The Adventures of Captain Jack Sparrow

A Long Day

Back in her father's house, Gabriela was exhausted. Fermín helped her and Isabela get down the carriage. She told Isabel to go inside and wait for her. Gabriela stayed outside with Fermín. They discussed some details about the security of the property and the tasks that each of the servants should perform until more people were hired.

"Fermín I want you to stay in the house all day long, do not leave the premises." She whispered secretly to Fermín, "You are in charge of delegating tasks. Organize the tasks for each one. Do not forget to close everything with chains and padlocks. Now you are going to take with you some chests that are in the trunks. Be sure to take them in the cellar in the wrought iron gate cage where the best wines are kept and secure the place with a padlock. Also, lock the door to the cellar with a key. Hid those two keys well. No one can access that room for any reason!" She emphasized. "At night tell Fernando or any of the other guys to secure the gate to the property with chains and padlocks." From time to time they checked nobody was close enough to listen to their conversation. "In the biggest trunk under the bed linens and table linens you will find muskets and pistols, gunpowder, Minié balls, swords, and rapiers. Please take them out and store them in a safe place but at the same time at hand in case they are needed. Give each Fernando, Joaquín, and Felipe one weapon, the one they feel more comfortable using,". She added "In my chamber hide the Queen Anne Screwbarrel pistol and ammunition in the nightstand drawer. And the Boxlock pistol, the King gave me for my birthday, in the top right drawer of the desk in the studio."

"Don't worry, I will" Fermín assured her.

"OK, go now. Tomorrow at two in the afternoon come for me and leave Fernando in charge. We need to buy some goods." Gabriela went on.

"You can count on me, niña," Fermín said calmly. He hurried into the house and asked some servants to help him carry the three trunks into the carriage, then he bade goodbye to Gabriela and drove quickly away to avoid meeting Don Juan.

Gabriela entered the house. In the hall, Isabela was waiting for her.

"Is everything alright mi niña?" Isabela asked.

"Yes, I am just tired. Could you please take something to eat to my chamber? Then I will take a nap. Get everything ready for tonight, prepare a bath for me, and wake me up, so I can be ready in time." Gabriela instructed Isabela.

"Of course, don't you worry about anything, just go up and rest. I'll take care of everything." Isabela replied.

When Gabriela was about to reach the stairs Don Juan walked out of his study and spoke to her, "Gabriela what have you been doing all day? Where did you go?"

Gabriela stopped, turned around, and faced him "Father?" She answered "As I've informed you earlier I went to my house and took some of my trunks there. I will be back tomorrow to take more books. I left four servants there to clean up, air the house, and make room for all the books. The house is perfect; the windows are big enough to let in the sunlight. The gardens are extensive and the view of the two bays is impressive. I think that the ladies who receive their tuition there will be very satisfied. That view is exactly what I need for drawing and painting lessons. The house is as beautiful and spacious as I'd imagined. Thank you very much, Father." She said with a smile faking gratitude.

Don Juan's face tensed "You should worry about your marriage right now; the finishing school can wait!" He rebuked his daughter. She scowled, feeling the resentment within her peaking. She stayed calm, she could not ruin her plans. She glanced at him derisively expressed how tired she was and reminded her father about the ball they had to attend that evening.

Don Juan nodded and told her to go to her chambers and rest for a while so she would make a good impression after being introduced to the local society as the duke's fiancée.

"Of course Father. After some rest and a good relaxing bath, I will look astonishing. See you later Father." she averred. Gabriela kissed her father and climbed up the stairs heading to her chambers.

Moments later, Isabela took a tray with some food and placed it on a small table. Gabriela smiled in appreciation. When Isabela was about to leave, she stopped her tracks and turned around, she muttered "I almost forgot!" While mildly slapping her forehead, she said, "Here's your ring!"

"Thank you, Nana." Gabriela took the ring and sighed. She walked towards the table ate something and then went to bed. She held the ring with her fingers and her lips curled up into a smile, then she placed the ring in the palm of her hand and clenched it into a fist before resting it on her chest. She slept peacefully.

Sometime later Gabriela woke up, her bath was ready, her gown ironed and the jewelry on top of her dresser. She took a relaxing bath and then she was helped into her gown. She chose a lavish dress of embroidered silk and a jaw-dropping display of jewels. She was draped with jewels. Her hair was carefully rolled into a bun. Large teardrop pearls hung from her chandelier earrings, while a cascade of pearls fell from the pin at her waist. An elaborate gold and silver necklace rested on a span of décolletage framed by the square neckline of her pink silk gown. The intricate vine embroidery on the skirt and bodice, along with the tiers of lace finishing her sleeves were stunning.

She looked into the mirror and encouraged herself "You can do this Gabriela! Be brave!"

When Don Juan saw his daughter he was satisfied with her looks. He was sure Duke James Nottingham would be captivated by her beauty.

They walked out of the house and got into the carriage.