Harry & the Pirate II: Swann's Revenge
Chapter 3: Making Merry
The wedding reception was heavily attended, nearly everyone invited having deigned to accept. With so very many of the King’s Finest in the know it could not be hushed up, but the population of Port Royal was willing to overlook the fact that Elizabeth Swann had been kidnapped and held for days by pirates of a most evil nature, marooned for a night and a day on an island with only the infamous Captain Jack Sparrow for company, and had subsequently thrown her excellent match with Commodore James Norrington to the Caribbean breeze in order to marry Master William Turner, who, however brilliant he was at making and using a sword, was still a common craftsman. Lady Fanshawe observed to ‘Sir John Wainfleet’ that this would certainly not have been the case in London.
“One more reason to stay away from England,” Sir John said, with a reminiscent grimace.
Harry looked at him quizzically. “You’ve had some slight scandal attached to your name back home, I gather?”
“’Slight scandal’. That’s one way of putting it,” Jack agreed, obviously considering this a gross understatement. He looked down at her, his eyes bright with amusement. “And then there’s the weather. Bloody awful!”
Harry laughed. “I couldn’t agree more!”
The weather on this happiest of days in Port Royal was perfect, sunny with a slight cooling breeze off the sea. This was in keeping with the nature of the entire proceeding: the gardens had been scythed, trimmed, and raked to perfection; the refreshments were astonishingly varied and of the finest quality; and the guests were dressed in their finest attire and wandered over the lawns and paths like so many exotic flowers, thoroughly enjoying the fruits of the Governor’s (and his family’s and servants’) labor. None were more beautiful than the bride and groom, of course, the couple’s joy setting them on a level above the ken of ordinary folk, although the Dowager Duchess and her newly arrived swain were not far behind in this regard, even if they were less obvious about it.
Over the course of the afternoon, Sir John proved a great hit with the other guests. Harry smiled as she observed him conversing with various groups, but eventually could not help noticing that the more champagne punch he imbibed the more the idiosyncrasies of Captain Sparrow peeped through, in look and gesture, if not in words: he seemed to have no trouble maintaining the cultured manner of speaking he’d adopted for the occasion. She finally saw Norrington studying her pirate rather too intently and judged it time to put some distance between the two men.
She walked across the lawn and stood a little aside as Jack finished telling a group of amused and admiring matrons a ribald tale of another wedding he said he’d attended in London. “…and you will not credit it, but on my honor, ‘tis true: the couple never again retired to bed without the company of at least a half dozen of my lady’s spaniels!” Jack concluded, and smiled complacently at the ladies’ laughter.
Harry slipped a hand through his arm. “Sir John! I vow, you are neglecting me! Ladies, you must forgive me for dragging him away: he has only just arrived in Port Royal, and there are some things we need to discuss in private.”
“Private, is it?” Jack said, as they left the matrons twittering.
Harry met his sidelong glance and smiled a little, lifting one brow.
They strolled back toward the house, nodding to various guests, and walked up the shallow steps of the veranda.
As they entered the house, Harry observed with satisfaction that it was nearly deserted, everyone from the Governor down to the lowliest servant being engaged in making the reception in the gardens a success. She led Jack down the cool marble-floored hallway toward the library, weaving a fanciful history for him. “You cannot have forgotten the many delightful interludes we spent from time to time in England, Sir John,” she said in a low, simpering tone. “They were the only thing that made my widowhood tolerable! Do you not remember that night in the summerhouse at Easley? The stars! The scent of roses! It is something I’ll never forget! I grow weak just thinking of it!”
She drew him into the library after her and closed the door. Instantly his hands were at her waist.
“The summerhouse, eh? And just what were we doing there?” he murmured as he pulled her against him.
“Everything!” she whispered and kissed him, her heart pounding with the joy of touching him again. She ran her hands up around his neck, and then tangled in his hair. She pushed away a little and said to him, “I can’t believe you did this for us! It must have taken days to do your hair like this!”
He laughed. “Seemed like it, anyway. I think Alphonse, me new valet, pulled half of it out before it was ready to curl.”
“Where did you get a valet?”
“Swiped him off a French ship a few days ago.”
She laughed, too, and put her hands on either side of his face, studying it closely. “God’s life, you look so young! It’s a wonder any of us knew you!”
He rolled his eyes a bit. “Why do you think I dress the way I do? I grew tired of bein’ taken for a lad a good many years ago.”
“I can imagine: you don’t look like an infamous scallywag at all!” she said fondly.
