Usual disclaimers... but you are all used to that by now!

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Chapter 64 – Ponderings

Commodore Norrington frowned, trying to make sense of what happened. "So Mistress Turner visited and the baby was there?"

"I believe they switched the baby with a bundle of rags then," Theodore sighed, "but she was seen shopping in the market with the same basket and neither her or her husband left the town... I do not understand it!'

"So she could not have taken the child.... perhaps your maid?" James Norrington asked.

Theodore shook his head. "Annie did not leave the house all day," he puzzled. "And she would not do such a thing. She was as shocked as the rest of us when we realised what had happened. It has to have been Elizabeth Turner, but how I do not know!"

James Norrington nodded, his Captain's thoughts mirroring his own. "So, believing the child still at the house, one marine escorts Mistress Sparrow to the market. She goes to her home and he waits below, but she changes clothes and climbs out the kitchen window... that is quite a drop!"

"But possible in men's clothes..." Theodore reasoned. "Nobody knew that she still had those clothes and the bandana," he explained. "But then she was spotted by Robert who gave chase..."

"Ah yes, Captain Gillette... I believe he spotted her hair," the Commodore muttered. "I understand you arrived in time to see his murder by Sparrow. Did you hear what was said?"

"I was too far away Sir," Theodore apologised, "and running. However I questioned the men that were with him and they claim that Sparrow was angry for the way that his wife had been treated... the brig and the manacles..." He realised that he had never gotten around to telling him of how Archibald Hughes had died, and now he never would. "At least it was a kinder death than that meted out to the last man to hurt Bessie..."

James Norrington looked at him in puzzlement. "How do you mean?" he asked.

"Hughes," Theodore explained. "Sparrow had him tied, gagged and sewn in a sailcloth whilst still alive..."

"And who told you this?" the Commodore demanded.

"Mistress Turner," Theodore sighed. "She and Bessie, I mean Mistress Sparrow were talking and later she told me..."

"You did not think I would be interested?" James Norrington frowned. It was the first time he had heard how Archibald Hughes had died, although Bessie had told him that the pirate was dead.

"I am sorry Sir! It slipped my mind," Theodore admitted.

"Oh well, regardless, she is back with her husband now... and I doubt he'll be returning her to Hispaniola!" The Commodore sighed heavily. "Guess we will just have to try to catch him and hang him the usual way... you have your orders Captain!"

"Yes Commodore," Theodore saluted, turning and leaving the office as quickly as he could. He looked out across the harbour, his gaze turning north-eastwards to the Windward Passage. "God speed Bessie," he muttered quietly before heading down the hill to his ship.

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Bessie looked at the house in surprise. Two small empty shops faced the northward trail and adjoining them was a large octagonal tower with stone-built wings. "Yer have th' levels above th' shops as well," Jack explained, "so there is plenty of room." He paused, unlocking the door and ushering her inside. "An' there's a garden... although it needs some work..." Jack proudly led Bessie through to the parlour with it's curtained off dining area. "Th' kitchen is through there," he pointed to the other side of the room, "an' th' bedrooms are up here..."

Bessie was surprised to recognise some of the furniture. "Is this from..." she began on seeing the settees.

"Aye, I had it all brought from th' last house," Jack confirmed. "Including yer bed!" He grinned. "Although I bought yer lots of new things..." Taking her free arm he guided her through the archway to the right of the large fireplace. "Yer've a toilet in there," he smiled as he led her up the stairs. "An' this is yer bedroom!"

He threw open the door with a flourish, allowing her to walk in first. She looked around the room in a daze, noting that there was even a private bathroom. She smiled. "It is a beautiful house," she conceded, spotting that he had even purchased a crib. "Thank you Jack."

Jack grinned as she kissed him. "There's another toilet, a nursery, a bathroom an' four more bedrooms above th' shops," he said, "so there's plenty of room fer th' family..."

"Family?" she queried, laughing at him as he took Pearl from her, gently laying her in the crib.

"Aye, family... an' I intend t' start right now!" He smiled as she squealed, throwing her backwards onto the bed. "We won't be disturbed," he assured her as he slid her dress from her shoulders. "Trust me..."

"I do," she smiled up at him, reaching for his sash as she returned his kisses. "Very much so!"