Entry 6

I was ne'er goin' to get used to it nae matter how many times I would hear it. Miss Beckett. Said from anyone's lips it juist nae only sounded but also felt too odd to fully adopt.

This bedlam had been goin' oan for two weeks noo, me still strugglin' to get used to me drastically changed life 'n' th' comforts that it noo hold for me in every imanigable wey. For example th' fact that th' very same day we'd been introduced to oor uncle he'd set things in motion, efter returnin' to th' Swann manor me findin' all me personal belongings to have moved intae Miss Elizabeth's bedroom includin' me maw's travel trunk, where me claes had all been left behind. Replaced by what I gathered as several divine creations o' finest needlework (as I found that Elizabeth's gowns had all been moved oot o' th' wey o' me freish wardrobe, as if it was a known fact that she wasn't comin' back to stay in this room ever again). Me uncle makin' sure that I was treated as weel as was to be expected noo that I had all so suddenly turned from a servant to a stayin' guest in Governor Swann's mansion along wi' uncle Cutler 'n' Peter. Which naturally suited me brother who'd been dismissed from service by Gilette some time afore oor uncle's arrival (due to nae so surprisin', previously presented circumstances his former superior's difficult character aside), therefore unable to continue to stay at th' barracks.

Efter many times o' admirin' th' frocks o' Elizabeth 'n' 'er friends I didn't even dare to guess th' price range o' those dresses purchased only for me, me almaist feelin' lik' faintin' efterwards when I noticed a freish jewelry box to sit upoan th' dressin' table. Me takin' a peek under its led 'n' getting' dazzled by jewels o' all shape 'n' sizes, me holdin' me breath in disbelief as waded thro' th' wearable valuables. Only to be shocked to find th' box to be filled wi' different kind o' pearl necklaces 'n' everythin' made o' gold or silver that any woman would covet to own. So there was no questionin' that me uncle hadn't been made notably rich by all his years in th' service o' th' Company if all that had been provided juist for me. Which resulted intae this unsolicited luxury what seemed lik' a bribe o' some form to keep me from raisin' any questions aboot th' in truth quite suspicious relocation o' me uncle, which almost reminded mair o' a preparation for squattin' instead o' a temporary visit. Me placement in Elizabeth's quarters for stairters…Why would that happen unless there was somethin' to it that I was yet unaware?

Th' thought o' me livin' in Elizabeth's bedroom had been rather disturbin' to me, taken by th' fact that while I was takin' ower 'er room 'n' endulged meself (nae keenly however) wi' th' comfy lifestyle she was used to enjoy oan daily basis, she remained held up in a dirty prison cell wi' no nicities offered to mak' 'er stay there any mair pleasant. Which was why I'd in fact visited 'er a couple o' times, but taken th' circumstances o' me avowin' meself as th' niece o' th' hated man who was usin' 'er as a means o' extortion 'n' wi' th' excuse o' that sent 'er beloved in search o' Jack Sparrow, very much lik' William she hadn't been gey eager to speak to me close to at all. It appearin' to me from those keeks I'd received from 'er that she perhaps believed me to share me uncle's standpoints, me therefore soon relinquishin' me wishes to visit efter th' last time. I had however managed to convince th' jailer for allowin' me to leave a freish gown 'n' some food for 'er every noo 'n' then, but whether she accepted me help or nae remained unknown to me. I hadn't seen 'er for four days noo.

When it came to Elizabeth's father, he o' coorse was still livin' in th' hoose wi' us. Doin' his best to have his daughter freed from jail by findin' a loophole from th' case against 'er, but it proved impossible to execute. Th' orders to arrest Elizabeth along wi' William came straight from th' King o' England 'n' had been fully blessed nae only by th' Crown, but also th' Royal Commission for Antilles Trade 'n' Protection, which for what I'd understood had granted th' Company 'n' therefore uncle Cutler both absolute governmental and military power as th' appointed representative o' King George th' II. So even I also had tried to pull all th' strings I'd managed to weave within this less than a fortnight o' acquaintance I'd so far formed wi' 'im, I still hadn't succeeded in turnin' me uncle's heid aboot th' warrants o' arrest. Me nae helpin' but feelin' guilty when every evening we would sit doon to enjoy dinner, naturally as th' lord o' th' manor me former employer maintainin' th' other chair at th' other side o' th' dinin' table.

Speakin' o' these highly uncomfortable family dinners…In middle o' ongoin' political recitation aboot EITC's complicated affairs wi' th' worldwide trade, that evening I'd wance mair secluded meself from th' conversation 'n' ended up thinkin' aboot William 'n' how his search o' Sparrow was goin'. Wonderin' how long would it yet take 'im to return, juist as Lily daunered intae th' room. Fillin' oor glasses wi' port as th' main course was served by Hannah, me lettin' oot a sigh as turned me eyes doon to stare at th' steamin' portion o' pigeon soaked in truffle sauce. Th' delicious smell nae wakin' me appetite (as while sittin' oan th' chair all strangled by th' corset it seemed to me that nae a single bit o' food would fit intae me stomach), th' atmosphere makin' me want to bolt oot o' th' room lik' all th' evenings previous. Governor Swann apparently sharin' me sentiments by th' keek oan his coupon. Me liftin' th' napkin 'n' removin' th' ring aroond it as me uncle happened to glance to me direction, takin' a pause in his account aboot th' Company's reserves in ships 'n' financial wealth he was relatin' to me (quite enthusiastic) brother, measurin' me quickly 'til shifted th' knife in his haun remarkably. Me takin' th' hint 'n' straightenin' me posture, placin' th' napkin oan me lap. Me fingers however still hoverin' ower th' cutlery unsurely, as I still didn't quite remember th' correct order to use 'em, afore th' subtle glance at me uncle reminded me o' th' answer. Me lettin' oot another sigh as stairted to eat, Lily arrivin' by me side a surly smile oan 'er lips.

"Care for some wine, Miss?"

I dithered, (mostly by th' honorific) but also given that I wasn't much o' a drinker 'n' hadn't yet either accustomed to th' finesse o' ingestin' alcohol at every dinner, me openin' me geggy 'n' glancin' up to me brother. But uncle Cutler was quick o respond for me.

"Of course she'll have a glass. It's a fine brand, but even you're yet unaccustomed I'm sure you'll find it but satisfactory to your tastes, Miranda."

