A Commodore

Drinking to Excess

           
The Commodore went for two weeks before deciding it was time to make
another attempt at visiting Heather, without the watchful eye of her mother. He
wasn’t quit ready to give up yet, since he would have liked it if she was
somewhat enthusiastic herself about walking down the isle, instead of marching
towards him as though she lead the precession of a funeral march. Their marriage
was being expedited at an alarming rate, at her mother’s request of course.
She seemed to be afraid that the Commodore was going to change his mind, even
though she had been reassured 100 times over that he wouldn’t, having no faith
in her own daughter in this matter at all.

           
As before, he walked up to her door and knocked a few times waiting to be
given entrance. When the door opened the maid who looked somewhat cheerful at
first had all the color drain out of her face. “Oh Commodore, you pick the
worse times to call.” She said with a frown.

           
James sighed, “What is she up to now.”

           
“Her third bottle.” The maid answered lowering her eyes. James
starred at her.

           
“I beg your pardon?” He wasn’t sure if he had understood what she
said correctly. “Her what?”

           
The maid looked as though she was caught between a rock and a hard place
and finally opened the door further allowing him entrance into the house. James
removed his hat and cloak handing them to her. “She’s upstairs sir.” The
maid said motioning towards where Heather’s room would be.

           
“Don’t you think it more prudent to announce me so that she may come
down from her room?” He asked thinking it odd that he’d been instructed to
go to her room, fiancé or not.

           
The maid looked hesitant to say anything again, “I don’t think it
would be wise to let her go near the stairs right now, sir.” She looked at
Norrington. “I think she may fall down them an hurt herself, if she’s able
to stand at all now.”

           
James arched a brow looking at the woman before walking across the foyer
and heading up the stairs to see just exactly what was going on. When he came to
Heather’s door, he found that he was left open so really there was no point in
knocking. Besides, he doubted that she would be able to hear it at the loud way
she was singing some strange sounding sea shanty that he was somewhat familiar
with. Yet not that particular version.

           
Taking a few steps into her room, he looked about wondering what sort of
mischief she was up to now. “MARTHA!!!” Her voice suddenly filled the room
and the hallway. “MARTHA! I’VE RUN DRY AGAIN! BRING ME ANOTHER!” She
shouted. “MARTHA!” Suddenly she seemed to appear out of nowhere stumbling
before him as she grabbed a hold of her bedpost to keep herself from falling
with one hand and held a bottle in the other.

           
Norrington just looked at her a moment, wide eyed. Her hair was down and
hung about her shoulders in all it’s untamed glory. The blouse she wore was
unbuttoned a few buttons down to her bodice once more showing her cleavage off
rather attractively, and there was a red flush color to her cheeks. That was a
tell tale sign of drink right off, not to mention the somewhat glazed look in
her eyes.

           
“Commodore James Norrington . . . I presume.” She said reaching up
and swiping the hair back that had fallen over her face, somewhat out of breath
from singing and drinking then trying to walk about while acting normally.
“Aren’t you looking, very military and officer like today.” She said
swallowing the dry feeling in her throat still holding on to her bedpost.

           
“You’re drunk.” He stated in utter disbelief.

           
Heather starred at him for a moment then reached up pushing him aside,
“Did you have to attend a special school for them to teach you how to spot
that, Commodore.” She said moving to the door snatching a full bottle away
from her maid and handing the empty one to her. Quickly the maid curtseyed and
ran off. “Or is it something you learned on your own and just never told
anyone how you figured it out.” She said pulling the cork on the bottle and
leaning against the wall as she took a long drink.

           
James could hardly believe it. She wasn’t even using a glass, she was
taking it straight from the bottle as if she was nothing more then a common bar
wench, or even . . . a pirate. Wiping her mouth on the back of her wrist she
held it out offering him a drink and he leaned back in disgust. She rolled her
eyes and started to walk past him again.

           
“Do you know what I hate the most about men?” She said as she started
to stumble again. James moved and grabbed her arm to keep her from falling as
she regained her footing. Heather raised her hand a bit to let him know she was
fine and could do it on her own. “I hate the way that they are shocked when
they find that women are capable of drinking . . . just as much as they are.”
She said sitting down on her couch.

