~Chapter 8: The normal etiquette~
Abigail seemed quite happy as she sat down at the desk, a small sigh escaping her lips as she gazed at her clean reflection.
During the last few days and the events, she was thankful she was allowed to have another bath and vowed to try to have one everyday.
The ship had been attacked and Abigail had hidden in James' quarters, James' coming in and quite appreciative that she was al right, having to explain that Elizabeth had run off to save William (which Abigail feigned innocent disbelief).
They'd arrived back in Port Royal, Abigail spending most of her time with Elizabeth and discovering that something had happened between her and Will which affected the matter of her and James still being engaged. It was only the small glimpses the two of them would cast each other, when they thought no one else was looking that allowed Abigail to have a little hope still remain.
Finally, although knowing that she could have easily gone away and immediately stayed in a different accommodation, Abigail had happily accepted the quiet request that she stay with James. She wasn't to mention it to anyone and she slept in a smaller guest room, adjacent to James'. She knew he didn't want to risk anything with his engagement to Elizabeth, feeling it necessary to allow her to 'recover to full health' before he left.
Abigail also seemed troubled by the events surrounding Jack Sparrow (whom she encountered briefly) and how he seemed to mix in with Elizabeth and Will.
A small knock at her door and she turned in her chair.
"Come in."
The click of the handle sounded and the door opened slowly, Abigail smiling as it revealed someone she expected.
"Jamie." She smiled and stood up, walking happily over to him as he entered.
He bowed courteously towards her and walked, meeting her halfway.
"How do you feel?" He asked, a warm smile replacing the usual cold expression he wore.
"Better. I think it's safe to say I've fully recovered. I even got through last night without nightmares," She laughed and watched him carefully, "what news do you bring me?"
"Good news. Sparrow is to be hung tomorrow."
Abigail' smile faltered slightly and she was taken aback my his idea of good news.
"Oh...Oh well...yes...any other news?" She asked, hoping that he'd tell her something good.
"Yes, we contacted the minister today and I and Elizabeth can move our wedding up to next week." The flash in James' eyes seemed to go slightly, giving off something that she thought might have been regret.
"Oh...well that's...wonderful."
A silence filtered around them and James' strode away towards the window, gazing out as the sun seemed to finally dip itself into the cool ocean, colours spiralling out around it and illuminating the sky.
"Jamie...do you want to marry Elizabeth?"
James turned quickly and looked towards Abigail who stood still in the same spot she was, staring at him nervously.
"I...pardon?" He thought he hadn't heard her right and was also knocked off guard by the sudden question.
"I...I'm sorry I just...Elizabeth...she...and you are...well...my mother and father," Abigail seemed to stop her stuttering by finding something she was comfortable with, "I watched them. I remember. My father said he'd fallen in love with her at first sight and whenever they were together...whenever they looked at each other...you could tell and...I can't see that with you and Elizabeth."
She'd said it. She'd finally said what she'd been wanting to say for a while, only one last thing remaining to say, but worrying she wouldn't get the opportunity to.
"I and Elizabeth...we've known each other for a few years now and at last...we can have-."
"What? You can't have anything Jamie! I know. I know you...you think love her in that way, you do, but, you said that you didn't understand the full concept of love...Jamie...,"She tried to explain but stopped when he stomped towards her.
"I hardly think it's your place to say such things. Good night Miss Gilbert."
His words were cold and harsh and he bowed politely, quickly marching out and not looking at her again.
The door closed loudly and she stood staring at it for a while, her hands by her side as she sighed heavily, hoping that he could hear through doors as she quietly whispered words that she'd been wanting to say.
"I love you."
