Hidden Liaisons
A Prequel to Pirates of the Caribbean
Author: hear-me-roar
Rating: R
Archive: That'd be awesome, just let me know and attribute properly and such.
Disclaimer: I don't own POTC. I wish I did, but I don't. But if you steal Evie or any other originals I'll hunt you down and tickle you with a feather. And it's much worse than it sounds. ;)
Evie sat in her room, brushing out her hair while humming softly to herself.
"So, who is he?" asked a voice from the door. Evie glanced back and smiled at Faith, her sister who was peeking in the door. Evie beckoned and Faith closed the door, coming to sit on the bed besides her. "So?"
"His name is Jack Sparrow," said Evie as picked out a pair of earrings fashioned from small pieces of polished abalone.
"Jack Sparrow? Do you mean Lord Sparrow's son? I've heard tales of him, that he's the black sheep of the family," said Faith, tucking her legs beneath her.
"That doesn't surprise me in the least," said Evie. She considered telling Faith of how Lord Sparrow treated his son but decided better of it. Jack had trusted her with that confidence and she wouldn't be the one to betray it.
"They say he prefers books over women."
"But he his quite charming and he has a smart wit. Besides that, he's quite handsome," Evie said with a giggle that Faith joined in upon.
"It figures nicely that you would find such a man charming. Only desperate Lords and higher merchants take their daughters to him.
Evie hesitated slightly before asking what she knew would bring bad memories, "Did Father take you to see him?"
"Once. However, it lasted nary an hour before Father found out about his queer habits," said Faith quietly, playing with the hem of her shift.
"I'm sorry, Faith, I didn't mean to bring it up."
"It's alright, just because I'm as barren as the Sahara doesn't mean that we have to tip toe about the subject," said Faith with a sigh. "I've nearly come to terms with it. And there will be some suitor that doesn't care about children."
"You will find someone Faith," said Evie, taking her hand, "You're a beautiful girl who has her wits about her and can sew the most beautiful tapestries in all of England and the West Indies besides."
"Thank you, Evie," said Faith, squeezing her hand and taking leave of her sister. Evie smiled sadly as she watched her sister's retreat before taking the dress she had chosen from her closet and slipping into the silky cage. At least she had convinced Father to not make her wear corsets anymore; those had been the true torture of her wardrobe. Besides, she was dressing for Jack and not for some high dignitary or worse yet, Telling, she thought with a grimace.
Reaching for her pins she nearly knocked over a small portrait held in silver. Evie caught it deftly and stared at the visage so hauntingly similar to her own with its long black locks and high cheek bones. Everyone had always been amazed by the similarity between mother and youngest daughter. That was before the dreaded pox took of hold of her, sending her into a spiral of sickness and suffering. Evie remembered long hours waiting outside the door, trying to make some sense of the noise the doctors produced during their frequent visits to her mother.
When her Father was offered the position of Ambassador to the West Indies the doctors urged him to take it, saying that the warm weather would be good for Mother. It was the reason Father never spent the summers there, Mother had always been found of the beauties of the island flora and fauna and it reminded him of her. Father had nearly wiped out every memory and reminder of her, save this one precious photograph he wouldn't dare dispose of.
A maid knocked at the door timidly before entering, bringing Evie forth from her reverie. She took the clasps at the back of Evie's dress, fastening them with expert speed and snatched the pins, drawing midnight locks back into a simple up-do.
"Master Sparrow is here," the maid said gently, withdrawing from the room. The thought of Jack brought a smile to Evie's face, washing away the memories of her Mother. Slipping on her slippers she hurried down the stairs, forgetting to take the slow and measured steps of a proper lady.
Jack grinned at Evie's eagerness, trying his best to ignore the malicious stare of Lord Turner. It is hard to ignore a person who seems to be planning on killing you. "Good Evening Miss Turner," Jack said with a light bow.
"Mr. Sparrow," said Evie, dropping a courtesy, as was required of her. She then took Jack's arm and all but dragged him out the door, winking at Faith before disappearing out the door. They climbed into the carriage and the coachman took off, leaving the imposing manor behind. Evie had the feeling that her father was already planning on how he would rid himself of Jack.
"I think your Father was ready to tar and feather me," said Jack with a smile after Evie had settled herself next to him.
