Disclaimers - pah!
Thanks for your reviews, always like to see them.
Hilary, leave poor William alone, I like him even if you don't! :p
Caffeine fairy, keep reading {{hugs}}
Linnie, thanks for your help. You're preserving my sanity (leave it Hils, leave it.)
Lady Skywalker, I'm sorry you feel that it's still a bit gloomy, but to be honest, I feel it would become boring if everything was hunky dory all the time. There's a saying I heard the other day, 'You have to have the rain, in order to appreciate the rainbow' and I feel that sums this story up. You've got to have bad times, to appreciate the good.
La chica, you will find the answer to Maddys non-existent pregnancy in this chapter.
*********
Chapter 26
'No, I'm the better pirate! Uncle Jack says so.' John Turner pulled a face at his younger sister, then jabbed her with his wooden sword, earning him a rebuke from his father. Will looked at Maddy and rolled his eyes. It seemed that the fears everyone had about the children disliking life aboard ship proved to be groundless, as they had taken to it like ducks to water.
'How's Elizabeth today Will?' Maddy joined Will in polishing the rail on the ship's side. Will shook his head sadly, a frown creasing his brow.
'She still won't talk to me Maddy, never mind letting me in the cabin.' Elizabeth Turner had virtually barricaded herself into the first mate's cabin, speaking only to Jack and certain members of the crew, and certainly not to Will or Maddy.
'She'll come around. She's had a lot to cope with, what with you re- appearing, finding out about us and then having to leave her home and father behind.' Maddy wished there was something she could say to the younger woman, her sobs could frequently be heard from inside the cabin. Maddy turned suddenly at a squeal from behind her, to see Caroline being held to the ground by her brother, tears starting to well up in her huge brown eyes. 'Little Jack! Get off your sister now!' Maddy hauled the boy off and shoved him away. 'If you don't behave yourself Jack Turner I'll lock you in the brig and give the key to Caro, savvy?' Maddy had taken to being a surrogate mother to the children when they were on deck, glad there was something she could do for Elizabeth, even though she'd never know about it, shut away in the cabin.
Jack chuckled from his position at the helm. He was surprised at how much he enjoyed having the children and their parents on board, he just wished Elizabeth would stop acting like a spoiled brat and get out of the cabin. Jack was considering ordering her out and locking the door behind her so she hadn't got a bolthole. 'Nah, there's plenty of other places ter hide yerself away on a ship,' Jack thought to himself. 'An' Elizabeth's got stubbornness down to a fine art.' There was nothing to do but wait until boredom drove the young woman out, as Jack knew it would in the end. He smiled at Will who joined him at the helm, yielding the wheel to his friend. 'So whelp, ya sure ya want ter get to Freetown and not Nassau? It's a fair way from Port Royal.'
'Yes Jack, I'm sure. I went there when I was on Burns' ship, its looks a nice place to live and I reckon I can earn a good living there.' Will had intended using the money Governor Swann had given them to buy a boat and set up his own charter business, ferrying people and goods to nearby islands.
Jack smiled. 'Yer got it all planned haven't ya whelp?'
'Yes Jack. At night on The Chinaman, I used to dream about what I'd do when I escaped and got back home. I'd intended to do it in Port Royal, but since that part of the plan has been scuppered, the Bahamas seemed like the next best thing. I just hope Elizabeth comes around.'
'She will mate, give her time, savvy?' Jack decided it was time to sort Elizabeth Turner out. He left Will and made his way below, to the first mate's cabin. 'Lizabeth, ya there luv?' Jack knocked softly on the door.
'Yes Jack, come in.' There was the sound of a key being turned in the lock, then the door opened a fraction. Elizabeth peered around making sure no one was with Jack. She moved away, allowing Jack entrance.
'This has gone on long enough luv, it's been a week.' Jack sat heavily on the bunk, arms folded.
'Oh well, forgive me if I'm not jumping around, full of the joys of spring Jack Sparrow.' Elizabeth glared at him angrily. 'My husband turns up with the whore he left me for and expects me to welcome him with open arms. Not only that but then I have to leave my father and friends to their almost certain deaths and you want me to be *happy*? Ha!'
