Chapter Nine

When Will woke in the morning, he was shivering beneath his blankets, his legs tightly and uncomfortably curled against his chest. His body was trying to warm itself naturally. Unfortunately, a light fever returned along with severe chills.

As was common, blankets were plied on his body until he rested calmly. While everyone else prepared, Alexander stayed beside his nephew adding or removing blankets and watching over him.

Somehow, between the rushing and scrambling to finish, Will remained curled asleep in his blankets and pillows. Elizabeth came to him for a few moments every hour just to check his condition. As the morning proceeded on, his chills were relieved but the light fever remained. The natural glow that his bronze skin carried was dull as the bronze was paler than usual.

Seeing as the fever showed no signs of ceasing by means of Will sleeping, they knew he would have to hide his pain again today.

"Alex, I feel terrible," Will whispered after being woken.

"Think of it like this. Your bath water is impossibly hot and each second coolens it," said Alexander.

"How late is it?" asked Will.

"It's more to one o'clock rather than noon," replied Alexander.

"Why didn't you wake me?" wondered Will as he threw the blankets aside. Shuddering as the sudden cold came to him, he grabbed a blanket to wrap around himself.

"That's why. You have a light fever," said Alexander.

"I'll be fine once I've had my bath," said Will as he stood again.

Before moving any farther, he stretched his arms above his head and arched his back and went on his toes.

Alexander raised an eyebrow, impressed that Will had the strength to do that.

"I needed to stretch," Will told him, noticing the impressed look on his face.

"Apparently," noted Alexander.

Once Will was settled in the hot water and thick layer of bubbles and soap, he sunk farther in the water only leaving his head from chin up to the air. He shut his eyes, inhaling the lilac and vanilla scent. Though he heard the scrambling and worry, everything was dull to him. The sweat that still embedded his skin from the fevers washed away as well as the feeling of illness.

Gentle hands massaged his shoulders. Water was poured in his hair by the handfuls. He sat up for the maid to wash his hair. The water pouring through his curls and down his back felt wonderful. Vanilla soap was massaged through his mess of curls. For once, his hair was combed through with the soap still in it pulling the tangles with ease. He was rinsed then his shoulders and back were massaged with the vanilla soap and a soft cloth. Relaxed more than he had been in weeks, he allowed the maid to wash his arms and legs, not bothering to open his eyes because it was wonderful just to lay in the water without a care.

A giggle came from behind him following a kiss on the neck. "Are you going to open your eyes or not silly?" Elizabeth's voice asked.

Will shook his head as he sunk his head against the pillow, slumping in the water more. "Never." He opened his eyes then looked at her oddly. "Oh, what are you doing here?"

Elizabeth laughed. "I'm washing you of course."

"I thought it was back luck for the groom to see the bride before the wedding," noted Will, quite remembering her saying that after he told her she looked beautiful weeks ago.

"Well, that was then. We've never been one for tradition anyway," said Elizabeth. "Besides, we've had not one spot of bad luck."

It was Will's turn to laugh. "Speak for yourself."

"Oh, nothing bad happened," said Elizabeth.

Will brought his hands to count each incident on his fingers to prove to her. "My grandfather came only to bring me back to nobility. I think I would count every argument we've gotten into." All five fingers on his right hand and one on his left for the reason Richard came back. "I burned myself, had an infection, and I'm still recovering from pneumonia, he hates me, and won't listen to a word I say, Alexander has had to save my life more than once, I have a few new scars on my body and I think that's about it."

"But none of that would have happened had Richard not come and save you," said Elizabeth.

Will raised one more finger. "I can't believe I forgot this one. The rest of the world knows that I am Lord Seastone."

"You admit it then?" wondered Elizabeth.

"Pirate Lord Seastone," corrected Will. "Courtesy of Alexander."

"Pirate Lord. I like that. William Turner, Pirate Lord of England," said Elizabeth. She said that to herself several times, the smile on her face growing more each time.

Will looked at her beauty a moment. She wore a simple plain dress. Her hair was set into an ornate roll on the crown of her head. Her twisted hair flowed into a beautiful circle. Pins with cloth flowers held the hair together. A cream lace with beaded embroidery circled the bun. A single, small loose curl hung down the left side of her face.

