OK, this might be a dumb question, but I keep seeing all these people talking about betas and I was wondering, what is a beta? Does anyone know?
Captain Ella Raven: Don't worry about our young lady, I believe she is made of stronger stuff when the occasion calls for it. But of course I believe that, I made her up…
SarahKOM: you know what's sad? I can recite that scene line for line. gah, I'm such a dork.
AKAfredandgeorge: thanks, I always hope I'm not taking too much time describing things, but too little is bad too, so I guess in this case more is more.
Starsplash: sorry, dear, but sarahkom beat you to the punch on the quote.
PrincessAmberly: the gum you're chewing on? Is it caffinated? Hey, that sounds like a good idea… caffeine gum. I could have used that in high school…
AKAFredandGeorge; yeah, yeah age issues much? And yes, I know you can quote most if not all of the movie, cause I can do it too! Don't we make a sad pair?
Sarah: hey hun! How u doing?
Kitty: you like rolly things? Ok, here's a big bouncy ball to play with!
LittleRockinDragon: yup, it's one of my favorites too!
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Jace was seriously bored. He behaved for three straight days already and here he still was, holed up in his room. Just like prison, only more comfortable. He thought dryly tossing a ball and catching it repeatedly, yes he was extremely bored. He suddenly sat up when he heard a familiar voice coming from the kitchen, which was directly beneath his bedroom. With a smile he jumped off his bed and hurried down the stairs., stopping just before turning the corner to the doorway, listening.
"And you say he's actually behaving himself?" Kipp asked in disbelief.
"Oh, yes." Miss Melody, the boarding house's proprietor answered, checking the bread she had baking in the oven, her black braid falling over her shoulder. "I find it very strange, but he hasn't been dropped off by anyone at ungodly early hours for a few days now."
"Huh, he must really want to-"
"No! Get off of there! Shoo!" Miss Melody cried, her accent starting to appear, a clear indicator that she was getting very aggravated. A screech was followed by some irked chattering.
Oh no! I must have left my door open!
"Jace!" Miss Melody yelled. Jace cringed and shuffled around the corner with his head down. "How many times do I have to tell you to keep this creature locked up?" she pointed to the top of a cabinet with her other hand on her hip, her face stormy and brown eyes flashing.
"Sorry." Jace mumbled, glancing at Kipp, who stood with his arms crossed and a frown on his face, though he looked slightly amused. "Here, boy, come here." Jace tried to coax the small monkey that had taken refuge on the cabinet to come down. "Scamp, down." He commanded and the little monkey leapt from his perch to his shoulder, tail wrapping around his neck. "Hey, Kipp." He smiled sheepishly turning tot the young captain.
"Some times I wonder who is more trouble, you or your pet." Kipp said in an amused voice, but added a small frown. "Some times I wonder why I ever thought it a good idea to get you a pet."
"I wonder the same thing everyday." Miss Melody mumbled, taking the fresh bread out of the oven and setting it on the counter.
"Aw, Scamp ain't that bad." Jace responded, absently rubbing the monkey's head.
"Right, well I got a job for you." Kipp directed to the younger boy.
"Finally coming over to the dark side, huh?" Jace perked up.
Kipp gave a short laugh. "No, I am not "coming over to the dark side" as you put it." He ruffled Jace's hair. "I need you to watch someone for a bit tonight."
"Ah! Spy work." Jace exclaimed.
"Not that kind of job either."
"Then what?" Jace gave him a confused look.
"Come on and I'll show you." Kipp walked through the swinging door leading to the large dining room that took up the better portion of the main floor and had a long sturdy table running the length of it. A little girl sat on one side, playing with what was an obviously new doll. Kipp moved forward and sat next to her while Jace watched with a look of disbelief.
"Hey, Sera." Kipp said in a affectionate voice. "Have you named her yet?" he motioned to the brown eyed doll in her hands.
Sera nodded her head happily. "Keeley." She said.
"That's a nice name. Come here, Jace." Kipp motioned. "This is Sera. I need you to watch her tonight. Sera, this is Jace. He'll play with you while I go see Kitten. Alright?"
Sera turned curios eyes on the boy and studied him. Laughing with delight when the monkey jumped from his shoulder and onto the table.
"I'll be back to pick her up later." Kipp told Jace in an undertone.
"Why do I have to watch her?" Jace pouted.
"Because I asked you to. And you want to go with me next time I head out." Kipp smirked.
"That's not fair!" Jace called at Kipp's back, only getting a laugh in response. Suddenly a thought hit the little boy. "Sera, right?"
Sera nodded.
"Do you know how to pick a lock?"
