Usual disclaimers....hmpf! A very long chapter I know, but it was either
that or have two quite short one's, so I cobbled them together. I really
enjoyed typing this chapter, I hope you enjoy reading them as much.
Chapter 15
Maddy was woken by the sound of someone banging around the cabin. She opened her eyes, groaning with pain and found Jacks staring into them. 'So yer are awake then. Where's dear William?'
Maddy jumped off the bunk and grabbed the nearest heavy object, which happened to be the earthenware ale bottle from the previous night. She hurled it in Jacks' direction, missing him by a mere whisker.
'Maddy....?'
'You've got a bloody nerve to be narky with me, Jack bloody Sparrow!'
Maddy picked up a couple of rocks that Jack used to hold down the maps when he studied them, and pitched them at him. 'This is Madalene, she's nothing really!' She spat at him as she threw them. Jack ducked the stones, weaving and swaying, off balance, Maddy saw this and kicked his legs from under him.
'Oof! Madalene luv, c'mon, let me expl...,' his words cut off by Maddy jumping on top of him, her arms flailing at him. Jack tried to grab her, but Maddy anticipated this and rolled off him and got up, looking for something else to throw. Maddy found Jacks stash of rum bottles and her eyes lit up. She picked two up, with a steely glint in her eyes, then smashed them on the floor.
'No-o-o! No, no, no, no, no! Please! Not the rum. Maddy darlin', I'll make it up to yer.' Jack jumped out of the way as two more bottles came flying towards him, smashing against the wall behind him. 'Madalene, ple-e- e-e-ease!' His voice became a plaintive wail. Maddy moved towards him, swinging two bottles from her hands. Jack beat a retreat out of the cabin, nearly knocking over several members of the crew, who'd been listening at the door. Maddy hurled the bottles at Jacks figure, disappearing up the stairs to deck.
'And yer not coming back in here, til I decide to forgive you Jack Sparrow!' Maddy slammed the door, feeling a strong sense of satisfaction.
*************************
They had been at sea a good few days before Maddy allowed Jack back into the cabin. He tried being hard on her, ordering her to do menial jobs, he tried pleading with her, falling to his knees melodramatically, begging to be let back in. In the end Mr Gibbs took pity on his Captains miserable face and pulled him to one side. 'Y'know what you want to do Jack?'
'Well if I knew that, I wouldn't be bloody sleeping with you lot now would I?' Jack wasn't in the mood for riddles.
'Say sorry Jack. That's all you have to do, apologise.'
'Nah, there's more to it than that,' the scepticism heavy in Jacks voice.
'Maybe there is, an' maybe there isn't, but it'd be a start wouldn't it? It can't make things worse for ya Jack, and to be honest, I don't think I can sail for much longer with your miserable chops mooching around.' Joshamee Gibbs was afraid he'd gone too far when Jacks eyes narrowed and his lips pursed together.
'Maybe you're right. I shall go and find the best jewel from the booty and give it to her by way of an apology.' Jack went to go below.
'No Jack. I meant, say that you're sorry.'
'*Say *sorry?!' The idea was obviously a new concept to Jack 'How do I say sorry?'
'Just say it Jack. Look there she is, now's your chance.' Gibbs gave Jack a shove in Maddys' direction. Jack swaggered over, trying to look nonchalant but failed miserably when he fell over a rope that was trailing across the deck.
'Who left this bloody rope here? I'll have their guts fer garters when I get hold of them.' Jack tried to ignore that fact that Maddy was trying desperately to contain her giggles. He straightened his clothes, and put on an air of bravado. This was too much for Maddy who burst out laughing, holding her sides. She stopped when she saw the hurt look in Jacks eyes.
'Oh Jack, I'm sorry,' she giggled, putting her hand on his arm. Jack looked at her and smiled sheepishly, it was good to see Maddy smile again.
'I'm sorry luv, I behaved like a.' he struggled to think of the right word, then came up with one he'd heard Will use a lot. 'I behaved like a cad!' This made Maddy laugh even harder, before she put her arms around him and held him close.
'Apology accepted.' Maddy kissed his neck, then playfully flicked her tongue on his ear lobe, making him moan with unexpected pleasure.
'That's it? That's all I had to do?' Jack looked at Maddy, disbelievingly.
