Author's note: If any canon characters (namely Gillette) seem…well…strange, or out of character for a bit, I apologize. I wasn't sure how to do what happens, and well…there's a reason for it, though it may not be immediately evident. Plus, I probably see his character differently than everyone else. Anyway, I hope you enjoy this chapter regardless of that.

Disclaimer: I'm broke. I own nothing. Well, except for a few electronics and books, but anyone can buy those anywhere. And I own the idea of the plot, and the non-movie characters, too, I guess. But nothing else, really.

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Chapter 2

After James finished carefully blotting the last dispatch, he looked over to the small, cushioned bench where Lily lay sound asleep beneath his coat. It had taken several minutes once Gillette and Evans left before she had allowed him to even move, then a few more until he found her breathing had evened out in sleep. That had been nearly three hours ago. She must be utterly exhausted after her voyage and her first day in a strange place, he thought.

As he prepared to seal the messages, he started going over some possible choices of action available to him concerning her well-being. Will and Elizabeth Turner were possibilities, but they were only newly married. No doubt they wanted this time to themselves for now. Arthur Birch and his niece were another, but in any case, his predominant thought was to see if Weatherby Swann would be willing to take her in. After all, he already had experience in raising a daughter alone on top of the duties given to him by the king. He was, in truth, the only solution James could think of and be satisfied.

The only real problem was that the governor was currently on the other end of the island arbitrating a rather insistent land dispute between two of the island's plantation owners.

Normally, as it was currently arranged, those in dispute would come to Port Royal and present their cases and arguments at the governor's offices here in the town, but that had already been done—multiple times. The two landowners simply weren't content, and when a third party had been unwillingly dragged into it, Swann had left to see to the matter himself. A message had arrived yesterday with word that the matter was increasingly more delicate and that he could be away for at least the next two weeks.

Since James had no desire to add to the governor's worries, he decided then that Lily would remain with him until the governor returned. With a plan decided on, James loaded the now-ready dispatches into their appropriate satchels and turned them over to his aide, Lieutenant Stone, who stood just outside the door waiting for them.

That now accomplished, James gathered the few small items that would return home with him before gently retrieving his coat. Lily stirred slightly, but did not wake. He watched her sleep a few moments, not really noticing when his own hand reached up and gently brushed the blonde curls from her face while he tried to figure out how he would lift her without waking her. It was a task he had never really even thought of before, much less ever done.

He finally rolled her carefully onto her back, then lifted her up and onto his hip. She automatically shifted her head a bit on his shoulder. He froze, fearing he had, indeed, disturbed her sleep, but she stilled moments later and remained so. He then leaned over as far as he dared and gathered up her small bag and his few items before slipping out of his office.

"Commodore!" Gillette called from down the corridor just as James pulled his door shut.

He slowly turned to face the lieutenant and glared at him, put a finger to his lips and then assured himself that she was still sleeping. "Really, Lieutenant, shouting down the hall like that?" he asked quietly, hoping his younger friend would take the hint.

Gillette flinched slightly. "My apologies," he whispered. "Lieutenant Evans and I just finished the inspection with the ship's carpenter and the bo'sun."

"And?"

"Nothing out of the ordinary, nor anything extensive. Just a bit of sanding and rope replacement, really."

James nodded. "I assume the actual repairs begin tomorrow?"

"Yes." Gillette fell silent a few moments, then, "James, are you still attending that allegedly 'small dinner party' the Williamsons are throwing for their daughter's birthday tonight?"

James stopped and turned his head slightly to the man, confused. "Is that tonight?"

"It is."

James glanced over at Lily, then turned back to his friend with a rather smug smile. "I'm afraid something more important and urgent has come up. I believe I shall need to compose and send a letter of apology to them once I arrive home."

Gillette scowled at him. "Lucky. No doubt Miss Agatha Williamson will be most disappointed and distressed to hear that."

"Indeed," James replied, failing to keep much of his amusement from his tone.

Nathan bounced his gaze between James and Lily a few times before innocently stating, "Perhaps you would like a bit of help getting her settled in? I am certain that if Thomas, you and I were all absent, it may add a bit more credence to your message?" James raised an eyebrow. "And perhaps this would give me the opportunity to apologize to Lily for my words and tone earlier?"

"What makes you think I need any help getting her settled in?" James asked, walking through the fort's main gate.

"Oh, come now, James. Everyone knows you haven't been around children much."

"I'll have you know that I have too been around children before."

"Yes, and the last time you saw said children was what? Nine years or so ago? Before you came across with Governor Swann?"

"Hush, Gillette. You haven't any reason to talk, anyway. I seriously doubt you or Thomas have been around children much either."

"I will not hush. Not until you say you'll help Thomas and I out of attending. And my knowledge of children is not being questioned."

