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A Highwayman Came Riding: Chpt 4
A Highwayman Came Riding
Chapter 4: Her Mantle So Green
Notes: James Norrington is reinstated as a R.N. Captain, but he regrets his failure to marry after the loss of Elizabeth. By chance, he decides to take mysterious and dangerous Scottish woman his wife . A highwayman is also on the loose. Can he get the girl and snag the mysterious thief that's haunting Port Royal?
Pairing: Norrington/ OFC
Post: POTC
Rating: M
As I went out walking one morning in June,
To view the fair fields and the valleys in bloom,
I spied a pretty fair maid she appeared like a queen
With her costly fine robes and her mantle so green.
Says I, "My pretty fair maid, won't you come with me
We'll both join in wedlock, and married we'll be,
I'll dress you in fine linen, you'll appear like a queen,
With your costly fine robes and your mantle so green..."
He had awoken to what he thought was a strange dream and then he saw shinning handle of a flintlock pistol on his nightstand. Remembering how he had pulled her roughly and impulsively to him as he sat atop his horse, he brought his fingers gently to his lips. Her burning kiss still lingering there.
“Good God,” he murmured to himself as sat upright in his bed. He had acted very unlike himself with such a rash kiss. He cringed-- this was an act of pronounced change in his character. He was no longer the consummate gentleman that he had been before the hurricane, Tortuga had changed him... or maybe it was Elizabeth that had changed him.
With young Elizabeth Swann he phrased every word carefully, ever gesture had thought and meaning, but with Norah-- it was as if he didn't have time to think! Her actions were quick and her words bold. She did not allow for slow graces or gentle caresses. She had entered his house last night, tied up his valet, held him at gun point and now demanded he go through with a sham marriage.
Rubbing his forehead, he abandon his bed and night clothes and began to dress. Perhaps not completely a sham marriage, she had promised him a wedding night; there could be no meaning lost in her words which held heavy innuendo. There marriage would be legitimate in every way and quite possibly produce heirs. He paused as he buttoned his waistcoat and smiled; he had always wanted children and now there was a very real possibility that he would have one and if it was pleasurable... many.
But she didn't love him and he didn't love her. Not that he was naďve enough to believe that marriage had anything to do with love. Most marriages in England were formed for purely financial and social gain. Also, he had known that Elizabeth didn't love him when he proposed to her or excepted her bargain on the ship when he saved Will. Love certainly hadn't mattered then because he figured that love would follow. It didn't. He didn't even make it to the alter before his marriage crumbled, would this time be any different? Yes, she said that she wanted this marriage to release her from a bond made by her father and there was a certain physical attraction between them-- he was sure she felt it as well.
Yes, it was so! He was actually excited about the proposition of marrying Lady Cunningham. He smiled as he put on his coat. He wished to be married and she was beautiful, wealthy, connected and intelligent. Maybe a little hot headed, but she'd soften with marriage, he was sure. Looking in a silvered mirror, he adjusted his wig and frowned. Suddenly, he became aware that he looked old and dull-- what could this Scottish beauty see in him? Age lines framed his lips, his brow was tanned by years at sea and thin lines of gray streaked his once dark hair. James positioned his hat on his head and suppressed his initial excitement. Better not to get his hopes up.
“By this time, she's probably, changed her mind,” he said to himself as he dusted off his lapel.
Abruptly turning on his heel, he decided he would definitely subdue his feelings towards her as he was sure they would not be returned.
****************
As soon as James was welcomed into the hall, he was pounced on by Norah.
“James!” She said smiling widely as she rapidly descended the main stairwell with haste and rushed to his side. Her thin body wrapped in luscious green silks, her eyes wide and glowing in the afternoon sunlight of the hall.
She grabbed his hand tightly, “How are you?” She asked leaning her head to the side, as if she wanted to say more.
“I'm well Lady Cunningham.” James offered stiffly.
“Good! Good!” Then shooing away the old butler, she pulled the Captain to a small room off of the main hall. She shut the doors. “There, that's better.” Then brushing down her skirts, “Still ready for our bargain? My father is in his study.”
