Hey guys! I have posted another chapter! Norrington appears in this one! And he shall continue to be in more! I want to thank those that reviewed and those that enjoyed the story! it means alot...no it means alot alot! I would give you all fine wine and chees, but alas, i'm broke! Though the reviews and alerts and such are very appreciated. It makes me happy! Please I'd still like to know what you think, and thanks again my readers!
Disclaimer: Disney owns the nautical world, I just own my characters
Following at Martha's heels, Sarah kept the fan she held high, not only from the cloudy grey skies, but because she did not wish for anyone to see that her eyes were averted towards her step mother's heels, and not the sky. This must reflect the loads of confidence I bear. A sudden stop from Martha caused Sarah to jolt, looking upwards to see the rough and wrinkled face of Governor Andrews and that of a younger officer greet Martha. Lowering her fan, Sarah momentarily locked eyes with the strange officer before shifting them to the elderly governor.
"Mrs. Williams, Miss Williams, my, you two look lovely today." The governor smiled, his wrinkled face crinkling even more as his rotund belly seemed to shake with his chuckling.
Martha leaned in as her hand was kissed by the governor and the officer, "You are too kind sir." She spoke, looking quickly back to Sarah. Sarah curtsied, not daring to speak for fear of the daggers Martha would throw with her eyes. The older woman was strong in wit, and it caused Sarah at many times to feel injudicious almost as if she were no better than the common housemaid.
"Please come in, come in." Opening the office door, Governor Andrews hobbled through, Martha followed behind, not even glancing nor acknowledging the strange officer who held the door for her. Sarah glanced at him, his eyes stared upon her for a brief moment. A strange chill ran through her back as a queasy feeling graced her stomach for a moment. Quickly, Sarah gazed down, wishing she were invisible. Why must people stare? Shaking her head, a small smile appeared on Sarah's face as she realized it was she who was staring first. The officer continued to look almost as curious as she was. Realizing she was standing there, unmoving, Sarah shuffled her feet quickly, her cheeks growing red at her current embarrassment. Little did she know, this incident would be the least of her worries.
"Thank you sir" she mumbled, hurrying in the office. She heard a faint grunt in acknowledgement, and the movement of the boots following her.
The office was rather large and unorganized. A giant map of the ocean and ports was set hanging beside the balcony windows. The balcony itself took away Sarah's breath as the ocean filled its view. It was very lovely. Grey skies dulled the previous Jamaican sun, allowing the ocean to show its brunt and brutish strength. The sea continued to roll through the picturesque window scene, and the muffled crashing of the billowing, gray waves met Sarah's ears from within the office. It was a wonderful break from the mishaps Sarah was going through now. Books and papers covered the short and stubby governor's desk. The bulk of Andrews himself appeared in her line of vision and watching him clear his throat, he pulled up three wooden chairs before him, and with a heavy sigh, he sunk down in his own comfortable chair. Grabbing a pen, Andrews began incessantly tapping the utensil upon his desk, beginning his questioning with a smile to Martha. For a moment, Sarah felt as though not all was right between Martha and Governor Andrews, through that smile, she witnessed a roguish side that disgusted her almost. Is he as snakelike as Martha? Or perhaps I am imagining it?
"So Mrs. Williams, you have told me a lot of your step-daughters predicament, and I just have to say…" The voice faded off as Sarah began to continue her watch of the room, her interest falling upon studying the officer who had held the door as he settled stiffly in the chair to her right. His knee brushed ever so slightly against her skirts. Beginning to feel uncomfortable with residing in such close proximity, Sarah did something she didn't think she was capable of, she scooted slightly closer to Martha…for fear of being in the officers personal space. Yes, that's the reason… Sarah couldn't help but believe differently than the thoughts she threw at herself. Openly gaping, Sarah observed how the white wig he wore did nothing for him but make him more intimidating to the eye. His green eyes watched Governor Andrews intently. Those eyes…I bet you have stories to tell. Sarah clasped her hands together feeling the slight sweat that had formed, her eyes still gawked, scanning this mans own hands. They were strong, calloused, and unusually hard worked. It seemed ironically unusual for the common officer. He seemed to be a few years older, but then again, Sarah was never good at guessing ages. Gazing up again, she caught a glance of his strong jaw that twitched, as though annoyed by the current conversation. He struck her as a man of many characteristics. You are quite handsome…
"Sarah!" Jumping slightly, Sarah shifted her attentions towards Martha, hoping beyond hopes that they did not observe her blatant gawking of the strange officer. "Answer Governor Andrews please." Martha spoke curtly, a nauseating smile plastered on her thin lips, she seemed to be sending a mysterious look to Sarah, as if to send the message of 'don't mess up or else'. Sarah looked curiously towards the Governor, wishing she had paid any sort of attention to the conversation like her civilized self was raised to do.
"Forgive me Governor, what was it you asked? I was momentarily distracted… you have a lovely view of the ocean."
"Well thank you Miss Williams, actually I do so enjoy gazing out there but-" the Governor faded, catching only a diluted glare from Martha, "Ahem, back to the point, I asked when was it when you uh…" he seemed to lean in closer to her, "When did you end your promiscuous sins and begin to confess at the church?" The governor shifted back slightly, his eyes flitting back to Martha before settling on Sarah, gazing at her as if she were some run around strumpet. It was then she witnessed the catholic priest standing in the corner, his head nodded in the direction to Martha, their own silent conversation passing between the two. Everyone seems to know something I don't! Wait! What did he just ask?! Sarah turned her head sharply, locking eyes with the governor, eyes that appeared hurt with the surprise question he had asked.
