Special Delivery, Chapter 6

This is a tale that belongs somewhere after the Kettle of Hawks story line. No angst, no hurt. A Christmas one shot story that keeps growing. I have kept Theo as Groves' first name as I like it; unfortunately I do not know who first used it so credit is due to that person. Gillette appears to have chosen Dominic for his name, at least in my universe.

Disclaimer: the usual. Don't own, belongs to the Mouse, no infringement intended, no profit made.

Rating: G, maybe; certainly no worse than PG.

Draw nigh with lowly fear

Christmas Eve morning dawned fair and bright and promised to be a scorcher, even for Jamaica. The only saving grace to the heat was a fine brisk on-shore breeze that kept things bearable; England's damp and gloom were long ago forgotten by many who had made their homes here but recollected with nostalgia by others. Nostalgia may have had its place in the hearts of some of the residents but it did not extend to fond reminiscing over chilblains, catarrh and rheum.

Lieutenants Groves and Gillette were among those who had left the old world behind them for the foreseeable future, even though the latter's fair Irish complexion and auburn hair made him a chronic victim to the sun's harsh rays. His friend was more fortunate, having been blessed with an olive skin that tanned easily in these tropic climes. Gillette was thankful his uniform was blue, rather than the scarlet of the Marines; he shuddered at the thought of appearing even more lobster-like than he usually did.

"What time is it, Theo? We don't want to be late paying our respects."

"You just want to get a better look at that female pirate. That's all."

"You wound me! I merely wish to be a good guest and arrive promptly; it is after all the Governor's mansion we're on our way to visit this morning, to proffer our services to Mistress Turner during this so busy season." Gillette paused for a beat then went on. "Besides, you've already had an opportunity to go out to your favourite pirate ship, hobnob with your favourite pirates and have the pleasure of escorting one of them, a female, no less, to the mansion as a guest."

"You're merely jealous, Dom. I went about my duty as I had been ordered."

"And, lest we forget, you also brought your favourite pirate captain back with you, a certain Jack Sparrow."

"Dom! Cease and desist, you wretch."

"You know as well as I do James is perfectly aware how fascinated you are with that ship and her crew and took pity on you. He must be getting fatigued by this time, hearing all about the oh-so-fine qualities of that Jack Sparrow. I mean, even while the man's stealing the Interceptor, you were going on how Sparrow was the 'best pirate I've ever seen.' Completely insufferable."

"At least I wasn't going on about mermaids, now, was I? And let us not forget being run down by the largest ship in these waters. Besides, James agreed with me, even as he was attempting to sink the Interceptor."

Gillette had heard more than enough about those confounded mermaids to last him a life time but he wasn't about to admit defeat, he was a son of Erin and had to hold up to his ancestors' standard. There were opportunities this Yule season that he intended to work to the utmost, after all, that was what junior officers were created for. He understood that James was hampered in such pleasures by his more exalted position nowadays but had a chequered past to match the best, or should he say worst, of them.

"Never mind about the mermaids, there are more important things to attend to. With all the fuss and furor over the balls and fetes and whatever, there must be at least some things with which we could assist Mrs. Turner and her more interesting friends."

"I do not recollect you and Mrs. Turner being on such amicable terms in the past, Dom. In fact, the pair of you seemed more like wet cats hissing and spitting at each other during that episode with Barbossa."

"That was two years past, Theo; we've managed to come to some sort of truce since then. We're not bosom friends, of course, but we get along much better than we used to."

Gillette said this with as trustworthy an expression as he could manage. Groves looked at his fellow conspirator for a moment and gave up for the time being; this was not a battle he was going to succeed in winning and he really would rather get on with their plans. If they were going to enliven the festive season without bringing the Governor, the Commodore and the magistrates down upon their heads, then their planning would be critical. They had learned a lot from Norrington over the years regarding strategy and tactics and the ladies had shown themselves to be worthy opponents, indicating they would likely prove valuable as allies in this venture. Their intent was not to cause any harm, at least of the permanent kind, merely to stir up a few deserving folk.

"All right, Gillette, enough of this. What sort of ideas have you had so far?"

