A Pirates Passion

James knocked on the Turner's door. He was so proud every distasteful look they got did nothing to extinguish his joy or pride or love for the woman on his arm.

Elizabeth opened the door and was a little surprised to see Madeline and the Commodore standing there. She couldn't help but giggle. "Commodore, is that you?

James grinned, "Sshhh, I'm undercover," he teased.

Elizabeth smiled. "Come in." She said opening the door wide. "William!" She yelled for her husband. She shut the door behind them. "What brings you two here?" She asked.

"Who is it Elizabeth? Oh, Maddy, Commodore Norrington?" Will questioned surprised.

"Yes Mr. Turner, as I told your lovely wife I am here undercover," James grinned.

"Posing as what," Will asked.

"A groom to be," James replied smiling proudly as he looked down into Madeline's eyes.

Madeline bit her lip but then smiled at him. "I've accepted James' proposal. Under a few conditions." She said quietly.

"Oh Maddy." Elizabeth said hugging her cousin. "Are you sure?" She whispered in her ear.

Madeline nodded at her cousin. "I'm taking your husbands advice."

"James congratulations. Maddy I am so happy for you two, this is cause for celebration," Will exclaimed.

"That's why we've come, Madeline and I decided to eat out and were hoping the two of you will join us, but we must keep the celebration low keyed. Madeline isn't ready to announce it to the world just yet," James told him.

"Well, sure we'd love to wouldn't we Elizabeth," Will said pulling his wife close to him excitedly.

Elizabeth put her arm around her husband's waist and smiled at Maddy and James. "Yes we would." She said looking at Madeline. She knew in her heart that Madeline would be happy with only one man, but she hoped she would give James a chance. "Let me go change my gown."

"While we wait how bout some nice tea for you Maddy while James and I have a drink," Will asked.

"Sounds good to me Mr. Turner," James said.

"Oh hell James you're practically part of the family, call me Will," Will exclaimed as he went to get their drinks.

Madeline giggled at Will's excitement. She turned to look at James who was watching her. "What?”

"I was just thinking I hope you're that bubbly on our wedding day," James grinned.

Will laughed, "So how bout those drinks," he asked.

"I'll go see if Elizabeth needs any help." Madeline said quietly and turned to head upstairs. She made her way and knocked on the door to Will and Elizabeth's room.

"Need any help cousin?" She asked peeking her head in.

Elizabeth smiled at Maddy as she came in and shut the door. "Are you sure about this Maddy?"

Madeline looked at her and sighed. "It's time for me to move on. Despite the fact that I carry Jack's child." She said moving to sit down. "I know James loves me and I hope in time that I can return that love. But I still love Jack with all my heart."

Elizabeth moved to sit next to her and hugged her. "I know Maddy." She said quietly.

Will poured himself and James a glass of brandy, "Congratulations again James," he said.

"Thank you Will, I don't know what you said to her but she came around," James smiled accepting the drink.

"She's a good girl James, you'll not regret this," Will assured him.

"I hope you're right Will, she means so much to me," James sighed letting his gaze turn toward the stairs.

"Come on let's go to the sitting room," Will said and led James into a small but cozy room. "No telling how long Elizabeth will take to dress," Will laughed.

James could not help but laugh with him.

Madeline rested her head on Elizabeth’s shoulder. She wiped away her silent tears. “Do ye think Jack will ever come back?” She asked quietly.

“I don’t know.” She replied. She stood and pulled on a dress of deep red. “You’ll always love him Maddy.”

“I know.” She said standing up to help Elizabeth with her dress. “You look beautiful Elizabeth.” She said looking at her cousin in the mirror.

“You’re beautiful Maddy. James is very lucky.” She said and hugged her tight. “Come, I’m sure they are waiting.” She said with a giggle.

Will and James both stood when the ladies entered the room. "Will was wrong, it didn't take long at all for you to change Elizabeth," James quipped.

"James are you trying to get me killed," Will asked.

"Call it getting even," James replied with a sly grin.

Will just rolled his eyes, "Come on ladies let's find some dinner," he said holding his arm out for Maddy. When she looked at him puzzled he said, "Elizabeth is giving me the evil eye," he teased. He knew James would want to speak to Elizabeth.

Madeline took Will's arm and giggled. "Well, we better scurry away then Will. Ye know how she can get."

Elizabeth rolled her eyes. "I'll get you later Mr. Turner.” she said with a wink.