The next morning, Abigail was scheduled for tea with Elizabeth Swan. She spent the first portion of tea time telling her tale from the night before. They were set up in Governor Swans private library, but they were left entirely alone.
The gall he has, assuming I will accept his proposal." Abbie picked up her cup and sipped furiously. "Well, he shall be sorely disappointed whenever he decides to ask me."
"Believe me, Abbie, I know what you mean." Elizabeth leaned over to pat Abbie on the arm. "Men seem to think that we will choose our husbands by their standing or pedigree. When Commodore Norrington proposed to me, I was expected to say yes. Getting father to accept my engagement to Will was difficult, but he finally came around. You ought to be grateful your father is not expecting you to marry his choice."
"I am more than grateful," Abbie said. "I just...well, I worry I will disappoint him."
Abbie sat in silence for a moment. "You are more than i think you realize. Liz, you found love. So have I, but unlike you mine is unreciprocated. Believe me, I was surprised when I realized I was in love with this person. I truly tried to convince myself I was merely infatuated. But the pain I have felt, it's unlike any other I have felt."
"I had no idea...Abbie who is it?"
Abbie shook her head. "No Liz, I'm sorry. I won't tell."
Elizabeth sat back into her chair. "Very well. I shll find out one way or another. Oh, Abbie, I can't wait for you to meet Will tonight."
"I can't either, Liz. I am happy for you to have found true love." Abbie took Liz's hand in her own. "I truly am."
"Lord Kearny is supposed to be there tonight," Elizabeth said. "I wouldn't be surprised if he tried proposing then."
Abbie sat back, a strict expression on her face. "Hopefully, he'll have some sense to not ask publicly. Otherwise he's going to find himself very humiliated."
"Be gentle, girl," Elizabeth said with a smile.
"I will be nothing but a perfect lady," Abbie said, fluttering her eyelashes in a mocking way. The girls laughed together.