Oh my only just realised I hadn't put up the last chapter of this! Heh apologies that I've had this chapter sitting around on my laptop for about a week! Love to my brilliant reviewers, please keep your eyes peeled for my next one "Stand By You" which will be out most likely end of the week/start of next week when There All Along is finished! xxx
The day passed slowly, despite a quick trip to Tortuga to find some more appropriate clothes for the young woman. I hoped she would be pleased with the outfit I had chosen, and that it fitted. I had not yet got her a coat or hat, but the weather was not cold enough for a coat and a pirate's hat is special; she should pick it out herself.
When nightfall came, I left Gibbs in charge of the Pearl and a curious crew who wondered why we had been to Tortuga and back and now why their Captain was going into town without them.
"Explain to them." I muttered to Gibbs as I passed him. He nodded.
I walked through the town quickly. I still had my reservations about doing this, about taking her away from her life. But she had been the one who asked, I had not suggested she come with me. Of course, that didn't erase the guilt of having kissed her, despite constant reminders that I had been about to pull away when she started to kiss back. And, as I recalled, there had been no anger in her eyes after said kiss. She had smiled. Maybe she really did want to leave this life behind.
I had reached the Convent gates by now and made my way swiftly to her window, hoisting myself through.
"You ready?" I asked, to which she nodded. "Before we go, you might want to change." I threw the bundle of clothes at her; the puffy white off-the-shoulder shirt, black corset, black breeches and the patterned waistcoat. Then I passed her the long black boots. "When you stuffed me in your closet there, I noticed your clothes were pretty much all the same apart from a couple of other outfits which wouldn't really be much good." I explained, looking pointedly at the outfit she was dressed in now. I realised that I had never seen her in anything but her black habit, and the mint green cardigan and long black skirt she wore now really wasn't flattering. "Skirts ain't exactly great as a pirate." I smirked.
"All right then, just give me a moment." I nodded, but didn't move. "Jack?" Oops!
"Oh, sorry, love." I said, quickly exiting through the window.
A few moments later, she was following me through the window, nothing but a hairbrush and accessories with her. I stood back as she landed softly on the grass so I could see her new look. The clothes fitted her perfectly, and she looked every inch the pirate. I noticed that the cross she wore was still around her neck, but she didn't have to abandon her faith. In fact, I thought the necklace completed the outfit. Well, the hat and coat were still needed but we could find those in the coming days. I made my way over to her and took her hand in mine, still surprised by how right it felt. Together, we left the Convent for the last time.