance in the kitchens. She warned Alice about how hard it would be to not get noticed, but Alice informed her that she would be wearing the clothes she arrived in, so as not to stand out. Estrella nodded and smiled, and asked if she could come with her, to which Alice readily agreed.

She changed into her street clothes and Estrella gave her a leather tricorn hat to wear to further conceal her image. The two girls snuck out as quietly as they could and made their way into the town. She wished she had looked for a jacket earlier in the day, but she didn't want Elizabeth questioning it.

The tavern they slipped into was called the Rowdy Rooster. It was packed with seamen and merchants and women, all chattering, laughing, and drinking, with several tables overflowing with people playing card games. A random scattering of people had accordions, flutes, lutes and bells, and they played to their hearts' content, even if it wasn't always in rhythm. They maneuvered over to the bar where the girls purchased tankards of rum, and then they found their way to some recently vacated seats. They were quickly joined by several men, who offered to play poker with them. Estrella was more interested in the company than the game, but Alice was all for it. The time passed quickly as they drank and gambled and socialized, Alice playfully fending off the lecherous advances that poured over her. The time soon came when they had to make their way back, Alice's purse heavier with coins than it was when they arrived, and both of their heads swimming. The walk back seemed much quicker, never mind that it was more a stumble than a stroll. They lowered their voices as they neared the gates and they slipped inside, fearful of being caught. Alice thanked the maid kindly and tossed her a few coins before creeping up to her room. She barely was able to undress before she passed out on top of the covers.

Morning came too quick for her liking, and she was soon being awoken by a very hungover Estrella. Alice was no stranger to cheap rum, but this stuff had been a step above moonshine; her head pounded and she fought the waves of nausea and gulped down the citrus-infused water that the maid had provided.

"Best not to make a habit of it, miss," Estrella winked and smiled before she helped Alice dress for the day. Fat chance, Alice thought with a smirk, though her body protested that notion at the present time. She was eager for breakfast and tried her best to maintain a sense of decorum at the dining table. She devoured the buttered bread and runny eggs, though she wanted nothing more than some deep-fried chicken.