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A Marriage To A Fine Woman	By : MarianTheBlackadder Category: Pirates of the Caribbean (All) > Het - Male/Female Views: 9674 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own the Pirates of the Caribbean movie series, nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
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A Future to Consider

            “It’s been almost 19 months since your engagement to Elizabeth Swann was rejected, James. She’s married to Will Turner and there is absolutely no chance that she’s going to come back to you.” Admiral Norrington starred at his friend with a most unappreciative look on his face.

            “Well thank you for that most informative update Geoffrey. Do you keep your calendar by my failure to marry, or simply by the level of humiliation and distress certain events in my life happen to afford me? Because if so, you forgot when my father died, when Jack Sparrow escaped his date with the hangmen’s noose and when I lost my commission for my failure to recapture him.”

            Geoffrey looked a bit sheepish that he had just embarrassed his friend by bringing up the obviously still painful memory in his life, but it seemed he had a reason for doing so. “I’m just sayin’, that its time you thought about moving on and taking a wife. Arranging yourself a marriage and starting yourself a family.”

            James sighed, “I’ve actually already done that.” He said pausing a moment thinking about the efforts he had been making in that area.

            “Really?” Geoffrey said a little surprised to hear the news. “You’re engaged?”

            “Actually, I should say I’ve nearly accomplished it. I’m still in negotiations with her father. But I suspect that all the arrangements will be in order and we will be set to marry by the end of the month.” He looked at his friend.

            The man smiled and clapped James on the shoulder, “That’s great! Here I was thinking I would have to persuade you and had a long speech prepared. Well done!” Norrington arched a brow at his friend’s confession before they continued on their way.

            Later that evening as the two men were sitting down to a large meal at a dinner house, Geoffrey wanted to know more about his friends soon-to-be-bride. “Tell me about this arrangement you’re currently working on, James. Does she come from a good family?” He inquired.

            James took a sip of his wine. “One of the best in London. I believe you’ve heard of them, the Bartley family.” He said picking up his knife and fork. Geoffrey stopped chewing and dropped his fork starring wide eyed at James.

            “The same Bartley’s that own over half the shipping yards in Scotland, and . . . half of London?” The Admiral thought a moment not sure if that was completely accurate but for the sake of argument over dinner her just nodded and continued to eat. “Does she have a sister?” Were the only words he seemed to be able to muster.

            James shook his head, “She’s an only child.” Taking another bite. “I’ve gotten to know her father quite well over the past year and apparently he’s taken a shine to me. I think he had rather hoped that I would ask for her hand.”

            “Well what does she look like? Is she beautiful? Tall? Short? Fat? Thin?” His friend questioned wanting to know more detail about this girl becoming more interested by the second.

            “I’ve no idea, I’ve never seen her.” James said taking another sip of wine before taking another bite, not seeming to concerned about it.

            “Excuse me?” Geoffrey said not sure if he heard right.

            “I haven’t actually met her yet. It seems that she has grown up in a convent since the day she was born. Her mother died and her father, not really knowing how to raise a young lady on his own and working all the time thought it would be best that she be raised properly in a place where she would be looked after.”

            Geoffrey seemed a little stunned for a moment then he shrugged slightly picking up his own glass of wine, “I suppose it doesn’t really matter, with a dowry like hers, she could be as ugly as the backside of a horse and anyone would take her in a heart beat.”

            James was irritated at that remark somewhat and lowered his fork to his plate with an annoyed sigh, “I don’t care about that Geoffrey that’s not what this marriage is for or about. I’m a mature man, and as you were saying earlier in the day its well past time in life I started a family. Her dowry is of little consequence.”

            “Then why does it seem you are the only suitor she has? Answer me that? She is one of the richest women in all of England but you don’t seem to have had any competition at all, and her father almost seemed anxious to have you take her for your wife?” Geoffrey said suspiciously.

            “I hadn’t really thought about it, and it really doesn’t matter at this point. Perhaps the reason is, it’s a bit hard to gain suitors when you are the resident of a convent. Not many men go seeking someone to court in such a place.”

