Original to post
Author's Explanation – Real life can step in and send an author off course as sure as any hurricane. I just returned from vacation in the mountains and seem to have brought back my lost muse with me. I am writing again! I apologize for the very long delay in posting.
So it is 2013 and this chapter is just now being posted. I don't want to write another 4,000 words to tell why. Just enjoy that this is finally up. I am.
I also had pointed out to me that Ducky couldn't have a niece if he is an only child. So I changed that and explained why she calls him Uncle.
A/N - This is an AU with the characters still as close to canon as possible, except for a word of warning that this Gibbs is very different. And it is the late 18th century, presently 1785.
A/N 2– thank you to Wikipedia … without whom, I would have just guessed, more than I did anyway.
Thank you to my betas – bettyboop and skyking and esprit en deuil
AU set in late 18th century
Pairings - M/F, M/M (It WILL be slash, don't like don't read)
Rating – started pg13 Now M this chapter is rated PG.
This chapter is dedicated to Charles Durning who played Ernie Yost in the Wonderful Episode "Call of Silence". Besides being a Terrific actor, the man was a World War II hero and earned three Purple Hearts. He passed away on Monday December 24, 2012 at the age of 89.
Warnings for entire story – language, non-sexual non-con Whipping, War violence, mention of past child abuse, slavery, dub-con sex, nudity, rape, murder, suicidal thoughts, illness, drinking, drugs, kidnapping, tattooing and Pirates. And I have only gotten to the ninth chapter.
Disclaimer for the entire story, they are not mine, I am not making a cent from this. And any resemblance to any person past or present, living or dead, or undead, is pure coincidence. If they were mine they would have much more fun on the show, even if it would have to rated TVMA.
I also owe my dearest and bestest friend esprit en deuil so very much for her work and writing she did on this chapter that got me actually going again. Without her this would have never been finished.
Chapter 7 New Orleans
The welcoming committee should have been larger but the weather that has plagued the ships on the way home is still drizzling on the small crowd gathering at the docks. First mate, now appointed Captain Chris Pacci is directing the action from the ship to the dock. Dwayne Wilson, now the Quarter Master's first mate and the rest of The Veronica's crew hurries to get the ship unloaded before the steady drizzle can ruin the cargo.
Timothy McGee feels almost helpless as he is told to watch the baggage and equipment that belongs to the three passengers. Now he realizes why Tony had given him a hard time about needing extra room for storage, as the tenth large chest is shoved in front of him.
"Hey McGee! Get a tarp over those bags and chests before the rain gets to them!" Captain Pacci yells at him.
"I don't want to have to have a rummage sale on your account!" Mr. Wilson says dropping another barrel practically on Tim's toes. Tim doesn't think that the crew blames him in particular for the loss of Captain DiNozzo, but they aren't being exactly friendly either. Captain Pacci did make him hoist the blue flags that would announce to anyone in the waiting crowd that the ship has lost its captain during the voyage. On the other hand, the new captain could have meant it as an honor since the whole ship knew he and Tony were best friends.
Tim is finally shaken out of his thoughts as he hears a loud scream overhead. He looks up only to see a cloud of black lace being lowered directly on top of him. The crew has used the bowlines and a trapeze to transfer Miss Scuito because the ship is too far away from the docks due to the enlarged waves. Now Miss Abigail is floating down from Heaven in a swirl of fabric and lace, and about to land on top of Timothy. The gaping young man is hit firmly in the head by one of Abby's flailing feet and falls to the dock.
Dr. Mallard and Mr. Palmer rush to help her out of the ropes. In his hurry Palmer manages to accidentally push Tim back down as the other man slips again on the wet pier. The crew and dock personal all laugh as Tim ends up prostrate at the feet of the still shrieking young lady.
"My dear do calm down and let us help you," Doctor Mallard says untying the ropes holding Abigail in the swing.
"I never want to do that again," states Abby smoothing her dress, "But it was a thrill."
Meeting the ship at the dock is the president of New Orleans branch of the Paddington Trading Company Mister Leon Vance. He is one of many of New Orleans African community, like Gerald Jackson, who has risen in business and society. After his parents became free persons in Jamaica they moved to New Orleans and started a family. Vance's insightful business dealings and astute approach to international policies had caught the attention of the board of The Paddington Trading Company.
On his one and only trip to 'The New World' Clive Paddington had appointed Leon Vance to run the New Orleans office. Clive had also warned Vance concerning the potential change in leadership of the parent company should young Tony ever tries to take control. Vance had learned about Tony being kicked out of the many boarding schools and all the sordid reasons. Leon quickly agreed with Clive that Tony would not be the right person to ever lead the company.
