Chapter Six
Mary-Alice grabbed Jack's hand as he helped her over the black wooded railing.
Looking up she heard a collective gasp as the crew took in its newest resident.
Jack took a step forward. "Me crew," he addressed the crowd of Pirates. "I'd like to introduce yer to me very good friend Miss Mary-Alice Cole."
The Crew looked at Jack, most with jaws hung open in disbelief.
"Make no mistake lads, Miss Cole is no lady of the night. She be a dress maker and if yer real nice t' the lass she might sow up yer holes in yer clothes, savvy?"
The crew looked back to Mary-Alice and she ran her hands over her skirts self consciously, trying in vain to smooth the wrinkles out.
"Umm, it's an honour to meet you all." She replied quietly.
There was a long silence and Mary-Alice had a fleeting thought that they were going to pitch her over the side.
Finally Jack broke the silence beside her. "Well what yer waiting for lads, is this anyway to treat ye Captain's guest?"
The spell was broken and one by one the pirates came over.
"Welcome aboard the Black Pearl Miss Cole, if ye ev'r 'ungry I be the man te see. Crooks the name."
Mary-Alice curtsied politely. "Thank you Mr Crooks."
Each pirate gave her friendly welcome and paying her compliments making her blush.
Finally the man Gibbs came up to her. "'ello there Lass, I be Joshamee Gibbs, first mate upon the Black Pearl." He stated proudly. "Now a suspicious man I might be, but 'tis believed women are bad luck on ships, but seeings as you be a dear friend the cap'n's I think we can look past that m'dear."
Mary-Alice smiled. "Why thank you Mr Gibbs. Having your approval means a great deal to me."
The man smiled. "Anyone who Jack trusts, I trust. Yer be a good lass."
Mary-Alice was about to reply when a hand settled around her shoulder making her jump slightly as it pulled her closer to a warm body.
"And I be Captain Jack Sparrow, Milady. Now that all introductions and flirting with the lass are complete, let's high tail it outta here!"
The crew gave a collective "Aye!" and scooted off to their positions ready to set sail.
Jack placed the heavy dress into her hands. "You can change in me cabin. And I'll be in soon to have a chat with ye."
"But Jack I wanted to see the ship leaving."
Jack sighed and took her hand leading her up the stairs. "Aye ye can watch but ye must call me 'captain' Jack when we're amongst the crew, savvy?"
Mary-Alice beamed a smile. "Aye Captain."
Jack returned her grin. "Good girl."
Mary-Alice watched as Jack ordered his crew about like a true leader. She watched him awe, never had she seen this side of Jack before and it fascinated her. His entire demeanour seemed to shift and an unquestionable confidence and authority settled over him.
Mary-Alice watched Jack steer his ship out of the small cove where it had anchored, he was perfectly aware of what everyone was doing, even her it seemed.
"Yer seem more interested in watching me than you do the ship, Lacey m'love." Jack said with eyes still forward with a knowing smirk plastered on his face.
Mary-Alice blushed and looked away out to the black glassy water.
Finally seeing the lights from the small town disappear from her sight Mary-Alice turned and made a beeline for the Captain's quarters still a little unsteady on her feet.
Mary-Alice stepped into the cabin and took in a deep breath closing the door behind her and grasped the table as the ship rolled over a wave, unfortunately her stomach mimicked the sensation rather alarmingly.
She was caught between happiness and sorrow. On one hand she was leaving the only home she had ever know. The place where all her memories of her father lived and the work she had accomplished in her short life. But on the other hand she was with Jack now and on a pirate ship off to have an adventure.
Mary-Alice caught herself, she was on a pirate ship indeed.
Suddenly all the stories about Pirates flew into her mind. Pillage, plunder, destroy and rape. Rape.
"Don't be silly Mary-Alice. Jack's crew would never and Jack will take care of you like he said he would." She thought allowed, but her mind couldn't stop telling her that Jack was still a Pirate and had probably done some awful things in the past.
Mary-Alice walked over to the table which was no doubt Jack's work desk and had one hand on the back of a chair and with the other, she began unlacing her dress. Fortunately for her, most of her dress she wore tied up at the front so it was easy to take off. But looking down at the beautiful green and gold gown she realised that it laced up quite firmly at the back like the orderer had requested.
Mary-Alice let out another sigh and switched over the dresses.
Oh god. She thought as her stomach turned. Maybe I shouldn't have eaten that roast Pork dinner.
Ten minutes later Mary-Alice was struggling trying to pull the dress up and keep her balance at the same time.
"Damn it all to the depths of hell!" She cursed and immediately felt guilty about the profanity she had used.
A knock came at the door startling her.
"Are ye alright in there Lacey?" Jack's voice came from the other side of the door.
Mary-Alice pulled the dress up as high as she could. "No, I need help Jack, but only you, don't let anyone else in." she grimaced.
Jack opened the door half way and grinned at her cheekily. "Never fear, Jack's here."
Mary-Alice rolled her eyes. "This retched dress is damn near impossible to get on! And why won't this ship just stay still!"
Jack studied her quietly. "That's because yer suppose to be a spoilt lil' rich girl with a squad o' maids to help yer. And ye have yet to acquire yer see legs m'dear."
