Title: I wish I may; I wish I might
Author: Marlena & Trav
Email: All feedback email may be sent to Bloodflame013@aol.com
Disclaimer: I ( Actually WE ) don't own anything, or anyone. This is based strictly on role-play. It has nothing to do with the real Pirates of the Caribbean. It would be a 'before look' if anything; based on the content. The characters, setting, etc is from the movie, and this is my way of stating I'm NOT claming ownership. So don't screw me, err sue me, okay? The portrayal of Elizabeth Swann is credit to Marlena; while on the flipside, Will Turner is credit to Trav. Comments are always welcome.
Prologue: Elizabeth Swann is the governor's daughter. Will ( William ) Turner, is a simple blacksmith. As far as everything was stated, these two were from two different worlds, and were never to come together in any way shape or form. But can classes stand in the way of true love?
Chapter Four: It's a date?
Will looked around the shop with a sigh. "I suppose this is as clean as it's going to be for the time being." Leaning his broom against the wall, he crossed to one of the work tables, placing the lid upon box with the rest of Mary's buttons inside. After being delayed by his ship's misplacement, he'd gone ahead and finished her order, yet another completely valid reason to drop by Mary's, should the need for a completely valid reason arise. Brushing a bit of dust from his vest, he worried pointlessly on whether we should tie his hair back. This isn't a date Will; he scolded himself for caring so much, but he wanted to look good for Elizabeth. Running a hand through he loose locks, to tame any fly aways, he snatched the box from the table and headed out the door. Fastening the latch behind himself. Tucking the box safely in the crook of his arm, he double checked for any run away carriages or disgruntled children who might trouble his crossing the street. Finding the coast pleasantly clear for that time of the afternoon, he crossed and continued on toward Mary and Elizabeth. It seemed like everyone knew he was in a good mood today, sharing a friendly smile and 'hello' as he passed their stores and carts. Finally, with a contented sigh, he opened the door to Mary's, a soft bell on the door announcing his arrival. Inside, the shop was comfortably warm, the scent of sandalwood and.. jasmine maybe, lingered in the air giving a homey feel to the seamstress's quaint little nook of the world. "Hello ma'am" A smile tugged at the corner of his mouth, knowing her dislike of being called ma'am, but he owed her for the other afternoon. "I've got your package, just as promised, and early still." Mary simply sighed, her eyes twinkling with that knowing look a mother often gives a son. Happened to drop it by today did you? He knew where she was going and nipped it at the bud. "Yes ma'am Mary, I heard you'd been quite busy, I thought you might appreciate the speedy delivery." Mary nodded, biting back a crisp laugh. You know, Ms. Swann is coming to pick up that dress today, you wouldn't happen to be hoping for a sight of dear Ms. Elizabeth would you? Mary knew him too well, but he'd may admit it. At least not to her. Instead he donned an intrigued smirk. "You don't say? Perhaps she'll drop by while you're looking over the buttons.." Why would I have to look over the buttons? I trust a good hand with metal, my dear Will. It was Will's turn for a knowing grin, she was again trying to admit his liking of Elizabeth, which, however present it may be, she didn't need to hear about. "You always look over the buttons Mary, it's the way you are.." With that, Will took a 'casual' position leaning against Mary's counter, back toward the door as to not make Mary think he was waiting desperately on Elizabeth.
