Disclaimer: I do not own POTC!
Elizabeth stood outside the door, where her father's body laid. Elizabeth opened the door and walked in, leaving Jack and James outside. Elizabeth took a deep breath and knelt down by her father's casket, which was still open. Elizabeth reached in and grabbed his hand, it was cold and stiff. Elizabeth then started crying…and spoke in no more than a whisper.
"Father, I am so sorry I didn't see you…I am so sorry about the things I said, I know you thought it was best for me, but I didn't agree…I am sorry that I said I hated you, that couldn't be farther from the truth. I love you, and I want you to know that everything is alright with me, Jack loves me, I love Jack, and he treats me well…and I will always be taken care of…so you don't have to worry about me…just rest, rest father, rest in peace…please if you see mother…tell her I love her and miss her too…" Elizabeth then broke into sobs, and got up and kissed her father on the cheek one last time.
When Elizabeth opened the door to leave she fell on her knees, and placed her head in her hands. Jack quickly bent down and placed his arms around her. James and Jack then helped her up and took her into a carriage to take her to the Governor's mansion.
"James? Where have you been?" Laura Harrington said as she greeted him, Elizabeth, and Jack at the door.
"Laura, this is Elizabeth, the governor's daughter, and this is her husband Jackson Astor." James said without hesitation, he had been told the 'story', by Jack.
"Oh, I am so sorry dear…would you like to come upstairs with me, the maids have set up tea in my chamber." Laura said with elegance.
"That would be nice." Elizabeth thought that Laura was a beautiful woman, she was about James age, she had dark brown hair, fair skin, and blue eyes. Laura then led Elizabeth upstairs to her bedroom, which was Elizabeth's father and mothers bedroom.
"Poor dear, you look exhausted." Laura said as she poor tea for the both of them.
"I am, these past few days have been testing for me." Elizabeth said taking a sip.
"I met your father about a…year and a half ago, when James and I got married. He came to the wedding, he was an extremely gentle loving man." Laura said with a smile.
"Yes, he was…" Laura noticed Elizabeth's discomfort.
"So, how did you meet your husband?" Laura asked trying to take Elizabeth's mind off her father.
"I met him in London, I was visiting my Aunt Claire and I saw him at the docks, he captured my heart. We have been married for two years now."
"What is his position?"
"Well, not of any nobility as you are, but he is employed by the British government, he seeks fine ship builders for his majesties Royal Navy."
"So I assume you are on the sea for most of your time?"
"Yes."
"By God child, no wonder you look so exhausted! Life on the sea is no small feat!" Laura said putting her gloved hand to her mouth.
"I actually like it, I feel free."
"Interesting…Do you have a black dress?" Laura said, realizing that it was almost time to get ready.
"Yes."
"Good, I'll have one of my girls help you…" Laura then got up and summoned one of her servants. "Would you please help Mrs. Astor into her gown?"
"Elizabeth dear, I shall be getting ready myself, I shall see you downstairs shortly."
"Thank you Laura."
"Your very welcome…" Laura then left the room, which left Elizabeth alone with the servant.
"I found your dress milady in your suitcase, and pressed it." The servant then helped Elizabeth into the dress. Afterwards Elizabeth then walked downstairs where Jack, James, and Laura were waiting.
James and Laura left first, then Jack held out his arm for her to hold.
"How are ye luv?" Jack asked.
"I've been better…" Elizabeth said with all honesty, they then stepped into the carriage and made their way to the cemetery.
The funeral was solemn, only dignitaries and a few of Elizabeth's distant relatives were there. Silent tears fell from Elizabeth's eyes, and she held Jack's hand for support as well as strength, because Elizabeth felt she would collapse at any moment. After the funeral was over, only Jack and Elizabeth stayed until the last shovel of dirt was placed.
"It's over…" Elizabeth said, still holding three white roses. "Jack, can you wait for me by the carriage…I need to do something…"
"Sure luv…" Jack then let her hand go and walked towards the carriage.
Elizabeth turned back to her father's grave, bent down, kissed one of the roses and placed it on the dirt. "I love you…" Elizabeth then got up and walked towards where her mother was buried.
"Mother, we sure haven't talked in a while, even like this. I remember when I was little, we used to do this all the time, talk, in your garden. I took care of it for you, just like I promised you before you died." Elizabeth's mother had already been in Port Royal before Elizabeth arrived, she left before her because once they got the word that is where the Swann's were headed, Elizabeth's mother found out she was pregnant, so her father sent her mother first, so that her pregnancy would not be jeopardized during the late months, which were the most fragile. By the time Elizabeth arrived in Port Royal her mother was eight months pregnant, a month was all the time they shared, her mother as well as her brother died in childbirth. Elizabeth bent down kissed the rose, from her mother's garden, and placed it on her mother's grave. Next Elizabeth went to Will's grave.
"Will, I miss you. You were my first love, but not my only. I found love Will, in Jack, it has been two years since we have been married, and we love each other, he takes care of me. You always said that all you ever wanted was for me to be happy…"
"Are you?" Came a voice from behind her.