Disclaimer: I don't own POTC. The title is a short play by George Lefferts. I wrote a paper on it last year. It's really good. I suggest you read it. And this. Hehe.

Chapter 24: The Glamour Trap

"That's where I come in. Ana Maria and I can teach you in absolutely no time how to make due with the sudden changes. After all, I was in your very position some years ago."

"You were not," Gretchen spat. "You were never as wealthy as I."

"The first lesson you are going to have to learn is humility. You are no better than any of us."

"But I am! How can I possibly endure such difficulty! What am I to do without servants?" Gretchen exclaimed.

"Well, it's a bit difficult at first. But after awhile it's somewhat uplifting of a feeling that you are able to depend on yourself."

"I cannot, I just cannot. How can I be expected to care for myself; to cook for myself, or even dress myself? It can't be done, you suggest the impossible!" But Camille could see that she was wearing down. Days of these hysterics had placed them both in a rather favourable position. Gretchen was very suggestible at this point.

"The dressing part is what astounded me at first. Now, I know, it may seem entirely improper and embarrassing at first to go without layers of underthings. But I can assure you that it is much easier to move, even stand in under the hot sun."
"I can't go out in the sun, it will ruin my complexion!" she squealed, beginning to panic again.

"We've got hats, like the one I'm wearing," Camille said in a calm voice.

"It's hideous. I loathe it."

"But it will keep you looking beautiful. And without all the clothing your body will retain its youth, and your skin will maintain its…delicacy," she said, searching for the last word.

The flattery had done it. Gretchen was already sitting up straighter. Camille secretly leapt for joy. Why hadn't she thought of flattery instead of logic sooner? Probably because she was so used to convincing the irrational Jack Sparrow.

"Yes, and the breeze through your hair is ultimately healthier than the use of curlers on it. And from all of the movement and exercise, your complexion will improve further," Camille exaggerated. "And you mustn't forget, we won't be at sea the entire time. We occasionally stop in other ports, bigger ports. In your spare time, (and with all of the money you'll aquire), you can attend balls."

Gretchen squealed again, this time with joy, and stood up. "My goodness Camille, how come you never told me this before? Where are my clothes, how do I get ready?"

"Here they are!" spoke Priscilla, entering the room with the old blue dress that Camille once wore. It was the nicest of any of them except the green dress.

Gretchen frowned. "It's so unflattering to my figure," she whined.

"Only until you see how much it fits your form. Priscilla, help me get this dress off."

Half an hour later, Gretchen was standing in the middle of the room with the simple blue dress on. Her hair had been brushed out, and hung down below her shoulders in loose coils, still maintaining some of its form.

"How do you like it?"

Gretchen spun around slowly, still making a face. "It's not very pretty. And it's old."

"Yes, but see how you can move in it! Walk towards me, come on," Camille suggested.

Though she didn't want to admit it to either of the young ladies, Gretchen was completely shocked at how light she felt. She never knew she could extend her legs as far as she could. Camille laughed. "You see?"

"Let's go show Gabriel!" Priscilla beamed. "I'm sure he would love to see her."

They all went quietly into Gabriel's room, where he was still awake. He greeted them warmly, and then stopped. "Is that really my sister? Camille, my God, what have you done to her?" he asked, very impressed.

"Oh please, Gabriel," Gretchen said, sticking her nose up in the air. "It's not that bad."

"No, indeed it's wonderful! I'm quite shocked that you got her to change out of her dress at all."

"Gabriel, I am standing right here. Do not speak like I'm not present," sneered Gretchen.

Gabriel huffed. "It seems that your attitude can still stand some improvement."

"Come on, let us go on deck," Priscilla urged.

"Yes, that is a very good idea. I think I'll venture up, as well," Gabriel said, getting up. Camille stepped forward, and he shook his head. "No, I'm fine. I need to get out of this room and move about," he said as she looked at him reproachfully. She said nothing though, and the four of them made their way out into the starlight.

Once on the deck, Gabriel looked straight up and breathed a deep sigh. "This is so beautiful. Now I can understand what you meant those years ago when we had that talk, Camille."

"Aye," she replied. "Gretchen, Priscilla, come here! I want to show you something." She pointed at the North Star. "Do you know what that is?"

"Of course I do, it's a star," Gretchen replied smartly.

"Not just any star, it's Polaris," Gabriel corrected. "It's how we know in which direction we are going."

"Tomorrow you're going to learn all about the other parts of the ship," Camille said, concealing a grin. It gave some sort of satisfaction to know that Gretchen would no longer be so histrionic. But something caught her eye. "Dolphins!" she said, looking over the side of the ship.

"Dolphins?" Priscilla asked. "They're so graceful!" she observed. Even her sister seemed to be enjoying herself.

"Yes, did you know that they are mammals?" Camille explained.

"Really?"

"Aye. They breathe in the air. Oh, look!" They were swimming right up next to the side of the ship, jumping in and out of the waves. "I wonder if we have any fish."