The Pirate's Gift
Kathleen Constance Audubon was not an English rose. She did not have the peaches and crème completion that was desired, but simply a sickly pale completion that only had color when the poor thing blushed from embarrassment after knocking over something. She did not have the golden locks nor the blue eyes like her cousin, Josephine, a true English rose who would find every opportunity to remind her cousin of her short comings. Her dull brown hair was frizzy in the Caribbean heat and her eyes, well; no one could tell what color they were. A dull brown? A sickly green? A sad blue? And of course, Kathleen did not have the figure that Josephine and the rest of polite society had and wanted. A skinny perfect body, almost boy-like if not for the perfect full bosom. This body meant grace, beauty, and poise. This body was the reason the abomination known as 'corset' was created. This body was not Kathleen's body. Her waist was fuller than her bosom and her face was round and full, not angular and tight. She wasn't as big as some girls, but those like Josephine made her think she was huge.
"A fat cow!" Josephine liked to say. Kathleen would try to speak up to her older cousin, but she would always laugh and say,
"Just eat your pastries Kathleen!" And Kathleen would. It was all she could do since her only friend since she had moved to Port Royal was Elizabeth Swann. Oh how Kathleen longed to be Elizabeth! Tall, beautiful and skinny! She even wasn't a typical English rose either. She was tanned and her hair was brown but highlighted by the sun. Her father the Governor had long since given up making her wear hats and parasols everywhere. But recently, Kathleen found another thing to envy Elizabeth for. William Turner, the town's most promising and increasingly wealthy blacksmith, had finally asked for Elizabeth's hand in marriage. He was like the fine swords he made. Sharp and beautiful. How Kathleen longed to be in Elizabeth's pretty shoes! Beautiful and engaged to a handsome and dashing man who treated her with such kindness and respect. Kathleen didn't think anyone would feel that for her. Who could fall in love with an overweight, plain orphan? Who would want to?
So it was on one of those hot Caribbean days, that Kathleen found herself being squeezed into a corset for the dress Josephine had ordered that was too small for her, again, and it was too late to take it back.
"Almost there Miss!" said Elsie one of the maids in her Uncle's house as she pulled on the string. She gave one last tug but the string broke and sent the poor maid tumbling to the floor.
"Oh! Elsie! Are you alright?" cried Kathleen going to help her up.
"Nothing a hot bath won't cure Miss!" she said as the older head maid and cook Mrs. Wiggins came in with the gown. Kathleen had to admit, no matter how convenient it was that Josephine didn't think to get Kathleen's correct size, she had beautiful taste in gowns. Although Kathleen did notice that Josephine's gown was always more elaborate and beautiful. Laying the simple navy gown on the bed, Mrs. Wiggins said,
"Here we are then! I took it out as much as I could. Why you let Josephine pick out your gowns is beyond me!"
"She has excellent taste, Mrs. Wiggins." said Kathleen.
"Besides..."They turned to see Josephine standing in the doorway smirking, "Kathleen is always too busy in dream worlds to notice anything around her! How could she possibly pick out a decent dress?" She flopped onto Kathleen's bed, dressed still in her nightgown and robe.
"Aye that's true. Miss Kathleen does have a vivid imagination!" said Mrs. Wiggins beaming with pride.
"Cook, is my bath ready, yet?" said Josephine in a bored tone. That was one thing that made the servants like Kathleen better. She took the time to know their names.
"I'll draw it now, Miss!" said Mrs. Wiggins leaving the room. Josephine looked through a stack of cards in her hands as Kathleen asked,
"What are those?"
"Oh just notes from various gentlemen who asked if I shall be at the engagement party tonight! You are so lucky Kathleen! You do not have to worry about impressing men!" she said sweetly. But Kathleen looked towards the floor as Elsie glared at the young noblewoman. She knew she could get away with it too since the noble never looked at the servants anyway.
"But who knows? There might be a plump young man by the buffet who catches your eye!" said Josephine bouncing off out of the room. Picking up the dress, Elsie huffed,
"Don't you pay no mind to her miss! She's just full of herself! You're just as pretty as she is! If not more!" As she pulled the gown over Kathleen's head, Kathleen said,
"Thank you Elsie." Elsie began to button up the back while Kathleen looked in the full length mirror and said,
"I still look like a stuffed sausage though!"
"No you don't! You look fine!" Now, I'll be right back to do your hair!" said Elsie leaving the room. Kathleen sat before her vanity and sighed. Then she heard a male voice behind her say,
"You look just like you mother!" She looked over her shoulder and smiled at the bald man with an elegant white beard. Good old Uncle Thomas Evans. He was still a handsome man, though not terribly tall and he had crow's feet. And he preferred not to wear the wigs of high society men.
"I rather wear what God gave me than look like a little girl! Governor Swann! How fine you look! My, if my head didn't break out in a rash from talcum powder I'd have a fine wig just like that!" he would say all the time. Of course, the first part would be whispered in her ear. To say that Thomas Evans preferred to love his sister's child more than his own daughter is not correct. He just liked her better.
"Mother was beautiful." stated Kathleen.
"And you're not?" he asked quirking an eyebrow.
"I don't know!" said Kathleen looking to the floor.
"When am I going to start beating young suitors off with sticks, hmm?" he asked.
"I'd just settle for one, Uncle." she said quietly.