I nodded compliantly, offerin' a wee smile to me uncle as then nodded in agreement. Lily pourin' me a glass, me noticin' th' poor Governor to drink his practically wi' one gulp as then Lily's haun accidentally slipped. Some o' th' drink fallin' straight oan me gown, me deterrin' a breath o' irritation as watched 'er mak' a feigned fuss, where I kenned she'd done it oan purpose. Such accidents had followed one another all week, as noo that I'd all so suddenly moved higher in th' social status I ticked 'er aff even mair, but lik' afore I was kind enough nae to report 'em to th' Governor. Nor to me uncle who would've quickly seen th' two maids leave th' hoose immediately, therefore simply smilin' when Lily apologized wi' a curtsey. Takin' oot a clean linen to wipe th' blue fabric, uncle Cutler liftin' an irritated eyebrow at Lily's clumsiness.

"It's awright", I reassured, shooin' th' girl awa' as stairted to wipe th' stains meself. Uncle Cutler straightenin' his back while directin' a strict stare at departin' Lily.

"It won't be long if such mistakes keep on repeating in the future", he stated wryly, actually scarin' Lily a wee by th' keek oan 'er coupon when she made a hasty apologetic curtsey at me uncle, afore scamperin' oot o' th' room due to th' Governor's dismissive nod. Me smilin' at uncle Cutler nonchalantly.

"It really is awright, uncle. Efter dinner I'll have Mattie wash th' stain awa'(or rather I would later oan when no one was awake to catch me in th' act), so it'll be as guid as freish one."

"Such incompetence is never to be accepted" uncle replied matter-o'-factly, his eyes then meetin' mine when it was his turn to tilt his heid at me disapprovingly. "Do you recall our recent conversation about your way of speaking, Miranda? By now it seemed that it was not all that recent…"

I realized me mistake, bowin' me heid momentarily as an apology. "Forgive me, uncle."

"Very well. It was but fleeting carelessness, you are no longer a child. I'm sure you won't let it become a problem I have to intervene with in the future."

I nodded humbly afore focused oan me dish, havin' no other say in th' matter which had left me but abashed. Oor uncle had come to dislike me Scottish accent, so much that he'd almost instantly instructed me to stairt to address 'im in British dialect as was apparently fit for me title. Me guessin' it perhaps havin' somethin' to do wi' his memories aboot me maw 'n' 'er escape from home to Scotland, me in th' end humorin' 'im by tryin' to minimize th' usage o' me accent. But as was proven juist noo, it at times was hard to monitor every word that left me geggy, as Scottish dialect had always been part o' who I was as a person. But would it matter? I awready felt completely different person, sittin' at this fancy dinner while stuffed intae a ridiculous corset that sucked th' very life oot' o' me wi' each move I made. Ironically easin' me to maintain me posture, me still holdin' back th' urge to stretch an arm behind me back to loosen th' laces o' me dress. Though all things considered I was bearin' it rather weel, but even imagined I'd had no idea in what kind o' true torment Elizabeth had always been efter bein' laced intae such gowns by me…

"What is the business that you were sent here to settle, uncle?" I inquired then efter usin' th' short break for careful contemplation, cuttin' a piece from th' bird 'til keeked up to me uncle questionably, takin' a sip o' th' wine. It tasted ghastly, even wi' th' bird it had been said to go weel wi'.

Uncle Cutler seemed surprised that I confronted 'im so straight 'n' actually questioned his reasons to come to Port Royal, where Peter sent me a baffled browliftin' ower th' table. Tellin' me to stop as oor uncle eyed at me thoughtfully.

"He came for us, of course", Peter reminded, exchangin' a look wi' oor uncle as I smiled.

"Of course, but I remember you mentioning that not to be the only reason. And I can't imagine that ye… you traveled all the way from England just to make a couple of arrests", I stated, directin' a discreet apologetic glance towards Governor Swann efter a curt slip o' tongue, who'd jolted slightly due to th' change in topic. Uncle Cutler liftin' his jaw as if to evaluate me afore responded.

"You are right. It was only a fortunate coincidence that directly after discovering you and your brother's location, the Crown saw it necessary to send me here as a representative of the King. As my task to see to it that all form of illegalities and general lawlessness such as piracy that has considerably proliferated shall come to an end on these waters", he revealed, surprisin' me a wee as I stared back at 'im. Seein' that he was clearly satisfied by what he said, tardily a smile risin' oan his lips. "Now that I have successfully become a lord and have been bestowed the power and the means needed to act against our enemies both by the Company and the British Crown, the first step in succeeding in our endeavour is to use our unlimited resources to seek and arrest all those with criminal connections to supporters of piracy. The world must be cleansed from injustice and crime that pirates live to represent, just as I am here to represent the contrary."

Uncle Cutler sent a significant keek ower th' table to Governor Swann, th' man avoidin' his stern gaze when he continued. "No title or power is seen as an excuse to avoid juridical judgement once the preparations have been made and we can proceed in our plan in bringing the criminals and their associates to book."

"Our plan? Hardly", Governor Swann cut in then incredulously 'n' what's mair surprisingly, in turn meetin' uncle Cutler's eyes clear defiance in his. Uncle Cutler smilin' 'n' tiltin' his heid as placed a piece o' th' pigeon in his geggy afore respondin'.

"Surely as the Governor you will see it as your pertinent responsibility to offer the Company all your support in this enterprise. In the King's enterprise", he reminded, his tone somewhat remarkable again. Me measurin' at first 'im 'n' then Elizabeth's father, seein' me uncle's words to hold somethin' for th' Governor that was hidden from me. It makin' me suspicious, somethin' William had said returnin' in me mind.

"Or am I to understand that now your daughter accused of associating with pirates and rightfully held to account for her crime, your views of His Majesty's intentions to eliminate all delinquency executed against the Empire has changed to a more tolerant regard?" Uncle Cutler keeked up from his plate at th' Governor rather arduously. "Of my long time intention to finally see justice prevail in this kingdom once and for all?"

"I have nothing against our king's desire of maintaining order", th' Governor replied slightly gloomily. "Just men whose misused, insatiable ambition and urge to administer all that around them evolves from privileges secured essentially by status and assigned regal rights that can be as easily withdrawn and tarnished as can a man's honor."