A mischievous smile widened across his face. Her hair was finished after all and she had time to spare since she was with him and not panicking. It was cruel though, especially today, but he couldn't resist.

Will grabbed her hand and pulled her.

Elizabeth shrieked as she fell into Will's lap. She was soaked from her knees to her chest.

"WILL!" she shrieked even louder than before. "How could you?"

Will sat in the water, his sweet laughter louder than her shrieking.

Elizabeth was not amused as much as she usually was. She smacked him in the chest, harder than usual, over and over, fuming and ranting about never being ready now.

"At least I didn't get your hair wet," said Will, still laughing. "But if you want…" He brought his cupped hand from under the water.

"Oh no, no, no and no!' screamed Elizabeth.

She pulled herself from Will's lap and stood on the floor looking at her half soaked body. She kicked water in Will's face. Wanting to say something she opened her mouth.

"Yes darling?" wondered Will.

Elizabeth raised a finger. Deciding against it, she shut her mouth, shook her head, and grabbed the towel beside him. She walked out of the room stomping and throwing a tantrum as she did so.

Will sat in the water laughing again. Consumed with laughter, he didn't notice Alexander until he said something.

"Why is she wet?" asked Alexander.

"I pulled her in," replied Will, laughing still.

"Why?" wondered Alexander.

"She deserved it for acting this way. It's just a wedding," said Will.

"Yes, her wedding. Remember, you're getting married today? You know, marrying, 'I do', cake, kissing, rings," said Alexander.

Will's laughter ended as his eyes widened and mouth dropped. "I don't have the ring."

"Don't tell me you lost it," Alexander told him. "Do not tell me you lost it. You have an hour before it's two o'clock."

"No, it's still at the smithy. I never had the chance to bring it," said Will.

"Is it still in the false stone?" asked Alexander.

Will nodded. "How did you know about that?"

"Will, I was there when you finished the ring," reminded Alexander. "You dry off and go back to your room. I'll get the ring and come back here then help you look presentable." Will's eyes widened even more. "Now what?"

"I'm getting married in one hour," said Will.

"Nervous?" asked Alexander sarcastically.

Will nodded. "I'm not nervous about being married. I've wanted to marry her since I met her. I'm nervous that our wedding will be ruined again."

"Unlikely," said Alexander.

Will looked at him. "Likely. Do you know how many pirates probably know of me now? They could very well come here and take Elizabeth or I hostage."

"Your wedding being ruined again is more likely than you or Elizabeth becoming hostages to pirates," said Alexander. "I know nearly every pirate in the Caribbean."

"But are you going to expose Captain Rosewood in public?" asked Will. "You'll be hanged."

"Pubic meaning fourteen people," added Alexander.

"Twenty, the servants and maids are attending as well," said Will.

"They all know about me," said Alexander.

"No they don't," said Will.

Alexander threw another towel beside Will. "Get out and dry off. I'll get the ring."

Will rolled his eyes, but he did have to agree with his uncle. The water was cold anyway. He stepped out of the tub, dried his body, slipped on his robe, and walked from the room drying his hair.

Laid out on the bed were his clothes. He looked at them and had to admit his grandfather must have been in a good mood that day. This was as far from nobility as he thought. It was more sailor than anything. There was also a note on the coat. Don't entirely dress. I have to stitch your arm.

"Well that contradicts everything he just said," he noted to himself.

Since he was thinking about it, he looked at his arm. The cut on his left arm was still red and slightly inflamed. It was definitely tender. The old stitches were causing most of the pain he assumed since his arm was healing now.

As Alexander requested, he slipped his breeches and boots on. He especially admired the silver thread embroidery down the sides of the breeches and buttons above the boot. The embroidery flowed like waves upon the sea. Unfortunately, the boots had never been worn before, causing the 'newness' discomfort. He looked out the window facing the gardens.

Chairs faced the enormous willow tree where he and Elizabeth spent many hours hiding behind the canopy talking with each other. A cream carpet was rolled out from the manor. Rose petals lined the carpet. More bouquets of white flowers were placed along the path. He couldn't see the ending of the path, but he supposed it led to the tree.

Just waiting for his uncle, he sat in a chair beside the window with a blanket wrapped around himself, thinking of his life and choices that lay ahead. Marriage was the dawn of a new life. A new life opportunity came with his family. His old life was still the life he wanted to hold onto. Would he choose to return to London and never again do what he wanted or stay in the Caribbean and continue to do whatever he wanted alone?

