Sarah squirmed in front of the mirror, uncomfortable in her seat. Evangeline pinned small white flowers around her crown, attempting to be as precise as possible. Red curls fell about the bride's shoulders and framed her face, and Geline momentarily wished her hair was the same color. Soft, bountiful, and shimmering, Sarah's hair was the envy of every woman in town. The day was bright and crisp. Not a cloud in the sky, with a still and quiet sea. Sarah had described such a day for her wedding to take place.
"I'm nervous," Sarah giggled, bringing her delicate hands to her cheeks.
"You shouldn't be nervous. You look beautiful."
Evangeline stepped away from Sarah to allow her the room to admire herself. The woman stood, and took in the sight of her wedding gown and flower embellished hair. A smile spread across her alabaster face.
"Oh," she sighed, tears pooling in her eyes. "Evangeline, it's perfect."
Sarah's dress had been made to match the adornments on Nathaniel's coat. Made with white-gold material, it was a box cut at the chest and flared out at the hips. The sleeves were quartered, with ruching and flowers at the elbows, and lace hung from the opening at the sleeves. Her skirt was full, and the entire ensemble was covered in gold embroidered floral patterns, which sparkled in the light.
Geline smiled, and took her friend's hand in her own. "Nathaniel will hardly have the right words."
The women embraced as a knock came at the door, and an older woman poked her head into the room.
"Sarah, dear, we must leave for the church. Oh, stand here and let me have a look at you." Sarah's mother held her arms out to her daughter, and beamed with pride. "I have dreamt of this day since you were a little girl."
Evangeline took these words as her cue to exit. She did not wish to interrupt such a private moment, and so she slipped past the women and left. Entering her own bedroom, she saw her valise up against the wall where she had left it. The baggage contained what little she wished to take with her onboard the Pearl. Everything had burned the night her father died, and she had hardly had a chance to acquire much in the time since. After the ceremony, she planned to make her way back to Nathaniel's, wait until nightfall, and meet Jack at the cliffs.
The thought of seeing him after two weeks made her weak. Waiting had eaten away at her. Knowing the man she loved was out at sea, hiding and abiding time until they could see eachother again, had plagued her every thought. The two weeks dragged on, every hour seemed double its length. Every time she looked towards the ocean, she saw Jack's face. There had been much to take care of during the weeks; saying goodbye to her co-workers, saving every shilling she possibly could, and most difficult of all, telling Benjamin that their courtship was over. The news had stunned him. Evangeline did her absolute best to let him down easily, but the pain in his eyes had hurt her. Explaining the situation, and watching him attempt to make sense of it all, had made her feel such guilt.
"Our courtship must end," she had said, reaching out to lightly take his hand. "I'm leaving Folkestone in a few days time."
"Where could you possibly be headed?" he asked, his face ashen.
Geline had not know whether to tell the man the truth. A month's worth of courtship did not necessarily entitle him to this information, yet lying did not sit well with her. He had been kind and thoughtful, and she owed him an explanation.
"I met a man, many years ago, who has my heart. Fully. I am leaving with him."
Benjamin had pulled his hand away, and stood quickly, and Evangeline followed.
"Benjamin, wait. Please! Our time together, however short, was genuine and I enjoyed it immensely." The look he gave her before leaving only made her realize how much she had hurt him.
She remembered the wedding when a knock broke her thoughts.
"Geline, it's time to go," Sarah called, and Evangeline smoothed her skirts and checked her hair one last time before meeting her friend at the door.
Nathaniel looked almost regal standing at the altar as he waited for his bride. His attire, which he handpicked, was blue with a cross stitch pattern and had gold flowers along the lapels, down the side of the jacket, and at the cuffs. There was lace at his neck, and the same lace attached at the end of the sleeves. He found her face in the crowded church, and gave her a nervous smile. Evangeline returned it with a small, encouraging wave. The church was narrow, decorated with spring flowers and lit candles. The stained glass windows projected colors onto the faces of the attendees, bathing them in holy light. It called to memory the church in Scotland. The church where she had died. From the pews, Evangeline wondered what Jack was doing that that exact moment.
When the doors opened, and Sarah was guided in by the priest, Geline watched as Nathaniel's eyes lit up at the sight of his bride walking to meet him. Sarah's train seemed to float just above the ground. As the holy man instructed them to kneel before him, and repeat the vows, Geline felt tears spill over onto her cheeks.
