I apologize for the long awaited update. This chapter was harder because of the multiple singing parts. I had to find the lyrics with the people who sang them. Please read and review!
Chapter 3 Speculation
The dancers crowded around Bootstrap Bill, intrigued and excited. Madame Tia had left to take care of an argument that had erupted between Jack and Barbossa. The girls had decided to not continue practice until she came back. Anamaria stood far in the back, arms crossed and smirking. When her aunt came back Bottstrap would get it. She enjoyed when Tia snapped at people because the receiver's face was always priceless.
"Tell us the ledgend Bootstrap!" a girl cried out eagerly. Bootstrap grinned as he sat on a barrel.
Like rotting flesh is his skin…
Two small slits served as the nose that never grew…
You must always be on your guard
Or he will catch you with his magical lasso!
Bootstrap flung a rope over a nearby girl who squealed in surprise and he grinned. He released her and continued his tale.
Those who speak of what they know find
Too late, that prudent silence is wise.
Tia arrived and glared at the man. She shook her head and snapped at him.
Bootstrap Bill, hold your tonuge-
He will burn you with the heat of his eyes!
All the while she snagged the rope from Bootstrap and made a makeshift lasso, tightening it around his neck to prove her point.
"All of you! Shame! Get back to practice! Now!" Tia snapped at the group. They quickly scurried away from her wrath. Anamaria gave a quiet chuckle. Tia turned quickly and the girl stopped. "Bootstrap! Heed the words of your legend! Anamaria, come with me." Tia walked away in a huff, her neice at her heels.
Jack and Barbossa stood in the brightly lit office room. Jack was relentlessly paced back and forth. He bitterly shook his hands and Barbossa growled out loud.
Mystery after gala night!
If says, Mystery of soprano's flight!
"Mystified" baffled Surete say,
We are mystified-we suspect foul play!
Bad news of the soprano scene-
First Abigail, now Elizabeth!
Barbossa smirked as pleasant thoughts swarmed his head. Jack the monkey jumped from his shoulders and onto the desk, snagging a peanut from Jack's hand. He stared at the monkey before snagging it back and proclaiming "My peanut!"
Ah, but still at least the seats get sold
Gossip's worth its weight in gold…
Diva tenders resignation!
Cover does a moonlight flit!
Half your cast dissappears,
But the crowds still cheers!
Opera!
To heck with Gluck and Handel-
Have a scandal and you're sure to have a hit!
Jack glared at Barbossa. He shook his head, not seeing what Barbossa was.
Abominable!
Will they walk out?
This is abominable!
Barbossa tried to shush Jack, huffing at him.
Jack please don't shout!
It's publicity!
And the take is vast!
Free publicity!
Jack stared at him unfazed and hyped up. He swaggered up to the other man and looked him as strait in the eye as he could muster. Jack pulled Barbossa's bottle of rum from his hand and chugged it down in a gulp.
But we have no cast…
Barbossa stared unbelieving at the intoxicated man. Maybe Jack had too much rum…
But Jack
Have you seen the queue?
Oh it seems you've got one too…
Jack held up a folded sheet of parchment, carefully unfolded it and read the sheet aloud.
"Dear Jack, what a charming gala!
Elizabeth enjoyed a great success!
We were hardly bereft when Abigail left-
Otherwise, the chorus was entrancing .
But the dancing was a lamentable mess!"
Barbossa began to read his note aloud in a louder and more boastful voice.
"Dear Hector, just a quick reminder:
My debt has not been paid.
Send it care of the ghost,
By return of post-
No one likes a debtor,
So it's better if my orders are obeyed!"
Barbossa scowled. He was reminded of owing money while Jack got complements. How unfair it was. Barbossa and Jack opened their mouths and stated:
Who would have the gall to send this?
Someone with a peurile brain!
These are both signed "O.G."
Barbossa observed the letters carefully. Jack snorted loudly,
Who the heck is he?
"Opera ghost!"
They glared at the papers, dangerous fire playing in their eyes.
He's abusing our position !
In addition he wants money!
He's a funny sort of spectre…
…to expect a large retainer!
Nothing plainer-he's clearly quite insane!
Will thrust open the door, slamming it into the wall. He stormed into the room, looking both men in their eyes.
Where is she?
He demanded to know. The two managers looked at each other, questioning the other. Jack answered him first.
You mean Abigail?
I mean Miss Swann-where is she?
Well how should we know?
Barbossa snapped at the young Turner. Will glared at him, if he was messing with his head…
I want an answer-
I take it that you sent me this note?
What's all this nonsense?
Of course not!
Jack looked dumbfounded. Another note! And Will thought they had sent it to him! Was it signed "O.G." too? Barbossa snapped at the youngest of the three.
Don't look at us!
Will calmed down a bit and stood still. He took a deep breath and sighed before he responded.
She's not with you then?
Of course not!
We're in the dark!
Will waved a pale sheet of paper at them, flashing them the words written in black ink.
Monsieur, don't argue-
Isn't this the letter you wrote?
And what is it that we're meant to have wrote?
Written!
Jack snagged the piece of paper from Will turning it at all angles and twisted his head as if inspecting it.
"Do not fear for Miss Swann.
The Angel of Music has her under his wing.
Make no attempt to see her again."
Jack gave an amused hum. This was the most ridiculous note yet! Will looked jealous of who ever was with Elizabeth and if he found out who that person was, well Jack planned on showing Will to him. Just to see how he would react.
