Three
Will tenderly grasped both of Elizabeth's hands in his own and gazed deeply into her eyes. He had nearly forgotten about Jack as the ceremony had progressed, but he didn't need to worry anyway. Jack was standing stock-still, trying not to move at all for fear of giving himself away. Commodore Norrington's eyes were uncomfortably on him, he had noticed, as if the man thought he looked familiar, but wasn't certain where he had seen him before. Jack kept his own eyes downwards, lest a full contact of eyes should give the final spark of recognition. The pirate hoped that "you may kiss the bride" was soon. Things would not go well for him if he were revealed. Finally, the reverend said the line that Jack was so looking forward to, and Will and Elizabeth shared a passionate kiss. Jack couldn't help but note the look of almost jealousness that pervaded Norrington's features. However, the Commodore was still a noble man in deed, and would honor Elizabeth's choice of men.
Will and Elizabeth smiled joyfully. The light of the candles danced in their eyes as they held each other's hands lovingly. They turned to the congregation. The crowd of 'stuffy' men and women surprised Will by bursting into energetic applause and cheers.
"I present to you Mr. and Mrs. William Turner," proclaimed the reverend jovially.
After the applause died down, the crowd rose to their feet and surged forward to congratulate the newlyweds. There was a considerable amount of hand shaking and shoulder clapping, as Will and Elizabeth meandered through the crowd. Jack shrank furtively into the corner, hoping he wouldn't be noticed. And it was then that the absolute worst thing happened. Commodore Norrington emerged from the crowd and approached Jack. He was smiling, much to the pirate's surprise, and he extended his hand to Jack.
"Pleasure to meet you, Mr.?" said the Commodore searchingly. Jack was forced to meet eyes, though he did so reluctantly. He took James Norrington's hand and shook it evasively, endeavoring to do a straightforward handshake, a skill in which he was not so practiced. Unfortunately, he wasn't able to pull it off so well.
"Mr. Miles, Austin Miles," said Jack finally. He gulped as he realized that he had started out in his normal voice and gradually morphed into his feigned voice. The Commodore didn't seem to notice.
"I just wanted to meet Mr. Turner's best man," said Norrington. "It was delightful—" – he turned to leave – "—Mr. Sparrow," he whispered over his shoulder.
Jack blinked in surprise. Apparently, his disguise hadn't fooled the discerning Norrington. Thankfully, it appeared the man was going to let him off the hook…again.
"Pleasure meeting you also," offered Jack. The Commodore nodded and vanished into the crowd.
Gradually, the people dissipated, leaving Governor Swann and a few other close relations. Will and Elizabeth ambled back over to Jack and sighed in relief.
"Everything went well?" asked Will.
Jack nodded and broke into his revealing grin. "Congratulations on your wedding!" he said. Then he lowered his voice. "Can I get out of this blasted costume now?"
"Yes," answered Will. "We'll get that taken care of as soon as possible."
After the lengthy congratulating from Governor Swann, who had squinted quizzically at Jack's wig as if he recognized it, but said nothing, the three made their way down the street back to the shop. Jack related his meeting with Commodore Norrington to the couple, and Will shook his head. There was a new admiration for the Commodore in his eyes. He squeezed Elizabeth's hand.
"Well," he sighed as they went, "finally married. I never thought I would see the day. From just about the moment we met…I…I fell in love with you. I couldn't help myself. Something in your eyes took me in. Nevertheless, I would by no means have admitted it to you…at least—not with your father around. I couldn't bear to let you go to the Commodore, but I wanted what was best for you. And I'm glad you understood that I wanted you."
"I'm glad as well," offered Elizabeth. "As good a man as the Commodore is, I would rather be with you any day."
When they reached the blacksmith shop, Jack was almost begging to take the costume off. He could barely wait.
"All right, all right," laughed Elizabeth.
After about a half an hour, Jack was back in his own attire and grinning from ear to ear. Elizabeth smiled and stood back so Will could see. Will laughed softly as he clapped. Jack bowed and flourished, delighted to be himself again.
The telltale chirping of crickets announced that the evening had arrived, an ideal time for Jack to depart.
"So…," said Will. "How will you rendezvous with your shipmates?"
Jack looked up. "I've a small boat down by the bay. It's pretty concealed so I won't be seen. Once I'm there, I'll row out to where my ship is waiting; at least, that's where they should be waiting if they've got heads on their shoulders."
"That's good," said Elizabeth.
"I best be off," said Jack.
"We want to thank you so much for coming to our wedding," said Will, rising to his feet. "It meant more to me than you know. And," he added, "it was quite fun."
Jack gave a chuckle and nodded. "Anytime, mate," he said, clapping Will's shoulder. "Kind of reminds me of my wedding."
Both Will and Elizabeth looked up in surprise. Jack grinned.
"Only jesting," he laughed. "But if I ever do have a wedding, I'll look you up. Now, I take my leave." He tipped his hat and ambled out the door in his familiar stride.
Will shook his head in wonder. "And he's gone again. But I don't think we've seen the last of the indestructible Captain Jack Sparrow."
Elizabeth nodded and slowly stood up, taking his hands. Then, Will leaned down and they kissed tenderly, even as the waning sunlight spilled through the slated windows, outlining the features of the two figures, and slowly dying on the floor.
Finis