Elizabeth stood in front of the mirror, biting her lower lip gently. "Does this look alright Jaquiline?" Elizabeth asked nervously, as her handmaid nodded with a gracious smile. You look lovely Ms. Elizabeth let out a heavy breath, nodding. She was dressed in a white and light blue corset dress, accented with lace. She still felt slightly inadequate though, as if something was drastically missing. Why do you care what you look like? You're just going to pick up your dress... She tried to convince herself that it was the only thing on her mind...but she recalled quickly her asking Will to meet her there. Would he? How she didn't know...and that was the part that made her the most nervous. She wanted to look downstairs. Please still be gone... Elizabeth thought to herself with a sigh as she started downstairs in regards to her father. Captain Norrington had called her father to the fort. Hopefully, he was still there...and Elizabeth could escape without being questioned for her formality in dressing. As she got downstairs, she headed for the door, stepping quickly. As she opened the door, she heard a loud 'ehem', from her father's 'right hand man' servant. "I'm going to Mistress Mary's if you must know." She said sternly, "I have an order to pick up. I'll be a while, as well. If my father returns just pass on that message if you would..." Elizabeth said with a half smile, turning to walk out of the manor. As she walked out, she lifted the lower part of her skirt, making her way down the her best. Grabbing her umbrella, Elizabeth walked out of her bedroom, heading steps to the ground. Unfolding the umbrella, Elizabeth placed it over her shoulder as she walked, humming softly to herself. The closer she got to the shop, the more her heart pounded. Not from the how fast she was walking, but from anticipation...nervousness...perhaps a little of both. What did she have to be nervous for?! It was only Will... if he'd even show up, after all. He had his job to do... and she knew this. He wouldn't stop his work for her, right? Elizabeth sighed softly as she made her way up to the door of Mistress Mary's, closing her umbrella with a heavy sigh. Putting on her best and utmost respectable smile, she pushed open the door lightly, the pleasant jingle of the bell on the door ringing as she entered. The first person she saw was Mary ...and then...there- Will. "Good afternoon Mistress." Elizabeth said cheerfully, her smile still playing across her face as she walked up beside Will, a smirk then taking over. "And look what we have here...if it isn't Mr. Turner..." Elizabeth said coyly, resisting the sudden urge to giggle. You'll sound like a bloody school girl, don't...you...dare! She innerly shouted at herself; as she put her elbows on the counter looking toward Mistress Mary, her attitude soft and carefree. "I've come to check the status of my order Mistress...is everything done or shall I wait here?" She asked, the twinkle in her eye giving heed - she'd rather wait.
Will turns when he hears Elizabeth's voice and subtly looks her over, smiling softly. Was it possible for a woman to become more beautiful everyday? It must be.. or else his vision got better each time he saw her. He laughed softly to himself at that thought. "Ms. Swann," He had a playful, mocking tone in his voice. "Fancy thing, you happening to stroll in this afternoon. Miss Mary was actually just telling me that your dress was all ready to go, waiting to be placed in your position.." Mary stood, closing the lid of Will's box to accentuate her point. I was 'just saying' no such thing Will Turner, in fact I'd prefer that Ms. Elizabeth try it on again before it leaves, just like you, I like to leave me customers satisfied. Though it came out quaintly polite, behind his pleasant smile, Will knew Mary's meaning behind her words. That he would like to satisfy her customers. It was a completely out of place, though not entirely untrue assumption on her part. Mary was now buzzing around the shop, going through dresses in various shades and patterns, looking for Elizabeth's. Make yourself useful if you must dawdle boy.. Mary made a shooing motion away from the counter. "Yes, MUM." 'Mum' was sharp and accusing as a boyish pout formed on his lips. He'd hoped for a chance to talk with Elizabeth. He wasn't in the business of buying dresses, how was he supposed to know that Elizabeth couldn't just stop in and pick it up? Isn't that what one means when they say that someone is coming to pick something up? Women.. Lower lip stuck out just a bit, his eyes no longer shining, he heads towards the door. Hand on the knob, he stops, turning toward the two women.. "I guess I'll just leave you two women to do your.. women things then.. I'll come by to pick up that box tomorrow Mary.."
