Let's recap shall we?
William "Bootstrap" Turner is the cousin of Loreli Spencer. Both share a love of the ocean and leave home to join young Riddick Barbossa's pirate crew. Loreli and Riddick fall in love during the two-year voyage until he suspects her of cheating. He puts her off at Port Royal, never knowing she is carrying his child. She has JACKson in Port Royal and fights with him from day one about going to sea until he finally stows away at eleven years old. In the meantime, William stayed on with Barbossa almost 12 years until he was thrown off at Tortuga where he meets Catherine. They decide to move to Port Royal to marry and hopefully locate his cousin. They marry and a year later, Loreli marries Weatherby Swann.
WARNING Major character deaths in this chapter...I'm sorry...but it must happen in order to reach my goal with this piece.
"Catherine, love," William said quietly, holding the small infant in his arms as he sat by her bed. "What shall we name him?"
Propped up on pillows, she smiled at her husband and son. "I'd like to name him after you," she said.
"William the second?"
"Not necessarily," she said, tired smile on her lips. "We could call him Wil."
He smiled down at the small red face that was asleep and then back up at the woman he loved. "Sounds wonderful," he said, carefully getting up and kissing her cheek. "We'll go so you can sleep."
"So Governor Swann," Loreli said with a smile, emphasizing her husband's new title. "Ready to greet your guests?"
Weatherby had been officially governor for a week before the coronation ball he and Loreli were dressing for. "This has been my goal," he told her, fastening her necklace as she held her hair up. "I've always wanted to be governor. My grandfather was governor."
Loreli let her hair down and then turned to face Weatherby. "You will be wonderful," she reassured him, happiness sparkling in her eyes. "You've proven you're quite capable."
He kissed her sweetly and said, "You're what makes it possible for me."
Playfully hitting his shoulder, Loreli said, "Oh, Darling, no. This was your path long before I came along."
"Possibly," he said. "But it's your love that keeps me going and gives me the motivation."
"And that's why I love you," she said. "Now let's not keep our guests waiting."
"I can't believe he's a year and a half all ready," Loreli told Catherine. "And he looks so much like William." She remembered when her cousin was small how blond and curly his hair had been but with age had straightened and darkened slightly.
They'd gone into town for the day to market and shop. Loreli was holding Wil while Catherine picked out vegetables and fruits. Gently squeezing a cantaloupe, she laughed. "I've heard he's about to be a handful."
"Jackson was incorrigible from two to about five," Loreli said, realizing she was enjoying holding the small child with his blond curls and chubby cheeks. It had been so long. Jackson was a young man now. And Wil was vastly different from Jackson. Weatherby often mentioned trying for a child but usually Loreli shied away from the topic.
"Jackson is probably still a handful," Catherine said, placing grapes into her basket.
"I'm afraid you may be correct," Loreli said with a slight laugh. "I don't think Wil will be too bad. He's such a shy and quiet baby. Jackson was loud and rebellious out of the gate."
Catherine watched Loreli play with Wil, gently bouncing him on her arm as she held him, making faces and causing him to giggle. "For someone who doesn't want another child," she observed. "You sure are enjoying him."
Loreli stuck her tongue out at her cousin, causing her to laugh and return to her marketing.
"Darling, is everything all right?" Catherine asked William when he returned from the blacksmith's shop. She'd noticed over the past few months he'd come home a little later each evening. It seemed the only thing that could put a smile on his weather beaten face was his son but even that didn't bring the spirit back. "You just haven't seemed yourself lately."
Picking up Wil who was clawing at his breeches for attention, William then sat down at the table. "I've been distracted lately," he told his wife, hoping this conversation would never happen.
"Clyde keeping you late?"
William shook his head. He needed to tell her, it wasn't a secret. "No he hasn't been," he answered. "I've been leaving at the same time. It's just…I've been going out by the docks…sitting near the shoreline…watching the boats…listening to the water."
Catherine's heart sunk even though she fought not to show it. "I knew this would happen," she told him, voice even.
"What?" he asked, setting Wil on the floor so he could play with his blocks.
"You're just like your cousin…and her son…and his father," she answered. "The ocean calls to you. You can't help it."
