A/N:

It's been a while!

Now all the entrance exams are over, so I can focus more on writing. Thank god, because I couldn't have taken even a day more about certain corporations annual reports or wading through yet another book about literature text analysis...

I've managed to have some chapters ready, but won't publish more than this one until I have a few more finished and I can make sure that my notes go together seamlessly and that the continuum is more or less consistent without a surfacing need to rewrite/correct some earlier published material. Though I'm not saying such danger is to be expected, but just in case :)

So here we are, your update.

Hope it's not very repetitive in form as let's be honest... I kinda had my head in other matters while typing this. I don't own the source material, only my OC's and writing, and thank the POTC wikia page for giving a helping hand in background checks.

Enjoy!

~Linda

Entry 5

I couldn't even breathe. I was too astounded to do nothin' but goup at th' painting oan th' wall, petrified oan me seat while me heid tried to come to deal wi' th' implausible visual perception o' me eyes which me reason did its best to assure to be but false. Me blinkin' in grave disbelief as returned th' gaze o' th' person in th' portrait, nae even noticin' o' standin' to get closer to what it appeared to be a picture o' me in a fancy gown similar to th' one I was wearin'. Me eyebrows wrinklin' slightly as I closed in oan th' painting, eventually comin' to a halt right neist to th' Commodore o' East India Tradin' Company whose attention was fully oan me stupefied demeanor. Watchin' me every move 'n' beholdin' me every reaction 'n' change o' emotion when I gaped at th' paintin'. Th' definin' words he'd said nae but a few seconds ago circulatin' in me mind to convince me doubtin' self that it truly was…

"Maw?" I stated, mair lik' asked, deepest incredulity in me voice clashin' wi' th' supportin' facts that this powerful man o' stature seemed to indeed ken me maw. Me nae being able to deny that th' woman depicted in th' picture keeked exactly lik' 'er, from those angelic blonde hair 'n' classic, gentle features to that signifyin' mole right above 'er upper lip. Such as I had, but even if she considerably reminded o' 'er, th' woman in th' painting was definitely an aristocrat taken by those precious gems that decorated 'er lugs 'n' neck in addition to th' purple dress which itself seemed gey expensive. So naw, it couldn't be th' same person. It juist wasn't…

I heard Peter's chair to shift as he rose from his seat in turn, takin' a few unsure steps closer to also tak' a better keek at th' paintin', as I shook me heid. Efter all nae comprehendin' this alleged blood relation atween this unknown man 'n' oor maw. Atween us 'n' this man we'd ne'er even met nor heard o' in oor lives 'til this day, me eyes turnin' to meet wi' his.

"What is th' meanin' o' this?" I asked, turnin' to th' man who was eyein' at me 'n' me brother attentively. But clearly expectant, noo smilin' to me as beckoned to th' portrait.

"As you can see, Miranda. This meeting was arranged for the sole purpose of a long postponed reunion between estranged cognates, and as the upholder of the other side of this unfortunate alienation I am therefore most pleased to have you finally meet your uncle... Your mother's younger brother, and henceforth hopefully someone to call family", he replied, takin' a sip o' his drink 'til it was again placed awa' from his haun. But even his allegations sent me mind intae a whirlpool o' emotions I refused to believe it, as quite frankly this was juist unbelievable to internalize.

"This is nothing but a joke", Peter retorted, also turnin' towards th' lord 'n' pointin' at th' paintin' in notable irritation. Angered by it. I could see from his coupon that he wasn't far from tearin' it doon 'n' throwin' it oot o' th' window, as maw had become a tender topic to 'im due to th' wey they'd separated afore 'er death. So was this "a joke" or some bafflin' wey to manipulate us for some unthinkable reason, usin' maw to do it would set Peter in rage if taken too far. 'N' th' sudden appearance o' a blood relative o' 'ers certainly wasn't something Peter would digest any mair easily than me, so right there 'n' then I didn't blame 'im for his incomin' boorish behavior.

"Who are you to call us here and tell us such crap? I don't know why you've come here, nor do I care, but what I do understand is that how convenient it is for you to suddenly show up after such a long time since her death and have no one to back up your claims. As I know for a fact that we have no uncle, so whatever reason you may have to try to lie yourself into our lives by using our mother, do know that I'm not gonna let that go at all refinedly."

During his delivery Peter's voice had risen due to to his understandably heated emotions, his hard eyes starin' at th' figureheid o' th' dreaded EITC mercilessly as I glanced at 'im. Noticin' how William came by his side, takin' hold o' 'im to deter 'im from actin' accordin' to his words, his irises quickly visitin' me afore they shifted to examine th' paintin' again. Clearly seein' th' resemblance, it shockin' 'im as greatly as us.

"You have your grandfather's temper", oor host chuckled in amusement, 'til it was replaced by somewhat irreverent hint o' sarcasm he almost immediately hid behind a mask o' moderation, somethin' in his being tellin' me that his true thoughts might've differed from his adduced opinion. "It's always rewarding to find the finest qualities of your family to have passed on to the following generations. My father never believed Jane to have a son that would suffice him taken her highly undesirable choice of a spouse, but from what I've come to understand I believe you will yet prove his deeply rooted mistrust wrong in many ways."

Th' man's voice had gained a rather significant tint to it during th' latest sentence, 'im eyein' at Peter a shadow o' a smile hoverin' oan his lips as Peter cringed. His face crackin' for irritation as he prepared to march ower to th' esteemed gentleman wi' th' inconceivable affirmations (that unfortunately did stairt to speak for 'emselves th' mair I thought aboot it). Me still takin' me brother's side oan th' matter by sharin' his skeptisim.

"Oor maw was but a brassic servant maid", I clarified, deeply placin' me faith in that assertion o' me ain 'n' regardin' it as th' only truth there was, shakin' me heid mair at th' obviously fabricated painting. "Wi' all due respect sir, what ye're sayin' can be nothin' but a lie. Ye cannot be who ye claim to be as she ne'er said us to have any family left alive, 'n' either she ever mentioned a brother to us."

