'ello mates! As you know, or may not know, I, Lizzy, am updating this chapter as MJ is unavailable at the moment. I would like to thank our few solitary reviewers for their reviews, obviously. Yes, yes, I know I'm boring. Therefore let us get on with it, to play on "Monty Python". But first I must dedicate this chapter to my dear cousin MJ with all our hopes for a speedy recovery. Now, "Get on with it!"
Dearest Elizabeth and 'Dear Catherine'
Chapter Three
Not Everything is Always as it Seems
"Where's William Turner?" Jack repeated, taking discomfort from the grim looks he was receiving from his crew. The pity in their eyes and the sullen looks on their faces aggravated the captain. "Answer me, men!"
A few brave souls ventured out of the line and began to search the decks, while the rest remained silent in the line. The tone of the captain scared them all--it seemed almost murderous. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, a single man spoke, "'e's o'er here, Cap'n!"
Jack motioned for Gibbs to follow him as the two hurried to where the voice had come from, a dark corner of the main deck. They found Marty, the smallest crew member, leaning over Will's limp form. One of his legs was twisted in an odd angle, the other lying in a pool of his own blood. His pistol was still in his clammy hand; his sword a few feet away. "Mary Mother of God," Gibbs muttered beneath his breath. Marty looked up grimly.
"'e's gotta pulse, Cap'n, but ye better get 'im bandaged up quick--'e lost a lotta blood, there," he reported, pointing a short finger towards Will's bloody leg. Jack nodded mutely, stroking his beard in thought.
"Gibbs!" He ordered, not looking up from the ghastly sight of Will's pale body.
"Aye!"
"Take Will into th' forecastle--bandage 'im up properly. Get Ana t' help ye..." Jack finally looked up, "An' hurry, will ya!" He walked away as he made his way back to the crew. "Jameson, Feltch, take th' rest o' La Barta de Muerta's crew into th' brig--tell 'em me rules. Th' rest of ye seadogs can swab the decks and make ready to sail--we be takin' a small detour!"
As the crew answered with a determined, "Aye!" Jack made his way down below deck to his cabin where he jotted the past happenings in his sea log.
An hour, or so, later, Gibbs reappeared from the forecastle, looking rather disheveled. He lazily wiped the droplets of sweat from his forehead, and took a rather large swig out of his flask. He was making his way towards the entrance to go below the quarter deck, when Jack spotted him. "Gibbs!" He called from his new-found post at the helm. He raised his hand to signal the older man to come up on deck. He did as ordered and appeared by Jack's side.
"How be the boy?" Jack asked him in a monotone, not taking his eyes away from the horizon as he steered the ship 5 knots to port.
"Ana Maria is stitching 'is gash up now--he's still out cold. I was told to get some rum t' clean th' wound. We can' tell if he got some damage to 'is 'ead." Gibbs told him, taking another swig of his flask. "She's gonna keep an eye on 'im...makin' sure 'e don' catch the fever."
"I'm plannin' on gettin' 'im to an infirm'ry as fast as I can," Jack told him.
"Aye," Gibbs agreed.
"Well, get to it, then!" Jack ordered, and Gibbs ran off. Once he was gone, Jack let out a low whistle.
"'Lizabeth's gonna kill me..."
One Week Later
Will pushed himself into a sitting position in the small uncomfortable cot that was to be his bed for the next month or so. He had arrived at the Tortuga infirmary a week ago, delirious and nearly falling over with fever. He recovered, though, but was still unable to walk or do much for himself as both of his legs were unusable. His left leg was bound in a cast and the gaping wound left on hid right leg was tightly bandaged. He ran a hand through his slightly graying hair as his chocolate brown eyes once again took in his surroundings.
He, like the other 20 or so in the infirmary, was kept in a poorly constructed "room", its walls made of cheap, ripped linen hanging from rusting hooks. He pulled the driftwood board--his "desk"--and the spare pieces of parchment and quill he had been given. Taking a deep breath, he wrote:
My Dearest Elizabeth,
Back Home in Port Royal
"Ha! I beat you again!"
"Pure luck."
"Luck! I beat you four times in a row! That merits skill, not luck."
"I just let you win."
"Really," Josephine replied sarcastically as she offered him her hand to pull him up from the ground.
"Aye," Richard grinned, accepting her hand and pulling himself up.
"Then let's have at it again!" Josephine cried smirking as she unsheathed her cutlass, the rubies glittering in the sunlight.
"Come off it, Josie! I swear, you're getting addicted to swordplay. The Gov'ner wouldn't like that at all," Richard teased, knowing just like a brother the right buttons to push.
"Oh shut up, you worthless miscreant!" Josephine fired back at him as she swung her cutlass threateningly.
