Chapter 4
Elizabeth, after giving Mary proper instructions, fetched her cloak and basket. Thunder crashed and lightening flashed, illuminating the darkened kitchen with a silver glow. "Be careful, Mummy!" the little girl called, cringing as a gust of moist air blew in when her mother pulled open the front door.
"I should not be very long," Elizabeth replied, stepping out into the miserable weather. She was thankful Will had built their home only a few doors north of the smithy, directly in Port Royale town.
Days like this made Elizabeth regret not accepting her father's offer of their own carriage.
The muddy streets of the Caribbean village were less busy than usual, people and animals wisely avoiding the deluge that soaked her skirts and splashed her legs with the muck.
Elizabeth went to the smithy first. Mr. Brown, the master smith, had died the previous summer, leaving the business to Will. She fed and watered the old donkey before locking up and tacking a note to the door, informing patrons the smithy was closed due to illness.
As she left the shop, she decided to visit her father's house next, and ask the housekeeper for advice on how to help Will. Unfortunately, the governor's mansion was a twenty minute walk from the blacksmith, and a nightmare to go to in the rain.
Elizabeth screamed and clutched at her chest as another crack of thunder shook the ground beneath her feet. She carefully leaned against the wall, trembling. She thought of Will and Mary back home, hoping the two were all right.
Just as Elizabeth prepared to continue walking again, Commodore Norrington and Lt. Gillette, his second in command, were heading in her direction. The two men were making their rounds, checking to make sure that the villagers were all right in the storm.
The Commodore stopped, shocked at the sight of the governor's daughter, shielding his eyes and blinking, to make sure she wasn't a hallucination. "Elizabeth?" he called over the roar of
the wind, causing her to gasp and lift her head. A slight blush crept into her cheeks at the sight of the man. It was hard to imagine that at one point in time she agreed to marry him; she was grateful she'd chosen Will instead. Not that Norrington wasn't good, but he was too stiff and formal for her.
She felt incredibly stupid just standing there in the rain, staring at him like a sheep.
"What on Earth are you doing?" Commodore Norrington asked as he dashed over to her, blown backwards by the force of the wind.
"What?" Elizabeth called, cupping a hand over one ear, hardly able to understand him.
"WHAT ARE YOU DOING?" he shouted, covering his head with his arms as a bolt of lightening shot through the cloudy sky.
"I'm going to my father's mansion and doing my shopping!" she replied just as loudly, shivering slightly from being so wet.
"I hate these bloody storms!" Lt. Gillette cried, blinking as raindrops dripped into his eyes.
"WHAT!" Elizabeth and Commodore Norrington asked, turning to him with confusion. He raised his arms, pointing towards the street.
"Never mind!" he replied. "Sir, I'll finish the rounds!" Lt. Gillette insisted, shielding his eyes as wind blew mud and animal droppings in their direction.
"All right!" Commodore Norrington offered Elizabeth his arm, and smiled when she accepted. "I'll help you there."
She nodded her thanks and stumbled a little when the mud became too slippery. "Why are you going to the mansion in this weather?" He asked, puzzled. Even he did not want to leave his office, but for the safety of his people it was his duty.
"My husband is ill," Elizabeth replied, as the two were blown backwards again. "Oh blast!" she slipped, grasping onto him just before she crashed to the ground. He steadied her, his forehead crinkling with concern.
"I do hope he'll be all right," he told her as they continued to walk in the direction of the old mansion.
"You did not take your coach?" Elizabeth asked, making sure to speak directly into his ear. The Commodore looked at her, smiling a little.
"It does not hurt to be one with your people, does it?" He pointed a head. "There it is! Would you like me to walk you to the door?"
Elizabeth glanced at him, shaking her head. "No, thank you! But thank you, I appreciate this." She offered her hand and he took it, kissing it affectionately.
"My best wishes to you and your family." He nodded and waited for the gate guards to let her through before giving a small wave and walking back to the fort. Elizabeth glanced over her shoulder as he disappeared around the bend, and cocked her head to one side in thought.