'Yes Jack my love, that's all you had to do.' Maddy smiled at him, glad they had made up.
'So I can come back to me cabin now?' Jack held his breath, not daring to hope the answer might be yes.
'Of course love, I'm looking forward to it..' Maddy squeezed his bottom as she went past and climbed the rigging to the crows nest.
'I'll never understand women as long as I live.' Jack shook his head, smiling to himself. 'Mr Gibbs, extra rum rations for you tonight!' Joshamee Gibbs grinned his thanks, ignoring the filthy looks he got from the other crew.
*******************
'Land ho!' Maddy woke from a deep sleep and stretched as much as she could under the weight of Jack lying half across her. She gave him a gentle nudge in the ribs, 'Jack, Jack, we're here.'
'Mpfh! Jack lifted his head from the pillow, and flopped it back down again. 'Sod the B'hamas, I'm staying here.' He ran his hand down Maddys body, getting as far as her belly before she stopped him. Maddy tickled him, making him writhe until he caught her wrists and pulled her arms above his head, kissing her passionately, then working his way up her arms using his lips, tongue and teeth until he reached her hands. He took a finger into his mouth and played with it, licking and sucking. Maddy wrapped her legs around him and they gave themselves to each other, oblivious to everything except their passion. They lay afterwards, arms and legs entwined, chests rising and falling together, Jack stroked Maddys back with a rough, calloused hand. There came a knock at the door. 'Cap'n, we've reached Nassau,' came Eb's deep voice. 'Shall we weight anchor?'
'Aye, Eb, I'm coming, I'm coming.' Jack hauled himself off the bunk and dressed, enjoying watching Maddy watching him. 'See you up there luv.' He bent and kissed her head. Maddy watched him depart, and lazily got off the bunk and dressed slowly, munching on an apple as she did so.
After Maddy had dressed, she went to the mess and got her and Jacks' breakfast and took it upto him. It has become something of a routine for them to eat together on deck, while discussing the plans for the day. Jack was looking forward to getting ashore, there was a hold full of goods that they'd pirated off a number of ships recently. Maddy had started to take part in looting ships, but only after the ship had been taken, Jack didn't want her in any danger, so she mostly did the inventory, and checking the finery. Maddy had a good eye for quality, she seemed to sense what would sell and what wouldn't, Jack had begun to rely on her more and more.
Jack swayed and strutted around the deck, giving orders left and right, making sure the men loaded the goods to be sold or bartered into the boats carefully. Broken goods meant no sale and no sale meant no gold coins and after The Pearl, Maddy and rum (not necessarily in that order, depending on his mood), he loved gold the most. Jack called Maddy into his cabin and showed her a beautiful dress he'd been hoarding for her. It was dark blue velvet, with a generous skirt, tight fitting sleeves and a sweetheart neckline with tiny pearl buttons going down the front of it.
'Oh Jack, it's wonderful!' Maddy threw her arms around Jack, hugging and kissing him. She stripped off, with Jack giving her more than a helping hand, and wriggled into the dress. Maddy started to do the buttons up, when Jack batted her hand away, and did a couple up himself, pausing to kiss her where she was unbuttoned. Maddy laughed and pushed Jack away. 'We'll be here all day at this rate Jack Sparrow.'
'*Captain* Jack Sparrow if yer don't mind.'
'What's all this for Jack?' Maddy was curious, she had a feeling Jack was up to something.
'Nothing luv, just felt like treatin' ya.' Jack had a mischievous smile on his face.
'Jack..?' Maddy frowned at him.
'Come on luv, we don't want ter miss the boat.' Maddy finished doing the last few buttons as they made their way up the stairs. 'Ang on, 'ang on,' Jack disappeard back down below and came back clutching the pendant he'd given Maddy, putting it around her neck. Maddy climbed over the side of the Pearl and down the rope to the boat, taking care not to rip or spoil her dress,
Jack and Mr Cotton rowed to shore, and Jack picked Maddy up out of the boat and carried her to the shore. They made their way to where the rest of the crew were selling off the goods and spent a couple of hours bartering and selling what they had.
Jack took Maddys arm and led her away from the crew. Maddy looked at him curiously. 'Where are we going?'
'Just to see a priest.' Jack said, looking everywhere but at Maddy.
