The next morning Ruby shot up in bed as she heard a loud crash and
shouting. The commotion was so loud it carried all the way up to her room
as if the events were unfolding right there in front of her. Cursing she
flung the blankets on the bed back violently and swung her legs out of bed.
Grabbing her robe Ruby tugged it on.
"I swear the minute the Governor comes home I will be on the first ship back to India,"muttered Ruby before shoving her door open with a bang. The noise became louder as she made her way towards the stairs.
"Francis,"hollered Ruby,"Francis." There would be hell to pay for this and Ruby had made sure that Francis understood she was not to be woken by anyone but her own maids. Her dark brown hair flew behind her in an unkept mess as she almost ran down the stairs holding the robe closed. The sound of her bare feet pounding on the stairs was drowned out by the shouting and crashing happening below. As she came to the foot of the stairs she found Mandeep standing alone listening to the scenes.
"What the bloody hell is going on?"gasped Ruby looking at her maid who had just as much knowledge on the subject as she did.
"I do not know, I was woken by it as well,"said Mandeep.
"By Christ, someone is going to loose their head this morning,"muttered Ruby as she followed the noise in the common room, where guests were taken to wait for their host to arrive. Standing in the doorway Ruby looked around seeing Francis, a handful of footmen and soilders with weapons drawn and in the centre was a man who stood staggering. Ruby kept one hand on her robe as she stormed into the room and straight up the man who obviously was at the centre of the commotion. She looked up at and was shocked that someone who looked like him would be at the governor's house. He had jet black hair that fell around his shoulders in dredlocks decorated with beads and such, framed his deeply sun tanned face. Curious golden cognac eyes surrounded in dark kohl stared at her. Ruby raised an eyebrow as she look at the man curiously, she could tell there wasn't an ounce of nobility in this man but that wasn't her concern, she wanted to know why this man saw it fit to wake her. Silently he took a step towards her but was met by the tip of one of the soilder's swords. Ruby looked over her shoulder to the soilder and raised a hand indicating for him to lower his defenses.
"Yer not Elizabeth,"said the man raising his eyebrows,"No, she's 'bout yea high, and lighter hair, I believe." He held his hand out to show Elizabeth's height. Ruby rolled her eyes, her and Elizabeth looked nothing alike.
"Observant aren't we?"snapped Ruby,"Now who ever you are explain to me the reason for this racket."
"Cap'n Jack Sparrow, at your service Miss,"Ruby watched as he waved his arms over himself like he was a prize at an auction,"I'm here fer the wedding." Ruby creased her brows, 'the wedding?'
"Little late for that now aren't we?"said Ruby letting go of her robe and placing her hands on her hips. Jack looked at her curiously, he was sure he was on time for the wedding.
"Oh bloody hell, I can not deal with this,"sighed Ruby,"Mandy, Mandy come here." Mandeep pushed past two of the maids and went to Ruby's side.
"Mandy, a big glass, no wait, just bring the bottle of brandy,"said Ruby,"I swear before I leave I will be mad from all of this."
"Well yer at it chit get ol' Jack a bottle of rum,"Mandeep looked over at Jack then at Ruby.
"Mandy, do not get ol' Jack here anything,"said Ruby, Mandeep nodded and quickly rushed from the room.
"Aw now c'mon lass, just a little bottle,"smirked Jack.
"Why would you be here fo the wedding anyways?"asked Ruby.
"I'm a very good mate of the bride and groom,"said Jack,"Where is Will, he'll clear this up."
"I told you, you missed the wedding,"said Ruby slowly so he could understand her,"They are gone."
"Okay, then who might you be?"asked Jack still not believing her when she told him he had missed the wedding, he was sure he hadn't.
"As far as you should concern yerself, I'm the Governor of the house,"said Ruby in a matter-of-fact voice.
"No, now that I know fer sure,"said Jack,"The Govern'r was yea high and not as easy on the ol' eyes." Ruby rolled her eyes again as she shook her head in frustration.
"Fine, I am Ruby Storm, the Governor's niece and in his absence I am in charge of this house,"said Ruby waving her arm out at him,"And I do not appericiate being woken up at this ungodly hour by a bumbling man who clearly couldn't identify his ass from her head. Now Mr. Sparrow I would greatly apperciate it if you were to see yourself out and back to where ever it is that you stumbled out from." Jack watched her in great amusment as his eye caught sight of a ring she wore on the hand she was waving. Slowly he leaned forward to peer at it. Ruby noticed him looking at her ring and pulled her hand back to her side.