"You'd better. Didn't I tell you? Your cousin's contrary ways with men was the reason I pulled out all my hair!" he said pointing to his head. Kathleen laughed. Not the quiet dignified laugh of a lady, but the loud and joyful laugh of someone with a sense of humor. Chuckling, he said,
"I love to hear you laugh. You sound like your mother too!"
"I wish I knew her!" she said with longing. He turned her face to the mirror and said,
"Just look in the mirror, darling. I'll see you in a while, hmm?" And with that he passed the curtsying Elsie as he walked out. Elsie began to fix her hair, cursing the frizz as Kathleen began to daydream. She imagined that instead of all the men flocking to Josephine, they would flock to her and beg,
"Please Miss Audubon, let me have the first dance!"
"No me!"
"Choose me Miss Audubon!" Then she would toss her perfect hairdo and say is a seductive husky whisper,
"Gentlemen, there shall be plenty of dances!" As one handsome man after the next swept her into their strong arms, whispering sweet nothings, Josephine would whine,
"Oh if only I had Kathleen's beauty!" When she passed Elizabeth, she would hear,
"That's my friend! And sometimes, I would love to be her!"
"Kathleen?"
"KATHLEEN!" snapped Josephine. Kathleen shook her dreams away and looked to see that the carriage had arrived at the Governor's mansion. Kathleen had barely noticed Elsie finish with her hair and sending her downstairs to her Uncle and her cousin.
"Lost in your fantasies again, Kathleen?" said Josephine.
"Be nice Josephine." said Thomas.
"Yes Father!" said Josephine as the carriage rolled up to the front of the house. Thomas got out first and helped his daughter down. Then he helped his niece down, but she slightly tripped over her skirts. Josephine just rolled her eyes and whispered,
"Clumsy cow!" Uncle Thomas did not hear her but Kathleen did. They entered the ballroom of the Governor's home and were immediately greeted by a radiant Elizabeth and her uncomfortable fiancé William Turner. Josephine walked up to Elizabeth and said,
"Lizzie! Darling, you look wonderful! Every happiness!" Elizabeth forced a smile as Kathleen shook her head. Elizabeth hated to be called Lizzie. Then Elizabeth saw Kathleen and said,
"Kathleen! My how pretty you look!"
"Thank you Elizabeth. Nothing compared with you, though!" said Kathleen. Josephine walked away after glaring at Kathleen. Kathleen's friendship with the Governor's daughter was the only thing Josephine envied Kathleen for. Not because Elizabeth was a good, kind person, but because the more social connections one has, the better chance at snagging a rich husband.
"Kathleen, how many times do I have to tell you you're a pretty girl?" asked Elizabeth smiling kindly.
"Until someone confirms it." said Kathleen.
"Will, you remember my friend, Kathleen Audubon.?" said Elizabeth to her fiancé who was more preoccupied with loosening his collar than greeting guests. Blushing at the fact that he had been caught, Will bowed to Kathleen and said politely,
"Good evening Miss Audubon."
"The name's Kathleen, Mr. Turner." laughed Kathleen.
"Then the name's Will, Kathleen." All three chuckled. Then Kathleen saw her Uncle waving her over to his spot by the Governor.
"If you'll excuse me?" Once she had said hello to the Governor, Kathleen walked over to a wall to watch the dancing. The single young women lined the walls of the room, like soldiers, all under strict orders from their mothers to capture a husband. Kathleen watched as one by one, young men came up to the wall and asked the young ladies to dance. All but Kathleen. For a moment, Kathleen thought a tall blue eyed man was going to ask her, but he simply said,
"Excuse me miss."
"Yes?" said Kathleen hopefully. Her face fell when he gently brushed passed her, and asked another girl to dance. All alone, Kathleen watched the dancers. Elizabeth was laughing and trying to help her fiancé learn the steps, while he watched her feet. She saw Josephine as usual, living her fantasies and having a young man whisper sweet nothings in her ear. The waltz continued as she walked over to the buffet table.
"Oh no." said Elizabeth seeing Kathleen start to fill her plate.
"What is it?"
"No one asked Kathleen to dance again." said Elizabeth.
"Why not? She's pretty." stated Will.
"Yes but all Port Royal seems to be blind to that fact. Will? Could you dance the next dance with her?" asked Elizabeth.
"Me?" asked Will. He was already having enough trouble with Elizabeth.
"Yes, please? I want her to have fun!" said Elizabeth.
"Well..."
"Please Will?" said Elizabeth pouting a little. He couldn't resist that pout. Kathleen heard the music end, but she didn't hear Will walk up to her.
"Kathleen?" he asked tapping her shoulder. She turned, still chewing the pate covered cracker.
"May I have the next dance?" he asked. Kathleen swallowed and stared at him as if he had just spoken Spanish. He wanted to dance? With her! That's when Kathleen caught Elizabeth's eyes begging for Kathleen to say yes. Oh. Now she understood. It was out of pity.
"Mr. Turner, I would love to, but I'm rather tired right now." she said quietly.
"Maybe later then?" he asked. She nodded and put down her plate on the table saying,
"Excuse me." She walked quickly to the powder room praying she wouldn't tear up. When Will returned to Elizabeth, she smacked him on the arm with her fan.
"What? She didn't want to!" protested Will. Elizabeth looked her brown eyed, brown haired fiancé in the face and said,
"Will! You should have insisted!"
"You mean, make her do something she didn't want to do?" he asked as the band started to play again.
"No...well yes...well..." trailed off Elizabeth. He sighed and said,
"Why don't we go talk with your father a while?"
