Disclaimer: Will, Jack, Elizabeth, Ana, and the other PotC characters don't belong to me. They are the property of Disney, Gore, Jerry, Ted, and Terry. However I do own Sammi, Teague, and Eva Sparrow as well as Danielle, James, and Charlotte Turner! Oh, and I own Ophelia too, I suppose. Sammi is by far my favorite OC that I've created, I just love her.

A/N: I want to leave a message for WillsElizabeth23 as I cannot reply to her directly. I wanted to thank you for your lovely review of Within/Without, because I know you can see it from both the PotC and XF perspective!! I really appreciate a fellow x-phile sharing their thoughts on that oneshot. Also, as for William's feelings for Sammi in SCASSF, I did think about going in the direction you suggested. But I ultimately decided that I wanted there to be a balance between the characters – I wanted each to think that the other broke their hearts, doubling the angst factor. I personally thought it would be interesting if they were experiencing the same feelings of loss, and I wanted to show how they coped with them in different ways. I didn't want William to come off as a prick for suddenly going after Ophelia. (You'll see what I mean after you read this chapter) I thought that in AMTHGF I hinted at William's feelings for her, and I don't think it would be true to the character if William suddenly started focusing on another girl without some event causing it. Anyway, I can see how it would make the story better from your perspective, but this is how I chose to do it. But thank you for your input as always.

I also want to leave a message for Constructive Critic. First off, Norrie's preoccupation with the Sparrows is halfway true, and it's halfway there for comedic purposes. Norrington pretends to hate Jack, but I do believe he respects him for being one of the 'good' pirates. Secondly, as for the DMC perspective, yes I did draw a lot from that because we only have less than ten minutes of Norrie in AWE, which isn't much to go on. Yes, he did end up choosing the right side before he died, and that has something to do with the fact that he let Sammi go. But I firmly stick by the fact that Norrington is still somewhat bitter. His life didn't turn out the way he'd carefully planned it out, and he still harbors a love for Elizabeth even though he finally realizes that their destinies were no longer joined. And as for the examples of saving their lives, I did have some in mind but I decided not to share everything about Norrington's past as a ghost the first time we meet him. But don't worry, bit by bit, Sammi will coax it out of him! So examples will be coming later. I'm sorry you're apprehensive about Norrington, but he isn't the focal point of the story. Nevertheless, I will try to tone down Norrie's bitterness. But having him whine about how bad his life was is rather amusing. ;) Thank you for the criticsm – it was noted and appreciated.

Everyone else, thank you for your continued interest in Sammi and William's complicated story. I was pleased with the overall positive response to Norrington's ghost. I have some interesting new developments planned for the next few chapters that I can't wait to share with you. You'll get your first look at Ophelia in this chapter, as well as her mother. I also brought back Thérèse, Sammi's friend who started the whole mess! Warning: This one definitely turns up the angst factor!

333

"First class and fancy free, she's high society. She's got the best of everything. What could a guy like me ever really offer? She's perfect as she can be - why should I even bother?" -Everclear

333

Ch. 4: She's So High Above Me

William's throat grew dry, and as he stared at the mother of the woman he secretly loved, he almost choked. Somehow, he managed to clear his throat and speak like a normal person.

"Good day, Lady Grace," William said, trying not to flinch as the woman scrutinized him. "How may I be of service to you?"

"May I sit down?" Lady Grace asked, gesturing to the one chair in the bare room, which was only used for sword-fighting purposes.

"Yes, of course," the boy said quickly, embarrassed that he hadn't invited her to sit down. He was way out of his element, and he knew it. Who knows what other gaffes he would commit in the next minute or so? Oh God, what would he do if she asked if he'd been watching her daughter? Thanks to Sammi, William knew never to admit to a crime unless he was accused of it first. This way there may be a chance that the person who he thought was about to accuse him of said crime wouldn't, in fact, accuse him at all.

"Are you here about a sword-fighting lesson?" William asked timidly, not knowing what else to say.

"Our home was broken into last night," the woman announced, ignoring his question completely. William's eyes widened at that, fearing for Ophelia's safety.

"Is everyone alright?" He asked, concern showing on his handsome features. She nodded curtly.

"Everyone is fine. The culprits didn't take much. But they did throw an enormous rock at my daughter's window! It was enough to rattle my nerves. My butler has an idea who did it too," Lady Grace fumed. "It was that gang of hooligans that came near the house a couple times, no doubt wanting to take a gander at my daughter." William was distressed at this news, but he couldn't see how it pertained to him.

"I'm sorry to hear that," said William. "Is there anything I can do to help?"

"I was just getting to that," said the magistrate's wife. "I'm concerned that I can no longer shield my daughter from the evils of the world, not while my husband is away on business, which he is most of the time. Ophelia has one year to go before her debut in London, and it is my duty as a mother to protect her reputation at all times." William nodded, still not following her.