           
“You are supposed to be above that sort of thing, Heather.” James
said watching her as she took another long drink from the bottle. He couldn’t
stand it any more and walked over taking the bottle from her. Smelling the
spirit he frowned, “Oh for heaven’s sake! This is rum!” He shouted.

           
“Very good . . .” Heather praised mockingly as she clapped for him.
“Any other hidden talents I should know about my future husband?” She
questioned.

           
“I should take you over my knee for this.” He threatened angrily.

           
Heather shrugged, “There’s a window over there, you could throw me
out of it if you’d like. My mother would more then likely applaud you for
it.” She said crossing her arms leaning back on the couch. James looked at
Heather darkly as he pushed the cork back in the bottle putting it aside.

           
“Where is your mother?” James said sternly.

           
“She’s gone to my cousin’s. Under the rouse of finding a suitable
place for the wedding to be held.” Heather responded laying her head back
closing her eyes.

           
“What do you mean, ‘rouse’?”

           
“If there wasn’t a wedding going on now, she would have found some
other reason to take 2 or 3 days to be away now. She does every year. If you
really must know, which I suppose you do.” Her eyes opened as she starred at
him, “And if I didn’t tell you I have no doubt you would have cornered one
of my maids again and made them cry until they came out with the truth of it.”

           
James looked as though he had been caught after he had asked about the
clothing he had found her wearing the one day. Although he found it strange that
the maid had really been so upset about it. He hadn’t been as cruel as all
that. “Why?”

           
“I don’t wish to discuss this further, and I don’t think it’s
proper for you to be in my room unchaporoned right now anyway. So please go away
and call some other time if you really find that you must Commodore.” She said
waving her hand toward the door.

           
James furrowed his brow. “No one drinks as much as I’m told you’ve
been drinking and stays on their feet, Heather.” He insisted.

           
“Oh no? Well observe with your own eyes and be impressed Commodore. I
can hold my own just as well as anyone.” She said straightening out her
skirts. “If that is something that impresses you.”

           
“Just how long have you been drinking this way?” He questioned.

           
“Long enough apparently to be able to hold enough to make you look at
me as though I’m a oddity.” She looked at James. “I don’t do it often,
but if it is something that truly bothers you then . . .”

           
“Heather . . . who exactly was your father.” Norrington said
seriously.

           
Heather looked up at him darkly before looking away. “You know who my
father was. Why are you asking me daft questions, Commodore. Is it because I’m
drunk and your playing games with me?” She questioned swiping the hair back
from her face.

           
James moved closer and kneeled down in front of her seizing her shoulders
looking into her eyes. “Heather . . . there is more to this story then you and
your mother are letting on, and I want to know what it is. What is it that
you’re not telling me.”

           
“I’m not your wife yet, Commodore Norrington. I don’t see how you
think you can order me to do anything.” She said reaching up to push his arms
away from her. Yet he held steady. Her struggles were somewhat pathetic with her
balance as rum soaked as it was. “If you TRULY want to know who my father was
then ask my mother!” She shouted. James sighed and looked down before looking
up at her. “My parents never slept in the same room that I can remember!”

           
Norrington didn’t mean for that, his asking her was for other
intentions. It didn’t cross his mind that it was a painful memory for her.
“Heather I’m sorry, I didn’t mean . . .” Suddenly a hand came across his
face stopping his words cold. He didn’t say anything, truthfully he felt he
deserved it.

           
“Are you happy now? There isn’t a decent or respectable thing about
me. Isn’t it funny? My father died the day before my birthday, and I was
convinced it was my fault when I was a little girl. Every since it’s these few
days my mother disappears and leaves me to myself to deal with it however I see
fit, as long as she doesn’t have to watch.” Now her anger was getting the
best of her, “Congratulations Commodore, you’ve uncovered the great secret
of why my mother couldn’t pass me off at a pirates bride auction.”

