Usual disclaimers – shall we have a whip round and see if we can raise
enough money to buy Jack off The Mouse? We can share him then!!
Thank you all for reviewing, you might get another chapter today or tomorrow.
Hilary, yes that cow is still on board, and of course Jack to the rescue!
KK, I can't actually imagine Jack without his dreads, or his beard braids or beads.
Elven-fae, don't worry about it. I'll think of something, no doubt.
Sakhara, thank you, I'm glad you thought the chapter was good. Unfortunately, Maddy can't (and won't) get pregnant, and I need the Singapore story to be set when Jack was younger, as he reminisces in a few chapters' time.
JessiGurl, thank you and keep reading. I do try and update at least twice a week, depends on how busy Linthilde is.
SparrowPhoenix, wow! I'm blushing here :D I always used to enjoy story writing at school, but stopped doing it, until I started this story. Thank you.
With thanks to Linnie, for all your support and ideas.
*********
Chapter 49
Maddy was determined not to let the other prisoners affect her, but it was hard, for they would constantly make lewd suggestions and drop their trousers, thrusting their groins towards her. She shifted on the floor, trying to find a comfortable position to sit, but there was none. The cells went quiet as the outside door opened, and three figures appeared in the gloom. The gaoler looked around at the prisoners, making sure that no one was about to try anything, then made for the far cell, which contained Maddy. She gingerly got to her feet and stood flat against the wall trying to see who was behind the man, then gasping when she saw Esme.
'Esme! What on earth are you doing here?' Maddy went to embrace the older woman as the bars swung open, but was beaten back by the gaoler.
'Stay where you are, bitch,' he growled, ignoring the cries of protest from the people behind him.
Maddy whimpered with pain, then glared at the gaoler, her anger overcoming the throbbing from her shoulder. 'Esme, you really shouldn't be here, it's no place for a lady.'
'Which is exactly why you shouldn't be here. This is Jacob Hamilton, my solicitor, he's looking at whether your incarceration is legal or not.'
Maddy shook the gentleman's hand, smiling thinly. 'While I appreciate it, it's no use Esme. He won't be able to get me released.'
'Ah, but Mrs. Sparrow, they have no proof that you are guilty of any wrongdoing. They cannot simply imprison you because of who your husband is.' Jacob Hamilton cut an imposing figure, something for which Maddy was grateful, for the gaoler and the prisoners had gone very quiet. 'I am goin' to see the town's magistrate to see if I can get you a hearing.'
'And if the hearing doesn't go well, what then?' Maddy was under no illusions as to the worse case scenario, she'd heard too many of Jack's stories.
'I promise you Mrs. Sparrow, I will get you released.' Hamilton turned and walked out the cell, with a flourish, leaving Maddy still standing against the wall with a bemused look on her face.
'Don't make promises yer not sure you can keep,' she called after the departing figure, then smiled warmly at Esme. 'Thank you for your help, don't worry about me, I'll be fine.'
**********
Jack ached in places he'd forgotten about and made a mental note to row himself to shore more often, he was getting soft having his crew rowing for him all the time. To his relief, there was a schooner heading for the port, so Jack changed direction so that he was heading for where he hoped it would anchor. 'If I can get in behind it,' he mused, 'I can pretend I came off there.' Jack grinned, very pleased with this turn of events and put extra spurt on. It still took far too long to reach the ship and every muscle in his body seemed to scream at Jack. He carefully rowed around the ship, keeping a weather eye out for any port officials or someone from the schooner who might challenge him, but no one did, so he rowed to shore then threw to mooring rope to a dockhand and climbed gratefully from the boat, easing his stiff muscles as he cast a glance around the docks, his eyes lighting up when he saw Will. Jack strode over to where Will was standing, noting that the whelp looked slightly agitated, even from that distance.
'A good day to you young sir, lovely weather we're having, what?' Will looked up at the clipped English accent, then did a double take, his eyes growing wide in astonishment.
'Jack?' The man grinned, showing a mouthful of gold teeth, confirming Will's guess. 'Bloody hell Jack,' Will whispered, glancing around to make sure no one recognised him.
''Would you direct me to a decent inn please young man, I'm new in town.' Jack walked ahead of Will, sticking his nose in the air slightly, then looking round, to see where Will had got to.