"Your doubt is understandable and dowright expected in this situation", th' man answered carefreely, nae showin' any signs o' lettin' this charade go 'n' juist walked by me to gaze at th' portrait 'imself, soon turnin' to give me a meaningful keek ower. "But whether or not can I convince you both of the truth, I think you provide the missing definite proof that advocates me, Miranda, as you resemble Jane remarkably. She received that dress when she was around your age, but you decidedly carry it more gracefully than she did at the time."

I paused to tak' another keek at me gown, given to me efter arrivin' to th' office, 'n' wance I examined th' details 'n' th' color o' it I soon found 'im to speak th' truth. Th' woman in th' painting wearin' th' exactly same dress as I, me haun pressin' oan th' soft fabric in incomprehension while I turned aroond to face th' lord (or as it strongly suggested me admittedly very likely relative) 'n' lifted me jaw. Th' fleetin' sensations o' fondness th' idea o' me wearin' maw's ol' gown disappearin' when I tried to be rational in this unthinkable moment I by nae means had anticipated to prepare meself to.

"Even if what ye say is true", I mused, still doubtful. "…how can ye expect us to think o' ye as family when we don't even ken who ye are? Ken yer name, nothin' aboot ye."

"That is what you've come here to do", he responded self-confidently. "To find out, as like previously indicated one of the quintessential reasons for my arrival was to welcome you and your brother back into our honorable family. Your mother was a Beckett by birth, and so shall you should you claim the name as yours... After all since your mother left you've been living in ignorance of your true lineage, far from your justified status, hence obliging me not only by my duty to the Crown but by my fortunate position as your legal custodian to come to offer you all that you've been denied from thus far. But whether you decide to embrace my act of benevolence is your choice entirely, or whether you come to see it proper to call me uncle Cutler rather than sir. I leave the resolve of your counter offer within your utter quorum."

Mr. Beckett had come to a halt afore me while talkin', his very attentive light eyes perhaps tryin' to read me mind thro' me ain as I gouped back at 'im momentarily speechless. Comin' up wi' somethin' to respond, as efter th' overwhelmin' doubt had passed I'd been expectedly owercome wi' surprise. Confusion, me hesitatin' to reply when I wasn't sure did I feel guid aboot his speech soundin' mair lik' a settlin' o' a business deal than a persuasion from a concerned family member, afore found th' courage to stairt to process this apparently true encounter wi' me origins. Moment both Peter 'n' I had been dreamin' aboot since childhood but to which we'd stopped believin' in ages ago, noo abruptly face to face wi' a possibility to be part o' a family which from what we could gather was nae only renowned but wealthy too. Ultimately it all becomin' juist too much to handle, to Peter too who wi' th' help o' William had managed to stay mair or less calm. William's coupon noo becomin' filled wi' understandin' too, but reluctant one at that as was natural. Peter 'n' me had always been poor, so it wasn't exactly easy to picture us to be accepted intae a life o' abundance by a man who under no circumstance would've normally referred to us as his equals.

"How is it possible?" I asked, nae comprehendin'. "How could she be who ye say 'er to be?"

"She can't", Peter cut in. "The maw we knew was a woman of poor lineage from Scotland who married a fisherman, and eventually moved to the Caribbean to work as a maid. Not something a daughter of a rich family would do now, is it? Leave the safe and easy life with privileges and exchange them to a life of hard labor and poverty."

"And yet she did exactly that", Mr. Beckett answered, noo slight incredulous tone appearin' in his voice too 'til his attention was returned to us efter a long, contemplative pause. Us noo impatiently waitin' for 'im to continue as naw matter how unbelievable this whole situation was… he'd known maw afore oor birth, when she'd been me age. Supposedly.

"Exactly 20 years ago your mother fled from our home estate in Somersetshire England, leaving no word of where she was or where she was going. And that was the last we ever saw of her, as she refrained from any contact until two years later when I received a letter from her, informing of her current condition following the disappearance of her husband and the birth of her two children."

Silence descended as all o' us in th' room took in Mr. Beckett's…Uncle Beckett's words, me releasin' a wee sigh as neist sought Peter's eyes wi' mine. Capturin' 'em, seein' 'em mirror th' same expression as he noo sank intae th' armchair wance mair, me gaze movin' oan to William, who didn't keek at me but stared at th' carpet in ponders instead. Lik' afore his face reflectin' amazement, but also grave disbelief. Denial even, which I couldn't understand for that fleetin' moment that I remained focused oan his thunderstruck form.

"Your father, as your mother has seemingly told you, indeed was a fisherman. His family had worked and lived under the mastery of our family for generations, and perhaps it had been bound to occur that she met him during a visit to town all further particulars aside... But very much like him she was young and naïve, not but a few months later coming forth with her love affair with him and asking our father's approval for their desire to marry", oor uncle continued, his delivery suddenly much mair serious as he recounted th' circumstances leadin' to oor parents' marriage.

"Naturally as a man who'd hold great expectations of Jane as the only daughter and envisioned her to be married to a man of wealth and great reverence, our father was but infuriated by the request and refused, demanding her to cut all ties with your father unless she wished to be disowned by the whole family. But regardless it was but a week later when she ran away together with her lover to be married against our father's wishes, cutting all ties to us self-imposedly. Never to be heard of again by any of her brothers and the least of our father who never forgave her for leaving… Until a note arrived from our cousin addressed to me, attached to a letter from Jane."

"Aunt Susan", I realized, me disoriented thoughts reelin' back to that mornin' when I'd spend a moment to study maw's belognings. All o' a sudden rememberin' th' bunch o' secret letters I'd found hidden under th' draping o' th' travel trunk, noo finally comprehendin' 'em to have been placed there so that neither Peter or I would find 'em. Uncle Cutler's eyes shiftin' to me as I lifted me heid then, reachin' nae only one conclusion but several in that curt moment o' truth.