Hearing the door he turned his head. "Did you run?"

Alexander shook his head. "Not the entire way." He threw a box in Will's lap. "I told you I would have it. Now come here."

Will sat on the bed with the blanket wrapped around his body, exposing his arm. More than usual, he tensed as his uncle pulled the stitches from his arm. Stitching and removing stitches never bothered him before. However, there were exceptions to everything. The thought of what to do still dwelling in his mind, he shut his eyes.

"Don't fall asleep now. You certainly cannot marry Elizabeth asleep," Alexander told him, poking the needle through his arm.

Will tensed. "I'm thinking."

"You'll be fine. There are no pirates here. I already looked," said Alexander.

"I'm going to marry in less than an hour. My life will never be the same," said Will.

"And this is terrible?" wondered Alexander.

Will shrugged. "I don't know which path to choose. Do I return to London, claim my place in society, and never be who I am? Or do I stay here and remain dead to half the world including my family and do as I please?"

"That is your choice and only you can chose," Alexander told him.

"Did you have to choose?" asked Will.

"I chose piracy Will," said Alexander.

"But you're a Lord," noted Will.

"I have two worlds which I constantly betray. Do you think I like being in Court listening to them talk about pirates in the manor that they do? Do you think I like hearing how pirates talk about the nobles including my family?" wondered Alexander. "I'm trapped between worlds and I can't leave either one. Don't do what I did. Choose between either nobility or piracy. As you knew when you were three, pirates do not compose incredibly good nobles."

"You turned out fine," said Will.

"So did my father," said Alexander. "Remember when I told you I had to tell you something about father?"

"Vaguely," said Will.

"Have you ever heard of Nathaniel Rosewood?" began Alexander.

"I thought you were André Rosewood," noted Will.

"André Rosewood is Nathaniel Rosewood's successor," said Alexander.

"I'm not following," Will told him.

Alexander sighed. "Nathaniel Rosewood is André's father."

"Still not understanding," said Will.

Alexander stopped stitching to look at his nephew. "Will, literally, father."

Will pondered that thought a moment until his mouth dropped and eyes widened. "Richard is a pirate?"

"Was," corrected Alexander. He continued to stitch Will's arm. "He ran away from home when he was fifteen, pirated around the world under the name Nathaniel Rosewood while avoiding Navy ships for fear of being recognized since the entire bloody Royal Navy was out to look for him, saw the days when pirates were the most terrible and heartless; he fit right in with the rest of them murdering, pillaging, stealing, capturing, and so on. He was in town speaking with another pirate friend when his ship was captured. Each man was hanged in town that day. After coming as close as he did to losing his life, he knew he did wrong. He murdered his closest friends in the world because he was trying to barter the location to Aztec Gold somewhere in the Caribbean. After three years of doing what he did and looking back on it, he realized the amount of innocent lives he killed and couldn't imagine the families that suffered because of him. He returned home and has hated pirates since. He thought your father was different because Bill wasn't like any pirate he had ever known. His image of pirates hasn't changed since he saw his friends hanging from buildings and the horrors that he saw prior to."

"The description of what the world knows as pirates being cruel, merciless, treasure seeking, selfish, and murderous is what he experienced first hand?" wondered Will.

"And personally," added Alexander.

"I think I finally understand him. He's afraid you and I will become like that," said Will.

"Even today he fears I'll turn into what he was," said Alexander.

"He was among the worst of them when a sailor was afraid to be at sea," Will said to himself. "I never though of Richard to have once been a pirate. He hates pirates more than anything."

"His image of pirates was proved once again because of mum and Lottie. Today, it hasn't changed," said Alexander. He took a warm cloth across Will's arm. "There. Now get dressed."

Will slipped his arms through his cream tunic buttoned it to his normal length then knew he should at least behave today and assume the image of a Lord. Following was the black jerkin. Floral patterns were embroidered in black thread exposing pattern and different heights. A touch Alexander added was a black belt. Celtic patters were etched into the silver buckle. Last of all was the red coat that no one had a single complaint about.

He looked at himself in the mirror as he pulled his hair back with a red ribbon.

"You know, this suits you perfectly. It's bold and noble, yet, you look as though you've just returned home from sailing," said Alexander.

