5. Chapter: Discussion in 'sercret'
"Will, my boy, I think it's time you showed me what you have hidden in this boy of yours." A voice from behind cut of her response.
They turned around and saw the Governor standing there, face expressionless, motioning for them to follow him, indicating that he wanted a talk. With all of them. Will looked down at Elizabeth and shrugged, nudging her forward into the direction her father had gone. "Go with him, love. I will follow you as soon as I have picked up my box."
"But I can wait for you." She turned her eyes on him, pleading.
Will chuckled. "You don't exactly know how everyone will react if we both appear late, do you? It could be something important. Don't make him wait, he might not be in the best of moods right now. Go, I will only be a minute behind you!" He urged her.
She sighed, knowing he wouldn't give in, fought the urge to reach up and kiss him, seeing that it would only make matters worse, and went after her father. Hannah, Cait and Norrington followed Elizabeth, the last two both throwing a glare in Will's direction as they passed him.
When they had left the ballroom the voices started anew, louder this time, as everybody voiced his or her opinion on the turn of events. Most of the women complained about Elizabeth and her way of treatment to the Commodore. The called her 'ignorant', 'arrogant', 'indecent' and 'ill-mannered' because she was in love with him and had turned down the Commodore. In their eyes it didn't make her better than one of the scarlet women in the streets of Tortuga. But the worst thing was, that all in the room were talking about her as if he wasn't there and she not just just of the door.
And Will loathed them for that.
Clenching his teeth and balling his hands into tight fists, to keep himself from pounding on the next best shameless gossiper, Will made his way back through the room, back to the door through which he had entered the room. His narrow box still stood where he had left it, as expected. With one look back he thought *Stuck up snobs* as the other guests were still talking endlessly, eyeing him disapprovingly, then he left the ballroom the same way he entered it.
Then, pausing slightly to orientate himself in the huge manor, he considered where the governor would want to hold this 'lecture' about whatever it was that bugged him. The riot in the ballroom, probably.
*Hmm,.his study,..or the salon.choices, choices.*
For any other person it would have looked quite funny to see the young man, standing in the wide corridor, a long narrow box under his arm, carefully contemplating his way. If he choose wrong he would need even more time to get back to Elizabeth, .and he would not let her alone with Norrington a second longer than necessary. Or her aunt, for that matter.
Caitlyn Witherby was a puzzle to him, literally. She appeared to be more serious and strict, more like an old bitter maiden, than a young woman. *She is 7 or 8 years older than me, at the most..*
Will couldn't understand what she had against him. Okay, so he was a pirate,.only half pirate, but that was enough, everybody hated pirates. But she didn't even know him!! How could she judge him or his feelings for Elizabeth??
*I will have to change her mind,.for Liz' sake. But how? Well I have to find them at first, then I can think about that. Well, with Norrington, me and 'Liz. we will provoke another argument for sure. The salon is open for public guest and way nearer to the crowd in the hall than his study. Governor Swann will go for the more private option!* With that Will turned right and followed the corridor to the entrance hall and, nodding at the boy by the door, Jamie, he climbed the stairs to the first floor.
The study was at the end of this hallway, so that every visitor would find his way there easily. *Though I don't see the reason for that,.anyone who comes here gets intercepted and lead there straight away by a servant anyway.* Will mentally shook his head. There were some things he would never understand.
But there also was the 'Private study', that only the governor and his family used.for private matters. *How convenient.*
So a turn to the right it was, the door at the very end.
He took a deep breath, preparing to knock, when he heard loud voices from the inside of the study. *So I was right,* he chuckled *they are already at it. I should have hurried more,..or thought faster!*
Will took another breath and knocked. Immediately the voices on the other side stopped. *As if I would not have heard them already.* He rolled his eyes, as a voice from inside called him in. He grabbed the door handle and pushed the door open, instinctively taking in everything in the room, just to make sure Elizabeth was well.
