Misconception

Chapter 26


Jack groaned as he pressed the pillow harder against his head, trying to block out the incessant knocking. He was lying on the bed in his shirt and breeches and his boots were off, lying haphazardly on the floor. He had been thinking about Isabella all night long, trying to figure out what he had said wrong. He thought that she would appreciate his honesty but she had instead accused him of things that were not true. He was not trying to hurt her or use her in any way. That’s why he had called the bloody bet off! Yes, he liked women and it was in his nature to show it. Joan was beautiful and well, always there if he needed something. Ha had never meant to do anything with her but his emotions towards Isabella confused him and made him insecure. Besides, he didn’t know that they were in an affair anyway. She always seemed so uncertain about him and always kept her distance. He groaned as he recalled her wounded expression after his confession and pressed the pillow harder against his head.
“Captain! Jack!” Gibbs hissed through the door and Jack pulled his head from under the pillow to look at her door. His hair stood up on every direction like a madman from lying like that on the bed for hours. He rolled his eyes and stood up slowly. By the time he had stood Gibbs had burst through the door.
“Don’t you know how to knock?” Jack rasped and Gibbs gaped at him.
“I’ve been knocking for ten minutes. I thought you killed yourself or something.” The older man said and Jack huffed.
“What can I do for you, mate?” he asked and his eyes spotted Isabella’s dress on a chair by the bunk. He scowled and looked back at his first mare.
“Um…” Gibbs started but then his eyes widened when he noticed his captain’s wild hair. He chose not to comment on it and continued, “I found the lass sleeping outside me cabin on me way to the deck…Any idea why she has been there instead of here?” he asked and Jack blinked.
“She’s outside your cabin?” he asked quietly and Gibbs nodded.
“Why is she not here? Did…did something happen?” he asked and Jack straightened his posture and cleared his throat.
“No. What did you do with her?” he asked and Gibbs hesitated.
“I didn’t move her because I didn’t want to wake her. I just covered her with a spare blanket.”
“Damn it.” Jack muttered angrily before he walked around Gibbs and exited the cabin. He arrived in front of Gibbs’ cabin and sighed when he looked down at Isabella. Her hair was covering her cheek as she sat there, leaning against the bulkhead. Her face was pale and he could even spot a tear stain on her right cheek. Cursing silently to himself, he bent down and carefully slid an arm around her back and another under her knees. He stood up with a small groan and headed for his own cabin. He passed by Gibbs who was still looking beyond confused by the entire scene and walked back inside his cabin. Thankfully she didn’t wake as he laid her gently on the bed and covered her with his blanket. She barely moved to snuggle deeper into the warmth of the covers and sighed shakily. His hand shifted and he raised it to touch her cheek. He paused in midair though and winced as he clenched his hand into a fist and reluctantly took it back. He pulled back from the bed completely and forced himself to look away from her. He leaned down to pull on his boots and shook his head.
“Don’t worry, love. I’ll leave you alone.” He murmured angrily to himself as he grabbed his coat and left the cabin as silently as ever.

**************************************
“Ahem.” Isabella flinched and slowly turned to face Jack.
“Yes?” she asked quietly.
“We’ll be docking in an hour, love. I just wanted to let you know that.” He spoke hoarsely and it was obvious that he was uncomfortable being there.
“Alright…Won’t someone notice you at the port?” she asked mechanically.
“No…We’ll dock away from the port. We’ll go to the shore with a longboat.” He replied stiffly and she nodded before she leaned down to put on her shoes. She could feel his eyes watching her as she did so.
“I am afraid I’ll have to take the dress you gave me for I have no other clothes to wear.” She said as she straightened and looked at him.
He frowned at her words, “Everything I gave you is yours. Even the nightdress. I don’t want them back.”
“I took nothing but my own night clothes.” She shook her head and the frown between his brows increased.
“They were gifts. You can’t return gifts.” He said gravely.
“They were not gifts. I needed them and you bought them for me. Or stole them.” She added and he inhaled deeply.
“Don’t be stupid, Bella. Just take the damn things with you!” he snapped and she sighed.
“I don’t want to argue with you again. Especially not over clothes.” She said patiently.
“We are not arguing.”
“You’re yelling.” She stated and he closed his mouth.
“I didn’t realize that I was.”
“Either way I am not taking anything with me. Keep them or give them away. I am sure you’ll find someone to give them.” She murmured as she brushed her hands over her skirt to smooth it.
Jack stared at her, his nostrils flaring at her calm disposition before he cracked his knuckles and gave her a tight smile.
“Fine. As you wish. What about the cat?” he asked and she paused.
“Um…I don’t know. I am not sure if I’ll be allowed to have a cat at the Stevenson’s.” she replied carefully.
“Just take the damn cat!” he snapped and she recoiled, “She doesn’t like me anyway.” He spat as he scooped the cat from its place under his desk and thrust it in her hands.
Isabella took it and looked at him with wide eyes, surprised at his outburst.
“Okay.” She whispered as she held Rosie close to her chest.
Jack closed his eyes at her disgruntled expression and nodded sharply once, “I’ll come for you in an hour.” He mumbled before he walked out of the cabin.