William couldn't argue with her as much as he wanted to. "I love you," he told her. "And Wil is everything to me."
She covered his hand with hers. "I don't doubt that," she said truthfully. "But we're still not enough." She sighed and shook her head. "It's what I get for marrying a pirate."
"I wish I could explain it," he told her. "I really do. But I've tried and it just doesn't make any sense to someone who doesn't feel that same pull I do. I was hoping it would just…go away." He motioned with his hand as if shooing away birds.
"It's part of you," she said. "It's not going to just go away. And quite honestly, I don't want you moping about here." She stood up, gathering all the strength she could as it killed her to say it. "If you need to go, then go. Wil and I will be fine here."
"I can't go," he said. "Wil is almost three and you need my help with…"
"William Turner," she said sternly, both hands on her hips. "Let me make one thing perfectly clear to you. I took care of myself before I met you and I can do the same now. I'd rather have you at sea and happy than miserable here."
Standing up and walking over to her, William took her hands off her hips and held them in his. "This is not easy for me," he said, eyes revealing the sadness.
"I know," she said quietly, knowing this time would come, but always praying it wouldn't.
Their eyes met briefly before he hugged her tight. "I don't deserve you or Wil," he said. "But I don't know what I'd do without either of you."
"Just come back," she pleaded, holding his body against hers. "That's all I ask."
"How long has he been gone now?" Loreli asked when she visited Catherine in the guesthouse. She made a point of spending time with her and growing Wil every other night since William left.
"Almost eight months," Catherine answered, quickly stopping small fingers from reaching for a china vase. "No, Wil. That's not yours."
Wil picked up a small wooden toy boat and turned towards Loreli, his small arm waving furiously. "Daddy on waddah," he told her.
"Yes he is," she said with a smile as he staggered off towards his room, boat still in hand. She studied Catherine as she busied herself with laundry. "How are you?" She had tried to explain to William how hard this would be for Catherine and tried to explain to her the call of the sea, thinking she wasn't successful in either venture.
Catherine shrugged as she folded a large blanket. "I'm as well as can be expected," she said. "My husband is a pirate who can't stay home and I'm taking care of our house and son alone. But I'd rather him be happy on the water then miserable here. That's what I told him before he left."
"Do you know where he is?"
"No idea," Catherine answered, working on another blanket. "He left for Tortuga and that's all I know."
Loreli walked over and took the blanket from her hands, as she wasn't doing a very good job with the folding. "I know you're upset," she soothed. "But I've brought good news that might make you smile just a little."
Shoulders slumping in retreat, Catherine said, "I'm sorry. I don't mean to be difficult or aloof." She smiled. "Please, what is your good news? I definitely need some."
Loreli smiled proudly and touched her stomach. "I'm with child," she said simply.
Catherine's eyes grew wide and her mouth dropped open. "Loreli!" she exclaimed. "That's wonderful! Oh I knew it would happen eventually!" She hugged her. "I definitely did need that news!"
"Loreli, darling, what's wrong?" Weatherby asked in panic. Doctor Norrington had told him to go home soon having found him out at the docks with James. "I got here as quickly as I could."
"I'm all right," she answered as she lay in bed. "It's just I will have to remain in bed the rest of my pregnancy or we could lose the baby."
"Did you have to the first time?" He was immediately concerned and worried and it showed.
"No I remained active up until the last day," she answered.
"We have, what, three more months?"
"Yes, that's what he said."
Sitting down on the bed beside his wife, he held her hand and gently patted the small bulge under the blankets. "Then in bed you stay," he said with a warm smile. "I'll wait on you hand and foot if need be. I just want you safe."
"I'll be fine," she reassured him with a smile.
"Mrs. Mandry is terribly sick," Catherine informed Loreli, whose contractions were coming quick. "She sent over Merlene to assist with the birth."
"Just…help…me," Loreli nearly screamed to Merlene as she clutched her large stomach. "Coming…soon!"
Merlene, a younger woman that had been working with Mrs. Mandry, gave Catherine instructions as far as items she would need. She also gave her a pouch of strong herbs, telling her to make tea for Loreli. She would drink some now and the rest after the birth. Merlene then helped her to the birthing chair that had been brought over days before and then tied back her long curly black hair.
