Hey guys. So so sorry for the delay. School stinks. I'll blame it all on school and homework. Plus a trip to Sea World, but that's beside the point. Anyways, I (Narnian Lily) tried to make it up by making a super long chapter. This one averaged eight pages. Quite impressive, dontcha think? So, read, enjoy, and please review!

Chapter Eight

Sitting at my vanity, I ran a small brush through my brown locks. "Honestly, Forrester," I began, turning my attention to my brother, "did Grandfather Swann not see the girl?" Forrester was standing at my window, his back to me, legs spread wide.

He turned his head, a small frown on his face. "I don't see the problem, Cassie. I think she'll be perfectly fine."

"You would," I muttered sullenly.

He grinned at me, "Cassie, I think----"

I jumped to my feet at the sound of a bell, cutting Forrester off. "Oh! Forrester, I think Madam Tulieres is here with my gown. I'll be back in but a second."

Excitedly, I picked up my skirts and rushed from the room, leaving a bemused Forrester behind.

Arriving downstairs, I found a mousy-looking girl and sighed, slightly embarrassed that my mad rush down the stairs had been for naught. "Are you Miss Turner?"

The small voice surprised me and I whirled around, looking the girl in the eye. "That would be me. How may I be of assistance?"

She seemed rather perplexed for a moment before continuing. "I've come from Madam Tulieres' shop with your dress. It says that you placed your order two days ago, making it a high priority."

My beam returned as I took the white box from the girl. "Thank-you very much!" I clutched the box to my chest and moved to the stairs, ready to show Forrester my prize, when the girl cleared her throat. In an instant, I realized what I had done. Feeling incredibly ridiculous, I fumbled for my coin pouch. "I'm so sorry!" I snatched several gold coins from the pouch and passed them to her. "I was just so excited, I completely forgot."

The girl's eyes widened, "I… I think you gave me too much, Miss."

I shrugged, "No, I meant to give you that much. I appreciate your trouble." Her hands shook as she moved toward the door, stuttering her thanks.

Once she was gone, I rushed back upstairs, bursting into my room. "Forrester! My dress has arrived---" I stopped when I noticed her. My eyes narrowed as I took in Robyn's slender form perched in a chair next to Forrester. "What is she doing here?" I asked Forrester coldly.

My brother opened his mouth to speak, but the pirate-girl cut him off. "I was looking for Forrester, but I couldn't find him. Your door was opened when I passed, and I noticed him inside. He said it wouldn't be a bother for me to stay. I'm sorry." I could tell by her face that she was most definitely not sorry.

I shot Forrester an icy glare. "I'm afraid that Forrester was mistaken, Robyn." I sneered at her. "I'm going to have to ask you to leave." Robyn jumped to her feet, indignation smeared across her face. She picked up a white box, much like my own, and flounced toward the door. "What's in the box, Sparrow?" I asked, unable to contain the question. I reproached myself silently for not letting her leave.

She narrowed her eyes. "What business is it of yours?"

I shrugged, "I suppose it's not. Only wanting to make sure you weren't smuggling out any valuables."

She cocked her head and glared at me. "Curiosity killed the cat."

"And the Cat ate the Sparrow for supper." I smiled smugly, knowing she wouldn't be able to best me.

She huffed, "It's too bad for the Cat that the Sparrow was venomous."

A scream rose in my throat, but I squashed it down. "May I see your dress?"

Taken aback at the rapid subject change, Robyn held the box protectively in front of her chest. "Have you been spying on me Cassandra Turner?"

I rolled my eyes. "It's called having a brain, something I'm sure you're unfamiliar with, so I won't hold it against you." I smiled sweetly. "Anyhow, I just received my own dress in a box much like that one. Spying is beneath me."

She scoffed, "I'm sure it is. Unfortunately for you, you'll just have to wait like all of the other gentlemen to see me in my dress."

A guffaw from Forrester turned my gaze to him and I was infuriated to find he was red with laughter.

"I'll be looking forward to it." I said sarcastically, "Now, if you would please leave."

"As you wish, Sir." She laughed again, trotting out of the room, her own box in hand.

The door shut and a bout of laughter erupted from Forrester. I gritted my teeth. "Forrester! How can you laugh? That girl is absolutely wretched!"

He clutched his stomach, doubling over. "A cat….. And a sparrow…."

