Usual blah, blah! At least it keeps me busy at night.
Chapter 5
'C'mon Maddy, time fer your watch'. Maddy groaned, it couldn't possibly be time yet, she felt she'd only just got off to sleep.
'Ok, ok Eb, I'm on my way. Maddy pulled on her clothes, and drew the tarpaulin she had across her part of the crews' quarters. It had felt strange at first, sharing the quarters with so many men, but apart from one or two incidents that had been swiftly dealt with by the other crewmen, there had been no problems. Maddy made her way to the deck, and took up her post. She couldn't believe that she'd been aboard 2 months now. Her old life all but forgotten, as she had plenty of things to keep her occupied.
She'd learned to climb the rigging, the crows nest quickly becoming her favourite place aboard ship. Not only did you get a wonderful view of the ocean, it was the only place were Maddy could get some peace and quiet. It gave her chance to ponder at the reason Jack had suddenly turned cold on her after Hispaniola. He would barely acknowledge her existence, giving her orders through other members of the crew. 'Probably all's he wanted was a quick fumble, which he got at Santo Domingo,' she thought to herself, trying not to feel hurt and disappointed. Maddy had also been taught weaponry, Mr Gibbs had taught her how to fire a pistol, and Eb taught her to throw a knife, something she developed quite a knack for, hitting her targets nearly every time, earning her the respect of the crew. Jack had muttered something about teaching Maddy to sword fight, but he had been drunk at the time, and denied all knowledge of it the next day, much to Maddys dismay.
The night dragged on and on, but she couldn't feel too aggrieved, the men did their best not to give her the bad jobs or watches. Maddy watched as the dawn broke on the horizon. She squinted, then gave the call 'Land ho,' which bought forth a burst of activity below deck. Maddy hoped this time Jack would let her go ashore. He'd broken his promise time and time again, leaving Maddy feeling frustrated and at times, murderous towards him. She resumed her position at watch, her shift wasn't over yet, and Maddy wasn't about to give Jack anything to complain about.
Jack staggered onto the deck, his arms flailing wildly, almost hitting several men nearby. He took his position at the helm and checked his compass, looked up at the horizon frowning, then check his compass again. 'Mr Gibbs, are ye sure we're on the right course?'
Joshamee Gibbs sighed, it had been a while since he'd seen Jack this, well, crazy. 'Aye Cap'n,' he took the compass out of Jacks' hand and turned it the right way round.
'Ah, that's better Mr Gibbs, I can see where I'm going now.' Jack swayed, almost overbalancing, turning the wheel as he went. Joshamee Gibbs grabbed hold of it before the ship changed course. 'Thank you Mr Gibbs, I know how t'steer me own ship.' Jack glowered at him, then busied himself watching the shape of Jamaica getting larger on the horizon.
Maddy watched Jack and shook her head, she hadn't realised he was a little loopy to start with, she soon realised differently. Daniel came with a mug of coffee and kept her company a while. 'Why aren't we going to Port Royal Daniel, I thought it was pirate town?' Maddy didn't really care where they went, just so long as she could go ashore.
'It is, Maddy, but Captain Jack always gets into trouble whenever he goes to Port Royal.'
'I thought Captain Jack got into trouble where-ever he went.'
Daniel laughed, 'Well yes he does, but Commadore Norrington hates Captain Jack, he trys to hang him, but never succeeds. Captain Jack always escapes.'
'Usually by the skin of his teeth,' came Eb Tuckers voice behind them.
'That sounds like Jack,' Maddy said, rolling her eyes, smiling.
'Madalene!' Jacks voice bellowed across the deck, even though Maddy was only 20 or so feet away from him. 'Madalene, come here.'
'I can't Captain, I'm on watch.'
'Let Daniel take over from ya, come here.'
Maddy stood and stretched her stiff muscles as she walked over to the helm, 'Yes Jack.'
'How many times must I tell yer, it's Captain Sparrow?'
'As many times as I have to tell you it's Maddy not luv or darlin.'
'I'll have yer for insup...inshub..insolp..being rude to yer Captain.' He swayed again, grabbing hold of Maddys' waist and leering at her. "Well lass, yer best be havin' a look fer some clothes to be wearin' ashore. Yer can't go round looking like a sea-dog.'
