Hello once again, and welcome to the next installation of this story which has been fluttering around the inside of my head trying to fight its way out for the past several weeks. I noticed that there were several grammar and spelling errors in my last chapter, and I do apologize as I have been working hard here lately and not had as much time to write or proofread. Now that the craft fairs are over, maybe I can get some serious writing done again…in between the holiday shopping that is… 'sigh'….

You reviewers are wonderful people, and I wish I had the space to salute you each personally, but they kind of frown on that so I'll just give you all a big verbal hug instead. I can't tell you how much your kind words are appreciated. Reader comments are what keep writers like me going, and I will do my best to try to keep you all entertained.

Disclaimer: As always, I do not own any characters from Disney's POTC; all I own are the story line and the original characters, and I am making no profit from publishing this story. That being said, on to the next chapter!

Chapter 9: A Deal With The Devil…..

Linnet flew up off the sofa with a cry of distress, both for the shocking news and for her clumsiness with the fine china cup. Elizabeth hastily reassured her guest as she grabbed a linen napkin to dry the spilled tea from her new friend's gown. "Don't fret about the cup, Linnet. My father replaced all the fine china at the Governor's mansion when he remarried last year, so I inherited enough dishes to last a lifetime. I doubt I'll ever have 40 guests at one time for tea." She met the dumbfounded look on Linnet's face with a grin. "Being the daughter of the Governor of Port Royal isn't always easy, but it does have its advantages." She and her husband exchanged a loving glance that made Linnet just a tad bit uncomfortable as she sank back on the sofa, a myriad of thoughts darting like angry wasps inside her head.

"Have they any clues as to who could have committed such a foul crime?" Linnet was pleased that her voice sounded as calm as it did; inside she was shaking like a leaf. With her ward's intended husband dead, where would that leave Miranda and herself?

"None, from what I've heard. The poor man was found on the floor beside his bed, face up with a dagger in his belly….I beg your pardon, ladies." Will spoke up again from the doorway, a look of apology on his face as he noticed them pale at the crude description of the murder scene. "There was a rumor that he wasn't quite stable and in his madness had taken his own life, but few townsfolk found any relevance to that theory. He was a recluse, true, but those who knew him well knew him to be of sound mind."

Elizabeth sat back as Mary returned to remove the tea things and swept up the remaining bits of broken glass from the parlor floor. "The ladies spoke of little else at Lady Margaret's tea yesterday, albeit without the messy details of the crime. Apparently, his nephew Bartholomew will inherit Leighton's Shipping and his estate, though rumor has it that the two of them weren't exactly on speaking terms with each other. I know very little of him personally, other than that he is yet unmarried and is much sought after by the ladies with daughters of marriageable age."

Jack spoke up for the first time since the conversation had taken such a dark turn. "Well then, it seems that with her future husband being a bit, well, dead, you and that riggin' climbing poppet o'yours appear to be at loose ends, ay?"

Before Linnet could formulate a reply, Elizabeth shuddered and snapped at Jack. "I HATE it when you use THAT word, and you well know it, Jack Sparrow. Kindly refrain from using it again in my presence or I'll have my loving husband demonstrate firsthand on your mangy pirate carcass why he is so well known for his sword-making abilities, savvy?"

Jack put both hands up in front of him as if to surrender as he chuckled, the gold in his teeth matching the wicked gleam of humor in his brown eyes. "Sorry luv, can't seemed to stop meself from tweakin' you….you're positively stunning when you're in a fit o' pique." Seeing the look of confusion on Linnet's face, he smiled broadly. "Elizabeth can't stand the word loose….bad memories and all." He tilted his head, and extended his hands in a gallant gesture of entreaty toward the infuriated Elizabeth. "Sweeting, we all know those rumors were unfounded, luv." He cackled as his best friend's wife threw the soggy napkin she was holding at his head. Taking a step back, he nudged Will in the side with an elbow before speaking behind his hand in a loud stage whisper. "I don't envy you right now, mate….breeding women known for being testy and all."

Will grinned widely and looked fondly at his glaring wife before he replied. "Aye, that's true enough Jack, but I've also heard that in some lucky cases that expectant motherhood also has the wonderful effect of making a woman both busty and lusty. And I happen to be a very lucky man. " Both men chuckled as the two ladies groaned in disgust and blushed hotly, one from modesty and the other from guilt.

"Men can be such Neanderthals at times, really…." Elizabeth was still flushed as she turned back to the conversation and hand, but Linnet noticed that her hostess also didn't deny the allegation. "Much as I hate to admit though, Jack did bring up a valid point. With Miranda's betrothed newly laid to rest, your expectations for your future in Port Royale have altered significantly. Have you considered what your next steps shall be?"

Linnet hesitated, formulating her words and thoughts carefully. "I believe we first need to pay a call on Bartholomew Leighton and inform him that we are alive. After that, I guess it all depends on whether or not Leighton chooses to honor the betrothal contract and marries Miranda in his uncle's stead. If he chooses not to do so, she and I could run into some…." Here she hesitated "difficulties." She released a deep sigh before she continued. "He could very well demand that we sail back to England and that the dowry his uncle paid be returned to the estate. If my uncle refuses, then Leighton could quite possibly take the matter to court and get a judgement against my family, and it would be within his rights to do so. Knowing my uncle Henry the way that I do, the funds have likely already been spent, not that he would return them even if they were still in his possession." Linnet stared blankly ahead, her voice flat and devoid of emotion as she continued. "That being the case, it is highly possible if he were to win the judgement, Miranda and I would be forced into indentured service until the debt is paid off."

Elizabeth gasped. "Why put yourself through that, Linnet? Really, there's no need for you to even approach Leighton with this matter. As far as he knows, you were taken captive on a pirate ship, with no expectations of ever reaching civilization again. You and Miranda are more than welcome to remain here with us, as my distant cousins, or I'd be glad to speak with my father and Lady Margaret to make arrangements for you to join the Governor's household if you'd prefer."

Linnet reached out and took her hostesses hands with a fond smile. "I do thank you for your kind offer, Elizabeth, but I'm afraid I have to refuse. I refuse to make Miranda hide away like a criminal when we've done nothing except do our best to honor an agreement we had no part in making. Besides, my ward's…enthusiasm for living…would make it impossible for us to keep up any kind of pretense, and I can only imagine the repercussions if our deception were made known, not only for us but for you as well. I can't take that chance." She patted Elizabeth's hand softly before releasing it. "And who knows, perhaps Bartholomew Leighton will decide to honor the contract his departed uncle made with mine, and I will have worried for naught." She glanced up to find a suddenly serious pair of brown eyes staring directly into hers. Her voice was light as she spoke, but her eyes showed her determination to protect herself and her ward.

"And if worst comes to worst, I'll make a deal with the devil myself if it will keep Miranda and myself safe from harm."

COMING UP NEXT: Linnet and Miranda meet Bartholomew Leighton and Jack leaves them to face their fate…at least for now. Will our heroines settle easily into life in Port Royal? Or will the murderer strike again? Stay Tuned!