Chapter Text
Author’s Notice: this is an AU Pirates of the Caribbean story where we follow the lives of Eloise Swann and Commodore James Norrington. Some things are going to be changed for the sake of the story and its flow, not everything is going to be told through Elizabeth’s perspective. Everyone already knows her and Will’s story. This will be predominantly Eloise’s version of what happened during the Golden Age of Piracy, roughly based on Midsummer’s Night Dream, some elements from Pride and Prejudice and of course Pirates of the Caribbean itself. Friends to lovers trope. Part One: James/OC/Theodore (this includes Cutler Beckett very beginning and later on) (CotBP) Enjoy! Elder-Swann sis-fic.
I think I’ve written about five or six different versions of a sis-fic with James Norrington, but this is probably my favorite one. We’ll see how it goes! Shifting a couple dates around - hence the AU and other events that will happen. Slight historical cross references to the Golden Age of Piracy as well. I’m also going to try to include most of the deleted scenes from the movies into this : ) that’s where more of James Norrington’s story is told anyway. Any information on POTC world I owe to the films, books, wiki and comics. I don’t know for sure if James Norrington and Cutler Beckett met before Governor Swann crossed the Atlantic with Elizabeth to Port Royale, but for the sake of Eloise’s story, they do meet years before.
Some scenes will be verbatim with the movie, but I’ve included lots of original writing as well.
Also, I had to take a break from “I, Anne Boleyn” - I’ve been so involved in Anne Boleyn that I got restless. Now I’m absorbing POTC again.
Eloise Victoire Swann - born May 17, 1702 (Hannah Dodd for visual)
James Edward Norrington - born 1700 (2 years older than Eloise, I don’t know if his middle name is Edward, but I’m giving it to him anyway, also seems to be the general consensus in the POTC community)
Elizabeth Swann - 1708
Will Turner - 1708
Cutler Beckett - 1687 (14 years older than Eloise)
Jack Sparrow - 1690 (30 in 1720)
Lady Amelia Grey (Governor Swann’s sister-in-law, the girls’ aunt) - 1672
Events: CotBP 1728, DMC 1729, AWE 1730-31
Eloise’s timeline in POTC world: 1720-1730
Chapter One - Marriage Prospects
London, England - 1720
Eloise Swann sat at the modiste with her aunt and her sister Elizabeth. Both girls would be fitted into new gowns that morning. Eloise, having recently turned eighteen, would be presented in court by her aunt, Lady Amelia Grey. Lady Amelia Grey was her mother’s sister who’d married into the predominant Grey family. Considerably wealthier than her own sister - she promised their mother to look after the girls should anything happen to her. After the sudden death of her younger sister, Lady Amelia took charge with the help of their father in educating the girls as polite ladies of London society. Elizabeth still had a way to go before she would be presented in court to Their Majesties, but it would be detrimental that she was trained early, much like Eloise. Once Eloise was presented, the hunt for a husband would begin - preferably someone with a title and good fortune. Love could come later according to Lady Amelia. There was one such young man in Eloise's mind, James Norrington. They’d been friends throughout their early years. She’d met him when she was fourteen - he was sixteen and his father was a good friend of Weatherby Swann.
The ladies returned home within a couple of hours after their appointment to be fitted for new dresses. There had been word in town that Admiral Lawrence Norrington and Lieutenant James Norrington were on the way back to London from Nassau. Eloise hoped at last, he would notice how much she admired him. He was rather naive when it came to young ladies, however. His father insisted he remained focused on his career. Nevertheless, James was always happy to see her when they did pay Weatherby Swann visits. They often spent their afternoons playing cards and talking about his time at university. Now, Eloise was eighteen and James Norrington was a young man at the age of twenty-one.
He’d started moving up in ranks quite early on, much to his diligent work ethic. Smart, amiable, and dedicated, his hard work paid off. He’d recently been promoted to lieutenant, according to the papers her father read in the mornings. James told Eloise once that if he did earn promotions, he wanted to do it on his own accord - by his own hands, not just because his father currently held the title of fleet admiral. Yes, the Royal Navy was in their bloodline, but James didn’t want promotions because of his lineage. It didn’t seem fair to the other young men joining simply because they had a heart to serve their king. Eloise admired that about James.