"Th' letter "C" I saw written under those letters I found this mornin'… it stood for ye?" I asked, Peter's ain heid risin' in interest to give me a questionable keek as did William. Both o' 'em goupin' at me in bafflement where me uncle nodded.

"Yes. After she contacted me, we kept on writing to one another secretly for years theretofore her regrettable death. But during that time she never told me her location or any revealing details in her letters that would've helped me to track her down, first sending them to our cousin who then forwarded them to me. It being part of our agreement that she never spoke of me or her family to you, as it was her fondest wish to keep you separated from the life she once left behind."

"It was ye who brought those flowers to 'er grave, wasn't it?" I inquired then, gainin' a compliant response from his eyes which for a moment had gazed doon in grief, wee smile tuggin' th' corners o' me lips when I thought aboot th' beautiful boquet 'n' noo detectable feelings o' attachment it had hold. Slight sorrow takin' hold o' me too then as I examined th' man in th' fine lookin' broon owercoat 'n' detailed vest, his wigged heid inclinin'.

"I loved your mother very much. Out of all those in my family she was the only one who truly understood me and supported me, believed in me where the others didn't. So it distressed me greatly when I finally learned of her death from Susan, as I had hoped that now my father gone and this long awaited moment of reconciliation finally at hand after many years of planning I could've welcomed you all back to the family. You and your mother, together."

"Then you must be our uncle, no question about it."

I turned to me brother who stairted to speak again efter a long time o' remainin' silent, his coupon less angry noo that he'd come to accept th' truth. But he still remained reserved, his gaze demandin' when he rose 'n' daunered closer to oor uncle. Flickerin' grief also visitin' his eyes as they returned th' stare o' th' man in front o' 'im, 'em facin' each other as Peter lifted his haun. Pointin' at uncle Cutler in disbelief.

"Even if she wished to have nothing to do with her family and never speak of it to us…where were you then when she got sick? According to what you just said you must've known of her illness, so if you loved our maw so much, where were you when she suffered, slowly languishing to fever until she died?" Peter accosted, shakin' his heid while lifted his eyebrows. Pity fillin' me when I wance mair witnessed th' rarely seen vulnerable side o' me brother, glimmer in his eyes that told o' tears he'd refused to shed upoan oor maw's passin', 'n' which since had remained suppressed behind his eyelids to be triggered again by th' correct words o' reminiscence. Me daunerin' closer to 'im 'n' placin' a haun ower his arm for comfort, where his eyes ne'er left oor uncle, who returned Peter's gaze wi' calm expression. Among compassion however expressin' true regret.

"After advancing on my career and earning the selection to run the Company I did everything in my newly acquired power to find Jane. But unfortunately was too late, as your mother was a smart woman who knew me better than anyone, knowing how to hide from me so that no one I'd sent in search of her would find her. But even it took too long to accomplish my agents were finally successful in locating her, along with my nephew and niece I've wanted to meet ever since the day Jane told me about you in her letters."

"Ye truly are oor uncle", I breathed, speechless again but for th' foremaist time comin' to embrace th' truth meself wi' baby steps, me gaze movin' from me brother to uncle Cutler who soon broke intae a freish warm smile. Me seein' from th' corner o' me eye how William frowned incredulously when he followed oor uncle to place a haun oan oor shoulders, afore exchangin' a long goup wi' Peter. 'Em possibly findin' some kind o' connection from within each other's irises as soon enough Peter's lips also spread intae a wide grin, th' two o' 'em embracin' one another. Takin' me by surprise, me eyein' at 'em a bit warily 'til they separated a few seconds later, uncle Cutler spreadin' his arms for me to follow me brother's example.

"On behalf of me and my brothers, welcome to the family Miranda. I am glad to endorse you both as the future bearers of our name", he murmured, noddin' his heid at me encouragingly, me ditherin' at first 'til made another wee smile. Steppin' intae his embrace, his so unfamiliar arms spreadin' aroond me that it felt but uncomfortable regardless o' me natural joy o' oor recovered relative that stairted to bud in me chest. As efter all he was but a stranger to me, 'n' I couldn't bring meself to accept 'im so readily 'n' so soon as Peter. Me smilin' at oor uncle unsurely as we separated, 'im examinin' me for awhile afore his attention was drawn to William again, his face turnin' from friendly to plain indifferent.

"You're still here, Mr. Turner?" he questioned, me twirlin' aroond to keek at William who gasped oot o' his thoughts. "I believe I already gave you your orders and means to fulfill them, and yet you're still standing in my office, wasting the precious time you have till our contract expires."

"Forgive me, my lord. I'll be on my way", William answered meekly, but his tone was far from polite as was his face, 'im bowin' doon to us stiffly while met wi' th' gazes o' Peter 'n' me. "Mr. Beckett. Miss Beckett."

I gasped in turn due to his quite impassive tone which still hold somethin' sinister in it when he said th' name. Me name noo, in some form o' contempt which I couldn't fathom any mair than his altogether reaction to oor discovery o' an uncle. Me in turn followin' in bafflement as he then straightened wi' one mair subtle leer directed at uncle Cutler afore turnin' aroond, striding oot o' th' office. Clearly eager to get oot o' there, far from me uncle… perhaps even far from me. Aye, we'd had a terrible fight th' day afore 'n' I'd been very angry at 'im, but that didn't explain why he'd juist brushed me aff lik' he'd disliked th' very sight o' me… Weel, I didn't attend his wedding. Wedding that didn't…

"You said you have brothers", Peter recalled then efter clearin' his throat, wakin' me attention again where uncle Cutler nodded briskly in consent.

"Yes, two. My older brothers Jonathan and Bartholomew."

"Do they also work for the Company?"

"No. Fortunately they remain occupied in maintaining the legacy of a shipping business my late father started, where I took a chance and sought employment from a far more gratifying employer in my youth."

