Chapter 7

First Sunday

The sun had yet to rise when Elizabeth dragged herself from her cozy bed and dressed for chores. She had heard Will get up a half hour earlier and made sure he had left the house before exiting her room. The previous evening had been reticent at best. The two shared a cold supper of corned beef and crackers. Few words were shared, only that church was at 9:00am and both agreed they would honor Lottie's wishes and attend. Knowing chores would have to be done early, Elizabeth convinced a hesitant Will that her services were not optional and that she would be feeding the chickens and helping with chores in the morning. She would have to wash up for church after chores, so and saw little use in priming herself for the chickens. Now that Will was out of the house she could safely leave her bedroom without the worry that he would see her in such a state. She hurried downstairs to find a cup of fresh coffee sitting alone on the kitchen table. Elizabeth walked over to the wash basin and noted a dirty coffee cup turned upside down. He had made coffee, and poured a cup for her. Truth be told, she was never a fan of the strong drink but the sentiment behind the gesture warmed her as much as the hot liquid going down her throat. She cringed at the bitter tang yet as she walked out the front door she felt as if she had a bit more spring to her step. The chickens were still nestled in their roost as she lifted the heavy rock off the cover of the wooden feed barrel. The lone candle in the window of the chicken house was her only light. As she reached down into the dark feed barrel she felt something attempt to scurry up her dress sleeve. She could feel the pad of each foot clawing to hold onto the thin material.

"Ahhh!" She could still feel the creature clinging to her sleeve as she pulled it from the barrel. A mass of squawking fowl preceded her out of the chicken house door as she ran screaming onto the front lawn. Flailing her arms everywhere she finally felt the small creature release her sleeve. She then picked up her dress and ran screaming over to the cattle fence. She scaled the fence in the flinch and did not stop to breathe until she was nimbly sitting on the top row. Her mind was going a million miles a minute as she scanned the ground below for even the slightest hint of movement. It was then the world slowed back down and she noticed the chickens running madly around the yard in a flurry of feathers. Something grazed her hand and she screamed again, losing her balance, then falling off the fence into two strong arms. It was at that moment her mind registered it was Will and not the mouse that had grazed her hand. The look on his face was one of shock and concern. She could only imagine what she looked like to him. Her tangled bed hair had come undone from the tie and was sticking to her sweat glazed face. The fine chicken feed from the barrel powdered her dress sleeves. She was an absolute mess. Will attempted to set her down, but her arms involuntarily went around his neck as she pulled him into a strong embrace. With her arms tightly around him she could feel the rapid rise and fall of her chest. It was then she realized she was crying. Elizabeth could not remember the last time she cried. Even when she left her parents at the train station she did not shed tears. She was crying over a little mouse for heaven's sake! Emotions were something she had left at home alongside her parents. Will's hand gently rubbing her back brought her back to reality as she let go of his neck and allowed him to set her down. She did not look him in the eye until she brushed the feed off her dress and adjusted her disheveled sleeves. He raised his eyebrows, asking the question without saying a word.

"It was a mouse." She stated plainly. He nodded his head once and reached up to gently rub her arm.

