CHAPTER 7: Don't 'Katherine' Me!
Elizabeth paled. She'd forgotten that Norrington was to pay them a visit that very evening. "James," she breathed at a loss for words.
"Miss Swann," The Commodore sighed, "I'd hoped . . . you realize I must arrest these pirates."
The occupants of the room began arguing loudly all save one. Katherine who had gone unnoticed thus far stood silently by Jack's side. She looked down at Jack's sleeping face and felt something in her go cold. Jack Sparrow had saved her life and pirate or not he was a good man. Jack made her laugh when it seemed that there was nothing left to laugh about. He eased the ache in her soul. It was because of her that Jack had been injured. Katherine clenched her jaw in determination. There was no bloody way Norrington would throw Jack into jail to be hung.
In a smooth motion Katherine pulled Jack's pistol from where it was tucked into her belt and aimed it at the Commodore's face. The room fell deathly quiet. No one moved. "I'm sorry, Commodore," she said softly, "I can't let you do that."
Norrington let his hands fall to his sides. He appraised the girl calmly. Though the pistol shook in her grip Norrington had no doubt that she'd fire if provoked. Her blue eyes held a grim determination and something he couldn't quite place. "You don't want to do this, Miss."
Katherine grinned wryly. "You're right. But Jack Sparrow saved my life. The only way you'll take him is over my dead body."
Gibbs swallowed hard. Jack would kill him if anything happened to the girl. "Katherine . . . lass,"
"Don't 'Katherine' me," she snapped, "I've had it! I can take no more. It's because of me that he's injured! If he had just done what they wanted Jack would be fine. He risked his life to save mine . . . again. I'll be bloody damned if I let Jack die." Katherine pulled the hammer back and looked into Norrington's eyes. "What's it going to be, Commodore?" Katherine held her breath and waited praying that Norrington wouldn't make her kill him. If it came down to Jack or the Commodore, Katherine would pull the trigger.
Norrington rolled his eyes. Sparrow had the damnable ability to make even the best women take leave of their senses. "What is your name?" Norrington asked instead pitching his voice to be soothing and buying himself a few moments to think.
"Katherine Darcy."
"Darcy?!" the Governor squawked, "As in Robert Darcy?"
"Yes," she affirmed in a trembling voice, "He was my father. He was murdered."
The Commodore considered. This situation could rapidly lead to bloodshed and that was the last thing Norrington wanted. He also needed to know the circumstances revolving around the said murder of Robert Darcy. The King himself had appointed the man to be the Governor's new aide. As much as it grieved Norrington he realized that perhaps diplomacy was in order.
"Miss Darcy," he said, "Why don't we declare a truce of sorts? I'll allow you to take Sparrow upstairs and care for his injury if you answer my questions."
Katherine licked her lips, "What about Anamaria and Gibbs?"
"They're free to go whenever they wish. You have my word that no harm will come to them."
Katherine hesitated but she'd heard that Norrington was a good man. He'd keep his word. "Very well," she agreed backing up a step and easing the hammer back. Katherine tucked the pistol back into her belt, "But we tend to Jack first.'
Norrington nodded indulgently, "Of course."
Jack was taken upstairs to one of the guest bedrooms and immediately put to bed. Katherine sat beside him running her fingers soothingly over his forehead. The Governor had sent for his physician. He was not thrilled at the prospect of having the notorious pirate under his roof but Elizabeth had her heart set on caring for the injured man and the Commodore's proposal had left him few alternatives.
Gibbs laid a hand on Elizabeth's arm, "I'd appreciate it and I know Jack would too if you could provide some food for Katherine. She hasn't slept nor ate since Jack was wounded and she's injured herself."
"Is it serious?"
"No, just some sore ribs and a few bruises," Gibbs shook his head, "But she's pushing herself too hard. She's had a hard time of it. She needs to eat before she falls flat on her face."
"Of course," Elizabeth agreed, "I'll have something brought up immediately." She rushed off to do as promised.
