A Marriage To A Fine Woman

Repopulating



Shannon and Aislinn did seem to hit it off quite well, although they spent time during the day together, both of them where home and waiting by their front doors for their husbands to return home in the evening. Some days, Mary tagged along as well. However, Elizabeth had found her circle of friends else ware. With the wives of officers who had about the same level of morals that she her self did. They always seemed to dress more provocatively when their husbands were away, and they only invited certain kids of ‘people’ to whatever social gathering they had. Really, it wasn’t a loss to Aislinn in the least bit, and she never even gave it a thought.



Unfortunately for James, and unknown to him, Shannon and Aislinn found they had more in common then first realized. Both of them had an unconscious mischievous streak, that caused them to get ideas and then decide to act upon them whether it was a wise course of action or not. Shannon had a bit more freedom then Aislinn did, but once again, being in the position of Admiral’s wife kept her leash much shorter then anyone else’s.



James found that the pressure and tension between himself and Aislinn had relaxed somewhat since Shannon came into the picture. It was quite a relief when she actually smiled every now then now, instead of the same solemn exterior she seemed to have acquired.



The date of the scheduled voyage was approaching quickly and it wouldn’t be long before all the military men (or at least most of them) would be departing the fort for months on end. There were only six days left until they would put to sea, and provisions and supplies had already begun to be loaded onto the preparing ships.



Norrington had been stalling for the past two weeks, arguing with himself mostly about what to do since the suggestion had come up. There were numerous pros and cons to the idea, and in all honesty he had every intention of returning to Aislinn in the first place so there really wasn’t a need for worry. However, the internal small voice in the back of every soldiers head had a tendency to remind him of the possibility that he may not return.



Finally, he decided and realized that they had very little time left, and he couldn’t afford to wait around any longer. His mind was set, and he quietly became determined and focused.



Aislinn’s mood having improved drastically, made it easier for him to woo her in the evenings into their intimacies. However, considering there was ulterior motives on his mind, it did have a tendency to show it to Aislinn in his actions. On the third sleepless night of vigorous activity, much to James dismay, she retired early. He was quick to finish whatever chores there were for him to do and retired to their bedchamber, only to find the room dark, Aislinn in bed dressed in her nightgown, and fast asleep. Although the way she was laying seemed to be a clear commentary on her behavior. Her back was to his side of the bed, and her knees were pulled up towards her chest, and their blankets tucked tight around her.



Still, even though her message was quite clear, he had to try. There were only a few days left until his departure. Slipping into bed, he slid over towards her and rested his hand on her side before kissing her cheek, and then her neck ever so gently. He didn’t want to wake her up to quickly, otherwise she might get angry and be in no mood to approach with a request.



Reaching down and pulling her nightgown up a bit, he traced her thigh to her hip and stroked the soft skin there ever so tenderly, moving to kiss her shoulder.



“James.” Her voice said suddenly, almost startling him not expecting her to be so awake so soon. He froze in place still leaning close to her shoulder. “What is going on?” She asked plainly.



“Was just hoping, maybe . . . you’d want to keep me company a while before you went to sleep?” He said feeling the strangest twinge of guilt when he heard her speak. She turned a little bit so she could look back at him.



“The past few days . . .” She started to say but she stopped, as if she wasn’t sure or wasn’t comfortable with continuing. He paused, waiting to hear what she had to say.



“Yes?” He questioned.



Aislinn took a breath before turning all the way over and looking into his eyes. “James, what is wrong?” She asked finally.



Had he been so transparent in his actions? “Nothing? Nothing at all. I was just . . . wanting to spend some time with you. Together. Alone.” He said softly kissing her nose.



“Then why have you been hurting me?” She questioned. James froze in place just looking into her eyes.



“Hurting you?” he questioned, “How . . . how have I hurt you darling?” Horrified that he had been doing so and not even realizing it. It was dark, but he could always tell when she was blushing. Her entire body seemed to become warmer, and her eyes turned away. “What have I done, Aislinn?” He said softly, “Please tell me.”