Uncle Cutler kept a wee break, thinkin' aboot somethin' that seemed to bother 'im. Annoy 'im afore he looked to us apologetically. "It is a shame that it was indeed business that kept them from joining me and sharing this moment, but as an important Company issue happens to be also the main factor for my presence here, I confess that they are in fact yet unaware of your existence."

Peter frowned. "You didn't tell them?"

"Jane didn't permit me. She hoped not our father to find out about you and risk him to potentially desire to come and claim you back within the family without her consent. Jonathan and Bartholomew were very loyal to our father while he lived, and continue to be so as long as Beckett Shipping Company keeps bringing them sufficient profit. "

Peter let oot a wee laugh. Me watchin' oor uncle to snatch th' decanter to fill Peter's glass to th' rims afore proposin' a toast, 'em stairtin' an immediate conversation aboot oor family matters 'n' how they were connected to th' powerful East India Tradin' Company. But I didn't hear a word as me mind was wanderin' in other matters entirely, such as William how surprisingly. Recallin' his streenge behavior th' minute we'd stepped inside th' office 'n' th' apparent sullen attitude he'd had towards oor uncle th' whole time, this commission he'd agreed to execute for th' Company makin' me wonder. What could William possibly do that would benefit such a resourceful corporation, especially if he did it unwillingly as it had appeared to me by th' look oan his coupon when he'd been sent awa'? Lik' oor uncle had mentioned, surely they had several other experienced agents to do their bidding… which was why William's face th' moment he'd left bothered me, me nae realizin' th' reason why he'd been called to meet wi' oor uncle nae matter how hard I tried, 'til I realized th' answer nae to come to me unless I figured it oot meself.

"Excuse me, but I need to step ootside for a moment", I stated, causin' Peter 'n' me uncle to halt in their current talk aboot th' Company's latest business strategies 'n' turn to me questionably. 'Em watchin' me to stairt to dauner towards th' doorwey nae long efter William. He couldn't have gotten far, 'n' even I'd afore decided to avoid 'im at all cost, I noo kenned within me that I had to speak wi' 'im. Aboot his mission, to learn mair o' it.

"Must you right now? I had just in mind to order some tea for the three of us so that we could get to know one another better before dinner. I'm terribly tied to my affairs here at the office all day", uncle Cutler said, beckonin' back to th' armchairs but I shook me heid. Makin' a wee smile 'n' curtsied to 'im.

"Forgive me, but I cannot right noo. I…I have to go."

"Miranda, where are you going? Miranda!" Peter called efter me in turn, but I was awready oot th' door. Half runnin' across th' corridors, almost crashin' against Commander Faye 'n' a couple o' his cadets daunerin' forth from another corridor. Me but ignorin' 'em when they instantly took a stance 'n' bowed to me, their respectful manner o' callin' me "Miss Beckett" definitely passin' me lugs as I hurried to th' exit o' th' buildin'. Efter steppin' ootside 'n' gettin' greeted by what it appeared to be a sun lit day wance mair headin' towards th' smithy, th' best place I could think o' findin' William. Though th' maist probable truth was that th' ceremony had been but postponed, makin' it likely that he was oan his wey to be finally wed right noo…

I came to a tardy stop in middle o' th' street. Then was there a point in goin' to th' smithy? He wasn't there, 'n' even if I waited he wouldn't probably return for hours…If he'd come back at all. I sighed for th' unfortunate thought o' th' inevitable tradition that followed every wedding day to consummate it, however quickly pushin' it oot o' me mind. This wasn't what I was supposed to be thinkin', but rather how could I juist go to th' wedding reception efter me clear efforts o' avoidin' it wi' all I had 'n' bring up th' urgent Company business William had gotten involved in, when th' day afore I'd practically told 'im to stay oot o' me life. 'N' 'ere I was, tryin' to stick me nose in his in a matter that definitely had nothin' to do wi' me…

So I told meself. But efter thinkin' aboot it a wee mair I gave in wi' a sigh, takin' th' last steps that brought me to th' entrance o' th' smithy. Heartened by th' resolution I'd gained during th' walk from th' Governor's office, unhesitatingly liftin' me haun for a knock.

"William?"

Silence. That's all I heard from th' other side o' th' door 'n' all I'd expected to receive me, me sighin' again as closed me eyes momentarily. Aye, he was completely elsewhere, gettin' married to a woman o' his dreams at th' very same moment.

I don't ken how I would've reacted to that thought that caused me hert to lurch again lik' so many times afore, as it was then that I heard a abrupt rattle from within th' smithy that startled me. Me neist leanin' closer to hear some trudgin' footsteps accompanied by a series o' coughs, 'til th' door was then surprisingly opened wi' a crapulent grunt I recognized all too weel.

"We're closed, can't you read the sign?"

"Mr. Broon?" I remarked, facin' th' scruffy lookin' elderly blacksmith wi' a surprised lift o' brows, while he keeked doon at me in irritation to have been woken from his sleep (as he appeared lik' he'd juist crawled oot o' whatever place he'd ended up efter passin oot last evenin'). 'Im however also recognizin' me as I hold me breath when strong odor o' alcohol caused me close to gag, th' distinct stench o' sweat nae helpin' me in keepin a straight coupon when I stood in front o' William's mentor instead o' wrinklin' me nose for antipathy.

"If you're looking for Will you're too late. He's not here", Mr. Broon specified, leanin' against th' creaky door. At least attemptin' to hold some o' his dignity by pushin' th' hem o' his shirt intae his pants (which however seemed lik' fallin' aff any minute), still causin' me to frown slightly for overt disgust when he gobbed ontae th' smithy floor. Neist wipin' his nose afore cleaned his fingers to his dirty collar, me noddin' in understandin'.

"So he hasn't dropped in by any chance?" I queried, hopeful, but for nothin' as I saw th' answer from Mr. Broon's eyes long afore he replied efter directin' another gob on th' ground. Me pullin' me hem awa' from th' danger zone.

