A Guest of the Watson Household

Jack sauntered up to the mansion. He looked sorely out of place among the finery of the Watson estate. He knocked on the massive front door. An elderly man answered the door. The wrinkly folds of the man's face lifted in surprise. "May I help you, sir?" drawled the man.

"Aye, as a matter of fact, you can," said Jack. "I'm looking for Lady Elizabeth Watson. Is she here?"

The man raised one white, hairy eyebrow. "Might I ask who is calling?"

Jack wracked his brains for an answer. He shouldn't give his real name. That would be foolish. "Bill Turner."

The man dipped his head. "Do come in, Mr. Turner."

Jack stepped inside the foyer. The butler whisked off to fetch Elizabeth. Jack peered at the knickknacks on the decorative table. Jack sniffed the flowers and wrinkled his nose. Petunias. He hated the smell. The sound of hurried footsteps alerted Jack to someone's arrival. "Ja-! Er, Mr. Turner. What are you doing here?" Elizabeth's voice caused Jack to turn.

Jack bowed to her. "I came to make sure you were safe, Mrs. Watson."

Elizabeth glanced at the butler. "Ronald, it's quite all right. This man is a friend."

"Is that so?" said Ronald the butler.

Jack raised his eyebrows. He smirked at Elizabeth, wondering what she'd say next. "This is the man who saved my life." said Elizabeth.

"In that case, welcome Mr. Turner. You are a guest of the Watson household." said Ronald. He bowed to Elizabeth and Jack before waltzing out of the room.

Jack turned to Elizabeth, eyeing her attire. She wore a traditional dress. It was light blue, with ruffles around the neckline. The sleeves stopped just past her elbows. The skirt made her hips look much bigger than Jack knew them to be. She looked nice, but she certainly wasn't Elizabeth here. "Jack, what're you doing here?" Elizabeth murmured.

Jack looked at her, feigning innocence. "Must I have an ulterior motive, Lizzie? I can't stop by to visit an old friend?"

Elizabeth glowered at him. "There's no such thing, coming from you."

Jack gaped in mock offense. "Fine then. I'm here to pillage and plunder all your riches away."

Elizabeth's gaze hardened. She stepped forward, her face a stony mask. "This isn't a game, Jack."

"I'm not playing any games, love," Jack assured her. His lightheartedness faded. "You just vanished after the battle, love."

Elizabeth's eyes flashed. "I thought you had wanted me gone!"

Jack huffed. "I thought you didn't take orders from anyone?"

Elizabeth stepped closer, her upper lip curling. "I left after Blackbeard died. I knew you were no longer in any danger, so there was no further need for me to stick around. You're lucky my husband isn't here. He would have your head."

Jack frowned. "What'd you tell him about me?"

"Nothing," said Elizabeth, turning away from Jack. She seemed to have calmed somewhat. "Just that some man saved my life."

"Then why would he want me head?" Jack challenged.

"He accused me of having an affair. But I am not one to stoop so low." Elizabeth shot Jack a not so subtle glare.

Jack looked at the ceiling and sighed before facing Elizabeth again. "Love, I was drunk. Besides, you know me. After dumping your little love confession on me, I wasn't in me right mind. Y'know better than anyone that I'm not too fond of monogamous relationships."

Elizabeth wheeled to look at him. "I had just taken a shot for you! For you! And that was how you repaid me? It would've hurt less if you'd just stabbed me yourself!"

Jack looked away from her. She had a point. And he hadn't meant to hurt her. No, that was the last thing he had wanted. "I know."

"I used to believe you were a good man," said Elizabeth. Jack looked up. Elizabeth stared at him without pity. "But now…"

Jack's shoulders slumped. The woman who had once looked at him in admiration no longer believed in him. "Lizzie, I…" There was nothing he could say. Except… Jack swallowed. "I'm sorry."

Elizabeth stared at him. "I'd like to believe that's true."

"Let me prove it to you, then," Jack said. "Let's start over. We were once friends, savvy?"

Elizabeth stared at Jack's outstretched hand. "Fine."

Jack grinned, but Elizabeth walked past his open hand. He watched her exit the foyer. Jack rolled his fingers into his palm and pursed his lips. She was willing to try. That was a start.

…

Elizabeth attempted to conceal her relief that Jack was here. She was horrified. Terrified. But also relieved. Ralph's business trips were the happiest times for Elizabeth. But now that Jack was here, she knew the time would go by too fast. She wasn't lonely now. But Jack's company would disappear eventually. And then what? Elizabeth would be left to face her husband.

She didn't dare ask how long Jack was staying. She wasn't sure she wanted to hear the answer, especially if it were for only a few weeks or so. He couldn't very well stay forever, but Elizabeth wouldn't mind if he did. Or maybe he could visit every time Ralph was away…

"Is there anything to do in this godforsaken place?" Jack groaned. He was slouched, quite amusingly, in an armchair in the library.

Elizabeth set down her book, which she hadn't been reading. "Quite a few things, actually."

Jack straightened. "Taverns?"