"And honor can be as readily restored by sufficient ambition that comes from such control", me uncle remarked, nae takin' th' Governor's insinuatin' wey o' speakin' to hert 'n' simply half ignored his verbal confrontation. "And when it comes to tarnishing one's name by means of one's title…I believe you know all about that, Governor. At least your daughter does."

I felt pity when I at first watched th' Governor to gasp for another time due to th' mention o' Elizabeth, Peter droppin' his gaze an unreadable face oan his coupon where I neist turned to me uncle in disbelief. Wrinklin' me brows at 'im. How could he do that? Gloat atween th' lines aboot Elizabeth 'n' th' death sentence that threatened 'er life… I didn't like that, sting o' quilt stabbin' me then as if I had played a part in 'er arrest, when me uncle finished efter a small pause.

"That is why I am here. To use my ambition for common good and tarnish the names of those who have deeds on their record that bode ill for their honor in the eyes of the law."

"You mean the law which condemns innocent citizens?" I interrupted, me voice tense as I met me uncle's gaze. "Where's the justice in that?"

"If you are referring to Miss. Swann, give some credence to your uncle. As promised the charges against her shall vanish instantly, should her fiancé honor his word and return as agreed in the service of the Company and not himself. As should he neglect our arrangement and take undiscussed liberties by disobeying the law again, there'll be consequences that I'd be but entitled to account to."

"But what you sent him to do is close to impossible. And yet you held Elizabeth's life against him to have him act persuant to your will, not law."

"This is not a matter of my will but British Crown's. And although my methods in accomplishing my goals may seem cruel to you, you should also remember that Mr. Turner willingly flouted the law and earned a noose around his neck by setting a notorious pirate free. And as both his fiancé and the local establishment tasked with the responsibility of enforcing the law and its fulfillment decided to turn a blind eye to his deeds and instead encourage them by siding with him, not I or the King were left with other choice but to make an example out of this incident. So even if Miss Swann would be but an innocent victim of Mr. Turner's unwise discretion, she shall be punished all the same for her own lack of sense of justice. I am here only for that purpose, to show that injustice shall not be further ignored for the sake of righteousness. Heartfelt fairness shall never overpower the set law, and this town along with the rest of the world seems to have forgotten it. Thus forcing my hand to correct them and remind them that no man can rise above the court of law."

There was close to angry face upoan me uncle's coupon then, but it was so fleetin' that I wasn't neist sure had I seen true hatred in his eyes at all when he'd obviously referred to Sparrow juist noo. But th' wey he'd spoken, so resolutely, stressin' his words wi' such conviction that left no room to dispute, made me realize that they hadn't been voiced oot for th' sake o' threat, but to be taken seriously. Me believin' that moment that he was sure to execute all that he'd said, 'n' that he'd be a dangerous force to strike against these accentuated criminals. Becomin' th' absolute authority that no one would be able to escape from, nae even William or Elizabeth, this chillin' notion actually causin' th' hairs at th' back o' me neck to rise for actual dread for th' foremaist time. All I'd come to learn aboot me uncle during this meal turnin' me contemplative aboot his true nature 'n' what he tried to accomplice by such deeds, as I finished me portion in silence.

"Of course I understand…But I just feel bad for Elizabeth", I continued then, exchangin' a keek wi' Peter who agreed wi' me, me then smilin' at me uncle persuasively. "Wouldn't it be alright to allow her to live in the mansion until William returns with the compass?"

I realized me mistake as everyone aroond th' table flinched due to me another slip o' tongue, Peter frownin' at me thoughtfully where I keeked doon in irritation. Carefully turnin' too meet me uncle's gaze efter glancin' ower to th' baffled Governor, gettin' confronted by a stare o' surprise which hold equal confusion. Me watchin' uncle Cutler to foremaist wipe his geggy wi' th' napkin 'til he stood, bowin' to Governor Swann.

"Would you excuse us Governor, till the dessert is served? I wish to exchange a couple of private words with my niece and nephew", he bidded politely, noddin' his heid respectively. Me turnin' to follow how th' Governor eventually replied wi' a stiff nod, attemptin' a courteous smile 'imself afore rose as weel. Exchangin' a thankful glance wi' me 'til daunered oot o' th' room, me releasin' a slightly nervous breath atween me lips as I returned me attention to oor uncle. His expression yet again unreadable, but I somehow kenned he wasn't pleased that I was aware o' th' details affiliated wi' th' contract he'd made wi' William.

"You went to see Turner before he left?" uncle Cutler queried, but even it was a question it sounded mair lik' a deduction made by a clever man. 'Im leanin' against th' chair's backrest as I keeked awa', collectin' meself. "Is that where you ran off in such hurry the day we met?"

"Yes. I needed to see him before he left."

"And why would that be? His intentions of that day clearly indicated that he was not going to choose you and marry you, so there really was no need for you to involve yourself with him any longer. Especially now."

I gouped at 'im, nonplussed due to th' fact that how it was possible for 'im to ken aboot me feelings for William 'n' oor former relationship, me however nae questionin' it as wance mair tried to fathom his wey o' thinkin 'n' where it led to. Me uncle leavin' his spot at th' heid o' th' table to dauner closer to me.

"You're right. It was imprudent of me", I agreed, feelin' Peter's eyes oan me as me ain sank to eye at th' crystal glass which was still half full o' th' undrinkable beverage, th' distressin' recollection o' me 'n' William's last meetin' flashin' past me mind afore I took th' glass 'n' drank its contents wi' one gulp lik' th' Governor had previously. Both me uncle 'n' me brother liftin' their eyebrows at me, clearly seein' me to have turned upset by uncle Cutler's inquiry.

"Not to mention redundant", he added, me blinkin' in silence afore released a subtle breath. "As people of two different class you now need not to spear a thought for a man like Turner and direct your attention to those worthy of you. As like my father I do not either symphatize with associations unfit to your status, and instead commend you to make wiser choices than your mother, especially when your eligibility to marry is decreasing by each lost moment for unilateral yearning. Turner is still as bad of a criminal as the man he released, and therefore unthinkable choice for you to waste your affection upon."

