Miss Anya...Thank you for the review :o) I'm glad to see that you think I'm doing a good job with Anamaria and Jack's relationship...it's been pretty difficult to write at times. Hope you keep enjoying!

Chapter Seven

"What do you mean he's not the governor of Port Royal anymore?" Jack asked.

Elizabeth let go of Will's hand and folded hers on top of the table, "There was a scandal...a political scandal...not long after you left. My father got involved with some of the wrong people. For a while they thought that Norrington was going to have to step down too, but in the end it was just my father."

Jack felt bad for the young girl who looked like she might burst into tears at any given moment.

"He lost everything. He moved back to England. I haven't spoken with him since...he doesn't...doesn't even...know." She began to cry and Will pulled her close to him, wrapping his arms around her.

"Sssh," he whispered in her ear, rocking her back and forth, "it's ok."

Jack felt bad for her. It must have been hard for someone like her to not be able to talk to her only family member.

Will continued to hold her, but spoke to Jack, "I'm not sure that he would have been so understanding if Norrington hadn't been involved in the scandal as well. By marrying me, at least he knew his daughter was not as risk of becoming involved."

Elizabeth's crying had softened now and Will released her. She wiped at her eyes with her hands and then excused herself, walking down the hallway and out of sight. Will's eyes followed her and then he turned back to Jack.

"I'm sorry," Jack said.

Will rested his elbows on the table and put his head in his hands. "It's fine. It's just been really hard. Elizabeth was very close to her father. Her mother died when she was very young and she was an only child. For a long time they were all each other had. She depended on him for a lot."

Jack nodded slowly and then Elizabeth reappeared. "I'm sorry," she said, running her fingers under her eyes one last time. She moved into the kitchen and began busying herself with the dishes. Jack wondered if it had been hard for her to get used to doing things that a maid would have done for her in the past. Will stood and walked up behind her, wrapping his arms tightly around her waist and pulling her to him. She leaned back against his chest and then turned to return the hug. Again Jack felt as if he were intruding on a private moment as Will lowered his head to kiss his beautiful bride. Breaking the kiss, he ran his thumb across her lower lip as he searched her eyes with his own, and then reached to tuck a loose curl behind her ear.

"I love you," he whispered.

"I love you too," she said, receiving another of his kisses.

Jack was trying to refrain, but he fidgeted in his chair and the couple separated. Elizabeth giggled slightly at his discomfort and Will apologized.

The rest of the day was spent catching up and reminiscing about good times they had shared. Elizabeth cooked them lunch and dinner and Jack was amazed at how good the food tasted. When he commented on it, Will reminded him that he had just gotten off a pirate ship and that anything would probably taste just as good to him at the moment. Elizabeth promptly poked him with her fork and all three of them began to laugh. Jack was happy to be in their presence again, especially getting to share a happier time than when they had last seen one another.

Elizabeth had just finished the dishes when she turned to the two men and declared, "I'm going to go to bed now."

"Of course dear," Will said, standing to kiss her goodnight before sitting to join Jack again.

"Goodnight Elizabeth," Jack said.

Smiling briefly, she wished him the same and moved down the hallway, disappearing into a room that Jack could only assume was the bedroom. Will waited a moment to make sure she wasn't coming back before beginning a more serious conversation with Jack.

"How are things going on The Pearl?"

"We've 'ad a good year this year," Jack said. "We've definitely put ourselves back on the map as a major force in pirating in the Caribbean."

"I've heard a few stories," Will said.

"Really?" Jack was very interested in hearing the stories that had reached the townspeople.

"Norrington is after you."

"Ahhh!" Jack waved his hand dismissively. "Bloody Norrington isn't smart enough to catch us."

Will smiled and Jack decided to come clean, "I've actually 'eard the same thing, but he can't be looking too hard. I 'aven't 'ad any run-ins with any of his ships."

"Well, he's looking to prove himself now. After escaping that scandal, he's out for blood. He plans to show the townspeople his power by cleaning out the pirate community."

Jack nodded.

"You should be careful. You're probably one of his main targets."

"Don't you worry about ol' Jack. With a crew like the one I've got on The Pearl, we can get out of any trouble that comes our way."

"If you say so Jack," Will said doubtfully.

"I 'ave a great crew. Possibly the best I've ever sailed with."

Will interrupted, "I was wondering how you managed to leave your ship."

"Anamaria is my first mate so she's in charge. She's wonderful, really."

"She must be."

"No, she really is. I trust 'er like no one I've ever met before. My crew's only missing one thing."

Will looked at him curiously, "What's that?"

Jack leaned forward to offer his proposition, "I was hoping that you might join me at some point Will. I could use a hard worker like you."

Will would have laughed out loud had he not wanted to hurt Jack's feelings, "Jack, I can't."

"Why not?" the pirate truly looked confused at the quick rejection.

"You may have proven to me that all pirates are not necessarily bad people Jack, but that doesn't mean I want to become one."

"But Will..."

Will continued, "I've got the smithy now and Elizabeth. I can't just leave her here alone. I want to be with her. And soon I'll have a baby to raise. I need a stable income and a stable lifestyle. I owe them both that."

"And piracy would offer you both of those things."

Will shook his head, chuckling slightly.

"Will, do you know how much treasure I've taken in this year? You could put Elizabeth in one of the biggest houses in Port Royal. You could give her and the baby everything they ever needed and even wanted."

"But the price is too great."

"What price? You would have a place to live, food in your belly, and enough money to fulfill all of Elizabeth's dreams."

"But I would miss seeing my child grow up. I would miss getting to spend every night with my beautiful wife. Nothing is worth that Jack, nothing."

"Will," Jack leaned forward again, gesturing with his hands at their surroundings, "You have a nice place 'ere, don't get me wrong, but it's pretty small, right?"

Will nodded, "But it's just for now. Things will get better."

"If you came with me, you'd be better off in a matter of weeks. Elizabeth's not used to living like this."

Will interrupted, "She says it's fine for now."

"But how long will that last? She's used to living in big houses and wearing nice dresses. She may love you, but she's not going to want to be poor forever. Think of all that you could give 'er with the money you made at sea."

Will still shook his head, "I can't Jack."

"Then do this for me," Jack started, continuing when Will nodded, "jus' think about it. If you change your mind you're welcome to come with us whenever I'm in town again."

"Alright," Will agreed. "I'll think about it, but you know the chances of me ever agreeing to go along are rare."

"You never know what may happen," Jack said, standing and slowly stretching his limbs. "And now, if you don't mind mate, I need some rest."

Will disappeared for a moment and when he came back he was holding a blanket and pillow. He extended them to Jack who accepted them gratefully.

"Elizabeth usually gets up pretty early to cook breakfast. I'll tell her not to wake you."

"It's fine," Jack insisted. "I'll probably be up already anyway."

"Alright then, goodnight Jack," he said, leaving the room.

"Goodnight Turner," Jack returned.