That evening Jack and Julianne sat in their usual room at the Turner's
house, deep in discussion.
"Ye think we ought to get fancied up for this shindig tomorrow night", Julianne asked Jack, only to receive a moan in response.
"No!" he answered emphatically.
"I'm serious. I wonder what they'll be expecting."
"Who cares what they're expecting", Jack replied quickly. "There's no way yer getting the crews dressed up for some prissy party", he added.
"The crews can wear whatever they want, I'm talking about us", Julianne corrected.
"Well ye aren't getting me all read up like some pansy, that's for sure."
"Ye'll do whateva I tell ye", Julianne barked, then cracked a smile as she threw a pillow at him and hit him square in the face.
Jack jumped up and sprung toward her but not before she stood herself and ran for the door.
"I'm gonna go see what Elizabeth thinks", she called back to him slipping out of his reach.
Jack huffed in fake annoyance and flopped himself lazily onto the bed and waited for Julianne to return. He did not have to wait long, within minutes she was back wearing a less than pleased expression.
"Well?"
"She wasn't much help."
"What's that mean?"
"She said he prolly doesn't expect it but it neva hurts to make an impression."
"Impression my ass! We just rescued two very important people, I don't care if they don't like how I look", Jack stated firmly.
Julianne looked thoughtful but did not answer.
"Jules", Jack questioned her, uneasy at her silence. "What's in yer head?"
"I think we should look nice", she answered eventually.
"You can't be serious", Jack practically jumped out of his skin.
"Why not? It's not gonna kill ya to look good for one night, and ye did it when we were here back that one time."
"I was forced into it that time", he shot back indignantly.
"Oh what? Will and Lizzie jumped you, held a gun to yer head, and forced you limb by limb into nice clothes?"
"You know what I mean", he rolled his eyes at her.
"Look", Julianne began, growing serious. "I just want to show all those pompous bastards that we're not just a bunch o' mangy cads alright. Can't ye just do this for me?"
"Jules", Jack began moving over to where she sat and putting an arm around her shoulder. "We are just as good as them. Why d'ye need to pretend yer something yer not? They're always gonna think the way they do."
Julianne sighed and stood up. Sometimes Jack just didn't understand. "Fine", she sighed again, "this is fine."
"Jules."
"No, yer right. Can't hide the truth after all?"
"That's not what I meant", Jack argued. "If it's that important to ye we'll dress up ok?"
"No, we don't have to", she walked back over to him and snaked an arm around his waist. "Let's just go to bed", she said with a smile and a kiss on his cheek.
The next morning Julianne awoke to find herself alone in the bed. Rolling over she found Jack standing in the corner, one arm balancing himself against the bureau as he pulled on his boots.
"What are ye doin", she asked.
"Need to go into town this mornin for some things, I'll be back round lunch time", he answered her.
"Some things? What kind of things?"
"Just mind yer business, ye'll know soon enough", was all he replied before topping off his hat and letting himself out of the room.
Rolling back into her pillow Julianne sighed and smiled to herself. Jack was going to get himself something presentable to wear, and she reveled in the fact that she knew how to play him so well. As she lay there she wondered what she ought to do for a dress. She had one on the ship Elizabeth had given her some years ago, and she knew the younger woman would not be opposed to lending her another if she wished it, but something inside kept irking at her to go buy a new one. She almost wanted to enjoy the experience of playing "rich, dress up". Making up her mind to do just that later on, she allowed herself to drift back into sleep, though sorely missing the company of her absent bed partner.
When she finally did rise several hours later, Jack was already home and the household's other residents were all gathered down in the kitchen waiting for lunch to be served. Surveying the room, Julianne's earlier suspicions were confirmed as a dark garment bag hanging on the closet door caught her attention. Dragging herself across the room, she opened it and peered inside, to find a lovely suit inside. Closing the bag, she quickly threw on her own clothes and made her way downstairs.
"Well, look who finally decided to join the living", Will joked as she took a seat at the table.
"Not like you to sleep so late", Jack commented. In response Julianne only shrugged and grabbed an apple out of the bowl sitting on the table.
She was silent as she munched thoughtfully, and remained that way throughout the entire meal.
"What's wrong luv", Jack broke into her thoughts. "Cat got yer tongue?"
