The next morning Ruby slowly lifted her heavy eyelids to be met by
unforgiving sunlight streaming in through the windows. She moaned loudly
as she snapped her eyes shut and buried her face in the pillow. She knew
she wasn't in her own bed, the surface she was lying on wasn't as soft and
the sheets were thinner. Breathing in deeply her nose was invaded by the
stench of stall alcohol and sweat, her body felt like she had a ton of
bricks laying on her. Ruby opened her eyes again and looked down at
herself, she was still in her dress from the night before it was just a
pile of wrinkles now. She looked around room she was in and was able to
identify it as Jack's cabin, now she knew where the stall odor of rum was
coming from. Leaning her head back into the pillow she felt her arm brush
past something warm, she looked over and seen Jack passed out next to her.
Ruby groaned as she felt how sticky her body was, slowly she pushed herself up as she felt the pounding in her head. She held a hand to her forehead as she naeseau rush over her, 'oh god I feel like I am dead' thought Ruby as she heard a knock at the cabin door.
"Not so loud,"hissed Ruby before she hit Jack's arm trying to wake him up. Jack groaned at her touch and rolled over content on staying asleep. The knocking pounded through the room again as Ruby crinched.
"No, go away,"Ruby hissed again as she looked over at the door in hate. Whoever was knocking at the door was not going away and Ruby only had one way to get rid of them. Slowly she moved her legs straightening out her skirt, Ruby leaned over and grabbed the middle of her skirt and pulled it up so she could throw her legs over the side of the bed to the floor.
"I am coming,"stressed Ruby as she found her balance and pulled herself upright. Taking a deep breathe she made her way over to the door trying not to get the sunlight streaming through the windows in her eyes. As she came to the door the knocking sounded again, Ruby briefly closed her eyes as the knocking seemed to vibrate right through her.
Slowly she pulled open the door to find Mr.Gibbs and a younger boy standing at the door. The boy looked sheepishly at the ground, it was easy to tell he was uncomfortable, Gibbs on the other hand was trying to keep a large grin off his face.
"Jack will not wake up,"rasped Ruby leaning against the door.
"I'm awake,"groaned Jack drawing the attention of the three at the door. Jack's appearace confirmed to Ruby that nothing sexual had gone on the previous night, both were still in their clothes and looking worse for wear. She wasn't sure if she was relieve or upset that nothing had gone on.
Jack slowly pulled himself from the sweat soaked sheets and stumbled over to the door where his first mate and the boy stood with Ruby. He looked Ruby over who looked like she had been to hell and back, her hair was still in braids but they were messed up and stray hairs were everywhere, she had large black rings under her eyes and she smelt no better than Jack did.
"Yer lookin' lovely love,"grunt Jack standing next to her at the door. Ruby rolled her eyes at him and walked away from the door barely interested in what the two men had to discuss. She wandered over to Jack's desk and took a seat in his chair trying to keep her head still from the pounding and spinning.
"Whatdda doin' wakin' me up so bloody early?"muttered Jack letting Gibbs and the boy in. Jack looked at the boy suspiciously as he followed his first mate in.
"The boy, he brought sumtin' fer ya. Ya might find it interestin',"said Gibbs nodding to the rolled up paper the boy now held. The boy timidly held the paper out for Jack to take. Jack took the paper from boy and unrolled it, he glanced it over before holding it out for Gibbs. Ruby was now looking at them in curiousity, she didn't understand why Jack would be giving the paper to Gibbs. Gibbs seen Ruby's confused expression and smiled at her then nodded at Jack.
"Canna read a word love,"explained Jack,"I'd be readin' only maps, Mr.Gibbs'd be readin' the words." Ruby nodded in understandment, Jack didn't have the advantage she did of being taught in the academics.
"Well c'mon Gibbs, get on with it,"barked Jack wanting to go back to bed, he was not amused with Gibbs' aloofness.
"Didna know if it's me place ta be readin' it ta ya Cap'n,"said Gibbs, Jack could tell by his first mate's face that he had already gone over it.
"Boy, what's it say,"snapped Jack at the young boy.
"I'm sorry Cap'n I can't read either,"said the boy softly.
"Fine, I will read it,"huffed Ruby standing up. She watched over to Jack and snatched the paper away from him. Immediately the title of the paper caught her attention as she skimmed it, without bothering with the rest she looked at Jack in confusion.
"Is this a bloody joke?"screeched Ruby waving the paper at Jack. A few heads of the crew just outside the open cabin door turned and peaked in at Ruby's loud voice. Anamaria stepped through the crowd and stood about a foot away from the door.
"Yer married?" Jack's face of confusion changed quickly as he remembered the church and that he hadn't approached Ruby on the events, he wasn't surprised she didn't remember she was almost passing out drunk.
"You dirty, no good, lying bastard,"screamed Ruby,"You are married and you have fooled me all this time." Mr.Gibbs had to hold back laughter as Ruby ranted, he had read the marriage certificate the boy had brought. He had arrived claiming the priest had sent him, Jack had forgotten the certificate behind. Gibbs couldn't believe what he was reading, Jack Sparrow had gotten married, married to the Governor's niece of all women. Gibbs was surprised the dock wasn't buzzing about it, from what the boy had said he had a tough time trying to find Captain Jack Sparrow, Gibbs couldn't believe someone hadn't snatched the paper from the young boy.
