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Chapter 10
Elise stood at the bow railing and watched nervously as James called out orders to his men. It was just before noon and they were coming up on Port Royal. Her stomach knotted with anxiety and she silently mused how fast time could pass when you didn't want it to. Where had yesterday gone?
"How are you holding up?" James asked quietly as he passed her.
"Ok." She replied with a forced smile.
"Liar." He said and quickly squeezed her hand reassuringly. "We'll be docked in less than an hour. Why don't you return to your quarters and pack your things. I put a bag in there for you."
Elise nodded numbly and turned to do as he suggested while James watched with frustration and wished he could take her worry away. She would feel better once they received some concrete information and spoke to Lord Devereaux.
He had spent most of yesterday trying to reassure her but she wouldn't have any part of it. Not that he could really blame her. He imagined he would be putting himself through the same self torture that she was had he been in her place. The devotion she had to her father was very touching and the fact that she loved her family so completely and unapologetically beckoned to him on an untapped level, making him wonder what it would be like if she loved him that way. He quickly shook that thought away.
He was certain that her father was alive. After studying the wreckage of Gold's Red Angel James had his own suspicions on what had happened to Lord Gold but he wasn't about to share them with Elise until they reached land. He had no desire to plague her further.
"Jones! Bring her around." He ordered as he forced himself back into action.
Elise packed her things slowly. Her dresses, her comb, everything she touched seemed to have a memory of James connected with it. His burning touch, his deep voice, his rich laugh. She was going to miss the intimacy of this cabin.
She looked around, surveying the room until her eyes fell on the table where he had first taken her and her blood heated at the memory. Funny how she had almost began considering this home.
She was dreading having to face Andrew. He was definitely the least amiable person in her acquaintance. Every time she went to visit him she had to prepare herself for his condescension and censure but she never lasted long before her temper flared. She thought him rude and snobby. He thought her sassy and defiant. His opinion met little to her but this time she needed his help so she would be biting her tongue. Most forcefully and probably often.
She wondered briefly if Andrew would still treat her shabbily in front of James, then delighted in picturing James defending her honor and putting the mighty Lord Devereaux in his place. She had no doubt that he would should the occasion call for it. James would never treat a woman with the contempt that Andrew did.
That's not entirely true. Remember the day he took you shopping, she argued with herself. But at least he realized how crude he was being and apologized. He's been nothing but a perfect gentlemen since.
She fingered the bodice of her last dress to be packed, the dress that she had been rescued in. It was burned, torn and practically ruined from all the exposure to the salt but she couldn't bring herself to throw it away.
The dress had many happy memories. From the day her father had given it to her to the day that James had found her floating at sea.
She laughed out loud as a thought suddenly struck her, Andrew has finally found a use for himself. She might never have met James had it not been for Andrew's unpleasantness and this whole debacle. The only bright spot in a grey situation.
"What are you laughing at love?" Came James's voice from the doorway, pulling her from her revere.
"Irony." She replied, shoving her dress in the bag.
"What do you mean?" He inquired, striding over to her.
"Well this whole time I've been angry at myself. Blaming myself for being on that ship to begin with. But the truth is, had I not been in that exact place at that time I would never have met you." She said with more animation than she had shown in days.
James looked at her in confusion and wondered what had brought on that change. How did she go from blatant fear to perfect acceptance?
"What are you talking about Elise?" He asked with bewilderment.
"It was fate James. Fate brought us there at that moment." She said as if that explained everything.
"What is it with you and fate?" He asked nonplused.
"Do you not believe in fate?" She demanded.
"I'm not sure. Sometimes things just happen." He said honestly.
"I see." She replied, not pressing the matter further.
"I've decided something. You are so right, my father is alive. I know that now. I feel it. It's just a matter of finding him." Elise continued excitedly.
"I'm glad you are finally listening to me but it seems awful sudden. You were depressed not even forty minutes ago. What brought this on?" James wondered.
"You know, I don't know." She said.
"You are a complicated woman Miss Gold." He laughed and pressed a kiss to her forehead.
"I know. I'm sorry." She smiled.
"Never apologize for being who you are." He said and squeezed her hand.
A throat cleared in the doorway and they jumped apart innocently.
"Mr. Smith!" Elise said and ushered him in.
"I've just come to say good bye young missy." Smith said.
"Thank you. For everything. You're kindness will always be remembered." She replied.
"You're going to be staying with Commodore Norrington then?" Smith asked.
"Yes. The Commodore was kind enough to provide me with a place to stay." She said carefully.
"I told you he was a generous man. He'll keep you safe and help you find your way." Smith said in a low voice so that Commodore Norrington couldn't hear.
"You mean he'll help me find my father." She corrected.
"That too." He answered softly and hugged her briefly before backing up. "Well good bye Miss Gold. It was a pleasure. I hope we meet again."
"You too Mr. Smith. Thanks again." She said pondering his words.
"What was that about?" James asked.
"Nothing. He just came to wish me well." She replied.
"I came to tell you that we're docked. Are you finished packing?" He said as he suddenly remembered his purpose for coming in.
"Yes." She answered grabbing her bag which he promptly took for her.