"Oh God, what did he say?" asked Evie, horrified at what her Father might have said.
"Oh, he said nothing but formalities. It was more in the blood curdling stare he was giving me," said Jack with good humor. Evie giggled helplessly, knowing that particular look, "Oh yes, he's had many a year to perfect that look. I think every Father has their own version for their daughter's suitors."
"Yes, I do suppose so," said Jack, remembering other such stares, "But I think the stares reserved for me are in the same suit as those turned upon rabid dogs."
"Oh come, if he thought so of you than he would have sent a chaperon. I must say that I'm quite surprised that he didn't."
"Maybe he's hoping that I'll take advantage of you and then he'll be rid of you."
Evie favored Jack with a glare. "As much as escaping my Father thrills me, I do believe there was an insult wrapped in that comment."
"You've caught me," said Jack, raising his hands in surrender, "Though I meant no offense."
"And none is taken," said Evie as they pulled up outside of the theater. The footman opened the door and Jack hopped down and turned to take Evie's hand, leading her into the gilt theater.
Evie and Jack exited the theater laughing. Though Macbeth was a tragedy both had found humor in it, even with the hero's demise. They walked arm in arm along the lit streets, catching strains of music coming from the cafes that lined the street. Their coach wasn't due to arrive until an hour later and they were taking full advantage of the time.
"Evie," said Jack suddenly, breaking the comfortable silence, "I'd like to show you something. But you have to promise not to tell anyone."
"What would that be?" asked Evie, instantly intrigued.
"Follow me," said Jack eagerly, taking her hand and leading her to a small shop not a block away. Taking a key from inside the mailbox he unlocked the door and motioned for Evie to follow him inside. Evie managed a glimpse of a sign, Smith and Dooley, before walking into the darkness of the shop. She could vaguely make out desks and ledgers spread throughout the room. Jack took a lamp from one of the desks and lit it nimbly before leading Evie into a small room near the back. The room had barely enough space to hold the desk and books it held, nearly a monk's cloister in its size but had enough space left for a stool and the carved wood leaned against the wall. Jack placed the lamp on the desk and it shed a warm pool of light on his dreams.
"My God, it's beautiful," said Evie, stepping forward to run her hand over the beech statue, the fist thing to catch her eye. A young woman held a dove in her outstretched palm and had a slight smile on her perfect face.
"It's for a boat I'm building," said Jack, smiling at the compliment. He had carved the maiden himself over many months. He took her hand and led her to a desk that held countless drawings of the exterior and interior of a ship.
"You're building a ship?" asked Evie, and seeing his nod went on, "Where will you go? Away from here surely."
"Yes, as far from here as possible," said Jack, running his hand over one of the sketches. It was his greatest dream, to finally rid himself of London and all his ties to the place.
"But how did you manage to build all this? Your Father can't possibly approve."
"Of course not, he'd have a royal fit if he knew what I was doing," Jack said as he placed the lantern down on the desk, "I know the banker who takes care of my Father's finances and he makes sure to leave out enough money for materials and wages each month. It's being built over in Port Royal. Once I get out of here I plan to help build it myself."
"I'd love to be able to sail away from here," said Evie quietly, thinking of her Father and Commander Telling.
"That's what this is. It's not just a ship, it's freedom," said Jack, gazing at the drawings fondly. "I've grown weary of my Father's tirades, sick of what he does to.. I just want my own life." "You will have it, Jack," said Evie, taking his hand, "And it shall be the most beautiful boat ever built."
"It's not even done yet," Jack interjected, gesturing to the skeleton- like hull that spread across the thick parchment.
"Yes, but I can see-no. I can feel how beautiful it's going to be," said Evie, turning to give Jack a radiant smile.
"It takes someone beautiful to recognize such things," said Jack quietly, casting his eyes down to study the floor as Evie blushed. Evie took her forwardness to heart and reach out her hand to cup Jack's cheek, bringing his eyes back to hers, "It takes a beautiful mind to create such things, which is certainly more important than any outer vestige of beauty. Though you do seem to have been gifted with both, Jack."
Jack found himself smiling and pressed Evie's hand to his cheek, relishing its soft touch and overcoming his shyness moved to capture her lips with his. Evie responded in kind, placing her other hand on the back of Jack's neck as he slid an arm about her waist. They parted and both smiled, basking in the innocence of the moment, of not being forced upon each other by parents.
