Chapter 11: Unexpected Surprise
By the next morning, Guinevere felt the sun warm her face as she woke. She then turned over to look at Captain Jack as he slept beside her. A pleasant smile spread across her face. Guinevere was a devout Catholic, and she did not believe in adultery, but she felt satisfied. She did not feel as if she committed a sin. Guinevere felt released, as if she were a freed slave like those her husband intended to trade.
Dear Lord, have mercy on a desperate woman, Guinevere prayed, kissing her rosary.
Jack awoke and turned over to Guinevere. "Top of the morning to you, Miss Parris."
"And the same to you, Captain," Guinevere greeted heartily.
"I trust you slept well?" Jack asked.
"I've never slept better," Guinevere said, beaming.
"Not even with your husband?" Jack asked pointedly.
Guinevere's eyes widened, but she hid her shock. "What husband? I never said I was married."
"Truthfully, young missy, you did," Jack said. "Your ring on your left hand told me everything."
Guinevere looked down at her left hand to find the ring was still there! That blasted ring!
"So, tell me who you really are, missy," Jack demanded, crossing his arms. "Are you trying to swindle me?"
"No, nothing treacherous of the sort!" Guinevere said hastily.
"Then who are you?" Jack asked suspiciously.
"My name is Guin Parris, but it is my maiden name," Guinevere admitted. "My real name is Guin…Beckett."
"That's some light on the subject," Jack said with satisfaction. "Wait, what did you say your name was?"
"Guin Beckett," Guinevere replied.
"Bugger!" Jack groaned. "You're married to my employer?"
"Unfortunately, yes," Guinevere admitted, grimacing.
"Who's unfortunate here, Mrs. Beckett? If he finds out I'm doing private business with his wife I'm a dead man!" Jack gasped.
"Be thankful you're not married to him!" Guinevere countered. "I'd rather be dead than be married to him right now."
Jack shook his head. "You certainly need to rethink your priorities, missy."
"Perhaps I do," Guinevere agreed.
"So, is there truth to the other tales you've told me, or no truth at all?" Jack questioned.
"Everything else I told you was true," Guinevere said honestly. "I swear on the grave of my dear Will Turner."
Jack shook his head in acceptance. "Swearing on the grave of one is a pretty serious swear that one could swear, so I'll believe what you swear. But why did you come here?"
"You invited me, unless the rum got to you," Guinevere said slyly. "I was bored. I hated being here, and I heard the tales of you. I was curious."
"Didn't you know that curiosity killed the cat?" Jack asked sourly.
"We're not dead yet," Guinevere reassured him. "My husband knows I went into town. He doesn't know I'm here."
"What part of that phrase is supposed to comfort me?" Jack asked tonelessly.
"I can save your life," Guinevere told him. "I will just go home, make up some convincing story, and you're off the hook."
"I like that plan. Simple and easy to remember," Jack said smugly, a smile crossing his gold teeth.
"I'm glad you approve," Guinevere said with a smile.
"You better go," Jack told her. "Just so you know, I really do like you."
"And I really like you," Guinevere replied, smiling gaily.
Suddenly, Guinevere felt a great pain in her and she collapsed, holding her stomach.
"AHH! That hurts!" she cried in agony.
"What's wrong? Did you have too much rum?" Jack asked in concern.
"I don't think it's the rum," Guinevere replied between grunts of pain.
"What is it then?" Jack asked, dumbfounded.
Guinevere's eyes widened in shock. "Oh, God."
"Oh, God does not sound very encouraging," Jack said grimly.
Guinevere wiped the shock from her face instantly. "Nothing. I just need to get back to my husband."
"Love, you were just crying your heart out in pain. I'm not so sure that this is a good idea. Savvy?" Jack suggested.
"My husband will suspect something if I don't return soon, and that will be bad for both of us," Guinevere explained. "Just stay on board, and I'll tell him I was tired."
"I have your word on that?" Jack asked warily.
"I don't think you have a choice," Guinevere advised him.
Jack nodded. "Point taken. It was a lovely night, by the way."
"Feelings mutual," Guinevere said sincerely. "Good day, Captain Jack."
"Good day, Mrs. Guin," Jack said.
With all haste, Guinevere hurried back to Beckett. Her pain was gone but she couldn't ignore it. She knew what the pain in her belly was.
God, I think I'm pregnant! Guinevere gasped to herself.
Guinevere was certain she had to be. She had just lain with another man. It couldn't be anything else. While she would be overjoyed if she were with child, Guinevere fretted about the consequences. She knew Beckett would leave her if he knew. Guinevere would've welcomed a chance to be free of him, but her financial status prevented her freedom. She also worried about Jack. If Beckett knew he was the father, Jack would certainly lose his job or worse.
Dear Lord, have mercy! Guinevere prayed just as she returned to Beckett.
Beckett was just on the wharf when Guinevere got back. Guinevere shuddered as Mercer, Beckett's right hand man, approached. Mercer was a graying man with a mysteriousness that made Guinevere uncomfortable.
