Title: A Monstrous Rumour

Author[s]: Sarah Taplin (with a few suggestions from the crew)

Rating: PG

Disclaimer: This is a bit of non profit fun so please don't sue us etc.

Note: This is a little spin off story from the 'Monstrous adventures'

Acting Lieutenant Nerrissa Morgan handed Lieutenant Bush a small soft package wrapped in tissue paper and tied with a silk ribbon. He took it from her tentatively.

“I made this little present for you,” she said. “I hope you like it.”

“Oh-erm…thank you Miss Morgan. It’s just what I’ve always wanted.”

“You have to open it first, sir.”

“Of course.”

He fumbled with the ribbon delicately un-wrapping the tissue paper. Inside folded neatly was a white handkerchief embroidered with his initials. Turning it over he noticed she had embroidered a message on the other side. His eyes widened as he read the message. It was something that if read the wrong way could give the wrong impression. It read I hope you will keep this favor safe, like the knights of old who took favors from their fair maidens.

“Thank you,” he mumbled.

“Look after it.”

Nerrissa walked back down the ship away from him. The Lieutenant quickly stuffed the handkerchief in his pocket as his attention was distracted by some incident.

***

Lieutenant Bush scrabbled back onto his feet. He had been knocked to the floor when a gun nearby had exploded. He pulled the splinter from his badly lacerated left hand and reaching into his pocket pulled out the handkerchief and wrapped it round to stop the bleeding.

***

When they were both in port at the same time Nerrissa sought out the Lieutenant hoping to congratulate him after his ships recent fortunate capture of a prize.

“Good day to you, sir,” said Nerrissa always respectful.

“Good morning, Miss Morgan.”

“I hope I find you well?”

“Quite well,” he replied awkwardly.

She noticed he kept his hands behind his back and swayed nervously, not quite able to make eye contact.

“Has my present been useful?”

“Your…oh, the handkerchief you could say that.”

“Where is it?”

“Its-it’s in-,”

“You’ve thrown it away haven't you, I knew it you didn't like it.”

“I like it, I love it. It's just I have it in a safe place, in a box where I put all my precious things.”

“Then produce this box and the handkerchief within, sir.”

“It might take bit of time, Miss Morgan. I do have my duties.”

“Oh,” her face fell.

“Your captain has invited us to one of her famous suppers I will bring it with me, and prove myself to you.”

“I suppose that will have to do. Good day Mr Bush.”

Nerrissa swiftly saluted and walked towards the bow.

“She frightens me, and intrigues me yet I don’t know why,” he mumbled under his breath.

“She’s a pretty lass,” said Styles, suddenly appearing behind the Lieutenant who almost jumped two feet in the air in surprise.

“Styles!” He barked. “It is not polite to creep up on an officer, and I'll trust you to remember that in the future.”

“Aye, sir. But why don’t you, you know-,”

“Court her? It’s not appropriate and it isn't any of your business either. Get back to work.”

“Aye, sir,” he replied, reluctantly, going back to work.

***

Later that evening Lieutenant Bush folded the recently laundered handkerchief, hastily placing it in the box and locking it then putting it his sea chest. He didn’t want just anyone getting hold of the handkerchief especially not before he had shown it to Miss Morgan.

“Excuse me,” said Styles peering round the screen. “Miss Morgan’s complements, sir but you are wanted on deck.”

“I’ll be there presently.”

“Aye, sir.”

***

When he emerged on deck he noticed the temperature had fallen with the setting of the sun. Pacing the forecastle was the familiar hourglass silhouette of Lieutenant Nerrissa Morgan, her breath visible in the cold air. He shivered and pulled his jacket closer strolling slowly towards her.

“You are a bit early, Miss Morgan,” said the Lieutenant with a coy smile.

“Well, if you are telling the truth we can go get the handkerchief now.”

“We can?”

“Yes, we can, sir.”

“I-,”

“Will you show me?”

“Why all the interest in a handkerchief?”

“It represents-, it represents our,” she hesitated, searching for the right phrase. “Friendship.”

