This week's prompt: wave

A/N: In my version of things, James takes over on the Dutchman after ten years and then meets and falls in love with Margaret (but that part isn't written…yet).

Old Friends

The sun was swimming low on the horizon gently painting the stately brick house on the bluff with a gentle orange glow. In the dining room, Elizabeth Turner, lovelier than ever at 43, put the finishing touches on a bouquet of exotic blossoms that would have their place of honor in the center of the carefully polished richly set table. In another part of the house, Mr. Turner was overseeing the selection of wines to be served with dinner and making sure that there was plenty of tobacco and pipes for after. The cook had spent all afternoon preparing a feast, and the maids had bustled to and fro, cleaning and fetching, turning down beds and airing out rooms. For tonight the Turners had a visitor.

An hour later a maid glided into the drawing room and announced that the guests had arrived.

Still just as tall, dignified, and handsome as ever, James Norrington strode into the room. On his arm was a slightly shorter rosy woman with a wide mouth, who possessed all of her hostess's beauty in a darker and sharper wrapping--the one day and the other night. Her clever grey-blue eyes began to sparkle happily as Mrs. Turner leapt up, stretching her arms forward in an embrace that was warmly returned.

"Margaret. It's so good to see you. I'm so glad you could come."

While this exchange was made, enquiries after the children satisfied, and dresses complimented, the men of the party were greeting each other in a similar fashion, with a hearty hand shake and a swift glass of wine.

Soon the party was seated around the table, eating and chatting companionably, laughing heartily and generally making merry. With the first two courses cleared away and the third being served, James turned the conversation to politics.

"Have you heard? The Yankees fancy themselves independent now," Norrington spat with all the characteristic disdain of his younger years.

Elizabeth's eyes flashed and the color in her cheeks rose. She opened her mouth, feeling the wave building within her, but a look from Margaret stilled the waters, so that she bit back her retort and simply said, "Yes. I know."

But James knew her well enough to notice that her sense of justice was piqued, instantly reminded of her seventeen year old self. Will hid a wry smile, knowing that his wife had in their library a copy of Paine's Common Sense as well as the declaration in question and several writings by Mr. Adams, Mr. Jefferson, and Mr. Henry. She had clung to the colonial newspaper accounts of the Sons of Liberty and the Boston Massacre, her romantic sensibilities stirred just as they had once been about pirates.

"We've been following events for quite some time," Will remarked equably.

"Makes my job busier," Norrington remarked, "Their damned rebel pirates are blasting the hell out of our transport ships."

"Yes," Margaret chimed in, trying to lessen the tension, "there are so many soldiers on board I lose my heart every time I walk out my cabin door."

She laughed, and Will joined her. But Elizabeth would not be deterred.

"Well it's nothing to the way that the King is heaping injustices upon the states," she fired at her former fiancé, fixing her face into an indignant pout.

Norrington sat stunned for a moment, his mouth clamped into a tight line. Will and Margaret held their breath and exchanged nervous glances. Then, James's expression broke into a broad grin and a low chuckle.

"My dear Mrs. Turner. It seems we must always agree to disagree. I've been fighting this battle with you for thirty years and I have yet to win it," he chuckled again, "If I know what's good for me I'll give up the fight before I end up a passenger on my own ship."

Elizabeth's petulant expression softened and the four friends shared a jolly laugh.

Then, James stood and gallantly raised his glass.

"To your revolutionaries then. May they get what they want, and want what they get."

Elizabeth grinned back mischievously.

"And to the King. May he get what he deserves and more besides!"

The toast was drank as once more the house on the bluff rang with the laughter of old friends, and the moon looked down upon them and pondered the fate of Mother England and Daughter America.

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A/N: In honor of Independence Day. How would our favorite characters react to the American Revolution?

Can you tell I work at a place where I talk about the Constitution all day long? It was General Washington who said that once the Revolution was won, the real work would begin--and he was right. The colonists got what they wanted, but then it was a huge mess until Mr. Madison saved our infant nation and gave us some rules. Yes, I am a little biased, but it's all true. As far as the Revolution is concerned, I sympathize with both sides, and it was not my intention to demonize either side here. Apologies to all Brit readers! J

I can't help but quote some Sondheim:

"But us old friend what's to discuss old friend?
Here's to us,
Who's like us?
Damn few."--Merrily We Roll Along