"It's Cap'n, not mister,"said Jack simply.
"Miss Storm, the Commodore has warrant to arrest Captain Sparrow,"said one of the soilders.
"Not in this house he does not,"snapped Ruby,"I do not need further disturbance. I am beginning to think that no one on this island ever leaves anyone with any peace."
"We still haven't finished on the wedding,"said Jack bringing attention back to himself.
"Do I need to draw you a bloody picture,"said Ruby with great annoyance,"You missed the wedding, Will and Elizabeth, who I highly doubt even know you exsist, have been wed."
"Miss Storm, if I may speak freely,"said one of the maids stepping forward,"The captain was invited to the wedding, Mr. Turner was quite disappointed he was not in attendance."
"Well now that everything is cleared up, have a good day Mr.Sparrow,"said Ruby.
"Cap'n Sparrow,"sighed Jack. Ruby had come to her wits end on the situation. Stepping forward she grabbed Jack's arm and forcefully dragged him from his position towards the doorway. Jack stumbled behind the girl too surprised that such a small girl would dare drag him around as if he were a rag doll to stop her.
"Miss, Miss, if we could just talk,"said Jack as she pulled him towards the front door.
"There is no need to talk,"growled Ruby shoving him towards the door as she let go of him,"You woke me up and disturbed the whole house hold over a wedding that you missed, now Mr. Sparrow I do not believe there is anymore to discuss."
"Cap'n Sparrow,"said Jack getting just as annoyed as Ruby was.
"Mr. Sparrow, get out,"screamed Ruby ignoring his request to address him as captain,"Mandy." A moment later Mandeep came running to Ruby with her bottle of brandy in hand.
"Mandy, deal with this,"said Ruby snatching the bottle of brandy from her maid. Ruby left her maid with Jack as she maid her way back into the room where the maids and others were waiting in shock at Ruby's outburst.
"All of you back to whatever you were doing,"said Ruby sternly.
"But Miss Storm, Mr. Sparrow,"started one of the guards.
"No,"hollered Ruby in a voice that warned she was not to be argued with,"Do as I say or I swear you will all hang from the gallows by means of my own hands." The maids quickly ran off, they had heard from Ruby's own staff that had come with her of her temper. Slowly the soilders and footmen left after recieving a threatening look from Ruby, they were definately not use to taking commands from a woman but she more fierce than some men they had met. Once the room was vacated Ruby uncorked the bottle of brandy and took a seat on one of the couches. Sighing she slumped down in an un-ladylike manner and took a drink straight from the bottle and sighed. She leaned her arm on the side of the couch and rested her head as she closed her eyes. Inhaling and exhaling deeply Ruby tried calmming herself, she would sleep for a year once she was back in the calmness of her own house.
"Now are ya sure I missed the wedding?" Ruby looked up to see Jack sweeping back into the room followed by Mandeep.
"Mr. Sparrow, is there any way I can answer that question for you that will make you go away?"asked Ruby in a defeated voice. Jack put a finger to his lips to give the look of his pondering then smirked as he answered.
"First, ya can quit with Mister, it's cap'in,"said Jack.
"Fine, Captain Jack bloody Sparrow, would you please leave?"stressed Ruby. Jack liked her already, she had the mouth of a sailor and the stance of a king.
"Well I'd like to love, but I don't think I should be leaving with such a grudge between us,"said Jack knowing this woman was annoyed beyond belief.
"Fine, I give up, take over the bloody house if you want, as a matter of fact, Sparrow, take the house, it is yours, I do not need this burden anymore,"said Ruby waving her hand at the room. She took another drink from her bottle then rested her head on the side of the couch. Jack looked at the girl in front of him, she was not the normal nobility of Port Royal, she sat there with her hair disarayed, still in her night gown and robe which was unheard of for a lady to present herself in and she spoke freely with curse words. Jack looked over at the maid who looked exhausted as well, he then took a few steps before kneeling down and steadying himself in front of Ruby. He spotted her ring again on the hand that rested on the arm of the couch, it was a large lily green square cut diamond, 'rare' thought Jack as he inspected the ring, it was a simple silver band with an engraved design on it. Slowly Ruby pulled her hand back out of Jack's sight, she was going to let something stupid like him stealing her ring happen. Sitting up she corked her bottle of brandy and held it out for Mandeep to take. As her maid took the bottle Ruby leaned forward and cupped Jack's cheeks in her hands. Leaning close to his face she looked deep into his eyes to make sure she had his attention.
