CHAPTER 12: It's A Vile Drink And All That
Jack dozed lightly until movement disturbed his slumber. Jack opened his eyes to see Katherine awake and looking up at him. "Feelin' better, luv?"
Katherine shrugged. Jack frowned. Katherine was going to make herself sick if she kept on like this. In the dim light of the room Jack could see the dirt that marred Katherine's creamy skin. "You don't have to marry anyone that ye don't want to," Jack told her gently, "No one is going to force you. I won't let them."
Katherine looked up at Jack and he could see the longing there. Maybe Will had been right. She did love him. But she couldn't expect Jack to want to be tied to her apron strings could she? Fresh tears filled her eyes at the thought. "What choice do I have, Jack?"
Jack caressed her cheek with his thumb, "There's always a choice, luv." Impulsively, Jack leant down and placed the gentlest of kisses on her lips. She returned it looking disappointed when Jack pulled away all too soon.
"Jack-"
"Hush, sweet Katie," he commanded, "We have time to talk later, but for now ye need to take care of yerself." Jack reached out and picked up a bell that Elizabeth had left him in case he needed anything. He rung the bell and shortly one of the maids appeared.
"Is there something I can get you, Mr. Sparrow. Are you feeling all right, sir?" she asked blushing when she saw Katherine still wrapped in Jack's arms on the bed.
Jack chuckled at her embarrassment, "I'm fine, me dear, but if you would be so kind please prepare a bath for Miss Darcy and I believe that Mr. Turner had some food left out for her."
"Yes sir," she curtseyed, "Right away. If you'll follow me, Miss."
Katherine looked from the maid to Jack. Jack placed a chaste kiss on her forehead, "Go on, luv, I'll be here when ye get back."
Katherine climbed slowly from the bed her mind in utter chaos. She followed the maid silently. In one moment Jack had turned her already tattered world completely upside down. Katherine smiled slightly. Perhaps he'd given her reason to hope.
Katherine had allowed the maids to bathe her and then dress her in a nightgown and robe and then had eaten as Jack had instructed. The moment she had cleaned her plate however she was hurrying back up the stairs to Jack's room. When she entered she sighed in frustration. Jack was asleep. No, that was unfair. Jack was injured and still very weak. Katherine turned to creep from the room after all she could speak to Jack later but his voice stopped her before she'd taken three steps.
"Where ye be going, luv?"
Katherine turned startled to find Jack's eyes opened and locked on her. "I-I thought you were sleeping."
"Aye, but now I'm awake," he patted the bed beside him, "Come here, Katie. I want to talk to ye."
Katherine did as he asked her heart thudding in her chest. She was at least comforted by the fact that Jack seemed suddenly nervous as well. Jack licked his suddenly dry lips. All the words he had rehearsed were gone and forgotten in his sudden panic. Come on, Jack, he thought, out with it. "I –I've been thinking, Katherine and I want you to come with me when I leave Port Royal."
Katherine's eyes widened, "Jack-"
"Hear me out," he interrupted laying a finger over her velvet lips. When she nodded he continued, "I known ye've had a hard time of it lately and you won't be happy if you remain here. You've made that much perfectly clear. You have a home aboard the Pearl, Katie. You'll have to do your fair share like the rest but you'll receive your share as well."
"Become a pirate?" she asked her eyes locked on his.
"Aye," he nodded.
Her heart was screaming for her to say yes but there was something she needed to hear from his lips first. "But why, Jack," she asked, "Why do you want me to stay with you?"
Jack swallowed hard. It was now or never and he knew it. "Because I love ye, Katherine Darcy," he whispered, "With all me heart."
Katherine felt the tears come again but this time they were tears of joy. "Oh, Jack," she laughed, "I love you too!"
Jack grinned and leaned towards Katherine. His calloused hand reached up to cradle her cheek. "You'll come with me then?"
Katherine's blue eyes shone with tears, "Yes." Jack smiled and kissed her joyfully and it was not like the gentle kiss of before. Jack kissed her passionately and forcefully his lips giving no quarter demanding her complete surrender.
Katherine sighed happily and Jack took advantage slipping his tongue into her mouth. Katherine moaned threading her fingers through his hair. She allowed him to plunder her mouth as only he could and soon the only thing she was aware of was Jack's lips and hands as they moved over her skin.
