Revenge of the Fox

Chapter 28

Antonia, Elizabeth and Jeannine prowled restlessly around the Captain's cabin of the Black Pearl. "Elizabeth," asked Antonia, "is it legal in the English colonies for a privateer captain to perform a wedding ceremony?"

Elizabeth looked at her cousin. "I'm not really sure," she answered. "I suspect not, but I'm not positive. I'd have to ask my father."

Jeannine spoke up, "I don't think it's legal in the French colonies."

"It's not legal in the Spanish ones," Antonia said. "I wasn't sure about English law."

Jeannine looked at her curiously. "So why did you go through the ceremony if you didn't think it was legal?"

Antonia looked amused. "If it makes James feel less guilty about spending nights in my bed until we can marry formally, why not?"

"You did have to promise to obey him," Elizabeth pointed out.

Antonia smiled broadly. "I can get around that. Don't tell me you can't get around Will if you choose, Elizabeth, because I'd never believe you."

"Be careful, Tonia," warned Elizabeth. "James won't be easy to lead around by the nose."

--

Lt. Markson walked up to stand beside Norrington. "Begging your pardon, Commodore, but was that wedding legal?"

Norrington continued to stare out at the ocean. "Not at all."

"They why?"

"She doesn't know it isn't legal. She also promised to obey me in front of witnesses. That may prove useful. It will also help protect her reputation when we return to Port Royal"

Markson looked doubtfully at Norrington, but didn't comment. "Does Captain Sparrow know it wasn't a valid ceremony?"

Norrington glanced at Markson, his expression amused. "Of course he does. Don't ever think for a moment that Sparrow is a fool, Lieutenant. He can think circles around most men."

"Then why did he do it, sir?"

Norrington shrugged. "To oblige me, most likely. And probably for Antonia's benefit. He tends to be solicitous of those he considers under his protection."

"And as ship's captain, he considers all of us under his protection," said Markson slowly.

"Quite right," agreed Norrington. "A hazard of command. Whatever his faults, he's a fine captain."

Markson frowned in puzzlement. "I thought you didn't like him."

"I respect and admire his good points," said Norrington patiently. "Just as I deplore his bad ones." He turned to Markson and said candidly. "You can't help liking the man, although I must admit there are certainly times that I wish I'd managed to get him strung up three years ago."

Markson puzzled that for a moment. "An odd sort of friendship."

Norrington snorted in amusement. "If you want to call it that." He regarded Markson speculatively. "Take your allies where you can find them, Lieutenant. You never know whom you'll need to call on."

--

The Black Pearl dropped anchor just off the small rocky beach. Jack turned to Ralf. "Just as you said, boy. Now the trap will be sprung a bit further east, aye?"

"Aye," Ralf replied. "There's another cove even further east where the Vixen will go to wait for you to arrive. I don't know if he'll be there yet, or if he'll still be in the cove with the rock walls. I don't know how long it'll take him to set things up to his satisfaction, nor do I know when he expects you."

"He doesn't expect me this early," said Jack with satisfaction. "He still believes me to be chasing clues all over the Bahamas."

"He'll probably put out lookouts to watch for you at some point. I wouldn't think he'd have done it yet, but I could be wrong."

Jack nodded absently, and watched the Sandpiper come in and anchor some distance off the Pearl's port side. Soon after the sails were dropped, a small boat was lowered and rowed to the Pearl. "Here come Captain Hale and Lt. Markson."

--

"Very well, gentlemen, we're all agreed," said the Commodore evenly. "Most of the crew of the Black Pearl will set out from this beach on foot toward the cove where the Vixen is waiting. Captain Hale, Mr. Gibbs and Joseph will accompany them. If the Pearl is trapped, there will then be enough manpower outside the trap to salvage the situation. The Sandpiper will wait here. The Black Pearl will then sail to the cove and trap the Vixen inside. Captain Sparrow, Mr. Turner and myself will leave the ship there, and row in to speak to Captain Reynard. The Pearl will remain at the entrance to this cove under the command of Miss Simone. Lt. Markson will remain with the Pearl to protect the ladies at need."

Jack idly twirled his cup in his hands as he leaned back, feet on the table. "I'd rather go see Reynard alone."

"Out of the question," said Norrington, brushing off the comment. "We're all in this situation. Turner and I will accompany you."

"I dislike the thought of remaining tamely aboard ship," said Antonia, a bit sulkily.

"Be grateful, my dear, that I'm not insisting you stay on the Sandpiper," said Norrington coolly.

"Think of it this way, Mrs. Norrington," said Joseph deferentially. "It comes down to using manpower to best advantage. Since you are not trained in arms you would be a liability in a fight. As a lookout, however, you can be of great use. By remaining on the Pearl and keeping at eye on the Vixen, you will help assure that we can cage Reynard in his own trap."

Norrington eyed Joseph with surprise. "Quite right." He took Antonia's hand. "Darling, I will need all my wits about me. I won't be at my best if I'm worried about your safety."

Antonia glared first at Joseph, then at James and dropped her eyes. "Very well James. I won't worry you."

Elizabeth exchanged glances with Antonia. Tonia's glance was slightly sulky. Elizabeth's was amused. "I told you, cousin," she whispered to Antonia. "You aren't going to be able to lead him around by the nose."

Antonia looked down her nose. "I despise people who say 'I told you so'," she sniffed.

--

"This shouldn't take long," said Jack to Annamaria as he walked toward the small boat that the crew was making ready. "An hour or two. We're just going to search the Vixen. If we find Gwen we'll get back here post haste. If we find Reynard, well..." Jack trailed off.

"What happens if you're longer than two hours?" Annamaria asked.

Jack shrugged. "Then we've run into a problem." He stopped and turned to her. "Anna, if I don't make it back, the Pearl is yours."

"Mine?" Annamaria was shocked. "But Jack.."

"It's what I want, luv." Obviously done talking about it, he swung into the boat, which already held Will and Norrington, and gave the signal to lower the boat. "See you in two hours!"

--