"That was nice," said Evie, placing her arms around Jack's neck.
"Very," said Jack, tracing her jaw with his thumb. "However, our Fathers will never allow it."
"Bugger them," said Evie viciously, making Jack's eyes widen in shock. Evie laughed at his reaction and was silenced as he kissed her yet again, the passion building between them. Evie moved up the exchange, venturing her tongue into Jack's mouth, exploring its dark confines.
Jack moaned slightly into Evie's mouth and felt the start of a grin on Evie's face as she continued her exploration. She pulled back and gave him a rogue grin.
"Miss Turner!" Jack said in mock shock, "I can't have you taking advantage of my honor."
"I take it you liked it," said Evie with a smile. She'd have to remember to thank Faith for that piece of advice.
Jack looked into Evie's eyes, seemingly mirrors of deep twilight and happiness that was evident in every movement of her being. But unlike other maidens, where those eyes would have cowed at resistance, there was a noble spirit, ready to face whatever life brought her. In that moment, he knew he had found an equal in his own rebellion, someone who could understand the madness behind his dreams.
"As much as I'd like to remain here, I should take you back to your home. The carriage should await us by now," said Jack. His plans were finally becoming a reality and this room, though small, held the vast expanse of his dreams. Part of Jack's dreams, though he was loathe to admit it, was to find someone to share this freedom with. Someone who would understand what his heart so desired.. And this only served to make him wish this moment and time could last forever, that they would never have to leave this room. It seemed that Evie shared his sentiments, pouting at the thought of returning to her father.
"All this talk of freedom doesn't make me so inclined," said Evie, taking her arms from Jack's neck reluctantly and retrieving the lamp from the desk. "And that which you liked so much," she said with an impudent grin, "That, my dear Jack, is only the beginning."
"Whatever do you mean, Evie?" Jack inquired, knowing full well what the maid spoke of and wondering if he was indeed so lucky.
"I would show you, but as you said, I must hasten home. And you would not wish for me to spoil the surprise, would you?" With that she gave him an impish smile, and blew out the candle, plunging the room into darkness.
Author: hear-me-roar
Rating: R
Archive: That'd be awesome, just let me know and attribute properly and such.
Disclaimer: I don't own POTC. I wish I did, but I don't. But if you steal Evie or any other originals I'll hunt you down and tickle you with a feather. And it's much worse than it sounds. ;)
Evie sat in her room, brushing out her hair while humming softly to herself.
"So, who is he?" asked a voice from the door. Evie glanced back and smiled at Faith, her sister who was peeking in the door. Evie beckoned and Faith closed the door, coming to sit on the bed besides her. "So?"
"His name is Jack Sparrow," said Evie as picked out a pair of earrings fashioned from small pieces of polished abalone.
"Jack Sparrow? Do you mean Lord Sparrow's son? I've heard tales of him, that he's the black sheep of the family," said Faith, tucking her legs beneath her.
"That doesn't surprise me in the least," said Evie. She considered telling Faith of how Lord Sparrow treated his son but decided better of it. Jack had trusted her with that confidence and she wouldn't be the one to betray it.
"They say he prefers books over women."
"But he his quite charming and he has a smart wit. Besides that, he's quite handsome," Evie said with a giggle that Faith joined in upon.
"It figures nicely that you would find such a man charming. Only desperate Lords and higher merchants take their daughters to him.
Evie hesitated slightly before asking what she knew would bring bad memories, "Did Father take you to see him?"
"Once. However, it lasted nary an hour before Father found out about his queer habits," said Faith quietly, playing with the hem of her shift.
"I'm sorry, Faith, I didn't mean to bring it up."
"It's alright, just because I'm as barren as the Sahara doesn't mean that we have to tip toe about the subject," said Faith with a sigh. "I've nearly come to terms with it. And there will be some suitor that doesn't care about children."
"You will find someone Faith," said Evie, taking her hand, "You're a beautiful girl who has her wits about her and can sew the most beautiful tapestries in all of England and the West Indies besides."
