My Apologies, Miss Swann
Chapter 1: A Wonderful Life
AN: Hey everyone! This is in response to a challenge posted on Hidetherum that I decided to take up. For those of you who are currently reading my long fic, "True Love: Forever Reunited," never fear, I'm working on the next chapter, and hopefully I'll be able to do both stories at once, since this one will be much shorter. I hope this meets expectations!
Disclaimer: I don't own POTC, or I really wouldn't be writing this, would I?
Life just couldn't get any better for William Turner. Six months had passed since his grand adventure with Captain Jack Sparrow, and six months had passed since he had started courting the intelligent, fiery, beautiful governor's daughter, Elizabeth Swann. He had proposed just a month ago, and she had instantly accepted. Mr. Brown had retired as well, leaving the blacksmith shop in Will's name, and a sign hung proudly outside the door, bearing his name.
Will walked with a spring in his step towards the Swann mansion, where he was due to have lunch with Elizabeth and her father. Though he still felt nervous around Governor Swann, Will was getting used to him, and it seemed that Governor Swann liked him more as time passed. It had been a busy morning in the shop, and Will had done the best he could to rid himself of the smell of soot and fire, and had changed out of his work clothes into nicer ones, but he still felt a bit self conscious.
But he tried not to let it get to him. The sun was shining and the palm trees were swaying in the gentle breeze, and he was on his way to have lunch with the girl he had loved since he was 12 years old. He still hardly believed just how much his life had turned around in the past half year. In fact, sometimes he felt the need to pinch himself, just to make sure he wasn't dreaming. He reached the front door, and hesitated a moment before knocking. The door came open abruptly, which startled Will a bit. Normally, it took the butler a few moments to come to the door. But when the door opened, he was not met with the face of the butler, but with the face of his fiancé.
"Hello," he said, a grin lighting up his face. "To what do I owe the pleasure of you answering the door?"
"I was waiting for you to arrive," she answered, gazing at him, a playful expression on her face. "I wanted to be the first to see you." She closed the door behind her, and Will raised his eyebrow.
"What are you doing, Elizabeth?" he asked, confused.
"This," she said as she leaned down to kiss him. He was surprised at first, but after a moment he responded with delight.
They broke apart after a moment, smiling like the lovebirds they were.
"We should really go inside," said Will, being the rational one. "Your father will be waiting." He cupped her face in his hands, planting one chaste kiss on her lips.
"All right," huffed Elizabeth, crossing her arms, but not able to stop from smiling.
As the couple walked in, Will couldn't help but admire his love. She looked simply lovely, donning a light pink dress with short sleeves, and her hair piled elegantly on the top of her head, with one single curl hanging down. As always, he still felt awkward inside the grand mansion, and as they entered the dining room, he felt his stomach turn. The long table was made of the best mahogany, and a crystal chandelier hung above, the sunlight from the window reflecting on it, and hitting the table. Will breathed in, the scent of delicious food filling his nostrils. Was that filet mignon? It certainly smelled like it.
"Well good afternoon Will," greeted Governor Swann, standing at his place to shake Will's hand, "How good to see you again."
"Thank you, Governor Swann," answered Will, giving his father- in-law-to-be a firm handshake, and looking him in the eye, trying to give off an aura of confidence. "It's good to see you as well."
Governor Swann sat at the head of the table, Elizabeth sat on one side, and Will on the other. Soon after they sat down, the cook brought in the exquisite food, and they began to eat.
"So how are things at the shop, Will?" asked Governor Swann. "Are you enjoying running it yourself?"
Will nodded. "Very much sir," he said, "I do need to find an apprentice, however."
"I'm sure that won't be a problem," answered Governor Swann. "Elizabeth," he asked abruptly, "Have you told Will about the ball in two days time?"
At the mention of the word ball, Will nearly choked on his food, but managed to retain his composure, His eyes landed on Elizabeth, who had dropped her fork onto her plate with a loud clang, and clapped her hand to her mouth.
"Oh my," she said, "I must have forgotten. I've been so busy starting with the wedding plans and all, that it slipped my mind. But yes, Will, the Bennett family is holding a ball, and I was hoping you would accompany me. Would you?" she asked, a sparkle in her eyes, and her lips in their signature pout.