Commodore Norrington walked down the hall to Sparrow's room. He'd come to question Sparrow about Murdock. He nearly had a heart attack when he entered the room. "Dear Lord!" Katherine was wrapped in the pirate's arms locked in a heated kiss. Neither seemed to notice him. He cleared his throat and still they did not turn. "Excuse me," he said loudly, "If you wouldn't mind, Sparrow."
The two finally broke apart. Katherine blushed hiding her face in Jack's shoulder but Jack only chuckled stroking Katherine's strawberry locks affectionately. "Can I do something for you, Commodore," he grinned, "I was rather busy."
Norrington squared his shoulders; "I wanted to ask you a few questions about the pirate that murdered Mr. Darcy. I apologize for the late hour but the quicker I find that man the better.
"Ask away," Jack said with a wave of his hand. After all, the scurvy dog had fired on the Black Pearl. They were a disgrace to the code.
"Good. Your crewman, Mr. Gibbs, I believe said that you had never heard of Captain Murdock before. Is this true?" Norrington rolled his eyes as Jack played with a piece of Miss Darcy's hair. What did women see in him?
"That's quite true," Jack replied, "And quite hard to believe as I make it a point to know every man that captains a pirate ship."
Norrington was curious, "Why is that, Sparrow?"
"Captain Sparrow, mate," Jack corrected then looked at the Commodore as if he were an imbecile, "Professional interest, mate. In my line of business a man needs to know who might run into."
"I see. What was the name of his ship?"
"The Bloody Sword," Katherine replied with a shudder.
Norrington arched an eyebrow, "With all due respect, Miss Darcy, Captain Sparrow can answer my questions on his own. He doesn't need a woman to do it for him. "
Katherine flushed and Jack glared at the Commodore, "Watch your tongue, Commodore. That wasn't very nice."
The Commodore's eyes narrowed. "Miss Darcy, could you leave us, please. I wish to have a private word with Captain Sparrow."
"Commodore," she protested but Jack squeezed her hand.
"It's all right, luv."
Katherine nodded and stood. She started towards the door but paused when she reached Norrington. "Remember that Jack is still ill," she warned pointing a finger at his nose, "If I find one hair out of place, Commodore, there will be hell to pay." With that she smiled over her shoulder at Jack and swept out of the room.
Jack chuckled, "What can I say, mate? She's rather protective."
"That is the very subject I wish to speak to you about," Norrington came to stand by the bed, "What exactly are your intentions towards Miss Darcy?"
Jack eyed the Commodore warily. "I fail to see how that concerns ye."
"Miss Darcy, though a bit stubborn, is a fine woman. She has shown remarkable courage." Norrington smirked, "Damn fool woman even pulled a pistol on me," Norrington raised his eyebrows, "I'd hate to think even a scoundrel such as you would use her as a means towards your own ends."
"I don't like ye stickin' your nose into me affairs, Norrington," he growled, "Have a care."
"Are you threatening me, Sparrow?" the Commodore growled back, "I could have you thrown in jail. A woman like her is too good for the likes of you. Poor girl doesn't realize all she is to you is a cheap thrill and a good time."
Something in Jack snapped. He dived from the bed his fist connecting with the Commodore's jaw. "Keep your filthy mouth shut!" Jack roared grabbing Norrington by the shirt and heaving him out into the hall.
Elizabeth and Katherine who had been drawn by the shouting let out a startled shriek as Norrington practically flew from Jack's room landing in a rather undignified heap against the opposite wall. They were even more startled when Jack emerged as well. He stood over Norrington his face a mask of fury. "Katherine is not a cheap thrill and if ye ever speak of her as such again I'll kill ye. And that's not a threat . . . it'd be a promise."
Jack staggered then paled as his anger receded and he slumped against the wall and slid to the floor sweating profusely. Katherine ran to his side kneeling beside him. She checked the wound. It was bleeding again. Furious. she stood and whirled to face the Commodore who had just made it to his feet. She slapped him hard enough to turn him around and his hand when to his cheek. Jack winced at the sharp sound of the impact of her small hand against the Commodore's cheek. "Get out of this bloody house!" she hissed.
Norrington looked towards Elizabeth but she shook her head clearly disappointed with him. "I think it's best that you leave, Commodore. I can't believe that you would behave like this in my father's home," she said coldly turning her back on him. Having no choice he stomped down the stairs.
Elizabeth joined Katherine at Jack's side. Jack was conscious but his teeth were clenched in pain. "I'm all right," he said hoarsely.
