There'll be no livin' with her after this
Chapter 12-The act of contrition
Disclaimer: No, I don't own POTC. Hmm…It's raining right now. The rain depresses me at a time like this. It's been bloody raining for three days straight, it has. Oh, well. I'm happy at the prospect of seeing Neverland again tomorrow…sorry for the small talk…got carried away. Anyway—
"Here we are then, crew, bienvenue la ville de l'amour", Jade announced to the whole of the ship.
"Ah. This is where you resided, eh, love?" Jack said as he came to stand next to Jade at the front of the ship.
"I'tis", Jade replied. "Mr. Turner, will you relax now that we're finally here?" she said, as the gold in her eyes flecked mischievously.
Gibbs and Jack expressed amusement at this, along with the rest of the crew, for Will's anxiousness was obvious to them throughout the voyage.
Will caught the joke, and said, "Oh, of course not, Miss Rochet. I'm even more wound up now that we're here!"
"Oh, no…," they murmured in jest.
"Alright mates, let's load off", Jack said, as they reached the port.
Everyone alighted from the ship, taking their paraphernalia.
When Jade descended from the ship, her legs trembled under her, for she was not used to being steady on land.
"You all right, lass?" Jack inquired, putting his hand on her back. "Just got sea legs, is all."
"Merci", Jade said, as Jack took her hand, and guided her.
Will practically jumped off the ship, and caught a young woman who ran into his arms. They kissed passionately. "I've missed you…"
"I've missed you too…" they breathed between kisses.
"I'm supposing that's Miss Swann?" Jade said softly to Jack.
"Aye." Jack cleared his throat.
Will and Elizabeth pulled back, and looked at their audience, blushing.
Elizabeth drew apart from Will for a moment.
"I'm sorry", she said, shaking her head, as she looked at lass whom she was unacquainted with. 'I'm Elizabeth Swann, Will's fiancée…"
"Je suis Jade Rochet. I'm so happy for you two! Best wishes."
"Thank you."
Elizabeth introduced Jade to her father, whom Jade was shocked to meet again. She acted as though she had never met him, though, and was thankful that he did not seem to know her.
After the brief conversations, Elizabeth immediately went to Will, and they kissed, and talked to each other in soft voices.
As the group walked to the house (for it was not far from port) Jade drew Jack aside.
"Jack! Why did you not mention exactly who Elizabeth Swann was?"
Jack looked at her uncomprehendingly. "I thought I did, love."
"No, no, no! Her father! The governor!" she exclaimed in a hushed voice.
Just then, Governor Swann strolled up to them, and addressed Jack.
"So, Captain Sparrow. Fancy seeing a rogue like yourself again. Keep in mind, I'm trusting you."
"A rogue like myself has also put forth trust in you."
The Governor nodded politely to the both of them, and continued on.
"I am not finished", Jade whispered.
"Nothin' to be concerned about, love. You're apparently not of service to the bloody bloke to any further extent. And lass, ye can be sure naught will come about whilst I'm about", Jack said naturally and with certainty.
Jack's words put her at ease.
"Bien. I believe you. But that's just because you're so terribly persuasive."
Jack showed amusement at this. "That's just part of me charm, Miss Jade."
Jade laughed gently. Jack put his around her very slender waist, (Jade questioned if she should allow this behavior, but let it slide) and they resumed walking to the house, of which they were nearly there.
Jack came up to Elizabeth that night during the grand dinner party. Elizabeth's family had arranged it; the ballroom was very exquisite, with chandeliers, and hors d'oeuevres, and champagne.
"Miss Swann, may I speak with you privately?'
"Only for a quick moment", she agreed, glancing at Will. She looked Jack up and down. 'Well, you haven't changed a great deal. Except for the fact that, for once, you might not be drunk, and…you seem to have a lass."
"Well, not in exactness… But that's not what I'm to talk about. I must apologize."
"Apologize. You mean for everything you put me through last year?"
"Well, yes, partly…"
Elizabeth looked at him questioningly.
"You'd best get to the point, Jack. My guests will wonder where I am."
"For the night at the beach", he said quickly, glad to get it over with.
"The beach!" she cried out. "How could you remind me Jack! Jesus, my wedding's tomorrow, and now you confront me with this!" She slapped him. She stopped suddenly, embarrassed. "You know, I'm sorry too. That meant nothing. I know you want to think it did, but it didn't."
"I am not that ill-minded, and you know it!" Jack snapped angrily.
She brushed the tears from her eyes. "I'm sorry, Jack. I shouldn't be angry with you. You're doing the right thing…"
"You done what's right by you. Couldn't expect more. I know this is not an appropriate time, but…"
"No, it's alright. I'm going to forgive you. After all, everyone should be happy. She smiled slightly.
"My congratulations to you and that rogue over there."
"Thank you."
Jack bowed to her, and she returned to the party.
"Alright, sweetheart?" Jack heard Will ask.
"Yes, babe, I'm fine"
Jack watched them kiss.
'Well', Jack sighed in relief to himself. 'Glad that's over with.' He touched the side of his face. 'Heh…That's number 10, innit?"