Disclaimer: I don't own anything...jeezo
Capitulo Cinco:
Elise woke up around twenty minutes later. Vicky was just getting sleep too. "Was all that real or just a dream?"
"It was real, but I'm okay. How are you holding up?"
"I feel better. How long was I sleeping?"
"A couple of hours. What exactly happened this morning?"
"I came by to see if you wanted to grab some breakfast together before everyone else at the inn woke up and clambered into the dining area. Your door was wide open and I noticed the bed right away. I ran to see if by chance you were in closet or any clues as to what happened. I was only there for a couple of minutes. I ran out the door and almost knocked a guest over. I went to the front desk to ask where I could find the Commodore at that hour. The man told me that he should be down at the office at the main docks. I ran there and I was lucky to find the Commodore patrolling the docks. I ran up to him and told him that you were in trouble. He immediately sent for a carriage and ordered the three closest officers to accompany him. As soon as the carriage arrived we were on it and sped down the streets. We nearly ran over some market stands so we all jumped off about a street down and raced inside. Where were you last night?"
"I was with a friend."
"Is Michael here?!"
"No, he's still waiting for us in Tortuga. I almost forgot about that actually."
"What are you going to do about it?"
"I don't know. I'll just have to wait and see. In the meantime do you think you could keep food down?"
"Yes."
"Good, I'll go ask one of the maids to bring something up from the kitchen then."
"Thank you Vicky."
Later On:----------------------------------------------------
Someone knocked on Elise's door. "Yes? You may come in."
"I'm sorry to interrupt miss, but the Commodore requests your presence his estate."
"Thank you, Danielle was it?"
"Yes milady, do call if you need anything else," and with that Danielle, the maid, closed the door and continued working.
Vicky sighed and turned to Elise, "Will you be alright if I leave you alone for a while? I'll come back to check up on you."
"Sure no problem but do you want to show up at his house wearing those clothes?"
Vicky looked down at herself and frowned. "No I guess not. Do you mind if I borrow some of your clothes for the time being?"
"Not at all. Go ahead."
Vicky looked through Elise's bags and found a purple skirt, a long sleeve gray shirt and a blue shawl. She also found a matching scarf that she used as a belt. The skirt was a bit loose on her. She also found some simple sandals to match. "Well how do I look?"
"Like a commoner."
"Perfect."
Norrington's House---------------------------------------
"Excuse me sir by Miss Victoria has arrived."
"Thank you Henry."
"Will you need anything else sir?"
"Just tell her I'll be down in a bit. I need to finish the inventory and schedule."
"Yes sir."
Vicky waited downstairs patiently for James. She looked around the first the main reception area and was taken in by then portraits the lined the walls, "That would be Sir Ruvald Norrington the late, in case your wondering," said Henry who was now standing right next to her.
"Oh, why thank you...?"
"Henry will do madam. I am the head of staff of the household. Master James asked me to tell you that he will be down in just a moment. Although knowing him he will get lost in his work and forgot the time."
"That's a shame."
Norrington was indeed lost in his work. It wasn't until two hours later that he realized he had kept Victoria waiting. 'Oh no. She must have left already. How could I have let this happen?' He exited his study and locked the double doors. He made his way down the stairs quickly and gracefully. He was about to call for Henry when he heard voices coming from the kitchen. He walked over to the kitchen and gently opened the door and peeked in.
---------------------------------------------------------------
"Sit still Jack!" demanded Elizabeth.
"I can't help it Eliza," whimpered Jack.
"Don't call me that!" Will just stood back a laughed. Jack had picked up a few splinters at the shop and Elizabeth was pulling them out.
---------------------------------------------------------------
"What has gotten into you?" asked Vicky. Henry, Martha, and the house messenger, lad of 10 years all pointed behind her. She turned around and jumped back a little. Norrington was right behind her and covered with flour.
"I...I...I think I hear my mum calling me. She hates it when I'm late for supper," said the messenger boy slowly backing out of the kitchen.
"I...I'll go get you a fresh pair of clothes sir," said Henry.
"I'll get supper on," said Martha.
"What is the meaning of this?" asked Norrington. Everyone stopped again and didn't answer.