"Hmm, no sorry, just thinking", she answered before turning her attention to Elizabeth. "Lizzie, if ye don't mind, I've got to go into town today and I'd much appreciate it if you'd join me."
"Of course I will", the younger woman answered. "What time did you want to go?"
"As soon as we're done if that's alright with you."
"Aye that's fine. Will can watch Gabby while I'm gone."
***
Julianne and Elizabeth walked side by side through Port Royale's business district taking in the chaos around them. Apparently the banquet that night was going to be one hell of a high toned and fancy to do and everywhere townspeople were running around frantically trying to prepare.
"Where are we going", Elizabeth's question broke into Julianne's thoughts.
"Oh", Julianne laughed in response. "I hadn't realized I forgot to tell you. We're going shopping."
"Yes I gathered that much. What are we shopping for?"
"Well I need a dress for tonight don't I", the captain asked slyly.
"Are you serious", Elizabeth gaped. "You could have spared yourself, I have dozens you could have borrowed."
"I know, but I wanted the experience."
"The experience?" the younger woman repeated incredulously.
"Yes the experience. I want to know what it's like being an affluent and productive member of society alright?" Julianne smarted in a drippingly formal accent with her nose turned up.
At this Elizabeth burst into giggles. "Very well, come on then. This is where I usually go", she pointed towards a little shop on the next corner.
"Thank you madam", Julianne continued in her high British impersonation.
"Oh come off it", Elizabeth scolded, playfully swatting at her friend.
The two women entered the shop which appeared empty at first sight. Gazing around the room Julianne began to wonder if this was such a good idea. Before she had enough time to fully reconsider her decision she and Elizabeth were greeted by the shop's owner. A little, plump old woman decorated by several gaudy bangles entered the room and surveyed the two woman appraisingly.
"Ah Miss Turner, a pleasure as always", she welcomed Elizabeth. "And who might you be", she asked, a slight trace of distaste in her voice as she took in Julianne.
"Madam Devoe this is my dear friend Captain Amaris", Elizabeth answered for her.
"Oh, she's a friend of yours", the woman asked in obvious disbelief as though Julianne was not even there.
"Yes, a dear friend", Elizabeth repeated herself. "In fact the banquet at the fort tonight is being held in her honor. You may have heard how my darling daughter was recently kidnapped along with Commodore Norrington and it was Captain Amaris and her partner Captain Sparrow who returned them safely home", she finished firmly, indicating that the dressmaker drop any further commentary.
"Yes of course", Madam answered a little embarrassed. "So, you need a dress then", she now addressed Julianne.
"Aye", the pirate answered with an annoyingly toothy grin, revealing the flash of a silver tooth.
"Alright then, take of your jacket so I can take your measurements", Madam instructed.
Julianne stared at her for a moment, then remembered that was not captain of the dress shop and obliged. Shedding her long jacket she shot Madam a lok daring her to comment on her choice of clothing. From the look on her face it was obvious that the dress maker disapproved but thought better than to voice her opinion.
"Alright then", she mumbled more as encouragement to herself than anything as she unwound her tape measure.
Stepping up to Julianne she wrapped the tape around her waist and pulled it tight causing her to suck in a breath.
"Keep in mind that I want to be able to breathe", the pirate joked.
Madam was not amused and grumbled quietly to herself as she continued her measuring. Several minutes later after she had finished, having made quite an ordeal of the whole thing to annoy Julianne, she ordered her to stay put while she went to retrieve the dresses in her size.
"You're lucky for being such an ideal size", Madam began as she returned pushing a large rack. "I've a lot that should fit you."
Bringing the rack to a stop, she watched as the pirate looked through them, occasionally pulling one out to examine it further, but refraining from ever looking impressed.
"Now dear with your complexion, hair, and eyes I would suggest something in a blue or"
"I want this one", Julianne cut her off in mid-sentence pulling a dress off the rack.
Holding it up, she turned it around and smiled approvingly. The dress was red, blood red, and trimmed in black. Both the neck and back line scooped ridiculously low and it had a slight train. By all accounts were it not for the lavish material and embroidery, one would expect to see such a dress being worn on the streets of Tortuga.
"Are you sure about that", Madam asked in a slightly horrified voice.