'*Why* are we seeing a priest?' Maddy frowned at him.
'So's he can marry us o'course.'
'MARRY?? I don't recall hearing a proposal Jack Sparrow.' Maddys heart was skipping a beat.
'Eh? What? Yer want me to propose?'
'Yes I bloody well do. When were you going to tell me Jack. Wait until we were in front of the priest, and say 'Oh by the way..?' 'I don't think so! You propose now, or I'm going back to the ship.' Maddy hoped Jack didn't realise she was bluffing.
Jack sighed, rolling his eyes melodramatically. 'Alright, alright, have it yer own way.' He fell to his knees in front of Madalene and clasped his hands together as if pleading. 'Madalene Jones, would you do me the great honour of becoming my wife.'
Maddy threw back her head and laughed, pulling Jack to his feet. She looked at him and stroked his face tenderly, her eyes filling with tears. 'I'd love to Jack,' she whispered, reaching to kiss him.
'Well come on then, or we'll be late.' Jack led Maddy to a small chapel on the edge of town, they found the priest snoring in one of the pews, 'Ere, wake up,' Jack gave the man a shove.
'Wha.? Ooh, ah!' The man spluttered, getting unsteadily to his feet. 'What d'you want?' He peered at Maddy, who held her breath. He reeked of drink. Then he looked at Jack and recoiled at the sigh of the pirate. 'Ah, no, no, don't rob me, I've nothing to give apart from me mortal soul,' came the broad Irish accent.
'I want yer to marry us, I sent a letter making the arrangements.' Jack was starting to get impatient.
'Marry? I don't have a weddin' arranged for today.' The priest started backing away towards the vestry. Jack sighed, anger hardening his face. The priest looked at him and blanched. 'Ah, yes, yes I remember now. This way, please come this way. Wait, you haven't got any witnesses, you need two witnesses or I can't marry you.'
Jack stormed outside and accosted two genteel ladies strolling by. He broke into a smile as he walked up to them, putting his arms around each waist. 'Ladies, ladies, my you are looking fine today.' The women looked at each other in alarm. 'I was wonderin' if you lovely ladies would do Captain Jack Sparrow, a huge favour?' Jack let go of the women in order to stretch his arms as wide as he could. 'Me an' my lovely Madalene are to be wed, but we've no witnesses. You wouldn't want us to be livin' our lives in sin now would ya?' Jack had slipped a hand under each of the ladies arms and was steering them towards the church.
'Well, I suppose it wouldn't do any harm would it Charlotte?' Said one of the women to the other.
'Splendid, splendid. Here y'are vicar, yer witnesses. Now can we get on with it?' Jack joined Maddy at the alter.
The priest pretended to cough, turned away and took a swig out of a flask, hidden in his robes. 'Dearly beloved,' he intoned as if addressing a full house. 'We are gathered here today to witness the union of marriage between...' He looked at Jack in alarm. 'I don't know your names,' he whispered.
'Jack Sparrow, Captain Jack Sparrow and Madalene Jones.'
'Ah right, We are gathered here today..'
'Yes, yes we've done all that bit.' Jacks patience was being stretched to the limit.
'To witness the union of marriage between ..Jack Swallow.'
'*Sparrow*,' Jack almost shouted at the man, who shrank away from him.
'Jack..Sparrow and Madalene Jones. Should any man..or woman,' he improvised, noting the two ladies in the front pew, 'Know of any reason that they should not be joined, speak now or forever hold...' The priest stopped, frowning.
'What now?' Jack glared at the priest, who was growing red and flustered.
'I can't remember the next words.'
'Their peace,' Maddy smiled at the man, feeling sorry for him. 'Jack behave,' she hissed to her husband-to-be.
'Ah yes, yes, their peace.' He stopped and waited for someone to jump out and declare why they couldn't proceed.
'There ain't nobody here, so yer might as well get on with it mate.' Jack smiled menacingly at the priest. He was enjoying making the man feel uncomfortable, which earned him a dig in the ribs from Maddy.
'Jack, if you don't behave, I'm walking out of this church now!' Maddy had the glint in her eye that Jack knew meant trouble if he wasn't careful.
'Jack will you take Madalene to be your wife...'
'Yes, now the next bit.'