*********************************
“Careful, lass.” Gibbs said as Isabella stepped into the longboat across from Jack.
“Thank you.” She said with a small smile and Gibbs returned it.
Jack remained silent as he took hold of the oars and looked at his first mate, “I’ll be back before noon. Keep your eyes open for any redcoats.” He said and Gibbs nodded.
“Aye. Be careful.” He called as Jack maneuvered the boat away from the ship. The trip to the shore was laced with silence and discomfort. Isabella held the kitten in her hands while it mewled and wriggled in her hold. Jack remained silent and he wasn’t looking at her.
“How will we get to the manor?” she asked him at some point as they neared the shore.
“By carriage. It’s not that far from the port anyway.” He replied laconically and she nodded. She looked at the sea again and bit her lip. She couldn’t stand the uncomfortable situation between them. It saddened her that he was not making an effort to ease the tension between them either. She wasn’t expecting an apology; that would be quite impossible with Jack but she felt as if they ought to say something to each other.
“Here we are.” He murmured as he got off the boat and pulled it towards the shore. He offered her his hand and she reluctantly took it. She stepped onto the shore and picked up the small bag with her belongings.
“You want me to take it?” he asked her as he looked at her.
Isabella shook her head, “It’s fine.” She replied and he nodded before he started walking towards the busy part of the docks.
It took them quite some time but they found a carriage after Jack paid the driver well.
The ride towards the Stevenson’s house was a quiet one and Isabella tried to remain as still as possible beside Jack. She could feel his arm and thigh brushing against her as he sat next to her and his warmth burned her bitterly. She kept her gaze on the window, looking out at the road. She gave a sideways glance at Jack and she noticed that he had his head low, watching as his fingers fumbled with his rings.
“I never meant to hurt you, you know.” She heard him murmur as they neared their destination.
“Will they be expecting us?” she asked, ignoring his whispered words.
“It’s just who I am.” He continued as if he had not heard her question.
“Who are you exactly, Jack?” she asked exasperated.
He paused and a deep frown formed between his brows, “I thought that you knew by now .” He replied and she shook her head.
“I thought, until yesterday that I was starting to know, but I have no idea anymore.” She said softly.
“What’s that supposed to mean? Until yesterday? I don’t understand exactly how I offended you.” He asked angrily and she raised a hand to placate him.
“Just let’s just stop talking about that, alright? It leads nowhere.” She said and he stared at her intently for a few moments before he looked away.
“As you wish.”
“So, will they be expecting us?” she asked again.
“Aye…I had sent them word.” He mumbled and Isabella smiled bitterly to herself.
“Of course. They ought to know in order to prepare the money.”
“I told you that I am not taking any money!” he snapped and she sighed.
“They don’t know that now, do they?” she responded calmly and she heard him curse quietly to himself. They remained quiet until they arrived at the gates of the manor.
Isabella stepped outside and Jack hopped out as well. They hadn’t walked a few steps when a man stepped between them and the gate; with a pistol. Isabella gasped and Jack immediately stepped in front of her with his hands up in surrender.
“Who the hell are you?” he asked gruffly and Jack smirked.
“They’re expecting us.” He said simply and the man regarded them carefully.
“You’re Sparrow. Yeah, they’re expecting you.”
“You know me, mate?” Jack asked with a raised eyebrow.
“I’ve been warned about you. I am to take you to Mr. Stevenson upon your arrival.” The man replied as he eyed Isabella critically.
“Ah, that is all nice and well but I ain’t going nowhere in there unless I have reassurances that me head will remain on top of me shoulders.” Jack smirked as he quickly grabbed his pistol and aimed at the man.
“You’re worried about the authorities? No one will harm you if you follow me. Come on.” The man stated before he pointed towards the gate.
Jack grabbed Isabella’s arm and they slowly followed the man inside. As they entered the gardens, Isabella breathed a sigh of relief at the familiarity of the place.
“Bugger me! Bella?” a male voice exclaimed and Isabella turned to her right. She spotted James by the stables and she felt a small smile forming on her face. He stared at her wide eyed and she gave a small wave.
Jack watched the exchange and looked at the shocked but grinning younger man with narrowed eyes.
“Who is he?” he asked her in a gruff voice and she turned to look at her.
“He works here.” She mumbled.
“I figured that, love.” He said and she glared at him.
“This way.” The man called and soon they were passing through the threshold of the front door. The smell of fresh roses and cigars filled Isabella’s nostrils and Jack gave a low whistle as he noticed the opulence of the house.
“Bugger, I could get lost in here.” He said as his eyes took in the large house greedily.
“Thank God you don’t live here then, Mr. Sparrow.” Another male voice spoke up and Isabella turned towards it. Christopher Stevenson stood there with his hands behind his back, watching them. His dark eyes were severe as he looked at Jack but they softened as soon as they fell on Isabella.
“For a pirate you keep your word. When it comes to returning something you took anyway. But I guess compensation is incentive enough, right?” his deep, smooth voice said and Jack grinned.