"Nathan—"

"Please, James? You know how the Williamsons are—especially Agatha!"

"Yes, I do, and if you persist in annoying me, I can guarantee that you will be going to that dinner party tonight."

"You know, that's the…third time now that you've threatened me with something absolutely dreadful today," Gillette said, tallying up the occurrences on his fingers.

"And yet you continue to provoke me to do so. Nathan, you are not improving your chances in gaining my help to escape an evening with the Williamsons."

"Oh, I am certain I can figure something out if I need to."

"You have before." Lily jerked up, away from his shoulder just then, and rubbed at her eyes with a fist and yawned. "Awake are we? Did you sleep well?" Lily nodded, then lay her head back down on his shoulder, this time facing him rather than away. She apparently got too close to his wig again, however, as was evidenced by another sneeze. "Goodness! You just don't seem to like this wig, do you?"

Lily snuggled against his shoulder again as they continued on toward his home. He had only recently moved into the moderately sized house, and was still trying to adjust to living outside the fort. He would have been content where he was, but his father had purchased it and asked James to take care of it. It only made James wary that his family might be planning to come to the Caribbean for at least a little while, and he didn't quite know how to take that.

His parents both changed moods and attitudes almost as often as the tide went out. He never knew exactly what to expect. The only truly stable ones in his life had been his maternal grandparents, and they had both passed away; his grandmother when he was twelve and his grandfather just months ago.

He felt Lily's grip on his jacket loosen and shot Gillette an inquiring gaze. "Her eyes are starting to droop again is all. She must be quite tired," the lieutenant answered.

"Indeed. She can't be very old, either, I should think. Certainly no older than five." James sighed, then looked down at her. "She could use cleaning up, though, I believe. It would probably help her sleep a bit better." He frowned as he thought about what servants he had at his house. "But who to take care of it? I am not certain it would be proper for anyone in my employ to do so."

"What about Mary Kate?"

"Miss Birch?"

"Of course! Whom else would I be talking about?"

"I really don't know if—"

Gillette's expression changed abruptly. "Leave it all to me, James. I'll take care of it."

James snapped his gaze back to the man beside him. He had that look on his face. The look that always made him feel uneasy—enough so, that he even stepped a few paces away from the lieutenant. "Why do I suddenly not trust you?"

"I wouldn't know. You're paranoid."

"Gillette, whenever that particular expression crosses your face, there is always reason for one to be paranoid. Prime example being the last New Year's dinner at the Thannon's when you manipulated their son Clarence into distracting Miss Williamson the entire night."

"What harm was there in that? They seemed to have a lovely time."

"Oh yes. I am quite certain that young Mister Thannon thoroughly enjoyed listening to Miss Williamson speak only of the eligibility of naval officers and what various joys can be found in the simplest forms of needlepoint."

" 'The eligibility of naval officers'?" Nathan raised an eyebrow. "James, you know good and well that she and her parents want her married off to a distinguished officer of the fleet and no one else. You also know that you and I are currently their biggest targets!"

"You don't need to tell me such things, Gillette. I already know them quite well. One tends to when faced with constantly trying to find valid ways to avoid the numerous tea parties and dinner parties and monthly 'balls', and all the various 'random' meetings on the streets, and in the shops and markets that nearly every single parent on this island arranges to try and get rid of their daughter. I also happen to know that many only want their daughters married to a naval officer in hopes of gaining added protection for their various ships and exports."

"Arthur Birch doesn't."

"No, he does not, and for that, I am eternally grateful."

"You know, it would be a very smart match if you—"

"Oh, not you too! I get that nonsense enough from everyone else without my own men and those who are supposed to be my friends talking about such things."

"But James—"

"My patience grows very thin, Lieutenant. You would do well to drop this subject."

"Calm down, James, you'll disturb the little one."

James raised an eyebrow, shook his head and glanced down at Lily, who merely shifted her head slightly. He glanced at the sky to find it clouding over in preparation for an evening storm or shower. He pursed his lips in concern and increased his pace. It surely wouldn't do Lily any good if they got caught in the rain, even if the days and evenings were warm here. He could well remember some of the nasty colds he had caught as a child when he had gotten chilled from being out in the rain.

"Have you decided if you will help me avoid attending the Williamson dinner?" Gillette asked.

"Nathan, my thoughts are currently centered on slightly more important things, and if you do not desist in asking me about it, my answer will most definitely be 'no'. Now stop bothering me about it." James paused in front of an iron gate and adjusted his grip on Lily before stepping inside. He stopped as Gillette laid a hand on his arm. "What now?"

"I just wanted to wish you a pleasant evening."

James raised an eyebrow. The lieutenant had that look on his face again, and whenever Nathaniel Gillette held such an expression, one kept alert. "Why do I believe that isn't it?"