'No, no I can't do that, it has to be done properly. Do you take Madalene to be your wife? Do you promise to love her, honour her, keep her and forsake all others as long as you both shall live?'
'Course I do mate. That's why I'm here isn't it?'
Maddy repeated her vows, smiling at Jack as she did.
'Now the rings. Do you have rings?'
'Well there wouldn't be much point in havin' a wedding without bloody rings would there?'
'Jack, don't swear in church,' Maddy scolded him. Grimacing at her, Jack pulled two rings from his pocket.
'You'll be pleased ter know luv, I *bought* these.' He smiled at her, looking like a child at Christmas.
'Oh Jack.' Maddy felt the tears well up again. Jack may not whisper terms of endearment to her, or tell her that he loved her, but in that moment she knew the depth of his feelings.
Jack slipped the ring onto Maddys' finger repeating the priests words. As Maddy did the same, she couldn't help thinking how relevant the words 'better or worse, richer or poorer, in sickness and health,' were to their lives. 'More so than to anyone else married in this church,' she thought.
'I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.' The priest smiled at them, relieved that it was over and he could go back to his flask.
Jack cupped Maddys face in his hands, and kissed her lips tenderly. 'Me wife.' Jack grinned at her. 'Madalene Sparrow, got a nice ring to it that. There's no honeymoon though, I'm afraid.'
'I don't need a honeymoon Jack.' Maddy held up her hand. 'This ring is all I need.' She held Jacks hand, so the rings were touching, 'These are all I need.' Maddy pulled Jack into an embrace, 'I love you Jack,' she whispered, knowing there wouldn't be a reply.
'C'mon luv, we gotta be headin' back.' Jack slipped the priest a bottle of rum by way of thanks, which the man gratefully received, and from the deep recess of his pockets, produced two beautiful brooches for the ladies, who were dabbing their eyes with lace hankies.
'C'mon Mrs Sparrow, we've got a ship to catch.' The newly-weds walked down the street arm in arm, with Jack doffing his hat to everyone they passed.
**********************
'Bloody 'ell Jack, Maddy, where've ya been?' Mr Gibbs came hurrying over. 'There's talk of Burns heading this way. Couple of the ship out there passed him a few days back, and he's heading for t'Bahamas.'
Jack swore under his breath. He wasn't afraid of Burns, but tried to avoid him if he could. Jack barked orders to pack up, they were going as soon as they could.
'Who is this man Jack?' Maddy hadn't seen Jack look so pensive about anything.
'A bastard, that I don't want you anywhere near darlin.' He saw Maddys concerned look. 'Don't worry luv, he may be a good sailor, but he's not as good as me, nor is his ship, The Chinaman, as fast as The Pearl. Gentlemen,' he called to his crew. 'Allow me to introduce..my wife!'
'What!'...'Bloody 'ell Jack!'..'Well done!' The good wishes came thick and fast from the men, who clapped Jack on the back and hugged Maddy, although, not for too long before Jack would give them a warning look.
They were packed and aboard the Pearl within the hour, making their way westwards, to avoid Paul Burns.
Jack was at the wheel, and beckoned Maddy to join him, she ducked under his arms and nestled back into his body. 'I can't wait to make you my wife properly,' he whispered huskily, sucking on a strand of Maddys' hair as he navigated the passage west.
They sailed for 3 hours out of the Bahamas, before Jack yielded the wheel to Eb Tucker, who grinned at him, with a knowing look in his eyes. 'Madalene, time fer bed,' Jack took his wifes hand and led her to the cabin. 'This time, I'll do yer buttons,' he winked at her, undoing the top few, kissing her as he did. His lips trailed down to her chin, sucking on it, then his tongue traced a line down her neck to the hollow at the base of her throat. Maddys fingers wound their way through Jacks hair, pressing his head into her, feeling the hair beads cold against her skin. Jack pulled away and continued to undo the buttons, slipping the dress off Maddys shoulders when the last one was undone. Maddy undressed Jack slowly, her lips and tongue exploring his body as if for the first time. Jack picked his wife up and carried her to the bunk, lying her down gently. 'I luv yer Madalene, ya know that don't ya?'
'Yes Jack, I know you do,' Maddy kissed him passionately, pulling him on top of her, eager to consummate their marriage. Their moans and cries could be heard by the crew, who looked at each other and smiled. There was no way they'd be knocking on Jacks cabin door tonight, not if they valued their lives anyway.
