Good Day, Governor Swann
Katherine quickly spruced herself up in a mirror as James gathered his sword, wig, and hat. She smiled to herself as she glanced back out the picture window and down to the bay. What a glorious place, she thought.
Moments later the two were walking through the garden and toward the road. Katherine paused and bid James to stop as she gazed out into the large, green paddock. There was Darby, James's fine new Irish mount, galloping and bucking ceaselessly around the edge of the enclosed area. His fine grey coat shone like polished silver as his large frame glided over the ground effortlessly. James could not help but notice the horse's size.
"What is he, 17 hands? Wonderful bone substance I must say," he said, noting the horse's solid conformation.
"Just shy of 17 hands actually," started Katherine as she gazed at the captivating animal. "Mother thought a taller horse like Darby would suit you – he'd take up your leg quite well I'd imagine." A quaint little smile grew as she looked up at her brother.
"Indeed. Between the lack of fine horses and my duties I regret I have not had the time to ride often," James paused and smiled slightly as he studied the horse's exuberant behavior. "He is quite the rogue, isn't he?"
"He is only six years old…I suppose I failed to mention that," Katherine said quietly, though she knew James would not mind. He was quite good with horses. "And of course, he's been on a ship for the past two months. I doubt you can blame him for wanting to burn off some of that boundless energy!" Katherine chuckled under her breath, for she was feeling the same way. She, too, had spent the better part of two months cooped within those wooden walls, and now that she was finally off and out of the suffocating grasp of her parents, she felt eager to explore her newfound freedom.
"No, I do not suppose I can," Norrington stated as he flashed another quick smile and offered his left arm to Katherine as he continued through the garden. Within a few moments they came to the road and continued on past several lovely properties, before finally arriving at a gated mansion. Katherine silently took in the beauty of the structure and its surrounding gardens as her brother led her through the gate and up the drive. She could only imagine who inhabited such a fine estate.
"James, would this be Governor Swann's house?" she asked, careful to keep her voice down.
"That it is," said James quite plainly. "I thought it would be best to introduce you to Governor Swann and his daughter, Elizabeth. I'm sure you will find them both quite amiable."
Elizabeth…wonderful, Katherine thought in disgust. This was the girl who had dashed James's hopes three months prior. Katherine had obviously not corresponded with James between now and that last heart-wrenching letter and she was unsure of how he was coping with the torment. Outwardly, he was as composed and focused as ever, but she knew that he was never one to disclose his emotions to others, and it troubled her greatly. Katherine had little interest in meeting this girl to put it bluntly, Governor's daughter or no. But, then again, Katherine did not know the entire story…
James led a reluctant Katherine up the stone steps and briskly knocked on the door. She was shocked at his apparent indifference at socializing with the woman who had refused him, but she kept quiet and attributed it to James's characteristic, dutiful nature. Even through the most personal tragedies of his life he managed to stand rock solid and emotionless. That is a wonderful quality for a naval officer, Katherine thought, but not for heartbreak.
After a moment or two of waiting, a servant answered the door and asked them in. Katherine quietly studied the expansive main foyer and elaborate staircase, and noted one or two rather large portraits of what was probably the Governor.
"Commodore Norrington, my good man!" greeted Governor Swann. "To what do I owe the pleasure of your company this fine afternoon?"
Norrington turned on his heel to see the Governor descending the staircase toward him, with a surprised smile on his face. Norrington smiled quickly in his usual manner and addressed his host.
"Good afternoon, Governor. I must confess my visit is not entirely pleasure, though I would like the opportunity to introduce someone to you," Norrington stated, his hands behind his back and his tone official. Katherine stepped forward. "May I present my sister, Miss Katherine Maureen Norrington, just arrived from England this afternoon." Norrington smiled quickly once again, and stepped aside as the Governor approached.
"It is a great pleasure to meet you, Your Excellency," said Katherine with the greatest air of propriety. She smiled as she offered her hand.
"'Your Excellency' is not needed here, Miss Norrington. 'Governor' or Mr. Swann will do quite well. And the pleasure is all mine," Governor Swann said kindly as he took her hand and kissed it formally. He certainly seemed harmless enough to Katherine. The Governor was a pompous man, but equally kind and well meaning. He had very little knowledge in military matters, of which Norrington was quite thankful for. He hated people looking over his shoulder and questioning his authority. As a seasoned officer of the line, Norrington knew his duties, tactics, and responsibilities. The last thing he wanted was a self-serving politician telling him how to run his command. Periodic updates and discussions were all that were necessary for the Commodore to keep the Governor informed and happy.
