A/N: Again, thanks for the praise! DiegoVIC, TheDisheartened, leila, Anelah, sparrangelica, sambayar and GrapeCherie - thank you for the praise after chapter 9! I hope you guys will like this one too :).
FINAL CHAPTER PART 1
Chapter X
Close to New England.
They have almost crossed the Atlantic.
How did this happen?
And so fast?
Yet during such a long time?
Angelica bites her bottom lip when she steps out to daylight.
One day left.
A few sailors stop their whereabouts when noticing her presence. There has been no secret that something occurred to the future baroness, causing her to maintain in her quarters for quite some time. But what, none of them knew. Mostly figured it was due womanly causes, but that was far from the truth.
She had waited for Jack. Over and over debated whether it was worth the risk of getting killed in the tryout or not. But then the excitement of finally taking off with him excited her more than she liked to admit.
Whenever a sound came from behind, she thought she would face Jack, carrying his sword and maybe a sack of the very few belongings he has.
But each time she did turn around, searching eyes for her Jack - she only faced a busted sailors sneaking out partly drunk to deck.
At last, her eyelids were heavy and she almost fell asleep. She denied it for further more hours until she no longer could.
He would never come.
And Jack had been sitting in secret a few ships away, looking at her from the shadows all night. She had really followed his instructions. And she really was ready to leave everything she had fought for to keep it behind her. For him.
And there again. Who was he to take all that from her?
He should have walked over to her, explain to her he could not go after all. Even if it was his idea. A stupid idea. Although, he knew he would never be able to explain that to her. Not without actually taking off. He would not be able to walk over to her, because it would result in him surrendering to her. And they would escape. For how long Jack knew nothing about. But he cannot risk her future, life, Angelica herself - like that. It would not be fair to her. So, instead he made the new decision for the both of them.
He would not show up, and instead keep a watchful gaze over her throughout the night until she gave up. And since, he had not seen her.
Gibbs however did notice a change in Jack. He took a note of the Commodore's focus somewhat increasing. He became recognizable again, just as Gibbs knows him.
When Jack in fact balances flamboyantly over a boarding plank to a ship, deep in his thoughts of courses - he jumps down just as Angelica does the same from the opposite side, coming from another ship.
He meets her equal baffled expression and holds it.
There is a sensation of feeling regret, remorse in fact, happiness of her being alright and the worry of how she is doing.
She lets out a breath and her shoulders sink, as if she relaxes upon the sight of him. But then she breaks the contact by shifting aside until she disappears behind the helm, probably to meet up with the baron.
Jack swallows and sees the door close.
Is she mad at him?
That she is hurt, does not surprise him. He just is not sure if she is ready to stab him to death or if it is the other kind of hurt - the one when she truly does not care about him. It would be unfair, but he hopes for the former one.
"Oi, Commodore!"
When Jack looks in what way someone shouted for him, he faces a sailor waving to him. Jack has to walk over and take a careful look over the map the sailor unfolds, pointing out what can be interpreted as obstacles on the way.
His eyes get stuck on the letters of New England beautifully written over a piece of land not far away.
"We are close to the target," he speaks.
"Aye, very close Commodore," the sailors agrees.
Jack frowns. Too close, in fact.
"Definitely the beige one."
That is Angelica's voice.
He spins around while the sailor informs something else. But Jack cannot hear it.
Angelica is gracefully walking down the stairs, ladies in waiting hot on her heels.
"Yes, Lady Teach. And what for napkins to the cake?" another one suggests while trying to keep up with her mistress.
Angelica stops tracks on deck, either ignoring Jack or not really caring he is around. "Maybe blue. I actually need something borrowed, preferably in blue for the ceremony."
"Yes, got it. Perhaps one of us can provide something blue, Lady Angelica?"
Angelica considers the suggestion. "Yes, perhaps. I want everything according to tradition. This marriage shall last and the wedding will be marvelous."
Alright, it may be what Jack wants for her. But he cannot neglect how it stings to hear about her happily speaking of the matter.
Before he knows what he does, he has approached the group of women.
"Can I have a word with you?" When noticing the ladies in waiting's quirked eyebrows, he clears his throat. "Lady Angelica."
For the first time, Angelica turns her attention elsewhere but on wedding details.
"Sailor," she greets, clearly inwardly trying to provoke him.
He takes a deep breath and tries to see in her eyes whatever emotion shines through. Hurt, love? He cannot see either and is faced by the expression he feared - her indifference.
Now, he probably has screwed up enough for the two of them to never ever return to whatever they had. On the other hand, is that not what he wants?
She gestures for him to speak. "I don't have all day. Did you wish an audience with me, or not?"
Ah, the fancy talking is back. The new Angelica.
"I'd like to have a word with you," Jack speaks and motions to a door nearby. "Alone."
The ladies in waiting watch the duo intriguingly.
Angelica fakes a polite laughter. "Of course not, Commodore. It would not be appropriate of me."