"Thank you," Merlene told Catherine when she returned with the steaming liquid. "Okay Loreli. I want you to start sipping this tea. Drink as much as you can."
"Do you want me to leave?" Catherine asked her cousin.
"No…please stay…help Merlene," she panted, wincing as another contraction hit.
"Drink," Merlene instructed. "We're not far away now."
Twenty minutes later, most of the tea was gone, Catherine was standing behind the chair to support Loreli however she could while Merlene encouraged Loreli to push.
"Come on," she said. "It's time. You're all ready and so is that child. When the next contraction hits, push hard."
When the pain hit, Loreli pushed, her hands gripping the chair so tight her fingers hurt. She cried out, wishing this would be quicker, remembering she'd heard the second child was supposed to be easier.
An hour later, with tears of agony and frustration streaming down her face, her daughter was born. Merlene wrapped the bundle, rushing to give her to Doctor Norrington who had been waiting outside the door and then helped Catherine get Loreli to bed.
"Get more tea while I clean her up," she told Catherine who rushed from the room.
Loreli was settled in bed when Catherine returned with the tea, seeing Merlene was placing a wet cloth on her forehead.
"What's wrong?" she asked, putting the teacup on the night table.
"She has a fever," Merlene answered. "And has been sick a couple times. Could you get the doctor?"
"Of course," Catherine said, running to get Doctor Norrington.
A couple minutes later he entered the bedroom. "What is it?" he asked with concern.
Merlene explained the symptoms to him while Catherine stayed with Weatherby.
"Have you picked a name?" she asked him as he gently held the tiny baby.
"Elizabeth," he answered. "Loreli insisted we name her after my first wife. I told her it wasn't proper but she explained it was out of respect for her life and my first daughter's life." He smiled at the baby. "I didn't argue. I never win with her." His gaze shifted to meet Catherine's. "Is she all right?"
"She has a fever," she answered. "I'm sure Doctor Norrington will give her something for it and she'll be fine."
Four days later, Loreli was still ill. Everyone was concerned and feared the worst when Doctor Norrington announced she had childbed fever, knowing how serious it could get. He was doing everything he could to help but her fever wouldn't go down and she continued to be physically sick, slipping in and out of consciousness all day.
Catherine took care of Elizabeth and Wil while Weatherby sat with Loreli. Everyone felt helpless when she didn't seem to get better. Doctor Norrington gave her injections, tea, cold baths and nothing seemed to make a difference.
"Doctor," Loreli said, voice barely above a whisper. "Leave us."
He looked at Weatherby over his glasses who gazed back with uncertainty. "I'll step outside the door," he said.
"My love, you need to save your strength," Weatherby told his wife who seemed to grow paler each day.
"No," she said, licking her lips, trying to form her words. "Darling…I'm not…going to…make it. My…body is…shutting down…I can…feel it. Is our daughter…all right?"
Fighting tears, Weatherby forced a smile. "Elizabeth is beautiful," he told her. "Just like you."
Loreli smiled slightly. "I must tell you…something," she continued, hardly able to keep her eyes open. "You need to…know."
"Tell me later," he told her, squeezing her hand. "You will be fine."
"No," she said again, trying to say it louder. "I will not. You need to know…the truth." She took a deep breath. "Jackson's father…was a pirate…as is my cousin."
"William?"
"Yes," she said quietly, barely nodding. "You need to know…for Wil's safety…and I wanted you…to know the truth…about my son…for your safety…just incase."
Weatherby wasn't very surprised. He'd wondered about Loreli's past, especially when she never volunteered information. It didn't matter to him though because she was an incredible woman and couldn't judge her for there were things in his past he wasn't proud of. "Is that where William is?" he asked curiously. "On a pirate ship?"
She nodded. "Bring me Elizabeth," she whispered. "I want to…see her before…"
"Of course," he said quickly. "Doctor Norrington!"
The door opened as the doctor stuck his head in. "Yes?"
"Could you bring our daughter in please?" he asked, fighting the lump in his throat.
"Of course. Right away."
Weatherby helped Loreli hold Elizabeth. "She's beautiful," she said, gazing at the small face. "Tell her…of me…please."
