Opera Comes to the Caribbean

Chapter 8

The HMS Regal found a berth near the end of the pier and tied off. James headed off in that direction with Governor Swann, Elizabeth, Will, and Jack following behind.

Captain Rush stood at the head of the gangplank and saluted, "Commodore Norrington, permission to come ashore."

James returned the Captain's salute, "Permission granted."

As Captain Rush disembarked James peered at him curiously, "A word with you Captain." James said as he moved off away from where the others were standing and Captain Rush followed.

"Is that you Simon?"

"I was wondering if you'd recognize me after all these years, it's been some time since we were stationed on the Britannia." Captain Rush said with a smile.

"How could I forget the midshipman who managed to take most of my pay each month in a highly dubious game of cards?" James answered with a bit of friendly sarcasm in his tone.

"The games were on the up and up Commodore, you were just a poor player." Simon answered with a bit of his own friendly sarcasm.

James raised his eyebrow a bit and said, "Indeed." As Governor Swann cleared his throat loud enough to catch the two men's attention James turned around toward Governor Swann and was just about to speak when Mr. Majorano impatiently called out from the railing, "I really would like to come ashore now gentlemen."

With a smirk Simon said, "I guarantee you'll have your hands full with that one Commodore."

James frowned, "So it would seem." He peered up at Mr. Majorano who had moved over and stepped onto the gangplank and was making his way down it. When he reached the bottom he ignored James, Weatherby, and Captain Rush, walking past them without so much as a glance and straight over to Elizabeth, and as he held her hand and gazed into her eyes he spoke, "Such a beauteous flower of womanhood. Pray tell me dear maiden you are not taken, for to hear those words from your lovely lips would surely crush me."

Elizabeth, as well as William, James, and Weatherby were so stunned by Mr. Majorano's actions they could do nothing but stare. After a moment or two Jack elbowed William in the side, leaned over and whispered in his ear, "William, I'm havin a thought here, I'm thinking now would be the opportune moment to be speakin up if ya catch me meanin." It took a second nudge in the side to snap William out of his shock.

"She has been taken…eh…that is I have taken her…ah….that is she is mine..er…my wife Sir!" William finally managed to stammer.

"Such a pity that." Mr. Majorano said as he continued to gaze into Elizabeth's eyes and hold her hand.

Jack nudged William again and when William looked at him he fluttered his fingers and tilted his head back and forth to the side a couple of times indicating Elizabeth's hand still being held by Mr. Majorano. It took William a moment or two to catch on, but when he did he grabbed her hand away from Majorano and received a moue from Elizabeth for his trouble.

James stepped over then and began to speak as he motioned between Mr. Majorano and Weatherby, "Mr. Majorano may I present Governor Swann."

Mr. Majorano waved his hand in a dismissive way, "In a moment Lieutenant or Captain, or who ever you are." He ignored the irritated frown from James as well as the huff James let out and peered at Jack with interest, "Who are you?"

Jack rocked back and forth, waved his arms about, and with a glittering grin said, "I'm Captain Jack Sparr…." Catching the glare James was giving him he finished with a puppy dog look, "..ow."

"I've heard of you, you're a pirate." Majorano said with a bit of excitement in his tone.

"Aye mate," Jack said, clearly pleased by Majorano's statement. He started to expound on himself and his legend when he caught the glare James was shooting at him. He began to speak rather rapidly, fluttering his hands about as he shot quick little pouty glances at James, "Have ta give ya the particulars of all that at a future date mate, as I am presently constrained by certain stuffy and unreasonable restraints placed against me actions that are entirely not of me own free will as it were and a bit out of me own control and or choosin at the present time."

"Well I assure you Captain Sparrow I shall make a point during my visit to meet with you again." Mr. Majorano replied, then a bit huffily he turned back to James, "Now Sergeant or who ever you might be, who was it you felt was so important for me meet?"

James gritted his teeth for a moment, his jaw clearly showing the tension before he gained enough control to speak civilly, "Mr. Majorano, may I present Governor Swann."

Mr. Majorano eyed Weatherby for a moment before stepping over to him and declaring, "I do hope you have arranged suitable lodging for me, and I insist I be shown them immediately. I am rather fatigued and if they turn out not to meet my standards I should like to be able to find suitable accommodations before it gets too late and I am forced to bumble about your little island in the dark."

"Your accommodations are in the Governor's mansion, and I assure you they will provide the highest level of comfort and convenience." Weatherby replied, clearly irritated but trying to remain diplomatic.

"Well let's go see them then so I may make my own judgment on their suitability. As I said I don't care to be out rambling around in the dark."

Without waiting for anyone he headed off down the dock.

James and Weatherby rolled their eyes at each other and then headed off after him. As James passed Gillette and Groves he paused a moment to say, "I fear the situation is worse than I imagined. We must be doubly or even triply on our guard to make sure that Captain Sparrow and Mr. Majorano do not find themselves in each others company again."

Gillette and Groves gave James a salute, "Yes Sir." Gillette answered, "We shall do what ever is necessary."

"Within reason." Groves interjected with a look at Andrew.

"Gentlemen, keep those two apart! Do I make myself clear?" As they nodded in affirmation James headed off after Governor Swann and Mr. Majorano.

Elizabeth, William, and Jack watched as they left. "Well he certainly has a bit charm about him doesn't he." Elizabeth said.

"He was a bit rude if you ask me." William replied.

Elizabeth gave William a look and a dismissive wave of her hand, "Oh William, you're just jealous." Without waiting for a reply she also headed off down the dock.

"Well young William, I'm off to the Wandering Lass for some rum, care to join me?" Jack said with a smile as he flutteringly pointed in the general direction of said tavern.

William thought on the suggestion for a few moments, and then with a dejected tone replied, "I suppose I better forego that and get on to the mansion."

Jack swayed off calling back over his shoulder, "Better you than me young Turner."

To Be Continued

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