Misconception

Disclaimer: I do not own Pirates of the Caribbean.

Chapter 27


Isabella finished dressing herself into clean clothes and she picked up her brush. She tidied her hair as best as she could before she took a look around her room. It was exactly like she had left it. All her things and clothes were in order and her bed looked more than just attractive at the moment. But she knew that could no longer sit around and do nothing. She was back and she had a job to do. And that did not include thinking about Jack and the cold way they had parted ways. She sighed and then walked out of her room. On the hallway she paused and listened for any sounds before she headed for the kitchen.
As soon as she stepped in she saw Nellie at the counter, preparing dinner. The older woman turned towards her as soon as she heard her footsteps.
“Oh, my goodness! Bella!” she exclaimed before she put down the knife and enveloped her in an embrace.
“Nellie.” Isabella murmured as she returned the embrace,
“It’s so good to have you back. You gave me such a fright! Are you alright?” Nellie released her and looked her over.
“I am fine. How are you?” Isabella asked quietly as she looked around the kitchen.
“I am fine, love. Did anyone hurt you?”
“No. I am just…tired.” Isabella murmured and Nellie guided her to a seat.
“Of course you’re tired. You’ve been on that ship for so long!” Nellie exclaimed as she rushed to bring her some tea. Isabella deeply inhaled the aroma and smiled gratefully before she took a long sip.
“Are you hungry?”
“No.” she shook her head as she looked around, “Where’s James?” she asked.
“He’s just finishing his work with the horses. He’s been so worried for you as well.” Nellie said as she walked back to her counter and continued chopping carrots.
“Where’s Charlotte?” Isabella asked and Nellie paused.
“That’s a long story…She is not here.” Nellie said and Isabella frowned.
“Sorry? Where is she then? When is she coming back?”
“Um…not until she’s eighteen.” Nellie whispered and Isabella blinked.
“I am sorry, I lost you. Where is Charlotte?”
“Her father sent her away from here because of her …rebellious character.” Nellie said quietly as she looked towards the doorway.
“What? Did something happen while I was gone?” Isabella asked and Nellie quickly nodded.
“The night they took you, Charlotte had eloped with some penniless boy she had met. When her father and brother found out they were shocked and enraged by her behavior.”
“Oh my God…Did they return? Did Mr. Stevenson found them?” Isabella asked as she stood up and walked closer to Nellie so they could talk in hushed tones.
“Yes. Charlotte returned because she realized that with no money nothing can happen. Her father got so angry with her and so did her brother. She cried all the time when they announced their decision to send her away to her. It was horrible. And everyone was so worried about you. They thought it was their fault because they had allowed Charlotte so much freedom. And Charlotte was so devastated when she found out that you were gone because of her.”
“Now I see why they agreed to pay the ransom for me.” Isabella murmured before she looked up at Nellie with a frown, “Where did they send her?”
“France. Mr. Stevenson’s sister will be responsible for her tutoring.”
“So…now what? Are they going to dismiss me?” Isabella’s eyes widened and Nellie frowned.
“I don’t think so, dear.” Nellie shook her head.
Footsteps alerted them to someone’s presence and Isabella turned to look at the doorway. James entered and paused when he saw her there. His eyes widened before he walked towards her. She was surprised when she felt his arms around her, pulling her close to his chest for a tight embrace.
“Hey, Bella.” He murmured and she was shocked by the emotion in his voice. She hugged him back and smiled.
“You smell like horse.” She said against his chest and he pulled back.
“It’s good to see you too.” He scoffed as he released her and took s step back, “Are you alright?” he asked and she nodded.
He smirked, “How was the pirate life?” he asked and she rolled her eyes.
“You’re so funny.”
“You didn’t answer my question.”
“It was...alright.” she shrugged.
“Hmm, I hope you didn’t like that fellow much.” He commented and she frowned.
“What fellow?”
“The one who brought you here. Spiral, Spowral-…”
“Sparrow.” She cut him off, “What about him?”
“As soon as he was a few feet away from the gates some officers came and snatched him away. He didn’t look so happy.” James shrugged.
Isabella’s face lost all color and breathing became a chore as she tried to digest those words.
“What are you saying?” she whispered and James looked at her, “Are you saying that they arrested him?” she asked and at his nod she felt as if someone had knocked the wind out of her.
“For what?” she asked and James chuckled.
“He’s the most notorious pirate and you’re asking why they arrested him?” he asked her and then his eyes darkened. “Why? Is he your friend with something?” he asked while Nellie watched the whole scene unfold.
Isabella didn’t answer. She simply turned away and headed for the door. She needed some fresh air. She leaned against the wall and gazed at the back garden. She took deep breaths and tried to gather her thoughts. Did Christopher organize the arrest? He had promised that no one would get in his way as long as he abided with his rules. The more she thought about it the more sense it made. Jack had tried to kidnap his sister and he had accidentally taken her instead. He had asked for money, he had caused trouble. Of course they wanted to see him behind bars.
“Bella? Mr. Christopher wants to see you in his study.” Nellie called and Isabella reluctantly pulled away from the wall and walked back inside. She walked past James who was eating at the table and headed upstairs.
She tiptoed hesitantly towards the study and instead of a closed door she found it open.
“Bella, come in.” Christopher invited her in with a small smile and she entered.
“You wanted to see me, sir?” she asked and he nodded.
“I take it you have already heard of my sister’s absence, correct?” he asked and she nodded, “As you understand your work will change somehow.”
“You’re not firing me?” she asked hopefully and he chuckled a rich chuckle.
“Why would I do that? Work never stops around here.” He shook his head as he gazed upon her.
“Thank you.” She said quietly and he smiled again.
“You just have to help in the kitchen more.”
“I can do that. And you will have Sundays off.” He added and she blinked.
“Okay.” She nodded her head before she bit her lip, “Can I ask you something, sir?”
“Of course.”
“Did you…did you notified the authorities that Jack was here?” she blurted out and Christopher looked surprised.
“I see you’re in first name basis with him.” He noted and she flushed, “Yes, I did.” He admitted at last.
“But why? I mean, he didn’t take any money and he brought me back.” She said before she could stop herself.
“You are wrong. He did take money.” He corrected her and she paused.
“Excuse me?”
“He did take money and a map he believed to be authentic.”
“He took money from you? And a map? So, you tricked him?” she asked and he pursed his lips.
“I am sure that he as tricked other countless times. This man broke into my house and with the intention of kidnapping my little sister. He trespassed. Need I remind you that he is also a wanted criminal? Of course I called the authorities.” He replied calmly and Isabella knew he was right.
“What’s going to happen to him?” she asked, dreading the answer.
“They have him locked up at the moment. They’ll probably hung him.” Christopher answered quietly and Isabella panicked.
“Where…where do they have him?” she asked and she saw him hesitating for a brief moment before he sighed.
“Newgate. It’s in old Bailey.” He answered and she swallowed hard.
“He…he didn’t hurt me, you know. Wouldn’t that be a positive thing in his defense?” she asked and Christopher looked at her incredulously.
“Bella, your kidnapping is one of his many crimes. I doubt there will even be a trial.” He said gravely and she felt her inside clench painfully at that notion.
“I-I see. Did you want to ell me anything more? Something about my duties?” she forced the words out and he seemed like he wanted to say something but he quickly closed his mouth and looked at the papers in front of him.
“No, that’ll be all.” He said after some moments and she nodded.
“Bella.” He called when she was at the door, “It’s good to have you back.” He said quietly and she nodded.
“Thank you, sir.”