"As you wish, m'lady. I suppose I'll have to look for my bloody sword, that you so kindly tossed away, all by meself since we can't have the Gov'ner's frail granddaughter exerting herself too much," Richard replied nonchalantly as he turned around and began to search for his cutlass.
"Funny. I'll help you look for it. Lord knows you can't find anything unless 'dear Catherine' is holding it," Josephine teased, using a quote from one of his conversations that she and Sam had eavesdropped on. She sheathed her sword and went to search an area not far from him.
"I don't know what your talking about," Richard denied, though his red ears betrayed his true emotion.
"We'll continue this over rum. Dammit! Where is that stupid sword!" Josephine cursed as she leafed through some bushes.
"You tell me, you're the one that knocked it out of my hand!"
"Maybe you should have a better grip!"
The vibrant blue sky dotted with bright white clouds framed the lush green field behind the stables where Richard worked. It was this field that the pair was combing through trying to find Richard's cutlass. Thankfully the field was downwind of the stables which made it much more enjoyable, though one had to be careful not to step on any horse manure as the field was mainly used for their exercise.
"Found it!" Josephine cried in jubilation as she triumphantly held the missing cutlass over her head. The sword had been hand made by Will and given as a gift to Richard when he received his job at the stables. Though it was simple, without any gold or jewels, it was perfectly made and inscribed with Richard's initials, "R. L. S.".
"Thank God!" Richard exclaimed as he dashed towards his precious sword and inspected it for even a minuscule dent. He swung and thrust it a bit before he sheathed it with a satisfied grin.
"Did it pass your inspection?" Josephine asked sarcastically. "I haven't injured your beautiful baby, have I?"
"Not physically," Richard replied in his teasing yet serious tone. "But I'm not sure if she'll ever be able to fight well again. The humiliation on the poor thing!"
"I'm surprised she's not used to it, being your sword and all," Josephine countered slyly.
"You keep going on like that and I'll keep all the rum for meself!"
"You wouldn't dare."
"Try me."
"Race you. First one there gets the rum."
"Are you sure? You won't get upset when I beat you, will you?"
"Ha! You beat me. Why that's- YOU LYING, CHEATING PIECE OF SCUM! WAIT 'TIL I GET MY HANDS ON YOU!"
Richard laughed backed at Josephine flying in the wind with her sapphire blue gown billowing around her and getting tangled in her legs. He easily reached the stables on his long, nimble legs and was drinking a cool bottle of rum when Josephine arrived panting with a fiery look that could have melted the hardest metal.
"Ahh. This is the by far the best rum I've ever tasted, don't you think?" Richard asked evilly as he took a nice, long swig.
"YOU DECEITFUL, BOORISH BASTARD!" Josephine screamed at him as she regained her voice. She grabbed for the bottle but he held it higher than she could reach. "Give it here, you measly-mouthed whoreson!"
The other hands at the stable poked their heads out of the stalls to see who this screaming girl was. Many of the younger hands had abandoned their work completely and had gained front row seats to the fray. They had watched the drama from the beginning when they had been sword fighting and were eagerly watching the present battle. Their arguing was as good as their swordplay and such excitement hadn't been seen at the stables since Henry, the last hand, got caught in the reins of Midnight and dragged around the field through horse shit by the high-strung calf.
"I'm afraid I can't do that, miss," Richard replied with mock civility. "Good Lord, chaps, I wonder what the Gov'ner would say to such language from his own granddaughter. And all that for rum! Tut, tut, miss, young ladies never say such profanities, especially in the vicinity of so many eligible young gentlemen."
The boys laughed heartily at this and watched for Josephine's reaction, fully expecting her to start crying or throw a fit or fly into hysterics as most girls would. Josephine, however, ignored them, her angry glare never leaving Richard's smug face. With her tell-tale smirk and hands akimbo, Josephine launched into her counterattack.
"I'm sorry, Richard, but I'll remember to use proper language when I'm in the vicinity of gentlemen," Josephine replied coolly, emphasizing the word as the boys snickered and hollered. "And the Governor can hang himself 'fore I change my language just for him."
"Ho ho! High and mighty are we? Guess that comes with privilege," Richard smirked back. "Never knowing what work is, always have fine clothes- HEY!"
Josephine took a triumphant swig of the rum bottle and held it high in pride as a flabbergasted Richard looked on. The hands were rolling in laughter at one of the older boys being outsmarted by a girl. But then again, as they now realized, this wasn't any ordinary girl.
"You ought to learn to not swing your arms so much when you talk, Richard. It makes it too easy to steal things out of your hands. Makes it easier to lob yer arm off too."
"Funny, now give me back me rum."
"I think not," Josephine replied after taking another swig.