Two years ago, he and his father left for the New World, accompanying the recently made governor of the Bahamas, Woodes Rogers on board the Dauntless. The voyage was several months long. Due to the increase of piracy and privateers betraying their king, Woodes Rogers was sent to the Caribbean to bring order back and make the New World a more civilized place to live. The stories of ruthless pirates reach the ears of London society, spreading like wildfire - stories about Edward Teague, Charles Vane, Calico John Rackham, Hector Barbossa and others. Though amongst the ladies, those names were only whispered at teatime. Much to Lady Amelia’s dismay, Eloise and Elizabeth knew more about pirates and their crimes than they did about embroidery and dancing.
Their aunt hoped that in time the young ladies would grow out of their unfortunate interest in piracy. Eloise was more than excited to see him again. As any well brought up young lady, she would go about her day and wait for him to call when he’d return to London. She continued her lessons in music and painting. And with her growing talent in painting, others took notice of her accomplishments. She recently finished a commissioned landscape painting for Lord Reginald Penwallow, a colleague of her father’s. He admired the other portraits she completed within the Swann residence at Loughton House. He’d certainly paid a decent sum of money - which she put aside into her own dowry.
At the same time as her commission had finished, Lord Reginald introduced her and her father to Cutler Beckett. He was one of Lord Reginald’s students in line for the East India Trading Company. Cutler Beckett, he said to Weatherby Swann, had promising talent and could go as far as being the company’s director one day. Eloise shyly introduced herself to Lord Reginald’s apprentice one afternoon as he and His Lordship came to discuss business with her father about Port Royale. He’d taken an interest in her, particularly when she’d asked him about his studies and initiation. Eloise certainly was eager; all good manners and breeding as a young lady of noble blood ought to have been. Lady Amelia took great care and reared up her niece to be most accomplished. Cutler knew that Maria Hayworth would have been a more pleasing choice. She was the incomparable of the season, after all. But Eloise - there was something about her that drew him in. She wasn’t Maria Hayworth with her 6,000 pounds a-year. However, if he were to pursue Maria instead of Eloise, he’d inherit her late father’s title as Earl Basingstoke. Every other gentleman in the ton would be chasing Maria. Eloise was the next best choice for a man like Cutler Beckett, a very agreeable alternative if there ever was one.
If he wished to, he could easily snatch her up as a wife within a month. He’d mentioned this to his peers, only to be laughed at and ridiculed. His friends demanded a bet and a bribe in order to believe such things to come to pass. Cutler agreed to the bets, raising the stakes to twenty pounds, his friends from Cambridge placing a mere ten on the wager.
Eloise Swann would be a fun little quest for him to accomplish this season. He needed a wife anyway. Someone easy like her would be the perfect game, set and match. He knew she was sheltered, despite living in London. There was so much to the London life that her father kept under wraps. For good reason. If Cutler won her affections, he could more or less revoke some of that innocence; now mind, just her understanding of the world she lived in, for now - once she was his wife, other aspects would change. He could bring her to plays and concerts at the London Stage. Something he was quite certain she’d not yet experienced all that London had to offer. With his assistance, she could easily replace Maria Hayworth and be the most desirable woman within their social circle.
He decided that he’d call on her a few days’ hence. St. James boasted unusually fine weather this past spring and he could bring her to the newly constructed theater. He made his way to Loughton House, unaccompanied by his mentor. This was one call he preferred to make without witnesses. The footman answered for him and allowed him in. Cutler waited in the foyer for any sign of the Swanns. The footman returned with Eloise’s father leading the way.
“Cutler Beckett, what a surprise to see you here without His Lordship.” Weatherby exclaimed, greeting the young man with a firm handshake.
“Yes, I know this might seem quite forward of me, sir. But I wished to speak to the eldest Miss Swann if she is presently available? I was in the area, and I thought I could call on her.”
“She is with Lady Grey and Miss Elizabeth in the drawing room. I don’t think they’d mind if I interrupt their tea. Come along.”
Weatherby and Cutler made their way down another corridor to a downstairs room, the tearoom facing a public park and street. The gentlemen could hear the piano being played and the music got louder as they drew nearer.
“Miss Swann plays the pianoforte very well.” Cutler commented, quietly.
“Yes, she takes great care and pride in her music. I daresay she is most accomplished in music and the arts.”
Weatherby Swann opened the door quietly and nodded to his sister-in-law who’d been embroidering a cushion with Elizabeth, teaching her how to handle the fine point needle. Eloise stopped playing when she noticed her father and Cutler Beckett enter the room.
“Good afternoon, Father, Mr. Beckett,” Eloise greeted, getting up.
“Good afternoon, Miss Swann,” Cutler greeted her, with a light bow. “Are you - I was hoping that if you are not presently engaged this Friday afternoon, if you would join me for a promenade after your afternoon tea?”
