Drabble Series: 'An Execrable Business' (23/?)

[dwgm]

400 words of the story, theme: "Gold". Many thanks, to my dear hereswith for beta reading, editing, and excellent suggestions.

Previous bits...

1. Tortuga
2. Happiness
3. Festive
4. Last Minute
5. Calm
6. Truth
7. Bargain
8. Spook
9. Down
10. Wounds
11. Moon
12. Monsters
13. Beauty
14. Name
15. History
16. Service
17. Advice
18. Captain
19. Awe
20. Cross
21. "You've made a big mistake"
22. Heroism

And here's today's...
23. Gold



~ An Execrable Business, continued...


Nell and Ana's sisters were sitting silently, side by side on the steps, when Jack came out, followed by Joe and the doctor. The girls rose, Constanze and Maribelle moving swiftly to embrace their father. Nell asked, "How is she?" and took Jack's proffered hands almost without thinking.

It was the doctor who replied, solemnly, "She sleeps now. The break was clean, and has set well, and she is young and strong. I will come back in the morning to see how she does, but I foresee no difficulty."

"Thank God," Nell said. "That she should be hurt so, because of me!"

But Joe said, "Do not blame yourself, cherie. That we could help you in your need is a happiness to us. Anamaria was a bold creature from her earliest days and ever inclined to run upon her fate. It's not easy being father to such a daughter. You see how gray my hair is?" He nodded weightily, his face crinkling with rueful amusement.

Even the doctor chuckled. Then his face fairly beamed as Jack fished a gold doubloon from his pocket and handed it over. The doctor bit it with strong, white teeth and held it up to glint in the moonlight. "Eh, bien! It is good to be paid in gold, rather than chickens, or dried fish, on occasion. Merci, capitaine." He gave Jack a bow, then said to Anamaria's sisters, "It would be well to keep watch of the little one in these first hours. Send for me immediately if she becomes at all distressed."

As he left, Maribelle said, "I will take the first watch."

"No, I will!" Constanze frowned. "You can't always be first! Maribelle!" A whispered argument ensued as the two went into the house.

Joe shook his head, smiling, then turned to Jack. "Shall we take those villains out to the Black Pearl now, before it is light? They are waiting in the Jolly Mon, tied like the pigs they are."

"Aye," said Jack. "They can cool their heels in the brig while we take on stores for the voyage. Nell, darlin', you stay here and get some sleep. I'll be back as soon as may be."

He brushed light fingers over the bandage on her forehead, bent and placed a kiss next to it, and answered her startled look with a charming grin. Then he trotted down the steps after Joe.



TBC…

Comments

[stealmybike.livejournal.com]

He brushed light fingers over the bandage on her forehead, bent and placed a kiss next to it, and answered her startled look with a charming grin. Then he trotted down the steps after Joe.

Sigh... Oh Jack, what a charmer!

Another great installment! I'm really glad to hear the doctor's verdict.

I still giggle at the two sisters fighting over the watch and at Ana's father: It's not easy being father to such a daughter. You see how gray my hair is?

Sounds a lot like my dad! :)

Looking forward to more!

[pearlseed.livejournal.com]

That man--here's to hoping the best laid plans...Love Nell's surprize, I would have imagined he'd already stolen a kiss by now, pretty proud of himself that he's waited this long, isn't he?

[geekmama.livejournal.com]

Sibling tiffs and the sighing of put-upon fathers are things most of us can relate to, I think. And Jack is ever irresistible. I'm so glad you enjoyed! Thank you for commenting!

[geekmama.livejournal.com]

pretty proud of himself that he's waited this long, isn't he?

I expect so. *g* There will be more on that subject in tomorrow's installment, now being edited.

Thank you for commenting! I'm very happy you enjoyed it!

[aravah.livejournal.com]

He brushed light fingers over the bandage on her forehead, bent and placed a kiss next to it, and answered her startled look with a charming grin. Then he trotted down the steps after Joe.

*swoons*

You are turning me into such a fangirl with this story! Not that I'm complaining. ;)

Still loving every word. Can't wait to find out what happens next. :)

[mary684.livejournal.com]

hee, sweet kiss. And the charming grin afterwards. Oh Nell, watch out for him!

[geekmama.livejournal.com]

I'm so happy you're enjoying it! I must say I'm having a lot of fun writing it, so far. More tomorrow!

[geekmama.livejournal.com]

There are few grins as charming as Jack's, as we all know. Nell's a goner. ;)

Thank you again for reading and commenting -- I really appreciate it.

[florencia7.livejournal.com]

"He brushed light fingers over the bandage on her forehead, bent and placed a kiss next to it, and answered her startled look with a charming grin." - *struggles not to faint* Can I please be Nell?? Just for one day!!! ^^

I love Joe and his daughters - they make such a lovely family, the way you describe them, I feel as if I actually knew them.

Great installment! :)

[geekmama.livejournal.com]

So happy you liked these OC's! Thank you for the feedback, and if I could make you Nell for one day I would! ;)

[kseenaa.livejournal.com]

Ah, such a charmer he is. :-) And I do mean both Jack and AnaMaria's father! X-D

[geekmama.livejournal.com]

I'm so glad you like Joe. Anamaria deserves a great father. ;) Thank you for commenting!

[compassrose7577.livejournal.com]

A wise man that checks any coin he gets from Jack. But those were perilous times, regardless.

Maybe they should take said trussed pigs and roast them. No?

Well, ok.

[geekmama.livejournal.com]

Maybe they should take said trussed pigs and roast them. No?

Probably should have. *g*