“Ah, but this is just a disguise, love,” he said, drawing her into an intimate embrace. He pulled her hips against his, and bent to whisper in her ear: “I’m still Captain Jack Sparrow underneath.”
She opened her mouth slightly in a gasp of delight, and he took full advantage of this as he kissed her again.
She had to have him. After a long, aching minute she disengaged herself and grabbed his hand. “Behind the couch!” she said, imperatively, pulling him toward the divan that sat hiding a space a few feet wide in front of a tall window, the sun filtering softly through its fine, lawn curtains.
“I’m entirely at your service, Lady Fanshawe,” he drawled, following quite willingly, but thankful to observe that the floor was thickly carpeted.
* * *
“Will,” said the Governor, “I have something to show you. Let us repair to the library for a moment.”
“Should we leave the guests, sir?” asked Will, looking around, trying to locate Harry and Jack. Elizabeth was clearly visible, surrounded by a small pack of envious young ladies.
The sight of his wife-his wife!-enjoying the company of her friends gladdened his heart. These ‘bosom beaux’ had given Elizabeth a somewhat cool reception after her return from the adventure on the Isla de Muerta. It was understandable, Will supposed, but he knew his sweetheart had felt badly about the damage her credit had suffered. Once the date for the wedding had been set, however, her friends seemed to have warmed again, and over the course of their six-month engagement the young ladies, and indeed the majority of Port Royal’s residents, had grown much more friendly and respectful of Will, too. It boded well for the future, he thought. No, he wasn’t worried about Elizabeth.
Harry and Jack were another matter, however, and the fact that they were nowhere to be seen disturbed him somewhat. He had no expectation of them behaving themselves, in spite of the presence of the cream of Port Royal society, which included the sharp-eyed Commodore. Will was already afraid Norrington suspected that Sir John Wainfleet was not entirely what he seemed. All it needed was for the pair to be caught in some awkward situation!
“The guests can take care of themselves for a bit,” said the Governor. “Plenty of food and drink to be had, Lord knows. Harry’s about somewhere, too: likes playing the great lady. She’s a good hostess.”
Will privately agreed, after observing her activities during the afternoon. If she was out here among the guests, of course. But he said to his Father-in-law, “Very well, sir: I am with you.”
They walked into the house, enjoying the cool of the interior as they moved toward the library.
“Party’s gone off quite well, actually, I believe,” the Governor commented. “All that planning and work’s come to glad fruition. And, I must admit, Harry’s been an asset these last two weeks. At least she’s learned how to manage a house and a pack of servants since her marriage. I’d think of asking her to stay here with me permanently if she wasn’t such a madcap at times. Sets me quite on edge: never know what she’ll be up to next.”
“She is a very lively lady,” agreed Will, trying not to laugh.
“‘Lively’. You’ve a gift for understatement, lad. Sometimes I think she’s as daft as she can stare!”
Like Jack, Will thought. It was little wonder the two had been attracted to one another.
They reached the library doors, and Swann opened one, motioned Will inside, followed him in and shut the door again.
“I hope you won’t take it the wrong way, my boy,” said the Governor, “for I’ve no doubt at all you’ll be a successful enough swordsmith to give my daughter a good life, if not quite as luxurious as that she’s enjoyed in the past.” The Governor had finally gleaned the truth about the work that was done at Brown’s smithy. Master swordmakers were not only in high demand in Europe, they were nearly on an equal footing with many of the aristocrats to whom they offered their works when it came to wealth and respect. And if Will was this fine an artisan now, young as he was, who knew how far he might go?
“I shall certainly endeavor to do so, sir,” said Will.
The boy was devilish well mannered too, Swann thought. “I know you will. But, as your Father-in-law-Ha! That sounds odd, don’t it? And ‘Grandfather’ will sound even odder, no doubt, eh?” The Governor gave Will a knowing smirk, and playfully slapped the young man’s arm. “As your Father-in-law, I want the best for you as well as for my daughter. You need to be free to develop that skill of yours, without undue worry over the day-to-day exigencies of living. So, as I said, I hope you won’t take it amiss that I’m giving you this.”
He had walked over to his desk, and now picked up a document and handed it to Will.
Will looked it over, and his eyes slowly widened. He looked at the Governor. “Sir! You are deeding us the guesthouse?”
“And the land it sits on as well,” affirmed Swann, smiling. “It’s a gift that’ll make things considerably easier for the pair of you. Elizabeth always liked the little place.”
And it would keep her almost within shouting distance of the Governor’s own residence, Will thought, not entirely sure this would be a desirable circumstance. Still, Will saw no possible way of refusing such a gift, not without giving grave offense. And at least they would not be living in his Father-in-law’s house itself-an arrangement that was hardly unusual for newlyweds.
