Chapter 2

It was a perfect night for a party. The weather was wonderful, no rain or hot and heavy air. Elizabeth had on the most beautiful dress. It was a deep red and had little pearls sewn on it. It was cut low enough to just barely show the tops of her breasts.

She danced most of the night with James Norrington. Since she was a young girl she had been infatuated with the dashing young commodore. She thought that he was the perfect man. He was handsome, heroic, sweet, and oh so caring. However, she feared that he only viewed her as a friend and was absolutely not interested in her romantically.

She had just finished a dance with James and politely excused herself for a moment. She just needed to be alone with her thoughts for a moment. She quietly made her way to the balcony outside and was grateful to find that no one was out there. Elizabeth walked to the rail and rested her arms on it. She studied the little town of Port Royal carefully. It really was quite a pleasant little place.

Her thoughts went to James instantly. How could it be that the one man that she actually liked was not interested in her? Well at least it seemed like that anyway. He was always so prim and proper around her. It was actually quite annoying after awhile. The man needed to learn how to loosen up a bit!

"It's a beautiful night," a smooth male voice suddenly said.

Elizabeth nearly jumped out of her skin! She had been so lost in thought that she failed to notice someone join her on balcony. The man chuckled softly.

"I'm sorry, I did not mean to frighten you," he bowed his head apologetically.

Elizabeth turned around and looked up at the man and her heart suddenly skipped a beat. He had the most beautiful blue eyes that she had ever seen. What was it about this man that made her stomach have butterflies? He was so mysteriously sexy. She then felt her face go red with embarrassment when she realized she was staring at him. "I'm sorry, it was rude of me not to notice you come out here," she finally choked out and looked away from him.

"Oh Miss Swann it's quite alright," he said softly. Elizabeth looked at him, trying desperately to figure out who he was. He seemed to notice her desperation and he too blushed slightly. "Oh heavens, how rude of me! I haven't introduced myself to you. I'm Lord Cutler Beckett, I'm a good friend of your father's."

"You may call me Elizabeth if you wish," Elizabeth told him. She hated to be called Miss Swann, it made her feel like an old lady.

"Elizabeth..." Beckett tried it out. "Such a beautiful name for such a beautiful young lady."

Elizabeth blushed even more now. Was this man actually trying to flirt with her? She made eye contact with him. His eyes were so hypnotizing. She flashed him a smile and he smiled back.

"Thank you, my lord," she said. He continued to smile at her.

"Could I perhaps have a dance with you....Elizabeth," he said her name slowly, almost seductively and she melted.

"Of course, my lord," she accepted almost a little too eagerly. Why was she letting this man charm her so easily?

"Wonderful," he said with a smile. He offered her his arm and she gladly took it.

As Beckett led her off the balcony and to the dance floor Elizabeth noticed James look at them. He looked confused and was that jealousy she saw in his eyes? No, that was impossible. He could not possibly be interested in her. Before she could stop herself she let out a small sigh of disappointment.

"Is there something wrong, Elizabeth?" Beckett suddenly asked her.

"Oh no everything is perfect," Elizabeth told him. He smiled at her, seeming to be happy with the answer.

They began to dance and Elizabeth's thoughts were going crazy. Was seventeen truly the magic age? She never had men really show any interest in her until tonight. Of course Elizabeth knew why they were all so interested. She was the governor's daughter and the sole inheritor of her father's fortunes. And it also had been going around that she was the most attractive woman in Port Royal. She she guessed men would want her as some sort of trophy wife. But she really did not think she was the most attractive woman around. There were many beautiful woman in Port Royal.

"Dear Elizabeth you seem to be in deep thought," Beckett said suddenly derailing her train of thought. Elizabeth flashed him an award winning smile.

"My apologies, sir. A girl only turns seventeen once and you must imagine that my thoughts are quite scrambled," she said. She noticed his necktie slightly askew. "Oh your necktie is a little off," she straightened it for him and accidentally on purpose let her fingers graze his skin. She saw him take in a sharp breath and she could not help but smirk at his reaction. He cleared his throat before speaking.

"Ah yes, thank you," he said. He apparently had not expected her to be so bold.

Elizabeth was absolutely enjoying herself with Beckett. He seemed to genuinely care about what she had to say. She told him about her love of the ocean and how she would love to someday go out on a ship for awhile and explore.

"Well it certainly seems you have high ambitions," Beckett said.

"Yes, but I fear my father will never let me do anything even remotely fun," Elizabeth huffed.

"He's just being protective...maybe someday you'll have a husband that can take you out to sea..." Beckett trailed off slowly.

"Yeah maybe in my dreams!" Elizabeth laughed softly.

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The party came to an end faster than Elizabeth wanted. She wanted to continue to spend time with Beckett. He was the first man to really pay attention to her and it excited her. Suddenly James approached them at the little table that they had settled into earlier that night after dancing.

"Lord Beckett," James first acknowledged Beckett and then looked to Elizabeth. "Elizabeth I've come to tell you goodnight before I leave but first I would like to talk to you..." James said and then added. "In private."

Beckett narrowed his eyes at James' not so subtle hint to leave. He stood and looked to Elizabeth.

"Sweet Elizabeth, I fear it is getting a little late and I really must take my leave," he told her softly. He took her hand gently and kissed it. "It truly has been a pleasure, I hope to see you again soon?"

"Yes, of course," was all she managed to get out. He smiled at her and looked at James. His smile instantly wiped off his face.

"Commodore," he said and at that he left.

James glared after him until he was out of sight and turned to Elizabeth. He offered her his arm and he led her out to the balcony so that they were alone.

"Elizabeth, please forgive me if I'm out of line but I must speak my mind," James started. Elizabeth chuckled softly.

"James, you know you can tell me anything," she said.

"Yes, very well. I don't think you should be spending anymore time with Beckett," he just came out and said it. Elizabeth stared at him for a brief moment and then it dawned on her. James really was jealous of Beckett!

"I'm sorry James but I really don't understand why I should not," she said.

"He's trouble, Elizabeth. He is a foul man and quite ruthless," James said a slight twinge of anger was in his eyes. "I will not allow that man to cause you any heartbreak."

"Okay first of all your jumping a little ahead. Heartbreak? I barely know the man, it's not like I'm in love with him," Elizabeth said. 'In like with him maybe,' Elizabeth thought to herself.

"Please Elizabeth, he's not a good person. He has a black heart," James pleaded with her.

"James don't worry about me. I am quite capable of taking care of myself," Elizabeth said. She yawned slightly and looked at James. "It's getting late, we both need to get some rest," she said completely dismissing the Beckett subject. James let out a resigned sigh.

"Yes, your right, we'll talk later," James said and he led them back inside. Elizabeth let go of his arm and smiled at him.

"James you worry too much," she said.

"Well it because I c-," James stopped himself from finishing the sentence. "Goodnight Elizabeth," James said and he walked to the door. He turned around and glanced at her again before he left.

Elizabeth stood in the spot that James had left her. Was he about to tell her that he cared about her? Why did he stop? Why did he always have to be so damn proper all the time? It truly was aggravating.

A/N: I know Beckett seems a little out of character but don't worry his real personality will come out soon! Please leave me some feedback and let me know what you think!