"Actually, I was thinking we could get on with our visit to Mrs. Turner and Miss Anamaria, make our obeisance and sound the depths, test the waters, that sort of thing."

"Sounds a good place to begin. Are we taking any presents or tokens of our regard up to the mansion this morning? It is Christmas Eve and we have been most kindly invited to sup there this evening. It would look better if we did not arrive with empty hands, even being such lowly creatures as lieutenants."

"We could find some suitable little things in the shops on the way, I expect. Can't say I have any idea what a lady pirate would find acceptable, what would you suggest? Knives, pistols, cannons, that sort of thing, perhaps?"

"You know perfectly well we would have to steal a cannon and then haul the thing up that hill. Completely impractical, to say the least. A fine knife or pistol or silk scarf even would be more reasonable. You know, that's not such a bad notion, even if it is one of yours, Dom."

"What can I say, other than that I'm brilliant?"

"Define brilliant."

« Mais non, mon ami. Il est suffisant d'être brillant. Étant brillant, on n'a pas besoin de le définir. »

"It's a wonder you can still fit your hat on your head, you know."

"There's no need to be insulting, Theo."

"I know."

"That's not very nice of you."

"I know."

"See if Father Christmas remembers you tonight."

"That the best you can do?"

"We'd best be going if we have to shop on the way. Do you have enough money on you?"

"Changing the subject means I win and, yes, I have some money. How are you fixed?"

"I'm a frugal sort so, yes, I have enough also."

"Frugal might not be the word most people would choose for you, Dominic. Nipcheese and miserly may be used more often to describe your way with money."

"There is no need to be insulting, Theo. I don't have a huge income any more than you do and it has to last. As long as we are posted to a ship or a shore berth, then it's not so bad but there's no telling if or when we would land up on the beach. A few nice fat prizes would be appreciated."

"Maybe the New Year will send a few our way."

"Anyhow you know it's the French part that's frugal; the Irish is much more open-handed."

"Profligate may be a better choice of word."

While the two men were sniping at each other, they had been donning their uniform jackets, tidying their wigs and cuffs, and settling their cocked hats in place. A final check in the small mirror allotted to their common room and a glance over each other to ensure nothing had been missed and they were off to set their schemes into motion, their eyes alight with anticipation.

"I trust you slept well, Anamaria?"

"Yes, I did. Bit of a surprise for me, I've not slept on such a soft bed before. Comin' ashore is always hard for me, at least at first, the land stays too still and sometimes I feel sick from it."

"The Black Pearl has her own motion and feeling, doesn't she?"

"Yeah, the little boats are one thing but a big ship like her rides somethin' diff'rent, slower and wider kinda."

"Do you notice when you come ashore that everything on the land moves the same way a ship rolls from side to side?"

"Sure. Takes a while for things to settle down and stay where they are supposed to be. Sometimes I think that's why Jack rolls around so much when he's on land but wit' that one, there's no tellin' if it be real or somethin' goin' on in his head."

"It would seem that the jury remains undecided on that score."

"It's prob'ly the rum."

"Possibly, but he still swayed and lurched even after I'd burned all the rum on that island Barbossa marooned us on and it's not like James would give a pirate an unlimited supply of rum either aboard ship or in prison."

"Maybe it's the sun addled him. There's 'nough stories around the islands about him. Throw in Gibbs and those sea turtles of his and who knows where the truth lies?"

Both young women had broad grins on their faces as they insulted Captain Jack Sparrow in absentia. Whatever the truth of the man's elaborately staggering gait, there was no reason for them to abstain from sharpening their claws. Whilst they were exchanging comments, Elizabeth was helping Anamaria out of the confining covers and into a light robe of violet silk. The pirate stroked the fabric in pleasure as her friend exclaimed how well the colour suited her.

"Come then, Anamaria, breakfast is waiting and there is much to do today. The guests won't be arriving until mid-afternoon so we can have some time to pursue other interests."

With that, the two quickly made their way to the small breakfast room that the Governor, Elizabeth and Will used when they dined en famille. Entering, they discovered the two men were already well in to their meal. Swann and Turner both stood to greet the young women and courteously seated them, Elizabeth making the first moves to show Anamaria what to do. Will bent over his wife's shoulder and kissed her lightly before taking his place again, each smiling happily at the other.