Elizabeth looked up at him and shook her head, "You've reopened the wound. We need Doctor Harris. But, first we must get you back to bed," she climbed to her feet. "Stay with him, Katherine. My father and Will were taking a walk in the garden. I'll get them to lift him."
"I don't need help," Jack protested weakly.
"Hush, Jack," Katherine told him with a smile, "They're your friends. You don't have to put on such an act for them."
Jack pouted but subsided in too much pain to resist. He didn't know how he'd made it this far but he'd been so angry with Norrington that he hadn't even felt the pain or the weakness until he'd vented some of that anger. Now that it was over though he felt bloody awful.
Katherine smoothed Jack's hair back from his face. "You shouldn't have gotten out of bed, Jack," she told him softly.
Jack looked up at her, "I couldn't let him say those things." Jack took her hand, "No matter what other people think. I really do love you, Katie. Don't let anyone convince you otherwise."
"Hush, Jack," she leaned to down to kiss him, "I trust you."
The moment was interrupted when Elizabeth ran back up the stairs with Will and her father on her heels. Will crouched next to Jack. "Are you all right? We sent a servant for the doctor."
"I'll be fine, lad," Jack assured him though he was beginning to feel lightheaded.
"Governor, help me get him back to bed," Will said getting on the injured side of Jack and motioning for Swann to get on the other. Gently as possible they lifted Jack but Jack was unable to suppress a cry of pain and Katherine wrung her hands unable to bear that Jack should suffer more. By the time they got him to the bed Jack was shaking.
Elizabeth disappeared and then appeared a few minutes later with a bottle of rum. She held it to Jack's lips, "Drink this, Jack. It'll help with the pain."
Jack took a long draught and then sat back, "I thought ye hated rum. It's a vile drink and all that."
Elizabeth smiled remembering their time on the island, "Yes, but it does have its uses." She held the bottle to his lips again and Jack drank gratefully.
Katherine busied herself bathing the sweat from Jack's face and neck and doing her best to stop the bleeding. Thankfully only the entrance wound had reopened. She breathed a sigh of relief when Doctor Harris arrived and stepped back to allow him to check the wound. "It's not too bad. Miss Darcy has managed to stop most of the bleeding. Very good." Doctor Harris tended to Jack's wound and Jack was very glad for the rum that he had drank. Finally the Doctor finished and stepped back. "Now I don't want you doing anything else foolish," he told Jack, "The maid told me what happened. Utter foolishness it was."
Jack sighed feeling like a scolded child. Doctor Harris addressed Katherine, "Now, Miss Darcy, keep him still if you have to tie him to the bed."
"I will, Doctor," she replied sitting down next to Jack. "Don't worry about that. And Commodore Norrington isn't coming anywhere near this room until I say so."
The Governor frowned, "Miss Darcy, I understand your feelings but-"
"No buts, Governor," she cut him off, "I warned Norrington and look what happened. He is absolutely forbidden to come anywhere near Jack until I deem him well enough."
The Governor gaped in shock. "This is my house, young lady!"
"Then we'll leave it," Katherine snapped, "Commodore Norrington is not coming near Jack until I say so."
Elizabeth stepped in before tempers could run too high, "That's not necessary, Katherine. You and Jack are going to remain right where you are." She turned towards her father, "Father, Jack is never going to get well if the Commodore is upsetting him. Now, I don't suggest that we ban him from our house, just this room."
"Miss Darcy and your daughter are quite right," Doctor Harris chimed in, "Another incident like this is most inadvisable."
Swann sighed. "Very well."
"Good then," Doctor Harris approved mixing the powder and water, "Now, drink this and get some rest. Doctor's orders."
Jack took the glass and drained it making a face as he handed it back. "Bloody awful stuff."
The doctor smiled, "Well, I will bid you goodnight and as always call on me if you need me."
Will smiled, "Thank you, Doctor Harris. Allow me to show you out." Will lead the doctor from the room silently deciding that he would pay the Commodore a little visit the next morning.
As soon as Elizabeth and her father had gone Katherine tucked the covers securely around Jack. "Sleep, darling," she said seeing that the powder was taking effect.
Jack grinned back sleepily, "Not without you, luv." He held out his good arm for her. Katherine smiled and climbed into bed and curled up against Jack's good side and the two drifted quickly off to sleep.
AUTHOR'S NOTE
There's another one for you guys. I've gotten such wonderful reviews that I posted a long chapter this time. Well, I hope you enjoy. As always . . . R&R.
