The Fine Line Between Legends And Lies

Chapter 7:

A/N: Okay I’m sure you are all ready for Jack and Elizabeth’s wedding, so here it is! The ceremony goes off almost without a hitch! Hope you enjoy the latest installment!

Jack steered the Elsinore just outside of the harbor of Tortuga before momentarily leaving the helm to fetch Elizabeth from the captain’s quarters. He found her sprawled across the bed sleeping soundly. A small smile swept across his handsome face as he took in the beauty of the woman that he had come to care for so deeply. He swaggered across the room and gently leaned down over her so that his lips were just inches from hers. “Elizabeth darling….”

The feel of his warm breath tickling her face and his rough fingertips sweeping a stray strand of honey colored hair away from her face startled her awake. Elizabeth sat up abruptly causing her lips to press against Jack’s. Her soft chocolate brown eyes looked up into his own coffee colored orbs and she gave a sigh of relief. Pulling away from him she grinned before responding. “Oh Jack, you scared me.”

“Sorry love, jus’ wanted t’ wake ye.”

“Are we in Tortuga yet?”

“Just outside the harbor darling.”

“Why haven’t we made port?”

“We’re dropping anchor an’ taking the longboat.”

“We are?”

“We are. Jus’ a decoy tactic love.”

“I’m afraid I don’t understand Jack?”

“We’re leaving the Elsinore here so that when the bothersome Commodore an’ yer jilted would be husband William arrive they will think we’re onboard.”

“Oh I see, you mean to trick them then?”

“That’s right love. Cause ye see once they figure out that we are in fact not onboard, we will already be safely in Tortuga. Savvy?”

“That’s very clever Jack.”

“I know I thought so too darling. Now come on let’s go.” Jack helped Elizabeth out of the bed and then he quickly dropped anchor. Elizabeth waited at the railing for Jack to lower the longboat into the water for them. Jack quickly lowered the longboat and climbed down the rope ladder to get into it. He held steady onto the side of the ship to wait for Elizabeth to get into the longboat as well.

Once she was safely seated in the longboat across from Jack he pushed away from the Elsinore and began rowing towards the port of Tortuga. They easily reached the bustling port and docked the longboat alongside the pier. Jack helped Elizabeth out of the longboat and they headed down the pier towards the town. “Jack where are we going?”

His eyes swept over the ships that had anchored in the pier but he didn’t find the Pearl among them. “We’re heading into town love.”

“For?”

“Jus’ relax an’ let Jack take care of everything savvy?”

“But Jack?”

“No fussing love, we’ve got a lot t’ do an’ not a lot of time t’ do it in.” She looked at him confused by his riddle of an answer but when he didn’t explain she just shrugged it off as Jack being his normally elusive self. Jack took her by the hand and led her through the crowded winding streets of the dirty little town. They soon arrived at a silversmith shop. “Wait here an’ keep yer head down love.”

“Jack?”

“I’ll jus’ be a moment love. Sit on that stool an’ don’t make eye contact with anyone, savvy?”

“Alright, but hurry.”

“I won’t be long Lizzie.” She smiled at his pet name for her as she watched him step inside the silversmith’s shop. Inside the shop Jack was greeted with a heavyset man with washed out looking blue eyes. He was balding and what little hair he had left was wiry and white and it stuck out in all directions.

“Can I help ye?”

“Yes I’d like t’ purchase two silver bands.”

“Anything special ye’d like?”

“Yes. Do ye engrave?”

“I do.”

“Very good mate. Then I’d like ye t’ engrave something on the inside of the bands.”

“What would ye like them t’ say?”

“They are both t’ read I am my beloved’s an’ my beloved is mine.”

“That’s lovely, sounds like this be a special gift?”

“Aye it’s for my lovely bride t’ be. When can ye have them done?”

“In an hour.”

“Excellent. How much do I owe ye?”

“Five schillings an’ it’s a done deal.”

“I can live with that.” Jack dug in his pocket and pulled out five gold coins. “Here we are mate, five schillings.”

“I will take two now as a down payment, ye can pay the final three when ye come back for the rings. As a show of good faith.”

“Ah appreciate it mate. See ye in an hour then.” The old man nodded and Jack left the shop. He found Elizabeth sitting on the stool and looking at the ground just as he had instructed her to do.

“What was that about?”

“My darling it’s a surprise so ye won’t be finding out jus’ yet. Now we have a little more t’ do.”

“Such as?”

“We need t’ get ye a dress love.”