"Pirate Lord," was Will's reply.

Alexander touched his face. "You've gotten warmer. Your heartbeat is quicker from the fever I expect. The coat gives a small glow hiding the paleness of your face. You will be out of the sun most of the day. I think you'll be fine today if you don't overdo anything. Do you have the ring?"

Will raised a finger. He set the ring in his coat pocket. "Aye."

"Nervous?" asked Alexander.

"Anxious," replied Will.

"You should eat something and I need to dress," said Alexander.

"You can wear that I don't mind. I don't expect everyone else to dress in their finest," said Will.

"Father won't approve," said Alexander. "And he's been through enough."

"When was he near me last?" wondered Will.

"A week ago. I haven't seen him much either. All I know is Sun Catcher is prepared to sail with new supplies and all the cargo."

"He's truly is leaving tomorrow isn't he?" asked Will.

"In all likelihood," said Alexander as he walked from the room.

Will looked outside again as guests were already walking down the path. He briskly walked down the stairs.

Lily gasped and ran to him. "Will, you're all right."

"Of course I am," said Will wrapping his arms around his sister. He pulled her away. "You look beautiful."

Lily's hair was pulled back into a messy roll. Silver clips resembling stars were placed in her hair. Like Elizabeth, a single curl loosely hung down her face. The bodice to her dress was the color of a blue night sky. It flowed from her waist and hung loosely on the silver gown. Embroidery of the same blue color reflected what looked like stars against the silver. A pale blue shadow accented her eyes.

"You may look better than Elizabeth," Will said.

"You look better than me," Lily told him. "The coat is perfect."

"I like it too," said Will.

"Ah, Will, I thought I was going to have to have Alexander bring you," noted Swann.

He looked at Will's clothes, circled him, adjusted the collar to his tunic, buttoned another button then nodded his approval.

"Do you know where my grandfather is?" wondered Will.

"Someone must entertain the guests," said Swann.

Will nodded. "True." He shut his eyes and swallowed hard as his entire face wrinkled.

"Are you feeling well?" wondered Swann.

"I have a light fever. Alex says I'll be fine as long as I don't overdo anything," replied Will. "Nothing serious not to worry."

"Uncle Alex, is that true?" asked Lily as Alexander bounced down the stairs while buttoning his tunic.

"Aye, he'll be fine Lily. He's a Turner. All Turners are strong," said Alexander.

"You look quite noble," Will noted sarcastically.

"I look nearly exactly like you. Someone else had to accept your simple attire," said Alexander.

"Nervous?" Lily asked curiously.

"Anxious," replied Will.

"I should check on Elizabeth, it is two o'clock," noted Governor Swann.

There was silence in the room as the four of them listened to the clock chime twice.

"And you need to go out there," said Alexander, pulling Will by his sleeve.

"What about Lily?" wondered Will.

"She's Elizabeth's Maid of Honor," said Alexander.

Will rolled his eyes. That didn't surprise him much at all.

Minutes passed as Will stood at the altar waiting for his Elizabeth. Alexander stood beside him. Richard was sitting in the front conversing with the Hewets and their son Edward. Not wanting to know what it was about, Will looked above him again. The canopy of the willow tree was pulled back resembling curtains on a window. He was going to marry in the place where he and Elizabeth shared countless moments together. His heart wasn't rapidly beating anymore than it was from his fever nor was he trembling from fear. He was content and anxious to finally marry. His mind dwelled on several times he and Elizabeth went through when they were growing up together. Seven. He was seven when he told himself he was going to marry her. His wish was about to come true. The traditional wedding march was beginning, bringing his attention toward the carpet.

Elizabeth was walking down the aisle, her arm linked with her father's. There was no change to her dress other than red beading to each flower embroidered. In her hands was a bouquet of red roses. She was more beautiful than before.

The sun was shining in the sky and not a single cloud distracted the perfect blue canopy. A light sea breeze blew through the area merely taking strands of hair with.

Will's smile grew as her eyes widened at the sight of him.

Governor Swann held his head up high as he placed his daughter's hand in Will's. He looked at Will with tears in his eyes, but pride and acceptance. He took his seat.

Will and Elizabeth turned, their hands still locked, toward the priest, Adamson.