"Come off it, Josie," he stated again, becoming more annoyed.
"I'll fight you for it," she challenged, her deep brown eyes sparkling with delight and a cocky smirk on her face.
"Ye wouldn't want to get beaten in front of all these strapping young men, now would you Josie?" Richard asked in reply, full of masculine importance.
"I don't think that'll be happening seeing as how I beat you four times," she countered with narrowed eyes as the hands glanced at Richard disbelievingly. The younger hands were eagerly whispering the earlier score of the sword fights to the others who hadn't seen.
"How many times do I have to tell you? I was going easy on you. It ain't right to hurt a girl," Richard replied coolly with his teasing only noticeable to Josephine, who had heard it on many an occasion. The hands held their breath and looked eagerly at Josephine to await her reaction. Surely this headstrong girl would not take his comment quietly?
"I'm sorry Richard, but I'm afraid 'dear Catherine' will hear of your impudence today," Josephine countered in a nonchalant tone as Richards ear's burst into flames. The hands glanced at his face and were engulfed in laughter. Josephine acted surprised and clasped a hand over her mouth. "Oh, I wasn't supposed to tell, was I?"
"There's nothing to tell," Richard replied evenly, ignoring the hands that rolled around with laughter.
" 'Dear Catherine' wouldn't like hearing that, I expect. Perhaps I should go warn her of your inconstancy and your shame of courting her," Josephine replied cleverly as an evil glint glittered in her eye. Richard was mentally sizing her up to see if she would actually dare. He didn't think she would... but one was never sure about Josephine.
"Damn you, Josie! What do you want?" He exclaimed in frustration.
"Fight," she replied simply as she set the now empty bottle of rum on a barrel nearby.
"What are the limits?" Richard asked as he made ready by pulling up his sleeves and taking off his vest.
"First one to forfeit loses. No drawing of blood and no cheap shots. We follow all rules of engagement," Josephine replied as she tied back her hair, rolled up her sleeves, and tucked her skirt into her apron in a most unseemly fashion that exposed half of her leg below her knee. She fastened her skirt securely with pins as she ignored the hands who whistled and jeered at her. Tying her belt that contained her scabbard to her waist, she turned back to Richard who was prepared to fight. "And if you ruin my face or my hands, Mother will beat you with her broom."
"Wouldn't want that to happen. Your Mother's vicious!" Richard replied half jokingly as he stood erect, full of confidence and importance.
"Well, come on now. We'd better move away from these boys. Wouldn't want any of them to get hurt," Josephine stated as she backed up a good eight feet from their previous location.
Richard followed along with his friend James who was going to judge the fight to make sure the rules would be followed. They lined up a few steps away from each other and drew their swords. Josephine smirked and winked as James counted off.
"Good luck! You'll need it!" She hissed at Richard.
"Ha! You'll get no mercy this time, m'lady!" Richard sneered in good humor.
"Ready! On the count of three. One... Two... THREE!"
Josephine sprang first with a strong thrust which Richard quickly parried. Dodging his next blow, she circled around blocking his sword at every attempt. The circled and danced as if they walked on fire and the whizzing metal glittered as it sliced through the air. The hands watched in a trance as the sapphire and white figures moved with startling speed, neither looking anywhere near tiring. Thrust parry, thrust parry. Around and around they danced in the fatal jig. Sweat pooled on Josephine's neck and crept down her dress. Richard was equally hot, his face a violent shade of red. Around and around in the Caribbean heat, no end in sight.
ZING! A shimmering sword slashed through the air, hitting its mark. It's enemy spiraled into the sky reflecting the radiant sun, falling with a loud clatter onto the hard field a good twenty paces from it's master. Stunned silence meet this as the boys gazed over to see the victor. The sapphire figure was down on the ground, the tyrant in white poised his weapon, ready to strike her neck. A tired, yet satisfied smile reached his perspiring face.
"I win!" He whispered in triumph, his green eyes sparkling with victory.
"I wouldn't be so sure," Josephine replied with her trademark smirk, her rich brown eyes bright with delight.
Richard shot her a smug look, which quickly turned to bewilderment as Josephine rolled over and dashed towards her weapon. Thus armed, she stood watching him with satisfied look as he stared after her in utter disbelief. None of the hands drew a breath at this startling turn of events. Their respect for the brazen girl increased ten-fold and they wondered what she'd do next. They did not wait long as she charged forward, her sword aimed for a fatal blow. Stunned to his spot, Richard recovered his wits just moments before the blow was delivered and hastily parried, protecting himself for the time being. Josephine stumbled a bit from her lost momentum, but quickly sprang back into action and took the offensive. Lunging at him with lightning fast blows which he just as quickly parried, Josephine resumed the deathlike dance of before.