"Ah, there you are, my dear," Beckett greeted casually as he noticed Guinevere. "I was worried about you."
"I do apologize," Guinevere said politely. "I was taken ill last night. I'm all right now."
"You are just in time. Captain Sparrow is on his way to meet us," Beckett told her.
"Captain Sparrow?" Guinevere inquired.
"Yes. The captain of the Wicked Wench," Beckett replied. "He is bringing a profit of precious slaves. I noticed you had an interest in meeting him."
"It will be a pleasure," Guinevere said, hiding her attraction for the captain.
Guinevere hurried back to the ship to change into a new dress. Just as she reached her cabin, Guinevere keeled over and felt herself turn green. The pain in her belly was unbearable. Guinevere knew that there was no reason she couldn't be pregnant now. Quickly, she slipped on a cream colored dress and hurried back outside.
"So, what is this Captain Sparrow like?" Guinevere asked casually. "Is he amiable? Courageous?"
"He is one of my best employees," Beckett replied proudly. "He takes orders without question."
"Without question?" Guinevere gasped. "Surely he must be curious."
Beckett chuckled. "If he were ever to question my orders, well…"
"Well what?" Guinevere demanded, her voice rising a little.
"The consequences would be most severe and he'd be a marked man," Beckett explained.
Guinevere swallowed hard. She knew what that meant. Over the years, she had seen Beckett use a cruel tool for punishment on those who stood up against him. It was a hot iron with the letter 'P' on the bottom. Beckett often used this tool before he banished workers from his service. Guinevere knew this was serious. If Beckett found out Jack got her pregnant, he would suffer that same fate.
Composing herself, Guinevere nodded. "I see."
Just then, Captain Jack Sparrow came to the docks, swaggering in his usual way that made Guinevere love him.
Oh bugger, Guinevere groaned to herself.
"Ah, Captain Sparrow!" Beckett greeted smoothly. "I am glad to see you."
"Thank you, Lord Beckett," Jack said humbly.
Beckett turned to Guinevere. "This is my wife, Lady Guinevere Beckett."
"Guin Beckett is better," Guinevere said kindly, trying to hide her familiarity.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Beckett," Jack greeted, removing his hat and kissing her hand.
Guinevere shuddered as those lips touched her cold hands and her heart was pounding. She recalled those lips on hers hours before.
"The pleasure is all mine," Guinevere replied.
"I trust you delivered the shipment of slaves, Sparrow?" Beckett inquired.
"Indeed I have," Jack said, hiding his disgust.
Guinevere watched in horror as a column of African Americans marched down the gangplank in chains, ropes, and yokes. The slaves did not look at anyone as they were escorted to their new lives. Guinevere could feel they were frightened and she was ashamed for marrying Beckett. She looked up to see Jack's reaction. Jack's face was cold and stoic as he watched the slaves disembark. His tone made Guinevere shudder.
"Excellent work, Mr. Sparrow," Beckett praised.
"Captain Sparrow, if you please, Sir," Jack corrected politely.
"Very well, Captain," Beckett agreed.
"You may rest. We will deal out a new shipment tomorrow," Beckett told him. "Come, my dear."
Guinevere was lead away by Beckett, but her eyes staid bound to Jack and him to her. Before reaching her cabin with Beckett, an idea was devised in her mind. If she were pregnant, Beckett wouldn't need to know. Guinevere decided that she would convince Beckett to consummate their marriage and then she would tell him that she is pregnant. Beckett would then think the child was his and have no suspicions. This was the best plan Guinevere had; she knew it had to work. Later that night, Guinevere put her plan into motion. She dressed in her silky nightgown and entered Beckett's quarters.
"Darling, it is late," she said, feigning concern and lust as she wrapped her arms about him. "Come to bed."
"I'm a business man," Beckett said nonchalantly. "I have a lot of work to do."
"Can it wait?" Guinevere whined. "I'm so lonely with my bed empty every night. Your first business is with me. Besides, without your proper rest, you cannot be a very effective business man."
Beckett smiled, amused. "Go to bed, my dear. I will follow."
Pleased that her plan was working, Guinevere hurried off to bed, smiling to herself. Guinevere lay down on their feathery bed and waited for her husband. Beckett lay with her, and Guinevere began to kiss his lips. Beckett did not resist his wife. He instantly began to shower her with kisses. All through the night, they carried on kissing intensely. It wasn't until the early morning hours that weariness finally overpowered them. Guinevere drifted off to sleep with a smile on her pretty face.
The next morning, Guinevere found her bed empty.
Typical, she thought to herself.
Much to her surprise, Beckett came out from his quarters, straightening his cravat.
"How are you this morning, my dear?" Beckett asked.
"Very well, thank you." Guinevere said contently.
She rose from the bed and just as she did so, she keeled over and turned the deepest shade of green. Beckett was quick to catch her.
"My dear, you are ill!" he gasped in utter concern that stunned Guinevere.
"No, no. I'm fine," Guinevere said weakly.
"No you are not," Beckett countered, turning to one of his servants. "Fetch the doctor!"