I said nothin' as though aboot his words, o' coorse seein' th' reason in 'em that supported what William had told me two weeks ago, what I'd also thought meself to want for several weeks. 'N' yet I wanted to stand 'n' rebel against 'im efter getting' chided lik' a bairn by 'im, but remained still oan me seat. Rubbin' me lips together for slight hesitation as I noticed oor uncle to examine me then efter havin' a realization, eyein' at me rather suspiciously as did Peter across th' table, though his face appeared but interested when it measured me in th' same fashion.

"Is this where your ostensible mistrust in my actions comes from? Did Turner say something to you that made you doubt me, your uncle?" uncle Cutler asked then, takin' me by surprise 'n' as a wee telltale me irises rose to keek at 'im, me then lettin' 'em fall back doon to Peter's coupon as he studied me. "What did he tell you besides the involvement of a certain compass? What did you have to talk about that was so urgent?"

"Nothing. I was just worried about him after I heard about his arrest", I said, remprimandin' meself instantly for yet one mair slip which oor uncle was vigilant to pick up.

"And from where did you hear that from, Miranda?"

"From William's mentor, Mr. Brown. I stopped by the smithy that morning to offer my congratulations for William before visiting mother's grave."

Uncle Cutler 'n' Peter exchanged a keek efter th' former had taken a moment to think aboot me reply, me returnin' his stare collectedly. Tryin' to seem lik' I had nothin' to hide, even I couldn't understand th' reason for me secrecy. He was me uncle, so why I found it necessary to hide what I kenned? Weel maybe it had been those words he'd said aboot maw, makin' 'im appear similar type o' person he'd depicted his father to have been. A type o' man he obviously despised, but th' wey he'd spoken aboot maw's in such a critical manner had shed a slight light to a personality trait mutual for both o' 'em. Maybe as a proof o' that 'im noo inclinin' his heid again, directin' a same kind o' strict keek intae me eyes I'd sen 'im give to Governor Swann.

"So he did not tell you about his mission and its purpose?"

I shook me heid in denial. "No. I know just about the compass which he let slip imperceptibly. But even I asked him, he refused to tell me more about the agreement he made with you and where he was headed."

Uncle Cutler seemed notably pleased by me response, noddin' 'n' returnin' to his seat juist as th' maids daunered within th' dining-room to gather th' dishes 'n' serve th' dessert. Me unwillingly lettin' oot a sign o' relief, gettin' caught by me brother who lifted his eyebrows at me questionably, me brushin' his curious face aff wi' a similar gesture 'til uncle Cutler's voice broke th' fallen silence again, still addressin' me.

"So taken into account what I just told you, should return back safely and manage to escape the statute that demands his death, I'd appreciate you to express essential discretion and understand your position better than your mother before you by staying away from him", he stairted, causin' me to pin me gaze this time oanto th' piece o' cake that had been placed in front o' me, juist as Governor Swann re-entered thro' th' door th' same minute 'n' took a seat. Me uncle's indeed absolute soundin' voice turnin' me but dejected when I kenned that I had to submit to his will. Th' compliant words feelin' lik' getting' stuck in me throat afore somehow escapin' me lips concisely.

"Yes, uncle. I understand."

"Good. Because tonight you will earn a chance to demonstrate that you mean it in earnest."

Me uncle hadn't efter all specified what he'd meant by th' last statement afore we'd finished oor meal in silence, me nae gainin' an opportunity to ask 'im aboot it 'til th' explanation was then offered to me by a visitor who was led intae th' dining-room as if oan cue immediately we'd finished eatin'. Me fillin' wi' utmaist bafflement when I recognized th' familiar clop o' a cane, me followin' me uncle's gaze which was directed toward th' entrance o' th' room.

"Forgive me fur th' late hour o' stopping by."

"Taran?" I called in astonishment, watchin' th' Scotsman (from whom I hadn't seen even a glimpse for th' past weeks) to enter, 'im sendin' me a slight smirk 'til bowed doon to me uncle who threw his napkin oanto his plate. Standin'.

"Ah, Mr. McTavish finally", he said in a delighted manner, for me further puzzlement hurryin' to receive Taran wi' a familiar handshake. "You've already met my niece and nephew, and our honored host… I'm afraid we already have dined, but would you care for some refreshments before delving into the matter at hand?"

"What is the meaning of this Taran my boy? Why have you come here so late?" Th' Governor interrupted, as th' first to question Taran's arrival in a indeed quite inappropriate time o' th' evenin', also daunerin' ower to 'im to shake his haun. Taran inclinin' his heid in respect as th' Governor then directed a remarkable glance at me direction. "Have you come to see Miranda?"

"Aye ye're right, bit yer bonnie protege isnae th' ainlie reason fur me visit", Taran replied, me blinkin' due to his compliment as he sent me another swift smile. Peter as weel goin' to greet 'im as me uncle turned to th' Governor, beckonin' at first to Taran 'til waved at Hannah closer to order 'er to bring us somethin' to drink.

"I summoned him. We have some business to discuss with one another and therefore saw it fit to invite him to join us for a glassful. I reckoned you not to turn aside a meeting with an old family friend", uncle Cutler explained, surprisin' me as much as th' Governor, us both eyein' at 'im 'n' Taran in wonder afore Governor Swann broke intae notably warmer smile. Tappin' Taran oan th' shoulder 'n' in turn pointin' towards th' table.

"Of course not, you're practically family to me and my daughter. Come now, go ahead and take a seat."

"I'd lik' nothin' mair, bit afore I tak' ye up oan yer offer foremaist come th' formalities that hae brought me 'ere tonight", Taran told 'im, neist turnin' his attention fully to me 'n' stairted to dauner to me direction. Me offerin' 'im a wee smile as curtsied, tiltin' me heid in interest as wi'oot noticin' he'd captured me palm 'n' kissed it.

"By formalities do ye mean a courtesy visit?" I asked, th' man's smile turnin' amused as he eyed at me. Clearly takin' great delight for what he found changed in me, me actually then feelin' rather abashed under his strangely so ardent attention unlik' I'd seen 'im express ever afore. As it was expected me eventually flushin' when I recollected th' moment I'd last seen 'im, th' shameful memories 'n' th' dubious nature o' 'em causin' me to turn me ain attention to th' other people in th' room. Me however instantly frownin' thoughtfully when me eyes found me uncle, witnessin' th' satisfaction that lifted th' corners o' his mouth intae as contended grin while watchin' oor interaction. Me neist clearin' me throat 'til shifted me wonderin' irises back to th' Scotsman.

