Chapter Ten

I called at the Governor's as early as was permissible the next morning. I was slightly miffed at Lady Barclay's obvious scheming, but glad that it meant I could be with Elizabeth. After a few minutes of well-bred discussion in the drawing room, Lady Barclay practically shoved us onto our horses and out into the Jamaican countryside.

The day was warm, and the shady greenness of the inland inviting, and Elizabeth and I rode farther than we had intended. Lady Barclay had cleverly sent a servant along with a picnic lunch, so that we might not have to return to dine, thus ending our solitude. Though I ought to be aggravated at such deviousness, as I watched the servant spreading out a blanket under the shade of the trees, I praised Lady Barclay for helping to prolong the precious hours I could spend with Elizabeth. I walked to where Elizabeth stood, nuzzling her smoky grey mare. Losing myself in the exhilaration of her nearness, I wanted to gently slide my arms around her slender waist, burying my face in her fragrant hair, kissing the gentle curve of her exquisite neck; but instead I reached out a hand and placed it on her arm, causing her to turn. I was suddenly struck by the inquisitive look on her face, the way the sunlight was igniting her hair, her half smile. Softly, I managed to get out "Lunch is served."

Elizabeth ate hungrily, and rather more, I suspect, than she would have were Lady Barclay watching over her. Once we had finished, she stretched out on the blanket, clearly enjoying the freedom of the impropriety. I remained sitting in my shirtsleeves, unable to ignore the way the position accented her excellent figure as she gazed up at the blueness of the midday sky. There was a kind of enchanted feeling to the afternoon, one I never wanted to end. She closed her eyes, a smile playing on her lips, and I struggled against the urge to lie down beside her, so that I might be gazing deep into those lovely eyes when she opened them again. Instead, I looked out at the town, and listened to the breeze rustling through the branches of the trees. On the horizon, a ship's white sails puffed themselves out, as if to announce her coming.

"Ship coming in," I said, almost to myself. Elizabeth's eyes opened.

"What kind of ship?" She asked it lazily, stretching an arm out to reach the grass at the edge of the blanket.

"A frigate, by the number of guns. Probably the Julietta."

"Julietta. That's Spanish isn't it?" She asked, half sitting up, her eyes suddenly awake and shining with interest.

"Yes, but don't worry, it's one of ours. We captured her last year." She seemed a bit disappointed, but she was doing her best to conceal it as she laid back down.

"Oh. Why haven't you renamed her then?" Underneath her inquiry there was the slightest hint of blame. I chose to ignore it, answering calmly.

"Sometimes we do. It depends upon the Captain. Some consider it bad luck." I paused, then added. "I daresay you were hoping for a pirate attack. Tell me, do you still harbor such foolish ideas about pirates?" This had come out with more violence than I had intended. She looked at me, surprised at my sudden fervor, then said defiantly,

"Yes, Captain, I do." I sighed. We had been getting on so well. I had suddenly spoiled the afternoon. Then, unexpectedly, she spoke.

"But, I know now what devastation they do. I have read the reports of Panama and Porto Bello. The violence, the terror, the women and children killed, sometimes tortured. And the way they treated the clergymen!" I felt relieved. Her sense of justice had overridden her romantic notions.

"It must be difficult for a girl like you to live here in Port Royal, where there is so much to feed your romantic sensibilities." She looked at me surprised, then laughed. I joined her, elated at the sensation that I had caused her merriment. I watched the amusement flickering in her eyes, as she said,

"You have found me out, Captain. But pray, don't tell Lady Barclay, she will likely sick Lord Barclay's prized pointer on me." We had another good laugh at this. How I loved her then!

All too soon our afternoon came to an end. As I cantered away from the governor's ornate front door, my mind began to swim with thoughts of my proposal. On the horizon, the sun was setting, its red light touching the tops of the houses as if to bless them with protection from the darkness of the night ahead.

...

The next morning as I was at my work, doing my best to keep my mind focused on navy matters, but failing miserably; my aide entered, informing me that Mr. Graham and the Admiral were here to see me. Frowning with curiosity, I rose from my desk as the servant showed my guests into my newly furnished drawing room.

"Good-day Captain! I say, what a splendid-looking room. You've really done it up since I was here last, James." The Admiral was in a good mood, as was I.

"Yes. I decided to refurnish it when I returned to Port Royal. It was rather shabby before. Mr. Graham." This last was accompanied by a bow to the Admiral's companion.

