Always have, Always Will

Chapter 3: You… And you.

Abby went back into the store after Jack was out of her sight. Isabelle had just finished paying for three new dresses and waved Abby over to the counter. Abby immediately went to her side and took the dresses out of Isabelle’s arms, making sure they weren’t dragging on the floor. Isabelle said her goodbyes to the other women and walked out of the store with Abby close behind. They walked around town for about an hour longer, stopping only to look at the jewelry on display at some stalls. Abby’s arms were full by the time they were done shopping and almost asked Isabelle to help her on more than one occasion.

When they finally started walking back to the mansion, Isabelle decided to take the long way around and go back the docks. She did this often to see if any new sailors were in town that she should meet. But to her disappointment there were no strange ships anchored at the port. They walked to the far end of the beach and took a hidden path that eventually ran into the main road in front of the mansion. The trees line the path thickly, hardly letting any sunlight shine down. Abby tried to shake the feeling like people were watching her but couldn’t. It felt as though people were right behind her, yet every time she glanced back the path was empty. She nearly jumped out of her skin when she heard nearby leaves rustle, but instantly felt foolish when a baby rabbit came into view. Yet the feeling was still there, picking at her every nerve. Isabelle seemed to take no notice of anything around her, just pouting since she wasn’t able to meet any new men. Not once did she glance over to the trees or even look behind her to see is Abby was even there. Her eyes were firmly glued on the small path ahead of her. It seemed like an eternity to Abby before they came to the main road and were able to see the mansion. They turned back off the main road when they reached the servants path. Abby quickened her pace so she was closer to Isabelle, feeling a little safer thinking anyone who would come would take Isabelle at first sight of all the jewelry she was wearing. When they reached the servants door Isabelle stepped aside so Abby could unlock the door then open it for her. They walked into the mansion and went straight into Isabelle’s room. Abby hung up the dresses in the closet then led Isabelle into the side room and drew a bath for her. (I think that’s what it is called) She never understood why she had to take three baths everyday. Yes she thought it was disgusting if you didn’t take at least one a day but three seemed to overdo it.

“Make sure it isn’t to hot Abby.” Isabelle shouted from behind her dressing curtain. She came out a couple minutes later with her robe on and went into the side room to wait for her bath.

“Of course ma’am.” Abby replied. She filled the tub with perfectly warm water and helped Isabelle in. She managed to get her back out of the tub twenty minutes later. Normally, it takes her a good forty minutes to get done showering. She led her back down to the dining room after Isabelle changed into her evening gown. Commodore Norrington was supposed to be eating with them, but to everyone’s surprise, he had not arrived yet. Isabelle’s father greeted her with a peck on the cheek as she came into the dining room. Abby walked over to her corner and just listened to the daily conversations.

“Isabelle darling, I hope your shopping went along well.” He said as he pulled out her chair then took his own seat.

“Oh yes father I enjoyed it very much.” She replied just as the butler entered the room.

“Excuse me sir, but Commodore Norrington has arrived.” He informed her father.

“Wonderful, bring him in.” He said as he stood from his chair. “I wonder what kept him.” The butler came back seconds later with the Commodore behind him. “Ah, Commodore Norrington, it is good to see you.” Isabelle’s father greeted the Commodore with a firm handshake. Isabelle stood from her chair and held out her hand to the Commodore, who took her hand and gave it a small kiss.

“You look lovely Isabelle.” He said as they took their seats once more. “I must apologize for being late. It seems the Black Pearl has been spotted sailing near Port and I had to make a couple extra runs to make sure everything was in order.” He explained.

“It is quite alright Commodore. It’s better you being late than letting pirates get into port.” Isabelle’s father said with a chuckle.

“Yes, any pirate who would dare try that now would be very foolish.” Norrington said as he smiled back. “But how are things going here at the mansion Albert?”

“Oh quite alright we are to far out in the countr—“

“Sir, please excuse me but I was to immediately report to the Commodore that some of the crew Black Pearl has just been spotted in town. You are needed at the Fort Commodore.” The butler explained quickly, not even noticing that he cut off Albert in mid sentence. Norrington shot up from his chair quickly and started for the door when he remembered his manners.

“Please excuse me, we shall have to reschedule this dinner for another evening.” He said as he bowed one last time to the family. As soon as he left the room, Isabelle stood quickly from her chair and made for the window, shooting nerves glances at every shadow.

“Father, do you think they will come here?” She asked in a scared tone.

“Of course not darling, we are far away from the town and they would also have to get through all the men posted at the fort.” He said as he walked over to stand by his daughter.

“Father I think I am going to retire for the night. All this excitement has really worn me down.” Isabelle said as she turned around to Abby, silently telling her to prepare her bed. Abby bowed to her and left the dining room. All of the other rooms were dark, which is odd since the maids are normally finishing their cleaning at this hour. She thought nothing else of it as she made her way to the stairs and quickly made her way up them. She didn’t think anything of the pirates in town, her mind was still focused on the interesting man she had met earlier that day, yet the thought of him even being a pirate himself never crossed her mind. Isabelle’s room only had a little light coming from the window when Abby walked in. She walked around the room and lit one of the available candles then shut the curtains. The room seemed almost black since she had only lit one candle. She walked over to the bed and drew the covers back just enough so Isabelle could easily get in.

“Abby are you finished?” Isabelle asked as she walked into the room.

“Yes ma’am, let’s just get you into your nightgown.” She replied as Isabelle walked behind her curtain to do just that. Abby helped her out of her dress and put on her nightgown. She never understood why she wasn’t capable of doing this herself. Abby as complained a countless number of times to Misty, who just said that Isabelle is the kind who breaks when she has to do something on her own.

“Hurry Abby, I’m really tired tonight.” Isabelle urged. Abby quickened her pace and soon finished and led Isabelle over to her bed. She jumped in quickly and pulled the covers up to her shoulders. Abby made sure the blankets were snug around her before she bid her goodnight and left the room. She gave a tired sigh as she closed the door and walked down the stairs to go to her own room. She was turning her doorknob when there was a sudden knock at the servant’s door. She was completely puzzled. No one comes here this late, and if anyone would they would go to the front door, not the servant’s door. She slowly made her way over and opened it ever so slightly, but all was the caution was in vain when the door flew open the second she let it crack. She let out a shriek and jumped back a few feet. Her eyes went wide when a man entered the mansion. She turned around quickly, trying to get into her room that had a lock, but instead she stopped all movements when she felt a hand grasp her wrist. A shudder instantly went through her body at the contact. She didn’t turn back around to face the man, just closed her eyes lightly and allowed fear to take control over her body.

“I’m not goin’ to hurt ya.” The man said. Her eyes opened back up immediately. She recognized his voice. She turned back around slowly, praying she was not mistaking him for someone else.

“You…” Was all she managed to choke out. She instantly felt guilty for the rude greeting but told herself that this man was a thief no less, and just broke into the mansion, which gave her a little reassurance.

“And you.” He replied as he let go of her wrist.
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YAY CHAPTER THREE! Sorry I just kinda stopped right there but I have a plan for the next chapter and if I didn’t stop then this one would be SUUUPER long and that one would be very short! Alright so how is this chapter eh?