Adamson turned his attention to the short supply of guests. He lowered his hands, allowing them to sit. Once they sat, he turned his attention past everyone.

"Friends of all, brothers and sisters, today we gather here to bear witness the marriage of William Turner and Elizabeth Swann. Should any believe these two do not have the right to marry speak now or forever hold your peace."

Both Elizabeth and Will felt each other's hands tense during the awkward silence.

"Very well, let us continue," said Adamson. "The rings please."

Will pulled the ring from his pocket and handed it to him.

Elizabeth took the ring from a lace strand around her wrist.

"Mr. Turner, place the ring on left hand

Will took her left hand. He never took his eyes away from her as he slipped the ring onto her finger. "With this ring, I thee wed."

"Miss Swann, place this ring on his left hand and repeat the phrase 'with this ring, I thee wed."

Elizabeth, however, took his hand watched as she slid the ring on his finger then looked into his eyes. "With this ring, I thee wed."

There was a moment of silence as both admired their rings.

Will's ring was simply silver.

Elizabeth's was braided silver filigree set with tiny diamonds. Tears fell from her cheeks as she turned back to Will.

"Now my favorite," said Adamson as he turned his attention to the black book at the altar. "Mr. Turner repeat as I do. Do you Elizabeth Anne Catherine Swann take me to be your husband…"

"Do you Elizabeth Anne Catherine Swann take me to be your husband…"

"Do you Elizabeth Anne Catherine Swann take me to be your husband…"

"To love and to cherish, for better and for worse…"

"To love and to cherish, for better and for worse…"

"For richer and for poorer, in sickness and in health…"

"For richer and for poorer, in sickness and in health…"

"Until parted by death?"

"Until parted by death?"

"I do," replied Elizabeth, her voice cracking from her tears.

Adamson nodded as his attention was turned to Elizabeth. "Miss Swann, repeat as I do. Do you William Alexander Jonathan Turner take me to be your wife…"

"Do you William Alexander Jonathan Turner take me to be your wife…"

"To love and to cherish, for better and for worse…"

"To love and to cherish, for better and for worse…"

"For richer and for poorer, in sickness and in health…"

"For richer and for poorer, in sickness and in health…"

"Until parted by death?"

"Until parted by death?"

"I do," Will told her proudly.

Tears began pouring from Elizabeth's eyes as she smiled.

"Then by the power invested my by the good Grace of our God Almighty, I pronounce you husband and wife," announced Adamson. He turned to Will. "You may kiss the bride."

"Finally," said Will as he pulled her against him.

Elizabeth wrapped her arms around his neck.

A wild applause broke out from the crowd as well as whistles and cheers.

Governor Swann applauded, no longer having the will to hold back his tears. His daughter was no longer his little girl. She was a young lady and married.

Lily clapped loudest of all.

Alexander nodded as he provided most of the whistling.

Richard sat alone, lost in his mind. Tears fell from his eyes. He never thought he would see such a sight as this. Three months ago, his grandson was dead. Now, this very day, his treasured grandson was married. Alexander and Lily were the only two that watched. Charlotte passed on years ago, Gabriel was in Scotland as well as Dirk, Bill very well was dead, and everyone else was still across the sea but not him. No, not him. He just watched his grandson marry after nearly losing his life more than once. A sad smile washed onto his face disrupting the patterns of his tears. Will was reborn and had the chance to start anew. His life was his to take and no one, not even himself, could alter his mind.

Will finally pulled away from Elizabeth, touching her forehead to his.

"I now present to you William and Elizabeth Turner," announced Adamson.

Governor Swann burst into more tears. He pulled his handkerchief from his pocket and began wiping his eyes.

Richard laughed and clapped wildly.

"Shall we Mrs. Turner," asked Will holding out his hand.

Elizabeth smiled as she wrapped her arm under his arm.

They walked down the aisle. Rice was thrown on top of them by the handfuls until an entire bucket amount was dropped, courtesy of Alexander.

Will laughed as he took Elizabeth into his arms and carried her the rest of the way.

Swann, Richard, Lily, and Alexander all tensed when he did this.

"That's overdoing it Will," Alexander muttered.