If you didn't write it, who did?
Shadows fell onto the floor as three figures loomed in the dorway. Abigail Dawson stood in the middle, James Norrrington on her right, and her quiet maid on the left. Abigail wore her 'street clothes' or what she thought they were. A lavender silk gown with powder blue bodice and under skirt was was form fitting. Her dark brown hair was twisted into a formal bun, and her lips painted a rose red. A scowl graced her face.
Where is he?
She demanded of them. Jack smiled at her.
Ah, welcome back!
Abigail glared at him, eyes ablaze.
Your precious parton! Where is he?
Abigail's eyes rested on Will. She stormed over to him. A folded piece of paper in her hand. She shook it violently.
What is it now?
Will asked her stiffly.
I have your letter-
A letter which I rather resent!
"Voi! Movimento da parte! (1) How dare you! Mi avete trasmesso questa lettera, insultante lo! Come sfida voi! (2)" She snarled at him, opening the letter.
And did you send it?
Of course not!As if he would!
Jack intervened but was pushed away from Abigail by Norrington.
You didn't send it?The couple demanded together. Will nodded.
Of course not!What's going on?
Abigail glared at Will in suspicion and Barbossa for interrupting.
You dare to tell me That this is not the letter you sent?!Will took the letter from her gingerly. He wanted to tear it from her hand, pulling a finger out of its socket in addition. He read it over once in his head.
And what is it that I'm meant to have sent?"Your days at the Port Royal Opera house are numbered.
Elizabeth Swann will be singing on your behalf tonight.
Be prepared for great misfortune, should you attempt to take her place."
Jack and Barbossa glanced at each other.
Far too many notes for my tastes-
And most of them about Elizabeth!
All we've heard since we came is Miss Swann's name…
Two more shadows danced on the floor, joining the group. Madame Tia Dalma and Anamaria stepped inside.
Miss Swann has returnedTia announced. Will looked relieved and Abigail was seething in bitter anger.
I trust her midnight oil Is well and truly burnedBarbossa inquired coyly. Jack piped in, pouncing in before Abigail could get her two cents in.
Where precisely is she now?
I thought it best if she went home… She needed restAnamaria added to her aunt's statement. Will stepped forward.
Can I see her?No, monsieur, she will see no one.
Will she sing? Will she sing?Abigail pushed her way to the front. Tia held up another letter. Barbossa nearly groaned in distaste. How long was this going to go on! Elizabeth might as well come on in stating she wishes to go become a pirate or something and say she has a note!
Here, I have a note Let me see it!Will, Abigail, and Jack demanded of her. Barbossa took the note from Tia and snapped at them.
Please!"Gentlemen,
I have now sent you several notes of the most amiable nature
Detailing how my theater is to be run.
You have not followed my instructions.
I shall give you one last chance…
Elizabeth Swann has been returned to you
And I am anxious her career should progress
In the new production of "II Muto",
You will therefore cast Abigail as the Pageboy,
And put Miss Swann in the role of Countess
The role Miss Swann plays calls for charm and appeal
The role of Pageboy is silent-which makes my casting, in a word, ideal
I shall watch the performance from my normal seat in Box 5,
Which will be kept open for me.
Should these commands be ignored,
A disaster beyond your imagination will occur
I remain, gentlemen, your obedient servant, O.G."
A single word erupted quickly, it was said in vain, admiration, worry, and anger.
"Elizabeth…Elizabeth," Anamaria shook her head, feeling pity for her friend, knowing what would come from all of this.
"Elizabeth." Abigail hissed her voice dripped in venom and icy. Jack huffed in anger.
"Whatever next?" he exclaimed. James, trying to calm Abigail down from her rage spoke up suddenly.
"It's all a ploy to help Elizabeth!" he sent a glare towards Will. Abigail nodded her highly raised head vigorously.
"This is insane…"Barbossa muttered to himself.
"I know who sent this! The Patron-her lover! Il suo amante!" (3) Abigail pointed a finger at Will.
"Indeed? Can you believe this?" Will shot back.
"Signora!" Jack pleaded to the Prima Donna.
"How could you do this? She has done not a thing!" James pulled her close, glaring at them all.
"I am unwanted!" Abigail sobbed.
"This is a joke!" Barbossa snarled, clenching his hands into fists. Abigail continued to sob uncontrollably.
"I am unwelcome!" Abigail cried, tears pouring down her face. "Andiamo il mio dolce! (4) Let's go!" James obliged and led her to the door.
"Signora!" Barbossa shouted after her.
"You are our star!" Jack tried.
"And always will be!" Barbossa finished leading her back to the room. James glared at them.
"Signora!" Jack flashed a smile. Abigail gagged.
"The man is mad!" Barbossa stated, trying to get her to calm down. Abigail's green eyes glared at them, her lips pursed in a pout.
"We don't take orders!" Jack insisted.
"Elizabeth will be playing the Pageboy!" Barbossa purred at her. Her ears pricked in interest. Little Miss Steal-the-Spotlight? Playing the silent role? A plan began to form in her mind. She would just have to play hard to get…
Italian 101
Voi! Movimento da parte (You! Move aside!)
Mi avete trasmesso questa lettera, insultante lo! Come sfida voi! (You sent me this letter, insulting me! How dare you!)
Il suo amante (Her lover)
Andiamo il mio dolce (Let's go my sweet)
Chapter 4 Return will be posted soon! Review please!