"Do you have children too? My God Jack, I should castrate you for this horrible betrayal,"Ruby was furious, she ignored the pounding in her head and her appearance.
"Jack's married?" Anamaria stepped in through the door. Jack and Gibbs glanced over their shoulders at her as she stood there confused.
"Yes, the God foresaken bastard is married,"spat Ruby as she waved the certificate around and stepped backwards towards the desk,"I can not believe I was so foolish, I trusted you, I invited you in my bloody bed you bastard and you decieve me like this?" Ruby grabbed an empty rum bottle from the desk and hurled it at Jack's head. Jack and Anamaria ducked to miss being hit by the flying bottle as it hit the wall behind them and smashed into pieces.
"Mrs. Sparrow please be calming down b'fore yer make yerself sick,"said Gibbs slowly.
"Do not tell me what to,"Ruby stopped mid-sentence, the anger melted off her face as curiousity took over,"what did you call me?" Anamaria looked at Gibbs confused as well, she had heard him right, he called Ruby Mrs.Sparrow.
"Now ya've done it Cap'n, maken' the missus mad,"said Gibbs. Ruby quickly unrolled the certificate in her hands and read it over carefully, her mouth dropping open as she seen what seemed to be her name scrawled messily at the bottom next to Jack's. She looked up at Jack speechless in disbelief.
"Ya married her?"asked Anamaria.
"Married?"whispered Ruby still disbelieving what she had read,"Is this a joke?"
"No joke love,"said Jack. Ruby walked over to the young boy who had brought the paper and held it up to him.
"Who sent this?"asked Ruby.
"Reverend Cullary mame,"nodded the boy. Ruby looked at the paper again, her proper name of Ruby Storm was signed on it so it couldn't have been a fake, no one besides her mother, Irfann and Jack knew her proper name. She looked up at Jack with fury in her eyes as she swung her fist into Jack's arm.
"You married me?"squeally Ruby angrily. At this point Gibbs quietly took the boy by the shoulder and directed him out of the cabin along with Anamaria who didn't want to leave. It was amusing to watch Ruby get angry about thinking Jack had a wife, but now it was a dicussion they needed to have in private. As the door closed Jack looked over at Ruby who stood staring at him with her hand on her hip and the certificate in the other hand.
"Yeah, well love,"said Jack looking for the right words to say,"I thought ya'd be happy."
"Happy? Happy that you got me drunk and married me? Are you crazy?"screamed Ruby.
"Well least ya know I wasn't maken' ya a mistress,"said Jack,"I canna be cheaten' on me wife with me wife."
"Jack this is not funny, what did you think you were doing? How did this happen?"hissed Ruby pacing around the cabin angrily.
"Ya dragged me inta that church that's what happened,"said Jack.
"The church," Ruby searched her brain for the events of the night before, vaguely she remembered going into the church, they were being chased.
"We went ta the church cause the Commodore's men were chasin' us,"said Jack walking over to the the desk and sitting in the chair Ruby had previously been sitting in,"Ya wanted us ta claim sanctuary, then the priest came along and he was talkin' 'bout elopin' then things just kept goin' and boom we're married."
"Oh God,"muttered Ruby as she sat down on the edge of the bed, she still wanted to believe it was some bizarre dream she was in.
"If you remember all this then you could have not been that drunk,"said Ruby looking over at Jack with big questioning eyes,"why did you let it happen?"
"Love, it's not like I was too sober meself,"said Jack defensively,"And ta be honest I thought ya'd be happy, ya've already said ya thought ya'd have trouble findin' a husband cause of yer age and ya thought ya had nothin' ta offer but yer purity then we were together. This solves all yer problems, ya got a husband and ya saved yerself fer him." Ruby stood up from the bed with a killer look on her face as she couldn't believe what Jack was actually saying.
"Ya married me because ya pitied me?"Ruby's face flushed red as she screamed at the top of her lungs at Jack who seemed taken back by her reaction,"Am I some old spinster you felt bad for because well most women my age are bearing children I have not married yet? What was it, married the old cow before she is beyond eyesight? Or what, did you marry me because those stupid lines you and Mandy feed me about tricking my husband in bed about my maidenhead were lies? Which one is it Sparrow, I would really love to know." The whole dock was sure to have heard her as she screamed at Jack.
"No love, it's not like that,"said Jack wishing she'd stop yelling.
"I do not believe this,"sighed Ruby running her hand over her face. She read over to the certificate once more then softly started laughing to herself. Jack looked at her strangely as she started laughing,one moment she was furious and yelling at him the next moment she was laughing.
"Are ya okay love?"asked Jack slowly as he got up out of his chair and cautiously moved towards the bed.
"My God,"sighed Ruby as Jack sat next to her hoping she wouldn't start yelling again, he was sure by now everyone in the port knew of their situation, her screaming could have woken the dead,"And to think my uncle was suggesting just last night that I consider looking at Commodore Norrington as a suitor." Jack snickered slightly at the thought of the Commodore.
"Elizabeth was right, rum, rum is a vile drink,"said Ruby.
"Ah now c'mon love that's a wee bit harsh." Ruby looked over at Jack with an unamused expression before she stood up leaving the certificate sitting on the bed next to Jack.
