Proffitable Affairs

Chapter 2


Gibbs was tying knots on a rope while watching Jack’s guests from afar. The woman that accompanied Vilmort was talking at him with a deep scowl on her face. The man snapped something at her and Gibbs watched as the woman looked away and glared at the ocean. Tearing his eyes away from the couple he looked around for his captain. He spotted him t the helm and decided to go over. He climbed up the stairs until he was standing next to Jack.
“Do you still think that this is a good idea?” Gibbs asked and Jack rolled his eyes.
“I’ll have to take me chances, mate.” He murmured as he tightened his hands around the helm.
“Those two were having a bit of a fight. A disagreement of sorts. I think the missus is not so happy with Vilmort’s idea.” Gibbs said as he stole a glance at the still glaring woman.
“Of course not. The old bat is filthy rich…She expected she’d be getting something. Why else is she with him?” Jack said with a shrug and Gibbs nodded.
“That’s possible…Jack, I don’t about this.” Gibbs sighed again and Jack groaned.
“I would be glad if you kept your thoughts to your self, Mr. Gibbs. I am in no mood to analyze your superstitions. Can you do that?” Jack asked with a raised eyebrow and Gibbs nodded.
“Aye…” Gibbs murmured reluctantly as Jack patted him on the back.
“Take the helm.” He ordered and Gibbs stepped into his position while he walked down the stairs.
“A word?” he called as he passed by Vilmort and the woman, who’s name was Anne, while sending the man a pointing nod towards his cabin.
The older man nodded and followed him inside, closing the door behind him.
“What is it, Sparrow?” Vilmort asked, anger clear under his calm resolve.
“Captain Sparrow. Why does everyone forget the damn title?” Jack muttered and the other man rolled his eyes.
“I forgo, Captain. Perhaps my daughter will be more …willing to share the same room with you. She always fancied stories about the lot of you.” Vilmort almost spat and Jack’s eyebrow lifted.
“Is that so? Glad that you mentioned the lass.” Jack said as he plopped down in his chair and looked up at the scowling man, “What’s her name?” Jack asked, choosing to ignore the fact that the man seemed to hate talking about his daughter.
“Mary.” Vilmort answered with a sigh.
“Mary…Does she have any particular likes and dislikes that I have to know?” he asked and the man snorted.
“Why would you want to know about her tastes?” Vilmort asked and Jack frowned.
“How else am I supposed to charm her?” he asked and the other man chuckled, a sound that made Jack cringe.
“Charm her? There will be no need of that. She’ll do whatever I say. You just have to take her off my hands so we can find what we’re looking for.” Vilmort said and Jack wondered what was so wrong with the girl to have her father speak so poorly of her.
“I see…” Jack muttered, using his tongue to probe the inside of his cheek, looking thoughtful.
“Is this why you called me here? To know about my daughter’s tastes?” Vilmort asked and Jack smirked.
“Not that I succeeded but yes.” He said edgily as he fingered the arm of his chair.
“I have another question.” He started and Vilmort snorted.
“Of course you have.”
“Why do you carry that girl around? Isn’t she a bit young for you?” Jack asked with a cocked eyebrow.
“Like I’ve said before that is not your concern.”
“It is if I have to take your daughter as me wife! I need to know why you’re so keen on finding the Fountain and why she’s obviously on your side.” The pirate snapped.
“Who would know about it and not want to claim it as his own?” Vilmort asked with a raised eyebrow.
“Good point. But you’re still not answering me question.” Jack said coolly.
“She’s been my lover even before my wide died.”
“And how long has that been?” Jack asked.
“Four years. My wife died two years ago.”
“Hmm…Not a loyal bloke, are you?” Jack asked with his lopsided grin and the older man snorted again.
“Since when can a pirate criticize someone over loyalty?” Vilmort replied and Jack’s grin faltered.
“I assure you, mate, not only pirates are known for their disloyalty. I’ve seen proper gents and ladies do far worse and believe me, you’re not an exception.” Jack said in a low voice and the man glared at him.
“Anything else?” Vilmort said through gritted teeth.
“Yes, why couldn’t you just steal the map?” Jack asked as he reached for his bottle of rum across the table.
The question was met with a sharp intake of breath from Vilmort’s part.
“I couldn’t touch it. No one can until it fully belongs to Mary.” He answered and Jack looked at him disbelievingly.
“What?”
“The map is charmed, Captain.” Vilmort spat and Jack’s expression was one of utter incredulity.
You fought undead pirates, mate? Why does that sound impossible? His inner voice muttered gruffly and he made a mental nod of agreement.
True.
“Charmed you say? By whom?” he asked after a while.
“By me dead wife.” Vilmort said as an expression of disdain passed over his face.
“She was a witch?” Jack asked with furrowed brows and the man nodded.
“I’ve kept that a secret.” The man said and Jack bit his bottom lip in thought.
“Is that why you hate your lass so much?” Jack asked mockingly after a few seconds.
“I don’t hate my daughter!” the man objected.
“Sure you don’t. I can see that you care for her welfare.” The pirate said with a snort before he stood up.
“That’d be all. We’ll be making port before nightfall.” Jack said as he opened the door to his cabin and held it open for Vilmort to exit. The man walked out of the cabin and Jack followed him, his mind thinking over the new information he had acquired.