"You missed the wedding, do you understand that?"asked Ruby softly. Jack thought for a moment then nodded once again surprised that she would touch him so intimately without any indication of thought.
"Aye,"replied Jack.
"Do you understand that you have disturbed my sleep and that is not a good thing?"asked Ruby.
"Aye,"replied Jack.
"And if you ever create a scene such as this one ever again under my watch, I will not be so kind and I will not bother with the Commodore, I will hang you myself,"said Ruby.
"Aye."
"Good, now that we are on the same page Sparrow, I believe I will go and eat my breakfast,"said Ruby before she stood up and started to leave the room. She motioned for Mandeep to come with her as she approached the door to leave. Quickly before she left Jack got to his feet and beat her to the doorway. He stood in front of her blocking her path.
"You are becoming extremely irratating Sparrow,"said Ruby placing her hands on her hips.
"I know, I know,"said Jack holding his hands up defensively,"Now listen, just listen."
"I'm listening,"hissed Ruby.
"Now I'm assumin' I've missed the weddin', and I'm assumin' the Governor is not around either,"said Jack. Ruby nodded silently not even caring where the conversation went.
"And yer in charge right?"asked Jack.
"Yes,"said Ruby.
"Then do ol' Jack a favor and tell the Commodore ta leave ol' Jack alone,"said Jack.
"I'm in charge of the house, nothing more,"said Ruby,"For the love of God I can not even keep these people under my thumb." Jack muttered something to quietly to hear.
"Look I have personal guards of my own, these men do not work for the Commodore, they are under my command. I will have one escort you to where ever you need be,"said Ruby,"Because I am sure where you need to be is not here." With that Ruby slipped past Jack too quickly for him to stop her and left him in the presence of Mandeep.
*******
Later that day Ruby stood in the local dress maker's store being fitted for a dress of possibly less layers so she could handle the heat. Mandeep, Sharma and one of the younger house maids, Anna had come with her along with Ruby's personal guard, Irfann. As Ruby stood on the dress maker's stool she fanned herself from the seemingly unbearable heat, in India the heat was just as bad but one grew acustomed to wearing very little clothing.
"I am truly begining to hate Port Royal,"said Ruby to no one in particular. Jack had finally left the Governor's house that morning after reluctantly being escorted by Irfann back to the docks to his ship. She had been scolded by one of the soilders that with men like Jack she should not be so careless and ignorant to the Commodore's wishes.
"If it is not one bloody thing, it is another,"said Ruby huffing as she ignored the dress maker's curious stares at her language.
"Miss Storm, it is not every day Mr.Sparrow shows up at the house, he was quite unexpected,"said Anna.
"I'd assume,"said Ruby.
"I shall see to it myself that you are left in peace tomorrow morning,"said Mandeep.
"No, no, no, tomorrow will be an early morning,"said Ruby smiling,"Before dawn even. Irfann, do you remember what ship Mr. Sparrow is captain of?"
"The Black Pearl,"nodded Irfann,"It is a pirate ship."
"Well that would explain a lot,"muttered Ruby.
"Ruby what are you thinking of?"asked Mandeep looking at her employeer with doubt, she had a fairly good idea what Ruby was up to and didn't think it was going to be the best plan.
"Not a thing,"said Ruby,"When we are done here I would like to pay the Commodore a visit." The rest of the visit with the dress maker was in silence besides the quiet murmuring of the dress maker and Ruby.
*******
Ruby sat in a large and lavish study in the Commodore's house. Picking aimlessly at her skirt she waited for the Commodore to appear. She had thought carefully about Jack and she had decided she would talk to the Commodore about him but was not going to turn him in or even make him aware he was in Port Royal. Ruby just wanted who this man was and why he had connections to her cousin.
"Miss Storm," Ruby stood up as the Commodore walked into the study bowing slightly before her and taking her hand to kiss it.
