A Marriage To A Fine Woman

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Wolves In
Sheep’s Clothing

           
When Aislinn sent an invitation to join her at her home for dinner, Lord
Beckett refused it, insisting that she once again come to his home. Aislinn felt
she had to accept the terms, needing to make up for how she had acted the last
time. Even though any time she had was spent on her balcony, she had to make an
exception and attend supper, which would take her away from her perch, yet
again.

           
“Lord Beckett,” Aislinn began as they had been sitting in silence
most of the night accept for a casual word here or there. When desert was
served, she felt she had to make amends, “I’m truly sorry for the way I
acted the last time you invited me to your home. I had . . . far to much to
drink, and remember very little of any conversation we had after dinner, . . .
but I apologize for behaving so badly.”

           
Beckett smiled, “On the contrary, I think you were quite charming.”
He said

           
Aislinn couldn’t believe that, not after what had happened on the ship,
and the goofy way she had acted. “Charming?” She said in surprise.

           
“Oh yes.” Beckett said.

           
Aislinn smiled at Lord Beckett’s kindness and not holding the whole
incident against her or James. She was more comfortable dining with him tonight,
and could speak to him over dinner. Beckett seemed particularly interested in
how much she drank, but was somewhat disappointed at the extremely small ships
she took. Obviously she was a fast learner and didn’t want to repeat her
mistake a second time.

           
“Lord Beckett . . . .” Aislinn began, having something on her mind.
Cutler gave her his full attention, “I was wondering if you could help me.”
She said.

           
“Oh?” He responded, “How may I be of service to you?” Beckett
said picking up his glass and taking a drink.

           
“When James comes home with Michael . . . I wish to return to London as
soon as possible. Before the year is out.” Cutler stopped in mid drink and
starred at her. “But I don’t know if James is willing to return to England
yet.”

           
“Aislinn,” Beckett began putting down his glass, “Your husband is
under contract with the E.I.T.C. A contract that still has nearly five years
left on it.” He pointed out. After all the time and expense they had spent to
get James to accept his commission in the first place, he couldn’t lose him
now. He was a very talented and skilled leader that had whipped the entire fleet
into shape within months of his return. It was the very reason he was selected
for the post.

           
“But you could release him from it. Make sure that it doesn’t go on
his record in a negative way. Then maybe you could help me in convincing him to
return home.” Beckett started to say something but she added one more thing,
“Like I helped you in convincing him to take this commission and come here.”

           
Beckett arched a brow when it seemed as though the situation had just
gotten worse. “Given this a bit of thought have you?” He’d never even
considered she might remember their first meeting and realized what he had done.
“I suppose you have matured a bit since your marriage to Admiral Norrington."

           
“I hope so.” She said honestly, “One cannot remain naive in this
world and survive.” Memories from the past few years came flooding into her
mind, only resolving her further to try and get James commission ended.

           
“Indeed” Beckett answered, having the feeling she was attempting to
seem more knowledgeable in things to get her way then she really was. He had
every intention of testing that theory. “I doubt very much that James will
wish to leave. He has always been very trustworthy and Honorable. He’ll wish
to finish his contract because he gave his word, not because of the legal
ramifications.”

           
“We’ve given more then anyone should, since the day we set sail from
England. Surely you realized that with all the tragedy that’s befallen us.
Now, our son has been stolen away . . . and James hasn’t returned yet. What
more could you want from us?” She asked.

           
Beckett looked at her for a few moments as he leaned back in his chair.
Aislinn wasn’t sure if she had offended him or if he was considering her
request.

           
“You know . . . I found you to be very enchanting the last time you
dined with me.” Aislinn didn’t understand why he’d gone back to this. “I
never imagined when you kissed me that you had ulterior motives.” Aislinn’s
eyes went wide when he said that. “Perhaps you really have grown these past
years.”

           
“I . . . I didn’t kiss you.” Now she was uncomfortable again, and
her nerves caused her hands to shake so much, she had to hide them in her lap.

           
“You most certainly did. Sitting right in there, right in front of that
fireplace.” He explained. Beckett could see that she was back to the mouse she
had used to be known as. It didn’t take to much to shatter her confidence.
Aislinn’s eyes starred downward, hardly able to believe it.

