Commandeering Commodore

Chapter 5

"I am still not convinced this is the best course Elizabeth. I feel I am placing you in much too dangerous a situation." Governor Swann said as he sat at his desk fiddling with his ink well.

"Oh Father, we've already been over this and agreed. Besides this is not nearly as dangerous as some of the other situations I've been involved in during the recent past, and anyway you have already given your approval." Elizabeth replied.

"Under duress I assure you. Your Mother must surely be turning over in her grave. I can not believe I let you talk me into this folly." Governor Swann said as he shook his head.

"Now Father, I'm not a little girl anymore, and I think I have proved I am more than able to take care of myself. Besides this needs to be done now and you cannot possibly leave, not with the imminent visit of Sir Connoly. You must be here for that as well as the other matters that demand your attention." Elizabeth said as she took her Father's hand and gave it a little squeeze and a winsome look.

"I have spoiled you far too much Elizabeth." Governor Swann said as he raised his eyes to hers. "Please do be careful. I could not bear it if something were to happen to you."

"Don't worry Father, I shall be fine, and in very good company besides."

"I would agree with that statement as far as Commodore Norrington is concerned, and perhaps even Mr. Turner, but as far as that Sparrow fellow and his crew of ruffians, I have serious doubts." Governor Swann said with a distasteful look on his face as he said the last.

"Oh Father, Jack is a good man despite his reputation. He would not allow any harm to come to me any more that Will or James would." Elizabeth said with a little smile.

"I am not convinced of that in the least Elizabeth." Governor Swann said with an unsure look on his face and then added, "But I see you have your mind made up, and I cannot bring myself to deny you. Promise me you will take every precaution and not do anything foolhardy."

"I promise." Elizabeth said as she gave her Father a hug.

"Very well then daughter, go pack your things." Governor Swann said as he smiled indulgently at Elizabeth.

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"Ah William, there's your bonny lass now." Jack said as the Pearl entered the harbor at Port Royal and approached the dock.

William stood there with a grin on his face at the sight of his wife waiting his arrival. He gave her an enthusiastic wave and she returned it. James, who was standing near Will and Jack looked off in the other direction, a stoic expression on his face. He had come to an understanding with himself as far as Elizabeth Swann-Turner was concerned. He would always love her, and hold a special place for her in his heart. He was however above all an honorable man and knew he could not hold her heart as she held his. The only thing he could have done he did, step aside and let her go to the man she loved. It had hurt deeply at the time, still hurt deeply when he allowed himself to think about it, especially at times like these when he was witness to the two of them anywhere near each other. He only hoped as time went on he would become better at hiding his feelings, or they would diminish. He had serious doubts about either of those things happening.

They were docking now and Will wasted no time in disembarking. He hit the deck running, gathering Elizabeth up in his arms and spun her around as they both laughed and planted numerous kisses upon each other.

James stood there with his head down, his eyes firmly on the deck, his hands clasp behind him, and did not notice Jack approach until he felt the man's hand on his shoulder, and the words the man whispered as he leaned close to his ear. "I was rootin for you Commodore, and I do think although William is a fine man, the bonny lass would have done better if she'd chosen you."

James straightened up to his full height, squared his shoulders, put the best Commodore-ly expression on his face he could manage as he looked Jack in the eye and replied, "Be that as it may Captain, what's done is done, and must be dealt with as such. I am sure Mrs. Turner is much happier without me in her life, and that Mr. and Mrs. Turner will no doubt have a very long and happy life together."

"Keep tellin yourself that Commodore, one of these days you may just begin to believe it." Jack said as he headed for the dock, then tossed back over his shoulder, "But I highly doubt it." as he left the Commodore standing there pondering his words.

William and Elizabeth were half way up the hill on their way to the Governor's mansion, arm in arm of course, and Jack was a little behind them before James roused himself out of his reverie and left the Pearl. He paused as he was hailed from the Dauntless as it docked opposite Sparrow's ship.

"Commodore Sir," Mr. Gillette called, "Would you care to give orders Sir?"

"Well James, fine commanding officer you are, forgetting your own ship and crew." He mumbled to himself as he turned to face his ship. "You may give the crew leave to come ashore Mr. Gillette. I think a skeleton crew of your choosing will be sufficient at present. I shall be in my office if you have further need of me." He gave a quick salute and headed for the fort.

"Now that was strange, wonder what's gotten into him? It's almost like he forgot all about us." Mr. Gillette said to Mr. Groves. Mr. Groves pointed to the retreating figures of Mr. and Mrs. Turner and Mr. Gillette nodded in agreement as he said, "You would think he'd be glad to be shed of her after the public embarrassment she put him through."

"I think our Commodore is much more tenderhearted than he would ever be inclined to admit, and is still harboring deep feelings for that woman he has not been able to master. Only takes one look at his face whenever she's around to know that." Mr. Groves replied.

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James entered his office, took off his coat and neatly hung it on the rack by the door, placed his hat on the top of the rack, poured himself a glass of brandy, sat at his desk, and looked out the window not really focusing on anything. He knew he would be expected at the Governor's but he needed this time alone, to get himself together. That scene between Mr. and Mrs. Turner had affected him more than he thought possible. He had been able to avoid them for the most part, especially when they were together, other than at the wedding anyway. That had been a completely different story. He felt he had to attend, not only to put to rest any rumors, but also because it was his duty to attend, and he had. He had done his best to act appropriately even though he was torn apart inside. He had stayed for what he judged a proper time before making his good-byes to the happy couple and retiring to his house, and his study, and the brandy that had finally succeeded in wiping out the pain and allowed him to sleep, although it had not made sure he made it to the proper place for such sleep. He had awakened the next morning with a stiff neck and very sore back as he found himself laid out on the hard floor of said study. Luckily it had been the housekeeper's day off and he had not had the added embarrassment of her finding him in such a disheveled state. He finished his brandy and started to pour another when there was a knock on the door. He replaced the brandy decanter on the table without pouring another glass and called, "Enter."

"Sorry Commodore sir." The young man standing there very uncomfortably said with a salute, he had been at the fort long enough to know the Commodore could be a bit…snappish when disturbed. "The Governor just sent a man over with a message that if you were here he'd like to see you at your earliest convenience sir."

"Very well." James said as he straightened his uniform, "Tell the messenger to let the Governor know I will be there shortly."

"Yes Sir." The man said as he quickly backed out the door.

James turned back to the brandy, hesitated a moment, took the stopper out of the decanter and filled his glass to the top with said brandy, and talking to the decanter said, "I would think a few more minutes and another brandy or two will not make that much difference." Then answered himself as he brought the glass to his mouth and drank it in one swallow, "Indeed not!" and poured himself another.

To Be Continued

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