I rolled my eyes and opened the box, revealing ruffles and ribbons of maroon and white satin. I sighed, holding my dress up to my form. It was going to look lovely with my hair. I quickly returned it to it's box and gave my hair a final shake. "Forrester, I'm going to see James and Madison. Tell Mum and Dad I've gone." He nodded absently, and I left the room.

My spirits perked up considerably at the thought of seeing James and my good friend Madison Porter. I called Henry and in minutes, I was in the carriage, riding through Port Royal. We stopped at Madison's estate first, and I rushed to the door happily. "Hello, Dianna," I greeted the Porters housekeep with a smile. "Is Madison home today?"

She gave a curt nod, "She is. Shall I fetch her for you, Miss Turner?" I gave my consent, and within minutes, Madison was descending the stairs.

A grin lit up her freckled face as she saw me. "It's so good to see you, Cassie! I feel as if we haven't met in ages!"

I rushed to meet her and we embraced quickly. "I heartily agree."

A coy look spread across her face and her green eyes sparkled. "I've heard of some interesting happenings taking place at the Turner household."

I sighed heavily and rolled my eyes. "Aye, things have been rather off lately, but I shall tell you about it later. Are you going to the Port Royal Charity Ball tomorrow?"

She giggled excitedly. "I am. And I assume you'll be attending with a certain Mr. Norrington?"

My cheeks flushed. "Actually, I'm not certain. Things have been so chaotic lately that I haven't seen him in some time. There was…well… an incident."

She cocked her eyebrow. "Between you and James?"

I shook my head, "No, it was between Admiral Norrington and a girl staying with us."

She clasped her hands together. "Oh! Do tell!"

I sighed again, "I'll tell you on the carriage ride to the Norrington Estate. I was hoping that the three of us could spend the day together. I do need a break from the wretched girl."

Madison quickly bid her parents farewell, and we hopped into the carriage, Henry closing the door behind us. I leaned back in the padded carriage and stared out the window, taking in the familiar Port Royal scenery. I shut my eyes and breathed in the normal air as Madison chattered about this and that. If I thought hard enough, I could pretend I had never seen or heard of Robyn Sparrow. A smile crept across my lips as I imagined my life before Robyn. I had nearly erased her from my mind when Madison's voice brought everything back.

"So tell me about this girl you keep mentioning. She seems like quite the character."

I pinched the bridge of my nose, staring into the bright sunlight before turning abruptly to my friend. "She's by far the most barbaric creature I have ever met." I proceeded to tell Madison about the past week's events, my somewhat pent up rage spewing from my mouth in a most unladylike fashion. Through my entire story, Madison played the role of the perfect audience. When my tale was finished, I felt much better.

"Well, the girl sounds like an absolute wench." Madison concluded firmly after I had folded my arms over my chest and stopped speaking. I nodded, happy that someone finally agreed with me. "If she's been brought up by pirates, then she has no place in a civilized town such as our own."

"Exactly my point!" I said excitedly.

Madison was quiet for a moment, her chin placed delicately in her hand. When she spoke again, her words weren't to my liking as much as the former ones had been. "Cassie," she began cautiously, "I know that you're an undeniably honest person, but are you sure you haven't exaggerated the atrocity of Robyn Sparrow just a little?"

I gave an indignant sigh. "Of course I haven't exaggerated. It's not my fault that her actions are so immoral they do not seem possible."

Madison laughed, "Oh, Cassie. Whatever will we do with you?"

I pursed my lips and looked at my friend, "I thought you were on my side."

She laughed and reached across the carriage to pull on one of my curls. "I'm always on your side, you goose. That's what friends are for. I just want to be absolutely positive that you haven't jumped to any conclusions about this Robyn girl. I don't deny that she isn't the most civilized of people, but now that I think about it, you do have a tendency to exaggerate."

My scathing, yet somewhat playful remark was cut off by the halting carriage. Instead, I squealed, "We're here!" And jumped out of the carriage before Henry could open the door for me. Madison followed me, and together, we flounced to the Norrington's door.

Within seconds, we had been escorted into the parlor and I delicately perched upon a couch, Madison settling across me. "Mr. Norrington will be with you shortly," the maid said with a nod. She left the room and Madison and I exchanged giggles.

"Are you excited?" Madison asked me coyly.