"Commodore Norrington,"smiled Ruby as she nodded at him.
"What can I do for you today?"asked the Commodore before taking a seat behind his desk.
"Well, actually something you said to me the other day at breakfast has plauged me with thought and I must inquire further about it,"said Ruby.
"Well I will certainly be as much help as I can be for you,"said the Commodore.
"You said there was one guest who was unwelcomed you did not show up,"said Ruby,"Who might that have been?" She had a pretty good idea who the Commodore was refering to, after talking with the maids she had pieced together that it was more than likely Jack, since Anna had confirmed that the pirate was invited to the wedding and seemingly the only person not to attend..
"Why in the world would that plauge you with thought?"asked the Commodore.
"To be honest Commodore, I've overheard the house staff talking of a shady character who was in the good graces of my cousin and her husband,"said Ruby,"Which seems utterly absurd, but then again my cousin did mention a mister, oh now what was it, t'was an odd name, an animal, bird I believe, Mr.Mallard? No, no."
"Jack Sparrow,"sighed the Commodore.
"That rings a clear bell,"said Ruby,"I am concerned that my cousin would be tangled up with a person like this, and the staff will tell me nothing. If I had an idea of the situation I may be able to give my cousin some reason."
"Many have tried before to talk sense into Elizabeth and Will but they will have none of it, in their eyes Jack Sparrow is man of honor,"said the Commodore.
"Is it true he is a pirate?"asked Ruby.
"He is, and a dirty one at that,"said Commodore,"It will be a glorious day when I see that man swing from a rope around his neck."
"He sounds dangerous,"said Ruby with concern.
"More like an extremely lucky drunk,"said the Commodore.
"Well as soon as my cousin arrives home I will have words with her,"said Ruby standing up,"I thank you for your time and knowledge, and thank the heavens that man did not show up at the wedding."
"Mr. Sparrow knows that it is dangerous to show his hide in Port Royal, for the minute he steps on dry land here I will see him to the cells myself,"said the Commodore standing up as well. Ruby just smiled and nodded, from what she had gathered from the Commodore and from actually meeting Jack herself he just seemed to be an annoyance if anything. Ruby said her goodbyes and the left the Commodore still with the promise that she would take him up on his offer to take her around Port Royal.
"I swear the minute the Governor comes home I will be on the first ship back to India,"muttered Ruby before shoving her door open with a bang. The noise became louder as she made her way towards the stairs.
"Francis,"hollered Ruby,"Francis." There would be hell to pay for this and Ruby had made sure that Francis understood she was not to be woken by anyone but her own maids. Her dark brown hair flew behind her in an unkept mess as she almost ran down the stairs holding the robe closed. The sound of her bare feet pounding on the stairs was drowned out by the shouting and crashing happening below. As she came to the foot of the stairs she found Mandeep standing alone listening to the scenes.
"What the bloody hell is going on?"gasped Ruby looking at her maid who had just as much knowledge on the subject as she did.
"I do not know, I was woken by it as well,"said Mandeep.
"By Christ, someone is going to loose their head this morning,"muttered Ruby as she followed the noise in the common room, where guests were taken to wait for their host to arrive. Standing in the doorway Ruby looked around seeing Francis, a handful of footmen and soilders with weapons drawn and in the centre was a man who stood staggering. Ruby kept one hand on her robe as she stormed into the room and straight up the man who obviously was at the centre of the commotion. She looked up at and was shocked that someone who looked like him would be at the governor's house. He had jet black hair that fell around his shoulders in dredlocks decorated with beads and such, framed his deeply sun tanned face. Curious golden cognac eyes surrounded in dark kohl stared at her. Ruby raised an eyebrow as she look at the man curiously, she could tell there wasn't an ounce of nobility in this man but that wasn't her concern, she wanted to know why this man saw it fit to wake her. Silently he took a step towards her but was met by the tip of one of the soilder's swords. Ruby looked over her shoulder to the soilder and raised a hand indicating for him to lower his defenses.
"Yer not Elizabeth,"said the man raising his eyebrows,"No, she's 'bout yea high, and lighter hair, I believe." He held his hand out to show Elizabeth's height. Ruby rolled her eyes, her and Elizabeth looked nothing alike.