"Must you question everything? I just wanted to say good evening and good luck."

"Now I know you're up to something." He backed away slightly.

"James, James, James. What kind of message does it send when a man of your standing and rank doesn't trust his own officers and friends?"

"We are within my own walls, Nathan, there is no one to see such a message, and one does not escape unscathed when you act like this." Gillette gave him a hurt look. James sighed, his shoulders drooping in defeat.

"Have a good supper, James, and please, do remember and pity me as you sit in a comfortable chair in peace and quiet," he said as he moved to go around and back out the gate. Before James could react, Gillette seemingly stumbled forward, bumping into him.

James recoiled, jolting Lily, and very nearly lost his grip on the child. A light stinging sensation in his thumb drew his attention next, and, finding a small nick, he turned on his friend in suspicion. He knew exactly what had happened, now. "What in Heaven's name were you thinking, Gillette?! You could have hit Lily!"

"Oh! Commodore! You're bleeding!" Gillette exclaimed, ignoring his commander's comments. The lieutenant pulled a handkerchief out and wrapped it around the bleeding thumb. "Quickly, Sir, we wouldn't want you to bleed to death, would we?"

"Gillette, stop being so dramatic. It's only a small c—"

"Pirates would overrun us if something were to happen to you! We best get you inside where you can lie down."

"Nathan—"

"After all, many men bleed to death from cuts. They can be quite lethal!"

"Nathan, this is hardly worth—"

"In fact, I best go retrieve someone who can better treat this. I have no skill for such things."

"Lieutenant, you are scaring—"

"It may also be best if I fetch Thomas as well. He would likely prefer to be here for your last hours, also." With that, James found he had been all but shoved into his house and into the parlor and Gillette was already going back out the front door. He heaved a sigh and looked to the ceiling shaking his head. There goes my quiet evening, he thought mournfully.

"You're not leaving me like Momma did, are you?" Lily whimpered.

James snapped his attention to the little girl. "Of course not, Lily. Lieutenant Gillette simply thinks himself funny, is all. It is just a tiny cut, and has likely already stopped bleeding. It would take far worse than this to make me leave you."

"Promise?"

"I promise, Lily. I am not going anywhere just yet. Unless it be to the kitchens to inform the cook that we will both be eating here tonight." And that several more will probably join us, he thought. "Is there anything in particular you would prefer to eat?" Lily shook her head. "Very well, we shall go speak with one Mister Jacob Craig, and then we will figure out what you will need for tonight."

Now that they were indoors, and she was awake, James set Lily and her bag down and removed his hat and started toward the kitchens. Lily latched onto his hand, which tightened around hers protectively. As he walked, James glanced down frequently to find the girl looking around with obvious interest. As he watched her, his curiosity about her grew. "How old are you, Lily? Do you know?" he asked.

Lily twisted her free hand around so that the back of it touched her head, three fingers pointing downward. James assumed this was to indicate her age. She confirmed this moments later. "Three."

"Do you know when your birthday is?"

"Mm. Christmas, I think. Momma always called me her own little Christmas baby."

"So you turn four soon, then? I should think Christmas would be a very fine time for a birthday," James said as he pushed the door to the kitchens open. "Jacob?"

"Yes, James-lad?" the older man asked, stepping out from the other side of a cabinet.

"Have we anything you could prepare for dinner this evening?"

"You're not dining with the Williamsons?"

"No, Lily, here, arrived today and I would prefer to stay with her. She will be staying with us for at least a few weeks."

"Aye. And what would Miss Lily like to eat tonight?" the older man asked, kneeling down in front of her.

Lily merely slipped behind James' leg bashfully. James smiled. "Just prepare something fairly light that you would think she might enjoy, Jacob. Nothing fancy. And you may want to cook a little extra as well. There is a strong chance that there will be at least five others joining us, though I am not certain."

"I wish you would have sent warning of this."

"I am sorry, but this all just came up within the last little bit."

"Very well." The cook paused, with a puzzled expression on his face. "James-lad?"

"Yes?"

"What happened to your thumb?"

James looked down at his wrapped digit. "A bit of over-zealousness on Gillette's part, I'm afraid."

"Trying to get out of another dinner party, is he?"

"He is. I will leave you to cooking, now. I have a feeling Gillette will be returning shortly, along with a few others. They might appreciate it if Lily and I were easy to find."

"They might at that. I'll see what I can put together."

"Thank you, Jacob. Oh, and when you have time, could you begin heating water for a bath for Lily as well?"

"Of course."

"Thank you again, Jacob. Come along, Lily. It's back to the parlor for us."

They had nearly made it to the other room when Lily tugged on his hand. He looked down to find a very fidgety little girl with an almost pained look on her face. "What is it, Lily? What do you need?" He noticed then just how she was wiggling around. "Ooh. This way."