"I've decided to do something drastic," sighed the woman. "I want Ophelia to learn how to fight with a sword, to be able to defend herself incase her virtue is ever compromised." William almost fainted in shock. Lady Grace wanted him to teach Ophelia how to sword-fight, which meant they'd be working in a close proximity. But William still wasn't convinced that Lady Grace was telling the truth. He knew all about his mother's aristocratic background, and he was almost positive that nothing like this would ever be allowed in polite society.

"I don't know," he murmured. "I would hate to be the one to accidentally taint her good name. We would be alone up here, and rumors would come about, I assure you." Lady Grace laughed, a soft tinkling sound.

"Dear boy, you don't think I'd actually leave her alone with you? Good Heavens! Don't worry, she'd have a chaperone with her at all times." William's cheeks colored at that as he wondered why he hadn't thought of that. He desperately wanted to teach Ophelia and hopefully befriend her, but he had to be absolutely sure Lady Grace was certain of her decision.

"Good lady, I am very flattered that you would choose me to teach your daughter the art of swordplay, but you don't even know me!" William exclaimed. "How could you trust the safety of your daughter to one such as me, a commoner?"

"Because I know I can trust you with her, Mr. Turner," said Lady Grace with a sweet smile that didn't quite reach to her eyes. I've had my servants ask around town and they say you are quite possibly the only young man on this island who demonstrates a sense of propriety."

William smiled at that. It was true, too. He remembered the time that he and Sammi had dared each other to find someone of the opposite sex to spend the evening with, and to report back to each other. Naturally, Sammi had gone to a tavern. As she talked, laughed, and drank with her childhood friend, David Samoa, she wondered if she was attracted to him or not. But after a few clumsy tries at kissing, they decided that they didn't like each other in that way, and resolved to remain friends.

On the other hand, William's experience was more on the tame side. He had taken one of the baker's daughters out on a leisurely carriage ride and had shared a picnic dinner with her while they watched the sun set down at the docks. He remained a perfect gentleman, and didn't do anything more besides hold her hand. Later, when William and Sammi shared their stories, Sammi teased her friend for not making a move but she had secretly been relieved that he hadn't. William, on his part, was thrilled that Sammi had gotten past her slight preoccupation with David, as he would rather the two remain friends, and only friends. It was only then that William realized Lady Grace was still speaking to him.

"…will be working in closely with my daughter, and, as a mere formality, I must have your word that you will exhibit exemplary decorum where she is concerned."

"Yes, of course," William assured her. "Your daughter's virtue and reputation will not be sullied by me. I give you my word as a gentleman."

"Wonderful!" Lady Grace beamed at him. "Now you must remember to keep this a secret. No one must know that my daughter is receiving sword-fighting training, least of all her father!" William gulped at that, for he realized that Lord Grace, Magistrate of St. Maarten, was not in favor of this.

"I shall tell my parents, and no one else. I must make sure they are alright with me giving lessons to a girl of her stature." Lady Grace nodded, but was baffled by his need to tell his parents. Mr. and Mrs. Turner seemed to be a nice enough couple, or so she'd been told.

"So, when can she begin?" The magistrate's wife asked, all business now. "May she start today?" William took out his log of appointments, seeing that unless he was willing to give up his lunch break, he had nothing available. But then his eyes landed on his only long-standing every day appointment.

"I have something available around three," he said with a big smile. "I usually reserve this spot for a longstanding client, but I'm sure they wouldn't mind if we cancelled this once. Could she come then?" Lady Grace nodded.

"I'll have her here at three, sharp. What should she wear?" William shrugged. He knew he had no chance of getting her to wear breeches, which were ideal for sword-fighting.

"I suppose she should wear one of her older, lighter, simpler dresses," the boy suggested. "Something she feels comfortable in; the same with her shoes as well."

"That sounds reasonable," said Lady Grace. "I know just the thing she can wear." William knew he'd forgotten to mention something about clothing – what was it? Oh! There was one rule of dress that William had to have the Graces agree to, or else he would refuse to teach her.

"And I'm afraid I can't allow her to wear a corset while she is exercising," said William. Lady Grace raised her eyebrows.

"I'm not sure that is a suitable topic for conversation, young man." William sighed. He hadn't wanted to offend her by discussing women's underclothes, but this had to be said.

"Lady Grace, I was raised by my mother for most of my childhood. I can't help if I know about those things, and the pain that they cause. One time, my mother wore hers too tightly causing her to faint, which led to her to falling a great distance into the ocean. I couldn't imagine what it would to do a lady if she wore her corset during one of my lessons!"

"Very well," Lady Grace said curtly, pursing her lips as she stared at William in disapproval. "I shall rectify that situation." William smiled at her, relieved she'd see the reasoning behind his argument.

"Is there anything else I can help you with?" William asked, trying hard to be extra polite.