"Observant aren't we?"snapped Ruby,"Now who ever you are explain to me the reason for this racket."
"Cap'n Jack Sparrow, at your service Miss,"Ruby watched as he waved his arms over himself like he was a prize at an auction,"I'm here fer the wedding." Ruby creased her brows, 'the wedding?'
"Little late for that now aren't we?"said Ruby letting go of her robe and placing her hands on her hips. Jack looked at her curiously, he was sure he was on time for the wedding.
"Oh bloody hell, I can not deal with this,"sighed Ruby,"Mandy, Mandy come here." Mandeep pushed past two of the maids and went to Ruby's side.
"Mandy, a big glass, no wait, just bring the bottle of brandy,"said Ruby,"I swear before I leave I will be mad from all of this."
"Well yer at it chit get ol' Jack a bottle of rum,"Mandeep looked over at Jack then at Ruby.
"Mandy, do not get ol' Jack here anything,"said Ruby, Mandeep nodded and quickly rushed from the room.
"Aw now c'mon lass, just a little bottle,"smirked Jack.
"Why would you be here fo the wedding anyways?"asked Ruby.
"I'm a very good mate of the bride and groom,"said Jack,"Where is Will, he'll clear this up."
"I told you, you missed the wedding,"said Ruby slowly so he could understand her,"They are gone."
"Okay, then who might you be?"asked Jack still not believing her when she told him he had missed the wedding, he was sure he hadn't.
"As far as you should concern yerself, I'm the Governor of the house,"said Ruby in a matter-of-fact voice.
"No, now that I know fer sure,"said Jack,"The Govern'r was yea high and not as easy on the ol' eyes." Ruby rolled her eyes again as she shook her head in frustration.
"Fine, I am Ruby Storm, the Governor's niece and in his absence I am in charge of this house,"said Ruby waving her arm out at him,"And I do not appericiate being woken up at this ungodly hour by a bumbling man who clearly couldn't identify his ass from her head. Now Mr. Sparrow I would greatly apperciate it if you were to see yourself out and back to where ever it is that you stumbled out from." Jack watched her in great amusment as his eye caught sight of a ring she wore on the hand she was waving. Slowly he leaned forward to peer at it. Ruby noticed him looking at her ring and pulled her hand back to her side.
"It's Cap'n, not mister,"said Jack simply.
"Miss Storm, the Commodore has warrant to arrest Captain Sparrow,"said one of the soilders.
"Not in this house he does not,"snapped Ruby,"I do not need further disturbance. I am beginning to think that no one on this island ever leaves anyone with any peace."
"We still haven't finished on the wedding,"said Jack bringing attention back to himself.
"Do I need to draw you a bloody picture,"said Ruby with great annoyance,"You missed the wedding, Will and Elizabeth, who I highly doubt even know you exsist, have been wed."
"Miss Storm, if I may speak freely,"said one of the maids stepping forward,"The captain was invited to the wedding, Mr. Turner was quite disappointed he was not in attendance."
"Well now that everything is cleared up, have a good day Mr.Sparrow,"said Ruby.
"Cap'n Sparrow,"sighed Jack. Ruby had come to her wits end on the situation. Stepping forward she grabbed Jack's arm and forcefully dragged him from his position towards the doorway. Jack stumbled behind the girl too surprised that such a small girl would dare drag him around as if he were a rag doll to stop her.
"Miss, Miss, if we could just talk,"said Jack as she pulled him towards the front door.
"There is no need to talk,"growled Ruby shoving him towards the door as she let go of him,"You woke me up and disturbed the whole house hold over a wedding that you missed, now Mr. Sparrow I do not believe there is anymore to discuss."
"Cap'n Sparrow,"said Jack getting just as annoyed as Ruby was.
"Mr. Sparrow, get out,"screamed Ruby ignoring his request to address him as captain,"Mandy." A moment later Mandeep came running to Ruby with her bottle of brandy in hand.
"Mandy, deal with this,"said Ruby snatching the bottle of brandy from her maid. Ruby left her maid with Jack as she maid her way back into the room where the maids and others were waiting in shock at Ruby's outburst.
"All of you back to whatever you were doing,"said Ruby sternly.
"But Miss Storm, Mr. Sparrow,"started one of the guards.