He still fought against her words. "You will recover," he insisted. "You will be well and will see her grow." Tears slipped from his eyes as he realized the harsh truth lying in front of him. "Please, love, don't leave me. I don't want to lose you. There is no other for me. I need you, Loreli. I can't raise a daughter all alone."
Loreli smiled weakly, her eyes half closed. "Catherine can…help you," she said, trying to hand the bundle back to her husband. "I'm sorry…I didn't mean…for this to…happen. I tried…I…"
Tears flowing, Weatherby held Elizabeth in one arm and held his wife's hand with the other. "Shh…you have nothing to be sorry for. I do though. I shouldn't have pushed for a child. If I had known…"
"You couldn't have," she whispered. "Please don't cry…and don't…feel guilty." She squeezed his hand. "Go for now…and let me…sleep. I love you…my husband."
Kissing her hand then leaving forward and kissing her cheek, he said, "Yes rest please. Try to fight for me and for Elizabeth. We need you so much." He didn't want to leave her but knew she was weak and hoped sleeping would fight the fever within her. "I'll be back soon to check on you."
Two days later as the small crowd of Weatherby, Catherine and the household servants waited outside the bedroom door, Doctor Norrington walked out slowly and shut the door behind him.
His eyes were red and puffy as he said, voice shaking, "Governor Swann, I did everything I could do…but…Mrs. Swann has passed." He closed his medicine bag and said, "I'll head back to the office and wait for burial arrangements."
"Thank you," Weatherby said with no emotion, staring off into space.
Catherine and the servants were immediately sobbing from the news of Loreli's death as Weatherby left them to say goodbye to his wife. He walked in slowly, closing the door behind him, staring at the lifeless body on the bed, color drained from her beautiful face. The closer he got to her, the more tears he realized were streaming down his face until he found himself laying across her, hugging her, crying out in emotional pain, not understanding why his love and mother of his child was once again taken from him. What had he ever done to deserve this?
Upon returning home from the funeral, Weatherby approached Catherine. The life that had once shown bright in his eyes was now replaced with an emptiness that matched everyone's around him. He did his best to remember his manners but found himself not caring more than once.
"You've been family to Loreli and me," he began. "And I know that William has been gone over a year now. I will need help raising Elizabeth and would be honored if you and your son would move into the house. I'd be more than happy to help with Wil as well."
A sad smile appeared on her face. "I'd like that," she said. "I'll begin packing our things. Thank you very much."
The months following Loreli's death passed as if in a bad dream. No one could believe what had happened and yet were faced the reality that it did happen and she was gone. The bedroom that had been Weatherby and Loreli's was turned into the children's room as Weatherby moved to another bedroom and Catherine moved into one beside of the children's. She immediately became Elizabeth's mother figure as there was no other to fill those shoes.
Wil turned four a couple months before Elizabeth turned one. He immediately stepped in and helped his mother take care of the baby, as much as he could anyway. At first he thought she was his sister but Catherine tried to explain as best she could to the small inquisitive child that her mother was gone and she was helping to take care of her. Catherine thought of trying to explain that he was her cousin but knew he couldn't fully understand that yet.
Weatherby was grateful for Catherine's assistance and did everything he could for her, making sure she had whatever she needed. They worked out a financial agreement between them because Catherine wanted to work for her living as that was all she was used to but knew he needed her desperately at the house so he paid her wages for helping with Elizabeth. He also made sure that he paid for any clothing for her and the children and any toys for the children.
When Wil was six, he began school which quieted down the house and gave Catherine more time to spend with Elizabeth who looked more like her mother every day, big brown eyes and curly brown hair and stubborn independence. Her first word was "no" and an emphatic one at that. Catherine was glad Wil had been fairly quiet during his difficult phase and that he was at school now for Elizabeth's quick little feet and wandering hands demanded most of her attention.
Many nights for Catherine ended with tears for Loreli and William. Loreli had grown to be her sister, as she had never had one. She had enjoyed the time they spent together playing with Wil when he was a baby or marketing together or simply sipping tea on the porch in the evening. She had no one else to be to her what Loreli had been.
Three years had passed since William left for sea and she assumed at this point something terrible had happened. He'd never been gone for such a time period and had even told her he would only take short voyages. Young Wil didn't ask about his father anymore as much as Catherine tried to talk about him and the hopeful fact he would be coming home.