"That is fine, but I'm just a little weary. I need to rest," Guinevere insisted.
"Very well," Beckett agreed before turning to a maid. "Rose, make sure Mrs. Beckett is comfortable."
"Yes, Sir," Rose said obediently.
Beckett took his leave.
Rose then sat by Guinevere's bed. "How are you, Guin?"
"Terrified to death," Guinevere said, her skin white as her sheets.
"You'll get better soon," Rose reassured her.
"It is when your husband will kill you," Guinevere countered.
Rose wrinkled her brow. "What are you talking about?"
"You know Captain Jack Sparrow?" Guinevere asked.
"Yes," Rose replied. "What's he got to do with this?"
Guinevere bit her lip. "I slept with him, and I think I'm pregnant."
Rose's grey eyes were as big as coins. "You did what? You think you're what?"
"Again, I slept with Jack, and I think I could be pregnant," Guinevere repeated, annoyed.
"Guin, do you have a brain in your head?" Rose asked, aghast. "Do you have any idea what Beckett will do if he learns the truth if he doesn't know already?"
"That is why I consummated our marriage," Guinevere replied. "Now, if I am pregnant, he'll think the baby is his."
"You can't keep the truth hidden, forever. I will be the one to say 'I told you so' when it comes out," Rose said warningly.
"And I will hold no grudge against you," Guinevere said. "Either way, Beckett has no way to know. He'll never know now as long as you keep your mouth shut. Can you do that?"
"Certainly," Rose sighed.
"What do you plan to do about Jack?" Rose asked, after a moment.
"I have to get him away from Beckett. He won't be safe," Guinevere explained.
"Just how will you do that?" Rose demanded.
"He hates being a slave trader. He told me so," Guinevere said. "If I can convince him to leave Beckett's business, he'll be safe."
"What about you?" Rose asked.
"I go with him," Guinevere said simply. "I want to be free. Will is dead so this is a chance for a new life. Once I get away from Beckett everything will be fine."
"I sure hope you're right," Rose said with a sigh.
Unbeknownst to Rose and Guinevere, their conversation was overheard by Beckett's toady, Mercer. It was this knowledge that would set in motion the fates of Guinevere, Jack, and Rose.
Meanwhile, in Port Royal, Will was dealing with his new restraints in society. He was so tortured by not being able to see Elizabeth like he used to do. She was his comfort when he lost Guinevere and now he had nothing. Will went on day and night crafting new swords and other metalwork to avoid the pain of his isolation. One night, he heard a rap at the door. To his surprise, it was Elizabeth who came to call.
"Miss Swann!" Will greet warmly. "What brings you here?"
"Let me in, and I will tell you," Elizabeth replied.
Will stepped aside and ushered Elizabeth in. "May I get you anything, Miss Swann? Tea?"
"I'd like some tea. Thank you, Will," Elizabeth said gratefully.
Will banged around the forge and put on a fresh kettle over the fire. "So what brings you here?"
"I had to see you," Elizabeth told him.
"But your father said-" Will said before Elizabeth interrupted.
"My father doesn't know you. He only knows position in society," Elizabeth countered. "You lost your best friend. I just want to comfort you."
The pot began to whistle and hiss and Will hurried to make the tea. When he did, he gently offered a cup to Elizabeth.
"It's a bit hot. Be careful," he cautioned.
"Thank you," Elizabeth replied.
"I'm glad you came to see me. It has been lonely here," Will said gratefully.
Elizabeth looked around at the many swords hanging from the walls. "You've certainly kept busy."
"What else do I have now?" Will asked bitterly.
"They are exquisite works," Elizabeth said proudly. "I'm sure you'll be a master someday."
"Most likely," Will said glumly, sipping his tea.
Elizabeth sipped her tea. She then asked Will, "What was she like?"
"Who?" Will asked, looking up from his tea.
"Guinevere," Elizabeth responded with interest.
Will sighed. "She was the best friend I ever had."
"I can tell," Elizabeth said before sipping her tea.
"Well, if I may say so, she would probably have a fit if she heard you call her Guinevere," Will continued, smiling as he reminisced about his friend. "She was the closest thing I had to a sister. We were never apart since the day we were born. After our parents died, we were drawn closer together. Guin looked after me all the time. She wept when I told her I decided to leave to find my father. Guin begged me to stay when I was at the docks. She was the one who made me promise to come back to her, and she swore we'd see each other again."
"It sounds like she is one to have by our side forever," Elizabeth said in awe.
"She is," Will said. "I wish she were here with me again. It would be so much easier."
"Since you are robbed of your beloved Guinevere, I will do whatever I can in her stead," Elizabeth promised. "Whenever you need me, I will not be far away. You have my word."
Will smiled brightly. "Thank you, Miss Swann."
"Elizabeth," Elizabeth corrected. "You're quite welcome, Will. It is late. I best go now. Good night, Will."
Elizabeth hurried out the door.
"Good night," Will returned. "Elizabeth."
Will knew that his place in society was getting better. At least Elizabeth would help him get through his difficulties. Will was grateful to have Elizabeth by his side no matter what.