Harry & the Pirate IV: The Chalice of St. Francis
Chapter Thirteen: Tales of Wonder
Will Turner plunged the red-hot metal into the water, and the resulting hiss and billowing cloud of steam prevented him from noting that a visitor had entered the smithy. He was therefore pleasantly startled when he held up the cooled piece and his wife’s voice said from behind him, “Beautiful.”
He turned to find her there, an odd half-smile on her lips. “Elizabeth!” He glanced at the creation in his hand. “It’s only a new scythe, for your father’s gardener.”
“Oh, yes. It’s very nice. But I meant you.” Her eyes swept over his shirtless form appreciatively, and she grinned as he laughed and bent to kiss her.
“Careful,” he said, his voice soft. “If you play with fire you’re like to be…”
“Burned? Mmmm…!”
He chuckled. “Covered in grime and sweat, more like.” He wiped his brow. “What are you doing here?”
“I came to tell you: the Black Pearl is approaching the harbor.”
His brows rose. “Do you think…?”
She nodded. “Will you go down to the docks with me?”
“Of course.”
“And we must tell Maggie. Father was just getting dressed. He’ll meet us there.”
“Yes. Let me get cleaned up.”
Will had a quick wash, under Elizabeth’s approving eye, then put on a clean shirt and his waistcoat, and caught his dark hair back with a leather thong. “Let’s go.”
o-o-o
Maggie and Nurse Maria had just put the twins down for their morning nap when Suzanna came rushing into the room. Both women turned quickly and waved her off, frowning, each putting a finger to lips.
“Mother!” Suzanna whispered. “The Black Pearl is coming! They’re home!”
Maggie and Nurse exchanged a startled look. Nurse said, very low, “You go. I’ll watch them.”
Five minutes later, Maggie and Suzanna came quietly down the stairs. The Turners were in the entry hall, waiting.
“Elizabeth!” said Maggie. “It’s only been a little over a week! Do you think something went amiss? Even if they obtained the Chalice so quickly, the summit has barely begun.”
“There’s no way of knowing, Maggie,” said Elizabeth, sensibly, “so let’s go down to the harbor and see!”
There was a sudden sound of pounding feet and the front door flew open. “Mama! Mama!” Julietta and Anne came roaring into the house. Julietta cried, “The Black Pearl is coming!” And Anne hopped up and down, clapping her hands and chanting, “Tom is here! Tom is here!”
“Hush, girls! The twins!” said their mother.
“Ah, yes: Tom!” said Will, his voice a little grim.
Anne turned to Will with a frightened gasp, suddenly reminded of the circumstances surrounding her playmate’s departure, but her mother said to her, “Tom is undoubtedly in excellent health and spirits, Anne.”
“More excellent than he deserves, like as not!” chuckled Elizabeth. “Let’s away! They’re coming in!”
o-o-o
Suzanna Norrington stood between her mother and Elizabeth Turner and tried to at least appear calm as she scanned the various persons that were visible on and above the deck of the Black Pearl, which eased toward the dock. Governor Swann, various military and naval representatives, and a host of townsfolk had also gathered at the harbor, and it would not do to draw their attention by behaving in a too-revealing, ill-bred manner. There were already whispers circulating in Port Royal regarding her relationship with Michael Owens. So horridly embarrassing! And yet, she could not regret that clandestine meeting, or the kiss they’d exchanged. Indeed, her heart leapt whenever it came to mind, which was more often than was seemly. And she had wondered, too, if Michael had been similarly affected, and if he was thinking of her at the same moments.
“Hullooo! Anne! I’m back!” Tom Sparrow called from the rail, waving and grinning.
Anne squealed, “It’s Tom! Mama! There he is!” She capered, tugging at Mother’s skirt.
“Yes, sweetheart, I can see - and hear. It’s apparent your worries were for naught.”
Suzanna smiled distractedly. “But Mother,” she said, in a low voice, “I… I don’t see Mr. Owens.”
“Perhaps his duties prevent him being on deck at present,” her mother said, gently, though she too had noticed his absence. “I daresay we shall see him soon. Your father is absent, as well.”
Suzanna flushed. “Oh! Oh, yes.” How dreadful, not to have even thought of that! She gathered her composure, and forced herself to look at the other dear ones that could be seen. Captain Sparrow was at the wheel, trusting no other hand to guide his beloved ship into port. Lady Harry was not beside him this time, however. She and Charles were standing near the bouncing Tom, at the railing, and there was a stranger standing between them: a young lady! As they drew closer, Charles waved with his right arm, but his left was otherwise occupied.
“Mother!” Suzanna whispered, sharply. “Do you see Charles?”
It was obvious she did now, for her brows rose at the sight of her eldest with his arm about the waist of the stranger. “I wonder who she can be?” Mother said. “Lady Harry seems to be on very good terms with her.”
Julietta had also taken note of the interesting tableau, and was far less reticent about expressing her considerable surprise. “Mother! Charles is hugging that girl!”
Mother pursed her lips, then said quietly but firmly, “He is merely providing a steadying hand as they come up to the dock, Julietta. And you will please keep such observations to yourself - or at least lower your voice!”
“Sorry,” Julietta muttered, flushing. She turned to Suzanna and said, a little shyly, “I wonder where Mr. Owens may be?”
Suzanna, who knew her sister had been trying to make amends with her all week, bit back a sharp reply and said merely, “I don’t know. I expect he will come topside presently.”
This, however, did not prove to be the case, and Suzanna’s concern increased as the Black Pearl drifted to a stop, ropes were thrown and made fast, and the gangplank was lowered.
Tom Sparrow, last to board the ship in Port Royal, was first off on their return, fairly leaping down the gangplank toward the Turners and the Norringtons, and his uncle, all of whom were crowding near to greet the arrivals. “Well met, all!” Tom roared, and it was so obviously a phrase he’d got from his father that everyone laughed. He ran to Anne, who pounced on him, throwing her little arms about his neck, though he didn’t seem to mind at all, but hugged her back and exclaimed, “I got it, Anne! Wait ‘til you hear! I got the cup!”
“You?” said Governor Swann, giving the boy’s shoulder a little shake. “What can you mean? Miscreant boy, answer me!”
Tom released Anne, though he retained hold of her hand, and she gazed up at him with unabashed worship in her eyes as he turned to his uncle. “It’s true, Uncle Weatherby! They couldn’t’ve done it without me! ‘Twas in a dark, horrid chamber with tombs, under the altar of their church, and only I could fit in the hole to get it. It was beyond anything great! Come on, Anne!” And he turned and pulled the willing Anne back up the gangplank. His mother, Charles, and the unknown lady were descending at a more sedate pace, and he cried to the latter, “This is Anne, Lucia!” but did not pause to elaborate.
However, the center of attention shifted at the approach of the trio.
“Harry!” said the Governor, in shocked tones, and it was certainly no wonder: Lady Harry, though looking in fine fettle otherwise, had the most dreadful bruise just under her eye. It appeared to be a few days old, for the discoloration had taken on a greenish tinge, but there was no doubt there had been some accident, or she had been dealt a serious blow.