“I gave you my word last night. I intend to keep it.” James offered trying to act more civilized than he did the previous evening.
“Aye, and a bonny kiss, if I remember right?” She smiled mischievously and the Captain blushed.
“That was... uncalled for. I offer my sincere apologies, madam.”
Norah laughed. “Who is this?” She asked, flicking his hat askew. “That's better. You're completely too proper this morning, Jamie.” Then laughing, “I held you at gun point, I think I can beget you a kiss.”
James looked at her seriously as he centered his tricone. “Are you sure this marriage is what wish? If I speak to your father today than it's a done deal, Norah; no going back.”
“Aye, I wish it.” Norah said extending her hand. “No going back.” He clasped hers tightly. “But you best understand I will be your wife. Not your maid, not your servant, and certainly not your slave.” She added. “I expect to be treated with respect and consulted in all household affairs.”
“Agreed.” Norrington nodded. “And I will be your husband. Not a man to be manipulated with violence and... not a man beneath your class.” His eyes burned her. “I shall treat my wife as an equal, Norah and that respect must be returned.”
Norah flushed, remembering her snobbish words last night and gripped his hand tightly to convey her sincerity. “Agreed.”
“And...” He paused, voice low as he released her hand. “And I wish for children... in time.”
She gazed on him what felt like an eternity and he felt his face grow hot. “Aye. Children... in time. Now where's my father pistol?”
It seemed that everything had been agreed upon and unbuttoning his waistcoat, he withdrew the firearm from his waistband.
“This is highly inappropriate in several ways.” He noted sternly.
“But Jamie, t'were soon to be engaged!” A smile laughing on her lips as she slipped the warm pistol beneath her skirts.
A hand on his hip, “Where are you putting that?” He whispered hotly, enjoying the inappropriate glimpse at her shapely legs.
“You'll have to wait 'til our wedding night to learn all my tricks, laddie.” She answered and winked. His fingers grasped tightly around her bicep and he wasn't sure what he intended to do when they were suddenly interrupted.
“Captain Norrington,” called the butler.
His hand instantly dropped to his side.
“Well, go on,” she gave him a slight push. “But give me a few extra minutes to get this back, alright?”
Norrington huffed, and turning on his heel, left to be escorted to Lord Cunningham's study.
“Bring him in.” A rough voice commanded from behind a set of gilded doors.
“This way, sir,” bowed a footman, as James Norrington entered the lavish study of Lord Cunningham.
Then the butler called out, “Captain James Norrington.”
A small, dark man looked up from his papers. “Well, this is a surprise.” Then standing, he moved from behind his desk, “Captain Norrington.” He said his names as his dark eyes made quick study of the younger man before him. “Is there trouble at the fort?”
“No, sir. I have come on personal business.”
Black eyes shrewd, “Personal business?” His dark demeanor faded to calm. “Well, this is a surprise. I'm not sure what I can do for you, but I'm happy to meet with an officer of His Majesty's Navy. Especially one I've heard so many wonderful, if not fanciful sea tales about.”
James pressed his lips tight, hoping the man hadn't heard too many rumors about his encounter with a ghost ship. “Thank you, sir.”
“Please have a seat.” He drew forth a chair opposite his desk and walked towards the decanter. “Brandy, Norrington?” And then he paused, asking over his shoulder, “Or rum?”
James inwardly cringed hoping the Earl especially hadn't heard about his time in Tortuga. A period in his life when there was never enough rum. “Brandy, sir.” Norrington answered firmly.
The crystal clinked as he pour forth the amber liquid. “Now what is this about, Captain?”
The Scottish Earl wore a red silk waistcoat and buff trousers; his head covered with a rough periwig. So far, James liked his unpretentious appearance, however, that might be about to change.
Passing the younger man a sniffer of brandy, “Go on.” He insisted.
James took a large gulp of air, his knuckles white on the brim of his hat. “Sir, I've come about your daughter.”