"I'm afraid not," said Elizabeth. "There're horses we can ride and trails we can walk… There's a lake we can go rowing in as well."

Jack made a face. "How bout a walk?"

Elizabeth nodded. "All right," she agreed. She excused herself to change into something airier and then had a picnic basket made. She carried the basket to the foyer, where Jack waited, peering at the portraits on the wall. They headed in silence for the cluster of trees on the property. Elizabeth didn't find the need to talk much. But Jack Sparrow was never one to stay silent.

"So, no children with the incredible Lord Watson?" Jack prompted once they were out of earshot of any servants.

Elizabeth glanced at Jack. "Not yet."

"Is it a celibate marriage, then?" Jack prompted.

Elizabeth looked at him sharply. She stared at him, gaping like a fool. Jack stared back, awaiting her reply. Elizabeth couldn't help herself. She laughed. Once she started, she found that she could not stop. She doubled over, giggling. Jack's chuckles mirrored her own, until the two were leaning on each other, gasping for breath. At last, Elizabeth found it in herself to answer his question. "It has been as of late."

"So he can perform then, can he?" Jack teased.

Elizabeth snorted. "Not very well."

Jack looked at her, his eyebrows raised. "Lizzie, you shouldn't speak such things of your husband."

Elizabeth scowled. "I…" She fell silent.

Jack was quiet, too. "Why don't you leave him?"

Elizabeth didn't want to respond. But she found herself craving human interaction, friendship, something. And here was Jack, once her closest friend, beside her. "Where would I go, Jack? My crew has abandoned me. Many do not view me as the Pirate King any longer."

"You could go to my family, if you didn't want to stay on the sea." said Jack quietly.

Elizabeth sighed. "I could never face them again."

"Aye," Jack agreed. "Come with me, then. I can't stay here forever."

"You're right," said Elizabeth gravely. "If Ralph finds you, he'll do something horrible."

Jack waved her off. "I've pissed off many a married man."

"Not Ralph," muttered Elizabeth.

Jack stopped. "Have you been a victim of his rage, Lizzie?"

Elizabeth shook her head, flinching inwardly at the lie. "No. But I have witnessed his rage against the servants."

Jack nodded, though something twinkled in his dark eyes. "I'll be gone when he returns, love."

Over the next several days, their friendship resumed from where it had left off. They rode horses, walked the grounds, wandered the trees, picnicked and rowed a small boat on the lake. They talked of Shakespeare, and of Voltaire. The discussed New England and the brave colonists that lived there. Jack seemed quite vehement about the "savages" that dwelled in the wilds of the new country. He argued that the English were intruders upon that land. Elizabeth agreed, though she figured the colonists had their own salvation in the young country. Perhaps the two races could share the land.

After a few weeks of Jack's stay, Elizabeth received word that Ralph would be home in a fortnight. Clutching the parchment with the dreadful news in her slender fingers, Elizabeth approached Jack. "Ralph is coming home." she announced, handing Jack the letter.

His sharp eyes roamed over the elegant scrawl of Ralph's hand. He lifted his gaze to meet Elizabeth's. "What say you to a venture on the lake?"

Elizabeth nodded, though her shoulders slumped. He truly had nothing to say? Well, she mused, they were under the gossiping eyes and ears of her servants. The pair left the house and wandered the grounds to the edge of the large lake. A rowboat awaited them. Jack helped Elizabeth step inside. He pushed the boat into the surf and then climbed inside. He rowed until they were out of sight of the manor. The boat glided along the smooth, green water. Weeping willows drooped over the banks and caressed the surface of the lake. The sun hid behind soft grey clouds, which gave the sky an oyster effect. Elizabeth gazed up at it, her brow furrowing against the brightness. "You should probably leave in a few days. I don't want the servants spreading anymore rumors than they already have." she said.

"Lizzie," Jack murmured. Elizabeth lowered her gaze from the sky to look at Jack. He stared at her with a furrowed brow and soft eyes. Without warning, he leaned forward and crushed his lips against hers. Elizabeth yelped in surprise, but she didn't fight him off. She closed her eyes and allowed herself to slide her mouth against his. Jack withdrew, his forehead resting against hers. "Why did you leave? Why won't you come back?" he whispered.

Elizabeth opened her eyes. "I was pregnant," she admitted. Jack pulled back, his gaze searching hers. Elizabeth's eyes burned with tears. She pursed her lips. "I was pregnant with your child. I knew you wouldn't want a child, especially after what had happened between us. I left piracy to protect the baby. I married Ralph because my aunt arranged it so that the baby would grow up well protected. But the baby was weak after the gunshot. When I gave birth, he was ill. And then he was taken from my arms as they tried to save him…" Elizabeth trailed off, her throat swelling. She avoided Jack's gaze. "Infant mortality is common, they told me. It didn't lessen the pain."

She didn't dare look at Jack. "I… I had a son?" Jack murmured.

Elizabeth looked at him. His eyes were rounded, staring at the floor of the rowboat. "Yes."

Jack looked up. His face was drawn. "Elizabeth, you should've told me."

Elizabeth blinked, tears cascading down her cheeks. "I know," she mumbled. "I'm sorry, Jack."