           
“That can’t be . . .” She said in a whisper, “You’re not my
husband . . . James is my husband. It’s just . . . impossible. I would never .
. .”

           
“Well  . . . you couldn’t
really tell it. You practically threw yourself at me.” Aislinn felt like she
was falling, and tried to recall her missing memories of that evening. Only bits
and pieces were coming back, like the fire place, but not the ones she needed.

           
Beckett was taking full advantage of this, fabricating his own story in a
way he could use to his benefit. Not to mention he didn’t mind grinding her
into the ground a bit with some world-class guilt. His intentions were
apparently to put her in her place and keep her there.

           
“I apologize for my behavior. I have no excuse and I’m so sorry.”
Her eyes continued to stare down at the table with tears starting to swell.
“Please forgive me.” She said in a whisper lowering her head.

           
Cutler smirked, seeing that he was now in full control and wouldn’t
have to worry about any more nonsense about ending James commission early. “I
don’t see a reason that anything that may or may not have gone on needs to
leave this room.”

           
Aislinn’s head stayed lowered as she quickly reached up and wiped the
tears from her eyes. Beckett stood from his seat and walked around the table
stepping behind her. “I can assure you that nothing happened. I would never
take advantage of a young lady who was so intoxicated. That would be
dishonorable in to many ways to count. It’s why I had you taken home
immediately.”

           
She gave an obedient nod, “Thank you.” She said softly. “I . . . I
think I would like to go home now.”

           
“Nonsense.” Cutler said placing his hands on her shoulders rubbing
them a bit, “You needn’t feel ashamed and run off home. Stay a while and
chat with me.” Aislinn’s body went brittle and she sat up straight as a
board when he touched her shoulders. The discomfort she was feeling was so
agonizing she was tempted to dart out of the room and run home. But she
couldn’t. She was an adult, and she was the Admiral’s wife. She had to be as
gracious a guest as she would be a host. After a nervous moment, she gave a nod.
“Good.” Beckett said patting her shoulder, before offering his hand. Aislinn
looked at it before taking it.

No News is
Bad News

           
Rolling over, Aislinn stretched a bit before sitting up in her bed. It
was late morning, the sun must have been out for a while now. Standing up from
her bed, she put on her robe before walking over to the window and opening the
curtains. When she did, her eyes went wide. She could see the harbor clearly,
and she could see James ship had docked.

           
Instantly she changed her clothes and came down the stairs still brushing
her hair. She saw one of the servants dusting and she frowned, “Why wasn’t I
told when the Admiral arrived?” She asked. “I should have been woken the
moment his ship came into view.”

           
“It was the first time you’d been able to sleep peacefully, Mistress.
We have instructions to let you sleep as much as you can . . . because you
haven’t been able to.”

           
Aislinn frowned, “Who?” She asked, “Who gave you such
instructions?” She asked.

           
“Lord Beckett, Mistress.” Aislinn starred at the maid, and stopped
brushing her hair. “He insisted that we look after you since we came into your
service. He seemed very concerned.”

           
“But you aren’t working for him, you’re working for my husband and
I.” The young woman said not understanding. “You knew I was waiting for my
husband’s return. You should have woken me.”

           
“Yes Mistress.” She said with a slight curtsy before continuing on in
her duties. That seemed odd as well, usually their servants had a different
manner about them. What was making them act in such a way now? Shaking her head
having more important things to worry about, she finished coming her hair and
swept it up hastily in her combs, tossing her brush down on the table, and
grabbing her cloak as she rushed out the door and down towards the docks.

           
She wasn’t the only one who had been waiting for the convoy’s return,
and there was a large group already on the docks, with the families of the
soldiers who had been away, and the soldiers themselves who had just come off
the ships.

           
Aislinn tried to get through the crowd, looking for James. Asking people
to move, and let her pass. It was difficult. She couldn’t see James anywhere,
and the crowd of people was so dense, she could barely make any headway.

           
One of James officers saw her down in the mass, and he and a few other
officers instantly went to assist her, pulling her out of the sea of humanity
and escorting her down the dock. “Where’s James?” She asked quickly
looking around, “Where is he? Did he find Michael?” She asked quickly.

