Chapter 11: Wish Me Happy

It was an odd feeling for Jack, walking unmolested through Port Royal, and then into Fort Charles to Commodore Norrington's office the next day at noon, but, although he seemed to be of surreptitious interest to the soldiers stationed there, no one was less than polite to him, rather to his surprise and relief.

Norrington greeted him (remembered to call him 'Captain', too!) and presented the application to him in a businesslike manner.

"I never thought to see this day," the Commodore commented, after Jack signed the paper with a flourish.

"Nor did I, Commodore." Jack quirked an eyebrow at him and nodded. "Life's funny that way."

"Yes," Norrington said, slowly, then after a moment's hesitation, "I feel I must apologize to you for yielding to my violent impulse at our meeting aboard the Dauntless. Though I was motivated by my regard and concern for the lady, there is no excuse for such a loss of control."

Jack gave a short laugh. "I've no quarrel with the regard and concern: you've known her longer than I, and she had me at our first meeting! She's that way. And considering the things you might have done under the circumstances…well, let's just say the apology is certainly accepted, and leave it at that, shall we? Will we see you aboard the Black Pearl this evening, then?"

"Yes," said Norrington, smiling a little. "If you wish me to attend the wedding I shall certainly do so."

"We do wish it, though I doubt I could get Harry to admit it. Hasn't laid her feathers yet, y'see. But she'll come 'round. She likes parties. It'll put her in a good mood tonight."

"Yes, very likely," the Commodore agreed. Then he said, "You know, Captain Sparrow, although I realize your line of work will not permit you to supervise her activities at all times, she really does need someone to…ah…keep an eye on her."

"Aye, I know that. We'll see if we can't manage it, between me and the good people on that island of hers. And I'm hopin' she'll mellow a bit, after the baby comes. Else my hair's like to be turned gray before a couple o' years are out."

The Commodore eyed the pirate's elaborately plaited and decorated locks. "A dismaying prospect, to be sure."

o-o-o

The wedding took place near sunset, in the Great Cabin aboard the Black Pearl.

The Reverend Mr. Daniels had been quite incredulous when Governor Swann and Elizabeth Turner had approached him with the request that he come to the pirate ship that evening to perform the ceremony which would unite the Governor's elegant sister, Henrietta Fanshawe, née Swann, to the controversial object of her affection, the pirate Captain Jack Sparrow. Indeed, Daniels had at first refused to acquiesce to what he considered to be unbelievable folly, only giving his assent when the Governor made it clear to him that it would be most unwise to refuse. Since the oblique warning was accompanied by the assertion that a generous donation would be made to the church, as well as a substantial gift given to himself for his assistance, the parson's finer feelings had been assuaged. However, when he made his way to the dock that evening, arrayed in his clerical garb, his Book of Common Prayer in hand, he held himself in so forbidding a manner that no one from the town dared to question his prospective activities, and the members of the pirate crew, who had been stationed at the gangplank to watch for him and greet him on his arrival, were quite dismayed.

"Y'mean this Friday-faced fella's goin' ta marry th' Captain?" one of the criminals was heard to say in a low but audible tone.

"Shut yer yap!" came the hissed reply.

Daniels feigned deafness, raised his chin a bit, and walked up the gangplank.

One had to admit that the Black Pearl herself was a beautifully maintained vessel, something he would hardly have expected in a pirate ship. As he was led across the deck, past a colorful assortment of crewmembers who were as well-groomed and finely dressed for the occasion as could be managed, the parson noted how every visible surface shone as though freshly cleaned or polished, every rope was coiled neatly, and how the shrouds and lines had been adorned with colorful flags to celebrate the momentous night. He walked beneath Chinese lanterns that had been strung in two lines above the main deck, ready to shed their light on the festivities that were to be held there after the ceremony took place. And there were tables of food already being laid out, the work of which was being supervised by a very superior-looking individual who gave his brisk commands in the French tongue. Parson Daniels eyed the feast with relish, for he was something of an epicure though he usually found little chance to indulge his inclination in his present position.

He was led below to the Great Cabin, and, when he stepped across the threshold, the sight of it and its wonderfully arrayed occupants caused him to raise his brows in surprise. The cabin impressed him as a generous space, richly baroque in its appointments, and light from the westering sun gave everything in it a faint golden glow.

"Parson's here, Jack!" announced a neatly dressed Irishman with mutton chop whiskers.

The group parted and Governor Swann came forward, followed by the pirate captain. Daniels' jaw nearly dropped at the sight of Sparrow, for he was almost unrecognizable as the man who'd stood on the scaffold at Fort Charles less than a year ago. He was magnificently clad, his immaculate smallclothes and fantastically embroidered waistcoat topped with a coat sewn from Cloth of Gold, and he was impeccably groomed as well, his hair having been divested of its unusual gewgaws, combed and curled, and his facial hair neatly trimmed. The parson's brows twitched together: somehow the man was oddly familiar even in this guise.