"No, I will see you promptly at three. Thank you for your…" Lady Grace trailed off, glancing in distain at the sparse room. "Hospitality," she finished. William missed her scrutiny of his room as he was thinking of Ophelia. In a few short hours, he would finally get to meet her, face to face. There would be no more sneaking off to watch her through her window! That was when he realized he had no idea how to act around a beautiful, high born girl such as Miss Grace.

"I must bid you good day, Mr. Turner," said Lady Lydia.

"Good day," William said. The moment Lady Grace left the smithy, William bolted downstairs, wanting to share this glorious news with his family.

333

A bit later, at the Grace mansion

Lady Grace returned home from her clandestine errand by carriage and was met at the door by her personal maid.

"Good morning, mum," said the ebony skinned maid, curtsying at the sight of her mistress.

"Jane, has Ophelia come downstairs for breakfast?" Lady Grace asked, not bothering to dispense with the pleasantries as she flung her dressing coat at the maid. The wealthy woman's shoes announced her presence to the mansion by clicking ominously on the marble floor as she bustled through the foyer.

"No, mum," the maid apologized, hurrying to keep up with her. "She's still in her room. Mary and I tried to get her dressed, but she's not very reasonable in the morning, as you know." Lady Grace sighed and rubbed her temple, as if she had a bothersome headache.

"Perhaps she'll change her tune when I tell her I have a surprise arranged for her." The woman of the house minded her multi-layered dress and petticoats, gingerly climbing the stairs that led to her daughter's bedroom on the second floor. She came to the seventh door on the left and knocked. "Ophelia, darling, it's your mother. May I come in?"

"Yes, mother," came the indifferent reply within. The magistrate's wife entered her daughter's room, closing the door behind her. She found her daughter seated at her desk, engrossed in a book. While her daughter was occupied, Lady Grace took in the disheveled state of her daughter, who hadn't touched her golden hair or made an effort to dress. Had she made any effort that morning to ready herself for the day? It certainly didn't look that way.

"Good heavens, dear, you haven't even begun to dress! Mary would've helped you, but she said you sent her away." Lady Grace frowned disapprovingly as her daughter, who didn't answer. Instead the girl just stared ahead at her mirror with a blissful look on her fair features.

"Mother, I couldn't bother with dressing right then! I'm reading the most wonderful story about…" Ophelia trailed off, coloring as she realized she'd said something wrong. Her mother frowned at her again.

"Ophelia Josephine Grace! I've never known you to be that interested in your assigned readings. You've been reading one of those dreadful romantic stories again, haven't you?"

"What else am I to do for fun?" Her daughter retorted. "You've kept me cooped up here for weeks; I had to do something to alleviate my boredom."

"You know how I feel about romantic stories!" Her mother snapped. "All they do is put ridiculous notions into your head about men and love. People of our station do not marry for love – it simply isn't done! Girls have their season, and once it's over their parents arrange a suitable marriage between them and whatever man they've managed to ensnare."

"I know, Mum," Ophelia said with a little sigh, for she'd head this speech many times before. "The books won't change my opinion on that, I promise. I know my duty and I still cannot wait for my season and to marry a suitable Lord or Duke or whoever will have me."

"Thank heavens," said her mother. "I know that when the time comes, you will make me proud of you." Ophelia nodded at that, as she did like to please her mother.

"You know, you were very lucky with your advantageous marriage to Father. I hope I shall marry a such prosperous man," she said with a wistful sigh. Secretly, Ophelia was terrified that she didn't have what it took to catch a man's eye. She supposed she was beautiful enough, but if her shyness impeded her during conversation, she knew all was lost. It really wasn't fair – she'd never even had the opportunity to speak with a boy her age! It was as if society was setting her up for failure.

"Not to worry dear; luck had nothing to do with it," her mother said slyly. "When your father crossed my path during the Duchess of Oxley's ball, I knew exactly what to do to make him interested in me. You see, Ophelia, I'm about to let you in on a little secret that has been passed down from the Bingham women for a century - one that has helped us gain advantageous husbands." Her daughter frowned.

"Secret? What secret?" Her mother smirked.

"We cheat." Ophelia's eyes widened in horror.

"Oh, mother, I couldn't do that. It sounds like something no better than what a common thief or pirate would do."

"Now, now, dear, we don't really cheat," he mother soothed. "We just bend the rules a little. You know how you aren't supposed to be around men unsupervised until your debut? Well, your great-grandmother thought of an idea that would change all that. She decided that her daughter should have a head start on all of the other shy and innocent young ladies that would be coming out that season. She needed to ensure that her daughter to be the one to end up with the most suitable husband."

"I don't understand," Ophelia frowned. "How could she ensure that?"

"My grandmother took my mother to meet a young man in secret, in hopes that she would get some practice learning how to charm men," her mother explained.

"But wouldn't their secret be exposed if the young man decided to talk?" Her daughter pointed out. Lady Lydia nodded.