Weatherby waited for the pirate lass to allow him to slip her chair into the proper position and then returned to his comfortable armchair at the head of the table, making sure to catch Anamaria's eye and winked before he enquired after her first night in her guest room. A bit overwhelmed yet, Anamaria answered in a very subdued voice that her room was very nice, thank you, and that she had slept well enough for being ashore.

"I am pleased that the room was satisfactory although it is not the same as being on one's ship, I would gather. It is most fortunate that your captain was able to spare you from your duties to be our guest here. Elizabeth was so looking forward to your company. I am afraid, however, that my daughter intends to enlist your aid in some of her endeavours over the next fortnight. You must be sure not to allow her to overwork you nor permit her to persuade you into her more outrageous schemes. The town might never survive it."

At these words, delivered in a very kind and humorous voice, Anamaria looked up to see a very knowing look in Weatherby Swann's eye and more than a little enjoyment of the situation. She realized that Elizabeth's father was perfectly aware of his daughter's intentions and would indulge her in the campaign about to be launched. She figured that her friend's father must be well used to such carrying-ons and that he looked prepared to enjoy the spectacle. Abruptly, she saw Swann not as a member of the nobility but as the father of a kindred spirit; with this realization, Ana began to relax and take an interest in the variety of foodstuffs laid out on the table and the sideboard, curious to see what the nobs ate in the morning.

"When we dine like this, just the family and close friends, we do not trouble to stand on ceremony and thus we serve ourselves, my dear. The staff are exceedingly busy this at this time with the preparations for the dinner tonight and the ball at the New Year. Please help yourself to whatever takes your fancy on the serving table. If I may make a recommendation, the devilled kidneys are especially fine today as is the ham. Cook has a way with curing meats that is exceptional in these parts."

Anamaria thanked Elizabeth's father, not only for his breakfast suggestions but his courtesy toward her; it could not be everyday that a privateer woman of colour sat at his table. She appreciated the kindness and followed Elizabeth's lead in filling her plate and settling in to enjoy the meal. Jack had noticed her nervousness at the thought of being a guest in the Governor's home and had told her to simply follow Elizabeth's lead when it came to table manners and the like; if she needed further instruction, all Ana had to do was ask her friend in private. For once, Sparrow had offered sensible advice that worked and she was grateful to him for that, although she had no intention of admitting it except under duress.

Will had observed Anamaria's strategy in learning the new ropes of polite society and approved. He had begun in much the same manner and had grown far easier in his relations with Port Royal's upper crust. He still thought of his actions as playacting or a veneer laid over his humble origins but that notion came far less often now than it had at the beginning.

"What are your plans today before you have to get ready for the dinner tonight?" Swann asked the ladies, carefully sounding the depths for potential disasters. He had no objections to their enterprises as long as no one was hurt, property was not destroyed, and most importantly, his household was not thrown into even greater upheaval than it currently was.

He looked over to his son-in-law and saw that Will was listening just as intently and circumspectly for the answer. Catching Will's eye, Swann exchanged a look of commiserating fellowship; neither man wished to be in easy reach of the young women until their presence was required at the dinner. With any luck, each man would succeed in making his escape while the young ladies were finishing their breakfast. For his part, Weatherby had decided that the terrace would be his path to freedom, he considered Will had youth and a better turn of speed and could be abandoned to his fate. Besides, he knew his daughter would view her husband as the target of preference.

Will had realized what his father-in-law was already anticipating being drawn in willy-nilly to Elizabeth's machinations and preparing to abandon ship at the most opportune moment, as Jack would say. Thinking of Jack's scheming ways made Will look at Elizabeth's father speculatively, although he was careful to keep his overt attention on his eggs and ham. The two men actually had a number of traits in common and each used appearances and costume to divert attention. He managed to keep his expression bland; else he would have drawn unwelcome attention as he burst out laughing at the picture of Governor and pirate in each other's place and garb.

Conversation progressed during the meal with the men content to supply simple one or two word answers any time a question appeared to be directed toward them. The young women were going through various scenarios, several of which raised the hairs on the necks of the listeners. Neither man wanted to become embroiled in the schemes, leave that for braver or more foolhardy souls.