But before her brother could say more, Lady Harry snapped, “That will be all, Weatherby! A most disagreeable woman - Owens’ former employer, in fact -- perpetrated my disfiguring injury. However, she received her just desserts, and I would greatly appreciate you sparing me any more useless comment, or recrimination, for I assure you, the incident was entirely unavoidable.”
The Governor, whose shock had evolved to bemusement during the course of this speech, raised a brow, and said only, “Very well. You seem to be fit enough otherwise, and Jack will no doubt tell me the details.”
“I daresay,” agreed Harry, with a roll of her eyes. She turned to Suzanna’s mother, smiling apologetically. “I’m afraid James is still in Santiago, Maggie. He is staying with the delegation from Barbados, and they will see him home after the summit is concluded. He was in excellent health and spirits when last we saw him, and sends his fondest regards to you and the children. But now I would like you - indeed, all of you! - to meet Señorita Lucia Delma Fuensantos, whose kind offices aided us in the recovery of the Chalice of St. Francis.”
The ladies all curtsied politely. Will Turner bowed with a smile, and the Governor kissed the señorita’s hand with stately grace. “Welcome to Port Royal and Jamaica, my dear,” he said, and though the lady was uncertain of his words, she easily understood his kindly tone. She smiled tremulously, and said, “Gracias,” in a soft, sweet voice.
She was a beautiful girl, Suzanna thought, nearly as tall as herself, though not as thin…or perhaps it appeared so because she seemed to be wearing one of Lady Harry’s dresses. The length of the gown had been altered to accommodate the señorita’s greater inches, but the bodice, though snug, had apparently been judged to fit well enough to please all but the most exacting.
To Suzanna’s surprise, Charles gently turned Lucia to face his mother and sisters, and said quietly, “Mother… and Suzanna! I would ask you to make Señorita Fuensantos welcome. I have been hoping you would offer her a place to stay. Her future is not as uncertain as… well… in short, we have… come to an understanding.”
Mother’s eyes widened. “Charles!” she said, sounding surprised, but by no means displeased.
Julietta frowned. “An understanding? Do you mean…”
Charles cut her off. “Yes, Ju, but it is not to be announced just yet, if you please.” He then looked straight at Suzanna, and gave a little smile. “What do you think, sister?”
Suzanna, who felt overwhelmed with not only this revelation, but also with her brother’s rather shyly confiding demeanor, said, “Oh! Oh, yes! I… if you care for her so, she must be as beautiful within as she is without!” She took Lucia’s hand, and smiled, and said in her hesitant Spanish, “You are most welcome here, Señorita Fuensantos! What a lovely name!”
“She’ll not have the joy of it much longer,” Charles said, as though imparting a secret, and grinned.
Suzanna laughed in delight; but then, as the news sank in, she remembered her own… attachment. “But Charles: I… is Michael Owens still on the ship? I… you are such good friends, I thought…” But she broke off, for Charles and Lady Harry had exchanged a Look, and suddenly her heart froze. “What is it? Is he all right?”
Lady Harry took her hand, which she had unconsciously held up. “He is well, my dear. Or will be. But he was grievously hurt in the escape three nights ago. Alphonse is with him, helping him dress, and we hope to transport him to my brother’s house in a little while. You will not mind, Weatherby?”
“Of course not,” the Governor frowned. “But what happened?”
Charles said, rather gently, and with his eyes on Suzanna’s face, “He was shot by one of the soldiers of Esparza’s garrison. A chest wound. It was deep, and at first we thought… but he is better! Against all our fears. It is… something of a mystery. But indeed Suzanna, he will recover. If you’d like to see him, I’ll take you to him.”
Suzanna had felt almost faint with the tale that was being imparted to her, but at her brother’s last words she straightened, willing herself to be calm. She took a deep breath and said firmly, “Yes. Oh, yes. Please take me to him.”
o-o-o
“Monsieur Owens, you will please to sit down, before you fall down!” Alphonse commanded, in a kind but firm tone.
“Yes, sir,” Owens muttered, sitting on the edge of the cot rather abruptly, and rubbing his forehead.
Really, Alphonse thought to himself, the boy has no business being out of bed! He had still some fever, and Alphonse suspected he was in considerable pain, though he was stoic about it, as always. All this activity would only make things worse. The wound looked well enough, but really had barely begun to heal. Two days ago they had thought him at death’s door. That a miracle had occurred, and he was now out of danger, did not alter the fact that it would take time for him to recover from such an ordeal.
It was, of course, understandable that he wished to stay ashore, at the Governor’s estate, for it would be far more comfortable than his tiny cabin on the Pearl, as well as allowing for more visitors.
Particularly one visitor.
“Michael! Are you decent?”
It was Charles Norrington. Owens raised his head, startled, and Alphonse stepped to his side, and set a light, restraining hand on his shoulder. The boy looked up at him, and Alphonse smiled. “It is well, Michael.”
Owens nodded. His jaw clenched a little as he sat up straight; then he called, “Aye!”
The door opened, and there she was: slim and fair, her deep blue eyes vivid in a serious, pale, and very pretty face.
Owens drank in the sight of her, barely breathing, and did not seem to notice the quick grin her brother threw his way before Suzanna stepped into the cabin. Charles stayed out, and shut the door.
The girl stared at Michael, unsmiling, and Alphonse knew she must see the strain of long hours of worry and pain that were writ on the handsome face. The boy was yet shirtless, and the bindings of the wound were stark white against his tanned skin - except where a little blood had seeped through.
Alphonse frowned.
But Suzanna whispered, “Michael!” and Alphonse stepped aside, unheeded, as she came to sit beside her injured beloved. She put her arms gently ‘round Michael’s shoulders, and he turned to her, closing his eyes, and laid his forehead against hers for a long, still moment.
Finally they sat up a little, and she stroked the dark hair back from his brow. She said, “You are too warm. You should be abed!” She said to Alphonse. “Should he not, monsieur?”
Alphonse nodded. “Oui, mademoiselle. I have been thinking so, myself.”
“I’ll do,” said Michael, to them both. “I’m better today than I was. Truly.”
“Oh, my dear!” said Suzanna, her voice tremulous. She gave a sniff, but smiled, like an angel. “Very well.” She turned to Alphonse. “May I help him with his shirt, monsieur?”
“But yes!” Alphonse replied, smiling, too.
They both helped him, in the end, very careful of the injury. Then Alphonse watched while Michael’s Suzanna tenderly straightened the collar of his shirt, and fastened the ties with slim, steady fingers.
o-o-o.
As Suzanna and Charles boarded the ship, Jack passed them on his way down. He and Charles exchanged a smile; Suzanna, however, seemed barely aware of him as she swept by.
“Best medicine in the world, that!” Jack commented to the company that was gathered near the foot of the gangplank.
