The Oldest Story in the Book
Chapter 12
Disclaimer: Some are mine, some aren't. If you don't know which is which you either haven't watched the movie enough or I'm going a great job.
Author's Note: Sorry this took so long. Tons of drama in my life. But you don't want to hear about that. Let's get to the good stuff:
Quick Review (as if you forgot): "Emmie, darling, I'm your mother."
Emmie stared at Pearl, open mouthed. "But you can't be. I mean, I'm Emily Nethers. Elizabeth is my aunt." She turned back to Elizabeth for confirmation. The sad smile remained on Will and Elizabeth's faces, and neither moved. "Aren't I?"
"Elizabeth is a very good friend who agreed to take you in, but no actual relation I'm afraid." She watched the girl carefully as her eyes flew to the floor, darting back and forth as she struggled to wrap her mind around this new information. "Emmie, darling, are you going to be all right?"
"I...suppose." Emmie looked down at their clasped hands, mouthing 'my mother' silently. "I never imagined."
"Well, that was the idea, actually," Pearl put in with a chuckle that turned into a simple exhaling of breath when no one else laughed.
Emmie turned toward the Turners. "You knew?"
"Yes, we knew," Elizabeth confirmed, squeezing Will's hand as he nodded.
"And you lied to me?"
"Emmie, I'm sorry-" Will began before Pearl cut him off.
"They were acting on my instructions. You must understand, you might have been at risk if anyone knew who you really were. There are pirates who would like to get a piece of me, and they would come after you. And you were so very young. You couldn't be expected to keep that sort of secret."
"We wanted to tell you," Will put in.
"But we couldn't when you were younger," Elizabeth continued.
"And when I was older?" Emmie demanded.
Elizabeth sighed at the bite in her voice, and Will looked away. "You know how these things are when they get started," she attempted to explain. "We didn't know how to tell you. What age exactly you were old enough? By the time it became apparent you were ready we were so accustomed to you being our little girl, and we'd worked so hard to make you believe the story, it was nearly impossible even to consider it not being true. You would be perfectly correct to call us cowards, Emmie, but we didn't want to admit to ourselves that you weren't ours. We've loved you like our own."
Emmie swallowed heavily, looking down at her hands. "You have every right to be angry," Pearl told her. "But it was my doing, and none of theirs. If you wish to blame someone, I would be the best target. Just know that I'll answer any questions you have, any time," Pearl assured her.
"Why did you leave me here?" she asked. "Was I a horrible burden?"
"Never think that!" She looked up at Pearl at the tone of her voice, finding her eyes hard and demanding. "I would have given up my right arm and eye to stay with you."
"Then why didn't you?" The question was a plea from a girl fighting to understand as her life as she had always known it crumbled before her.
"Because Tortuga is no place to raise a child. I should know. I grew up there. And a ship is no place for a child, especially a girl child."
"You could have stayed here," she objected.
"I told you I'd cut off my right arm, luv." Elizabeth startled at the sound of Jack's endearment delivered from Pearl's lips. "My heart, however, or wherever it is my sea longing has taken up residence, can't be so easily removed. Keeping me from the sea, even to watch my daughter grow, would be the end of me."
Emmie nodded slightly to show she understood on the basic level, staring down at his hands again. "So I'm not really a noble?" Emmie asked.
"No, darling. Not fully. I'm sorry if that bothers you."
"I'm a pirate?"
Pearl shrugged. "That remains to be seen. You have the blood of one in you."
"That's," Emmie paused, looking around the room. Her voice was distant. "I mean, that's wonderful. I've never fit in, and the way the sea calls me, my interest in ships, it all makes sense." She sounded anything but convinced, still more confused and hurt than anything else, trying to pull all of the pieces together in her head. Suddenly she looked up, eyes shining. "Is my father a pirate as well? Do you even know who he is? Does he know of me?"
"Slow down," a smiling Pearl ordered. "No, he is not a pirate, yes, I know who he is, and yes, he knows of you. No, I won't tell you who he is. I made him a promise that the decision was his long ago. He'll tell you if he wishes to. I wouldn't bother with guessing, either. He is probably the least likely person you could think of."
