A Marriage To A Fine Woman

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Breathtaking

           
Having been forbidden to go off the beaten paths on the island, Aislinn
never got to explore all of the trails and other sites in the uninhabited areas
of Port Royal. James watched a glimmer begin to show in her eyes. The one of
curiosity and intrigue at all the new things that were around her to be seen and
discovered. James loved to see her smile again, and see the brightness in her
eyes return with the awe and wonder of the adventure in the world.

           
When finally, their journey came to its peek when they came to the grassy
cliffs that over looked the town and harbor. As you looked out towards the
ocean, you could almost see the curve of the earth. It was slight, but from this
height and the view it afforded on such a wonderful day, it was clear.

           
Aislinn’s eyes were wide as apples, and she couldn’t believe the
splendor of it all. How beautiful and clear everything seemed to be. Puffy snow
white clouds rolled by in the clear blue sky above, and it showed the blue water
down in the harbor, and a few figures below the surface.

           
James held her hand just enjoying watching her. The fresh air and day out
as if they were the only two on the island seemed to breathe the life back into
her that she was quickly losing. She needed a day out of the house and the town
as much if not way more then he did. After a while, James led her back to the
other side of the meadow away from the cliffs, and produced a picnic basket out
of nowhere. In reality, he had sent their servants to place it up here about
lunchtime while they strolled slowly along the paths together.

           
The two sat on the blanket and ate their afternoon meal together, as they
talked and actually laughed just enjoying each others company. Then, once they 
had their fill and put the dishes back in the basket, they lay together
on the blanket just looking up at the sky and watching the clouds slowly drift
by. Pointing out shapes to each other, and laughing a bit as some of the silly
things they thought they saw.

           
With the warm Caribbean breeze, the full day they had, Aislinn drifted
off into sleep where she lay. Norrington turned over on his side towards her and
leaned up on his elbow just admiring the lovely young lady laying beside him.
Even though she was still stunningly beautiful to his eyes, and anyone else who
had any sight and half a brain, there were marks on her skin that weren’t
there before. She was no longer the child bride he had spirited away from a
convent and brought down from London. She was a woman now, and had been forced
to walk through some difficult and deadly trials in the past years.

           
James reached up and carefully moved a few stray strains of hair from her
eyes and tucked them behind her ear so they wouldn’t wake her or obscure his
view.

           
He sighed a little. She wanted to go home desperately. It was no wonder
after everything they had gone through. It bothered him that he couldn’t
simply drop everything and take her back to England where she would feel safe if
it was what she truly wanted. Yet at the same time, he was somewhat glad that
they weren’t closer to home considering the few attempts to return with or
without him recently. By now, he might have had to be the ultimate bad man and
walk in to a convent, sling her over his shoulder, and take her home where she
belonged. It honestly wouldn’t look very well or do any wonders for his
record.

           
No, they would have to stay here for the rest of his term and then they
would return to England together. She was going to need him there when she went
back, in England there was an enormous amount of responsibility waiting to be
taken up, and she having taken on the role of dutiful daughter would feel she
had to see all the business transactions through. James already accepted that
when they went home, he was no doubt going to have to retire from the military
and see to the affairs left behind by Bartley. They would be well off for the
rest of their lives, but having lost her father and now their son, James
couldn’t imagine that she was ready for any of that. She needed time.

Stars

           
Aislinn’s eyes fluttered open as she stretched her back. Her hands felt
the grass below when she reached her arms above her head and she paused a
moment, having forgotten where she was. She sat up a little bit looking around
before she remembered the day and saw James standing nearby looking up towards
the sky. It was a full moon tonight, and you could certainly see everything
clearly enough.

           
Getting to her feet, she straightened out her dress before walking slowly
to stand beside James. “I’m sorry.” She said, “You should have woken
me.” It was a little embarrassing that she had slept so long so soundly
outdoors.

           
The Admiral smiled as he reached over wrapping his arm around her pulling
her close. “It’s alright, love. You were exhausted, I didn’t mind letting
you take the rest you needed.” He said kissing her head. Aislinn looked up
towards the sky curious as to what it was that he had been looking at.

           
“There are so many.” She said as her eyes moved slowly taking in the
huge tapestry of the night sky.

           
“You can see more of them now because we’re up a ways, and it’s an
extremely clear night. You could no doubt see more if the moon wasn’t out so
brightly.” He said looking up as well. “I find it’s hard to see all of
them where there is to much light.”

           
She nodded as she looked out towards the cliffs just on the other side of
the meadow. It seemed like there were even more stars appearing just on the
horizon. James eyes turned towards her as he watched the curiosity in her eyes.
There was something he hadn’t seen in a while. A gleam of excitement and
wonder that had all but disappeared.

           
“Should we be getting back?” She asked looking at James knowing it
had to be getting late.

