Chapter Seven: Engagement

A/N Emily's Part, there is more Norribeth in this one we promise, enjoy and PLEASE, PLEASE review xxx

Disclaimer: See ALL previous chapters

And James knew why. At that moment, Elizabeth came running in; they were almost identical - Victoria was a blonde version of Elizabeth, apart from one tiny detail: the scar just under Elizabeth's jaw. He'd been there the day that happened, the day the waves crashed the young girl into the rocks, and like always, he'd been there for her.

'Victoria!' Elizabeth smiled. 'What are you doing here?'

'Your father sent for me, said he wanted me to meet someone, I think i can see why,' she said, sending a flirtatious glance in James' direction; already she liked the look of the commodore. Elizabeth's face suddenly blackened.

'Father, how could you?' she cried and ran out of the room slamming the door behind her. James looked at the governor, sighed and shook his head before reopening the door and running after her. He had always been there for Lizzie and that wasn't going to change now...

Elizabeth ran down the stairs and out of her front door all the way down to the deserted beach where she finally collapsed on the sand.

'Mind if I join you madam?' came a familiar voice behind her. She'd know that voice anywhere.

'Oh James,' she sighed and burst into tears. James knelt down on the sand behind her and pulled her into his arms where he gently rocked her back and forth, soothing her until she calmed down. 'What will we do James?' she asked, looking into his eyes. 'I'm confused, tell me what to do.'

'You're engaged to the blacksmith that must mean you love William in some way?' he said.

'I love you more,' she replied quickly. James did not need any more evidence than that, so he slowly, gently placed his mouth on hers...

Elizabeth didn't need much coaxing, her mouth opened easily and she responded to even his lightest of touches.

'Wait, not here,' Elizabeth's sense of reality finally returned to her. 'We will, soon,' she promised as James' hand stopped half way up her skirts. 'Just not here, somewhere special.'

'Where could be more special than here Lizzie? This is our special place remember?'

'Elizabeth is right' a sad voice said from behind them, making the two jump. 'Have some decency Norrington, anybody could see you,' said William, and he walked away.

Elizabeth looked into James' eyes, silently willing him to understand that she had to go after her fiancé; he nodded.

Elizabeth followed William back to his work stable and sat down in front of him.

'William, I-'

'You don't need to explain my love. You love him more than me, you always have and you always will. You can't help it; therefore i can't blame you for it. So I shall let you go.'

'I do love you Will,' she smiled sadly.

'I know,' he replied. 'You know how much i wish it was more.' Tears leaked from the girl's soft brown eyes as she embraced the man who up until five minutes ago had been her fiancé. 'Goodbye Elizabeth,' the blacksmith muttered as he kissed her forehead.

'Goodbye Will,' she whispered, and left. Before she closed the door she turned back and smiled at William, who smiled back at her, then she shut the door behind her...

'Governor, I'd like to ask for your daughter's hand in- oh no. Governor Swan, it is with the greatest honour that i ask-no! Sir, I have am in love with Elizabeth and i would like to-'

'Ask for her hand in marriage? Yes so I gathered Commodore,' said Governor Swan, startling James as he practised in front of his mirror.

'Sir, I-'

'James,' the older man interrupted. 'I don't want an explanation, and I see now I was wrong in trying to match you with Victoria. Ever since my Lizzie was born, I've always wanted to give her away to a man who fully deserves her. You fully deserve her James. I want you to take good care of her, I know you will, but please James, don't make a scene with the blacksmith, otherwise I might change my mind about agreeing to you marrying my daughter.'

'Thank you governor!' cried James, resisting the urge to hug his soon-to-be father-in-law yet not holding back on his tears of joy.

'Elizabeth?' The governor was knocking on his daughter's bedroom door. 'Are you decent?'

'Yes father, come in.'

'I have something for you,' he said, opening the box he was carrying to reveal a tight, red satin dress, the neckline adorned with diamonds. 'I want you to wear this to the annual official's dinner tonight.'

'Father, it's beautiful. But why do you want me to wear something so spectacular to the dinner?' Elizabeth asked.

'Let's just say that Commodore Norrington has a little surprise for you.' And the governor walked out, leaving his daughter looking at the dress with a confused state of mind...