"It's called fun and making a mess in the kitchen," replied Vicky coolly. "You should try it sometime when you're not caught up in work."
Norrington was at a loss for words, 'How in bloody hell does she do that?!' he thought. "How can I make it up to you for making you wait so long?"
"By joining in on the fun."
"What? You can't be serious, can you?"
"Oh very serious. Henry invited me into the kitchen. He told me about how you usually get lost in your work. So I accepted and helped Martha around the house, played a few games with the young lad, and helped Henry get the ingredients ready for supper. After that was done we all sat down and played a few card games and Martha decided to bake a cake and I tossed some flour to John (the messenger). One thing lead to another and before you knew it here we are."
Norrington got a mischievous glint in his eyes that Vicky didn't catch, "so just wrap up flour into thin towels and throw them?" he said picking up the bundle that hit him.
"Yes....no...no...no," she said backing up into a corner. Norrington threw it but Vicky ducked in time. Norrington started laughing and chasing Vicky around the kitchen. Vicky was laughing and couldn't outrun him. Norrington grabbed some flour from the container it was kept in and tossed some into her face. Martha, Henry, and John were all laughing and joined in again. Eventually they ran out of flour and looked like ghosts. The kitchen was a mess. The flour had found its way into every nook and cranny. Everyone was exhausted and sunk onto the floor. "So much for a cake," said John. Everyone started laughing again and managed to stand up.
"Would you like me to get a new set of clothes ready for you sir?"
"Yes, thank you Henry, and could you see if we have anything for Victoria as well?"
"Yes sir."
"You better get home and wash up quickly John," suggested Martha.
"Yes ma'am."
"Now look at my kitchen. Oh well, well all had an enjoyable time. She picked up a rag and soaked it.
"Let me help you Martha. It will take forever to clean this up by yourself," said Vicky taking the rag from her and starting to wipe down the counter surface. Meanwhile Norrington opened up the back door and watched Vicky clean. 'There's something about her that's for sure.'
"Martha why don't you take off for a while? Victoria and I will take of this mess."
"But sir-"
"No buts, now off with you." Martha nodded and left. Norrington moved over to Vicky and said. "Thank you."
"For what? Making a mess out your kitchen?"
He chuckled and replied, "No, for making this place alive again."
'Oh no, Victoria what did you get yourself into? Sure James is attractive, but, I don't know. Just don't panic.'
"I honestly can't remember the last time I laughed so hard or broke the rules."
Vicky couldn't find anything else to say so she went back to cleaning. Norrington picked up a rag too and within an hour most of the four had been removed and the kitchen wasn't cloudy.
Henry came in, cleaned up, and announced that the baths were drawn up and that the clothes were already set out. They deposited their rags into the sink and left. Martha came back in saying that she ought to finish because they would disrupt the order of the kitchen and that they probably didn't clean as well as she did.
After the baths Vicky changed into a simple dress that was laid out on her bed. 'I bet it one of Martha's' She then left the guest room and entered the kitchen again. Martha was just finished cleaning and Henry was putting on some water to boil. Vicky smiled and asked if he knew Norrington was done yet. Henry told her to go to the study. There she found him brooding over a pile of papers.
"Not this again."
"Hmm...Oh no, just skimming that's all." He rose up and asked, "We need to talk. Would you like to accompany outside for a moment?"
"Uh...sure." Vicky has lost her words as well. Norrington was dressed in a large off white shirt, loose fitting blue pants, and black leather boots that were worn down. 'He looks like a pirate almost.' He led her out into the gardens were they walked arm in arm. They walked in silence until they found a bench and sat on it.
"How is Elise doing?"
"She was awake when I left. She seems pretty stable."
"She seemed rather terrified and pale. Why was that?"
"Elise, she is very special to me. She is my best friend. She...well...when she was 13 she came home to find her parents murdered. She was left to raise her two younger brothers. One died from illness and the other just disappeared. Elise is like a sister to me. She can't bear losing someone else close to her. You understand?"
"Yes. She must have gone through a terrible time. No one should go through that. I offer my condolences." He paused for a while, "My father died when I was nineteen. I was headstrong at the time and didn't want to be tied down to working. I think he knew that he was sick. He died three years later."
"What about your mother?"