As tradition, the wedding celebration was continued inside, held in the foyer. The newly made bride and groom were honored the first dance. Neither had their eyes open. They were in the safety and comfort of each other's arms. Elizabeth's head was resting against Will's shoulder as Will's cheek rested against her head. No one spoke, they watched with soft smiles, as the two danced together lost to the world.

After, the rest of the guests went upon the dance floor. Most wanted to speak with Will and Elizabeth to congratulate them. The women wanted to admire Elizabeth's ring. Each one was envious of her when she mentioned Will crafted the ring himself from mere pieces of inexpensive metal. Surprisingly, Will was offered money for swords of his. Apparently in his absence the men went to the shop where they each desired a sword. Upon being told, Will's cheeks reddened. Each one gave Will their praise and admired him for marrying after the tragedy of pneumonia. It was more obvious than Will thought that his symptoms and pain showed through.

It wasn't long before Will took his place in a chair against the wall, his eyes closed and palm against chest.

Elizabeth came to his side. She brushed a loose strand from his forehead then kissed it. "You feel warmer, and you're breathing is rough."

"My chest burns each time I take in a breath," Will told her.

Elizabeth turned to fetch Alexander.

Fortunately, Alexander was right behind her. He checked Will's temperature and pulse. He himself unbuttoned half the buttons on Will's tunic to allow cool air to his body then pulled the coat from him.

"You sit here for a while. Everyone knows you still have pneumonia. They will understand," he told him.

"Why aren't you feeling this bad?" wondered Will.

"Will, I'm freezing and my chest hurts as well," admitted Alexander.

"You do look a bit uncomfortable," noted Elizabeth.

"I'll be back in a moment. You and I could use something," said Alexander, before walking up the stairs.

Will rolled his sleeves to his elbows. Nearly to the point of holding his breath, he squeezed the bridge of his nose.

"Will, what is it?" asked Swann.

"His fever increased and breathing causes his chest to burn," explained Elizabeth as she caressed Will's mess of curls.

"He will be fine yes?" wondered Swann.

"Alexander is bringing something for himself and Will," said Elizabeth as she nodded.

"Good, I won't have this on your wedding day Mr. Turner," said Swann.

A smile crept onto Will's face. "You should go back out there. A few of them look as though they're waiting for me to die." Swann turned his head and headed out to inform that Will was going to be just fine. Will turned to Elizabeth. "You go too. I'll be fine. Don't let me ruin your wedding. I know you're worried, but Alex will take care of me."

Elizabeth kissed him. "We can finally do that in public now."

"We did before," reminded Will, pulling her close again. He gave her a push. "Go."

Alexander returned with two cups, handing one to Will. "A toast to our health."

"What health?" Will asked.

Alexander nodded as he brought his glass against Will's

They drank at the same time, and both had expressions of disgust on their faces.

"It helps, I promise," said Alexander.

Will's eyes searched the floor. He didn't see whom he wanted.

"He's not here Will. I don't know where he went honestly," noted Alexander.

"I want to talk to him," said Will.

"Well, you're going to have to do that after dinner. It's just been announced," said Alexander.

Will carried his coat to the table. He and Elizabeth sat at the head, side by side.

Throughout dinner were many toasts and cheerful celebration.

Governor Swann took the liberty to welcome Will to his family and was honored to leave Elizabeth in the hands of the man he trusted most.

Alexander gave a enormous speech about Will and Elizabeth the first time they met causing both to turn red as the crowed awed them at once.

Dinner as usual was delectable and delicious.

Pleasing to many, Will slipped his arms through his coat again, seeing as he was cold now. A bit more healthy color flushed back into his cheeks. His eyes and smile were still bright as they had been since he married his Elizabeth.

As tradition, Will and Elizabeth were forced to give speeches. Luckily to Will, Elizabeth went first.

She stood, looking sweet and innocent. "I don't know what to say," she admitted with a shrug. The crowd laughed. "Well, all I can say is that I'm married to the one I loved when I was a child. Will has always kept an eye on me for his own sake. He was never satisfied just knowing that I was happy and well. He had to see it for his own eyes. We shared many moments together during these past years. Each time, I felt myself growing more attached to him. I knew he was the one, but I never knew he was the perfect one. I married a Lord for Goodness Sake. It was the match my father wanted and the man I always dreamed of. I don't have anything else to say other than I will spend eternity with you as long as you'll have me and even if you won't have me, don't expect me to travel very far from your sight Mr. Turner."