"What about Kathleen?"
"You can talk to her when she isn't upset." Will said to her.
Meanwhile, Kathleen had just entered the powder room, when she heard Josephine's voice. She ducked behind the curtain and heard,
"I saw Kathleen all by herself again."
"Yes, my cousin is such a disgrace! Why doesn't she take the hint that no man will ever want her?" answered Josephine's voice.
"Because she spends all her time daydreaming about the handsome prince!" said a voice.
"Yes, I guess that is all the Fat Kat will ever have is it?" said Josephine as the others giggled. Kathleen bit her lip and ran out. No one noticed. She ran all the way out into the gardens out in the back. Surrounded by the tropical plants of the Caribbean allowing the English plants to grow there, she sat down on a stone bench and began to cry. Unbeknownst to her, someone had noticed her. Someone that no one else noticed since he kept to the shadows of the open French doors. The figure watched from the shadows as the girl kept crying. Seeing she had no handkerchief, he stepped out of the shadows and into the moonlight. She still hadn't seen him. He walked up to her slowly, so as not to scare her off. The next thing Kathleen saw through red, tear stained eyes, was a greasy old bit of cloth in front of her nose. She looked up to see the tanned, calloused hand that held it. She saw the arm covered in a worn, blue homespun coat with wide cuffs and black brocade. And connected to the arm, connected to the shoulders, connected to the neck, and upon the head connected to the neck, was a face. The most peculiar but handsome face Kathleen had ever seen. His face was golden by the sun, and his beard hastily trimmed and plaited into two braids at the goatee. Over the mustache was a fine, straight nose and looking down the nose, were two gorgeous, dark brown eyes, almost black in the nighttime. On his long, braided and dread-locked brown hair sat a leather tricorn. He smiled kindly and said with a soft cockney of East London,
"There now. No more tears Savvy?" She took the cloth, memorized by his eyes. Their fingers brushed and she felt a pleasant tingle go down her spine. But feeling subconscious once more, she looked down and said,
"Thank you." Then she wiped her eyes and to her surprise, he sat down beside her on the bench.
"So how fair you this lovely evening, Milady?" he asked. Confused that he was speaking with her, she said,
"Fine."
"Really? For a moment ago, I thought I handed a handkerchief to a woman who was crying." he stated.
"I suppose I'm not fine then am I?" she said looking at her hands.
"But it makes one wonder why you are not fine." he said pressing her to go on.
"I don't know. I'm being silly I suppose. I've been to dances where no one will dance with me before; why should I upset that they won't dance with me now?" she said.
"Is that all? Well Luv if you just wanted to dance, I'll dance with ya!" he exclaimed with wild hand gestures. She stood and said,
"I don't need your pity sir."
"Who said anything about pity? I want to dance with ya." he said plainly from his seat.
"Why? Half the girls in there will tell you I'm not pretty enough to be seen with, let alone dance with." she said with her back turned to him. He nodded in understanding as he stood and said next to her ear.
"So who said you weren't pretty, Luv?"
"My perfect cousin Josephine." she said bitterly.
"Ah. But how perfect could she be if she was enough of a shrew to call you names?" he pointed out.
"What?" she asked over her shoulder.
"Ain't very nice, is it? And I was always under the impression that perfect people had to be nice. Like our Lord Jesus Christ. He was a nice bloke." he said casually. She nodded and said,
"That's true."
"But don't you let this Josephine get you down Luv. She's no expert on what's pretty, but I am." Seeing her confused look, he began to circle her and continue,
"I have been all around and over the world, Savvy? And I've seen hundreds, no, thousands of beautiful women. All shapes, all sizes, all colors. And they all couldn't keep their hands off me!" He paused in pleasant memory before continuing,
"AND I can tell you, as an expert on women..." He stopped in front of her face and pointed at her,
"You are one beautiful lady." She snapped her head up in disbelief and said,
"Me!"
"Aye you." he said.
"But how can you think that? About me!" she said looking down in disbelief. He tilted her chin up with his finger and said,
"Because I think it. You see Luv, what makes someone beautiful or not all depends on attitude. If you don't think you're something, then you're not. If you do think you're something, then you are. And others will see it too. And I think, you are beautiful."
"You're just being kind!" she shook her head. Then he smirked and started to circle her again. This time she noticed and said,
"What are you doing?"
"Looking you over Luv. And I see nothing wrong with you that could made you think you were anything less than beautiful." he said.
"Really?" she whispered. He stepped impossibly close and said,
"Aye." Before Kathleen could think, she felt a hand snake around her waist, and her hand being taken up with another. Subconsciously, she took her skirt in her other hand as he began to waltz her around the garden to the faded music flowing from the house. She looked down and blushed from under his gaze when he said,
"You look down to no one you hear?" She looked up and locked her eyes with his. They were intense and focused and Kathleen couldn't pull away. Her heart was pounding and her mind was racing. She never felt more alive than this moment.
"Kathleen!" called her Uncle's voice. She gasped and looked towards the house.
"My Uncle!" she said. He kissed her on the cheek softly, and said,
" I enjoyed the dance, Luv." After a moment, she opened her eyes and said,
"Wait, I want you to meet my..." But there was no sign of him. Had she been dreaming again? Then she looked down to the dirty cloth in her hand. No, he had been real. The kind, handsome stranger was no fantasy. She smiled at the memory of his eyes when she heard,
"Kathleen!" She turned to see her Uncle walking up to her. She hid the cloth behind her back and said,
"Hello Uncle." He shot her a curious look and said,
"I know that face. Have you done something?"
