The Fine Line Between Legends And Lies

Chapter 36:

A/N: Okay here’s the latest chapter….how ugly will things get between Jack and Governor Swann? Will Governor Swann keep his word or condemn Jack to the gallows? Please read and review, I love feedback!

The silence in the room was almost suffocating as Jack and Governor Swann glared daggers at each other. Elizabeth shifted Jacob in her arms and cleared her throat nervously. Jack’s dark eyes shifted to his wife who stared at him with raised eyebrows. He frowned and shook his head which only made her stare harder at him. And he wasn’t sure how it had been possible but she raised her eyebrows even higher at him. Finally giving in Jack sighed and rolled his eyes.

“Governor Swann….how nice t’ see ye again.”

He plastered on a fake smile and flashed it at Elizabeth before mouthing A single word at her so that her father couldn’t hear.

“Happy?”

She rolled her eyes and shook her head before turning her glare towards her father. Governor Swann quickly faltered under his daughter’s harsh stare.

“Um….yes it’s nice to see you again as well Jack.”

Smiling Elizabeth spoke up.

“There. Now was that so hard?”

Neither man said a word as they continued to frown at each other.

“Father would you like to hold your grandson?”

“I would love to hold my grandson sweetheart.”

Jack stared at Elizabeth with wide dark eyes as she handed their son to her father. Governor Swann cradled Jacob in his arms and looked up at his daughter a broad smile stretched across his face.

“He’s beautiful…just like you Elizabeth.”

“No…..actually he looks like Jack, but he’s beautiful all the same.”

“What did you name him?”

“His name is Jacob.”

“Jacob Swann, what a fine name.”

Jack scowled at Elizabeth quickly making her move to correct him.

“No actually it’s Jacob Sparrow father, Jack is my husband.”

“Oh….yes…..I keep forgetting that.”

This time Elizabeth wasn’t fast enough to keep Jack from spouting off a snide remark.

“Yeah….I’ll bet.”

She gave him a solid elbow to his ribcage making him grunt before flashing him a sweet smile. Grumbling under his breath Jack forced a quick smile at his wife.

“So how long will you be staying Elizabeth?”

“A few days I suppose.”

“Didn’t Will come back with you?”

“Oh….uh no….he elected to stay behind in Santa Marta, Columbia.”

“Columbia….whatever for?”

“To make a new life I assume.”

“I suppose he saw that as his only choice considering you abandoned him for a no good pirate.”

Jack cast a sharp glance at Elizabeth this time. Knowing that his patience was wearing dangerously thin and he wouldn’t be able to tolerate much more of her father’s behavior she quickly intervened.

“Father I’ll only ask you this once so listen well. Please do not insult my husband?”

Sighing heavily he looked back down at the little boy that was nestled in his arms.

“Forgive me my dear, I didn’t mean to upset you.”

Governor Swann smiled down at his grandson. Even if his father was a good for nothing pirate he was a beautiful little boy. Jacob had perfect creamy alabaster skin like Elizabeth’s but his eyes were the same dark coffee color as Jack’s. His fuzzy hair was the same dark brown as Jack’s and he seemed to have his nose and cheekbones as well. Yes this little boy was practically the spitting image of his father. His daughter’s voice broke his thoughts.

“So tell me something father, who is this girl that James Norrington married?”

He smiled as he handed Jacob back to Elizabeth when the little boy started to fuss.

“Oh…yes. Natalie Norrington was a former…….public servant of sorts.”

Jack didn’t fail to notice his wife’s confused expression. He knew exactly what Governor Swann had meant by his delicate choice of words. Smiling broadly he spoke up.

“He means she used t’ be a whore darling. That was jus’ his way of trying t’ put a delicate spin on things.”

Both Governor Swann’s and Elizabeth’s cheeks reddened at Jack’s coarse language. Governor Swann scowled at Jack before speaking.

“Must you use such coarse language around my daughter Mr. Sparrow?”

Before Jack could reply his wife retorted sharply.

“Captain Sparrow! And I’m a grown woman….I don’t need coddling of any sort!”

Jack had to choke back a chuckle at Elizabeth’s outburst. He loved it when she leapt to his defense. Not that he needed it of course…but it was nice to know that she was so quick to jump in and defend him to anyone.

“Elizabeth I’m well aware of how grown you are….you’re married and a mother now. If that isn’t proof enough then your deliberate choice to defy my wishes at every chance presented would have certainly sufficed to drive that point home.”

“Father I didn’t like deliberately disobeying you….but you gave me no choice. You were going to kill the man I love…and the father of my children.”

“He was a pirate….he broke the law….and…..what?”

It had finally registered that she had said children and not child. Governor Swann stared down at his daughter before looking over at Jack who suddenly found his boots very interesting.

“Elizabeth…..are you……you’re not…..you can’t be….”

“Pregnant? Yes….I am.”

“How? When?”

“I think the how is rather obvious Governor Swann.”

Governor Swann frowned at Jack’s interruption before turning back to look at Elizabeth.