Will smiled. "You won't have to worry about never being from my sight because I won't let you leave my sight," he said.

Elizabeth sat and kissed him again.

All eyes turned to Will.

"Well this is uncomfortable," Will noted as he stood. He breathed through his teeth then set his palm on his chest. "Mustn't do that. Rotten pneumonia. Never come down with pneumonia. If you do, well, just don't breathe." Several chuckles rose from them, as that was such a ridiculous thought. Will looked at Elizabeth. "Well, she's my angel. Ever since she found me in the water, she's been my angel and I her guardian. I assume you know about what I went through to rescue her. Never travel to Tortuga. I still believe the stench lingers on me."

Alexander leaned over to the woman beside him. "It's not that bad."

"Anyway, I just want to express my gratitude to all of you for staying here. You wasted away a month of your lives to attend a simple wedding that may not have happened. That would have been a tragedy wouldn't it? A funeral in place of a wedding. Oh well, I'm still alive…mostly." He set his palm against his chest again. "Marrying Elizabeth has been quite a journey. She's quite the temperamental woman, but that's why I love her. No one could be more beautiful than her right now. She deserves to show off her beauty to others. As I was saying, this wedding has taken me on an incredible journey. An entire life was brought back to me in planning a wedding for the daughter of a nobleman. Thoughts were re-awoken as well as I began wondering who I was and where my place in society was. I've come to realize my place is with my family. I have no family here, which is why I've decided to return to London."

An enormous gasp came from around the table as eyes widened.

Will slowly breathed through his teeth. His eyes locked with his grandfather's for a moment then turned back out. "I've had time to think in recent days about what I want to do with my life. I've learned what led my father to disappear from my life and the reasons surrounding. My mother's sudden death twelve years ago led me to run away from home. I knew my father was a sailor so I used his name, which was Turner. I vowed I would never again use Seastone and I would never again accept nobility. I was wrong. I couldn't run from my past any longer. I was in love with the Governors daughter after all. If I was to marry her I had to have some manors.

"My mother has been passed for twelve years and my father would have contacted me by now. I had no family here until they arrived. There is nothing left for me in the Caribbean. Marriage represents the dawn of a new life and that is no exception to me. I'm returning home because I want to live again. I want to learn about my family and begin my own. London is where I most belong and someone helped me to realize what I had to do.

"I was once told that I would have to make a decision about which path I had to chose. Staying away from London and keeping the life I have is the smart choice, but sometimes smart choices are wrong. The right choice for me is to return home.

"I know a man who has not one minute piece of selfishness in his heart. This man is gentle, kind, caring, devoted to his family, and stubborn. He can be harsh towards another, but it is for a reason. Everything he does is for a reason. I've argued with this man on several occasions and each time ended badly with us resulting in not talking and ignoring each other. Each time, he came right back with a new argument. These arguments were demanding and, quite honestly, went straight to the heart. Heart. That's what he has. His overwhelming knowledge of the world and experiences deem it impossible to come victorious in an argument against this man.

"Each argument we've had, in some form, involved my life and decisions that I would have to make. He argues and demands because he cares with a fierce passion that cannot be swayed to surrender to that which is wrong. Each argument was another attempt to bring sense of what was right inside of me and I was too stubborn and consumed by what I saw on the outside to see the true meaning.

"From the moment I ran away from home to find my father to this very moment, I've never understood him until now. I understand his reason for everything. His reason is simply love and the fear of watching me make the same mistakes that he's seen made too many instances prior. I don't know what I would have done had this man not returned in my life. I just want to apologize to him for being stubborn and selfish. I was afraid and I still am, but as long as he's around I have no need to fear because I know he won't let me make a mistake that I'll regret."

Will raised his glass.

"Ladies. Gentleman. Let us raise our glasses and honor this man. Honoring him is just a tiny proportion of what he deserves. To Richard Seastone, without whom, I would never have found my place on the path of life. To Lord Seastone."

Each person raised their glass and stood. The toasted and honored the old man sitting in the chair silently crying as he stared at his grandson. He stood and went beside Will.

Will sighed as he turned to face his grandfather.

Richard said nothing. He wrapped his trembling arms around Will.

Will felt his grandfather's back tremble as emotion consumed him. He leaned into him, feeling himself being pulled tighter. Tears formed in his eyes.