I frowned at her, "What would I be excited for?" Although I feigned innocence, I couldn't stop the small bubble of anticipation welling up within my stomach.

"Oh, I don't know," she replied, a crooked grin stretched across her face. I rolled my eyes, just as the door was opening.

James strode in, shutting the door behind him. "Good afternoon, Ladies." He bowed and we curtsied in return. Once the formalities had been completed, he stepped forward. "It's good to see you again, Madison."

She quirked her head to the side, "The pleasure is all mine, Mr. Norrington."

He swept his cap off of his head elegantly, "If you insist."

I giggled as he turned to me, "Hullo, Cassie." He bent down and took my hand, planting a feather of a kiss on my finger tips. Madison beamed over his hunched form at me. He straightened and gestured an arm to each of us. "Now, Ladies, where shall we go this fine afternoon?"

I pondered the question for a moment, but Madison cut me off before I had a chance to speak. "As I'm sure you know, the Port Royal Charity Ball is tomorrow and---"

Before she could finish, James freed his arms from our light grasps and clasped them to his ears. "No!" He mock-groaned. "I'll have nothing to do with this girly ball of yours today."

"Oh, but James," Madison interjected, "there is so much to be done before one can attend such a thing."

Although there was a smile on his lips, I could tell James was serious when he shook his head and said, "Absolutely not."

I gave a playful sigh and turned to Madison. "I suppose we'll just have to complete our preparations tomorrow, Madison."

She too heaved a great sigh and shook her head mournfully. "We won't be nearly as lovely as we might have been if we had only prepared today."

Catching her gist, I continued, "And all the young men will ignore us, for there will be lovelier ladies at the ball."

"So we will grow old, and become spinsters, all thanks to you, Mr. James Norrington."

Madison swiped James on the arm and he folded his arms on his chest. "Spinsters it is then!"

"James!" I cried, "How could you say such a thing?"
"It's all part of my plan," he said, glancing at me suggestively. "If you are too lovely, you'll have no time to dance with me; something that would utterly devastate me."

Thoroughly delighted, I consented. "If it means so much to you, why don't we skip the town today and go to the beach?"

James's face lit up like a little boy and I exchanged a bemused look with Madison. "Shall we?" James asked enthusiastically, offering us each an arm.

I took one, and Madison took the other, and it unison, we said, "We shall."

Rather than take the carriage to the beach, we selected to take the back route and ride horses. Although it wasn't entirely proper for young ladies to ride horses, I could care less. We entered the Norrington stable and I couldn't stop a delighted grin from spreading across my face.

I trotted toward the snow-white mare that I had ridden several times before and petted her on the nose. "Ah, Jeni," I said, as she gave me a snort, "you are beautiful." Her brown eyes regarded me carefully as I offered her several sugar cubes. She ate them quickly and I surveyed my dress, realizing it was not the most appropriate attire for riding. Again, although I knew I should care, I didn't. I patted Jeni's snout and wound my fingers through her white mane. She gave an impatient snort and Madison's voice startled me out of the world I had been in.

"I quite agree with your horse, Cassie. Let's get on with it, shall we?"

I turned around to find that Madison had already mounted and was staring at me atop her tall brown mare. "How did you do that so quickly?"

She shrugged her shoulders and smiled at me. "My older brother taught me." My eyes darted to her voluminous, green skirts and her smile broadened. "I'm full of surprises." She shook her head casually, light bouncing off of her red curls.

A stableman assisted me, and within a moment, I was settled upon Jeni, my many skirts splayed out in front of me. I frowned as I took in the horse hair they were already coated in. "Oi! Cassie!" James was behind Madison, atop a black horse who my memory told me was named Alex. I cocked my head expectantly and he continued. "I wouldn't worry about that dress if I were you. It's only going to get dirtier."

I sighed, completely aware that he was right. "I suppose we should get on with it!"

James grinned at me, and I could tell he had been waiting for that signal. "Last one to the beach is a rum-drunk pirate!" He spurred his horse, and Alex galloped out of the stable. I move my gaze to exchange a bewildered look with Madison, but to my dismay, she was quickly following James out the door.

"Hey! You two!" I cried, digging my heels into Jeni's side. "Wait up!"

Madison turned her head for a split second and said, "You ought to hurry, Cassie. Wouldn't want you to be like your pirate friend!"