“I just recently found out so I’m not far along at all. Maybe a month…..or a little more than a month.”

“But Jacob is still so young?”

“I wasn’t trying to get pregnant again so soon…..it just happened.”

“I see. Well it’s a blessing all the same.”

“Thank you.”

“You’re more than welcome to stay here throughout the pregnancy.”

Elizabeth looked at Jack who just looked away towards the window that was open. She looked to the window to see the waves crashing gently down onto the beach. Her smile faded into a frown as she realized that it would never be possible to stay in Port Royal for that long. Jack loved the sea and he could never be separated from it for that long. And she loved him enough not to even ask him to make such a sacrifice.

“That’s very kind of you father, but I’m afraid we can’t stay that long.”

Knowing that he would never be able to persuade his daughter into staying without Jack he nodded. Elizabeth turned to look at Jack to see that he was starting to grow anxious. Knowing that he needed to get out of the mansion she decided that she would take him to eat at her favorite inn.

“Father would you mind having the some of the maids look after Jacob?”

“Certainly. Are you stepping out for a bit?”

“Yes….I’m going to take Jack to The English Garden Inn.”

“Ah very well. You’ll need this then.”

Reaching into a desk drawer Governor Swann pulled out a coin purse that was heavy with coins. He handed it to Elizabeth.

“Thank you father…..we will be back soon.”

“Take your time my dear. We can catch up later.”

Nodding Elizabeth handed the coin purse to Jack. Ringing a bell Governor Swann gestured for the butler that came into the parlor.

“You rang sir?”

“Yes, can you take my grandson upstairs to Elizabeth’s old room and have Estella and Kate look after him?”

“Certainly sir.”

The butler gently took Jacob from Elizabeth’s arms and headed upstairs with him. Governor Swann turned towards his daughter looking at her pirate’s clothing.

“Dear….why don’t you run upstairs and change into one of your dresses? They’re still in your closet.”

“Thank you father. Jack…I’ll just be a moment darling.”

“I’ll be right down here waiting love.”

Elizabeth hurried upstairs to her old room to see Kate holding Jacob and sitting in the rocking chair in the corner rocking him gently to sleep. Smiling Elizabeth shut the door behind her.

“Oh Miss Elizabeth….do you need something?”

“Yes Estella, I’m going to change to go out for lunch with my husband.”

Estella stood idly by as Elizabeth opened the door to her closet and began perusing the dresses that hung in there. Finally she selected a pale mint green dress that had panels of pearl white lace over the bodice and around the cuffs of the elbow length sleeves of it as well. Along the bottom hem of the dress was more pearl white lace. Grabbing her pair of Ivory colored stockings and shoes she laid everything out on her bed. She began stripping off her men’s clothing and quickly stepping into the thin pearl white colored lace shift that was worn under her dress. Estella helped Elizabeth into the mint green dress and began buttoning up the back of it. She was so grateful that she didn’t have to wear a corset with this particular dress. Pulling on her stockings she then stepped into her shoes before sitting down at the vanity so that Estella could fix her hair. Estella quickly fashioned Elizabeth’s thick tawny locks into a French twist and secured it with a few hairpins. There were a few stray strands of her hair flowing down the back of her elegant neck and small wisps of hair framing her face. The neckline of the dress was sweetheart and it pushed a generous but not distasteful amount of her small breasts out of it. Finally she misted Elizabeth with a heavenly smelling lilac perfume.

“There now Miss….you look lovely.”

“Thank you Estella. Take good care of my son while I’m gone?”

“Don’t you worry about a thing Miss…he’ll be just fine with me and Kate.”

Nodding Elizabeth left the room and began descending the stairs. She could see Jack and her father both waiting for her at the bottom of the staircase. Both men looked up to see her walking down the stairs. Their mouths fell open as they took in her beauty. It had been quite some time since Jack had seen his wife in such clothing. She looked absolutely stunning to him. Smiling he stepped up onto the bottom step to meet her holing his hand out to her. She took his hand smiling back at him.

“Ye look lovely darling.”

“Thank you Jack.”

Governor Swann watched as Jack led Elizabeth out of the mansion. As much as he hated to admit it they really did look as if they belonged together. Jack walked along the narrow city streets listening to Elizabeth’s seemingly endless chatter about how much the city seemed to have changed since they had been gone. Finally they arrived at a large gray stone building with a white sign hanging from the doorway. On the sign in pink letters read The English Garden Inn. He opened the door for her to walk inside. Following closely behind her he stopped short as they were met with an older woman with silvery hair and bright blue eyes.

“Good afternoon Miss……..sir.”

He didn’t fail to notice the hint of distaste in her voice as she acknowledged him. He smiled broadly showing off his gold teeth making her eyes widen before shifting back to Elizabeth.

“A table for two?”

“Yes ma’am that would be lovely.”

The elderly woman ushered them out onto the patio and seated them at a small table for two. Jack looked around at all the various shrubs and rose bushes that lined the patio. There were also lots of gardenias and ivy and daisies as well. No wonder the place was called the English Garden Inn. Two menus were placed before them along with glasses of water.