'Jack, Maddy's in gaol.'
Jack stopped dead at this and spun to face Will, the feather in his hat nearly slapping the younger man. 'What? Shit! Has she been charged?'
'No, Esme's solicitor has arranged a hearing for her this afternoon with the magistrate. She'll either be set free or charged then.'
'Set free? You must be bleedin' joking mate?' Jack caught himself, and looked around, hoping no one had noticed the lapse in his accent. 'Where's the gaol, what's it like inside?
'It's up here, and I've no idea what the layout is, I've never been in that particular prison. What are we going to do?' Will cannoned into the back of Jack, as the pirate stopped suddenly.
'We're going ter do nothin' William, I'm going ter rescue me wife, savvy?'
'Jack, you can't do it alone, you'll need my help.'
'No Will, you can't help. You can't risk your standing here, so go and bother the harbourmaster, so that you've got an alibi,' Jack shooed Will away with his hands.
'Jack!'
'No Will, now please, just go away.' Jack turned and carried on along the street, spying a tavern opposite the gaol, and headed for there.
'Jack, don't smile too much,' Will called after his friend.
Jack turned once more and flashed a golden grin at Will, then disappeared into the tavern. He ordered a bottle of rum and a clean mug from the bar- keep, then settled himself by the window, staring intently at the gaol opposite, mulling over what the best plan of action would be. So lost was Jack in his thoughts, that he almost missed Esme walking past the tavern. He quickly downed the rest of his rum and shot out of the inn, and hurried after the old woman.
'Good day to you Mrs. Davies,' Jack winked broadly at her as her face registered recognition then shock.
'Jack, what on earth......?' Esme's hands went to her chest, in an effort to still her pounding heart.
'Eh, not too loud luv, we don't want everyone ter know I'm here.' Jack took Esme's hand and kissed it. 'How's Madalene?'
'She didn't look too good, to be truthful with you Jack, and I'm not sure this hearing this afternoon is going to help. What are you planning on doing?'
Jack looked at Esme, then at the gaol, a slow smile spreading across his lips. 'Come with me, an' play along, savvy? What's yer solicitor's name?'
'Jacob Hamilton, why?'
Jack placed Esme's hand in the crook of his arm, and walked to the gaol, seemingly without a care in the world. Jack opened the door, and allowed Esme in first, then followed her, eyes taking in everything, then settled on the guard, who'd stood up, a suspicious look on his face.
'Ah, good morning Sir, I'm a clerk for Jacob Hamilton, and there's something he'd like to ask Mrs. Davies' friend, he unfortunately he cannot make it himself, so he sent me in his stead. If you would be so kind as to allow us access...' Jack stood in front of the guard, a charming smile on his face, as he waited for the man to make up his mind.
'She's already had one visit, if I allow you in again, all the prisoners will want visits, so I'm declining your request.'
Jack rolled his eyes and sighed theatrically, 'Wrong answer mate.' Quick as a flash, Jack brought his fist up to the guard's jaw and sent the hapless man flying backwards, then dived on top of him and punched him again, smiling grimly as the man slumped unconscious to the floor. Jack cursed under his breath as another guard appeared from a back room and charged towards him, then grinned as Esme's foot came out and sent the man sprawling on the floor. Jack pulled his pistol from his belt and cocked it, aiming at the second guard.
'Oh dear mate, not too bright are we? Esme luv, go an' get me some irons off t'wall.' Jack kept a careful eye on both guards as Esme fetched the irons and clamped some on the conscious guard's wrists and ankles, then turned her attentions to the other guard, still out cold on the floor, while Jack fumbled about with the keys, hanging from the man's belt.
Jack cursed as he tried key after key in the lock of the door, leading to the cells, then let out a sigh of relief when it finally sprang open. He bounded down the passageway between the cells, then his breath caught as he saw Maddy huddled in the end cell, looking pale and tired.
'Madalene luv?'
Maddy's eyes shot up at the familiar voice and she leapt to her feet and over to the cell door. 'Jack? You look.... how the hell did you get in?'
'Never mind that darlin', it's the gettin' out that I'm more concerned with now.' Jack once again fiddled about with the keys, sending up thanks as the cell door sprang open on the third attempt. He threw his arms around Maddy and held her tight, drinking in her scent. 'Oh God luv, are you all right?'