Shrugging, she ran the rest of the way to the front door, and before she could reach the knob it opened, revealing the old footman.
"Oh," she chuckled, squeezing the water from her cloak. "Hullo." He stepped aside and let her in, shutting the door behind her. He bowed
formally, and went to fetch the Governor. Elizabeth waited for her father to appear, nervously fiddling with the bottom of her cloak.
He would certainly have a thing or two to say about her appearance. When Governor Weatherby Swann walked into the hallway, his face lit up at the sight of his daughter.
"Elizabeth!" the grin was quickly replaced with a frown. "My dear, you look absolutely dreadful! Do not tell me you walked all the way here in this storm!"
Elizabeth had to roll her eyes a little, sighing. "No, father, I flew." She allowed the footman to help her out of her cloak, grimacing as she glanced at the horrible stains on her gown. "I'm sorry. It's been a very long two days." She rubbed her wet nose with her wrist, glancing around.
"And where is my lovely granddaughter?" Governor Swann asked, noticing the absence of Mary and Will. "And your husband? Charles…" he turned towards the footman who stood waiting for further instructions. "Fetch the maids, will you?" Charles nodded once, turning on his heel and walking away. Elizabeth lowered her head, hating to be the bearer of bad news.
"Come and warm yourself by the fire, Elizabeth, and tell me everything. I was expecting you had forgotten me today after you did not come for breakfast." He led her to the enormous parlour, and pointed to the fireplace. Elizabeth gratefully stood in front of it, holding out her hands and rubbing them briskly.
"I did not mean to forget," Elizabeth apologized. "Will became very sick last night, and I…was on my way to the market to fill the doctor's prescriptions at the apothecary, when I decided to stop here first."
Governor Swann stared at her for a moment, startled. "That is a shame. I am very sorry to hear that. And Mary is all right?"
Elizabeth nodded. "She is well, yes, and is home taking care of her father."
The Governor was about to say something else when footman returned with four maids in tow. "Sir?" he announced his presence, and Governor Swann turned to face him.
"Ah, excellent. Ladies, if you please?" he nodded towards his daughter. "Take Elizabeth upstairs and get her out of those wet things."
Elizabeth raised her eyes. "Father, all of my clothing is at the hou...oh no!" One of the maids held an all too-familiar yellow gown. It took a lot of willpower for her not to run off in the
opposite direction.
"Don't be silly, my dear. Quickly now, ladies, thank you." The maids brought Elizabeth upstairs to her bedroom, where they immediately began stripping off her wet clothing and bodice, clucking their tongues in the midst of it all. Once the maids dried her off with towels, they brought her behind the changing screen and had her step into the corset. She placed both of her hands against the screen, squeezing her eyes closed and gritting her teeth as they tied each of the strings. The whalebone dug into her ribs, knocking the wind out of her with each tug.
When they finished with the corset, they put on her bodice, and then laced up the gown. The maid dried and brushed her hair, pulling it up off her neck into a proper bun, a few stubborn curls falling about her shoulders and face. "There you are, Miss Elizabeth," Estrella beamed, nodding at her former charge. "A bit more civilized and befitting your station."
Elizabeth's eyes bulged and she held a hand against her stomach, blowing out her breath. "I m-might have g-gained a few pounds since the last I w-wore this," she whimpered as she stumbled towards the door, hardly able to move.
She managed to walk down the steps without killing herself, though it was a rather difficult task. "Oh, Estrella." She turned when they reached the floor.
"Yes, Miss?" The maid smiled, showing off her rosy cheeks.
"I…I actually came to speak with one of you." Estrella blushed, startled. Rarely did the Governor or his daughter ask them for advice. "Of course, Miss Elizabeth."
Elizabeth nodded, glancing over her shoulder towards the parlour, where her father sat waiting. "Do you know much about illness?" she grimaced at the excruciating pain in her sides.