“Would you care for some tea?”

“Yes please, that would be wonderful.”

The old woman left to go fetch the tea leaving Jack and Elizabeth alone.

“Tea? Really Izzy?”

“Yes really.”

“I don’t drink tea an’ ye know it.”

“There’s a first time for everything.”

She began looking at the menu to avoid the sharp glare her husband was flashing at her. Sighing heavily Jack began looking at the menu as well. His dark eyes settled on roast that was served with mashed potatoes and brown gravy along with carrots and yellow squash. Hearing his stomach rumble in approval he decided he would have that. Elizabeth’s tea colored eyes settled on baked tilapia with lemon and fresh herbs along with carrots, celery and onions. The old woman arrived with their tea placing two pale blue cups with a thin line of silver around the rim with matching saucers before them. She placed the matching teapot in the middle of the table along with a basket of small biscuits.

“Are you ready to order?”

“Yes I think so. I’ll have the baked tilapia with the lemon and fresh herbs and vegetables.”

“Very good. And for you…sir?”

“I’ll have the roast with mashed potatoes and gravy along with the carrots and yellow squash.”

“Very well.”

Taking the menus from them she left to go have the cook prepare their meals. Elizabeth smiled across the table at Jack as she began pouring some of the hot tea in her cup. He watched as she placed two cubes of sugar into her cup of tea before stirring it with the small silver spoon. He did the same and lifted the cup to his lips. Sipping the warm liquid carefully he wrinkled his nose at her making her give a small giggle. She grabbed one of the biscuits and buttered it before spreading some strawberry jam onto it. Tearing it in half she handed one piece to Jack. Smiling he nibbled on the biscuit as he reached for her hand to hold it in his. The sound of bubbly laughter caught her attention making her look away from her husband to find the source of it. Her tea colored eyes landed on a group of three young women about her age. They were looking over at them and then whispering before laughing again. She frowned as she forced herself to look back at Jack. Soon their meals were brought out to them and they began eating. All through their meal Elizabeth could hear the bubbly laughter of the young women as she ate.

When they had nearly finished eating Elizabeth looked up to see the young women standing beside their table. One of them was about the same height as her. She had blonde hair and blue eyes and was clad in a pale yellow dress with a matching hat. The girl on her right was a little taller with dark brown curly hair and green eyes. She wore a dark rose colored dress with lace accents and no hat. The girl on her left was the shortest of the group with brilliant red hair and brown eyes. She was dressed in a pale blue dress with a matching hat. The blonde haired girl spoke up in a haughty tone.

“Well well if it isn’t Elizabeth Swann.”

“Hello Abbigail.”

The brown haired girl spoke next in an equally condescending tone.

“Fancy seeing you here Elizabeth, I heard you were on the run.”

“Yes hello Hillary, I was away for a while.”

Finally the red haired girl spoke up sounding just as snotty as the other two had.

“I don’t believe I know your friend…slumming it are we Elizabeth? What happened to that nice young blacksmith boy you were so fond of?”

Frowning Elizabeth replied sharply.

“Just as nosey as ever I see Caroline.”

Abbigail interjected.

“You didn’t answer her question Elizabeth. Who is your…..gentleman friend?”

Before she had the chance to respond Hillary chimed in again.

“And she uses the term gentleman very loosely might I add. My how the noble Elizabeth has fallen from grace.”

Jack looked over to see his wife’s bottom lip was beginning to tremble. Not wanting to let the hateful wenches have the satisfaction of making her cry he spoke up.

“Ladies….an’ I use that term decidedly loose…….I think that’s quite enough.”

Caroline spoke up.

“No one asked you. We were speaking to Elizabeth. Now then if you would be so kind as to know your place…..sir.”

Jack pushed himself up from the table and turned to face the young women. He had had just about enough of their ridiculous behavior.

“Run along ye spoiled little brats. This establishment is no place for such disrespectful little vipers as ye. Kindly go away….I believe the pastures are close by. Off with ye…..ye condescending little cows!”

All three women gasped at his outburst. Then they turned on their heels sharply and walked away their noses pointing up towards the sky snobbishly. Once they had left Jack turned back towards his wife.

“Better now love?”

“Thank you Jack.”

“Who were those stupid cows?”

“Oh just girls I grew up with. Abbigail Wilkes is the daughter of the chief of police in Port Royal, and Hillary Dillon is a cousin of James Norrington. Caroline Meade is the daughter of one of the large sugar plantation owners.”

“Well they’re all stupid little cows if ye ask me.”

“I agree. Ready to go?”

“More than ready love.”

Leaving more than enough schillings to pay for their meal Jack escorted Elizabeth out of the Inn and back towards the mansion. It had been a long day and he was sure that she was exhausted. Not only had it been a long day he was quite anxious for some time alone with his beautiful wife without the annoyance of her father or anyone else for that matter.

A/N: Okay this is a good place to stop. Next chapter Elizabeth will overhear her father speaking to James Norrington about his plans to see Jack hang from the gallows. Please read and review!!