Chapter 3 – A Change in Plans

By now, Norrington had called the troops back for their persuit of Jack, and Jack had gone off to a tavern with Will. But more of that later.

Elizabeth had decided to go shopping. It was a great way to relax, and plus every girl with a crapload of money and a few hours to kiilwould go shopping. Right? (Remember, people, they didn't have eBay. Sadly.) Liz had rowsed all of the small tables set up by the "commoners" who were just trying to make enough money to feed their families. She had already bought a beautiful hand woven vest. She figured it would look smashing on Will. Elizabeth meandered into a dress shop, to see if her wedding dress done yet.

"...Mrs. Moore? It's me, Elizabeth Swann. I was wondering how my dress was coming along...." No answer. Figures. She's probably in the back doing the beading for the bodice. Well, I suppose she wouldn't mind if I went back to check on her... Elizabeth wandered past the silk curtains, into the back room, where just like Elizabeth had thought, Mrs. Moore, the dressmaker, was carefully adding beads to tiny patches of lace, then sewing them onto the top part of the dress. Mrs. Moore was a quirky woman, her hair always in a messy bun pinned to the back of her head, and she usually had a pin or two in her mouth. (Cause you never know when you might need a pin.)

Mrs. Moore finally looked up from her work and saw Elizabeth. She took the pins from her mouth and stood up. "Oh, Miss Swann, you look wonderful as always. Come to check on the dress? Well, I'm afraid it won't be finished for another week. But not to worry, dear. I will have this dress done by the wedding and everyone will be amazed at how beautiful you'll look."

Elizabeth grinned. "Lovely. Just lovely. I suppose I will see you in a week. Good Day, Mrs. Moore, and don't over work yourself." Elizabeth curtsied and headed out of the silk curtains and out of the shop. Once again, Elizabeth smiled as she browsed the shop windows. Despite the pre-wedding jitters, it was a beautiful day and nothing could ruin it.

"WHAT?!"

Will smiled gently, leaning against the mantelpiece in the living room of the Swann estate. The mantle was the holder of a portrait of Elizabeth and her father, dating back to when she was nine. On each end of the mantle, a burning candle made soft shadows dance on the walls. Elizabeth had shot up from her seated position on the couch. Will, now with a look of guilt, had lowered his head to stare at the patterns on the rug.

"A relative of mine. Jack said that he had met them in Spittlefield port. That's only a two days sail from here. And then we're going to Isla de la Muerta so Jakc can drop off some things. I'll be gone for a week at the most."

"And when, exactly, are you leaving again?"

"....Tonight," Will said as he looked up and into Elizabeth's red face. She opened her mouth to say something, closed it, turned sharply on her heel, and stormed up the stairs. Will rushed up after her, they both walking into their room overlooking the sea. Elizabeth sat on the bed and wrapped her arms around herself.

"Elizabeth, plase, you must understand my reason for leaving. I've never met any of my family and this is my only chance to do so."

"I know, Will, I know. It's just...."

"Just what?"

"I almost lost you once before, and I'm not going to let that happen. Please, Will, I beg of you, come home alive," Elizabeth felt a single tear roll down her cheek as Will sat down next to her and held her tightly.

"I give you my word. And I don't want to let go, but Jack's going to leave without me if I don't get down to the pier quickly. Care to see me off?"

Elizabeth shook her head. "I couldn't. Until I see you again, I want my last memory of you be me in your arms." Will placed a long, soft kiss on Elizabeth's lips and left the bedroom. As he sailed down the stairs, he yelled back to Elizabeth, "I love you."

Elizabeth sat on the bed, motionless. "Every move you make, Will, I'll be watching you." (cough. Cough. Every Breath You Take.)

Wicked! Another Chapter Done! Oh, to those who reviewed, the eclairs I was making burnt in the oven.....so I got T-shirts. hands them out to those that reviewed....ONLY THOSE! oO'' Chapter four on its way!

PS: I'm introducing a muse next chapter! --Cap'n Vane