Fortunately Weatherby and Will had already progressed well into their morning repast prior to the arrival of Elizabeth and Anamaria. To further their bids for escape, both ladies were still en dishabille and would require time to finish dressing for their activities. The gentlemen each began to move back from the table at the same time, causing them to glance rapidly at the other before continuing as if nothing was untoward. Weatherby wandered over to the serving table which was fortuitously situated by the doors to the terrace. He hoped that Will's ploy would be more blatant, thus allowing him to slip outside unnoticed.

"Elizabeth, there's a gift I need to do some final touch ups before it can be given. I won't be long, love. Enjoy yourselves this morning, ladies."

With this innocent statement, Will smiled at Anamaria and leaned down to kiss his wife goodbye for the nonce, trying desperately not to interrupt her and draw attention to himself. He noticed peripherally that his father-in-law had managed to let himself out to the terrace without being apprehended, a final flip of dove grey coattails showing Swann slipping around the corner. Had he been able to see through the walls, Will was convinced that the older man would have picked up his heels as soon as he was out of sight of his daughter. One down, one to go.

Elizabeth smiled as her young husband kissed her cheek and felt the warmth of his hand as he rested it on her shoulder, his fingers caressing a lock of her hair. She was not paying strict attention to what he was saying at the moment and turned to make an inquiry of her father, only to discover he was no longer in the room, a partially closed glassed door showing where he had gone. She turned back to ask Will what her father had told him regarding his plans for the day, only to find that he too had taken advantage of her distraction to make a stealthy exit whilst her back was turned.

Anamaria had noticed the by-play between the men but kept quiet for the moment, too amused by their complete cowardice to interrupt the family. She had thought that such nonsense was more in Jack Sparrow's line but had never imagined the upper classes to be so similar. She was also enjoying her friend's look of surprise and annoyance at being abandoned by husband and father.

"Well, would you look at that, Ana? Both of them! Fleeing like rats leaving a sinking ship."

"Can't say I blame them any. You've got the wind in your sails now, girl, and they know what would be in store for them if they stayed hanging around here too long. Like Jack would say, they saw their opportune moments and made the best of 'em."

Elizabeth stared at her friend for a moment, contemplating the similarities between Governor, swordsmith and pirate. She still thought of Jack as a pirate even knowing he was now, officially, a privateer of some ilk. How close his definition of the term marched to that of the government was anyone's guess. For the moment, she had other things to worry about than how a pirate thought of himself.

"That may be true but it's still a nuisance. I had plans for both of them today before our dinner party later on and now look, the pair has bolted like the cravens they are. Now what am I to do?"

"P'raps somet'ing or someone will show up. You never know what's going to come to the door out of the blue. You, of all people, should know that."

Anamaria laughed at her disgruntled friend. Regardless of what happened, she could figure on being entertained today. She could almost see wheels turning in Elizabeth's head as they finished their breakfast. Once done, they would return to their rooms and finish dressing for the morning's activities, whatever they would turn out to be.

"What do you think of this one?" Would it suit her better than this one over here?"

"It's very nice, Theo. In fact, it's just as nice as the previous five you've hauled out for a look."

"I've never bought a gift for a pirate woman before. It's hard to know just which would be appropriate. After all, it's not like we really know her at all."

"You've gone through every silk scarf they had in the last shop and now you're upsetting this merchant as well."

"Well, what would you pick for her?"

"Ah, at last he's asking a real question. Thought I was going to grow roots in here waiting for you to make up your mind."

"Dominic, I'm really asking you. Now shut up and help me."

"Help me, he says. You're being utterly pathetic you know, Theodore. It's such a sad sight to see a fine naval officer sink so low."

"Shut it and make yourself useful, for once. We can argue later."

"Ooh, getting a bit snarky, are we?"

At the irate glare from his friend, Gillette relented and took pity on Groves. He cast an eye over the selection of silk scarves and inquired as to Miss Anamaria's colouring, features and stature. Upon hearing the answers and, bearing in mind the lady in question was a sailor, he turned aside from the scarves Theo had pulled out onto the counter and reached beneath a pile on another shelf. In triumph, he shook it out and cast it flamboyantly over the other scarves.