"What!? I mean…I what?" Sarah stumbled over her words, since when was her virtue questioned? Here she sat, innocently commenting upon the ocean, when such personal questions came out directed to her, as though she were being interviewed like the common criminal.
"Sarah, don't you remember my dear? Last year, with that charming young privateer?…During the depression of your mother's death?" Martha hissed through clenched teeth, her foot meeting Sarah's shin.
"Ow, I mean, but no, that never happened!" Sarah glanced to the naval officer and the governor pure surprise written all over her face, wondering where they got such an idea, though it didn't take her long to realize Martha was behind it, "Martha, why would you-"
"She is ashamed from it you see, since the finances of our home have been…in trouble, she began to get these wild ideas in her mind to save the house by finding a suitable man to pay her for, well, for business. We talked her out of it, and she has been clean for a year and, though tainted, she is a new creation as of this year." Martha cut Sarah off, and laughed nervously, her gaze seemed to shoot daggers into Sarah, upset at the close call of her lie almost being discovered. "Many times young girls are caught up in spring love, it was a mistake, but we still wish the best for our little Sarah, that is why we have asked for this request Governor, Sarah deserves a good life, why should she suffer for an adulterous past and a forgiven sin?" Martha's nostrils seemed to tighten, giving her nose the appearance of being ultra thin and extra long and snippy. Sarah glared at her in disgust, rising for a moment out of her chair.
Sarah stood silent as the four others in the room looked to her for agreement in her sins, "Miss Williams is this true? Have you learned your lesson?" Governor Andrews questioned sharply. The priest moved closer, watching her carefully. Sarah could have sworn she saw the glint of a silver coin that could have very well been hidden in his hand.
It was then it struck her. Finances were tight in the house, and her father wished for her to find a suitor, but Martha wished for Sarah to be gone and fast. What better way to rid yourself of a pesky step-daughter than to soil her reputation and marry her off to the highest bidder? Something still didn't seem right though, since when did Maurice have finance trouble? It all began when he married Martha…But to Sarah, though Martha was not the kindest person, she could not have been the type of woman to embezzle from the family's finances? Could she?
This was it, as the stares grew harsher, Sarah sighed, she could go against Martha, and disgrace her father somehow by claiming Martha as the liar she was, or she could just agree with it and face the reputation she must have had already circulating thanks to Martha's daily visits to town. It made sense now why she was greeted with the curt mannerisms of people when Sarah, pleasant to everyone went on her own casual trips without knowing such a vicious rumor. How long had Martha planned this…ridding of me? Resigning quietly, Sarah sat back down and sighed sadly, upset at how this turn of events had ventured,"Yes…new…now" Soft words were spoken as Sarah gazed down, embarrassed at having such a lie spread. Tears threatened to fall at the frustration and confusion Sarah felt… I wish I was smarter…it would be so much easier to figure this out! Or perhaps braver…to stand up for my integrity. The quiet girl listened silently, afraid to look at the officer, scared to lock eyes with the governor, she could not bear to see the deceitful priest and not daring to look at the triumphant look Martha no doubt had on her thin face. Sarah was lost; no one would believe her anyhow. Why Sarah didn't speak up was beyond her, it was as if she just didn't want any more hassles in life than she had. It was then Sarah began to think, Maybe this marriage will be good for me, she thought deeply, imagining different ways this meeting could have played out if she was more outspoken, or Martha had never existed. With a sigh Sarah continued to wonder about the arranged marriage. I may be starting over, but, I'll be beginning this marriage in a lie.
Martha seemingly cut the awkward silence in the room as she reasoned with the governor, "Well Governor, our finances are tight, and Maurice, he cares for Sarah, he'd give his life for his only daughter, and with such a reputation…she is not quite sought out. We can hardly accommodate myself and Maurice in the house, and he wishes Sarah not to experience the pain at being a less than wealthy family, so that is why we have sought out a husband for her…and I hear you, being one of the most intelligent men around found a suitor for the little tart-I mean Sarah?"
Martha's lies stung Sarah in too many places, anger permeated her being. Martha was working behind her fathers back! She even doubted that without Martha's constant persistence to rid their house of Sarah, she would be in this predicament! Maurice didn't know of the rumors circulating, he only knew of the finances! For a moment Sarah wondered what lies Martha told her father to consent…why was life twisted? Sighing, Sarah grew frustrated at being young, and a woman. How many different lies can one woman tell to so many people…? I should speak up! I should stop this, this injustice! Sighing though, Sarah continued to sit. No one would listen if she did speak up; it was Martha's words against her own.
Clearing his throat, the governor spoke, "I did find a suitor, after a bit of a search, he has agreed to protect her from the shame of knowing lower income and the shame of being an old maid for life…he is a good man for that, Miss Williams, you should be grateful." Governor Andrews gestured to the silent officer, "Please stand,"
Sarah watched the officer she was so ardently staring at previously rise and salute. He was very tall and sturdy it seemed, she observed the scene as she waited for Governor Andrew's introduction. Martha sighed, nudging Sarah slightly. Realizing all eyes were on her, as she was the only one not to rise, her cheeks colored slightly. Standing, she could not have been higher than the jaw of the stranger.
"Miss Williams, I would like you to meet Officer James Norrington."
Well how was this chapter? Interesting? I will be spicing it up a bit...I hope you guys enjoyed...is it still worth continuing?