He reached up and stroked her hair gently as he could almost feel that she was trying to gather her courage to speak. “It’s been different . . . when we’re together.” She said in almost a whisper. “These past few days . . . it’s like . . . it’s like you don’t even notice if I’m there.” She tried to explain. How was it that after 5 years of marriage she could still be so shy about this topic when they were alone? She couldn’t even speak to her husband about it without feeling as though she was being bad somehow.



“Nonsense, of course I know you’re there . . . where else would you be?” He said a bit confused, touching her chin trying to get her to look at him, but her eyes still wouldn’t turn towards him.



“James . . .” She began realizing that maybe she should try to explain herself a little better. She decided to take a different approach, “Why do you lay with me.” She questioned her eyes still not turning up towards him.



“Because . . .because you are my wife and I love you. I want to make love to you. You know that.” He said arching a brow slightly.



Finally her eyes did turn towards him, “But that isn’t what we’ve been doing these past few nights. Making love. Is it.” She said as he could almost see her face flush bright red in the dark. James sighed, feeling a bit ashamed of himself. She was right, his mind was on his purpose not on his wife. He hadn’t even realized it until now, it was possible he had been hurting her physically and not even noticing it.



“I’m sorry Aislinn.” He said rolling onto his back and running his hands over his face. He was being a complete ass again and obvious to it. She was quiet for a moment before she turned towards him the rest of the way moving her head a little closer to his on the pillow.



“What’s going on, James?” She questioned. “Please tell me.” She asked reaching over and placing her hand gently on his arm. “Why are you so upset? Is it something I’ve done?”



“No.” He answered instantly looking at her, why did she always automatically think that it was her? He rolled back towards her and wrapped his arm around her pulling her closer, “You’ve done nothing wrong.” He said. He sighed, they couldn’t continue on like this. Not when they only had a few days left together. “We’ll be leaving in just a few days. It will be sometime before I see you again.” He admitted. Aislinn nodded remaining quiet so he could continue to confide in her. “I don’t want to leave you here alone.” He said softly, before his eyes shifted towards hers.



“I won’t be alone.” She whispered softly, “Shannon is here, and there are the servants.” She said. At this point, there was nothing that could be done, and there was no reason to beat him over the head with it. He was going, and it was something that she had to accept. Now, it was her job as his wife to make sure he was as secure as possible before he left, so that he wouldn’t spend all his time worrying about her. “There’s no need to worry.” She said reaching up and resting her hand against his cheek. Norrington closed his eyes loving the feel of her soft touch on his face. Reaching up he carefully wrapped his hand around hers, holding it against his chest.



“No . . . darling.” He said realizing she hadn’t understood him. “I didn’t want to leave you here . . . with no family of your own.” He said. Maybe the reason for his holding her hand now, may have been he was expecting to be firmly and properly smacked for what he had been doing.



Aislinn looked into his eyes for a moment, thinking about what he said. All at once it seemed as though she realized what he meant. Releasing his hand, she rolled over onto her back looking towards the ceiling for a moment. Then she pulled the covers back and sat up on the edge of their bed looking at the window.



James quickly pushed his covers back as well and moved towards her, “I’m sorry, darling.” He apologized quickly. He wrapped his arm around her waist and touched his chin to her shoulder feeling like a heel. “I should have asked, I should have discussed it with you. Not just . . . just . . .” He didn’t even know what he was saying at this point, his own voice just sounded more and more foolish to him the more he spoke.



A few quiet moments passed, and Aislinn didn’t move or make a sound. Norrington didn’t know what to do, throwing her into another shocked or panicked state right before he left the island was a far cry from what he had wanted to do.



“Do you want more children with me, James?” Her voice said breaking the silence. The Admiral paused for a moment not entirely certain he understood the tone of her voice. She didn’t sound angry, or even hurt.



“More then anything, I want to have a family with you.” He said stroking her arm with his fingertips a bit. Another few moments passed, before suddenly, Aislinn turned back towards him, pulling her feet back up onto the bed. She moved close to him and looked into his eyes.



Norrington half expected to be smashed over the head with a lamp for what he had been attempting without her permission or knowledge. But the look in her eyes told him that she was willing, and she didn’t seem to bare any sort of ill will towards him. Aislinn wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him deeply. James was incredibly surprised, although pleased with her reaction. Still, after having done what he had done, he couldn’t simply dive back in.