Chapter 15
Maddy was woken by the sound of someone banging around the cabin. She opened her eyes, groaning with pain and found Jacks staring into them. 'So yer are awake then. Where's dear William?'
Maddy jumped off the bunk and grabbed the nearest heavy object, which happened to be the earthenware ale bottle from the previous night. She hurled it in Jacks' direction, missing him by a mere whisker.
'Maddy....?'
'You've got a bloody nerve to be narky with me, Jack bloody Sparrow!'
Maddy picked up a couple of rocks that Jack used to hold down the maps when he studied them, and pitched them at him. 'This is Madalene, she's nothing really!' She spat at him as she threw them. Jack ducked the stones, weaving and swaying, off balance, Maddy saw this and kicked his legs from under him.
'Oof! Madalene luv, c'mon, let me expl...,' his words cut off by Maddy jumping on top of him, her arms flailing at him. Jack tried to grab her, but Maddy anticipated this and rolled off him and got up, looking for something else to throw. Maddy found Jacks stash of rum bottles and her eyes lit up. She picked two up, with a steely glint in her eyes, then smashed them on the floor.
'No-o-o! No, no, no, no, no! Please! Not the rum. Maddy darlin', I'll make it up to yer.' Jack jumped out of the way as two more bottles came flying towards him, smashing against the wall behind him. 'Madalene, ple-e- e-e-ease!' His voice became a plaintive wail. Maddy moved towards him, swinging two bottles from her hands. Jack beat a retreat out of the cabin, nearly knocking over several members of the crew, who'd been listening at the door. Maddy hurled the bottles at Jacks figure, disappearing up the stairs to deck.
'And yer not coming back in here, til I decide to forgive you Jack Sparrow!' Maddy slammed the door, feeling a strong sense of satisfaction.
*************************
They had been at sea a good few days before Maddy allowed Jack back into the cabin. He tried being hard on her, ordering her to do menial jobs, he tried pleading with her, falling to his knees melodramatically, begging to be let back in. In the end Mr Gibbs took pity on his Captains miserable face and pulled him to one side. 'Y'know what you want to do Jack?'
'Well if I knew that, I wouldn't be bloody sleeping with you lot now would I?' Jack wasn't in the mood for riddles.
'Say sorry Jack. That's all you have to do, apologise.'
'Nah, there's more to it than that,' the scepticism heavy in Jacks voice.
'Maybe there is, an' maybe there isn't, but it'd be a start wouldn't it? It can't make things worse for ya Jack, and to be honest, I don't think I can sail for much longer with your miserable chops mooching around.' Joshamee Gibbs was afraid he'd gone too far when Jacks eyes narrowed and his lips pursed together.
'Maybe you're right. I shall go and find the best jewel from the booty and give it to her by way of an apology.' Jack went to go below.
'No Jack. I meant, say that you're sorry.'
'*Say *sorry?!' The idea was obviously a new concept to Jack 'How do I say sorry?'
'Just say it Jack. Look there she is, now's your chance.' Gibbs gave Jack a shove in Maddys' direction. Jack swaggered over, trying to look nonchalant but failed miserably when he fell over a rope that was trailing across the deck.
'Who left this bloody rope here? I'll have their guts fer garters when I get hold of them.' Jack tried to ignore that fact that Maddy was trying desperately to contain her giggles. He straightened his clothes, and put on an air of bravado. This was too much for Maddy who burst out laughing, holding her sides. She stopped when she saw the hurt look in Jacks eyes.
'Oh Jack, I'm sorry,' she giggled, putting her hand on his arm. Jack looked at her and smiled sheepishly, it was good to see Maddy smile again.
'I'm sorry luv, I behaved like a.' he struggled to think of the right word, then came up with one he'd heard Will use a lot. 'I behaved like a cad!' This made Maddy laugh even harder, before she put her arms around him and held him close.
'Apology accepted.' Maddy kissed his neck, then playfully flicked her tongue on his ear lobe, making him moan with unexpected pleasure.
'That's it? That's all I had to do?' Jack looked at Maddy, disbelievingly.
'Yes Jack my love, that's all you had to do.' Maddy smiled at him, glad they had made up.