"I think I should be going home now,"said Ruby softly,"It is late as it is and someone will notice my absence." Jack nodded and watched as she undid the ties from her braids and let her hair fall loosely into dark chocolate colored waves. Ruby leaned over and tried to straighten out her skirt making herself not look like such a mess. Jack got up and walked over to her with a smirk, he wrapped his arms around her waist and Ruby tried pinching her cheeks to get some color into them.
"Aye know love, I believe I showed ya one helluva a night last night and ya did promise me somethin' for it," Jack's raspy voice invaded her ear making Ruby smile as she felt his warm body press against her comfortingly,"and we've also got a weddin' night ta."Ruby rested her forehead on Jack's shoulder, she was still upset over the marriage, it never should have happened but she couldn't help smiling at Jack's amusement.
"Not right now Sparrow," Ruby gave Jack a pouty lip as she wrapped her arms around his neck.
"That's Cap'n Sparrow,"said Jack.
"I am your wife now I do believe I will call you as I wish,"Ruby smiled before she pressed her lips to Jack's. Jack tried coaxing her over to the bed as his tongue invaded her mouth but Ruby wasn't falling for it, she knew she'd be walking into another mess if anyone discovered she had not slept at the Governor's estate.
Reluctantly Ruby pulled back from Jack and gave him an apoligetic look as she pulled herself from his arms. Jack knew she had to leave as well but he didn't want to have to see her go.
"I have to,"whispered Ruby regretfully.
"I know love,"said Jack as he kissed her forehead. Ruby walked over to the door and let herself out to the sunlight deck where the Pearl's full crew stood waiting for her and Jack to emerge. Jack stood behind Ruby as she stood frozen in the doorway for a moment glancing over the sea of eyes that stared at them.
"Um Mrs. Sparrow," Ruby looked over to see Gibbs stepping forward, she smiled and nodded at him acknowledging him,"It would appear yer cousin's ship is coming inta dock." Gibbs pointed out to a ship almost as large as the Black Pearl approaching, the Union Jack was raised and waving in the wind. Ruby had no way to identify if Gibbs words were correct or not but she was going to trust him.
"Bloody hell,"muttered Ruby before she turned and looked at Jack behind her,"I must now really be getting back home, I am required for their arrival and I have to find a way to tell them."
"I'll go with ya, make sure yer okay,"said Jack.
"It is broad daylight out and if it their ship then my uncle has men all over the place preparing for their arrival, I will be okay,"said Ruby looking over at the ship. Jack grumbled slightly and nodded. Ruby leaned up and gave him a chaste kiss on the cheek before carefully way through the audience of crew members making her way to the gangplank. Jack followed behind her and stood at the top of the gangplank with his hand on his sword severing a warning to all the men on the dock that Ruy was not to be touched. He watched as she made her way past the staring men, he watched after her until she was completely out of sight.
Ruby entered the house through the servants enterance and snuck past them. She was sure by now her cousin was due home son because the house was running mad with preparations for the newly weds arrival. On her way up the stairs to her room Ruby was found by Mandeep who was coming down the stairs with a scolding look on her face. Without saying a word Ruby grabbed Mandeep's arm and tugged her up the stairs and down to her room.
"What is going on?"asked Mandeep as Ruby slammed the door shut and locked it behind them.
"Mandy, what is my full name?"asked Ruby immediately reaching behind her and undoing the bindings on her dress. Mandeep looked at her mistress in confusion at being asked some inane question.
"What is my full name?"asked Ruby stalking around the fighting with her dress.
"Ruby Victoria Storm,"said Mandeep wondering if Ruby was still drunk from the night before. Ruby undid her dress and quickly pulled it off revealing her slip underneath, she didn't bother with her folding wall. Once the dress was completely off her and in a rumpled heap on the floor Ruby walked back over to her maid and stood directly in front of her.
"Try now, Ruby Victoria Sparrow," Mandeep creased her brow and looked at Ruby in confusion. Ruby crossed her arms over her chest and looked at her maid in expectation as Mandeep still tried to figure out what Ruby was talking about.
"Sparrow?"asked Mandeep,"Why Sparrow?"
"Are you daft? What is the only reason I would say my surname is Sparrow,"hissed Ruby. Ruby's words took a moment to settle in before Mandeep realized what she was leading on to. Ruby threw her arms up in annoyance as she walked away from her maid to her water basin that sat on a large dresser near one of the windows.
"Ruby, did you and Jack?"Mandeep was wided eye as she twirled around and stared at her mistress,"did you get married?"
"Well that would be the only I could get his name,"sighed Ruby as she unfolded one of the white linen towels next to the porcelin basin and dipped it in to the room tempature water. Ruby rubbed the linen over her neck and cheeks trying to rid herself of the clammy feeling.
"You and Jack got married?" Mandeep couldn't believe what she was hearing.
"Apparently,"said Ruby,"I was extremely drunk and from what Ican remember and been told, we ran into some of the Commodore's men and they chased us into a church where we were to claim sanctuary but instead got eloped."
"I do not believe this,"said Mandeep.
"Neither did I, but the priest had our certificate of marriage delievered to us this morning,"said Ruby,"and after I ranted and raved about it like a madwoman I find out Elizabeth and Will are home."