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Nightfall came and the Pearl was indeed making port at Port Au Prince with Jack gazing at the busy docks with desolation.
“No worries.” Vilmort said from behind him, “No one’s going to harm your crew here. I know the redcoats here.” He continued and Jack nodded at him mutely before he turned to his first mate.
“I’ll be going ashore. You’re coming with me. Leave a few men to guard the ship.” He said quietly, his expression unreadable.
“Aye, Captain.” Gibbs said as he gave orders while Jack went to his cabin to gather his coat and hat.
Once he was out he bumped with Anne. He looked down at her and smirked.
‘happy to be home, love?” he asked as he adjusted his pistol in his belt, noticing with amusement that the girl actually looked down at his crotch briefly before answering.
“I am not from here. But yes, I do live here.” She said and he passed by her and headed for the gangplank.
“And where are you from?” he asked, not really interested but he may need it that piece of information later.
“England.”
“Wonderful.” He muttered distantly as he spotted Vilmort at the dock.
“Lead the way, mate.” Jack said as he extended his hand. Anne followed Vilmort and Jack trailed behind them with Gibbs to his side.
“I guess the lass will be some uptight, ignorant shrew.” Gibbs muttered and Jack grimaced.
“From the looks of it she might be the exact opposite, mate.” He said quietly and Gibbs looked at him.
“Really? I thought rich girls ain’t nice.” He said and Jack chuckled.
“One can only hope…” he trailed off, thinking that perhaps she shouldn’t be for what was about to happen to her was probably not the best thing that could happen to a young woman. He was a pirate but he knew how the world worked.

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After walking quite a while the four of them arrived at a big house with black iron gates. A servant man was there to open the door for them and they passed through the gates. Gibbs looked around and his mouth dropped.
“Holly mother of God…” he muttered and Jack’s lip curled upwards as he gazed at his surroundings.
“This way.” Vilmort called reluctantly as they entered the house.
A maid appeared and Jack’s eyes were immediately focused on her curvy form.
“Good evening, sir. How was your trip?” she asked as Vilmort handed her his coat.
“Fine…Please take these…gentlemen to the parlor.” He instructed as Jack licked his suddenly dry lips.
“Of course. This way, please.” She said as she led the way. Jack and Gibbs followed her to the parlor as Vilmort spoke again.
“My daughter?” he called and the maid turned to look at him.
“In her room, sir. I think she’s getting ready for bed.” She said and he nodded before he disappeared upstairs with Anne.
“Can I take your coat and hat?” the maid asked Jack who narrowed his eyes and placed a protective hand o upon his hat.
“No, you may not, lass.” He said somewhat offended and the maid blinked before she nodded.
“Would you like some tea?” she asked and Gibbs chuckled while Jack quickly moved his head in denial.
“You may sit.” She pointed out before she turned and exited the room.
“Sit, mate. I think we’ll be here for a long time.” Jack grumbled and Gibbs nodded in agreement.

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Vilmort arrived at his daughter’s room and turned to Anne.
“You better not be here when I talked to her.” He advised and the woman snorted.
“Of course. I already know she’s not quite fond of me.” She said before she opened the door to the next room and walked inside, slamming it behind her.
The man sighed and knocked on the door. Moments later the door was opened by a young woman with honey brown hair and emerald green eyes. Said eyes widened and she fully opened the door.
“Hello, Mary.” He greeted as he stepped into the room and looked around.
“Father.” She acknowledged as she let the door ajar, knowing that their conversations never lasted long anyway.
“You’re home sooner than I thought. I take it your trip went well?” she asked as she pulled her robe tightly round her.
“It was…eventful.” He stated as he turned to look at her.
“How so?” she asked, her green eyes showing no real interest but she felt compelled to ask.
“There’s a guest here with me.” He said quietly and she looked away for she knew by then that any guest was either a friend of her father’s mistress or a possible suitor for her.
“Is that so? Another possible husband for me?” she asked already knowing the answer when he looked at her.
“Yes, there is someone who’s expressed interest in your person. Is that so bad?” Spencer asked and she laughed mirthlessly.
“Does this gentleman even know me? Has he seen me or is he going to get cold feet once he sees me too?” she asked, well aware of her plain appearance.
“It’s not your appearance that is at fault. It’s your attitude.” Her father snapped.
“My attitude? You think I don’t know why you so desperately want me to get wed? I am not a fool, father. I know you contrary to my mother who didn’t.” she said and Vilmort’s eyes darkened.
“That would be enough! You don’t know what you’re talking about. Now get dressed and come downstairs at once!” he barked at her and she forced her lips still, not allowing them to start trembling.
“Can’t your guest wait till morning?” she asked quietly.
“No, he can’t. Do as you’re told and come down. I’ll send Margaret to help you.” He said firmly before he turned and exited the room, leaving her to stare at the carpet with moist eyes.