'Don't you dare talk about Madalene like that.' Jack's face hardened with anger. 'I know what happened shouldn't have, but in all truthfulness yer wasn't the best wife in the world, was ya? An' Will didn't leave ya fer Madalene, I fetched her from t'Commodores, an' Will was waiting for me at the docks. Neither knew the other was goin' to be there, savvy?' Jack held up a hand, silencing the protest on Elizabeth's lips. 'We've got weeks before we reach the Bahamas. That's a bloody long time when yer cooped up on a ship in t'middle of the sea. You an' Will have ter sort this out, an' then you an' Madalene too.' Elizabeth didn't move an inch except that she now stared at Jack with an icy glare. Jack sighed. 'Don't make me order ya Elizabeth.' Jack stood, taking her arm and pulled her out of the cabin and up the stairs to the deck.
'Mommy, mommy!' Caroline ran to her mother, throwing small arms around Elizabeth's legs. Everyone looked around in amazement, but turned away quickly in case Elizabeth should take umbrage. Jack pushed her towards the helm and took Caroline's hand, leading her away with the promise of a story. Little Jack ran up to him, not wanting to be left out and Jack sat on the deck, a child on each knee snuggling up to him as he told them a tale, all the while keeping a weather eye on the children's parents deep in conversation, and being pleased and smiling inwardly when Will gave control of the wheel to Eb and led Elizabeth down below to talk more privately. Maddy sat beside Jack, leaning against him, smiling as his arm went around her shoulder.
The crew looked on in disbelief as their Captain displayed an unexpected knack with the children, shaking their heads in wonder before carrying on with their chores.
'An' the captain an' his crew sailed off with their hold stuffed full o'treasure, an' they never had to pirate another ship again. Now off yer go, I want ter 'ave me wicked way with yer aunt.' Jack smiled as the children ran to Mr Cotton, jumping in glee at the sight of his parrot.
Maddy sighed as she watched them happily run off, regretting the decision she'd made in her former life, to be sterilised. She hadn't wanted children then, enjoying the high life too much, but now? Jack had said he didn't mind when she told him she was unable to have children, but seeing him with the Turner children made Maddy wonder if he had just said that to spare her feelings. Jack squeezed her shoulder and smiled tenderly at her, before nuzzling her hair.
'Y'all right luv?' Jack wondered if having the children aboard was upsetting Maddy, or whether it was just Elizabeth.
'Yes, I'm fine Jack.' Maddy rested her head on his shoulder and they sat in companionable silence for a while. 'Jack, do you wish for children?'
Jack pursed his lips together, he knew the question was coming. 'Sometimes I do luv. I see how happy Will is with his two, an' I think ter meself that it'd be nice. But then, if we'd had kids, they wouldn't have been able to stay on board and neither would you, an' we'd never have seen each other, and that would've been unacceptable.' Jack smiled. 'So, I'm glad we haven't any children. 'Sides, I've sired enough bastards around the Caribbean fer me bloodline to carry on for generations!' Jack squeezed his wife's shoulder again.
Maddy smiled, relieved by Jack's reassurance.
'So Jack, you never did tell me what Governor Swann's butler did.' Maddy loved Jack's tales, be they true or not.
'Ah, well luv, last time I was in Port Royal, I paid a visit to Will an' Elizabeth an' the whole house was in uproar. Turns out the butler had been caught wi' his trousers down in t'cowshed.' Maddy was surprised, but Jack nodded vigorously, as if to indicate just how true the tale was.
'Who was he caught in the cowshed with?' Maddy couldn't believe that Jack had to smuggle a man out of Port Royal just because of a dalliance.
'Cows luv. Real cows, if ya get me meaning, savvy?'
'He was..... with cows?' Maddy looked at Jack with wide eyes, not entirely sure whether to believe him or not.
'Aye, with cows. O'course, the Governor was outraged and wanted the poor bugger hanged, so I told 'im I'd take him off his hands that night.'
'Where did you take him? And why?'
'Tortuga luv. If ya've got un-natural desires, that's the best place ter go. Governor Swann was willin' ter pay handsomely to be rid o'the man, so I got rid of him, savvy?' Jack looked up at Eb approaching them. 'Ere, Eb'll tell ya. It were true about t'Governors butler, eh Eb?'
Eb shifted uncomfortably. 'Aye, it was true enough. We made him sleep in a cabin by himself, since no one wanted to be anywhere near him.' He shuddered at the memory. 'Cap'n, looks like there might be a storm brewing.' Jack hauled himself to his feet, sniffing the air and looking around at the sea.