Fatigue, that horrid creature, crept stealthily into each player, eagerly devouring any remaining energy. Both noticed their speed slack and their attacks become sloppy. Richard, who retained a bit more energy, seized his chance, and turned the tables on the tiring lass. Forced on the defensive, Josephine racked her brain for any clever idea that could succeed in her victory. In stamina she knew she would fail, so by what tricky ploy could she achieve victory, without cheating? She thought desperately as she tried to deflect all his well placed blows. Think.. Think!
She stumbled back at his blow that was stronger than her parry. Eyes lighting up in hope, he hurriedly pushed harder, his attacks more vicious, faster than before. Wearily Josephine tried to hold on, tried to win. But her strength wavered noticeably and all around knew she would lose. By this time, Richard was nearly spent. Deciding to finish the fight now, he gathered up his remaining energy and lunched towards Josephine. Closer... closer... their blades met for the final act. Josephine caught the tip of her sword and cunningly blocked his shattering blow. Swords locked, surprise on his face, Richard was stunned. Grinning, she shoved him backwards, hard. He stumbled and she lunged, knocking his sword into the air, spiraling until it rested naught but two feet away. She dashed towards it before he could get up and find where it fell. She held her trophy high above her head in triumph. Stunned silence surrounded the field, save for the chirping of the birds, the rustling of the leaves, and the panting of the fighters.
"Josephine... is... the... winner," James choked out in disbelief, eyes wide.
All at once the hands exploded. Cheers echoed around the field, they sprang up and stomped and hollered. One lad brought out three fine bottles of rum, her prize. Grinning in delight, she accepted these gifts graciously, her dark eyes bright, her face flushed. Richard looked on in astounded silence. He lost... to a girl! Already the jeers were springing from the cocky hands who had always been envious of him for some reason or another. Josephine, removing herself from the crowd of jubilant boys, came round to Richard and returned his sword, smiling broadly, but with no malice.
"Your sword, good sir," she stated regally as she placed his precious sword back into his hands. "No hard feelings, mate?"
"None," Richard replied grinning again. "You lucked out again. But yer luck will run out, mark my words."
"Luck! Ha! she beat yer ass with skill. Ye ain't got nothin'. Stupid blighter, beaten by a girl!" A rowdy hand exclaimed, relishing this opportunity to gloat over that prick.
"What yellow-bellied coward said that?" Josephine cried out in anger, her eyes firing darts at the crowd. "Show yerself, ye bloody spineless bastard! Let's see how you fare against me!"
"Josie, please," Richard interjected in a cold tone, knowing exactly who the "spineless bastard" was. "I can take care of meself. It's just a boy with a hot head and jealous heart." He glared at the boy who scowled in return.
"Come now, show's over! The Ad'mril will have our heads if the stable ain't clean. Get to it, all of ye!" James shouted, resuming his position as Head of the Stables. With grumbles, the army went back to wage war with hay and horse manure. Matt, the hand who had jeered before, spat at Richard's feet and looked at him with so much contempt that Josephine suppressed a shudder.
"Richard!" James called back to them.
"Aye!"
"I'd hie on out of here if I was you. The Ad'mril's coming for inspection an' he won't want to be seeing you!"
"Aye! Consider me gone!"
Turning towards Josephine, he motioned for her to follow him to the opposite end of the field. Pausing to unpin her dress and releasing it back to its appropriate length, she quickly caught up to him. She handed him a bottle and drank one herself. They walked on in silence for a few minutes enjoying the calm after the storm. The brilliant sun overhead told them it was an hour or two past noon. The ever present ocean breeze picked up and rustled in the trees as it refreshed their heated bodies.
"So, what have you done to displease the Admiral?" Josephine asked amused after they had been walking for a few minutes.
"I didn't tell you?" Richard asked surprised.
"No," Josephine replied a bit annoyed.
"Oh, it was at his inspection last week," Richard began, pride creeping into his story. "You know how we have to line up straight in front of the stables we clean? Well, he was making his inspection as usual. Strutting about like a pompous rooster, making sure everything was perfect. Of course he had to find fault with my stalls as usual. I honestly don't know why he dislikes me so, perhaps I shouldn't have spooked his horse while he was getting on it during my second inspection."
Josephine burst out laughing. "That would help explain why he has such a dislike towards me, too. He loathes the fact that I associate with you and Sam. It irks him more that his son has 'fallen' for me."
Now it was Richard's turn to laugh. "That little prat wants to marry you! That's rich! I bet he doesn't know you sword fight, does he?"
"No. What a shock when he finds out! Doubt he will though, I have to be all proper and polished when I'm shoved in the 'high society'." She shuddered. "They're all so deceitful. One minute their smiling and complimenting you, and the next they're insulting you to everyone else. Only rarely do you come across a person not spoiled by their richness, very rarely."
