Chapter Four

As soon as Jack saw the purse, he couldn't resist taking it. These people were wealthy, what was one pouch of money to them? His hand whipped out and snatched it in the blink of an eye. There were no shouts of 'Thief!' or 'Pirate!' - just the every day hustle and bustle of the market.

A faint smile crossed his face as he remembered the time he had taken Serena out pilfering with him. She'd had to wear men's boots and a long coat and climb out of her window in the middle of the night. She had been worried at first, but she had trusted Jack when he promised that he wouldn't let them get caught. They had had to run for their lives in the end, finally stopping breathlessly and kissing in the light of the moon. They'd had such fun. As he was thinking this, he suddenly spotted her walking down towards where he was. She hadn't seen him yet. She was with that Lieutenant.

Serena hadn't seen him yet, either. Jack wasn't sure what might happen if she did. If she was still as angry as she had been yesterday, she might walk past like she didn't know him. He didn't want that, so he backed up against a wall, and ducked back into the shade. If Serena looked hard to her right, she would probably see him, but it was too late now. As they came closer, he could hear Edward's voice drifting towards him.

"...weather has been splendid recently. Much better than in England, wouldn't you say? You should visit the sun dial more often, it's very fascinating. I'm sure you will be interested once I explain to you how it works..."

Hidden behind the wall, Jack shook his head and rolled his eyes. What did Serena see in this guy? That's a great way to charm women, he thought sarcastically, waffle on about the weather! Jack looked at Serena's face, pleased to see her bored expression. He could tell she wasn't listening to one word. He smiled to himself.

Jack listened to the rest of the conversation, feeling dislike towards Edward as he told Serena he was going off to attack a pirate ship. Pirate-hunter, Jack thought bitterly. The he heard Serena pleading, her voice rising in concern for him to stay. Jack felt a tug at his heart. It sounded like she really cared for him.

He ran his eyes all over her, thinking of how beautiful and sultry she was. Even years ago, he couldn't resist her.

Looking back to Edward, Jack noticed that his expression was growing vexed. He leaned out slightly to hear the conversation more clearly.

"I could come with you, if you want. You know, perhaps flirt a bit just to..."

Yes, you certainly could, thought Jack with a grin. Then he heard Edward's voice raised in frustration.

"...going to have to do as I tell you. When we're married, you will be obedient and submissive..."

Jack snorted. Serena submissive? In the back of his mind he felt like rushing out there and defending her. How dare he speak to her like that? But he knew Serena. She'd know what to say.

"...Well, I'm sorry Edward but I'm not like that. I don't want to obey you. That's not love. Perhaps you don't love me after all, if you wish me to change."

Jack watched mesmerised as Serena marched away holding her head up defiantly, leaving Edward standing alone and looking perplexed. She went past the corner where Jack was without noticing him at all.

Serena was not there to see Edward off at the docks. As the ship pulled away, he looked for her face in the crowd but he could not see it. For the rest of the journey he felt lost in a wave of regret. After their argument in the market, he should have gone after her and made everything alright again. He followed the Commodore's orders but he found it difficult to concentrate. He kept thinking about what Serena had said about not loving her after all. He had always thought himself lucky to have a girl like her on his arm. But she was so free-spirited and passionate; he often felt that he couldn't satisfy her. What if he was killed and never saw her again? Why did he have to say those things to her for? He must have sounded like his father, strict and commanding. No wonder she had run off. He didn't want to be here on this ship at all. He wanted to go back to Antigua to tell Serena he did love her. He loved her.

Serena sat up in her room, trying to work out all the mixed emotions she was feeling. It was so out of character for Edward to try and 'put her in her place'. Perhaps it was something to do with his father. Edward always changed the subject when it came to him. Serena felt guilt wash over her. She shouldn't have walked away from him like that. She remembered the things she'd said to him about not loving her. That must have hurt him. What was she doing sitting up here? She had to catch him before he sailed.

Without even bothering to put on her bonnet, Serena rushed from the house and into the market. Ignoring the glances of disapproval, she pushed through throngs of people, running as fast as her feet would carry her. Just ahead of her, she saw Jack staring at her as she ran wildly past everyone, fear and determination on her face. She ignored Jack and ran past him, her mind thinking only of Edward.

When she reached the docks, she looked around frantically. She approached a nearby Lieutenant.

"Excuse me, could you tell me if the ship in pursuit of the pirates has left yet?"

"Yes, milady. It left some time ago." He informed her politely. His face turned stony again as he faced forward once more, his hand gripped on his musket.

Serena's face was a picture of pure shock. Distress filled her pretty features. The Lieutenant turned to her in concern.

"Are you quite alright, milady?" he asked her.

"I...I'm fine, thank you."

Serena began to walk unsteadily back through the market. She felt like she was in a daze. She knew she would see Jack on the way, but she didn't care. She walked slowly through the market and saw him there, waiting for her.

"What's the matter, love?" Jack spoke in a concerned voice, touching her arm gently. Serena started at his touch but stopped walking and turned to face him.

"It's alright, Jack's here," he said softly, glad that none of his crew could see him. "Come on." He said firmly, taking her hand and leading her away.