           
“Not yet.” He said looking at her before wrapping his other arm
around her and pulling her close. “It’s nice isn’t it? Having a few quiet
moments by ourselves?” He asked.

           
She thought for a moment before a small smile tugged at the corner of her
mouth and she nodded in agreement. That was a good start, hopefully his plan
wouldn’t fall through if he didn’t move to quickly.

           
“You are very beautiful you know.” He said admiring the way her smile
seemed to make her even more beautiful to his eyes. Aislinn remained silent but
continued to smile as she rested her head against his chest, closing her eyes
she listened contently to the sound of his steady heartbeat. Norrington held her
tight and stroked her hair, enjoying holding her in his arms.

           
Just at that moment a flash of light caught their attention. Several
falling stars shot across the sky in a beautiful display. Aislinn’s eyes lit
up as she watched with awe and wonder. James grinned, watching her as she pulled
away from him unable to take her eyes off the sky. Never releasing her hand. He
stepped closer and wrapped his arms around her waist remembering an old saying
that she might have found interesting. “They say if you wish on a falling
stars, it will come true.” He leaned close and whispered in her ear, “Make a
wish, darling.” He said.

           
She closed her eyes tight and wished as hard as she could before opening
them looking at the sky once more. James smiled and kissed her head, looking up
as well. Even though it was really something only children believed in, he found
himself making a silent wish or two as well.

           
“Will they all fall?” Aislinn questioned curiously, still amazed at
what she saw. James smiled, rather delighted that she hadn’t completely lost
all of her curiosity and childlike wonder through these years.

           
“No darling,” He reassured her, “There are far to many to number.
Thousands could fall and it wouldn’t even make a dent in the night sky. Like a
drop of water is to the ocean.” He explained. James eyes wondered from the sky
to the lovely young woman in his arms. Slowly and carefully, he leaned down and
placed a few soft kisses on her shoulder and then her neck, pulling her closer
to him.

           
Aislinn’s eyes remained on the sky above her another moment when much
to James’ dismay, he found her pulling away from his arms without a word or
sound, but with purpose. It was a rather clear commentary about James thwarted
endeavor. It wasn’t as though it was a completely unexpected reaction,
although it was incredibly disappointing. Her back was still turned to him as he
watched her a moment.

           
“What’s going to happen in the next five years?” She asked breaking
the silence, except for the crickets and other such small life that crawled
about at night. “Is everything we want, everything we try to do to be snatched
away from us?” She asked.

           
“Aislinn,” James said already having somewhat expected this. “I
know why it is your concerned . . .” He began to say as he approached her,
only to have her turn and face him continuing to speak.

           
“I know you wish for more children, James.” She stated outright,
“But should we really bring more children into this world of tragedy and
danger?”

           
This, James hadn’t been expecting as much. It seemed she had realized
already that he had ulterior motives behind today’s adventure. Perhaps not,
perhaps it was something that had been on her mind and he had apparently given
her an opening to express it. “I suppose, that right now, there isn’t much
of anything I can tell you that will help you believe things will get better.
They must.” He insisted.

           
“I loved Michael . . . I still do.” She said seriously. James reached
out and gently touched her face, stepping a bit closer and speaking quietly to
her. “Of course you do. So do I. We will never stop loving him, Aislinn.
It’s simply not possible.” He sighed a little, feeling now perhaps all this
was a bit rushed, to soon to try and woo her back into his arms and his bed.
“Having more children doesn’t mean we will love him any less, nor forget
about him.” She closed her eyes and nodded as she dropped her head slightly.
He wasn’t telling her anything she hadn’t already known in her heart.

           
“You are my husband, James.” She said softly before looking up at
him. “You have always taken care of me. Much better than I’ve ever deserved.
You needn’t ask me. If it is what you truly desire.” She assured him. James
looked into her eyes understanding what she had said. She was still frightened
of the prospect of going through all of it again, but she was willing to venture
back into parenthood with him once more. Apparently, she felt he shouldn’t
have even had to ask her.

           
“Darling.” He whispered moving even closer to her, “I don’t want
to make you do anything you don’t want to.” He said gently. “I’ll not
force you into something you aren’t ready for.” He reassured her. James’
fingertips stroked her soft hair a bit, before he kissed her gently. Aislinn
closed her eyes and returned the kiss. The Admiral stepped even closer to her
wrapping his arm around her placing his other hand on the small of her back, and
letting his fingers slide into her hair as he kissed her a bit deeper. “I will
be careful.” He whispered, “I promise.”

           
Aislinn looked up at him into his eyes, and nodded quietly letting him
know that she trusted him. James was hardly going to step away from this, he had
wanted her so badly all day that it almost pained him physically not to snatch
her up like some pirate and carry her to some secluded spot. He kissed her again
wrapping his arms a bit tighter around her as he picked her up, and moved her
back to the blanket, sitting down with her before finding her lips again.