I screeched and leaned over Jeni's neck, very happy that Dad had taught me how to ride properly.

After several twists and turns through Port Royal alleys, we had left the town and were rapidly approaching a dense jungle path that we had found on an exploration years ago as children. I knew from prior experiences that the rutty, dirt path led to a pristine Caribbean beach, a mile or so away from the harbor. Determination filled me and I raced harder, entering the dark jungle in seconds. A cloud of dirt shielded James and Madison from me as I raced through the jungle, tree branches swatting at my head. I whooped in a very unladylike fashion, a broad grin stretching across my face.

Jeni and I galloped onto the empty beach, and I smiled crazily. Not stopping to wonder how I beat my friends, I thrust my fist into the air. "Victory!" I cried, expecting my friends to come charging out of the jungle any second. I waited. And waited. Jeni pawed the sand impatiently and I craned my head around. A snort drew my attention to my left and I saw a head poke out from behind a tree. I spurred Jeni and we trotted toward the mysterious head.

"Hello?" I called curiously. A hoot of laughter confirmed my suspicions as my friends tumbled out of the jungle, their horses following delicately.

"You should have seen your face…." James trailed off, clutching his sides.

"Ha ha. Very funny." I commented dryly.

Madison offered me a smile. "Sorry, Cassie. It was James's idea, and I couldn't resist." As much as I wanted to stay angry, I couldn't.

"Whatever." I mumbled playfully. I dismounted, rubbing Andi, Madison's horse.

The three of us looked at each other and burst into laughter again, sinking onto the sandy ground. After our guffaws had subsided, I turned to my friends. "Well, we're here. What shall we do?"

James had already removed his boots and stockings and was wiggling his toes through the sand. "I'd love to take a swim… but I suppose that's out of the question."

I bit my lip. "It does sound refreshing."

Madison removed her own shoes and placed her hands on her knees. "It would be terribly improper."

"We wouldn't have anything to wear, either." I stated disappointedly.

We were resignedly silent for several moments before James spoke up. "It might not be too dreadful---"

I cut him off, "We can't James. What would people think?"

Madison smiled slyly. "No one has to know. After all, we're the only ones here."

"Madison!" I reprimanded sharply. "It's bad enough to consider swimming in our clothes, but with a boy? It's absolutely scandalous."

"We wouldn't be in our clothes, Cassie." James said. "I would keep my breeches on, and you two girls could wear your shifts."

The idea did not placate me a bit. "You pervert!" I screeched playfully.

James shrugged. "I'm just trying to come up with solutions."

"Why don't we take a walk?" I suggested, uncomfortable with the current topic. My friends agreed, and soon we were walking barefooted in the ocean surf.

The water was incredibly refreshing on my feet as I wiggled my toes through the scratchy sand. Colorful shells speckled the sand as the ocean water lapped around my ankles. I held my dress hiked above my knees, again cursing the heavy skirts. I could tell Madison's predicament was much like mine and we swapped sympathetic glances. Out to sea, I could see ships heading towards or away from Port Royal. The hot sun beat overhead, and I could feel myself roasting within the layers of my gown. "I'm so hot!" I complained to my friends. Madison nodded, wiping her hand across her brow.

"Wouldn't a swim be refreshing?" James asked teasingly. I declined firmly, although the idea no longer seemed so terrible.

"We really shouldn't, James." I said, trying to convince myself.

James swept into an elaborate bow, taking my hand in his own. "It is so unlike a gentleman to beg, milady, but if you would grant me this simple wish…"

I laughed lightly, pulling my hand from his grip. "I'm sorry, James. You may be willing to forsake your morals, but that is something I cannot do." He snatched up my hand again, this time pulling me close.

He lowered his voice and I felt my heart pound in my chest. "Please? Cassie?"

Finding it difficult to resist at such a close proximity, I shakily shook my head. "No. I can't, James."

He opened his mouth to answer, but was cut off as we both went tumbling into the ocean surf. I sat up, spluttering as I wiped my stinging eyes. James, next to me, howled and hopped up as the cold water seeped through his breeches. "Madison!" We both yelled at the same time. Madison, dry on the beach, was smiling at us impishly.

"I'm sorry," she said through her giggles, "I couldn't help it."