"I am glad to find you in this morning," Mr. Graham started. "We called for you yesterday, but you were otherwise engaged." He half-smiled, knowingly before continuing. "Now, let's get down to business. Captain Norrington, the Admiral and I have come here this morning to inform you that you are to receive a promotion." He handed me a sealed document.

At that moment, a knock sounded on his cabin door.

"Morning Admiral. I was in this part of the ship and I thought I would look in on you. How's it coming?" Captain Turner was in a good mood.

"I am about to be made Commodore." Norrington replied, genially.

"Well, congratulations. You will dine with me again this evening?" He didn't wait for a reply, but turned to answer a shouted inquiry from a man on deck.

Norrington turned back to his work.

The document read:

James Norrington, Captain in His Majesty's Navy in the Caribbean, through his many deeds and accomplishments in the service of His Majesty King George, is hereby appointed to the position of Commodore; to be in command of the ships belonging to the King's Colony of Port Royal, effective immediately, with the completion of a formal ceremony.

By the power of (here the writing switched to each man's individual signature)

Admiral Michael Braithwaite, His Majesty's Navy

Royal Governor Weatherby Swann

And witnessed by

Mr. Theodore Graham

The date was written at the bottom of the sheet. I was puzzled.

"But, this date is for Thursday."

"Yes. There is a formal ceremony on Thursday afternoon at the fort to confirm the promotion."


I felt dazed. In my raptures about Elizabeth, I had temporarily forgotten my ambition for my career. Then, suddenly, I was struck by my good fortune.

"Thank you, sir. I am honored to receive such a promotion." I shook his hand.

"Well, you deserve it, James. You've done well, and you know it." The Admiral was beaming like a proud father. I realized that I must thank the Governor.

"If you will excuse me gentlemen, I should like to pay my respects to Governor Swann."

"Ah! Weatherby, by all means! While you're at it, invite him to dinner tonight! I trust you'll join Isabelle and I tonight?"

"Gladly, Admiral." Just then, my aide entered with a note from the Governor himself. It expressed formally but warmly his congratulations for my promotion. There was a post script:

"Elizabeth wants me to add her congratulations as well."

I hoped Elizabeth would be pleased. I had often discussed my ambitions with regards to my career, it was something I could not help. As I made the ride to the fashionable part of town, I felt as though I had finally reached my peak. I was now (almost) a Commodore, living in a town where I could exercise my natural abilities and be honored and respected by good society. I had a family in Governor Swann, and hopefully a wife soon in Elizabeth. I decided that I would make Thursday the day. After my promotion ceremony, I would ask Elizabeth to be my wife.

...

The Governor greeted me warmly.

"Well done James!" Seeing the expectant look on my face, he said. "Elizabeth is not here she's out shopping with Lady Barclay. But she's very pleased for you. As am I."

We sat, sipping an exquisite wine.

"I'm so grateful to you, sir."

"Oh, none of that. If I hadn't thought you deserved it, I wouldn't have authorized it. Besides, Mr. Graham was very impressed by you." He took a sip of his wine. "I have to admit I also have my own selfish reason for the promotion. I hope it will finally urge you to ask my daughter to marry you." My heart swelled at the thought.

"Indeed, my hopes run in the same direction. So, you think I have a chance of her saying yes?"

He stopped and considered. "She has rejected many before you. I know she thinks very highly of you, and holds you as a good friend. That is enough to marry on, and once you are engaged and she begins to think of you as a husband, that friendly affection will deepen into love, I'm certain of it." I hoped that he was mistaken and that Elizabeth already loved me. I couldn't bear the thought of her being stuck in a marriage where she didn't love.

"I hope you are right." I stopped, hesitantly, then cleared my throat. "Governor Swann, I would like to ask your permission--"

"Oh James, none of that. You know you have my blessing. I wish you the best of luck my boy." He was silent, a thoughtful look breaking across his face. "I think I will join Lady Barclay in her shopping." He stood. "You will forgive me."

I stood as well, biding him goodbye and repeating the Admiral's invitation for dinner. I left, wishing that today were Thursday. I could hardly wait to have Elizabeth's answer. The sun beaming in the sky seemed to be a good omen, a harbinger of Elizabeth's acceptance. I ignored the nagging worries that she might not accept, floating along on the confidence of my promotion and memories of Elizabeth's warmth and beauty.

...

Author's Note: Ok, so one more chapter, I lied. But canon is coming! Because I have been away all weekend and have not posted, I decided to give you two chapters as a consolation prize! More soon!