Commandeering Commodore
Chapter 19
Elizabeth and the Governor ate breakfast while making cordial conversation with each other. Elizabeth told him a little about the history and people of Port Royal, and a little about Will. The Governor imparted to her a little of the history and people of Saint Domique, and about his hometown back in France. All in all they spent a companionable time. When Elizabeth had pushed her plate away and finished her tea the Governor suggested they retire to his study to begin their negotiations. Elizabeth nodded in agreement and as she rose from her chair the Governor took her hand and let her off towards his study.
They settled in around the table, and the Governor asked one of his aides to bring more tea, and to notify them when lunch was ready. As he dismissed the aide he turned to Elizabeth and said, "Now Madame Turner, what kind of agreement can we come to that will be beneficial to both parties?"
"My Father hopes it will be possible for such an agreement to be reached, and has given me instructions to do all that is possible to reach the same." Elizabeth said.
"Very good, now where do we start Madame?"
"I would think the place to start would be with the matter of our respective ships Governor." Elizabeth said without hesitation. "Safe passage for the same being the goal Governor, no trade can be carried out unless the parties involved agree to that."
"A very good beginning Madame Turner, I see you are not afraid to speak in a frank manner. Negotiating with you will be interesting." The Governor said with a smile.
"I will take that as a compliment Governor, as I'm sure it was meant that way." Elizabeth said returning his smile. "Now if you have no objections I feel we are ready to get down to business."
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As Jack disappeared up the stairs a man stepped out of the shadows on the opposite side of the tavern. He walked over to the table, leaned over and taking James by the scarf, with a little bit of hair mixed in as well, lifted his head a bit off the table.
"I was thinkin that be yer fine self Commodore, and by the powers I see you've brought Mr. Turner along. But what's got me curiosity peaked is what are ya doin with the likes o Jack Sparrow?" He let James' head back down, walked over to the chair Jack had so recently vacated, sat down, propped his boots up on the table and taking an apple out of his pocket said, "Wouldn't be gentlemanly nor a proper thing at all to be leavin without at least a word in greetin to a grand and upstandin group such as yerselves, so I'd be thinkin I'll just make meself comfortable right here till one of you bonny lads comes round or Sparrow returns, at which time I'm surmisin a favorable light might be cast upon the procurement of a satisfactory response to me inquiries."
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Jack followed Rose into the room at the top of the stairs. As soon as she closed the door he turned and pressing her up against said door began to kiss her, pulling his jacket off as he did. She let out a giggle and said, "I don't think you want to be doin that."
Jack pulled back a little and looked at her, and then with a smile said, "No luv I'm thinkin this is precisely what I want ta be doin." He began to unbutton his shirt, and she gave another giggle and repeated, "I'm sure you don't want to be doin that."
Jack stopped undoing the buttons and looked at her a bit puzzled, "And what makes you so sure about that darlin?"
"Ah Jackie, you never was one to listen when ya should." A voice from behind him spoke.
Jack got an expression of astonishment mixed with a bit of what the hell! across his countenance, spun around and said, "What are you doin here?"
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Elizabeth and the Governor spent all morning negotiating. They broke for lunch when Josette knocked on the door and announced it was ready. As Elizabeth stood she told the Governor she would like to return to her room before eating to freshen up a bit. He walked her out of the study, called to Josette and instructed her to escort Madame Turner. Josette dropped the Governor a curtsey and headed off with Elizabeth behind her.
As they walked down the myriad of corridors Elizabeth began to ask what she hoped were innocent sounding questions.
"Josette I would think you have been here long enough to know most of the house staff very well."
"Yes Madame, I know most of them very well." Josette replied with a smile.
"And I suppose for the most part you all get along fairly well."
"Yes Madame, for the most part, although I have heard Monsieur Bergeron on occasion arguing quite loudly with some of the other staff."
"Arguing? About household matters, or just in general?"
"Mostly from what I could make out it was a difference in political philosophy Madame. It seems he is not as staunch as most of the others in supporting the Governor nor the French Government." Josette said.
"Well that's interesting." Elizabeth said more to herself than Josette.
"Yes Madame." Josette said.
After a few minutes of walking in silence they reached Elizabeth's room. They went in, Josette poured some water into the washbasin, and Elizabeth took the cloth Josette had moistened and began dabbing at her face and neck. "That feels much better." She said with a smile, "I would almost think it gets hotter here that it does in Port Royal."
"It is rather humid today Madame, and being cooped up in that study all morning probably added to your discomfort no doubt." Josette replied.
There was a knock on the door and as Elizabeth called, "Enter." it opened and Monsieur Bergeron started to come in. When he spotted Josette he frowned a little but wiped it off his face almost before the two women could register it. "I beg your pardon Madame, I was not aware you were occupied. I will come back at a later time." He backed out the door before Elizabeth could reply.
"That was a bit strange." Elizabeth said.
Josette just shrugged her shoulders and gave a little smile in return.
To Be Continued
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