(no subject)
A Highwayman Came Riding: Chpt 3
A Highwayman Came Riding
Chapter 3: Jamie, Come Try Me
Notes: James Norrington is reinstated as a R.N. Captain, but he regrets his failure to marry after the loss of Elizabeth. By chance, he decides to take mysterious and dangerous Scottish woman his wife . A highwayman is also on the loose. Can he get the girl and snag the mysterious thief that's haunting Port Royal?
Pairing: Norrington/ OFC
Post: POTC
Rating: M
Notes: This was formerly “My Bonnie Lover” which has has been greatly reworked for the better. Please read!
What have I done?
Despite her outward confidence, Lady Noah Cunningham was distressed and confused. She had expected to find a pot-bellied, gray haired, snuff snorting Torie; yet, what she found, to her deepest surprise, was a young, well muscled commander with soft brown hair which swept into fiery green eyes-- James Norrington was beautiful man! When his long fingers wound tightly around her writs and again, when he had stood a breath's link away from her, she had the strangest sensation of all-- desire.
The air between them seemed electrically charged when he pulled her to his lap and when they stood at the window, his breath hot on her bare shoulder. What would his lips have felt like there? Violently shaking her head, God rid me of this desire! She chided herself twice more as she rubbed her weary eyes. She should be thinking of Donald. That was why she came here and yet her mind and body only had thoughts for the handsome Captain.
“If you don't mind, sir, I'll wait in the parlor alone.”
The red coat bowed politely, “Yes, my lady.” Then shut the parlor door behind her.
How could this have happened? How could the man she had sworn to seek revenge against be so bloody attractive? And why, why had she not investigated him before she'd barged into his house, gaged and bound his servant and held the Captain himself at pistol point? She sighed deeply regretting the answer-- she was reckless. Her reckless and impulsive behavior had always flawed her genteel character.
She leaned her hot cheek against the cool marble of the mantle and recalled the Captain's fond words for Donald. “He was an officer and gentlemen of the finest caliber ...” Of course, they could be lies, but she had sensed a profound sincerity in his amber voice and would a man that had just given up his freedom so her reputation wouldn't be ruined be such a cad as to strip a low ranking officer of his rank and pension?
It didn't make sense and James Norrington didn't make since either. What had he meant by, “You're not the only one in this room who has been robbed of both...” Had he lost a true love as well? Had he actually desired a wedding day and a wedding night? At times, Norah thought she saw pain beneath his green eyes and at other moments strength but mostly, a shielded indifference.
Fingering Donald's Luckenbooth, she closed her eyes regretting how easily she had sold out to the Captain's marriage ploy; although, she had little other option. Her plan had been to marry her childhood sweetheart Donnie MacCallum upon her arrival in Port Royal, but that had all changed when she received Captain Norrington's letter only a week before her trip across the Atlantic. Now, with her twenty -second birthday fast approaching, she didn't have many options left; her father had seen to that.
She didn't know this Norrington fellow, but surely he would be better than the old twit her father would marry her to in three months merely to rid himself of an aging daughter and to extend his lands.
Plopping into a nondescript parlor chair, she laid her head back and closed her eyes. And would the Captain actually go through with the marriage?
“Why not,” Norah mused to the empty room. He was single and she was of noble birth, her father held great sway in the Admiralty and she believe herself very attractive to the male sex. Laughing aloud, “I'm the hart and he's the hunter with the prize.”
The parlor door opened and before her stood the Captain in all his naval glory. His blue coat sharply framing his broad shoulders, his cream trousers impeccably clean and crisp, tricorne centered. He bowed. “Lady Cunningham.”
She rose from the chair and curtsied deeply. “Captain.”
Then eying a very angry valet behind him, Norah bit her lip and conceded again. “Apologies to your valet for our misunderstanding.”
James looked to Evans whose face was soured as if he'd eaten a lemon. “Of course, these things... happen.”
Then smiling at Norah mysteriously, Norrington walked forward and extended his arm. “Shall we my dear?”