'I'm going ashore?' Maddy couldn't believe her ears. She almost felt tempted to throw her arms around Jack and kiss him, but thought better of it. 'Thank you *Captain*.' Maddy skipped down to the hold, and searched for the chest with clothing in. She rummaged through, until she found a dress that looked like it might fit. 'The trouble with working on board,' Maddy mused, 'You develop muscles!' She held the dress up in the dim lamp light. Hmm, let's take it up top, see what it looks like. She tried on some shoes and grabbed a pair of gloves and took them all up to the deck. The dress was dark burgundy, with a close fitting waist and plunging neckline, that made Maddy frown. 'Ah well, it'll have to do,' Maddy thought to herself, 'I'll just have to keep out of Jacks way.'
'When you've got a minute *Madalene*, we've a ship to sail.' Jacks voice heavy with sarcasm, Maddy stowed the clothes in a safe place, and set to work.
The Pearl weighed anchor in Montego Bay later that afternoon, Maddy found a quiet corner and changed into the dress and shoes and looked down at her ample cleavage worriedly. 'I know, I'll go and find a shawl to wear,' Maddy hummed to herself as she stepped onto the deck. The men stopped what they were doing and stared at her.
'Hey Maddy, you look good enough to eat,' came Eb's booming voice. Madalene blushed and smiled shyly at Eb, she'd forgotten how good it felt to look pretty.
'Right, let's be 'aving yer, we haven't got all day y'know.' Jack strode onto the deck, looking surprisingly decent, He'd got on a pair a new trousers, his favourite best shirt and a black waistcoat, his braids were tied back. Maddy gasped, he actually looked quite handsome.
Jack looked around, wondering what was distracting the crew, then he saw Maddy, and swore quietly under his breath. 'Bloody hell.' Jack wondered how he was going to keep his hands off her for any amount of time. 'Ang on a minute luv.' Jack disappeared back the way he had come, reappearing a minute later with something in his hand. It was a gold pendant with diamonds set into it. He beckoned Maddy to turn around which she did, and he fastened it around her neck, taking in her scent as he did. 'There luv, sets it off a treat,' he whispered, feeling Maddy shiver against him.
Maddy felt confused at Jacks' total change of attitude and was even more confused when it became apparent that only she, Jack and a couple of other crewmen boarded the boat to go ashore. 'Why aren't the others coming Jack?'
'Cos we're only staying a short while, I have business to see to. I thought you might want to come, being as you've been nagging me to go ashore for 2 whole bloody months.'
'Oh' Maddy felt disappointment surging through her, she'd hoped for longer ashore. 'Ah well, better than nothing I suppose, the moods Jacks' been in lately, I'm surprised I'm even going ashore now. But why is Jack dressed up?' Maddy wondered. She decided to risk asking him.
'Because the man I'm seeing is a bone fide businessman, and he thinks I'm a respectable merchant seaman,' Jack replied, straightening his lapels and sticking his nose in the air. Maddy giggled at the sight, and the thought of Jack being respectable.
Jack helped Maddy ashore and took her arm and they wandered down the main street of Montego Bay, the two crewmen from the Pearl a little way behind them, until they came to a house set back from the street. Jack pressed a purse into Maddys hand, 'Here luv, you go an' have a look in the shops, I'll come and find ya when I've finished.' Maddys' jaw dropped, it was totally unexpected. Before she could mutter her thanks, Jack was half-way up the path of the house, greeting the servant who had opened the door to him. One of the crewmen sat on the wall of the house, while the other went to a nearby tavern to get them both some ale. Maddy wandered down the street, enjoying the hustle and bustle. She bought herself some leather gloves, not for show, but to wear when handling the ropes on board ship. Maddy also wanted to buy some more trousers and shirts, but decided that it would look out of place, a lady buying things like that. As she passed a jewellers, she saw a beautiful silver belt clasp, that she fell in love with. Maddy exited the shop, adjusting the belt and clasp as she did so, she was starting to feel more relaxed and less afraid of being found out.
There was a pond at the end of the street, with exotic looking ducks dibbing in the water. Maddy stopped and watched them for a while, still trying to work out Jacks sudden behaviour change, when a voice behind her made her nearly jump out of her skin. 'They're lovely, aren't they?' Maddy turned to see who was talking to her. It was a man in a Naval uniform.