"No Uncle." she said.
"I thought I saw you out here with someone?"
"I was, but he left. Huh, even before I caught his name!" she sighed.
"Aw well. I'm sure you'll see him again. I'm so happy to hear you met someone!" he said taking her arm. She looked back at the moonlit garden and said,
"So am I." Then he led her back inside.
&&&
"So then Henry said, 'Miss Evans where did you get that lovely gown? It looks as if you look the pink out of the sunset and put it in your dress.' Isn't that simply charming Father?" rambled Josephine on their way back home later that night.
"Yes darling." said Uncle Thomas flexing his hand opened and closed as he propped his feet up on the opposite seat of the carriage. .
"Oh, and I met the Commodore tonight! He is a handsome fellow and so young! And very single since Elizabeth gave him up for that blacksmith!" said Josephine.
"Kathleen met someone tonight." commented Uncle Thomas looking to his niece's smiling face. She hadn't stopped thinking about the handsome stranger all night. Snapped out of her fantasies, she sighed,
"What?"
"She did? Who?" asked Josephine in disbelief. Kathleen shrugged,
"I didn't catch his name."
"What he'd look like?" grilled Josephine.
"He was very nice looking. He had long brown hair, and was very tanned and tall. And he had the most beautiful dark brown eyes. Almost like dark chocolate." said Kathleen dreamily.
"Leave it to Kathleen to use food as a descriptive." said Josephine.
"Josephine!" warned Thomas.
"Sorry Father!" she said.
"But he left before the party was over." said Kathleen.
"Do you think you'll see him again?" asked Josephine.
"Maybe, I don't know. He said the most curious thing..."
"Well anyway I also met a Mr. Edward Darling tonight. He's tall, with curly blond hair and light green eyes. A little shy, but not too shy to ask me to walk with him tomorrow afternoon! And he said the sweetest thing..." said Josephine cutting Kathleen off and ignoring her. Kathleen took a quick peek at the dirty handkerchief she had tucked into her glove before turning to look at the navy Caribbean sky once more, wishing on every star as Josephine rambled on. Behind them on the road, a shadowy figure with a tri-corn walked behind them quickly so as not to lose them.
When they finally stepped back into their home, Mrs. Wiggins was waiting by the stairs in the foyer with a plate of milk and cookies.
"Good evening sir! I trust you all enjoyed yourselves?" she said.
"Wonderful party, Mrs. Wiggins!" said Thomas. Taking a cookie, Josephine said,
"Oh Cook, it was simply marvelous! All the men at the party wanted to dance with me!"
"That's nice Miss. And what about you Miss Kathleen? Did you have fun?" asked Mrs. Wiggins to Kathleen's retreating back. Before stepping onto the stairs, she said,
"Mmm Hmm!"
"Don't you want your late night snack?" asked Mrs. Wiggins. Still climbing the stairs, Kathleen breathed,
"I'm not hungry, thank you." Everyone stopped to stare at the young girl who quickly disappeared into her room. Had Kathleen Audubon turned down food? Looking to her employer, Mrs. Wiggins asked,
"Is Miss Kathleen feeling all right sir? She didn't eat none of that poison from that horrible Mrs. Jones did she?" Laughing at his cook's vendetta and personal feud with the cook of the Governor, he shook his head and patted her shoulder saying,
"She met someone." Uncle Thomas was the last one to go up the stairs, only pausing to flex the peculiar tingling in his hand.
Later that night, Kathleen couldn't sleep. Coupled with her growling stomach and rapid thoughts of the handsome stranger, she sat on the window seat of her bedroom window, her hair blowing in the Caribbean breeze. She played with the handkerchief he had given her, trying to detect some clue about his identity.
'He was very tanned and wore kohl around his eyes. Elizabeth said some sailors wore kohl to keep their eyes from squinting in the sun. So he must be a sailor. He was dressed as if he had been everywhere and to exotic lands. And he wore a cutlass by his side. Elizabeth said that the most talented and skilled swordsmen never go anywhere without their blade. So he must be a expert swordsman and sailor. Oh how dashing! But I'm sure he was still being kind. It couldn't be true. I couldn't be beautiful...could I?' she thought.
Thoroughly confused at this new concept, she walked out of her room and down the stairs with naught but a nightgown with an open robe on. She thought she heard something from the study, but blamed it on the housecat, Freckles. She set her candle in the kitchen and found Mrs. Wiggins famous crème puffs. Gooey and sweet, they melted in her mouth as she scarfed down the first one. Taking one more in her hand and sticking another in her mouth, she was about to pick up her candle and leave when she saw someone leaning against the door frame. In shock, she dropped the candle and the pastry. Then seeing her mouth still had food, she took it out and threw it to the ground beside her leaving a spot of crème on the corner of her mouth and a little on her lip. He stepped into the moonlight and she gasped. The handsome stranger! Only now he wasn't wearing his hat, and she saw a red bandanna holding his hair back. Then she saw that he held her Uncle's lockbox in his hand. That's when she put it all together. Not leaving a name, keeping to the shadows, the exotic dress.