Behind Julianne, Elizabeth stifled a giggle. She was not remotely surprised at the dress her friend had chosen but was enjoying the reaction it was giving Madam.
"Quite sure", Julianne answered matter-of-factly.
"It's just that, that particular dress may not be the most appropriate dress for an event such as tonight's, if you catch my meaning", the dressmaker stumbled over her words.
"Well Madam, I've never much concerned myself with appropriate before and I don't think I'll be startin today. So, am I to try this on or should I just take it from 'ere?"
Again Madam stared at Julianne as though she had grown a second head. "You must try it on of course", she managed to choke out at last. "This way", she continued, directing Julianne behind a dressing screen.
Standing in front of the screen Madam waited for Julianne to shed her typical garb and pull on the dress.
"Hey a little help back 'ere", an irritated voice called out to her.
Hustling behind to help her, Madam began to help pull the dress on properly, adjusting it where necessary. She did her best to maintain an indifferent demeanor as she took in Julianne's toned body and muscles in amazement. When the dress was finally looking the way it should, Julianne stepped out into view to get Elizabeth's opinion.
"Well, what do you think?"
"It's perfect. Very you", Elizabeth replied with a laugh.
"I think so too. What about you Madam", she asked turning to the other woman.
"It is quite lovely on you all things considered. But perhaps you'd consider something to cover up that tattoo?"
Julianne looked over her shoulder at the large, dark 'R' stamped on her left shoulder blade. "Eh, its fine", she commented. "Besides, then I'd have to worry bout covering up this too and there's no way yer gettin me in a long sleeved gown", she continued holding up her right arm to reveal her brand. "It's no secret I'm a pirate after all, they're lucky I'm wearin a dress in the first place."
"I agree", Elizabeth chimed in. "You are positively the most ravishing thing I've ever seen after a Tortugan whore."
At this Julianne snorted in laughter, appreciative of the fact that Elizabeth had come to know her and her sense of humor so well. Next to her, Madam nodded in defeat.
"Very well. Go ahead and take it off and I'll wrap it up for you", she consented at last.
Ten minutes later Elizabeth and Julianne left the dress shop, hit up the jewelry shop for a matching necklace, and finally made their way back to the Turners' house.
"Ye think we ought to get fancied up for this shindig tomorrow night", Julianne asked Jack, only to receive a moan in response.
"No!" he answered emphatically.
"I'm serious. I wonder what they'll be expecting."
"Who cares what they're expecting", Jack replied quickly. "There's no way yer getting the crews dressed up for some prissy party", he added.
"The crews can wear whatever they want, I'm talking about us", Julianne corrected.
"Well ye aren't getting me all read up like some pansy, that's for sure."
"Ye'll do whateva I tell ye", Julianne barked, then cracked a smile as she threw a pillow at him and hit him square in the face.
Jack jumped up and sprung toward her but not before she stood herself and ran for the door.
"I'm gonna go see what Elizabeth thinks", she called back to him slipping out of his reach.
Jack huffed in fake annoyance and flopped himself lazily onto the bed and waited for Julianne to return. He did not have to wait long, within minutes she was back wearing a less than pleased expression.
"Well?"
"She wasn't much help."
"What's that mean?"
"She said he prolly doesn't expect it but it neva hurts to make an impression."
"Impression my ass! We just rescued two very important people, I don't care if they don't like how I look", Jack stated firmly.
Julianne looked thoughtful but did not answer.
"Jules", Jack questioned her, uneasy at her silence. "What's in yer head?"
"I think we should look nice", she answered eventually.
"You can't be serious", Jack practically jumped out of his skin.
"Why not? It's not gonna kill ya to look good for one night, and ye did it when we were here back that one time."
"I was forced into it that time", he shot back indignantly.
"Oh what? Will and Lizzie jumped you, held a gun to yer head, and forced you limb by limb into nice clothes?"
"You know what I mean", he rolled his eyes at her.
"Look", Julianne began, growing serious. "I just want to show all those pompous bastards that we're not just a bunch o' mangy cads alright. Can't ye just do this for me?"
"Jules", Jack began moving over to where she sat and putting an arm around her shoulder. "We are just as good as them. Why d'ye need to pretend yer something yer not? They're always gonna think the way they do."