“A dress? What for?”

“Such a curious little thing. Don’t ye trust me darling?”

“Of course I do Jack.”

“Then jus’ tag along for the ride love. Yer going t’ love the outcome I promise.” He flashed her a broad gold toothed grin and she couldn’t resist the urge to return it with a grin of her own. Taking his arm she allowed him to lead her down the narrow and dirty streets until they abruptly stopped in front of a dress shop.

“A dress shop? Jack I don’t understand?”

“Jus’ follow me love.” He guided Elizabeth into the store and they were quickly met by a large woman with frizzy looking curly red hair and green eyes. Her pale and weathered looking face was dotted with seemingly endless freckles.

“Ah wicked Captain Jack Sparrow! What brings ye by love?”

“Hello Eleanor, how have ye been love?”

“Same as always Jack, and ye?”

“Never better darling, jus’ need t’ get a dress for me lovely lady here.”

Eleanor looked over at Elizabeth and smiled at her suggestively. “Is this yer latest conquest Jack? She looks a bit young don’t ye think?”

“My dear she is very young, however she’s quite the firecracker I can promise ye that.”

“Undoubtedly. So what can I do ye for Jack?”

“A dress Eleanor, an’ it has t’ be as breathtaking as this exquisite young lady.”

“Ah ha, let me see what I can do.” With that Eleanor hurried to the back of the shop and began digging through dresses. A short time later she came back with an off the shoulder silk dress that had a detailed lace overlay. It looked more like an undergarment more than a dress to Elizabeth. “How’s this Jack? I think it’ll look lovely on the lady.”

Jack looked at the silk and lace dress and then eyed Elizabeth. “Yes that will look perfect on Elizabeth. How much?”

“Four schillings, that’s a steal for this dress. I wouldn’t give it away t’ anyone else for less than ten. But since yer such a dear old friend I think I can let it go for four.”

“Done.” Jack handed her four gold coins and then took the dress from her and handed it to Elizabeth.

“Won’t ye be needing any shoes?”

“No, the dress is quite enough darling. Many thanks.” Jack bowed to her and then led Elizabeth out of the dress shop.

“Jack what on earth do I need this undergarment for?”

“It’s not an undergarment love, an’ trust me ye will find out soon enough.”

“I just hate waiting that’s all.”

“Patience is a virtue love.”

“One that I most certainly was not blessed with.” He grinned at he and took her by the hand. They walked further down the street until they came to a bathhouse. “A bathhouse Jack? Now I know you’re up to something.”

“Ouch love, that hurts. Why must ye always think me up t’ something Lizzie? Can’t I jus’ want t’ bathe?”

“When do you ever worry about your personal hygiene Jack?”

“Fair enough love, jus’ come on we need t’ take a bath.”

“We?”

“Yes love we, I didn’t stutter now come on.”

“I don’t think that’s entirely proper Jack.”

“Proper love, really? Yer pregnant with me runt an’ ye want t’ talk bout proper?”

“Shhh Jack, not so loud!”

“The bath, let’s go darling.” Elizabeth allowed herself to be led into the steamy bathhouse and they were met with a very slender elderly woman with silvery white hair and brown eyes.

“Is that the notorious Captain Jack Sparrow come to visit?”

“Hello Beatrice, miss me?”

“Always Jack. Who’s the lovely young girl?”

“This is my darling Elizabeth.”

“Will you be needing a bath Jack?”

“Yes love, the both of us, just one tub though.” Elizabeth looked at Jack with wide brown eyes and fairly pink cheeks.

“Right away, let me have the girls get the water ready for you.”

Jack and Elizabeth waited for a few moments until Beatrice came back to lead them to the back of the bathhouse. They walked into a fairly good sized room with a large oval shaped tub that was filled to the brim with steaming hot water. Elizabeth watched two young girls dump in some dark red rose petals.

“There are fresh linens in the cabinet there and a chair for you to place your clothes.”

“Yer a doll Beatrice, how much?”

“Since you’re only using one tub give me three schillings and we’ll call it even.”

“Done.” Jack paid her and then they were left alone to bathe.

Elizabeth looked at Jack nervously. He smiled as he began removing his clothing. Once stripped naked he grabbed his pistol and headed to the tub. She watched him place the pistol on the windowsill and ease himself into the tub. “Come on now love don’t be shy. Considering yer current condition an’ all I’d say we’re well past being shy round one another eh?”