Everything was forgiven in that single moment.

"I'm sorry for everything," Will told him. "You have to understand."

"I know," said Richard. "Why though?"

"I have nothing here and you are the only father I have," said Will. "I've been away from home for too long. I need to live again. I can only live where I belong."

Lord Penne raised his glass. "And I propose a toast to William Turner. Good luck and may you be blessed with years of joy and happiness."

Richard reached for his glass and raised it in front of Will. "To William Turner, Pirate Lord of England."

Will smiled at that remark as the rest agreed.

Following dinner was more dancing as usual. Will had another dance with his wife, although, Lily did more dancing that night than either of them had ever done in a lifetime. It was evident that her and Edward were not going to easily by separated.

"I don't think Richard needs to find her another match," noted Elizabeth.

Will looked at his sister. "She's still young. Young love can be swayed."

"No, he's looking at her with a look you gave me when you were thirteen," said Elizabeth. She faced him to explain. "It was my thirteenth birthday. I asked you to dance with me. I knew from that moment you were in love. Lily has found her soul mate."

"Edward comes from a good family. I knew a few of the Hewets when I was younger. The name is quite familiar. Grandfather approves of him and she loves him," said Will.

"You look tired," noted Elizabeth.

"I am," Will told her.

"Do you want to sit?" asked Elizabeth.

"I have a better idea," said Will. "Do you want to sneak away with me?"

"And go where?" wondered Elizabeth.

"Anywhere where we can be alone," whispered Will.

"What do you intend to do when we are alone?" asked Elizabeth.

"I just want to be alone with my wife. Is that so difficult?" wondered Will.

"You and I should take the back entrance to your room. No one will think to look for us there," whispered Elizabeth. "You go first, I'll follow."

Will kissed her neck and walked away.

Elizabeth watched him then took to watching the others dance. Her wedding night was all that she imagined it would. This was better than any other night she had before. Though she had to wait another month to marry, the wait was worth every moment. While leaving them alone, she spoke with a few along the way to make it seem as though she would return in a moment or so. After fleeing the crowd of people and music to the quiet halls, she began agreeing with her husband. A moment of quiet between the two of them would be rather nice.

She walked through the door, first from coming up the stairs in front of her. Though she loved her dress and knew she would never look better again, it would be wonderful to breathe again. Before anything, she removed her dress.

"Will, can you help me with this?" she asked.

"You're not taking my advice to not breathe," noted Will, his face twisting into a pout.

"I'm not the one with pneumonia," reminded Elizabeth.

"No, but you know what it feels like wearing that," said Will.

"Just take it off," Elizabeth demanded, turning her back to him.

Will pulled the cord keeping the corset tight against her fragile body. Each moment he loosened it, Elizabeth sighed deeply in relief. He handed her her nightdress.

"You left this in here a few weeks ago," he said.

"Good thing father didn't notice," said Elizabeth with a smile to Will.

Will removed everything to dress in his long, satin trousers and soft cotton tunic as Elizabeth changed into her nightdress right in front. Neither, clearly, had any objections to slip out of their clothes in front of the other.

"Now what?" asked Elizabeth.

"Is it not enough to be alone with me?" wondered Will.

"Perhaps," said Elizabeth, something more behind her voice. She looked at Will, a smile slowly forming on her face.

Will sighed. "Not tonight."

"Please," pleaded Elizabeth. "Now that we're married we don't have to be as careful. No one will care now."

"I don't want to. I'm tired Elizabeth and I feel terrible," said Will.

"It may cheer you," suggested Elizabeth.

"I'll just be more tired, and we've never been one for tradition," Will told her.

"Fine then but you must promise me the first night that you feel better," said Elizabeth.

"That won't be ever again then," said Will.

Elizabeth playfully smacked him.

Will rolled his eyes as he took her hand. He shut the door to his bedroom, pulled the curtains across the windows after lighting a few candles in the room to give a simple, light glow. He pulled his tunic from his head.

"You owe me," he told her.

"Don't worry, it'll be worth every moment," said Elizabeth, slipping her arms from her sleeves.

"It better," said Will then pulled her against him.

Among the music, dancing, gossip, and gorgeous sunset, the world was not aware of such loved shared between two lovers who had gone through near of Hell to marry.