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Katrina tensely stood in her room looking at herself in the mirror. She had to admit, she couldn't find fault with her appearance. The dress and jewelry looked perfect on her. The up-do Kara had toiled on for almost an hour sat just right on her head. And the light brushing of cosmetics lent a touch of color to her face, not to mention the excitement and nervousness gave a slight flush to her cheeks and made her eyes, which were enhanced by her pale turquoise dress, to sparkle. She started pacing, not being able to sit down, she had been warned that it could crease her dress and then her introduction would be ruined. But still, being in her room while she could hear the ball room downstairs fill up was more than a little disconcerting.
"My lady, stop pacing!" Kara said from the door way.
Katrina glanced at her but continued pacing.
"I am to take you to your uncle now." Kara continued. This time Katrina did stop, terror suddenly overtaking her. All those people downstairs would be looking at her, judging her. Sure, they would smile and be polite, but behind her back they would criticize every little thing she did.
OK just breath. She told herself. Or do the best you can. She amended when her corset halted her attempt at a deep breath. "Alright." Katrina nodded and followed Kara down the stairs to where Governor Swann was waiting.
"You look lovely, niece." He said taking her hand and kissing the back of it before tucking into his arm. he nodded to a man standing at the head of the short flight of stairs leading down to the dance floor.
"Lord Governor Weatherby Swann and Lady Katrina Ellis!" he called announcing the arrival of the guest of honor and the host.
The loud chatter in the room dropped to almost nonexistent as the two entered the room, the governor confidently and Katrina a bit shyly and a touch apprehensively. A low murmur started around the room and Katrina heard a few comments as she was lead to the center of the room as the band struck up the starting strains of a waltz.
"She looks just like her mother. I knew her in London you know…" a middle age dowager was saying to her companion.
"Look at her dress! I want one like it." A girl stage whispered to her friend.
"Pretty little thing." She heard a man say to the group of friends around him.
Katrina flushed a little brighter, embarrassed by all the attention. The governor squeezed her hand a bit to comfort her. And Katrina relaxed a bit. A small smile gracing her lips when she saw Thomas giving her an encouraging smile. Soon Katrina forgot that she was the center of attention, all her concentration was on her footwork and she was silently counting to herself. One, two three… one two three. The waltz ended and the guests clapped while the governor thanked her for the dance.
"I believe I will claim my dance before you are swarmed by partners and forget your promise to an old man." A voice said from behind her.
"Sir Jeffery." Katrina gave him a small curtsy before accepting his hand and allowing him to lead her back out onto the dance floor, other couples filling in the empty spaces.
"A little overwhelming, is it not, my dear?" He said a knowing twinkle in his eyes.
"I suppose so." Katrina said. "Yes, yes it is." She amended at his look.
The two chatted throughout the dance, Sir Jeffery putting her more at ease. Even getting her to laugh once or twice. At the end she curtsied once again and thanked him before she was invited to the next dance.
Katrina lost count of how many dances she danced, some of the names and faces blended some. She danced with Thomas, he even made sure she got some punch and sat the next dance out, for which she was greatly thankful. But then it was right back to dancing.
"Miss, Ellis. May I have this dance?" Katrina turned and saw
Link, (Bet you all thought it would be Kipp or mebbe Daniel) all cleaned up and dressed in fine evening clothes, where he got them she could only guess. With a smile she allowed him to sweep her onto the floor.
"I didn't know you were coming. It is good to see another familiar face. I'm afraid that I'll forgot almost everyone I've been introduced to tonight."
"One thing is for certain."
"Oh, what is that?"
"No one will for get the beautiful governor's long lost niece. You seem to have captured the eye of many young men here tonight."
"That's kind of you to say. I'm only dancing so much because the party is in my honor. In a week they will have forgotten about me, indeed, I hardly expect to be remembered by tomorrow."
"Kitty, there was nothing kind about it. If looks could kill, I'd be dead five times over before I hit the floor by all the jealous glares I'm getting right now."
"Link…"
"It's true." He insisted. "I'd be jealous myself if I didn't get to dance with my 'little sister'." He joked.
Katrina flashed him a grateful smile. He was good for trying to make her forget others watching her.
"That smile probably just killed me ten more times." he chuckled and Katrina blushed slightly.
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Kipp slipped into the room without the concierge announcing him. After all, it was Kitten's night. That and he wished to go mostly unnoticed, which now seemed unlikely, as he was greeted boisterously by some of his old classmates, drawing some looks, longer ones from some of the girls.
He chose a spot by the wall and watched the dancers. Catching sight of Kitten, he saw her give a bright smile to her partner, making him wonder who it was. He relaxed as the pair spun and he saw that it was his deck hand, Link. She laughed as he expertly spun her. Kipp smiled at her happiness.
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Daniel Norrington also entered late, he had got caught up in some paperwork that had required his direct attention. He slipped the concierge a five pound note to keep quiet and made his way cautiously into the room. He generally avoided parties. But his uncle insisted that he put in an appearance soon. And he decided sooner was better than later.
