Battling Destiny

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Chapter 3

James crossed his arms over his chest as he gazed out over the inky black ocean. He had the whole of the Valiant to himself and took a moment to just enjoy the feel of the waves lulling him gently. It was certainly the only enjoyment he’d had over the past four days.

It had been very dark indeed since Elizabeth had informed him of her engagement. He had not seen her since nor would he like to. He truly loved her and wanted her only her happiness but the pain was too fresh in his mind. Luckily, he set sail in three days for London and would not return for five months. Surely that was enough time to end his suffering.

He had not endured misery so fierce since his mother had died seventeen years ago.

James sighed heavily and lay down on the deck, staring into the cloudy night. He could smell rain permeating in the thick coolness of the early fall air and occasional flashes of lightening and rumbles of thunder matched his disconsolate mood.

He had barely slept, he had barely ate, it was a wonder he still had enough energy to hurt any longer but each day brought a fresh wave of ache that seemed to crash over him and make him feel as if he were drowning.

He couldn’t say how long he stayed that way, could have been minutes or hours with intermittent streaks of lightening blurring his vision or an occasional raindrop splashing against his cheek. Perhaps if he laid there long enough his torment would simply wash away.

His new promotion gave him an excuse to ignore the bitter reality for a bit, he would just throw himself into his new position….and avoid females at all cost.

“Admiral Norrington?” A soft voice said.

Damn, he swore. So much for that hope.

“Miss Overland!” He said as he quickly stood. “What are you doing here so late?”

She walked toward him with a warm smile as her long hair blew sensually in wind. He realized just how beautiful she was.

“I’m sorry to interrupt your reverie. I came to inquire about my travel arrangements.” She replied.

He then seemed to realize she was alone and demanded, “Are you unaccompanied?”

“I am.” Destiny said.

“It’s not safe to walk the ports without an escort. Especially after dark.” James chided.

“Why are you here alone?” She asked instead of arguing.

“I came to ensure the quarters were suitable. The Valiant is the only ship with three quarters. One for the admiral and two for the captains. The captains will be rooming together as they’re rarely in there at the same time, I’ll have the second and you’ll have the extra.” James said

“Great. I really appreciate this you know. I came over with my uncle on his last voyage. Don’t get me wrong, I love Port Royal but I’m anxious to return home and see my family.” Destiny said.

“We’ll leave in two days. At sunrise. Will you need help with your things?”

“My uncle will take care of it. I don’t mean to pry but do you need to talk about anything? You look like you’re on a whole other plain of thought.” She offered.

James looked taken aback for a moment before he covered it with a smooth interjection. “No, I’m fine.”

“Very well.” She said. “Admiral, it’s about to start pouring and it’s a bit chilly tonight. You’re going to catch a horrible cold if you don’t take refuge.”

"I’ve been in much worse. I'll be fine." He assured her.

"Good night then." She said, knowing he was going to be very ill in the next few days for not heeding her warning.

"Where are you going?" He asked.

"Back to my uncle's." She replied.

"Unescorted? What did I just say? I'll escort you." James said as he moved toward her.

"That's really not necessary admiral. I can take care of myself." She said.

He looked at her small frame doubtfully and smiled. "Nevertheless, I insist."

He offered his arm to her which she took gently. He could feel the heat of her hand burning through his jacket's many layers of fabric, the warmth spreading over him quickly, like the sun on his face on a summer day.

"Are you warm enough Miss Overland?" He asked, focusing on something else.

"I'm fine, thank you." She replied as he led her down the gang plank. "If we're going to be spending the next few months together admiral I'd like you to call me Destiny. I'm not at all formal."

"As you wish." He answered, not quite ready to submit himself to that degree of familiarity yet. "So you're family is a military family as well?"

"Yes. My grandfather and father are admirals. My oldest brother is a commander and my other two brothers are lieutenants. I have another brother who is too young to enlist but as soon as he's old enough he will. It's all he speaks of." Destiny said as she tightened her grip on his strong arm.

No wonder I do not intimidate her. She's been brought up in such a prestigious military environment that one commodore made no mind to her, James mused.

"Are you the only girl?"

A shouting match between two sailors pulled her attention from the conversation. A few particularly vile expletives were hurled and she felt Admiral Norrington pull her closer as he hustled her along. Oh yes, this man is the ultimate protector, she thought as she bit back a smile.

"I'm sorry you had to hear that." He said.

"I have heard much worse admiral, believe me." She replied, smiling fully now. "To answer your question, yes, I am the only girl. I had an older sister but she passed away."

"I'm sorry." He said.

"Thank you. It was a long time ago. I'm quite at peace with it now."

“What about you?” She asked. “No wait, let me have a go.”

James glanced at her stoically for a moment as she gazed at him with those penetrating violet blue eyes, feeling extremely exposed all the sudden. She had been so likeable over the past few encounters that he’d almost forgot about that little fact of her self perceived clairvoyance and its unnerving accuracy.

“Your great-great grandfather, great-grandfather, grandfather and your father were all admirals.” Destiny knew by the way his eyes widened and his pace slowed that she was correct and proceeded with her thoughts. “You have two younger brothers...twins...that have just enlisted within the last two or three months, which makes you the oldest. You’re mother passed away when you were about….fourteen I’d say, which put you in charge of the twins quite often when you’re father was at sea. Do you have a sister as well or is she just a close cousin?”

Lightening flashed and a hard rain started falling from the black as pitch sky but James dropped her arm as if he’d been scalded and backed away from her suspiciously. “Who sent you? Are you a spy?” He demanded.

“Pardon me?” She asked, completely taken aback.

“Who sent you here? What information are you after?”

“No one sent me. I am here visiting my uncle. You know that.” She replied with her hands on her hips, annoyed at his accusation.

“All I know is what lies you’ve fed me.” He said.

“Now you’re just being hurtful. I tell the absolute truth. It’s not my fault you do not wish to hear it.” She retorted, angry now.

“I don’t believe in that rubbish nor do I want to hear your delusive predictions.” James said.

“You can’t control everything. And you certainly can’t suppress who I am. I know things. So you’re just going to have to get used to that fact. Trust me; I’m an asset on the erratic seas.”

He opened his mouth for a rebuttal but was stopped when she waived away his explanation. “Don’t. If you’ll excuse me Admiral Norrington, I think I’ll see myself the rest of the way to my hidden lair. I have a very detailed report to write to my superior on your tactics.” She bit out sarcastically.

She was so damn dizzying, so many facets to her mystic and deceptively sweet demeanor. James stood there feeling very much like a fool, torn between escaping her disorientating presence and his sense of duty to see her home. For the first time that he could remember he ignored his sense of duty.


Ahhh, amour.........