Will therefore said, “Your generosity quite overwhelms me, sir! How can I-can we-ever thank you enough? Does Elizabeth know?”
“Not yet. Wanted to put it to you, first. I know you both value independence-I remember well how I felt about that at your age! But, indeed, if you’d see your way to accepting this gift you’d make me a very happy man. Elizabeth’s all I have left of my wife-the image of her, give you my word! And I love the girl more than I can say. I suppose I’ve been too indulgent with her, but she’s grown into a wonderful young woman for all that. Don’t think I could bear to have her quite gone from here-and I’ve grown very fond of your company, as well, my boy.”
“When you put it as kindly as that how can I refuse, sir?”
“Excellent! You will give me your support when we tell Elizabeth, then?”
“Yes, of course,” said Will, “though I can’t imagine she’ll have much objection to the scheme.”
The Governor frowned slightly. “Yes, well, one never knows what maggots women will take into their heads. However, if you are in favor of it she’ll likely follow along. Now it only remains to dispose of my hoydenish sister! It would be a great thing if a suitable man would come along and take charge of her!”
Will’s lip quivered into a smile, and he suggested a bit slyly, “Perhaps he’s already appeared, in the person of Sir John Wainfleet. She seems to be very friendly with him.”
But Swann shook his head. “Wainfleet! Will, the man’s a fribble! No, no! My sister needs a man with a strong whip hand, not a puppy taken up with the size of his hat and the set of his coat. I say, what was that?”
The two men looked across the room, toward divan in front of the window, from the direction of which a definite squeak had issued.
With sudden misgiving, Will said quickly, before the Governor could react further, “I’ll go see!”
He crossed the room, and, steeling himself slightly, peered over the back of the divan. His worst fears were confirmed. Jack and the Dowager Duchess. A scattering of cushions from the divan about them. Modesty was more or less preserved due to the voluminous nature of the lady’s skirts, but it was quite obvious what they had been doing, and Will felt himself coloring with embarrassment and annoyance. The two were looking up at him, Jack smirking, his one hand pressed lightly over Harry’s mouth. She looked furious-the squeak had undoubtedly issued from her lips at Swann’s ‘whip hand’ remark. Jack used his other hand to put a long finger to his lips, then flicked the hand at Will, mouthing Go away! Will gave them a scolding glare, then wiped the expression from his face as he turned back to his father-in-law.
“Only a mouse, I think, sir,” he said blandly, hoping Swann didn’t notice his heightened color as he walked toward the man.
“A mouse! Good lord. We’ll have the housemaids setting up a screech if that’s not taken care of. I’ll have Beck set some traps tonight.”
“Yes, I think that would be wise. Perhaps we should rejoin the guests, now, don’t you think?”
Swann chuckled. “Can’t bear to be parted from her yourself, can you? Very well. Into the breach once more!”
* * *
Upon finally emerging from the house, Harry was immediately swept up in her duties as hostess and gave Jack a rueful parting glance as she moved off. Jack strolled over to where Will was standing alone, to the side of the veranda, watching Elizabeth.
“Enjoyin’ the view?” Jack asked as he came up beside him.
“Immensely,” Will smiled. He glanced over at Jack, and tried to look severe. “You two are outrageous, you know.”
“I know,” Jack said, trying not to grin. “Forgive me, mate! I was led astray!”
“You mean you didn’t do the leading?”
“Not this time. I didn’t have the slightest objection to bein’ led, of course,” Jack admitted, watching Harry cross the lawn, his eyes bright under their drooping lids. After a few moments he looked at Will. “Thanks for keepin’ mum-bit of an awkward moment, that.”
Will couldn’t help smiling. “That’s certainly one way of putting it!” The smile faded a little, and he suddenly looked slightly uncomfortable. He said, trying to keep his voice light, “Have any advice for me, then?”
Jack raised one brow at Will’s expression. “About tonight, d’you mean?” He looked out at Elizabeth, standing like a goddess among lesser mortals. Even Harry, as dear as she was to him, couldn't rival Elizabeth’s beauty, not on this day. Jack glanced back at Will. “You didn’t take advantage of the lack of a duenna those last two days on the Pearl, eh?”
“No!” Will exclaimed, then amended this. “Well…not entirely.”
Jack chuckled. “So tonight’s the night, then, after all.”
“I’m so glad we’re a source of amusement to you,” Will said, a little sarcastically.
