Having a guilty conscience was anything but an unusual state of affairs for Commodore Norrington…yet things were even worse than usual lately. Two of the three most pressing concerns had to do with Captain Jack Sparrow, and therefore it seemed he could do nothing about them, but the third…well.
Governor Swann was always willing to have an audience with Norrington. They were very old friends – family friends from ages ago, in fact. Norrington could dimly remember standing barefoot in a parlour with his sister and a governess and being instructed to say goodnight to Uncle Weatherby and Aunt Sarah and not knowing why he was supposed to call them that because he knew that they weren't any relations of his at all. At the moment, he found himself fervently wishing that they were, because then…he'd be perfectly allowed to be fond of her, to care for her, without being expected to marry her. As it was…well. He had no intention of ruining the dear girl's life, and after seeing her with Turner it was obvious that she could do far better than him.
"Come in, please," the governor called out in response to Norrington's knocking at the door; the Commodore did as the governor wished, opening the door to the cabin, shutting it neatly behind him.
"Good afternoon, Governor," Norrington greeted the other man, a bit nervously.
"Commodore…" the governor began, and then frowned. "Oh, dear, is something the matter?"
Norrington smiled slowly. "I…you might say that, sir."
"Oh…oh, dear. Please, sit?" The governor gestured to the chair he recently vacated.
"Thank you," he replied, moving to the chair, settling himself in it gracefully. "I…I don't know where to begin," he admitted, sounding almost as nervous as he did when asking Elizabeth for her hand. "It's…about Elizabeth."
Governor Swann's eyes widened. "Elizabeth?" he breathed, rather reverently. "Is something wrong…danger…Elizabeth?"
"No, no, nothing like that, Governor," he reassured. "Except that…I despair of ruining her life and so I'd like to withdraw my proposal."
"Ruin her life?" the governor echoed. "Whatever do you mean…"
"She deserves better, in a husband."
"Nonsense, dear boy." The governor grinned. "There's no one better. This is a very smart match."
"But I don't love her!" Norrington returned, so quickly he didn't even know what he was saying until it was over. He flushed, lightly. "I care enough for her to want her to be loved. She deserves that. And Mister Turner…"
"…is a blacksmith," the governor filled in, rather pompously. Looking down at Norrington, his gaze softened. "You know…I was apprehensive when I was to marry Sarah."
"Sir?" Norrington wondered, with a small frown. From what he could remember, the governor had been devoted to his late wife.
"I was young and foolish. I wanted to be out, going to sea, having adventures, not…keeping house with a wife who I barely knew and certainly didn't love." He smiled, slowly. "It seemed like all the important decisions were taken out of my hands and freedom was…slipping through my fingers." A pause, and then, gently, "Is that…what you're feeling? Like you're about to lose your freedom?"
Freedom. It was funny…the different things such a simple concept could mean to different people. Norrington closed his eyes and thought of auburn hair bright against a cool white pillow, a strong arm flung possessively across his chest, gentle hands soothing away his worries, soft sounds of pleasure fading into the night. Freedom, indeed. "Perhaps," he murmured, a hint of sadness in his tone.
"You'll learn to love her. Rather quickly, I'd imagine. And then…when you've little ones running about…infinitely precious, children are. Like my Elizabeth."
Norrington sighed. "I don't think…I'm capable," he admitted, in a strained voice.
A long moment passed in silence, before the governor murmured "Putting away childish things…to become a man. You care for her. You make her happy. It's a smart match."
"Yes. Good afternoon, Governor."
"Commodore."
Norrington sighed, once more, and then went to seek out Gillette. It seemed Captain Jack Sparrow was not the only one who dreamed of freedom.
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And now, for the author's notes. *grins*
I'd just like to thank everyone for reviewing, and comment on their comments, and hope that this will inspire more reviews. ;)
Firstly – thanks to everyone from the "Norrington Defense League". It's a terribly fun yahoogroup. Everyone…come join it. *giggles*
Sanely Challenged – Whee! Caffiene! *giggles* Hey! *pouts* I want Jack, Gillette, and Norrington dolls!
MaiaoLilta – I know, *sighs* I miss Gillette too. More of him in chapter nine. I hope. ;)
Jehan's Muse - *smirks* Poor exhausted Gillette. Maybe that's why he's gone missing in this chapter too? Poor dear. ;)
Littleprelude (star1243@msn.com) - *munches cookie* Aww, melting readers is always a good thing, eh? More flirtations to come, promise. Mercuria – I'm glad you've come to the defense league. ;) Hmm…I can try making them longer. I usually switch when I need to change POV, or to skip some time…I think this one might be a little longer, or maybe it just looks it because of the dialogue…
August DuMonte – *grins* He was rather chipper, wasn't he? *pets Norrington*. Shame he got all angsty again in this chapter, *sighs*. Ah well, more happy Norrington to come shortly, eh? *evil grin*
Nymphean – Eee! *squees* Thank you so much for all your compliments. It's hard to find good PotC slash – especially if you're like me and completely turned off by Jack/Will. :-p. I love playing with the minor characters – and I love hearing when my characterization is on, because it's something that I struggle with…especially with Jack! Thank you, thank you, thank you. :)
DragonLadyKhushrenada – Mmm. Barbossa. *pets Sexy!Barbossa from her mostly-het fic*. You can keep the monkey, though. ;) There will be more flirtations later. And more of Gillette. And…just more everything. Promise. ;) In the meantime, are you happy with angsty-Norrington?
Chayter (Blue Wolftin) - *grins* Well, here is some more for you. ;)
Thanks again for everyone who takes the time to read and review. I'll be sure to acknowledge all of my reviews – so please, keep writing them! And keep enjoying it!
Peace,
Elske