"I do," the servant replied, keeping her voice low. "Well, of course I'm not an expert, but I have been trained. What would you like to know?"
Elizabeth told Estrella of the doctor's suggestions, fearing that her voice sounded a bit too shaky. When she finished, the servant nodded in understanding, and clasped her hands in front of her.
"Well, Miss, the doctor's gone and given you most everythin' I've heard of. Just make sure he keeps drinking, and never mind that it hurts. If he get's all dried out, it won't help him at all. And I would certainly try another steam bath, but with not as strong of an herb as eucalyptus. Use rosemary or the angelica leaves you're going to pick up, which should not bother him too badly."
Elizabeth was about to thank Estrella when the Governor appeared, startling them both. "Ah! There you are!" he beamed as she turned to look at him. "I was wonderin where you disappeared to. Estrella, dear, fetch the box that is sitting on the dining room table. I have a gift for my granddaughter."
Estrella curtsied and bustled off, just as Elizabeth blinked. "A gift? Father, there was no need!"
Governor Swann chortled, his eyes sparkling. "I am a grandfather," he replied happily. "It is my duty to spoil my granddaughter, and I meant to give it to her on her birthday last month, but what I ordered did not come in time. Now, will you stay for tea and crimpets?"
Elizabeth shook her head. "I am sorry, father. I do not have enough time today. I still have to do my shopping and go back to Will and Mary." She watched as Estrella brought the box in, handing it to her with a nod.
"Then at least allow me to provide you with a carriage for the afternoon," the Governor insisted, his eyes filled with worry at the idea of his daughter walking out into the storm again. "You do not have to keep it, but I would hate to see that beautiful gown fall to ruins if it can be prevented."
Elizabeth started to protest, thinking she would rather it never be wearable again, but she finally gave in. "All right, thank you, father." She embraced him, being mindful of her
corset.
Moments later, a carriage was made ready outside, and Elizabeth walked arm in arm with her father outdoors. The footman carried her grocery basket, handing it back once she sat inside of the vehicle. "Do take care, my dear, and give my love to Mary and William."
The Governor gave a small wave, watching sadly as the carriage pulled away, it's wheels splashing in the puddles.
Elizabeth made stops to the apothecary to fill Will's prescriptions, to the butcher for a fresh swordfish for supper, to a stand for vegetables, herbs and spices. The coachman drove her home around two o'clock, aiding her to the door and bowing formally.
Elizabeth thanked him, giving him a couple of gold coins. When he was gone, she took a deep breath and went back into the house.
The kitchen was empty, which meant Mary was either in the parlour or upstairs caring for the invalid. Almost as if on cue, Elizabeth could hear footsteps hurrying down the stairs, and the child appeared before her. Mary's cheeks were pale and her dark eyes filled with tears.
"Mummy?" she whimpered as Elizabeth set the basket down on the table, trying to keep her breathing steady.
"Mary." She pulled the child into a soft hug, rubbing her back. "How is he?"
"Sleeping," the little girl replied. "He's called for me a couple of times for an extra blanket and something to drink, but I'm s-scared, Mama…he feels so hot and he's coughing so much…" she snuffled, hiccoughing a bit.
"Oh Mary, my Mary love." Elizabeth kissed the top of her daughter's head, feeling her heart break. "I will go and check on Papa. But first, can you help me out of this ridiculous dress? I
made a stop to Grandfather's on the way to the market, and he insisted I change into something dry. Unfortunately, I hardly fit into this dreadful thing anymore." Not that I ever could in the first place,' she thought to herself.
Mary nodded, wiping her eyes with the heels of her hands as she followed her mother upstairs to her room. Will lay huddled on his side on the bed, shivering and shaking despite the sheets and quilts over him. His thin brown hair stuck to the sides of his face
with beads of sweat.
Elizabeth waited patiently while Mary pulled a chair behind her mother so she could stand on it and reach the ties in the back, sighing with relief once the corset was taken off. "Thank you."