“I suppose you’re right. I am pregnant with your child, so why should I be embarrassed to be naked around you?” Having said that Elizabeth quickly undressed and walked over to the tub. Jack’s coffee colored eyes roamed over her bare flesh approvingly as she eased herself into the tub to sit at the back of it to face him. She watched as Jack grabbed a cloth and rubbed it along the rose scented soap that was on the windowsill beside his pistol. He reached for her leg and she gave a small gasp as his rough hand closed around her ankle. Jack began gently scrubbing the silken skin of her leg as he looked at her his dark eyes glittering with lust.

“Have I told ye how beautiful ye are love?”

“Jack, this is all so lovely, but what is it for?”

He sighed heavily. “Ye really want t’ know love?” She nodded. “Alright, but yer going t’ ruin yer surprise.”

“Jack please!”

“I wanted t’ surprise ye with a wedding Elizabeth.”

“A wedding?”

“Yeah a wedding. I figured it’s only right since yer having me runt love.”

“I thought Jack Sparrow didn’t believe in marriage?”

“I didn’t, not till now anyway.”

“Oh Jack, thank you!”

“Yer welcome darling.” She leaned in and kissed him passionately. “Now now love, none of that or else we’ll never get out of here.” She giggled and then allowed him to continue washing her. Once he had finished Elizabeth took the cloth from him and washed him just as gently as he had washed her. They got out of the now cool water and dried off before dressing. Elizabeth slipped into the dress and put her boots back on. She combed out her hair and put a little of the rose oil that was on the dresser on her wrists and neck before running her fingers through her hair.

“Ye look absolutely ravishing darling.”

“Even with the boots?”

“Especially with the boots love. Look at ye, my little pirate bride.” She laughed as he led her out of the bathhouse holding her other clothes in a burlap sack that was tossed over his shoulder. They walked back down to the silversmith shop and Jack went inside to get the rings he had purchased earlier.

“Ah here we are, jus’ finished ‘em ten minutes ago.”

Jack looked at the rings and inspected the engraving on the inside of them. “Well done sir, here are yer three schillings that I owe ye.” Jack paid him the remainder of his debt and took the rings.

“What do you have in your hand Jack?”

“Our wedding bands darling.”

“Well you’ve certainly thought of everything haven’t you?”

“Not quite.” His eyes scanned the street until they landed on a planter box that sat on a windowsill of a nearby house. The planter box was filled with gardenias. Jack hurried over to it and plucked a handful of them before running back across the street to Elizabeth. “Here we are love, yer flowers.”

She took them from him smiling softly at his thoughtfulness. He took her free hand and headed in the direction of the chapel. Once they stood at the gates of the old stone chapel Jack turned to Elizabeth. “Well love, ready t’ get married t’ Captain Jack Sparrow?”

“More than you know.” He grinned and led her through the gates and up the steps of the chapel to go inside. An aging heavyset man with graying brown hair and bloodshot blue eyes greeted them when they reached the altar.

“Welcome children, are you in seek of God’s advice or forgiveness?”

“No not today mate, jus’ want t’ get married.”

“Ah a wedding you seek, how wonderful.”

“Yes yes, fantastic. How much is this wonderful occasion going t’ be costing father?”

“If you could be so kind as to donate to the church whatever you can spare that will be all the payment needed.”

“Ah of course.” Jack stepped over to the offering plate and tossed in three silver coins. “There we are, now then t’ the wedding.”

“May I have your names?”

“Jackson Teague Sparrow.”

“And yours my lady?”

“Elizabeth Danielle Swann.”

“Now then, dearly beloved we are gathered here today before God to join Jackson Teague Sparrow and Elizabeth Danielle Swann in the bonds of holy matrimony. Now turn to each other.”

Jack took Elizabeth by the hand as he turned to face her and she turned to face him. They smiled at each other as they waited for the priest to continue.

“Elizabeth Danielle Swann, do you take this man to be your husband? In sickness and in health forsaking all others for him and do you promise to love him always?”

“I do.”

“And do you Jackson Teague Sparrow, take this woman to be your wife? In sickness and in health forsaking all others for her and do you promise to love her always?”

“I do.”

“By the power vested in me by God I know pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride.”

Just as Jack and Elizabeth leaned in to kiss a voice rang out. “Elizabeth don’t!”

Elizabeth jerked away from Jack and looked to the doorway to see Will and a small group of soldiers standing with their weapons drawn. The priest held up his hands and shouted. “You will not create violence in a place of God!”