"No,"hollered Ruby in a voice that warned she was not to be argued with,"Do as I say or I swear you will all hang from the gallows by means of my own hands." The maids quickly ran off, they had heard from Ruby's own staff that had come with her of her temper. Slowly the soilders and footmen left after recieving a threatening look from Ruby, they were definately not use to taking commands from a woman but she more fierce than some men they had met. Once the room was vacated Ruby uncorked the bottle of brandy and took a seat on one of the couches. Sighing she slumped down in an un-ladylike manner and took a drink straight from the bottle and sighed. She leaned her arm on the side of the couch and rested her head as she closed her eyes. Inhaling and exhaling deeply Ruby tried calmming herself, she would sleep for a year once she was back in the calmness of her own house.
"Now are ya sure I missed the wedding?" Ruby looked up to see Jack sweeping back into the room followed by Mandeep.
"Mr. Sparrow, is there any way I can answer that question for you that will make you go away?"asked Ruby in a defeated voice. Jack put a finger to his lips to give the look of his pondering then smirked as he answered.
"First, ya can quit with Mister, it's cap'in,"said Jack.
"Fine, Captain Jack bloody Sparrow, would you please leave?"stressed Ruby. Jack liked her already, she had the mouth of a sailor and the stance of a king.
"Well I'd like to love, but I don't think I should be leaving with such a grudge between us,"said Jack knowing this woman was annoyed beyond belief.
"Fine, I give up, take over the bloody house if you want, as a matter of fact, Sparrow, take the house, it is yours, I do not need this burden anymore,"said Ruby waving her hand at the room. She took another drink from her bottle then rested her head on the side of the couch. Jack looked at the girl in front of him, she was not the normal nobility of Port Royal, she sat there with her hair disarayed, still in her night gown and robe which was unheard of for a lady to present herself in and she spoke freely with curse words. Jack looked over at the maid who looked exhausted as well, he then took a few steps before kneeling down and steadying himself in front of Ruby. He spotted her ring again on the hand that rested on the arm of the couch, it was a large lily green square cut diamond, 'rare' thought Jack as he inspected the ring, it was a simple silver band with an engraved design on it. Slowly Ruby pulled her hand back out of Jack's sight, she was going to let something stupid like him stealing her ring happen. Sitting up she corked her bottle of brandy and held it out for Mandeep to take. As her maid took the bottle Ruby leaned forward and cupped Jack's cheeks in her hands. Leaning close to his face she looked deep into his eyes to make sure she had his attention.
"You missed the wedding, do you understand that?"asked Ruby softly. Jack thought for a moment then nodded once again surprised that she would touch him so intimately without any indication of thought.
"Aye,"replied Jack.
"Do you understand that you have disturbed my sleep and that is not a good thing?"asked Ruby.
"Aye,"replied Jack.
"And if you ever create a scene such as this one ever again under my watch, I will not be so kind and I will not bother with the Commodore, I will hang you myself,"said Ruby.
"Aye."
"Good, now that we are on the same page Sparrow, I believe I will go and eat my breakfast,"said Ruby before she stood up and started to leave the room. She motioned for Mandeep to come with her as she approached the door to leave. Quickly before she left Jack got to his feet and beat her to the doorway. He stood in front of her blocking her path.
"You are becoming extremely irratating Sparrow,"said Ruby placing her hands on her hips.
"I know, I know,"said Jack holding his hands up defensively,"Now listen, just listen."
"I'm listening,"hissed Ruby.
"Now I'm assumin' I've missed the weddin', and I'm assumin' the Governor is not around either,"said Jack. Ruby nodded silently not even caring where the conversation went.
"And yer in charge right?"asked Jack.
"Yes,"said Ruby.
"Then do ol' Jack a favor and tell the Commodore ta leave ol' Jack alone,"said Jack.
"I'm in charge of the house, nothing more,"said Ruby,"For the love of God I can not even keep these people under my thumb." Jack muttered something to quietly to hear.
"Look I have personal guards of my own, these men do not work for the Commodore, they are under my command. I will have one escort you to where ever you need be,"said Ruby,"Because I am sure where you need to be is not here." With that Ruby slipped past Jack too quickly for him to stop her and left him in the presence of Mandeep.