“Oh,” he pursed his lips, sensing the awkward atmosphere. “I’ll lead the way, shall I?”

***

Nerrissa noticed how the Lieutenant kept glancing around like he was afraid of someone or something, as he opened the sea chest.

“What’s the matter? You seem nervous, sir.”

“It’s only that I fear for your reputation, Miss Morgan. It’s not usual for-,” he paused, and swallowed loudly. “Well, it’s just not the done thing, you and me in my berth…alone.”

“I do not fear you, sir. You are an officer of his majesties navy and thus a gentleman beyond reproach.”

She patted him on the shoulder encouragingly. “Your reputation is a sound one.”

“I’m happy to hear that.”

He lifted out the box, and using the key from his pocket unlocked it and opened the lid. Nerrissa let out a small gasp and picked out the gold ring that lay atop the handkerchief.

“It’s beautiful-,” she tried it on, holding it up to the candlelight.

“And it’s my late grandmother’s engagement ring.” He took it from her, and placed it back in the box. “I’m saving that for…the right woman.”

“You haven’t met…the right one yet then?”

The question hung awkwardly in the air. Lieutenant Bush cleared his throat and blushed.

“The handkerchief. See there it is safe and sound. No need to worry.”

“That’s…good,” she replied.

“Might I accompany you to the supper, it is on my way?”

“I suppose it would be a prudent use of the admiralties resources.”

He led her down the companionway, bounding forward, when suddenly he heard a scuffle. Nerrissa tried to keep up with his stride but unfortunately someone had discarded a rope on the floor, she tripped and fell forward. Luckily Lieutenant Bush caught her just in time. He held her in his arms, their lips so temptingly near. They edged closer as she began to close her eyes. Suddenly they both heard a hearty chuckle, the owner of which was unmistakable.

“Styles!” yelled Lieutenant Bush.

His voice forceful, yet soft enough not to disturb anyone else in the ship, except who it was aimed for, Nerrissa winced at the sound so close to her ear. Styles, the burly sailor bowled it round the corner, a grubby smirk on his face.

“You can wipe that grin off your face for a start. Did you leave that rope lying around for someone to trip over?”

“Might have done, sir.”

“Well, you had better stow that rope away or I’ll stow you down the wrong end of a cannon and fire a twenty one gun salute, do you understand?”

“Aye, sir. I suppose you’ve got your hands full at the moment,” Styles sniggered.

Both Nerrissa and the lieutenant realized what their ‘embrace’ must look like and quickly pulled away from each other. Nerrissa smoothed down her uniform self-consciously.

“Discretion is the better part of valor Styles, I’ll trust you to remember that. I don’t know what’s going through your grubby little mind but you will kindly keep your bawdy thoughts to yourself,” he added in a hushed, almost growling tone. “or you’ll go blind. Now get back to your duties, and that’s an order.”

“Aye, aye, sir…sirs.”

He tugged his forelock and passed them picking up the rope. They both waited till his footsteps disappeared and they were safely alone.

“I apologize, Miss Morgan. Unfortunately those types are all too common.”

“It’s alright. I served on my father’s merchant ship for two years doing various tasks, I’m not completely unaware of how the lower decks behave, and think or don’t think as the case may be.”

“I’m glad of it. We don’t want any misunderstandings do we?”

“Not a hint, sir. Shall we go? If we are much later people might begin to talk.”

***

Gwendolyn looked out over the sea, her hands on the ships railing. It was a nice soft evening, and there being no wind didn’t matter when you were in port. She was about to retreat back to the boat when she heard a noise behind her.

“Excuse me ma’am, but the evening is rather chilling, so I brought you a cape.”
With a slight nod Mr. Matthews handed the cloak over to Gwendolyn.

“Oh, why thank you Mr. Matthews, that is most kind of you.” She said as she took it from him. “Only I was just going to leave now, Lieutenant Morgan will be wanting to be rowed back to the Monstrous, so I won't be needing it. But thank you...”