He made his way over to the refreshments and took a glass of weak lemonade. He put it back down after a sip. It was almost as bad as that stuff they served at some of the parties he had been to in London, only it was fresher here.
"Daniel." He turned at the sound of his uncle's voice. "I'm glad you finally made it." The commodore said.
"Sorry, sir. I had to finish some paperwork." Daniel resisted the urge to salute, as he was officially off duty for the time being.
"This is Lady Rose. Lady Rose, my nephew, Daniel Norrington."
"Aren't you the handsome one." The lady on James Norrington's arm said. "You must meet my daughter. Analise, come here child." A girl demurely approached her mother. "My sweet, this is the Commodore's nephew, Daniel Norrington. And this is Analise, my daughter, recently arrived from London."
Daniel Bowed to the young lady, suppressing a groan. This is why he avoided parties. Matchmaking mamas. "A pleasure Lady Analise." He said as cordially as possible.
"Mr. Norrington." She said coyly though her eyes held a bit of boldness as she looked at him from under her lashes.
Daniel squelched a small smirk. He was wearing his dress uniform, clearly showing off his profession and rank. he thought her quite dull for not noticing. James Norrington unobtrusively cleared his throat, reminding Daniel of his duties. Seeing he was neatly trapped, he suppressed another groan and bowed to Analise. "Would you like to dance, my lady?"
Part way through the dance he caught sight of a young lady dancing with a young man, smiling and blushing. Analise paused long enough in her inane prattle to see what caught his attention.
"Oh, that is the niece. Kathryn something or other. Don't you just love her dress,-" and she started prattling again. But Daniel had long since learned how to smile politely and tune out young women such as these that his uncle seemed to enjoy throwing his way.
It's her. He thought to himself. Glaring at her partner as he spun her. Making her laugh.
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Elizabeth and Will danced across the floor. Elizabeth glad her cousin was a success, and the fact that after tonight she wouldn't have to worry about ball plans. That is until her father cooked up another idea for a party. Perhaps she could show Katrina what was to be done. Then Katrina could play hostess for her father.
"What is that smile for?" Will asked.
"Oh, nothing. I'm just happy this is turning out so well." Elizabeth smiled up at her husband. "Ask her to dance?" she requested as the song ended.
"I'm not sure I could if I wanted to. There seems to be a waiting list." Will nodded to where a group of young gentle men were surrounding Katrina.
"I suppose not. You'll just have to dance with me again." She smiled as Will pulled her closer.
"Must I?" he teased.
"Yes, you must."
"If I must, then I must."
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Sera crouched behind some crates in the alley of the bakery. She insisted that it be the next place they "visited" as Jace called it. She was amazed at the monkey, who could unlock and open doors after crawling through small windows. Jace proudly explained how long it took time to teach Scamp those tricks.
Sera watched as the door swung open with the monkey perched on the handle. Jace grabbed her hand and pulled her into the back of the bakery, where Sera immediately plundered the cabinets, finding some leftover cookies, she stuffed one in her mouth and the rest in the little cloth bag Jace gave her. Reaching for more cookies she accidentally knocked over a jar full or flour, causing it to break.
They both froze. They heard footsteps overhead where the baker lived.
"Crap. Go, go ,go!" Jace whispered. Racing out of the bakery and down the street just as the baker got to the storage room where they had been.
After a brief sprint when Jace was sure they were safe, he collapsed in laughter. "Wow I thought we were done for there for a minute." He said between gasps of laughter. "What say we go back to Miss Melody's and split the loot?"
Sera grinned and nodded.
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"Mat I have this dance?" a young man bowed to Katrina.
"Of course, Mr.….?" Katrina dropped a short curtsy. How sick she was of curtsying!
"Lord, viscount, actually. "Viscount Alistair."
"Oh." Katrina answered, not liking the look in his eye. the viscount spun her easily about the floor.
"How do you find Port Royal, Milady." He said in a silky voice.
"Oh, very friendly."
"It could be much, much more… friendly." He suggested. "Why don't I take you for a ride tomorrow? I know all the best places…" he trailed off, his gaze sliding a bit lower then her neck before snapping back to her eyes, a companionable smile plastered to his face.
Katrina felt a shiver run down her back. "I-I don't know…"
"Sorry old chap. She already promised me that she would go riding with me tomorrow. By the way may I cut in?" a familiar voice said from behind Katrina
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Ooo, who is it?
there it is! Chapter 42! What did you think of the monkey's name? It took me way too long to come up with that one…
uh-oh, looks like there is jealousy afoot, and little Sera is getting a taste of unlawfulness…
Quote:
"He only answers tot he Napster now."
Reviews are as good as Valentine's Candy! Happy Valentine's day all!