Chapter 3

It was nine thirty in the morning when Kea and Ria returned to their mansion from the ships. Both were dreading the coming visit of the Commodore and his shadow Gillette.

Before heading to the mansion the women had changed into fresh dresses. Maids hired to be on the ships for just that purpose had helped them also with their hair dos.

They had just enough time to let the cook know about the visitors so there'd be snacks and tea. Then they went into the parlor to accept the company. As soon as they were settled, their butler, Grant, entered the room.

"Commodore Norrington, his sister Miss Ariel Norrington, and Lieutenant Gillette are here," Grant announced regally.

"Thank you, Grant, you may show them in," Kea answered with a wave of her hand.

Grant nodded and left to get the company from where they waited in the entryway.

"Interesting, that's very interesting." Ria commented, stroking her chin with a thumb and forefinger.

"What?" Kea asked her brow furrowed in question as she watched Ria's actions. Sometimes it was uncanny how much Ria and Captain Jack Sparrow acted alike.

Ria snorted and rolled her gold speckled blue eyes, "Oh come on, Kea, James brought his sister here without letting her freshen up, and after she had just gotten off her ship. Don't you wonder at the reason? I think he's down right in love with you." "Indeed, what's gotten into your head that you're thinking about love suddenly? Is it the arrival of a certain pirate Captain?"

Ria had the refinement to blush a deep crimson and looked away quickly, while clearing her throat. Kea felt a bit bad about making fun of her but it was so fun and easy to do.

"I don't know what you are talking about, Kea, but I do know that James does love you."

Kea was about to answer when Grant reentered the room followed closely by the guests.

He cleared his throat, "Commodore Norrington, Milady Norrington, and Lieutenant Gillette." He moved aside for them to enter.

Kea and Ria stood up and curtsied politely. Gillette and Norrington bowed while Ariel curtsied back. Once the formalities were done Damien quickly possessed himself of Ria's hands and sat down with her on the love seat.

James, leading Ariel by the elbow, brought her to meet Kea. Kea noticed Ariel's eyes follow the Lieutenant. Ariel, noticing Kea's watching gaze looked down at the floor quickly.

"Ariel, this is Lady Kea Arthington. Kea, this is my sister Ariel. And that is Kea's friend Calandria Morgan." He said gesturing to each said woman.

"Nice to meet you, Lady Kea, I've heard so much about you," Ariel said shyly looking back up into the jade green eyes where she saw an understanding look. It was not fun to have feelings for someone who had them for another and not yourself.

I bet you have, all from James to, Kea thought but instead said, "Pleased to meet you also, and call me Kea." She looked at James from under her eyelashes; he had the grace to blush, knowing full well she was surprised to be meeting Ariel so soon. "But, let us not stand upon ceremony, please, sit down," She waved them to the sofa across from the occupied love seat.

As the three sat a maid entered and set down a tray with five tea cups, the tea, and some scones. Dutifully Kea poured tea for everyone and settled back for some boring chit chat.

"So, Ariel, how do you like it here so far?" She asked.

"Well, I have only seen the docks and your house. But from what I've seen I have liked." Ariel replied politely.

"Yes, it is always good to have a change of scenery and society once in a while. Right, Ria?" Kea said, eyebrow arched, waiting for Ria's answer.

Ria pulled her hand from Gillette's long enough to respond, "Oh, yes, I do." But she caught Kea's real meaning and blushed slightly. Then again, if a change of scenery meant seeing Captain Jack Sparrow often then it was a good change, she thought.

Conversation soon turned to the weather and other menial things for a half an hour before the three guests had to depart. Ariel was disappointed to go, and Kea actually found herself liking the younger Norrington, for she did not have the haughtiness her older sibling had.

James was pleased that both Kea and Ariel like each other, and Damien was reluctant to relinquish Ria's attention. But she was more than happy to be rid of him as was Kea of James.

Linking Ariel's arm in his, James called to Damien, "Gillette, it's time to go."

Damien got up from the love seat, bowed to the ladies, and followed James and Ariel out to the entryway where Grant held the door open for them. With one final goodbye and wave Ariel joined the men in the carriage.

"Whew!" Ria said once the door was closed. She went back into the parlor and sat back down in the love seat. "James was very attentive to you, Kea. You must be really special to him to warrant such attention."

"I am sure that if Damien had a sister he would have her meet you as well," Kea responded, having followed Ria back in the room.

"Then I should be happy he doesn't."

Kea got up and stood at a front window looking out, "There still is Damien's mother who'd love you two to turn into something serious. You guys do make a cute couple, so I'm sure your kids would be good looking too." She teased. "Just imagine little Damien's running about. Jeremy could have a few siblings then."

Ria threw a pillow at Kea's head but she stepped aside and it hit Grant, who without batting an eyelash, ignored his employer's antics for the moment. There was another visitor.

"Another guest, my ladies, A Mrs. Apple Ferguson to see you both." he announced.

The women stopped laughing and groaned. They always dreaded talking to Mrs. Ferguson. She was the town's leading gossip and was always more than eager to spread news about Ria and Kea, whether it is good or bad; preferably bad.

Unfortunately they couldn't just send her away so Kea let Grant know he could show her in. She most likely had seen their other guests too and wanted to know everything that had happened.

"Blast!" Kea cursed unladylike under her breath as she took a seat on the couch again. "Just what we need now, more recognition and it will most likely be talked out of proportion."

Ria sighed while picking up the thrown pillow. She then sat on the love seat, and set the pillow in her lap. Leaning her elbows on it she blew out a breath, "You've got that right."

"She probably thinks a wedding is in the future after seeing Ariel brought here by James; and that there's more to James and my relationship than really is because of it."

Just then Grant reentered with the gossip and the women were subjected to a half hour of interrogation from the woman. Mrs. Ferguson, realizing she was not going to learn anything important from the two, finally excused herself and left. Not wanting to be bothered by anymore visitors the friends instructed Grant not to let anybody in for the rest of the day.

"Look at the time, we need to be getting ready for the luncheon at the Turner's," Ria said as she glanced at the clock.

Kea followed her gaze, "You're right. It wouldn't be good if we were late." Then she said sarcastically, "What would everyone think of us then?" She put a hand to her forehead and did a mock sigh, "Our reputations will be ruined. Our lives will be over." With that, she "fainted".

Ria laughed and helped the other woman up, who was laughing so hard tears were streaming down her cheeks. "Really, girl, if I didn't know better, I'd think you had put something in your tea."

"Never, I know better...now." Kea exclaimed before bursting out in laughter again.

Ria shook her head. They headed upstairs to their rooms which were right next to each other. Kea's the first door on the left and Ria's the second.

"See you in a bit, Kea." Ria said and went into her room to take a bath. Walking inside she crossed her pale blue wallpapered room, past her burgundy colored canopy bed, and to the open balcony doors facing the Caribbean.

Standing on the balcony she let the cool lilac scented breeze wash over her body. Closing her eyes she pondered the earlier events of the day, particularly the appearance of Jack. She frowned. Kea couldn't be falling for him- could she? The thought made her jealous for Kea had no right to him.

Then again, she didn't really either, though she'd met him first, and though Jack didn't know yet, they had a child. Now how long ago did I meet him? Ah yes, she thought, it was six years ago now back in England when she'd first laid eyes on Jack.

Ria sighed longingly, thinking back to when her and Jack first met.