“Was Owens dreadfully hurt, Jack?” asked Elizabeth, worriedly, suspecting that Charles had purposely softened his words in consideration of his sister’s sensibilities.
Jack’s smile faded and he said, quietly, “We thought he was done! Thought it’d hit the lung. I could’ve sworn he was showin’ signs of it. What with that, and… well, it looked bad. We didn’t dare drug him too deep, an’ it was a bit of a trial, gettin’ that bullet out. He’s a brave lad, though, our Michael. But afterwards… Gibbs was shakin’ his head over it, and Harry and I…” His voice trailed off, remembering.
Harry came and slipped her hand into his. “It was dreadful. As Jack said, we did not expect him to live. But then… the next day…”
“He was better!” said Jack. He shook his head. “Couldn’t fathom it at all, an’ Gibbs started talkin’ of miracles - you know what he is. But then Lucia here, an’ Tom… well, the long an’ short of it is, the two of ‘em came to see Owens during the night, an’ they’d given him a drink of water. From the cup.” Jack reached into his pocket, and drew out the small wooden vessel.
“Cup? The Chalice?” Weatherby stared. “That’s it?”
Jack laughed. “Aye. Not much, is it? Esparza’d made a pretty holder for it, of course, an’ kept it in a fancy case, just as the padre said. But this is it. The saint was one for simplicity all right.”
Weatherby gave a slight bark of laughter. “Obviously.” He looked at Jack, sharply. “So you believe the water from the cup healed Michael Owens? That you were witness to a miracle?”
“No!” Jack exclaimed. “I mean… I suppose it could be. But, it’s just as likely we were all mistaken, and the wound wasn’t as bad as we’d thought. Lucia here, an’ Tom, of course, swear it was the water from the cup that did it. It’s anyone’s guess. All I know is, he was sittin’ up an’ takin’ some broth by the next night, and now Alphonse is gettin’ him dressed to come to your place - with Suzanna’s help, like as not.” Jack grinned at Maggie.
Harry said to her brother, “Michael is still not at all well, Weatherby. He will need careful nursing, for a few days at least, but we will see to it. Your servants need not be inconvenienced.”
Weatherby shook his head. “That’s nothing, my dear. It’s good for them to bestir themselves, and they’ve known Owens for years! He’ll be devilish spoiled by the time he’s ready to leave. But Jack!” Weatherby fixed him with an odd look. “When precisely did you acquire the Chalice?”
“When?” Jack thought back, frowning. “Five nights ago, it was. Owens and Charles got it - or Tom, really. Did he tell you? Lucia met them at the Cathedral and showed them the way.”
“You see!” said Elizabeth to her father, triumphantly, and Will shook his head, in wonder.
Maggie was smiling, too, and Julietta said with conviction, “It was a miracle!”
“What was?” demanded Jack, for they did not seem to be speaking of Owens.
“What do you mean?” Harry said, frowning.
Elizabeth said to them: “Aunt Harry… Jack… Father Taddeo has regained his sight!”
o-o-o
It was true. Or partially true, at any rate.
Michael Owens had appeared not long after this startling announcement. The lad was supported by Suzanna and Charles, and preceded by the raucous Tom, who was dragging little Anne about behind him. Everyone had fussed over Michael, and straightaway made him take a seat in Weatherby’s well-sprung coach. Suzanna was allowed to sit beside him, and the Governor, Harry, and Jack climbed in, too. Everyone else piled into another of the carriages that Weatherby had ordered, and the conveyances moved off at a sedate pace, through Port Royal and on up the hill.
Jack refused to believe Elizabeth’s words, until they arrived at the estate and were all of them ushered into the morning room. This room, though lined with windows through which the gardens were visible, was in cool shade at this time of day, and in the corner with the deepest shadows sat Father Taddeo, his legs and feet propped upon a hassock, and one eye still bandaged. His other eye, however, blinked and focused on the arrivals.
Jack, who was the only one among the group who had seen the precise extent of the injury to the eye, walked over and gaped at the padre in open astonishment. Harry came up beside him, and also stared, quite speechless.
“I see that your crew was correct,” Father Taddeo said.
“Eh?” said Jack, intelligently. “About what?”
“That both of you are most beautiful, of course. But signora: you have taken a hurt!”
“Oh! Oh, yes.” Harry rubbed the back of one finger against the bruise under her eye. “I know it looks dreadful, but it will heal and fade quick enough. A… a slight mishap, at a reception we attended.”
“Ah!” The padre nodded, smiling.
“You can see!” Jack said, almost as though offended.
“Why, yes. Several mornings ago, when the wrappings were being changed, I discovered that I could see a little with this one eye, and that light had begun to penetrate through the other. My vision is still quite imperfect, but I have hope that it will continue to improve. It is something of a miracle.”
Jack stiffened at that, and turned to Weatherby. “Several mornings ago?”
The Governor nodded. “The morning after you obtained the cup.”
“Ah! The cup!” the padre exclaimed. “You have retrieved it?”
“Aye,” said Jack, still knocked acock, but beginning to recover. “Tom!” Jack drew the cup from his pocket and held it out to his son. “Here. Give it to him, lad.”
Tom grinned, and did so, saying, “Here, Father. That’s it, isn’t it?”
Father Taddeo nodded, smiling beatifically. “It is. It is, indeed.” He examined it, running his fingers over the smooth wood with loving familiarity. Finally, he looked up at Tom. “Did you get it for me?”
“Aye! And Lucia, here, showed us how, and Michael and Charles helped.”
The padre turned to Tom’s co-conspirators. Charles and Lucia stood side by side, next to where Owens had been pressed into a chair, with Suzanna standing behind, her hands placed lightly, but possessively, on his shoulders.
The padre frowned at Michael. “You have taken some hurt, my son?”
“Aye. But like you, I’m on the mend.”
“Like me.” Father Taddeo nodded, and looked at Jack, again, rather quizzically. “Another coincidence, perhaps, Captain Sparrow? What do you think, my friend?”
Jack shook his head, and laughed, softly. “Perhaps so, Father. I’m not sure I know what to think, any more.”
o-o-o
Two weeks later, when Admiral Norrington returned and was put in possession of the facts, he could only agree with this assessment.
“It is not impossible that the incidents are valid miracles. After all, Jack, we both saw some very… unusual events during our first days together. The curse of the Aztec Gold was certainly real enough.”
“Don’t I bloody know it!” Jack muttered, with an inward shudder.
“Yes,” Norrington agreed. “I can imagine that even your brief personal experience of it had lingering effects, if only on the tone of your mind.”
“Ah! That’s what it is!” Will Turner said, nodding sagely, and then grinning at the somewhat venomous look Jack threw him.
“A contributing factor, no doubt,” said Norrington, amused. “But as to the matter at hand, it is just as possible that Owens’ condition, and the injury to Father Taddeo’s eyes, were neither one as serious as had been feared. As with many things in life, I doubt we will ever be entirely certain of the truth.”
Jack nodded. “It’s like the padre said, I suppose: it’s a matter of faith.”