"So what's this business me uncle was talkin' aboot?" I queried, truly curious, th' men exchangin' a remarkable keek wi' one another. "I didn't realize ye had awready met each other."

"I've known yer uncle fur a lang time, 'n' we've become quite guid mukkers transactionally", Taran revealed, me this time frownin' at 'im for equal perplexity, me uncle cuttin' in to clarify Taran's account.

"Over a year to be exact", he said, me eyes widenin' efter blinkin' 'n' me dumbfounded eyes moved atween th' men. "During the past year Mr. McTavish and his clan have showed a remarkable support for the Company and aided us in many enterprises concerning the seizing of the trade of the northern hemisphere both financially and militarily, earning himself a position in the British Court for the favors he's continued to deliver for our King and East India Trading Company. And I'm happy to say that your fiancé has promised his full cooperation in exterminating piracy and achieving complete monopoly over the world's commerce business."

It was as if I hit a wall, a certain word me uncle had said causin' me to freeze as me heid whipped to his direction. "What?"

"I'm a lang time business associate o' yer uncle's", Taran continued, me eyes slowly returnin' to keek intae his as I processed what uncle Cutler had juist unveiled, shakin' me heid incredulously as tried to wrap it aroond yet another shockin' fact; me uncle 'n' Taran knew one another, from a time ower a year past. They had met each other back when I hadn't even heard o' me uncle 'n' me unexpected identity as a daughter o' a Beckett family, 'n' yet all th' while they'd had dealings wi' each another under wraps. Taran servin' as th' silent partner o' EITC, wi'oot tellin' me, what it seemed lik' intentionally keepin' me in th' dark by hidin' th' truth all this time. It nae ever even occurin' to me 'til that moment that th' contract he'd mentioned (one that had granted his clan mair stature 'n' an ain fleet) had actually been formed wi' me uncle's Company instead o' th' British Crown. Th' miscellaneous nuggets o' information stairtin' to lock in place when I made a slow nod.

"'N' th' business ye were to discuss th'day?" I inquired, measurin' th' men in turns 'til was then profoundly shocked. All that followed causin' me mind to go blank for ultimate dismay, everythin' passin' by in a blur o' some kind, me soon comin' to realize that I hadn't imagined it when th' discussion had earlier briefly deviated to th' topic.

"It was our intention to implement a certain condition that shall finalize our agreement we've been discussing for the past months. And this is when your involvement becomes crucial, Miranda."

I blinked in confusion, nae understandin'. Me gaze movin' from me uncle to Peter, thro' Governor Swann all th' wey back to Taran. 'Im noo takin' me palms intae his as straightened his posture, liftin' his jaw formally as I let oot a confused breath.

"As it haes awready been proven, I'm feart I hae nae been completely honest wi' ye, lassie. Whin we foremaist met it wasnae a coincidence, bit at th' time I'd come back home tae specifically meet wi' ye accordin' tae th' arrangement devised in consensus wi' yer uncle."

"I don't understand", I stated efter a long 'n' even further bemused pause, me nae catchin' th' meanin' behind his words, facin' me uncle for an explanation who then simply smiled at me. In th' end o' his narrative beckonin' to Taran again significantly.

"It was part of our agreement that in exchange of Mr. McTavish's personal resources and general support of his clan there would be certain substitutions to repay his efforts for the Company, including a brand new fleet o' 50 top quality battleships and the profound appreciation of the king, in addition to the last but not least of the conditions…your hand in marriage."

Th' bewilderment struck me lik' a heavy weight, placin' me under a daze that wasn't broken by anythin' in th' followin' minutes as I gouped at me uncle silently a few seconds. Finally ootrage bringin' me to open me geggy in incredulity, me widened eyes seekin' Peter who however didn't seem to be affected by th' news much. Juist sittin' at th' table wi' a calm expression, liftin' his eyebrows at me as if what had been disclosed was th' maist natural thing to occur in a business deal, me nae findin' words to speak as I then ended up starin' at Taran whose face didn't offer support to me obvious hesitation but keeked determined instead. Efter a few seconds mair me then regainin' some part o' me reason, me wrinklin' me brows slightly as looked to me uncle.

"What?" I asked again, this time emphatically, me overwrought gaze dartin' aroond th' room to th' faces o' all present men, 'til uncle Cutler stepped closer to me. Me feelin' his haun to press against me stiffened upper back.

"Mr. McTavish offered his assistance under the proposed condition of having you as his wife", he explained, me however nae hearin' what he said. Me bustlin' mind excludin' his voice 'til I was brought back to th' reality by Taran who noo took somethin' oot o' his breast pocket efter an affirmative nod from uncle Cutler. "I'm after all a man who lives up to his word. And as I told you earlier it is now your turn to do the same, Miranda."

"I…"

"This likelie doesn't come as a surprise tae you lass, as it is naw secret that I had intended tae propose tae ye during th' wedding celebration…but th' truth is that I've had me eye oan ye fur a gey lang time since th' day I was given th' privilege tae see ye wi' me ain eyes efter hearin' so muckle guid aboot ye", Taran cut in, me flabbergasted attention returnin' to 'im as for me dread I saw 'im indeed clasp a circular box in his haun. In fact actin' surprisingly lik' a true gentleman when I thought aboot it later oan (which didn't go all too smoothly wi' his personality I'd come to ken). "I ask yer forgiveness fur me uncouth behavior 'n' fur me lies that hae kept ye unaware o' th' true nature o' oor kinship. But afore pledgin' tae work wi' East India Tradin' Company in accordance to th' appointed terms 'n' goin' thro' wi' this mairriage, I juist had tae get tae ken ye meself 'n' see what kind o' wifie ye were. 'N' from me personal viewpoint I noo see that yer uncle was right by commendin' yer qualities as an ideal candidate fur a wife, 'n' find meself indented tae ye nae ainlie by th' contract but by true attachment as weel."

I hardly reacted when instantly efter finishin' I watched Taran to open th' lid o' th' box 'n' go doon oan one knee, slippin' a weddin' band oan me ring finger afore keeked up to me expectant. Smilin' confidently, waitin' for me to perhaps stairt to weep or smile for utmaist delight while he aid th' crucial words, 'em as weel as everythin' so far happenin' in a stupor.