'Hmmm, reckon you could be right Eb, better get everything lashed down an' tell Will to get Elizabeth an' the children in to my cabin. Don't toss so much in there.' Eb hurried off, barking orders as he went, while Jack studied his compass, weighing up whether it would be better to weigh anchor or sail through the storm. 'Let's see how she blows eh luv?' Jack caressed the wheel, and then glanced about to make sure no one saw him talking to the ship. 'They already think I'm mad enough! I wish Gibbs were 'ere though.' Jack smiled sadly as he watched his wife working with the rest of the crew, stowing away anything that could move and anchoring down anything too big to be stashed. The sea started to swell and the bow of The Pearl rose and crashed down, sending a spray the length of the ship, soaking everyone on deck and some on the next level down. Jack handed his hat, coat and belt to Maddy. He didn't want any impediments whilst wrestling the wheel. 'Go on luv, go below an' strap yerself in.'
'Let me stay with you a while longer Jack.' Maddy hated storms. Not so much the storms, but the thought of Jack being on deck, usually alone. Jack, she knew, loved storms. He loved feeling at one with his ship, both of them battling together against the elements.
'Nah luv, I'd rather ya went now, it's startin' to get rough already.' Jack kissed his wife before giving her a push in the direction of the stairs. 'Off ya go.' Maddy sighed, fighting the unease in her stomach and made her way below to their cabin. Her heart sank when she saw Elizabeth and the children already there.
'I think you should get the children strapped in to the bunk now, it might be too rough to do so later.' Maddy fought to keep her voice even.
'I'll decide what's best for *my* children, thank you.' Elizabeth scowled at Maddy, pulling Caroline to her.
Maddy busied herself stowing away the effects that were strewn about the cabin, making sure the ropes used for lashing people or things around the room were secure, and then glanced towards the window. The sky and sea had merged into a uniform grey, with only the white foam on top to indicate just how high the waves actually were. She took a deep breath and turned to face Elizabeth.
'Put the children into the bunk and please don't argue. It really is in their best interest to do it now.' Elizabeth scowled, so Maddy took Little Jack's hand and led him to the bunk, then called Caroline over and lay her down beside her brother. 'Now there's nothing to be frightened of, Uncle Jack is the best captain on the ocean and he will get us all through this storm safely.' Maddy smiled at the children as she secured the rope, pinning them to the bunk.
'Why do we have to be tied up?' Caroline's lip started to quiver and her eyes filled up with tears.
'Because you can't stand up properly on a ship in a storm, so it's best to tie yourself to something so you don't crash about and hurt yourself, savvy?' Maddy frowned at Elizabeth who had elbowed her out of the way, leaning over her children and crooning soothing words to them. Maddy went and sat on the floor with her back against the stern of the ship and tied herself with the rope. 'You had better tie yourself in Elizabeth.'
'I'm staying here next to my children.' Her reply was cold and the venom in her voice not diluted by the sound of the storm.
'Fine, I don't suppose they'll miss you much when you're on your sickbed, injured. After all, they haven't seen that much of you since we left Port Royal have they?' Maddy felt her patience stretching to breaking point.
'How dare you!' Elizabeth turned sharply just as the ship pitched and fell heavily to the floor, wincing with pain as she tried to get up. Maddy sighed, then untied herself and went to the stricken woman's aid. 'Don't you touch me, you cow!' Elizabeth's hand missed Maddy's face by a whisker.
Maddy shrugged, unruffled by the outburst. 'Suit yourself. You can tie yourself in now and I hope it hurts.' She watched with grim satisfaction as Elizabeth struggled with the rope, the pain from her shoulder making it hard to secure it. A particularly violent roll made everyone gasp, then a wail came from the bunk, Maddy grabbed Elizabeth's arm, preventing her from going over. 'Don't be bloody stupid. They're safe, you're not.' Maddy loosened her binds and tied Elizabeth in, pulling it a little tighter than was strictly necessary. The young woman gave Maddy a deadly look, determined not to show how much pain she was in.
The cabin grew steadily darker until it was pitch black, Caroline had ceased whimpering and Maddy assumed she'd finally fallen asleep. 'No such luxury for me,' Maddy thought, trying to ease her back. She prayed Jack was all right and that the ship would ride out the storm, just as she'd always done. Hours passed, and Maddy had long since grown tired of Elizabeth's attempts to keep as far away from her as possible, smiling sardonically when her head rested on Maddy's shoulder as she slept fitfully for a time. Maddy felt very tempted to go on deck, but thought better of it. 'Jack's got enough to worry about without me adding to it.' But the waiting was nearly killing her. Maddy looked resignedly at Elizabeth who'd just woken up. 'Here we go again,' she sighed inwardly.