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Jack finished his third glass of sherry and looked around the large parlor’s decorated walls.
“Interested in more?” Vilmort asked and Jack outstretched his hand which held the small glass. His glass was refilled shortly and he brought it to his lips. Before he had the chance to lower his glass a young woman dressed in a cream white dress entered the parlor with her hands clasped in front of her. He paused and lowered the glass from his lips when the woman’s puffy green eyes locked with his brown ones.
“Ah, Mary.” Vilmort said as he stood up and walked over to her, “Took you some time.” Her father hissed and she glared at him while Jack studied her stiff posture. He didn’t know what the fuss was all about. She wasn’t that bad. In fact, he noted with a smirk, she had potential but she chose to ignore it. She wasn’t thin but you couldn’t call her heavy either. She was tall enough for a woman and her cleavage, Jack also noted with satisfaction, was a sight to behold. Realizing he had been staring rather rudely for the girl’s taste he stood up and bowed slightly at her.
Mary’s eyes widened at the sight of the man standing in front of her. He was not ordinary…he resembled a…No, it couldn’t be true but then again why she was so sure that he wasn’t a gentleman?
“Good evening, milady.” He said with a grin and she blinked, unaccustomed to have someone’s attention focused sorely on her.
“H-hello.” She stuttered as Jack took a few steps closer to her. He took her soft hand in his rougher one and brought it to his lips for a kiss. Her sharp intake of breath informed him that he must have done something right and he slowly released her hand.
“This is Jack Sparrow-…” her father started and jack was ready to reprimand him for not using his title but the young woman bit him to it.
“The Captain Jack Sparrow?” she asked with a gasp as she looked him up and down, finally realizing that her assumptions were indeed correct.
“You know me, love?” Jack asked with a smirk and she nodded her head.
“The Captain here would like to speak with you.” Her father cut in and she swallowed hard, slowly realizing what her father and the notorious pirate captain wanted. They wanted something that would be in her possession soon. Not trusting her self to speak she sat down on the settee as Jack sat next to her.
“We’ll leave you for a while.” Vilmort said as he pulled Gibbs with him out of the parlor after shooting a warning glance towards Jack.
Once they were alone Jack focused his eyes at the young woman in front of him. Her posture and tightly folded hands told him that she was nervous.
“Mary, that’s your name, am I right?” Jack spoke first, his eyes taking in her long waist-length hair.
“Yes.”
“Your father’s told me a lot about you-…” he was cut off by her soft voice.
“I already know why you’re here for, Captain. I know what my father wants and I know that what he wants is your desire too.” She said as she finally raised her gaze to his.
“And what do I desire, love?” he asked in a low husky voice, thinking that perhaps it would entice her to agree. After all she wasn’t that unattractive.
“The Fountain of Youth.” She said quietly and he looked at her surprised.
“I do know about it. My mother had told me. And I know that in order to get to it you need the map that I will inherit as soon as I am married.” She continued and he was surprised by the girl’s honesty.
“Is that so? And what do you have to say in the matter then?” he asked, seeing no reason to hide behind false pretences.
“I will have to agree, won’t I? He will make me do it anyway. He has to at some point.” She whispered and Jack’s stomach churned with pity.
“No one can force you-…” Jack started and she laughed humorlessly.
“I don’t need someone to force me, Captain. I know there are no feelings for me in this…situation. You don’t even know me.” She said softly and the way his title flowed from her lips, caused him stomach to jolt funnily. Letting it go without further thought, he blinked and nodded at her.
“Then what…” he trailed off, shocked at the woman’s sobriety.
“I’ll do whatever you want me to do.” She said sadly and Jack’s eyes widened at her words.
“You’ll do what I want you to do?” he repeated, “Not what your father wants.” He stated and she nodded.
“Yes.” She stated and he smirked in amusement, “I will…agree to marry you if that’s what you came here to ask.” She finished and he blinked rapidly.
“I am a pirate you know.” He stated, thinking she had misjudged his profession with something else.
“That’s alright…I always liked pirates.” She said with a small smile as her hands started sweating under his intense gaze.
“Did you now?” he asked with grin, his gold teeth glistening in the candle light. Her answering nod was enough realization for him. The pale young woman would indeed become his wife and he didn’t even have to seduce her to accept. That motion brought a bit of sudden anger in him for he knew that her acceptance had nothing to do with his charm or his looks or his character. It had to do with her desperation to be free from her father; it had to do with her need of freedom and who was he to deny it?
With that in his mind he offered her his hand for a shake.
“We’ve got an accord, love.” He said quietly, and a mischievous look appeared in his eyes when she took his hand and held it lightly in her own.

End of chapter 2