Opera Comes to the Caribbean

Chapter 10

Captain Rush watched as Governor Swann and Commodore Norrington headed off after the opera singer. He shook his head and smiled as he walked up the gangplank of the Regal. He addressed his first mate Mr. Bloom as he stepped onto the deck, "Have the men get those stores and supplies loaded as quickly as possible Mr. Bloom. We shall set sail as soon as possible…. before they try and give Mr. Majorano back."

"Aye to that Sir." Mr. Bloom answered and headed off at an accelerated pace to see it done.

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James glared at Mr. Majorano who was several yards ahead of him and with each step he took repeated to himself, 'I shall not allow that man to get the better of me.'

As he walked along beside the Commodore Weatherby watched the iron set of the man's jaw and his fists clenching and unclenching. He did hope James would be able to get his emotions under control before they reached the Mansion, which they were about to do.

"Commodore, perhaps I should make your apologies to Mr. Majorano? It might be beneficial for your state of mind not to have the man's company forced on you any further for awhile."

James straightened his posture, gave his waistcoat a sharp tug, and replied in a firm Commodore-ly tone, "I appreciate your concern Governor, but I will deal with Mr. Majorano as I have been directed by my superiors…..regardless of how the irritating qualities of the man grate on my nerves. I am, after all, the ranking Naval Officer of Fort Charles and as such the representing presence of England here in the Caribbean, and I shall conduct myself in that manner." Weatherby got the impression that James was speaking as much to convince himself as Weatherby.

"Very well then Commodore," Weatherby said with a smile and a motion as if wielding a sword, "We shall sally forth."

The corners of James' lips twitched a bit as he answered, "So it would seem."

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"So luv, just what would this reoccurrence of favor askin entail?" Jack asked as he took a drink from his rum.

"Mr. Majorano has requested your presence at the Mansion." Elizabeth replied.

Jack leaned back in his chair and cradled the rum bottle in his lap as he pondered that for a moment, "Do tell deary, no offence intended luv, but I can't see yer Father goin along with that, or more ta the point of the matter, yer friend Norrington."

"From what I read of the dispatch my Father received on Mr. Majorano, which I'm sure was very similar to the one James received, Mr. Majorano is to be extended the utmost courtesy and co operation while here."

Jack's eyes lit up at this, he sat forward and fluttered his fingers about, "So it's a matter of bein what Mr. Majorano says goes, aye?"

"Within reason Jack." William interjected.

"Of course young Turner, of course." Jack sat back, the pleased expression still on his face as he raised the bottle of rum in toast with one hand and fluttered the other one around, "Well here's ta me 'n Mr. Majorano becomin the best of mates during his sojourn here in Port Royal. Now as ta yer requestment of favors ta be conferred Lizzie, I'd be more 'n happy ta accompany ya to said Mansion ta bestow me personable personage and charmin self 'n captivatin disposition as it were, soon as I finish me rum that is."

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Mr. Majorano had already entered the foyer and was looking around irritably by the time James and Weatherby caught up to him. He turned to face them as they entered and snapped, "Well let's see my accommodations."

Weatherby forced a smile and replied as he made a gesture towards the stairs, "If you would follow me Mr. Majorano I would be glad to show them to you. Commodore Norrington, if you would care to wait in the study I shall join you shortly." As Mr. Majorano huffily headed for the staircase Weatherby leaned over and with a wink whispered to James, "You will save some brandy for me Commodore, I have a feeling I'm going to need it."

James whispered back, "Then I would surmise you would be wise to finish your mission with all haste."

"Oh no doubt about that, I intend to." Weatherby answered as he made a moue and headed off after Mr. Majorano.

James made his way to the study and straight to the brandy decanter on the sideboard, "Opera and those who perform it." he spat out with irritation as he poured himself a glass, "Blast them all."

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"I am sure you will find the accommodations acceptable Mr. Majorano, you shall have the room the King's grandson George stayed in when he made a tour of the Caribbean."

Mr. Majorano made a face, "Dreadful lad that. I met him once, didn't like him one bit, of course I got the feeling he felt the same about me, can't understand the reason for that."

Weatherby raised his eyebrows and letting just a bit of sarcasm slip into his tone, "Really? Now who could imagine such a thing?"

"My thoughts exactly." Mr. Majorano replied as he stepped into the room Weatherby was indicating.

Mr. Majorano walked around inspecting the room as he made comments, "I don't really care for the easterly facing window, you will get about hang much heavier drapes over those windows immediately, otherwise I shall be up with the first light of dawn, something I absolutely abhor." He walked over and poked the mattress and pillows, "These have been changed since that dreadful whelp slept here surly?" He cast a final look around the room with a sour expression before declaring, "Well I suppose it will have to do for tonight. I will have a look at the other rooms tomorrow you understand, hopefully some of them will be more in keeping with what I am used to, but I do have my doubts." Then looking pointedly at Weatherby he asked, "You have had some sort of banquet prepared in my honor haven't you? I am absolutely famished after all the scurrying about. And where is that man with the hair? I sent that navy man after him ages ago, he should be here by now, this little place you call an island isn't that big after all. Really man, I must say I am not impressed with my visit so far. Your hospitality is severely lacking and I shall make sure they hear about it back in England! Now you may leave, I shall freshen up a bit before I eat."

Weatherby bit his tongue as he listened to the man babble, and repeated over and over to himself, 'Choose your battles wisely, choose your battles wisely….' "I shall go see about your banquet." He said as he exited the room, doing his best not to slam the door on his way out.

To Be Continued

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