DISCLAIMER: I don't own anything POTC related.

NOTE: NEW CHAPTER! YAY! Okay. Explanation for this chapter. I was editing this story as a whole and I remember one review(Shay) I had received from my other story: The Sparrow's Quest, said that I should slow scene transitions down a little. So that is what I did here. Having one chapter solely focusing on Hope and Edward I think might set the readers up for what occurs in later chapters. In the editing process I changed some things around and actually added a few scenes that I think work very well. So. (FYI: If you are a first time reader of this story I recommend reading the two sequels(The Dragon's Eye and The Sparrow Quest)(hint hint) Ok, I'm pathetic I know.) Anyway I hope those who have already read this like this chapter(and yes I am working on a new chapter for The Sparrow's Quest (I swear))

CHAPTER 7

The Party

Two weeks had passed since the Royal Navy had left Port Royal. All the aristocrats of Port Royal were invited to a party Governor Swann was holding.

"Now, dear. You mustn't be sad. Tonight was meant to be a night of fun and laughter."

"Yes, father, I know. It just won't be the same without Edward."

"You two will have plenty of parties and balls to go to in your lifetimes."

"Yes. It still won't be the same." When the carriage pulled up to the Governor's house, Reverend Danforth helped Hope down. She was wearing a forest green and gold ball gown with a gold necklace and earrings.

"Welcome Reverend Danforth, Miss Danforth."

"Thank you." When they entered the Great Room, they were welcomed by the melodious sounds of Air from Georg Frideris Handel's, Water Music Suite No.1. Elizabeth caught sight of them and walked over. She was dressed in a similar dress to Hope but only it was burgundy and gold

"Reverend Danforth, it's good to see you."

"It's to see you again as well, Elizabeth."

"Might I borrow Hope for a moment?"

"By all means. I have some things to talk to your father about."

"How are you holding up?" Elizabeth asked as they walked further into the room.

"As well as can be expected. How many fiancé do you know are gone for two weeks the day after they propose to you."

"Hope, I'm sure they will return soon. You said yourself that Edward was going to try and convince Captain Norrington to return early. So, come on, cheer up. It is a party after all." Hope smiled as they walked over to a group of friends.

"They don't know do they?"

"I don't think so. The only people who know, that I'm aware of are my father, myself, and your father."

"Good."

"Why don't you want anyone else to know?"

"We do, but, we would prefer to announce when we are both together."

"Understandable."

"Oh, Hope. You're dress is beautiful," a girl from the group exclaimed as they neared.

"Thank you, Emily. My father decided to buy me a whole new wardrobe. I have an idea of his intentions."

"I wish my father would do that for me." The girls continued to converse.

"No one has come to ask me dance all night," the second girl said.

"What about that one man, Henry, was it?" Hope asked.

"He's Judge Flint's son." The other girls laughed.

"Abigail, just because he danced with you doesn't mean he wants to marry you," Elizabeth said.

"That's the problem. My father wants to me to marry him. I'd rather have that drunken blacksmith Brown."

"That can be arranged," Hope said laughing harder.

"Don't you even think about it Miss Hope Danforth."

"You said it, not me."

"Let her be girls. The only man she would really be happy with is a officer of the Royal Navy," Emily said just as caught her mistake. Hope's smile faded and she looked away. "Hope, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to…"

"No it's perfectly all right, Emily. There's no harm done. I just miss him terribly is all."

Emily gave a small smile as they continued talking once again. Moments later, Allegro, from Johann Sebastian Bach's 'Brandenburg Concerto No. 1 in F', began. Soon enough two gentlemen walked over to them, one of them being the Judges' son, Henry.

"Hello again, Abigail. Might I have the pleasure of this next dance?" She looked over at Hope, Elizabeth, and Emily. They motioned for her go dance with him. She made a disgusted face before she allowed him to lead her to the dance floor.

"Poor, girl. You'd think she felt like she was dancing with a pirate," Emily said just as another boy came over, the magistrate's son, Jacob Hathorne.

"Good evening, Miss Emily."

"Good evening, Mr. Hathorne," Emily said smiling.

"May I have this dance?" he said bowing.

"You may." As he led her away she looked back at Elizabeth and Hope and smiled back. like a love struck woman. The two laughed.

"It's so nice to see others happy."

"I know the feeling. It was good of my father to hold this party," Elizabeth said before her attention was brought to something behind Hope. Her eyes widened and she smiled. This surprised Hope.

"What?"

"May I have the pleasure of this dance?" a male voice, whom Hope recognized, came from behind. When she turned, Edward was standing there smiling.

"Edward," Hope said as she hugged him. "Did you convince James to come back for us or did he decide to give up hunting for that pirate ship?"

"For us." Hope looked to her left and saw Norrington standing there.

"Thank you, Captain Norrington. You have no idea how much this means to us." He smiled

"Actually I have a pretty good idea." Hope smiled before turning back to Edward.

"Now, as I had asked you a moment ago. May I have this dance?"

"Mr. Gillette, you may have every dance." With that he led her out into the middle of the room as they danced their way across the floor. Norrington watched them go off before he went to Elizabeth.

"May I?" he asked holding his arm. Elizabeth smiled and nodded. From the other side of the room Governor Swann and Reverend Danforth caught sight of their respective daughters dancing. Reverend Danforth smiled at how happy Hope was now that Gillette had returned, like he promised.

"Young Captain Norrington and your lovely daughter make quite a lovely pair, Weatherby."

"Indeed. Captain Norrington and myself have discussed her possible future and things look very bright for the two of them."

"Yes." Reverend Danfroth looked back at his daughter then turned to Governor Swann. "I think now would be a good time to announce the engagement of my daughter and Lieutenant Gillette."

"Excellent idea, Charles," Governor Swann said as he walked over to the chamber conductor and spoke a few words to him. As the piece ended, the governor taped the side of his glass with a fork. "May have your attention please, I have a wonderful announcement to make." As the guests gathered before him he spoke again. "My good friend, Reverend Charles Danforth has brought to my attention a very special occasion that will hopefully be occurring soon. It is both a privilege and an honor to announcement the engagement of Reverend Danforth's daughter, Hope, to Lieutenant Edward Gillette." The guests all turned towards Hope and Edward and clapped. They smiled, both a little embarrassed before they kissed. "Raise your glasses, please. We all wish you congratulations and pray that together you have a lifetime of love, trust, and happiness. To Hope and Edward."

"Hope and Edward," the guests said in unison as they toasted the two as the party continued on.

NOTE: I know it was short but like I said just to slow the timeline transitions down. I do hope you like this. PLEASE REVIEW!!!!!

ArianaielNightstar

Next Chapter: Enter Jack Sparrow