He quickly led her outside to the privy, which was close by. While he waited out there, Jacob stuck his head out the door. "Her bath's ready, Lad."

James frowned slightly. "Already?"

"I had anticipated you wanting a bath as soon as you came home, as you usually do before dinner parties. I had it ready, so I just transferred some to a smaller tub for her."

James nodded. "Thank you, Jacob. What would I do without you?"

"You'd stuff yourself on sweet bread for the rest of your days, that's what." James chuckled quietly to himself.

Lily emerged shortly, and they returned to the house, entering through the kitchens this time. Lily saw the smaller tub meant for her and approached it curiously. "What's this?" she asked, looking up at him.

"This is a tub for you to have a bath in," he answered.

"Bath?" Her little face scrunched up in curiosity. "Is that like swimming?"

"Similar, yes." Her face brightened at his answer and she started climbing in, clothes, shoes and all.

"You best go ahead and get her cleaned up now, James, by the looks of it. Do it while she enjoys it, and it might go easier for you," Jacob spoke up from the counter across the room. "And if you're worried about propriety, she's small enough it wouldn't matter, I think."

James nodded, watching as she splashed around slightly in the water. She was smiling. If Gillette returned with several people before he finished, then they would just have to wait. He quickly removed his jacket and rolled his sleeves up then retrieved some soap Miss Birch had made for him and her other close friends, along with a thick cloth and one of his older, thicker shirts just in case.

"Jacob, will you bring me Lily's bag from the parlor? Perhaps she has something in there she can wear until we get these clothes cleaned and dried." He looked at Lily, hoping she wouldn't splash him much. "Lily, why don't we get these wet clothes off of you so we can get you cleaned up and dried for dinner, hmm?"

She nodded and started trying to reach for her buttons and laces in the back. "I can't reach."

"Why don't you get your shoes and what you can reach then, and I'll get the rest."

Once her clothes and shoes sat draped over a chair near the fire, James grabbed a nearby washcloth and the soap. He wet her hair down and proceeded to wash her hair. She was quite taken with the soapy bubbles. He rinsed his hands off while she was distracted, then pressed the washcloth over her eyes. "You might want to keep that there until I rinse your hair out. Trust me, you don't want to get this in your eyes." She nodded and held it in place. As her hair moved with the water, he caught sight of old scars on her back. "Lily, what happened to your back?" he asked quietly as he gently traced the stripes. They couldn't have been much more than six months old.

Her head dropped. "I was bad." For the second time that day, he felt tears prick the backs of his eyes. Surely nothing she could have done had merited a beating that would cause scars. He simply couldn't imagine what offense any child could commit that would bring such punishment. Forcing his lungs to pull air into a suddenly tight chest and tearing his fingers away, he quickly finished rinsing the soap from her hair, then gently took the cloth from her eyes, wet it, and lathered it.

From there, both were subdued and the rest of her bath went quickly. Soon enough, he was holding the thick, dry cloth up while she reached for him. He wrapped the cloth around her as he lifted her from the tub and set her on the floor. She stood still while he firmly, but gently dried her off. Gillette would return quickly if he hadn't already.

Once she was dry, he wrapped it around her again to keep her covered while he went through her bag looking for undergarments and dresses. He noticed that all she had was one extra dress and one extra set of undergarments. Nothing else. They were dirty, so he decided his shirt and the undergarments would have to do for the night. Perhaps the ones now drying by the fire would be ready to wear again tomorrow.

"There we are," he said as he rolled up the sleeves on his shirt and tied the bottom up in knots so she could walk around without tripping. The only thing remaining, he saw, was that her hair needed combed out. "Jacob, I need to fetch a brush. Is it all right if she remains in here with you while I get one?"

"Of course it is. It'd be up to her, though, if she wants to stay," the cook answered, directing the answer to Lily as well. He looked down at her. "Would you like to help me a bit?" Lily nodded, shyly this time.

"Thank you, Jacob. I shall only be a minute, then I'll take her back into the parlor. I will be right back, Lily." He left the kitchens, then, heading down the hall to the stairs in the foyer, the closest leading up. His foot had hit the first step when the door flew open. There was silence as he turned to look at his new raven-haired guest and she, in turn, looked him over thoroughly before turning around with a furious scowl.

"I thought you said he was bleeding to death!"

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Like it? Hate it? Let me know ;)

Author's Note: (Yes, another one…) I just want to say thank you for all the wonderful reviews. I must admit I was a bit nervous about posting this, but after seeing all of your lovely comments, I know I don't need to worry anymore. So thank you. I can't find the words to tell you how much they mean to me.

On another note, I shall return next Sunday with the next chapter. See you then! :)

~Seaweed