Jack strutted up the ramp onto his ship, smiling broadly. His ship. He liked the sound of that. It wasn't, granted, but it was certainly close enough for all that. It was an hour till dusk, and he felt like a proper captain, nevermind the name. Clean, groomed, and trimmed, his gold tooth gleaming in the light. He knew he cleaned up nice, and the fresh suit, and a brand new leather captain's hat…. He felt dandy, if that was even a word for a man in his position. It was an hour or so till the carriage would arrive, and he'd have the single sexiest French-speaking bitch in the country on his arm. What could be better? He could only imagine what she'd look like in that dress- that was the entire reason he was early, anyway. She'd need time to get back in it, after all.
She wasn't on deck, so he waltzed his way into the cabin, staring at her, staring at the dress, which was laid out on the bed. Judging by her expression, it was liable to attack any moment.
"Love, don't tell me you can't dress yourself?"
She turned to look at him, grinned expressionlessly, and turned back to the dress. He sighed, and in the most businesslike manner he'd ever done so, yanked the clothing off of her. It took a little effort to get the mass of skirts over her head, and he took a moment to see that none of the lace, nor the expensive silk, creased as he laced it up deftly. The ruffles of the sleeves hid her forearms perfectly; the neckline made her small breasts seem so much more substantial, and the color made her eyes sparkle beautifully. He smiled, finding himself wordless at the rough- hewn lady in his cabin.
"Is it that bad?" she smiled slightly, worried.
"Contrary," he caught her jaw and kissed her hard. "You may never get to the damned ball…"
"Don't tempt me. You got us into this one." She sighed, clasping the necklace around her neck and fingering it nervously.
"Love, I'm Captain Jack Sparrow. Sa-"
"Savvy." She kissed him hard. "But I'm not. Any questions?"
"Just a little insurance, if you will." He clasped her left hand, and she felt a ring slide over her finger. "I'm takin you to your fiancé in the French Philippines."
"You're not in the French Philippines." The thought was spoken before it was registered.
"True enough, love," his kiss was gentler this time. "But they don't have to know that. Now," he stepped back, eyeing her appraisingly for a moment to long, and grinned at her frustration, offering his arms. "Let us be off, mi'lady."