“Your welcome, ma’am,” he replied, knuckling his forehead and with a bow he added. “Goodnight.”

“Goodnight…what is your name?”

“Matthews, ma’am.”

“Well, goodnight, Matthews.”

She gave a little curtsey and walked slowly over to where the boat was tied up.

 

***

It came to pass that the next day in the forenoon watch Acting Lieutenant Nerrissa Morgan was called into the presence of Captain Jones. The captain stood looking out of the window, when Nerrissa entered the cabin, the two inches height difference seemed all the more pronounced as she turned round and straightened her back, a concerned frown on her face. Beside her was an equally serious looking Lieutenant Christian.

“Miss Morgan, good of you to grace us with your presence. We need to have a word with you.”

“You do, sir?” asked Nerrissa, confused. “Have I done something wrong?”

“You could say that…I have heard rumors, rather nasty rumors about you-,”

“About me, sir? They must all be seditious lies, I have done nothing vile.”

“Let’s not take scandalous gossip as gospel shall we? I only wish to establish the facts. These things can get blown out of all proportion. Miss Christian if you will illuminate Miss Morgan about the allegations.”

“You were spotted by a member of the crew of the Seawitch last night in…” Lieutenant Christian cleared her throat. “In what could be described as an embrace with Lieutenant William Bush of the said same ship.”

“Do you deny this? I warn you, a reputation once lost is almost impossible to get back.”

“I was on the Seawitch, sir. But nothing happened.”

“And were you, are you romantically linked with the lieutenant?”

Nerrissa got a reproachful look from Miss Christian.

“No, sir. We are simply friends, that’s all. He has made that quite clear,” replied Nerrissa.

“Has he indeed?”

“It is advisable not to jeopardize your career for a foolish whim. You have potential Miss Morgan, don’t waste it.”

“I won’t, sir.”

“Good. Maybe it would be best if you tried to avoid his company in the near future…at least until the rumors have died down.”

“Aye, sir.”

***

Lieutenant Bush stood in front of Captain Pellew, a picture of the model officer. He had nothing to reproach himself for, and wondered why he had been called into his superior’s presence.

“Mr Bush, you may think of this little chat as…off the record. I thought it prudent to have a talk to you about the rumors going round.”

“Rumors, sir? I wouldn’t listen to gossip, most of them are complete fabrications, sir.”

“You may not listen to the word round the harbor but I do, and so may others, important influential people.”

“May I ask what the rumors entail, sir?”

“Debauchery lieutenant-,”

“I am afraid that is common among the lower decks, sir. They do like their sensational tales.”

“The thing is this time it involves you and a young acting lieutenant.”

The lieutenant blushed, remembering and realizing what Styles had seen that night and how it could have been misconstrued.

“What are they saying, sir?”

“That you were seen with her and in…a compromising position. What do you say Mr Bush?”

“I-I,” he struggled to think of the best way to explain what had happened. “It was perfectly innocent. I can assure you, someone has just put two and two together and come up with five, sir.”

‘Damn you Styles,’ he thought in his mind “You and your big mouth”.

“Really? Well, I did not think the lurid details being bandied about quite rung true. You are dismissed-,”

“But don’t you want me to explain what happened, sir.”

“No, its none of my business, all I do say is either marry the girl (which is the best option), cut off all ties with her (which will be the worst), or be a little more subtle about your affairs, (which would be the compromise), Mr Bush.”

“With all due respect sir I object to what you are inferring.”

“You do?”

The captain poured himself a small glass of something red and alcoholic.

“I can assure you her….” He clenched his fist and looked about ready to explode with indignation. “Her virtue is still intact and I would not sully such a pure and honorable girl for anything.”

“You forget yourself lieutenant, restrain your temper. I did not question your honor or that of the lady.”

Lieutenant Bush took a deep breath and replied through gritted teeth.

“I apologize, sir.”

“It is accepted, now dismissed.”

“Aye, sir.”

***

Nerrissa leant against one of the beams which were at one end of the galley, as Judith Elliot the officer’s steward was preparing a meal. It seemed to her the woman was always cooking something.