“Indeed.”
When pressed by his anxious children, Norrington also considered it a matter of faith that he was doing the right thing in giving his blessing to the marriages they proposed to enter into.
He said to Charles, “You are both very young, and besides that have not known each other for many days. Ordinarily I would say that it is too soon to think of such a thing. Yet I can see agreeable changes in you already, Charles, and I know that it is due in large part to your association with Lucia. Don Corozón tells me her family in Spain is of the true aristocracy, and that she is something of an heiress, though I would not rely on either of you ever seeing the proceeds. However, both you and Owens have been fortunate enough to acquire and set aside sufficient prize money to enable you to marry and support wives in comfort, if not luxury.”
Charles grinned, then turned to Lucia and translated his father’s words as best he could. He added, in regard to the last point, “Owens has saved more far more than I, I’m afraid. He’s been privateering with Jack for years! But I have some of it tucked away, and I have my commission. My prospects are good, I believe.”
“I do not care about that in the least!” Lucia said. “If I had wanted a life of great wealth I would never have left Spain, or would have consented to marriage with Emilio Esparza, of whom I know little, save rumor. It seems too nonsensical that it has happened so quickly, I know, but I love you, Charles. With all my heart!”
Charles lifted her hand to his lips, murmuring reverently, “Mi Querida!”
His father needed no help in interpreting the romantic tone of the exchange, and smiled, wryly, to see his sometimes devil-may-care son so tamed.
James was, strangely, more resigned and less worried about Suzanna, though she was younger. “Your mother and I have discussed the issue, in light of your long-standing attachment to Mr. Owens, and taking into consideration the invitation you’ve received to sail with the Black Pearl on her voyage to Italy, and England. You are young, but you have always had a most becoming gravity about you, and generally know your own mind. Mr. Owens, who seems most devoted to you, is a fine young man, and we feel he is worthy of even so great a prize as your own dear self.”
Suzanna blushed at this unexpected accolade, but Owens smiled at her, fully agreeing with her father’s words. He said to Norrington, “Thank you, sir! I will always strive to be worthy, and will take the greatest care of her.”
“And I of you!” Suzanna said, stoutly.
Owens lifted Suzanna’s hand to his lips, just has Charles had done with Lucia. Norrington gave the same wry smile, and said, “Yes, my dears. That sentiment is, of course, contained in the vows.”
o-o-o
Some four weeks later, a double wedding uniting the two young couples took place in the garden of the Governor’s estate. After some polite coercion, and bribery in the guise of a sizeable donation, Reverend Daniels agreed to allow Father Taddeo to share the duties of presiding, which greatly pleased the Catholic Lucia. Father Taddeo was easy enough with the idea, and smiled benignly on both couples, making the Sign of the Cross over them and intoning lengthy Latin prayers in a most impressive manner. The Reverend Daniels, however, pursed his lips at the unconventionality of the proceedings, and later, after a glass or two of wine, was heard to mutter darkly. Governor Swann, overhearing, took the man aside for a short but pithy chat, after which the cleric focused his attention on the excellence of the refreshments, rather than the validity of the ceremony as seen from the Anglican point of view.
It was a day of great joy, but clouded a little by sorrow, too, for two days hence the Black Pearl would set sail, to stop at St. Claire for a time before setting out east, across the Atlantic. Little Anne Norrington, in particular, was much torn. Young as she was, two years sounded like forever - why, she would be seven when Tom returned! She was much afraid he would forget her entirely, though Tom vowed, impatiently, that this was nonsense.
“I tried to get ‘em to let you go with us,” Tom said, “but they weren’t havin’ it. Your mama says she needs you, and with Suzanna going she’s likely right: can’t rely on Julietta to help with the twins!”
Governor Swann, who had overheard this conversation, and whose kind heart was moved by Anne’s obvious distress, put his arm about the girl and swept out his lace-edged handkerchief to daub at her tears. “There now, sweetheart: you and I shall keep each other company while Tom and the others are gone. Charles and Lucia will be staying in the little cottage across the garden there, taking care of it while my daughter and her husband are gone away, too. Lord, how I shall miss them! But it is past time for them to visit our family in England, and it will do them both good to see a little more of the world. But your brother and new sister will, no doubt, like us to visit them at the cottage, and when Charles is away at sea, as is his duty, Lucia will be very glad of our company! I daresay we will have many pleasant dinners together at such times.”
“See, Anne? You won’t even miss me!” said Tom, blithely, and was quite astonished when Anne began to sob.
Anne’s mother had shed numerous tears too: happy ones, when she saw her Suzanna take her place beside Michael Owens, looking even more beautiful than was a bride’s wont. And yet, the girl was so very young!
“Are you certain we are doing the right thing?” she had whispered to her husband.
James gave a sigh, and said only, “It is in God’s hands, my dear. But I believe they will be happy together. I know you wished Suzanna to travel to Italy with the Sparrows, and considering that would throw her constantly in the way of Michael Owens it seems best that they marry now, under our eye, rather than later, where our support and blessing cannot be had.”
Maggie nodded, but put her hand in his and said, a little tremulously, “Do you realize… we may be grandparents before they return, James?”
“Of course I realize it.” James sighed. “As I said: it is in God’s hands.”
Father Taddeo, who much later was speaking with Harry, Elizabeth, Maggie and, particularly, Suzanna, echoed this sentiment. “Children are the greatest of all God’s blessings, my dear. In His wisdom, He will care for you, and provide for your happiness.”
Maggie smiled, and said to Suzanna, “Come, my dear: it is time to change into your traveling clothes.” For the bride and her new husband were to spend their first night together at a beautiful little inn, a few miles up the coast.
Elizabeth and Harry watched, misty eyed, as mother and daughter put arms about each others’ waists and walked down the hall to enter the room that had been allotted to Suzanna for this day, closing the door behind them.
Father Taddeo said, “It is well that the two of you will be there, in place of Suzanna’s mother, for the long journey.”
“Yes!” Elizabeth said, and smiled suddenly. “Oh, Aunt! Jack will have fits if she does get with child on the voyage!”
Harry chuckled. “I’m afraid so. I think he was longer recovering from Tom’s birth than I!”
“And the so excellent Tom is the only child you have, between the two of you? It seems such a pity.”
Both ladies turned to look at the padre, Elizabeth’s smile fading away, and Harry’s dimming considerably. Harry said, “We… both of us have tried, but… Elizabeth lost two, early in her marriage. And my baby girl…” Her voice constricted, and she could not go on.
“Ah, no, signora! I apologize for my curiosity. It is a great failing of mine, I know. My apologies to you both!”
Harry shook her head. “He giveth, and He taketh away. Are those not the words, my friend?”
“They are. And yet, it is also said, Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life.” The padre smiled. “Perhaps the gaining of my desire is a sign that others may share good fortune. You are both young enough to try again, and moreover we now have the Chalice. Before you leave me in Italy, therefore, I will have you each drink from the Chalice, and we will pray. And we will hope.”