She glanced around the room, giving a dry chuckle as she remarked, "Uncle Edward is the least likely person I could think of."
Pearl gave a very convincing laugh, but something about Elizabeth's face, as well as Norrington's, made the girl stop. She studied them, a shocked hand over her mouth. "You must be joking. Surely all those rumors about him and my Aunt Bethany, there can't have been any truth to them."
Pearl didn't answer, only looked at Norrington. With a sigh he threw up his hands. "Well, there's no use keeping up pretenses, is there?" He stood, suddenly unable to withstand the girl's wide-eyed stare, moving to look out the window.
Emmie rose, going over to him. She stood behind him, one hand reaching up to lay on his shoulder when he didn't turn to look at her. He did turn at that, meeting her eyes, a sad smile flitting across his lips. "You're my father? And you've known? All this time?"
He nodded, looking back toward the window. "I am sorry. I truly did want to tell you. I tried-" He stopped, shaking his head, unsure of how to go on. Even in his mind the words sounded hollow.
She stepped closer, studying him. "Was it hard? All those times I, just all the time. Knowing but you couldn't act like, and you couldn't tell me."
He turned and took her hands in his, kissing her fingers in gentle apology. "It was harder than you'll ever know."
She stared up at him, the glimmer of understanding in her eyes. Suddenly they cleared and a giggle of pure mirth escaped her mouth as she pressed a hand over it. "I have your eyes." She spun away suddenly, twirling around the room and giggling as she proclaimed, "I have my father's eyes, and my mother's hair!"
"She's always wanted to know," Elizabeth told Pearl.
Pearl nodded as she grinned. This was much more the reaction she had hoped for. "You have your grandmother's hair as well, if that makes you feel any better. Her name is Diamond. And your Aunt Ruby. You should beware, any of your children will be cursed with it as well. They're both in Tortuga, which is real and where I grew up."
"Grandma Diamond and Aunt Ruby," she whispered, testing the names on her tongue.
"And you're named after your Great-Aunt Emerald, your grandmother's sister on my side. She cared for me when I was growing up."
"Emerald?" she repeated. She came back suddenly, re-claiming her seat on the couch. "You mean Emily. My name is Emily Nethers." She paused for a moment. "Well, Norrington I suppose."
Pearl took a deep breath. "Your last name is Sparrow. No, don't argue with me Edward," she cut off the Commodore, who had indeed been about to speak. "She's a product of Tortuga and there isn't a woman as comes out of Tortuga that isn't carrying her mother's name."
"Sparrow is your father's name," he informed her.
"Sparrow has protected me. The word itself will make pirates hesitate. That's why I carry it. And I want the same protection for my daughter."
"And they won't fear the name Norrington?" he demanded.
"Pirates? Frankly, no. Although she can use Norrington around Navy. Might leave you with some embarrassing questions, but I can live with that. At any rate, it's her decision and she can decide later." Norrington huffed a bit, but stopped arguing. "As for you, Miss Emmie, your first name is Emerald. No daughter of mine would have a name prim, proper, and dull as 'Emily.'"
Emmie stood then, wandering over to the fireplace to stare down at the flames. Pearl moved to stand but Elizabeth's hand on her arm stilled her. It was Will that went over to her. He carefully placed a hand on her shoulder. "Are you all right?"
She nodded. "It's just a lot, is all. Knowing my past isn't what I though it was is one thing. But my name?" She turned, stepping into his chest and wrapping her arms around him as he did the same, placing a kiss on her head.
"I know it's difficult, darling, but it doesn't change who you are. You're no less the girl that walked out of this house this morning. You're still our Emmie. A rose by any other name, after all. I'd like to think we're no less your parents now than we were before."
"Oh, Papa!" she cried. "Of course you are! Nothing could pull me from you."
He smiled and tilted her head up so he could look down at her. "I'd like you to look on the bright side. You've always wanted to know about your parents. Well, here they are, in the flesh. You've gained a mother and a father and a brother and a grandfather, as well as aunts and cousins and whatnot. And I believe your mother intends to bring you onto your grandfather's ship."
Emmie's eyes grew large again. "Sail aboard the Black Pearl," she whispered. She turned to look toward her mother. "Will you really let me? Turn pirate and adventure with you?"