            “You did.”

            “I did not, her father and I became friends and then the subject of his daughter just sort of came up and then . . .” He sighed, “Can we please move on to something else or just stop talking all together?” Geoffrey raised his hand in surrender. “Thank you.”

Betrothed

            James stood in the library with Walter Bartley having a glass of chary as they spoke. Walter was quite pleased, “You know, I had hoped that you would ask me this, James. It would please me to know that my daughter would have someone like you to look after her when I’m gone.”

            “I can assure you sir that I would take excellent care of her if you would give me her hand in matrimony.” James insisted, not having been given an answer yet still feeling he needed to make his case. “I’m certain that she would make a lovely wife, after how highly you’ve spoken of her.”

            “Yes, but James. Would you be patient with her? After all, she has lived in a convent all of her life and she’s not exactly aware of worldly things as you and I are. There will be many new things to her, you would have to introduce her to quite a few of them.

            The Admiral seemed a little surprised and not quite sure of what he meant by that, “Of course. I would be every bit of understanding with her, knowing of her background.” He assured him.

            Walter smiled, “I knew you would be. That’s why I decided a while ago that I would be honored to give my daughter to you as your bride.” James smiled now having his answer. Lord Bartley smiled raising his glass. “To your happiness.”

            James raised his as well, “Thank you sir.”

The Big Day

            Geoffrey stood with Norrington as they waited for the wedding to start in their dress uniforms. Of course since he was James best friend he had asked Geoffrey to be his best man. “Well? Is she beautiful?”

            James sighed and rolled his eyes, “I don’t know.” He said his nerves a bit on edge as he could hear the music playing through the door in the main hall of the church. Geoffrey looked at him.

            “You’re joking. You STILL haven’t seen her?” He said in disbelief.

            Norrington turned and looked him square in the eyes so Geoffrey could see just how on edge he was and spoke to him very clearly, “I shall see her in exactly half an hour when I raise her veil and so shall you so your question will finally be answered and you can STOP ASKING ME.” He narrowed his eyes, “Can you wait that long?”

            Geoffrey looked at him still a little shocked, “But you’ve been betrothed for six months? Haven’t you met her at least once? Hasn’t her father arranged a meeting of some sort?” He questioned.

            “No.” Norrington said rolling his eyes wishing his friend would acquire some sort of ailment that would last the next hour so he couldn’t speak. “Today, after the wedding will be the first time in her life she has left the convent. Ever. Since I am not family I have not been allowed to see her.” He looked at his friend with an unfriendly smile, “Welcome to the strictest convent in the so called civilized world.” Before Geoffrey could say anything else, the door opened and the priest motioned for them to come in and take their places.

            As the wedding progressed and all the vows were exchanged, Norrington placed the ring on the young lady’s finger. When he did so, he realized that she was exactly that. A YOUNG lady. How young was unclear, for you couldn’t determine someone’s age just by looking at their hand. Finally came the words announcing that they were man and wife, and permission was given that James could kiss his bride.

            Strangely enough, he found himself hesitating to raise her veil. His eyes moved to her hand again, seeing how young and fresh it looked realizing he had never exsactly taken into mind how old she might be. Then, he felt breath on his neck that caused him to furrow his brow as he looked over seeing his best man, Geoffrey leaning over his shoulder wanting to get a good look when James raised the veil. After a moment, Geoffrey realized that he was being starred at and looked at Norrington seeing by the look on his face that the Admiral thought he was being extremely rude indeed. “Sorry.” As the best man remembered what manners where and stepped back.

            “You may kiss your bride?” The Priest repeated considering the extremely long time it was taking him to do as was tradition. James glanced over to see that her fathers smile was starting to fade and he realized that he had better quickly finish the marriage or life as he knew it was going to come to an end. Reaching up he took the edge of the rather thick veil and raised it quickly, almost as if feeling that if he went slowly he’d lose courage all together.

