Chapter 3

Dearest Elizabeth,

If you're reading this letter, it must mean that you're in need of me, you know I'm never far off, as I know that you are here for me as well. Just as you haven't forgotten me, I haven't forgotten you. I've seen you at your window in the evenings staring out to sea when you should be with Will and I know what it is that's calling you. It calls for me too.

Remember darling, peas in a pod.

Whenever you're ready, I'll be waiting.

Freedom awaits us both.

Eternally,

Jack

The message was brief but it spoke volumes to her, she wondered how long it had been sitting here and if he was still waiting for her as well. She pushed the piece of paper deep into her pocket and started her walk home, wondering what she should do in light of the amount of time that may have passed. She decided to answer the letter anyway and promised herself that she wouldn't be too upset if she didn't get an answer. It was obvious by his writings that he had seen her at her window, but she had been doing this for a very long time before realizing just why she was doing it, and she didn't know if the pirate captain was still around or not. There was no mention of him on the street, she always kept her ears open for any information about him, but nothing was ever said. She wasn't even sure if he was still alive, and this was one question she wished she did know the answer to. If Jack was dead, she needed to mourn him properly and perhaps that would make marrying Will a little easier.

Arriving back at the fort, Elizabeth climbed the stairs to her chambers and closed the door. Sitting down at her desk she begins her letter in response to Jack's.

Jack,

I hope this letter finds you well. I've heard nothing of you or from you in a long time and your last letter comes as a complete surprise to me.

You're quite right, I have been at my window on many evenings, mostly just contemplating the choices I have made. I most certainly do hear the call and I have to hold myself back from heeding to it as I know it's not possible to do so at the present.

Please respond so I can be sure you really are still with me.

I miss you, Jack.

Yours truly,

Elizabeth

She rolled up the paper and placed it back in the flask, replacing the lid. She'd take it back to the hiding place this evening because this afternoon she had some investigating in town to do. She slid the flask under her mattress and smiled as she thought about what the servants would think if they ever found such an item in the place it now hid, then changed into a shirt and some trowsers, pushed her hair up under a cap and walked out of the house and into the streets of Port Royal.