"Oh yes, that's right,"gasped Mandeep.
"Well important things first,"said Ruby,"Get me a new dress, I have to get ready." Mandeep nodded and hustled off to pick out a dress for Ruby. Ruby walked behind her folding wall and slipped out of her slip and selected another one to wear.
"Do you want a corset?"called Mandeep.
"God no,"shouted Ruby pulling the slip on. She walked out from behind the wall and across the room to her wardrobe where Mandeep was. Ruby could tell her maid had a million more questions to ask and wanted every detail but all she could do was think about getting dressed and prepared for her cousin's arrival.
Mandeep helpped Ruby slip into the dress she had picked out for her then turned her around so she could get the back done up.
"I wish you would keep this to yourself even from Sharma for now,"said Ruby as Mandeep carefully buttoned up the dress.
"Why?"asked Mandeep.
"Because I have to figure this out,"said Ruby,"Christ I married a pirate."
"You're not going to have the marriage disolved are you,"asked Mandeep.
"No, I could not anyways, Jack would have to petition to the king for it,"said Ruby,"and everyone would know about it, the only thing I can think of is an annullment, even then I would need Jack's agreement."
"Annullment? You mean to tell me you two haven't? Not even this morning?"asked Mandeep as Ruby turned around to face her.
"No,"said Ruby,"I need my hair done." Ruby waved to her hair before she walked over to her vanity and sat down. Mandeep looked at her with raised eyebrows as she slowly walked over to the vanity where the hair accessories were all laid out, she leaned over and picked up a brush.
"Then what did you do this morning?"asked Mandeep.
"I woke up and his first mate and a delivery lad gave us the certificate,"explained Ruby as Mandeep brushed her hair,"at first I went mad at Jack for being married and decieving me, then I read the certificate and my name was on it. From there I went mad again."
"So you are angry at Jack?"asked Mandeep.
"No, well, I do not know. He told me he married me because I was getting close to being too old to season and I gave him my maidenhead,"said Ruby.
"Well you did want to give it to your husband,"said Mandeep.
"Mandy,"groaned Ruby,"I did not mean this way. My mother is going to have me shot when she finds out." Mandeep just shook her head as she continued doing Ruby's hair. Ruby stared at herself going over in her head how she was going to work everything out, on the way back to the Governor's she contemplated leaving for home with no notice in the darkness of midnight so as not to be noticed but she knew chances were Jack would follow her then she would have another problem of trying to justify her actions to him.
Jack sat in his cabin starting at the certificate Ruby had left him. It sat on the desk in front of him, he couldn't read it but he could identify Ruby's signature, which had her proper surname on it. He was sure the priest wouldn't have thought of it or been able to put the connection of Ruby and the legend together, priests weren't pirates. The cerfticate had to be kept closely guarded, if anyone were to see it then they would know about Ruby.
The silence of Jack's cabin was disturbed as the door flung open and in stormed Anamaria followed by Mr.Gibbs. Jack casually looked up from his desk as he shoved the certificate out of eyesight. He could tell Anamaria was mad, she looked furious as she stood in front of him with her hands on her hips.
"Do ya realize what ya've done?"spat Anamaria.
"Ana, c'mon now,"said Gibbs calmly as he rested his hand on her shoulder. Anamaria shrugged his hand off and stepped closer to Jack.
"Ya married her? Jack they'll be hunten' us all down now,"Jack didn't flinch at Anamaria's yelling, he just sat back and let the woman yell,"she's the govern'r's bloody niece. How coulda 'ave been so stupid?"
"Ana,"warned Gibbs not knowing how Jack was going to respond.
"Ana look love if ya aren't trustin' me then ya know yer free ta leave the Pearl at anytime,"said Jack,"But I'll tell ya one thing love, I'll never be putin' me crew in any danger I dinna think they couldn't handle."
"No but it's damn well unnecessary,"snapped Anamaria. Gibbs finally grabbed her arm and forecfully dragged Anamaria from the cabin leaving Jack behind and Anamaria protesting loudly. Finaly once they were out on the deck and away from any of the ears of the crew.
"Will ya let go of me?"cried Anamaria trying to break Gibb's hold on her. Finally Gibbs let go of her but blocked anyway she had to escape.
"Ya need ta be shuttin' yer mouth about Ruby,"said Gibbs.
"Not if it's gonna be affectin' me,"said Anamaria.
"Ya'll be shuttin' it , why? Because she's yer captain's wife and ya ever heard of the Hellstorm's jewel?"
"Yeah, why?"asked Anamaria not sure why Gibbs was bringing it up.
"Because Jack's been mentioning it, and I 'ave a feelin' this girl's got sumtin' ta do with it,"said Gibbs.
"What?"
"I'd just sit back and let Jack be dealin' with things,"said Gibbs,"if this is what I'd be thinkin' it is then we've got a good deal." Anamaria thought about it for a moment before nodding.
"Are ya sure?"asked Anamaria.
"No, but if ya keep runnin' yer mouth off at Jack then yer not gonna around long enough ta be findin' out,"hissed Gibbs. Anamaria nodded before inhaling deeply, she wasn't sure what to think of Gibbs' words but if they were true then she wanted in on it.