"You're a pirate!" she whispered in fright. He smiled cockily and came closer. She backed up until she hit the wall behind her. He took her jaw in his rough hands and ate the crème off her face and kissed her lips to get the rest. Kathleen shivered at the touch. It was the most pleasurable thing she had ever tasted. Her mind whirled all around her. Shouldn't she push him off and call for help? But he was so handsome and he had been so kind to her before. That could've been a trick. But his eyes. Those eyes wouldn't lie to her...would they? He broke the kiss and whispered to a dazed Kathleen,
"Now...you aren't going to tell on ol' Jack are ye Luv?" She shook her head no and he said,
"Good girl." Then he pecked her lips once more and said,
"Till we meet again Miss Kathleen...Ta." How did he know her name? Oh, wait. He had heard her Uncle calling for her. She watched him walk out the back, licking his fingers, her mind protesting,
"Stop him! Yell, scream, do something! He's got your Uncle's money!" But her heart declared,
"Just let him go. Or better yet, go with him!" Deciding not to listen to either one of them, Kathleen rolled her eyes, tossed her head and fainted dead on the spot.
The next time Kathleen opened her eyes, the sunlight was beaming through the windows. That's when she noticed three pairs of eyes on her. Crouching by her, Mrs. Wiggins said in concern,
"Are you alright, dearie?" Kathleen sat up and saw she was in the kitchen. Then she heard Josephine sneer,
"Decided to save a trip and just move into the kitchen, Kathleen?" Kathleen glared at her cousin as Mrs. Wiggins helped her up. Had it all been a dream? Had the handsome stranger really appeared again? Elsie answered her silent question,
"We've been robbed Miss! The Commodore's speaking with the Master right now!" Kathleen rushed out, quickly followed by the other women.
"Gone. All gone. My mother's necklace. My late wife's wedding ring. My stocks and bonds. And my sister's gold locket. That was suppose to go to Kathleen." said Uncle Thomas sadly as he sat at his deck. Commodore Norrington nodded as he inspected the safe behind him. He stood up when the ladies came in the room. The two redcoats with him stood at attention as Josephine sang,
"Here she is! See Commodore? I told you there was no reason to worry! I knew the dear would be found in the kitchen!" Ignoring his daughter's comment, Uncle Thomas sat up and said,
"Kathleen, we were worried about you!"
"I'm sorry Uncle, but I fainted in the kitchen last night! I believe I saw the thief!" Mrs. Wiggins gasped and crossed herself. The Commodore motioned towards a chair.
"Please Miss Audubon. Sit down and tell me what happened." Kathleen complied and began,
"Well, I couldn't sleep, and I was hungry so I went down stairs for a little snack. I thought I heard something from the study, but I ignored it figuring it was the cat."
"It was the thief. He crept in through the window, Miss." said one of the guards, a thin chap with light brown hair.
"Mr. Murtogg..." warned the Commodore.
"Sorry sir." he said sheepishly.
"Go on Miss Audubon." said the blue eyed Commodore.
"Just as I was about to head upstairs, I saw him standing in the doorway! With my Uncle's lockbox!" she said.
"Did he say anything?" asked the Commodore. Kathleen remembered the kiss and his husky voice.
"Now... you aren't going to tell on ol' Jack are ya Luv?"
"Till we meet again Miss Kathleen...Ta."
"No." she lied. And although she regretted her Uncle's lost, she just couldn't reveal that part of her story. It was too wonderfully embarassing. Besides, part of her hoped to see him again.
"What happened next?" asked the Commodore.
"He ran out the back door and I fainted."
"And can you describe him?"
"He had long brown hair, braided and woven with beads and trinkets, a red bandanna, very dark brown eyes..."
"Lined with kohl?" asked the frustrated Commodore pinching the bridge of his nose.
"Why yes!" said Kathleen. Putting his hands behind his back, the man said,
"Jack Sparrow!"
"Captain Jack Sparrow!" corrected the other redcoat with black hair and blue eyes. The Commodore glared at the man and he continued,
"Sorry Sir."
"Not Jack Sparrow! That vile pirate who helped rescue Miss Swann and who escaped the noose last year?" asked Mrs. Wiggins. Josephine whispered in Kathleen's ear,
"That was before you came dear." But Kathleen was in a daze. He had said his name was Jack. Captain Jack Sparrow. My that was dashing! And in Kathleen's eye, it made him all the more romantic. No wait! He can't be romantic! He had just robbed her! Shaking out of her thoughts she heard the Commodore say,
"I'm afraid so ma'am. But do not worry. We shall catch him."
"Eventually!" muttered the second guard to Murtogg.
"Mr. Mallroy. That'll do!" snapped the Commodore not looking at the man.
"Sorry sir." Looking to Uncle Thomas, the Commodore said,
"Not to worry sir. We shall capture Sparrow and bring him to justice."
"Thank you Commodore Norrington." said Thomas standing to walk them out. The Commodore turned to Kathleen and said,
"Thank you Miss Audubon. You have served your country well by cooperating and staying alert."
"Thank you Commodore." said Kathleen quietly. Norrington nodded and Josephine took his arm saying,
"Oh Commodore! To think of what could have happened to my poor beloved Cousin!"
"Don't worry miss. Sparrow has never hurt an innocent yet." said Norrington.
"Still, I'd feel better if I saw him strung up!" said Josephine.
"I'll do what I can." he said patting her arm as she led him out. Walking out, Norrington asked Josephine,
"Is there anyway you can join me for tea this afternoon, Miss Evans?"
"Oh James, I may call you James can't I? James, I'm afraid I already made plans with Mr.Darling!" she said regretfully. He nodded and said,
"Another day then?"