In silence they walked behind Captain Hartlett as a stable boy prepared two horses. The night was nearly moonless, and a cool wind rustled the palm trees. Once Hartlett walked off to speak to his soldiers, James inclined his head to hers.
“Should I speak with your father this evening or do you want to wait until tomorrow?”
“I hadn't thought...” She began when James stopped her.
“Tomorrow is probably better.” His hands knotted behind his back. “I think two or three weeks and then you can break this off with some dignity.”
Norah turned her head sharply, James's beautiful eyes were far away on the dark horizon. This must be how he looks when he's pacing the boards of his ship- beautiful.
“Perhaps you'll have fallen out of love with me, or you'll decide that I'm too old or away too often or ...”
Placing a gentle hand on his forearm, her black eyes serious. “ I don't think you understand. I'm not releasing you, Captain Norrington.”
He turned to her meet her solid gaze. “Then you wish me to leave you?”
She laughed lightly. “No. I wish for us to marry.”
His face showed his confusion. “I don't understand.”
At that moment the horses arrived. They remained silent, as James aided her upon her horse and the small party trotted toward Morgan Hall, the Earl's temporary residence.
“You know, Hartlett,” James began, drawing his horse forward towards the officer's. “It might be more practical if you don't accompany us onto His Grace's property.” Norrington gave the man a knowing look.
Hartlett, the army captain a few year younger than Norrington, chucked. “James, I've know you since we were both boys stationed here. I don't know what's going on with you and this lady, though I'm not so thick as to believe about 'wee misunderstanding' .”
“Yes, I know. ” James sighed. “It's just that it's complicated.”
Hartlett drew his horse closer. “I know you are an honorable man and she's a beatiful woman.” His eyes pierced the naval officer. “I don't think the Earl or anyone needs to know the exact details, but the sooner the banns are read, the less questions all around and less time for cold feet.” He winked on the last bit.
“Yes,” James mumbled.
He slowed down his horse and brought it up to a trot besides the Scottish black-eyed beauty. They rode nearly a mile side by side in silence until Norah could no longer bear it.
“If you wish me to release you, then I will. But my wish is to marry you.” She affirmed again.
“Was this some kind plot from the beginning, then?” The captain's voice held doubt.
“No,” Norah laughed darkly. “Rather a rash decision put right by fate.”
James was silent.
“However Captain, if I'd known you were a friend to Donald as well as young and handsome, I perhaps would have devised this plot.” Pushing her horse a bit quicker, forcing James to increase his pace. “But I can't think of everything, the gods must take over somewhere!”
He was breathless as he caught up with her. She was good horse woman and the years at sea had left him an awkward rider. “You are aware that I never proposed to you? That we don't know even know each other.” He added exasperated.
“Many married couples don't know each other but, besides that, is there something about me that offends you? Well, besides the whole incident in your bedroom, which I promise never to do again once we're married. I'm actually opposed to violence, Captain!”
James laughed and Norah was surprised to find his laughter warming. “Opposed to violence? Ha! You're running a close second with my former fiancée. But I really am at a loss for words Lady Cunningham, it sounds as if you're proposing to me.”
Norah looked audaciously into his playful green eyes. “Perhaps I am!” She conceded. “And I doubt you'll find much better, at least here in Jamaica. I'm rich, I'm noble and I'm not completely dog-faced.”
“You're quite a rare beauty, miss” James blushed as the words quickly tumbled from his lips.
“Thank you.” Norah replied quietly.
“Which leads me to wonder why you've chosen to accept a marriage to man you barely know so quickly after the death of your 'true love'.”
“Tis fair...” Lady Cunningham sighed. “I never said he was my true love, but I did love him. He was my best friend when I was young. Life at sea changed him, but all things change. His family was.. is quite precious too me as his mother was near like my own mother. She was a distant cousin to my mother who died when I was very young and I spent much time with her. Mrs. MacCallum had only one other child, a crippled daughter both of which are in need of Donald's pension after Mr. MacCallum's, his father's, untimely death which left them with several outstanding debts.”