~.~
On to Chapter Fourteen
Will Turner plunged the red-hot metal into the water, and the resulting hiss and billowing cloud of steam prevented him from noting that a visitor had entered the smithy. He was therefore pleasantly startled when he held up the cooled piece and his wife’s voice said from behind him, “Beautiful.”
He turned to find her there, an odd half-smile on her lips. “Elizabeth!” He glanced at the creation in his hand. “It’s only a new scythe, for your father’s gardener.”
“Oh, yes. It’s very nice. But I meant you.” Her eyes swept over his shirtless form appreciatively, and she grinned as he laughed and bent to kiss her.
“Careful,” he said, his voice soft. “If you play with fire you’re like to be…”
“Burned? Mmmm…!”
He chuckled. “Covered in grime and sweat, more like.” He wiped his brow. “What are you doing here?”
“I came to tell you: the Black Pearl is approaching the harbor.”
His brows rose. “Do you think…?”
She nodded. “Will you go down to the docks with me?”
“Of course.”
“And we must tell Maggie. Father was just getting dressed. He’ll meet us there.”
“Yes. Let me get cleaned up.”
Will had a quick wash, under Elizabeth’s approving eye, then put on a clean shirt and his waistcoat, and caught his dark hair back with a leather thong. “Let’s go.”
o-o-o
Maggie and Nurse Maria had just put the twins down for their morning nap when Suzanna came rushing into the room. Both women turned quickly and waved her off, frowning, each putting a finger to lips.
“Mother!” Suzanna whispered. “The Black Pearl is coming! They’re home!”
Maggie and Nurse exchanged a startled look. Nurse said, very low, “You go. I’ll watch them.”
Five minutes later, Maggie and Suzanna came quietly down the stairs. The Turners were in the entry hall, waiting.
“Elizabeth!” said Maggie. “It’s only been a little over a week! Do you think something went amiss? Even if they obtained the Chalice so quickly, the summit has barely begun.”
“There’s no way of knowing, Maggie,” said Elizabeth, sensibly, “so let’s go down to the harbor and see!”
There was a sudden sound of pounding feet and the front door flew open. “Mama! Mama!” Julietta and Anne came roaring into the house. Julietta cried, “The Black Pearl is coming!” And Anne hopped up and down, clapping her hands and chanting, “Tom is here! Tom is here!”
“Hush, girls! The twins!” said their mother.
“Ah, yes: Tom!” said Will, his voice a little grim.
Anne turned to Will with a frightened gasp, suddenly reminded of the circumstances surrounding her playmate’s departure, but her mother said to her, “Tom is undoubtedly in excellent health and spirits, Anne.”
“More excellent than he deserves, like as not!” chuckled Elizabeth. “Let’s away! They’re coming in!”
o-o-o
Suzanna Norrington stood between her mother and Elizabeth Turner and tried to at least appear calm as she scanned the various persons that were visible on and above the deck of the Black Pearl, which eased toward the dock. Governor Swann, various military and naval representatives, and a host of townsfolk had also gathered at the harbor, and it would not do to draw their attention by behaving in a too-revealing, ill-bred manner. There were already whispers circulating in Port Royal regarding her relationship with Michael Owens. So horridly embarrassing! And yet, she could not regret that clandestine meeting, or the kiss they’d exchanged. Indeed, her heart leapt whenever it came to mind, which was more often than was seemly. And she had wondered, too, if Michael had been similarly affected, and if he was thinking of her at the same moments.
“Hullooo! Anne! I’m back!” Tom Sparrow called from the rail, waving and grinning.
Anne squealed, “It’s Tom! Mama! There he is!” She capered, tugging at Mother’s skirt.
“Yes, sweetheart, I can see - and hear. It’s apparent your worries were for naught.”
Suzanna smiled distractedly. “But Mother,” she said, in a low voice, “I… I don’t see Mr. Owens.”
“Perhaps his duties prevent him being on deck at present,” her mother said, gently, though she too had noticed his absence. “I daresay we shall see him soon. Your father is absent, as well.”
Suzanna flushed. “Oh! Oh, yes.” How dreadful, not to have even thought of that! She gathered her composure, and forced herself to look at the other dear ones that could be seen. Captain Sparrow was at the wheel, trusting no other hand to guide his beloved ship into port. Lady Harry was not beside him this time, however. She and Charles were standing near the bouncing Tom, at the railing, and there was a stranger standing between them: a young lady! As they drew closer, Charles waved with his right arm, but his left was otherwise occupied.
“Mother!” Suzanna whispered, sharply. “Do you see Charles?”
It was obvious she did now, for her brows rose at the sight of her eldest with his arm about the waist of the stranger. “I wonder who she can be?” Mother said. “Lady Harry seems to be on very good terms with her.”
Julietta had also taken note of the interesting tableau, and was far less reticent about expressing her considerable surprise. “Mother! Charles is hugging that girl!”
Mother pursed her lips, then said quietly but firmly, “He is merely providing a steadying hand as they come up to the dock, Julietta. And you will please keep such observations to yourself - or at least lower your voice!”
“Sorry,” Julietta muttered, flushing. She turned to Suzanna and said, a little shyly, “I wonder where Mr. Owens may be?”
Suzanna, who knew her sister had been trying to make amends with her all week, bit back a sharp reply and said merely, “I don’t know. I expect he will come topside presently.”
This, however, did not prove to be the case, and Suzanna’s concern increased as the Black Pearl drifted to a stop, ropes were thrown and made fast, and the gangplank was lowered.
Tom Sparrow, last to board the ship in Port Royal, was first off on their return, fairly leaping down the gangplank toward the Turners and the Norringtons, and his uncle, all of whom were crowding near to greet the arrivals. “Well met, all!” Tom roared, and it was so obviously a phrase he’d got from his father that everyone laughed. He ran to Anne, who pounced on him, throwing her little arms about his neck, though he didn’t seem to mind at all, but hugged her back and exclaimed, “I got it, Anne! Wait ‘til you hear! I got the cup!”
“You?” said Governor Swann, giving the boy’s shoulder a little shake. “What can you mean? Miscreant boy, answer me!”
Tom released Anne, though he retained hold of her hand, and she gazed up at him with unabashed worship in her eyes as he turned to his uncle. “It’s true, Uncle Weatherby! They couldn’t’ve done it without me! ‘Twas in a dark, horrid chamber with tombs, under the altar of their church, and only I could fit in the hole to get it. It was beyond anything great! Come on, Anne!” And he turned and pulled the willing Anne back up the gangplank. His mother, Charles, and the unknown lady were descending at a more sedate pace, and he cried to the latter, “This is Anne, Lucia!” but did not pause to elaborate.
However, the center of attention shifted at the approach of the trio.
“Harry!” said the Governor, in shocked tones, and it was certainly no wonder: Lady Harry, though looking in fine fettle otherwise, had the most dreadful bruise just under her eye. It appeared to be a few days old, for the discoloration had taken on a greenish tinge, but there was no doubt there had been some accident, or she had been dealt a serious blow.