"Makes me glad I'm a stable rat!" Richard grinned.
"Speaking of which, you haven't' finished your story."
"Well it's hard to when you get interrupted." Richard teased.
"Then I'll be silent 'til you finish."
"Liar. You'll be laughing, I know you."
"Depends on if it's funny, but I won't know that 'til you start."
"Well you keep interrupting."
"Me!"
"Case in point. If I may continue, m'lady?"
"Aye, grand knight, pray continue."
"Right, so during the inspection last week, he found fault with my stalls as usual. Apparently that week the hay on the bottom was 'positively foul' and 'downright filthy', which is a complete lie since I had put in fresh hay that very morning which I kindly explained to the haughty Ad'mril."
"Kindly?" Josephine asked skeptically.
"Of course, I said it as kindly as I can. I said 'I'm afraid you're mistaken sir, I changed the hay this very morning.' Now of course measly stable rats aren't supposed to question the authority and judgment of the noble roosters, so he turned 'positively foul'. He 'came so red I thought he'd lose his head! An' he has this vein in the middle of his head that bulged so large I thought it would burst. His hands started shaking an' I thought he'd like no better than to cuff me in the head right then an' there! His voice got all low an' furious an' he said 'You forget your place, boy!' His eyes were like a snake's and he marched over to James. 'Give that boy twenty lashes for his impudence and I don't want to see his face around here again!' Then he stormed off like a spoiled child with his flock hens all around him. His son couldn't believe anyone could say such things to his father. Of course when they left we all started laughin' an' roarin' it's a surprise the stables are still there!"
Josephine was doubled over in laughter just imagining the Norringtons' faces. Once she was able to breathe properly again, she asked," So why are you still there?"
"James couldn't lick a fly no more than he could lick me. An' we all hate those pansies so much that they were glad someone actually shattered their pride. So I still do the work an' George's brother fills in during inspection making it look like he's doing the work. Lucky blighter! He gets handsome pay for one hour of standing!"
"That's mighty clever, but don't you think they'll find out?"
"Not in the least. They'll just be glad I'm gone. 'Sides, I'm to inherit the family business!"
"True," Josephine conceded.
They finally reached Tudor Lane, the road that led into town. As they walked along it, who should pass but the despicable Norringtons themselves surrounded by a flock of loyal officers. Throwing a disgusted look at the pair of them, the Admiral rode haughtily along on his beautiful gray stallion, easily recognizing the disheveled Josephine. The Captain, closely following on his father's heels, peered down at them peculiarly as he rode by on his own black stallion. He recognized the man at once as the ingrate that insulted his father, but he couldn't place the girl he was with. She looked very similar to his beloved Josephine, but she'd never have her gown so dirty and torn or her face and hair so disheveled. Indeed it was her wild hair blowing in front of her face and the dirt that smeared it that prevented him from recognizing her. The fact that a sword hung at her side convinced him it could not be her. But his father with more shrewd eyes and a greater knowledge of her easily knew who she was. The Captain puzzled over the girl a few moments longer after they had ridden by and concluded it could not possibly be his beloved Josephine.
"I don't think your true love recognized you," Richard teased after the group passed.
"Of course not. He wouldn't believe a respectable woman could willingly look like this."
"Respectable! Ha! You give yourself too much credit."
"As far as he knows me, I am respectable. He doesn't know I keep company with vile creatures such as yourself."
"My, my, keeping secrets already. What will happen when you marry?"
"I'd rather die than marry him. Don't get me started on that subject."
"Aye, of course, m'lady, can't have you displeased. You'd likely talk so much I'd have no brains left."
"That's assuming you had some to begin with."
"Touché!"
Deciding to take control of the lull in conversation and ease her mind, and Sam's, of a topic they very much debated about, Josephine could not help but ask a question.
"So, how is 'dear Catherine'? Not resisting your charms anymore, I see."
"No-o," Richard replied reluctantly, a deep blush immediately burning his ears as he determinedly stared at his feet.
"Come on, Richard, out with it!" Josephine pressed.
"It's nothing that concerns you," he answered, still embarrassed and quite eager to change the subject. "How was Victoria's?"
"Ye'll not get away that easy, Richard! If you don't tell me now, Sam and I will find it out anyway. We're unstoppable eavesdroppers." Josephine grinned evilly.
"Then you'll have to find our for yerself." Richard stated firmly as he again pursued another subject. "So, how was Victoria's?"
"You're betrothed!" Josephine shrieked in triumph as Richard's ears looked as if they'd burn right off his head. "I knew it! I knew it! Ha HA! When's the wedding?"
Richard stopped and gaped at her with complete bewilderment on his face. "How did you know?"