“Well, of course you are!” Jack laughed. “It’s bloody traditional, mate. Don’t you know anything about weddings?”
Will laughed too, then. “Not much. This whole thing’s been one mystery after another for me. Once the engagement was announced I felt like I was being swept along on an irresistible tide!”
Jack nodded. “I understand that’s the way of it. Well, the destination’s what matters, eh? Things’ll settle down nicely after the wedding trip. You can get back to makin’ fine swords by day, and makin’ Mrs. Turner happy by night.”
“It’s my intention, certainly,” Will said, rather dreamily.
Jack lifted a brow. “Aye. Well. I’ve no doubt you’ll succeed. As for tonight, just remember that particular race is not won by the swiftest, eh? And don’t let her try to tell you different.”
Will’s mind boggled a bit at the vision that came to mind. “Do you think she will?”
“I wouldn’t bet against it. She’s near as headstrong as her Auntie. You’ll likely have your hands full in future. But you won’t want to make a mull of it the first time. I’ve run across far too many females that’ve had that particular experience. Takes some real address to get ‘round them, I can tell you.”
“But you do ‘get ‘round them’, I suppose,” Will said, with a glint of amusement.
Jack gave a crooked grin. “More often than not. I am Captain Jack Sparrow!”
“That you are. You’d better watch the teeth, by the way.” Will smirked as Jack pressed his lips together. “Any other advice?”
Jack looked out at Elizabeth again. She’d been joined by Harry, and his heart warmed at the sight of the two of them. “Aye,” he replied to Will. “For the Lord’s sake, have some fun! Life’s too serious a business, for the most part, which is why God gave us days and nights like these, to ease the burden, eh?”
Will looked at him. “Waxing philosophical?” he said, but sounded appreciative of the sentiment, nonetheless.
“I do that, occasionally,” Jack said. He turned to Will, studying his face for a moment. “Your Da’ would be proud of you, y’know.”
“You think so?” Will asked. He felt a touch of the familiar ache he always felt at the thought of the father he’d not seen since childhood. But Jack clapped him on the shoulder, with such a speaking look in his eyes that Will’s pain was assuaged.
“I know it,” Jack said, simply. He let Will go, looking around again. “It’s gettin’ late. I suppose I’d better think of makin’ me exit. Don’t know when I’ll see you again, but I’ve no doubt Mrs. Turner’ll keep you busy.” He gave Will a quick grin of flashing gold and white, then turned and took himself off to find Harry.
* * *
“My dear Sir John! Must you leave us so soon? “ asked Harry with plaintive sincerity.
A final toast had been drunk to the happy couple, a stable boy had brought the stolen horse up to the house, and Sir John was now preparing to mount the beast for the ride back to Fuller’s Cove. Harry, Will and Elizabeth, and, unfortunately, Norrington had accompanied him to the front of the house to see him off.
“Alas, I’m afraid I must!” Jack took her hands in his and squeezed them firmly, letting his eyes say what his lips could not in the presence of the Commodore. “We shall meet again soon, no doubt. Until then, adieu, fair lady!” Releasing her, he turned to Elizabeth and Will. “My dear young friends-for I hope I may call you such, though we’ve only just met this day-it has been my great privilege to be present on this most auspicious occasion in your lives. I thank you for allowing me to be a part of it, and wish you both joy, with all my heart.”
Elizabeth, listening fascinated to this speech, said to Jack, “Sir John! It was our privilege to have you with us! Indeed, it would not have been the same without you!”
“That’s putting it mildly,” said Will, a bland smile on his face.
Jack’s lips quivered, but he managed not to burst out laughing. It was a close run thing, however. He cleared his throat and turned to Norrington, bowing slightly. “Commodore, it’s been a pleasure to meet you. I shall rest content, knowing Jamaica is guarded by such a vigilant representative of the King’s Finest.”
“You are too good, Wainfleet,” Norrington said, his eyes glinting with what Jack would have said was amusement had it been any other man.
“Not at all,” said Jack. He turned and mounted the horse with credible grace. “Farewell, my friends!” he said, airily, “It’s been a merry meeting!”
Harry threw him a kiss, and Elizabeth and Will both called out, “Farewell!”
Norrington, however, said, “Goodbye, Sir John. Oh! And by the way.”
Sir John’s dark brows rose in enquiry.
“Give my regards to Mr. Gibbs, will you?” the Commodore drawled, and gave a slight smile of satisfaction at the expression on Jack’s face before he turned and, favoring the rest of the company with a pointed look, walked back into the house.