"I thought we'd stop and get you more clothes, perhaps some nightgowns as well, along with some sundries. Then return to Netherfield to freshen up before going to Lord Devereaux's. What do you think?" He asked offering her his free arm and leading her out of the room.
"You are too good to me Commodore. Thank you." She replied with a smile.
Elise followed James off the ship to the waiting carriage where he introduced her to Mr. Gibson, his steward. She could see the surprise in Gibson's face when told that she would be staying at Netherfield but he masked it quickly. Obviously Netherfield was not used to hosting guests.
"I didn't know you kept a steward." Elise said when they had situated themselves in the carriage.
"I'm away so much it's the most practical." He replied.
They stopped at a clothing store just as he promised where he bought her three more dresses and four nightgowns before heading to the general store that was directly across it. After making quite a few purchases and squeezing them into the carriage Gibson took them on to Netherfield.
James was very anxious for Elise's approval. He didn't have her money but he did come from a long line of high ranking military men which afforded him a living that was better than most in his profession. He was sure Netherfield was not near as grand as her home in London but he loved his beachfront home, it was regarded as one of the most happily situated estates in Port Royal. He waited apprehensively for her reaction when they turned up the driveway.
Elise looked curiously out the window of the carriage as they approached and felt her mouth drop open unbecomingly. The house was much bigger than she would have expected and the views it must allow could not be beat.
"James! You did not tell me you lived on the beach. You're never away from the sea then are you? It's beautiful." She exclaimed as she took in the large stone house.
"Then you approve of it?" He asked.
"How could someone not? It's lovely." She assured him.
"Is that your beach?" She asked, her mind racing with wicked moonlight seductions.
"It is." He replied as the carriage stopped.
He didn't wait for Gibson to open the door before flinging it open and helping Elise down himself. He was eager to show her around now that he had her favor. He started with the grounds then made his way inside.
The more he showed her the more enthralled she became. Each room had charm to it and she could see that he'd taken great pains to see that his taste was reflected in it.
He watched her wander around, exclaiming over paintings and sculptures. He had to admit he liked her in his home. She looked so...right. As if she belonged there.
He cleared his throat against the thoughts he wasn't ready for and led her upstairs to where she would be staying. Gibson had already brought her things up and was hanging them neatly in the wardrobe.
"Mr. Gibson, we'll be needing the carriage later. We have business." James said, dismissing him.
"Aye sir. Dinner will be at five sharp. If you need anything Miss Gold don't hesitate to ask." Gibson replied, excusing himself.
Elise took in the rich furnishings before moving to enjoy the prospect from her window. She looked down at the palm trees and shoreline of the ocean and smiled.
"James. I can't imagine a more beautiful view." She said.
"I'm glad you like it." He replied.
"Where's your room?" She asked curiously.
"Just down the hall. I'll leave you to rest then. I'm sure you're tired." He said as he made his way to the door.
"I am." She admitted, hard on his heels. "I always forget how odd it feels being on land after so long at sea. I think I'll take a nap."
"I'll send one of the servants to wake you near dinner." He said as he turned around, surprised she was so close.
"Have I thanked you yet?" She as she wrapped her arms around his neck and pressed a soft kiss to his surprised lips. She sank her fingers into his hair and moaned in pleasure as he gathered her close and deepened it until they were both panting for breath.
Why was every kiss like that? It just burned out of control too quickly and left him wanting her.
"Only a few hundred times. But if they all go like that you can thank me a few hundred more." He said disentangling himself from her temptation. "Pleasant dreams." He added before he closed the door.
After dinner James summoned the carriage and they set off toward Lord Devereaux's, both with apprehension in their stomach. James held her hand in what he hoped was a supporting manner, alternating between squeezing it and patting it reassuringly.
James felt his jaw drop at the enormous house that was drawing ever closer. It was three stories high and seemed to be a mile long. He was momentarily unsure why she would want him instead of Lord Devereaux, who could clearly give her so much more than he could ever dream of. Even her next words couldn't take away the intimidation.
"I have to warn you, Andrew speaks with great superciliousness." She said as James helped her from the carriage.
"Even to you?" He asked incredulously, guiding her up the walkway.
"The only one he shows any respect to is his father." She replied before knocking on the heavy teak door.
An aloof grey haired man in his fifties opened the door, his eyes widened with shock when they registered the person on the other side.
"Lady Gold! What a pleasant surprise. Come in." The butler said.
"Hello Mr. Bright. This is Commodore James Norrington." She replied.
"How do you do sir? I'll tell Master you're here. You may wait in the parlor." Mr. Bright said before disappearing into the vast house.
"Are you alright?" She asked James as she led him to the parlor. He looked positively apprehensive.
"You said he was wealthy but I had no idea his estate was this large." He answered unsurely. He wondered just how big her home in London was. If her father's wealth exceeded Lord Devereaux's he couldn't begin to imagine what sort of mansion she lived in. He began to feel less and less worthy of her.
"I told you he was obsessed with money. It's all a show for visitors." She whispered when she heard footsteps nearing them.
James and Elise watched the doorway expectantly until Lord Andrew Devereaux was framed in it.
Small cliffy just to keep you wanting more :)
I'm so mean.