The smile from Elizabeth's face dropped as Will started for the door. She looked toward Mary, trying her best not to get overly upset by his heading to leave. "I'm sure the dress is wonderful Mistress." Elizabeth said quickly; "Must I really try it on?" She asked - a soft laugh entwined with her words. "It took me an hour to get into this one...I wouldn't want to waste your afternoon with my dress dilemmas." Elizabeth said, glancing toward Will. "Must you really go? You could learn something here Turner." Elizabeth said playfully, the evident happiness returning to her face. So she didn't want Will to just up and leave...what a surprise. She wanted to see him; like she had asked him to meet her here for a reason yesterday. The time they shared on the beach was no near long enough for her , it was a tease. She didn't like that. So maybe her feelings for Will were finally sinking in...getting through that thick skull of hers. He was the same boy she used to romp around and play with on the docks when they were children; only now he was a grown man. She was a woman. It was destined for them to be in love wasn't it? Was it so wrong? All the thoughts ran through her head, and desperately trying to shake them, she smiled. "I mean after all - when you get married Will, you're going to need to know what your lady likes." Nice save, Elizabeth... she said to herself, though she was wishing she'd be that lady Will would marry. It wouldn't likely happen, but it was definitely a good cover. "Or you could be like the good ol' Captain...and walk into a shop blind to pick your lady's favourite design." When she said 'good ol' captain', the look on her face was that of shear vixen. The grin sparkled with evil intentions as she once again had to refrain herself from giggling out loud. But inside, she was giggling up a storm - only imagining what Will would do or say to her comparing him to Norrington. It was all in fun, and a smart way of keeping him there. That's all she wanted, really...was for him to stay.
He removed his hand from the knob of the door, turning back to Elizabeth, a meddlesome spark in his eyes. His mouth held the whisps of a smirk as he walked back toward her. "And how might I know, Ms. Swann, that my lady love would have the same tastes as you?" It was almost a challenge he was placing before her. "That is, IF I should decide to marry at all." It was Mary's turn to huff at Will, indignantly returning to her seat behind her counter. She'd let Elizabeth have a running start on handling this one. Elizabeth would have to learn how to handle Will if they were to ever have a healthy marriage. "Perhaps I'd like my wife barefoot and pregnant? Than she'd not have much of a need for fancy clothes...many clothes at all the was I see.." He was toying with her now, trying to find a button with he could push. "Babies do tend to make a mess of nice clothing.. and I figure on having at least seven, once again, that is if I even choose to marry." Will put his arms around Elizabeth's shoulders, his other arm stretched out with a slow, sweeping motion. "Maybe I'll take to the ocean and see where I get to, then my love would be a ship and I'd hardly have need for dresses.." He removes his arm, the conformability of the moment now lost. "And who wants to spend an hour de-robing his wife? seems like enough work to make a fellow tired alright.. so what purpose could I possibly have for staying?" He gave her an expectant look, he wanted to see if she'd admit to Mary, to him, that she really just wanted him to stay.. "Unless of course, you were asking me.."
"Barefoot and pregnant? My god, Will...what kind of analogy is that?" Elizabeth asked with a laugh, shaking her head. "You really are something aren't you?" Oh...he was...a really good something. "Besides, if your 'lady love' had but any taste, she would share the same liking as myself." Her tone was pompous, a smirk crossed her lips as she looked at him. It was definitely a game of one-upsmanship here, and Elizabeth couldn't have imagined it any other way. "Not to sound rude of course, Mr. Turner." She said, her tone shifted to that of almost...shy? Nonsense. "Personally - I can't picture you spending your life alone with just the sea and a ship as your love...actually, the thought is a bit humerous..." She bit her lower lip with a smile. "You seem to me, Will, as the type who would ed a woman to keep you fed and healthy. Or perhaps not." She shrugged a bit, glancing toward Mary with a barely audible giggle. "After all, I could be wrong." There was a small pause; "But that's unlikely." she added quickly, glancing back toward Will. "And what's the matter with taking an hour to de-robe your wife? Would you rather her walk around in a sheet for the world to see what she has to offer? I hardly see that as logical." She paused again, this time thinking. What was he playing at? Was he trying to get her to say she wanted him there? No...he couldn't be heading down that route. But…but what if he was? "If you don't see the purpose of staying Will, I understand your departing. After-all...spending time with me must be boring. Prude, you know." She tried to keep a straight face. That was a huge challenge for her as she slowly crossed her arms against her chest.
