Finally Ladies and Gentlemen for you pleasure here is……..CHAPTER 20!
First of all I'd like to thank everyone who has remained patient and faithful waiting for me to update. Now that things have settled I hope to start to update more often but sadly it wont be on too much of a regular basis, as with school and life you know how things can get very hectic.
Thank you to everyone who has reviewed your support has meant so very much to me! =)
Anyway on with the story…
Pirates Of The Caribbean: Not all treasure is gold and silver
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the rights to The Pirates of the Caribbean however any characters I do create are my own so no stealing!
Rated: R!! (Due to scenes of a sexual nature, violence and language)
Chapter 20:
The early morning light filtered through the bedroom window and fell across the empty bed of Alexandra. Thrown across the sheets were various gowns, shawls, hats and accessories and on the floor lay a pile of discarded items. A young maid passed back and forth across the room carrying various items from the wardrobe and placing them before a tearful and sombre Alexandra. She had not said a word all morning and even the maid who was to join her seemed to have succumbed to the air of depression.
A gentle knock at the door startled both of the young women causing them to freeze. Neither wished to be caught, yet neither wanted to speak to find out who it was. Alexandra realising that she really had to talk spoke in a soft almost broken tone. To most people it would have sounded as if she had just woken up yet the reality of it was that Alexandra was close to tears.
"…umm…who is it?"
A gentle male voice replied, it was Will.
"Alexandra may I come in? Are you decent?"
Alexandra rose from her position and walked over to the bedroom door. Running her hands quickly over her hair and gown she opened the door and smiled at Will.
"Come in Will."
Will entered nodding at the maid who continued he work after curtsying, he looked rather tired and somewhat worn out yet he still carried on pretending that he was fine. He didn't want to fuss especially with Elizabeth in the condition she was in.
Over the past few days her temperature had gone down and the Doctor had informed them that it was a good sign perhaps even a sign of a slow but gradual recovery. Will of course had grasped this new glimpse at hope and was new fully focused on getting Elizabeth to England and back to her usual self. Well nearly fully focused.
~*~
The pair had sat and discussed the matters of when they would arrive, where would she stay, who would know of her pregnancy and who was to inform Jack. Of course neither had ever mentioned Jack's name because they felt so guilty…so wrong in what they had to do.
Will didn't want to hurt his good friend but couldn't leave his sister-in-law helpless even though she had got herself into the terrible predicament.
It was when the Grandfather clock chimed that it was six in the morning that Will rose and placed a chaste kiss on Alexandra's cheek. He sighed making his way to the door, turning before he left he looked at Alexandra and smiled slightly.
"The coach for Elizabeth and I will be here in half an hour, I however booked you a coach to arrive at quarter past at the servants entrance so that no-one would inquire. I told the footman that you would be leaving to the docks just to see that Elizabeth's items arrived safely. I advise you gather any of you last items together and then make your way to the servants quarters."
Will ensure of what else to say nodded and left quickly. Alexandra sat there her heart aching like it had never done before. She wanted so much for everything to be all right, everything to be as it was before she has met Jack.
Rising from her seat n the bed she made her way out into the hall and quickly to the library saying nothing.
~*~
The maid throughout this all had continued packing and listened in ever so subtly, she felt sorry for the good Mr Sparrow especially after he had been the one to inform the Governor that the servants deserved a day off every week and that they should have rum in the house at all times. The servants had agreed whole-heartedly with Mr Sparrow's suggestions and when eventually the Governor gave in they threw a party in honour of him.
It was then that she knew what she had to do…she had to tell Mr Sparrow everything!
~*~
The coach arrived on time and Alexandra was ushered out the servant's entrance quickly by her escorting maid. No one asked questions of her…obviously they had fallen for Will's lie about Alexandra's departure so early.
The journey to the harbour was a quick but silent one and once they had arrived she made her way onto the ship. The plan had been that they were to make their way Elizabeth and Will's quarters below deck. Here Alexandra was to stay in the adjoining maids quarters with her escorting maid. Al of this was done with ease and Alexandra was soon settled into her small but comfortable quarters.
It was not long after that Will and Elizabeth had arrived, their transition from coach to ship was quick and Alexandra could hear the sailors and soldiers preparing to set sail. She only had to wait a little longer before she would truly have no opportunity to return to Port Royal and accept her fate.
~*~
Jack awoke to the sound of people talking outside his room, yawning her rolled overstretching underneath the covers and enjoying the feel of the extremely comfortable bed. Sitting up the bed sheet pooled around his waist revealing his toned and tanned chest with its scars and marks of his battles. The door swung open to reveal a young maid who was carrying a tray of food. She clearly hadn't noticed Jack and he watched amused as she pulled a small table over towards the bed. Waiting until she had placed the tray down Jack coughed subtly and waited for her reaction. Spinning round to face him the young maid let out a squeak of surprise and blushed.