"I'm fine. Thank you." She replied indifferently, pulling her arm from reach and turning back towards the chicken house. How could she have let herself act so foolishly? She was a strong and independent woman, and had just acted like a loon over a small rodent! He truly must think of her as incompetent. She couldn't even accomplish the simple task of feeding the chickens. Elizabeth lowered the candle carefully down into the feed barrel ensuring she would not be taken off guard again. Relieved to see that the mouse did not have any friends lurking in the barrel she filled the small bucket with feed and spread it in a large circle on the floor of the chicken house. One by one the chickens came through the door and pecked away at the feed. She placed the bucket back into the barrel and covered it again using the heavy rock again to secure the crude wooden lid. The sun was just cresting the horizon as she blew out the candle in the sill. Will was no where in sight as she walked out of the chicken house. She roughly ran her fingers through her hair, only to find it past the point of simple grooming. Sweat and chicken feed where matted into the long strands. She saw the well out of the corner of her eye. The milk pail was absent underneath, thus giving away Will's current location. The adrenaline from the mouse assault moved her legs swiftly and a few pumps later, her head was drowning below the steady stream of water. The brisk water from the well was quite a shock for so early in the morning. She gasped at the sudden sensation of cold water dripping down her back. Pulling her head quickly back she wringed the cold water from her hair and attempted to rub the water from her face. The top of her dress was soaked and the brisk morning breeze went right through the thin linen of her dress. She turned towards the house only to find Will standing a few feet in front of her, milk pail in hand. He looked at her with great perplexity. After his eyes meet hers, they trailed down her figure to assess the situation. His face momentarily flushed, and he suddenly looked towards the ground. He was disgraced at her appearance. How could she blame him? Her actions had been deplorable. She was an educated woman, not some animal from the barn! How could she have let things go so awry? Overcome with embarrassment, she wrapped her arms around her chilled frame and started towards the house. Will gently caught her arm as she strode by. Before she could say a word he slid his jacket from his shoulders and slipped it around her. She couldn't hide the small smile of thanks as her eyes briefly met his before she continued into the house. Once in her room she momentarily held his jacket to her nose, breathing in his scent with a slight smirk. She then laid it on the bed and went to survey the damage in her wardrobe's mirror. Opening her wardrobe she gasped aloud at the sight! In her rush to get out and start chores she had chose to wear a simple yellow dress that Lottie had given her and a light chemise and drawers. She did not put on a bodice or petticoat. The light yellow wet linen of the dress was almost transparent and visibly displayed the contours of her chest and legs. Even in the privacy of her room she quickly wrapped her arms around herself for the sake of modesty. Standing there shivering she looked at herself in the mirror. The reflection was so different than the usual primed princess. Instead stood a woman who had just forsaken everything society had taught her to aid a complete stranger. She slowly dropped her arms and admired who she had become for a brief moment before shedding the water logged garments. Although she prided herself in the transition from city girl to country woman, church was less than an hour away. With this being the first time she would meet the townspeople she wanted to make a good impression.

The emerald green dress her mother had commissioned for her months ago was the perfect choice. The long s-curve of her corset perfectly framed her silhouette. Lacing it up had been both a struggle and delight. No longer was she subjected to the brutality of her maids; she could lace it as loose as she wanted. The trumpet- shaped skirt fit closely over her hips and had a wasp-waist cut with flaring just above her knees. The high neckline and puffed sleeves accented her delicate shoulders. She finished it off with a sharp tailored jacket that gave her a confident air and reflected her dream of complete emancipation.

She placed the last pin to secure her hat and grabbed her crème parasol from the wardrobe. If she didn't know better she would have sworne she was looking at an illusion in the mirror. Pleased with her appearance, she headed down stairs. Will would be in for quite a surprise, she mused, watching her footing on the narrow staircase. Her transformation would be a revelation-, from field mouse to city majesty with the help of but of a few hair pins. She looked up to see Will waiting for her in the doorway. Her breath hitched as she slowly took in the sight before her. He was wearing a dark pair of trousers with matching long coat and waistcoat. The crisp white linen of his shirt was a sharp contrast to the tan skin that peaked through the collar of his shirt. At first glance he appeared all the gentleman but the open top buttons of his shirt revealed his more inquitous side. A side of him unknown to most, but made quite evident to her with by his childish antics. His hair was neatly tied back, and his brown eyes soulfully gazed back up at her. It was at that moment her heeled boot missed a stair and she stumbled forward finding herself once again in William's strong embrace.

"You clean up rather nice yourself, Miss Swann." Will mused aloud, clearly noting her favorable glance. She caught her footing and curtly pulled from his arms.

"I simply was caught off guard by your picnic basket." She lied, busying herself with her jacket in hopes to hide her blush. Will looked down at the basket in his hands.

"It's Sunday, having lunch with the congregation is tradition."

"Then we best not keep them waiting," she replied calmly, as she moved past him through the front door.

The wagon ride was the tensest part of the day thus far. The silence between them felt aberrant as his hands tightly gripped the reigns and the stolen glances between them were left unspoken. With the steeple on the horizon Elizabeth finally couldn't help herself.,

"How many townsfolk attend services?" she humbly inquired.

