Pirates: The One Where Lord Cutler Beckett Wins (& There's Romance)

Chapter 15

Unlike the rainy ceremony for Will and Elizabeth, the day of Lord Beckett and Catherine Torres' wedding dawned bright and cloudless, promising a splendid affair in the sunlit gardens of the Governor's Mansion. As the morning unfolded, a whirlwind of gardeners and decorators meticulously arranged floral masterpieces and positioned chairs with precision, ensuring every nuance exuded perfection. An exquisite floral archway, a beacon of elegance, stood tall at the garden's forefront, setting the tone of the impending celebration.

In a serene dressing room nearby, Catherine stood amidst a flurry of activity. Mrs. Ashgrove and Lord Beckett's maids meticulously attended to her, ensuring her hair was perfectly styled and her gown immaculately fitted. Adorned in a refined golden gown, every detail exuded sophistication, Catherine's heart was overflowing with anticipation and she tried to gather her thoughts and savor this day. Lord Beckett's maids worked diligently, adding the final touches to her gown and securing the trailing veil.

Meanwhile, in the anteroom adjoining the garden, Lord Beckett stood conversing with the officiant, reviewing the order of proceedings, and ensuring every detail was meticulously attended to. The arrival of guests, a mix of esteemed Spanish and English dignitaries and associates, created an electric atmosphere. Lord Beckett welcomed them warmly, his charm and grace in full display, engaging in polite conversation while subtly ensuring that everything was proceeding as planned.

In a private moment, Catherine glimpsed her beloved attending to the guests, ensuring all was in order. This was the man she admired, the one she loved.

As the hour approached, a hush fell over the garden. The musicians tuned their instruments, and everyone ventured to their seats. Suddenly the soft strains of Pachelbel's Canon in D filled the air, played by a string quartet positioned elegantly near the altar. Catherine emerged from the mansion in her elegant golden gown, escorted by a familiar Spanish dignitary of her past. Walking gracefully down the aisle to the longing strings of the canon, her eyes fixed on the figure awaiting her at the altar.

Lord Beckett, regal in a rich black brocade coat with gold trim, and a beautifully paired golden-colored waistcoat, harbored an elegant sword sheathed at his waist, befitting of his high stature in society. He stood poised, with a bit of a smug smile of contentment on his face, yet his eyes softened when she came near. Taking her hands, he prepared to take his vows.

Suddenly commotion disrupted the festivities. Elizabeth Swann, draped in the attire of a pirate, led a band of determined rebels into the heart of the celebration. The air filled with tension as they advanced, their footsteps heavy against the grass.

"Beckett!" Elizabeth's voice sliced through the room, piercing the jubilant ambiance. Heads turned, gazes fixed on the unexpected intruders.

Lord Beckett pivoted, his composed facade momentarily faltering as his eyes met Elizabeth's determined stare. An air of tension gripped the guests; Catherine discreetly placed her hand on the concealed pistol beneath her gown.

Lord Beckett cast a disapproving glance at Commodore Wesley, who astonishingly remarked, "She must have accessed a covert route, sir!"

"What is the meaning of this intrusion?" Lord Beckett demanded, his voice cool but tinged with surprise.

"You know exactly what it means," Elizabeth retorted with anger and determination in her voice. "You've meddled in the lives of many, but you won't escape justice for your actions."

"Miss Swann," Lord Beckett began, his tone measured, "this is neither the time nor the place for your grievances."

"Time and place were irrelevant when you shattered lives!" Elizabeth's accusation reverberated, leaving the guests in stunned disbelief.

Undeterred, Elizabeth continued, addressing the assembly, "Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you the face of tyranny, Lord Cutler Beckett. He has suspended freedoms, imposed martial law, and imprisoned innocent people in the name of control!"

Then, her gaze fixated on Catherine, her words piercing, "There she stands, Catherine Torres, or should I say Anna Cortez, a double agent hiding behind the guise of a pirate while plotting against every one of us! A deceiver, a traitor, a schemer, manipulating us all! How dare she feign loyalty to our cause when all along she's been in cahoots with the man who threatens to hang us all!"

As Elizabeth's attack on Catherine escalated, Admiral Lozada rose from his seat within the assembly, ready to defend her honor.

Lord Beckett's gaze hardened, the lines of his face etched with a calculated resolve. "I suggest you reconsider this foolishness, Miss Swann. Such actions have dire consequences."

"Consequences?" Elizabeth's laughter was bitter. "What consequences could be worse than the havoc you've wreaked? Today, justice will be served!" Overwhelmed with emotions, Elizabeth impulsively reached for a dagger and hurled it toward Lord Beckett.

In a display of characteristic composure, Lord Beckett deftly evaded the knife, stepping aside gracefully as it embedded into a wooden pole. His officers swiftly moved to apprehend Elizabeth and her comrades, preventing further chaos.

"Take them into custody and ensure their confinement is secure. I won't tolerate any further disruptions or compromises to the security of this event," Lord Beckett instructed his officers, his voice carrying authority.

Catherine approached Lord Beckett and reached for his arm. "My darling," she whispered. "The guests are uneasy."

"I'll handle it, my dear," he murmured back to her, regaining his composure.

Addressing the guests, he said, "Ladies and gentlemen, please remain calm. It appears we have had an unexpected disruption. I assure you, there is no cause for alarm. Our security measures are in place. I apologize for this brief interruption."

He continued, his tone reassuring, "Catherine once illuminated to me the significance of confronting chaos without fear, highlighting the clarity found in the present moment. By focusing wholly on the task at hand, the right path becomes evident, leading to the attainment of perfection in every endeavor."

Continuing his address, he turned toward Catherine, taking her hand in his. "In this moment, I find no need for structured vows or elaborate plans to profess my love to you. Catherine Torres, you are the essence of my being. I love you unconditionally, and I pledge to remain steadfastly by your side, regardless of the circumstances."

In response, Catherine stepped closer, her hand gently resting upon his. "My love, Lord Cutler Beckett," she said with a gentle, feminine tenderness, "I entrust my heart and all its secrets to you, and to you alone, now and forever. I love you unconditionally and promise to stand beside you, always, no matter the circumstances."

Witnessing the authenticity of their bond, the assembly was captivated, the past disturbances forgotten. The officiant stepped up to the couple, presenting them with their rings, which they lovingly exchanged. Lord Beckett gently took her hands in his and met her gaze. "By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you man and wife," the officiant declared.

With this declaration, Lord Beckett drew her close for a soft, impassioned kiss, engulfed in the moment as if they were the only ones in the room.