"Let's call it 'woman's intuition'." Josephine replied slyly.
Richard sighed, finally accepting his defeat. "We haven't set a date, I still need to ask Mr. Parker. I was going to do it today, in fact. Do you think he'll say yes?" Richard asked fearfully, absentmindedly twirling a piece of grass in his hand.
"Of course he will, Richard. Mr. Parker thinks of you almost as his son. 'Sides, you'll have enough money when you finally own 'Kitt's Lagoon'."
"But would he want his daughter marrying a tavern owner?"
"He's always known your family's business and didn't stop us all from associating. He'll agree, don't worry."
"True, but I can't help it."
"Fine, will talking of Victoria's ease your fears?"
"Of course! We all know humiliation of others is the best remedy!" Richard replied, jubilant and teasing once more. "Was the right honorable, right proper, right pansy, right beloved Captain Norrington there to woo you all evening?"
Josephine rolled her eyes and groaned. "Yes, the bloody pansy was there along with his pompous father. Agh, the pair of 'em! I had to be the perfect little daughter all evening. And they made me sing! It was dreadful. Then Mother and Victoria were plotting on finding a suitable match for me at the bloody ball their having for the new ships. And the git would not leave me alone all night!"
Richard wore a bemused smile at this. He knew how much Josephine hated those proper officers, nearly as much as he hated them himself. Unable to resist an opportunity to grate on her nerves, Richard decided to add in his own penny's worth.
"Well, when are you going to get married? Catherine and I will be married, with all luck. Then Sam will be getting married too. That'll leave you all alone. You'd better snatch that Captain 'fore it's too late."
"I'd rather die than marry that pale-skinned pansy!" Josephine cried out passionately. Then fully registering all he'd said, she was sufficiently puzzled. "Wait a minute, Sam's getting married? I didn't hear anything about this!"
"Sam doesn't tell you everything, you know." Richard replied with a maddening air of superiority and smugness. "I, on the other hand, know that he is planning on marriage."
"With who?" Josephine asked eagerly.
"Can't say," Richard replied slowly, knowing how furious impatient Josephine was turning. "He hasn't proposed yet, he's waiting for the right time. Hell, he doesn't even know if she likes him, but he's so enamored by her."
"WHO?"
"Can't tell you, it's secret."
"YOU TELL ME THIS SECOND YOU-"
"I'd watch your tongue, now, m'lady, we're in town."
"Oh, to hell with that! They all know me!"
"True, but you wouldn't want your fiancée to hear you utter profanities."
"He is NOT my FIANCEE!"
"Who's Josie's fiancée?" Sam asked directly behind them, causing them both to jump. His dark blue eyes lit up with evil delight at having scared his friends. His curly light brown hair was neatly tied back in a low ponytail as was the fashion.
"Sam!" Josephine cried out in shock, anger, and happiness all at once.
"Actually, no, Captain Norrington is her betrothed." Richard stated cheerfully, watching Josephine's countenance change.
"He's NOT my FIANCEE! I'd NEVER marry anyone even remotely like him. 'Sides, you've got your own betrothed to worry about."
"What's this?" Sam asked puzzled, though his eyes were still laughing. "Josephine's not engaged, which is most probable as no one would want to marry such a loudmouthed girl," Josephine stuck out her tongue "and Richard is betrothed? I'm never told anything!"
"Aye, especially when you make sarcastic comments like that," Josephine answered in good humor. "No, I'm not engaged and Richard is betrothed to your sister!"
"My sister?" Sam asked in shock, turning towards Richard in disbelief.
"Aye," Richard mumbled, not willing to meet Sam's gaze as his ears burned again.
Sam stared wide-eyed at Josephine who confirmed the mumbled admission. His face turning to one of supreme joy, Sam clapped Richard hard on the back.
"Catherine deserves no better, mate." Sam congratulated to an astonished Richard. "Just don't be breaking her heart, or I'll break your limbs."
"No truer threat from a brother-in-law." Richard grinned back, his confidence restored.
Josephine hung back a bit, feeling awkward in this moment that was not meant for her. As the boys were busy with congratulations, Josephine noticed a flowing black mane atop a cheery green calico.
"Catherine!" She called towards the black mane as it flipped around to reveal a tanned face with startling features. The girl flashed a brilliant smile which matched her gleaming ocean eye that was uncannily identical to her brother's. She dashed over in an unladylike fashion, clutching her skirts high and swinging her basket wildly. Richard was staring in awe at his beloved bounding over to them with her hair fanning about her face and never thought he'd seen anyone so beautiful.
She gave Josephine a quick hug when she arrived and smiled to her brother and Richard, her eyes lingering on him, an unspoken question told in her glance. Richard smiled in response, his whole face glowing.