She gasped, limping a bit over to the press, pulling out one of her usual corsets and gown.
"Elizabeth..." Will grumbled, his forehead crinkling in pain.
As soon as she finished dressing, Elizabeth went to her husband's side, placing a hand on his forehead. Clucking her tongue, the matron reached over to the bowl of clean water on the table. She reached for the rag, and began blotting his forehead and cheeks with cool water.
"I made sure to let your customers know that you will not be at work until you're feeling better," she whispered into his ear.
Will managed a weak smile, reaching for her hand. Elizabeth laced her ringers through his, placing the back of his hand against her lips. She could hear Mary moving about in the kitchen, preparing the food for supper as best she could.
"Glad…you're…home," Will croaked, coughing and shivering as cold water droplets dripped onto his chest.
"So am I." Elizabeth squeezed her eyes shut, letting a single tear roll down her cheek. It appeared to her that this was certainly no ordinary cold. Will seemed to be getting worse by the minute.
She rested her forehead on the mattress, stroking the ends of her husband's sweat-soaked hair. "My poor love."
"Elizabeth." Will croaked, coughing so hard that he could almost taste blood at the back of his throat. Elizabeth lifted her head, her face wet with tears. "Shhhh. Do not try to speak,
sweetheart."
She folded the rag laying it against Will's forehead, kissing the tip of his nose.
"HusHHOOO! EtCHUUUH!" Will's head snapped upwards with sneezes, making Elizabeth jump.
"Bless you!" she pulled the blankets closer to his neck. "I have to cook supper for Mary and for myself. Is there anything specific you would like, my darling?"
Will shook his head. The thought of food made his stomach roll with nausea. "Nn." He turned away, burying his runny nose into his pillow. Elizbeth frowned.
"Well, let me know if you do want something." She rubbed his back before making her way downstairs. When she reached the kitchen, Mary sat at the long table, salting the already gutted swordfish. The vegetables sat in a bowl chopped into neat pieces, covered with fresh rosemary seasoning.
"Thank you, love. I know Papa is not hungry, but I think I'm going to prepare a bit of broth for him anyway. He needs to keep up his strength."
Mary's lower lip trembled. "Is…" she swallowed, "is Papa going to die, Mama?" her hands shook so badly that she nearly dropped the salt. Elizabeth narrowed her eyes, touching the child's hair.
"Papa is not going to die, Mary." She promised.
"HuhCHOOO! HurSHOOOO!" They listened to Will's sneezes from upstairs.
"Oh, Mary!" Elizabeth suddenly remembered. "I nearly forgot to give you Grandfather's present."
Mary's eyes widened and she hopped to the floor, waiting for her mother to fetch the box. Once it sat on the table, the child eagerly removed the top and gasped. "Oh! A new dress!" she pulled it out, fingering the soft purple and yellow velvet and silk fabric. "Can I try it on for Papa?" she asked, holding it against her front. Elizabeth chuckled.
"Not tonight, dearling. Papa is too sick and needs his rest."
Mary blushed a little. "Oh, I…I forgot." She hung her head, noticing more treats from her beloved Grandfather nestled in the white tissue paper. "Sweets! And…and a teddy bear!" she hugged the stuffed animal, nuzzling its soft fur with her cheek.
"So…are you pleased?" Elizabeth asked, sliding the enormous fish through a brass spit, hanging it over the crackling flames.
"Yes." Mary smiled. "Can I let Papa have my teddy? Till he is better, at least?" she sounded so serious, that Elizabeth felt her heart melt. Mary loved her parents so unconditionally, that she would do anything and everything to make them happy.
"If you wish, Mary-love. Just do not disturb him if he's asleep." Mary nodded, dashing up to the sick room, leaving Elizabethto her own devices. Elizabeth covered her mouth with her hand once alone, and her shoulders shook with soft sobs. "Oh God," she choked, feeling helpless, but making sure to keep a close eye on the cooking fish. "Please don't take Will from us, please."