           
The officers didn’t respond, and were eerily quiet. “Admiral
Norrington is aboard the ship still. I’ll take you to him, Lady Norrington.”
Aislinn gave a small nod, feeling a small knot appear in her stomach. Something
didn’t seem right.

           
James second in command escorted Aislinn up the gangplank following
behind her. She stood on board a moment looking around before she started to go
to James cabin. However the officer stopped her, “No M’Lady,” he said.
“He’s down this way.” Indicating that she should follow him.

           
Aislinn wasn’t sure what was going on but already she didn’t like it.
Down in the cargo hold, the officer stepped aside allowing Aislinn to pass him.
Letting her eyes adjust to the darkness, she saw James sitting on a few crates
with his back to her. The officer turned and went back up the stairs to give
them privacy.

           
She wanted to say his name, indicate that she was there, but no word or
sound would come out. Slowly, and carefully she approached James, not sure what
she was going to find. When she got closer, she could feel her breath quicken in
her chest, her eyes go wide, and her entire body start to shake. James was
sitting by a box, with a small bundle in it. He was slouched over with his head
in his hand, apparently very distraught. Having been in a convent for most of
her life that dealt with the sick, and the two deaths that had taken place on
the ship when they came from England, she could see that it was a body. A
baby’s body. Sewn into a canvas cloth, and wrapped securely, being put in the
box apparently for travel.

           
“Oh my God . . .” She whispered her eyes filled with tears. James
looked up seeing her there, a bit shocked and unprepared for it. “Michael?”
She said unable to catch her breath to breathe. When the tears started to come,
Aislinn started to lunge towards the box, but James stood up and quickly caught
her in his arms. “NO!!” She screamed trying to get to the box, “NO, No,
please God no!!” She cried falling into hysterics. Finally, she simply broke
down, over come with sorrow and grief sinking to the floor. James sunk to the
floor with her, holding her tight, letting her cry.

Black Days

           
Early the next morning, a small service was held in the graveyard for
young Michael and a marker placed on his burial site. After the service, the
priest offered to come to the Admiral’s home and keep their company while they
grieved their loss. Strangely enough, it wasn’t James who declined his offer,
but Aislinn.

           
That afternoon, James returned home after having been summoned to his
office to turn in his reports. He didn’t want to leave Aislinn, but he had
little choice in the matter. He opened the door of their room and looked around,
to find that it was empty. He frowned and closed the door back.

           
Walking quietly through the house, he came to the door of the nursery,
finding Aislinn sitting in the rocking chair, her head slumped back against the
back, and holding a small teddy bear in her hands. Her eyes were red, and it
seemed that she had run out of tears. She simply sat still, starring.

            
Norrington stepped inside closing the door behind him, and slowly moved
to her. He kneeled down and reached over resting his hand on hers. “You’re
exhausted Aislinn. You should rest.” He said softly.

           
“I never want to sleep again.” She whispered, “Every time I do,
something terrible happens. I lose someone I love.” She closed her eyes; a few
tears escaping and sliding down her cheeks.

           
Norrington nodded a bit he had had time to grieve on the voyage back and
was able to help Aislinn better. It was not an uncommon occurrence to lose
children, but the circumstances of the two they had lost were extraordinary.

           
“Did he suffer?” She asked her eyes still closed. James could see
that it was a question that had been on her mind for sometime, but she hadn’t
been able to bring herself to ask it.

           
“No. I don’t believe he did.” James wasn’t certain, but wasn’t
about to tell her he had his doubts. “Our surgeon inspected his body, and
believed he passed quickly.”

           
Just the thought of Michael’s death caused Aislinn’s heart to twist
in her chest, and the sorrow and tears came flooding back all over again. James
wrapped his arms around her doing whatever he could do to help her through this.

Contest of
Wills

           
James sat at his desk, filling out paperwork and signing documents after
he inspected them. All ships military and commercial were not allowed in or out
of Port Royal without submitting to inspection, and giving a full manifest of
everyone on board. That included provisions, supplies, cargo and passenger
lists. Keeping everything that came in or going out closely monitored.

           
While he was going over the passenger lists for the following week,
something caught his eye that he thought for sure he was imagining. But there,
as plain as day, in bold letters, was the name, “Aislinn Norrington.” Listed
on the manifest of a ship bound for England.