Morning

           
Aislinn felt something touch her nose, and she swatted it away. Then she
felt it once again and wrinkled her face running her hand over her face again.
After a moment, she started to wake and her eyes slowly opened. She frowned when
she saw a somewhat familiar although unpleasant face. She moved to sit up
suddenly but stopped, realizing that all she was wearing was her blouse and
skirt. She quickly reached over and grabbed her cloak and held it over her.

           
“Interesting find, I have to say.” Mr. Mercer said as he was
squatting down next to her looking into her eyes. A little to close for
Aislinn’s comfort, but she couldn’t move in any direction feeling incredibly
vulnerable and indecent. Suddenly he held his hand out close to her, “Need a
hand then?” He said with a somewhat evil smile tugging at the corner of his
mouth.

           
“Only if you wish to lose it.” The Admiral’s voice said, as Mercer
felt the tip of a sharp blade against his neck. He didn’t move as his eyes
shifted downward looking at the weapon, keeping absolutely still. He pulled his
hand back as James pressed the sword against Mercer’s chin forcing him to
stand to his feet, then immediately put himself between Beckett’s man and
Aislinn. James wasn’t exactly ready for company himself, as he was only
wearing his white undershirt; his Jacket and vest were on the ground next to
Aislinn. “Is there a reason you’re risking your life, Mercer.” James
demanded to know.

           
“Lord Beckett sends for you. He wishes you to be in his office
immediately.” He said simply, giving James a dark look.

           
“I shall be there shortly after lunch.” James said. “Be on your
way.” The Admiral was less then pleased at the intrusion. It would have been
different had they been happened upon by accident, but it was quite apparent
that Mercer’s appearance was far from a mistake. The man’s eyes shifted
towards Aislinn a moment, the look in them sending a shutter down her spine
causing her to pull the cloak up around her neck.

           
Then, without another word, he turned and disappeared through the meadow.
Aislinn felt as if she was going to be ill, having a sickly feeling for numerous
reasons. She quickly reached for her garments and began to pull them on, lacing
them up tight. James could see how upset she was, and sighed putting his sword
away kneeling down beside her and reaching for his vest, “I’m sorry Aislinn,
I only stepped away for a moment.” He said a bit embarrassed himself that
someone had been able to sneak up upon them so close without his stopping it.
Not to mention he had actually touched Aislinn before he put a stop to it.

           
“You should have woken me up already, James.” She said quickly lacing
up her bodice. “The sun is already coming up, it’ll be full light by the
time we make it back down into the town.” She said her cheeks flushed red.

           
“Don’t worry darling.” He said softly as he buttoned up his vest,
“No one will pay us any mind.”

           
She shot him a look when he said that, knowing full well that if any one
of the Officer’s wives saw them walking back from the uncivilized parts of the
island this early in the morning, they would be the most popular topic of gossip
for the rest of the year, if they weren’t already.

Meetings And Business

           
Aislinn sat at Norrington’s desk in his study having received several
letters from London. She went through each one writing replies wanting to send
them out as soon as possible. She sighed, standing from her seat and pacing
slightly while reading several documents that were somewhat troubling. It would
be much simpler if she could be there in person to deal with the matter, but it
simply wasn’t possible at the moment.

           
Lord Beckett had sent word to her that the East India Trading Company
would like to speak with her on a matter concerning some of her father’s
holdings, and she decided that maybe it was a good time to deal with that, since
it seemed like the only thing she could do in person at the current time.

           
When she arrived in his office, it seemed he had been expecting her and
he offered her a chair sitting down across from her. Aislinn wasn’t in much of
a mood for games today, considering she had just spent the entire morning going
through months of correspondence that simply frustrated her beyond all reason.
Once their meeting began, Lord Beckett could see that she wasn’t the bundle of
nerves she was the last time she had come to see him alone.

           
“I’m simply not comfortable with selling these to the East India
Trading Company at any price until they are appraised, by someone other then
your agents.” She admitted after having heard a long speech from Beckett about
what a good deal it was they were trying to make with her.

           
“I can assure you that these figures are accurate and up to date, Lady
Norrington. You needn’t worry about that.” He said taking back the reports
he had shown her.

           
“That is not the issue, Lord Beckett. It is better that a third neutral
party inspect the holdings and properties you wish to purchase from us, that is
not associated with either you or myself.” She said standing firm on her
decision. “When I receive the reports I’ve sent for from the agencies in
England, then we can discuss this again.”

           
“You don’t trust that I am giving you the correct information?” He
said looking at her arching a brow.