"That's exactly what my grandmother thought, so she chose an unsuspecting man of common birth, one who wouldn't dare taint her daughter's reputation by revealing his affiliation with her."

"What happened?" Ophelia asked, horrifyingly intrigued by this bit of her family history.

"My mother's allure inspired your grandfather to ask for her hand, all thanks to the charms that she had perfected during her time spent with the commoner."

"That poor boy," Ophelia said softly. "How could Grandmother just take advantage of him like that?"

"It helped her win your grandfather," her mother reminded her. "If she hadn't done it, you more than likely wouldn't be here. And besides, dear, the boy was a commoner! It wasn't as if she had practiced her charms on one of her betters." Ophelia still didn't look quite convinced.

"Your great-grandmother made sure to tell the boy from the beginning that he wasn't supposed get too close to her daughter," her mother explained. "He knew that they wouldn't have any future together, due to their difference in station."

"It's still wrong," said Ophelia, shaking her head. Suddenly, a rather disturbing thought jumped into her mind. "Does this mean that you will want me to do the same? Practice, I mean."

"Of course it does," snapped her mother. "Well, aren't you going to thank me for letting you in on this secret? I was extremely grateful to my mother when she told me."

"Thank you, Mother," Ophelia said politely, as she gradually warmed to the idea. It wasn't as if she had a choice, after all.

"You start today," Lady Grace said briskly. "I've had it all arranged – you are to practice our charms on young William Turner under the pretenses of a sword-fighting lesson." At that exact moment, Ophelia's bible fell off her shelf as if pulled by some unseen force.

"Did you see that?" Her mother stammered, her face white as a sheet. "It fell on its own!"

"Mum, what's wrong?" Ophelia worried, placing a calming hand on her shoulder. "You look as if you just saw a ghost! The book just fell of its own accord." Her mother took a few deep breaths, letting them out slowly. Lady Grace always had been of the nervous sort, and the tiniest thing could upset her.

"Never mind, it must've just been my imagination," Lady Grace said frostily as she picked up the bible and returned it to its proper place on the shelf. Perhaps Ophelia's mother had been having doubts about the situation, and perhaps not. But the fact remained that she was going ahead with the plan. "As I was saying, you have a lesson today at three."

"But I can't learn to swordfight," her daughter protested. "It's not a proper activity for a lady. Their fathers or husbands are supposed to protect them if they are ever in danger."

"Yes, but your father is hardly ever at home, and with last night's attack on the house I don't feel that you are safe enough," argued her mother. "Not when we must protect your virtue for almost another entire year." Ophelia raised her eyebrows.

"Mum, some jewelry was stolen, and a rock left a small crack in my window."

"Well next time they could come inside your room," her mother hissed. "I want you to be prepared." No, you want me to practice charming men, Ophelia thought, but she held her tongue in her mother's presence. It would not do to speak one's mind in the presence of her elder, especially if her thoughts were less than kind. "Now, Ophelia, look on the bright side - you'll have the chance to get out of the house! Isn't that what you wanted?"

"I wanted to go for a walk on the beach," sighed Ophelia. "Learning to sword-fight isn't what I had in mind. I doubt I'll be very good."

"Don't worry about the sword-fighting, dear," said her mother, gracing her with her sweet smile and patting her hand in reassurance. "William instructed me on what you should wear, and he assured me that you'd only be using wooden swords these first few times. He's a lovely boy, Ophelia; you'd like him. And he's rather handsome, too!"

Yes, that's the problem, Ophelia thought with a sigh. As much as she did want to protest, Ophelia knew her mother was right. She did want to find the best match in a husband; it had been her mother's dream for her, a dream she'd readily embraced. If this was to increase her chances of doing that, what was the harm on practicing on a commoner, even if he was a nice boy? After all, once she left for London, she'd never see the boy again. And it wasn't as if William would seriously fall in love with her, as he knew it was impossible due to their class difference. But if there was no harm in it, why did her stomach suddenly feel all tied up in knots?

"Alright, Mum, I'll go," Miss Grace agreed, albeit reluctantly. "You may have Mary come and dress me now."

"I knew you would see reason for this little charade," said her mother as she rang for the maid. "Remember, that's all this is, Ophelia; a game. You have to trust your mother – she always knows best for you. And don't forget to have a bit of fun; this is your only chance to spend time with a man alone other than your husband. Enjoy it – I know I certainly did."

"Alone?" Ophelia cried, looking scandalized. "I couldn't possibly-"

"Figuratively speaking, darling," Lady Grace soothed. "You will take your governess with you as a chaperone."

"Oh!" The seventeen year-old porcelain beauty's shoulders sagged in relief. "Well, that's alright then." As the maids began to dress her, Ophelia's mind drifted to that day on the pier when she'd briefly smiled at William Turner.

"Mother, what is William like?" Lad Grace pursed her lips.

