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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.

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Behind Blue Eyes


�What on earth is that?� James asked looking at the housekeeper. The
woman shrugged her shoulders a little bit not having an answer for her master.
He walked a little closer. �Well let me try it a little differently, what is
it doing here?�


�Uh . . . it came today with this. It�s addressed to Lady
Norrington.� She said holding up a letter. James took it and it indeed was
addressed to Aislinn. �It�s only just arrived, I�ve not been up to give it
to her yet.�


�I�ll take it to her myself.� James turned walking into the house
heading up the stairs to their room where Aislinn was apparently writing yet
another letter which was something that was taking up the majority of her time
as of late. Walking into the room he handed her the letter. �This just arrived
for you.�


Aislinn took it looking up at him a moment wondering what it was that it
would deliver it himself. Putting her quill down she broke the seal and opened
it. Suddenly she shot up from her seat, �My babies!� She said gathering her
skirts as she hurried out of the door.


�I�m sorry?� James said hardly sure if he heard that correctly. It
couldn�t have been what he thought. The Admiral followed after her down the
stairs but it seemed a fools errand to try and keep up with her, as she seemed
to have sprouted wings on her feet.


The young woman hurried down flinging the doors open to the outside, her
fingers quickly untying the covering and pulling it back off the delivery. James
walked over wondering what the big fuss was about and looked over Aislinn�s
shoulder. Opening the rather large box, she reached down inside and drew up a
small whimpering mass. The Admiral arched a brow. �What on earth?�


�Aren�t they beautiful?� She said with a smile. �Mother Superior
said that it was unfortunate about their mother. It was unlikely that she would
last long enough to raise them, she was very weak and ill from an attack from
another dog. She was afraid that when they were born, the convent wouldn�t
have enough money to care for so many. That it would be more humane to drowned
them. But since I was going away, and getting married, I asked her if she could
send them to me when they came and I would see that they were properly cared
for.�


James looked at her for a moment before looking into the box, �Aren�t
I glad to have gotten a say in the matter.� He mumbled slightly. He counted
five more, whimpering and moving about in the box.


Aislinn looked at him, �Please don�t be cross with me.� She begged,
�I didn�t want them to die, and . . . it seemed there was no other
alternative if I didn�t offer to bring them with me to my new home.� She
said afraid that he was very upset with her for this.


The Admiral sighed a little bit and looked at the young woman, �Well,
you happen to be in a bit of luck.� He said. �It just so happens that one of
my hunting dogs recently had a litter of puppies that were lost to the cold. So
far she�s been an excellent mother to the other puppies she�s had . . .
we�ll put them with her and see if she if she�ll take them in. Alright?�
The young ladies eyes lit up and a smile swept her face as she nodded eagerly.
�Lets get them inside then.�

Interesting Experiences


Geoffrey looked at his friend. �You really didn�t understand what I
meant when I said you were being far to understanding with her, did you
James.� He said after hearing everything Norrington had to say.


�Oh what are you going on about, of course I did, I took your
advice.�


�James, you let her turn your parlor into a dog nursery. Are you
seriously telling me that your not letting things get a bit out of hand?� He
questioned. �Letting her put stray flea infested mongrels with your prize
winning hounds?�


�Actually, they�re pure breeds of some sort and it was for only one
night. It was cold in the barn and they were only a few days old. It made a
decent amount of reasonable sense considering the last litter that particular
bitch had froze in the cold weather. I didn�t want to lose the dog, Aislinn
didn�t want to lose the puppies, it was a half and half agreement that we kept
them warm.� Geoffrey just gave his friend a look before rolling his eyes.
�What?�


�Honestly . . . I can�t believe an Admiral of his majesty�s Royal
Navy has managed to allow himself to become so incredibly soft hearted.� The
Admiral put down his glass and started to say something but his friend stopped
him, �I�m being truthful, as I have always been with you from the beginning.
You can only allow your compassion to go so far, it is you who are the lord of
your house and you mustn�t let her forget that.�


�She doesn�t, Geoffrey. Usually she asks before doing something, and
she didn�t just move the animals in without my permission. We weren�t wed
before she acquired ownership of the dogs, they weren�t even born yet.�


�Can you even hear yourself? Your making excuses for her and she
isn�t even here!� His friend exclaimed.