"About 60 or so." He kept his eyes focused forward. His temperament seemed calm but he was anything but collected. The reigns were wrapped tightly around his hands while his right leg impatiently bounced to an unknown beat. Something was on his mind. He was probably thinking of her continued bumbling this morning, ending perfectly with her inability to walk down the stairs. Why did she act so daft in his presence? She had been around plenty of men in her life, and none inflicted her with such ineptness. He soon jumped from the seat and tied the horses to a nearby hitch. He then promptly came to her side and assisted her down from the wagon, offering his arm to escort her up the hill. The act was not lost upon her, as she fought to contain her smile as he ever so slightly tucked her arm under his own. Elizabeth admired the large stone building as they headed up the small hill. It was built on a rise overlooking a small creek. The building was quaint in size with sandstone walls and adorned with a tall steeple. As they approached the building she noted two large, double, Gothic-arch doors. The bell in the steeple started to chime and Will picked up their pace. Right before entering he took her hand and gave it a light squeeze before releasing it and heading towards the door on the left. Elizabeth quickly followed, already feeling guilty for making them so late. Before her foot hit the first stone step Will abruptly turned around and looked at her with alarm.

"What do you think you're doing?" he quietly scolded. The gentle smile that had graced her countenance slowly narrowed into a tight thin line. Had he gone mad? What did he think she was doing? She was following him into church, for heaven's sake!

"Going to church with you." She deadpanned. The look on his face remained that of disbelief. What did he mean for her to do? Wait outside?

"Elizabeth, this is the men's entrance. The women's door is over there." He pointed towards the opposite arched doorway. She looked at him with disbelief.,

"Why separate doors? We are all the same in front of God." Will rolled his eyes and frankly grabbed her hand pulling her to the opposite door.

"Now is not the time for a religious debate. We are already late. This will be your first impression to the town. Best start off on the right foot… and through the correct door." They now stood in front of the women's entrance and Elizabeth couldn't hide the hint of trepidation in her eyes.

"Just be your charming self" Will replied to her obvious apprehension with a look of mischief in his eyes. She narrowed her brow at his evident sarcasm.

"I can be quite enchanting when treated with respect," she retorted as he ascended the opposing stairs and they both entered the church together.

The church service came to an abrupt stop as they entered the room. Elizabeth was unsure if they had interrupted the prayer or sermon but regardless, the focus of the entire congregation was now on her. Will was correct when saying the church was segregated. The women and children were seated on the right with the men seated contrary to the left. Reverend Norrington seemed stunned as his eyes remained fixed on Elizabeth standing hesitantly in the back of the room. A large smile spanned across his face as he nodded his head towards Elizabeth.

"Please be seated," he gently directed. She took the first open seat next to an older stout woman wearing an oversized hat. She was afraid to even look to her left throughout the service. She counted around fifteen school- aged children and was curious on about who their former instructor had been. Each child sat motionless throughout the service, and sang each hymn correspondingly. The women in the room were simply dressed, each with a dark linen dress, with their hair pinned up beneath a hat or bonnet. That is, except for one- Amanda Varner. The white lace dress she donned was clearly visible among the rest of the dark blues and purples. Her long brown hair cascade down her back, while the sides where pinned up underneath a felt grey boater hat trimmed with a robin blue ribbon. Elizabeth grimaced at the sight of her. Her dress was entirely inappropriate for church, and her hat made her look like she was clinging to her youth. Only young children still wore boater hats. If she was trying to impress Will with her childlike apparel, she certainly would fail.

"If I may please have everyone's attention!" Reverend Norrington's voice broke her reverie, "I would be honored to introduce the congregation to Ms Elizabeth Swann." If she didn't have the full congregation's attention before she had it now. Even people in the front pews were turning around to assess the new member. "Ms. Swann is the town's new school teacher. I would like to extend her our warmest welcome." He motioned for Elizabeth to stand momentarily before dismissing the congregation. She greeted the women of the church on the way out and started to feel a little more at home as she stepped out into the bright morning sunlight. She soon spotted Will and slowly mingled her way over to him. His smile was a breath of fresh air as she politely excused herself from a family of four to finally reach his side. No sooner had she graced his presence before Ms Amanda Varner snaked her arm around his bicep.

"William I am so very happy to see you this morning!" She exclaimed while sideling sidling closer to him.

"I have been looking forward to our surrey ride all week!" Elizabeth couldn't hide the look of amusement on her face as her eyes met Will's. He had hitched the wagon this morning, not the surrey. Truth be told, Elizabeth had never even seen a surrey at the farmstead. Will gave her a exasperated sigh in reply as he took Amanda's hand in his own.