In comparison to the other chambers in this house it was a rather small room. The northern wall contained several windows, the only windows in this room; this way the sunlight would never blind whoever was working in here. The remaining walls were, save for the door, covered with book shelfs.
Will noticed that Jonathan sat in a huge chair behind a massive wooden desk, while the ladies sat in armchairs in front of the desk, everyone of them a glass with a drink in front of them. Well, at least they 'had' sat there. Right now Elizabeth and her aunt were standing, faces flushed from the heat of their former argument, Caitlyn glancing darkly at the governor, who just looked unimpressed by whatever had happened. His Elizabeth was openly glaring at the Commodore, standing at the right side of the desk. Elizabeth sat, Will noticed strangely pleased, or rather stood more on the left side of the furniture, putting as much distance between her and Norrington as possible.
"Will come in, join us. We've been waiting for you." Jonathan beckoned him in.
"I am sorry for making you wait. I got the feeling that I was interrupting something. Please continue, if you would." He looked at the present men and women, taking his place in the room, behind Elizabeth's chair, placing one hand on top of the backrest. Putting his load down again, he raised one eyebrow, showing them that he knew that they had started their discussion without him.
Elizabeth had sat down again, leaning back into the chair, knowing that Will's hand hovered just inches above her hair. The thought of his nearness calmed her in an indescribable way.
She looked up and saw Will hovering above her.
"Father wants us to sort out, what we have to say to each other up here." She explained.
"As to not disturb the other guests, I understand." He nodded and threw a short glance at the governor. The older man answered his look with a small nod and an even smaller smile. They both understood each other.
Elizabeth was most important person in both of their lives, and they would not let anybody hurt her in any way.
"I was just trying to explain to Cait that Norrington 'is' and definitely never 'will' be my fiancé'!" Elizabeth interrupted their interlude.
"I should be!!" the Commodore exclaimed. "Elizabeth, I could give you soo much more, than he ever could! Marry me, and we would be the most envied couple in the Carribean and far Engl-"
"Oh, would you just shut up!!" Elizabeth broke his speech. "What would you give me?? Nothing I would want or need. I love William." She felt the sudden, but incredible soft and gentle touch of Will's hand on the nape of her neck, carefully stroking her skin, reassuring her. Nobody else, save her father, noticed this little show of affection, for the others sat in an angle to her, which did not allow them to see what Will did and he didn't want to offend anyone until this matter was solved. Or at least had discussed it. "I love the way he loves me, the way only he can do. Nobody else could replace that!!"
"But I, too, am in lov-" Norrington added, but Will cut in sharply.
"Don't dare to say it out aloud!! You don't love Elizabeth! You would let her make her decision and accept it if you did. But look at you," he threw the Commodore a disgusted look. "You broke your word to her, to leave her alone, already."
Furious that everyone seemed to interrupt him today, the officer was set to give the 'filthy blacksmith - pirate' a piece of his mind, opening his mouth to speak, when..
"What do you think of all this now, Hannah, Caitlyn?" The Governor asked his relatives.
Everybody looked at the two women now. Will and Jonathan interested, Elizabeth anxious for the opinion of her relatives, remembering Cait's harsh words in the ballroom- and Commodore Norrington, angry, trying to save his last bits of dignity by looking calm and focused on the matters at hand.
Caitlyn still seemed to mind Will, shooting a glare at him and her brother- in-law. She 'hmph'ed and said. "He is no good for her. And he is a pirate, a fact that should speak for itself." She looked pointedly at the Governor and added: "I do not approve."
Jonathan just frowned at her but didn't have the time to reply something.
"Well, I do have a question." This was the first time Hannah decided to add anything to the current conversation, for it was the first time she spoke, since Will had appeared.
"And what would that be?" Jonathan asked his mother-in-law.
"I have wondered as to how Mr. Turner seems to know my daughter and me, when we have never been formally introduced." She smiled at Will, who fought to contain a chuckle, grinning down at Elizabeth, who suddenly seemed to find the floor very interesting.