"I...oh my…I'm so…sorry. Oh my."
The maid stared at Jacks chest and breathed in sharply and promptly fell silent. Jack grinned and waved his hand in line with her gaze.
"Good morning t'you love to."
"G…good morning…Mr Sparrow. Did you…uh sleep well sir?"
Nodding Jack rose from the bed and walked over to the tray picking it up and making his way back over to the bed he chatted to her calmly about nothing in particular. The truth of it was even though he loved Alexandra he had to admit that sometimes he did like it when other women paid attention to him. It reminded him of his days around Tortuga.
Luckily for the maid Jack soon grew bored of her attention and sent her away so he could eat his breakfast in peace. It was then that he remembered it was today that Elizabeth was leaving for England, Will had told him that he was letting no one not even the Governor see them off as it would alert the people of Port Royal that something was wrong.
For once Jack had gone against his inner wishes and obeyed his good friends request and decided that remaining back at the house was probably for the best. Not to mention that he had rather been enjoying the warm, comfortable bed and the breakfast served to his room.
But the reality of it was that soon he would have to face facts and return to the open seas. Not that he wanted to abandon his friends…but the sea called to him. It was if the sea was a apart of him and he a part of the sea. Jack rose from the bed and walked over to the windows, throwing them open he breathed in the morning fresh salty air mixed with the smells of cooking from the servants quarters. The sky was clear blue with a few wispy clouds scattered across it and on the horizon he could see the ship bearing Elizabeth and Will to England slowly disappearing off out of sight.
~*~
The afternoon sun hung high the sky blearing down upon Port Royal with a constant heat. Many of the chores of the servants had been left when the heat became near unbearable to work in.
Luckily for the servants Governor Swan though a pompous man at times did not treat his workers too harshly and could see clearly that the work was not going to be completed to its highest standard. Well that's what the excuse had been when he had dismissed them for the afternoon and told them to return the next morning ready to work harder and complete their chores from the previous day.
Jack had taken the morning wandering through he streets of Port Royal and visiting the local taverns. He had arranged to meet with Alexandra later that evening for dinner, as it would give him the opportunity to console her after her sister's departure as well as give them some time alone.
As he made his way back towards the house Jack smiled to himself for the first time in many years he was content with life. He had his crew, his ship, his friends and a lovely lady.
And for once Commodore Norrington was not out with the intent to have him hung but instead was being remotely civil to him. Though it meant that Jack didn't have to worry too much about his poor neck it did take some of the fun out of being around him. For as long as Commodore Norrington was civil Jack had to be as civil back and sometimes that took a lot of strength.
~*~
Will watched Elizabeth's chest steadily rise and fall as she slept, for the past three nights Elizabeth had slept peacefully with no fits of dreams or out breaks in high temperatures. The doctor had assured Will that Elizabeth was improving but still wanted her to return to England to receive the best medical help available.
Reaching over Will stroked Elizabeth's hand very lightly, he had ever since her accident become very scared of hurting her. He had never seen her in such a state before. He knew Elizabeth was still a young woman but he could only ever remember her being feisty and strong…never weak.
Rising from his seat Will walked over to the small adjourning door which lead into the maids quarters which were also Alexandra's quarters. Knocking gently on the door he waited for a brief moment before entering.
He found Alexandra curled up on the bed reading a book. Coughing politely Will draw Alexandra's attention away from the book, she jumped and looked up at him smiling when she realised whom it was.
"Sorry to disturb you Alexandra but I felt like some company other than the crew and the soldiers. Do you mind if I join you?"
Alexandra moved over on the bed and attempted to arrange herself in a slightly more lady like manner but gave up eventually realising that Will wouldn't be bothered anyway. He had seen Elizabeth in men's trousers and fighting pirates anyway so what was the difference.
Will sat and waited for Alexandra to stop fidgeting before beginning to speak.
"The ship is making good speed as the wind has been in our favour since morning. Lunch will be served in an hour I will ask of course for three plates of food and a bowl of soup for Elizabeth. If anyone inquires to the extra plate of food I will explain that it's for an extra maid who is feeling sea sick at the moment and is resting in her quarters. Hopefully they should believe me and ask no other questions."
"Thank you Will…I do not know where I would be without your help. You could have easily left me to my fathers mercy but…thank you I owe you far more than I truly realise."
Will just nodded feeling slightly awkward and Alexandra's sudden expression of her thanks. In all full honesty he originally intended to tell the Governor and Jack exactly what had happened. But then he knew that Elizabeth would never have betrayed her sister and as she was not able to help Alexandra it was up to Will to do so.
Though at times he did wondered how he was going to tell Governor Swann and Jack when he returned exactly what had happened. But in reality Will knew that Jack would have left soon before Will and Elizabeth returned.