“I guess that would be correct. Now would you please call your monkey away? I feel uncomfortable talking with a gun in me face.” Jack drawled and Isabella rolled her eyes as she placed the cat down. Rosie immediately took off and Isabella gasped.
“Oh, I am so sorry! I forgot-…”
“Don’t worry about it, Bella.” Christopher murmured and she smiled at him gratefully, “Mr. Hunter, step outside. Thank you.” He spoke to the man who pulled away and exited the parlor.
“I have what you want.” Christopher said after they were alone.
“Really? And what do I want?” Jack asked and Isabella glared at him.
“Money.”
“Really?” Jack asked as if surprised before he grinned, “Sadly I changed me mind about that.” He said casually as he tucked his pistol away and inspected his fingernails.
“Excuse me?” Christopher asked as she stepped closer to them and carefully reached for Isabella. He pulled her to his side and he watched as Jack’s eyes followed the movement. Isabella looked away from Jack’s darkening gaze and fumbled with her hands.
“I said that I changed me mind. I no longer want the ransom.” Jack said hoarsely as he pulled his eyes off Isabella.
“Then what do you want? Why did you take her? What is the meaning of all this?’ Christopher asked puzzled and Isabella briefly wondered how he could remain so calm. Jack’s intention was to kidnap his little sister. Wasn’t he supposed to be angrier?
Not all people have Jack’s temper. Her inner voice reminded her.
“Nothing. I just want to be sure that you’ll let me walk out of here with me head in place.” Jack replied.
“Alright…” Christopher looked between them two of them, “So that’s all?”
“Aye.”
“Okay then. Um, Bella, you can go to your room. I’ll explain some changes in your work later. I am sure you want to get some rest and wash up.” He smiled at her and she nodded slowly.
“Yes, sir. Thank you.” She said softly before she slowly turned to Jack. She stared at him and he stared back at her. His expression was cool and reserved but his eyes held such intensity that almost made her gasp.
“Um…” Bella started and he grinned.
“Bye, love. Sorry for the mishap.” He said as he reached for her cheek. Realizing that they were not alone he stopped in midair and took his hand away. He cleared his throat and looked away from her. At his hesitation to touch her she stiffened and looked away from him.
“Right.” She replied hollowly before she brushed past him and exited the parlor quickly, leaving the two men alone.
“So, now that we’re alone,” Christopher started as he walked towards the large dinner table and picked up a small, engraved chest, “I am sure you have no trouble accepting this.” He stated as he offered the chest to Jack.
“What?” Jack asked with confusion as he eyed the chest.
“I saw the way you were looking at her. So, what happened? You took a fancy in her and decided to lie for her sake?” Christopher asked with his head cocked slightly to the side.
“No! I don’t want your money-…” Jack shook his head and gritted his teeth but he was cut off.
“But you will take it and stay away from here. Do you understand me?” Christopher snapped angrily and the pirate looked at him, assessing him.
“So, what is this? Reassurance that I’ll stay away from the lass? Are you planning to tell her?” Jack asked with a smirk and a raised eyebrow.
“I don’t know. Will you take it?”
“What happens if I don’t?”
“The authorities are just a few blocks away.” Christopher simply stated.
“You think some gold will keep me away?”
“That and a map.”
Jack’s curiosity was heightened, “Map?”
“I take it you’ve heard about Blackbeard’s lost silver?” Christopher asked and Jack paused.
“That’s nothing but a myth, mate.” Jack stated dubiously.
“Really? From what I know this story is true. And the location of the silver is in this map.” Christopher tapped the chest with his finger and Jack’s eyes shifted towards it.
“Is that so? That treasure was buried. Into an unknown location in the New World. How do you know where it is?” Jack’s eyes were narrowed into slits.
“I don’t. The map does.”
“How did you get it?” Jack asked and Christopher paused.
“That is not your concern.”
“Does you dear ol’dad know that you’re doing this?” Jack grinned but he reached for the chest all the same.
“Why you want to know?” Christopher asked and Jack’s grin widened.
“You really do fancy the lass, don’t you?” he asked but his tone held a dangerous, possessive undertone to it.
“Enough!” the other man hissed and Jack chuckled.
“Alright, mate. Is this some kind of deal?” he asked and Christopher frowned.
“Deal?”
“You want a percentage? If the treasure is not a myth of course.” Jack said as he brushed his fingers over the chest.
“No.” Christopher said in disgust.
“Really?”
“Yes, really!” Christopher hissed before he nodded towards the door, “Now please.”
“Oh, yes. I’ll leave…” Jack started as he took a step back, “I’ll visit.” He exclaimed cheerily and the other man glared at him, causing him to chuckle.
“I am just kidding…” he trailed off as he turned and walked away, heading towards the exit, “…not.” He whispered the last word with a smirk as he exited the manor and headed towards the gate.
He missed the pair of gray eyes that were watching him pensively from above.

End of chapter 26

Author’s note: Anyone mad at Jack for accepting the money and map? Hmm? Oh, by the way I know that the silver treasure of Blackbeard was rumored in the 1800s but for the story’s sake let us pretend that it was a little but earlier.
So, please review if you want more!

Xxx Lina :)