           
“I never said such a thing.” She said looking into his eyes, “But
as a business man yourself, I would think you would understand one wanting to
take the proper steps to insure that everyone was treated fairly before making a
deal.” For some reason, Beckett had never thought she would be any kind of
force to be reckoned with as far as her fathers business affairs went. She
seemed so timid and mouse like about everything else.

           
“Tell me, Lady Norrington, where did you learn such business practices?
Was it something the clergy taught you during your stay at their convent?” He
asked, slightly annoyed that this wasn’t going to be as easy as he thought.

           
“No, Lord Beckett. My father.” She said honestly. “Although we
rarely saw each other, I received detailed letters of his endeavors of the
outside world rather frequently. He wanted me to know what was going on, and
what it was our family did since I was not there to see it myself.” She
explained.

           
“You seemed to have been a quick study.” He commented.

           
“I hope so.” She said keeping her eyes fixed on his. Beckett had a
feeling that perhaps they had gone as far as they could with this particular
subject, and maybe it was best to stray away from it, for the time being.

           
Cutler started to rearrange the documents that he had been going through
with her putting them back into their proper case. “How goes it with you and
James?” He questioned. “Things calmed down a bit?” He questioned.

           
“We are doing well, thank you.” She said politely. “We’ve been
able to redecorate the house these past few weeks. It’s very lovely, and I
couldn’t be more pleased.” She said.

           
“I imagine a change of scenery and a fresh look would help you to
forget past unpleasantness.” He mentioned closing the case with the documents
and putting them aside. Aislinn was still struggling a bit, trying not to think
about anything that had happened in the past year. Rather she simply was
attempting to force their lives forward and move on from all of it.

           
“Yes.” She said simply. “Almost nothing in our home is as it was.
We’ve even received new paintings only a week ago on the supply ship that
arrived from England. All of the old ones we donated to the church. So that they
may be able to receive contributions should they decide to sell them.

           
“I’m sure that the Father appreciated that. Even though the East
India Trading Company gives monthly donations of a monetary nature, they always
seem to be penniless.”  Beckett
said looking at her.

           
“It is the nature of the church, Lord Beckett, to give to those who are
in need. Since there will always be someone in need, it is doubtful that the
church will ever become wealthy.” She said knowing that quite well from having
grown up in a place that her father made obscene amounts of donations to but
they rarely had a spare cent. For some reason, she felt chills running down her
spine and she sat straight in her chair. Then, she realized after a moment what
it was. Someone was starring at her, a familiar someone that she had never
really paid much attention to until that morning he happened upon her and James
near the cliffs.

           
Mercer had come in just a few minutes earlier and quietly stood in the
shadows waiting to speak with Lord Beckett. Aislinn stood from her seat picking
up the few papers she had brought with her, “Thank you for seeing me today,
Lord Beckett. I will let you know as soon as the assessments I sent for
arrive.” Aislinn said before quickly making her goodbyes and leaving the room
to return home.

           
It was strange, something about Mercer always made her uneasy. It was
hard to really figure out what it was. Never had she seen him in a social
setting, he was always at Lord Beckett’s right arm, ready to do whatever he
was ordered to. His eyes were cold, and being anywhere near him made Aislinn
feel terrified for no clear reason that she could find. She decided it was
simply best to stay clear of him, and not be anywhere near him unless
absolutely, and unavoidably necessary.

Missions and Convoys

           
James lay over Aislinn, in the final throws of passion after quite an
evening of making love to his young wife. Both of them breathing deeply, he
kissed her face and her lips a few times before rolling off of her to the side,
feeling incredibly satisfied with their endeavors. Aislinn turned as James put
his arm around her and she rested her head on her shoulder wrapping her arm
around him.

           
After a while, neither of them seemed to be falling asleep. Aislinn had
volumes on her mind, and apparently so did James. “I spoke with Lord Beckett
this morning.” James said after a while. “It seems that you certainly have
managed to ruffle his feathers. He was ready to purchase those holdings weeks
ago, but apparently you refuse to take his reports at face value.”

           
“I’m sorry, James. I just remember my father telling me that you
should never have anyone but a neutral party that wouldn’t profit either way
from the investment to do the appraising and to get an accurate price . . .”
She began to explain. “But I can accept his offers if you’d like. I know I
should have spoken with you about this sooner . . .”

           
“No, no.” James said rubbing her arm feeling that she was afraid that
he was angry with her. “You’re free to ruffle Lord Beckett’s feathers all
you’d like.” He said. Aislinn wasn’t expecting that and she turned her
head to look up at him. He smiled a bit kissing her forehead, “You are a very
intelligent young woman, and I trust anything you have to say over Lord Beckett.
If you want to wait for your assessments to come in before deciding on what sort
of deal to make, then do so.”