Elizabeth shuffled away from the older woman, her lip curled in a half snarl. 'I suppose you're enjoying this aren't you?'
'Oh yes, I really enjoy having my husband out there risking his life to see this ship and crew to safety. I have a ball down here, while he's being soaked to the skin and battered by waves higher than your bloody mansion. Get off your high horse and stop being such a stupid, immature little brat. Yes I slept with Will once. Yes it was wrong of us, but it seems to me and to Jack that you've forgotten who Will Turner is. He's the man who risked everything to sail across the Caribbean to your rescue. He's the man who was prepared to give his life for you. He's the man for whom you pledged yourself to another, in order that he help rescue Will. You just want to put all the blame on me to cover up your own shortcomings.' Elizabeth scrambled to untie herself, jumping on Maddy when she was free and began pummelling Maddy with her fists.
'That's not true! You tried to steal Will off me!' Maddy had just about enough of this. She grabbed a handful of hair and banged Elizabeth's face into the wall behind them, then looked on in shock as Elizabeth reeled back, blood pouring from a gash across her cheek.
'Elizabeth, I'm sorry, please..'
'Get your hands off me, bitch.' Elizabeth crawled across the cabin to the bunk and climbed on, snuggling close to her still sleeping children, dabbing at the blood with the edge of the sheet.
Maddy sighed, feeling physically and emotionally drained. 'Oh why the hell did I do that? There'll never be peace between us now.' She realised the ship wasn't pitching quite so much and decided to risk untying herself. Maddy walked tentatively to the bunk, wondering whether she was doing the right thing or not. 'Elizabeth. Look, I'm sorry for what's happened between us. Please can we try and at least be civil to each other?'
'Civil? Ha! You must be joking.' Elizabeth tensed her body, waiting for Maddy to dare to touch her. 'The sooner we're in the Bahamas, the happier I shall be, because then at least I won't have to be around you all the time.'
Maddy turned at the sound of someone coming through the door and looked to see Will standing there, a puzzled expression on his face.
'Is everything all right?' He looked from Maddy to his wife and children on the bunk.
'No it bloody well isn't. Look what the bitch did to me.' Elizabeth rolled off the bunk and turned her face towards her husband's. 'Look!'
'Maddy?' A look of disbelief crossed Will's face.
'I lost my temper Will and I shouldn't have done that, I'm sorry.' The Pearl lurched in the water, throwing Maddy into Will's arms, prompting a cry of pure rage from Elizabeth.
'Get your hands off him!' Elizabeth flew at Maddy, yanking her out of Will's arms. Another lurch sent both women crashing to floor, rolling around, kicking, scratching and biting wherever they could. Will tried to keep his balance as he pulled Elizabeth away, but the storm seemed to be getting worse and the ship rolled, almost to her side. Maddy, Elizabeth and Will fell heavily against the wall of the cabin and were then bombarded by effects in the cabin that had worked loose from their anchorage. Water poured through a couple of broken windows, soaking them and causing the children in the bunk to scream loudly.
'Jack!' Maddy crawled towards the door, her progress slowed by the violent movement of the ship. She reached the door before Will caught her, pulling her back in.
'No Maddy, you can't. It's far too dangerous.'
'Will, I have to see that Jack is all right. Let go of me!' Maddy fought against Will's grip, but the years of being a blacksmith had given the man hidden strength. 'Will please.' Maddy implored, desperately.
Will dragged her as best he could to the stern and tied her up again. 'Maddy, don't make me tie your hands too because I will.' Will pulled his wife down, tying her also. 'I have to go back on deck, so I don't want you two fighting again. For God's sake, our lives are at stake here and all you can think about are your petty vendettas. I'll check on you later and if either of you are fighting or arguing, I shall bind both your hands and gag you. Understood?'
Both women nodded mutely as Will fought his way out of the cabin, too shocked by his anger to say anything. Maddy turned her head away and threw up, the vomit swishing around the floor in the sea water. Her head collapsed onto her knees and sobbed, unable to hold onto her composure anymore, and certain that Jack had been swept overboard. Elizabeth sat watching Maddy for a while, and began to reach a tentative hand out towards the other woman, before deciding against it and turning away.