"No. The boy was dragged away in chains by the Navy this morning. Haven't seen him since and aren't expecting him back any time soon by the looks of things."

I froze, goupin' at Mr. Broon in fleetin' stir 'til frowned at 'im, nae comprehendin' what I'd juist heard 'im tell me. "William was taken away in chains?" I repeated in astonishment. "That can't be correct… Why?"

Mr. Broon shrugged indifferently, clearly havin' no clue why would someone come 'n' arrest his apprentice 'n' I put no belief in 'im for to tell me that. "Don't have the slightest idea, Miss Martins, was it? But if you would excuse me, I'd like to take this time and prepare myself to the hard day of labor that awaits me tomorrow now that my apprentice's in jail."

Mr. Broon attempted to shut th' door but I stuck me haun oot to stop 'im, gainin' a frustrated scowl from th' man as instead I offered 'im a sweet smile.

"Do ye mind if I stay 'ere 'n' wait for 'im?" I asked, inclinin' me heid as a pleadin' gesture. 'N' though th' man was a hopeless drunk he luckily appeared to have a soft spot for lasses such as me, wi' another annoyed grunt releasin' th' door 'n' twirlin' aroond, marchin' in 'n' all th' wey to th' back o' th shop.

"Do as you please. But don't touch anything, and make sure to be gone before I wake up the next morning."

I sent a sigh 'n' a heidshake efter th' man as I watched 'im plod back to his restin' place, soon enough his familiar snore emanatin' from somewhere oot o' sight. Me takin' a seat oan th' nearest chair, stairtin' me wait for William. Which by what I've learned from Mr. Broon could've become a long one by other reasons entirely…

I didn't understand… If what he'd told me was true 'n' William indeed had been retrieved this mornin' by th' marines, then how was it that I'd juist seen 'im at th' Governor's office wi' me uncle instead o' a prison cell at th' Fort? But should he have been truly arrested then… what aboot th' wedding? Had it happened at all, or had this incident come atween th' plans o' William 'n' Elizabeth's marriage?

I came to wonder that it was probable (crushin' th' spiteful voice o' jealousy that but rejoiced for this development), as was th' fact that instead o' th' Navy itself it was highly liable that th' EITC had somethin' to do wi' William's arrest, taken that th' very same day this Company arrived to Port Royal he ended up in chains oan th' eve o' his wedding. Coincidence? Naw, it didn't feel lik' it. As efter all, what had I been thinkin' efter receivin' a word from th' noo nae so mysterious but back then terrifyin' Governor o' th' said organisation? That I'd been summoned for some form o' questioning, for somethin' that was related to… Jack Sparrow.

Me gaze rose as me fidgety fingers stopped tappin' me knees, me considerin' whether or nae me reasonin' could be ontae somethin' in fact accurate. Th' reason why William had been brought to uncle Cutler, th' reason behind th' requested favor for th' Company 'n' his reluctance to perform it… Could it all be connected to what happened a year ago? I couldn't come up wi' any other explanation. But then again, if William had been arrested for aidin' Sparrow in fleein' th' death sentence, then why would me uncle let 'im go juist lik' that? Had they made a deal that ensured William's freedom in exchange o' this Company matter that he'd bestowed to William? But how had there been any ground for his arrest even? He'd been pardoned by both th' Governor Swann 'n' Commodore Norrington, 'n' there was no proof o' 'im to have committed any crimes. So why? Why noo?

Whatever th' case, even I tried to assure meself all to be still braw 'n' weel, th' fact that I noo kenned aboot William's arrest 'n' th' possible perilous troubles his apparent brush wi' th' law brought 'im only made me worry mair. Me squirmin' oan me seat impatiently as th' long minutes ticked by 'n' I was truly stairtin' to dread for William, thinkin' in what kind o' mess he'd gotten 'imself intae. Actually forgettin' th' whole marriage ordeal as juist waited anxiously for 'im to step thro' those doors, free 'n' safe, 'n' nae thrown intae th' dungeon as could've been gathered from what me uncle had said to 'im… Which could've also been juist a lie to fool us intae believin' that William wasn't in any kind o' trouble whatsoever, that me uncle had deliberately wished to hide his involvement in William's arrest for motives unknown to me. So when I then soon came to question th' nature o' everythin' that had come to pass that day, includin' th' unannounced appearance o' maw's younger brother who happened to be no other than a dignitary character in a dreaded megacorporation, I stairted to fathom William's expression back at th' office. Somethin' wasn't right aboot this.

Me patience was rewarded as efter another twenty minutes William did finally show up (at foremaist glance unaccompanied by guards for me relief), but as I stood in an instant to receive 'im I saw someone to follow 'im inside th' smithy efter all. Nae a soldier, but a man I remembered to have seen saunterin' at th' office, both me 'n' William comin' to a surprised halt. Me due to th' sight o' th' unfamiliar man wi' a somewhat fraudulent air aboot 'im, 'n' William due to th' sight o' me actually standin' in front o' 'im against his (presumed) beliefs. As he definitely hadn't expected to find me there, me seein' it thro' his eyes 'til he caused me hert to sink by keekin' awa' from me rather reserved face takin' ower his coupon. Stoppin' in front o' me where th' other man removed his hat 'n' bowed to me, me likin' as wee aboot his deceitful smile as I did 'im altogether.