"Reverend Daniels!" said the Governor in his easy, urbane manner, "may I present you to the groom, Captain Jack Sparrow."

Daniels bowed, and Sparrow returned the greeting in kind.

"I am given to understand you will henceforth be serving the Crown under a Letter of Marque, Captain Sparrow," said Daniels, wishing to have this point affirmed, for in spite of the Governor's veiled threat and promise of compensation the parson was still somewhat hesitant to perform the ceremony.

"Your information is correct, Reverend Daniels," said Commodore Norrington, who had sauntered over, very impressive in his dress uniform, and quite intimidating to Daniels, who was a good half-foot shorter than the officer. "Captain Sparrow signed an application in my office just this morning."

"Well!" said Daniels, a little nervously, "That is certainly good news. I must congratulate you, Captain, on the step you have taken toward a more orthodox and morally acceptable career."

Jack looked quite sardonic, but said only, "Much obliged, Reverend."

At this point, Lady Fanshawe, who had been giving her elaborately coiffed hair some final touches as she looked in the mirror, came to join the men. "Reverend Daniels!" she said, with wonderful condescension, "How happy I am to see you!" She held out one beautiful little hand. Daniels took it, rather awkwardly, and kissed the air just above the rosy fingers, trying not to goggle at the lady's perfect bosom, which seemed to him to be very much exposed by the extreme décolletage of her dress, an amazing creation of deep blue-green shot with gold thread and trimmed with gold lace—the height of fashion no doubt… but still…

Flushing, Daniels straightened again, and glanced nervously at the Governor, who looked exasperated.

The Governor said to his sister, "All right, Harry, enough of your tricks! Putting the good Reverend out of countenance, indeed!"

"You are such a spoil-sport, Weatherby," said the lady, sadly. "I find it most astonishing that we are so closely related." She turned to Captain Sparrow, her eyes now holding a decided twinkle. "Are we ready then? Are you sure you want to do this?"

"Oh, I'm sure," said the Captain, looking her over with amused approval. "But remember the bit about love, cherish, and obey. Are you sure?"

A little crease appeared between the winged brows, but a smile tugged at her lips as she replied, "I quite thought we would be leaving that last part out!"

"Well, we're not," said the Captain, pointedly.

She sighed. "Oh, very well." But then she smiled at Sparrow, the look in her eyes so full of happiness and love that Daniels himself was astonished the man only took her hands in his, and smiled back.

"Come Daniels," the Governor said, briskly, "I'll show you where we want you."

The Reverend was hustled to one side of the room, in front of the great windows with their golden light streaming in, and the whole company rapidly assembled, a few sitting in the carved chairs that had been taken from around the big table, the rest standing. Captain Sparrow and Lady Fanshawe took their places before the Reverend, still holding hands, with Will and Elizabeth Turner flanking them.

Daniels looked at the two couples before him, thinking that, however much society might consider each pair a sad mésalliance, he himself had rarely seen any that were happier or seemed better suited to one another. Quite satisfied, he adjusted his spectacles, and opened his book.

o-o-o

The crews of the Black Pearl and the Bonny Lass were on deck to greet Jack and Harry as they emerged from the companionway doors after the ceremony was concluded, followed by the rest of the wedding party and guests.

"Three cheers for the Captain and his lady wife!"

And Jack grinned broadly while Harry laughed with delight as the deafening cheers sounded.

There was a great deal of 'may I kiss the bride?' for Harry and shoulder clapping and hand shaking for Jack. The music started up, provided by a couple of the Pearl's crewmembers who were talented in that direction, and a few musicians that had been hired for the occasion, and the party began in earnest. The bridal couple went to greet the chef, Anatole, and admire the wonderful dishes he had prepared.

"It is amazing that you were able to put this together in so short a time, Anatole!" exclaimed Harry. "You truly are a genius!"

"The townsfolk were most cooperative, my lady, as I was accompanied by your so beautiful niece, Mrs. Turner. I must tell you, she has asked that I instruct her in the culinary arts on our voyage back to St. Claire Island. I hope you will permit?"

"Of course! It sounds an excellent plan. But Anatole, I am not 'my lady' any more, you know, but only plain 'Mrs. Sparrow'!" She smiled up at Jack.

But Anatole said, "But no, madame! You will always be 'Lady Harry', naturellement!"