Eloise was surprised by his request and quickly glanced at Lady Grey. Her aunt gave her a subtle nod of approval and smiled lightly.
“I should like that very much,” Eloise answered, “where did you have in mind?”
“St. James’,” he answered. “If your father is willing to permit me to escort you.”
“I should be happy to do so as long as Lady Grey will accompany you as a chaperone.” Weather answered.
“Who will care for Miss Elizabeth?” Lady Grey wondered, looking up from her embroidery.
“Surely Miss Elizabeth may accompany you, it would do her some good to get out of the house for a little while.”
“If it pleases you, brother,” Lady Grey complied. “Miss Elizabeth, would you like to accompany your sister to St. James’ on Friday?”
“Very much! Perhaps we might hear some news about those recent pirate hangings in Jamaica!” Elizabeth exclaimed, eagerly.
Lady Grey’s expression paled significantly, Eloise did her best to stifle a laugh and Weatherby Swann looked as though he might die of embarrassment and quickly corrected his youngest daughter. Cutler Beckett did his best to hide a smile, the youngest Miss Swann certainly seemed to have a fiery spirit.
“Elizabeth, we discussed these things. We have a guest, and I strictly forbade you to read the paper this morning at breakfast.”
“It was on the front page, Father, everyone could see it!”
“It doesn’t mean we need to discuss such business with polite society. You will learn that in time, Miss Elizabeth.” Lady Grey scolded. “This obsession with pirates needs to be dealt with. I’ll see to it immediately, brother. My most sincere apologies, Mr. Beckett.”
“Oh, not at all,” Cutler said, with a short bow. “Children often add color to a conversation.”
“I’m not a child, I’m twelve.”
“Elizabeth,” Lady Grey hissed, glaring at her niece. “That is quite enough.”
Eloise sent her sister an amused look, only for it to be returned. Both girls slightly smiled and blushed at the youngest’s outburst about pirates. Eloise would be lying to herself if she said she wasn’t interested in knowing. Calico John Rackham certainly did make headlines along with Anne Bonny and Mary Read. Everyone knew about it. He was set to be hanged in Jamaica once his trial was over. The lives of the most notorious pirates were only talked about in hushed tones. Not everyone approved of them, but some nonetheless were still fascinated. The fact the pirates willingly went against societal norms and were independent of rules, the pomp and circumstance of the nobility, seemed refreshing. Eloise even heard some of the pirate women didn’t even wear corsets. They dressed in men’s clothes and often were considered equal to their counterparts in the pirate world. Eloise remembered reading a historical account about Grace O’Malley, the Pirate Queen of Ireland - having even been presented to Queen Elizabeth I during her rule. Grace O’Malley’s story completely enthralled her years ago and she wished sometimes to live in such freedom.
However, she did enjoy the luxuries of the life she did have with the socially elite of London, despite being considered odd and quiet by her peers. She lived very comfortably with her father and sister. But she secretly knew if she could have both like Grace O’Malley, Eloise would snatch up the opportunity, if offered to her. She returned to the present after hearing her father call her name.
“Eloise,” he exclaimed. “Where did you run off to?”
“Oh, my apologies, I was simply lost in my own thoughts. Mr. Beckett, would you like to dine with us this evening?” Eloise asked.
“If it isn’t an imposition,” Cutler answered, glancing at Weatherby Swann.
“Nonsense, we’d be delighted to host you for dinner this evening. If you’d like to join me in the library, we can discuss further business matters for Lord Reginald and leave the ladies to their afternoon.”
“Thank you,” Cutler said, and then glanced at the ladies. “It’s a pleasure to see you again and I look forward to dinner this evening.”
“We start dinner at seven,” Eloise reminded him.
“I shan’t miss it.”
He smiled at Eloise, and she returned the smile. The gentlemen left the music room and Eloise glanced at her aunt, completely shocked. Lady Grey smiled proudly at Eloise and walked up to her.
“Very well done, Eloise, you have nearly secured your first admirer!” Lady Grey complimented.
“Thank you, he does seem very genteel, doesn’t he?”
“It would be a fine match, to be sure. I believe once he has completed his training with Lord Reginald, Cutler Beckett will receive a title as well.”
“I wonder,” Eloise continued, with a light sigh.
“What do you mean?” Lady Grey questioned.
“Eloise fancies Lieutenant Norrington, Aunt Amelia.” Elizabeth blurted out.
Eloise glared at Elizabeth, turning red in the face out of embarrassment.