"Of course!" she said purring like a kitten. He stepped down towards his carriage. Thomas nodded to the redcoats as they walked out. Murtogg gave Elsie a shy smile when his friend pulled on his arm in a huff. Closing the door, Elsie stifled a giggle. Thomas gave his daughter a stern look and said,
"Do you have no consideration for what you're cousin's been through?"
"Oh father! She's fine! I'm sorry she saw the scoundrel and that our things were stolen, but he asked me! Besides. I'm sure Kathleen can agree that you can't just ignore a gentleman caller!" she said walking towards the breakfast room. Sighing, Uncle Thomas went back into his study and said to Mrs. Wiggins,
"Mrs. Wiggins, get Kathleen upstairs and let her take a long hot bubble bath. And she's not to be disturbed, understood?"
"Yes sir." said Mrs. Wiggins taking Kathleen by the arm.
"I'm fine Uncle." protested Kathleen.
"Just make sure you're fine hmm?" he said kissing her forehead.
Soon Kathleen was staring out the window as the hot water steamed all around her body. She stared at the ocean waves breaking on the sand down the hill, almost hidden by the lush tropic woods surrounding their house. She was so confused. What kind of man can make you feel so wonderful, yet have you doubting your own sound mind? She thought back to the kiss. That wonderful, passionate, romantic kiss. He was just licking off the crème on her face, but a first kiss is still a first kiss. But was it possible he wanted to kiss her? He had said she was beautiful. What kind of man could get away with stealing her first kiss? A pirate. A man who could do anything he wanted. That was the type of man he was. He didn't let anything stop him from getting what he wanted. Could Kathleen do that? Could she have that kind of freedom? What was it that he had told her last night?
'If you don't think you're something, then you're not. If you do think you're something, then you are. And others will see it too.'
Yes that it was it. If he had this figured out, then maybe the key to getting what you want is thinking about what you are and believing it. Then you could get anything you want. But what did Kathleen think of herself? Until last night, she was convinced she was fat and ugly. But he made her feel beautiful. She looked down at her naked body in the water. It wasn't that bad really. Taking a hand mirror, she looked herself in the eye. And she liked what she saw. Her eyes were a nice shape. Angular and wide. Her nose wasn't a small button, but it matched her face. Her lips were full and pouty. She smiled. She liked the way she smiled. Maybe she was beautiful. And maybe her skin wasn't sickly pale, but smooth porcelain. And maybe her eyes were a color. Isn't hazel the color they called eyes of green, blue, and brown? Maybe they had a mysterious quality that made her a little more attractive. She knew what she wanted.
She wanted to have people see she was beautiful as is. She wanted to be known as the unique beauty Kathleen Audubon, not Josephine Evan's fat and homely cousin what's-her-name. She wanted to have people see she had a spirit and mind of her own. Then looking to her dress and corset hanging off the door, she knew where she was going to start.
Dash it all, she wanted to choose her own clothes that fit! Without a corset thank you!
That night at supper, Josephine was rambling on about her outing with Mr. Darling, when Elsie brought a letter to Uncle Thomas on a silver tray.
"This just came sir." she said.
"Thank you Elsie..." he said opening and reading it.
"What is it Father?"
"It's the invitation to the wedding of Miss Swann to Mr. Turner in four months. Miss Swann added that she would like you join her for lunch tomorrow at the cafe, Kathleen. You know that Turner lad is very talented? It's no wonder everyone is coming to him for business. If you girls want to know what I want for my birthday, I wouldn't mind one of his fine swords!" teased Uncle Thomas winking to Kathleen.
"I better go off to the dressmakers and get Kathleen and I dresses before they all are gone!" said Josephine.
"Actually Josephine, I thought I'd pick out my own dress." said Kathleen staring at her plate. Josephine looked up at her and laughed,
"Really? And may I ask why? You've always trusted my taste before!"
'Trusted you to get me a dress too small just so you could look skinnier!' thought Kathleen bitterly.
"Yes well, seeing as how this is a special occasion, and Elizabeth is my friend, I thought I'd pick my dress." said Kathleen sweetly.
"Well, go ahead cousin. But I'm afraid with everyone rushing about to get a dress, there couldn't possibly be any in your size! If you let me talk to Miss Baker the seamstress, I'm sure we can find a dress you can squeeze into!" said Josephine with a little too much sugar in her voice.
"Thank you cousin! But if I can't find a dress, then I shall simply make one!" said Kathleen matching her tone. Thomas's eyes darted nervously between both girls. This didn't sound good. He knew the damn was about to break.
"Really? Can you sew?" asked Josephine in the same voice.
"No." answered Kathleen.
"And you think you can learn to sew a dress by Elizabeth's wedding?" asked Josephine laughing.
"Well if you can learn to throw yourself at every man that comes your way without batting an eye, I'm sure it shall be no problem for me to learn how to sew!" said Kathleen sweetly. Thomas choked on his wine. Josephine, Elsie and Mrs. Wiggins stared in horror at her. The damn had broke.
"Have I offended you dear?" asked Kathleen. When Josephine shook her head yes, Kathleen continued,
"Well I'm sorry you feel offended, cousin. Please forgive me. Are you alright Uncle?" asked Kathleen to Thomas who was wiping his mouth with his napkin.
"Yes dear." he said.