"It's alright, they know." He answered. "We should probably go ask your father now while I still have some courage left with me!"
"Aye, truer words were never spoken." Sam replied happily, noticing the joy and nervousness spreading over their faces. "You should honestly hurry, his courage leaves in seconds!"
"I know, so I suppose I'll have to do the talking and catch you when you faint, right?" Catherine asked teasingly to her betrothed.
"Are you sure you're strong enough for it?" He teased back.
"Stronger than you. I'm not afraid of Father."
"Yes, but he won't rip off your head if he's displeased."
"Father won't do that, he'd have Sam do it!"
"So now you're all against me!"
"We're thicker than blood! And I'll have no qualms obeying Father if it means inflicting pain!"
"Never a truer mate than honest Sam!"
"All this talk, and yet we haven't moved an inch. I think a certain lover is stalling."
"Thanks for the observation, Josie. Come, you. If you want to marry me, ye'd better get moving."
"Bossy, bossy, bossy."
"Ye'd better get used to it, you're marrying me!"
"Aye, I know it. I'll become an alcoholic!"
"Psst! Catherine! He still hasn't moved!"
"Come on!" Brazen Catherine ordered her future husband, grabbing him squarely by the arm and dragging him along. Within a few paces he got his bearings and they continued towards the Parker cottage, but walking calmly. Sam and Josephine stood a few seconds stunned by the suddenness of their departure, but sprang forward in pursuit at the same moment. They kept a few paces behind the couple, giving them time to finalize their plans for approaching Mr. Parker. They laughed conspiratorially at the lovers who kept gazing into each other's eyes.
Upon reaching the cottage, the couple left to perform their duty after hurried whispers of good luck. Sam and Josephine, deciding that the pair should ask all by themselves, continued walking along the road which would soon bring them to the harbor. They could not help but wonder aloud as to how their friends were fairing, though they both knew they would be accepted.
"It would be grand if they got married, wouldn't it?'' Josephine mused. "We're all growing up, I guess. Which reminds me, Richard never did tell me who your fiancée is. Come, if you can trust a loudmouth like Richard, you can surely trust a loudmouth like me."
Sam gave his quiet smile. "Can't tell you, Josie."
"Why not?" She replied indignantly.
"Because, what use is there until she agrees? As far as I can tell, I'm chasing the moon. Not a very easy task."
"True, but who is it?"
"I'm not going to tell, Josie. You're going to have to learn some patience."
"Saint Samuel teaching me life's lessons again. It's nice to know one cannot be trusted," she continued bitterly.
"It's not that. I don't want everyone making a large fuss over something that doesn't exist. You know Mother, she always wants to know what were all up to. The fact that Richard and Catherine remained secret so long is a shock."
"Yer just saying that because you had no idea."
"Partly," he grinned. "Sorry to change the subject, but you start working Monday, correct?"
"Aye," she replied questioningly.
"I was just making sure. We have a lovely shipment coming in on Tuesday."
"Joy," came the toneless response.
"Just forewarning you. And remember to bring your dinner, I rather like eating all of mine."
"That happened only twice when I pitched in while your father was away."
"So I'm telling you I enjoy all my dinner."
"You are so generous."
"So how was Victoria's? Did your fiancée join you?"
"For the last time, he's NOT my bloody FIANCEE!"
"Right, right, so sorry," He replied sarcastically, easily immune to her piercing glare.
Josephine preceded to relate all the misadventures and grievances of the previous night, along with a factual update as to how happy and content her sister was. She dwelled in more detail with Sam as he had always been her favorite confidant. Catherine was a fun girl, though quite content with the domestic role she knew would be her fate. Josephine, however, was a black sheep.
"Good Lord, all this marrying and hinting of betrothals makes me long for the more carefree days when we could do as we pleased and society had little care for us."
"Except when the Governor poked around."
"I try to block out those fond memories of him declaring to Mother that if my wild ways were not cured, I'd run off and shame the family. This he tells Mother who is happily married to a blacksmith! Always went on over the perfect child Victoria was too, perfect for those sniveling officers."
"I can't detect any resentment in you," Sam teased as they neared the edge of the harbor.
Josephine did not reply. Instead, she stared hungrily out to sea, oblivious of Sam's words. The hypnotic waves woke the roving spirit the rested just within her blood, springing to life at the sight of the ocean, the salty breeze, and the roaring of the waves. Sam studied her face and noticed it all. She was a wanderer, there was no doubt about that. What worried him was whatever rash plan she would undertake after being stuck so long in tiny Port Royal.