Jack dozed lightly until movement disturbed his slumber. Jack opened his eyes to see Katherine awake and looking up at him. "Feelin' better, luv?"
Katherine shrugged. Jack frowned. Katherine was going to make herself sick if she kept on like this. In the dim light of the room Jack could see the dirt that marred Katherine's creamy skin. "You don't have to marry anyone that ye don't want to," Jack told her gently, "No one is going to force you. I won't let them."
Katherine looked up at Jack and he could see the longing there. Maybe Will had been right. She did love him. But she couldn't expect Jack to want to be tied to her apron strings could she? Fresh tears filled her eyes at the thought. "What choice do I have, Jack?"
Jack caressed her cheek with his thumb, "There's always a choice, luv." Impulsively, Jack leant down and placed the gentlest of kisses on her lips. She returned it looking disappointed when Jack pulled away all too soon.
"Jack-"
"Hush, sweet Katie," he commanded, "We have time to talk later, but for now ye need to take care of yerself." Jack reached out and picked up a bell that Elizabeth had left him in case he needed anything. He rung the bell and shortly one of the maids appeared.
"Is there something I can get you, Mr. Sparrow. Are you feeling all right, sir?" she asked blushing when she saw Katherine still wrapped in Jack's arms on the bed.
Jack chuckled at her embarrassment, "I'm fine, me dear, but if you would be so kind please prepare a bath for Miss Darcy and I believe that Mr. Turner had some food left out for her."
"Yes sir," she curtseyed, "Right away. If you'll follow me, Miss."
Katherine looked from the maid to Jack. Jack placed a chaste kiss on her forehead, "Go on, luv, I'll be here when ye get back."
Katherine climbed slowly from the bed her mind in utter chaos. She followed the maid silently. In one moment Jack had turned her already tattered world completely upside down. Katherine smiled slightly. Perhaps he'd given her reason to hope.
Katherine had allowed the maids to bathe her and then dress her in a nightgown and robe and then had eaten as Jack had instructed. The moment she had cleaned her plate however she was hurrying back up the stairs to Jack's room. When she entered she sighed in frustration. Jack was asleep. No, that was unfair. Jack was injured and still very weak. Katherine turned to creep from the room after all she could speak to Jack later but his voice stopped her before she'd taken three steps.
"Where ye be going, luv?"
Katherine turned startled to find Jack's eyes opened and locked on her. "I-I thought you were sleeping."
"Aye, but now I'm awake," he patted the bed beside him, "Come here, Katie. I want to talk to ye."
Katherine did as he asked her heart thudding in her chest. She was at least comforted by the fact that Jack seemed suddenly nervous as well. Jack licked his suddenly dry lips. All the words he had rehearsed were gone and forgotten in his sudden panic. Come on, Jack, he thought, out with it. "I –I've been thinking, Katherine and I want you to come with me when I leave Port Royal."
Katherine's eyes widened, "Jack-"
"Hear me out," he interrupted laying a finger over her velvet lips. When she nodded he continued, "I known ye've had a hard time of it lately and you won't be happy if you remain here. You've made that much perfectly clear. You have a home aboard the Pearl, Katie. You'll have to do your fair share like the rest but you'll receive your share as well."
"Become a pirate?" she asked her eyes locked on his.
"Aye," he nodded.
Her heart was screaming for her to say yes but there was something she needed to hear from his lips first. "But why, Jack," she asked, "Why do you want me to stay with you?"
Jack swallowed hard. It was now or never and he knew it. "Because I love ye, Katherine Darcy," he whispered, "With all me heart."
Katherine felt the tears come again but this time they were tears of joy. "Oh, Jack," she laughed, "I love you too!"
Jack grinned and leaned towards Katherine. His calloused hand reached up to cradle her cheek. "You'll come with me then?"
Katherine's blue eyes shone with tears, "Yes." Jack smiled and kissed her joyfully and it was not like the gentle kiss of before. Jack kissed her passionately and forcefully his lips giving no quarter demanding her complete surrender.
Katherine sighed happily and Jack took advantage slipping his tongue into her mouth. Katherine moaned threading her fingers through his hair. She allowed him to plunder her mouth as only he could and soon the only thing she was aware of was Jack's lips and hands as they moved over her skin.