“Lieutenant Norrington?” Lady Grey raised a brow, not able to hide the smirk that took over her face. “That’s not much of a prospect, Eloise.”
“He’s honorable and a very fine man, Aunt.”
“That may all be very well indeed, but you must marry well in order to secure your future, Eloise. You know this.”
“The Norringtons are well respected wherever they go, his father is Admiral, and they have a lineage of military history in their family.”
“Yes, but who was his mother? A merchant’s daughter from Southampton with no money and no prospects when she snatched up Admiral Norrington. And even his father has low birth, not a drop of noble blood in his family.”
“Neither do we - other than a knighthood from His Majesty granted to our father, and of course our relationship to you, Lady Grey,” Eloise reminded her aunt.
“With my name, my help, you can secure a title for yourself. That is all we want for you, my dear. Do not throw yourself away for a mere naval officer when you could have more than that. What if he is sent halfway around the world and something happens to him? You must think of all aspects of your future, my dear. You need security in your marriage.”
“What if James proposes when he returns from Nassau?” Eloise dared to ask, earning a laugh from her aunt.
“I hope you will make the wiser choice in refusing him. He cannot provide for you, not in the way that you need.”
Eloise bit her lower lip and sent Elizabeth a fierce look - hating the fact that her sister nearly spoiled everything. Elizabeth lowered her gaze, feeling the guilt creeping up on her. The eldest Miss Swann returned to the pianoforte and continued her lessons with Johann Sebastian Bach’s Preludes and Fugues. She finished playing the Prelude in G Major just in time to hear a knock on the front door. She glanced up at Lady Grey and got up to go look out the window. Her eyes went wide, and she released a soft gasp.
“James,” she whispered.
His father was present as well; they’d officially returned to England and paid the Swanns a delightful visit. Their footman returned to the door and allowed both gentlemen in. Eloise quickly turned around and made for the door, only to be stopped by Lady Grey, a firm grip on her forearm.
“Eloise,” she warned and drew her niece back.
The footman knocked and entered the music room, leading the Norrington men in. Lady Grey released her hold on Eloise and the ladies curtsied. Eloise glanced at James; he looked back and gave her a kind smile. She returned the same expression.
“Welcome home, Admiral, Lieutenant; it’s a pleasure to see you again.” Eloise greeted them.
“Thank you, Miss Swann and Lady Grey, is your father present? I wish to speak with him urgently.” Lawrence inquired.
“He is present, but he is currently meeting with Cutler Beckett. I can see if he is willing to meet with you.” Eloise answered.
“Thank you.”
“Would you care for some tea while we wait for my brother-in-law?” Lady Grey offered.
“None for myself thank you, but my son might accept your offer.”
“Thank you, Lady Grey,” James answered, quickly.
Eloise gently brushed past the gentlemen. James watched as she walked down the hall to her father’s library and then reverted his gaze back to the present. Lady Grey poured him a cup of tea.
“Please, gentlemen, do sit down.”
James did and took the cup of tea offered to him. Meanwhile, down the hall, Eloise waited for her father. She could hear him speak with Cutler but the conversation was muffled. She knocked two more times.
“Come in,” her father called.
She turned the knob and pushed in, curtsying once and then looked to her father.
“Admiral and Lieutenant Norrington have returned. They are visiting and Admiral Norrington wished to speak with you.”
“Of course! Cutler, would you object to the admiral joining in for our meeting?” Weatherby asked.
“Not at all, this business would be good to include him anyhow. He knows the West Indies I daresay better than we do.” Cutler drawled.
“Send him in, Eloise my dear.”
Eloise nodded and went to tell Admiral Norrington that her father was ready to speak with him. She returned to the music room and poured herself another cup of tea, joining James and her aunt on the chaise. Lady Grey sent Elizabeth to the opposite chaise, reading a book and minding her own business. She had a plate of biscuits beside her dipped in chocolate and a cup of tea on the table.
“How did the travel fare to the West Indies, Lieutenant?” Eloise asked.
“Very well, for most of the trip we had a favorable wind. We nearly caught the tail end of one storm but we just brushed past it, we had to endure some rain and waves. Thankfully all of the crew survived the passage, though we slightly veered off course.”
“Thank God,” Eloise said, softly.
James smiled at her.
“Did you meet any pirates along the Caribbean, Lieutenant?” Elizabeth asked, turning around.
James chuckled and turned to look at Elizabeth who was now sitting on her knees facing him and Eloise.
“No, thankfully and I hope I need not remind you, Miss Elizabeth, the dangerous men they are. Piracy mustn't be taken lightly.” James answered, with a kind smile. “They betrayed the crown and are enemies to the king.”