"And how was your voyage, Miss Norrington? You certainly chose an impeccable day to arrive," said Governor Swann with a broad smile on his face and his usual, joyful tone.
"It was lovely," started Katherine. "Apart from the occasional storm and ensuing illness, I should say it was rather enjoyable."
Governor Swann smirked at the young woman's candidness. "A love for the sea and a dry sense of humor…I suppose things do run in families," he said, glancing to Norrington.
"Commodore, what a pleasure to see you!" Immediately Norrington looked up to the top of the staircase to see Elizabeth standing there, obviously acting upon pleasantries. Katherine, too, glanced upward and noticed a fine young lady now descending toward her. She put on a smile as James walked forward to greet Elizabeth.
"It is always a pleasure, Ms. Swann," Norrington said as bowed and kissed her hand. Always the gentleman, Katherine thought. She would have been liable to deck the girl one, not bow formally to her.
Governor Swann smiled as he acknowledged Elizabeth. He then held out his arm and glanced toward Katherine. "Elizabeth, may I introduce Miss Katherine Norrington, the Commodore's sister. She just arrived from England this afternoon." The Governor paused for a moment before continuing, "Katherine, this is my daughter, Elizabeth."
The two young ladies stepped forward to greet each other as they exchanged pleasantries. Katherine was two years older than Elizabeth and was quite prepared to write her off as another brat, but she could see in Elizabeth's eyes that she was not a puppet like most girls their age. Katherine was sure it would take more than a few exchanged words to establish who this girl was and what she stood for. From the little information James had departed to her about Elizabeth and the "adventure" as he had so dutifully put it, Katherine gathered Elizabeth was more on the adventurous side of things as well. We shall have to see about that, Katherine thought.
The four were about to take tea in the Governor's sitting room when a hurried knock fell upon the door. A servant answered and Lievtenant Gillette appeared in the doorway, his face flushed from an apparent hard ride. Norrington turned in surprise and took a step toward him.
"Commodore, sir, pardon my intrusion…" started Gillette between breaths. "You're wanted at the Fort to meet with Captain Martin, sir."
Norrington paused and placed his hands behind his back. "I sent word for him to take tea with me this afternoon, could he not wait?"
"Oh no..." Gillette started, shaking his head and forcing back a smile. "The Admiralty sent you a fine one. Making a fuss and ranting to high heavens how he should not have to wait. Stupid old buzzard...we all thought it best to simply come and get you before he declared war on Spain or some idiocy such as that." Matthieu glanced over to the Governor and Elizabeth, who were listening to the discussion and looking at the Commodore with amusement.
James looked over his shoulder. "Governor, I apologize for this..."
Weatherby smiled and waved his hand. "No need to apologize, Commodore. So, I assume this is Captain Thomas Martin, straight from Portsmouth?"
Norrington nodded. "I'm afraid it is. From what I hear, he may be a difficult character."
"He insulted the Dauntless," Gillette noted with a hint of annoyance. "Wanted to know why she was at anchor if the threat of pirates was so imminent."
James quickly glanced back to his second. "An officer with his service record and command of a frigate has no place criticizing how I run my first rate."
"He wouldn't know a first rate if it came up and bit him..." announced Gillette as he straightened his stance and folded his hands behind his back, a smug grin crossing his face.
"That is quite enough, Lievtenant," Commodore Norrington declared. He paused as he turned back to look at Katherine, trying to decide what to do with her. He then turned back to Gillette and nodded. "Right then. Lievtenant, I want you to escort Miss Norrington to the fort and wait for me there, if that's acceptable to you," James asked, glancing at Katherine. She nodded in approval. Norrington turned back to Governor Swann and Elizabeth, "I apologize for my hasty departure. Perhaps our business may wait until next time. Good day Governor, Elizabeth…" With that, the Commodore walked outside, mounted Gillette's bay mare, and cantered off toward the fort.
Katherine glanced over to Gillette and smiled, trying not to give away her thoughts. "Perhaps we should take our leave then, Lievtenant," she suggested. Turning back to the Governor and Elizabeth, she bid them farewell. "It has been an honor in meeting you both. I hope that we may see each other soon in the future. Good day, Governor Swann."