�I can�t understand why you insist on attacking her every chance you
get when you aren�t even that well acquainted with her!� James argued back.
�One of us is out of line and I�m almost certain that it isn�t me.�


His friend took a breath and paused a moment recollecting his thoughts.
�James . . . I�m trying to tell you that you can�t go on coddling her like
this. For Gods sake she stabbed you when you when you were in bed together, can
you really call that normal behavior?�


�Will you be good enough to keep your voice down!� James said looking
about, �I�d rather not discuss that incident and it hasn�t reoccurred a
second time. Forgetting it all together would suit me just fine.� He sighed.
�Jason came by and if you think that wasn�t an interesting enough thing to
walk in on . . .�


�Statwell?! Good lord, your not telling me that he managed to . . .�


�NO, he did not.� James said ending the mans sentence before he could
finish it. �I came into the room right as he had Aislinn cornered like a cat
with it�s prey. You�d think the bastard would have had at least the decency
to consider her age if not the fact that she was one of his closest friend�s
wife.�


�Jason has no scruples in that area whatsoever, you�ve known him long
enough not to have any expectations for him in that regard James.� Geoffrey
sighed. �Back to the subject at hand, which is Aislinn.�


�Would you make your point, because honestly I�m not sure what it is.
You�ve been going on and on about how I�m not doing something properly but
are not coming out and just telling me exactly what it is I�m doing wrong.
Could you at least make some attempt at clarity?�


Geoffrey paused looking at him, �Stop being so bloody nice.� He said
bluntly.


�Isn�t that my choice? Is not the treatment of my wife whatever I
choose it to be?� He questioned. For some reason, the Admiral was somewhat
irritated at his friend for his suggestion.


�No, and this is why. There is talk that a commission will soon be
coming along for you and you will be gone for months at a time leaving her
alone. What do you think will become of her if you leave her just as naive as
she is right now?� James hadn�t thought of this at great length before.
�With wolves like Jason around she�s not going to be prepared for that,
she�ll be susceptible to advances that are made, and will most likely get into
all sorts of trouble while your away.� Geoffrey crossed his arms, �Unless
your planning to supply her with a gross or so of hatpins on your departure.�


James shot Geoffrey a look, that had it been a dagger would have no doubt
killed him on contact.

Laying Down the Law


That evening, James found himself pacing back and forth in their
bedchambers lost in a whirlwind of thoughts. Geoffrey was right, there was a
million things that could happen to her while she was away, and another million
things on top of that she could get into trouble with because she simply
didn�t know any better due to the sheltered life she had lived growing up.


�Lessons . . . of some sort.� He said out loud to himself. Rolling
his eyes he shook his head, �taking a tutor for my wife, dear God don�t let
it come to that.� He said under his breath. Pausing he raised his hand and
covered his eyes a moment, �just when I think things are starting to look up,
someone has to come along and say something to upset it all.�

�What did they say?� Norrington turned around to see Aislinn standing
next to the bedchamber door having come in. James had been so lost in his
thoughts that he hadn�t heard her come in and close the door behind. Then she
looked a little embarrassed, �You weren�t speaking to me were you.�


�It�s alright,� he motioned for her to come in. �I was simply
speaking out loud. Nothing you need to concern yourself about.� She nodded a
little bit and walked over to him.


�Is . . . is anything the matter?� She asked softly. �I�m usually
the first one to retire . . . you�re never the first one to come up after
dinner.� Aislinn hoped she wasn�t being to insolent asking him, but she was
concerned.


James paused and looked at her for several moments and before he could
stop himself the words came out, �Aislinn, when Jason Statwell was here the
other day, what do you think he wanted with you?� He asked bluntly.


