Regrets I May Have Had A Few

Chapter 10

As the group stopped at a large iron gate blocking a long stone path leading to a three story baroque residence Maggie turned to address James, "Auntie will like you." Peering intently at Jack she added, "I don't think she's going to like you much though."

Mr. Andrew, who was in the process of unlocking the heavy iron gate, turned to Maggie, "Miss Madeline please mind your manners, I'm sure your Aunt would object to your speaking in such a way."

Maggie looked down at her shoes, "Sorry."

As the gate creaked open and the group headed through Jack turned to James with a moue, "Why wouldn't she like me?"

"Perhaps because you are a scalawag and present a distinct air of disrepute about you." James raised his eyebrows and snarked.

Jack shook his head, "Can't be that mate, always found those qualities added an air of mystery and intrigue to me personality."

"More like an air of debauchery and mayhem." James snorted in retort.

Tipping his head to the side Jack waved his fingers in front of him and said, "Just not seein it that way Commodore."

"Why does that not surprise me?" James replied sarcastically.

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As they stepped into the entrance hall a woman in a long flowing gown was coming down the magnificent two story curving staircase to their right.

Mr. Andrew, as well as the children, bowed in respect as she reached the foot of the stairs and walked toward them.

"You have brought visitors Andrew." The lady said in a less than pleased tone as she eyed Jack and James.

"Master William and Miss Madeline took it upon themselves to walk into town Madam and became embroiled in a confrontation with some of the youths in the village; these gentlemen intervened on their behalf, I thought you would like to thank them in person." Mr. Andrew replied, not quite meeting her eyes.

"I see." She replied. Her eyes narrowed as she peered at the children. She said with a bit of an ominous tone, "We have previously spoken about the rules here children but I see we will have to speak on the matter again, you as well Andrew." Dismissively she added with a wave of her hand, "Now you may take the children to their rooms." Visibly changing her demeanor as she turned to Jack and James with a smile and extended hand she addressed them, "Gentlemen excuse me for my rudeness. I am Madam Marina Anat. I do thank you for your actions on behalf of the children and welcome you to my home."

James, not liking the interaction that just transpired with the children but ever the gentleman, took Madam Anat's hand, bent his head, and briefly touched his lips to the back of it as he introduced himself, "James Norrington, Madam Anat."

Jack however, not being nearly the gentleman James was and not liking the interaction with the children either smiled a glittering smile, grabbed the woman's hand with both of his and began pumping it up and down in an exaggerated manner, "Captain Jack Sparrow 'n always more 'n glad ta make the acquaintancement of a woman of yer magnitudishness 'n staturement Madam Ant….er Madam And…..oh sorry…..er….Madam Gnat…..er… Knot…..er what say you we just leave it at Madam aye?" As Madam Anat jerked her hand away from Jack he heard James try unsuccessfully to muffle a snortish laugh.

Rubbing her hand as she quickly stepped out of Jack's reach and struggled to compose herself she turned and headed toward the stairs casting back over her shoulder, "I'm sure you gentlemen would like to freshen up and join us for dinner. I shall send someone to attend to you." She quickly mounted the staircase and disappeared from sight.

"I have every confidence you have just brought about Miss Maggie's prediction her Aunt would not care for you Captain Sparrow."

With an innocent look Jack replied, "Don't have the foggiest what you'd be referrin to Commodore."

"Indeed!"

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As they waited for the servant Madam Anat had spoken of Jack began sashaying around the entrance hall examining the various paintings on the walls and variety of knick knacks setting around on several decorative tables in the hall. Picking up each piece, looking it over, and then setting it back down he advanced around the area.

"I do hope you do not intend to pocket any of those items Captain Sparrow."

"No worries Mate, mainly 'cause I haven't come across anything of a pocketable nature as it were as of yet, other than a few of the paintings and they appear to be a bit too big to be pocketing….even for me." Jack returned with a smile. Then realizing he was not upholding his reputation as 'Captain Jack Sparrow' he added a bit defensively, "Not sayin I couldn't come up with a way and or a means to pocket 'em so to speak without really pocketin 'em in the general senses and meanings of the words as it were if ya get me meanin here." Seeing James frown he added, "'n if in fact I was ta be of a mind to be doin such a thing which I am not now nor do I appear to be havin or will be havin that particular inclination in or near the present time ya understand."

"Be that as it may be, I cannot stress to you the import of refraining from such activity. If we are to acquire any manner of usable information from Madam Anot I would suggest you not antagonize her any more than you already have with your flamboyant greeting."

"Aye, that was one of me better ones weren't it." Jack replied with a glittering grin and a flutter of fingertips, then noticing James disapproving expression added, "No worries Commodore, information firstly, pilferin secondly."

James rolled his eyes and huffed in answer.

To Be Continued

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