"Miss Darcy, since we must wait for Doctor Harris perhaps you wouldn't mind answering a few of my questions while we wait." Norrington asked from his place by the door.
Katherine ran a hand over Jack's hair. "Very well, Commodore," she agreed wearily, "Where do you wish to begin?"
"What were the circumstances of your father's death?" he asked hands clasped behind his back.
Katherine ran her fingers through her strawberry locks, "We were attacked by pirates. They killed my father and the crew then blew up the ship."
Norrington hesitated. His next question could produce an answer even more unpleasant than the last. "What of you, Miss Darcy? Surely they didn't just let you go?"
Katherine shook her head subconsciously scooting closer to Jack, "No. They found me hiding in my cabin and drug me up to the deck. They clearly meant to rape me but I was able to jump overboard. Fortunately, the Black Pearl found me. Jack rescued me and took care of me and tended my injuries."
"Are they serious?" Norrington inquired, "Do you need medical attention yourself?" He could see the thin red line above her eye that marked what had been a rather nasty gash.
"No, sir," she replied, "Nothing but bumps and bruises."
Norrington nodded, "Since it's clear that Sparrow is not the one who attacked your vessel I must ask if you know who did?"
"Yes," she answered her eyes glittering with sudden hate, "The bastard attacked the Pearl a few days after my rescue. Captain Murdock was his name."
Norrington frowned, "I've never heard of him."
"Neither had we," Gibbs spoke up, "Appears he's looking to make a name for himself and set himself up as the sole power in these waters."
Will gestured towards Jack, "How did Jack get shot?"
"Murdock," Katherine replied softly, "Jack refused to trade me for the Pearl 's free passage and Murdock shot him."
Elizabeth entered the room with Doctor Harris and several servants bearing food in tow. "You three must be starved," she said as the servants laid out the room's small table, "Why don't you eat while Dr. Harris tends to Jack?"
"No. I'm fine," Katherine declined.
"That's enough," Anamaria said speaking for the first time, "You were at death's door days ago yerself. Makin' yerself sick won't help Jack. Eat, girl."
Katherine blinked. It was true that she still felt weak and the lack of sleep wasn't helping but somehow it didn't seem to matter. All that mattered to her was Jack. She could sleep when Jack was well.
"You can't help Jack if you're sick," Elizabeth reminded her gently.
Jack moaned in his sleep apparently in the grip of a nightmare and Katherine bit her lip. "I promise to do everything in my power to help him, Miss Darcy," the doctor assured her kindly, "You are pale, my dear, you really must eat something."
Katherine nodded in surrender and climbed off the bed as the doctor laid a hand on the pirate's forehead. She joined Gibbs and Anamaria at the table and found the food quickly restored a bit of her usual energy.
Finally, the doctor approached with a worried look. "I cleaned the wound but his fever is severe. What happens next is up to him. Keep him still." The doctor shook a finger at his listeners. "Under no circumstances is Jack Sparrow to be moved. It could kill him."
Governor Swann sighed in resignation. "Thank you, Doctor."
"You're most welcome, sir. I've left something for the pain," the doctor shook his head. "I only wish I could do more. If the fever breaks he should pull through. Call me if there is any change. I will return tomorrow afternoon."
No one spoke for a long moment after the doctor took his leave. Slowly, Katherine turned to Gibbs and Ana, "You need to return to the ship," she told them softly.
"What about you?" Gibbs asked.
Katherine turned to Governor Swann, "Governor, it would mean so much to me, sir, if you allowed me to remain a guest in your house until Jack is well."
Swann smiled pleased with the girl's manners, "It's the least I can do for you, Miss Darcy. Poor girl. You've been through so much."
"Thank you, sir," she replied sincerely.
Gibbs and Anamaria stood. Gibbs shook Will's hand and then clasped Elizabeth's. "Take good care of him."
Elizabeth smiled, "We will, I promise."
The sailor nodded, "Jack will know how to contact us when he's fit." He nodded to the Governor, "Sir." He nodded before he and Ana showed themselves out.
Katherine walked back to the bed once again taking up her vigil.