"I don't know about turning pirate," Pearl sighed. "I'll discourage it much as I'm able. It's not the life I would have you choose." She met Norrington's eyes. "But aye, your grandfather has extended an invitation to have you sail on his ship. Get a taste of sea life and see how you like it."
"Sail under Captain Jack Sparrow," she whispered. "It's like a fairy tale."
Pearl and Elizabeth both burst out laughing at that. "You'll not think that long," Pearl warned. "Charming he may be, but he certainly is a pain." Elizabeth nodded enthusiastically.
Emmie chuckled, then turned her eyes on Norrington. "I have a question. What about Aunt Maggie? I can't believe Uncle Edward, er, my father, would betray her so."
"No, indeed," Pearl said. "You were conceive before they were married. Just before, but before all and the same." Emmie nodded thoughtfully. "So you see, you're half noble. Is that disappointing to you? I've never really understood the 'Noble Blood' argument, since I haven't hardly any in me."
"Disappointed?" Emmie repeated. "No. I have an opportunity to have a whole nother family. And Ethan!" She laughed suddenly. "The little twerp is my brother. That's...perfect. Emerald Sparrow," Emmie whispered, testing the name on her tongue. "Hell's inferno, that feels right."
"Emmie, watch your mouth," Elizabeth ordered.
"Oh, leave her be. She'll pick up worse than that on the ship," Pearl said.
Elizabeth opened her mouth to retort but Emmie cut her off by turning to Pearl and saying, "I want to get this right, then. You knew me when I was a baby? You named me?"
"Yes. You were nearly three when I brought you here. Part of you may remember." Pearl's broad grin suggested nothing on earth could thrill her more.
She nodded. "Perhaps."
"So then, the question becomes, do you want to come with me to the Black Pearl? Your grandfather would like to see you. He's a bit anxious."
"Is the ship close?" Emmie asked.
Pearl's sparkling eyes cut to Norrington. "Very close." Her eyes returned to her daughter as she took her hands again. "You may stay as long as you like, know that. If you ever wish to return, we shall bring you as quickly as possible. But I would like to ask you to spend some time with us. From what Elizabeth's told me, from what I've seen visiting sporadical as I did, I believe the sea may have a hold on you. I'd like you to try the lifestyle. I'd hate for the longing to grab hold of you suddenly one day and make you miserable."
"Of course, I'd love to come sailing." Emmie turned back to the Turners. "You'll come as well, won't you? I'm not certain I..." she paused, searching for a word that wouldn't insult Pearl, "...that I'm ready. And you both love sailing, and haven't been on a ship in ages."
"Of course we'll come," Elizabeth said, wrapping her arms around the girl. "Barbossa and his entire crew couldn't hold us back."
"Will, Elizabeth was telling me you have a large order," Pearl put in. "Can you neglect it for a while? There's a..." Once again her eyes cut toward Norrington. "A ship Jack's spotted. We could come back in a week or so if that would be more convenient."
"Oh, they can wait," Will said dismissively. "They're anxious enough to get their hands on my work that it won't bother them so, especially if I give them what I have done so far."
"It's decided then," Pearl proclaimed.
"When do we leave?" Emmie asked, eyes sparkling as she shifted on the couch.
"Why not now? Jack's anxious to see you. All of you," Pearl said.
"Now may not be the time," Elizabeth said. "We'll have a lot of packing to do."
"Do it tomorrow," Pearl said with a wave of her hand. "We don't have to leave immediately, just visit. Although you and Emmie will have to change. Split skirts, or you'll have to remove your dresses just to get on board. And no silk."
"Yeah!" Emmie cried, making a break for the door.
"Slowly, Emily-er-Emerald," Elizabeth called after her.
"I'm going to go help," Will said quickly, vacating the room.
Pearl shook her head. "Coward," she murmured under her breath, then turned to Norrington. "I don't suppose you'd be interested in coming?"
"No. I need to be home in time for dinner. I believe Maggie has invited someone to join us."
"She's well then?" Pearl asked.
"Very well, thank you."
"And Ethan?"
"Strong and healthy," he answered.