"Lass…would ye grant me th' honor o' acceptin' this ring 'n' become th' Marchioness o' Rothesay?"

I juist gouped at Taran utterly stupefied (even it was true that me reaction shouldn't have been so strong considerin' that I'd awready learnt o' th' proposal days previously), hardly registerin' what he'd asked as I stood there motionless me haun in his. Wance mair tryin' to keep up wi' th' events that continued to occur in such a heidspinnin' phase that it quelled me, so much so that seconds went by 'n' I remained silent. Th' ticks o' th' clock at th' foyer cuttin' thro' th' silence, makin' me anxious as I kenned that I needed to deliver an answer I didn't have regardless o' what I'd decided upoan those two weeks ago. Me only blinkin' 'n' returnin' Taran's stare 'til th' openin' o' th' door woke me from me trance wi' a gasp, Hannah arrivin' wi' th' requested refreshments 'n' savin' me from replyin'.

"Aah, there we are. Time for a celebration", uncle Cutler remarked, Hannah makin' a curtsey wi' 'er tray as he went to lift th' bottle o' champagne (which by noo I fathomed to have been prepared aforehand by me uncle who'd been convinced o' this ootcome). Pourin' each o' us a glass as if I'd awready given me consent, which I hadn't. Still frozen to me spot as gouped at th' farawa' wall, finally glancin' doon at th' ring 'n' feelin' meself close to flinch due to its actual but unreal weight oan me finger.

"Miranda?"

I turned to me uncle, seein' 'im lift an eyebrow at me afore offerin' me a glass, me eyes fallin' to stare at it in turn as Taran directed another expectant keek at me.

"Can I think about it?" I managed to say then, quietly, comin' back to me senses as efter blinkin' a few times found th' courage to face th' Scotsman 'n' uncle Cutler. Both o' their coupons expressin' actual surprise due to me hesitation instead hearin' me promise to marry Taran in a heartbeat as they'd clearly anticipated, uncle Cutler then however simply noddin' his heid approvingly. Reclaimin' th' glass 'n' placin' it back oan th' tray.

"Naturally. But don't keep Mr. McTavish in a state of suspense with your reply too long. Let us say you'll give your answer by tomorrow?"

I nodded absentmindedly, makin' a somewhat curtsey (mostly due to me old habits), aboot to head for th' doorwey but Taran stopped me, his gesture startlin' me for a fleetin' second as I feared 'im stairt to pressure me intae respondin'. But he didn't, instead offerin' me an apologetic smile due to me visible shock, noddin' understandably.

"Tak' yer time, lass. Think aboot it dead carefully, 'n' give yer answer whenever ye're ready tae go thro' wi' th' wedding."

I made another slight nod as a reply, ghost o' thankful smile appearin' oan me lips 'til I daunered past 'im efter a quick wish for a guid night to 'im, uncle Cutler 'n' Governor Swann who'd remained silent this whole time. Me eyes lastly visitin' Peter afore I exited th' oppressive room. Goin' straight to me bedchamber, kickin' th' shoes awa' from me feet afore floppin' oanto th' bed. Hookin' me legs under me, lettin' oot a long breath.

I juist had gotten engaged to Taran, Marquess o' McTavish clan, exactly as I'd intended. But nae thro' an arranged marriage that had been planned behind me back as a part o' business negotiation!

I wasn't exactly sure should've I been upset or enraged. Feelin' betrayed or flattered that me ain uncle had used me as a bargainin' tool to make a deal wi' McTavish clan, or simply delighted that despite o' th' circumstances that had brought Taran back to Port Royal 'n' intae me life, he'd proposed to me nae solely obligated by th' made agreement but because he wanted to have me as his wife. But whatever th' reason I juist couldn't fathom th' amount o' intrigue that surrounded this whole ordeal; th' arrival o' both Taran 'n' me uncle along wi' EITC, Peter 'n' me discovery o' a family 'n' rise in status in addition to Taran's incessant gallantry ultimately leadin' to oor inevitable engagement, nae to mention William 'n' Elizabeth's obscure arrests 'n' William's employment for uncle Cutler's company that instead led to th' pirate I hadn't expected to hear from again in me life… It was all too streenge, too cruel!

I let oot a frustrated breath in th' end, strikin' th' mattress in irritation as I reeled thro' all that had gone doon nae only this evenin', but everythin' that had led me to this moment in Elizabeth's room. It all however culminatin' to this day, me bitin' me lip as I glanced at th' ring I'd received from Taran. It left an impression, I had to admit. It was th' size o' half o' me finger, crafted from silver 'n' th' diamond in th' center was as big as th' nail oan me pinky finger, th' triangular shaped base bein' filled wi' intricate patterns among several other smaller gems had been planted, th' amount o' light it created even in th' dimness o' th' room fascinatin' me. But efter admirin' it for a few seconds I then signed, placin' a haun ower it. For some reason nae darin' to remove it completely even me thoughts shifted back to th' deception that couldn't be ignored.

In spite o' his explanation, all these months that Taran had been seein' me he'd remained quiet aboot his association wi' me uncle, likewise he hadn't told me aboot his connections wi' th' man I'd courted all th' while he'd remained in England. Plannin' for his surprise arrival to Port Royal as th' freish actin' law enforcer 'n' an uncle o' two orphaned children o' his late sister, only to reveal that his reasons to appear intae oor lives hadn't only been for th' reunification o' a diverged family, but for th' sake o' his personal business activity as th' executive o' his company. Th' same company that was responsible o' arrestin' th' man I luved, coincidentally juist afore I was married to another man wi' useful connections me uncle could profit from freely. Noo that he'd managed to have his wey sendin' William to acquire th' compass o' Jack Sparrow 'n' engagin' me to his business associate who supported his goals in exterminatin' piracy in th' name o' British Crown.