"Miss Darcy," Swann said gently, "You must be exhausted. You should really try and get some rest. Elizabeth can show you to a room."
"You're very kind, Governor," she said, "But I'm staying here," Katherine took a damn cloth and bathed Jack's face and neck.
The Governor was about to protest but Elizabeth laid a hand on his arm. "I'll make sure she's comfortable, Father."
"Very well," Swann turned to Will, "I expect that you'd like to stay as well?"
Will smiled, "If you'd be so kind, sir."
"I'll show you to your room then, Mr. Turner." The Governor turned to Norrington, "Is there anything else, Commodore?"
Norrington shook his head, "No, sir. Nothing that can't wait until morning."
"Then we should allow my guests to rest."
"Of course, Governor," Norrington turned to Katherine, "I'll be back to speak with you again tomorrow."
She nodded absently, "Thank you, Commodore."
Once the men had left Elizabeth approached the bed brushing a few damp strands away from Jack's face. "It's so strange to see Jack so helpless."
Katherine nodded, "I've only known him a few days but he always seems so full of life and now . . . this is my fault, Miss Swann."
"First, call me Elizabeth," she urged, "And second, how is any of this your fault?"
"Jack wouldn't be in this mess if he hadn't rescued me or if he had just given Murdock what he wanted," Katherine sighed, "I told him I wasn't worth it."
"That's nonsense," Elizabeth retorted, "Murdock would have attacked the Pearl no matter what. Jack clearly thought you were worth it if he was willing to risk his life for yours not once but twice. Jack doesn't give his friendship lightly. And this is the isn't the first time Jack's gotten in trouble for rescuing a damsel in distress." Elizabeth quietly told Katherine of the time that Jack had saved her from drowning and the adventure that had followed.
Katherine smiled feeling Lizzy's friendly no nonsense manner lift her spirits. "He grows on you," she said.
Lizzy laughed, "That he does," Lizzy turned more serious, "I understand your desire to stay with Jack but you really must try and rest."
Katherine smiled gratefully. "Thank you, Elizabeth. Jack's a lucky man to have friends like you."
"And you," Lizzy returned slyly before walking out the door.
Lizzy's maid brought up a pitcher of water. "He must be thirsty, Miss," she said, "You should try and get him to drink as much water as possible."
"Thank you," Katherine seemed to be saying that a lot lately. She was fortunate that she had come upon such good people.
Elizabeth returned with one of her nightgowns and a robe. "Here, put these on," Lizzy said handing her the garments.
Katherine eagerly slipped behind the dressing screen and changed relieved to have fresh clothes. When she emerged Elizabeth was sitting at Jack's side checking his temperature. "When's the last time he ate?"
Katherine thought, "I gave him some broth this morning. It was all we had."
"I'll go get some. We need to keep his strength up," Elizabeth said, "Sit down. You look exhausted."
Katherine didn't argue sinking into the chair by the bed. Elizabeth disappeared and returned shortly a bowl of broth in hand. Knowing the Katherine would want to do it herself Elizabeth handed her the bowl and spoon and propped Jack up a bit with a pillow.
Katherine reclaimed her spot on the bed and carefully began forcing spoonfuls of broth past Jack's lips. Elizabeth watched silently wondering if Katherine even realized what was so painfully obvious. Katherine Darcy looked down at Jack's unconscious form with eyes that were filled with adoration and tenderness. The hands that brushed his hair back were tender. There was no denying it. Katherine had fallen in love with Captain Jack Sparrow.
*AUTHOR'S NOTE
There will be another chapter coming tonight since I wanted to post it all as one but the file was just too big. I don't know how long the second chapter will be but it will be up shortly. Read and Review.
Jack: Hey! I thought you said things were going to get better! I'm still a pitiful mess. Captain Jack Sparrow does not whimper!
Me: Hush. Apparently you do whimper cause you did. Go back and read it if you want to. And quit whining or I'll burn the rum, savvy?
Jack: Not the rum! I'll be good.
Me: That's a good pirate.