“Quite right,” Lady Grey chimed in, sending Elizabeth a sharp look. “That is enough with you and your pirate stories, Miss Elizabeth or I’ll send you upstairs until you can behave like the lady I know you are.”
Elizabeth pouted and sat back down. She went back to reading her book, laying on her back - holding the book up over her head, causing Eloise and James to chuckle lightly. The look shared between them didn’t go unnoticed by Lady Grey. It seemed whatever the two felt, it was indeed mutual, their admiration or fanciful notions about one another.
“So, Lieutenant Norrington, where do you and your father plan to go from here? Have you received any new commissions?”
“Er, in a month or so we are traveling to Bermuda, it seems the hurricane that swept through there left it devastated so we are bringing supplies and ammunition for the fort and extra men to refortify the colony. We came to rest and resupply.” James answered, shifting in his seat.
Eloise subtly touched his arm for reassurance. She could tell within moments of her gentle touch to his arm, he relaxed. Lady Grey was intimidating and known for her talent of making anyone uncomfortable in a room. She was a force to be reckoned with, especially when it came to the well-being of her nieces.
“Miss Swann, would you do me the honor of walking in the garden with me?” he asked, quickly.
“I’d like to, if permitted.” Eloise glanced at Lady Grey.
“Very well, do not be long. We have dinner to prepare for this evening.”
“Yes, Aunt,” Eloise nodded and left the music room.
Once out, they both seemed to relax and calmly made their way to the backyard garden. James offered his arm to her and she accepted. There was a decent walk through, around two ponds, a row of trees and the different varieties of springtime flowers were in full bloom.
“I am glad you’ve returned safely, Lieutenant.”
“It feels good to be back home in England after so long in that wretched heat. It seems as though the seasons there never change. It’s an endless summer, utterly stifling.”
Eloise smiled.
“You never did like the heat too much. I can’t say I blame you. You are only here for a month?” Eloise wondered.
“Yes, I’m afraid so.”
“You’ve only just arrived, have you not?”
“Three days ago,” James replied. “We had business to attend to with the other officers. Piracy truly is spreading more rapidly than any of us imagined. There is no control in the New World, no order. So the crown needs to secure the Colonies before we lose it completely.”
“But surely, the New World has a right to their own government and policies, do they not?”
“I understand your sentiments, but until the scourge of piracy is removed, they cannot. I hope to help the New World prosper, Miss Swann.”
“I believe you will do great things with your commissions, Lieutenant.”
“Please, call me James, we are familiar with one another, seeing as though we’ve been friends for some time now.”
“James,” she said, feeling her stomach fluttering when she spoke his name. “Then you must call me Eloise, you know.”
“Will Lady Grey mind?” he asked.
“Well, you can call me Eloise when she’s not present,” she answered, with a grin. “My aunt is all about maintaining social order.”
“She is rather terrifying.” James confessed, causing Eloise to laugh lively.
“I wouldn’t worry too much about it. It’s simply her way. It isn’t you.”
James smiled again and stopped for a moment.
“Eloise, I know you and we have been good friends for some years now. What - er, well, forgive me if I seem forward in asking, but what do you think about marriage - I am curious to know your opinion on the matter in general.” James fumbled for words, and groaned inwardly at his own stupidity - hardly being able to form the simple question of: Eloise, will you do me the honor of accepting my hand in marriage, allowing me to be your husband?
Eloise raised a brow and felt her heart tighten within her chest. What was he doing? She wondered.
“I suppose as much as the next young woman, I’d like to be married. It’s something that Lady Grey and I recently discussed - she wishes for me to secure an excellent match, someone with a good title and wealth. She said I must marry well to secure my own future.”
“Of course,” James agreed, doing his best not to clench his jaw at his own foolishness. “That would be a reasonable decision.”
She shifted and the hopeful feeling she had started dissipating. She could see a shade of pink dusting on his cheeks and he cleared his throat.
“Have you any suitors on your mind?” James asked, glancing at her.
“Well, not currently,” she lied, shifting around. “But Cutler Beckett has asked me to go with him to St. James’ Park on Friday. He is to dine with us tonight. Why don’t you join us - you and your father? I’m sure our father would be delighted to host you both, as I would be.”
“Thank you, I can inform my father soon, unless your father has already extended the invitation. What do you think of this Cutler Beckett?”
“He seems genteel enough, good manners, but I suppose dinner tonight will reveal more.”
“I can unwittingly interrogate him, learn some useful information about him, if you like.” James offered.