“Oh, Judith,” exclaimed Nerrissa. “What am I to do? I do love him so much, but with all these rumors flying around I’m afraid he will be frightened off for good.”

“If he loves you he will do the right thing,” replied Judith, sprinkling a powder in one of the pots. “He strikes me as the honorable type.”

Nerrissa never insisted on the cook calling her ‘sir’, they were friends enough, she hoped to bypass all the pompous titles.

“But will he take stock of what people are saying and think that what is honorable is to stay away?”

“Stock,” she exclaimed, as if suddenly remembering and poured some liquid from a jug into the pan. “Do not trouble yourself, you’ll woo him.”

“I had hoped he would woo me. Why must I always have to do everything myself?”

“That’s life, dear. Pass me the salt-,”

She handed over the condiment.

“I can’t believe that Lieutenant Christian was acting so holier than thou about it, the hypocrite. I though she was my friend.”

“All is fair in love and war, and this time it concerns both.”

“The captain says I must not see him again,” said Nerrissa, staring sadly at the floor.

“Was this an order?”

“No, a suggestion.”

***

Lieutenant Bush stood by the taffrail his friend, Horatio, beside him.

“I will kill that Styles with my bare hands,” he grumbled. “To dishonor a lady’s reputation so, out of spite.”

“I’m sure it wasn’t meant maliciously.”

“Oh, yes it was. He saw what he wanted to see,” Lieutenant Bush held the ring that had been in the box, turning it round in his fingers. “And now I have lost my chance.”

He banged his fist in frustration.

“You still have an even chance of success. It might be prudent to be patient this time. We are leaving tomorrow.”

“Patient? Look at me Horatio, I am getting old…I am old, why would such a pretty little thing want me? I’m just an old fool.”

“You are no fool, except a fool in love,” Horatio grinned, nudging his friend playfully. “I’m sure she will wait for you. She understands the service, an advantage in an officer’s wife.”

“Do you think? I’m afraid that in my prolonged absence she might find a handsome young face while I’m gone. A long engagement is never wise, whether that be military or matrimonial. I won’t tie her hands with promises, that’s not fair.”

“What are you going to do then?”

“Try to forget,” he replied with a sigh. “And keep my mind on the mission.”

***

Nerrissa frowned as Lieutenant Ruth Christian entered the ward room. The Lieutenant returned the frown with a sympathetic almost apologetic glance.

“Who told you, sir?”

“Who told me what?” asked Ruth.

“The hideous slander you and Captain Jones accused me of, was it Miss Darcy or one of the boat crew?”

“No it wasn’t her and I am not at liberty to tell you who it was.”

“Then tell me who it wasn’t.”

“There are over 500 souls on this ship, that would take some time. Don’t fret. We are only looking out for your welfare.”

“I’m of age. I can look after my own welfare good enough, thank you.”

“You forget yourself, and my seniority, Miss Morgan.”

“I’m sorry, sir.” She replied her apology unconvincing.

“It’s not becoming for a young lady to sulk, especially an acting lieutenant. Sets the wrong example for the crew,” said Ruth with a smile. “I don’t bear a grudge.”

“I’m glad of it.” Nerissa looked down at the floor, pouting.

“You don’t suspect me of spreading rumors do you, really? Think about it. What would I have to gain?”

“With respect sir, you want him as well, get me out of the running and you can get your claws into him.”

“Nonsense, girl. I don’t want him, the sea is my husband. I’ve had my fill of marriage.”

“What about the Valentine?”

“Just a bit of fun. I thought he had sent me that invitation out of pity. If it had been genuine I would never have pursued him.”

“Really?”

“Really. Between you, me, and the ship if you want to know who told ask around the lower decks. They aren’t a principled about tattling on the higher ranks.”

She gave a nod, and left the room, leaving Nerrissa to ponder on who the informant could be.

***

“Styles!” yelled Lieutenant Bush. “If you’re not here on ten seconds I’ll have you flogged!”

Even down the other end of the ship the burly sailor heard the Lieutenants command.