"He is the son the part-time blacksmith, Will Turner, which tells me his mother has money. Elizabeth Turner certainly seems to have been part of the gentry at one time, the way she carries herself. Now that is an odd match if I ever heard one! I heard from Mrs. Billingsworth that his father left them for ten years, and then Elizabeth welcomed him back as if nothing had ever happened. The scandal! If your father had left me and then suddenly reappeared after ten years, you'd better believe I would never-"

"No, Mother, I mean what is William like?" Ophelia interrupted gently, knowing if she didn't, her mother could spout gossip for hours. "I want to know about his personality."

"Well that doesn't really matter, does it?" Her mother chuckled at her daughter's naivety. "All you need to know is what his plans are for the future, how wealthy his family is, and if there are any scandals in recent history that have tainted his family name. Personalities are superfluous, really. Lord knows I wouldn't have married your father based on personality! Perish the thought! Now, listen to me, Ophelia. When you are conversing with young William, find a way to subtly make him feel important. Men fall for that one every time…"

Ophelia only half listened to her mother's babbling as she daydreamed about what it would be like to spend an afternoon with William's hands on hers as he instructed her how to sword-fight…

333

The Sparrow home, a bit later

Sammi awoke with a start, her mind hazy with dreams of William cutting her heart to pieces. She doubted she'd slept more than a few hours, but she knew that she couldn't wallow in bed forever – she had to face William sometime. And when she did, she would be ready. Norrington had suggested that she fight for him, and that was exactly what Sammi was going to do. Throwing on some clothes, Sammi stumbled downstairs barely remembering to tie her hair back with her olive bandana.

"It's good to see you up and about," Ana commented, pulling her daughter into a hug that Sammi returned. "Would you like me to get you something to eat?" Sammi nodded. Until her mother had mentioned food, she hadn't known how hungry she was. When she took a seat at the table, Sammi noticed that Teague was sitting across from her.

"Teague, why are you still here?" Sammi asked, bewildered. "Don't you usually play with our friends during this time of the day?"

"I told them to go on without me," he said with a shrug. "I wanted to stay and see if there was anything you needed me for." Sammi felt a rush of gratitude toward her brother, who was putting his own enjoyment aside so he could help her feel better. It was a very un-Sparrowish thing to do, and Sammi attributed it to the constant Turner influence on him.

"Thanks," Sammi said weakly, as her brother came over to give her a hug.

"You know William is a real wanker if he doesn't like you over that rich girl," said Teague. Sammi smiled wryly at that. "And he's a bloody idiot for giving up piracy. I used to look up to him so much when I was younger, but now…" He shook his head.

"Thanks, Teague," his sister chuckled. "But I'm going to try and work this out with him. I won't abandon our friendship over something like this, even if he did unknowingly hurt me. And if I can, I'm going to try and make him see reason about Ophelia. I would be more accepting of his choice if the girl didn't cause him change his entire lifestyle just to impress her!" Brother and sister continued to talk as Ana prepared their lunches. She withheld any advice she might have given, knowing it wouldn't be appreciated nor valued by Sammi.

Sammi had just finished her lunch when there was a knock at the door. Ana rose to get it, and brought a grinning William into the house. Sammi wondered why he'd bothered to knock, but chalked it up to his newfound outlook on life. But as much as she loved her best friend, there was only so much politeness that she could take…

"Sammi! You'll never guess who came in the shop this morning!" William panted.

"Who?" She asked, humoring him. He motioned for her to follow him and he led them outside where they could talk in relative privacy."

"Guess!"

"Was it my father?" William shook his head, not able to contain his excitement.

"Not even close; it was Lady Grace! She made an appointment for Ophelia at three, which I said was fine because I thought you'd understand if we had to skip our sword-fighting practice just this once. You don't mind, do you Sammi?" He said all of this very fast, and Sammi was struggling to keep up. Had he actually cancelled their daily sparring practice in order to teach the bloody magistrate's daughter the art of swordplay? This behavior was very bizarre - it wasn't like William at all! She couldn't understand it... but then she thought of a morbid explanation. Perhaps she was too late; perhaps his relationship with Ophelia Grace was inevitable whether she delayed it or not. William was still staring at her, pleading with his doe eyes that she would agree. Damn him, she never could resist those eyes.

"No, I don't mind," she said, careful to hide any emotion in her voice. "Although I don't understand why Ophelia suddenly needs to learn how to sword-fight."

"Their mansion was broken into last night while her father was away on a long business trip," William explained. "Lady Grace is afraid for her daughter's safety."

"But I thought ladies such as Ophelia aren't allowed to learn to sword-fight," Sammi protested. Don't you think Lady Grace's request is rather odd?"

"I thought it was quite forward thinking, actually," William replied with a frown. "I thought you would be all for it."

"Oh definitely," Sammi assured him, biting back the urge to scream. "I'm all for women learning to defend themselves, but it sounds like Lady Grace could have an ulterior motive." Something didn't seem quite right about this situation, but Sammi couldn't figure out what Lady Grace would gain by letting her daughter take lessons from William. She was positive Lady Grace wouldn't consider William to be a proper match for her daughter, so that couldn't be it. But what then? It frustrated Sammi to no end when William laughed.