On to Chapter Four
ETA 6-12-10: A deleted scene! ~ Behind the Couch ~
The wedding reception was heavily attended, nearly everyone invited having deigned to accept. With so very many of the King’s Finest in the know it could not be hushed up, but the population of Port Royal was willing to overlook the fact that Elizabeth Swann had been kidnapped and held for days by pirates of a most evil nature, marooned for a night and a day on an island with only the infamous Captain Jack Sparrow for company, and had subsequently thrown her excellent match with Commodore James Norrington to the Caribbean breeze in order to marry Master William Turner, who, however brilliant he was at making and using a sword, was still a common craftsman. Lady Fanshawe observed to ‘Sir John Wainfleet’ that this would certainly not have been the case in London.
“One more reason to stay away from England,” Sir John said, with a reminiscent grimace.
Harry looked at him quizzically. “You’ve had some slight scandal attached to your name back home, I gather?”
“’Slight scandal’. That’s one way of putting it,” Jack agreed, obviously considering this a gross understatement. He looked down at her, his eyes bright with amusement. “And then there’s the weather. Bloody awful!”
Harry laughed. “I couldn’t agree more!”
The weather on this happiest of days in Port Royal was perfect, sunny with a slight cooling breeze off the sea. This was in keeping with the nature of the entire proceeding: the gardens had been scythed, trimmed, and raked to perfection; the refreshments were astonishingly varied and of the finest quality; and the guests were dressed in their finest attire and wandered over the lawns and paths like so many exotic flowers, thoroughly enjoying the fruits of the Governor’s (and his family’s and servants’) labor. None were more beautiful than the bride and groom, of course, the couple’s joy setting them on a level above the ken of ordinary folk, although the Dowager Duchess and her newly arrived swain were not far behind in this regard, even if they were less obvious about it.
Over the course of the afternoon, Sir John proved a great hit with the other guests. Harry smiled as she observed him conversing with various groups, but eventually could not help noticing that the more champagne punch he imbibed the more the idiosyncrasies of Captain Sparrow peeped through, in look and gesture, if not in words: he seemed to have no trouble maintaining the cultured manner of speaking he’d adopted for the occasion. She finally saw Norrington studying her pirate rather too intently and judged it time to put some distance between the two men.
She walked across the lawn and stood a little aside as Jack finished telling a group of amused and admiring matrons a ribald tale of another wedding he said he’d attended in London. “…and you will not credit it, but on my honor, ‘tis true: the couple never again retired to bed without the company of at least a half dozen of my lady’s spaniels!” Jack concluded, and smiled complacently at the ladies’ laughter.
Harry slipped a hand through his arm. “Sir John! I vow, you are neglecting me! Ladies, you must forgive me for dragging him away: he has only just arrived in Port Royal, and there are some things we need to discuss in private.”
“Private, is it?” Jack said, as they left the matrons twittering.
Harry met his sidelong glance and smiled a little, lifting one brow.
They strolled back toward the house, nodding to various guests, and walked up the shallow steps of the veranda.
As they entered the house, Harry observed with satisfaction that it was nearly deserted, everyone from the Governor down to the lowliest servant being engaged in making the reception in the gardens a success. She led Jack down the cool marble-floored hallway toward the library, weaving a fanciful history for him. “You cannot have forgotten the many delightful interludes we spent from time to time in England, Sir John,” she said in a low, simpering tone. “They were the only thing that made my widowhood tolerable! Do you not remember that night in the summerhouse at Easley? The stars! The scent of roses! It is something I’ll never forget! I grow weak just thinking of it!”
She drew him into the library after her and closed the door. Instantly his hands were at her waist.
“The summerhouse, eh? And just what were we doing there?” he murmured as he pulled her against him.
“Everything!” she whispered and kissed him, her heart pounding with the joy of touching him again. She ran her hands up around his neck, and then tangled in his hair. She pushed away a little and said to him, “I can’t believe you did this for us! It must have taken days to do your hair like this!”
He laughed. “Seemed like it, anyway. I think Alphonse, me new valet, pulled half of it out before it was ready to curl.”
“Where did you get a valet?”
“Swiped him off a French ship a few days ago.”
She laughed, too, and put her hands on either side of his face, studying it closely. “God’s life, you look so young! It’s a wonder any of us knew you!”
He rolled his eyes a bit. “Why do you think I dress the way I do? I grew tired of bein’ taken for a lad a good many years ago.”
“I can imagine: you don’t look like an infamous scallywag at all!” she said fondly.
“Ah, but this is just a disguise, love,” he said, drawing her into an intimate embrace. He pulled her hips against his, and bent to whisper in her ear: “I’m still Captain Jack Sparrow underneath.”