'Um, yes, they are.' Maddy replied wondering how the hell she was going to get away from him.
'Commodore James Norrington, at your service M'am.' Maddy nearly fainted. This was the man Daniel had told her about, the one who hated Jack.
Maddy shook the Commadores outstretched hand, 'M-Madalene Jones. Oh dear, I've been longer than expected, please excuse me Commodore,' but before Maddy could go, there was a cry from further down the street.
'PIRATES!!' Maddy gasped, which Norrington misinterpreted as fright.
'Men,' he called to two soldiers nearby, 'Look after Miss Jones, while I see what is going on.'
'But, but,' Maddy tried to push past the men.
'Don't worry Miss, we'll see you come to no harm,' the men blocked her way, with their rifles across their chests, ready to defend this poor, helpless woman.
Maddy heard a commotion down the street, then Jack shouting. Maddy tried again to get past the men, to no avail. She wondered whether to pull her knife out, but quickly realised there was no way she could overpower both of them, and who knows what would happen if they realised she was with Jack.
After a while, Norrington re-appeared. 'It was Sparrow,' his dislike for Jack evident in his voice. 'Then he remembered Maddy, 'I'm sorry Miss Jones, I didn't mean to rush off like that, but I tend to rid Jamaica of all pirates, starting with *that* one! Please let me escort you back to your house, your husband must be worried for you.'
'Arrgh!' thought Maddy, 'Now what?' She thought quickly, 'Um, thank you Commodore, but, well you see I'm not married and I don't really have a home to go to. I was shipwrecked some weeks ago and washed up ashore here. I cannot remember where I'm from or where I was going to. Some townspeople took me in out of pity, but I rather feel I've outstayed my welcome. That's why I was here, I was trying to decide what to do next.' Maddy fervently hoped he would believe the story.
'Why that's terrible, you poor thing.' Norrington frowned with concern, then smiled. 'I may be able to help you. Maddys' stomach lurched. 'I need a Governess for my daughter, she's only 4, but she's starting to run a little wild. She needs a woman's' influence. Yes, that's it, you can come back to Port Royal with me.' Maddy was speechless, which the Commodore mistook for gratefulness. He offered her his arm, which Maddy had no choice but to accept.
Chapter 5
'C'mon Maddy, time fer your watch'. Maddy groaned, it couldn't possibly be time yet, she felt she'd only just got off to sleep.
'Ok, ok Eb, I'm on my way. Maddy pulled on her clothes, and drew the tarpaulin she had across her part of the crews' quarters. It had felt strange at first, sharing the quarters with so many men, but apart from one or two incidents that had been swiftly dealt with by the other crewmen, there had been no problems. Maddy made her way to the deck, and took up her post. She couldn't believe that she'd been aboard 2 months now. Her old life all but forgotten, as she had plenty of things to keep her occupied.
She'd learned to climb the rigging, the crows nest quickly becoming her favourite place aboard ship. Not only did you get a wonderful view of the ocean, it was the only place were Maddy could get some peace and quiet. It gave her chance to ponder at the reason Jack had suddenly turned cold on her after Hispaniola. He would barely acknowledge her existence, giving her orders through other members of the crew. 'Probably all's he wanted was a quick fumble, which he got at Santo Domingo,' she thought to herself, trying not to feel hurt and disappointed. Maddy had also been taught weaponry, Mr Gibbs had taught her how to fire a pistol, and Eb taught her to throw a knife, something she developed quite a knack for, hitting her targets nearly every time, earning her the respect of the crew. Jack had muttered something about teaching Maddy to sword fight, but he had been drunk at the time, and denied all knowledge of it the next day, much to Maddys dismay.
The night dragged on and on, but she couldn't feel too aggrieved, the men did their best not to give her the bad jobs or watches. Maddy watched as the dawn broke on the horizon. She squinted, then gave the call 'Land ho,' which bought forth a burst of activity below deck. Maddy hoped this time Jack would let her go ashore. He'd broken his promise time and time again, leaving Maddy feeling frustrated and at times, murderous towards him. She resumed her position at watch, her shift wasn't over yet, and Maddy wasn't about to give Jack anything to complain about.
Jack staggered onto the deck, his arms flailing wildly, almost hitting several men nearby. He took his position at the helm and checked his compass, looked up at the horizon frowning, then check his compass again. 'Mr Gibbs, are ye sure we're on the right course?'