***********************************
Silence dominated the kitchen as Nellie, James and Isabella sat around the table eating their dinner. The silence was so thick that you could even cut it with a knife.
James looked up from his plate and looked at Isabella. He studied her for a moment before he sighed loudly and dropped his fork.
“What happened now? You look as if someone killed your puppy, baked it and placed it on your plate.” He said and Isabella looked up at him.
“Nothing happened, James.” She muttered as she pushed her food around with her fork.
“It’s been a week since you’ve been back and you’ve been like this the whole time.” He continued angrily.
“James.” Nellie warned him but he only glared at his aunt.
“Just eat your food, James.” Isabella murmured and his nostrils flared before he did just that.
He chewed his food loudly and both women looked at him with frowns.
“James, where are your manners?” Nellie asked him with a sigh and Isabella allowed herself a smirk.
“He doesn’t have any, Nell. No offence.” She said and James paused enough to glare at them both before he carried on eating unperturbed.
As soon as he was done he stood up and stormed away, leaving them to clean that table.
“Okay, something is bothering you. James is right.” Nellie spoke up after a few moments of silence.
Isabella looked up at her, “Nothing’s bothering me, Nellie. It was a long day. We’re all on edge because Mr. Stevenson is coming back from his business trip.” She said but Nellie saw right through her lie.
“I may be old but I am not stupid, Bella. Tell me, is there something going on between you and the pirate?” Nellie asked her and Isabella paused. She blinked rapidly in order to push away unwanted tears before she bit her lip.
“I am not sure.” She admitted at last.
“Then why didn’t you say so? I am here if you want to talk about it.” Nellie said as she placed a hand on her back.
“I know. Thank you.” Isabella said as she looked at her with a grateful smile, “But I don’t even know what I feel.”
“You fear for his life.” Nellie stated and Isabella swallowed hard before she nodded, “And you should. I heard that they are giving him a hard time in that prison. I overhead Mr. Christopher talking to one of the officers this morning.” She whispered and Isabella’s eyes widened.
“You mean they’re torturing him?” Nellie nodded.
“They wish to know about the location of his ship.”
“They want the Pearl?” Isabella asked and then frowned, “A pirate ship?”
“Hmm. Apparently it’s the fastest ship out there.” Nellie shrugged.
“Jesus…” Isabella gasped as she sat down in one of the chairs.
“Don’t let anyone know you know though.” Nellie warned, “I don’t want us to be in any trouble.”
“I won’t.” Isabella nodded before she stood up. “Do you mind if I go to bed? I can clean this up tomorrow.”
“Nah, I’ll do it. Go ahead.” Nellie waved her away and Isabella kissed her cheek.
“Thank you.”

***********************************
It was late in the night and Isabella was in bed when someone knocked onto her door. Groggily she sat up and when the knocking continued she quickly stood from the bed and hurried to unlock and open the door. Nellie was there in her nightdress.
“Nell? What’s wrong?”
“Sorry to wake you, love, but Mr. Stevenson just returned and he brought news.”
“Oh?”
“Jack Sparrow’s escaped from Newgate. Tonight. He ordered us to keep our doors and windows locked at all times. I had to let you know.” Nellie explained and Isabella felt excitement rushing through her.
“Alright. I will. Thank you.” She nodded and the other woman nodded.
“Hope that’ll lighten your mood.” Nellie said with a smirk before she walked away.
Isabella shut the door and looked at her locked window. She tiptoed towards it and unlocked it, leaving it slightly ajar. She looked at the garden and smiled before she went back to bed.
When she woke up the next morning, her window was slightly more open and something shiny drew her attention when she looked. She approached slowly and looked at the object resting on her window sill.
It was a ring. A silver ring with an emerald stone.
Isabella allowed a small smile to form on her face before she picked up the ring and stepped away from the window.

End of chapter 27