As she is about to take a step away, almost in despair, Jack grabs her upper arm to stop her.
"Angelica please, let me expl-."
"Maybe!" she begins in a high level, eyes glaring at him as if she wishes him death. "You should realize I'm engaged to marry a baron! Accept it, Commodore. And do not regard me ever again."
She winces out of his loosening grip and leaves with the ladies in waiting, all again over the future baroness with questions of the wedding.
Jack's nose twitches and he realizes he needs rum. He is acting outrageously non-Captain-Jack-Sparrow-like. He needs rum.
"Only a day left until we reach New England," Gibbs speaks as if Jack in fact would have no idea precisely in minutes and seconds when they will arrive. It is a massive countdown in his head.
Even so, he keeps his mind busy by doing what he has been hired to do. Guide the ships, or convoy overseas, the baron and his bride safely. He is about to succeed.
Another title to put his name behind and yet something he can be proud of. He has achieved quite some, has he not? Aye, lots.
The captain of each ship excitedly stands up whenever Jack passes. Every man wants to show the best side, deeply hoping Commodore Sparrow will hire them for yet another adventure when finishing this route.
Even the younger lady which has hid inside her cabin lurks outside. When Jack notices her, he is amused and joins her company.
"Even ye like a bit of daylight," he comments.
She gives him a look. "I'd prefer be a fighting sailor rather than a trophy for a man."
She does sound just like Angelica, aye? And perhaps that is why Jack is this entertained by her formula.
Jack smiles wryly. "You'd be a proper pirate," and that is what he thinks. She beams by the words, taking it as a profound compliment.
In pure politeness, Jack fumbles up a bottle of rum and uncorks it with his teeth. He spits it overboard and takes a swig before handing it over to the lady. She accepts it and has the bottle upside down. While Jack dries his rummy mouth on his sleeve, he looks at her impressed. Darn woman is almost in level with him. Almost, but never close.
In the corner of his eyes, he notices the well familiar figure of Angelica on deck. She is looking at him and the guest lady. He has not spoken to her for quite some time. They shared a dinner together with the baron, and it was awkward indeed. Rigid tension as the baron knew of Jack's fondness of his bride while he had to pretend nothing ever happened between them. Angelica was a better pretender though. She was all in all over again with Jeff. Or John. Whatever his name was. George.
She really appeared uninterested in Jack and it was first after a few glasses of wine that Baron George excused himself for a short moment with a butler of his, leaving Jack and Angelica again. Jack had stared at her but her eyes never met him. Instead she had seemed very intrigued by the glass of wine and let the liquid circular around in the grand glass made cup.
So, Jack decides this time to ignore her. Is that not right? She ignores him and he ignores her, the cat and rat play?
And for that matter, throw in a dog - the baron - and whatever animal Jack is supposed to resemble. It is obviously outdated anyhow before the play even begins.
They are one day away from New England and tomorrow they will be there. It will be bye bye Angelica. Jack can never ever by "accident" stumble across her ship ever again.
"What is your story, Commodore?" the woman speaks. She gestures to Angelica glaring at them from deck, as always swarmed by her ladies in waiting. Jack's eyes follows the woman's and as Angelica realizes she is busted with her stares, she quickly turns her attention elsewhere. Pretending she is overly interested in whatever one of the ladies in waiting offers her.
"Me bringing Baron Jeff and... this woman to New England?" Jack questions.
The woman shakes her head. "You know her. Don't mean to eavesdrop, but these walls are thinner than you'd think, Commodore."
Jack grabs his bottle back from her and drinks the rest of it.
"You seem to have quite some history, isn't that right?" the lady goes on. "I don't mean to pry, but she gets married soon and you know..."
No, he does not! Jack rolls his eyes. He nods once as to declare his departure. Then he goes down the steps down to deck. Angelica is gone but the baron escapes a room, tightly followed by a servant.
"Ah, there you are. Commodore Sparrow."
Jack puts on a show - a smile and lets the baron approach him. "Baron."
"Seeing this is the last evening before the wedding," the baron speaks and Jack pays no real attention to it, but rather scans the ships with his eyes. "Tomorrow, I think that -."
At once Jack turns to the baron. "Come again?"
The baron has gone on and does not know of what he means.
"Ye invited me to the wedding, Mister Baron," Jack begins.
"Yes, the wedding between me and Lady Angelica," the baron is still confused. "Tomorrow."
"What tomorrow?" Jack is slightly inwardly panicking. "Tomorrow what?"
The baron chuckles but then bites his lip, knowing of the Commodore's feelings. Of course he cannot blame him. Any man would have feelings for Angelica.
"The wedding is tomorrow, Commodore. After we have arrived in New England we are heading straight to the church and ceremony. All guests are expecting it."
Jack is pale and wonders if he may throw up. And that would be a first. He simply does not do that.
The baron nods to Angelica on another ship, going through the guest lists all over again. "That's why we have worked so hard on the finishing details on this trip overseas. I want us married as soon as quickly." He looks out to the horizon. "Before another man of higher rank finds the beauty in her."