'Better for seeing you,' Maddy looked at her husband's face incredulously, not believing how different he looked, or that he was even there in the first place.
'Ere mate, you gonna let us go an' all?' Came a voice from one of the cells.
Jack looked around at the other cells, considering the request. 'Aye, I'll let yer go, on one condition. See to it that ya cause a little trouble on yer way out, savvy?'
'A riot ya mean? Aye, we can do that, can't we lads?' The cells reverberated with the sound of the prisoners chorusing their agreement, so Jack thrust the ring of keys into the cell next to Maddy's.
'Off ya go then lads.' Jack led Maddy away from the cells and into the guardroom, where Esme was still waiting, then exited the prison with a lady on each arm, and strolled down the street, exuding a nonchalant air.
'Esme, what have you done? They'll arrest you as soon as it's discovered what has happened.' Maddy looked worriedly at Esme, then her husband.
Jack blanched and looked apologetically at Esme. 'Sorry luv, I never thought o'that. I should've gone in alone.'
'Nonsense, I was getting a little fed up with Nassau anyway, I might just go and live in Freetown, near Will and Elizabeth. I might even help out in the little school of hers.' Esme smiled mischievously at the Sparrows, feeling quite light headed with excitement.
'But you'll have ter go now luv, before they find out.'
'Will is leaving soon, I only have to fetch one or two personal belongings, along with Fellowes of course, then I'll be ready.' Esme let go of Jack's arm, then reached up on tiptoe and kissed his cheek, 'Don't worry about me Jack Sparrow, I'm a survivor, just like you. Goodbye Maddy, I'll see you the next time you're in Freetown.' Esme turned and marched towards her house, leaving a bemused Jack and Maddy staring after her.
'Do you think she'll be all right Jack?' Maddy fought down the urge to run after the old lady.
'Aye luv, she'll be just fine an' dandy.' Jack smiled, then bent and kissed his wife tenderly. 'C'mon luv, she ain't t'only one pushed fer time.' He led the way up the lane where he was attacked, and past the ruined farmhouse where Keating had hidden the map, then checked his compass and headed inland, glancing back at the sounds of an altercation coming from the town. 'Looks like they're keepin' their word,' he smiled, squeezing Maddy's hand.
'I cannot believe how different you look.' Maddy stopped and traced the outline of Jack's face with her fingers, taking in his full lips no longer partially hidden since he trimmed his thick moustache, and his dark, deep eyes boring into hers. She smiled to herself, suddenly looking forward more than ever, to getting back on board The Pearl and their cabin.
**********
'How long do we wait Eb?' Rebecca was tired of all the waiting around, the men had grown tired of her games and she was eager to get back to her father.
'As long as it takes, Bec, whether it's a day or a week, so long as no one discovers us, we don't move until the Cap'n an' Maddy are back onboard.' Eb gave Rebecca an apologetic smile, shrugging his shoulders. 'Sorry, I know you want ter get going.'
Rebecca smiled ruefully back at Eb, 'It could be worse, I could still be still on that bloody island, I suppose. I'll go below and help Tom prepare dinner.' Eb watched as the young girl sashayed across the deck and down the stairs, smiling to himself, then resumed the watch over the island, scanning for any sign of Jack and Maddy.
**********
'You want to do WHAT?' Will stared with a mixture of apprehension and shock at Esme Davies' calm figure standing before him, with her butler Fellowes standing just behind her, his face as impassable as ever.
'I'm coming to Freetown Will, that's what. Now if you'd be so kind as to get some of your men to load my trunk on board, then we can be off, can't we?' Esme smiled placatingly at Will, patting his arm.
'But Esme.... why?' Will was desperate to be off, especially as Esme told him that Jack had rescued Maddy and they were on their way back to The Pearl.
'I'll tell you about it when we're on our way, how does that sound? I say David,' Esme called out to David Masterton, 'Would you kindly arrange for my trunk to be taken aboard please, Will is rather busy.'
'Where are you going Mrs. Davies?' Masterton looked from Esme to Will and back again.
'Freetown, now come along, I know you're all ready to leave.'
Will nodded his head slowly, getting a horrible feeling he wasn't going to like what Esme had to tell him, but wanting to be away from Nassau before anything else could go wrong.