“James!” Eloise giggled. “Although, I suppose that would be beneficial, that way I can test his character.”
“Then we are agreed, if he is a poorly gentleman, you need not accept his advances.” James exclaimed.
“Then what do I do?” Eloise questioned, smirking lightly at him.
“You are a lovely young woman, Eloise. You will find a good husband in no time,” James reassured her.
She did her best not to blush, and this time James did notice the color flustering on her face.
“Eloise,” he started, again.
“Yes?” she dared to look at him.
He looked for the words to say. He tried to force the words to ask the damn question, but he couldn’t bring himself to, he was the fool now. She could easily reject him. He took hold of her hand and cleared his throat. ‘Marry me, Eloise, I admire you and love you. We would be well suited with one another and I would be honored if you’d accept my hand.’ Those were the words he wished he could say but what he said was entirely different and if he could have, he’d have slapped himself for his own stupidity.
“I’m glad that you are faring very well and to see your family all in good health.” James blurted.
Eloise wasn’t sure whether to smile or to respond, there was something on his mind that he clearly couldn’t discuss with her, it bothered him - or that he was too terrified to bring it up. Had he planned on proposing to her, she wondered?
“Thank you,” was all she could say, surprised. “Perhaps we should go see if our fathers are finished with the meeting?”
“Let’s,” James agreed and they walked back to the house in uncomfortable silence.
Eloise did her best to hide her discomfort and disappointment at James’ failed attempt at proposing to her. She wondered if that was his intent all along, but he failed to go through with it. As they stepped in the house from the garden, she felt his hand gently touch the small of her back, steadying her. Her heart raced wildly against her chest and he noticed that she kept her attention forward, avoiding his gaze. Did she like him as much as he liked her? He barely hoped to wonder. No matter, it was done. Now they just needed to move forward with their lives. Eloise would find someone else to marry and he could learn to be content.
Her father, Admiral Norrington and Cutler Beckett all left the library, spotting Eloise and James making their way back from the garden walk. The newly appointed Governor Swann looked at Eloise but she subtly shook her head. Cutler noticed the subtle communication between Eloise and Governor Swann. James, too, had an unusual look etched across his features - disappointment and frustration.
“Father, might we also invite Admiral and Lieutenant Norrington to dine with us this evening? Would you object to more guests?”
“You both are most welcome, should you like to join us. It would be a small party, myself, Miss Eloise, Mr. Beckett, Lady Grey and you both.”
“Thank you, Governor, we’d be honored.” Admiral Norrington answered, sending his son a hard look.
“Governor?” Eloise asked, surprised.
“Yes, I took the liberty of speaking to Lord Reginald who has the ear of the king. British Jamaica is in need of a governor. As you know, Woodes Rogers was recently appointed governor over Nassau. When the pirates see that Port Royale will soon have a governor, they will back down and go into hiding once again, or perhaps even willingly surrender to His Majesty and become privateers. And scatter to the far reaches of the earth.” Cutler explained, smiling at Eloise as if he accomplished a great feat. “The East India Trading Company plans to stretch out well beyond the New World, Miss Swann. And it is a glorious occasion to celebrate the success of England’s finest men bringing business and life to the New World itself. In which your father will be a part of, alongside myself and Lord Reginald.”
“I believe congratulations are in order,” James exclaimed. “We shall have to properly honor Governor Swann at dinner.”
“Yes, we shall. Won’t we?” Cutler said, not taking his eyes off Eloise.
She gave him a small, shy smile and then turned her attention back to her father. James sent Cutler Beckett a hard look, only to earn a smirk in return.
“Father, I think I’ll go upstairs and get ready. If you’ll be able to inform Lady Grey.”
“Not to worry, my dear, off you go.”
Governor Swann led Admiral Norrington to the billiard room, leaving James and Cutler Beckett to follow.
“What are your intentions with Miss Swann?” James asked, darkly.
“What business is it of yours to know? Is she presently betrothed to you? Are you her keeper?”
“She is a friend,” James replied, stiffly.
“I have every intention of making the eldest Miss Swann my wife, Lieutenant. Clearly her interests lie elsewhere, else she would have accepted your proposal.”
He knew that struck a chord with James. He shoved Beckett against the wall, glaring at him.
“If you harm her -,”
“Calm down, Norrington. I plan on keeping her an honest woman. You needn’t fret over darling Eloise. She can hold her own, she’s a feisty one and no mistake.”
“By God, if you do anything to harm Miss Swann, you will answer for it. I will make certain of it.”
