Capt. Sterling

He raised his head and looked up at her. "Ye would have us all "out in the open"... fair targets one for the other?"he asked. He thought a moment. "Perhaps it would be well received by him as well, this idea of yours. I perfer being in plain sight at the moment...rather than slinking about in the bowels of someone else's ship. If there, indeed, is someone else we must be on our guard against, I hope to draw him out by letting him think we believe all is over and, now, with the death of Killingsworth, we are free to go about our business once again. And might there be someone here who could arrange such a meeting?" He smiled at her then, his tone softening. "Mistress Sterling, ye shall be a clever little wife indeed. But tell me just how well do ye handle a razor? I fear I cannot bare this growth much longer," and with that he leaned forward and rubbed his bearded chin against her cheek.

Archangel

fallen

He reached out and pulled her to his lap. As good arm moved to its accustomed place about her waist, he laid his head against her shoulder. "I would if I could mon amour, but Striker wishes to speak with me. I would send another in my place, but I do not know this captain and thus do not know if he has ever witnessed my face or form. If he does indeed have news of importance, then I cannot take the chance of misleading him and being caught... besides what sort of man would you think me then? Chere, there be naught more than three quarters of the hour to wait until we find ourselves aboard Striker's ship. I will stay here and rest to make ye happy until then. I had wanted to bring ye to the yards and show ye the 'Angel but with the weather I fear that must be postponed. But as to tomorrow's event, I would not postpone that for the world mon amour... never."

conceit

"Ye will at least tell him then... that I tried," Sterling said. "Oh Chere," he added suddenly. "I could do with a place to sit for a moment and catch my breath. That poor child in the street has just about taken the air from my lungs."

don't you know?

"No, no Chere, the damage was done at my behalf. Glass tis expensive and I must make amends. It would not do otherwise. Just what would yer brother think of me then? He might not be so willing to meet us at the church tomorrow and I can not have that," Sterling replied.

Could ye give me your opinion on this matter?

"There," Sterling mused, following Aurore inside the safety and warmth of the old shop. Once it was seen that she was all right and content to stay put until the weather once again became managable, Sterling went to inspect the damage done by his midshipman. Hazzards continued to watch the couple and March slowly began to read over the titles on good leather spines.

Are you seeing things the way I am?

With rings in tow, the small knot made their way again out into the streets. "There is someone I wish ye to meet," Sterling said but before they could travel much further the dismal skies above suddenly opened up and the steady rain now came down with a fury. Forced to take cover somewhere they now hurried forward, the captain's good arm now wrapped tightly about Aurore's shoulder in a gallant, but all too vain attempt to keep her dry. As the rain continued to fall, people scurried quickly passed trying to find shelter of their own. One young girl, colliding hard with the couple caused Sterling to groan with discomfort, his face paling as she struck his side. "Tis sorry I am," the girl apologized fearing the anger of her better. She seized his left arm and Aurore watched him set his teeth against the pain the girl unwittingly produced in him. "Go on with thee," he mumbled, trying to free himself from the girl's concerned grasp. "Tis no harm done lass. Go on, get thyself out of this foul weather and allow us to do so as well." The girl dipped in a curtsy. "Thank ye sir," and hurried off. "Jean," Aurore said taking his arm as March and Hazzards closed on him. "Are you all right?" Cautiously he took a deep breath and then straightened himself. "Well enough," he said, but his next few steps where slow and calculated. It was then they both noticed the bookshop. It's front window now boarded up with wooden planking until repairs could be finalized. "And that would be Mr. Merriweather the elder's doing?" March asked. Hazzards laughed. "Aye it would indeed. His intent was well meant." "Come inside here," Aurore suggested. Sterling nodded in agreement. "Aye, and I have just enough to spare for a mid-day meal and a new piece of glass."

Are you asking me?

bump

I don't know, do you?

He looked down at the one she indicated then looked to her. "Are ye certain mon amour?" the mischief was again apparant in the glint in his eye. "Choose as ye like tis all I ask." Aurore gave a nod of her head...she had made her decision. "That is the one then," the captain agreed and the jeweler picked up the ring in question. "I shall take one as simple myself." he said. "In the silver as well," he added with a grin. Then he looked down at Aurore still smiling. "I see the name of Sterling shall suit ye just fine," he chuckled. "And now, ma Chere, ye must excuse my appaling behavior." He turned her to face him and carefully lowered the damp hood of her cloak. A droplet of rain that still clung to the hood's hem splashed to Aurore's cheek and Sterling wiped it away with his thumb then leaned down to kiss her.

acceptance

that come hither look

As Sterling entered the shop he caught Aurore's uncertain glimpse. With a calculated breath, he finally calmed himself and went to her side. With his strange antics at the shop door, owner of the fine establishment approached March first. Senior Lieutenant hastily jerked thumb over shoulder in direction of his superior. "Although I know what he be after, tis the Captain ye wish to be addressing," Andrew said. "Captain?" the Jeweler said, one eye brow raised in slight suspicion. "Aye tis what I said," March added. "Ah yes," the man sighed and redirected his steps. "And how might I be of service... captain?" "Come along Chere," Sterling said, once again offering her his arm. "Rings if ye please." He glanced down at Aurore. " A simple band of the lady's choice."

seduction

“A-ha!” Was Sterling’s first comment as they rounded the corner. “Ye must forgive me Chere, I am not as familiar with Port Royal as I would like,” he added as he finally came to a stop long enough to open the door to the next shop. He waited for Aurore to enter the Jewelers first, then actually bowed and allowed both lieutenants to enter after her. “He must be in love,” Hazzards chuckled under his breath loud enough for the first Lieutenant’s ears only.

Private place

Sterling continued on now ever more intent in his quest. March and Hazzards pressed to keep a distance where they could actually maneuver properly if someone were to single out their captain once again, without actually falling behind. Aurore nearly ran to keep up with Sterling's long strides. "Sir," Andrew March finally protested. "My apologies Mr. March," Sterling replied. "But I do wish to conclude my business affairs before we make our way over to Striker's ship." "Sir, ye have at least another hour. Surely ye need not kill yerself when so many others are trying to do it fer ye!" March remarked curtly. Sterling halted a beat then continued on his way. He was in too good a mood to correct his first officer for over stepping his bounds... even if Mr. March was right in his opinion.

bed

She watched his brow furrow for the briefest of moments, and smiled to herself knowing she had surprised him. "But ye must allow me to spoil ye once more this day. Although this time ye may choose as ye like." He hugged her arm closer to his side as his stride once again seem to take on an urgency. "Je t'aime," he whispered.