Needless to say, when the ship had come into view flying blue flags that signified that an officer, if not the Captain of the ship, had been lost while at sea Vance had been anxious to find out who had perished. He can hardly contain his smile when he learns that indeed it is Captain Antonio DiNozzo who is the reason for the blue flags on the company ship.
His mind launches into flurries of thoughts of how he might be able to take over the American branch of the Pendleton Trading company. Not that he didn't deserve it, he had worked so very hard to get to where is currently. But for now he must put on the proper mask of grief for the crew and passengers disembarking the ship. His inner thoughts are interrupted by the screams of a lady in all black being lowered from the ship with the trapeze rigging. Leon cannot hold in the laugh as a man on the dock is knocked down by the woman's feet.
Vance turns back to the ship and doesn't know if he should send The Blue Pirate a thank you present for taking care of the problem of Captain Tony DiNozzo. He supposes he should post the usual bounty for the capture of the pirate. It isn't like anyone would be able to detain the bandit. The company could easily afford the lost rum and little bit of silver that had been plundered. It would be a small price to pay for Leon Vance to have a chance at advancement.
"The carriage from your father's plantation is here to escort you home." Tim says wiping the wetness of the dock from his hands, "May I have the honor of joining you to the end of your journey Miss Abigail?"
Before Abby can answer a much older gentleman walks up and bows to the lady, "Miss Scuito, may I introduce myself, I am Ernie Yost. I am your step father and now the Stable Master for your father's plantation. Your family is waiting for you at the mansion. I have been sent to bring you home." Mr. Yost bows again to the young lady, "Where are your bags so I can get you out of this rain?"
"I am honored to meet you Mister Yost."Abby says in a deep curtsy. She then turns around and points at Tim who is still brushing off his clothes, "Timmy will be able to tell which bags and trunks are mine."
Mr. Yost extends his hand and helps the lady Scuito into the covered carriage.
Meanwhile Dr. Mallard has put Jimmy in charge of hiring some of the many wagons waiting at the dock to take the boxes and trunks to Dr. Jackson's office. Ducky plans on taking Abigail to his Aunt's house as a formal way of ending his chaperonage of Miss Abigail. He also hopes to ask for a room at the mansion of his Aunt while his room and office is being finished.
As Abby settles in the carriage Mr. Yost pulls Dr. Mallard aside, making sure that his step daughter is not in range to hear what he's about to say.
"I think there is something you should know before we set journey. I know I told Abigail that her family is waiting at the house, but it is not my place to tell her the reason. However I was trusted with the task of sharing the tragic news with you so I am truly sorry to tell you this, but your aunt passed away five days ago. Mr. Morrow is waiting for us at the house so that he can break news to young Abigail of her mother's passing. We felt it best to not hesitate in delivering the news to you. I am sorry for your loss."
Ducky stares at the man standing in front of him for a moment before he nods his head, "I am sorry for your loss too."
Dr. Mallard was a man who thought dearly of his aunt even though they had grown up with an ocean between them. Hearing of her passing brought him sadness but he knew it would be nowhere near the over grief waiting poor Abigail. His eyes glimmer with unshed tears for a moment before he takes a deep breath and pushes his grief aside to be dealt with later. Now is not the time to weep for the woman that they'd lost. Now is the time to be strong for the lady sitting in the carriage, unaware of the bad news she will soon receive.
"Thank you for informing me of my aunt's unfortunate fate, I do believe you were right in thinking that Abigail should hear the news from her father. We shouldn't delay any more, let us get going so that the healing may begin."
Ernest nods his head in agreement and the two men take their places in the carriage.
Soon the parties are on their various ways as Abby, Dr. Mallard and her step father Ernest Yost occupy the first carriage while Tim and the wagon driver follow behind with the luggage. Young Mr. Palmer corrals three wagons to go into the city to deliver the office supplies and household goods they brought to the city to begin organizing their new office.
Abby stares out the small windows of the carriage at the Spanish moss coating the trees leading up to the plantation where she grew up. When Abigail was born her father gave her mother Gloria a cottage on the acreage because his wife would no longer tolerate the maid living under her roof. Tom made sure that little Abby never lacked for anything while growing up. He also made sure that her mother always had employment, at another house. When it was time for Abby to further her education her father gladly paid for her to attend a fine school in Britain and the passage there. Her step mother even asked her sister's only son if he would be willing to house Abby. Not long after Abby left for England her mother met the new carriage driver for the Morrow house and they soon wed.