           
“Is it what you wish for me to do?” She asked still feeling a bit
ashamed that she hadn’t been including him in all of these things more, and
discussing it with him after she had spoken to Lord Beckett.

           
“Aislinn . . .” He said looking down at her, “Darling, it is your
inheritance. You seem to have a great deal of knowledge on the way your father
conducted his business, it is up to you what you want to keep, what you want to
sell, what investments you want to make or not make. Until we return to London,
and I retire from the military, I have no issues with allowing you to make the
decisions regarding our finances . . .” he said. He was going to leave it at
that but he had to add to it a bit, “ . . . in England.” Of course he had
say over any and all wealth they had in the Caribbean or their immediate lives.
Honestly, he half preferred not to think of all that they had been given by her
father, not until he absolutely had to. From what he had heard, it was almost
like Walter Bartley’s death hadn’t effected his business at all. In fact, it
had grown and was doing even better ten before. There was no question in his
mind that she was handling things quite well.

           
A few minutes of silence passed and James closed his eyes, not exactly
tired but it was well past time for sleep. However it wasn’t to long before
Aislinn spoke again. “James?” She asked softly, not wanting to disturb him
if he was asleep.

           
“Yes dear?” He questioned.

           
She hesitated a moment before she said softly, “What does Mr. Mercer do
for Lord Beckett?”

           
“What ever he wants I imagine.” James had a pretty good idea what
Mercer did, on many levels but there was no way he was going to share that with
Aislinn. He was an assassin, a spy, a bully, . . . really Beckett’s right hand
man and muscle. “Why?” He questioned.

           
Aislinn was silent for a moment before answering, “I know it’s a sin,
and it isn’t ours to judge . . .” She began her body trembling slightly at
the mere thought of that man. “. . . I don’t like him very much.” She
admitted, very much ashamed of herself.

           
“If there are judgments to be made I greatly doubt it’s a sin. All it
says is that you’re an excellent judge of character.” James explained. Yet,
it did seem somewhat out of the blue. He opened his eyes and looked down at her,
“Why? Is there something wrong?”

           
She shook her head a little keeping her eyes low. “Whenever he is
around, I just get this . . . horrid feeling inside of me. His eyes are so cold
and unfeeling.” She said shuttering again and closing her eyes trying to push
his image away. “I’m not comfortable around him at all, James.” She said
opening her eyes and looking up at him. “It sounds . . . strange and foolish,
I know . . . but it’s almost as if . . . as if . . .” She stopped not
certain that she should say it.

           
“As if what?” James asked looking at her wanting to know what was
going on.

           
“As though he doesn’t have a soul.” She finally forced herself to
say. “Or if he has one . . . it . . . died long ago.”

           
James leaned down and kissed her softly, “Like I said, a good judge of
character.” He said simply not wanting to go into the details of the
activities that he knew for certain Mercer engaged in, much less those he was
suspected of.

           
Aislinn just gave a nod and rested her head on James chest again,
covering her lips with her knuckles, trying not to think about it.

Garden Parties

           
Aislinn stood next to the upstairs window looking at the party guests
that seemed to have mostly arrived. She hadn’t been down yet, and truth be
told, she’d rather do anything but thrust herself into that crowd.

           
“Darling?” James said as he walked into the room having been looking
for his young wife. He paused a moment when he saw her standing next to the
curtains. “Most of the guests have arrived. Lord Beckett has even made an
appearance.” The Admiral indicated that she should probably go down and greet
her guests, as a good hostess should.

           
“This was a bad idea James.” She said with a sigh letting go of the
curtain and crossing her arms over her chest. “We shouldn’t have . . .”
She stopped and shook her head turning and looking at him, “Please . . .
please don’t make me go down there.”

           
Norrington sighed walking over to her and taking her hands in his.
“Aislinn, you remember we once had a discussion about how it would be improper
for the Admiral of this fleet to have a recluse wife?” He reminded her. She
hadn’t forgotten, she remembered being in favor of it. “You’ve not been
seen socially for months. You stopped going to teas, and luncheons that you were
invited to and I didn’t press the issue. I knew you weren’t ready. But, you
can’t continue to isolate yourself forever. It isn’t good for you. You need
to get out and see people.”

           
“You’re people.” Aislinn countered. “I see you everyday.”

           
“Aislinn.” He said looking at her seriously. She sighed and dropped
her head slightly knowing she was going to lose this battle. James pulled her
into his arms and hugged her close. “Try not to worry so much, you need to be
reacquainted with the ladies. I would feel much better if I knew that you
weren’t locking yourself away.”

           
“That is the other thing, James.” She said leaning back looking up at
him, “Can’t someone else go?” She asked. “Must you really leave on this
expedition, or convoy, or whatever it is?” She pleaded. “I don’t want you
to leave again.”