"Will…"
Alexandra's voice broke Will's trail of thought. He looked at her encouraging her to continue.
"Do you think that once I have had this child that…that well Jack would ever forgive me?"
Will smiled and rose from the bed.
"Perhaps he will Alexandra's."
Will left soon after unable to face Alexandra. He knew that Jack would not forgive her, he didn't take lightly to having his trust abused especially after he had fallen so madly in love with her. And Will also knew that Jack would hate for allowing Alexandra to leave without explaining everything to him.
Will sighed and left the main cabin to fetch the food trying his hardest to forget the problems of Alexandra and Jack.
Alexandra on the other hand was trying her hardest to stop the tears from rolling down her cheeks. She felt so…dirty and guilty. All she ever wanted was to be happy and now she had thrown every chance of that away.
~*~
Afternoon passed on and soon the sky's light began to fade into twilight and the first stars began to dimly appear in the sky. Jack was sat in the garden waiting for Alexandra's coach to arrive, she had mentioned that she would be late home but never this late. Jack rolled his eyes muttering something about women and gossiping sirens.
It was then that Jack heard footsteps approaching from behind he turned round to see a boy, clearly one of the kitchen boys stood looking rather nervous.
"Are you mista Sparra' Sir?"
Jack nodded and rose from his seat.
"And you are?"
"Barnaby Sir. I've gota message for you."
The boy held out a crumpled piece of paper, which Jack took and began to open. He looked up to see the young boy still stood there and sighed. Reaching into his pocket Jack pulled out a few coins and tossed them to the boy.
"Now take your onsies and leave."
The boy grinned and ran off. Jack resumed his position on the garden seat and continued to unfold the paper. As he began to read the note the look of amusement fell from Jacks face and was replaced by an unreadable expression. He crumpled the note up and stuffed it into his pocket and rose, looking up at the house Jack began to run back up his mood darkening with each stride.
~*~
Governor Swann was sat in his study deep in conversation with one of his councillors over the latest shipping information and trading information for Port Royal. Their discussion was interrupted when the doors of the study swung open and in stormed a very angry Jack Sparrow.
Before either could speak Jack grabbed the councillor by the back of his shirt and dragged him out of his chair quickly showing him the door.
"What in the name of God is wrong with you man!"
Before Governor Swann could speak another word Jack slammed the door shut and turned to face him again. Governor Swann backed away from the chair and looked at Jack in utter disbelief as he approached him. Reaching into his pocket Jack pulled out the note and thrust it at Governor Swann.
"Go on! Read it!"
Governor Swann's hands shook as he unfolded the note and began to read it aloud.
"Mister Sparrow, you have always been good to us servants and shown no hatred or thoughts of us being lower. I was sworn to secrecy but cannot allow you to suffer due to someone else's foolishness. This is why I must tell you that Alexandra Swann has left for England in secret on board the ship with William and Elizabeth."
Jack paced back and forth before Governor Swann and occasionally glanced up at him as he read.
"The reason Alexandra has left is that she is pregnant and is unable to tell whether you or Commodore Norrington are the child's father. This is all I know and I hope that you are able to make a decision from here. Best of luck."
Governor Swann looked at Jack who was still pacing, placing the note onto the desk. Slumping down into the chair Governor Swann seemed utterly confused and devastated.
"I…my little girl…my Alexandra."
Jack reached over and took the note from the desk and put it back into his pocket.
"Tomorrow I am leaving with me crew on the Pearl to go after your daughter. If Commodore Norrington should follow me an' the Pearl or make signs tha' he knows of this little note. I will not hesitate to shoot him. Whether it be all by me onsies or on me Pearl!"
Governor Swann nodded at Jack.
"I do not intend to speak with the Commodore over this subject until Alexandra is returned here. I give you permission to bring her back to Port Royal by any force necessary Mister Sparrow."
"Thank ye Governor. Glad you could unda'stand."
Jack turned and left the room pulling the study doors closed behind him. Governor Swann sat there for a while trying to make sense of what had happened to him. As he contemplated there was a gentle knock at the door and the rather shaken up and now nervous councillor entered.
"Umm…Governor Swann…is everything alright?"
"Perfectly fine…just the future son-in-law had had rather a little too much rum for the evening and had come to declare his love for my daughter. Nothing to worry about I'm sure he will be fine soon enough and I apologise on his behalf for his behaviour."
The councillor nodded and soon the discussion resumed as it had been before Jack had entered so spectacularly. However Governor Swann's thoughts were elsewhere for the rest of the evening.
~*~
Well that's all for this chapter. I hope it is okay and you enjoyed. I thought that I should add a little more adventure to this chapter just to spice it up a little more!
Until next time
Thank you
xx