           
Instantly he stood and quickly made his way home. He had no idea what
this was about, but he was going to find out, and find out now.

           
He nearly burst through the door finding Aislinn sitting calmly next to
the window looking out at the view. “You want to tell me what this is?” He
said tossing the paper at her. She could see what it was when she picked it up,
having written her name there herself. James was becoming more upset by the
moment, “What the bloody hell is this supposed to be?” He demanded to know.

           
“I’m going home, James.” She said calmly putting the paper aside.
“Back to the convent.”

           
“What?” It wasn’t that he hadn’t heard what she said, but the
fact she even said it.

           
Aislinn stood and sighed, “There are a few affairs of my fathers that
have yet to be settled in London. Then I will return to the convent I came from
and remain there.” She explained before walking past him to sit down at her
vanity.

           
“You didn’t come from a convent, you were sent there to be raised,
and ended up being tortured.” Aislinn picked up her brush and started to brush
out her hair starring into the mirror. Norrington found himself frustrated
beyond all rationality by her manner. IT was clear that she hadn’t been
herself lately, but this was so beyond anything she would do.

           
He decided to take a different approach and stepped behind her looking at
her reflection in the mirror. “Aislinn, try to be reasonable about this. You
can’t travel by yourself to London. You’re scared of water and terrified of
the open sea. It will be four months to England with only three ports of call,
at the height of storm season. Now lets be honest, you wouldn’t be happy there
after spending five and a half years in the world as a married young woman.”

           
“Then come with me.” She said. James starred at her a moment in
silence. Aislinn turned back towards him in her chair, “Lets go home to London
together and leave this horrible place behind.” She begged him.

           
“You know I can’t leave here Aislinn. I’m stationed here until my
contract has run its course. We’ve only been here for half the duration of my
commission.” He said seriously. Aislinn’s eyes turned downwards as if any
hope she had had been dashed away. Then turned back towards her mirror and began
brushing her hair once again.

           
She was being extremely stubborn and he was losing what little patients
he had to begin with. James ran his hand over his face trying not to lose his
temper. “You are not returning to England. Not without me. Besides being your
husband, you can’t leave without my approval. I’m already cross with you for
making such arrangements without my knowledge.”

           
Aislinn’s hand slowed and then came to a stop. It wasn’t like she
didn’t expect James to be upset by her plan. But she had hoped for more
discussion if not for James to change his mind and go with her. Watching her
reaction, James felt a bit like an ass for yelling at her, but her recent desire
to return to the convent was more then upsetting.

           
“You can’t retreat from the world when things get difficult. This is
the third time in the last year you’ve seriously attempted this. It isn’t an
answer.” He explained.

           
“We’ve lost two children since we’ve come here. Both of us have
brushed with death more then once.” She turned looking up at him with tears in
her eyes, “Who knows how long we’ll survive if we stay here. We have to
leave this place. We can’t stay waiting for the next horrific thing to attack
us, the next tragedy to strike.” She pleaded. “Please James . . . you’re
the only family I have now. I couldn’t bare losing you.”

           
James took her hands in his and kneeled down beside her, “Aislinn, you
cannot let yourself fall into this trap. IF you allow yourself to worry about
things that have not occurred yet, it will over take you. All these years you
have been so brave and courageous. Don’t weaken now.” He said softening his
voice. He could see that she was terrified and her fear was getting the best of
her.

           
“But Michael . . .” She began as the tears ran down her face.
Norrington wrapped his arms around her resting her head against his chest.

           
“I know darling.” He whispered, “In time the pain will become less,
even if it never leaves completely. You simply have to give it time.”

           
“No James.” She looked up at him; “This place will destroy what’s
left of us if we stay. We have to get away, we simply have to.”

           
Something about the way she said that caught his attention. The
desperation mixed in with the guilt of her words. “Darling . . . what do you
mean destroy us?” He asked, having the feeling she wasn’t talking about life
and death anymore. Aislinn tried to answer but the words wouldn’t come.
Something was going on. They had been together long enough for him to recognize
that. “Aislinn, what’s going on? What’s happened?” He inquired
seriously.