"Can't ask for more than that." Pearl sighed, leaning back on the couch. "You know, Emmie's taking this very well. I expected her to be angry."
"She gets over things quickly," Norrington said. "She can't stay angry for any amount of time. Although she does plot revenge from time to time, which never turns out well." he chuckled. "And she's excited. Anything having to do with ships generally does that."
Pearl sighed heavily. "You know her so well."
"Yes, well, she's been underfoot quiet a bit the last few years."
Silence enveloped them for long minutes. Finally Pearl whispered, "Are you happy, Edward?"
"Very," he assured her. "You?"
"How could I not be?" she asked. "I'm living the life I've chosen for myself."
"No regrets?" he prodded.
"Nothing I allow to eat at me," she answered. "You?"
"No," he answered thoughtfully. "I look at Ethan and the life I have. No, I'm happy with things." He crossed the room to sit on the couch next to her. "I still wonder sometimes, what would have happened if you had accepted my proposal."
"I told you," she answered. "We'd both be unhappy. This is much better."
"Do you ever think of me?" he asked.
Fishing beneath her shirt she pulled out his necklace. "Often. I never take this off. I should give it to Emmie, really. In case we were captured by Naval forces. What about you?"
"How often have I thought of you?" he asked. She nodded. "Oh, only every time I see Emmie. She's such an amazing girl. She's so like you. I wish you could have seen her grow."
"I'll see her come into her own on a ship. It's an important matter on its own. And she's like Elizabeth, from what I've seen."
"Aye. There's a good deal of her in her as well. You're much alike, the two of you." He paused for a moment. "May I make a request?" he asked.
"You may ask," she answered. "The sun'll rise in the west and the North Star lead us to Africa before I promise something without hearing terms."
"Bring her back, I don't know, often as possible. I'd say once a year but I know that's asking a lot. You probably intend to show her the world. But I'll miss her something horrible, Pearl. As will Will and Elizabeth and Ethan and Maggie. She's been such a joy to us. My life will feel so empty without her. Just, remember that she's my daughter. Remind her, if you can."
"She'll never forget, Edward. Nor will I. Port Royal is her home. I've been away from Tortuga for ages, and it will always be home to me. Even the sea can't compare. It tempts me away but I always return. As will Emmie."
"Keep her safe," he ordered.
"No fears. I'd give up my life for her. So would Jack. I'd wager the crew will do the same before all is said and done."
He sighed heavily. "Thank you, Pearl."
"What for?"
He waived his hand toward the door. "For having her. Bringing her here. For keeping her safe. She's a treasure."
Pearl grinned. "You sound like a pirate. I'd agree. And you know there's nothing we pirates guard so closely as treasure. She'll be safe." The last statement had such strength to it, such power, that Norrington found himself wondering if the Aztec blood she claimed ever included a pension toward prophesy. Something about the statement seemed to imply power and knowledge beyond the simple words.
But before he could ask Emmie bounded back into the room. "Come on Pearl, let's go!" she cheered.
Pearl chuckled, leveling herself to her feet. "You don't have to tell me twice. Are you certain we couldn't talk you into coming, Edward?"
"To see Jack? I'm certain he would be thrilled, but no. But I will walk you down to the beach to see to it that nothing happens."
Pearl shook her head and leaned close to their daughter to whisper, "He doesn't trust me. Afraid I'll stuff all the wealth of Port Royal into my pocket and sail off with it."
"Well founded fears, I would say," he informed her as they met up with the Turners in the foyer.
Pearl tucked her coat carefully round herself to hide her bust, swaggering much like any drunken sailor. They made it to the ocean without incident. Pearl pointed to the boat she had used to get on shore and they got it turned over and into the water.
"Emmie, Pearl, both of you, be careful," Norrington ordered once they were all seated. "I don't want to sign an order to hang you."
Pearl shook her head and snorted. "Would you stop being melodramatic and just push off?" she asked.
He chuckled. "Yes ma'am." With that he shoved the small boat out into the cove, watching Pearl row away and wondering when he would next see her or his daughter.
Author's Note: There you go. Thank you all for waiting so patiently. Some more than others. Next up: Jack meets his darling granddaughter!