She'd trumped him, he's thrown out what he thought for sure would beat her, and she'd trumped him. He'd been hoping she would, but that was beside the point. He wanted nothing more than to kiss her, to wipe that smug look from her face, or better yet, run off to his shop and sit and talk, his master was most likely already out at a tavern for the night. But, as prying as Mary could be at times, her shop was much safer than Elizabeth being caught alone with him in his shop, he'd hate to do anything to damager her name. He sighed, deciding a little prying was better than missing out on Elizabeth's saucy checkmate. Or was it check mate? Will stepped even closer to her, fingering the fabric of her sleeve. He wasn't sure what he expected, though he now suspected that this dress was Mary's work, the stitches barely visible against the fine weave of the dress. "You seem to be so certain, Ms. Swann, that this lady, will have such specific tastes, you must know the girl for me then. Perhaps you could point her in my direction? I don't run along many young single girls in my line of work." He turned away from Elizabeth and began a leisurely stroll around the shop. Absently, he unloosed a leather thong from his thumb and pulled his hair back at the nape of his neck, away from his face. Elizabeth's presence had turned the comfortable warmth into an almost unbearable fire. Her presence had also added the faint scent of roses to the shop. a scent that was uniquely Elizabeth's and as fresh as any flower he could ever hope to find of God's green earth. "You would be so kind, wouldn't you? I'm sure you'll point me to a very respectable girl.. perhaps that handmaid of yours.. what's her name again?" He turned back to her, one eyebrow raised, head cocked in a smug manor equal to her own.. "She is a rather charming girl.."
Smiling, Elizabeth watched Will as he turned from her, walking around the vicinity of Mistress Mary's. "Jaquiline... her name is Jaquiline. But I have a tad bit of bad news for you, Mr. Turner." Elizabeth said softly, shaking her head. "She fancies Captain Norrington." Elizabeth wrinkled her nose as she snickered wickedly. "I say bloody well have the man. If only he'd consider..." She shrugged her shoulders a bit, "But I'm sure many ladies would be honoured to have a man like you by their side Will." She said, her seriousness had returned. A genuine smile replaced her smirk. "You're a hard worker, sweet, kind, and highly considerate. One in a million I say." She spoke surely as she folded her hands, her arms held behind her back. "Anyone who wouldn't take you is a fool." She giggled quietly, as she glanced down at the floor. How she wished she could have been that girl to take him and make him her own. If only she had such luck. She'd even had dreams about him...many times replaying the day they met in her slumbered thoughts. Looking back up, she caught a smile from Mary - who was going about her work as if Will and Elizabeth weren't making her shop a leisure hangout. Elizabeth knew how Mary took to Will, so her speaking so highly of him made her blush a bit, but it was barely visible against her already rosy cheeks. Fancy that with a dash of luck. She wasn't embarrassed for saying such about Will; it was just in front of Mary...someone who was like Will's mother. It was insatiably ironic. "Don't worry Will, you'll find someone special sooner than later." She said surely, before smirking. "As will I..." She softly whispered, "And it won't be Captain Borington...either." She once again bit her bottom lip with a mischievous grin.
Will sighed heavily. "And I was so sure those little looks were aimed toward me, I guess I'm just no good at reading women." He smirked softly, though his back was still to Elizabeth. Slowly he turned, still pretending to be focusing on the garments in the shop. Mentally though, he was in a cottage home with a family, sitting on a beach with Elizabeth, anywhere but Port Royal.. there must be somewhere where they weren't known.. they could just start new lives.. together. if was a novel thought. Cannon fire interrupted his thought though. He listened closely as the loud booms counted off the hours. Five o clock already? Elizabeth would be expected to return home for dinner and he still had work to do before closing the shop down for the night. He looked at her with pained regret, both knowing that they had places to be, obligations which couldn't be held off any longer. Collecting his now empty box from Mary, he opened the door to allow Elizabeth to leave. Before they parted ways however, he whispered one thing for her ears only. "Rose hips shall be in port by mid afternoon I believe, she's a fine ship, you'd love her.."
[[Here's Chapter 4 for your reading pleasure. Continue to R&R, and we'll keep it coming ^_^;; ]]