“Will what are you doing here?”

“I’ve come to rescue you!”

“I don’t need rescuing!”

Jack grabbed Elizabeth and turned her attention back to him. “Still waiting for that kiss wife.” He pulled her to him and pressed his lips to hers sealing their union with a kiss. Will watched the pirate as he kissed Elizabeth with far more passion than he should have been allowed to. Breaking away from their kiss Elizabeth turned to look back at Will and the soldiers that stood behind him.

“Jack what are we going to do?”

“Not t’ worry wife, I’ll take care of everything. Hold the sack with yer effects darling.” Elizabeth took the burlap sack from him and then gave a small yelp as Jack pulled her towards the staircase that led to the tower of the church.

They ran up the steps quickly with Will and the soldiers on their heels. “Jack?”

“Jus’ relax love, it’s all under control!” Jack grabbed hold of the thick rope that was tied to a bronze hook on the wall. It was the bell that served to ring in the church service. Smiling he quickly drew his blade and looked down at Elizabeth. “Now hold on tight t’ me waist an’ don’t let go savvy?” She nodded watched as Jack cut the rope with one sweep of his blade. The church bell came plummeting to the ground as Jack and Elizabeth were catapulted to the roof. Once at the top of the steps they ran out onto the roof.

“Now what Jack?”

“That rope, we’ll tie it around the cross and slide down it!”

“Oh dear God, please forgive me!” He grinned at her as he quickly tied the rope by the door around the cross that adorned the top of the stone chapel. Once it was secure Jack grabbed her around the waist and jumped off the side of the building. They slide down the rope easily to the ground.

“No time t’ dawdle love, we got t’ get going!” Jack grabbed her wrist and dragged her quickly behind him.

“Go where?”

“T’ Giselle’s, she will hide us.”

“Oh really?”

“Yes love, she’s a friend an’ she’ll help us.” Nodding Elizabeth allowed herself to be dragged through the streets until they reached the bordello that Jack knew to be Giselle’s. Barging in Jack shouted for the woman. “Giselle!”

A blonde haired prostitute descended the stairs. “well well Jack Sparrow, come t’ call have ye?”

“Not for reasons that ye might think love. I’m in a bit of trouble with the Royal Navy. Might ye be able t’ stash me an’ me lovely wife here till they go away?”

“Wife? I suppose I could, for a price.”

“Name it quickly!”

“Six schillings.”

“Done!” Jack tossed a small bag of six silver schillings to Giselle. “Now where might we hide love?”

“In the cellar, behind the bags of flour. Nobody knows this place has a cellar.” Jack nodded and tipped his hat in thanks to her and hurried down to the cellar with Elizabeth in tow. He pulled them behind the bags of flour that were piled high and they sat and waited silently. Above them they could here a pounding on the front door of the bordello.

Straining to listen Jack stood on a crate. He heard Will’s voice. “Miss, have you seen Jack Sparrow come through here with a young woman with golden hair?”

Giselle’s voice floated down to them as they held their breath. “Sorry love, haven’t seen Jack Sparrow in over a month. And if ye happen t’ run across him, do give him this for me?” A loud slap was heard and Jack put a hand over his mouth to stifle a laugh. “Feel free t’ search upstairs but there’s nothing for ye t’ find darling.”

“And what about below?”

“There is no below darling. Just an upstairs for me clients.”

“I see. Well thank you for your help miss, my men and I will be on our way.”

Jack and Elizabeth let out a silent sigh of relief as they heard Will and the soldiers leave. A few moments later Giselle opened the door to the cellar and called out to them. “They’re gone now Jack, ye and yer wife are safe.”

“Thank ye kindly Giselle.”

“Ye best be getting out of Tortuga Jack. My brother’s ship the Intrepid leaves for the port of Calais, France tonight. He’s coming by before he leaves to say goodbye. Ye can leave with him as a favor t’ me.”

“Thank ye Giselle.” She nodded and led them back upstairs from the cellar. It was late afternoon now and night would be a long wait. But they could manage to relax now that they had a safe passage out of Tortuga. Once in Calais Jack could figure out a way to pilfer a boat and find the Black Pearl. But for now all he was concerned about was getting himself and his wife out of Tortuga. He smiled at that thought. Yes Elizabeth Swann was no longer Elizabeth Swann. She was Elizabeth Sparrow, his wife. Now she truly was his Lizzie.

A/N: Hope you liked the latest chapter! Next will be their escape from Tortuga to Calais!