The intense hold of the feeling slowly dissipated, but still pulsated through her body. It had awaken again, though stronger than ever before. She took in the sight of the glorious sun surrounded by her court of clouds, preparing to make her final descent and bathe the land in hues of red. Her dark eyes traveled over to Sam and were startled to see them so intently on her face.
"You're going to leave us." It was more of a statement than a question.
"No...Not for awhile, anyway. I've nowhere to go... Just this town." She looked wistfully back out to sea, at the beckoning waves and their enchanting song. Breaking her gaze, she turned to Sam with a bright smile. "'Sides, I should miss all the fun with Richard and Catherine!"
"I'm sure there'll be much fun to be had." He replied, still trying to sort out her response.
"We should head back, I'm sure whatever danger there was to be had has passed."
Agreeing, Sam turned around and strolled back towards the road, Josephine following closely behind. Arriving again on the firm road instead of the slippery sand, they continued along it, their shadows stretching before them.
"What have you been doing with Richard all day?" Sam asked benignly, noticing that her glittering sword was hanging at her side.
"Not very quick, today, are we?" She teased. "We were having some fun sword playing. I beat him four times in a row, in front of all the stable hands! You should have seen their faces, it was rich!"
"What was the prize?'
"Rum, what else?" Noticing Sam's look, she continued. "Come off it, is Saint Samuel going to preach the vileness of drink too?"
"No, but you really shouldn't be drinking, Josie. It ain't right."
"A bottle or two won't hurt me. If you men can do it, why can't the women?"
Sam decided playing mum was the best option here. Their views on drinks varied considerably. He preferred a drink or two on a happy occasion, but he seriously wondered if she'd stop at just one or two.
"I know you too well, Sam. I'm not about to get drunk. Winning a few bottles ain't going to make me a tavern wench."
"I'm well aware of that."
"Then come, be the joyful, joking Sam again. This somber talk is tedious. Look, we're almost to the cottage. Who knows what drama has unfolded?"
Josephine's suspenseful moment was ruined by little red clad Maria flinging open the loft shudders and hanging out the window.
"Sam! Josie!" She called in ecstasy, waving her hands wildly to attract their attention.
"What news, Maria?" Sam called to his youngest sister.
"Catherine's getting married! To Richard!" She shrieked in girlish delight. As they neared they discerned another voice harshly scolding Maria who paid no head. "They're in the kitchen!"
"We're coming in!" Sam replied, leading Josephine into the door.
As they entered the modest cottage, they were immediately hailed into the kitchen. Catherine sprang up and hugged and kissed her friend who congratulated with the same. Richard could not peel his eyes away from his wife-to-be. Sam was immediately attacked by his half-hysterical mother and jubilant father. There was much shouting and laughing and hugging, mainly as Mrs. Parker could not bear to leave her daughter. They were all swept into the joyous matter as Josephine hung aloof at the doorway. Though she was friends with all, she was not blood, and this occasion was not meant for her. Feeling awkward, she edged silently out of the house knowing no one had noticed her disappearance.
Stepping out into the dazzling Caribbean sunset, a smile adorned her face as she thought of their happiness and all she'd have to tell at home. The image of the scene she had just left ingrained itself in her memory. A house full of children, all excited at the announcement of the first marriage in the family. Remorse welled up as she realized she'd never have that. All she had was a sister who was becoming more like a stranger and she had done nothing to allay that. Guilt rose up as she dwelled on the truth. She'd never have a brother to protect her as Catherine had. Was she envious? Indeed she was, envious of their large family, the tight bond the siblings shared. Silly notions, she thought, but they would not go away. She was half-way home when a voice halted her meditations.
"Josie!"
She turned around and confirmed her suspicions. Sam was but four paces behind her, his eyes shadowed with worry.
Stopping right beside her he asked, "Why did you leave so suddenly?"
"I didn't figure it was a moment for me to share."
"But you're a close friend to all of us, Josie."
"Aye, but in occasions like this, blood runs thicker."
"We were all surprised when you left, you gave us quite a scare."
"It's Port Royal, Sam. Nothing happens here save for a few drunks laying out in the streets. I have my cutlass, the sun's still out, and I'm perfectly safe, so you all worried for nothing." She replied bitterly, turning away from him and continuing home.
"What's the matter, Josie? Something's bothering you." Sam persisted, easily blocking her way in a few quick strides.
"It is nothing of importance, Sam, I just wish to go home. I'm dead tired and I'm sure Mother will enjoy this news."
Sam looked at her unconvinced. She sighed in exasperation, shoved around him and marched quickly home. He did not go after her, but watched and made sure she arrived safely. Then he circled around and returned to the joyous cottage that had never noticed his absence.
Congratulations! You made it! Please drop a review if you are so inclined or just speed away, whatever floats your boat, or sinks it. But I got a new shipment of rum for anyone who leaves one...
