"So, how's everything?" came Michael's gentle voice.

"Am..all right." smiling back took a deep breath as she faced the sky soaking up the warmth.

For once Michael was taken by this young maiden, he'd never really considered her more than a friend-up until now. Deep inside he knew she wasn't ready to be married, and neither was he. He'd never forget what Lady Elizabeth had told him though, and he dreaded the day Marie would find out the truth. Up till this point it seemed like everyone knew about William Turner..everyone except Marie. Biting his lip as she met his eyes looked away feeling a light blush upon his cheeks- had he been staring the whole time?

"Michael…?"

"Um-Yes?" he turned round quickly finding her literally a few inches from his face- a frown searching his eyes. Startled with the proximity edged back, startled and for the first time awkward. It hadn't been the first time she'd pulled this stunt, however just under the circumstances it did seem a little..awkward this time round.

"What's going on?"

His eyes narrowed sincerely confused. "what do you mean?"

"Since the moment I woke up, everyone seemed..different."

"How so?" he replied "did she suspect anything?" he mused silently.

"No one nagged me this morning, and mother wasn't at breakfast, not to mention the formality at the table."

"Well, did you ever consider that since you're engaged they see you a little differently?"

Looking at him raised a sarcastic brow, complimenting her half grin. "Really?"

He couldn't really meet her eyes and knew his blush was plainly visible by then.

Marie exchanged gazes to the beating sun and to Michael's features, and as she placed the back of her hand atop his forehead, "you're heating up, let's get you inside before you get sunstroke." she added thoughtfully.

"Good, she didn't notice.."

"Where are you two off to?" Chimed Lady Agnes as they walked towards the back entrance leading out of the garden and into the home.

"Michael is overheating so I will help him inside."

"Oh, all right," Lady Agnes commented casually with not a second thought added, "there is pink lemonade in the kitchen if you are thirsty"

Bowing her head, "Thanks Lady A-"

"Goodness child, we're practically family now!" she laughed while leaning in to flick her hand downward in a carefree fashion, "Isn't that right girls?"

This time, it was Marie who blushed as the noble-woman told her to call her 'mommy'. It was obvious she meant it in jest..right?

"Ehe…All right.. um.. mommy.." she said before quickly dashing indoors hearing the burst of laughter from the ladies.

It was indeed awkward, and as she helped him lay on the sofa she brought him a glass of cold lemonade and pulled up a chair and placed it by his head where she'd taken a seat. It was silent for a very long time, until they both made the motion to speak harmoniously.

"Marie-"

"Michael"

After sharing an awkward laugh, Michael sat up alongside her and looked at his feet. "Be honest with me, okay? We've been friends ever since we could remember.."

Marie's heart jumped, but not because of pure emotions, but because she knew he was onto her doubts; but the biggest leach nagging at the back of her mind was the Black Spot. And with all her mother's stories about pirates echoing through her head, it would be hard not to remember. Whoever had been bestowed the Black Spot would have a first class ticket to Davy Jones Locker-but how long did she have left to live? And why did she have it?Was it truly meant for her? Or her mother? The name "Miss Turner" could work for either of them, yet it had come onto her own hands. Silvia's reaction confirmed her suspicions-this was no joke-why else would she tell her to rendezvous at the post office? From being restricted to their own piece of land, to having a full- fledged extension of freedom to roam..all over night. Well it is true it was what she always wanted..but under the circumstances she didn't know anymore. Things..didn't seem to take a good turn. Lost in thought hadn't noticed Michael get up and kneel down in front of her fiddling with her left hand. His touch was gentle, yet the moment his voice actually registered, a look of horror was planted. The Black Spot had somehow imprinted upon her left palm.

"Marie-" his sentence was cut short the moment she'd clapped a hand over his mouth and knelt down in front of him.

"Don't tell anyone-please-give me your word you won't."

Seeing her teary glazed pleading eyes, "Am sorry- I can't.." his own eyes now drew a tear or two, worry and shock had glazed over his eyes. He really didn't expect something like this would happen-and to his betrothed as well. What was seriously going on?

"Black spots are given to fellow pirates, but am not one! You know what they'd do to me..or mother? Please.. I beg of you-I'd do anything you ask-just please…don't tell anyone."

"Anything?" He echoed- for that was the only thing that registered. His eyes dropped to her shaking hands that had clapped onto his and before he could speak his mother had walked in on them with a strange look on her face.

"What are you two doing?" Her voice seemed colder than before.

"I..fainted..from the heat," he began faking a stumble as he tried to get up. Looking Lady Agnes in the eye played the part very well. "She was helping me up."

On cue Marie had attempted to pull him up onto the sofa.

"Oh my," A wave of concern wiped the suspicious look off the middle aged maid's face and placed a hand upon his shoulder. " I'll get the doctor right away-"

As he was seated he gave Marie's hand a squeeze, " No matter what happens, just write-write to me."

Marie's eyes widened in surprise.

"You said you'd do anything if I kept your secret-I want you to write to me."

Something in her gut told her something was going to happen that night, she didn't know what, or how, but she knew. Hugging her best friend tightly, "I'll write, you have my word."

Giving her a tight squeeze added, "Now go..go before my mother gets back..it's going to be dangerous to ride tonight."

Puzzled paused but then as she nodded and pulled away, Marie looked at him sadly as he wiped her eyes. "No matter what happens, no matter who asks, tell them you don't know me-and if they do say we're engaged and it was a blind arrangement." Why had all these things popped into her mind now? Maybe all the stories were finally getting to her head. One thing was for sure, she had to see Silvia.

Pulling out a small box attached to a string, flipped the lid and had gingerly taken something out, "Take this. It was my father's compass, my mother gave it to him as an engagement present before he was lost at sea..told him it would always lead him back home.." Michael said quietly, " May it lead you back home my dearest." Surprised at his choice of words, was caught off guard as her best friend faked a faint the moment Lady Agnes walked in.

Playing the part gasped and stepped back to let the doctor do his work and then made a swift exit.

Pulling the hood over her head frowned, "My dearest.." she echoed. "He really was afraid.." Staring at her left hand put on her riding gloves. For some reason she didn't feel safe enough to go back home. Putting on the chain tucked the small compass under her vest and rode towards the market. Her mother should have been on her way back by then-like she always would be round this time. Elizabeth never stayed out later than four pm. Eyes to the sky kicked the sides of her mount making him lurch with a blast of speed.

Being it the wintery months, the sun had begun to set earlier than usual, making it quite dark by the time she arrived at the Post office. Silvia had just had her envelope stamped the moment Marie had walked in- hood over her eyes.

Silvia had almost missed the youth for she hadn't recognized the rider until she spoke. "Mother's not here..is she." came the trembling hushed lyrics of the girl before her. The weight in her gut confirmed everything, Marie was onto something-no way in lying about it now." Come with me." Her voice was really melancholy.

Marie walked along side Silvia in silence, waiting for the woman to speak.

" I really prayed it wouldn't come to this.." Silvia stated quietly-voice full of regret and guilt-her stride had fallen behind Marie's by then; until she was a decent ways away.

Pausing turned to find Silvia putting a few yards between them. " Come to wha-" before her last word was complete she was struck on the back of her head.

Silvia had slowly walked towards the girl who now lay face down on the ground motionless.

" 'Ere, for your troubles" came a deep croaky voice as the cloaked figure tossed a bag of gold over to the maiden.

"As we agreed," she reminded him before he nodded and waved a finger to have one of his mates strike her behind the head-then all went black.