"Come on, Sammi! Not every person thinks the way pirates do." Sammi sighed, wondering how long it was going to take before William learned that not all everyone's actions were as noble as his. William was talking again. "I really need your help," he said. "I have no idea how to act in front of a beautiful, sophisticated girl like her! What if I say something that offends her? Please, Sammi. I need your advice." Her heart thudded erratically in her chest at this – it was a wonder William couldn't hear it.

"You know, I'm really not the person you should be asking," Sammi said weakly.

"Why not? You're my best friend," said William. "Please?"

"Fine," she said dully. "Let's see – advice. Just be yourself, Will, or rather your new and improved self." He nodded, missing her sarcasm completely. "Also, try not to show off for her too much because you'll just make a fool of yourself."

"Right. Don't show off too much. Got it." He gazed at her eagerly. "What else?"

"Remember why you are there," Sammi said seriously. "You are giving her a lesson, not taking her out. You should remember to act professionally at all times." William let out a bark of laughter at this.

"I've already heard that from Lady Grace. Since when did you become concerned with professionalism?" Since right now, Sammi thought grimly.

"Will, I'm only looking out for you," she said. "Ophelia's father is a very powerful man, and if something was misinterpreted about your relationship with his daughter, he might put you in prison on a whim, a prison far far away from here where I'd never get to see you again because you might have already been thrown to the crocodiles." Crocodiles? Sammi inwardly groaned. Stop talking, stop talking, stop talking! William chuckled – his friend certainly did have a wild imagination.

"Don't worry about me," he assured her. "I'll behave like a perfect gentleman. But I'll have to touch her some time during the lesson, to adjust her grip or her stance. What if my hand starts shaking or something and she wises up about how I feel?" She pretended to think hard.

"You know, if it would make you feel better, you could just demonstrate for her today," said Sammi. "That way you wouldn't have to touch her at all! You could have your father or the other blacksmith spar with you so she could watch and learn, and perhaps later mimic the movements herself."

"That's a great idea!" William exclaimed, beaming at her. "Thank you. See, you do give good advice."

"Yeah," she muttered guiltily. "Maybe." William stretched and yawned.

"Well I'd best be off. I've got to clean this dirt off me, and have my mother help me dress in something that will look halfway decent to her."

"Good luck with that," said Sammi, watching as he turned away. "Will, wait!" He turned back around, looking at her expectantly.

"I bet you my guitar that she comes in wearing petticoats under her dress." William doubled over in laughter at that.

"She wouldn't do that! I already spoke to her mother about what she should wear. Petticoats would only impede her movements therefore they would be unsuitable for my lesson."

"You just wait," said Sammi. "I guarantee you she'll be wearing petticoats, with lots of frills and lace." She shuddered, not wanting to think about the itchy undergarments that high society girls had to wear beneath their dresses. "Good luck teaching her about proper footwork with those things on."

"It's not going to happen," William predicted with a grin. "I'll see you later, Sammi!" Sammi watched sadly as her best friend departed for the smithy, wondering if William would want to find time to spar with her tomorrow.

333

Sammi decided that she was going to spend the afternoon with her on-again off-again friend Thérèse. She needed to vent to someone her age, someone who would understand where she was coming from. Thérèse fit the bill perfectly, especially since she had once liked William herself. They went down to the docks to watch the ships arrive and depart, where Sammi spilled the whole story over a bottle of rum.

"…And then, he decides to give Ophelia a sword-fighting lesson during timeslot we were supposed to spar! He could've asked anyone else to cancel if need be, but noooo – he knew Sammi wouldn't mind!"

"That's just wrong," said her friend, taking a swig of her rum. "I can't believe he would do that to you. And why in the hell would he want to give up piracy, all for some devious little wench?" Sammi sighed.

"She's not a wench. As much as I'd love to think so, I doubt she's deserving of the title. Apparently she's very nice." Thérèse snorted into her rum.

"Samantha Sparrow, can't you see what's happening? She's putting her moves on William! Why else do you think she's taking a sword-fighting lesson from him? She's a wench, alright." Sammi frowned at that.

"But why, though? Girls like Ophelia are destined for men of the nobility." Thérèse shrugged.

"Perhaps she believes that William is noble enough for her." Sammi took a large gulp of rum and glared in response.

"Now what made you think that that comment was going to help me feel better?"

"Sorry," Thérèse said quickly. "We shouldn't get ahead of ourselves. All I'm saying is that I wouldn't put it past her."

"Ew, I don't to think about her and him anymore," Sammi groaned. "Why don't we go to the-" But she never had the chance to finish her thought, as Thérèse clutched Sammi's arm so tightly that her nails dug into her friend's caramel skin.