"Wonderful. Now Josephine, what were you saying about Mr. Darling?" asked Kathleen taking a sip of her wine. Josephine desperate to change the subject, acted as if nothing was wrong and she went on about her time with Mr. Darling as Kathleen thought,
'Did I say that? I did!' Kathleen had always wanted to tell Josephine off.
&&&
"Are you sure this is all the bolts of fabric left?" asked Kathleen looking to the cart.
"Aye Miss. All them seamstresses cleaned me out trying to get fabric for that wedding coming up." said the old merchant on the other side of the wooden cart. Kathleen looked down in despair at the two large bolts. White silk and black linen. And a little black lace as well. No one wanted to wear white since that was the color of the bride and no one wanted to wear black since that was reserved for funerals. And to wear either to a wedding was considered rude. But then an image from Kathleen's overactive imagination flared up. Maybe a black and white dress? She wouldn't look like a bride, but she wouldn't look like she was in mourning either.
"You could always dye the white Miss." the merchant suggested.
"Maybe. But I'm just learning so I don't want to take any chances. I'll take both. And the lace too!" said Kathleen fishing the money out of her purse.
"Miss Kathleen!" cried Mrs. Wiggins in horror beside her.
"Trust me Mrs. Wiggins. It's what I want." said Kathleen handing the man the last of her money. She had convinced her Uncle to give her the monthly allowance early so she could buy her supplies. Three sewing and pattern books, one mannequin to be delivered later to the house, a pair of steel scissors and many spools of thread and needles and pins later, she had all she need to start a dress. Carrying the two larges bolts down the market place, Mrs. Wiggins said,
"And what do you have in mind, hmm?"
"Maybe a dress in black and white."
"Well, that's fine. Your mother would turn in her grave if she knew you turned up..."
"Turned up what, Mrs. Wiggins?...Mrs. Wiggins?" asked Kathleen turning to look behind her. She saw the older woman sternly address a taller but stouter lady with salt and pepper hair.
"Mrs. Jones."
"Mrs. Wiggins." the woman replied matching the icy tone.
"Oh no!" said Kathleen to herself. She started to run back to the pair. She couldn't let what happened last time happen again! So focused she was on the pair, that she didn't see the tall figure with the tri-corn pushed down over his eyes leaning against a wall next to the alley. Before she knew it, the man grabbed her arm and pulled her into the alley.
"HEELLL-!" she tried to scream but the man covered her mouth. Then he lifted his hat off his dark chocolate eyes.
"You!" whispered Kathleen struggling in his grasp.
"Miss Kathleen. A pleasure to see you again!" he said dipping his head.
"I know who you are! Don't think I won't call for help!" she threatened.
"Really? What's my name darling?" he asked amused and completely ignoring her threat.
"I told the Commodore about you! He's already looking for you!" she said ignoring his question.
"I know. The man's been looking for me for nearly a year. And he hasn't caught me once!" he said with pride.
"Not yet!" she said.
"Why don't you say me name for me, hmm?" he asked her cocking his head.
"Why should I?"
"Why should you not?"
"You stole from my Uncle!"
"Pirate!" he said as if that excused everything.
"Captain Sparrow!..."
"Ah, there we go! Wasn't so hard now was it?" he said grinning. Looking at his metallic grin, she asked,
"Why must you tease me?" He came closer to her and traced her jaw line. As the shivers went down her spine, he said,
"You know...I had a dream about you last night." She stared at him with a dull expression.
"About robbing me?" she said sarcastically.
"About that kiss." he said.
"Oh."
"Never dreamed about a woman before. Well...at least not one woman!" he said grinning wickedly and tracing her jaw continuously. She shoved his hand away and said,
"I'm sure!"
"There's something changed in you." he said looking over her face.
"Is there?" she asked rolling her eyes.
"You're not quite the scared little girl you were..."
"And what am I then?" she asked frustrated.
"I don't know. But I like it.."
"Why are you here with me?" she asked him in exasperation.
"Whatever you're becoming, you're not quite there yet. Can't wait to see what turns out!" he said ignoring her.
"You didn't answer my question Captain!" she said.
"Not many people who remember to call me by my proper title either!" he said.
"Captain!" she warned. He smiled at her and said looking down,
"I came to say goodbye Luv." Her face showing disappointment, she said,
"Goodbye?"
"Only for a little while darling. So don't go on missing me terribly!" he said cheekily. Seeing her blush at being caught he continued,
"I'll be back in four months." Remember his connection to Will and Elizabeth, she asked warily,
"For the wedding?" He smiled only wider.
"Well, I grew attached to the whelp. And his father was me mentor, so I owe it to him. Besides...I love weddings! I do trust you shall be in attendance?" he asked.
"...Yes..."
"Wonderful! But I do hope you ain't going to be matching the bride?" he asked pointing to the bolt of fabric in her arms.
"No, I won't."
"Good. Then I shall see you in four months!" he said.
"What makes you think I want to see you?" she asked. He locked his intense gaze with hers. Memorized again, she barely noticed him kiss her cheek and whisper in her ear.
"That! And if you want to see me off, I'll be sailing by your part of the island by sunset." She continued to look at the man in front of her when she heard,
"Who you calling a fraud you witch!" Rushing out of Captain Sparrow's arms, she cried,
"Mrs. Wiggins!" She saw Mrs. Wiggins waving her bolt of fabric around as the two old women circled each other. The surrounding crowd began to cheer them on. She rushed up to them and pulled Mrs. Wiggins away, saying,
"Please Mrs. Wiggins! I need to get home right away!"