Reaching up he carefully cupped her face in his hands before pulling back from the kiss and looking into her eyes, breathing deeply. “Aislinn, I don’t want to force you into doing something you don’t want to do, something your not ready for. I am beyond ashamed that I attempted to do such a thing in the first place.” He whispered to her quickly, still breathing deep against her lips anxious to continue, but determined to hold himself back until he was certain it was what she wanted.



Her eyes looked into his, an amount of trust in them that he was certain he didn’t deserve. But then she reached up and touched his lips with her fingertips, just tracing the outline. “I want your baby, James.” She whispered gently. “I can think of no greater honor, then to bare my husbands child.” Her voice shivered a little bit, a few tears having appeared in her eyes.



James admired her courage. He always had, from the first day they met. She didn’t know what was going to happen, neither of them did, but it seemed she was anxious to do what she could to make him happy.



They nuzzled each others faces for a moment, before James found her lips again, and placed a tender kiss. After another few moments, their kisses got a bit more passionate and he wrapped his strong arms around her, pulling her body over his, before rolling them together so he lay over her making certain that she was comfortable this time. Norrington was determined to make love to her properly this time, and show her just how much he cared for her.



Saying Goodbye



Aislinn stood on the docks with a few other of the officers wives who were all saying goodbye to their husbands. James had not yet come down from his offices to board his ship, and Aislinn was growing a little anxious.



Nearby, Shannon stood with her husband, a waterfall of tears flowing from her eyes as her entire body shook. Her husband doing whatever he could to comfort her and reassure her that everything would be all right and he would be back straight away as soon as they could return.



“Aislinn,” She heard a familiar voice say and she turned to see James coming towards her in a hurried step. “I’m sorry darling, last minute details.” He said holding his hands out to her. Instantly she ran towards him taking his hands and holding on tight.



“I was getting worried, that maybe I missed you and you’d already left for your ship.” She said.



“Never,” James answered letting go of her hands and drawing her against him in a warm embrace, “Never in a million years would I leave without saying goodbye to you.” Aislinn wrapped her arms back around him tight, just holding on as tightly as she could. Norrington kissed her head softly before holding her even tighter still. “If you need anything while I’m away, anything at all . . .” He said quickly, finding himself having a hard time keeping his own emotions bottled up.



“I won’t.” She said quickly looking up at him holding onto his hand, “Everything will be fine.” She said with a nervous smile trying to seem as though there was nothing to worry about.



The Admiral smiled a little and touched her chin, knowing full well that she was much more upset then she was letting show. “I will be straight back to you, the moment our patrol is over, and we’ll head home.” He promised. They rested their foreheads together closing their eyes a few moments, it seemed as though both were trying not to weep, “I’ll write to you every time we put into port, I promise.”



She nodded a little biting her lip not certain if she could speak much more and still hold things together. Then, as though it was the most feared sound in the world, the tolling of the bell signaled that it was time for the remaining officers and crewmen to go to their ships.



James wished that they had a bit more time together and that he hadn’t been kept like he had. It seemed unfair on so many levels that he had to leave now. Pulling back a bit he cupped her face in his hands smoothing her hair back out of his view, wanting desperately to take a last image away with him. Aislinn pulled all her strength up to give him a bright smile, even though there were tears in her eyes.



Norrington gazed at her for another moment before they wrapped their arms around each other and kissed deeply. Another toll of the bell seemed to pull the couples on the beach from each others arms. When their kiss parted, James and Aislinn embraced tightly once again, as though holding on for dear life. “Come home to me, James. Please, Please come home.” She said her voice finally breaking.



“I will darling, I swear to you on everything I hold dear, I’ll be back.” He promised. Then, they had no choice but to part now and the Admiral stepped back, taking her hand and kissing her palm gently, then turned and quickly hurried to the long boat. The other officers and sailors were going to their boats as well.



Shannon walked up beside Aislinn, still sobbing uncontrollably as they watched their husbands row away to the ships in the harbor. Aislinn wrapped her arms around Shannon, determined not to cry until James was completely out of sight, and it seemed as though Shannon was in desperate need of someone to hold onto as distraught as she was.



