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Chapter 2
Will's Worries
Will knew Elizabeth had been to see her physician, but she had told him no details of the visit. He expected her to put his mind at rest, even if it was serious, but she had returned with a pale face and looking even worse than before. When he had asked her the matter, she had looked at him with wild, terrified eyes and told him it was a mild disagreement, and there would be no more sickness by the wedding day. He feared the worst, but could not press the matter as she went straight home. He suspected she was having trouble sleeping as well, because of the dark shadows under her eyes. She was becoming more and more withdrawn, and he wondered if it was because of him. They had started to plan their wedding about a month ago, and it was not long after that the illness started. Elizabeth was normally so full of life. Was she like this because she didn't want to be with him?
He had to talk to her before he drove himself mad. He was concerned about her to say the least, and sitting in the smithy worrying would do nobody any good.
***
Elizabeth was interrupted from her light sleep by Estrella's gentle knock on the door. She heard it quietly open and the maid slipped in.
"Pardon me for disturbin' you, miss. It's just that you have a visitor," Estrella said softly.
"Who?"
"Young master Turner, miss."
"Please send him up here," replied Elizabeth, sitting up.
"As you wish."
The maid disappeared again, and Elizabeth climbed out of bed and ran a brush through her curled tresses. As she looked in the mirror, she faltered and let the brush slip from her hand. The girl staring back at her had lank, flat hair and worry lines across her forehead, and her normally green- blue eyes were grey and troubled. She looked at least ten years older. With a wave of depression, she abandoned the brush and went to sit down on the bed.
Will entered a few moments later carrying a small bunch of wild flowers. He smiled when he saw her, and turned round to nod to Estrella. As the maid left, he held the simple blooms out to Elizabeth. She accepted them slowly and raised them to her nose, but smelled nothing.
"Thank you. They're lovely," she lied, setting them down next to her on the bed.
"I thought they might cheer you up," he said, thinking nothing of the sort.
"Urm-" they both began at once. They smiled and Elizabeth gestured to him. "You go first."
"It's ok," he protested, "please."
"No, I wasn't really… I mean, I had nothing particular to say. Please, tell me what it is."
"Right," Will began, somewhat nervously. He paused, wondering how to phrase the question. "Elizabeth, is it me?" he blurted.
Elizabeth's eyes flew open wide with surprise. "Is what you?"
"Is the reason you've been… like this because of me? Are you regretting agreeing to marry me?" He couldn't meet her eyes.
"Oh, God, Will, I didn't know you felt like that! No, I promise, this has nothing to do with my feelings for you. I love you." She tilted his face up to hers, and he saw the sincerity in her eyes. It comforted him.
"Then what is it?" He asked, more confident. "I know there's something you're hiding from me. I just want to know what the matter is, so then maybe I can try and make it better."
Elizabeth looked away, afraid she might cry. "I can't tell you," she choked. "You'll hate me, and there's nothing you can do to make it better, it's all my fault, I…"
"It's ok!" Will sat down next to her on the bed and tried to hug her, but she pulled away and lowered herself onto the floor. She turned her back to him and he could see that she was crying from the way her back trembled. He didn't know what to do, so he sat there and watched her trying to pull herself together.
A short while later she turned back to him, wiping the tears from her cheeks. She forced a smile and rejoined him on the bed.
"Elizabeth, you have to tell me. We're going to get married, and if something's making you this upset you should talk about it."
"Will, I can't. Please understand. I just have to figure something out first."
"Is there anything I can do to help? Will was surprised when she nodded.
"You can find Jack for me."
Will was shocked and confused. "Jack… Jack Sparrow?!" She nodded again. "But why?"
"I can't tell you yet, Will. I just have to speak to him."
"You're going to tell him what the matter is, and not me?" Will was hurt.
"I'm not going to tell him. I just need to ask him a question. Please do this for me, Will. All you have to do is go to Tortuga, and if he's not there leave a message for him." Elizabeth saw how uncertain Will was. "Please, Will," she said again, "if you love me."
He gave in, as she knew he would. "I'll do it. But only if you tell me as soon as I get back."
Her face melted into relief, and she looked the happiest she had done for the past week. "Deal."
There's the second chapter, hope you liked thanks to all who reviewed. I'll try and update soon!