A Few Days Before.

There was a day in which my life changed. It was one thing, then it transformed into something completely different before I knew what had happened.

I had been pacing slowly in the foyer waiting for James. He had said that he had something special planned for today's outing. A surprise. We would usually take a carriage ride through the town, stroll around the mansion's gardens, or walk through the park talking and waiting for our chaperone to look away. It was then we could steal a kiss, if we weren't in public of course, but most of the time we would just hold hands and chat as we walked. The chaperone allowed it, though holding on to his arm would have been more proper. Regardless, I would grab hold of his arm for some time just to please her.
I especially liked it when James and I walked through the park. However, it was rare since my dresses would get dirty, and my feet would hurt from the long walks. I felt pity towards our chaperone, she was after all, an older lady.
" Elizabeth, Commodore Norrington is here." A young woman in a maid uniform told me, as she walked towards me.
" Marie, what could he be planning?"
" Lizzie I don't know, but it's best that you not inquire, you'll ruin the surprise."
" It's best not to be a nuisance you mean?"
" No, you're a fine lady that knows how to behave, now hurry, don't keep him waiting."
" I'm already in the foyer." I said and straightened my hair.
" I meant don't chit chat and be on your way as soon as possible. Will you tell of the surprise when you get back?"
" Of course." She knew I always told her everything. Even though Marie was here to serve me, she was still my best and most trusted friend.
There was a knock on the door and the butler walked quickly from another room toward the door.

" We're almost there. I apologize for the journey." James told me as he took a glimpse out the window of the carriage.
" It's quite alright, I assure you." I didn't recognize the place. It certainly wasn't the park we always went to. This place was empty of people, yet there were beautiful plants and flowers and trees all around. It obviously wasn't visited very often by carriages, because the road was awfully bumpy as we sped on. A lot more so than most roads.
" Here we are." He stepped out of the carriage and helped me out. We had stopped in the middle of the 'road' if you could call it that, which was lined with trees and greenery on both sides. It was very calm and there was a slight, refreshing breeze. It smelled wonderful. I wondered I my father would be able to find me a perfume like it in London.
" You picked a stunningly charming place. Where exactly are we James?"
" A little ways out of town, south of the town actually. Come." He held out his hand for me to take. I took it and noticed that we weren't followed by Jaqueline, our usual chaperone who would ride with the coachman. We weren't followed by anyone for that matter.
" And Jaqueline?"
" I told you today was special. She would ruin the surprise. Your father doesn't know I didn't bring her. I hope you don't mind too much not having a chaperone because I honestly could not bring her today."
" No, well, it's just that it seems a bit odd, improper actually." Very improper, but a bit welcome.
" I apologize, but trust me, I wouldn't do anything to compromise your honor. And I wouldn't do anything as audacious as this, if there were not a good reason."
" Very well then, where to love, what's this surprise you've been talking about?"
He led me to a tree with drooping branches and leaves, then he parted them and revealed a small path that was behind them with his left arm.
" After you Miss Swann." I stepped behind the branches and found that the trees lined the path and made it into a sort of corridor. He followed next to me. Holding onto his arm pleased me since the corridor went up a hill. We talked little until we reached the end and I saw a clearing that was brightly lit by the afternoon sun. I let go of his arm to further examine it and all its beauty.
" This is incredible! What a surprise James! It's- it's…" When he wouldn't answer me, I turned behind me and saw him kneeling on one knee in the grass.
" James?" He had a small, dark green box with a golden ring inside it.
" Miss Elizabeth Swann, would you grant me the honor of being my wife?" I knew this would happen someday, but still, it was too unexpected, I think I went into a shock. After a few moments a managed to whisper,
" Yes."
" Thank you." He replied as he stood up and placed the ring on my finger. I still didn't know what to say.
" You didn't like it?" He questioned.
" I- It's just. I'm sorry, yes I did like it. Parson me-of course I did." I added with more emotion which he didn't seem to believe. I continued,
" It was an unexpected surprise, that's all. But a pleasant one." I was happy at the thought of a marriage proposal, but I hadn't expected one, not now. I gave him a smile.
" James, I just didn't think you'd ask this soon."
" I know I haven't been courting you a long time, but I felt it an adequate time to propose." Then he smiled and said.
" You already said yes, you can't take it back now Elizabeth."
" I wasn't planning to, mind you." He leaned in closer and whispered,
" Good, because I wasn't going to accept it." I giggled as I gave him a quick peck on the lips.
" When is the announcement?"
" Thursday night. Your father and I have it all ready."

But that wasn't the day my life changed.