Julianne sighed and stood up. Sometimes Jack just didn't understand. "Fine", she sighed again, "this is fine."
"Jules."
"No, yer right. Can't hide the truth after all?"
"That's not what I meant", Jack argued. "If it's that important to ye we'll dress up ok?"
"No, we don't have to", she walked back over to him and snaked an arm around his waist. "Let's just go to bed", she said with a smile and a kiss on his cheek.
The next morning Julianne awoke to find herself alone in the bed. Rolling over she found Jack standing in the corner, one arm balancing himself against the bureau as he pulled on his boots.
"What are ye doin", she asked.
"Need to go into town this mornin for some things, I'll be back round lunch time", he answered her.
"Some things? What kind of things?"
"Just mind yer business, ye'll know soon enough", was all he replied before topping off his hat and letting himself out of the room.
Rolling back into her pillow Julianne sighed and smiled to herself. Jack was going to get himself something presentable to wear, and she reveled in the fact that she knew how to play him so well. As she lay there she wondered what she ought to do for a dress. She had one on the ship Elizabeth had given her some years ago, and she knew the younger woman would not be opposed to lending her another if she wished it, but something inside kept irking at her to go buy a new one. She almost wanted to enjoy the experience of playing "rich, dress up". Making up her mind to do just that later on, she allowed herself to drift back into sleep, though sorely missing the company of her absent bed partner.
When she finally did rise several hours later, Jack was already home and the household's other residents were all gathered down in the kitchen waiting for lunch to be served. Surveying the room, Julianne's earlier suspicions were confirmed as a dark garment bag hanging on the closet door caught her attention. Dragging herself across the room, she opened it and peered inside, to find a lovely suit inside. Closing the bag, she quickly threw on her own clothes and made her way downstairs.
"Well, look who finally decided to join the living", Will joked as she took a seat at the table.
"Not like you to sleep so late", Jack commented. In response Julianne only shrugged and grabbed an apple out of the bowl sitting on the table.
She was silent as she munched thoughtfully, and remained that way throughout the entire meal.
"What's wrong luv", Jack broke into her thoughts. "Cat got yer tongue?"
"Hmm, no sorry, just thinking", she answered before turning her attention to Elizabeth. "Lizzie, if ye don't mind, I've got to go into town today and I'd much appreciate it if you'd join me."
"Of course I will", the younger woman answered. "What time did you want to go?"
"As soon as we're done if that's alright with you."
"Aye that's fine. Will can watch Gabby while I'm gone."
***
Julianne and Elizabeth walked side by side through Port Royale's business district taking in the chaos around them. Apparently the banquet that night was going to be one hell of a high toned and fancy to do and everywhere townspeople were running around frantically trying to prepare.
"Where are we going", Elizabeth's question broke into Julianne's thoughts.
"Oh", Julianne laughed in response. "I hadn't realized I forgot to tell you. We're going shopping."
"Yes I gathered that much. What are we shopping for?"
"Well I need a dress for tonight don't I", the captain asked slyly.
"Are you serious", Elizabeth gaped. "You could have spared yourself, I have dozens you could have borrowed."
"I know, but I wanted the experience."
"The experience?" the younger woman repeated incredulously.
"Yes the experience. I want to know what it's like being an affluent and productive member of society alright?" Julianne smarted in a drippingly formal accent with her nose turned up.
At this Elizabeth burst into giggles. "Very well, come on then. This is where I usually go", she pointed towards a little shop on the next corner.
"Thank you madam", Julianne continued in her high British impersonation.
"Oh come off it", Elizabeth scolded, playfully swatting at her friend.
The two women entered the shop which appeared empty at first sight. Gazing around the room Julianne began to wonder if this was such a good idea. Before she had enough time to fully reconsider her decision she and Elizabeth were greeted by the shop's owner. A little, plump old woman decorated by several gaudy bangles entered the room and surveyed the two woman appraisingly.
"Ah Miss Turner, a pleasure as always", she welcomed Elizabeth. "And who might you be", she asked, a slight trace of distaste in her voice as she took in Julianne.
"Madam Devoe this is my dear friend Captain Amaris", Elizabeth answered for her.
"Oh, she's a friend of yours", the woman asked in obvious disbelief as though Julianne was not even there.