Thanks for your reviews, always like to see them.
Hilary, leave poor William alone, I like him even if you don't! :p
Caffeine fairy, keep reading {{hugs}}
Linnie, thanks for your help. You're preserving my sanity (leave it Hils, leave it.)
Lady Skywalker, I'm sorry you feel that it's still a bit gloomy, but to be honest, I feel it would become boring if everything was hunky dory all the time. There's a saying I heard the other day, 'You have to have the rain, in order to appreciate the rainbow' and I feel that sums this story up. You've got to have bad times, to appreciate the good.
La chica, you will find the answer to Maddys non-existent pregnancy in this chapter.
*********
Chapter 26
'No, I'm the better pirate! Uncle Jack says so.' John Turner pulled a face at his younger sister, then jabbed her with his wooden sword, earning him a rebuke from his father. Will looked at Maddy and rolled his eyes. It seemed that the fears everyone had about the children disliking life aboard ship proved to be groundless, as they had taken to it like ducks to water.
'How's Elizabeth today Will?' Maddy joined Will in polishing the rail on the ship's side. Will shook his head sadly, a frown creasing his brow.
'She still won't talk to me Maddy, never mind letting me in the cabin.' Elizabeth Turner had virtually barricaded herself into the first mate's cabin, speaking only to Jack and certain members of the crew, and certainly not to Will or Maddy.
'She'll come around. She's had a lot to cope with, what with you re- appearing, finding out about us and then having to leave her home and father behind.' Maddy wished there was something she could say to the younger woman, her sobs could frequently be heard from inside the cabin. Maddy turned suddenly at a squeal from behind her, to see Caroline being held to the ground by her brother, tears starting to well up in her huge brown eyes. 'Little Jack! Get off your sister now!' Maddy hauled the boy off and shoved him away. 'If you don't behave yourself Jack Turner I'll lock you in the brig and give the key to Caro, savvy?' Maddy had taken to being a surrogate mother to the children when they were on deck, glad there was something she could do for Elizabeth, even though she'd never know about it, shut away in the cabin.
Jack chuckled from his position at the helm. He was surprised at how much he enjoyed having the children and their parents on board, he just wished Elizabeth would stop acting like a spoiled brat and get out of the cabin. Jack was considering ordering her out and locking the door behind her so she hadn't got a bolthole. 'Nah, there's plenty of other places ter hide yerself away on a ship,' Jack thought to himself. 'An' Elizabeth's got stubbornness down to a fine art.' There was nothing to do but wait until boredom drove the young woman out, as Jack knew it would in the end. He smiled at Will who joined him at the helm, yielding the wheel to his friend. 'So whelp, ya sure ya want ter get to Freetown and not Nassau? It's a fair way from Port Royal.'
'Yes Jack, I'm sure. I went there when I was on Burns' ship, its looks a nice place to live and I reckon I can earn a good living there.' Will had intended using the money Governor Swann had given them to buy a boat and set up his own charter business, ferrying people and goods to nearby islands.
Jack smiled. 'Yer got it all planned haven't ya whelp?'
'Yes Jack. At night on The Chinaman, I used to dream about what I'd do when I escaped and got back home. I'd intended to do it in Port Royal, but since that part of the plan has been scuppered, the Bahamas seemed like the next best thing. I just hope Elizabeth comes around.'
'She will mate, give her time, savvy?' Jack decided it was time to sort Elizabeth Turner out. He left Will and made his way below, to the first mate's cabin. 'Lizabeth, ya there luv?' Jack knocked softly on the door.
'Yes Jack, come in.' There was the sound of a key being turned in the lock, then the door opened a fraction. Elizabeth peered around making sure no one was with Jack. She moved away, allowing Jack entrance.
'This has gone on long enough luv, it's been a week.' Jack sat heavily on the bunk, arms folded.
'Oh well, forgive me if I'm not jumping around, full of the joys of spring Jack Sparrow.' Elizabeth glared at him angrily. 'My husband turns up with the whore he left me for and expects me to welcome him with open arms. Not only that but then I have to leave my father and friends to their almost certain deaths and you want me to be *happy*? Ha!'