"Ouch!" Sammi protested. "What is wrong with you?"

"That voice," Thérèse cried. "It was coming from over there!" She pointed in the direction away from the harbor. "Do you hear it?" Repressing the urge to roll her eyes, Sammi listened intently, and she was just able to hear a deep male voice that could be none other than Norrington. What was he doing out here?

"I don't hear anything," said Sammi, playing dumb. "Are you sure you aren't just imagining things?"

"It's telling me it needs to speak with me!" Thérèse was nearly in hysterics now, and Sammi just stared at her quizzically.

"I've got to get out of here," her friend muttered, and the moment Sammi helped her up, she bolted.

"Don't wait for me!" Sammi called after her, chuckling as she called around for Norrington. Unfortunately she heard nothing else, so she decided to see if he had returned to his cave. Sure enough, Sammi found Norrington floating around the mouth of the cave, waiting for her.

"Ah there you are," she said. "I can see you now. How come you didn't reveal yourself to me before?" Norrington shrugged.

"Maybe I can't do it when you are around other people?"

"So what was it you needed to tell me?" She asked, wanting to get straight to the point. James the ghost sighed.

"Samantha, I've found out that you have a serious problem pertaining to Ophelia." She snorted at that.

"Tell me something I don't know. Believe me, I'm well aware of the fact that William chose to give Ophelia a lesson instead of to spar with me." Norrington shook his head, looking grave.

"You don't understand. I watched William today for you, knowing that Elizabeth was safe enough at her home. I saw Lady Grace go to the smithy and set up the appointment with him, and something didn't feel quite right. On a hunch, I decided to follow the woman home and be glad I did, because if I hadn't I wouldn't be able to tell you this most dreadful news." The ghost stared at her with intense pity, a look that made Sammi nervous.

"What news?" She whispered. Norrington took her hand, and Sammi rather wished that he hadn't as he practically froze her entire arm.

"Ophelia has been sent to William by her mother so that she can practice wooing him in preparation for her big debut in London." Her legs trembling, Sammi sat down on the cold, hard, rocky ground.

"You mean Ophelia is going to use him? She's going to practice her charms on him and then discard him like a piece of rubbish when she's finished?"

"I'm afraid so," the ghost sighed. "Lady Grace made it quite clear that she wanted her daughter to entice William to fall in love with her."

"Well she won't have to work very hard," Sammi said bitterly. "He's already entranced with her. But what kills me is that Ophelia is going to pretend to return his feelings, giving him a fleeting hope for a future together."

"It is a cruel thing to do," Norrington agreed. Sammi just sat there in shock, wondering how Lady Grace could prod her daughter into eventually breaking her best friend's pure and innocent heart. Deep feelings of anger, outrage, worry, and fear all swirled together into one driving force spurned her into action.

"I have to go," she said at last, standing up. "I-I have to go - right now."

"Whot?" Norrington cried. "But you just got here!"

"I have to tell William what's going on," she decided. "He'll listen to me; I'm his best friend! I've got to put a stop to this now before she truly hurts him."

"What if he doesn't listen to you?" Norrington asked. "What if he doesn't want to believe the truth?" Sammi sighed.

"I haven't thought that far ahead. But I know that I have to try, even if I have a slim chance of getting through to him. Maybe if I leave now, I can catch him before he starts the lesson. Goodbye, Norrie," she said, heading for the exit.

"It's Norrington," he corrected her, but he didn't seem quite as cross about it this time. "Good luck, Samantha."

"Thanks," she said. "And thanks also for eavesdropping on the Graces – you're really quite useful in that regard."

"Good to know," Norrington said dryly. He watched as Sammi waved at him and then raced out of cave, debating who he should watch over next.

333

"William!" Sammi cried, brushing past people in the bustling marketplace as she made her way towards the smithy. Please let me get there before she does, please! She willed herself to run faster, putting on a last burst of speed as she reached the blacksmith shop.

"Is William…here?" She panted, and the blacksmith stopped his work and came over to speak with her. It took her a couple seconds to adjust to the dim light to see that the blacksmith was Will. He seemed rather at home here, amid the dirt and grit. "Will!" She sighed in relief, thrilled to see a familiar face. "Am I glad to see you!"

"Sammi, what's wrong?" Will asked anxiously, having picked up on her distress at once.

"Nothing. Well, not nothing. Is your son here?" She asked.

"He's upstairs, why?"

"Has his three o'clock appointment arrived?" Will winced. He knew exactly how Sammi felt about William's three o'clock.

"The Graces? No, they've yet to show." A small smile materialized on her face.

"Thanks!" She took the stairs two at a time, and burst into the room where William was just finishing up with Mr. Two-thirty, who brushed past her down the stairs.

"Sammi?" William blinked, as if almost frightened to see her there. "What's wrong? Why are you here?"

"The Graces are trying to take advantage of you," she cried, still trying to catch her breath.