“Release me, Lieutenant. You are under no jurisdiction to try me or anyone else for that matter. You are a sailor, know your place, sir.” Beckett seethed. “You are not a lawyer, neither a nobleman nor of the House of Lords.”
“I answer to the king as a servant of His Majesty. Because I am a servant of the king, it is my responsibility to keep civilians safe. My role as lieutenant is to maintain order and offer protection to those who need it. Including Miss Swann, who is also a subject of the crown.” James growled.
“Hmm, indeed,” Beckett drawled. “It is quite plain you are in love with her, Lieutenant Norrington. May the best man win.”
James released Beckett and backed away, both distracted when they heard footsteps at the top of the stairs. Eloise had fully changed and was in her evening attire, a beautiful gown with intricate, gold and blue details embroidered into it. The three quarter sleeves were embellished with lace all around and the train in the back of her dress went a little ways off the skirts. She smiled when she saw James.
“Forgive me, Mr. Beckett, I hope it would suffice that I ask Ja - Lieutenant Norrington to escort me to dinner this evening.”
“After you, Miss Swann,” Beckett answered, stepping aside with a small bow.
James offered Eloise his arm and they made their way to the sitting room for the evening. Hadley, their butler brought drinks and they waited for their fathers, Cutler Beckett, Lady Grey and Elizabeth to join them until Hadley rang the gong for dinner. Lady Grey changed as well, wearing a bright green gown, slightly different than Eloise’s. Lady Grey observed Eloise beside James Norrington, how natural they were together - something about it certainly caught her attention. She would never admit it to her niece, however. Eloise needed to learn the ways of their society and was still so young, as was Lieutenant Norrington, a man only in his early twenties. Cutler Beckett made his way over to Lady Grey.
“It seems that her attention has been snagged by a certain lieutenant, she’d paid me no mind, Lady Grey.”
“Don’t mind it. He is to leave for the Colonies in a month. She’ll be devastated at his departure and then you can swoop in and save her broken heart. I adore my niece, I do, but it’s time she learned the true nature of a future with that kind of man. It isn’t secure, it brings only pain. You can offer her a life of stability and safety. Something she desperately needs. I’ll make certain she sits with you at dinner. I will have Lieutenant Norrington escort me and he can sit beside me. You can take your place beside Eloise.”
“You are terribly clever at plotting when you wish to be, Lady Grey,” Cutler mused, in a quiet voice. “Perhaps it is you I should be pursuing rather than the eldest Miss Swann.”
“Sir,” Lady Grey scolded, flustered. “I am widowed, but I am fifteen years your senior.”
“And well-endowed, with a title, my lady. Why should it matter? I am fifteen years older than Miss Swann.”
“I’ll not hear this. You will fix your attention on Miss Swann and win her over as quickly as you can.”
Cutler Beckett looked at her amused and chuckled softly.
“I tease, Lady Grey, my sights are set on the eldest Miss Swann, if she’ll have me,” he replied, coolly.
Lady Grey hid her amusement well and shook her head lightly. Hadley knocked on the door and came in, bowing.
“Dinner is served, milord,” Hadley announced.
“Thank you,” Governor Swann exclaimed. “Best not to keep Mrs. Hall waiting, she doesn’t like it when her food runs cold, she’ll have a heart attack.”
“Lieutenant Norrington, if you’ll be so kind as to escort me?” Lady Grey inquired, interrupting her niece and her admirer.
“Lady Grey,” he offered her his arm, surprised at her request.
Eloise knew her aunt could always be counted on to shake things up where they didn’t need to be. She turned to Cutler Beckett and he walked over to her, offering his arm. They followed Admiral Norrington to the dining room. Two footmen were present as was Hadley, serving wine with their meals and they passed around the first course.
“Father, when does your commission as Governor of Port Royale start?” Eloise inquired, breaking the silence.
“There is still much to accomplish here before we can move to British Jamaica, but I hope for us to leave by spring next year.”
“Leaving England in March will guarantee finer weather for the crossing,” James exclaimed. “The winter makes the seas rough - more storms and one is more likely to go off course a great deal. Much of the summer is quite calm in the North Atlantic, hurricanes often start in late June, or most sailors have noted.”
“I’ll be sure to keep it in mind, Lieutenant. I hear you and your father are returning to Bermuda in a month?”
“Yes, there was a hurricane that passed through - we caught a small part of it, but it seems to have left the island in ruins. We are bringing two ships, more men with supplies to help fortify the island and offer assistance.”
“How long will that journey take, Lieutenant?” Lady Grey inquired.