'So I can come back to me cabin now?' Jack held his breath, not daring to hope the answer might be yes.
'Of course love, I'm looking forward to it..' Maddy squeezed his bottom as she went past and climbed the rigging to the crows nest.
'I'll never understand women as long as I live.' Jack shook his head, smiling to himself. 'Mr Gibbs, extra rum rations for you tonight!' Joshamee Gibbs grinned his thanks, ignoring the filthy looks he got from the other crew.
*******************
'Land ho!' Maddy woke from a deep sleep and stretched as much as she could under the weight of Jack lying half across her. She gave him a gentle nudge in the ribs, 'Jack, Jack, we're here.'
'Mpfh! Jack lifted his head from the pillow, and flopped it back down again. 'Sod the B'hamas, I'm staying here.' He ran his hand down Maddys body, getting as far as her belly before she stopped him. Maddy tickled him, making him writhe until he caught her wrists and pulled her arms above his head, kissing her passionately, then working his way up her arms using his lips, tongue and teeth until he reached her hands. He took a finger into his mouth and played with it, licking and sucking. Maddy wrapped her legs around him and they gave themselves to each other, oblivious to everything except their passion. They lay afterwards, arms and legs entwined, chests rising and falling together, Jack stroked Maddys back with a rough, calloused hand. There came a knock at the door. 'Cap'n, we've reached Nassau,' came Eb's deep voice. 'Shall we weight anchor?'
'Aye, Eb, I'm coming, I'm coming.' Jack hauled himself off the bunk and dressed, enjoying watching Maddy watching him. 'See you up there luv.' He bent and kissed her head. Maddy watched him depart, and lazily got off the bunk and dressed slowly, munching on an apple as she did so.
After Maddy had dressed, she went to the mess and got her and Jacks' breakfast and took it upto him. It has become something of a routine for them to eat together on deck, while discussing the plans for the day. Jack was looking forward to getting ashore, there was a hold full of goods that they'd pirated off a number of ships recently. Maddy had started to take part in looting ships, but only after the ship had been taken, Jack didn't want her in any danger, so she mostly did the inventory, and checking the finery. Maddy had a good eye for quality, she seemed to sense what would sell and what wouldn't, Jack had begun to rely on her more and more.
Jack swayed and strutted around the deck, giving orders left and right, making sure the men loaded the goods to be sold or bartered into the boats carefully. Broken goods meant no sale and no sale meant no gold coins and after The Pearl, Maddy and rum (not necessarily in that order, depending on his mood), he loved gold the most. Jack called Maddy into his cabin and showed her a beautiful dress he'd been hoarding for her. It was dark blue velvet, with a generous skirt, tight fitting sleeves and a sweetheart neckline with tiny pearl buttons going down the front of it.
'Oh Jack, it's wonderful!' Maddy threw her arms around Jack, hugging and kissing him. She stripped off, with Jack giving her more than a helping hand, and wriggled into the dress. Maddy started to do the buttons up, when Jack batted her hand away, and did a couple up himself, pausing to kiss her where she was unbuttoned. Maddy laughed and pushed Jack away. 'We'll be here all day at this rate Jack Sparrow.'
'*Captain* Jack Sparrow if yer don't mind.'
'What's all this for Jack?' Maddy was curious, she had a feeling Jack was up to something.
'Nothing luv, just felt like treatin' ya.' Jack had a mischievous smile on his face.
'Jack..?' Maddy frowned at him.
'Come on luv, we don't want ter miss the boat.' Maddy finished doing the last few buttons as they made their way up the stairs. 'Ang on, 'ang on,' Jack disappeard back down below and came back clutching the pendant he'd given Maddy, putting it around her neck. Maddy climbed over the side of the Pearl and down the rope to the boat, taking care not to rip or spoil her dress,
Jack and Mr Cotton rowed to shore, and Jack picked Maddy up out of the boat and carried her to the shore. They made their way to where the rest of the crew were selling off the goods and spent a couple of hours bartering and selling what they had.
Jack took Maddys arm and led her away from the crew. Maddy looked at him curiously. 'Where are we going?'
'Just to see a priest.' Jack said, looking everywhere but at Maddy.
'*Why* are we seeing a priest?' Maddy frowned at him.
'So's he can marry us o'course.'