Thank you all for reviewing, you might get another chapter today or tomorrow.
Hilary, yes that cow is still on board, and of course Jack to the rescue!
KK, I can't actually imagine Jack without his dreads, or his beard braids or beads.
Elven-fae, don't worry about it. I'll think of something, no doubt.
Sakhara, thank you, I'm glad you thought the chapter was good. Unfortunately, Maddy can't (and won't) get pregnant, and I need the Singapore story to be set when Jack was younger, as he reminisces in a few chapters' time.
JessiGurl, thank you and keep reading. I do try and update at least twice a week, depends on how busy Linthilde is.
SparrowPhoenix, wow! I'm blushing here :D I always used to enjoy story writing at school, but stopped doing it, until I started this story. Thank you.
With thanks to Linnie, for all your support and ideas.
*********
Chapter 49
Maddy was determined not to let the other prisoners affect her, but it was hard, for they would constantly make lewd suggestions and drop their trousers, thrusting their groins towards her. She shifted on the floor, trying to find a comfortable position to sit, but there was none. The cells went quiet as the outside door opened, and three figures appeared in the gloom. The gaoler looked around at the prisoners, making sure that no one was about to try anything, then made for the far cell, which contained Maddy. She gingerly got to her feet and stood flat against the wall trying to see who was behind the man, then gasping when she saw Esme.
'Esme! What on earth are you doing here?' Maddy went to embrace the older woman as the bars swung open, but was beaten back by the gaoler.
'Stay where you are, bitch,' he growled, ignoring the cries of protest from the people behind him.
Maddy whimpered with pain, then glared at the gaoler, her anger overcoming the throbbing from her shoulder. 'Esme, you really shouldn't be here, it's no place for a lady.'
'Which is exactly why you shouldn't be here. This is Jacob Hamilton, my solicitor, he's looking at whether your incarceration is legal or not.'
Maddy shook the gentleman's hand, smiling thinly. 'While I appreciate it, it's no use Esme. He won't be able to get me released.'
'Ah, but Mrs. Sparrow, they have no proof that you are guilty of any wrongdoing. They cannot simply imprison you because of who your husband is.' Jacob Hamilton cut an imposing figure, something for which Maddy was grateful, for the gaoler and the prisoners had gone very quiet. 'I am goin' to see the town's magistrate to see if I can get you a hearing.'
'And if the hearing doesn't go well, what then?' Maddy was under no illusions as to the worse case scenario, she'd heard too many of Jack's stories.
'I promise you Mrs. Sparrow, I will get you released.' Hamilton turned and walked out the cell, with a flourish, leaving Maddy still standing against the wall with a bemused look on her face.
'Don't make promises yer not sure you can keep,' she called after the departing figure, then smiled warmly at Esme. 'Thank you for your help, don't worry about me, I'll be fine.'
**********
Jack ached in places he'd forgotten about and made a mental note to row himself to shore more often, he was getting soft having his crew rowing for him all the time. To his relief, there was a schooner heading for the port, so Jack changed direction so that he was heading for where he hoped it would anchor. 'If I can get in behind it,' he mused, 'I can pretend I came off there.' Jack grinned, very pleased with this turn of events and put extra spurt on. It still took far too long to reach the ship and every muscle in his body seemed to scream at Jack. He carefully rowed around the ship, keeping a weather eye out for any port officials or someone from the schooner who might challenge him, but no one did, so he rowed to shore then threw to mooring rope to a dockhand and climbed gratefully from the boat, easing his stiff muscles as he cast a glance around the docks, his eyes lighting up when he saw Will. Jack strode over to where Will was standing, noting that the whelp looked slightly agitated, even from that distance.
'A good day to you young sir, lovely weather we're having, what?' Will looked up at the clipped English accent, then did a double take, his eyes growing wide in astonishment.
'Jack?' The man grinned, showing a mouthful of gold teeth, confirming Will's guess. 'Bloody hell Jack,' Will whispered, glancing around to make sure no one recognised him.
''Would you direct me to a decent inn please young man, I'm new in town.' Jack walked ahead of Will, sticking his nose in the air slightly, then looking round, to see where Will had got to.
'Jack, Maddy's in gaol.'