"Thank you, Evie," said Faith, squeezing her hand and taking leave of her sister. Evie smiled sadly as she watched her sister's retreat before taking the dress she had chosen from her closet and slipping into the silky cage. At least she had convinced Father to not make her wear corsets anymore; those had been the true torture of her wardrobe. Besides, she was dressing for Jack and not for some high dignitary or worse yet, Telling, she thought with a grimace.
Reaching for her pins she nearly knocked over a small portrait held in silver. Evie caught it deftly and stared at the visage so hauntingly similar to her own with its long black locks and high cheek bones. Everyone had always been amazed by the similarity between mother and youngest daughter. That was before the dreaded pox took of hold of her, sending her into a spiral of sickness and suffering. Evie remembered long hours waiting outside the door, trying to make some sense of the noise the doctors produced during their frequent visits to her mother.
When her Father was offered the position of Ambassador to the West Indies the doctors urged him to take it, saying that the warm weather would be good for Mother. It was the reason Father never spent the summers there, Mother had always been found of the beauties of the island flora and fauna and it reminded him of her. Father had nearly wiped out every memory and reminder of her, save this one precious photograph he wouldn't dare dispose of.
A maid knocked at the door timidly before entering, bringing Evie forth from her reverie. She took the clasps at the back of Evie's dress, fastening them with expert speed and snatched the pins, drawing midnight locks back into a simple up-do.
"Master Sparrow is here," the maid said gently, withdrawing from the room. The thought of Jack brought a smile to Evie's face, washing away the memories of her Mother. Slipping on her slippers she hurried down the stairs, forgetting to take the slow and measured steps of a proper lady.
Jack grinned at Evie's eagerness, trying his best to ignore the malicious stare of Lord Turner. It is hard to ignore a person who seems to be planning on killing you. "Good Evening Miss Turner," Jack said with a light bow.
"Mr. Sparrow," said Evie, dropping a courtesy, as was required of her. She then took Jack's arm and all but dragged him out the door, winking at Faith before disappearing out the door. They climbed into the carriage and the coachman took off, leaving the imposing manor behind. Evie had the feeling that her father was already planning on how he would rid himself of Jack.
"I think your Father was ready to tar and feather me," said Jack with a smile after Evie had settled herself next to him.
"Oh God, what did he say?" asked Evie, horrified at what her Father might have said.
"Oh, he said nothing but formalities. It was more in the blood curdling stare he was giving me," said Jack with good humor. Evie giggled helplessly, knowing that particular look, "Oh yes, he's had many a year to perfect that look. I think every Father has their own version for their daughter's suitors."
"Yes, I do suppose so," said Jack, remembering other such stares, "But I think the stares reserved for me are in the same suit as those turned upon rabid dogs."
"Oh come, if he thought so of you than he would have sent a chaperon. I must say that I'm quite surprised that he didn't."
"Maybe he's hoping that I'll take advantage of you and then he'll be rid of you."
Evie favored Jack with a glare. "As much as escaping my Father thrills me, I do believe there was an insult wrapped in that comment."
"You've caught me," said Jack, raising his hands in surrender, "Though I meant no offense."
"And none is taken," said Evie as they pulled up outside of the theater. The footman opened the door and Jack hopped down and turned to take Evie's hand, leading her into the gilt theater.
Evie and Jack exited the theater laughing. Though Macbeth was a tragedy both had found humor in it, even with the hero's demise. They walked arm in arm along the lit streets, catching strains of music coming from the cafes that lined the street. Their coach wasn't due to arrive until an hour later and they were taking full advantage of the time.
"Evie," said Jack suddenly, breaking the comfortable silence, "I'd like to show you something. But you have to promise not to tell anyone."
"What would that be?" asked Evie, instantly intrigued.
"Follow me," said Jack eagerly, taking her hand and leading her to a small shop not a block away. Taking a key from inside the mailbox he unlocked the door and motioned for Evie to follow him inside. Evie managed a glimpse of a sign, Smith and Dooley, before walking into the darkness of the shop. She could vaguely make out desks and ledgers spread throughout the room. Jack took a lamp from one of the desks and lit it nimbly before leading Evie into a small room near the back. The room had barely enough space to hold the desk and books it held, nearly a monk's cloister in its size but had enough space left for a stool and the carved wood leaned against the wall. Jack placed the lamp on the desk and it shed a warm pool of light on his dreams.