“I'm sorry to here that.”
Norah raised a hand to continue. “My father did not think highly of Donald's family. Mr. MacCallum and he had a continuing disagreement about a series of loans, etc. Despite this, I had planned to marry Donald even if it meant eloping. However, I don't know if it would have come to that. The only supposition that he's ever put on my marring is that I must be married by the age of two and twenty or he will give my hand to Lord Johnstone our elderly neighbor to get me out of his house and to increase our lands.”
James brow furrowed, “Are you sure he's serious?”
“Very serious,” Norah sighed. “He showed me the marriage contract before we sailed for Jamaica. I have three months to find a husband or marry Johnstone or... run away.”
“I've heard of such stories, but is this true?”
“I promise you upon the grave of my mother, I have spoken no untruth.” They trotted forward, Morgan Hall now glowing on the dark horizon. “You said earlier that you were denied both a wedding day and night.” She reached across the black emptiness and took his hand, “I can offer you both and more .”
He stared at her awestruck. Tentatively, her voice weak, she continued. “If you have another love or some other strong objection then of course, I release you. You need ride no further.”
He squeezed her hand briefly before dropping it and adding frankly, “I have no sweetheart or mistress. I am free to marry Lady Cunningham. I will not deny that I have wished to be married.... I'm tired of returning from sea to an empty home.”
His words held a deep sadness and Norah shuddered as she realized they were both in this world alone and it was this common condition that was binding them together. In the glow of the gate lamps, she smiled slightly as she whispered, “You shall no longer have to return to silence, Captain.”
“James. Please call me, James.” He added slightly.
“You shall no longer have to return to an empty home... James.”
If they had been alone, she would have kissed him, but the intensity of their gaze burned hotter than physical touch.
“We'll leave you here, sir.” Captain Hartlett broke their spell.
Norrington dipped his hat, “Thank you sir”; as he and Lady Cunningham rode forward.
“Oh and sir,” called the marine Captain. “Mind your ride back to town. We've had reports of a dark rider on the road... a highwayman.”
“Right, I shall be aware.” He called back as the horses trotted and crunched on the gravel path leading to the large home.
Norah laughed to herself and began to sing,
“If thou should ask my love, Could I deny thee?
If thou would win my love, Jamie, come try me!
If thou should kiss me, love, Wha could espy thee?
If thou wad be my love, Jamie, come try me!”
James Norrington's chest contracted from the tenderness of her singing. With restraint, he replied, “You have a lovely voice.”
Smiling mysteriously as she dismounted her horse with ease, “Aye Jamie, love, I do.”
Then walking to the side of his horse, she grabbed his reigns in her small gloved hand. “Don't dismount! You'll never get back on. I'm sorry Capt- James... But your horseman ship leaves something to be desired.”
James was not too offended because Norah's lips were upturned, eyes dancing on him.
“You certainly don't keep you thoughts to yourself, do you?” James sighed. “But your right, I haven't much time to ride since I've been at sea for so long.” Inclining his head, “There are seahorses but a complete different beast altogether.”
Norah laughed at his joke. “You're funny James.” Then her eyes widened. “When you return tomorrow don't forget my father's pistol!”
With that she slapped the horses flank causing the animal race forward. “Good night, Captain!”
James pulled tightly on the reigns causing the horse to buck, but also to double back it's direction.
Norah was still laughing as he pulled his stead along side her. “Come here,” he said briskly as he grabbed her arm and pulling her up against him, leaning down, he and kissed her. It was quick but, she was no longer laughing. Her breath catching with surprise as he lowered her to her feet.
“I think you must always kiss your intended goodnight, Lady Cunningham.” Norrington stated breathlessly and smiling he turned his horse to the gate.
“Norah!” She called after him, mind racing with curiosity, heart with joy. “My name is Norah!”