           
James had a feeling that was what was really troubling her. Every since
the orders came through, she’d grown very weary of the whole affair. She
didn’t want him to leave, and she certainly didn’t want to be left behind.
He cupped her face in his hand and stroked her cheek slightly; “We’ll talk
about it later tonight, after the party.” He promised. Aislinn closed her eyes
and nodded before looking up at him again.

Walks

           
Things between James and Aislinn became somewhat strained in the weeks to
follow. She was becoming more and more clear about her objections to his leaving
for what could be months on end. It was more then just vocalizing her concern,
the way she carried herself, and the way she had begun to deny him any access
after they retired each evening. It wasn’t like before, it wasn’t an
attempted dodge, it was Aislinn quietly getting ready for bed, slipping between
the covers, turning her back towards him and instantly going to sleep.
Completely and utterly disregarding any attempts or suggestions he made. It was
the coldest she had ever been towards him and it was putting his teeth on edge.

           
After James had left his office for the day, rather then going home, he
decided he would take a walk around the island to clear his mind. His
frustration was to the point that I was difficult not to just take her over his
knee and give her a good spanking. However, she was not the child bride that he
had first taken as a wife, and really, it wasn’t out of wanting to be cruel or
shirking her duties to her husband. Aislinn was completely and utterly terrified
for his life. Losing her father and their son left James her only other living
relative. Her father and son were victims of circumstance. Being in the wrong
place at the wrong time. James, however, was going into a war zone and dealing
with dangerous criminals and pirates who would love nothing better then to hang
his remains over the side of their ship as a prize for all to see.

           
Norrington wasn’t unaware of why she was shutting him out. The last two
tragedies in their lives nearly destroyed her. Perhaps she was trying to sever
any emotions she had towards him, so that in the event of his being lost, she
would not feel it so harshly. Although, he knew her most likely better then she
knew herself. This was a new attempt to protect her heart, but it would never
work. Once he was gone away on his mission, it would add guilt to her already
troubled soul that she had not spent more time with him.

           
James sat down on a large rock along the path and sighed taking off his
hat and turning it over in his hands, brushing the white feathers a bit so they
weren’t squished. It was strange, he could command legions of troops, an
armada on the seas, and did it quite well. Yet when it came to his own life,
inside the walls of his own home, he was never quite sure how to maneuver so
that the situation would have is favor in it’s outcome.

           
Aislinn was not a bad woman, she had managed to be thrown into the deep
end of the pool on their wedding day without hardly any instructions at all, but
had managed to tread water and even eventually swim on her own after a while.
She was open, and intelligent and willing to learn, always wanting to do that
which she was supposed to so that James would be proud of her and she would do
him honor.

           
Yet it seemed everything had started to go down hill when he accepted
this commission to the Caribbean, even though it was at her request. He didn’t
blame her for that, she had no idea what she was getting into and the person who
had ‘explained’ things to her made it sound like heaven on earth and the
best thing to ever happen to anyone anywhere. A person who only had his own
interests in mind, never would he have considered her welfare and only that she
was a means to his ends. These days, she was plagued by fear. It was part of her
daily life, and there was hardly anything at all he could do about it. Of course
he didn’t want to leave her behind alone, but there was no way around it. He
had to work, he had to go and do what he had been ordered to do, and she could
not go with him. She had to stay behind and wait for him with all of the other
officer and enlisted men’s wives. 

           
He had done a bit of research, hoping that he could find her a companion
before his departure. A number of new officers had been commissioned and had
recently arrived from England. Three of them where young lieutenants, with wives
about Aislinn’s age, and he had arranged for the three couples to come to a
dinner at his home so that Aislinn could have a chance to get acquainted with
them. Since they were new, it would put Aislinn on the experienced side, for
once. She could help them find their way around the island and how things were
done, and they would all keep each other company.

           
That was his current plan as it was, and the dinner was scheduled for
tomorrow night. Aislinn wasn’t aware of what his underlying motives were, and
he thought it best not to tell her. If the four young women hit it off, then it
would perhaps be better if she felt she had found some new friends on her own.

           
Norrington sighed running his hand over his face, before replacing his
hat and standing from where he had been sitting. It was getting dark, and supper
would be on the table waiting for him. He did feel slightly better, but there
was still a number of things on his mind as he began back towards the town.

Aspiring to Great Things

           
After dinner, the men and women separated into two separate rooms. The
young ladies went into the parlor and the men joined the Admiral in his study
for brandy. Aislinn and the three young ladies seemed very much alike to James,
and he could swear he saw a light in her eyes when they hit on a few things that
they all seemed to have in common.

           
The maid brought in tea and coffee for the ladies and put the tray down
on the table between them before leaving. “Oh, Lady Norrington. You must love
it here, everything is so beautiful and clear in the Caribbean.” Mary said
picking up her cup and holding the saucer as she took a sip. “I can’t
believe how blue the sky and water is.”