'Don't you dare talk about Madalene like that.' Jack's face hardened with anger. 'I know what happened shouldn't have, but in all truthfulness yer wasn't the best wife in the world, was ya? An' Will didn't leave ya fer Madalene, I fetched her from t'Commodores, an' Will was waiting for me at the docks. Neither knew the other was goin' to be there, savvy?' Jack held up a hand, silencing the protest on Elizabeth's lips. 'We've got weeks before we reach the Bahamas. That's a bloody long time when yer cooped up on a ship in t'middle of the sea. You an' Will have ter sort this out, an' then you an' Madalene too.' Elizabeth didn't move an inch except that she now stared at Jack with an icy glare. Jack sighed. 'Don't make me order ya Elizabeth.' Jack stood, taking her arm and pulled her out of the cabin and up the stairs to the deck.
'Mommy, mommy!' Caroline ran to her mother, throwing small arms around Elizabeth's legs. Everyone looked around in amazement, but turned away quickly in case Elizabeth should take umbrage. Jack pushed her towards the helm and took Caroline's hand, leading her away with the promise of a story. Little Jack ran up to him, not wanting to be left out and Jack sat on the deck, a child on each knee snuggling up to him as he told them a tale, all the while keeping a weather eye on the children's parents deep in conversation, and being pleased and smiling inwardly when Will gave control of the wheel to Eb and led Elizabeth down below to talk more privately. Maddy sat beside Jack, leaning against him, smiling as his arm went around her shoulder.
The crew looked on in disbelief as their Captain displayed an unexpected knack with the children, shaking their heads in wonder before carrying on with their chores.
'An' the captain an' his crew sailed off with their hold stuffed full o'treasure, an' they never had to pirate another ship again. Now off yer go, I want ter 'ave me wicked way with yer aunt.' Jack smiled as the children ran to Mr Cotton, jumping in glee at the sight of his parrot.
Maddy sighed as she watched them happily run off, regretting the decision she'd made in her former life, to be sterilised. She hadn't wanted children then, enjoying the high life too much, but now? Jack had said he didn't mind when she told him she was unable to have children, but seeing him with the Turner children made Maddy wonder if he had just said that to spare her feelings. Jack squeezed her shoulder and smiled tenderly at her, before nuzzling her hair.
'Y'all right luv?' Jack wondered if having the children aboard was upsetting Maddy, or whether it was just Elizabeth.
'Yes, I'm fine Jack.' Maddy rested her head on his shoulder and they sat in companionable silence for a while. 'Jack, do you wish for children?'
Jack pursed his lips together, he knew the question was coming. 'Sometimes I do luv. I see how happy Will is with his two, an' I think ter meself that it'd be nice. But then, if we'd had kids, they wouldn't have been able to stay on board and neither would you, an' we'd never have seen each other, and that would've been unacceptable.' Jack smiled. 'So, I'm glad we haven't any children. 'Sides, I've sired enough bastards around the Caribbean fer me bloodline to carry on for generations!' Jack squeezed his wife's shoulder again.
Maddy smiled, relieved by Jack's reassurance.
'So Jack, you never did tell me what Governor Swann's butler did.' Maddy loved Jack's tales, be they true or not.
'Ah, well luv, last time I was in Port Royal, I paid a visit to Will an' Elizabeth an' the whole house was in uproar. Turns out the butler had been caught wi' his trousers down in t'cowshed.' Maddy was surprised, but Jack nodded vigorously, as if to indicate just how true the tale was.
'Who was he caught in the cowshed with?' Maddy couldn't believe that Jack had to smuggle a man out of Port Royal just because of a dalliance.
'Cows luv. Real cows, if ya get me meaning, savvy?'
'He was..... with cows?' Maddy looked at Jack with wide eyes, not entirely sure whether to believe him or not.
'Aye, with cows. O'course, the Governor was outraged and wanted the poor bugger hanged, so I told 'im I'd take him off his hands that night.'
'Where did you take him? And why?'
'Tortuga luv. If ya've got un-natural desires, that's the best place ter go. Governor Swann was willin' ter pay handsomely to be rid o'the man, so I got rid of him, savvy?' Jack looked up at Eb approaching them. 'Ere, Eb'll tell ya. It were true about t'Governors butler, eh Eb?'
Eb shifted uncomfortably. 'Aye, it was true enough. We made him sleep in a cabin by himself, since no one wanted to be anywhere near him.' He shuddered at the memory. 'Cap'n, looks like there might be a storm brewing.' Jack hauled himself to his feet, sniffing the air and looking around at the sea.