'MARRY?? I don't recall hearing a proposal Jack Sparrow.' Maddys heart was skipping a beat.
'Eh? What? Yer want me to propose?'
'Yes I bloody well do. When were you going to tell me Jack. Wait until we were in front of the priest, and say 'Oh by the way..?' 'I don't think so! You propose now, or I'm going back to the ship.' Maddy hoped Jack didn't realise she was bluffing.
Jack sighed, rolling his eyes melodramatically. 'Alright, alright, have it yer own way.' He fell to his knees in front of Madalene and clasped his hands together as if pleading. 'Madalene Jones, would you do me the great honour of becoming my wife.'
Maddy threw back her head and laughed, pulling Jack to his feet. She looked at him and stroked his face tenderly, her eyes filling with tears. 'I'd love to Jack,' she whispered, reaching to kiss him.
'Well come on then, or we'll be late.' Jack led Maddy to a small chapel on the edge of town, they found the priest snoring in one of the pews, 'Ere, wake up,' Jack gave the man a shove.
'Wha.? Ooh, ah!' The man spluttered, getting unsteadily to his feet. 'What d'you want?' He peered at Maddy, who held her breath. He reeked of drink. Then he looked at Jack and recoiled at the sigh of the pirate. 'Ah, no, no, don't rob me, I've nothing to give apart from me mortal soul,' came the broad Irish accent.
'I want yer to marry us, I sent a letter making the arrangements.' Jack was starting to get impatient.
'Marry? I don't have a weddin' arranged for today.' The priest started backing away towards the vestry. Jack sighed, anger hardening his face. The priest looked at him and blanched. 'Ah, yes, yes I remember now. This way, please come this way. Wait, you haven't got any witnesses, you need two witnesses or I can't marry you.'
Jack stormed outside and accosted two genteel ladies strolling by. He broke into a smile as he walked up to them, putting his arms around each waist. 'Ladies, ladies, my you are looking fine today.' The women looked at each other in alarm. 'I was wonderin' if you lovely ladies would do Captain Jack Sparrow, a huge favour?' Jack let go of the women in order to stretch his arms as wide as he could. 'Me an' my lovely Madalene are to be wed, but we've no witnesses. You wouldn't want us to be livin' our lives in sin now would ya?' Jack had slipped a hand under each of the ladies arms and was steering them towards the church.
'Well, I suppose it wouldn't do any harm would it Charlotte?' Said one of the women to the other.
'Splendid, splendid. Here y'are vicar, yer witnesses. Now can we get on with it?' Jack joined Maddy at the alter.
The priest pretended to cough, turned away and took a swig out of a flask, hidden in his robes. 'Dearly beloved,' he intoned as if addressing a full house. 'We are gathered here today to witness the union of marriage between...' He looked at Jack in alarm. 'I don't know your names,' he whispered.
'Jack Sparrow, Captain Jack Sparrow and Madalene Jones.'
'Ah right, We are gathered here today..'
'Yes, yes we've done all that bit.' Jacks patience was being stretched to the limit.
'To witness the union of marriage between ..Jack Swallow.'
'*Sparrow*,' Jack almost shouted at the man, who shrank away from him.
'Jack..Sparrow and Madalene Jones. Should any man..or woman,' he improvised, noting the two ladies in the front pew, 'Know of any reason that they should not be joined, speak now or forever hold...' The priest stopped, frowning.
'What now?' Jack glared at the priest, who was growing red and flustered.
'I can't remember the next words.'
'Their peace,' Maddy smiled at the man, feeling sorry for him. 'Jack behave,' she hissed to her husband-to-be.
'Ah yes, yes, their peace.' He stopped and waited for someone to jump out and declare why they couldn't proceed.
'There ain't nobody here, so yer might as well get on with it mate.' Jack smiled menacingly at the priest. He was enjoying making the man feel uncomfortable, which earned him a dig in the ribs from Maddy.
'Jack, if you don't behave, I'm walking out of this church now!' Maddy had the glint in her eye that Jack knew meant trouble if he wasn't careful.
'Jack will you take Madalene to be your wife...'
'Yes, now the next bit.'
'No, no I can't do that, it has to be done properly. Do you take Madalene to be your wife? Do you promise to love her, honour her, keep her and forsake all others as long as you both shall live?'