Jack stopped dead at this and spun to face Will, the feather in his hat nearly slapping the younger man. 'What? Shit! Has she been charged?'
'No, Esme's solicitor has arranged a hearing for her this afternoon with the magistrate. She'll either be set free or charged then.'
'Set free? You must be bleedin' joking mate?' Jack caught himself, and looked around, hoping no one had noticed the lapse in his accent. 'Where's the gaol, what's it like inside?
'It's up here, and I've no idea what the layout is, I've never been in that particular prison. What are we going to do?' Will cannoned into the back of Jack, as the pirate stopped suddenly.
'We're going ter do nothin' William, I'm going ter rescue me wife, savvy?'
'Jack, you can't do it alone, you'll need my help.'
'No Will, you can't help. You can't risk your standing here, so go and bother the harbourmaster, so that you've got an alibi,' Jack shooed Will away with his hands.
'Jack!'
'No Will, now please, just go away.' Jack turned and carried on along the street, spying a tavern opposite the gaol, and headed for there.
'Jack, don't smile too much,' Will called after his friend.
Jack turned once more and flashed a golden grin at Will, then disappeared into the tavern. He ordered a bottle of rum and a clean mug from the bar- keep, then settled himself by the window, staring intently at the gaol opposite, mulling over what the best plan of action would be. So lost was Jack in his thoughts, that he almost missed Esme walking past the tavern. He quickly downed the rest of his rum and shot out of the inn, and hurried after the old woman.
'Good day to you Mrs. Davies,' Jack winked broadly at her as her face registered recognition then shock.
'Jack, what on earth......?' Esme's hands went to her chest, in an effort to still her pounding heart.
'Eh, not too loud luv, we don't want everyone ter know I'm here.' Jack took Esme's hand and kissed it. 'How's Madalene?'
'She didn't look too good, to be truthful with you Jack, and I'm not sure this hearing this afternoon is going to help. What are you planning on doing?'
Jack looked at Esme, then at the gaol, a slow smile spreading across his lips. 'Come with me, an' play along, savvy? What's yer solicitor's name?'
'Jacob Hamilton, why?'
Jack placed Esme's hand in the crook of his arm, and walked to the gaol, seemingly without a care in the world. Jack opened the door, and allowed Esme in first, then followed her, eyes taking in everything, then settled on the guard, who'd stood up, a suspicious look on his face.
'Ah, good morning Sir, I'm a clerk for Jacob Hamilton, and there's something he'd like to ask Mrs. Davies' friend, he unfortunately he cannot make it himself, so he sent me in his stead. If you would be so kind as to allow us access...' Jack stood in front of the guard, a charming smile on his face, as he waited for the man to make up his mind.
'She's already had one visit, if I allow you in again, all the prisoners will want visits, so I'm declining your request.'
Jack rolled his eyes and sighed theatrically, 'Wrong answer mate.' Quick as a flash, Jack brought his fist up to the guard's jaw and sent the hapless man flying backwards, then dived on top of him and punched him again, smiling grimly as the man slumped unconscious to the floor. Jack cursed under his breath as another guard appeared from a back room and charged towards him, then grinned as Esme's foot came out and sent the man sprawling on the floor. Jack pulled his pistol from his belt and cocked it, aiming at the second guard.
'Oh dear mate, not too bright are we? Esme luv, go an' get me some irons off t'wall.' Jack kept a careful eye on both guards as Esme fetched the irons and clamped some on the conscious guard's wrists and ankles, then turned her attentions to the other guard, still out cold on the floor, while Jack fumbled about with the keys, hanging from the man's belt.
Jack cursed as he tried key after key in the lock of the door, leading to the cells, then let out a sigh of relief when it finally sprang open. He bounded down the passageway between the cells, then his breath caught as he saw Maddy huddled in the end cell, looking pale and tired.
'Madalene luv?'
Maddy's eyes shot up at the familiar voice and she leapt to her feet and over to the cell door. 'Jack? You look.... how the hell did you get in?'
'Never mind that darlin', it's the gettin' out that I'm more concerned with now.' Jack once again fiddled about with the keys, sending up thanks as the cell door sprang open on the third attempt. He threw his arms around Maddy and held her tight, drinking in her scent. 'Oh God luv, are you all right?'