"What?" He frowned. "How? They're paying me more than enough."

"It's not about the money!" She claimed. "Will, I came all the way down here because I found out that the only reason Lady Grace wanted Ophelia to take lessons is so that she could practice her charms on you before her big debut in London."

"That's ridiculous," he growled. "Even if her mother had suggested it, Ophelia wouldn't ever do such a thing."

"I know, it sounds ridiculous," Sammi agreed. "But I know for a fact that Ophelia was ordered to make you fall in love with her, in preparation for snagging a rich husband." William gritted his teeth.

"Did you hear Lady Grace say this yourself?"

"Yes," Sammi said quickly, a little too quickly.

"You're lying," he said. "You couldn't have gotten that close to her."

"Alright, I was lying about that part," Sammi admitted. "But my friend really did hear her say that!"

"Which friend?" William asked, suspicious. "And how would he gain access to their private conversations?"

"I can't tell you," she said desperately, knowing how bad that sounded. "Please, William – you have to trust me on this. She's going to break your heart!" He glared at her.

"Is this about me spending our sparring time with her instead of you? Because if it had really bothered you, you should've just told me!" William's voice grew considerably louder. Sammi's voice too had increased in volume as their argument grew more heated.

"This isn't about the bloody sparring!" She glared right back at him. "Ugh, you know what? Fine. I don't care. You don't have to believe me. I know that I sounded like. But don't come running to me when she leaves you for a wealthier man."

"Sammi, I'm going to have to ask you to leave." William growled. "The Graces are going to arrive any minute now."

"Don't worry, I'm going," she snarled back. "I won't let you be seen with a colored girl when the Graces arrive." William just gaped at her.

"Whaaaat? I've never said anything about-"

"No, but you were thinking it," she said coolly, and they both knew that she was right. If William was to make a favorable impression on the Graces, then he wouldn't want to have Sammi be present when they arrived.

"Sammi, that's unfair! You know that has never mattered to me," said William, wearing a wounded expression now.

"Then you don't mind if I stay." Sammi folded her arms, taking perverse pleasure in knowing that every second that she lingered made him more nervous.

"Please don't make this any complicated than it already is," he whispered. She sighed, realizing that this barrier between them was bound to show up sooner or later.

"I'm sorry, Will; I tried to warn you. Goodbye."

Sammi left him standing there, agitated and bothered. She trudged down the steps, only when she looked out the window she saw that the Graces were about to enter the shop! She dove for cover, almost colliding with Will, who barely avoided dropping a pile of freshly-made horseshoes on her. In her haste to hide, she found she'd banged up her left ankle pretty good. William's father stared quizzically at her as Sammi crouched down behind one of the crates of finished products, dragging her injured leg behind her. But his question was answered when the Graces entered the shop. Sammi couldn't hold it in any longer, she whimpered softly as her ankle throbbed in pain.

"Good day, Mr. Turner," Lady Grace said crisply. "I – what was that shrill noise?" Sammi bit her lip to keep from crying out again, hoping Will could think quickly on his feet.

"That? That's just, er, my puppy," said Will giving Lady Grace, her daughter, and the woman he presumed to be a chaperone a knee-weakening smile in hopes of distracting them.

"I love puppies!" Ophelia proclaimed, smiling back at him. "Can I see him?"

"I don't think that's such a good idea," cautioned Will. "Tim has been known to bite." He cleared his throat. "Well, I'm sure William is expecting you upstairs." Lady Grace nodded, and bid her daughter goodbye. Ophelia and the other woman went upstairs at once, shutting the door behind them. Both Will and Sammi gave huge sighs of relief.

"What happened?" Will asked. Sammi just shrugged, willing herself not to cry as pain of both physical and emotional means threatened to overwhelm her.

"Nothing, I'm just clumsy I guess." She tried to stand, but found she couldn't put her entire weight on the injured ankle.

"Careful!" Will caught her before she fell and hurt herself again.

"I have to go home," said Sammi, her entire body shaking like a leaf. "William doesn't want me to be here." Will sighed, wondering what her son had done to Sammi this time.

"You aren't in any condition to walk home like that. Here, I'll take you home." Will gathered her in his arms, minding her ankle. "I'm so sorry that this happened to you, Sammi."

"Thanks," Sammi whispered, staring up at him with miserable eyes. Will carefully maneuvered them out of the shop, intent on taking her home to Jack and Ana. Sammi felt the full toll of her exhaustion and succumbed to sleep, safe in Will's arms. As Will hurried in the direction of the Sparrow home, he wondered how he was going to convince Jack that he wasn't to blame for this incident.

333

If Will had stayed at the smithy for a few minutes longer, he would've seen Ophelia's chaperone quietly take her leave, leaving her charge completely alone with William.

End Ch. 4

A/N: So there you have it! Next chapter will feature William and Ophelia's first interaction, as well as Sammi's reaction to all of this. Let me know what you think of Ophelia so far!