'Course I do mate. That's why I'm here isn't it?'
Maddy repeated her vows, smiling at Jack as she did.
'Now the rings. Do you have rings?'
'Well there wouldn't be much point in havin' a wedding without bloody rings would there?'
'Jack, don't swear in church,' Maddy scolded him. Grimacing at her, Jack pulled two rings from his pocket.
'You'll be pleased ter know luv, I *bought* these.' He smiled at her, looking like a child at Christmas.
'Oh Jack.' Maddy felt the tears well up again. Jack may not whisper terms of endearment to her, or tell her that he loved her, but in that moment she knew the depth of his feelings.
Jack slipped the ring onto Maddys' finger repeating the priests words. As Maddy did the same, she couldn't help thinking how relevant the words 'better or worse, richer or poorer, in sickness and health,' were to their lives. 'More so than to anyone else married in this church,' she thought.
'I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.' The priest smiled at them, relieved that it was over and he could go back to his flask.
Jack cupped Maddys face in his hands, and kissed her lips tenderly. 'Me wife.' Jack grinned at her. 'Madalene Sparrow, got a nice ring to it that. There's no honeymoon though, I'm afraid.'
'I don't need a honeymoon Jack.' Maddy held up her hand. 'This ring is all I need.' She held Jacks hand, so the rings were touching, 'These are all I need.' Maddy pulled Jack into an embrace, 'I love you Jack,' she whispered, knowing there wouldn't be a reply.
'C'mon luv, we gotta be headin' back.' Jack slipped the priest a bottle of rum by way of thanks, which the man gratefully received, and from the deep recess of his pockets, produced two beautiful brooches for the ladies, who were dabbing their eyes with lace hankies.
'C'mon Mrs Sparrow, we've got a ship to catch.' The newly-weds walked down the street arm in arm, with Jack doffing his hat to everyone they passed.
**********************
'Bloody 'ell Jack, Maddy, where've ya been?' Mr Gibbs came hurrying over. 'There's talk of Burns heading this way. Couple of the ship out there passed him a few days back, and he's heading for t'Bahamas.'
Jack swore under his breath. He wasn't afraid of Burns, but tried to avoid him if he could. Jack barked orders to pack up, they were going as soon as they could.
'Who is this man Jack?' Maddy hadn't seen Jack look so pensive about anything.
'A bastard, that I don't want you anywhere near darlin.' He saw Maddys concerned look. 'Don't worry luv, he may be a good sailor, but he's not as good as me, nor is his ship, The Chinaman, as fast as The Pearl. Gentlemen,' he called to his crew. 'Allow me to introduce..my wife!'
'What!'...'Bloody 'ell Jack!'..'Well done!' The good wishes came thick and fast from the men, who clapped Jack on the back and hugged Maddy, although, not for too long before Jack would give them a warning look.
They were packed and aboard the Pearl within the hour, making their way westwards, to avoid Paul Burns.
Jack was at the wheel, and beckoned Maddy to join him, she ducked under his arms and nestled back into his body. 'I can't wait to make you my wife properly,' he whispered huskily, sucking on a strand of Maddys' hair as he navigated the passage west.
They sailed for 3 hours out of the Bahamas, before Jack yielded the wheel to Eb Tucker, who grinned at him, with a knowing look in his eyes. 'Madalene, time fer bed,' Jack took his wifes hand and led her to the cabin. 'This time, I'll do yer buttons,' he winked at her, undoing the top few, kissing her as he did. His lips trailed down to her chin, sucking on it, then his tongue traced a line down her neck to the hollow at the base of her throat. Maddys fingers wound their way through Jacks hair, pressing his head into her, feeling the hair beads cold against her skin. Jack pulled away and continued to undo the buttons, slipping the dress off Maddys shoulders when the last one was undone. Maddy undressed Jack slowly, her lips and tongue exploring his body as if for the first time. Jack picked his wife up and carried her to the bunk, lying her down gently. 'I luv yer Madalene, ya know that don't ya?'
'Yes Jack, I know you do,' Maddy kissed him passionately, pulling him on top of her, eager to consummate their marriage. Their moans and cries could be heard by the crew, who looked at each other and smiled. There was no way they'd be knocking on Jacks cabin door tonight, not if they valued their lives anyway.