"Miss Beckett. Ian Mercer at your family's ever faithful service", he greeted, me returnin' th' gesture wi' a rigid nod efter flinchin' due to th' mention o' family that seemed to have affected William too 'n' nae in a guid wey. 'Im then claimin' me attention, regardless o' his strained demeanor that made it challengin' to face 'im however momentarily managin' to captivate me, keekin' distractingly handsome his hair open lik' that 'n' still dressed to his finest…(in spite o' his negligent wey o' displayin' 'imself given th' obvious circumstances). 'N' against all reason th' situation required it was then that I abruptly realized 'im to have truly become manlier durin' this past year, in front o' me nae standin' that same boyish young man who'd matured nae only by appearance but by nature as weel. All due to Elizabeth's influence I imagine. She'd changed 'im to someone else entirely…

"What are you doing here?" he inquired, but by th' sound o' 'im didn't seem all that interested to hear th' reason. Hardly keekin' at me 'n' appearin' if possible even mair irritated by th' wey Mr. Mercer had treated me juist noo, th' man in question neist takin' oot a big pouch filled wi' money 'n' an envelope afore droppin' 'em ontae th' awaitin' palm o' nonchalant William. Me followin' wi' quizzical eyes 'im to accept 'em wi' no questions asked, apparently awready aware o' th' purpose behind such payment 'n' gave th' man no regard efter. Simply turnin' his back to 'im as ripped th' scarf bound aroond his neck open wi' a brisk yank, th' corner o' Mr. Mercer's mouth risin' for amusement 'til he neist left th' shop. Wance alone me turnin' to William.

"I needed to talk to ye", I told 'im, but apparently to 'im that sounded a highly improbable statement. Givin' me an incredulous gaze, so much so that it made me uncomfortable unlik' I'd ever felt while wi' 'im, his so upfront unwillingness to speak to me upsettin' me.

"Truly? After what you said yesterday I find it surprising."

I sighed, keekin' awa' in a loss o' words, momentarily discouraged as shame took ower me. Recallin' oor fall oot 'til got meself together again. "William, what's goin' oan 'ere? What dealings do ye have wi' me uncle?"

"That's right, your uncle. I was rather shocked to learn that, where you must be only pleased to have become part of such a wonderful and powerful family. Congratulations", William remarked, nae even tryin' to hide his disdain while replied wey besides th' point by piquin' (to get back at me unconsciously), openin' th' cuffs at his sleeves 'n' causin' me to sigh deeper when his verbal retaliation o' coorse found its mark.

"William, answer me. What did me uncle want from ye?" I asked again wi'oot reactin' to his quip, goupin' at William's profile which was but grim. 'Im keekin' forward, anger flashin' across his coupon, but he didn't either respond to me. Allowin' me to deviate from th' topic at haun to somethin' else as besides th' point, me then keekin' doon in hesitation. Eventually makin' th' question that burned at th' tip o' me tongue, impossible to be hold in.

"Did ye…marry Elizabeth?"

William didn't reply either to that inquiry, his face however at first assumingly tellin' me everythin' I wanted to know, me lettin' oot a low breath 'til noticed 'im do th' same. His irritated features softenin' momentarily for chagrin, 'im eventually turnin' to keek at me.

"No, we didn't get married. Didn't have the time…And if you'd been there you would've seen it with your own eyes", he remarked, quite accusingly in me lugs, me escapin' his gaze by havin' me attention dart to Amanda who was takin' 'er efternoon nap a few feet awa' from me very much lik' his owner. Mr. Broon's snores enlivenin' th' stiflin' silence as William stared at me for what it felt lik' an eternity, as if to dare me to face 'im that accusation in his eyes I kenned to be confronted wi' if I met 'em. But I didn't, 'im eventually juist releasin' a scoff afore continuin'.

"We did not marry... And it was all thanks to your uncle, Miranda. After sending his men here to seize me, he stopped the wedding by having Elizabeth arrested for abetment."

I was astounded by this, me heid risin' so that I was goupin' at William again incredulously. "Elizabeth? Why? Why would he do somethin' lik' this when neither o' ye have done nothin' to…?"

"We let Jack flee. Me, her and Norrington are held responsible for his escape, and your uncle has decided to have us pay for our crimes by imprisoning Elizabeth and consequently forcing my hand by making me his middleman. "

"What do ye mean?" I asked, carefully, fearin' his answer. But even his followin' response assured freedom, it still didn't calm me doon at all wance I neist learned th' truth I'd sought by comin' there; aboot th' bargain that had been struck atween 'im 'n' me uncle. William noo keekin' awa' in turn, this time concern in his eyes.

"The charges against us will be abrogated if I aid Beckett get his hands on Jack's compass, in exchange to signed documents that will ensure his future freedom as a privateer, along with the pardon for Elizabeth and me."

British Crown wished to employ Sparrow? That was a ridiculous idea in itself, yet alone to be presented to th' pirate in question wi' straight face in a wey that would mak' 'im take th' offer 'n' actually lisence th' lifestyle he'd been leadin' for years wi'oot a need for such documents …"Th' compass? Why oan earth me uncle would want that piece o' worthless bric-a-brac?"

"I don't know and don't care. All I care about is saving Elizabeth, as she cannot hang because of something I'm solely responsible for."

There was another wee silence as neither o' us said anythin', me glancin' at William from time to time to find that his mood hadn't improved at all. His demeanor still givin' th' aura o' tensity, it bein' clear to me that he found th' situation as unbearable as I.

"Is she awright?" I queried then, truthfully worried, as I pictured me ladylik' Mistress held captive in th' dungeons in pity. Th' bulging muscles under William's jaw informin' me that she was far from weel, which I o' coorse had awready come to understand by th' distressin' news.

"I just returned from the prison. She's fine considering all that's happened. Changed", he replied curtly, then wi'oot a word mair headin' for th' stairs that led to his private quarters.

"So what are ye goin' to do noo?" I enquired as William stormed within his bedroom efter retrievin' a bag from th' minuscule foyer, throwin' his jacket 'n' vest oan th' bed afore stairtin' to dig oot some haphazardous pieces o' essential clothin' 'n' threw 'em intae th' bag to a messy pile. It bein' clear to me that his mind was wey too occupied by Elizabeth's predicament to function systematically 'n' pack th' needed supplies as I watched 'im dauner aboot th' room in a breathtakin' speed. In a remarkable rush, his hastiness makin' me even mair uneasy when he at first tried to bypass me presence 'til I continued me pryin' for answers.

