Part XXVI

"There, miss, pretty as a picture," Celeste says, taking a step back to examine me after putting the finishing touches on my hair. "Blue suits you, miss – even if you don't particularly care for it."

"I loathe it," I say, draping the shawl Captain Norrington bought about my arms. At least he had the sense to not choose blue for that. It was a rather pleasant shade of rose with just the right amount of fringe about the edge. "I only chose this dress today because Papa requested it."

"If you don't mine me saying so, miss, you spent quite a time choosing ribbons in town today."

I scowl. "I do mind you saying so, Celeste. It is rather bold of you to be questioning my shopping habits. Next I suppose you'll say I really ran off to meet Will Turner."

"No, miss, I hope you have enough sense not to do so."

"That is too bold as well," I say. "Really, Celeste, remember your place in this household."

"Yes, miss. Sorry, miss," Celeste says, bobbing a curtsy.

Even from upstairs, I can hear the clock in the parlor strike four. I stand, sighing as if I go to the executioner instead of tea with Captain Norrington. "Wish me luck. I shall need it."

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Norrington stands as I enter the parlor. "Miss Swann. A pleasure as always. And I see you are wearing the shawl I purchased. It's a fine color on you."

"Thank you," I say. Papa has outsmarted me and occupied the single chair so I am forced to sit on the settee with the Captain. I automatically begin the process of filling tea cups and passing them around along with the serving tray of sandwiches and cakes. "Have you been well, Captain?"

He nods. "As well as can be expected. My duty to the Navy is terribly demanding and there is also the soirée to plan."

I think he expects me to offer to help lessen his load regarding the Ball but I am not in the mood to play along. "It sounds exhausting yet, somehow, I believe you shall manage."

"Do you object to the Ball being held in the Officer's Barracks?" he asks. "There's a splendid area for dancing. The boys sometimes like to get up a local dance now and again but nothing near as grand as I have planned."

"Whatever you think is best, Captain."

"I'd rather hear your opinion on the matter, Miss Swann."

"No you wouldn't."

He reaches for my hand, thinking me coy instead of simply disinterested. He frowns slightly when I pull away. "I certainly would. Please, Miss Swann, what do you think of the upcoming Ball?"

"I think Balls were invented for young ladies to show off their assets in the hopes of marrying well. Everyone parades about like cattle. It is horribly distressing."

"But you've always enjoyed dancing, Elizabeth," Papa says.

"That was before you expected me to be like one of the cattle," I reply. "I am tired of all this talk of 'smart matches' and 'the proper thing to do', Papa. I wish to wade barefoot in the sea and sing pirate songs – not make small talk and pretend to be coy by hiding behind my fan."

"Elizabeth, dear, what has gotten in to you?" Papa asks, giving Norrington a look that clearly says 'it is not my fault– she takes after her mother.'

"Life has gotten in to me, Papa," I sigh. "It is a very heavy weight you are forcing me to carry. Cannot you lessen it somewhat?"

"If I may be so bold, Miss Swann," Captain Norrington interrupts. "I shall be very happy to take on any hardships you may feel overwhelmed by."

"But you just spoke of being burdened yourself, Captain," I say.

He captures my hand, holding it tight in both of his to prevent me from pulling it away again. "I shall forever do anything in my power to see you happy and content, Miss Swann."

I pull a face. "Goodness, I didn't ask for so much."

"I wish you happy."

"Many people wish me happy."

"Then allow me to say I wish it more so for I firmly believe that any future happiness of my own rests firmly in yours."

"Such a declaration." I turn to Papa. "Are you hearing this, Papa? Will you allow the Captain to speak to me in such a fashion?"

Papa nods. "I believe the Captain is a sincere, earnest young man who only wishes to express his true heart, Elizabeth. You would do well to listen."

Instead, I ask to be excused.

"Forgive me, Papa. . .Captain Norrington. I'm feeling horribly fatigued. Good day."

I remember to curtsy before exiting the room. As the door closes behind me, I hear Papa explain "So like her mother in looks and temperament. I pray you have an easier time winning her than I did my Elizabeth, may she rest in peace. My daughter may seem a restless filly now, but, I assure you, Captain, once the ring is on her hand she shall settle down nicely."

"Imagine!" I grumble out loud, hands balling into fists at my side. "Comparing me to a horse! I am not prize to be won – by Norrington or. . .or any man!"

Part of me wishes to run away – to prove to all that I am useful and not the spoiled, pampered little princess so many believe me to be. I have a sound mind and possess many useful skills. Well, at any rate, I could learn many useful skills. I imagine myself running off to the docks, disguising myself as a boy, and joining up with the first Merchant Navy ship I come across. The thought is fleeting, though. As the scenario plays out, an imagine of Will comes quite unexpected to mind. How could I ever leave him? Will is perhaps the only good spot in my dull, predictable life. Though he can be rather harsh with his opinions at times, so can I.

Will.

"Running away shall have to wait for another day," I whisper. "Tonight, I wish to see Will."