"I take you to be my wife and my spouse and I pledge to you the faith of my body, that I will be faithful to you and loyal with my body and my goods, and that I will keep you in sickness and in health, and in whatever condition it will please the Lord to place you, and that I shall not exchange you for better or worse until the end."
Weddings always pulled at her heartstrings. To her, there was something so beautiful in the way two people looked at one another while kneeling together at the altar. She knew, without a doubt, that Nathaniel would be a fantastic husband. He would be faithful, loving, and loyal. Sarah would want for nothing. Their future children would be loved and cherished. The couple kissed tenderly, then rose to their feet, and the guests followed. As Sarah passed by Geline, she reached out and quickly grasped her hand.
"Thank you," she mouthed, before swiftly exiting with her new husband.
Attending a wedding as a single woman was taboo, a form of social suicide, and especially at Evangeline's age. She felt the stares of the other guests as they all made their way out to the church lawns to greet the couple. Among the Dog Rose and Orchids on the grounds, she knew what they were whispering to one another.
"She ended her courtship."
"Can you imagine attending such an event alone? Without an escort?"
"You know her father died just last year, poor thing."
"She has such a past, I cannot believe she has the gall to show her face in a place of God."
She stood alone at the edge of the church gardens, her maroon skirts settled among flowers and tree bases. Her bosom heaved against the restraints of her dress, and she found herself missing trousers and loose shirts. Closing her eyes, she imagined herself back on the deck of the Pearl. The sounds of the rigging and sails echoed in her mind, the feel of the mist of the sea was fresh against her face. Her eyes snapped open when she heard a twig snap beside her, and Nathaniel smiled as she turned to face him.
"Did I interrupt?" He asked, clasping his hands behind his back.
"No," she laughed, reaching out to place her hand to his cheek. "Congratulations. I'm so pleased for you."
He smiled, and covered her hand with his own. "Thank you for staying. I know your mind and soul have been elsewhere this past fortnight. Your attendance means everything to me."
"I would not have missed it for the world. Every time I have turned to find myself laden with misfortune and misery, it is you that has been there for me. It is only now that I return the favor. I'm happy to be here for a happy time."
They removed their hands, and stood watching as Sarah greeted and entertained the guests that were spread out among the garden. It was her nature to be a gracious host, to make everyone feel welcomed and loved.
"She's perfect, isn't she?" He asked, smiling.
Evangeline nodded, taking a small glass of wine from a man who was making the rounds.
"Ah, the best part of the whole wedding," Nathaniel laughed, accepting a glass as well.
"Go to her," Geline said, taking a sip. "No need to keep me company, your wife needs you."
"I know. I also know that you're leaving tonight, and I don't want to miss you before it's too late." He whispered, looking into his wine glass.
She reached out again, this time lightly grasping his wrist.
"I'll see you at home, I won't leave until you and Sarah find your way back there. I cannot leave until dark anyway. Go. Enjoy your wife and this beautiful day."
He nodded, his low ponytail rubbing against the back of his neck as he did. He finished his wine, gave her a smile, and left to join Sarah.
Geline watched the couple dance with their guests in the garden, and clapped along to the music. She took another glass of wine and nervously drank it all in one go. Her thoughts were on the cliffs, at the helm of the Pearl, on Jack's face, lips, and hands. But she clapped along, hidden against the trees where other guests could not bother her. After an hour, she realized how out if touch she felt, and decided that she had had too much to drink. She found her way to Sarah, and kissed her lightly on the cheek.
"Are you leaving then?" She asked, still slightly dancing to the fiddle.
"I may have had a bit too much wine," Geline giggled. "I think it prudent that I make my way home."
"Well, you shouldn't go alone, let me find my brother-"
"I'll be fine, Sarah. Enjoy the rest of the celebrations, and don't worry about me. I'll see you tonight."
Sarah looked at her skeptically, but nodded her head. "Well, say goodbye to Nathaniel before you leave. His mood will be simply ruined if you don't."
The newlywed hugged her tightly, and whispered in her ear. "Only a few more hours, now."
She found Nathaniel with Sarah's brother, Timothy, at the edge of the garden. They both smiled brightly, and Nathaniel held his hands out to her.
"The most beautiful woman here besides my wife," he laughed.
"Oh, nonsense. It seems we have both had too much wine. Hello, Timothy," she greeted them, and Timothy placed a small kiss on the back of her hand.
