Chapter 6: We'll Always Have Paris


James Norrington stood on the new helm of the Dauntless. The coast of France was in sight, and in particular, Paris. He smiled at a thought, then called up a sailor. "Take a boat, and this message to the captain of the Britannia; she and I are..."
"...to enter the capital, inform Count Vergennes of our arrival, do the same courtesy for Doctor Franklin and Congressman Deane, and then...enjoy the city of Paris until daybreak?" AnaMaria regarded the sailor. She thought a moment, then said, "You may take your boat back to the Dauntless, and tell Admiral Norrington that he is..."
"...an overly romantic sap, with no concept of subterfuge or decency, and am expected to meet her onshore." James Norrington raised an eyebrow. "Sounds as though it might be a perfectly sound plan. How peculiar."
Charles Gravier, Count of Vergennes was very polite and happy to greet them, as well as thank them for providing an alternate means to protect their shipments, and keep the English ships from their usual surveillance of the Atlantic. Silas Deane, Congressman of Connecticut was also pleased to meet them, and thank them for bringing a fleet to protect America's interests. Doctor Benjamin Franklin, James Norrington found, was a charming gentleman who was very clever to note that their purpose was to act in the interests of America, and not for America itself. He was also well aware of the relationship between he and AnaMaria, though having the good graces to wait until the woman was out of earshot to comment on such. "A fine woman, lad. I must say that I find myself charmed by her."

"Rather like the snake charms Eve," James muttered. "Well, Doctor, a scarlet woman might also be charming, but make the wrong move, and...You find yourself in mild peril," he finished awkwardly.

Franklin grinned. "Another blissful property of being old."

"What might that be, Doctor?"

Franklin said, "At my age, the pen truly is mightier than the sword."

Even James couldn't help grinning.


Paris was a beautiful city. James didn't quite know why, but it was. Perhaps it was the air; London's air was soot-filled and dirty. Perhaps it was the architecture; the French were master builders, it seemed. Perhaps it was the flow of the French language.

Or perhaps it was the woman with him. She was incredibly gorgeous, but he knew that if he were to state that fact, he would be at serious risk of dismemberment by saber. James decided that it was the inherent danger in a relationship with AnaMaria that made everything seem so alive and beautiful.

He didn't state that opinion, either. But she knew he thought so, and that was enough for her.


The two strolled through the beautiful stretch of land called Tuileries Gardens. They simply enjoyed each other's company, never having to say anything; what could be said was already known.

They walked through and out of the gardens, and stood upon the banks of the Seine. James found a bench, and took a seat, guiding Ana down next to him. As they got comfortable, he made a mental note to tell Will that this was absolutely the most romantic place for a man and woman on the face of the Earth. Then again, that could lead to awkward questioning about how he might know that. Scratch mental note.

"James, what are we going to do?"

"I'm sorry?" He didn't quite understand what she meant.

"We can't be pirates all our lives, but we love the sea. We can't raid, pillage and plunder when we're Doctor Franklin's age, but we don't know anything else. So what are we going to do, James?"

He thought, and then simply put an arm 'round her shoulders. Staring out across the Seine River, he simply said, "Well, we'll always have Paris."

And they always would.


A/N: Yes. I am a feckless, terrible, romantic sap. Sorry, chums, but I felt we needed a break from all the action. And incidentally, went to see Pirates II the other night. WOW. Incredibly good, though it doesn't bode well for Will/Liz fans, and now that messes up my story with Admiral of the Royal Navy, James Norrington. But the best moment of all was this: "So tell me, what's become of my ship?" REVIEW!