Title: Siren's Song - Chapter 3
Author: CaliScrapnMom AKA Nancy
Rating: PG-13...for now
Pairing: Katherine/Jack
Feedback: Good, Bad or otherwise
Disclaimer: all the PotC belong to the Mouse, Katherine is mine...all mine!
Notes: Third chapter of this story, still pre-movie here. Scene change indicated by
Summary: Jack and Katherine share an adventurous moment getting into town
Later in the evening the crew gathered up on the main deck for some entertainment. They told the funniest stories, which got stranger as the evening grew and the rum flowed. Before long the fiddles came out and they were well into some loud, bawdy songs. Maire and I laughed as we tried our best to sing along, but I didn't know much of the words and we couldn't outmatch the men with their volume. Then they played something I knew, a haunting melody about a woman whose love was lost to the sea. With a bit of bravado brought on by the rum the Gaelic came easily, Maire and I actually sounded quite pleasant. I caught sight of Jack standing at the back of the group. When we finished I left the singing to Maire and made my way to where he stood.
"So she sings as well" He grinned waving his hands with a grand gesture
"Your ears fool you Jack, I only sing as well as the rum lets me." I knew I was blushing but hoped he couldn't see. "You should join us, the dancing is fun."
Before he could protest much I dragged him into the center of the group, we joined the others who were haphazardly trying to keep to the fiddler's rhythm. Fortunately Jack's ability to keep his balance was better than mine, I kept stepping on the hem of my dress. When the song ended I stepped toward the rail to feel the cool breeze. I became very aware of how flushed my face was and fanned it with my hands.
"I wonder where we are" I looked at the island that hovered nearby. Its dark imposing shape gave no clues to its identity, not that I'd be familiar with them anyway. But I hoped Jack might know.
"It looks much like Barbuda, although it's been many a year since I've been to the Leeward isles. Smart Captain you have, coming this way rather than around through the Anguilla Channel."
"Why is that" I turned to look at him
" By taking the riskier trip through The Narrows he is less likely to come under pirate attack." Jack responded with a knowing look.
"Ah, well we should be reaching Basseterre sometime tomorrow. Good opportunity for you to get back to your business."
"I'm much obliged to your help thus far. I'm curious though, why have done so much" His gaze caught mine
I shrugged a bit"I really don't know why, just seemed like the right thing to do. If you'll hear me out I think I have of a way to get you off this board that won't result in you being hauled off in cuffs." I motioned for him to come closer
"You have my attention lass." Jack leaned in to hear what I had to say.
The next morning Maire and I rummaged through the pile of clothing on the floor that had come from the chest I'd brought from England.
"Are you sure about this" Maire asked as she pulled clothing out of the chest. She held up my stays and giggled. Jack raised his eyebrows, giving a bit of an odd look but said nothing.
"Of course I'm not sure, but better to try this then have him hauled away and wind up at the gallows." I took the stays and threw it them back into the chest.
I came upon a floral dress and cloak. The ties would work to fasten it and the cloak should cover what the dress wouldn't. We did our best to keep from bursting out in laughter. Before long we had Jack dressed and save but his feet it was hard to recognize who he was.
"I think he looks rather fetching." Maire giggled
"Why thank you." Jack curtseyed, sending us into a fit of laughter.
"Alright, that is enough. Something really needs to be done to cover up his hair and face. This should work." I plopped a hat on his head and wrapped the gauze scarf about his neck.
I stepped back a bit to take a look, fortunately Jack was not large in stature and it was a pretty close fit. His boots showed a bit below the hem of the dress but not much could be done about that. He cocked his head to the side, surveying me a bit from under the brim of the hat.
"This is a first for me. However, I must say you look quite comely." He nodded in my direction.
I'd 'borrowed' a pair of breeches and a linen shirt from the laundry area. They were a bit loose but it would do as a distraction. I just needed the marines to think I was Jack and vice versa. Hopefully, a little chaos would ensue and he could get himself off the boat, hopefully unmolested. Maire would accompany Jack a little ways into town and then help him out of the clothing so he could be on his way. I hoped I didn't get caught; mother would have a fit seeing me dressed like I was. To add to it I'd found a red scarf that matched Jacks, albeit cleaner and tied it around my head. I'm sure if we'd had a mirror handy we would have made quite a pair.
"Ok its time, you both ready" I took in a deep breath.
Maire stepped outside to have a chat with the marine and let him know that she would be accompanying me into town. She made up some nonsense about me not feeling well and needing to be on solid ground until we left the following day. He nodded and she stepped back inside. As she and Jack stepped out the door I pushed past them and sprinted across the deck and down the gangplank.
It had the desired effect; the man hadn't time to look at Jack before starting off after me. Soon several others accompanied him as he followed me up the dock. Ducking around crates and saw a side path up ahead and some bushes that would make a good hiding place. Behind me were some buildings and an alley. Staying low I ran behind the bushes and tried to keep my eyes open for Jack and Maire. My heart felt like it was going to leap out of my chest; I hadn't run like that since being chased by the pub owner's dog many years ago when Maire and I made off with a bottle of whiskey.
After what seemed like an eternity they made it to where I could see them. I stood up a bit to get their attention and felt a large hand on my shoulder. Expecting it to be one of the marines I nearly shrieked when I turned to see a man I didn't recognize. His expression was also of shock.