           
Norrington didn’t quite know what to say to her. There were volumes of
damage here, and how she had come by her view on marriage seemed to have become
clear. Heather looked around feeling exhausted all of a sudden. “You
shouldn’t even be here Commodore, leave me and go back to your ships and your
men.” She said standing from the couch. He started to reach over to help her
up but she smacked his hands away. “I am able to tend to myself thank you very
much!” She said.

           
Heather started to walk across towards the door but stumbled a bit, and
instead fell flat on her bed. Norrington hurried over to see that she was
alright, only to find that she was passed out stone cold.

           
The Commodore sighed looking at her. She really was beautiful, and even
now she looked charming. He gently swiped the hair back out of her face that was
obstructing his view and gazed at her a few more seconds. “We’re still going
to be married Heather.” He said softly as he looked down at her pulling a
light blanket over her to keep her warm. “But maybe we can throw a wrench or
two in your mothers works, hmm?”

 

Private Parties

           
Heather felt a bit ill as she came down the stairs holding on to the
banister. She’d just woken up and her head was taking out it’s displeasure
about her drinking binge on her skull. She was a bit hungry however, her
hangovers were usually short lived and only consisted of a headache, her stomach
was usually unaffected.

           
It was strange, she could swear she could smell wonderful aroma’s
coming from the dining room. But she hadn’t instructed anyone to cook
anything. She wasn’t even sure if it was a proper mealtime or not. Walking
towards the large double doors, she could smell other wonderful foods that only
tantalized her more. Perhaps her mother had returned early for once and was
planning some horrible event that she would have to attend and hadn’t bothered
to inform her of it yet.

           
Slowly, she pulled one of the doors open and stepped inside to find the
table set beautifully with every single one of her favorite foods prepared
perfectly. There was fine china on the table, crystal glassware, and silverware
that glistened in the candlelight. There were wrapped gifts scattered about here
and there about the table and about the room and the entire place was decorated
to the nines. She’d never seen the room so beautiful.

           
Approaching the table in awe she started to reach towards one of the
sparkling glasses, but she didn’t dare touch it and drew her hand back.
Everything was so breathtaking. It was like a fairytale or a dream. “Good
Evening, Heather.” She turned around and saw James standing on the other side
of the room with a soft smile. Something told her that he was behind this and
she felt a little awkward having been caught trying to touch something on the
table at all.

           
“Good evening, Commodore Norrington.” She responded softly. He smiled
finding that she was polite in her response and not already throwing down the
gauntlet for a fight. Her eyes looked around the room a moment. “May I inquire
as to the occasion?” She questioned.

           
“Your birthday.” He responded. Heather blinked a little starring at
James as her eyes went a little wide finding that all of this was for her. “I
thought it would be nice, if it was just you and I this evening. I hope you
don’t mind.” He added.

           
“My birthday?” She said again in awe. It had been a long time since
anything was done to celebrate her birthday. Since anyone really wanted to
remember it. Looking down at herself she felt a little nervous, “I’m not
really  . . . dressed for it.” She said wishing she had worn
a different dress and perhaps put her hair up.

           
James smiled and walked over, “I think you look lovely.” He
complimented as he pulled out her chair for her. Heather starred at him for
several moments, and James smiled at her. Slowly, Heather took her seat and
James moved to sit down with her.

           
Her eyes moved about the room curiously, “Are all these gifts for
me?” She asked looking back at James.

           
Norrington reached for one, “Lets see.” Picking it up he looked at
the tag, “Heather.” He said reading the name handing it to her. “Yes I
believe they are.” He said smiling seeing her reaction. She took it slowly and
opened it glancing at him wide eyed like a child who had just woken up Christmas
morning to all sorts of wonders and surprises.

           
Reaching for his glass he took a sip of his wine and just enjoyed
watching her open her presents. You would think she’d never received one in
her entire life. It wasn’t really the gifts themselves, but the fact they were
given to her in honor of her birthday that was what made them special perhaps.

           
Later that evening, James noticed it was getting late and Heather
anxiously stood to see him to the door. Needless to say, the commodore noticed
this change in her manner, she had never done this before.

           
As Heather walked with him she had her hands folded before her. “I had
a lovely evening, Commodore Norrington. I don’t think I can remember ever
having enjoyed myself so much.” She said not quite looking towards him.