She opened her mouth slightly in a gasp of delight, and he took full advantage of this as he kissed her again.
She had to have him. After a long, aching minute she disengaged herself and grabbed his hand. “Behind the couch!” she said, imperatively, pulling him toward the divan that sat hiding a space a few feet wide in front of a tall window, the sun filtering softly through its fine, lawn curtains.
“I’m entirely at your service, Lady Fanshawe,” he drawled, following quite willingly, but thankful to observe that the floor was thickly carpeted.
* * *
“Will,” said the Governor, “I have something to show you. Let us repair to the library for a moment.”
“Should we leave the guests, sir?” asked Will, looking around, trying to locate Harry and Jack. Elizabeth was clearly visible, surrounded by a small pack of envious young ladies.
The sight of his wife-his wife!-enjoying the company of her friends gladdened his heart. These ‘bosom beaux’ had given Elizabeth a somewhat cool reception after her return from the adventure on the Isla de Muerta. It was understandable, Will supposed, but he knew his sweetheart had felt badly about the damage her credit had suffered. Once the date for the wedding had been set, however, her friends seemed to have warmed again, and over the course of their six-month engagement the young ladies, and indeed the majority of Port Royal’s residents, had grown much more friendly and respectful of Will, too. It boded well for the future, he thought. No, he wasn’t worried about Elizabeth.
Harry and Jack were another matter, however, and the fact that they were nowhere to be seen disturbed him somewhat. He had no expectation of them behaving themselves, in spite of the presence of the cream of Port Royal society, which included the sharp-eyed Commodore. Will was already afraid Norrington suspected that Sir John Wainfleet was not entirely what he seemed. All it needed was for the pair to be caught in some awkward situation!
“The guests can take care of themselves for a bit,” said the Governor. “Plenty of food and drink to be had, Lord knows. Harry’s about somewhere, too: likes playing the great lady. She’s a good hostess.”
Will privately agreed, after observing her activities during the afternoon. If she was out here among the guests, of course. But he said to his Father-in-law, “Very well, sir: I am with you.”
They walked into the house, enjoying the cool of the interior as they moved toward the library.
“Party’s gone off quite well, actually, I believe,” the Governor commented. “All that planning and work’s come to glad fruition. And, I must admit, Harry’s been an asset these last two weeks. At least she’s learned how to manage a house and a pack of servants since her marriage. I’d think of asking her to stay here with me permanently if she wasn’t such a madcap at times. Sets me quite on edge: never know what she’ll be up to next.”
“She is a very lively lady,” agreed Will, trying not to laugh.
“‘Lively’. You’ve a gift for understatement, lad. Sometimes I think she’s as daft as she can stare!”
Like Jack, Will thought. It was little wonder the two had been attracted to one another.
They reached the library doors, and Swann opened one, motioned Will inside, followed him in and shut the door again.
“I hope you won’t take it the wrong way, my boy,” said the Governor, “for I’ve no doubt at all you’ll be a successful enough swordsmith to give my daughter a good life, if not quite as luxurious as that she’s enjoyed in the past.” The Governor had finally gleaned the truth about the work that was done at Brown’s smithy. Master swordmakers were not only in high demand in Europe, they were nearly on an equal footing with many of the aristocrats to whom they offered their works when it came to wealth and respect. And if Will was this fine an artisan now, young as he was, who knew how far he might go?
“I shall certainly endeavor to do so, sir,” said Will.
The boy was devilish well mannered too, Swann thought. “I know you will. But, as your Father-in-law-Ha! That sounds odd, don’t it? And ‘Grandfather’ will sound even odder, no doubt, eh?” The Governor gave Will a knowing smirk, and playfully slapped the young man’s arm. “As your Father-in-law, I want the best for you as well as for my daughter. You need to be free to develop that skill of yours, without undue worry over the day-to-day exigencies of living. So, as I said, I hope you won’t take it amiss that I’m giving you this.”
He had walked over to his desk, and now picked up a document and handed it to Will.
Will looked it over, and his eyes slowly widened. He looked at the Governor. “Sir! You are deeding us the guesthouse?”
“And the land it sits on as well,” affirmed Swann, smiling. “It’s a gift that’ll make things considerably easier for the pair of you. Elizabeth always liked the little place.”
And it would keep her almost within shouting distance of the Governor’s own residence, Will thought, not entirely sure this would be a desirable circumstance. Still, Will saw no possible way of refusing such a gift, not without giving grave offense. And at least they would not be living in his Father-in-law’s house itself-an arrangement that was hardly unusual for newlyweds.
