The governor's carriage pulled next to the Intrepid's dock. Second Lieutenant Edward Aubrey greeted them. "Welcome to the Intrepid. Governor, Miss Swann. If you'll follow me. The men will take care of your baggage."

They stepped out of the carriage and looked at the magnificent ship. "She's a first-rate, isn't she, lieutenant?" asked Elizabeth.

"That she is, Miss Swann," replied Aubrey, as they headed for the gangway. "Her sister ship was the Dauntless."

Elizabeth looked up and watched as the Intrepid's main topsail slowly unfurled. "She's square rigged. Those sails have the advantage when the wind is astern of the ship or over the quarter."

"Elizabeth!" protested her father.

"No offense is taken, governor," replied Aubrey as the crossed the gangway. "You seem to know a great deal about our ship, Miss Swann." He offered his hand to her and helped her to step off the gangway and onto the ship.

She smiled. "During our crossing from England, Commodore – well First Lieutenant - Norrington taught me a great deal about navigation and sailing to help with my studies while at sea. I struggled horribly with math until James…er…Lieutenant Norrington showed me how to actually apply it to something meaningful besides sewing."

Her father shot her a warning look. She smiled inwardly. This was the light duel of wits that they always seemed to engage with each other. He demanded that she stick to domestic topics while she crossed over them.

Aubrey nodded approvingly. "You could not have learned from a better man, Miss Swann. Many of us were trained by Commodore Norrington and many more wish they had an opportunity to be under his direct command."

"Then I have complete confidence in the crew, lieutenant. Thank you for seeing my father and I onto the ship," she said graciously. She looked back at her father as if to say, see, I can be a gracious host and knowledgeable.

Aubrey bowed. "My pleasure, Miss Swann, governor. We have reserved a space for you in the captain's cabin. If you require anything, please do not hesitate to ask me."

"Thank you, lieutenant," replied the governor.

Just then Captain Gillette came down from the quarterdeck and approached them. "My apologies for not meeting you directly, Governor Swann."

"No apologies are necessary, captain," he replied.

"Congratulations on your recent promotion, captain," said Elizabeth as she shook Gillette's hand. "I know you more than earned it."

"Thank you, Miss Swann. Governor, if I may have a moment with you in private."

Elizabeth turned to watch the bustle on the deck of the ship as the two men talked. Goods were being lifted onto the ship through a system of pulleys. Top men went aloft to ready the sails for departure. She felt a pang in her heart. While she had every confidence in these men it wasn't quite the same as having James on the ship or hearing his voice issuing commands to his men. Another pang hit her. Why had she hurt him so much? James Norrington was a fine man and yet she had treated him as if he were just a tool to be used. She remembered his hurt expression when she had declared her love for Will. Elizabeth immediately pushed that thought away and tilted her head upwards to keep the tears from spilling down. I'm so sorry, James, she thought. I will find you and I will find a way to make it up to you.

The captain and the governor went by the doors of the cabin. "The East India Trading Company's armada has been spotted, sir, and will arrive here before morning. I will to need to leave earlier than I anticipated. You've sent the women and children to Fort James, yes?"

The governor nodded. "Yes. The infantrymen have taken them to the northern fort though a few have volunteered to stay behind to maintain the illusion of presence. Have you received any information about Commodore Norrington?"

Gillette shook his head, "No, sir, but the Vindictive should be there by nightfall." Gillette grabbed the governor's arm. "Be very careful, governor. Remember what I said about Beckett and Mister Mercer."

Swann nodded, "Thank you for your assistance, captain. Please take care of my daughter."

"I will, sir," said Gillette, even though he knew that Elizabeth Swann was more than capable of taking care of herself.