Disclaimer – Disney owns the entire franchise of Pirates of the Caribbean.

Prompt – Joy. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all

Joy

The Yuletide Ball was already in full swing when he finally emerged from his office. Green and red ribbons decked the halls. Candles blazed bright. The band was playing. It was many years since he had last danced. Age-stiffened joints did not allow him to spin or step as lightly as he once did with his late wife. It was traditional that the governor's manor hosted the ball. The merchants, naval officers and local plantation owners would be there. The ball was always a highlight of Port Royal high society. It was a chance for the young ones to mingle under their elders' watchful eyes. Already the young couples were casting shy glances at each other. Young men approached the knots of giggling girls and asked them for the next dance.

Weatherby Swann watched from the landing as their guests whirled and spun with the music. One couple in particular had his attention. The girl was like a rose in the full bloom of youth. The young man stood handsome and dashing in his naval uniform. He had dispensed with his powdered wig and the candlelight shone on his brown hair. Taking his partner by the hand, he cautiously led her through their dance. It was as if he sensed the bubble-like fragility of this moment of bliss. The candlelight glowed on the tawny hair of the fair maiden with her rosy cheeks and rosebud lips. She was so young, almost too young, the watcher thought. The young maiden had chosen a blazing red gown which glowed like a flame among the pale shades worn by the other girls.

They looked so happy, flushed with happiness as they whirled about, their feet nimbly moving in time with the melody. Their happiness was the watcher's too. A careless misstep, or was it by design? She stumbled, and her partner caught her deftly with his arm round her narrow waist. She laughed. Some words were exchanged in good jest and she pulled away from him. The melody was ending. The dancers bowed or curtsied as they returned to their places.

The maiden glanced up at the landing and caught the governor's eye. She smiled, looking every bit as her mother did at her age, his dearest wife who had died bringing their little angel into this world. It had been so many years since he lost her. Time had long tempered the pain since. Surely even she must be smiling down upon them now.

The young captain bowed slightly, placing a chaste kiss upon the back of her hand. She accepted it with as much grace as a proper lady should. However, the veneer of propriety passed when a mischievous smile came to her face. She hitched up her skirts, exposing her petticoats and a glimpse of her ankles. She ran like an over-eager child to the foot of the stairs, just as he reached the last step. Weatherby silently admitted that he had spoiled her most dreadfully. No society matron would tolerate such behaviour from her charge. Young ladies simply did not run, but he could not fault her.

"Father, so glad you could join us…" his dear child kissed him on the cheek. His life's joy, his Elizabeth.

Author's Notes:

Nothing much, just a short drabble on a happy moment.