"Just ta be sure I'd be apoligizin' ta Jack,"said Gibbs stepping back from Anamaria. She looked at him with a pouty scowl on her face, she didn't want to apoligise to anyone but she knew she should just to save grace with Jack. She still thought marrying Ruby was a stupid, arrogant mistake but if she would lead them to the Hellstorm jewel then maybe she wasn't more trouble than she was worth.
Ruby groaned as she felt how sticky her body was, slowly she pushed herself up as she felt the pounding in her head. She held a hand to her forehead as she naeseau rush over her, 'oh god I feel like I am dead' thought Ruby as she heard a knock at the cabin door.
"Not so loud,"hissed Ruby before she hit Jack's arm trying to wake him up. Jack groaned at her touch and rolled over content on staying asleep. The knocking pounded through the room again as Ruby crinched.
"No, go away,"Ruby hissed again as she looked over at the door in hate. Whoever was knocking at the door was not going away and Ruby only had one way to get rid of them. Slowly she moved her legs straightening out her skirt, Ruby leaned over and grabbed the middle of her skirt and pulled it up so she could throw her legs over the side of the bed to the floor.
"I am coming,"stressed Ruby as she found her balance and pulled herself upright. Taking a deep breathe she made her way over to the door trying not to get the sunlight streaming through the windows in her eyes. As she came to the door the knocking sounded again, Ruby briefly closed her eyes as the knocking seemed to vibrate right through her.
Slowly she pulled open the door to find Mr.Gibbs and a younger boy standing at the door. The boy looked sheepishly at the ground, it was easy to tell he was uncomfortable, Gibbs on the other hand was trying to keep a large grin off his face.
"Jack will not wake up,"rasped Ruby leaning against the door.
"I'm awake,"groaned Jack drawing the attention of the three at the door. Jack's appearace confirmed to Ruby that nothing sexual had gone on the previous night, both were still in their clothes and looking worse for wear. She wasn't sure if she was relieve or upset that nothing had gone on.
Jack slowly pulled himself from the sweat soaked sheets and stumbled over to the door where his first mate and the boy stood with Ruby. He looked Ruby over who looked like she had been to hell and back, her hair was still in braids but they were messed up and stray hairs were everywhere, she had large black rings under her eyes and she smelt no better than Jack did.
"Yer lookin' lovely love,"grunt Jack standing next to her at the door. Ruby rolled her eyes at him and walked away from the door barely interested in what the two men had to discuss. She wandered over to Jack's desk and took a seat in his chair trying to keep her head still from the pounding and spinning.
"Whatdda doin' wakin' me up so bloody early?"muttered Jack letting Gibbs and the boy in. Jack looked at the boy suspiciously as he followed his first mate in.
"The boy, he brought sumtin' fer ya. Ya might find it interestin',"said Gibbs nodding to the rolled up paper the boy now held. The boy timidly held the paper out for Jack to take. Jack took the paper from boy and unrolled it, he glanced it over before holding it out for Gibbs. Ruby was now looking at them in curiousity, she didn't understand why Jack would be giving the paper to Gibbs. Gibbs seen Ruby's confused expression and smiled at her then nodded at Jack.
"Canna read a word love,"explained Jack,"I'd be readin' only maps, Mr.Gibbs'd be readin' the words." Ruby nodded in understandment, Jack didn't have the advantage she did of being taught in the academics.
"Well c'mon Gibbs, get on with it,"barked Jack wanting to go back to bed, he was not amused with Gibbs' aloofness.
"Didna know if it's me place ta be readin' it ta ya Cap'n,"said Gibbs, Jack could tell by his first mate's face that he had already gone over it.
"Boy, what's it say,"snapped Jack at the young boy.
"I'm sorry Cap'n I can't read either,"said the boy softly.
"Fine, I will read it,"huffed Ruby standing up. She watched over to Jack and snatched the paper away from him. Immediately the title of the paper caught her attention as she skimmed it, without bothering with the rest she looked at Jack in confusion.
"Is this a bloody joke?"screeched Ruby waving the paper at Jack. A few heads of the crew just outside the open cabin door turned and peaked in at Ruby's loud voice. Anamaria stepped through the crowd and stood about a foot away from the door.
"Yer married?" Jack's face of confusion changed quickly as he remembered the church and that he hadn't approached Ruby on the events, he wasn't surprised she didn't remember she was almost passing out drunk.
"You dirty, no good, lying bastard,"screamed Ruby,"You are married and you have fooled me all this time." Mr.Gibbs had to hold back laughter as Ruby ranted, he had read the marriage certificate the boy had brought. He had arrived claiming the priest had sent him, Jack had forgotten the certificate behind. Gibbs couldn't believe what he was reading, Jack Sparrow had gotten married, married to the Governor's niece of all women. Gibbs was surprised the dock wasn't buzzing about it, from what the boy had said he had a tough time trying to find Captain Jack Sparrow, Gibbs couldn't believe someone hadn't snatched the paper from the young boy.
"Do you have children too? My God Jack, I should castrate you for this horrible betrayal,"Ruby was furious, she ignored the pounding in her head and her appearance.
"Jack's married?" Anamaria stepped in through the door. Jack and Gibbs glanced over their shoulders at her as she stood there confused.
