What in the World

Chapter 10

"I think everyone's left us." James whispered in Leah's ear as his gaze scanned the empty room.

With a smile and a titter of laughter Leah replied, "You're not very observant for a Commodore James, I noticed we were alone a while ago."

"My mind was occupied by other things." He said smiling at Leah. "I suppose we should be off to bed also." James said, and then horrified and very embarrassed at how what he said came out sounding added rapidly, "I apologize Leah, and I didn't mean that the way it came out. I would never be so bold to suggest a woman of your station….your breeding…..your……. I only meant…….."

He was interrupted by the light touch of Leah's fingers on his lips, "No need to explain James." She said as she took him by the arm and leaning her head against his shoulder, headed for the stairs. "I know what you meant. You will find I am not that easily offended."

James walked her to her room and opened her door for her. She stopped and turned towards him before going in and said softly, "Oh James," And when she had his full attention continued, "Sometimes bold is a good thing." She smiled and placed a light kiss on his lips, stepped in her room and closed the door, leaving the Commodore standing in the hall with a bemused look on his face. He stood there for a good five minutes thinking over what had just happened, then with a smile on his lips and a little jaunt to his step headed for his own room.

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James was awakened the next morning by something he was not used to waking up to, the sun shining in his face. James had always been an early riser, most times up before the sun. He jerked upright and started to jump out of bed knowing he was late for …..what? He wasn't late for a thing; in fact he could lie here all day and not miss anything. Wait a minute that wasn't right; he would miss being in the company of a certain lady. He grinned to himself, got out of bed, stepped lively over to the washbasin, and began his morning routine. He was glad to see sometime last evening one of the maids had returned his uniform and finishing at the basin he put it on. He looked around the room; his wig was nowhere to be found. "Blast that Sparrow! I know he had something to do with this." James cursed under his breath. "I don't know what he has against my wig."

James made his way down to the dining room hoping he wasn't too late to get breakfast.

As he entered he was greeted with, "Ah Commodore, made it up did we? Late night for you and your bonny lass? Hope it was an enjoyable one for you." Jack said cheerfully as he lounged in one of the chairs by the table eating a handful of peanuts.

"I don't see that's any of your business Captain." James replied as he headed for the sideboard and the food still laid out for breakfast and added, "Where's my wig by the way?"

"I didn't realize I was responsible for your personal effects Commodore, and especially that bloody wig. Never understood why anyone would want one of those things let alone wear it around in public. If you've lost it it's not on my head but yours." Jack laughed realizing he had made an unexpected joke, and pointing from his head to James' head said, "Oye, a joke Commodore, my head your head." And seeing the Commodore was giving him a very sour that wasn't funny look and not laughing with him gave an apologetic motion with his hands. "Sorry, couldn't resist."

"Indeed!" James said with a snort. "I shall expect it back forthwith Captain."

"Wish I could help you mate, but I haven't got it. Don't have a clue where it went, or why anyone would want it, other than you, for that matter."

James eyed him suspiciously, and deciding he might be telling the truth went on fixing his plate.

"So tell me Commodore," Jack said in his most charming tone, "What think you of the bonny lass?"

James replied without turning around still loading his plate with the assortment of food laid out before him, "You were right about one think Captain, she is like no other woman I've ever met. And she is one of the most beautiful women I have ever seen." James said this with an almost awe-filled tone.

"Why thank you Commodore, always nice to hear compliments about one's self."

James whirled around almost slinging his plateful of food across the room.

"Miss Cour………Leah, I apologize I didn't mean………….."

He was interrupted by Leah's laughing statement, "I know James, you once again had no intention of being so bold, right?"

James stood there speechless with his mouth agape, unable to do anything for a few minutes but stand there speechless with his mouth agape.

She walked over, took his arm, and led him to a seat at the table, "It's alright James, remember I am not easily offended. Besides I don't think you are like any man I've ever met before either, and you're a little on the handsome side yourself. Now eat your food before it winds up all over everything. The maids won't think so highly of you if they have to clean up a big mess you've made for them." She gave him a quick kiss on the cheek and sat down beside him.

"Ah, much more better." Jack said cheerily looking from James to Leah and back with floppy hand motions to match, "You like the bonny lass, the bonny lass likes you. Just one big happy family."

"Jack, I'm sure my Father was waiting for you in his study." Leah said making eye movements towards the door.

"You want me to leave?" and then with a pouty look, "You want me to leave."

"That's the general idea Jack." Leah said giving him a look.

"Very well, I know when I'm not wanted. No reason to be rude about it. A simple "Jack would you mind leaving us alone" would suffice. I can take a hint you know, not like I want to be some place I'm not wanted. I have other places I could be, and other things I could be doing. I don't need to sit here and watch you two make eyes at each other you know. I am perfectly capable of…………."

Leah and James both spoke at the same time.

"Jack! Please leave!" Leah said.

"Sparrow! Out! Now!" James said in his most Commodore-ly tone.

Jack reluctantly stood and started for the door giving them both his most sad, puppy dog look to no avail, they didn't change their minds and ask him to stay.

"That man could aggravate the devil himself." James said as Jack exited the door.

"He does try a person's patience at times." Leah added with a smile, "Although he does mean well most of the time."

"Not in my experience with the man." James said sourly.

"Now James, he can be a good man when he wants. After all he did bring us together." Leah answered reprovingly.

"I will grant you that. Although I doubt his reasons are entirely unselfish. He did it because he was or is getting something for himself out of it, although I haven't figured out just what yet."

"Well let's not worry about that right now. Finish your breakfast, I have something I want to show you." Leah said trying to draw the Commodore's attention away from his present thoughts. Wouldn't do for him to think on that particular thought too intently, she didn't need or want him to figure things out just yet. That would only ruin what she had planned for them.

To Be Continued

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