Aislinn looked at him a little confused, �Nothing . . . he said he had
come to see you, but you had gone out earlier.�


The Admiral sighed. It was just as he had feared. Narrowing his eyes at
her a bit, he gave her a certain look that he had no doubt that Jason had given
her. Aislinn immediately felt a very uneasy feeling come over her. James started
walking towards her and immediately the young woman started to back up. �That
isn�t what I meant. When he approached you, stalking you as though you were
some sort of defenseless animal.� Aislinn had no idea what this was but she
didn�t like it, and suddenly her retreat was halted when her back found the
wall. Norrington leaned forward and placed his hand on the wall beside her
leaning close to her face. Closer then Jason had a chance to get. �. . .
trapping you, like prey so there was no way to escape.�


James reached up and touched her cheek with the back of his knuckles
stroking her soft skin slightly. The way he did it made her skin crawl, and it
felt like she was trying to push her body through the wall. �Please stop
it.� She said in a shaky voice turning her face away.


Norrington looked at her, �What do you think would have happened if I
didn�t come into that room when I did?� The Admiral lowered his hand and
grabbed her arm a little more roughly then he intended, frightening her causing
her to jump a bit. �Jason Statwell is nothing more then a wolf, and there are
many more like him in the world just waiting for an unsuspecting sheep like
you.� She looked up at him her eyes wide.


�What . . . what are you?� She asked in a quivering voice, genuinely
wanting to know. That was hardly a question he was expecting, and it felt like
an unfair one at that. That she even had to ask felt like a dagger properly
placed in the chest.


�Your husband. The only one who is allowed to approach you in such a
manner. The only one allowed to touch you, allowed to hold you, allowed to look
upon you with such a purpose.� He explained in an easier voice. �Men like
Jason won�t respect that, you have to understand that they won�t. Not
everyone grew up in a convent and has the morals that you so desperately cling
to.�


�What shall I do?� She asked softly. Norrington released her arm
starring at her for a moment. Then he half smiled knowing that he basically had
a clean slate to work with.


�Simply be on your guard . . . and know not to let any other approach
you in such a way.�


�I would never let them. I swear to you.� She said looking into his
eyes with all her heart. �I know that it�s wrong, believe me when I say that
to you.� She said quickly.


James looked at her a moment, �Yes . . . I believe that you do. The
fact that the sisters shielded you from some things and taught you well in
others irritates me.� He meant to think that rather then say it a loud but it
seemed to come out weather he wanted it to or not. �Either way, what�s done
is done.� He said with a sigh. �Come on, it�s getting late.� He said
pulling her away from the wall.

Transfers


As his friend Geoffrey had mentioned there had been rumors of a
commission possibly coming through for James. Although it was soon proven to be
a truth rather then a rumor and he received word of it much sooner then
expected. When it did arrive, he wasn�t very pleased with the news and
arrangements were made immediately to travel to the city and discuss possible
changes in the contract or maybe even a rejection all together. Of course,
Aislinn would go with him since it was a simple business meeting but would
perhaps be a couple weeks and he was traveling rather far away.


The Royal Navy had been working very closely with the East India Trading
Company for a few years now, and when James� last commission had come to an
end, he had hoped that he would avoid any more dealings that were so incredibly
involved with the company. Although it looked as if once again, the military was
going to be working side by side with the trading industry which was only one of
the issues that Norrington had with this assignment.


Geoffrey met James in the city and accompanied him to the meeting that
was set up by the commission board to review any concerns or questions that the
Admiral had about his assignment. Since it was, in fact, a commission James had
the option of turning it down if he didn�t care for the situation or the
outlined agreements that were given. There was also a chance for negations at
this time in whatever capacity he desired.


When he arrived he recognized many of the members of the board and
greeted them accordingly. As they started to begin however, the last member
concerning the contract arrived. As soon as the man entered the room, it caused
the Admiral�s spine to crawl slightly.


�Admiral James Norrington. How nice to see you again.�


�Lord Cutler Beckett.� James said trying to be as gracious as
possible. �Am I to assume you are here on the East India Trading Company�s
behalf?� He questioned.