"Yes, the God foresaken bastard is married,"spat Ruby as she waved the certificate around and stepped backwards towards the desk,"I can not believe I was so foolish, I trusted you, I invited you in my bloody bed you bastard and you decieve me like this?" Ruby grabbed an empty rum bottle from the desk and hurled it at Jack's head. Jack and Anamaria ducked to miss being hit by the flying bottle as it hit the wall behind them and smashed into pieces.
"Mrs. Sparrow please be calming down b'fore yer make yerself sick,"said Gibbs slowly.
"Do not tell me what to,"Ruby stopped mid-sentence, the anger melted off her face as curiousity took over,"what did you call me?" Anamaria looked at Gibbs confused as well, she had heard him right, he called Ruby Mrs.Sparrow.
"Now ya've done it Cap'n, maken' the missus mad,"said Gibbs. Ruby quickly unrolled the certificate in her hands and read it over carefully, her mouth dropping open as she seen what seemed to be her name scrawled messily at the bottom next to Jack's. She looked up at Jack speechless in disbelief.
"Ya married her?"asked Anamaria.
"Married?"whispered Ruby still disbelieving what she had read,"Is this a joke?"
"No joke love,"said Jack. Ruby walked over to the young boy who had brought the paper and held it up to him.
"Who sent this?"asked Ruby.
"Reverend Cullary mame,"nodded the boy. Ruby looked at the paper again, her proper name of Ruby Storm was signed on it so it couldn't have been a fake, no one besides her mother, Irfann and Jack knew her proper name. She looked up at Jack with fury in her eyes as she swung her fist into Jack's arm.
"You married me?"squeally Ruby angrily. At this point Gibbs quietly took the boy by the shoulder and directed him out of the cabin along with Anamaria who didn't want to leave. It was amusing to watch Ruby get angry about thinking Jack had a wife, but now it was a dicussion they needed to have in private. As the door closed Jack looked over at Ruby who stood staring at him with her hand on her hip and the certificate in the other hand.
"Yeah, well love,"said Jack looking for the right words to say,"I thought ya'd be happy."
"Happy? Happy that you got me drunk and married me? Are you crazy?"screamed Ruby.
"Well least ya know I wasn't maken' ya a mistress,"said Jack,"I canna be cheaten' on me wife with me wife."
"Jack this is not funny, what did you think you were doing? How did this happen?"hissed Ruby pacing around the cabin angrily.
"Ya dragged me inta that church that's what happened,"said Jack.
"The church," Ruby searched her brain for the events of the night before, vaguely she remembered going into the church, they were being chased.
"We went ta the church cause the Commodore's men were chasin' us,"said Jack walking over to the the desk and sitting in the chair Ruby had previously been sitting in,"Ya wanted us ta claim sanctuary, then the priest came along and he was talkin' 'bout elopin' then things just kept goin' and boom we're married."
"Oh God,"muttered Ruby as she sat down on the edge of the bed, she still wanted to believe it was some bizarre dream she was in.
"If you remember all this then you could have not been that drunk,"said Ruby looking over at Jack with big questioning eyes,"why did you let it happen?"
"Love, it's not like I was too sober meself,"said Jack defensively,"And ta be honest I thought ya'd be happy, ya've already said ya thought ya'd have trouble findin' a husband cause of yer age and ya thought ya had nothin' ta offer but yer purity then we were together. This solves all yer problems, ya got a husband and ya saved yerself fer him." Ruby stood up from the bed with a killer look on her face as she couldn't believe what Jack was actually saying.
"Ya married me because ya pitied me?"Ruby's face flushed red as she screamed at the top of her lungs at Jack who seemed taken back by her reaction,"Am I some old spinster you felt bad for because well most women my age are bearing children I have not married yet? What was it, married the old cow before she is beyond eyesight? Or what, did you marry me because those stupid lines you and Mandy feed me about tricking my husband in bed about my maidenhead were lies? Which one is it Sparrow, I would really love to know." The whole dock was sure to have heard her as she screamed at Jack.
"No love, it's not like that,"said Jack wishing she'd stop yelling.
"I do not believe this,"sighed Ruby running her hand over her face. She read over to the certificate once more then softly started laughing to herself. Jack looked at her strangely as she started laughing,one moment she was furious and yelling at him the next moment she was laughing.
"Are ya okay love?"asked Jack slowly as he got up out of his chair and cautiously moved towards the bed.
"My God,"sighed Ruby as Jack sat next to her hoping she wouldn't start yelling again, he was sure by now everyone in the port knew of their situation, her screaming could have woken the dead,"And to think my uncle was suggesting just last night that I consider looking at Commodore Norrington as a suitor." Jack snickered slightly at the thought of the Commodore.
"Elizabeth was right, rum, rum is a vile drink,"said Ruby.
"Ah now c'mon love that's a wee bit harsh." Ruby looked over at Jack with an unamused expression before she stood up leaving the certificate sitting on the bed next to Jack.
"I think I should be going home now,"said Ruby softly,"It is late as it is and someone will notice my absence." Jack nodded and watched as she undid the ties from her braids and let her hair fall loosely into dark chocolate colored waves. Ruby leaned over and tried to straighten out her skirt making herself not look like such a mess. Jack got up and walked over to her with a smirk, he wrapped his arms around her waist and Ruby tried pinching her cheeks to get some color into them.