"I, uhm., may have..dropped something..here or there." She muttered. Will laughed openly now, looking down lovingly at his beloved.
"She has talked about few things else than you since the note about your coming arrived 3 months ago. She would talk endlessly about her 'aunt and grandmother's' awaited visit, her memories, and what she planned to do and show you once you arrived here." He grinned. "I bet she was the first to awake this morning, keeping the whole house on it's toes."
Now they could hear the Governor chuckling, shaking his head at the same time.
"Not really." Elizabeth blushed as she mumbled: "I kind of...overslept." She quickly glanced over her shoulder at Will. He smiled down at her softly.
"I am sorry. I should not have kept you up so long yesterday. Last night was quite tiring." His smile widened at the memory as he raised his hand and let one finger glide over her cheek, caressing it. "I know it is somewhat selfish, but I need you to do it. For my peace of mind."
Cait choked on the mouth full of water she'd just taken from her glass, nearly spitting it over the governor's desk.
But Elizabeth ignored her and shook her head at Will. "I understand why you want me to do it. And I don't mind doing it, actually. It is fun!"
This time Cait did spit her drink, accompanied by an exasperated yell from Norrington. As dignified as she could Cait got up, walked over to the couple and slapped Will across the face as hard as she could. Which wasn't that hard by the way, she was a lady after all. But she got her point across.
For a whole minute there was a deadly silence in the room, as nobody said a word. Will just stood there, looking and feeling as clueless as they come. What had he done wrong now?
"William Turner I challenge you to a sword duel in order to protect the honour of Lady Elizabeth Swann!"
Now they really did it. Upsetting and offending the others, I mean. *grins happily* I really like this chapter. The beginning isn't that great, but the last part.I laughed my head of writing this, I can tell you. Looks like we get to the duel, which PirateAngel suggested, after all. Perhaps..we will see. *grins evilly now*
I hope you like it, that the implications are obvious enough and you think it as funny as I do. NightLight4
"Will, my boy, I think it's time you showed me what you have hidden in this boy of yours." A voice from behind cut of her response.
They turned around and saw the Governor standing there, face expressionless, motioning for them to follow him, indicating that he wanted a talk. With all of them. Will looked down at Elizabeth and shrugged, nudging her forward into the direction her father had gone. "Go with him, love. I will follow you as soon as I have picked up my box."
"But I can wait for you." She turned her eyes on him, pleading.
Will chuckled. "You don't exactly know how everyone will react if we both appear late, do you? It could be something important. Don't make him wait, he might not be in the best of moods right now. Go, I will only be a minute behind you!" He urged her.
She sighed, knowing he wouldn't give in, fought the urge to reach up and kiss him, seeing that it would only make matters worse, and went after her father. Hannah, Cait and Norrington followed Elizabeth, the last two both throwing a glare in Will's direction as they passed him.
When they had left the ballroom the voices started anew, louder this time, as everybody voiced his or her opinion on the turn of events. Most of the women complained about Elizabeth and her way of treatment to the Commodore. The called her 'ignorant', 'arrogant', 'indecent' and 'ill-mannered' because she was in love with him and had turned down the Commodore. In their eyes it didn't make her better than one of the scarlet women in the streets of Tortuga. But the worst thing was, that all in the room were talking about her as if he wasn't there and she not just just of the door.
And Will loathed them for that.
Clenching his teeth and balling his hands into tight fists, to keep himself from pounding on the next best shameless gossiper, Will made his way back through the room, back to the door through which he had entered the room. His narrow box still stood where he had left it, as expected. With one look back he thought *Stuck up snobs* as the other guests were still talking endlessly, eyeing him disapprovingly, then he left the ballroom the same way he entered it.
Then, pausing slightly to orientate himself in the huge manor, he considered where the governor would want to hold this 'lecture' about whatever it was that bugged him. The riot in the ballroom, probably.