Mary-Alice pouted slightly. "Well looks like I'll have to make do with a pirate Captain. Would you do the honours?"
Jack stepped forward. "O' course, anything for a lady."
He took her elbows in his hands and spun her around so her back was up against him and set to work lacing the back of the dress up as Mary-Alice held on to the chair to keep her from falling.
Mary-Alice winced as he pulled the ends in. She understood now why noble women fainted so much, she herself could barely breath!
*
Jack finished off lacing the gown and twirled her around again with his hands on her accentuated hips. He watched in slow motion as her hands ran over the front of her dress lightly brushing out any wrinkles. She looked absolutely heavenly and the lacing up the back allowed for just the right amount of cleavage. Daring but still proper. He reached over and casually picked a few remaining twigs from her hair.
"Perfect." He whispered softly. He watched her eyes grow wide and gave her a tight smile. "That dress looks perfect on you lass."
He watched the blush creep up her face. "Yes well, this dress was suppose to be sold and I believe the lady who had ordered it is going to be most displeased when she realises myself and the dress are missing."
Jack smiled. "I'll bet that that dress looks better on you than it ever would have on said lady."
"Jack stop it, if the blood rushes to my face that quickly once more I shall be passed out on your floor." She giggled.
Jack watched her eyes sparkle. "Yes well, now that you are dressed, shall we have our chat?"
He watched Lacey nod and sway unsteadily to the chair.
"I don't know how you do it Jack." She said as he watched her trying to get comfortable and failing miserable due to the tight corset and dress.
Jack took his seat opposite her and sat back observing the girl. He knew he was making her nervous and he smiled to himself. This was going to be fun.
*
Mary-Alice fidgeted with the dress and every so often clutching her stomach. She glanced up at Jack slightly and he caught her eye.
"I believe there are some things we need to discuss Love, but firstly are ye hungry?"
Mary-Alice shook her head. "No, I had a meal just before I escaped, my only fear is that I will loose it."
"Not to fear lass usually the first night is okay, but come the rest of the week yer might be a tad bit on the green side."
"Oh joy."
Jack nodded once grinning. "Second thing. What exactly happen between last night and tonight?"
Mary-Alice sighed heavily and began to tell Jack the entire story as she got to the part about her makeshift rope breaking and her falling into a bush…hence the twigs in her hair and the ripped dress, she saw a dark look upon Jack's face.
"I have half a mind to turn me ship around and go back to cut the Bastard's heart out."
Mary-Alice's eyes widened in terror. Once again she was reminded that his was a part of Jack that she knew none of. A part that at times frightened but also intrigued her.
Mary-Alice cleared her throat breaking Jack's trace-like state.
"Does ye head still ache?"
Mary-Alice thought about it and ran a hand over the back of head wincing when it made contact with a large lump on her head. "Oh now it does." She groaned.
Jack looked at her seriously. "You should get to bed, it's late and you've had a very demanding day."
Mary-Alice raised an eyebrow. "But Jack, I need to ask you questions, we need to discuss—"
Jack held out his palm halting her words. "I'm the Captain of this ship so you'll follow me orders savvy?"
Mary-Alice sighed. "Very well Captain." She said emphasizing the word Captain. "Your wish is my command, I just wish you had told me this before I managed to put on this dress."
Mary-Alice watched Jack grin tightly.
"And where exactly will I be resting Oh great Captain?"
"Tonight you may have the Captain's quarters through that door."
"Thank you kindly for giving up you bed, 'tis very…gentlemanly of you."
Jack grinned and got up. "Yer things are already in there by the bed."
Mary-Alice got up almost flying right in him as the ship rolled.
"One thing before you leave Jack, would you be able to undo the back of my dress?"
"Of course."
*
Once more Jack spun her around taking his time undoing the laces and admiring her perfect skin and how good it felt to brush his hands lightly across it. Once he was done he spun her back around. This time he let his hand linger at her waist.
He watched her breath hitch with delight.
They stood a moment longer than was necessary before they broke away from each other mumbling a good night and going in opposite directions.
Special thanks to:
Jelly beans, thank you for reading and for liking my story. I promise to keep writing!
Ping Pong 5, It is interesting to think about Jack's past, I always imagined him having an okay childhood and then running off to find his Pearl! Thanks!
Alteng, It is sappy isn't it?! I always cringe when I read over it! And I promise I didn't steal your mum's friend's cat's name! To tell the truth I'm not sure where it came from, it just fitted in somehow! – I guess it's kind of a sentimental fanfic name…? Thanks for the review!
Lolofruit, blush Thank you so much, your so sweet! I hope you continue to enjoy reading it!
To everyone who has reviewed my story even just once, you have no idea how wonderful it was to receive your reviews. I never expected to receive so many for my first publication and it was so heart-warming! Sorry to sound so sappy (now you know why my story is so sappy!) but anyway I just wanted to say thank you so much and I hope you continue to enjoy my story. I remind you that if there is something you don't like, be sure to tell me in a review! I don't want to disappoint anyone. Anyway, I have to get started on the next chapter!