           
“It can be, very beautiful.” Aislinn said. “And, really the weather
is quite nice. It’s only during storm season that it takes a bad turn for a
few weeks. Even then it’s not every day.” She said picking up a cookie and
nibbling a little bit. “It’s not like England at all, I can’t remember the
last time I saw a snowflake.” She admitted.

           
“That is perfectly alright with me,” Christine said, “London
winters are so cold, even with a roaring fire and wrapped in three blankets it
was still incredibly dreadful. I won’t miss that part one bit.”

           
“It sometimes gets cold here at night, as we are surrounded by water
and all.” Aislinn said, “But I’ve never needed anything more then my
cloak.” Her eyes turned towards Shannon who hadn’t said anything and looked
a bit worried, “Are you alright?” She said genuinely concerned.

           
“It’s just that . . .well . . Jonathon said that they’ve already
received orders. They’ll be leaving in just three weeks with a convoy that
isn’t expected due back for a few months . . . we’ve never been away from
each other for that long.” She said turning her eyes down.

           
Aislinn felt a twinge of worry in her own chest at the thought of it, and
she turned her eyes down for a moment. However she remembered that she was the
host and quickly pulled herself back together, “Don’t worry, James is the
best commander Port Royal has ever had. Lord Beckett himself came all the way to
England to give him his commission.” She reassured her.

           
“Really?” Christine said putting her cup down, “Cutler went all the
way to England to hire your husband?” She said astonished. Aislinn cocked her
head slightly when she had addressed their husbands’ employer so informally.
Christine blushed a little embarrassed when she realized what she had said,
“Uh . . . well . . . we met once. Before I was married. He was quite
charming.” She said a slight blush to her cheeks.

           
Aislinn’s opinion of him wasn’t quite as high after spending five
years on an island that he was running, and constantly sending her husband out
on dangerous assignments. Of course she knew her getting drunk at his house one
evening and throwing herself at him like he had said she’d done, wasn’t
exactly his fault. It was hers and she still felt embarrassment each time she
saw him. Not to mention, Beckett wasn’t above digging a spur in every now and
again about it.

           
“Didn’t he come to England to enlist your husband’s?” Aislinn
asked looking at the three ladies. They all shook their heads. Aislinn hadn’t
considered that James had been that important to the East India Trading Company.
“Maybe he was in England on business and decided that it would be easier to
convince him to take the commission.” She reasoned.

           
“I’ve heard that Lord Beckett doesn’t leave the Caribbean unless
it’s a life and death situation. He’s far too fond of it to be away from it
for any length of time. To travel all the way to England and back would take him
away for almost a full year.” Christine said. For some reason, that sent
chills down Aislinn’s spine. “You don’t like him, Lady Norrington?” She
asked after a moment seeing the look on her face.

           
“He’s James’ employer. I don’t know him well enough to either
like him or dislike him.” She answered. Yet she did know him somewhat. From
the time that James had been sick and she had to fight his surgeon who was
determined to simply let him die. Not to mention the time that she had been
asked to set his arm, and he fussed about it. James did talk to her often about
his feelings towards the man, and it always seemed as if James was irritated at
Beckett for bringing them here when he hadn’t intended to accept his offer and
wished to stay in England with Aislinn when they had just been married.

           
Before they could continue with their conversation the door of the parlor
opened and the four men stepped in. It was getting late and it seemed as though
it was time to say their goodbyes. The young women stood and began saying their
goodbyes as they all walked towards the front door.

New
Friends

           
“Well?” James said watching Aislinn as she prepared to retire for the
evening. She’d already changed into her nightgown and was brushing her hair.
She looked at him in the mirror, seeing him sitting on the bed behind her
anxiously awaiting for her answer. “What did you think of the young wives of
my newest officers?” He questioned.

           
“Young?” She asked putting down her brush as she started to expertly
braid her hair on either side.

           
“Not young to you I imagine, but they are all around your age.” He
corrected himself. “Did you like them?” He inquired.

           
“They are all very nice. It sounds as though England hasn’t changed
very much since we left.” She said tying the ends of the braids with ribbons
in small neat bows. It wasn’t exactly an answer to his question, and she
seemed to skim right past it.

           
“Yes, England has a certain consistency about it.” He agreed. “But
back to the ladies. Shannon, Mary and Christine?” He said hoping that maybe if
he drew more attention to them she would tell him what he wanted to know.
Aislinn was quiet and she stood from her vanity blowing out the lamp before
walking over to the bed and sitting next to James with a sigh.

           
“Shannon is concerned with her husband’s orders. She is worried he
will not return.” She said softly. James looked at her for a moment trying to
decide whether it really was Shannon she was talking about or herself. “They
are recently married . . . she’s afraid because they have never been away from
each other for such a long time.”