"Catherine there is something I must tell you," Weatherby said one evening after the children had been put to bed. Often they would sit out on the terrace overlooking Port Royal in the evening, sipping tea and discussing events of the day. They cared for each other and the children greatly and had grown to be close friends.
"Of course," she said, noticing his tone. "Is everything ok?"
He began to speak and then stopped, smiling. "You can tell me it's not my business," he finally said. "But I know of William's…voyages."
Knowing that Navy law hanged those guilty of piracy and anyone involved, Catherine's heart began to pound. "His voyages?" she repeated, not offering any information.
"She…Loreli…told me before she…died," Weatherby said, lowering his voice. "She told me Jackson's father was…a pirate…and that William was also. She said I needed to know for my safety and Wil's. I wasn't going to say anything but I know you must be upset, wondering if he is safe." He looked down at his hands and back up at her. "I wanted you to know you can discuss it with me if you need to. I wouldn't dare tell anyone of this truth, for everyone's safety."
Catherine forced a smile, realizing it was the first time she felt for her life and understanding what position she was in and what position he was in. For the longest time, she didn't have to worry of anyone knowing but understood why Loreli had felt the need to tell him. "Thank you," she said. "I do feel something terrible has happened but I've no way to ever know."
"I could send a small ship to Tortuga," he offered, leaning towards her, keeping his voice low. "I would be taking a huge chance if caught, what a governor sending a ship to the pirate island to inquire of one." He reached for her hand, squeezing gently. "But I would do it for you if you thought news of William's location could be learned."
She smiled at his offer. "Weatherby I'd never let you take such a great risk," Catherine told him. "I thank you but I have accepted my husband's death. He would have returned before now, never having been gone this long all the years I've known him."
He sadly shook his head. "You know Catherine," he said, staring out into the darkness, punctuated with few lanterns here and there. "On your wedding day nine years ago or so, I never would have pictured us here, both mourning the losses of our spouses and sharing the responsibility of raising our children. I pictured our lives much different."
She understood, having thought the same thing many times. "I knew I was taking a chance marrying a…marrying William," she said, catching herself. "But I loved him so. And I'm glad I have Wil now. I'd do it all over again."
"While I do love my daughter, more than anything else in the world," Weatherby began. "If I had known her birth would have caused Loreli's death, I would have done without a child. She was everything to me. There will never be another woman." A coughing fit seized him, as it did every so often.
Catherine displayed a look of concern. "Weatherby, that is not getting any better," she told him. "Shall I call Doctor Norrington for you tomorrow?"
After a moment of coughing and clearing his throat, he shook his head. "I'll stop by and see him," he said. "I must be ill. I'll stay away from the children for a couple days in case."
Wil Turner had been protective of Elizabeth Swann ever since he could remember. Now that he was almost ten and walking her to school, he began to have thoughts of being able to protect her. They walked past a blacksmith's shop every day and he often thought of asking if he could work there, learning how to make, and ultimately use, swords. He usually tried to put the thoughts out of his head, saying there was no need for him to learn such a trade, but still he found himself lying in bed at night, thinking about sword fighting and learning how.
"Look at that boat," Elizabeth said as they walked to school, pointing out towards the harbor. "I haven't seen that one before. It's really big. Let's go see."
"No," Wil said, taking her hand. "We must get to school. Come on."
"But I want to go see the boat, Wil," she told him, trying to pry her hand loose.
"Elizabeth, we've already been late twice this week," he reminded her.
"But I want to go see the big boat!" she exclaimed, digging her heels into the ground. "I..wanna…go!" She jerked her hand from his and started running towards the docks, her dark curls blowing behind her. Wil dropped their books to run after her.
"Elizabeth!" he called, slowly catching her. "Elizabeth, no!" When he reached her, he grabbed her hand again, gripping tightly.
"Ow! You're hurting me!" she wailed as he nearly had to drag her along. "Let go or I'm telling Father!"
"Tell him!" he yelled at her, brown eyes full of frustration. "We're going to school whether you like it or not!"
"I don't like you," she pouted.
"I don't care," he snapped back.