"Yes, a dear friend", Elizabeth repeated herself. "In fact the banquet at the fort tonight is being held in her honor. You may have heard how my darling daughter was recently kidnapped along with Commodore Norrington and it was Captain Amaris and her partner Captain Sparrow who returned them safely home", she finished firmly, indicating that the dressmaker drop any further commentary.
"Yes of course", Madam answered a little embarrassed. "So, you need a dress then", she now addressed Julianne.
"Aye", the pirate answered with an annoyingly toothy grin, revealing the flash of a silver tooth.
"Alright then, take of your jacket so I can take your measurements", Madam instructed.
Julianne stared at her for a moment, then remembered that was not captain of the dress shop and obliged. Shedding her long jacket she shot Madam a lok daring her to comment on her choice of clothing. From the look on her face it was obvious that the dress maker disapproved but thought better than to voice her opinion.
"Alright then", she mumbled more as encouragement to herself than anything as she unwound her tape measure.
Stepping up to Julianne she wrapped the tape around her waist and pulled it tight causing her to suck in a breath.
"Keep in mind that I want to be able to breathe", the pirate joked.
Madam was not amused and grumbled quietly to herself as she continued her measuring. Several minutes later after she had finished, having made quite an ordeal of the whole thing to annoy Julianne, she ordered her to stay put while she went to retrieve the dresses in her size.
"You're lucky for being such an ideal size", Madam began as she returned pushing a large rack. "I've a lot that should fit you."
Bringing the rack to a stop, she watched as the pirate looked through them, occasionally pulling one out to examine it further, but refraining from ever looking impressed.
"Now dear with your complexion, hair, and eyes I would suggest something in a blue or"
"I want this one", Julianne cut her off in mid-sentence pulling a dress off the rack.
Holding it up, she turned it around and smiled approvingly. The dress was red, blood red, and trimmed in black. Both the neck and back line scooped ridiculously low and it had a slight train. By all accounts were it not for the lavish material and embroidery, one would expect to see such a dress being worn on the streets of Tortuga.
"Are you sure about that", Madam asked in a slightly horrified voice.
Behind Julianne, Elizabeth stifled a giggle. She was not remotely surprised at the dress her friend had chosen but was enjoying the reaction it was giving Madam.
"Quite sure", Julianne answered matter-of-factly.
"It's just that, that particular dress may not be the most appropriate dress for an event such as tonight's, if you catch my meaning", the dressmaker stumbled over her words.
"Well Madam, I've never much concerned myself with appropriate before and I don't think I'll be startin today. So, am I to try this on or should I just take it from 'ere?"
Again Madam stared at Julianne as though she had grown a second head. "You must try it on of course", she managed to choke out at last. "This way", she continued, directing Julianne behind a dressing screen.
Standing in front of the screen Madam waited for Julianne to shed her typical garb and pull on the dress.
"Hey a little help back 'ere", an irritated voice called out to her.
Hustling behind to help her, Madam began to help pull the dress on properly, adjusting it where necessary. She did her best to maintain an indifferent demeanor as she took in Julianne's toned body and muscles in amazement. When the dress was finally looking the way it should, Julianne stepped out into view to get Elizabeth's opinion.
"Well, what do you think?"
"It's perfect. Very you", Elizabeth replied with a laugh.
"I think so too. What about you Madam", she asked turning to the other woman.
"It is quite lovely on you all things considered. But perhaps you'd consider something to cover up that tattoo?"
Julianne looked over her shoulder at the large, dark 'R' stamped on her left shoulder blade. "Eh, its fine", she commented. "Besides, then I'd have to worry bout covering up this too and there's no way yer gettin me in a long sleeved gown", she continued holding up her right arm to reveal her brand. "It's no secret I'm a pirate after all, they're lucky I'm wearin a dress in the first place."
"I agree", Elizabeth chimed in. "You are positively the most ravishing thing I've ever seen after a Tortugan whore."
At this Julianne snorted in laughter, appreciative of the fact that Elizabeth had come to know her and her sense of humor so well. Next to her, Madam nodded in defeat.
"Very well. Go ahead and take it off and I'll wrap it up for you", she consented at last.
Ten minutes later Elizabeth and Julianne left the dress shop, hit up the jewelry shop for a matching necklace, and finally made their way back to the Turners' house.