"She's living in England. We send letters regularly but it takes a while."
"So your close to her."
"Yes very much."
"Do you remember my father? You know from last night?" Vicky whispered the last part in case anyone was eavesdropping.
"I tried to remember. All I can recall is just another man that was with my father a lot. He made everyone laugh. He would get me out of trouble sometimes...that's all."
"That's all I can remember too. Mom used to get so mad." She smiled at the thought but it was short lived. "Have you talked to your staff?"
"Yes, but now is not the time. I would like to do research first, but I also have work. I hope you understand."
"Yes, well I better get going." Vicky got up and started to walk away when Norrington grabbed her had gently.
"Wait. I...uh...I also wanted to apologize for what happened earlier. I was out of line and-"
"You were worried, almost as much as Elise. Its...I-"
"I know that we have only just met, but you spark something in me to tell you the truth. I mean what happened today in the kitchen would probably have never happened, except maybe in when I was a boy. Last night jumping around on the rooftops. I know it sounds crazy seeing how we just met yesterday. Will you say something?"
"I don't know what to say honestly. I think that we both need time. I mean all I did was to show you a good time. You can't possibly be in love can you?"
"I know its just, I don't know. I suppose its because I have turned into such a hermit crab that anything different seems rejuvenating."
"You just need a friend James. A relationship now will just complicate things and that's the last thing you need."
"I just got ahead of myself didn't I?"
"Yeah. I better get going. I need to check up on Elise before I leave. Goodnight James."
"Goodnight Vicky."
With that Vicky left James in the garden and headed up towards the house. She found Martha straightening the chairs.
"You can't even tell what happened in here," she proclaimed happily. Vicky chuckled before saying goodnight and exiting. She found Henry at the front door. He asked her if she was sure that she didn't want a ride home in one of the carriages. She declined and starting her way to the back to the inn.
Elise was asleep but she was constantly tossing and turning. She gently woke her up and asked how she was doing and waited for her to fall asleep before leaving. Vicky decided to go into her old room since she still had her key. Nothing was in the room. She left and headed down to the Will's shop.
There she knocked on the door and no one answered. She looked for a way to get. As she rounded the building she noticed a piece of paper wedged in between the boards. She picked it up and found directions to Will's home. She made her way down the streets ignoring several catcalls until she reached the front door. She knocked and Will answered it.
"Hello Vicky. Please come in."
"I'm sorry to have bothered you but I found this at the shop."
Will inspected the piece of paper and said, "Oh yes, of course, Jack told Elizabeth and I about it. Come on I'll lead you to the parlor where everyone is."
Sure enough Jack and Elizabeth were in the parlor engrossed in a chess game. Will offered her a seat. Neither Elizabeth nor Jack noticed them until the game was over.
"Oh hello, I'm so sorry. You must be Jack's friend, Vicky. I'm Elizabeth, Will's wife. Nice to meet you."
"Likewise. I came her to ask Jack, well really Will if you would let me stay in the loft at the shop. I mean I don't want to kick Jack out but the place belongs to Will-"
"You can stay in one of our guest rooms, if you'd like, right Will?"
"Absolutely."
"But no one can know I'm here."
"Are ye in some kind of trouble lass?"
"Umm, just a tad. I don't want you to get caught up in the mess. SO the less you know the better."
"Vicky, Vicky, Vicky, we live for adventure. It's been quiet around here for quite sometime," said Elizabeth.
"Are you sure?" Vicky asked looking at everyone in the room.
"Yes," answered everyone. So Vicky spent the next hour talking to them and telling them James, Elise, the destroyed room, and the letter. She left out the part of the fiasco in the kitchen and she mentioned the letter James gave her but hadn't opened it yet. Will, Elizabeth, and Jack were very interested and offered to help. Elizabeth showed her to the guest room and pulled out some clothes for her to wear tomorrow.
"Thank you so much."
"No trouble at all."
"That's what you say now." The both broke out into giggles and said goodnight. Vicky climbed into bed and was asleep in a matter of minutes.
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A/N: I'm going to be gone for a week so I was up late last night getting this together for you guys. Please excuse the spelling and grammar errors if there are any – I wanted to get this chapter out soon as well. Look for the next chapter around the 16th – 20th at the latest. R&R
Capitulo Cinco:
Elise woke up around twenty minutes later. Vicky was just getting sleep too. "Was all that real or just a dream?"