Chapter 12
Disclaimer: Some are mine, some aren't. If you don't know which is which you either haven't watched the movie enough or I'm going a great job.
Author's Note: Sorry this took so long. Tons of drama in my life. But you don't want to hear about that. Let's get to the good stuff:
Quick Review (as if you forgot): "Emmie, darling, I'm your mother."
Emmie stared at Pearl, open mouthed. "But you can't be. I mean, I'm Emily Nethers. Elizabeth is my aunt." She turned back to Elizabeth for confirmation. The sad smile remained on Will and Elizabeth's faces, and neither moved. "Aren't I?"
"Elizabeth is a very good friend who agreed to take you in, but no actual relation I'm afraid." She watched the girl carefully as her eyes flew to the floor, darting back and forth as she struggled to wrap her mind around this new information. "Emmie, darling, are you going to be all right?"
"I...suppose." Emmie looked down at their clasped hands, mouthing 'my mother' silently. "I never imagined."
"Well, that was the idea, actually," Pearl put in with a chuckle that turned into a simple exhaling of breath when no one else laughed.
Emmie turned toward the Turners. "You knew?"
"Yes, we knew," Elizabeth confirmed, squeezing Will's hand as he nodded.
"And you lied to me?"
"Emmie, I'm sorry-" Will began before Pearl cut him off.
"They were acting on my instructions. You must understand, you might have been at risk if anyone knew who you really were. There are pirates who would like to get a piece of me, and they would come after you. And you were so very young. You couldn't be expected to keep that sort of secret."
"We wanted to tell you," Will put in.
"But we couldn't when you were younger," Elizabeth continued.
"And when I was older?" Emmie demanded.
Elizabeth sighed at the bite in her voice, and Will looked away. "You know how these things are when they get started," she attempted to explain. "We didn't know how to tell you. What age exactly you were old enough? By the time it became apparent you were ready we were so accustomed to you being our little girl, and we'd worked so hard to make you believe the story, it was nearly impossible even to consider it not being true. You would be perfectly correct to call us cowards, Emmie, but we didn't want to admit to ourselves that you weren't ours. We've loved you like our own."
Emmie swallowed heavily, looking down at her hands. "You have every right to be angry," Pearl told her. "But it was my doing, and none of theirs. If you wish to blame someone, I would be the best target. Just know that I'll answer any questions you have, any time," Pearl assured her.
"Why did you leave me here?" she asked. "Was I a horrible burden?"
"Never think that!" She looked up at Pearl at the tone of her voice, finding her eyes hard and demanding. "I would have given up my right arm and eye to stay with you."
"Then why didn't you?" The question was a plea from a girl fighting to understand as her life as she had always known it crumbled before her.
"Because Tortuga is no place to raise a child. I should know. I grew up there. And a ship is no place for a child, especially a girl child."
"You could have stayed here," she objected.
"I told you I'd cut off my right arm, luv." Elizabeth startled at the sound of Jack's endearment delivered from Pearl's lips. "My heart, however, or wherever it is my sea longing has taken up residence, can't be so easily removed. Keeping me from the sea, even to watch my daughter grow, would be the end of me."
Emmie nodded slightly to show she understood on the basic level, staring down at his hands again. "So I'm not really a noble?" Emmie asked.
"No, darling. Not fully. I'm sorry if that bothers you."
"I'm a pirate?"
Pearl shrugged. "That remains to be seen. You have the blood of one in you."
"That's," Emmie paused, looking around the room. Her voice was distant. "I mean, that's wonderful. I've never fit in, and the way the sea calls me, my interest in ships, it all makes sense." She sounded anything but convinced, still more confused and hurt than anything else, trying to pull all of the pieces together in her head. Suddenly she looked up, eyes shining. "Is my father a pirate as well? Do you even know who he is? Does he know of me?"
"Slow down," a smiling Pearl ordered. "No, he is not a pirate, yes, I know who he is, and yes, he knows of you. No, I won't tell you who he is. I made him a promise that the decision was his long ago. He'll tell you if he wishes to. I wouldn't bother with guessing, either. He is probably the least likely person you could think of."