Will therefore said, “Your generosity quite overwhelms me, sir! How can I-can we-ever thank you enough? Does Elizabeth know?”
“Not yet. Wanted to put it to you, first. I know you both value independence-I remember well how I felt about that at your age! But, indeed, if you’d see your way to accepting this gift you’d make me a very happy man. Elizabeth’s all I have left of my wife-the image of her, give you my word! And I love the girl more than I can say. I suppose I’ve been too indulgent with her, but she’s grown into a wonderful young woman for all that. Don’t think I could bear to have her quite gone from here-and I’ve grown very fond of your company, as well, my boy.”
“When you put it as kindly as that how can I refuse, sir?”
“Excellent! You will give me your support when we tell Elizabeth, then?”
“Yes, of course,” said Will, “though I can’t imagine she’ll have much objection to the scheme.”
The Governor frowned slightly. “Yes, well, one never knows what maggots women will take into their heads. However, if you are in favor of it she’ll likely follow along. Now it only remains to dispose of my hoydenish sister! It would be a great thing if a suitable man would come along and take charge of her!”
Will’s lip quivered into a smile, and he suggested a bit slyly, “Perhaps he’s already appeared, in the person of Sir John Wainfleet. She seems to be very friendly with him.”
But Swann shook his head. “Wainfleet! Will, the man’s a fribble! No, no! My sister needs a man with a strong whip hand, not a puppy taken up with the size of his hat and the set of his coat. I say, what was that?”
The two men looked across the room, toward divan in front of the window, from the direction of which a definite squeak had issued.
With sudden misgiving, Will said quickly, before the Governor could react further, “I’ll go see!”
He crossed the room, and, steeling himself slightly, peered over the back of the divan. His worst fears were confirmed. Jack and the Dowager Duchess. A scattering of cushions from the divan about them. Modesty was more or less preserved due to the voluminous nature of the lady’s skirts, but it was quite obvious what they had been doing, and Will felt himself coloring with embarrassment and annoyance. The two were looking up at him, Jack smirking, his one hand pressed lightly over Harry’s mouth. She looked furious-the squeak had undoubtedly issued from her lips at Swann’s ‘whip hand’ remark. Jack used his other hand to put a long finger to his lips, then flicked the hand at Will, mouthing Go away! Will gave them a scolding glare, then wiped the expression from his face as he turned back to his father-in-law.
“Only a mouse, I think, sir,” he said blandly, hoping Swann didn’t notice his heightened color as he walked toward the man.
“A mouse! Good lord. We’ll have the housemaids setting up a screech if that’s not taken care of. I’ll have Beck set some traps tonight.”
“Yes, I think that would be wise. Perhaps we should rejoin the guests, now, don’t you think?”
Swann chuckled. “Can’t bear to be parted from her yourself, can you? Very well. Into the breach once more!”
* * *
Upon finally emerging from the house, Harry was immediately swept up in her duties as hostess and gave Jack a rueful parting glance as she moved off. Jack strolled over to where Will was standing alone, to the side of the veranda, watching Elizabeth.
“Enjoyin’ the view?” Jack asked as he came up beside him.
“Immensely,” Will smiled. He glanced over at Jack, and tried to look severe. “You two are outrageous, you know.”
“I know,” Jack said, trying not to grin. “Forgive me, mate! I was led astray!”
“You mean you didn’t do the leading?”
“Not this time. I didn’t have the slightest objection to bein’ led, of course,” Jack admitted, watching Harry cross the lawn, his eyes bright under their drooping lids. After a few moments he looked at Will. “Thanks for keepin’ mum-bit of an awkward moment, that.”
Will couldn’t help smiling. “That’s certainly one way of putting it!” The smile faded a little, and he suddenly looked slightly uncomfortable. He said, trying to keep his voice light, “Have any advice for me, then?”
Jack raised one brow at Will’s expression. “About tonight, d’you mean?” He looked out at Elizabeth, standing like a goddess among lesser mortals. Even Harry, as dear as she was to him, couldn't rival Elizabeth’s beauty, not on this day. Jack glanced back at Will. “You didn’t take advantage of the lack of a duenna those last two days on the Pearl, eh?”
“No!” Will exclaimed, then amended this. “Well…not entirely.”
Jack chuckled. “So tonight’s the night, then, after all.”
“I’m so glad we’re a source of amusement to you,” Will said, a little sarcastically.
“Well, of course you are!” Jack laughed. “It’s bloody traditional, mate. Don’t you know anything about weddings?”