She felt Jack's hands on hers. She looked up at him. "I'm staying here, Lizzie."

Elizabeth shook her head. "You can't."

"I don't give a damn what your husband will do," Jack snapped. "I'm staying."

Elizabeth stared at him. Could he really be choosing her over his own safety? Elizabeth leaned forward and pressed her lips to Jack's. He responded enthusiastically. Oh, how she had missed this! Jack's hands lifted Elizabeth's skirts. Elizabeth didn't stop him. His fingers explored in between her thighs. Elizabeth moaned, relishing Jack's touch. Ralph had never touched her. Not like that. The boat rocked violently, dousing both Jack and Elizabeth in lake water. Elizabeth gasped, then laughed. Jack grinned and chuckled, leaning his head back. Elizabeth gazed at him. "We'll have to be quick." she whispered. Jack raised his eyebrows but nodded. He rowed them to shore, where they scampered off, hand in hand, into the trees. Jack grabbed Elizabeth pressed her against a tree. Elizabeth unbuckled Jack's breeches. He lifted her skirts and slid inside her. They moaned, bouncing to find a suitable rhythm. Elizabeth's nails dug into Jack's back. His hand tangled in her hair. This was nothing like it had been before. There was nothing rough about it. It was desperate yet gentle. They grasped at each other, each the other's solace.

…

Jack and Elizabeth seemed to be in a frenzy. They looked for places of solitude to feed their flesh until the day Ralph returned. Jack wasn't afraid of Ralph. No, not Elizabeth's husband. Every time a certain three words reached Jack's lips, he swallowed them. Lust was easier to satisfy. It felt loads better, too. Love, on the other hand, was a whole different beast. Yet, Jack was satisfying its needs, too. He was staying with Elizabeth. He was making sure she was safe. He was enjoying her company, sexual or not. He actually found he didn't need sex to be around Elizabeth like he used to. She was his close confidant now.

Jack stood beside Elizabeth, who fiddled with the buttons on her gown nervously, in the foyer. They awaited Ralph's arrival in silence. Jack held back a smirk once Ralph crossed the threshold. The man wore a powdered wig. He had pale blue eyes and a mouth downturned in a perpetual frown. He was quite tall, though his height didn't bother Jack. His scowl, which he directed at Elizabeth, bothered Jack. "Dear, who is this… man?" Ralph said man as if he meant rat.

"This is Bill Turner, the man who rescued me." Elizabeth whimpered.

Jack's gaze flicked to her. She was bloody terrified! Jack bowed to Ralph. "A pleasure to meet you, Lord Watson."

Ralph dipped his head. "Likewise," he sneered. "What is he doing here, Elizabeth?"

"He's an honored guest." said Elizabeth, rolling her shoulders back.

"An honored guest," Ralph murmured softly. "Very well. Welcome, Mr. Turner. Elizabeth, I shall see you in your chambers." Ralph whisked away.

Elizabeth turned to Jack, her eyes wide. "I hope he doesn't expect to consummate."

Jack scowled. "The feeling's mutual, love." A maid led Jack back to his chambers, as they'd already had dinner. Jack found himself unable to sleep, for thoughts of Elizabeth and her husband consumed his mind.

In the morning, Jack readied himself for breakfast with the Watsons. He entered the dining room and sat at his designated seat at the table. Elizabeth sat at one end and Ralph seated himself at the other. Jack couldn't tear his gaze away from Elizabeth's face. Her eyes were downcast, but the bruise around her socket was plain as day. Her busted lip couldn't be hidden, either. Jack composed himself, but resolved not to speak. His hands clenched his utensils to the point that his knuckles whitened. Ralph had laid a hand on Elizabeth. Jack could understand Ralph's anger, sure. But to hurt her? There was no excuse for that.

As soon as breakfast ended, Ralph announced that he was retiring to his study. Jack followed Elizabeth to the library. "Lizzie," Jack murmured, rounding the corner.

Elizabeth looked at him. Her cheek was purple, too. "Please, Jack… We can't be seen together."

Jack ignored her and caressed her bruises gently. "I can't believe that bastard. How long has this been going on?"

Elizabeth looked at the floor. "Since we wed."

Jack clenched his teeth. "Why didn't you say anything?"

Elizabeth looked up, her eyes full of tears. "I didn't know what to say. But I expect he's the reason our baby is dead, Jack. He beat me while I was with child."

A storm rolled over Jack's features. "You're coming with me."

Elizabeth shook her head. "He'll find me, Jack."

"Elizabeth, you are not bloody staying here. We leave at midnight, savvy?" Jack replied.

Elizabeth blanched. But her head bobbed in agreement. "Savvy." she whispered.

…

Thank you guys for your patience! This story isn't the problem, I just decided to take 3 literature classes in one semester (one of them being a Chaucer class and now I am stumbling through Middle English) so I'm really busy with school. My head is actually thumping from a headache after doing my readings for the day. Haha I'm an idiot. Thanks for the reviews though, they encouraged me to get writing again. Please continue to show this story love!