Jack swallows what he believes must be pure puke. What the... He thought the wedding was taking place much further. Not the very same day they arrive in New England! New Bloody England! Tomorrow?! What the bloody..?
When the baron turns back to Jack, he wears the widest grin, almost provoking Jack.
"So, what I began to offer you, Commodore - was to join us this last dinner."
Carefully Jack's hand reaches up to his hat which he adjusts somewhat. "Count me in."
The baron is pleased and leaves the Commodore. When he is out of sight, Jack's breath leaves him and he realizes he has much to wrap up before the evening. Since it is after all, the last day on the seas for quite some time.
Or, he will just drop in by her wedding tomorrow, see her in that ridiculous white fluffy gown while claiming the vows. And he may try not to laugh when she will do so.
Suddenly it does not feel funny anymore. Not at all in fact.
He quickly decides to get on other thoughts by doing his job. Work.
And rum. More rum for Jack.
His cabin feels empty and he neglects the thoughts of why it does feel empty. He pushes the sensation away and instead focus on changing his attire. He is certainly not used to this white coat. It follows his silhouette smoothly and his shoulders are broad with those golden decorations on it. With his fancy sword's handle sticking out he kind of looks like a gentleman.
Gibbs tend to joke about it and Jack tends to tear the attire away as soon as he is out of sight from noblemen.
His eyes though remain kohl-framed. And when he pushes the corner of his mouth aside, the golden teeth are visible.
Slowly, he leaves his cabin and remains behind the railing outside, viewing over the deck and other ships around them. He has a whole fleet.
What he always has dreamt of. The feeling is severe and profound. Right here, he has precisely everything he has ever wanted in his life. If the needle worked on his compass, it would spin around and around.
He walks down the wooden stair down to deck just as Angelica comes out from her quarters.
Stunning as always. She is glowing and Jack has to pause for a brief moment. Then he gulps and continues his way to the dining quarters without looking away from her.
He holds the door open for her and gestures for her to head inside.
The baron is already inside and lightens up when seeing Angelica entering the chamber. He is fast to grab her hand but she does not let him kiss her. Instead, she tip toes and kisses his cheek.
And there Jack stands, witnessing everything as if he were not there. Then again, he is accompanying a fiancé and the fiancée.
She is cupping George's cheek and smiles genuinely to him.
"Can't wait to marry you, my love."
She beams. "Likewise."
Jack sits down at one edge while the baron pulls out the chair for Angelica. The table is round and therefore when he sits down, they all sit next to each other.
When Angelica's hand rests on the table, George is fast to put his over it and caress it. By surprise Angelica looks his way and their eyes meet.
So, was this what Jack was invited to? Watching HIS woman goo over an idiot.
He hates the baron. In a way accepts him, appreciates him - for being someone who will take good care of what Jack's holds close to him. But in the end of the day he cannot dismiss the fact that he truly hates him.
"What I had in mind for future arrangements," the baron begins and Jack is all into the conversation about potential deals they can share together. Angelica is saying nothing but keeps a rather reserved gaze over Jack whenever she has to eye him. Only to turn all lovely when getting contact with the baron.
The dinner is delicious and it is clear the baron has spent more money on this dinner. All from the wine to the ridiculously golden decorated napkins. Everything is over the top and yet, it would have been much better if this third person never attended the moment.
When yet again a servant interrupts them, wearing an apologetic look - the baron has to excuse himself. He reaches out for Angelica's hand and kisses it. He nods to Jack who reflects the motion.
"I will be back right away," he announces before leaving them alone.
Jack notices Angelica getting nervous at once. He refills her glass with wine and she glances to him, blushes yet seems appreciative. He knows her too well.
Her eyes checks him out and Jack feels her stare burn on him. He meets her eyes when they travel up his upper body. He grins a toothy one and she appears content. She does not even seem mad when she decides to ask him.
"Why didn't you?"
He knows of what she is regarding. The night.
He gestures to the exit the baron left through. "He'll be able to give ye much more of life than I ever can."
Angelica seems upset as she bites her tongue and her jaw clenches. "You, saying this who always speak so highly of yourself?" It is a question but maybe more likely an angry statement. She takes a deep breath after a long silence. When she opens her mouth again, she is much calmer. "Will you be there?"
Will he be there? "'Course I will." He even smiles sadly and now moves his hand to caress hers that rests on the table. "Wouldn't miss it for anything."
Her eyes travel from his warm gaze to his finger gently stroking over hers.
"It's true," she speaks softly.
"What be?"
Her eyes travel back up to meet his again. "That you are a nobleman disguised as a criminal."
Jack's mouth twitches as he struggles a wry grin.
Even Angelica is amused. "You are a terrible criminal."
Now, Jack gives her a warning yet playful eye. "Don't push it, 'Gelica."
A/N: Like it/Hate it? :) Off we are to The final chapter part 2.
(What do you think will happen?)