"You lucked out this time Jones!" said Mrs. Wiggins to the other woman as they walked away. But Kathleen heard a low chuckling behind her. She turned to see Captain Sparrow smiling and laughing to himself as he leaned against the wall. He winked at her and raised two fingers to his temple in salute. She caught her breath and continued to lead the huffy Mrs. Wiggins back to the house afraid to look back for she didn't know if he would captivate her again.
Later, she was at the cafe with Elizabeth and she heard through her thoughts,
"I do hope you forgive me for the other night. I didn't mean to upset you, but I just wanted you to have fun!"
"It's alright Elizabeth. You were only trying to be a friend." she managed to say. She meant it and knew Elizabeth was sorry, but she was just so preoccupied with thoughts of Captain Sparrow. Out of all the pirates in the Caribbean, why did the possibly only handsome, dashing and romantic one have to come into her life and make her legs feel like jelly? What did he possibly see in her anyway? That's when she remembered Elizabeth also had met the man.
"Elizabeth? What's your impression of Captain Sparrow?" she asked quietly.
"Captain Jack Sparrow?" asked Elizabeth looking up at her friend in disbelief. What did she want to know about him for?
"Yes. I would like to know more about the man who robbed me." she explained hoping the intelligent girl would take it as just that.
"Well...he's a scoundrel, a rouge, and a deceitful, egotistical woman chaser!" said Elizabeth in a huff..
"Oh."
"But on the other hand, there are times he's also impeccably charming, humorous and amazingly cunning. And deep down, he's a good man." said Elizabeth smiling.
"He is?" asked Kathleen.
"Yes. I didn't help Will have him escape the noose last year for nothing!" laughed Elizabeth eating some of her chicken.
"And...you said something about him being a woman chaser?" asked Kathleen. Elizabeth waved her to come closer. Once they had scooted their chairs together, Elizabeth said quietly,
"Will told me that when they stopped at Tortuga for a crew, he was slapped by six different ladies of the night!"
"Six?"
"Yes, and when I was marooned with him on the island, he tried to make a pass at me!" finished Elizabeth. Now Kathleen was more confused than ever. If he had found Elizabeth attractive, what the devil did he see in her? She now thought herself pretty, but that did not mean she'd thought a man would notice her. Compared to the Elizabeth's and the Josephine's of the world, Kathleen was just ordinary. Why would this exotic man fancy her?
"Kathleen may I ask you something?" asked Elizabeth.
"Yes?" said Kathleen hoping it wasn't about her sudden fascination with Captain Sparrow.
"Will you be my Maid of Honor?" asked Elizabeth squeezing her hand.
"Me?"
"Don't you know? You're the only real friend I've ever had. You don't bore me to tears with talk of suitors or dresses or lessons. And you care about me as much as I care about you!" said Elizabeth. Kathleen was touched. And shocked. To think that beautiful, practically perfect Elizabeth Swann was as lonely for true companionship as she was proved an revolutionary idea. She could be who she wanted to be. Her eyes sparkling, she said,
"I shall!"
"Wonderful! And don't worry, I'm having all the bridesmaids choose their own dresses to wear! I think matching dresses is silly!"
"Uh...well there might be a small problem with that..." said Kathleen.
"What?"
"You see I've decided to make my own dress for the wedding..."
"I didn't know you could sew!"
"I don't either! But the only fabric they had left was black and white. I thought I'd come to the wedding in a black and white dress, but if I'm to be standing beside you at the wedding, it might prove too much white!" explained Kathleen. Nodding, Elizabeth said,
"Oh! Well no problem! I'll have father send off for some cloth from England! It will be here in plenty of time for you to finish your dress! Is there a particular color you'd like?" asked Elizabeth. Kathleen knew what she wanted.
"Is purple to much to ask?" she asked.
"Not at all! Purple will look stunning on you! Maybe a little red too for the pre-wedding party. I always thought red would suit you!" said Elizabeth looking at her in contemplation.
"Really?"
"Hmm! So have you thought of a design yet?"
"Just for the black and white dress."
"Well you might as well work on that one while we're waiting for the other fabric." suggested Elizabeth.
That night as the sun set, Kathleen began to draw her designs. And fifteen minutes later, she noticed she had five designs. Looking casually to the window, she remembered the pirate's words.
'And if you want to see me off, I'll be sailing by your part of the island by sunset.'
Sunset! Heavens, she had almost forgot! Picking up her skirts, possessed by a force she knew not, she rushed out of the house and into the woods. Running all the way to the beach she finally found herself on the sand. The tide was low and her breath was short. Then she saw it. A ship. A ship with black sails. What had Elizabeth called it? The Black Pearl? It suited him. Dark and mysterious and beautiful. And every bit as romantic looking as her Captain. It was a galleon full of sails billowing in the wind. Her heart raced but not from the run. Why did she want to run into the water and join it? What was happening to her?
Captain Jack Sparrow grinned as he looked through his spyglass. She was on the beach. If you were to ask him why he was so intrigued by this girl, he would tell you he didn't know. But part of him saw a woman with a free spirit dying to get out. And he did think her pretty. He counted his blessings that being raised by mother Earth around the world had made him appreciate all kinds of women and not only think thin blonds were perfection. But in his dream, he saw an intoxicating woman. The same woman he had watched shove the crème puff in her face. He smiled at the memory of licking the crème off her face. He knew he had to wait. Wait for the opportune moment.