*Hmm,.his study,..or the salon.choices, choices.*
For any other person it would have looked quite funny to see the young man, standing in the wide corridor, a long narrow box under his arm, carefully contemplating his way. If he choose wrong he would need even more time to get back to Elizabeth, .and he would not let her alone with Norrington a second longer than necessary. Or her aunt, for that matter.
Caitlyn Witherby was a puzzle to him, literally. She appeared to be more serious and strict, more like an old bitter maiden, than a young woman. *She is 7 or 8 years older than me, at the most..*
Will couldn't understand what she had against him. Okay, so he was a pirate,.only half pirate, but that was enough, everybody hated pirates. But she didn't even know him!! How could she judge him or his feelings for Elizabeth??
*I will have to change her mind,.for Liz' sake. But how? Well I have to find them at first, then I can think about that. Well, with Norrington, me and 'Liz. we will provoke another argument for sure. The salon is open for public guest and way nearer to the crowd in the hall than his study. Governor Swann will go for the more private option!* With that Will turned right and followed the corridor to the entrance hall and, nodding at the boy by the door, Jamie, he climbed the stairs to the first floor.
The study was at the end of this hallway, so that every visitor would find his way there easily. *Though I don't see the reason for that,.anyone who comes here gets intercepted and lead there straight away by a servant anyway.* Will mentally shook his head. There were some things he would never understand.
But there also was the 'Private study', that only the governor and his family used.for private matters. *How convenient.*
So a turn to the right it was, the door at the very end.
He took a deep breath, preparing to knock, when he heard loud voices from the inside of the study. *So I was right,* he chuckled *they are already at it. I should have hurried more,..or thought faster!*
Will took another breath and knocked. Immediately the voices on the other side stopped. *As if I would not have heard them already.* He rolled his eyes, as a voice from inside called him in. He grabbed the door handle and pushed the door open, instinctively taking in everything in the room, just to make sure Elizabeth was well.
In comparison to the other chambers in this house it was a rather small room. The northern wall contained several windows, the only windows in this room; this way the sunlight would never blind whoever was working in here. The remaining walls were, save for the door, covered with book shelfs.
Will noticed that Jonathan sat in a huge chair behind a massive wooden desk, while the ladies sat in armchairs in front of the desk, everyone of them a glass with a drink in front of them. Well, at least they 'had' sat there. Right now Elizabeth and her aunt were standing, faces flushed from the heat of their former argument, Caitlyn glancing darkly at the governor, who just looked unimpressed by whatever had happened. His Elizabeth was openly glaring at the Commodore, standing at the right side of the desk. Elizabeth sat, Will noticed strangely pleased, or rather stood more on the left side of the furniture, putting as much distance between her and Norrington as possible.
"Will come in, join us. We've been waiting for you." Jonathan beckoned him in.
"I am sorry for making you wait. I got the feeling that I was interrupting something. Please continue, if you would." He looked at the present men and women, taking his place in the room, behind Elizabeth's chair, placing one hand on top of the backrest. Putting his load down again, he raised one eyebrow, showing them that he knew that they had started their discussion without him.
Elizabeth had sat down again, leaning back into the chair, knowing that Will's hand hovered just inches above her hair. The thought of his nearness calmed her in an indescribable way.
She looked up and saw Will hovering above her.
"Father wants us to sort out, what we have to say to each other up here." She explained.
"As to not disturb the other guests, I understand." He nodded and threw a short glance at the governor. The older man answered his look with a small nod and an even smaller smile. They both understood each other.
Elizabeth was most important person in both of their lives, and they would not let anybody hurt her in any way.
"I was just trying to explain to Cait that Norrington 'is' and definitely never 'will' be my fiancé'!" Elizabeth interrupted their interlude.