'N' where was Peter when I'd been used to get closer to these goals? Though clearly aware o' th' prevailin' unfairness, simply sittin' at th' dinin' table silently, standin' back while me haun had been promised to Taran against me will, nae tryin' to defend me in any wey. Juist lik' he'd acted this whole time since oor uncle arrived, nae raisin' his voice to speak against uncle Cutler's actions in any situation, nae even when he'd had William 'n' Elizabeth arrested… which made me even mair confused. Peter luved Elizabeth, so why hadn't he demanded 'er release alongside wi' me whenever I'd tried to turn oor uncle's heid aboot 'er unjust imprisonment? It didn't mak' sense, he didn't any mair than he had durin' this past whole year since returnin' from his journey. In fact, nothin' made sense any longer. There was but a bundle o' bafflin' particulars that blew me mind th' mair I tried to find th' common thread that wance located would help me understand th' cause to this whole mess.

I leant back, goupin' at th' canopy o' th' bed 'til me attention moved to trace th' flower patterns o' th' ceilin'. Me eyes neist sweepin' thro' th' refined furnishing 'n' focusin' oan th' elegance o' th' carefully selected wallpaper. Th' room sure was beautiful. I'd always wanted to stay in a room lik' that (as children we'd often attempted to have me spend a night in this room wi' Elizabeth, but we'd always been caught by either me maw or Mattie), and noo I had it all. I was noo literally th' daughter o' a rich 'n' respectable family. 'N' yet I didn't feel lik' one.

For a moment I allowed all th' things troublin' me to fall intae oblivion, lettin' oot a laugh as I recalled a certain evenin' when Elizabeth had hidden me under 'er bed so that me maw wouldn't find me. Oor nae havin' enough restraint to nae stairt laughin' in th' end when maw had come to tuck Elizabeth in, askin' where I was, resultin' intae 'er findin' me 'n' shooin' me oot o' th' bedroom under th' threat o' makin' me tak' care o' th' followin' day's breakfast service all by meself. We'd been young efter all, juist children…Why couldn't we go back to th' time when we didn't have to face th' problems o' th' adult world, suffer from hertache 'n' jealousy, worry 'n' grief? Right noo I would've gladly returned back in time when I was still a bairn 'n' everythin' was weel, when I hadn't had th' slightest knowledge o' William's existence 'n' th' emotional turmoil havin' 'im part o' mine would create. When maw had been alive.

Honestly I don't ken what had caused me to think aboot maw so much lately… But it was me this kind o' remembrance that then turned me what else but desperate, sad. Me risin' from th' bed to go to th' cabinet, takin' oot th' violet dress o' me maw's that I'd repaired in th' dead o' th' night 'n' spread it oanto th' bed as if it was one o' those commonplace ones I'd used to admire efter 'er death. Liftin' th' silky hem o' it, tryin' to imagine maw wearin' it 'n' what she'd been lik' in me age, when she'd lived at home in th' Beckett manor. Weel one thing was for sure, 'n' that was me suspicions aboot th' reason why she'd ran awa' from home in th' first place. Because o' me father o' coorse, but efter livin' wi' 'er brother for some time I'd come to find qualities from 'im that spoke o' other than warm 'n' carin' uncle. Especially today, which by what uncle Cutler had told us aboot oor maw could be concluded that personal traits were in fact inherited... This thought along wi' me all th' time increasin' doubts aboot oor uncle's true character makin' me (lik' William had warned me) question his motives 'n' ultimate purpose o' bein' 'ere. Because if he truly cared aboot me 'n' me brother 'n' had luved oor maw as much as he claimed, why would he do somethin' lik' this to his ain niece? Forcin' me to marry a man o' his choosin' to aid 'im in gainin' mair leeway for his company, taken intae consideration how much power he'd awready been bestowed by th' British Crown. But then again, wasn't this th' type o' thing that was considered common in this world? Afore gettin' engaged to William Elizabeth had also been expected to marry Norrington for th' sake o' propriety 'n' station.

Th' sound o' door openin' woke me from me convoluted thoughts, me turnin' to see Mattie come in wi' a candle. 'Er smilin' to me afore curtsyin', placin' th' candleholder oanto th' chest o' drawers.

"Good evening Miranda. How was your day?" she inquired, sendin' me an understandin' gaze when I sighed as a response. Slumpin' back doon oanto th' bed in defeat.

"Some would say that mair than guid…But I'm nae so sure."

"You have some troubles you want to discuss?"

"Too many for one seatin'."

It was Mattie's turn to sigh at me gloom, neist movin' th' gown oot o' th' wey afore took a seat by me side. Placin' an ecouragin' haun ower me palm, it bein' soon squeezed by me ain as she stairted to speak efter a short silence.

"You do know that no matter what it is you can speak to me?"

"Aye, I ken. It's juist somethin' I haven't cleared oot to meself either, yet alone bein' able to tell anyone else aboot it…Uncle Cutler is efter all far from what I at first assumed 'n' th' fact that I'm related to a man o' such high merit makes no sense naw matter how many people will prove it true. Which is why me whole life has become from simple 'n' peaceful to needlessly complicated 'n' confusin' to grasp in full."

"Yes. It's not every day that people like us find out to be heiresses of a wealthy family", Mattie admitted, 'er sarcasm causin' me to face 'er wi' an incredulous face. 'Er then measurin' me for a while as she wance mair could see me inner anxiety. "But I can symphatize with you. I still cannot accept that you're not that poor low class girl your mother left for my grievance, but a noblewoman."

I didn't reply instantly, releasin' an amused laugh 'til shook me heid thoughtfully. "Neither can I. I'm nae suited for this life, 'n' frankly cannot imagine me maw to have lived it either. To me she'll always be juist a maid who served others to earn 'er income, rather than havin' it offered to 'er oan a silver platter."

"Maybe that's why she once left that life. To make one for herself through her own efforts", Mattie noted, surprisin' me a bit 'n' I exchanged a keek wi' th' elderly woman. Findin' 'er proposition quite comfortin', me neist noddin' in consent.

"Ye might be right."

"I see that you've been thinking about her", Mattie remarked then, beckonin' to th' lilac frock which noo rested oan a chair, a freish sigh escapin' me lips.

"There are juist times that I really miss 'er", I told 'er, truly feelin' th' sting o' longin' that exact same moment. Mattie wrappin' an arm aroond me.

"I know you do. So do I, but she wouldn't want you to wallow in your bereavement. We've talked about this before", she reminded, me tiltin' me heid agreeably afore smilin'.

"I ken that. But I can't help but thinkin' aboot 'er noo when 'er brother's 'ere. Noo that I've become part o' th' family she clearly wanted to get rid o'."