*******
Later that day Ruby stood in the local dress maker's store being fitted for a dress of possibly less layers so she could handle the heat. Mandeep, Sharma and one of the younger house maids, Anna had come with her along with Ruby's personal guard, Irfann. As Ruby stood on the dress maker's stool she fanned herself from the seemingly unbearable heat, in India the heat was just as bad but one grew acustomed to wearing very little clothing.
"I am truly begining to hate Port Royal,"said Ruby to no one in particular. Jack had finally left the Governor's house that morning after reluctantly being escorted by Irfann back to the docks to his ship. She had been scolded by one of the soilders that with men like Jack she should not be so careless and ignorant to the Commodore's wishes.
"If it is not one bloody thing, it is another,"said Ruby huffing as she ignored the dress maker's curious stares at her language.
"Miss Storm, it is not every day Mr.Sparrow shows up at the house, he was quite unexpected,"said Anna.
"I'd assume,"said Ruby.
"I shall see to it myself that you are left in peace tomorrow morning,"said Mandeep.
"No, no, no, tomorrow will be an early morning,"said Ruby smiling,"Before dawn even. Irfann, do you remember what ship Mr. Sparrow is captain of?"
"The Black Pearl,"nodded Irfann,"It is a pirate ship."
"Well that would explain a lot,"muttered Ruby.
"Ruby what are you thinking of?"asked Mandeep looking at her employeer with doubt, she had a fairly good idea what Ruby was up to and didn't think it was going to be the best plan.
"Not a thing,"said Ruby,"When we are done here I would like to pay the Commodore a visit." The rest of the visit with the dress maker was in silence besides the quiet murmuring of the dress maker and Ruby.
*******
Ruby sat in a large and lavish study in the Commodore's house. Picking aimlessly at her skirt she waited for the Commodore to appear. She had thought carefully about Jack and she had decided she would talk to the Commodore about him but was not going to turn him in or even make him aware he was in Port Royal. Ruby just wanted who this man was and why he had connections to her cousin.
"Miss Storm," Ruby stood up as the Commodore walked into the study bowing slightly before her and taking her hand to kiss it.
"Commodore Norrington,"smiled Ruby as she nodded at him.
"What can I do for you today?"asked the Commodore before taking a seat behind his desk.
"Well, actually something you said to me the other day at breakfast has plauged me with thought and I must inquire further about it,"said Ruby.
"Well I will certainly be as much help as I can be for you,"said the Commodore.
"You said there was one guest who was unwelcomed you did not show up,"said Ruby,"Who might that have been?" She had a pretty good idea who the Commodore was refering to, after talking with the maids she had pieced together that it was more than likely Jack, since Anna had confirmed that the pirate was invited to the wedding and seemingly the only person not to attend..
"Why in the world would that plauge you with thought?"asked the Commodore.
"To be honest Commodore, I've overheard the house staff talking of a shady character who was in the good graces of my cousin and her husband,"said Ruby,"Which seems utterly absurd, but then again my cousin did mention a mister, oh now what was it, t'was an odd name, an animal, bird I believe, Mr.Mallard? No, no."
"Jack Sparrow,"sighed the Commodore.
"That rings a clear bell,"said Ruby,"I am concerned that my cousin would be tangled up with a person like this, and the staff will tell me nothing. If I had an idea of the situation I may be able to give my cousin some reason."
"Many have tried before to talk sense into Elizabeth and Will but they will have none of it, in their eyes Jack Sparrow is man of honor,"said the Commodore.
"Is it true he is a pirate?"asked Ruby.
"He is, and a dirty one at that,"said Commodore,"It will be a glorious day when I see that man swing from a rope around his neck."
"He sounds dangerous,"said Ruby with concern.
"More like an extremely lucky drunk,"said the Commodore.
"Well as soon as my cousin arrives home I will have words with her,"said Ruby standing up,"I thank you for your time and knowledge, and thank the heavens that man did not show up at the wedding."
"Mr. Sparrow knows that it is dangerous to show his hide in Port Royal, for the minute he steps on dry land here I will see him to the cells myself,"said the Commodore standing up as well. Ruby just smiled and nodded, from what she had gathered from the Commodore and from actually meeting Jack herself he just seemed to be an annoyance if anything. Ruby said her goodbyes and the left the Commodore still with the promise that she would take him up on his offer to take her around Port Royal.