The carriage pulls slowly up to the large plantation house. The following wagon with a rain sodden Timothy stops behind and the young man scrambles down hoping to not be left behind again.
"Ernie, go ahead and take me out to my mother's house. I want to see her first before the rest of the family." Abby says trying to get her dress untangled from her parasol.
Doctor Mallard reaches down to help his young charge with her problematic attire while trying to find a way to get the lady into the house without rousing her suspicious nature to the fact that not all was as it had been upon her departure.
"Ah but dear lady, I believe Mr. Yost informed you that family is waiting for you at the main house so that they can see you as soon as you arrive, I do believe your father has anxiously been awaiting for your safe return and would be sorely disappointed to know you stopped at the house without going in to see him."
Abby ponders her cousins and chaperon's words and with a small sigh nods her head in agreement. "Perhaps you are right. Alright then, but only a short visit before we continue so I can see my dear mother and new brother." Finally getting her parasol untangled she reaches her hand out so that her step father can help her out of the carriage.
Opening the parasol, she shields her pale complexion and dark hair from the rain still coming down from heavens and accepts the arm Ducky offers to her. Together the two make their way towards the entrance to the house with Mr. Yost handing off the carriage to another and follows them into the mansion.
They make their way to the house to get out of the rain and there in the entrance hall they are greeted by the Tom Morrow.
The man steps forward to pull his daughter into a long hug and if the look on her father's face hasn't told Abby that something was wrong, the length of the embrace certainly does.
"Father, what is it? Is something wrong?" She asks pulling back and looking him in the eyes.
The look that passes between her real and stepfather makes her heart sink.
"Please tell me everyone is okay? I need to know before I go and see my mother. She must be worried about me since the journey was so much longer than she thought."
Morrow sighs heavily before turning his sorrow filled eyes to regard his daughter.
"I'm so sorry Abigail, I'm afraid your mother passed away five days ago. We were hoping you would get here sooner, but alas she could not hold on even for her beloved daughter." Her father steps forward to comfort his daughter but the young woman backs away and instead turns to Doctor Mallard for a shoulder to cry on.
The older gentleman wraps his arms around the woman he has come to hold in high regard. His heart aches for the woman whose pain is so clear in the sobs partially muffled by his shoulder. He raises his eyes to look at the man who has delivered the bad news and can see the pain in Morrow's eyes, Abigail may not be desired by the lady of the house, but Tom clearly loves his daughter deeply and shares her sorrow.
A few feet away, Abby's stepfather Mr. Yost observes the whole scene from the sidelines. He has heard much of this young woman from his beloved wife, but as it is the first time he has really met his step daughter, he is hesitant to intervene. Not sure of his place in her life or even if there is one for him in it; he merely offers her his silent condolences without otherwise drawing attention. Besides it seems his step daughter is well taken care of for the moment so he's content to let the other men handle the situation.
Tim also feels helpless as he stands in the hallway with his hair still dripping from the rain. One of the maids brings him a towel and he wipes his face to keep his emotion from showing. He feels his hatred of The Blue Pirate grow with every sob from Abby.
As the initial storm of emotion starts to pass, Abby raises her head from the safe haven of Ducky's shoulder and gives the older man an apologetic little smile through her tears, as she notices the stain her tears has left on the fabric. The understanding look she receives in return nearly pushes her over the edge again. Taking a deep breath she manages to hold on to her fragile emotions, with one more sniffle she steps away from the good old doctor. She turns to her father and accepts the handkerchief he offers to her and delicately wipes away the evidence of her grief.
"I need to see- please, take me to her-" She halts as the words catch in her throat but luckily Morrow catches the meaning behind the request.
"Of course, I am sure your step father would be willing to take you to her resting place. Would you like me to accompany you?"
"No!" realizing how abrupt her refusal had been, Abby quickly continues on. "I'm sorry, but if you don't mind, I would like to do this alone. I am sure Ducky would want to accompany me to pay respects to his Aunt if he so chooses but otherwise I wish to be alone." Morrow nods his head in understanding, and looks at the doctor for confirmation that he won't leave the poor girl alone.
"I would be honored to go with you and see that you get to the cemetery safely." Ducky offers and knows it was the right thing to do when the daughter and both fathers gives him grateful looks. Abby may think she doesn't desire company, but being alone in her grief is something Ducky knows she does not need and really doesn't want.
The cemetery where the vault they had laid Abby's mother to rest in was a small private one that was located at the edge of the plantation. The road there was rough and rarely used, but Abby didn't notice the bumps on the road or the concerned gaze of her travel companions as she was deep in thought.