Many of the women left back to their homes after their husbands left the dock, but Shannon and Aislinn stayed until the ships set sail and were well on their way. It was dusk when they finally left the beach, and the two women finally turned from the sea and went back home.



Sleepless Nights



It was nearly 3am, and Shannon and Aislinn lay side by side in bed starring at the ceiling. James had said before he left that it would be alright if she wanted Shannon to stay with her sometimes, and of course Shannon’s husband agreed. Yet it was almost the third night since the men left that the young women simply couldn’t close their eyes no matter how hard they tried.



“Aislinn?” Shannon whispered. “Are you asleep?”



“Not even a little bit.” She answered. Shannon rolled over turning towards Aislinn.



“When do you think they’ll first make port?” She asked.



“Not for another two weeks at least.” She said with a sigh before turning over towards Shannon. “James told me some of their schedule before he left. They’re patrolling around the islands, and it might be a while before they land at a large port like ours.”



“Will they be in any fighting do you think?” She asked in a whispered voice, almost afraid of what the answer might be.



“James will keep them safe.” She said softly, turning her own eyes away. Just repeating what he had told her time and time again before they left, although she was still concerned. It seemed as though it was time for a subject change, and Shannon could feel it. “Do you and Jonathon intend to start a family when he returns?” Aislinn said turning her eyes towards Shannon.



“I hope so.” She said softly. “I’ve wanted children for a while now, but obviously not until we were properly married.” She confessed.



“You knew him before you were married?” Aislinn questioned.



“Yes.” Shannon said with a bright smile, “We’ve been sweethearts for as long as I can remember. As soon as it was possible he negotiated a contract with my father so that no one else would sneak in and steal me away.” She said a light shining in her eyes at the memory. Aislinn smiled a little as she saw the light in her eyes while she spoke. “Did you know James before you married?” She questioned.



Aislinn shook her head a little, “We weren’t . . . formally introduced until after we had taken our vows.” She said softly. “I got the feeling that James wasn’t . . . well . . . I don’t want to say disappointed, but it seemed like he wasn’t expecting me. Like he was expecting something else. Someone older maybe.”



“That can’t be true,” Shannon said, “I’ve seen the way he looks at you, the way he cares for you. There’s no disappointment between you at all . . .at least that I can see.”



“We’ve been married for a while now.” She said softly. “I suppose either I’ve learned to behave myself as the wife of an Admiral should,” She thought about for a moment and decided that probley wasn’t it, “Or we’ve grown used to each other and accepted each other for who we are.” Her eyes turned towards Shannon, “Age really doesn’t make a difference in the long run. Not really.”



“The two of you haven’t wanted to start a family together yet?” Shannon asked softly. Aislinn closed her eyes for a moment before she looked down. It was still a tender subject, that would most likely never get any easier. Shannon could see the change in Aislinn’s body language and she realized that she may have made a grave mistake bringing up the subject, yet she didn’t seem to be able to speak to withdraw her question.



“We had, started a family.” Aislinn said quietly, “But he passed. He’s buried in the churchyard.” She said simply not wanting to go into further detail or really continue on the conversation. Shannon decided it was time for yet another change of subject.



“Jonathon has 12 brothers and sisters.” She said suddenly. Aislinn raised her eyebrows at such a number looking at Shannon. “I have five.” She said with a smile. “I have a feeling when we do start a family of our own, we may just never stop having children.” She said with a smile. Both ladies giggled at that. “Are you and James only children?”



“I am. But, I think that James may have a sibling or two. He doesn’t talk about his family very much. Thinking back now, it feels like he’s always focused on me, and my family.”



“In England, there’s hardly anyone in the military or the shipping industry that doesn’t know of your family. When the news of your marriage to Admiral Norrington came, it seemed like dozens of men that would have liked to have been your suitors but never had the chance and were incredibly disappointed that it wasn’t them. You are very pretty you know.” Shannon said complimenting her friend.



Aislinn smiled and blushed a bit, a little embarrassed. Never having been able to really take such nice compliments. “My father chose James. I suppose it’s because James wasn’t interested in our family fortune so much as finding a wife to have a family with. My father would have never given my hand to James had he just been interested in money.”