"Aye know love, I believe I showed ya one helluva a night last night and ya did promise me somethin' for it," Jack's raspy voice invaded her ear making Ruby smile as she felt his warm body press against her comfortingly,"and we've also got a weddin' night ta."Ruby rested her forehead on Jack's shoulder, she was still upset over the marriage, it never should have happened but she couldn't help smiling at Jack's amusement.
"Not right now Sparrow," Ruby gave Jack a pouty lip as she wrapped her arms around his neck.
"That's Cap'n Sparrow,"said Jack.
"I am your wife now I do believe I will call you as I wish,"Ruby smiled before she pressed her lips to Jack's. Jack tried coaxing her over to the bed as his tongue invaded her mouth but Ruby wasn't falling for it, she knew she'd be walking into another mess if anyone discovered she had not slept at the Governor's estate.
Reluctantly Ruby pulled back from Jack and gave him an apoligetic look as she pulled herself from his arms. Jack knew she had to leave as well but he didn't want to have to see her go.
"I have to,"whispered Ruby regretfully.
"I know love,"said Jack as he kissed her forehead. Ruby walked over to the door and let herself out to the sunlight deck where the Pearl's full crew stood waiting for her and Jack to emerge. Jack stood behind Ruby as she stood frozen in the doorway for a moment glancing over the sea of eyes that stared at them.
"Um Mrs. Sparrow," Ruby looked over to see Gibbs stepping forward, she smiled and nodded at him acknowledging him,"It would appear yer cousin's ship is coming inta dock." Gibbs pointed out to a ship almost as large as the Black Pearl approaching, the Union Jack was raised and waving in the wind. Ruby had no way to identify if Gibbs words were correct or not but she was going to trust him.
"Bloody hell,"muttered Ruby before she turned and looked at Jack behind her,"I must now really be getting back home, I am required for their arrival and I have to find a way to tell them."
"I'll go with ya, make sure yer okay,"said Jack.
"It is broad daylight out and if it their ship then my uncle has men all over the place preparing for their arrival, I will be okay,"said Ruby looking over at the ship. Jack grumbled slightly and nodded. Ruby leaned up and gave him a chaste kiss on the cheek before carefully way through the audience of crew members making her way to the gangplank. Jack followed behind her and stood at the top of the gangplank with his hand on his sword severing a warning to all the men on the dock that Ruy was not to be touched. He watched as she made her way past the staring men, he watched after her until she was completely out of sight.
Ruby entered the house through the servants enterance and snuck past them. She was sure by now her cousin was due home son because the house was running mad with preparations for the newly weds arrival. On her way up the stairs to her room Ruby was found by Mandeep who was coming down the stairs with a scolding look on her face. Without saying a word Ruby grabbed Mandeep's arm and tugged her up the stairs and down to her room.
"What is going on?"asked Mandeep as Ruby slammed the door shut and locked it behind them.
"Mandy, what is my full name?"asked Ruby immediately reaching behind her and undoing the bindings on her dress. Mandeep looked at her mistress in confusion at being asked some inane question.
"What is my full name?"asked Ruby stalking around the fighting with her dress.
"Ruby Victoria Storm,"said Mandeep wondering if Ruby was still drunk from the night before. Ruby undid her dress and quickly pulled it off revealing her slip underneath, she didn't bother with her folding wall. Once the dress was completely off her and in a rumpled heap on the floor Ruby walked back over to her maid and stood directly in front of her.
"Try now, Ruby Victoria Sparrow," Mandeep creased her brow and looked at Ruby in confusion. Ruby crossed her arms over her chest and looked at her maid in expectation as Mandeep still tried to figure out what Ruby was talking about.
"Sparrow?"asked Mandeep,"Why Sparrow?"
"Are you daft? What is the only reason I would say my surname is Sparrow,"hissed Ruby. Ruby's words took a moment to settle in before Mandeep realized what she was leading on to. Ruby threw her arms up in annoyance as she walked away from her maid to her water basin that sat on a large dresser near one of the windows.
"Ruby, did you and Jack?"Mandeep was wided eye as she twirled around and stared at her mistress,"did you get married?"
"Well that would be the only I could get his name,"sighed Ruby as she unfolded one of the white linen towels next to the porcelin basin and dipped it in to the room tempature water. Ruby rubbed the linen over her neck and cheeks trying to rid herself of the clammy feeling.
"You and Jack got married?" Mandeep couldn't believe what she was hearing.
"Apparently,"said Ruby,"I was extremely drunk and from what Ican remember and been told, we ran into some of the Commodore's men and they chased us into a church where we were to claim sanctuary but instead got eloped."
"I do not believe this,"said Mandeep.
"Neither did I, but the priest had our certificate of marriage delievered to us this morning,"said Ruby,"and after I ranted and raved about it like a madwoman I find out Elizabeth and Will are home."
"Oh yes, that's right,"gasped Mandeep.
"Well important things first,"said Ruby,"Get me a new dress, I have to get ready." Mandeep nodded and hustled off to pick out a dress for Ruby. Ruby walked behind her folding wall and slipped out of her slip and selected another one to wear.
"Do you want a corset?"called Mandeep.