I have no idea where that came from. Oh well. See you next chapter!
Elizabeth paled. She'd forgotten that Norrington was to pay them a visit that very evening. "James," she breathed at a loss for words.
"Miss Swann," The Commodore sighed, "I'd hoped . . . you realize I must arrest these pirates."
The occupants of the room began arguing loudly all save one. Katherine who had gone unnoticed thus far stood silently by Jack's side. She looked down at Jack's sleeping face and felt something in her go cold. Jack Sparrow had saved her life and pirate or not he was a good man. Jack made her laugh when it seemed that there was nothing left to laugh about. He eased the ache in her soul. It was because of her that Jack had been injured. Katherine clenched her jaw in determination. There was no bloody way Norrington would throw Jack into jail to be hung.
In a smooth motion Katherine pulled Jack's pistol from where it was tucked into her belt and aimed it at the Commodore's face. The room fell deathly quiet. No one moved. "I'm sorry, Commodore," she said softly, "I can't let you do that."
Norrington let his hands fall to his sides. He appraised the girl calmly. Though the pistol shook in her grip Norrington had no doubt that she'd fire if provoked. Her blue eyes held a grim determination and something he couldn't quite place. "You don't want to do this, Miss."
Katherine grinned wryly. "You're right. But Jack Sparrow saved my life. The only way you'll take him is over my dead body."
Gibbs swallowed hard. Jack would kill him if anything happened to the girl. "Katherine . . . lass,"
"Don't 'Katherine' me," she snapped, "I've had it! I can take no more. It's because of me that he's injured! If he had just done what they wanted Jack would be fine. He risked his life to save mine . . . again. I'll be bloody damned if I let Jack die." Katherine pulled the hammer back and looked into Norrington's eyes. "What's it going to be, Commodore?" Katherine held her breath and waited praying that Norrington wouldn't make her kill him. If it came down to Jack or the Commodore, Katherine would pull the trigger.
Norrington rolled his eyes. Sparrow had the damnable ability to make even the best women take leave of their senses. "What is your name?" Norrington asked instead pitching his voice to be soothing and buying himself a few moments to think.
"Katherine Darcy."
"Darcy?!" the Governor squawked, "As in Robert Darcy?"
"Yes," she affirmed in a trembling voice, "He was my father. He was murdered."
The Commodore considered. This situation could rapidly lead to bloodshed and that was the last thing Norrington wanted. He also needed to know the circumstances revolving around the said murder of Robert Darcy. The King himself had appointed the man to be the Governor's new aide. As much as it grieved Norrington he realized that perhaps diplomacy was in order.
"Miss Darcy," he said, "Why don't we declare a truce of sorts? I'll allow you to take Sparrow upstairs and care for his injury if you answer my questions."
Katherine licked her lips, "What about Anamaria and Gibbs?"
"They're free to go whenever they wish. You have my word that no harm will come to them."
Katherine hesitated but she'd heard that Norrington was a good man. He'd keep his word. "Very well," she agreed backing up a step and easing the hammer back. Katherine tucked the pistol back into her belt, "But we tend to Jack first.'
Norrington nodded indulgently, "Of course."
Jack was taken upstairs to one of the guest bedrooms and immediately put to bed. Katherine sat beside him running her fingers soothingly over his forehead. The Governor had sent for his physician. He was not thrilled at the prospect of having the notorious pirate under his roof but Elizabeth had her heart set on caring for the injured man and the Commodore's proposal had left him few alternatives.
Gibbs laid a hand on Elizabeth's arm, "I'd appreciate it and I know Jack would too if you could provide some food for Katherine. She hasn't slept nor ate since Jack was wounded and she's injured herself."
"Is it serious?"
"No, just some sore ribs and a few bruises," Gibbs shook his head, "But she's pushing herself too hard. She's had a hard time of it. She needs to eat before she falls flat on her face."
"Of course," Elizabeth agreed, "I'll have something brought up immediately." She rushed off to do as promised.
"Miss Darcy, since we must wait for Doctor Harris perhaps you wouldn't mind answering a few of my questions while we wait." Norrington asked from his place by the door.