Waving his hat. “Goodnight, Norah.”
A Highwayman Came Riding
Chapter 3: Jamie, Come Try Me
Notes: James Norrington is reinstated as a R.N. Captain, but he regrets his failure to marry after the loss of Elizabeth. By chance, he decides to take mysterious and dangerous Scottish woman his wife . A highwayman is also on the loose. Can he get the girl and snag the mysterious thief that's haunting Port Royal?
Pairing: Norrington/ OFC
Post: POTC
Rating: M
Notes: This was formerly “My Bonnie Lover” which has has been greatly reworked for the better. Please read!
What have I done?
Despite her outward confidence, Lady Noah Cunningham was distressed and confused. She had expected to find a pot-bellied, gray haired, snuff snorting Torie; yet, what she found, to her deepest surprise, was a young, well muscled commander with soft brown hair which swept into fiery green eyes-- James Norrington was beautiful man! When his long fingers wound tightly around her writs and again, when he had stood a breath's link away from her, she had the strangest sensation of all-- desire.
The air between them seemed electrically charged when he pulled her to his lap and when they stood at the window, his breath hot on her bare shoulder. What would his lips have felt like there? Violently shaking her head, God rid me of this desire! She chided herself twice more as she rubbed her weary eyes. She should be thinking of Donald. That was why she came here and yet her mind and body only had thoughts for the handsome Captain.
“If you don't mind, sir, I'll wait in the parlor alone.”
The red coat bowed politely, “Yes, my lady.” Then shut the parlor door behind her.
How could this have happened? How could the man she had sworn to seek revenge against be so bloody attractive? And why, why had she not investigated him before she'd barged into his house, gaged and bound his servant and held the Captain himself at pistol point? She sighed deeply regretting the answer-- she was reckless. Her reckless and impulsive behavior had always flawed her genteel character.
She leaned her hot cheek against the cool marble of the mantle and recalled the Captain's fond words for Donald. “He was an officer and gentlemen of the finest caliber ...” Of course, they could be lies, but she had sensed a profound sincerity in his amber voice and would a man that had just given up his freedom so her reputation wouldn't be ruined be such a cad as to strip a low ranking officer of his rank and pension?
It didn't make sense and James Norrington didn't make since either. What had he meant by, “You're not the only one in this room who has been robbed of both...” Had he lost a true love as well? Had he actually desired a wedding day and a wedding night? At times, Norah thought she saw pain beneath his green eyes and at other moments strength but mostly, a shielded indifference.
Fingering Donald's Luckenbooth, she closed her eyes regretting how easily she had sold out to the Captain's marriage ploy; although, she had little other option. Her plan had been to marry her childhood sweetheart Donnie MacCallum upon her arrival in Port Royal, but that had all changed when she received Captain Norrington's letter only a week before her trip across the Atlantic. Now, with her twenty -second birthday fast approaching, she didn't have many options left; her father had seen to that.
She didn't know this Norrington fellow, but surely he would be better than the old twit her father would marry her to in three months merely to rid himself of an aging daughter and to extend his lands.
Plopping into a nondescript parlor chair, she laid her head back and closed her eyes. And would the Captain actually go through with the marriage?
“Why not,” Norah mused to the empty room. He was single and she was of noble birth, her father held great sway in the Admiralty and she believe herself very attractive to the male sex. Laughing aloud, “I'm the hart and he's the hunter with the prize.”
The parlor door opened and before her stood the Captain in all his naval glory. His blue coat sharply framing his broad shoulders, his cream trousers impeccably clean and crisp, tricorne centered. He bowed. “Lady Cunningham.”
She rose from the chair and curtsied deeply. “Captain.”
Then eying a very angry valet behind him, Norah bit her lip and conceded again. “Apologies to your valet for our misunderstanding.”
James looked to Evans whose face was soured as if he'd eaten a lemon. “Of course, these things... happen.”
Then smiling at Norah mysteriously, Norrington walked forward and extended his arm. “Shall we my dear?”