'Hmmm, reckon you could be right Eb, better get everything lashed down an' tell Will to get Elizabeth an' the children in to my cabin. Don't toss so much in there.' Eb hurried off, barking orders as he went, while Jack studied his compass, weighing up whether it would be better to weigh anchor or sail through the storm. 'Let's see how she blows eh luv?' Jack caressed the wheel, and then glanced about to make sure no one saw him talking to the ship. 'They already think I'm mad enough! I wish Gibbs were 'ere though.' Jack smiled sadly as he watched his wife working with the rest of the crew, stowing away anything that could move and anchoring down anything too big to be stashed. The sea started to swell and the bow of The Pearl rose and crashed down, sending a spray the length of the ship, soaking everyone on deck and some on the next level down. Jack handed his hat, coat and belt to Maddy. He didn't want any impediments whilst wrestling the wheel. 'Go on luv, go below an' strap yerself in.'
'Let me stay with you a while longer Jack.' Maddy hated storms. Not so much the storms, but the thought of Jack being on deck, usually alone. Jack, she knew, loved storms. He loved feeling at one with his ship, both of them battling together against the elements.
'Nah luv, I'd rather ya went now, it's startin' to get rough already.' Jack kissed his wife before giving her a push in the direction of the stairs. 'Off ya go.' Maddy sighed, fighting the unease in her stomach and made her way below to their cabin. Her heart sank when she saw Elizabeth and the children already there.
'I think you should get the children strapped in to the bunk now, it might be too rough to do so later.' Maddy fought to keep her voice even.
'I'll decide what's best for *my* children, thank you.' Elizabeth scowled at Maddy, pulling Caroline to her.
Maddy busied herself stowing away the effects that were strewn about the cabin, making sure the ropes used for lashing people or things around the room were secure, and then glanced towards the window. The sky and sea had merged into a uniform grey, with only the white foam on top to indicate just how high the waves actually were. She took a deep breath and turned to face Elizabeth.
'Put the children into the bunk and please don't argue. It really is in their best interest to do it now.' Elizabeth scowled, so Maddy took Little Jack's hand and led him to the bunk, then called Caroline over and lay her down beside her brother. 'Now there's nothing to be frightened of, Uncle Jack is the best captain on the ocean and he will get us all through this storm safely.' Maddy smiled at the children as she secured the rope, pinning them to the bunk.
'Why do we have to be tied up?' Caroline's lip started to quiver and her eyes filled up with tears.
'Because you can't stand up properly on a ship in a storm, so it's best to tie yourself to something so you don't crash about and hurt yourself, savvy?' Maddy frowned at Elizabeth who had elbowed her out of the way, leaning over her children and crooning soothing words to them. Maddy went and sat on the floor with her back against the stern of the ship and tied herself with the rope. 'You had better tie yourself in Elizabeth.'
'I'm staying here next to my children.' Her reply was cold and the venom in her voice not diluted by the sound of the storm.
'Fine, I don't suppose they'll miss you much when you're on your sickbed, injured. After all, they haven't seen that much of you since we left Port Royal have they?' Maddy felt her patience stretching to breaking point.
'How dare you!' Elizabeth turned sharply just as the ship pitched and fell heavily to the floor, wincing with pain as she tried to get up. Maddy sighed, then untied herself and went to the stricken woman's aid. 'Don't you touch me, you cow!' Elizabeth's hand missed Maddy's face by a whisker.
Maddy shrugged, unruffled by the outburst. 'Suit yourself. You can tie yourself in now and I hope it hurts.' She watched with grim satisfaction as Elizabeth struggled with the rope, the pain from her shoulder making it hard to secure it. A particularly violent roll made everyone gasp, then a wail came from the bunk, Maddy grabbed Elizabeth's arm, preventing her from going over. 'Don't be bloody stupid. They're safe, you're not.' Maddy loosened her binds and tied Elizabeth in, pulling it a little tighter than was strictly necessary. The young woman gave Maddy a deadly look, determined not to show how much pain she was in.
The cabin grew steadily darker until it was pitch black, Caroline had ceased whimpering and Maddy assumed she'd finally fallen asleep. 'No such luxury for me,' Maddy thought, trying to ease her back. She prayed Jack was all right and that the ship would ride out the storm, just as she'd always done. Hours passed, and Maddy had long since grown tired of Elizabeth's attempts to keep as far away from her as possible, smiling sardonically when her head rested on Maddy's shoulder as she slept fitfully for a time. Maddy felt very tempted to go on deck, but thought better of it. 'Jack's got enough to worry about without me adding to it.' But the waiting was nearly killing her. Maddy looked resignedly at Elizabeth who'd just woken up. 'Here we go again,' she sighed inwardly.