As dusk deepened into night, the Chinese lanterns were lit, the music played on, there was dancing, and clapping, cheering, and other noise of revelry, occasionally quieting as toasts were made to the happy couple. To the residents of Port Royal, a surprising number of whom had ventured out for an evening stroll along the waterfront, the Black Pearl became a thing of wonder instead of fear. There were numerous rumors positively flying about town now, of Sparrow's pardon and new position as a privateer for the Crown, and of his connection with the Governor's sister. And Parson Daniels had been seen earlier, headed to the ship? The whole affair was astounding!

o-o-o

It was several hours later when the festivities began to draw to a close. Giles Lightfoot and the crew of the Bonny Lass hunted Jack and Harry down and took their leave of them.

"We'll not be able to keep up with the Pearl, but we'll be following along, sure enough," said Giles. He told Jack, "You keep an eye on the lady, lad! She's got a heart of gold, but she's a handful, too, and that's the truth." He gave the slightly chagrined bride a meaningful look, and a wink.

"I'll keep her busy enough the next few days, certainly," Jack said, giving her a sidelong glance and smiling at the delicate blush that stained her cheeks.

The Governor was next to depart. He had imbibed a good deal of very excellent rum punch and, as a result, said to Harry with less than his usual diplomacy, "Well, you've got what you wanted, m'dear. I hope you'll not regret it." He looked at Jack. "She wants looking after, y'know. Needs a strong hand to keep her in line. Never could bring myself to do it, but I'd like to think you'll give her the occasional beating. Would do her a world of good. But I suspect that's too much to hope for."

"It would be more than my life's worth, certainly," said Jack, his eyes laughing, giving his speechless bride's arm a warning squeeze. "I've presented her with a nice Spanish dagger, you know, and I've been teachin' her how to use it, too."

"Oh, no! I feel you've made a mistake there, lad!" said Swann, obviously quite dismayed at the thought of his sister with a knife to hand.

"Perhaps so," agreed Jack.

"I'll take my leave now..."

"And none too soon!" put in Harry, acidly.

"But I'll be out to see you both when the pardon and Letter of Marque come through."

"We'll look forward to seeing you then," said Jack. Harry just sniffed.

Norrington was next to go.

"Captain and Mrs. Sparrow: may I wish you both very happy. It's been a memorable evening."

"That it has, Commodore," said Jack. "We are both of us happy you could join us."

Norrington bowed gravely and took his leave.

"Well!" said Harry to Jack, "At least he said nothing about your watching over me!"

"No. He'd already told me, in his office this afternoon." He grinned at her look of outrage, and mollified the effect of the statement by taking her in his arms and kissing her. The result of this was so beneficial that, on parting his lips from hers slightly, he said, "Perhaps we should think of retiring ourselves, love. You're feeling a bit fatigued?"

Harry blinked up at him. "Fatigued?" she said, rather breathlessly. She pulled herself together a bit. "Ah, yes. I am, actually. Yes. Perhaps we should think of… retiring." She took the arm he offered to her, saying quizzically, "Not going to sweep me off my feet and carry me down?"

"No. Thought you'd rather walk by my side."

She had to kiss him again.

When they parted, Jack turned to address the remaining revelers, who were most of them watching with smiles and laughter: Elizabeth and Will (good God! He was now their Uncle!); his dear friends Anamaria and Gibbs; the Essential Frenchmen, Alphonse and Anatole; Owens, looking proud and happy as a young peacock in a suit of elegant new clothes; and the rest of his crew, good men all--every one of them had told him they would stay on, in spite of the tithe the Crown would take when he assumed his new, slightly more respectable role of privateer. "Ladies, Gentlemen!" he said, merrily, "I've decided we'll be leavin' on the morning tide. My lady wife and I will be otherwise occupied until then. Many thanks to you all, and we bid you good night!"

And without further ado, to the accompaniment of enthusiastic and ribald cheers and whistles the bridal couple made their way across the deck and descended to their cabin.

o-o-o

"I've got something for you," Jack murmured, and placed a kiss on her neck as she finished lighting the lamp. "Something for you to wear tonight."

She blew out the taper, set it down, and turned to slide her arms around him, smiling. "You want me to wear something? How unusual!"

After a long, languorous kiss, she withdrew very slightly and said, "What is it, then?"

"What's what?" He moved his lips across her cheek to place a kiss behind her ear.

"What you want me to wear!" She closed her eyes, with a shuddering sigh.

"Oh, yes. That." He released her, reluctantly, and handed her the little package he had been holding.

She took it from him and untied the gold cord, then carefully unwrapped the colorful scarf from around the gift—a necklace!

"Oh! It's beautiful!" she breathed, and held it up.

It was a string of perfect black pearls.

-- Finis --