"It was real, but I'm okay. How are you holding up?"
"I feel better. How long was I sleeping?"
"A couple of hours. What exactly happened this morning?"
"I came by to see if you wanted to grab some breakfast together before everyone else at the inn woke up and clambered into the dining area. Your door was wide open and I noticed the bed right away. I ran to see if by chance you were in closet or any clues as to what happened. I was only there for a couple of minutes. I ran out the door and almost knocked a guest over. I went to the front desk to ask where I could find the Commodore at that hour. The man told me that he should be down at the office at the main docks. I ran there and I was lucky to find the Commodore patrolling the docks. I ran up to him and told him that you were in trouble. He immediately sent for a carriage and ordered the three closest officers to accompany him. As soon as the carriage arrived we were on it and sped down the streets. We nearly ran over some market stands so we all jumped off about a street down and raced inside. Where were you last night?"
"I was with a friend."
"Is Michael here?!"
"No, he's still waiting for us in Tortuga. I almost forgot about that actually."
"What are you going to do about it?"
"I don't know. I'll just have to wait and see. In the meantime do you think you could keep food down?"
"Yes."
"Good, I'll go ask one of the maids to bring something up from the kitchen then."
"Thank you Vicky."
Later On:----------------------------------------------------
Someone knocked on Elise's door. "Yes? You may come in."
"I'm sorry to interrupt miss, but the Commodore requests your presence his estate."
"Thank you, Danielle was it?"
"Yes milady, do call if you need anything else," and with that Danielle, the maid, closed the door and continued working.
Vicky sighed and turned to Elise, "Will you be alright if I leave you alone for a while? I'll come back to check up on you."
"Sure no problem but do you want to show up at his house wearing those clothes?"
Vicky looked down at herself and frowned. "No I guess not. Do you mind if I borrow some of your clothes for the time being?"
"Not at all. Go ahead."
Vicky looked through Elise's bags and found a purple skirt, a long sleeve gray shirt and a blue shawl. She also found a matching scarf that she used as a belt. The skirt was a bit loose on her. She also found some simple sandals to match. "Well how do I look?"
"Like a commoner."
"Perfect."
Norrington's House---------------------------------------
"Excuse me sir by Miss Victoria has arrived."
"Thank you Henry."
"Will you need anything else sir?"
"Just tell her I'll be down in a bit. I need to finish the inventory and schedule."
"Yes sir."
Vicky waited downstairs patiently for James. She looked around the first the main reception area and was taken in by then portraits the lined the walls, "That would be Sir Ruvald Norrington the late, in case your wondering," said Henry who was now standing right next to her.
"Oh, why thank you...?"
"Henry will do madam. I am the head of staff of the household. Master James asked me to tell you that he will be down in just a moment. Although knowing him he will get lost in his work and forgot the time."
"That's a shame."
Norrington was indeed lost in his work. It wasn't until two hours later that he realized he had kept Victoria waiting. 'Oh no. She must have left already. How could I have let this happen?' He exited his study and locked the double doors. He made his way down the stairs quickly and gracefully. He was about to call for Henry when he heard voices coming from the kitchen. He walked over to the kitchen and gently opened the door and peeked in.
---------------------------------------------------------------
"Sit still Jack!" demanded Elizabeth.
"I can't help it Eliza," whimpered Jack.
"Don't call me that!" Will just stood back a laughed. Jack had picked up a few splinters at the shop and Elizabeth was pulling them out.
---------------------------------------------------------------
"What has gotten into you?" asked Vicky. Henry, Martha, and the house messenger, lad of 10 years all pointed behind her. She turned around and jumped back a little. Norrington was right behind her and covered with flour.
"I...I...I think I hear my mum calling me. She hates it when I'm late for supper," said the messenger boy slowly backing out of the kitchen.
"I...I'll go get you a fresh pair of clothes sir," said Henry.
"I'll get supper on," said Martha.
"What is the meaning of this?" asked Norrington. Everyone stopped again and didn't answer.
"It's called fun and making a mess in the kitchen," replied Vicky coolly. "You should try it sometime when you're not caught up in work."
