PotC fic -- The Kestrel

[artaxastra]

A Thanksgiving present for geekmama, who asked for a drabble in my other PotC series, the American Revolution story, with Flipper Turner's alter ego, James Swann. It's a little longer than a drabble, about a thousand words.

Paris, Christmas 1779, with Jack, Elizabeth, Jamie -- and also a character or two crossing over from my Fortune's Wheel. The other

Comments

[erinya]

Ah, the next generation. :-) What a treat for Thanksgiving morning!

[artaxastra]

*g* He's a darling boy, isn't he?

[geekmama]

Heavens, what a delicious whiff of romance there at the end -- Jamie is certainly to die for, even at such a tender age. Poor little Ettienne doesn't have a chance!

You cannot imagine how warm and fuzzy I'm feeling right now. I've been rereading the previous chapters of this story during the last week, too. I love your characterizations, both canon and OC, and, as I've said before, the place, too, comes alive in your hands (familiar with it as you are) and the time fascinates -- and I would not have said that previous to reading your American Revolution.

One historical figure I do love from that period is Benjamin Franklin, and that you have included him here, and in this particular setting, makes me squee with delight. I can see him enjoying Jack, too -- Captain John Swann, lol!

And of course it's still the middle of the war, so Will is off having other hazardous adventures, no doubt -- a worrisome set of circumstances for the Swann family. But they're all of them good at wearing the mask, aren't they?

there was something

[geekmama]

Two more things...

1) You forgot to list Tiger by the Tail in the links above -- a horrendous and intriguing cliffhanger that's been preying on our minds these many months.

2) I keep thinking of all the trouble Jamie could get into in Paris, with and without Jack's help. The mind boggles!

[artaxastra]

Oh thank you for catching the link!

[artaxastra]

Jamie is a sweetheart. This is his first girlfriend too, and he's in love with a married woman. His mother hasn't noticed yet. Of course Jack has, and has decided that Ettienne is just Jamie's type. She's a sweet girl, but not without steel of her own, under the petted prettiness. And he feels sorry for her -- Creole as he is, trying to make it in high society, knowing that everyone knows she was married for her money. A boy from home who is genuinely interested in HER would be really good for her

[ladymouse2]

Everything Geekmama said in BOTH posts and in spades

[artaxastra]

Will is in deep trouble, which is why his family is doing this complicated game. Because they'll never give up on Will. And his revolutionary activities were going to catch up with him sometime!

I'm glad you like almost grown Jamie! He's a dear!

[ladymouse2]

Oh dear! I'm picturing the infamous British prison ships...

Here, it's Jack I've been fearing for but maybe in THIS universe it's Will I should be sweating for!

*Grin* of course considering where you left Tiger by the Tail maybe it's JAMES I should be nervous about!

[artaxastra]

As usual, you are right on! The infamous British prison ships do indeed play a role in this! But Jack and Elizabeth aren't about to give up....

[kathyh]

What a lovely treat. You make this possible future for the characters feel so very real.

[artaxastra]

Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[torn_eledhwen]

Really lovely - light and sweet and tantalising.

I do tend to associate "Etienne" with men, though - it's generally a male name these days, though maybe times have changed or you know something I don't?

[artaxastra]

Thank you!

And yes, it's usually a male name then too, though it wasn't uncommon for a girl to have a male name somewhere down the list of her names. That with Marie Claire Ettienne Solange to choose from, she chooses Ettienne (alas, 18th century spelling!) says something about her. She's not just another Marie-Claire! She's deliberately choosing to be called something unusual. Jamie likes girls like his mother too!