Disclaimer: Yet again, I don't own anything POTC.

A/N: Sorry it took so long to get this uploaded, but I've been helping out with a camp lately and don't have much time to type. The next chapter will be much longer, promise: pinky swear:

Catherine gazed out on the clear blue sea. It stretched for miles, twisting in the fading sunlight of the summer day. The docks surrounded by it were bustling, eager to use one of the few days not riddled by rain and thunder.

"Cattie, do get away from the window. The sun is not good for your complexion. And who knows what miscreants may be hanging about, Lord only knows what these docks bring into the city." Her mother advised, directing her hawk-like gaze towards Catherine from across the Markham family's carriage. Thin and delicate looking, Lady Victoria Markham was anything but. She was a harsh and dictating noblewoman with a clear view of the world, which she felt inclined to share at every possible moment.

Catherine sighed and leaned back against the rear wall of the carriage. Settling her hands in her lap, she began humming the tune of one of her favorite songs, whose words she and Elizabeth had heard and committed to memory long ago.

Lady Markham made a sound of disgust and returned to chatting idly with her other child, Edward, who was sitting next to her. "Really? You are quite interested in the Royal Navy? I believe one of your father's cousins was a lieutenant on some ship, or was that your uncle Robert? Now, I think we can get you.." The carriage stopped abruptly, sending Catherine's golden brown ringlets flying.

"Dear Lord! Will these people ever learn how to drive?" Lady Markham exclaimed, whipping out her compact mirror to see if any damage was sustained, which of course there wasn't, but Lady Markham always loved to make a scene. "Stay here. I am going to talk to this so-called driver."

She stomped off, clearly on the warpath. When she went out of earshot, Edward turned to Catherine. "Now, if one was frightened by the miscreants on the docks, one would always count on one's duty to one's driver to halt one's carriage on them." He said in a high voice, fluttering his eyelashes in an imitation of his mother. I can always count on Edward to conspire against mother with me. Catherine thought, laughing. "So, little miss Cattie is going off on an adventure and leaving me here with the Hawk, is she?" Edward asked, raising his eyebrows. "Oh please Edward, you do know Mother only consented because Uncle said there was a match for me in Port Royal." Catherine replied, nodding in the direction of their Mother. "Did she now?" Edward asked, clearly interested. "Yes, well I plan on running off and falling madly in love with a dreadfully handsome pirate and.." Catherine started. "And having grand adventures?" Edward finished. Noticing Catherine's bewildered look, he added, "Do you really think that diary of yours is in a good hiding place? Honestly, under the bed?" "Edward!" Catherine yelled, punching him in the arm. He winced, though it wasn't meant to hurt. He quickly regained his composure. "The Hawk is returning." he whispered.

"Cattie, we must get you on that ship." Lady Markham stated. By "that ship" she meant the H.M.S Steadfast, the earliest crossing ship they could charter a place on. She motioned for her two children to follow her as she swept up the gangplank.

By the time Catherine and Edward reached the deck of the ship, their mother was already talking with the captain of the Steadfast. A stout black- haired man with a receding hairline, he looked very much intimidated by Lady Markham. Well, Mother does intimidate everyone. Except Father. He must have an immunity or something. Catherine broke away from her brother, who was going to tear his mother away from the captain, sparing him his dignity. She took a spot on the railing, standing near the front of the ship. That morning, she had chosen a light green dress, which was now flowing behind her in the late afternoon wind. "Cattie, We're going to take off, I will expect to hear from you when you reach your uncle's house. Goodbye, dear." Lady Markham said, quickly hugging her daughter before hastening down the gangplank, back to the carriage. "Goodbye, Cat. I'll expect you to write me as well, and not all the "I'm fine, everything is wonderful here" garbage you send Mother." Edward pecked his sister on the cheek and left her to her thoughts. Catherine turned back to the sea, humming her song. "Excuse me miss, is this spot taken?" A voice called out from behind her. Catherine turned sharply, to face a man of around twenty. His bright blue eyes were wide in surprise at her quick movement. "Oh no, It's not." She replied quickly, embarrassed.

Next Chapter: Revelations and Dinner.