The Earl took a deep sigh and then sip of his brandy. “What has she done this time?”
“Well, ummm....” James really wished he'd thought a bit more about his approach on the topic of matrimony before he'd come into the Earl's home. “It's nothing she has done, sir.” Then setting down his glass on the man's desk, he mustered his courage.
“Rather, I have come to ask you for Lady Cunningham's hand in marriage.”
The old Earl lifted a shaggy eye brow. Then in a booming voice directed to the door. “You may as well come in Norah! I know you're listening through the door.”
The gilded doors pushed open and Norah softly entered. Her bravado of earlier now quietly contained beneath the guise of a polished, aristocratic woman.
Then looking at Norrington, the Earl added, “She has no dowry.”
“I do not wish to marry her for her dowry, sir.” Norrington answered quickly.
“I do have a dowry, Captain Norrington.” Apparently the guise of dutiful daughter for her to maintain.
The Earl's shrewd black eyes narrowed on Norah. “Are you with child?”
Norrington's jaw tightened, fingers brushing the hilt of his sword.
“Oh, papa, do stop!” Norah rolled her eyes as she sat in the chair besides James. Touching his hand, she reassured him with a gentle smile. “We had the benefit of an introduction last week at Mrs. Bennett's home and realized that we have a great deal in common.”
“You can take your hand from your sword, Captain.” The Earl said, resting a hand on his hip and turning his attention back to Norrington. “I'm not questioning your honor, sir or why you'd wish to marry my daughter. She's wealthy, beautiful and well connected and if I can be blunt, I can not imagine why she would wish to marry a sea captain of modest means and no few connections.”
“For love, papa!” Norah spoke before James had a chance to intervene.
The Earl rolled his eyes as he sat at his desk. “Ah, yes... For love.”
“You never said that I couldn't marry for love.”
His eyes hard on his daughter. “You're right, Norah. I never said you couldn't marry for love.... So tell me Norrington, where do your people come from?”
James suppressed his now growing dislike for the man before him. “My father, John Norrington is a shipping merchant in Bristol, my eldest brother, Charles is in business with him. My second brother, Peter is a priest and has the support of Lady Catherine de Montague at the parish church of Berwick-on-Tweed. My mother passed away several years ago, but she was the daughter of Sir William and Lady Anne Westerly of Chorely.”
“Then you are the youngest?”
“Yes. Sent into service when I twelve. I made the passage to Jamaica ten years ago as a Lieutenant when I two and twenty.”
“With Governor Swann and his daughter. Yes, your name is not unfamiliar Norrington. Governor Swann has spoken very highly of you and I wouldn't be surprised if you name is soon to move up the lists.”
The Earl stood and poured a second glass of brandy. “What I fail to understand, Captain and I'll put the question to you exactly as I did to Swann -- You were made Commodore here three years ago and shortly after resigned your commission. Why?”
Norrington's expression was unblinking. “My company suffered a terrible loss in a hurricane. Nearly two hundred men dead, the rest of my crew barely survived; only those of us that could swim and avoid drowning and shark attack were rescued...”
James looked down at his shoes. “One hundred and eight nine souls lost in one day, it was difficult to bear.”
Norah took his hand and squeezed it. Her touch was an unexpected gesture, returning him to the present.
“I would have readily given my life for them sir, but it was not the sea's time to take me. It was a horrible guilt to live with and when I returned to health at Port Royal, I decided that I was not fit for service with such a weight on my conscious and my soul.”
Lord Cunningham's eyes were as dark as his daughter's. “You know I sit on the Admiralty board, Captain. I remember your letter well, and yet you did write for reinstatement nearly a year later? It was most unusual.”
“Yes. With the support of Governor Swann.”
“You saved his daughter and her husband from pirates and outed Lord Beckett's abuse of the law.”
James nodded humbly, “I played my part, sir. The Governor and his daughter were greatly wronged. The Old Bailey has since carried out justice to Beckett and I am glad that I have helped restore liberty to the peoples of Port Royal as well as to the proper stewards of this colony.”