She glanced around the room, giving a dry chuckle as she remarked, "Uncle Edward is the least likely person I could think of."
Pearl gave a very convincing laugh, but something about Elizabeth's face, as well as Norrington's, made the girl stop. She studied them, a shocked hand over her mouth. "You must be joking. Surely all those rumors about him and my Aunt Bethany, there can't have been any truth to them."
Pearl didn't answer, only looked at Norrington. With a sigh he threw up his hands. "Well, there's no use keeping up pretenses, is there?" He stood, suddenly unable to withstand the girl's wide-eyed stare, moving to look out the window.
Emmie rose, going over to him. She stood behind him, one hand reaching up to lay on his shoulder when he didn't turn to look at her. He did turn at that, meeting her eyes, a sad smile flitting across his lips. "You're my father? And you've known? All this time?"
He nodded, looking back toward the window. "I am sorry. I truly did want to tell you. I tried-" He stopped, shaking his head, unsure of how to go on. Even in his mind the words sounded hollow.
She stepped closer, studying him. "Was it hard? All those times I, just all the time. Knowing but you couldn't act like, and you couldn't tell me."
He turned and took her hands in his, kissing her fingers in gentle apology. "It was harder than you'll ever know."
She stared up at him, the glimmer of understanding in her eyes. Suddenly they cleared and a giggle of pure mirth escaped her mouth as she pressed a hand over it. "I have your eyes." She spun away suddenly, twirling around the room and giggling as she proclaimed, "I have my father's eyes, and my mother's hair!"
"She's always wanted to know," Elizabeth told Pearl.
Pearl nodded as she grinned. This was much more the reaction she had hoped for. "You have your grandmother's hair as well, if that makes you feel any better. Her name is Diamond. And your Aunt Ruby. You should beware, any of your children will be cursed with it as well. They're both in Tortuga, which is real and where I grew up."
"Grandma Diamond and Aunt Ruby," she whispered, testing the names on her tongue.
"And you're named after your Great-Aunt Emerald, your grandmother's sister on my side. She cared for me when I was growing up."
"Emerald?" she repeated. She came back suddenly, re-claiming her seat on the couch. "You mean Emily. My name is Emily Nethers." She paused for a moment. "Well, Norrington I suppose."
Pearl took a deep breath. "Your last name is Sparrow. No, don't argue with me Edward," she cut off the Commodore, who had indeed been about to speak. "She's a product of Tortuga and there isn't a woman as comes out of Tortuga that isn't carrying her mother's name."
"Sparrow is your father's name," he informed her.
"Sparrow has protected me. The word itself will make pirates hesitate. That's why I carry it. And I want the same protection for my daughter."
"And they won't fear the name Norrington?" he demanded.
"Pirates? Frankly, no. Although she can use Norrington around Navy. Might leave you with some embarrassing questions, but I can live with that. At any rate, it's her decision and she can decide later." Norrington huffed a bit, but stopped arguing. "As for you, Miss Emmie, your first name is Emerald. No daughter of mine would have a name prim, proper, and dull as 'Emily.'"
Emmie stood then, wandering over to the fireplace to stare down at the flames. Pearl moved to stand but Elizabeth's hand on her arm stilled her. It was Will that went over to her. He carefully placed a hand on her shoulder. "Are you all right?"
She nodded. "It's just a lot, is all. Knowing my past isn't what I though it was is one thing. But my name?" She turned, stepping into his chest and wrapping her arms around him as he did the same, placing a kiss on her head.
"I know it's difficult, darling, but it doesn't change who you are. You're no less the girl that walked out of this house this morning. You're still our Emmie. A rose by any other name, after all. I'd like to think we're no less your parents now than we were before."
"Oh, Papa!" she cried. "Of course you are! Nothing could pull me from you."
He smiled and tilted her head up so he could look down at her. "I'd like you to look on the bright side. You've always wanted to know about your parents. Well, here they are, in the flesh. You've gained a mother and a father and a brother and a grandfather, as well as aunts and cousins and whatnot. And I believe your mother intends to bring you onto your grandfather's ship."
Emmie's eyes grew large again. "Sail aboard the Black Pearl," she whispered. She turned to look toward her mother. "Will you really let me? Turn pirate and adventure with you?"