Norrington was at a loss for words, 'How in bloody hell does she do that?!' he thought. "How can I make it up to you for making you wait so long?"
"By joining in on the fun."
"What? You can't be serious, can you?"
"Oh very serious. Henry invited me into the kitchen. He told me about how you usually get lost in your work. So I accepted and helped Martha around the house, played a few games with the young lad, and helped Henry get the ingredients ready for supper. After that was done we all sat down and played a few card games and Martha decided to bake a cake and I tossed some flour to John (the messenger). One thing lead to another and before you knew it here we are."
Norrington got a mischievous glint in his eyes that Vicky didn't catch, "so just wrap up flour into thin towels and throw them?" he said picking up the bundle that hit him.
"Yes....no...no...no," she said backing up into a corner. Norrington threw it but Vicky ducked in time. Norrington started laughing and chasing Vicky around the kitchen. Vicky was laughing and couldn't outrun him. Norrington grabbed some flour from the container it was kept in and tossed some into her face. Martha, Henry, and John were all laughing and joined in again. Eventually they ran out of flour and looked like ghosts. The kitchen was a mess. The flour had found its way into every nook and cranny. Everyone was exhausted and sunk onto the floor. "So much for a cake," said John. Everyone started laughing again and managed to stand up.
"Would you like me to get a new set of clothes ready for you sir?"
"Yes, thank you Henry, and could you see if we have anything for Victoria as well?"
"Yes sir."
"You better get home and wash up quickly John," suggested Martha.
"Yes ma'am."
"Now look at my kitchen. Oh well, well all had an enjoyable time. She picked up a rag and soaked it.
"Let me help you Martha. It will take forever to clean this up by yourself," said Vicky taking the rag from her and starting to wipe down the counter surface. Meanwhile Norrington opened up the back door and watched Vicky clean. 'There's something about her that's for sure.'
"Martha why don't you take off for a while? Victoria and I will take of this mess."
"But sir-"
"No buts, now off with you." Martha nodded and left. Norrington moved over to Vicky and said. "Thank you."
"For what? Making a mess out your kitchen?"
He chuckled and replied, "No, for making this place alive again."
'Oh no, Victoria what did you get yourself into? Sure James is attractive, but, I don't know. Just don't panic.'
"I honestly can't remember the last time I laughed so hard or broke the rules."
Vicky couldn't find anything else to say so she went back to cleaning. Norrington picked up a rag too and within an hour most of the four had been removed and the kitchen wasn't cloudy.
Henry came in, cleaned up, and announced that the baths were drawn up and that the clothes were already set out. They deposited their rags into the sink and left. Martha came back in saying that she ought to finish because they would disrupt the order of the kitchen and that they probably didn't clean as well as she did.
After the baths Vicky changed into a simple dress that was laid out on her bed. 'I bet it one of Martha's' She then left the guest room and entered the kitchen again. Martha was just finished cleaning and Henry was putting on some water to boil. Vicky smiled and asked if he knew Norrington was done yet. Henry told her to go to the study. There she found him brooding over a pile of papers.
"Not this again."
"Hmm...Oh no, just skimming that's all." He rose up and asked, "We need to talk. Would you like to accompany outside for a moment?"
"Uh...sure." Vicky has lost her words as well. Norrington was dressed in a large off white shirt, loose fitting blue pants, and black leather boots that were worn down. 'He looks like a pirate almost.' He led her out into the gardens were they walked arm in arm. They walked in silence until they found a bench and sat on it.
"How is Elise doing?"
"She was awake when I left. She seems pretty stable."
"She seemed rather terrified and pale. Why was that?"
"Elise, she is very special to me. She is my best friend. She...well...when she was 13 she came home to find her parents murdered. She was left to raise her two younger brothers. One died from illness and the other just disappeared. Elise is like a sister to me. She can't bear losing someone else close to her. You understand?"
"Yes. She must have gone through a terrible time. No one should go through that. I offer my condolences." He paused for a while, "My father died when I was nineteen. I was headstrong at the time and didn't want to be tied down to working. I think he knew that he was sick. He died three years later."
"What about your mother?"
"She's living in England. We send letters regularly but it takes a while."