But before her brother could say more, Lady Harry snapped, “That will be all, Weatherby! A most disagreeable woman - Owens’ former employer, in fact -- perpetrated my disfiguring injury. However, she received her just desserts, and I would greatly appreciate you sparing me any more useless comment, or recrimination, for I assure you, the incident was entirely unavoidable.”
The Governor, whose shock had evolved to bemusement during the course of this speech, raised a brow, and said only, “Very well. You seem to be fit enough otherwise, and Jack will no doubt tell me the details.”
“I daresay,” agreed Harry, with a roll of her eyes. She turned to Suzanna’s mother, smiling apologetically. “I’m afraid James is still in Santiago, Maggie. He is staying with the delegation from Barbados, and they will see him home after the summit is concluded. He was in excellent health and spirits when last we saw him, and sends his fondest regards to you and the children. But now I would like you - indeed, all of you! - to meet Señorita Lucia Delma Fuensantos, whose kind offices aided us in the recovery of the Chalice of St. Francis.”
The ladies all curtsied politely. Will Turner bowed with a smile, and the Governor kissed the señorita’s hand with stately grace. “Welcome to Port Royal and Jamaica, my dear,” he said, and though the lady was uncertain of his words, she easily understood his kindly tone. She smiled tremulously, and said, “Gracias,” in a soft, sweet voice.
She was a beautiful girl, Suzanna thought, nearly as tall as herself, though not as thin…or perhaps it appeared so because she seemed to be wearing one of Lady Harry’s dresses. The length of the gown had been altered to accommodate the señorita’s greater inches, but the bodice, though snug, had apparently been judged to fit well enough to please all but the most exacting.
To Suzanna’s surprise, Charles gently turned Lucia to face his mother and sisters, and said quietly, “Mother… and Suzanna! I would ask you to make Señorita Fuensantos welcome. I have been hoping you would offer her a place to stay. Her future is not as uncertain as… well… in short, we have… come to an understanding.”
Mother’s eyes widened. “Charles!” she said, sounding surprised, but by no means displeased.
Julietta frowned. “An understanding? Do you mean…”
Charles cut her off. “Yes, Ju, but it is not to be announced just yet, if you please.” He then looked straight at Suzanna, and gave a little smile. “What do you think, sister?”
Suzanna, who felt overwhelmed with not only this revelation, but also with her brother’s rather shyly confiding demeanor, said, “Oh! Oh, yes! I… if you care for her so, she must be as beautiful within as she is without!” She took Lucia’s hand, and smiled, and said in her hesitant Spanish, “You are most welcome here, Señorita Fuensantos! What a lovely name!”
“She’ll not have the joy of it much longer,” Charles said, as though imparting a secret, and grinned.
Suzanna laughed in delight; but then, as the news sank in, she remembered her own… attachment. “But Charles: I… is Michael Owens still on the ship? I… you are such good friends, I thought…” But she broke off, for Charles and Lady Harry had exchanged a Look, and suddenly her heart froze. “What is it? Is he all right?”
Lady Harry took her hand, which she had unconsciously held up. “He is well, my dear. Or will be. But he was grievously hurt in the escape three nights ago. Alphonse is with him, helping him dress, and we hope to transport him to my brother’s house in a little while. You will not mind, Weatherby?”
“Of course not,” the Governor frowned. “But what happened?”
Charles said, rather gently, and with his eyes on Suzanna’s face, “He was shot by one of the soldiers of Esparza’s garrison. A chest wound. It was deep, and at first we thought… but he is better! Against all our fears. It is… something of a mystery. But indeed Suzanna, he will recover. If you’d like to see him, I’ll take you to him.”
Suzanna had felt almost faint with the tale that was being imparted to her, but at her brother’s last words she straightened, willing herself to be calm. She took a deep breath and said firmly, “Yes. Oh, yes. Please take me to him.”
o-o-o
“Monsieur Owens, you will please to sit down, before you fall down!” Alphonse commanded, in a kind but firm tone.
“Yes, sir,” Owens muttered, sitting on the edge of the cot rather abruptly, and rubbing his forehead.
Really, Alphonse thought to himself, the boy has no business being out of bed! He had still some fever, and Alphonse suspected he was in considerable pain, though he was stoic about it, as always. All this activity would only make things worse. The wound looked well enough, but really had barely begun to heal. Two days ago they had thought him at death’s door. That a miracle had occurred, and he was now out of danger, did not alter the fact that it would take time for him to recover from such an ordeal.
It was, of course, understandable that he wished to stay ashore, at the Governor’s estate, for it would be far more comfortable than his tiny cabin on the Pearl, as well as allowing for more visitors.
Particularly one visitor.
“Michael! Are you decent?”
It was Charles Norrington. Owens raised his head, startled, and Alphonse stepped to his side, and set a light, restraining hand on his shoulder. The boy looked up at him, and Alphonse smiled. “It is well, Michael.”
Owens nodded. His jaw clenched a little as he sat up straight; then he called, “Aye!”
The door opened, and there she was: slim and fair, her deep blue eyes vivid in a serious, pale, and very pretty face.
Owens drank in the sight of her, barely breathing, and did not seem to notice the quick grin her brother threw his way before Suzanna stepped into the cabin. Charles stayed out, and shut the door.
The girl stared at Michael, unsmiling, and Alphonse knew she must see the strain of long hours of worry and pain that were writ on the handsome face. The boy was yet shirtless, and the bindings of the wound were stark white against his tanned skin - except where a little blood had seeped through.
Alphonse frowned.
But Suzanna whispered, “Michael!” and Alphonse stepped aside, unheeded, as she came to sit beside her injured beloved. She put her arms gently ‘round Michael’s shoulders, and he turned to her, closing his eyes, and laid his forehead against hers for a long, still moment.
Finally they sat up a little, and she stroked the dark hair back from his brow. She said, “You are too warm. You should be abed!” She said to Alphonse. “Should he not, monsieur?”
Alphonse nodded. “Oui, mademoiselle. I have been thinking so, myself.”
“I’ll do,” said Michael, to them both. “I’m better today than I was. Truly.”
“Oh, my dear!” said Suzanna, her voice tremulous. She gave a sniff, but smiled, like an angel. “Very well.” She turned to Alphonse. “May I help him with his shirt, monsieur?”
“But yes!” Alphonse replied, smiling, too.
They both helped him, in the end, very careful of the injury. Then Alphonse watched while Michael’s Suzanna tenderly straightened the collar of his shirt, and fastened the ties with slim, steady fingers.
o-o-o.
As Suzanna and Charles boarded the ship, Jack passed them on his way down. He and Charles exchanged a smile; Suzanna, however, seemed barely aware of him as she swept by.
“Best medicine in the world, that!” Jack commented to the company that was gathered near the foot of the gangplank.
“Was Owens dreadfully hurt, Jack?” asked Elizabeth, worriedly, suspecting that Charles had purposely softened his words in consideration of his sister’s sensibilities.