Katherine ran a hand over Jack's hair. "Very well, Commodore," she agreed wearily, "Where do you wish to begin?"
"What were the circumstances of your father's death?" he asked hands clasped behind his back.
Katherine ran her fingers through her strawberry locks, "We were attacked by pirates. They killed my father and the crew then blew up the ship."
Norrington hesitated. His next question could produce an answer even more unpleasant than the last. "What of you, Miss Darcy? Surely they didn't just let you go?"
Katherine shook her head subconsciously scooting closer to Jack, "No. They found me hiding in my cabin and drug me up to the deck. They clearly meant to rape me but I was able to jump overboard. Fortunately, the Black Pearl found me. Jack rescued me and took care of me and tended my injuries."
"Are they serious?" Norrington inquired, "Do you need medical attention yourself?" He could see the thin red line above her eye that marked what had been a rather nasty gash.
"No, sir," she replied, "Nothing but bumps and bruises."
Norrington nodded, "Since it's clear that Sparrow is not the one who attacked your vessel I must ask if you know who did?"
"Yes," she answered her eyes glittering with sudden hate, "The bastard attacked the Pearl a few days after my rescue. Captain Murdock was his name."
Norrington frowned, "I've never heard of him."
"Neither had we," Gibbs spoke up, "Appears he's looking to make a name for himself and set himself up as the sole power in these waters."
Will gestured towards Jack, "How did Jack get shot?"
"Murdock," Katherine replied softly, "Jack refused to trade me for the Pearl 's free passage and Murdock shot him."
Elizabeth entered the room with Doctor Harris and several servants bearing food in tow. "You three must be starved," she said as the servants laid out the room's small table, "Why don't you eat while Dr. Harris tends to Jack?"
"No. I'm fine," Katherine declined.
"That's enough," Anamaria said speaking for the first time, "You were at death's door days ago yerself. Makin' yerself sick won't help Jack. Eat, girl."
Katherine blinked. It was true that she still felt weak and the lack of sleep wasn't helping but somehow it didn't seem to matter. All that mattered to her was Jack. She could sleep when Jack was well.
"You can't help Jack if you're sick," Elizabeth reminded her gently.
Jack moaned in his sleep apparently in the grip of a nightmare and Katherine bit her lip. "I promise to do everything in my power to help him, Miss Darcy," the doctor assured her kindly, "You are pale, my dear, you really must eat something."
Katherine nodded in surrender and climbed off the bed as the doctor laid a hand on the pirate's forehead. She joined Gibbs and Anamaria at the table and found the food quickly restored a bit of her usual energy.
Finally, the doctor approached with a worried look. "I cleaned the wound but his fever is severe. What happens next is up to him. Keep him still." The doctor shook a finger at his listeners. "Under no circumstances is Jack Sparrow to be moved. It could kill him."
Governor Swann sighed in resignation. "Thank you, Doctor."
"You're most welcome, sir. I've left something for the pain," the doctor shook his head. "I only wish I could do more. If the fever breaks he should pull through. Call me if there is any change. I will return tomorrow afternoon."
No one spoke for a long moment after the doctor took his leave. Slowly, Katherine turned to Gibbs and Ana, "You need to return to the ship," she told them softly.
"What about you?" Gibbs asked.
Katherine turned to Governor Swann, "Governor, it would mean so much to me, sir, if you allowed me to remain a guest in your house until Jack is well."
Swann smiled pleased with the girl's manners, "It's the least I can do for you, Miss Darcy. Poor girl. You've been through so much."
"Thank you, sir," she replied sincerely.
Gibbs and Anamaria stood. Gibbs shook Will's hand and then clasped Elizabeth's. "Take good care of him."
Elizabeth smiled, "We will, I promise."
The sailor nodded, "Jack will know how to contact us when he's fit." He nodded to the Governor, "Sir." He nodded before he and Ana showed themselves out.
Katherine walked back to the bed once again taking up her vigil.