"So your close to her."
"Yes very much."
"Do you remember my father? You know from last night?" Vicky whispered the last part in case anyone was eavesdropping.
"I tried to remember. All I can recall is just another man that was with my father a lot. He made everyone laugh. He would get me out of trouble sometimes...that's all."
"That's all I can remember too. Mom used to get so mad." She smiled at the thought but it was short lived. "Have you talked to your staff?"
"Yes, but now is not the time. I would like to do research first, but I also have work. I hope you understand."
"Yes, well I better get going." Vicky got up and started to walk away when Norrington grabbed her had gently.
"Wait. I...uh...I also wanted to apologize for what happened earlier. I was out of line and-"
"You were worried, almost as much as Elise. Its...I-"
"I know that we have only just met, but you spark something in me to tell you the truth. I mean what happened today in the kitchen would probably have never happened, except maybe in when I was a boy. Last night jumping around on the rooftops. I know it sounds crazy seeing how we just met yesterday. Will you say something?"
"I don't know what to say honestly. I think that we both need time. I mean all I did was to show you a good time. You can't possibly be in love can you?"
"I know its just, I don't know. I suppose its because I have turned into such a hermit crab that anything different seems rejuvenating."
"You just need a friend James. A relationship now will just complicate things and that's the last thing you need."
"I just got ahead of myself didn't I?"
"Yeah. I better get going. I need to check up on Elise before I leave. Goodnight James."
"Goodnight Vicky."
With that Vicky left James in the garden and headed up towards the house. She found Martha straightening the chairs.
"You can't even tell what happened in here," she proclaimed happily. Vicky chuckled before saying goodnight and exiting. She found Henry at the front door. He asked her if she was sure that she didn't want a ride home in one of the carriages. She declined and starting her way to the back to the inn.
Elise was asleep but she was constantly tossing and turning. She gently woke her up and asked how she was doing and waited for her to fall asleep before leaving. Vicky decided to go into her old room since she still had her key. Nothing was in the room. She left and headed down to the Will's shop.
There she knocked on the door and no one answered. She looked for a way to get. As she rounded the building she noticed a piece of paper wedged in between the boards. She picked it up and found directions to Will's home. She made her way down the streets ignoring several catcalls until she reached the front door. She knocked and Will answered it.
"Hello Vicky. Please come in."
"I'm sorry to have bothered you but I found this at the shop."
Will inspected the piece of paper and said, "Oh yes, of course, Jack told Elizabeth and I about it. Come on I'll lead you to the parlor where everyone is."
Sure enough Jack and Elizabeth were in the parlor engrossed in a chess game. Will offered her a seat. Neither Elizabeth nor Jack noticed them until the game was over.
"Oh hello, I'm so sorry. You must be Jack's friend, Vicky. I'm Elizabeth, Will's wife. Nice to meet you."
"Likewise. I came her to ask Jack, well really Will if you would let me stay in the loft at the shop. I mean I don't want to kick Jack out but the place belongs to Will-"
"You can stay in one of our guest rooms, if you'd like, right Will?"
"Absolutely."
"But no one can know I'm here."
"Are ye in some kind of trouble lass?"
"Umm, just a tad. I don't want you to get caught up in the mess. SO the less you know the better."
"Vicky, Vicky, Vicky, we live for adventure. It's been quiet around here for quite sometime," said Elizabeth.
"Are you sure?" Vicky asked looking at everyone in the room.
"Yes," answered everyone. So Vicky spent the next hour talking to them and telling them James, Elise, the destroyed room, and the letter. She left out the part of the fiasco in the kitchen and she mentioned the letter James gave her but hadn't opened it yet. Will, Elizabeth, and Jack were very interested and offered to help. Elizabeth showed her to the guest room and pulled out some clothes for her to wear tomorrow.
"Thank you so much."
"No trouble at all."
"That's what you say now." The both broke out into giggles and said goodnight. Vicky climbed into bed and was asleep in a matter of minutes.
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A/N: I'm going to be gone for a week so I was up late last night getting this together for you guys. Please excuse the spelling and grammar errors if there are any – I wanted to get this chapter out soon as well. Look for the next chapter around the 16th – 20th at the latest. R&R