-The Diary Of Isabelle Marie Norrington-

Tuesday, April 16, 1733: Well, I'm new to this whole diary-writing concept, so pardon me if I don't exactly know what I'm doing. I received this diary as a gift on my seventeenth birthday, which occurred yesterday, and I will describe myself for you. Well, as the title states, my name is Isabelle Marie Norrington (close friends and suitors prefer Belle, as do I), and I am seventeen years old. I live in the town of Port Royal, Jamaica, where there have been numerous pirate activities. Yes, I know I shouldn't find it quite interesting, as my parents say, but I do. It is a fascinating subject. I am the oldest daughter of Commodore (about to become Admiral tomorrow), Clarence Edward Norrington, and Marie Annabelle Norrington. I have a younger sister named Adeline (Addie) Elizabeth, who just turned fifteen last month. As I am to find out today, my parents told me that there was a young man who had set his sights upon marriage. My parents agreed to this, and are quite happy, but on the contrast, 'happy' is not the correct word in my case. Shocked would be more appropriate. I am barely seventeen and I shall be married off within a year? This seems a bit absurd, as I did tell my mother and lady's maid Ellen, but they both say he is a fine gentleman. I don't even know who it is! All I know is that he is older than me, and wants me for a society wife. Lovely, isn't it? I was assisted into my light buttercup yellow dress, with the dreadfully uncomfortable corset, and the matching shoes, pinner cap, and gloves. My hair was fixed, so that it was piled up. My mother and father, Ellen, and Addie seem to think that I look stunning, and that my suitor will find me quite charming. Yes, even my (sometimes annoying) sister knows who it is. I smiled in the hall mirror, and then went to sit in the parlor. I am so nervous right now, I am fidgeting, and my mother has consistently had to keep telling me to 'sit up straight, young lady.' Our butler/doorman Jenkins announced that a Lord Beckett had arrived. No, this cannot be happening. I strongly disapprove of said individual. Cutler Beckett II was now the powerful head of the EITC, son of Cutler Beckett, who sadly is no longer with us and Anne Beckett, who are family friends. He thinks himself to be the most powerful man in all of Port Royal, next to the Governor.

"Miss Norrington, you look absolutely radiant in that color", he said before kissing my hand.

"Thank you, Lord Beckett, and it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance."

"Thank you, and do call me Cutler."

"Only if you'll call me Isabelle." On the contrary, there is no chemistry whatsoever occurring, even though some may think that. I have my own sights set on someone else.

"Isabelle, your mother and father have informed me that you can speak both Latin and French, sew quite a nice sampler, and can play the piano. If it isn't to bold to ask, may I hear some music?"

"Yes you may, and it isn't too bold to ask such questions. The piano is right over here."

"May I sit next to you when you play?"

"Yes, I would find that less intimidating, actually." What am I saying? What is happening to the real me? I may be coming down with something. I played a selection from the composer Johann Sebastian Bach, and as I finished playing, he said, "You are quite talented."

We sat down for a nice dinner, and I was forced to sit between him and my Father. Dinner dragged on and on, until it was time for him to make leave.

"It was a pleasure, Isabelle, and I am really beginning to grow quite fond of you." Excuse me, Mr. Pompous. You have only been here for about 3 hours, and I don't think it takes that short of time to find things fond. Even though he has known me since I was about two, but even in the past year he has shown no dire interest.

"Yes, I do think of you as quite charming, myself."

"Thank you. I will be seeing you tomorrow, at your father's promotion ceremony. Good night."

I went upstairs, and had Ellen draw my bath, and set my nightclothes out. After my bath, I changed, and Ellen asked me about how tonight went.

"It went fine, Lord Beckett is a nice man."

"Oh yes, and an attractive one at that."

"Yes, I believe you're right."

Nice, Isabelle. You just told a complete lie. I do not find powdered wigs attractive, and he is rather short. I have to find some way to get down to the blacksmith shop. I must. Oh, I'll see to it in the morning. I need to see him. And tell him what had just happened. I furthermore am not in love with Beckett, and I don't think that it will ever be possible. I must see him. I will die without seeing him. And that is not a lie. Well, maybe. But it is dire. Good night.