Will, who was terrified at the mere thought of this idea, but not wanting look foolish in front of the Governor, answered her in a very calm manner. "Of course I will accompany you, Elizabeth. It would be a pleasure."
"Wonderful," said Elizabeth, who could tell from his expression what he was really thinking, but decided not to say anything until they were alone. She caught Will's eye, letting him know that she could see through his façade.
"Well I'm glad that's settled then," said Governor Swann, oblivious to the exchange between the two, "It will be the first formal appearance the two of you have made since your engagement, so be prepared for a great deal of people coming up to speak with you."
That's bloody lovely, Will thought. He had to go to a ball with a great load of upper class people, all of whom would be interested in talking to him. At least, he thought, Elizabeth will be there, so hopefully it won't be as bad as he feared. He hoped so, anyway.
The conversation inevitably turned to the wedding, which made Will forget a little about the ball. Just the idea, that in six months time he would be marrying his soul mate, cheered him up immensely. After an hour or so, lunch was done, and Elizabeth made arrangements to come and visit him in the smithy that evening.
It was around 6 o'clock that night when Will heard a soft rap on the smithy door. He had worked hard into the afternoon, trying to push his worries about the ball away, and hadn't noticed the time pass by.
"Come in," he called. He looked up to see Elizabeth's face before him, and he put down the piece he was working on. "I must have let the time get away from me," he said, coming over to greet her. "I haven't had a chance to clean myself up."
"That's all right," answered Elizabeth with a wave of her hand. "You're fine."
He kissed her softly, and when they broke apart, she could read the worry in his eyes.
"Will, what's wrong? Are you concerned about the ball?" she asked, taking both of his hands in hers, and trying to comfort him.
"A little," said Will gruffly. "All those rich society people, and all the dancing, and everything; it just seems overwhelming. I want to do this for you, but I just want to make sure that I do it right."
"You'll do brilliantly Will," said Elizabeth, trying to reassure him. "I taught you how to dance when we were younger, remember? You were splendid, a natural."
"I know," responded Will. "I just hope I haven't forgotten how."
"You haven't," said Elizabeth, brushing a stray hair from his eyes. "And I'll make a deal with you; if I promise to practice dancing with you tomorrow, then you have to give me another sword lesson. What do you think?"
"If it means I get to spend more time with you," said Will, warmth and love glowing in his eyes, "Then it's a deal. As for now…" he drifted off, a light bulb going off in his head as he grabbed her hand, leading her out of the smithy, to places unknown.
"Will," she laughed, the sound echoing in the deserted streets, "Where in the heavens are you taking me?"
"Somewhere," answered will vaguely. "Just trust me. And close your eyes."
Will couldn't help but laugh as they ran, and it took them mere minutes to reach their destination. "All right," said Will, not letting go of Elizabeth's hand, "Open."
Elizabeth was greeted with a magnificent sight when her eyes popped open. Will had led her to his favorite place in Port Royal; a small, secluded part of the beach, where no ships were docked, and no houses built. A circle of palm trees surrounded it, and the aqua water of the Caribbean Sea floated up to their toes.
"Oh Will," said Elizabeth, looking breathless at the sight, "It's beautiful."
"That's not even the best part," responded Will, "Look up."
And look up she did. Diamond stars were strewn across the navy sky, and the full moon reflected upon the water, bathing Will and Elizabeth in its glow.
Will looked over at Elizabeth, and wrapped his arms around her, pulling her to him, loving the warmth that her body brought to his. He felt so content, and yet there was a feeling of ill foreboding in his stomach. He tried to shake it off, telling himself that there was nothing to fear. Everything was right with the world, what could possibly go wrong?
Elizabeth moved closer to him, resting her head on his chest, her hair fallen down from its elegant style due to the wind, and now fell freely down her back. This, Will thought, is what Heaven must be like.
"I love you Elizabeth," he whispered, treating her name as the most precious treasure. Jack Sparrow's words to him resounded in his ears as he did so. "Not all treasure is silver and gold, mate." Jack, he thought, had never been more right.
She looked up at him, and her eyes shone with love. "I love you too Will."
AN: I know, not much action in this chapter, but trust me, there will be lots of it in the next chapter. I just wanted to set the tone and get the first chapter off the ground. I'm thinking this will be around five chapters or so. Well, I hope this was okay, and I hope your enjoyed it!