Title: At Least Once More
Rating: PG-13
Summary: A day just like any other. But this day was going to be special. Will was finally going to propose to Elizabeth, and he even brought back Jack Sparrow to celebrate the wedding! But there's only one thing wrong with Will's plan: there was no blushing bride-to-be on Port Royal.
Disclaimer: I don't own anything POTC, so don't kill me.
AN: Hello all. Sorry I didn't give enough time to let you review on part two. I just got the chapters written out faster than I thought, and it's easier for me to update all my stories at the same time. If you guys are wondering why it takes me so long, take a look at my profile. It explains it all for you there. Long story. Hehe. Anyways! I hope you all liked the last chapter. It took me a while to write, 'cause I had to think of what I wanted to happen for that chapter to make it long enough. Okay, here's the story!
Part Three: New HomeThe streets of London were filled with people, and Elizabeth longed for the quiet town of Port Royal once again. There were plenty of shops, of which any lady would enjoy to see. But Elizabeth remained emotionless to the sights around her, and focused on the small building that was their new home.
Her father's face was gleaming with excitement. The roof of their home was visible over the trees, and Elizabeth wondered how big it really was. The shops were growing fewer and fewer as the carriage took them deeper into the trees. Swallowing back her pride, Elizabeth found herself shocked at the size of the house.
It seemed to be a three-story home, with a few towers on the left and right sides. The windows were traced with a light blue trim, and the walls where painted an elegant white. Giant pillars were holding a balcony on the top floor, edged with a glistening white metal fence, all four shaped in beautiful marble.
"It's beautiful," Elizabeth whispered, leaning forward to get a better view as the carriage grew closer.
"Yes, it is, isn't it?" Her father commented, allowing his grin to shimmer on his face. "This is where we shall be living for however long we stay. Marvelous. Much better than that old home back at Port Royal."
She couldn't help but nod in agreement, knowing that it was true. Her old home wasn't nearly as marvelous as this new one, but it would never have the same view from her bedroom.
The carriage stopped, and they waited for the door to be opened for them. A trait Elizabeth had grown up used to. A young man came out of the front door. He walked briskly down the steps, and froze, his eyes trapped on Elizabeth's face. He opened his mouth to speak, but nothing escaped.
"Yes, what is it boy?" Her father said, snapping the young man back into reality.
"Colonel Bradley is waiting in the den to speak with you, Governor Swann," the boy said, shaking his head to clear his thoughts.
"Very well, we mustn't keep him waiting any longer. Let's go, Elizabeth."
Elizabeth nodded slowly, glaring at the young boy as she walked passed him. Hare dare he look at me like that! If Will was here, he'd…. She let the thought stick in her mind, too afraid to complete the sentence. She followed her father inside the house, and into the den.
Colonel Bradley was a young man, not much older than Elizabeth, but his age did not defy his ranking. She had read books about him before. How he became a soldier at ten years old because he lied about his age, and how he was promoted to Colonel after stopping a band of pirates from capturing all of England. He was a fine man, and it was a wonder why he was still not married.
He stood up as they entered the room. "Governor Swann, I am pleased to finally meet you face to face." He extended his hand for the Governor to shake. "I am truly honored you agreed to return back to London."
"Well, your offer was too gracious to refuse, Colonel," Elizabeth's father said, shaking the younger man's hand firmly.
Bradley smiled, his eyes drifting over to Elizabeth. "And who might you be, Miss?"
"This is my daughter, Elizabeth," her father said before she had a chance to speak.
"It's a pleasure to meet you as well, Elizabeth," Bradley said, bowing slightly.
"It's Miss Swann, if you could, sir," Elizabeth countered, offering him her hand so he might peck is slightly.
His grin was playful, "Apologies, Miss Swann. I do hope you enjoy living in my home during your stay."
"This is your home?" Elizabeth asked. "It is quite beautiful, sir."
"I ask only for the best."
"Well, I think it suits you very well, Colonel," she said. "Would you be so kind as to direct me to my quarters, I am afraid I should retire."
"Ah, allow me to take you, that is," he turned to the Governor, "if you father does not mind sitting here alone for a moment?"
"Oh, no, you go ahead. I'm going to take the time to explore your trophies on the mantle," he replied, already walking over to the other side of the room.
Bradley grinned, "Very well, Miss Swann." He offered her his arm. "Shall we get going?"
She just looked at his arm, and reluctantly took it. "Yes, lead the way, sir."
He led her through the den and back into the entryway. "So, how was it living in the Caribbean for most of your life, Miss Swann?"
"It was wonderful, I could see the sea from my room. I doubt I'll be able to see it again from where I am now, but I suppose it doesn't matter too much."
"Well, I am truly sorry you cannot see it from here, but I do hope this new home makes up for whatever it is you are loosing."
Elizabeth sighed, her thoughts drifting back to Will once more. "No, I don't think it shall."
"Just give it time, I'm sure there will be something about London that you will like more than Port Royal."
"As far as the sights, I suppose there might be something. But as far as the people go, I will need a lifetime to like it more than Port Royal."
"Then a lifetime I shall give you," Bradley said, opening a small door. "This is your room. I will send for your things to be delivered up here shortly."
"Thank you, Colonel, good night."
As he gave her a courteous bow, she slowly shut the door, feeling relieved to be left alone. With a sigh, she turned around, glancing around her room. There was a giant canopy bed, made of a dark redwood frame, silk and lace covering the top and the sheets. It was very elegant, she had to admit, but too fancy for her taste. There were two nightstands on both sides of the bed, a small candle lit on top. Both were also made of the same redwood as the bed.
Taking off her white gloves, she walked over to the desk, placing them on the top. There were plenty of papers and envelopes, and a feather ink pen was already dipped and ready for her to begin. Twisting her lip, Elizabeth thought of how much this man already knew her. He knew she was of much wealth, and he furnished her entire room in the best sense possible, and he also knew of her love for her Port Royal home – having already laid out paper and other materials to write home with. Either this man loved to spoil her, or he was trying to impress her.
"You may try as hard as you please, Mr. Bradley," Elizabeth whispered under her breath. "But you will not win my heart."