"What was th' money for? Payment for th' favor ye were asked to perform?" I asked, seein' William to halt wi' a slight disbelievin' headshake. His voice husky wi' frustration when it finally replied.

"By that do you mean a motivation to encourage me not to have my fiancé hanged by failing this mission? No, the money is to make sure that I'll achieve your uncle's goals at all costs without failing him."

"That bein th' retrieval o' th' compass?"

"I'm to find Jack and bring him here so that the letters of marque can be formalized by Beckett's seal. They're worthless without it, even with the king's signature. But I have to do it quickly, as in spite of what we agreed on I can't trust him to keep Elizabeth alive after getting her needlessly involved in this matter that I feel to be far more personal than he insinuated and strictly between him and Jack."

I was confused by th' odd remark William had made, but as he didn't clarify it further I bypassed it as a nugatory detail. "But ye made an agreement, didn't ye? That Elizabeth would nae be charged as long as ye brought forth th' compass."

William directed completely distrustful goup at me direction while crammed th' money intae th' bag. Possibly in his current state o' vexation nae realizin' his actions as neist removed his shirt, me feelin' me cheeks to flush instantly afore I hurried to turn me eyes elsewhere from his half naked torso.

"He's not someone to be trusted, Miranda. Using blackmail to have me recover the compass for him instead of sending his own men to track it down…that's not something an honorable man would do to have his way."

As he noo happened to glance up to me he finally realized his mistake, his anger infused face crackin' as he keeked a bit ashamed 'imself where I turned completely aroond in embarrassment. Thinkin' his words as tried to bring doon th' colorin' o' me coupon.

"At least he left ye wi' an option instead o' proceeding wi' yer executions as th' law obligates 'im", I countered, causin' William to freeze 'n' direct a judgmental gaze at me (I could sense his resentful irises to dig intae me back as goosebumps that rose oan me skin).

"So you're saying that what he's doing is acceptable?" he questioned in deep askance, measurin' me wi' similar regard in his eyes, as I then twirled aroond again to meet his gaze. For me alleviation seein' 'im to slip oan another shirt to mak' oor conversation less awkward from what it awready was.

"That's nae what I meant!" I corrected 'im. "But even ye must admit that he's juist doin' his duty. Ye did break th' law by settin' Sparrow free 'n' accordin' to that law such an act is punishable."

"But he's dragged Elizabeth into this!" William exclaimed, in rage noo, takin' a step closer to me as threw th' bag back oan th' bed while faced me. Me cringin' back due to his face, but attempted to keep me ground. It was me uncle he was slanderin' efter all, as nae matter th' means 'n' what I'd found oot in these last hours aboot 'im, deep within I kenned that he was juist doin' what he was expected to do. Takin' no pleasure from it.

"Can you honestly support your uncle's actions in having the justice prevail? He could've arrested me, just me, but instead he ruined our wedding by showing up with warrants of arrest for not only me but to Elizabeth as well. Are you really that delighted for your recently discovered heritage that you can turn a blind eye to this, to say it to be justified that she rots in jail for a crime that she committed only for her love for me?"

His latest statement silenced me for awhile as I hold no answer to it, me simply keekin' awa' from 'im. William liftin' his jaw resolutely.

"At least there's still something that differs you from him."

"Can ye blame me for me try to be unbiased?" I asked, frustrated in turn. "He's me uncle."

"And what a gentleman he is."

"Could ye stop degradin' 'im for one moment?" I retorted, gradually stairtin' to turn annoyed by William's perhaps understandable but pure rude wey o' actin'. "I might've regarded 'im as me uncle only for a few hours, but he's still family to me!"

"And can you honestly blame me for not being able to?" William asked back, meetin' me eyes, me wance mair seein' worry in his irises which softened me ain from tense to compassionate. "He has Elizabeth. So was he your uncle or not, I have a right to hate him for ruining our wedding and holding her hostage for his own personal objectives. So if you still are taking his side on the matter, I can say for sure you to be of the same blood as him."

We were silent again as I closed me geggy in another loss o' words. Hurt, angry 'n' guilty at th' same time, lettin' oot a long breath as realized 'im to be right efter all. But I hated it 'n' th' fact that I'd all so suddenly been made a middleman meself in this situation by th' crooked fate that didn't seem to show any mair favorable side o' itself, th' keek in William's eyes practically insistin' me to take a side, for th' second time that day makin' me but conflicted.

"I'm nae takin' any sides… Juist… William, I'm juist worried aboot ye. Aboot what ye're set to do", I said eventually, tryin' to keek sincere instead o' annoyed but I wasn't sure did he believe me either noo. Simply turnin' to goup oot o' th' window. "It's impossible to find Sparrow. Where are ye even goin' to look for 'im?"

"Tortuga." I was baffled yet again, William tiltin' his heid remarkably. "It's a pirate city located close to Hispaniola. That's my best bet in locating him, and if not I'm sure I can find someone there who can lead me to him."

I wasn't feelin' at all confident aboot his plan, nae seein' any sense in this whole mission. "But how do ye expect to mak' Sparrow come along wi' ye? What makes ye think that he would seize th' chance to help ye by submittin' to work for th' Crown 'n' hand ower his compass to ye? William, surely ye must realize 'im to ne'er…"

"I don't know!" William exclaimed angrily, twirlin' toward me so swiftly that he truthfully frightened me. Starin' at me in such vexation mixed in wi' utmaist frustration that I swallowed me followin' skeptic comments. Juist starin' at 'im utterly flustered, nae to have ever witnessed 'im snap at me lik' that afore. 'N' indeed I imagined to see slight regret in his irises 'til they were filled wi' fear. True fear, ower th' ootcome o' his quest, ower th' worrisome details that I possibly nae so graciously had presented. Ower Elizabeth's life, 'n' while thinkin' aboot that I realized that I couldn't blame 'im for gettin' angry at me. In such a short time I had hurt 'im mair than enough, at first rantin' 'n' ravin' at 'im th' day afore 'n' then nae arrivin' to his wedding, right afore it was revealed me to be th' niece o' th' man who was responsible o' lockin' up his future wife. So aye, he had all th' right to keek at me lik' that. Wi' disdain, but I'm nae sayin' that it felt anythin' else but terrible to be so visibly disliked by 'im that moment. Even I'd done th' exactly same thing to 'im. So in a wey it could've been said that his hate was weel deserved.