In silence they walked behind Captain Hartlett as a stable boy prepared two horses. The night was nearly moonless, and a cool wind rustled the palm trees. Once Hartlett walked off to speak to his soldiers, James inclined his head to hers.
“Should I speak with your father this evening or do you want to wait until tomorrow?”
“I hadn't thought...” She began when James stopped her.
“Tomorrow is probably better.” His hands knotted behind his back. “I think two or three weeks and then you can break this off with some dignity.”
Norah turned her head sharply, James's beautiful eyes were far away on the dark horizon. This must be how he looks when he's pacing the boards of his ship- beautiful.
“Perhaps you'll have fallen out of love with me, or you'll decide that I'm too old or away too often or ...”
Placing a gentle hand on his forearm, her black eyes serious. “ I don't think you understand. I'm not releasing you, Captain Norrington.”
He turned to her meet her solid gaze. “Then you wish me to leave you?”
She laughed lightly. “No. I wish for us to marry.”
His face showed his confusion. “I don't understand.”
At that moment the horses arrived. They remained silent, as James aided her upon her horse and the small party trotted toward Morgan Hall, the Earl's temporary residence.
“You know, Hartlett,” James began, drawing his horse forward towards the officer's. “It might be more practical if you don't accompany us onto His Grace's property.” Norrington gave the man a knowing look.
Hartlett, the army captain a few year younger than Norrington, chucked. “James, I've know you since we were both boys stationed here. I don't know what's going on with you and this lady, though I'm not so thick as to believe about 'wee misunderstanding' .”
“Yes, I know. ” James sighed. “It's just that it's complicated.”
Hartlett drew his horse closer. “I know you are an honorable man and she's a beatiful woman.” His eyes pierced the naval officer. “I don't think the Earl or anyone needs to know the exact details, but the sooner the banns are read, the less questions all around and less time for cold feet.” He winked on the last bit.
“Yes,” James mumbled.
He slowed down his horse and brought it up to a trot besides the Scottish black-eyed beauty. They rode nearly a mile side by side in silence until Norah could no longer bear it.
“If you wish me to release you, then I will. But my wish is to marry you.” She affirmed again.
“Was this some kind plot from the beginning, then?” The captain's voice held doubt.
“No,” Norah laughed darkly. “Rather a rash decision put right by fate.”
James was silent.
“However Captain, if I'd known you were a friend to Donald as well as young and handsome, I perhaps would have devised this plot.” Pushing her horse a bit quicker, forcing James to increase his pace. “But I can't think of everything, the gods must take over somewhere!”
He was breathless as he caught up with her. She was good horse woman and the years at sea had left him an awkward rider. “You are aware that I never proposed to you? That we don't know even know each other.” He added exasperated.
“Many married couples don't know each other but, besides that, is there something about me that offends you? Well, besides the whole incident in your bedroom, which I promise never to do again once we're married. I'm actually opposed to violence, Captain!”
James laughed and Norah was surprised to find his laughter warming. “Opposed to violence? Ha! You're running a close second with my former fiancée. But I really am at a loss for words Lady Cunningham, it sounds as if you're proposing to me.”
Norah looked audaciously into his playful green eyes. “Perhaps I am!” She conceded. “And I doubt you'll find much better, at least here in Jamaica. I'm rich, I'm noble and I'm not completely dog-faced.”
“You're quite a rare beauty, miss” James blushed as the words quickly tumbled from his lips.
“Thank you.” Norah replied quietly.
“Which leads me to wonder why you've chosen to accept a marriage to man you barely know so quickly after the death of your 'true love'.”
“Tis fair...” Lady Cunningham sighed. “I never said he was my true love, but I did love him. He was my best friend when I was young. Life at sea changed him, but all things change. His family was.. is quite precious too me as his mother was near like my own mother. She was a distant cousin to my mother who died when I was very young and I spent much time with her. Mrs. MacCallum had only one other child, a crippled daughter both of which are in need of Donald's pension after Mr. MacCallum's, his father's, untimely death which left them with several outstanding debts.”
