The Gift

Chapter 14: Intermezzo

Setting: Post POTC 3

Characters: Norrington/ OFC

Gillette and Lucy were unceremoniously throw back into their small, freezing cold cell, and as they discussed the letter she wrote James, Lucy couldn't stop shaking from the sea's December chill.

"Come, Miss." Andrew stood and began to remove his blue woolen coat. "We should try to get some sleep, or at least find some warmth."

Fiddling with his buttons, he said, "I'm going to lay on the bench and you shall lay beside me. We'll try a little body warmth to stop your chill."

His voice was commanding, but his eyes avoided hers.

"Captain!"

Lucy was dismayed by his bold suggestion.

"Lucy…" replied Gillette with a sigh. "James and I have had to do this on two occasions. I suppose if I can suffer cuddling with James for warmth, he wouldn't mind me doing this same with you."

Andrew lay down on his side.

"Come." He put his arm out and gestured toward her in the darkness. "Press your back to me and I shall put my coat over both of us. We shall be like two spoons in the cupboard."

Lucy sat tentatively on the bench

"You've done this with James?"

"Unfortunately, yes," mused Andrew, and Lucy could hear the undertone of mirth in his voice, and slowly, she lay down on her side.

"The first time, I was a child of nine….the carpenter's boy upon a sloop called The Sophie, and James was a midshipman. God," he said, reflecting on time's past. "He must have only been fourteen at the time. Well, our ship was captured in Indians and our captain killed. The officers were beaten." He paused and rearranged his coat over both of them. "I'm sure he still bears the wounds upon his back... Well, it was painfully cold, and we boys were locked up together…. me in just my simple gear of sailcloth clothing close to death from frostbite."

Gillette placed an arm around Lucy, dragging her body back against his and pressing her close.

"Anyway, he held me just like this each night until we were able to escape. His bravery on the escape made him a Lieutenant and me a midshipman. He saved my life like this, for I would have surely froze to death."

"And the second time?" she asked with suspicion.

Andrew laughed

"Dear lord, I can't believe I'm going to tell you this! We were in a ferocious battle during a snowstorm off Cape Horn. James was a captain then and was blown off the ship by canon shot. Somehow, he managed to swim his way back and we got him back aboard….lost the pirate ship, of course."

Lucy was beginning to feel warm in Andrew Gillette's arms, yet she couldn't shake the feeling that she shouldn't be lying with James best friend in such a position.

"The doctor ordered him stripped of his clothes. Completely, mind you," he laughed again. "Then he ordered that one of we lieutenants had to hold him tightly until he warmed. Body heat and all...Needless to say, I lost the coin toss. Mind you, I was still in my britches, so no buggery or any of that. And it was under the surgeon's orders, but it was still it was damn awkward... Yes, damn awkward," he repeated, thinking more on their current situation than the one so long ago.

"My goodness, I never thought you'd have do such a thing in the service."

"Nor did I, miss! Luckily after Norrington warmed up, he got a horrible fever and claims he can't remember any of it, though Groves likes to tease us about it from time to time." Andrew shook his head, musing. "I'd like to forget, as well, but he did save my life in the Indies. So I figure I owed him one."

Lucy snuggled a bit deeper into the captain's arms.

"I like hearing about James. He so rarely talks about his past."

"Ah, he'll open up to you, Lucy. He's a guarded man, has to be in his position. You know, he was the youngest sailor to ever make first Lieutenant…and Admiral, as well, I'd imagine... But he is the best sort, really. He deserves a good woman."

"Thank you, Andrew. He is very dear to me," Lucy agreed. After a long, comfortable moment of silence, she asked, "Andrew, have you ever been in love?"

He didn't answer for a moment.

"Yes."

"What happened?"

"I was kidnapped," he laughed.

"Oh! Then you have a sweetheart in Port Royal?"

"Yes, Lizette Germaine," he answered quietly.

"The baker's daughter. She's quite beautiful and kind."

Lucy knew her well.

"She is both, certainly."

"And have you considered marrying her?"

It was really none of her business; but in the darkness, it was easier to ask such things.

"I have asked her several times, but she has refused for my sake….She cannot have children due to a fever as a young girl….and thus, she thinks that she is not worth marrying, but I disagree." He chuckled and added, "I have been disagreeing for the past three years."

Lucy cringed. She reminded herself that just because they were intimately holding each other didn't mean their conversation needed to be such.

"I'm sorry, it was rude of me to ask you such a question."

"Not at all, miss. I love her deeply. She does things..." His voice trailed off. "Perhaps after all this is over she'll be so distraught that she will change her mind and let me wed her after all."

Lucy squeezed his hand.

"I will pray for you both."

She meant that sincerely, for Andrew Gillette would make a good husband, much like her own James. And for a while, Andrew didn't comment.

"May I ask you a personal question?"

"It's only fair, I suppose."

"Are you a papist?" he asked squarely.

"No... I suppose I was baptized in the Church in Italy, but that's all I know of it... And you?"

"Well, I believe more in what I can see than in what I read or hear."

"Oh, ye of little faith!" chided Lucy with her own laugh.

"In most things, yes. In others, I'll always keep hoping..."

Lucy tilted towards him on her arm. She knew he spoke of Lizette, and her heart saddened for him. It was a horrible fate to love someone and be forcibly parted.

In the darkness, she whispered to Gillette, "I love him."

"Aye miss. As you should... Now try and get some rest."

"Goodnight, Captain."

"Goodnight, Miss Gagliano."

And out-of-breath Lieutenant Mowett ran into the Admiral's office.

"Sir, it's a letter just arrived."

Norrington stood surrounded by Groves, several Lieutenants, and the military sergeant as well as Nicolas Gagliano, Lizette Germaine and Jane Groves, who was attempting to comfort the young lady.

Norrington swiftly took the letter and tore the seal. But after quickly scanning it, he stared at the page for a long moment before collapsing in his chair. Lizette grabbed the letter from his hand and after scanning the words began to yell expletives at the Admiral in her native French.

Mowett's haphazard French managed to catch "You stupid English cow" and "cowardly captain."

The men at arms looked at each and waited for the Admiral to insist on her removal, but he looked lost in thought. Norrington's green eyes were cold as he stood and Lizette snatched his lapels, still screaming in her native tongue, but James grasped her wrists and replied in fluent French, "It is 'Admiral,' Miss Germain, and I don't believe what she said."

"Then stop looking so defeated! For godsakes, I know Andrew and he is no trader! He's no papist spy! Have you so little faith in him?" she cried, collapsing against his chest as Jane rushed to comfort her.

"Sir," Gagliano had picked up the discarded letter and was studying it intently. "This part... There are no Handel Sonatinas. Could this be a code for something?"

Theodore moved closer and whispered, "Columbia."

Norrington looked at coordinates. "Yes, more specifically, Santa Marta." Then looking to Groves, he ordered, "Make the Falcon ready to sail in one hour. Mr. Gagliano, Miss Germaine, you will accompany Lieutenant Mowett onboard. That is, if you wish to risk your lives."

"Yes!" they both answered simultaneously, and James smirked

"Alright. Sergeant, ready your company. We make sail for Spanish waters at nine bells."