           
“All the more reason that she should find company while we’re at sea.
Perhaps you can help calm her fears and the two of you could keep each other
company in your husbands’ absence.” Aislinn didn’t say anything with her
eyes turned towards the floor. James sighed and wrapped his arm around her
pulling her close and kissing her head. “I know.” He said simply. Of course
she would do everything she could to help Shannon, it was just the sort of
person she was. But at the same time, it did very little to comfort her.
“I’ll write to you each time we put into port. I promise.” He reassured
her.

           
“Will I be able to write to you as well?” She asked.

           
“Of course. Simply give your letters to the dispatch officer, and
he’ll see that they are sent out with any orders or other mail that is to come
to the fleet. Shannon will be able to do the same.” She hadn’t said very
much about the other two, but at least she seemed interested in one of them.
“Were Christine and Mary not as worried?” He asked.

           
“Mary seemed enchanted with the Caribbean and Port Royal. She was very
excited that they will be living here for some time.” She frowned a little and
looked towards the floor again, “Christine seemed more interested in Lord
Beckett, then Port Royal or her Husband.”

           
James arched a brow at that news. He knew that all three couples were
arranged marriages, but it hadn’t occurred to him that any of the wives had
been less than enthusiastic about the marriage itself. Perhaps that wasn’t
strictly true, but at the same time he was suddenly very remorseful that he had
included her and her husband in the dinner invitation. Promiscuity wasn’t
exactly the sort of behavior he wanted anywhere around Aislinn. Not that he
didn’t trust her, or think that she was so easily influenced, but he didn’t
feel that she needed to be exposed to such things.

           
“At least you found one kindred spirit.” James said changing the
subject a bit.

           
Aislinn nodded as they both fell silent for a moment. Then, she stood
from the bed and walked around to her side pulling the covers back as she
slipped into bed pulling them back over her. James hated that she was so upset
about his mission, but there really was nothing he could do.

Demons
Are Prowling

           
James starred off a bit sitting in a meeting with Lord Beckett who was
going over the plans and schedule of the upcoming patrol. Norrington was
listening somewhat but his mind was preoccupied.

           
“Am I boring you Admiral?” He heard Beckett’s voice say and snap
him out of his daze.

           
“Not at all,” He said before leaning forward and giving his full
attention to the map that was laid out on Beckett’s desk. “Where were we?”
he asked. Yet it seemed Cutler was more concerned about what was drawing
James’ attention.

           
“What’s on your mind Admiral.” He asked directly leaning back in
his own chair and looking directly at him. “You’ve been like this every
since you received these orders.” He pointed out. James was quiet and shifted
his eyes away. Beckett arched a brow, “Or at least since Aislinn received news
of them.” Norrington looked at him when he said that. Was it so obvious that
they were having such issues in their marriage?

           
“Her concern is understandable I would think.” James said a little
defensively.

           
“Yes. Concern is warranted, there is a certain amount of danger
involved in your work. Yet that is just one of the many reasons you were chosen
for this commission. Your military skill has proven itself more often than not.
You are prized as perhaps the best officer in his Majesties Navy. That should
give her some comfort I should think.” He said.

           
“She’s well aware of my record, Lord Beckett. Yet her Father and our
child were considered to be safe and in good hands as well. She is skeptical of
my safety and I can find no way to ease her worry.” He admitted.

           
“You can’t.” Beckett said bluntly. James looked at him and furrowed
his brow slightly. He’d been expecting some sort of attempted comfort or
support rather than being told the truth outright. “There is only so much a
man can do, James. She is not going to be at ease, and she will continue to
worry about you perhaps for the rest of her natural life.”

           
“Fantastic.” James said sarcastically, “I feel so much better about
leaving her here alone now.”

           
“I’ll look in on her every now and again if it will put you at ease,
Admiral.” Beckett said. Actually, that would only cause James more worry after
what happened last time he was away and Cutler ‘looked in’ on Aislinn.

           
“I’ve actually found her a companion to keep her company in my
absence.” He said hoping to make it clear that Beckett’s aid was in no way
needed.

           
“Look James,” Beckett began putting down the instrument he had been
using to point out the path that the fleet was scheduled to follow. “She is a
grown woman, and you can’t shield her from everything, you can’t fix
everything, and you certainly can’t be with her 24 hours a day every day for
the rest of your lives.” James half smiled, before sighing and leaning over
the map again not really wanting to continue this conversation. “At least you
can give her a family if you are so concerned for her being without one. It is
in your power to do that at least.” Cutler said picking up the instrument
again and leaning over the map.

           
James glanced up towards Beckett at his last words, before looking
towards the map again. He did have a point.