Joshamee Gibbs sighed, it had been a while since he'd seen Jack this, well, crazy. 'Aye Cap'n,' he took the compass out of Jacks' hand and turned it the right way round.
'Ah, that's better Mr Gibbs, I can see where I'm going now.' Jack swayed, almost overbalancing, turning the wheel as he went. Joshamee Gibbs grabbed hold of it before the ship changed course. 'Thank you Mr Gibbs, I know how t'steer me own ship.' Jack glowered at him, then busied himself watching the shape of Jamaica getting larger on the horizon.
Maddy watched Jack and shook her head, she hadn't realised he was a little loopy to start with, she soon realised differently. Daniel came with a mug of coffee and kept her company a while. 'Why aren't we going to Port Royal Daniel, I thought it was pirate town?' Maddy didn't really care where they went, just so long as she could go ashore.
'It is, Maddy, but Captain Jack always gets into trouble whenever he goes to Port Royal.'
'I thought Captain Jack got into trouble where-ever he went.'
Daniel laughed, 'Well yes he does, but Commadore Norrington hates Captain Jack, he trys to hang him, but never succeeds. Captain Jack always escapes.'
'Usually by the skin of his teeth,' came Eb Tuckers voice behind them.
'That sounds like Jack,' Maddy said, rolling her eyes, smiling.
'Madalene!' Jacks voice bellowed across the deck, even though Maddy was only 20 or so feet away from him. 'Madalene, come here.'
'I can't Captain, I'm on watch.'
'Let Daniel take over from ya, come here.'
Maddy stood and stretched her stiff muscles as she walked over to the helm, 'Yes Jack.'
'How many times must I tell yer, it's Captain Sparrow?'
'As many times as I have to tell you it's Maddy not luv or darlin.'
'I'll have yer for insup...inshub..insolp..being rude to yer Captain.' He swayed again, grabbing hold of Maddys' waist and leering at her. "Well lass, yer best be havin' a look fer some clothes to be wearin' ashore. Yer can't go round looking like a sea-dog.'
'I'm going ashore?' Maddy couldn't believe her ears. She almost felt tempted to throw her arms around Jack and kiss him, but thought better of it. 'Thank you *Captain*.' Maddy skipped down to the hold, and searched for the chest with clothing in. She rummaged through, until she found a dress that looked like it might fit. 'The trouble with working on board,' Maddy mused, 'You develop muscles!' She held the dress up in the dim lamp light. Hmm, let's take it up top, see what it looks like. She tried on some shoes and grabbed a pair of gloves and took them all up to the deck. The dress was dark burgundy, with a close fitting waist and plunging neckline, that made Maddy frown. 'Ah well, it'll have to do,' Maddy thought to herself, 'I'll just have to keep out of Jacks way.'
'When you've got a minute *Madalene*, we've a ship to sail.' Jacks voice heavy with sarcasm, Maddy stowed the clothes in a safe place, and set to work.
The Pearl weighed anchor in Montego Bay later that afternoon, Maddy found a quiet corner and changed into the dress and shoes and looked down at her ample cleavage worriedly. 'I know, I'll go and find a shawl to wear,' Maddy hummed to herself as she stepped onto the deck. The men stopped what they were doing and stared at her.
'Hey Maddy, you look good enough to eat,' came Eb's booming voice. Madalene blushed and smiled shyly at Eb, she'd forgotten how good it felt to look pretty.
'Right, let's be 'aving yer, we haven't got all day y'know.' Jack strode onto the deck, looking surprisingly decent, He'd got on a pair a new trousers, his favourite best shirt and a black waistcoat, his braids were tied back. Maddy gasped, he actually looked quite handsome.
Jack looked around, wondering what was distracting the crew, then he saw Maddy, and swore quietly under his breath. 'Bloody hell.' Jack wondered how he was going to keep his hands off her for any amount of time. 'Ang on a minute luv.' Jack disappeared back the way he had come, reappearing a minute later with something in his hand. It was a gold pendant with diamonds set into it. He beckoned Maddy to turn around which she did, and he fastened it around her neck, taking in her scent as he did. 'There luv, sets it off a treat,' he whispered, feeling Maddy shiver against him.
