The Gift
Chapter 6: Soli
Setting: Post POTC 3
Characters: Norrington/OFC
Plot: A fluffy holiday love story. Who knew that James Norrington played the violin?

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Friday night arrived, but dinner would be no victory celebration. The Golden Bones had escaped Gillette and two other Royal Navy man-of-war ships somewhere off the Isthmus of Panama. Andrew's face had been pale despite his sun-burned skin when he gave the Admiral his final report. Norrington was disappointed but didn't blame the newly appointed Captain. After all, he knew Gillette had run The Avenger as hard as possible, stacking her light except for two twelve-pound cannons and ammunition. The Golden Bones had run faster, and Norrington and Gillette couldn't fathom how that was possible.

"Good evening, sir. My I take your cloak?" the footman asked as he alighted from the carriage.

"Thank you, Donaldson." James handed the man his clock and plain tricorne. Tonight was a party amongst friends, and he hand no need for Admiral attire.

Jane, Theodore and Andrew were already ensconced in the small two-story home, busy discussing the past week's activities. They quickly offered James a brandy and the group fell into comfortable but serious conversation about The Golden Bones and possible sea maneuvers.

But soon, a knock sounded on the door just as Jane said, "Well, I hope you three don't intend on telling sea stories all night?"

"Are there any other kind to tell?" Andrew asked bemusedly.

"Madam, may I present Mister and Miss Gagliano."

James looked calm but nearly dropped his glass as the violin master entered the parlor, followed by his daughter in crimson silks. She was more a vision of Venus than he remembered.

"Well, this is a surprise," Gillette winked at Theodore.

"Yes," James seconded in a hushed voice, unaware that he was the only one not expecting the additional dinner guests.

"Gentlemen." Gagliano bowed to the officers and they bowed in return; then kissing Jane's hand, "My lady."

"Missus Groves, this is my father, Nicolas Gagliano," Lucy said, patting her father's arm.

"It is a pleasure to finally meet you, Mister Gagliano. We are all fans of your music making."

In his mid-fifties with graying black hair and small spectacles, Mr. Gagliano politely bowed and humbly said, "Thank you, Signora."

Jane then turned towards the men.

"This is my husband, Captain Theodore Groves."

"It's an honor," Theodore said, standing to shake the musician's hand.

"Our friend, Captain Andrew Gillette."

"Sir," the red-headed captain bowed.

"And I am sure you already know Admiral James Norrington, though you might not recognize him out of uniform."

Lucy's eyes rested easily on the Admiral, again dressed in his simple civilian attire.

The two men bowed to one another; power sizing up power in a friendly manner. The Italian's dark eyes were twinkling, and he pointed a finger, "The Scourge of Piracy? Am I correct?"

Theodore and Andrew laughed. James smiled, for he wasn't often called out so fast.

"That's what I hear."

"I like you, Admiral. Only last year, a shipment of my brother Angelo's violins were lost to a pirate boat called the…" He paused. "The Amigos, but they were certainly no friends of these waters!"

Norrington's brow knotted.

"Yes, I remember the vessel. They were captured near Cuba and the men hanged."

"Yes!" The small Italian man clapped his hands. "And my violins were returned, thanks to you. I asked the Governor whom I should thank for their recovery and he answered, 'The Scourge of Piracy, Admiral James Norrington.'"

Norrington's heart felt light. Any man that would ship valuable goods from Europe to England wouldn't be in league with pirates or with Spain.

"Congratulations on the return of your goods, sir. We must have a drink and toast your recovery."

"Yes indeed," Theo seconded and Jane called the butler to open a bottle of fine Italian red wine."

"To James Norrington, the scourge of piracy," the small Italian offered.

James raised his glass, "To Her Majesty's Navy."

"Huzzah!" seconded the small group, except for Lucy who stood quietly at her father's side.

"Admiral, my daughter tells me that you are a fine violinist. Is this true?"

"Papa!" Lucy blushed.

Norrington's green eyes caught the rosy color in her cheeks, and he went hot when he noticed that the blush crept down her chest. Again, she was wearing a memorizing gown rendered in the fashionable French style; her dark hair neatly fashioned and powdered.

"I do scratch around a bit, but I'm afraid Miss Gagliano's assessment of 'fine' might be in question."

"Well, I must hear you for myself then."

Everyone in the room was warming quickly to the Italian violinist's bold but intensely charming manner.

"Captain and Misses Groves, my daughter and I have brought our instruments and would be honored to play for you this evening, if you wish it."

"Of course! And I have asked Andrew to bring his flute."

Gillette reddened as Norrington gave him an odd look.

"Don't look so shocked, James. You're not the only musician in Her Majesty's Navy," Andrew answered. "I took 'scratch around' a bit."

He looked at Lucy and added, "I hope you shall find me a fine musician as well, Miss Gagliano," Andrew said flirtatiously.

"Wonderful!" exclaimed Gagliano. "And of course, you have your violin, Admiral?"

"Actually, I do. It is in the carriage."

"Oh, Andrew and James!" Jane exclaimed, smiling like a doting sister. "I can't wait to hear the two of you!"

"Trust me, Jane. Our playing will sound much better after sufficient lubrication," Andrew answered lifting his glass. "At least mine will."

"Yes, let's eat and then music all around," Jane called, and they exited the parlor for the dinning room.

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Treason