It was a week, just five days really. It was devastating to think how her mother had tried to hold on, sure that her daughter would arrive in time to say goodbye. Each day chinking away at the hope and making it more clear that the reunion would come too late. She tried not to imagine the devastation her mother must have felt when she realized that her daughter wouldn't get there in time and that they would never meet again in this life.
Tears well in her eyes again as she feels the pang of sorrow at the thought of how lonely her mother must have felt. She thought of how she must have suffered while desperately trying to ward off the looming darkness just for the chance of seeing a glimpse of the light that was her beloved daughter, who she used to call her little sunshine.
The carriage pulls to a halt outside the gates of the cemetery and Abby wipes at her eyes to make sure there are no tears falling. Ducky once more helps her out but when he moves to escort her further she gently presses a hand to his chest and shakes her head.
"Please forgive me Ducky and Tim, but this is a journey I need to take by myself. But I am grateful for your support."
With a graceful bow of his head the doctor indicates his understanding and support. Sadly he watches the young lady make her way through the gates and towards the part of the cemetery where the family crypt is located. Tim for his part tries to stop the young lady from going alone, but a look from the older man stops his protest before they surface.
It does not take long to find the one section she is looking for since the cemetery is not a large one and it is a place young Abigail had visited many a times to enjoy the peace and quiet of the safe haven. Though today the cemetery offers her neither peace nor comfort. Today there are no answers to be found in the stillness of the sanctuary, only questions and pain.
As her eyes fall upon the name of her mother, carved in the hard stone, the tears she has been fighting fall once more. She sinks to her knees on the hard floor. She tries to dry the tears on her with her lace glove but realizes it is failing miserably.
"I'm so sorry Mother, so sorry I wasn't here." The image of her smiling mother pops to her mind and fuels the power of her grief and the sobs seem to intensify so that they shake her lithe frame with their force.
She so wishes she could have arrived earlier and could have given her mother what was sure to have been her last wish. In the midst of her agony a thought forms in her mind. The ship should have made port much earlier than it did; over a week had been wasted while they were escorted by the Blue pirate and the route he had picked as the safest for them to follow. So much precious time had been forever lost and so many opportunities destroyed by the delay.
The thoughts that the actions of the cursed pirate by kidnapping their captain had also caused her ailing mother to die without getting a chance to say goodbye to her daughter. Anger wells up in Abby's mind till with a cry she hits the wall with her lace covered fist and clenched her eyes shut both to somehow ward off the pain and more tears.
After a long moment she wiped a hand across her face and looked up at the marble surface of the vault.
"I love you so much. I will always love you and I will never forget you." She whispers in a hoarse voice before pressing a kiss to the name engraved on the stone door. With a prayer she turns to go back to Ducky and the carriage so that the older man would be given his chance to come pay his respects. The grief is still threatening to swallow her, but now it is joined with righteous anger that fuels her resolution that whatever it takes, The Blue Pirate will pay for all the pain he caused.
Tim is waiting with Ducky and after a brief hug the doctor walks into the vault to say his good-byes to his Aunt.
Abby sniffles and Tim opens his arms to the grieving woman. She sobs on his shoulder as Tim gently pats her back.
"I will make sure that pirate pays for all he has done to us Miss Abby."
"How Tim?" Abby asks with a sniff, "How can we do anything against him?"
"I will find a way. I promise you," Tim looks into Abby's eyes, "I promise you."
The two young people stand there in the gloom of the family cemetery and vault until Dr. Mallard exits then the three grievers are driven silently back to the mansion.
Waiting on the front room is Caitlyn Marie Todd, daughter of Tom and Nancy Morrow. She has just finished her senior year at the prestigious Ursuline Academy. Kate, as she is called by her family, is just burping the young infant her arms. She raises her eyes to meet those of the grief stricken people.
"I think I will try to go and change out of my wet clothes now Miss Abigail." Timothy says with a small bow to the lady, "Will you please excuse me?"
Abby nods to Tim and then turns toward her half sister. Caitlyn rises and walks toward Abby with the baby.
"Here let me see my baby brother."Abby says taking the baby from her cousin, "He is so precious. How old is he now?"
"He's six months old tomorrow." Kate says wiping her eyes, "Can it only be six months?"
"Oh dear sister I will never be able to repay all of the kind care you showed to my mother and now to our brother." Abby says looking in wonder at her precious little brother.
"We are family Abby," Kate says softly caressing her brother's head, "We will always be there for each other."