           
“He promised me nothing happened.” She said keeping her eyes turned
away in shame. James listened not sure if he was going to like any part of this.

           
“Who?” He asked cautiously.

           
“Lord Beckett.” She answered in a quiet voice.

           
Aislinn then proceeded to explain everything that happened, and the bits
that she couldn’t remember with what Beckett had filled them in as. When her
explanation was finished, Norrington was very quiet and very still. It made
Aislinn extremely uncomfortable.

           
“I thought we had agreed you would never drink to excess again. Not
after what happened on the ship when we came from England.” Norrington said,
still processing everything she had told him.

           
“Yes,” She said, “I didn’t intentionally do it. I thought the
polite thing to do as the invited guest was to eat and drink everything set
before me.” Aislinn hung her head, “I’m sorry.”

           
James eyes shifted towards her when she apologized. He was busy thinking
about why she was invited to dinner in the first place. Norrington didn’t ask
Beckett to watch over her, in fact, Beckett was the last person in existence he
would never ask such a thing of.

           
“I don’t fault you for your attempts to be polite and to uphold our
political status on my behalf, when I am away Aislinn.” James began, “But
we’ve had conversations before about the nature of some men.” He said
reminding her of something that happened just a few weeks after they were wed.
“Lord Beckett might be even more prone to inappropriate acts because of the
power and privilege he possess.” Norrington looked at her with seriousness,
“People will take advantage of you if they can, Aislinn. Don’t give them an
opening to do so. It is not proper for a young woman to spend time alone with
any man who is not her husband. You would think that was something the sisters
would have pounded into you as soon as you were old enough to walk.”

           
Aislinn listened and nodded obediently, already quite ashamed about the
whole thing. James was struggling with it himself. Between anger and massive
fits of jealousy, he was having a harder time keeping his temper in check when
there were so many reasons for him to lose it. But Beckett’s sheer audacity
was enough to make any man mad with outrage. “We’ll forget this incident,
but let it never happen again. I will be speaking with Lord Beckett about this,
but then that will be the end of it. Understood?” James asked. Aislinn’s
face was turned downcast as she nodded again.

           
“In the meantime, forget about this nonsense.” He said holding the
passenger list that had started this whole thing, “We will do as we’ve
always done, and endure through these difficult times.”

Springtime

           
Aislinn sat on Michael’s grave tending to the flowers she had planted
there. They were lovely as they were just beginning to bloom. It had become a
daily ritual for her to come to the graveyard while James was at work, and
priest didn’t mind her company. She had a tendency to continue on and tend to
the other flowers in the garden as well.

           
Yet at the same time, he was keeping a close watch on her. She seemed to
be becoming more and more preoccupied with death. It was an understandable
reaction when it was always around you, especially when it was your own loved
ones falling to it.

           
Like most creatures inhabiting the earth, James was starting to feel
quite frisky with the arrival of spring. He found himself hardly able to wait
until he got home and rush Aislinn upstairs to their bedchamber.

           
Spring was lovely in the Caribbean, it was just after winter and going
into summer, making the temperature extremely pleasant. Perhaps that was the
reason animals go so anxious to spend time with their mates so frantically in
the Spring.

           
James had gotten an idea into his head, that nothing in the world would
be more satisfying then a picnic up on the cliffs that overlooked the harbor and
much of the island. There was green grass, a wonderful view, and a bit of
privacy without fears of interruption.

           
He and Aislinn hadn’t been spending much time together in a while, and
he found himself missing her more and more. They shared a bed together of
course, but only to sleep through the night, and part ways again in the morning.
He knew that Aislinn was still in pain about Michael’s death, as he was
himself. Yet at the same time, the loss of their son couldn’t be a wedge
driven between them. He realized that, and felt as though Aislinn had had long
enough to mourn their loss. It was time to live again, and find some happiness
together.

           
When he arrived home, Aislinn still wasn’t back from the churchyard yet
and he was somewhat disappointed. However, he had the next day off and he had
many plans that he wanted to put into motion. He instructed their cook to make a
grand picnic meal but not to tell Lady Norrington what was going on.

           
Sometime later, James found himself in his study watching the clock, and
listening to the tick tock sound it made with every second. It was after dark
now, Aislinn should have been back hours ago. He sighed and stood up, starting
to pace a bit trying not to become to upset.