Jack’s smile faded and he said, quietly, “We thought he was done! Thought it’d hit the lung. I could’ve sworn he was showin’ signs of it. What with that, and… well, it looked bad. We didn’t dare drug him too deep, an’ it was a bit of a trial, gettin’ that bullet out. He’s a brave lad, though, our Michael. But afterwards… Gibbs was shakin’ his head over it, and Harry and I…” His voice trailed off, remembering.
Harry came and slipped her hand into his. “It was dreadful. As Jack said, we did not expect him to live. But then… the next day…”
“He was better!” said Jack. He shook his head. “Couldn’t fathom it at all, an’ Gibbs started talkin’ of miracles - you know what he is. But then Lucia here, an’ Tom… well, the long an’ short of it is, the two of ‘em came to see Owens during the night, an’ they’d given him a drink of water. From the cup.” Jack reached into his pocket, and drew out the small wooden vessel.
“Cup? The Chalice?” Weatherby stared. “That’s it?”
Jack laughed. “Aye. Not much, is it? Esparza’d made a pretty holder for it, of course, an’ kept it in a fancy case, just as the padre said. But this is it. The saint was one for simplicity all right.”
Weatherby gave a slight bark of laughter. “Obviously.” He looked at Jack, sharply. “So you believe the water from the cup healed Michael Owens? That you were witness to a miracle?”
“No!” Jack exclaimed. “I mean… I suppose it could be. But, it’s just as likely we were all mistaken, and the wound wasn’t as bad as we’d thought. Lucia here, an’ Tom, of course, swear it was the water from the cup that did it. It’s anyone’s guess. All I know is, he was sittin’ up an’ takin’ some broth by the next night, and now Alphonse is gettin’ him dressed to come to your place - with Suzanna’s help, like as not.” Jack grinned at Maggie.
Harry said to her brother, “Michael is still not at all well, Weatherby. He will need careful nursing, for a few days at least, but we will see to it. Your servants need not be inconvenienced.”
Weatherby shook his head. “That’s nothing, my dear. It’s good for them to bestir themselves, and they’ve known Owens for years! He’ll be devilish spoiled by the time he’s ready to leave. But Jack!” Weatherby fixed him with an odd look. “When precisely did you acquire the Chalice?”
“When?” Jack thought back, frowning. “Five nights ago, it was. Owens and Charles got it - or Tom, really. Did he tell you? Lucia met them at the Cathedral and showed them the way.”
“You see!” said Elizabeth to her father, triumphantly, and Will shook his head, in wonder.
Maggie was smiling, too, and Julietta said with conviction, “It was a miracle!”
“What was?” demanded Jack, for they did not seem to be speaking of Owens.
“What do you mean?” Harry said, frowning.
Elizabeth said to them: “Aunt Harry… Jack… Father Taddeo has regained his sight!”
o-o-o
It was true. Or partially true, at any rate.
Michael Owens had appeared not long after this startling announcement. The lad was supported by Suzanna and Charles, and preceded by the raucous Tom, who was dragging little Anne about behind him. Everyone had fussed over Michael, and straightaway made him take a seat in Weatherby’s well-sprung coach. Suzanna was allowed to sit beside him, and the Governor, Harry, and Jack climbed in, too. Everyone else piled into another of the carriages that Weatherby had ordered, and the conveyances moved off at a sedate pace, through Port Royal and on up the hill.
Jack refused to believe Elizabeth’s words, until they arrived at the estate and were all of them ushered into the morning room. This room, though lined with windows through which the gardens were visible, was in cool shade at this time of day, and in the corner with the deepest shadows sat Father Taddeo, his legs and feet propped upon a hassock, and one eye still bandaged. His other eye, however, blinked and focused on the arrivals.
Jack, who was the only one among the group who had seen the precise extent of the injury to the eye, walked over and gaped at the padre in open astonishment. Harry came up beside him, and also stared, quite speechless.
“I see that your crew was correct,” Father Taddeo said.
“Eh?” said Jack, intelligently. “About what?”
“That both of you are most beautiful, of course. But signora: you have taken a hurt!”
“Oh! Oh, yes.” Harry rubbed the back of one finger against the bruise under her eye. “I know it looks dreadful, but it will heal and fade quick enough. A… a slight mishap, at a reception we attended.”
“Ah!” The padre nodded, smiling.
“You can see!” Jack said, almost as though offended.
“Why, yes. Several mornings ago, when the wrappings were being changed, I discovered that I could see a little with this one eye, and that light had begun to penetrate through the other. My vision is still quite imperfect, but I have hope that it will continue to improve. It is something of a miracle.”
Jack stiffened at that, and turned to Weatherby. “Several mornings ago?”
The Governor nodded. “The morning after you obtained the cup.”
“Ah! The cup!” the padre exclaimed. “You have retrieved it?”
“Aye,” said Jack, still knocked acock, but beginning to recover. “Tom!” Jack drew the cup from his pocket and held it out to his son. “Here. Give it to him, lad.”
Tom grinned, and did so, saying, “Here, Father. That’s it, isn’t it?”
Father Taddeo nodded, smiling beatifically. “It is. It is, indeed.” He examined it, running his fingers over the smooth wood with loving familiarity. Finally, he looked up at Tom. “Did you get it for me?”
“Aye! And Lucia, here, showed us how, and Michael and Charles helped.”
The padre turned to Tom’s co-conspirators. Charles and Lucia stood side by side, next to where Owens had been pressed into a chair, with Suzanna standing behind, her hands placed lightly, but possessively, on his shoulders.
The padre frowned at Michael. “You have taken some hurt, my son?”
“Aye. But like you, I’m on the mend.”
“Like me.” Father Taddeo nodded, and looked at Jack, again, rather quizzically. “Another coincidence, perhaps, Captain Sparrow? What do you think, my friend?”
Jack shook his head, and laughed, softly. “Perhaps so, Father. I’m not sure I know what to think, any more.”
o-o-o
Two weeks later, when Admiral Norrington returned and was put in possession of the facts, he could only agree with this assessment.
“It is not impossible that the incidents are valid miracles. After all, Jack, we both saw some very… unusual events during our first days together. The curse of the Aztec Gold was certainly real enough.”
“Don’t I bloody know it!” Jack muttered, with an inward shudder.
“Yes,” Norrington agreed. “I can imagine that even your brief personal experience of it had lingering effects, if only on the tone of your mind.”
“Ah! That’s what it is!” Will Turner said, nodding sagely, and then grinning at the somewhat venomous look Jack threw him.
“A contributing factor, no doubt,” said Norrington, amused. “But as to the matter at hand, it is just as possible that Owens’ condition, and the injury to Father Taddeo’s eyes, were neither one as serious as had been feared. As with many things in life, I doubt we will ever be entirely certain of the truth.”
Jack nodded. “It’s like the padre said, I suppose: it’s a matter of faith.”
“Indeed.”