"I don't know about turning pirate," Pearl sighed. "I'll discourage it much as I'm able. It's not the life I would have you choose." She met Norrington's eyes. "But aye, your grandfather has extended an invitation to have you sail on his ship. Get a taste of sea life and see how you like it."
"Sail under Captain Jack Sparrow," she whispered. "It's like a fairy tale."
Pearl and Elizabeth both burst out laughing at that. "You'll not think that long," Pearl warned. "Charming he may be, but he certainly is a pain." Elizabeth nodded enthusiastically.
Emmie chuckled, then turned her eyes on Norrington. "I have a question. What about Aunt Maggie? I can't believe Uncle Edward, er, my father, would betray her so."
"No, indeed," Pearl said. "You were conceive before they were married. Just before, but before all and the same." Emmie nodded thoughtfully. "So you see, you're half noble. Is that disappointing to you? I've never really understood the 'Noble Blood' argument, since I haven't hardly any in me."
"Disappointed?" Emmie repeated. "No. I have an opportunity to have a whole nother family. And Ethan!" She laughed suddenly. "The little twerp is my brother. That's...perfect. Emerald Sparrow," Emmie whispered, testing the name on her tongue. "Hell's inferno, that feels right."
"Emmie, watch your mouth," Elizabeth ordered.
"Oh, leave her be. She'll pick up worse than that on the ship," Pearl said.
Elizabeth opened her mouth to retort but Emmie cut her off by turning to Pearl and saying, "I want to get this right, then. You knew me when I was a baby? You named me?"
"Yes. You were nearly three when I brought you here. Part of you may remember." Pearl's broad grin suggested nothing on earth could thrill her more.
She nodded. "Perhaps."
"So then, the question becomes, do you want to come with me to the Black Pearl? Your grandfather would like to see you. He's a bit anxious."
"Is the ship close?" Emmie asked.
Pearl's sparkling eyes cut to Norrington. "Very close." Her eyes returned to her daughter as she took her hands again. "You may stay as long as you like, know that. If you ever wish to return, we shall bring you as quickly as possible. But I would like to ask you to spend some time with us. From what Elizabeth's told me, from what I've seen visiting sporadical as I did, I believe the sea may have a hold on you. I'd like you to try the lifestyle. I'd hate for the longing to grab hold of you suddenly one day and make you miserable."
"Of course, I'd love to come sailing." Emmie turned back to the Turners. "You'll come as well, won't you? I'm not certain I..." she paused, searching for a word that wouldn't insult Pearl, "...that I'm ready. And you both love sailing, and haven't been on a ship in ages."
"Of course we'll come," Elizabeth said, wrapping her arms around the girl. "Barbossa and his entire crew couldn't hold us back."
"Will, Elizabeth was telling me you have a large order," Pearl put in. "Can you neglect it for a while? There's a..." Once again her eyes cut toward Norrington. "A ship Jack's spotted. We could come back in a week or so if that would be more convenient."
"Oh, they can wait," Will said dismissively. "They're anxious enough to get their hands on my work that it won't bother them so, especially if I give them what I have done so far."
"It's decided then," Pearl proclaimed.
"When do we leave?" Emmie asked, eyes sparkling as she shifted on the couch.
"Why not now? Jack's anxious to see you. All of you," Pearl said.
"Now may not be the time," Elizabeth said. "We'll have a lot of packing to do."
"Do it tomorrow," Pearl said with a wave of her hand. "We don't have to leave immediately, just visit. Although you and Emmie will have to change. Split skirts, or you'll have to remove your dresses just to get on board. And no silk."
"Yeah!" Emmie cried, making a break for the door.
"Slowly, Emily-er-Emerald," Elizabeth called after her.
"I'm going to go help," Will said quickly, vacating the room.
Pearl shook her head. "Coward," she murmured under her breath, then turned to Norrington. "I don't suppose you'd be interested in coming?"
"No. I need to be home in time for dinner. I believe Maggie has invited someone to join us."
"She's well then?" Pearl asked.
"Very well, thank you."
"And Ethan?"
"Strong and healthy," he answered.