Groves looked at it in satisfaction, his friend had a keen eye for fine fabrics and this scarf was perfect. A deep lustrous gold, the silk had been very finely embroidered in darker shades of silk threads, some almost a deep warm bronze. Here and there a highlight in crimsons shimmered in the light, making the whole thing exotic and rich, something a woman pirate would appreciate.

"It appears you are good for something, after all, Dom. That's absolutely perfect."

"Good. Now that that is settled, can we get a move on and get there sometime in the forenoon?"

On that note, Groves turned to negotiate with the shopkeeper for the purchase and his friend intercepted him with the admonition to keep to things he knew best and to leave something like this to him. The French blood was much superior to either the English or the Irish when it came to such business transactions. Groves had seen Gillette haggle down many a tradesman and knew his friend was merely stating the truth of the matter; besides, this way he would even manage to save a little money. Trailing along behind the younger man, Groves settled down to wait as Gillette opened the bargaining.

A short while later, the two lieutenants were able to leave the shop with the last of their morning purchases and then made their way along to the Governor's mansion. At the front entry, they checked each other for neatness and then Groves rapped the ornate door knocker against the strike plate. When the door was opened by the footman, the butler appeared and inquired after their business here.

"Would you please inform Mrs.Turner that Lieutenants Groves and Gillette are here to pay a call?"

"Certainly, sir. Would the gentlemen please follow me to the green salon whilst Mrs.Turner is informed?"

"Thank you."

With that, the butler led them through the large airy foyer to the salon on the cooler side of the building. The day was already proving to be a warm one and would only get hotter as the hours went by; any respite from the heat would be welcomed. The salon was in fact a pale soft green, aiding the illusion of a pleasant coolness, helped along by ferns and such. The tall windows were further shaded by large mahogany and broadleaf trees.

In less than a quarter hour, their hostess arrived in something of a flurry, her house guest on her heels. The men stood and made their bows gracefully to each lady. Elizabeth motioned to Anamaria to come sit with her on the settee and then she bade the officers to be seated.

"It is so nice of you to pay us a visit this morning, LieutenantGroves,Lieutenant Gillette. May I enquire what brings you our way today?"

"Yes, ma'am. It being Christmas, the Commodore has given us some leave today so we thought we might be able to offer our services to assist you in some way. We know how busy hostesses are at this season and as you have been so kind as to invite both of us for the dinner party this evening, we wondered if we could repay your kindness."

At Groves' polite words, Elizabeth and Anamaria looked first at the lieutenants in their smart blue uniforms and white wigs and then at each other. Slow smiles of satisfaction spread acrossthe ladies' faces as they turned back to the men. A cynical person might have suggested there was also an element of cunning under the satisfied expressions.

"Mr. Groves, you and Mr. Gillette could not have come at a more opportune time. There are indeed some matters in which we would appreciate the assistance of two such gentlemen as yourselves." As Elizabeth made her reply, all four exchanged glances, eyes beginning to sparkle with gleeful anticipation.

In the study of the Commodore's house, James looked over at his disreputable friend as a rattle of beads and trinkets caught his attention. Jack had abruptly shivered, sending his adornments into motion.

"What is it, Jack? You look like a goose just walked over your grave."

"Might want to rig storm canvas, Jamie."

"How so? What are you feeling?"

"A change in the weather."

James rose from his desk and walked out onto the terrace, peering up at the sky and out to the sea. The winds and the smells on the air seemed perfectly normal, a pleasant day all around. Jack had wandered out to stand beside him, to see what the Navy man was about.

"It's not that kind of change, James. You'll need to look elsewhere."

"By elsewhere, I'd venture a guess you mean Elizabeth and Anamaria and the mayhem they hope to wreak upon Port Royal."

"'xactly so, Commodore. Seems you're not so slow, after all."

"You're not the only one who gets these feelings, you know. I just hide them better, that's all."

"Typical sailors, the pair of us. Superstitious and smellin' things on the breeze."

"Goes with the territory. Things should blow over fairly soon so we might as well settle back and enjoy it."

"Seems you're planning to enjoy the uproar."

"Why ever not?"

"Why not, indeed?"

TBC