Will laughed too, then. “Not much. This whole thing’s been one mystery after another for me. Once the engagement was announced I felt like I was being swept along on an irresistible tide!”
Jack nodded. “I understand that’s the way of it. Well, the destination’s what matters, eh? Things’ll settle down nicely after the wedding trip. You can get back to makin’ fine swords by day, and makin’ Mrs. Turner happy by night.”
“It’s my intention, certainly,” Will said, rather dreamily.
Jack lifted a brow. “Aye. Well. I’ve no doubt you’ll succeed. As for tonight, just remember that particular race is not won by the swiftest, eh? And don’t let her try to tell you different.”
Will’s mind boggled a bit at the vision that came to mind. “Do you think she will?”
“I wouldn’t bet against it. She’s near as headstrong as her Auntie. You’ll likely have your hands full in future. But you won’t want to make a mull of it the first time. I’ve run across far too many females that’ve had that particular experience. Takes some real address to get ‘round them, I can tell you.”
“But you do ‘get ‘round them’, I suppose,” Will said, with a glint of amusement.
Jack gave a crooked grin. “More often than not. I am Captain Jack Sparrow!”
“That you are. You’d better watch the teeth, by the way.” Will smirked as Jack pressed his lips together. “Any other advice?”
Jack looked out at Elizabeth again. She’d been joined by Harry, and his heart warmed at the sight of the two of them. “Aye,” he replied to Will. “For the Lord’s sake, have some fun! Life’s too serious a business, for the most part, which is why God gave us days and nights like these, to ease the burden, eh?”
Will looked at him. “Waxing philosophical?” he said, but sounded appreciative of the sentiment, nonetheless.
“I do that, occasionally,” Jack said. He turned to Will, studying his face for a moment. “Your Da’ would be proud of you, y’know.”
“You think so?” Will asked. He felt a touch of the familiar ache he always felt at the thought of the father he’d not seen since childhood. But Jack clapped him on the shoulder, with such a speaking look in his eyes that Will’s pain was assuaged.
“I know it,” Jack said, simply. He let Will go, looking around again. “It’s gettin’ late. I suppose I’d better think of makin’ me exit. Don’t know when I’ll see you again, but I’ve no doubt Mrs. Turner’ll keep you busy.” He gave Will a quick grin of flashing gold and white, then turned and took himself off to find Harry.
* * *
“My dear Sir John! Must you leave us so soon? “ asked Harry with plaintive sincerity.
A final toast had been drunk to the happy couple, a stable boy had brought the stolen horse up to the house, and Sir John was now preparing to mount the beast for the ride back to Fuller’s Cove. Harry, Will and Elizabeth, and, unfortunately, Norrington had accompanied him to the front of the house to see him off.
“Alas, I’m afraid I must!” Jack took her hands in his and squeezed them firmly, letting his eyes say what his lips could not in the presence of the Commodore. “We shall meet again soon, no doubt. Until then, adieu, fair lady!” Releasing her, he turned to Elizabeth and Will. “My dear young friends-for I hope I may call you such, though we’ve only just met this day-it has been my great privilege to be present on this most auspicious occasion in your lives. I thank you for allowing me to be a part of it, and wish you both joy, with all my heart.”
Elizabeth, listening fascinated to this speech, said to Jack, “Sir John! It was our privilege to have you with us! Indeed, it would not have been the same without you!”
“That’s putting it mildly,” said Will, a bland smile on his face.
Jack’s lips quivered, but he managed not to burst out laughing. It was a close run thing, however. He cleared his throat and turned to Norrington, bowing slightly. “Commodore, it’s been a pleasure to meet you. I shall rest content, knowing Jamaica is guarded by such a vigilant representative of the King’s Finest.”
“You are too good, Wainfleet,” Norrington said, his eyes glinting with what Jack would have said was amusement had it been any other man.
“Not at all,” said Jack. He turned and mounted the horse with credible grace. “Farewell, my friends!” he said, airily, “It’s been a merry meeting!”
Harry threw him a kiss, and Elizabeth and Will both called out, “Farewell!”
Norrington, however, said, “Goodbye, Sir John. Oh! And by the way.”
Sir John’s dark brows rose in enquiry.
“Give my regards to Mr. Gibbs, will you?” the Commodore drawled, and gave a slight smile of satisfaction at the expression on Jack’s face before he turned and, favoring the rest of the company with a pointed look, walked back into the house.
On to Chapter Four
ETA 6-12-10: A deleted scene! ~ Behind the Couch ~