"You're leaving, aren't you?" Nathaniel asked.
"I am. The wine is too strong, and this dress is too restrictive."
The men nodded as if they understood, and Nathaniel kissed the side of her forehead.
"Would you like Timothy to accompany you home?"
"No, thank you. Both of you continue about your business, it's not a long walk. I'll see you afterwards."
He gripped her hand tightly and nodded knowingly. She squeezed it back, and made her way back into the church.
The sun was more than halfway through with its cycle as she journeyed back home. She held her skirts up to keep them from snagging on the cobblestone, and as she passed through the center square, she felt a small pang in her heart at the sight of the building where she had worked. She had spent many nights there, among her friends, feeling independent and free. Jack had shown up there, a year earlier, to meet an interpreter. He had unknowingly set off a chain of events with that meeting.
As Evangeline turned the corner, her mind teeming with memories, she bumped into something sturdy, and fell backwards. Her hand caught her fall, bending hey wrist unnaturally, and causing her to call out. She looked up, and saw a gentleman in Navy garb standing over her.
"I'm sorry, sir, I was not paying attention," she breathed out as she grabbed her afflicted wrist.
He said nothing, but stood there as two more men came and situated themselves beside him. She looked up at them, suddenly aware that something was amiss. Their faces hovered above her menacingly.
"I'm just on my way home from a wedding," she told them firmly.
No one offered to help her to her feet, so she helped herself, cradling her wrist against the maroon fabric at her bodice.
"I'll just go the other way, then," she offered turning around.
As she did, she turned and saw Alexander blocking the way. Her heart dropped, and she stepped back into the shadowed alleyway.
"Miss McKenna. How strange to see you back in Folkestone," he said calmly, his arms folded in front of him. His staple red hair was perfectly parted and braided tightly. He had grown a mustache, and it looked odd beneath his nose.
"Alexander," she said cautiously. The last time she had seen him, his hands had been wrapped around her neck, and she suddenly felt that old wound spark up at the base of her throat. He had nearly killed her.
"It's Commodore, actually. Walking home alone. How foolish," he muttered.
"I've done nothing wrong. Please move so that I may be on my way."
"You've done nothing wrong? You call evading justice, aiding a law-breaking pirate, killing Navy men, escaping the barracks, and fleeing town in the Black Pearl nothing?"
"Jack and I didn't kill anyone," she countered.
"Touché. I know the Pearl is just out of reach, one of my men saw it two days ago. I do not know what you're planning, but my men and I are going to have you accompany us to the fort for some friendly conversation."
Evangeline felt a lump form in her throat. He knows where Jack is, she thought.
"And if I do not go quietly?" she asked.
Alexander looked at her with curiosity, tilting his head sideways, his eyes ablaze with amusement.
"Isn't that your nature? Quiet little Evangeline McKenna, following pirates around and not making a peep?"
"Not anymore," she hissed, glaring at him.
The men behind her pulled their swords from their sheaths and looked to Alexander for instructions.
"You've got no weapon, you're injured, and Sparrow isn't here to help you. You'll do well to simply follow me to the fort," he said, signaling to his men to follow him.
"Am I under arrest then?" she asked, waiting for her wrists to be shackled.
"For the love of God, Miss McKenna, shut up and follow me," Alexander stressed, bringing his finger and thumb to the bridge of his nose to ward off a headache.
Evangeline felt one of his men press his hand to her back, forcing her to follow his superior. Confused, she gave in, and fell into step with the rest of the men. She tried to anticipate what was coming.
Why am I being dragged to the fort? Have they captured Jack and the rest of the crew? Why acost me now when I've been in town for months?
The sun was on the decline now, and she began to panic. She would not make it to the cliffs in time, and if they had not captured Jack would he think that her absence meant that she had changed her mind? Looking straight ahead, she felt tears build up in the corner of her eyes. She must not cry, however worried she was. But, she thought of Jack, chained and shackled in the fort. Thought of him standing on the cliffs alone, heartbroken that she did not keep her promise, that she did not love him. Her right hand, which was tenderly holding her injured wrist, was accented with Jack's ring. She looked at it with intensity and a red, hot focus. Whatever was about to take place, she could overcome it. After everything, she could best this Commodore if she found herself in danger. One does not die and come back to life without a will to fight and survive.