“I'm sorry to here that.”
Norah raised a hand to continue. “My father did not think highly of Donald's family. Mr. MacCallum and he had a continuing disagreement about a series of loans, etc. Despite this, I had planned to marry Donald even if it meant eloping. However, I don't know if it would have come to that. The only supposition that he's ever put on my marring is that I must be married by the age of two and twenty or he will give my hand to Lord Johnstone our elderly neighbor to get me out of his house and to increase our lands.”
James brow furrowed, “Are you sure he's serious?”
“Very serious,” Norah sighed. “He showed me the marriage contract before we sailed for Jamaica. I have three months to find a husband or marry Johnstone or... run away.”
“I've heard of such stories, but is this true?”
“I promise you upon the grave of my mother, I have spoken no untruth.” They trotted forward, Morgan Hall now glowing on the dark horizon. “You said earlier that you were denied both a wedding day and night.” She reached across the black emptiness and took his hand, “I can offer you both and more .”
He stared at her awestruck. Tentatively, her voice weak, she continued. “If you have another love or some other strong objection then of course, I release you. You need ride no further.”
He squeezed her hand briefly before dropping it and adding frankly, “I have no sweetheart or mistress. I am free to marry Lady Cunningham. I will not deny that I have wished to be married.... I'm tired of returning from sea to an empty home.”
His words held a deep sadness and Norah shuddered as she realized they were both in this world alone and it was this common condition that was binding them together. In the glow of the gate lamps, she smiled slightly as she whispered, “You shall no longer have to return to silence, Captain.”
“James. Please call me, James.” He added slightly.
“You shall no longer have to return to an empty home... James.”
If they had been alone, she would have kissed him, but the intensity of their gaze burned hotter than physical touch.
“We'll leave you here, sir.” Captain Hartlett broke their spell.
Norrington dipped his hat, “Thank you sir”; as he and Lady Cunningham rode forward.
“Oh and sir,” called the marine Captain. “Mind your ride back to town. We've had reports of a dark rider on the road... a highwayman.”
“Right, I shall be aware.” He called back as the horses trotted and crunched on the gravel path leading to the large home.
Norah laughed to herself and began to sing,
“If thou should ask my love, Could I deny thee?
If thou would win my love, Jamie, come try me!
If thou should kiss me, love, Wha could espy thee?
If thou wad be my love, Jamie, come try me!”
James Norrington's chest contracted from the tenderness of her singing. With restraint, he replied, “You have a lovely voice.”
Smiling mysteriously as she dismounted her horse with ease, “Aye Jamie, love, I do.”
Then walking to the side of his horse, she grabbed his reigns in her small gloved hand. “Don't dismount! You'll never get back on. I'm sorry Capt- James... But your horseman ship leaves something to be desired.”
James was not too offended because Norah's lips were upturned, eyes dancing on him.
“You certainly don't keep you thoughts to yourself, do you?” James sighed. “But your right, I haven't much time to ride since I've been at sea for so long.” Inclining his head, “There are seahorses but a complete different beast altogether.”
Norah laughed at his joke. “You're funny James.” Then her eyes widened. “When you return tomorrow don't forget my father's pistol!”
With that she slapped the horses flank causing the animal race forward. “Good night, Captain!”
James pulled tightly on the reigns causing the horse to buck, but also to double back it's direction.
Norah was still laughing as he pulled his stead along side her. “Come here,” he said briskly as he grabbed her arm and pulling her up against him, leaning down, he and kissed her. It was quick but, she was no longer laughing. Her breath catching with surprise as he lowered her to her feet.
“I think you must always kiss your intended goodnight, Lady Cunningham.” Norrington stated breathlessly and smiling he turned his horse to the gate.
“Norah!” She called after him, mind racing with curiosity, heart with joy. “My name is Norah!”
Waving his hat. “Goodnight, Norah.”