“Roughly two months, perhaps less if we have a favorable wind on our side again.”
“And how long do you intend to assist Bermuda with the damages done by the hurricane?”
“We cannot say indefinitely until we ascertain everything that has happened there.” James answered, calmly.
“I hope that no lives were lost, and homes will not be terribly damaged.” Eloise chimed in. “I could not imagine what our fellow subject must experience - the fear of such a violent storm passing through.”
“We certainly do live in a peaceful place; the worst thing we might experience is one hot day in June and a cold winter.” Cutler exclaimed, cutting into his helping of boiled potatoes and the roast chicken Mrs. Hall prepared for them.
“Would you say England is currently experiencing peace even with privateers becoming turncoats?” Eloise asked, surprising everyone, except for James and his father.
He couldn’t help but smile at her boldness. Governor Swann sent Eloise a sharp look, as did Lady Grey. Admiral Norrington seemed to agree with his son but did better at hiding his amusement for the young woman’s upfront question.
“I believe so, Miss Swann,” Cutler countered, pausing what he was doing. “Their turncoat, ghastly behaviors only have a small effect on us, it affects the East India Company and His Majesty more than the gentry and common folk. London is thriving anyway, even with the European and Mediterranean trade. It’s simply bad business if we lose our privateers - trade cannot commence in the New World if every last one betrays us to piracy. And if trade cannot commence in the New World, so be it. Perhaps the Colonies then were never meant to prosper.”
“If privateers are treated fairly with decent wages, it wouldn’t be an issue. The complaints, I’ve read, are that they are malnourished, underpaid and spend several years at sea without respite. Surely, there must be a more viable alternative to keeping your employees and those in service to the king with the Royal Navy healthy and also satisfied with their line of work? If they were in better care, might you not benefit from it more as they would?” Eloise questioned.
“Do you doubt my ability and Lord Reginald’s ability to be a good employer, Miss Swann? That I keep my men chained to the helm and to the sea?” Beckett replied, not swayed by her attempt to push his buttons on politics.
“Miss Swann does have a fair point where the men’s health is concerned, often we tend to ration, and severe rationing does result in many cases of scurvy and gangrenous afflictions.” Admiral Norrington added, before Governor Swann could interject. “It shows a good character of the young lady to have a care for the health of those serving His Majesty willingly.”
“I wonder if this conversation might not entirely be appropriate for dinner.” Lady Grey commented, bitterly as she drank some more wine. “If I had known this was the turning point, I might have started more about the fine weather we are having.”
Eloise and James glanced at one another, he smiled at her, and she felt her cheeks go hot. She hoped she wasn’t blushing and continued to focus on her meal. There was light conversation during the remainder of the dinner, some light jokes were made, and they finished the final course.
“Shall we part ways this evening or all go to the music room together for tea?” Lady Grey inquired.
“I think it would benefit us greatly if we could have your company this evening, ladies,” Governor Swann answered, standing up.
The rest of the evening went relatively well, everyone had been civil, no further discussions about politics or business were brought up. Admiral and Lieutenant Norrington left half past nine and thanked Weatherby Swann and Lady Grey for a pleasant evening and excellent dinner. James bade farewell to Eloise and the gentlemen left. Cutler soon followed, hoping to speak to Eloise privately before departing. She walked with him to the foyer and the footman retrieved his coat.
“Miss Swann, you must know that I am rather thrilled you have accepted my invitation to St. James’. I hope that I can prove myself worthy of your affections.” Cutler said, softly.
“Perhaps you may,” she agreed.
“Good night, Miss Swann.”
“Good night,” she echoed.
He gave her a kind smile and then left; Eloise sighed and went back to her father and her aunt. They were both still speaking about Eloise and her suitors.
“Other than your impertinent questions at dinner, you did well this evening, Eloise.” Lady Grey complimented. “It seems you have captured Cutler Beckett’s heart more than he realizes.”
“I am looking forward to our outing on Friday. But I think I shall go to bed, it’s been rather a long day - all sorts of things happening today.”
“Good night, my dear,” Governor Swann said.
She smiled and left, sighing in relief when she finally got her own space. So much had happened that Eloise was quite beside herself, uncertain of how to go about her affections for James and then now the newly discovered sentiments of Cutler Beckett. She prayed it wouldn’t result in any kind of battle of wits or anything more serious, but Eloise decided that she could take it slowly. She had no need to rush her decisions, despite her aunt believing otherwise. No matter, today’s business was done, and she went to bed quite exhausted.
. . . . . . . . . ES JN . . . . . . . . .