Lord Cunningham, “Yes, Beckett quite overstepped his bounds.” Then black eyes looking up. “Never much liked the little prick myself.”
James couldn't help but smile.
“Good service to the crown always redeems a man, but tell me...” Crossing his hands in front of him, the Earl looked to Norah. “As I established earlier, my daughter has much to offer you, but what have you to offer her?”
A broken heart, a fragile ego, a tattered soul...
“I am a Post Captain, I have a town home and servants; a fair amount prize money. I am respected in the community and believe she will live comfortably... And as Miss Cunningham said...” He added quietly, “I am in love with her.”
The Earl sighed and mumbled something under his breath about 'children today'. “Well, Norah. There shall be no going back from this. Is he what you want? This Englishman?”
“Aye, he shall make a fine husband.” She looked upon him and smiled; dark eyes glittering with sincerity.
James felt his heart warm.
Cunningham studied the younger man closely.
“Very well.” The Earl stood and extended his hand, “I except your offer to marry my daughter.”
The shook hands, “Thank you sir.”
“Banns should will be read this Sunday and a small service held here in another week.”
It was surprise blow that hit James hard, he hadn't expected to be wed so soon. He physically blanched.
“Captain Norrington, might you join me for some shooting tomorrow after tea? I have a fine new set of pistols that I am eager to test.”
“Of course, sir,” He bowed.
“Norah, see the Captain to the door.”
“Yes, papa.”
As soon as they were in the hall alone, Norah spoke breaking the awkward silence. “That went well.”
“I think so.” James said, eyes distant, and then, “Your Scottish brogue has diminished quite a bit since you were holding my hostage.” Then turning his green eyes on her. “You're quite the actress.”
Norah's cheek's burn, “I find that I'm a bit more intimidating when I break into my Scots dialect. It's not an act James. Just another side of me that doesn't get out much anymore.” She added wistfully.
James wondered what that meant, but couldn't think of how to ask politely.
“And I am not the only actor here!” Norah continued. “You were quite convincing in there declaring your love for me. Although I must admit, I am easy to love.” She smiled confidently.
“Did I declare my love for you? I thought I was declaring a love for your money.”
“Jamie!” She slapped his arm.
He smiled, alighting his green eyes and playfully rubbed his bicep. Norah found his rare smile endearing.
“It's James and Miss Cunningham, our deal with the devil is done.”
“Aye. If that's how your choose to look on marriage to me, Captain.”
They were now standing on the front drive as his horse was presented to him. He took the reigns and then turned back to Norah. He bowed formerly and kissed her hand. “Good afternoon, my she-devil!”
As he mounted the horse, she questioned, “If I were a she devil, I'd wear red.”
“Don't. Your mantle of green suits you.”
She smiled like a cat in cream and commanded, “Lean forward.” For some unknown reason, he did as she bid him.
“We need a proper love token amongst us.” She said and stroked his jaw wistfully.
His green eyes studied her deeply, “Agreed.” Thinking she wished to kiss him, he leaned forward, eyes fluttering closed.
“Here,” she caught the lapel of jacket and taking her golden brooch quickly from her green silks; she roughly pinned it to the breast of his frock coat. Then pushing him upright, she analyzed her work. “There, that's fine. And it will be hidden beneath your coat.”
Eyes opening, his fingers fluttered to gift. “A brooch?” He replied with dull surprise-- not quite the gift he was expecting.
“A Luckenbooth. A Scottish gift for her English intended.” Norah stepped back and studied his lean frame; her golden love token gleaning in the setting sun of Jamaica. “If you truly love me James, you'll ne'er take it off.” She added seriously.
He put hand his hand over the brooch, and the needle pricked his finger. “Mmm... I shall consider that request. Good-day, my lady.” Then kicking the flanks of his horse, he was gone.
“Goodnight, Captain Norrington!” She called after him as his horse kicked up dust and galloped into the sunset.
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