"Mother, what's wrong?" Wil asked when he returned home to see her lying in bed with a washcloth on her head, her face quite pale.
"I'm not feeling well," Catherine told him. "Could you run and get Doctor Norrington?" She didn't tell her son that she'd been fighting a fever for a couple days now and hadn't eaten anything, not to mention the spots beginning to appear on her legs.
"I'll be right back," Wil said, taking off in a run and not stopping until he reached the doctor.
"Wil, don't argue with me," Weatherby told him, trying to hide his panic. "Take Elizabeth and go into the playroom. Stay there until I come get you, please."
Angry and confused, Wil stayed in the room with Elizabeth who was scared and asking too many questions as they heard voices that sounded both upset and excited outside the door.
When Doctor Norrington examined Catherine, he immediately moved her out into the guesthouse where she had lived with William. She was quarantined and diagnosed with smallpox and only the doctor, who had had it years before and survived, was allowed to attend to her.
"How is she?" Weatherby asked when the doctor came back inside.
Doctor Norrington's expression was the same as during the last couple days before Loreli's death. "She is the fourth case of smallpox within the last twenty four hours," he answered. "I'm afraid there will be more. Her fever is high, her body aches and the rash that she was hiding on her legs has spread. I'm treating her the same way I was treated so all we can do is hope for the best. It has to run its course. I'm on my way to another patient who, I'm afraid, has the same thing." He lowered his glasses to the edge of his nose to peer into Weatherby's eyes. "Make sure everyone stays in this house. The children are not to go outside which means no school. No one is to leave. If this is spreading, everyone in port could die."
Nodding, Weatherby said, "I understand, Doctor. I will keep everyone in the house. What about Catherine? None of us can tend her."
"I will be back," Doctor Norrington told him. "I have a feeling I will be getting little sleep over the next few days."
By the end of the week, half the port had smallpox and the other half quarantined in their homes in the hope they wouldn't catch it. Ten had already died while most were struggling to survive. Doctor Norrington was the only one who could tend to the sick and made rounds from house to house all day and night, sleeping twenty minutes at a time when he could.
Returning Saturday morning, Doctor Norrington checked on Catherine as Weatherby and the servants gathered and waited at the door for his latest report. When he walked in, Weatherby saw the look on his face.
"No," he said, shaking his head. "No, no! Don't say it, Doctor, please!"
Tears filled the elderly doctor's eyes. He used to love his job, being able to help people and make them well. The past few years had brought sicknesses and diseases he simply couldn't handle. "I'm sorry, Governor," he said barely audible.
Sadness and anger consumed Weatherby. "Leave my house," he commanded as tears slipped from his eyes. "You may send a messenger when we are free to visit the port again."
Understanding his anger, the doctor silently left and cried all the way to the next house.
Weatherby gave the servants orders, knowing they were also upset and then went to his room to cry before telling the children. This couldn't be real. It just couldn't. Why was this happening to him? His first wife and child, his second wife and now the woman whom he thought of as a sister…why were they taken from him? He tried to be a good man in all aspects of his life. Why must he suffer these extremes? And now with two growing children, how would he handle them? Questions fell with his tears and neither found satisfaction.
"How is Mother?" Wil asked when Weatherby entered the playroom. "Is she getting better?"
Weatherby sat on the couch, pulling Elizabeth into his lap and taking the young man's hand. "I'm so sorry, Wil," he began. "She passed today. She's the eleventh one we've lost to smallpox."
Wil stared at Weatherby as the words hit him. He heard Elizabeth start crying but it was as if he was in a dream. He didn't remember his father and now his only family was gone. He was alone. He jerked his hand from Weatherby's supportive hold and ran from the room.
"Wil!" Elizabeth cried out after him, trying to get off her father's lap. "Come back!"
"Darling, leave him alone," he told her, hugging her tight as she cried. "He'll be very upset, as we all are."
"She was like a mother," Elizabeth cried in his arms. "Who'll take care of me now?"
Weatherby understood what she meant. "I can't be your mother or even a mother figure," he told her. "But I can do everything for you I can. I love you so much. You're my little girl and we're family. We have to stick together, okay?"
Through sniffing, Elizabeth cried, "Okay."