“Don’t you miss England? A little bit?” Shannon asked.



Aislinn looked at the young woman finding it odd how she seemed to bounce around from one subject to the next without really much of a plan for conversation to begin with. It was because she was worried and couldn’t sleep and she wanted Aislinn’s company for as long as she could keep it. “James is my world, and my life. Wherever he is, I’m home.” She said softly.



Impatient



The two girls stood at the dispatch office waiting impatiently for the officer in charge of correspondence to open. A ship had come in for supplies and refitting from James’s convoy, and had brought mail with them. Of course all they really had to do was wait at home, and the letters would have been brought to them by soldiers, but neither of them seemed to be able to wait for even the smallest bit of news on how their husbands were.



Finally the dispatch officer appeared unlocking the door. He thought it a bit strange to see two ladies standing outside his door so early in the morning, but he opened the door and held it for them as they entered. “Have letters from the officers arrived yet?” Aislinn asked.



“Give me a few moments miss; I’ve only received the mail today. I’ve not had a chance to sort it yet. If you could come back later, or I could even send a boy with the letters as soon as I come across them.” He suggested.



“We’ll wait.” Shannon said quickly stepping forward. Aislinn looked at her knowing that she had been the first to be ready to leave the house and probley didn’t get even a wink of sleep the night before. The dispatch officer give a nod before fetching the mail bag and starting to sort and search through it looking for anything from the Admiral or the Lieutenant.



Finally, he walked to the two women handing them each the envelopes they both desperately wanted. Shannon took it and immediately snapped the seal and opened it as fast as she could. Aislinn was a little more patient and opened her letter as well starting to read.



The two young women went back to Aislinn’s home and reread their letters over and over again before deciding to share with each other the news they had received. Jonathon was enjoying his new post, and was excited about what ever adventure they were going to have.



James explained where they had been so far, and described some of the sights they saw to her, wishing she had been there to see them with him. Both letters held private information in them that were for their wives eyes only, and of course both young women kept that to themselves.



“They seem to be in high spirits.” Shannon said looking at Aislinn, “Jonathon didn’t say anything about meeting any criminals or battles.” She pointed out, taking some comfort in that. “Did James?” She asked.



“No, just about the ports they have visited.” She said. Aislinn knew James well enough, that if they had seen any action, it wouldn’t be included in any letters sent home. Upsetting all the women on Port Royal without good reason was not a wise course to take. If they didn’t need to be notified of a death in the family, or of an injury that would be bringing the solider or sailor home, then it was his policy that such details were best left out of letters sent back.



Shannon headed to her home for a while, wanting to continue to take care of the house while their husbands were away and not let it fall into neglect or disrepair. When she had left, Aislinn went into James study and began to write him a letter of her own. Without a doubt, news had come of their progress and post would be sent out with new orders and reports from home. She didn’t want to risk not getting it out with the next dispatches and she began to write:



My Dearest James,



I received your letter today and may have agitated the dispatch officer, being at his post before he was early this morning. Although I have missed you, and for some reason Shannon’s anxiousness for her husband has made me even more so anxious for you. It feels as though I get swept up in her enthusiasm and between the two of us, we can stir up quite the number of worries.

I am attempting to be strong, and trust that you will return home, but it’s difficult. Knowing the danger you are in, and the endless possibilities of what could happen. With Shannon needing someone to keep her grounded, I find myself being a bit stronger for her sake, but it’s really only on the outside I am so strong.

James, I do not want to cause you worry, and I have news. I am hesitant to tell you, I have not yet adjusted or accepted it myself. Your absence makes it that much worse to realize that you might not be home in time and I may have to go through it all by myself.

Remember before you left, you expressed a desire to have another child? I hope it will bring you happiness to know that there is one on the way. I wish that it was possible you could come home now. I miss you so very much and I don’t really have anyone to talk to about these things. I suppose Shannon would listen, but it’s just not the same.

I hope you are safe, and that everything is going well. I anxiously await your next letter to hear of your most recent adventure.



With All My Love,

Aislinn Norrington



When she finished writing her letter, she sealed it and waited for Shannon to finish hers so they could return and give their letters to the dispatch officer.





~To be Continued . . . .~