"Even so, what good does brooding over your situation help? Your mother didn't have you when she left her home, and she saw it best to hide her past from you. But at any rate, with or without your mother your uncle would've arrived and made you aware of the fact that you and Peter aren't alone in the world, that you two have family. Isn't that what you've been dreaming about, what counts most and what you should only be grateful about? What your mother would've wanted for you, should she still be here with you?"

'Er words made me wonder, me givin' it some thought 'til closed me eyes. Lik' always bein' able to see th' other side o' th' coin wi' Mattie's help, me then meetin' 'er eyes. However hidin' me insecureness behind a carefree smile.

"Ay, I noo have everythin' I've ever wanted. 'N' wouldn't trade it awa' for th' world."

"That's the spirit. Now, I heard the gossip from Lily and Hannah. Show me the ring."

I stiffened, but obeyed eventually. Diggin' th' ring oot under th' sheets I'd hidden it to, followin' how Mattie's eyes widened to th' size o' plates when she behold th' weddin' band in similar astonishment that I had. Soon stairtin' to smile as expected, directin' a proud keek intae me eyes.

"Oh dear me, it's really happening this time. Things sure are starting to work out for the best for you, hun. I'm as proud of you as your mother would've", she mused, me hardly smilin' when she embraced me, me nae so elated demeanor causin' th' woman neist to frown at me for me lack o' joy. "Or is there a reason for me not to be? Miranda?"

"I…I don't ken, I… Noo that it has happened I juist cannot…see eye to eye wi' me unle's wish to see me married to Taran."

"Oh Miranda… That's just foolish, you care for Mr. McTavish, do you not? Then it should be no problem to accept his proposal, knowing that you would be well provided as the Lady of his house. Your uncle understands this too and only wants to see you happy."

"I'm nae so sure aboot that Mattie", I interrupted, liftin' me brows at 'er. "Did ye hear why he wishes us to marry? Because to both o' 'em I basically was but a section oan paper, a collateral for Taran to agree intae financin' 'n' supportin' uncle Cutler's company."

Mattie was in turn taken aback by this notion, but she got ower it rather swiftly. Eyein' at me appeasingly while smoothin' me arm. "And yet I heard that he said to have feelings for you."

"Weel… Aye, but he lied to me. They both did. Stayin' silent while all th' while they had known each other long afore I got to know 'im."

Efter several seconds went by wi'oot Mattie replyin' I turned to face 'er questionably, witnessin' a face I'd ne'er seen oan 'er coupon afore; grave disappointment. It shockin' me somewhat, me shakin' me heid slightly again as exchanged a goup wi' 'er, 'er finally releasin' a frustrated breath afore she explained 'erself to me wi' a tired voice.

"Miranda, you shouldn't be acting like this", she scolded me, me blinkin' for bafflement that she didn't agree wi' me.

"What do ye mean? How?"

"Pretend to be hurt to give yourself an excuse to back out form this marriage, when truthfully ye were ready to wed Mr. McTavish weeks ago!" she breathed, glancin' doon to th' ring she noo weaved back oanto me finger. "You are old enough to realize that this type of shilly-shally isn't acceptable, yet alone rude. You have found not only a chance to continue your life with a new family, but also a man who cares for you and wishes to take care of you. Something that Will long ago refused to do, but to which you're still insisting to hang onto regardless of everything that we've talked about. When you told me that you had let him go and was prepared to give Mr. McTavish a chance, it made me very happy to see you finally get back on your feet. But this isn't moving on Miranda, this is running away from your life, your duty as a woman. Will's gone and is never coming back to you. So you should just think the proposal over and see the undeniable benefit it bears for both your future and yourself, and stop toying with the gentleman's feelings. As a desired woman you hold a formidable power in your hands, but it is but cruel to use it in misleading a man due to your inability to commit to him wholeheartedly when he has but your best interest at heart. Remember that."

'Er unexpected outburst (though calm one) had left me speechless, me indeed feelin' meself lik' a wee bairn who was reproached for such a simple thing as refusin' to eat me vegetables while confronted wi' 'er very earnest stare that told me to shape up 'n' quickly. Me cheeks turnin' red efter a couple o' bemused blinks o' me eyes, 'em fallin' to stare at th' patterns sown oanto th' counterpane as I hid me gaze from 'er by closin' me eyes. Me perhaps actin' lik' a child by stayin' silent again, nae findin' any sufficient words to respond to 'er commentary, which had had notably similar hue to it than me uncle's oration o' th' same topic. Me comin' to think that maybe it was true that I was makin' meself an unnecessary victim ower a matter that was in fact quite simple, Mattie noo sighin' again deeply afore she rose wi' no word mair. Puttin' th' dress awa', me attention slowly risin' from th' ring back to 'er.

"Do you wish to bathe before going to bed?"

"Aye. That would be nice."

Scottish vocabulary:

Pronouns etc:

o'= of, th'= the, 'em= them, oor= our, 'n'= and, intae= into, 'er= her, 'im= him, me = my, nae = not, tae = to,

Recurrent & other words:

ne'er = never, oan = on, wey = way, noo = now, efter = after, claes = clothes, oot = out, freish = new, weel = well, maw = mother, afore = before, almaist = almost, lik' = like, upoan = upon, thro' = though, wi' = with, juist = just, aboot = about, mair = more, ower = over, meself = myself, mak' = make, gey = very, keek = a look/to look, o' coorse = of course = of course, hoose = house, heid = head, haun = hand, doon = down, wance = once (wance mair = once more), coupon = face, face = expression, aroond = around, stairt = start, geggy = mouth, aff = off, awright = alright, awa' = away, guid = good, foremaist = first, neist = next, atween = between, hert = heart, aroond = around, 'imself = himself, dauner = walk, ken = to know, goup= stare, meself = myself, ain = own, wee = little/small, utmaist = utmost, bit = but, insae = isn't, ainlie = only, tak' = take, wi'oot = without, lang = long, mukker = friend/mate etc, th'day = today, haes = has, feart = afraif, hae = have, wasnae = wasn't, likelie = probably, naw = no, muckle = much, kinship = relationship, wifie = woman, mairriage =marriage, ainlie = only, arweady = already, streenge = strange, luv = to love

Don't claim ownership over the franchise, just my own characters and plot outside the original script.