�Why yes. As a matter of fact, I�m the one who requested you
specifically.� He said with a smile and a sly look in his eyes. That was
hardly good news. Cutler Beckett always had an angle. There was never a time in
his life when he wasn�t trying to get the upper hand in someway at any cost.
He was bargaining on one side, making a deal on the other, trying to get ahead
of the game and hold all the cards. The man�s philosophy was that everyone
could be bought, it was just a matter of finding their price.


�Shall we begin gentlemen?� The head of the board said. The Admiral,
Geoffrey, and Lord Beckett all took their seats as did the others in attendance.
�Now, Admiral Norrington you had some concerns about the proposal for the
commission in question?�


�Yes, Mostly one major concern. This commission I am being offered
requires a rather large upheaval in my personal life, as it requires a home
transfer back to the Caribbean for several years at least.� The Admiral said
looking over the papers that had been sent to him. �To put it bluntly, it�s
. . . simply not a convenient time for my uprooting from London and going
back.�


�Convenient?� One of the men said. �Admiral Norrington, surely a
man of your rank and your career doesn�t have to be reminded that you are a
military officer. You must go where you are sent and when you are needed. Not
when it as at your leisure.�


�Yes, Sir. I understand that that, but there are other aspects to
consider that cannot be ignored.� Norrington responded. �Had this commission
come at the beginning of this year, or next year or even the year after I would
have had less of an objection but . . . .�


�We all have to make sacrifices Admiral. It is simply our duty to King
and Country. When you chose this as your occupation you knew what was going to
be expected of you. A commission like this rarely comes along, with such
benefits and pay and there are quite a few officers that would gladly jump at
the chances to fill your place.�


�Except for the fact that the East India Trading Company has made it
clear that Admiral James Norrington is the one they want to deal with.� Cutler
Beckett interjected in a definite tone. It seemed as if all conversation in the
room stopped a moment and an uncomfortable feeling crept over everyone. It
became clear that it was Lord Beckett who held the power and was the one
empowered to deal with the military. He smiled and looked at James, �If the
pay is not sufficient enough, I can assure you that more can be arranged.�


�It�s not the pay that is a concern, Lord Beckett.� Norrington
replied.


�May I ask then why you are so anxious with turning down such a
generous offer?�


�I cannot see myself moving my entire life back to the Caribbean on a
whim. I�ve not been back to London very long and have only just settled back
in. The rest of the commission I have no qualm with, but the transfer is the
major downfall of the entire arrangement.�


�I�m sorry you feel that way. You can keep your home here in London,
I have no doubt of that, but you would rarely ever see it if you accept this
assignment. You know as well as I do, Admiral, that the length of time it takes
to get from the Caribbean to England is far to long to neglect ones duties for,
hence the transfer.� Beckett looked at him for a moment. �I�m not sure I
understand why you feel the timing of this commission differs from the beginning
of this year or the beginning of the next.� He said.


Obviously, they were going to get into Norrington�s personal life
weather he wanted to or not. Even though he paused a moment not wanting to say
anything he sighed, �I�m recently married.�


�Oh congratulations, I hadn�t heard.� Beckett said.


Norrington narrowed his eyes having a difficult enough time getting
through this without being interrupted by insincere congratulations. �She�s
a young bride who grew up in . . . a sheltered environment, and taking her from
London doesn�t seem advisable so soon.�


Geoffrey couldn�t believe his friend had said that and half smiled
looking at the board before looking back at his friend. How could he even dream
of tossing away his commission for a reason like that!


Cutler smiled slightly, �You lived there for nearly 10 years Admiral
Norrington. Blue skies, fresh air, beautiful scenery everywhere you look, warm
summer days and the winters are hardly anything like English winters. Do you
really think taking your young bride to such a paradise would be such a bad
experience?�


James half smiled back, �Pirates, criminals, drunkards, all sorts of
the lowest life forms ever to drag themselves up from the gutters and crawl on
the face of the earth. I�m sure there are things she would be exposed to there
that she would never be even close to here.�


�Oh, I don�t think so. After all, she�s one of the elite Admiral.
All of her time would be spent at dinner parties, teas, a guest of the wives and
daughters of the aristocratic society there. I doubt that she would ever be
exposed to such things.� He leaned forward a bit. �If your wife is going to
be the deciding factor in your taking this commission, allow me to stop by this
evening. Give you both some idea of what your lives will be like should you
accept our offer.�


James started to say something that looked like a rejection but out of
the corner of his eye he saw the look on Geoffrey�s face. If looks could stab
a friend, it was quite possible that James would have been bleeding from
countless wounds and would have been missing several limbs.