'Better for seeing you,' Maddy looked at her husband's face incredulously, not believing how different he looked, or that he was even there in the first place.
'Ere mate, you gonna let us go an' all?' Came a voice from one of the cells.
Jack looked around at the other cells, considering the request. 'Aye, I'll let yer go, on one condition. See to it that ya cause a little trouble on yer way out, savvy?'
'A riot ya mean? Aye, we can do that, can't we lads?' The cells reverberated with the sound of the prisoners chorusing their agreement, so Jack thrust the ring of keys into the cell next to Maddy's.
'Off ya go then lads.' Jack led Maddy away from the cells and into the guardroom, where Esme was still waiting, then exited the prison with a lady on each arm, and strolled down the street, exuding a nonchalant air.
'Esme, what have you done? They'll arrest you as soon as it's discovered what has happened.' Maddy looked worriedly at Esme, then her husband.
Jack blanched and looked apologetically at Esme. 'Sorry luv, I never thought o'that. I should've gone in alone.'
'Nonsense, I was getting a little fed up with Nassau anyway, I might just go and live in Freetown, near Will and Elizabeth. I might even help out in the little school of hers.' Esme smiled mischievously at the Sparrows, feeling quite light headed with excitement.
'But you'll have ter go now luv, before they find out.'
'Will is leaving soon, I only have to fetch one or two personal belongings, along with Fellowes of course, then I'll be ready.' Esme let go of Jack's arm, then reached up on tiptoe and kissed his cheek, 'Don't worry about me Jack Sparrow, I'm a survivor, just like you. Goodbye Maddy, I'll see you the next time you're in Freetown.' Esme turned and marched towards her house, leaving a bemused Jack and Maddy staring after her.
'Do you think she'll be all right Jack?' Maddy fought down the urge to run after the old lady.
'Aye luv, she'll be just fine an' dandy.' Jack smiled, then bent and kissed his wife tenderly. 'C'mon luv, she ain't t'only one pushed fer time.' He led the way up the lane where he was attacked, and past the ruined farmhouse where Keating had hidden the map, then checked his compass and headed inland, glancing back at the sounds of an altercation coming from the town. 'Looks like they're keepin' their word,' he smiled, squeezing Maddy's hand.
'I cannot believe how different you look.' Maddy stopped and traced the outline of Jack's face with her fingers, taking in his full lips no longer partially hidden since he trimmed his thick moustache, and his dark, deep eyes boring into hers. She smiled to herself, suddenly looking forward more than ever, to getting back on board The Pearl and their cabin.
**********
'How long do we wait Eb?' Rebecca was tired of all the waiting around, the men had grown tired of her games and she was eager to get back to her father.
'As long as it takes, Bec, whether it's a day or a week, so long as no one discovers us, we don't move until the Cap'n an' Maddy are back onboard.' Eb gave Rebecca an apologetic smile, shrugging his shoulders. 'Sorry, I know you want ter get going.'
Rebecca smiled ruefully back at Eb, 'It could be worse, I could still be still on that bloody island, I suppose. I'll go below and help Tom prepare dinner.' Eb watched as the young girl sashayed across the deck and down the stairs, smiling to himself, then resumed the watch over the island, scanning for any sign of Jack and Maddy.
**********
'You want to do WHAT?' Will stared with a mixture of apprehension and shock at Esme Davies' calm figure standing before him, with her butler Fellowes standing just behind her, his face as impassable as ever.
'I'm coming to Freetown Will, that's what. Now if you'd be so kind as to get some of your men to load my trunk on board, then we can be off, can't we?' Esme smiled placatingly at Will, patting his arm.
'But Esme.... why?' Will was desperate to be off, especially as Esme told him that Jack had rescued Maddy and they were on their way back to The Pearl.
'I'll tell you about it when we're on our way, how does that sound? I say David,' Esme called out to David Masterton, 'Would you kindly arrange for my trunk to be taken aboard please, Will is rather busy.'
'Where are you going Mrs. Davies?' Masterton looked from Esme to Will and back again.
'Freetown, now come along, I know you're all ready to leave.'
Will nodded his head slowly, getting a horrible feeling he wasn't going to like what Esme had to tell him, but wanting to be away from Nassau before anything else could go wrong.