            Norrington was frozen in place as he starred at her for a moment unable to move or release her veil. She was beautiful; there was no doubt about it. She had dark hair, a fair complexion, the most gorgeous green eyes that seemed to sparkle with no aid from any light at all, and a rose color to her lips that couldn’t be described with any other word but roses. Yet his first assessment of her hands was correct . . .she was extremely young. She couldn’t be more then 14 or 15 tops. Realizing once again he seemed to be dragging things out longer then necessary, and the fact that kissed or not they were indeed married and there was no going back now he quickly leaned forward and placed a kiss on her lips.

            It was a sort brief one. That perhaps one would give their mother or sister. Realizing that perhaps her on looking father would take that the wrong way, he quickly reached up cupping her face and gave her another more lingering kiss, one that might be more appropriate for confirming wedding vows. Then everyone in attendance clapped and began to congratulate the new couple. Norrington took the young woman’s hand as they turned towards the crowd and smiled at their guests even though his mind seemed to be slightly numb. He hadn’t expected her to be so young.

            Geoffrey leaned over and whispered in his ear, “You lucked out old boy, she’s gorgeous!” He said clapping as well. Norrington wished he could punch him or at least give him a whack to make him shut up but it would be inappropriate with all the on lookers and didn’t even give him a glance.

            The one he did glance at however was the young girl at his side. Clutching the bouquet of flowers that she held tight looking a little frightened at everything that was happening around her. Yet Norrington kept his smile and began to accept the congratulations that came with each approaching guest.

Reception

            After a few hours and guests started to leave, Geoffrey made his way over to James and clasped him on the back. “Well you sure dodged a bullet with that one! Dowry of the Gods and the face of an angel! How does one man get so lucky?” He said with a grin.

            Norrington took a drink from his wine glass, “I don’t suppose you noticed how young she is?” He stated looking across the yard where she was thanking someone for the gift that they had brought. It seemed so hard for her to speak to them, but she did it nonetheless with a smile and grace.

            “What of it?” Geoffrey said looking at her as well.

            “Nothing . . . I suppose. ” He said seeming still surprised at how old she was. For some reason he had assumed that she would be older.

            “She’s of child baring age, and just look at her. Absolutely beautiful. ” He looked at his friend. “Are you bothered by this?”

            Norrington thought about it for a moment, really thinking about it. “I suppose I’m not. After all we are wed now she and I. It simply never occurred to me to ask her age and I wasn’t prepared for it.”

            Geoffrey smiled, “I can’t help but envy you. It seems like you get all the luck in life.” He looked at the young woman, “Congratulations again, Chap.”

Wisped Away

            It was a deathly quiet carriage ride to Norrington’s estate from the wedding reception. Not a word was exchanged and hardly even a glance. James eyes moved to the young woman every now and then who was quite lovely, one would have to be blind not to notice, especially dressed in her new attire that was not of the convent she was brought up in. Yet he hardly knew anything about her except what her father had said, and the sound of her voice was still a mystery to him putting aside the very few words that she had spoken in their marriage ceremony. He had learned that she was 15, but that was about the extent of the new information he had acquired.

            When they arrived at their new home, James exited the carriage first and then offered her his hand to help her down. She paused for a moment before timidly taking it and carefully stepping down as well. Then her eyes looked up at the enormous house that would be their home in wonder and awe. She’d never seen anything like it before in her life.

            “Are you alright?” The Admiral asked seeing the look in her eyes, noting how she seemed to clutch to her cloak slightly as if she had that feeling of nervousness that she felt at the wedding creep back over her being again. The young lady gave a brief smile and nodded before looking at the house again. James directed the servants to take their things into the house and see they were put into their proper places before taking his new bride inside.
            During the day, the young lady was allowed to explore the house by herself while the Admiral attended to other matters that needed attention. She did just that and explored every room of the house except those were the doors were locked, interested in seeing everything new that surrounded her even though it was a little frightening to be out in the world instead of safe behind the walls of the convent.
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A Marriage To A Fine Woman

Betrothed

The Big Day

Reception

Wisped Away