Muttering sourly, I tried to stand. "Couldn't help it?" A tug on my skirts pulled me back into the sandy water and I turned angrily on James. "What was that for?"

He laughed. "Can we swim now? You're already wet." I pondered it for a moment, before finally giving in. He whooped victoriously and rushed to the beach to pull off his wet shirt. I couldn't help but stare at his bare torso as he rushed back toward us, clad only in his navy breeches. He grinned at me flirtatiously and I blushed a deep red. "Well?" He asked expectantly. I realized he was waiting for Madison and I to remove our dresses and my blush deepened.

"Maybe this isn't the best of ideas…"

"Nonsense." Madison said, as she sprinted up the beach toward James's shirt. "Cassie, help me unbutton the back." Within a moment, Madison had stripped to her dark grey shift and looked at me, an eyebrow cocked. "Come on, then."

"I thought you were on my side." I said wryly.

She rolled her eyes. "Sorry, Cassie. I did too, but James is just so devilishly handsome, he swayed me." I scowled at her and James smiled at us from the shore.

"Well…. Unbutton me then." Madison's adept fingers went to work as I removed everything but my shift. I felt terribly exposed as I walked toward the ocean in nothing but my shift. Crossing my arms protectively over my chest, I looked at James.

He grabbed my hand and. "Let's go!" He began tugging me toward the ocean and I quickly snatched Madison's hand.

Soon, the three of us were bobbing in the ocean as waves lapped over our shoulders. James splashed me and I spit the salt water out of my mouth. "James!" I cried indignantly. I splashed him back, and with the help of Madison, we attacked James Norrington, splashing him and tickling him until he yelled for mercy. We spent the next hour or so on the beach, running back and forth between the water and the warm sand. When the sun began to sink, we sadly decided that we needed to return home, lest we be missed. We sprawled across the sand for another half hour, letting the sinking sun dry our wet clothes and bodies.

The ride home wasn't nearly as exciting as the race to the beach had been, but I knew we were all absorbed in the easiest way to sneak into our homes unnoticed. Madison departed first, and I bid her farewell, promising to see her again at tomorrow's ball. Then, James and I took the horses back to his stables. To our great surprise, and luck, the stables were empty. I returned Jeni to her stall, thanking her for the wonderful day.

"Shall Alex and I give you a ride home?" James asked me after he had assured me the grooms would brush Jeni down.

I smiled, "That would be lovely. I only ask that we take the back way."

He nodded fervently. "Wonderful idea, Ms. Turner. It would not do for the public to see us in our current state." I laughed, surveying first my own disheveled appearance, and then James's. My dress was wrinkled and coated in sand and my hair was a tangled knot. James's white shirt was stained brown with mud and his navy breeches had a residue of white salt.

"That wouldn't be good at all."

He led Alex toward me and placed his hands on my waist, assisting me onto the horse. "Are you ready?"

I nodded and he began to lead the horse out of the stables. "Aren't you going to ride?"

He gave me a surprised look. "It wouldn't be at all proper, Cassie."

I shrugged, "After today, do you think I care?" My breathing sped up as he mounted up behind me. His arms went around me as he grasped the reins. The ride to our estate was entirely too short, as far as I was concerned. We stopped in the shadow of the garden wall and I slid off the horse. "I had a marvelous time today, James."

His booted feet hit the ground with a soft thud. "I did too." He said softly.

I gulped, unsure of what to do next. "Well, I suppose I'll see you at the ball tomorrow?"

"He shifted back and forth on his feet. "Actually, about that Cassie… If you're not already going with someone… may I have the honor of escorting such a lovely lady as yourself?"

I bit back the urge to squeal, and pushed a knot of hair behind my ear. "I would absolutely love that, James!"

A broad grin split across his face. "Great! I suppose… I suppose I should be getting back."

I nodded, unable to wipe the smile off of my face. "Yes, me too. I wouldn't want to be angering my mum and dad."

He mounted Alex. "I'll see you tomorrow, Cassandra."

I grinned, "That you will, Mr. Norrington." He tipped an imaginary hat at me and spurred Alex. I stood with my hands clasped in front of me until he had disappeared from my sight. Feeling as if I was on the top of the world, I scrambled up a trellis and over the garden wall. "Tomorrow." I whispered happily to myself.

So Cassie's not all bad, right!?