"God no,"shouted Ruby pulling the slip on. She walked out from behind the wall and across the room to her wardrobe where Mandeep was. Ruby could tell her maid had a million more questions to ask and wanted every detail but all she could do was think about getting dressed and prepared for her cousin's arrival.
Mandeep helpped Ruby slip into the dress she had picked out for her then turned her around so she could get the back done up.
"I wish you would keep this to yourself even from Sharma for now,"said Ruby as Mandeep carefully buttoned up the dress.
"Why?"asked Mandeep.
"Because I have to figure this out,"said Ruby,"Christ I married a pirate."
"You're not going to have the marriage disolved are you,"asked Mandeep.
"No, I could not anyways, Jack would have to petition to the king for it,"said Ruby,"and everyone would know about it, the only thing I can think of is an annullment, even then I would need Jack's agreement."
"Annullment? You mean to tell me you two haven't? Not even this morning?"asked Mandeep as Ruby turned around to face her.
"No,"said Ruby,"I need my hair done." Ruby waved to her hair before she walked over to her vanity and sat down. Mandeep looked at her with raised eyebrows as she slowly walked over to the vanity where the hair accessories were all laid out, she leaned over and picked up a brush.
"Then what did you do this morning?"asked Mandeep.
"I woke up and his first mate and a delivery lad gave us the certificate,"explained Ruby as Mandeep brushed her hair,"at first I went mad at Jack for being married and decieving me, then I read the certificate and my name was on it. From there I went mad again."
"So you are angry at Jack?"asked Mandeep.
"No, well, I do not know. He told me he married me because I was getting close to being too old to season and I gave him my maidenhead,"said Ruby.
"Well you did want to give it to your husband,"said Mandeep.
"Mandy,"groaned Ruby,"I did not mean this way. My mother is going to have me shot when she finds out." Mandeep just shook her head as she continued doing Ruby's hair. Ruby stared at herself going over in her head how she was going to work everything out, on the way back to the Governor's she contemplated leaving for home with no notice in the darkness of midnight so as not to be noticed but she knew chances were Jack would follow her then she would have another problem of trying to justify her actions to him.
Jack sat in his cabin starting at the certificate Ruby had left him. It sat on the desk in front of him, he couldn't read it but he could identify Ruby's signature, which had her proper surname on it. He was sure the priest wouldn't have thought of it or been able to put the connection of Ruby and the legend together, priests weren't pirates. The cerfticate had to be kept closely guarded, if anyone were to see it then they would know about Ruby.
The silence of Jack's cabin was disturbed as the door flung open and in stormed Anamaria followed by Mr.Gibbs. Jack casually looked up from his desk as he shoved the certificate out of eyesight. He could tell Anamaria was mad, she looked furious as she stood in front of him with her hands on her hips.
"Do ya realize what ya've done?"spat Anamaria.
"Ana, c'mon now,"said Gibbs calmly as he rested his hand on her shoulder. Anamaria shrugged his hand off and stepped closer to Jack.
"Ya married her? Jack they'll be hunten' us all down now,"Jack didn't flinch at Anamaria's yelling, he just sat back and let the woman yell,"she's the govern'r's bloody niece. How coulda 'ave been so stupid?"
"Ana,"warned Gibbs not knowing how Jack was going to respond.
"Ana look love if ya aren't trustin' me then ya know yer free ta leave the Pearl at anytime,"said Jack,"But I'll tell ya one thing love, I'll never be putin' me crew in any danger I dinna think they couldn't handle."
"No but it's damn well unnecessary,"snapped Anamaria. Gibbs finally grabbed her arm and forecfully dragged Anamaria from the cabin leaving Jack behind and Anamaria protesting loudly. Finaly once they were out on the deck and away from any of the ears of the crew.
"Will ya let go of me?"cried Anamaria trying to break Gibb's hold on her. Finally Gibbs let go of her but blocked anyway she had to escape.
"Ya need ta be shuttin' yer mouth about Ruby,"said Gibbs.
"Not if it's gonna be affectin' me,"said Anamaria.
"Ya'll be shuttin' it , why? Because she's yer captain's wife and ya ever heard of the Hellstorm's jewel?"
"Yeah, why?"asked Anamaria not sure why Gibbs was bringing it up.
"Because Jack's been mentioning it, and I 'ave a feelin' this girl's got sumtin' ta do with it,"said Gibbs.
"What?"
"I'd just sit back and let Jack be dealin' with things,"said Gibbs,"if this is what I'd be thinkin' it is then we've got a good deal." Anamaria thought about it for a moment before nodding.
"Are ya sure?"asked Anamaria.
"No, but if ya keep runnin' yer mouth off at Jack then yer not gonna around long enough ta be findin' out,"hissed Gibbs. Anamaria nodded before inhaling deeply, she wasn't sure what to think of Gibbs' words but if they were true then she wanted in on it.
"Just ta be sure I'd be apoligizin' ta Jack,"said Gibbs stepping back from Anamaria. She looked at him with a pouty scowl on her face, she didn't want to apoligise to anyone but she knew she should just to save grace with Jack. She still thought marrying Ruby was a stupid, arrogant mistake but if she would lead them to the Hellstorm jewel then maybe she wasn't more trouble than she was worth.