Maddy felt confused at Jacks' total change of attitude and was even more confused when it became apparent that only she, Jack and a couple of other crewmen boarded the boat to go ashore. 'Why aren't the others coming Jack?'
'Cos we're only staying a short while, I have business to see to. I thought you might want to come, being as you've been nagging me to go ashore for 2 whole bloody months.'
'Oh' Maddy felt disappointment surging through her, she'd hoped for longer ashore. 'Ah well, better than nothing I suppose, the moods Jacks' been in lately, I'm surprised I'm even going ashore now. But why is Jack dressed up?' Maddy wondered. She decided to risk asking him.
'Because the man I'm seeing is a bone fide businessman, and he thinks I'm a respectable merchant seaman,' Jack replied, straightening his lapels and sticking his nose in the air. Maddy giggled at the sight, and the thought of Jack being respectable.
Jack helped Maddy ashore and took her arm and they wandered down the main street of Montego Bay, the two crewmen from the Pearl a little way behind them, until they came to a house set back from the street. Jack pressed a purse into Maddys hand, 'Here luv, you go an' have a look in the shops, I'll come and find ya when I've finished.' Maddys' jaw dropped, it was totally unexpected. Before she could mutter her thanks, Jack was half-way up the path of the house, greeting the servant who had opened the door to him. One of the crewmen sat on the wall of the house, while the other went to a nearby tavern to get them both some ale. Maddy wandered down the street, enjoying the hustle and bustle. She bought herself some leather gloves, not for show, but to wear when handling the ropes on board ship. Maddy also wanted to buy some more trousers and shirts, but decided that it would look out of place, a lady buying things like that. As she passed a jewellers, she saw a beautiful silver belt clasp, that she fell in love with. Maddy exited the shop, adjusting the belt and clasp as she did so, she was starting to feel more relaxed and less afraid of being found out.
There was a pond at the end of the street, with exotic looking ducks dibbing in the water. Maddy stopped and watched them for a while, still trying to work out Jacks sudden behaviour change, when a voice behind her made her nearly jump out of her skin. 'They're lovely, aren't they?' Maddy turned to see who was talking to her. It was a man in a Naval uniform.
'Um, yes, they are.' Maddy replied wondering how the hell she was going to get away from him.
'Commodore James Norrington, at your service M'am.' Maddy nearly fainted. This was the man Daniel had told her about, the one who hated Jack.
Maddy shook the Commadores outstretched hand, 'M-Madalene Jones. Oh dear, I've been longer than expected, please excuse me Commodore,' but before Maddy could go, there was a cry from further down the street.
'PIRATES!!' Maddy gasped, which Norrington misinterpreted as fright.
'Men,' he called to two soldiers nearby, 'Look after Miss Jones, while I see what is going on.'
'But, but,' Maddy tried to push past the men.
'Don't worry Miss, we'll see you come to no harm,' the men blocked her way, with their rifles across their chests, ready to defend this poor, helpless woman.
Maddy heard a commotion down the street, then Jack shouting. Maddy tried again to get past the men, to no avail. She wondered whether to pull her knife out, but quickly realised there was no way she could overpower both of them, and who knows what would happen if they realised she was with Jack.
After a while, Norrington re-appeared. 'It was Sparrow,' his dislike for Jack evident in his voice. 'Then he remembered Maddy, 'I'm sorry Miss Jones, I didn't mean to rush off like that, but I tend to rid Jamaica of all pirates, starting with *that* one! Please let me escort you back to your house, your husband must be worried for you.'
'Arrgh!' thought Maddy, 'Now what?' She thought quickly, 'Um, thank you Commodore, but, well you see I'm not married and I don't really have a home to go to. I was shipwrecked some weeks ago and washed up ashore here. I cannot remember where I'm from or where I was going to. Some townspeople took me in out of pity, but I rather feel I've outstayed my welcome. That's why I was here, I was trying to decide what to do next.' Maddy fervently hoped he would believe the story.
'Why that's terrible, you poor thing.' Norrington frowned with concern, then smiled. 'I may be able to help you. Maddys' stomach lurched. 'I need a Governess for my daughter, she's only 4, but she's starting to run a little wild. She needs a woman's' influence. Yes, that's it, you can come back to Port Royal with me.' Maddy was speechless, which the Commodore mistook for gratefulness. He offered her his arm, which Maddy had no choice but to accept.