Chapter 19

"Sparrow! What the bloody hell..." Norrington began angrily as he dove for his pistol.

Until he saw Elise lift her head and glance backwards at Andrew, a wailing sobbing Andrew. It was only then did he realize that Sparrow had shot Andrew in the shoulder and Elise had dropped to the deck when he had released his hold on her. Relief flooded through him and emotion clogged his throat, it took all his will power not to run to her and sweep her into his arms.

Instead James whipped his head around and found that Captain Little, who had been holding Lord Gold at gun point had also been shot in the shoulder.

Sparrow helped me, he thought in shock as that fact seemed to smack him over the head.

Norrington dropped his pistol and looked at Sparrow with surprise. He opened his mouth but was unsure what to say so he abruptly snapped it shut as he tried to formulate an appropriate reply.

"No worries mate." Sparrow said with a wry smile and offered his hand. Norrington returned the smile and accepted his hand, for a moment actually feeling respect for the man he had long detested.

"Thank you." Was the only thing he could come up with.

"You better go get your girl." Sparrow replied and moved off toward his crew.

James shook himself from his cloud of bewilderment and rushed over to help Elise up. He pulled her to her feet and resisted the persistent urge to gather her to him, fully aware that Lord Gold was watching them closely.

"Are you alright Elise?" He asked softly.

"Yes. Yes, I'm fine. Thank you." She whispered and moved to hug him.

"Later. We need to talk." He said in a cool distant tone as he quickly ducked her embrace and met her surprised blue eyes.

Elise watched helplessly as James left her to go help her father and she gave a frustrated sigh.

Of course he didn't want her to touch him. He'd been through who knows what kind of hells to rescue her, all on her account and due to her own recklessness. He cared for her she knew, that much was obvious, I'm helpless to deny you anything you ask of me she remembered, but why would he want her anymore? She brought nothing but drama and problems into his controlled and orderly life. And he was all about order and control.

She continued to watch as he paused to speak to Captain Sparrow again before commanding a whining Little and a howling Devereaux to their feet and shoving them roughly in the direction of the stern.

She felt her heart crumble and nausea sweep through her belly as he passed her without even so much as a sideways glance. She dimly heard him order his men to get them back to their ship.

She followed the men blindly to the row boats where she sat next to her father who had clasped his arm around her shoulder as they watched the pirate ship sink into the inky blackness of the night and the mighty Mercenary emerge.

It was a much larger ship than the Defender and she tried hide her marvel at the sheer size of it.

As they got closer she could see cannons, many many cannons, at the ready and she felt her stomach clench, solidifying her dejection.

He was ready for a battle, wasn't he. He told you from the very beginning that he was a man of the sea and that was all he ever wanted to be. Was he going to blow the ship with us on it?

He doesn't love you. He doesn't believe fate brought us together and if he doesn't believe in fate then there is nothing else I can do to convince him otherwise she thought sardonically.

She jerked and almost toppled forward as the boat began being raised then lowered onto the deck where the rest of the Mercenary crew stood awaiting their directions.

Norrington leapt from the boat and began giving the orders in rapid fire succession.

"Take these men and lock them in the brig. See that Dr. Locke tends their bullet wounds. I want two men guarding them at all times."

"Have the cook prepare some dinner for the Gold's. See that it's brought to their quarters."

"Also see that hot bath water and some blankets are brought to them."

"Lord Gold, if you'll follow me I'll show you where you'll be staying." Norrington said cordially.

"Mr. Smith see Lady Elise to her quarters please." James finished without a backward look to her as he led her father away.

"Thank you kindly for your hospitality Commodore. This is the best meal I've had in a month." Lord Gold said as he ate some of the chicken that had been brought to him. He gazed around the cozy warm cabin and glanced longingly at the bed before shifting his attention back. "That will be my most comfortable sleep in a month also."

"You're very welcome Lord Gold. I won't keep you long. Are you warm enough? Is there anything I can get you? More hot water perhaps?" Norrington asked.

"No, I'm fine. The bath and shave were very freshening. Though I appreciate your attentiveness I'm sure you have many other pressing matters to tend to. Do not let me keep you." Gold replied.

"Sir, though your well being and comfort is of great concern to me I must confess that I have a second motive in tending to you myself." Norrington said.

"Oh? And what is that Commodore?" Gold asked though he already knew the answer.

"May I speak freely?" Norrington inquired with his hands behind his back.

"Of course." Gold conceded with raised eyebrows.

"Your daughter is a very special woman. I have nothing but the utmost respect for her. She's bright, caring, beautiful and brave. She's made me see the point of life." Norrington said.

"No argument from me there." Gold smiled.

"What I'm trying to say, sir, is that I'm very much in love with her and..." Norrington began.

"I know that." Gold said, still smiling.

"You...you do?" Norrington asked.

"Only a fool would not see it." Gold laughed.

"Oh...well...erm." He felt his cheeks redden at being told that his feelings were blatantly obvious.

"In fact even a fool did see it." Gold said, seeming to delight in the Commodore's discomfort. "Andrew." He clarified at the confused look.

"I realize that I'm only an officer and she deserves better but Lord Gold..." Norrington started, forcing himself to continue.

"I must interrupt again Commodore Norrington. What do you mean only an officer?" Gold asked curiously.

"I'm not titled. I don't have the connections many men of her acquaintance do nor do I have the fortune." Norrington replied.

"I'm less worthy. She deserves someone..."

"As you saw Commodore, titles and fortune do not make a man. Case in point, Andrew." Gold argued as he stood. "I've only known you for two hours but that is enough for me to judge your character. I see a man of integrity, nobility, honor and sacrifice. Those are qualities I value above all others and qualities that many men, titled or no, lack. That is what my daughter deserves."

"Thank you sir." Norrington answered as he felt his respect for Lord Gold grow.

"Please do not hesitate to say what is on your mind. What is you want?" Gold asked.

"I'd like to have your permission to ask Lady Elise to marry me." Norrington said meeting the man's blue eyes that were so like her's.

"You've saved her life in more ways than one and twice at that. She'll be happy with you in a way she never could be with Andrew or anyone else for that matter. I've seen the way she looks at you and heard the way she speaks of you. You whole heartedly have my permission son." Gold replied as he pat him on the back. "Take care of her."

James felt momentary relief flood through him. Getting her father's permission was the easy part now he just had to face the hard part. Receiving the answer he wanted from Elise.