           
“It was my pleasure.” She stood with him quietly as he dawned his
coat and hat almost as if she wasn’t sure what else to say. “Will you give
your mother my regards?” He said.

           
“Of course. She will be pleased to know that you called while she was
away.” Heather responded. But it didn’t seem like what she had wanted to
say. James smiled and opened the door stepping out.

           
Quickly Heather grabbed the door opening it, “Commodore!” She called.
He stopped and turned towards her. She paused a moment, “I think perhaps I may
have misjudged you.” She said quickly.

           
James looked at her a moment not entirely sure if she was playing her
usual game of cat and mouse or not. “Oh?” He questioned. He couldn’t help
but feel a little hopeful. She was almost human tonight. A sweet gentle
disposition about her, very approachable and much easier to simply speak with.

           
Heather hesitated for another moment, “Would you . . . call on me
again?” She requested. That was certainly not a push in the wrong direction.
For once she wasn’t trying to get rid of him, she actually asked him to come
back.

           
James couldn’t help the small smile that crossed his lips, “Of
course.”

           
Heather blushed a little as a small smile found its way to her lips as
well, “Goodnight Commodore Norrington.” She said softly as she quickly
stepped back inside closing the door.

 

Strange Behavior

           
Heather sat at the window in her room looking out with her head in her
hand just starring down at the road. Her mother knocked on her door but she
didn’t answer so she simply entered.

           
“Honestly. You can’t just live your entire life locked away in your
room waiting for your wedding day Heather.” She scolded. “You must come out
of here at least every now and then. Stop hiding away like your some prisoner.
It’s not healthy for you.” She said walking over to her. “How many times
must I make this speech? The Commodore is not some horrible man you know. He’s
the best that there is to be had, you could show a little bit of gratitude that
I managed to find such a wonderful pairing for you instead of acting as though
I’m trying to send you off with some pirate.”

           
Heather didn’t move from where she was and sighed. Her mother rolled
her eyes and moved closer. “Oh Heather. You must learn to try and be happy. A
girls wedding is supposed to be the happiest day of her life, not something to
be dreaded. And you should be excited about . . . .” Suddenly she heard the
door of Heather’s room fling open and hit the wall. Turning around she found
herself quite alone. “Heather?” She questioned.

           
Walking to the door she looked down the hall to see Heather at a dead run
lifting her skirts so her feet wouldn’t get tangled as she ran down the
stairs. “Heather?” She called again. Lady Margaret followed down the hall to
see where she was running in such an unlady like way. When she reached the top
of the stairs she found Heather at the front door waiting with her hand over the
handle for the knock that immediately followed.

           
Instantly she opened the door and she smiled, as Norrington stood at the
door stepping inside removing his hat. “What’s this? Are all the maids on
holiday?” He questioned.

           
“I’ve been told that you’ve had some bad luck with our maids. I
thought I would give you one day of peace when it came to entering our home.”
She said as she closed the door behind him. Lady Margaret arched her brow as she
rested her hand on her hip not sure exactly what she was witnessing.

           
“You seem to be in a somewhat chipper mood today. Did someone die?”
Norrington said slyly giving her a look knowing her usual attitude when he came
around.

           
“No.” She said, “But the day isn’t over yet, is it.” She
answered back to his remark not wanting to disappoint him if he truly wanted to
start banter. However, it was clear that both were being playful and not
spiteful as was the usual custom and it sent her mother even more for a loop as
she watched the two smiling at each other with genuine smiles.

           
Norrington caught movement out of the corner of his eye and looked up to
see Heather’s mother and smiled, “Good afternoon Lady Margaret. I hope it is
alright that I call today?” He asked.

           
“Of course, Commodore Norrington. Your always welcome.” She said as
she began to descend the stairs. “You’ll stay to dinner, yes?” James gave
a nod. “I’m so pleased that you chose to stop by today. There are some
wedding plans I would like to discuss with you.”

           
“What a coquenceidence. There are some I would like to discuss
myself.” Heather looked at James when he said this not sure what was going on,
but it sounded as though there was something large and wasn’t sure what it
might be.