Usual disclaimers... drat!

Yet again I must apologise – Mulberry's computer has died and she is unable to edit for me. Luckily, this has been read many, many times, so hopefully it is alright.

A few more reviews would be nice – hint hint!

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Chapter 58 - Eggs

The next day Theodore realised that soon Bessie would be able to do little more in the way of chores, simply moving in the heat was becoming unbearable for her although she tried her best. He watched, pondering, as she strained to reach the washing up after breakfast, quickly coming to the conclusion that he would have to employ a new young maid to help Annie. She looked tired – obviously having her sleep interrupted the previous night had not helped her

The marine that the Commodore had threatened the night before arrived shortly after breakfast. "The Commodore ordered that I not let her out of my sight," he informed Theodore. He did not seem enamoured with his duty.

Theodore looked at him, noting his tone with disapproval. "May I remind you that Mistress Sparrow has been declared innocent of any crime by the Commodore," he stressed. "I expect her to be treated with respect and dignity at all time!"

"Yes Captain," he acknowledged. "The Commodore also requested that you attend him at the fort as soon as you are able."

Theodore nodded. The Black Pearl had caused a large amount of damage to the fort the previous evening and it would be a number of weeks before repairs would be completed. The Commodore clearly expected him to oversee repairs, having sent the HMS Coria to pursue the pirate ship. He reasoned that it made more sense for him to stay and for the HMS Dauntless to protect Port Royal as Bessie was staying at his home. Leaving Bessie unprotected with Robert Gillette in town was not an option.

"I'd best be going then," he nodded. "Take it easy today Bessie," he smiled. "It will be cool in the arbour..."

"Thank you Captain," she smiled briefly, easing herself onto the chair next to the table as she reached for the vegetables that needed preparing. "I'll just get these done for Annie first..."

He nodded as he left, the marine acknowledging his departure by standing more rigidly to attention. Theodore shrugged, but said nothing, his mind on the repairs to the fort. Shutting the door firmly he hurried up the hill.

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Theodore returned early that evening to find his house in chaos. Bessie was standing in the kitchen doorway, a basket of eggs in her arms, pelting the marine for all she was worth. From the state of him, her aim was good. "Leave me alone!" she screamed, tears running down her cheeks.

"What is going on here!" he shouted, wincing as another egg found its mark.

"Captain!" the marine protested. "This woman is insane! I was just trying to do my duty!"

"Bessie! Hold!" Theodore ordered, seeing her reach for yet another missile. Reluctantly she did so. "Now, will somebody please tell me what is going on?"

"He follows me!" Bessie cried. "Everywhere! I can't sleep – he's there! I can't read – he's there! I can't even go to the bathroom!"

"You followed her to the..." Theodore turned to the marine in shock.

"Commodore's orders were precise Sir," he apologised. "I was ordered not to let her out of my sight..."

"I sincerely doubt that the Commodore meant even to the bathroom," Theodore sighed, turning to Bessie. "Go on," he smiled. "I'll make sure you are undisturbed..."

"Captain!" the marine protested as Bessie lowered her basket to the floor and gratefully climbed the staircase, disappearing into the bathroom.

"She is eight months pregnant man!" Theodore shook his head in disbelief. "What do you think she is going to do? Climb over the garden wall?"

The marine coloured as he tried to argue. "Sir, I must protest!" he cried.

"And I must protest about the state you have reduced my home to!" Theodore replied. "But as I am now here, you are dismissed!" He opened the front door, resisting the urge to kick the man as he passed. "Do not bother returning tomorrow – I will be speaking with the Commodore about this!" He shut the door, turning and looking up to see Bessie slowly descending. He smiled. "Do you feel better?" he asked.

"Thank you," Bessie smiled gratefully before awkwardly crouching down and starting to pick up the eggshells.

"Here," Theodore sighed. "Let me help you." He walked quickly to the kitchen, returning with a scrubbing brush, a cloth and a bucket of water. "Where is Annie?" he asked.

"She finished the dinner and went home about an hour ago," Bessie said quietly. "She couldn't stand him any longer..."

Theodore started to chuckle before the ridiculousness of the situation got the better of him and he sat on the floor laughing loudly. "I can't complain that life is quiet these days," he smiled, scrambling to his feet to offer her a hand up as she wiped the last of the egg from the stone floor. He jumped on hearing a knock at the front door and cautiously opened it. Two marines stood to attention on seeing him. "Yes?" Theodore frowned.

"We are the night guard for Mistress Sparrow, Sir," the taller of the two marines spoke. "May we come in Captain?"

Reluctantly Theodore opened the door wider, sighing at the look of dismay on Bessie's face. "Mistress Sparrow and I were just about to eat," he informed them. "Perhaps one of you could wait in the lobby and the other in the garden until she retires?"

"As you wish Sir," the marine replied, eyeing the basket of eggs warily. Clearly news of the last marine's treatment had spread quickly around the barracks.

"Garden is through there." Theodore pointed to the doorway that led to the garden, picking up the bucket and carrying it through to the kitchen. "Would you serve dinner Bessie?" he asked.

Casting one last glance at the marine that remained in the lobby she followed him to the kitchen, serving the meal before carefully carrying the plates through to the dining room. Theodore was disappointed that the spark of anger that she had shown earlier quickly dimmed and she sat and ate in silence as usual. "I will ensure that the men give you as much privacy as they can," he offered.

"Thank you," Bessie replied softly.

"I'm not your enemy Bessie," he sighed. "I wish you would talk more..." He knew she chatted happily with Annie throughout the day, but whenever he was near she said as little as she possibly could and was often silent.

She looked at him in confusion. "You are my enemy," she said firmly. "You hold me here against my wishes and you want to hang my husband... why should I talk to you?"

"I would release you if I could," Theodore said sadly.

"But you will not," she retorted bitterly. "Excuse me, I'd like to go to bed now..."

Theodore rose politely as she scraped her chair back, rising awkwardly. "I will arrange for the man in the garden to access the balcony through the bathroom," he offered. "Neither man will enter your bedroom." Bessie merely nodded and left the room.