Bess Haggardy

^ Toilet Paper! < Sorting through really old photos of my family and trying to make a lovely album for my mom and dad for christmas....I love scrap-booking! v Old Willie Wonka or New Willie Wonka...which is your favorite?

This wasn't her place. Being on a ship was no place for a girl. She thought to herself. She felt trapped and fearing the storm, her nerves did not settle well. She looked down at Mistress McKinney as she took her hand in comfort. "It's all right. We are safe aboard the Archangel, Mistress. The good doctor has brought you here to keep you safe from the storm." She could tell by the look on the Mistress' face that she was confused and out of sorts still. "Shall I get the Doctor then?" Again she questioned the actress only to recieve a nod in return. Bess was about to turn and fetch him when she heard footsteps come from the other side of the cabin. "She's feeling better?" The voice said breaking through the darkness. The lanterns only gave off enough light to cast the outline of a shawdow. Bess jumped back at the sound of the man's voice. "Who's there?" She said in barely a whisper. "Who wishes to intrude upon my Mistress and me?"

Bess had fallen asleep in the arms of Mr. Davis. The hearthstone now cold and the winds howling so loudly that it woke her from her well needed rest. She looked down at her beloved. Perhaps it would be best to let him lay. She thought to herself. After spending hours fighting the fire she thought it would be best. If the good doctor requested his assistance, she would make sure that she would wake him soon enough. Slowly, she slipped from his side. Soon she started a fire in the hearth. As the fire burned she wrapped her shawl around her as she looked out the window of the Three Crowns. She had never seen the weather turn so before. She quickly dashed to the upstairs to see if the good doctor and Mistress Lilly were safe. Upon reaching the top of the stairs she saw the good doctor existing Mistress McKinney’s room. “Good, I need assistance!” And with that Doctor Rieley grabbed Bess’ hand and pulled her into the room. “Would you not want Mr. Davis?” She whispered as the doctor pulled the sweat drenched sheet from Lilly’s bedside. “There is no time. She has taken with fever. I’ve seen this before. She could drown if I don’t work quickly.” “Drown? I don’t understand? How can one drown on land?” Bess asked as the Doctor push a basin into her hand. “Fetch water and I’ll need my bag…quickly girl. Then we must flee to the Archangel! We cannot stay here. There is a horrid storm approaching and no one will be safe.”

Bess looked up from her bucket. At first she did not recognize the kind fellow who befriended her. Her mind was elsewhere as of the moment. She feared for her Uncle and she feared for her own safety too. With her breath haggard and her face sopping wet with tears she could only nod a yes. Mr. Davis raised an eyebrow at her answer. "Come now, Bess…you can confine in me. There is no harm in it.” She bit her lower lip in as she gazed up at him again. “No.” Her voice was almost a whisper. “No, I am not all right. I fear my Uncle dead, and look at the Inn. ‘Twas the only home I’ve known since I can remember and now it is gone. Where shall I go? What will become of me? I am destitute and will end up in prison for sure!” The panic look up her face pricked at Mr. Davis’ heart. In that moment, he let go of all fear and quickly took her in his arms and held her close. “Fear not, I will look after you. We will manage through this horrible event. You are safe now, Bess.” He held her tightly; breathing in the moment that he hoped would last forever. Suddenly, he felt the warm return of her embrace. His heart surged with a feeling of contentment. The two of them stood there in the middle of the crowds as the fire continued to take hold of the Inn.

Tottering down the cobblestone road back to The Shipp Inn, Bess carried her willow basket of bread and cheese she collected from the market. It was still early that morning, but she was already late with the wash and the mid-day meal. She drew a yawn and suddenly glanced up to see several men run past her, one almost knocking the basket from her arms. “Here now! Watch where you are going you fool! What’s this all about?!” She said shouting at the man who ran past her. “The Shipp is a flame!” Suddenly, Bess stopped in her tracks. She looked up at the heavens to see the thick billows of smoke pour into the morning sky. With a cry of fear and shock, she raced towards the direction of the burning inn.

Bess Hagarty sat next to the hearth as she mended a pair of her Uncles stockings. She soon felt very comfortable by the warmth of the fire. Her eyes began to droop and the sensation of nodding off came over her, only for her to quickly snap awake and tend to her darning again. It was then she heard foot steps coming down the back stairway. She quickly placed down her darning, wiped her face with her apron, and tucked a loose piece of her pitch black hair under her cap. As the figure appeared at the bottom of the stairs she was surprised to see it was Mr. Davis. “I’ve come to fetch hot water for the Doctor and Mistress McKinney.” He explained to her. Looking a bit lost for he did not expect to find her about the kitchen at this hour of the day. “I shall fetch it for you. That is, if you don’t mind waiting for it to boil?” She said with a smile. She quickly gathered up the jug and looked back at Mr. Davis as she filled the kettle. “No, that is quite all right. I shall wait for it.” He said again, but this time glancing at her form. “Is the Mistress ill?” Asked Bess as she pulled out one of the rod iron arms from the hearth. “I fear she is not feeling her best.” Bess looked concern as she uncorked the jug and placed it upon the table. “What’s your name, Sir?” She said with a soft smile.

Bess Hagarty Physical Description: I’ve been known to turn a head or two. Though, no more than 19 years, and I might not be very tall and thin, but there is something to be said about women who are small and full breasted. My hair is black as pitch and my eyes green. Occupation: Serving Maid/Bar Maid. I am the niece of a Tavern Owner, Master Hagarty. I work several taverns in the Town of Port Royal Disposition: Mostly happy-go-lucky as long as me Uncle doesn’t start yelling for me. Though I work from sun up to sun down in the inn serving those who have come from far away places and share their stories of wonderful lands, I wish that I were one of those lucky people who could venture out and explore the world. Instead, my lot in life is servitude to my ungrateful Uncle. Background: I was born in Port Royal, but my father said that I must earn my keep. I was 12 years old when I came to work for my Uncle. It’s a hard life and there are very little pleasures with it. But there are times I sneak into the tavern at night after I am done with the kitchen work and listen to the wonderful tales the sailors have to tell. The inn has been busy these last few weeks with strangers and tragedy. I have taken to befriend a young man who is staying with a ship’s doctor. He’s been kind to me and I find myself daydreaming about him…quite a lot!

Drinks coming up, Captain!