"I should be!!" the Commodore exclaimed. "Elizabeth, I could give you soo much more, than he ever could! Marry me, and we would be the most envied couple in the Carribean and far Engl-"
"Oh, would you just shut up!!" Elizabeth broke his speech. "What would you give me?? Nothing I would want or need. I love William." She felt the sudden, but incredible soft and gentle touch of Will's hand on the nape of her neck, carefully stroking her skin, reassuring her. Nobody else, save her father, noticed this little show of affection, for the others sat in an angle to her, which did not allow them to see what Will did and he didn't want to offend anyone until this matter was solved. Or at least had discussed it. "I love the way he loves me, the way only he can do. Nobody else could replace that!!"
"But I, too, am in lov-" Norrington added, but Will cut in sharply.
"Don't dare to say it out aloud!! You don't love Elizabeth! You would let her make her decision and accept it if you did. But look at you," he threw the Commodore a disgusted look. "You broke your word to her, to leave her alone, already."
Furious that everyone seemed to interrupt him today, the officer was set to give the 'filthy blacksmith - pirate' a piece of his mind, opening his mouth to speak, when..
"What do you think of all this now, Hannah, Caitlyn?" The Governor asked his relatives.
Everybody looked at the two women now. Will and Jonathan interested, Elizabeth anxious for the opinion of her relatives, remembering Cait's harsh words in the ballroom- and Commodore Norrington, angry, trying to save his last bits of dignity by looking calm and focused on the matters at hand.
Caitlyn still seemed to mind Will, shooting a glare at him and her brother- in-law. She 'hmph'ed and said. "He is no good for her. And he is a pirate, a fact that should speak for itself." She looked pointedly at the Governor and added: "I do not approve."
Jonathan just frowned at her but didn't have the time to reply something.
"Well, I do have a question." This was the first time Hannah decided to add anything to the current conversation, for it was the first time she spoke, since Will had appeared.
"And what would that be?" Jonathan asked his mother-in-law.
"I have wondered as to how Mr. Turner seems to know my daughter and me, when we have never been formally introduced." She smiled at Will, who fought to contain a chuckle, grinning down at Elizabeth, who suddenly seemed to find the floor very interesting.
"I, uhm., may have..dropped something..here or there." She muttered. Will laughed openly now, looking down lovingly at his beloved.
"She has talked about few things else than you since the note about your coming arrived 3 months ago. She would talk endlessly about her 'aunt and grandmother's' awaited visit, her memories, and what she planned to do and show you once you arrived here." He grinned. "I bet she was the first to awake this morning, keeping the whole house on it's toes."
Now they could hear the Governor chuckling, shaking his head at the same time.
"Not really." Elizabeth blushed as she mumbled: "I kind of...overslept." She quickly glanced over her shoulder at Will. He smiled down at her softly.
"I am sorry. I should not have kept you up so long yesterday. Last night was quite tiring." His smile widened at the memory as he raised his hand and let one finger glide over her cheek, caressing it. "I know it is somewhat selfish, but I need you to do it. For my peace of mind."
Cait choked on the mouth full of water she'd just taken from her glass, nearly spitting it over the governor's desk.
But Elizabeth ignored her and shook her head at Will. "I understand why you want me to do it. And I don't mind doing it, actually. It is fun!"
This time Cait did spit her drink, accompanied by an exasperated yell from Norrington. As dignified as she could Cait got up, walked over to the couple and slapped Will across the face as hard as she could. Which wasn't that hard by the way, she was a lady after all. But she got her point across.
For a whole minute there was a deadly silence in the room, as nobody said a word. Will just stood there, looking and feeling as clueless as they come. What had he done wrong now?
"William Turner I challenge you to a sword duel in order to protect the honour of Lady Elizabeth Swann!"
Now they really did it. Upsetting and offending the others, I mean. *grins happily* I really like this chapter. The beginning isn't that great, but the last part.I laughed my head of writing this, I can tell you. Looks like we get to the duel, which PirateAngel suggested, after all. Perhaps..we will see. *grins evilly now*
I hope you like it, that the implications are obvious enough and you think it as funny as I do. NightLight4