Commodore Norrington walked down the hall to Sparrow's room. He'd come to question Sparrow about Murdock. He nearly had a heart attack when he entered the room. "Dear Lord!" Katherine was wrapped in the pirate's arms locked in a heated kiss. Neither seemed to notice him. He cleared his throat and still they did not turn. "Excuse me," he said loudly, "If you wouldn't mind, Sparrow."
The two finally broke apart. Katherine blushed hiding her face in Jack's shoulder but Jack only chuckled stroking Katherine's strawberry locks affectionately. "Can I do something for you, Commodore," he grinned, "I was rather busy."
Norrington squared his shoulders; "I wanted to ask you a few questions about the pirate that murdered Mr. Darcy. I apologize for the late hour but the quicker I find that man the better.
"Ask away," Jack said with a wave of his hand. After all, the scurvy dog had fired on the Black Pearl. They were a disgrace to the code.
"Good. Your crewman, Mr. Gibbs, I believe said that you had never heard of Captain Murdock before. Is this true?" Norrington rolled his eyes as Jack played with a piece of Miss Darcy's hair. What did women see in him?
"That's quite true," Jack replied, "And quite hard to believe as I make it a point to know every man that captains a pirate ship."
Norrington was curious, "Why is that, Sparrow?"
"Captain Sparrow, mate," Jack corrected then looked at the Commodore as if he were an imbecile, "Professional interest, mate. In my line of business a man needs to know who might run into."
"I see. What was the name of his ship?"
"The Bloody Sword," Katherine replied with a shudder.
Norrington arched an eyebrow, "With all due respect, Miss Darcy, Captain Sparrow can answer my questions on his own. He doesn't need a woman to do it for him. "
Katherine flushed and Jack glared at the Commodore, "Watch your tongue, Commodore. That wasn't very nice."
The Commodore's eyes narrowed. "Miss Darcy, could you leave us, please. I wish to have a private word with Captain Sparrow."
"Commodore," she protested but Jack squeezed her hand.
"It's all right, luv."
Katherine nodded and stood. She started towards the door but paused when she reached Norrington. "Remember that Jack is still ill," she warned pointing a finger at his nose, "If I find one hair out of place, Commodore, there will be hell to pay." With that she smiled over her shoulder at Jack and swept out of the room.
Jack chuckled, "What can I say, mate? She's rather protective."
"That is the very subject I wish to speak to you about," Norrington came to stand by the bed, "What exactly are your intentions towards Miss Darcy?"
Jack eyed the Commodore warily. "I fail to see how that concerns ye."
"Miss Darcy, though a bit stubborn, is a fine woman. She has shown remarkable courage." Norrington smirked, "Damn fool woman even pulled a pistol on me," Norrington raised his eyebrows, "I'd hate to think even a scoundrel such as you would use her as a means towards your own ends."
"I don't like ye stickin' your nose into me affairs, Norrington," he growled, "Have a care."
"Are you threatening me, Sparrow?" the Commodore growled back, "I could have you thrown in jail. A woman like her is too good for the likes of you. Poor girl doesn't realize all she is to you is a cheap thrill and a good time."
Something in Jack snapped. He dived from the bed his fist connecting with the Commodore's jaw. "Keep your filthy mouth shut!" Jack roared grabbing Norrington by the shirt and heaving him out into the hall.
Elizabeth and Katherine who had been drawn by the shouting let out a startled shriek as Norrington practically flew from Jack's room landing in a rather undignified heap against the opposite wall. They were even more startled when Jack emerged as well. He stood over Norrington his face a mask of fury. "Katherine is not a cheap thrill and if ye ever speak of her as such again I'll kill ye. And that's not a threat . . . it'd be a promise."
Jack staggered then paled as his anger receded and he slumped against the wall and slid to the floor sweating profusely. Katherine ran to his side kneeling beside him. She checked the wound. It was bleeding again. Furious. she stood and whirled to face the Commodore who had just made it to his feet. She slapped him hard enough to turn him around and his hand when to his cheek. Jack winced at the sharp sound of the impact of her small hand against the Commodore's cheek. "Get out of this bloody house!" she hissed.
Norrington looked towards Elizabeth but she shook her head clearly disappointed with him. "I think it's best that you leave, Commodore. I can't believe that you would behave like this in my father's home," she said coldly turning her back on him. Having no choice he stomped down the stairs.
Elizabeth joined Katherine at Jack's side. Jack was conscious but his teeth were clenched in pain. "I'm all right," he said hoarsely.