           
Finally, the door of their home opened and he heard one of the servants
greet their mistress. James automatically opened the doors of his study and went
into the foyer. “Aislinn . . . when in God’s name have you been? It’s
nearly 9pm at night!” He exclaimed.

           
“I was helping the Father replace the candles in the church and fill
the lamps with oil. It’s a big job for just one person to do by themselves.”
She said handing her cloak to the maid who curtsied and hurried off to put the
cloak in it’s proper place.

           
“That isn’t your job. We’ve been together for a number of years and
you’re not a child anymore Aislinn. I shouldn’t have to tell you why
‘volunteering’ at the church is not appropriate for the Admiral’s wife.”
He scolded.

           
However, Aislinn remained calm even though his voice seemed to raise even
more each time he spoke. “It’s my penance, James. The Father thought that
rather spending a week day and night on my knees, my time would be better spent
helping where I could. Doing for others, and helping those who I can help.”

           
James just starred at her a bit dumbfounded by this. It was like she was
trying to attach herself to the church as if she were a nun. They certainly were
living in celibacy as of late, but honestly it was starting to concern James
quite a bit. He couldn’t exactly tell her she couldn’t return to church, but
feeling as though he was competing with God was making him a little bitter.
“Penance for what.” He asked.

           
“My sins.” She said in a soft voice. “I’ve killed a man, I’ve
disobeyed my husband, I spend time with a man whom I was not married to while
intoxicated . . . the list seems endless.” She answered.

           
The frustration James was feeling was quickly heading to a point. “Then
all you need do is go to confession.” He said seriously, “Not become the
grounds keeper. There are servants for that, and others who are more suited to
such work.” Now he was feeling as though he needed to talk to the priest who
was having her do these things knowing full well that James wouldn’t approve.

           
“God commands that I . . . .” She started to say only for James to
raise his voice and cut her off.

           
“God commands that you obey me.” James said sternly.

           
Aislinn was quiet for a moment before she turned and started walking up
the stairs. Then she paused for a moment. “God commands that I obey my husband
. . . but he also commands that I obey him first.” Then she continued up the
stairs to their bedchamber.

           
James was left standing at the bottom of the stairs with his jaw on the
floor. He couldn’t believe what had just happened. It seemed like talking to
her about this subject wasn’t going to go anywhere.

           
Instead, he grabbed his coat and hat and left the house, heading up to
the church.

Beautiful
Days

           
Early the next morning, before the sun was even up, Aislinn had gotten
bathed and dressed and headed up to the church. However, shortly after sunrise,
she returned to the house. James had been waiting for her, knowing that she
would be back.

           
He’d gone to speak with the priest and finally they both agreed that
she was letting the grieving process over take every part of her life. In her
mourning, she was running to God as fast as she could, and trying to hide away
from the world. Away from life. When she arrived at the church that morning, the
Priest took her aside and had a long conversation with her. It almost made her
feel as though she was back home in her own convent and just a child again.

           
When the door opened, Aislinn slipped in quietly closing the door behind
her. She was lost in thought, and paused a moment before entering into the house
any further. A sound came from the study, and she realized that James was up.

           
Hesitating, not certain of how to go about it, she finally pulled her
courage up and walked to the double doors of the study and knocked gently a few
times before opening it and stepping inside.

           
James was at the window, but turned and looked at her when she entered.
The silence was almost deafening. “Good Morning.” He greeted her finally.

           
“Good morning, James.” She answered. It was definitely a start. Yet
Aislinn was struggling, and couldn’t seem to say anything else even though it
was painfully obvious she was trying.

           
Deciding to give her a reprieve for the moment, James walked over to her
slowly. “Would you like to go for a walk with me?” He asked her.

           
It seemed an odd request, it was James day off and usually he did a bit
of work but enjoyed just being at home and resting at his leisure. Walking
didn’t seem particularly high on his agenda. However, after the long
conversation she had with the Port Royal cleric, she gave a bit of a nod.

           
“It’s a beautiful day, I don’t think being cooped up in the house
is taking full advantage of it.” He said with a smile.

           
Aislinn smiled a little and nodded again.