"My God, it's beautiful," said Evie, stepping forward to run her hand over the beech statue, the fist thing to catch her eye. A young woman held a dove in her outstretched palm and had a slight smile on her perfect face.
"It's for a boat I'm building," said Jack, smiling at the compliment. He had carved the maiden himself over many months. He took her hand and led her to a desk that held countless drawings of the exterior and interior of a ship.
"You're building a ship?" asked Evie, and seeing his nod went on, "Where will you go? Away from here surely."
"Yes, as far from here as possible," said Jack, running his hand over one of the sketches. It was his greatest dream, to finally rid himself of London and all his ties to the place.
"But how did you manage to build all this? Your Father can't possibly approve."
"Of course not, he'd have a royal fit if he knew what I was doing," Jack said as he placed the lantern down on the desk, "I know the banker who takes care of my Father's finances and he makes sure to leave out enough money for materials and wages each month. It's being built over in Port Royal. Once I get out of here I plan to help build it myself."
"I'd love to be able to sail away from here," said Evie quietly, thinking of her Father and Commander Telling.
"That's what this is. It's not just a ship, it's freedom," said Jack, gazing at the drawings fondly. "I've grown weary of my Father's tirades, sick of what he does to.. I just want my own life." "You will have it, Jack," said Evie, taking his hand, "And it shall be the most beautiful boat ever built."
"It's not even done yet," Jack interjected, gesturing to the skeleton- like hull that spread across the thick parchment.
"Yes, but I can see-no. I can feel how beautiful it's going to be," said Evie, turning to give Jack a radiant smile.
"It takes someone beautiful to recognize such things," said Jack quietly, casting his eyes down to study the floor as Evie blushed. Evie took her forwardness to heart and reach out her hand to cup Jack's cheek, bringing his eyes back to hers, "It takes a beautiful mind to create such things, which is certainly more important than any outer vestige of beauty. Though you do seem to have been gifted with both, Jack."
Jack found himself smiling and pressed Evie's hand to his cheek, relishing its soft touch and overcoming his shyness moved to capture her lips with his. Evie responded in kind, placing her other hand on the back of Jack's neck as he slid an arm about her waist. They parted and both smiled, basking in the innocence of the moment, of not being forced upon each other by parents.
"That was nice," said Evie, placing her arms around Jack's neck.
"Very," said Jack, tracing her jaw with his thumb. "However, our Fathers will never allow it."
"Bugger them," said Evie viciously, making Jack's eyes widen in shock. Evie laughed at his reaction and was silenced as he kissed her yet again, the passion building between them. Evie moved up the exchange, venturing her tongue into Jack's mouth, exploring its dark confines.
Jack moaned slightly into Evie's mouth and felt the start of a grin on Evie's face as she continued her exploration. She pulled back and gave him a rogue grin.
"Miss Turner!" Jack said in mock shock, "I can't have you taking advantage of my honor."
"I take it you liked it," said Evie with a smile. She'd have to remember to thank Faith for that piece of advice.
Jack looked into Evie's eyes, seemingly mirrors of deep twilight and happiness that was evident in every movement of her being. But unlike other maidens, where those eyes would have cowed at resistance, there was a noble spirit, ready to face whatever life brought her. In that moment, he knew he had found an equal in his own rebellion, someone who could understand the madness behind his dreams.
"As much as I'd like to remain here, I should take you back to your home. The carriage should await us by now," said Jack. His plans were finally becoming a reality and this room, though small, held the vast expanse of his dreams. Part of Jack's dreams, though he was loathe to admit it, was to find someone to share this freedom with. Someone who would understand what his heart so desired.. And this only served to make him wish this moment and time could last forever, that they would never have to leave this room. It seemed that Evie shared his sentiments, pouting at the thought of returning to her father.
"All this talk of freedom doesn't make me so inclined," said Evie, taking her arms from Jack's neck reluctantly and retrieving the lamp from the desk. "And that which you liked so much," she said with an impudent grin, "That, my dear Jack, is only the beginning."
"Whatever do you mean, Evie?" Jack inquired, knowing full well what the maid spoke of and wondering if he was indeed so lucky.
"I would show you, but as you said, I must hasten home. And you would not wish for me to spoil the surprise, would you?" With that she gave him an impish smile, and blew out the candle, plunging the room into darkness.