"Can't ask for more than that." Pearl sighed, leaning back on the couch. "You know, Emmie's taking this very well. I expected her to be angry."
"She gets over things quickly," Norrington said. "She can't stay angry for any amount of time. Although she does plot revenge from time to time, which never turns out well." he chuckled. "And she's excited. Anything having to do with ships generally does that."
Pearl sighed heavily. "You know her so well."
"Yes, well, she's been underfoot quiet a bit the last few years."
Silence enveloped them for long minutes. Finally Pearl whispered, "Are you happy, Edward?"
"Very," he assured her. "You?"
"How could I not be?" she asked. "I'm living the life I've chosen for myself."
"No regrets?" he prodded.
"Nothing I allow to eat at me," she answered. "You?"
"No," he answered thoughtfully. "I look at Ethan and the life I have. No, I'm happy with things." He crossed the room to sit on the couch next to her. "I still wonder sometimes, what would have happened if you had accepted my proposal."
"I told you," she answered. "We'd both be unhappy. This is much better."
"Do you ever think of me?" he asked.
Fishing beneath her shirt she pulled out his necklace. "Often. I never take this off. I should give it to Emmie, really. In case we were captured by Naval forces. What about you?"
"How often have I thought of you?" he asked. She nodded. "Oh, only every time I see Emmie. She's such an amazing girl. She's so like you. I wish you could have seen her grow."
"I'll see her come into her own on a ship. It's an important matter on its own. And she's like Elizabeth, from what I've seen."
"Aye. There's a good deal of her in her as well. You're much alike, the two of you." He paused for a moment. "May I make a request?" he asked.
"You may ask," she answered. "The sun'll rise in the west and the North Star lead us to Africa before I promise something without hearing terms."
"Bring her back, I don't know, often as possible. I'd say once a year but I know that's asking a lot. You probably intend to show her the world. But I'll miss her something horrible, Pearl. As will Will and Elizabeth and Ethan and Maggie. She's been such a joy to us. My life will feel so empty without her. Just, remember that she's my daughter. Remind her, if you can."
"She'll never forget, Edward. Nor will I. Port Royal is her home. I've been away from Tortuga for ages, and it will always be home to me. Even the sea can't compare. It tempts me away but I always return. As will Emmie."
"Keep her safe," he ordered.
"No fears. I'd give up my life for her. So would Jack. I'd wager the crew will do the same before all is said and done."
He sighed heavily. "Thank you, Pearl."
"What for?"
He waived his hand toward the door. "For having her. Bringing her here. For keeping her safe. She's a treasure."
Pearl grinned. "You sound like a pirate. I'd agree. And you know there's nothing we pirates guard so closely as treasure. She'll be safe." The last statement had such strength to it, such power, that Norrington found himself wondering if the Aztec blood she claimed ever included a pension toward prophesy. Something about the statement seemed to imply power and knowledge beyond the simple words.
But before he could ask Emmie bounded back into the room. "Come on Pearl, let's go!" she cheered.
Pearl chuckled, leveling herself to her feet. "You don't have to tell me twice. Are you certain we couldn't talk you into coming, Edward?"
"To see Jack? I'm certain he would be thrilled, but no. But I will walk you down to the beach to see to it that nothing happens."
Pearl shook her head and leaned close to their daughter to whisper, "He doesn't trust me. Afraid I'll stuff all the wealth of Port Royal into my pocket and sail off with it."
"Well founded fears, I would say," he informed her as they met up with the Turners in the foyer.
Pearl tucked her coat carefully round herself to hide her bust, swaggering much like any drunken sailor. They made it to the ocean without incident. Pearl pointed to the boat she had used to get on shore and they got it turned over and into the water.
"Emmie, Pearl, both of you, be careful," Norrington ordered once they were all seated. "I don't want to sign an order to hang you."
Pearl shook her head and snorted. "Would you stop being melodramatic and just push off?" she asked.
He chuckled. "Yes ma'am." With that he shoved the small boat out into the cove, watching Pearl row away and wondering when he would next see her or his daughter.
Author's Note: There you go. Thank you all for waiting so patiently. Some more than others. Next up: Jack meets his darling granddaughter!