Elizabeth looked up at him and shook her head, "You've reopened the wound. We need Doctor Harris. But, first we must get you back to bed," she climbed to her feet. "Stay with him, Katherine. My father and Will were taking a walk in the garden. I'll get them to lift him."
"I don't need help," Jack protested weakly.
"Hush, Jack," Katherine told him with a smile, "They're your friends. You don't have to put on such an act for them."
Jack pouted but subsided in too much pain to resist. He didn't know how he'd made it this far but he'd been so angry with Norrington that he hadn't even felt the pain or the weakness until he'd vented some of that anger. Now that it was over though he felt bloody awful.
Katherine smoothed Jack's hair back from his face. "You shouldn't have gotten out of bed, Jack," she told him softly.
Jack looked up at her, "I couldn't let him say those things." Jack took her hand, "No matter what other people think. I really do love you, Katie. Don't let anyone convince you otherwise."
"Hush, Jack," she leaned to down to kiss him, "I trust you."
The moment was interrupted when Elizabeth ran back up the stairs with Will and her father on her heels. Will crouched next to Jack. "Are you all right? We sent a servant for the doctor."
"I'll be fine, lad," Jack assured him though he was beginning to feel lightheaded.
"Governor, help me get him back to bed," Will said getting on the injured side of Jack and motioning for Swann to get on the other. Gently as possible they lifted Jack but Jack was unable to suppress a cry of pain and Katherine wrung her hands unable to bear that Jack should suffer more. By the time they got him to the bed Jack was shaking.
Elizabeth disappeared and then appeared a few minutes later with a bottle of rum. She held it to Jack's lips, "Drink this, Jack. It'll help with the pain."
Jack took a long draught and then sat back, "I thought ye hated rum. It's a vile drink and all that."
Elizabeth smiled remembering their time on the island, "Yes, but it does have its uses." She held the bottle to his lips again and Jack drank gratefully.
Katherine busied herself bathing the sweat from Jack's face and neck and doing her best to stop the bleeding. Thankfully only the entrance wound had reopened. She breathed a sigh of relief when Doctor Harris arrived and stepped back to allow him to check the wound. "It's not too bad. Miss Darcy has managed to stop most of the bleeding. Very good." Doctor Harris tended to Jack's wound and Jack was very glad for the rum that he had drank. Finally the Doctor finished and stepped back. "Now I don't want you doing anything else foolish," he told Jack, "The maid told me what happened. Utter foolishness it was."
Jack sighed feeling like a scolded child. Doctor Harris addressed Katherine, "Now, Miss Darcy, keep him still if you have to tie him to the bed."
"I will, Doctor," she replied sitting down next to Jack. "Don't worry about that. And Commodore Norrington isn't coming anywhere near this room until I say so."
The Governor frowned, "Miss Darcy, I understand your feelings but-"
"No buts, Governor," she cut him off, "I warned Norrington and look what happened. He is absolutely forbidden to come anywhere near Jack until I deem him well enough."
The Governor gaped in shock. "This is my house, young lady!"
"Then we'll leave it," Katherine snapped, "Commodore Norrington is not coming near Jack until I say so."
Elizabeth stepped in before tempers could run too high, "That's not necessary, Katherine. You and Jack are going to remain right where you are." She turned towards her father, "Father, Jack is never going to get well if the Commodore is upsetting him. Now, I don't suggest that we ban him from our house, just this room."
"Miss Darcy and your daughter are quite right," Doctor Harris chimed in, "Another incident like this is most inadvisable."
Swann sighed. "Very well."
"Good then," Doctor Harris approved mixing the powder and water, "Now, drink this and get some rest. Doctor's orders."
Jack took the glass and drained it making a face as he handed it back. "Bloody awful stuff."
The doctor smiled, "Well, I will bid you goodnight and as always call on me if you need me."
Will smiled, "Thank you, Doctor Harris. Allow me to show you out." Will lead the doctor from the room silently deciding that he would pay the Commodore a little visit the next morning.
As soon as Elizabeth and her father had gone Katherine tucked the covers securely around Jack. "Sleep, darling," she said seeing that the powder was taking effect.
Jack grinned back sleepily, "Not without you, luv." He held out his good arm for her. Katherine smiled and climbed into bed and curled up against Jack's good side and the two drifted quickly off to sleep.
AUTHOR'S NOTE
There's another one for you guys. I've gotten such wonderful reviews that I posted a long chapter this time. Well, I hope you enjoy. As always . . . R&R.