Elizabeth shuffled away from the older woman, her lip curled in a half snarl. 'I suppose you're enjoying this aren't you?'
'Oh yes, I really enjoy having my husband out there risking his life to see this ship and crew to safety. I have a ball down here, while he's being soaked to the skin and battered by waves higher than your bloody mansion. Get off your high horse and stop being such a stupid, immature little brat. Yes I slept with Will once. Yes it was wrong of us, but it seems to me and to Jack that you've forgotten who Will Turner is. He's the man who risked everything to sail across the Caribbean to your rescue. He's the man who was prepared to give his life for you. He's the man for whom you pledged yourself to another, in order that he help rescue Will. You just want to put all the blame on me to cover up your own shortcomings.' Elizabeth scrambled to untie herself, jumping on Maddy when she was free and began pummelling Maddy with her fists.
'That's not true! You tried to steal Will off me!' Maddy had just about enough of this. She grabbed a handful of hair and banged Elizabeth's face into the wall behind them, then looked on in shock as Elizabeth reeled back, blood pouring from a gash across her cheek.
'Elizabeth, I'm sorry, please..'
'Get your hands off me, bitch.' Elizabeth crawled across the cabin to the bunk and climbed on, snuggling close to her still sleeping children, dabbing at the blood with the edge of the sheet.
Maddy sighed, feeling physically and emotionally drained. 'Oh why the hell did I do that? There'll never be peace between us now.' She realised the ship wasn't pitching quite so much and decided to risk untying herself. Maddy walked tentatively to the bunk, wondering whether she was doing the right thing or not. 'Elizabeth. Look, I'm sorry for what's happened between us. Please can we try and at least be civil to each other?'
'Civil? Ha! You must be joking.' Elizabeth tensed her body, waiting for Maddy to dare to touch her. 'The sooner we're in the Bahamas, the happier I shall be, because then at least I won't have to be around you all the time.'
Maddy turned at the sound of someone coming through the door and looked to see Will standing there, a puzzled expression on his face.
'Is everything all right?' He looked from Maddy to his wife and children on the bunk.
'No it bloody well isn't. Look what the bitch did to me.' Elizabeth rolled off the bunk and turned her face towards her husband's. 'Look!'
'Maddy?' A look of disbelief crossed Will's face.
'I lost my temper Will and I shouldn't have done that, I'm sorry.' The Pearl lurched in the water, throwing Maddy into Will's arms, prompting a cry of pure rage from Elizabeth.
'Get your hands off him!' Elizabeth flew at Maddy, yanking her out of Will's arms. Another lurch sent both women crashing to floor, rolling around, kicking, scratching and biting wherever they could. Will tried to keep his balance as he pulled Elizabeth away, but the storm seemed to be getting worse and the ship rolled, almost to her side. Maddy, Elizabeth and Will fell heavily against the wall of the cabin and were then bombarded by effects in the cabin that had worked loose from their anchorage. Water poured through a couple of broken windows, soaking them and causing the children in the bunk to scream loudly.
'Jack!' Maddy crawled towards the door, her progress slowed by the violent movement of the ship. She reached the door before Will caught her, pulling her back in.
'No Maddy, you can't. It's far too dangerous.'
'Will, I have to see that Jack is all right. Let go of me!' Maddy fought against Will's grip, but the years of being a blacksmith had given the man hidden strength. 'Will please.' Maddy implored, desperately.
Will dragged her as best he could to the stern and tied her up again. 'Maddy, don't make me tie your hands too because I will.' Will pulled his wife down, tying her also. 'I have to go back on deck, so I don't want you two fighting again. For God's sake, our lives are at stake here and all you can think about are your petty vendettas. I'll check on you later and if either of you are fighting or arguing, I shall bind both your hands and gag you. Understood?'
Both women nodded mutely as Will fought his way out of the cabin, too shocked by his anger to say anything. Maddy turned her head away and threw up, the vomit swishing around the floor in the sea water. Her head collapsed onto her knees and sobbed, unable to hold onto her composure anymore, and certain that Jack had been swept overboard. Elizabeth sat watching Maddy for a while, and began to reach a tentative hand out towards the other woman, before deciding against it and turning away.