"Please accept my deepest apology Amanda, but with my mother's recent injury I have been unable to travel to the livery and pick up the surrey. I fear we will just have to reschedule our plans."

"Oh, yes your mother's injury! I am so sorry to hear about her leg. You must be exhausted having to care for all those animals by your lonesome. Just don't you worry, as long as I'm with you I don't care what we're riding!" Elizabeth raised her eyebrows at Will once more, silently challenging him to try and find another way out. A weak smile of defeat appeared on Will's face as he patted Amanda's hand,

"I'll go hitch up the horses." A thought quickly passed Elizabeth's mind, foregoing the part of her mind that filters such statements, and proceeded straight out her mouth.

"What am I to do while you're gone?" The moment she said it she instantly regretted it. She was a sovereign woman that had just met a roomful of people who desired even a moment of her time. What did she care what William Turner did with his time?

"You could go meet the children since that is why you are here," was Amanda Varner's riposte. Before Elizabeth could counter, back Reverend Norrington approached them.,

"Mr. Turner and Ms. Swann. So happy you could join us this morning!" Will nodded in return.,

"My apology for being late, Reverend. Things have been a bit more challenging with mother laid up in town."

"Yes William, I visited her yesterday in Willow Springs." Will's eyes light up with even the mention of his mother. "She looked quite well and told me to be expecting the both of you in church this morning." Will smiled.,

"I am just happy to hear she is doing well." The Reverend nodded,

"She will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers. Will you be joining us for lunch I hope?" Will looked to Amanda then back to the Reverend,

"I have given my word to Ms. Varner that I would escort her on a wagon ride."

"Well then may Ms. Swann and I join you?" Elizabeth's mouth went slightly agape as she turned towards the Reverend. He flashed a timid smile before tentatively taking her hand in his.

"That is, I would be honored Ms. Swann if you accompanied me on a wagon ride this fine day."

I can not thank everyone enough for their kind reviews! It is wonderful to see that your writing is enjoyed. I also want to extend my deepest gratitude to my writing coach, you know who you are-and your are brilliant :) I had a great time reviewing the history for this chapter : ) Victorian fashion in the late 1800s was quite interesting. There are similarities in the period 1885 with 1985 when women also showed their strength and independence in the work place. Late Victorian women embraced the sharper tailored jacket fashion which gave them a different posture with a more confident air reflecting the ideals of early female emancipation. Some dresses also had a more severe air about them. This fashion is called "Power Dressing" today. In the l890s, women's fashion became simpler and less extravagant; bustles fell out of use and dresses were not as tight as before. Corsets were still used but became slightly longer, giving women a slight S-curve silhouette. Skirts took on a trumpet shape, fitting closely over the hip with a wasp-waist cut and flaring just above the knee. High necks and puffed sleeves became popular. Victorian times saw a cornucopia of hats for women, each decade claiming one or two styles as its own. From huge touring hats adorned with tulle and silk, laces, flowers, feathers, and fruits to small "fascination" hats jauntily tipped forward on the head. Boater hats, usually made of straw and sporting a ribbon on the crown, were a lightweight hat for girls. A hat meant for more casual times. Girls wore boaters for playing outdoors and for walking or playing. Boaters would be worn on top of the head or tipped on the back of the head, held on by ribbons.

Now onto the history or the late 1800s church. The church I am describing in this story is a German Methodist church. The members were very strict and upright people, who observed unwavering social and moral standards. For these people, Sunday always meant Church. The seating was segregated in the Methodist Church, with the men sitting on one side of the church and the women sitting on the other side. Even the entrance to the church was segregated, with the men and women entering and leaving through separate doors. Families from miles around prepared meals and rode to the church in buggies or wagons, with some of the men riding on horseback. Upon arriving, each family settled into their traditional places on the church grounds. They tied up and fed the horses and proceeded to the church in little groups, greeting each of the other families as they went. But when they came to the front of the church, the men and women separated and entered through their respective doors. Even newlyweds observed this custom. It appears the Reverend has more interest in Elizabeth than her ability to teach. The wagon ride should be quite a treat for all aboard! Thank you again for your reviews!