When pressed by his anxious children, Norrington also considered it a matter of faith that he was doing the right thing in giving his blessing to the marriages they proposed to enter into.
He said to Charles, “You are both very young, and besides that have not known each other for many days. Ordinarily I would say that it is too soon to think of such a thing. Yet I can see agreeable changes in you already, Charles, and I know that it is due in large part to your association with Lucia. Don Corozón tells me her family in Spain is of the true aristocracy, and that she is something of an heiress, though I would not rely on either of you ever seeing the proceeds. However, both you and Owens have been fortunate enough to acquire and set aside sufficient prize money to enable you to marry and support wives in comfort, if not luxury.”
Charles grinned, then turned to Lucia and translated his father’s words as best he could. He added, in regard to the last point, “Owens has saved more far more than I, I’m afraid. He’s been privateering with Jack for years! But I have some of it tucked away, and I have my commission. My prospects are good, I believe.”
“I do not care about that in the least!” Lucia said. “If I had wanted a life of great wealth I would never have left Spain, or would have consented to marriage with Emilio Esparza, of whom I know little, save rumor. It seems too nonsensical that it has happened so quickly, I know, but I love you, Charles. With all my heart!”
Charles lifted her hand to his lips, murmuring reverently, “Mi Querida!”
His father needed no help in interpreting the romantic tone of the exchange, and smiled, wryly, to see his sometimes devil-may-care son so tamed.
James was, strangely, more resigned and less worried about Suzanna, though she was younger. “Your mother and I have discussed the issue, in light of your long-standing attachment to Mr. Owens, and taking into consideration the invitation you’ve received to sail with the Black Pearl on her voyage to Italy, and England. You are young, but you have always had a most becoming gravity about you, and generally know your own mind. Mr. Owens, who seems most devoted to you, is a fine young man, and we feel he is worthy of even so great a prize as your own dear self.”
Suzanna blushed at this unexpected accolade, but Owens smiled at her, fully agreeing with her father’s words. He said to Norrington, “Thank you, sir! I will always strive to be worthy, and will take the greatest care of her.”
“And I of you!” Suzanna said, stoutly.
Owens lifted Suzanna’s hand to his lips, just has Charles had done with Lucia. Norrington gave the same wry smile, and said, “Yes, my dears. That sentiment is, of course, contained in the vows.”
o-o-o
Some four weeks later, a double wedding uniting the two young couples took place in the garden of the Governor’s estate. After some polite coercion, and bribery in the guise of a sizeable donation, Reverend Daniels agreed to allow Father Taddeo to share the duties of presiding, which greatly pleased the Catholic Lucia. Father Taddeo was easy enough with the idea, and smiled benignly on both couples, making the Sign of the Cross over them and intoning lengthy Latin prayers in a most impressive manner. The Reverend Daniels, however, pursed his lips at the unconventionality of the proceedings, and later, after a glass or two of wine, was heard to mutter darkly. Governor Swann, overhearing, took the man aside for a short but pithy chat, after which the cleric focused his attention on the excellence of the refreshments, rather than the validity of the ceremony as seen from the Anglican point of view.
It was a day of great joy, but clouded a little by sorrow, too, for two days hence the Black Pearl would set sail, to stop at St. Claire for a time before setting out east, across the Atlantic. Little Anne Norrington, in particular, was much torn. Young as she was, two years sounded like forever - why, she would be seven when Tom returned! She was much afraid he would forget her entirely, though Tom vowed, impatiently, that this was nonsense.
“I tried to get ‘em to let you go with us,” Tom said, “but they weren’t havin’ it. Your mama says she needs you, and with Suzanna going she’s likely right: can’t rely on Julietta to help with the twins!”
Governor Swann, who had overheard this conversation, and whose kind heart was moved by Anne’s obvious distress, put his arm about the girl and swept out his lace-edged handkerchief to daub at her tears. “There now, sweetheart: you and I shall keep each other company while Tom and the others are gone. Charles and Lucia will be staying in the little cottage across the garden there, taking care of it while my daughter and her husband are gone away, too. Lord, how I shall miss them! But it is past time for them to visit our family in England, and it will do them both good to see a little more of the world. But your brother and new sister will, no doubt, like us to visit them at the cottage, and when Charles is away at sea, as is his duty, Lucia will be very glad of our company! I daresay we will have many pleasant dinners together at such times.”
“See, Anne? You won’t even miss me!” said Tom, blithely, and was quite astonished when Anne began to sob.
Anne’s mother had shed numerous tears too: happy ones, when she saw her Suzanna take her place beside Michael Owens, looking even more beautiful than was a bride’s wont. And yet, the girl was so very young!
“Are you certain we are doing the right thing?” she had whispered to her husband.
James gave a sigh, and said only, “It is in God’s hands, my dear. But I believe they will be happy together. I know you wished Suzanna to travel to Italy with the Sparrows, and considering that would throw her constantly in the way of Michael Owens it seems best that they marry now, under our eye, rather than later, where our support and blessing cannot be had.”
Maggie nodded, but put her hand in his and said, a little tremulously, “Do you realize… we may be grandparents before they return, James?”
“Of course I realize it.” James sighed. “As I said: it is in God’s hands.”
Father Taddeo, who much later was speaking with Harry, Elizabeth, Maggie and, particularly, Suzanna, echoed this sentiment. “Children are the greatest of all God’s blessings, my dear. In His wisdom, He will care for you, and provide for your happiness.”
Maggie smiled, and said to Suzanna, “Come, my dear: it is time to change into your traveling clothes.” For the bride and her new husband were to spend their first night together at a beautiful little inn, a few miles up the coast.
Elizabeth and Harry watched, misty eyed, as mother and daughter put arms about each others’ waists and walked down the hall to enter the room that had been allotted to Suzanna for this day, closing the door behind them.
Father Taddeo said, “It is well that the two of you will be there, in place of Suzanna’s mother, for the long journey.”
“Yes!” Elizabeth said, and smiled suddenly. “Oh, Aunt! Jack will have fits if she does get with child on the voyage!”
Harry chuckled. “I’m afraid so. I think he was longer recovering from Tom’s birth than I!”
“And the so excellent Tom is the only child you have, between the two of you? It seems such a pity.”
Both ladies turned to look at the padre, Elizabeth’s smile fading away, and Harry’s dimming considerably. Harry said, “We… both of us have tried, but… Elizabeth lost two, early in her marriage. And my baby girl…” Her voice constricted, and she could not go on.
“Ah, no, signora! I apologize for my curiosity. It is a great failing of mine, I know. My apologies to you both!”
Harry shook her head. “He giveth, and He taketh away. Are those not the words, my friend?”
“They are. And yet, it is also said, Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life.” The padre smiled. “Perhaps the gaining of my desire is a sign that others may share good fortune. You are both young enough to try again, and moreover we now have the Chalice. Before you leave me in Italy, therefore, I will have you each drink from the Chalice, and we will pray. And we will hope.”
~.~
On to Chapter Fourteen