“Oh, what is it now,” he grumbled to his friend and colleague, Matthews. “He’s been picking on me since we left port.”

“It’s your own fault, winding ‘im up.”

“I didn’t-,”

“He thinks you dobbed him and Miss Morgan in to the captain.”

“Oh, boy. I’m in for a stormy reception.”

“Too right there. You should’ve known better than to go telling tales out of school.”

“I didn’t say anything to anyone…except you. And you didn’t tell anyone did you?”

***

“Aye, sir. I’m here, sir.”

“You’re getting sloppy, Styles,” growled Bush. “Do I have to remind you of your duties?”

“No, sir.”

“Tell me why you’re gossiping like an old woman rather than working?”

“I wasn’t-,”

“You like gossiping don’t you Styles?”

“No…” he stumbled over his words. “I don’t, sir.”

“You soil young ladies reputations for fun.”

“No, sir. I don’t do anything of the kind.”

“I don’t like people who tell tales. Now get back to work, before I hang you from the nearest yardarm!”

“Aye, sir.”

***

As the sailor rushed off to perform his duties Lieutenant Kennedy strolled up to Lieutenant Bush.

“Don’t you think you were a little harsh on him?” asked Kennedy.

“On the contrary I think I was quite restrained.”

“But are you sure he’s the one you should be pouring your venom on, Mr Bush?”

“He was there. He saw exactly what happened and then purposely changed the facts to suit his own purpose that is all.”

“More than one person saw Miss Morgan go with you. The officer of the watch even, or someone on another ship with a glass trained on the Seawitch,” insinuated Lieutenant Kennedy, “Any of them could have…invented what they thought had gone on below decks.”

“What are you saying Mr Kennedy?”

“You know what I’m saying.”

“I’m afraid you are mistaken in thinking I know what you think I know what you’re saying. Speak plainly so there can be no error.”

“Being the officer of the watch that night I noticed a glint of moonlight off glass from the Monstrous. Someone on the ship was watching you and Miss Morgan.”

“But who?”

“I don’t know, it was too dark to make out the identity of our peeping Tom, or should I say peeping Tina.”

“Definitely a woman then?”

“Who else but a woman, on that ship,” replied Kennedy, with a grin. “Really what lengths the female of the species will go for juicy gossip.”

“You should meet my sister.” He chuckled. “And there I was thinking it was our resident fisherman’s wife,” he said indicating Styles with a subtle nod. “When all along it was one of the Monstrous women. A monstrous lot indeed.”

“There must be plenty of jealousies and rivalries on that ship.”

“I don’t doubt it. I do wonder who was vindictive enough to pick on poor Nerrissa.”

“Poor Nerrissa? It first name terms is it now? I’m starting to think maybe there was truth in some of the stories doing the rounds.”

“We are friends, Mr Kennedy. I’ll trust you to remember that.”

“Of course you are,” he replied barely contain a cheeky grin as he strolled for’ard.

***

Squintyboots approached silently, her boots hardly making a noise until she stood behind to Nerrissa who was on watch.

“I hear you want some information, sir,” inquired Squinty, causing Nerrissa to jump slightly with surprise.

“How do you know?”

“You’ve been asking questions.”

“You are a hard woman to track down. I’ve been told you know who it was.”

“I know many things. I see and hear a lot, sir.”

Somehow her suffix of ‘sir’ seemed more sarcastic than respectful.

“Did you start the rumors?”

“I wish, sir. But someone got there first.”

“I warn you, I don’t like your irreverent attitude.”

“Do you want to know who started the stories or not, sir?”

“Of course I want to know,” she snapped.

“Whoever was on duty that night had an opportunity of playing the spy, sir.”

“How-,” Nerrissa stopped.

Squintyboots had left as silently as she had appeared.

‘Well, well, if that’s true,” thought Nerrissa, remembering who had taken the watch that night, having passed her on the way to the jolly boat. ‘Then it was Lieutenant Harvey. I’ll have to keep an eye on her.’

The End.