"Miss Darcy," Swann said gently, "You must be exhausted. You should really try and get some rest. Elizabeth can show you to a room."
"You're very kind, Governor," she said, "But I'm staying here," Katherine took a damn cloth and bathed Jack's face and neck.
The Governor was about to protest but Elizabeth laid a hand on his arm. "I'll make sure she's comfortable, Father."
"Very well," Swann turned to Will, "I expect that you'd like to stay as well?"
Will smiled, "If you'd be so kind, sir."
"I'll show you to your room then, Mr. Turner." The Governor turned to Norrington, "Is there anything else, Commodore?"
Norrington shook his head, "No, sir. Nothing that can't wait until morning."
"Then we should allow my guests to rest."
"Of course, Governor," Norrington turned to Katherine, "I'll be back to speak with you again tomorrow."
She nodded absently, "Thank you, Commodore."
Once the men had left Elizabeth approached the bed brushing a few damp strands away from Jack's face. "It's so strange to see Jack so helpless."
Katherine nodded, "I've only known him a few days but he always seems so full of life and now . . . this is my fault, Miss Swann."
"First, call me Elizabeth," she urged, "And second, how is any of this your fault?"
"Jack wouldn't be in this mess if he hadn't rescued me or if he had just given Murdock what he wanted," Katherine sighed, "I told him I wasn't worth it."
"That's nonsense," Elizabeth retorted, "Murdock would have attacked the Pearl no matter what. Jack clearly thought you were worth it if he was willing to risk his life for yours not once but twice. Jack doesn't give his friendship lightly. And this is the isn't the first time Jack's gotten in trouble for rescuing a damsel in distress." Elizabeth quietly told Katherine of the time that Jack had saved her from drowning and the adventure that had followed.
Katherine smiled feeling Lizzy's friendly no nonsense manner lift her spirits. "He grows on you," she said.
Lizzy laughed, "That he does," Lizzy turned more serious, "I understand your desire to stay with Jack but you really must try and rest."
Katherine smiled gratefully. "Thank you, Elizabeth. Jack's a lucky man to have friends like you."
"And you," Lizzy returned slyly before walking out the door.
Lizzy's maid brought up a pitcher of water. "He must be thirsty, Miss," she said, "You should try and get him to drink as much water as possible."
"Thank you," Katherine seemed to be saying that a lot lately. She was fortunate that she had come upon such good people.
Elizabeth returned with one of her nightgowns and a robe. "Here, put these on," Lizzy said handing her the garments.
Katherine eagerly slipped behind the dressing screen and changed relieved to have fresh clothes. When she emerged Elizabeth was sitting at Jack's side checking his temperature. "When's the last time he ate?"
Katherine thought, "I gave him some broth this morning. It was all we had."
"I'll go get some. We need to keep his strength up," Elizabeth said, "Sit down. You look exhausted."
Katherine didn't argue sinking into the chair by the bed. Elizabeth disappeared and returned shortly a bowl of broth in hand. Knowing the Katherine would want to do it herself Elizabeth handed her the bowl and spoon and propped Jack up a bit with a pillow.
Katherine reclaimed her spot on the bed and carefully began forcing spoonfuls of broth past Jack's lips. Elizabeth watched silently wondering if Katherine even realized what was so painfully obvious. Katherine Darcy looked down at Jack's unconscious form with eyes that were filled with adoration and tenderness. The hands that brushed his hair back were tender. There was no denying it. Katherine had fallen in love with Captain Jack Sparrow.
*AUTHOR'S NOTE
There will be another chapter coming tonight since I wanted to post it all as one but the file was just too big. I don't know how long the second chapter will be but it will be up shortly. Read and Review.
Jack: Hey! I thought you said things were going to get better! I'm still a pitiful mess. Captain Jack Sparrow does not whimper!
Me: Hush. Apparently you do whimper cause you did. Go back and read it if you want to. And quit whining or I'll burn the rum, savvy?
Jack: Not the rum! I'll be good.
Me: That's a good pirate.
I have no idea where that came from. Oh well. See you next chapter!