"Yer not Jack" Then his face turned even redder"Why you aren't even a…" his voice trailed off as I pointed over to the alleyway where I noticed Jack getting out of the dress. "Well I'll be damned" he muttered as he strode over. It appeared that he'd been expecting Jack, although I'm not clear as to how. While they exchanged greetings I put the dress on over the shirt and breeches. When I took the scarf off Jack held out his hand.
"I'd like to keep that, a memento of your kindness. It looks much better than the one I currently have." He tied it over the braids and other adornments in his hair. "You don't mind"
"Not at all. I best be getting on my way, I'm sure the lieutenant and Mr. Norton will be looking for me." I turned to walk out of the alley but was stopped by Jack stepping into my path.
"Wait" he gestured"I want to thank you properly."
"You really don't have to." I replied a bit exasperated. That feeling quickly changed to surprise as he kissed me. I pushed back off him and he winced a bit, perhaps anticipating some physical rebuke on my part. Instead I smiled"You are most welcome, Jack."
With a bit of a bow and hand flourish he and the other gentleman turned and headed off into the other direction. I put my head in my hands for a moment and sighed. Their departure was none too soon; the marines soon located us in the alley. I assured them of my safety and that we had no idea where Jack had gone and explained that we were merely lost.
The marines escorted us back to the ship and wanted us to stay there until they deemed the area safe. Rather than argue I figured it was a good time to change clothes, it was very hot with so many layers on. While changing I found myself laughing, this trip had been so boring until just a few days ago. I was fairly pleased with myself with the scheme I'd concocted. Before I could forget any details I wrote out the mornings events in my journal. I even included Jack kissing me, something I'd not soon forget. A pirate he might be, however he was actually somewhat gentle and extremely polite. What an odd contradiction of a man, I wished our circumstances were different so we could spend more time together. I'd felt more alive the last few days than I had in a very long time. Smiling I closed the journal and closed my eyes for some rest.
That evening Maire and I walked down the street giggling like a couple of young girls. It had been some time since we'd gotten into mischief together. Back in England we'd try and get out every so often to the local pub and that usually resulted in our drinking a bit much, singing like idiots and spending the evening with some chap. Josephine and her sharp tongue usually greeted us and kept us behaving for a while. She was tending to Mother tonight and sent us both off into town with a stern warning but a knowing look. I really didn't care to meet up with anyone tonight; I just wanted to enjoy an evening where the floor didn't constantly lurch beneath my feet. Mostly I looked forward to sleeping in a real bed, Mother insisted we all stay at one of the inns.
Though French in name, Basseterre was anything but. The variety of languages and people was wonderful, the meshing of different sounds like music to my ears. Although the afternoon sun was sinking lower into the sky, the town bustled about paying no heed to the arrival of the day's end. Life spilled out of every doorway and corner we walked past, I wanted to walk slower but Maire became insistent and tugged at my elbow.
"Come on, I'm eager for some ale, none of that bréantas from the ship." She muttered in disgust.
"Fine, fine but how do you know where we are going"
"Simple I'm just going where I've seen the Marines go."
"One would think you'd had your fill these past 30 days" I giggled and then acted shocked when Maire rolled her eyes at me.
Already the voices inside were loud and boisterous. The men were also happy to be ashore, although I'm sure for entirely different reasons than mine. There were several wooden tables scattered about with various benches and chairs. The Captain and Mr. Norton saw us walk in and motioned for us to join them. I took a glance around at the other patrons, wondering if one of them might be Jack. Soon I was given a tankard of ale, although I hadn't acquired a taste for it, I was thankful for something to drink. I smiled in thanks at the rather gaunt looking girl who was serving the tables. She looked barely more than a child, even more so when she grinned shyly in return. We sat for a while listening to the bawdy talk of the men around us and I wondered if this had been such a good idea.
Maire disappeared for a bit and then returned, she looked quite pleased with herself. She raised her mug to me and silently we toasted to our earlier success that day. The Captain seemed to find us quite amusing and it was apparent he'd been drinking quite a while longer than anyone else. Many of his comments were followed by a coarse laugh and him saying "beggin' yer pardon Ms. Swann". I always found it interesting how a man's true breeding shone through with the help of some alcohol. More of the Marines joined our party and soon the noise was so much that I considered heading to the inn. Maire seemed to have found a handsome lad to charm and just when I stood to leave someone started playing a song.
The tune was 'Lord Haddo's Favorite' a lively and cheerful song, I moved over closer to where they were playing. Soon all those around me were clapping their hands and stomping feet with the rhythm. The young girl who'd served our ale began to dance with one of the local boys. The tired look she had earlier was soon erased by her smile. One of the Marines offered his hand and swept me out onto the floor. His enthusiasm out shadowed his ability and I had to move my feet quickly to avoid getting stepped on. Never the less, I found myself smiling and thanked the young man. I turned to sit and was greeted by Maire who held out a pint for me, she winked a bit as I took the ale from her.
"Really Maire, I'm not as wanton as you seem to think. Nice young man but not my type."
"You mean that he's not a pirate" She said in jest.
I about choked on my ale and I was pretty sure that my face turned a very interesting shade of red. She slapped my back a bit harder than she needed and I pushed her hands away.
"Enough of that now" I laughed and sat down to enjoy the music for a while.