"I just don't understand what you're even doing here Miranda", William breathed then questionably, shakin' his heid as daunered closer to me. Wance again takin' in me changed appearance, th' fancy dress o' me late maw's which highlighted me freish identity, 'n' me hair that made me keek lik' a stranger in his eyes. "Yesterday you told me to stay away from you and not to get myself involved in your life any longer. If that's what you want, then what are you doing here now? Standing in my room trying to stop me, even now upon your uncle's arrival you have the perfect excuse to live up to your wishes. To stay away from me and have nothing to do with me."

"William, that's… that's nae what I…" I tried to explain, however runnin' oot o' anythin' to say again oan this crucial moment when I should've juist spoken up 'n' told 'im how I felt. Aboot everythin', aboot oor quarrel 'n' me relationship to Taran. Me still existin' feelings for 'im 'n' me fear for 'im should he leave in search o' th' pirate Sparrow, 'n' maist importantly say I was sorry for all th' horrible things I'd said to 'im… But me mind wasn't any less o' a mess than it was this mornin', leavin' me mute where William then continued in me stead.

"This is my problem to deal with, not yours. So instead of being here you should go back to your uncle and your new life. As what has happened today definitely confirms something that has been brewing for a long time…that we should go on our separate ways from now on. You carry on to live up to the name of Beckett and marry Taran, where I find Jack and bring him back to Port Royal. And marry Elizabeth."

Even it should've been but liberatin' to hear 'im say that, me hert sank due to his unexpected grant to me yesterday's pleas to stay awa' from me, th' finality o' it appearin' so terrifyin' to face that that moment I even considered to sank to me knees 'n' beg 'im nae to say that. Nae to abandon me wi' such serious face, nae to push me awa' th' wey I had pushed 'im, nae to say that we were better aff livin' two separate lives. But he was right, me holdin' back a snivel when I returned his stare silently. Nae bein' able to say anythin' in response as I saw his earnest irises also soften for slight melancholy 'til he threw his bag ower his shoulder, nae meetin' me eyes again. Pushin' th' envelope he'd received from Mercer under his jacket efter openin' it 'n' findin' th' signed clearance needed to board one o' th' departin' EITC's ships.

"I have a ship to embark."

I released a renounced breath as William then brushed past me 'n' was oot o' th' apartment wi' a few strides, th' feelin' o' hurt keepin' me stuck to me place as I listened to th' clomp o' his boots against th' wood. Informin' me that as promised wi' every step he was drawin' farther awa' from me, me bitin' me lower lip as I efter all couldn't let 'im leave in such bad terms wi' me. Wi'oot thinkin' dashin' efter 'im in such hurry that I hit me knee oan a trunk placed neist to th' doorway, o' coorse a tearin' sound followin' me when ignorin' th' pain 'n' th' damages to th' brocade I got to th' door. Th' noise o' me accident apparently holdin' William back, me lettin' oot a sigh o' relief upon seein' 'im still stand at th' end o' th' staircase. Keekin' up to me, his face too streenge to interpret as I leant against th' doorframe, wearin' a sad one meself.

"William, please. We can't separate lik' this."

"It's the only way. We say our goodbyes here", William stated curtly, his gaze droppin'. Me chest squeezin' when me heid rested upon th' frame in turn, nae helpin' me voice turnin' woeful too when I spoke.

"Am I ever goin' to see ye again?"

I waited for 'im to respond, but he didn't. Decidin' it to be easier to remain silent, efter givin' one final glance to me 'im then daunerin' across th' smithy. This time me voice stickin' to me throat as I watched 'im step ootside, closin' th' door efter 'imself wi' a slam that woke Mr. Broon from his sleep. Th' man joltin' awake in middle o' a snore, his heid whippin' from one side to another 'til his groggy eyes found me, momentarily disconcerted o' me presence.

"Still here, are you? Didn't I tell you to leave before I wake up?"

I turned me dismal attention to 'im, sighin' deeply for annoyance as under me chagrin I was still somewhat exasperated (to mesef 'n' th' wey things had gone atween me 'n' William afore oor probably last meetin' in for who kenned how long time), but efter all let 'im 'n' his crapulent mixin' o' dates go. Stairtin' to descend those familiar steps lik' William had, perhaps for th' last time ever also as closed th' apartment door forcefully. Dust fallin' from th' ceiling.

"I'm goin', worry nae. 'N' ne'er comin' back 'ere again."

Scottish vocabulary:

Pronouns etc:

o'= of, th'= the, 'em= them, oor= our, 'n'= and, intae= into, 'er= her, 'im= him, me = my, nae = not

Recurrent & other words:

5th chap: goup= stare, oan = on, heid= head, wi' = with, maw = mother, mair = more, ken = to know, to keek = to look, lik' = like, lugs = ears, gey= very, naw = no, juist = just, tak' = take, stairt = start, efter= after, atween = between, ne'er = never, 'til= until, noo = now, awa' = away, haun = hand, coupon = face, face = expression, doon = down, oot/ootside = out/outside, wey = way, afore = before, ower = over, 'emselves = themselves, aboot = about, brassic = poor, thro' = through, guid = good, wee = little, neist = next, wance = once, mornin' = morning, dauner = to walk, foremaist = first, meself = myself, freish = new, weel = well, streenge = strange, awready = already, 'ere = here, hert = heart, braw = fine, o' coorse = of course, eftrenoon = afternoon, awright = alright, wi'oot = without, geggy = mouth