Governor Swann was a good man, Will thought as he watched his mother begin sewing a dress. The governor understood the small family's predicament of being without a man to provide food, clothing, and shelter for them, so he had employed his mother as a seamstress to the Swann residence. The proud streak in Will burned; he didn't need charity, and Governor Swann probably had plenty of seamstresses to supply the household.
Restless and agitated, he left the house to visit Elizabeth, a deed he knew brought no favor to the Lieutenant's eyes. A maid opened the door to the mansion with a kind expression, offering to fetch tea immediately. Will refused, asking only to see the governor's daughter.
Elizabeth appeared at the top of the banister at that moment, her eyes lighting when she saw who stood in the foyer. "Will! I thought you would never come!" She promptly mounted the rail and slid down, much to the displeasure of the maid.
"Miss Swann!"
"Come, let us go to the beach!" She breathed, ignoring the maid's incessant reprimands.
"You will not! You two are to stay in the garden out back, and Elizabeth, please do not ruin your gown." The maid scolded, shooing them to the back door.
Will smiled for the first time in days, watching as she beckoned for him to join in tree-climbing, lizard-hunting, and lengthy games of hide-and-seek. She had not managed to rip or dirty her clothes yet, but Will caught the sparkle in her eyes that said she meant to do so. "I don't care was Maude says, I'm going to the beach." With that Elizabeth set off through the trees, taking a path she obviously learned within the few weeks of their parting.
Her delicate dress caught many branches and thorns of undergrowth, her plaited hair mussed and twigs clinging becomingly. Will tried to push aside whipping branches for her, but the girl objected. "I am not a lady William Turner, so don't try to be a gentleman." With that she hurried forward, giving a cry of pleasure when she came upon the white sands and clear waters of the beach.
Will flopped down beside her, removing his shoes so that his toes might dig into the sugary footing. "I must admit, you are unlike any person I have met before, Miss Swann."
"It's Elizabeth." She said absentmindedly, removing her dress so that only white petticoat restricted her movement. She picked up the lacey skirts and waded into the turquoise water, laughing as small fish nibbled her toes. "Come in, it's lovely."
Will removed his shirt and waded in too, the small waves lapping at his knees. "I have lived here since I was eight and I have never done this," he admitted, enjoying the sun on his olive skin and water about his legs. "Where is your mother?" He asked after a time, searching her face for any remorse.
Elizabeth's face was unchanged, but she became considerably calmer and quiet. "I am like you, Will. I have only one parent, for my mother died giving birth to me."
Will said nothing, but reached out and grasped her hand. Will had lost his father, Elizabeth her mother; there was a bond.