�Of course.� Norrington said looking at Lord Beckett. �We�d be
honored.�

Dinner Guest


That evening, Lord Beckett was shown into the parlor and the maid took
his things before quickly going to announce him. Aislinn was the first one to
come into the room and was a little nervous since James had come home acting a
bit strangely when he had told her they had someone coming to dinner. It seemed
as though it was someone he didn�t like but he didn�t expand or give her an
explanation as to why.


When he turned around she smiled and walked to him holding out her hand
introducing herself. Beckett seemed a little stunned for a moment as he looked
her over before taking her hand and introducing himself as well placing a kiss
on her knuckles as he looked her over once more. When he had said �young
bride�, Beckett didn�t realize just how young he meant. It was taking him a
moment to adjust to it.


�Lady Norrington.� Cutler said finally regaining his manners,
�It�s very nice to finally meet you. I�m sorry that I didn�t send my
congratulations I wasn�t informed about your marriage to the Admiral until
recently.�


�That�s all right, Lord Beckett. I didn�t know you existed until
today.� Beckett half smiled, starting to get a clear picture of what
Norrington meant by �sheltered environment�.


�Well, hopefully we�ve changed that now that we�ve introduced
ourselves. May I assume that the Admiral has told you why I�ve requested to
join you this evening?� He inquired.


�Only that you would be our guest for dinner this evening.� She said
politely. Lord Beckett smiled seeing an opportunity here, that Norrington may
have overlooked by not telling his young wife anything.


�I see. Since he�s not told you, I�ll tell you myself. You see, the
Admiral is a little undecided about weather or not he wants to accept the
commission that he�s been offered even though it is perhaps one of the best
commissions ever offered to any military officers in the Kings Navy in
History.� Aislinn listened as he spoke.


�Why is it the best?� She asked.


�The pay is almost double what he made on his last commission, the
prestige is very impressive and would look marvelous on his record, and he would
have a fleet of ships under his command. Not only military ships but all the
ships of the East India Trading Company as well.�


�Really?� Aislinn said wide-eyed.


�Yes! And you know what?� He said seeing that she was getting
excited.


�What?�


�They wanted James Norrington more then anyone else to take this
assignment. Because he was the best Admiral in all the Kings Navy, they asked
for him specifically. All the other military officers would give their teeth,
their teeth! To have this commission, but they went to Admiral James Norrington
first and are literally begging him to take it.�


�Is he going to?� Aislinn asked anxiously.


Beckett looked a little unsure and shook his head, �I don�t know.�
Aislinn�s face fell. �Earlier today he said he was afraid he couldn�t
leave London. The Caribbean just . . . seemed to far away to travel for
anything. Even for his career.� He said with a saddened look on his face.


Aislinn looked horrified. �Oh, but he must! He must! It�s his
military career that he�s worked so hard for! He�s always wanted such
things!�


�But, Lady Norrington . . .� Beckett said, �Can you really expect
him to want to take everything to the Caribbean, just for a commission?�


�Yes! Of course, yes! It�s what he wants! I know it�s what he
wants!� She said reaching out and holding on to Beckett�s arm almost
pleading with him to let James go. �Please, don�t take this chance away from
him!�


Beckett was hiding the grin that he could feel inside, �I don�t know
if I can convince him. He seemed so dead set on staying.�


�Maybe I can help? Maybe if I ask him if we can go, he�ll accept it?
Will you give him another chance? Please?� She said anxiously. Beckett looked
at her as if he was thinking it over.
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A Marriage To A Fine Woman

Behind Blue Eyes

Interesting Experiences

Laying Down the Law

Transfers

Dinner Guest