A Smart Match

A Smart Match

Chapter 1

A Smart Match

"Elizabeth, there you are," Papa says, catching me in my attempt to sneak down the staircase. Though, truth be told, it is a rather poor plot on my part to attempt to sneak down the front stairs instead of the back. I just did not expect him to be at home. Or with company for that matter.

"Good afternoon, Papa," I say sweetly, finishing my stairwell descent and coming to kiss him on the cheek. "You are home early."

"I have quite the surprise for you," he says, motioning at our guest. "You remember Captain James Norrington, don't you, dearest?"

I study the tall man in the naval uniform next to Papa. He is not wearing a wig, which I approve of because I think it is a horrid fashion and his natural hair seems nice enough. Sort of a mahogany and his face is the type that you cannot tell his true age though I would guess somewhere near thirty.

"No, Papa, I do not believe I do remember Captain Norrington," I finally say. "Should I?"

My admission makes Norrington blush and Papa cough like he swallowed something wrong. "On the crossing from England," he prompts.

"Oh, yes!" I cry, grinning brightly. "The day we rescued Will!" I step forward, extending my hand toward Norrington to shake. "Forgive me. Now I remember."

"What happened to the boy that was rescued?" Norrington asks, holding on to my hand quite longer than necessary. "I often wondered that in the years since."

"Oh, Will is quite my very best friend in the known world!" I say, my enthusiasm eliciting another embarrassed blush from Papa. "Though, at present, we are having a bit of a tiff since he keeps insisting we are too old to play as we once did."

"At least the boy has a sense of propriety," Papa says, one of his favorite things to say in order to point out my many and sundry lapses.

"If I may be so bold, Miss Swann," Norrington says. "Would you care to accompany me on a promenade through town? It has been an age since I was in Port Royale and some things have undoubtedly changed."

I look towards Papa to see if this is what he wants.

"The weather is very fine, Elizabeth," Papa says. "I believe a promenade would be a lovely choice for you and Captain Norrington."

"Yes," I agree, turning to give Norrington a bright smile. "Allow me a moment to collect my parasol and hat, please."

"Of course, Miss Swann," Norrington says, bowing , as I rush up the stairs two at a time to collect my things.

-------

"How long do you intend to stay in Port Royale, Captain Norrington?" I ask distractedly as we walk, one arm linked properly through his and the other holding my parasol. Despite myself, I perpetually scan the crowd for any glimpse of Will Turner. We have not spoken in neigh a week which is very upsetting.

"Indefinitely, Miss Swann," Norrington replies. "It is my new home port. I was recently transferred. Your father put in a good word for me."

"How very kind of him," I say, quickening my pace when I spot Will crossing the street ahead of us. "Will! Will Turner, I know you hear me so you better stop to say hello!"

Will's feet falter and he turns toward the sound of my voice. "Miss Swann. Good day."

"How are you?" I ask excitedly, bouncing up and down on the balls of my feet. Will's eyes skitter towards my - Goodness! Will Turner just looked at my bosom! How deliciously pervy of him. I smile, half breathless at the knowledge of where his attention just strayed to. "It's been an age, Will. I've missed you."

"I have been very busy," he says, glancing at Norrington.

"Oh! Will Turner, this is Captain James Norrington," I make introductions. "Captain Norrington, my friend Will Turner."

"The boy from the raft," Norrington says, shaking Will's offered hand. "I must say, it was quite fortunate you survived such an incident. Pirates rarely leave survivors."

"I don't remember much of that day," Will says, glancing at me, keeping his eyes firmly on my face this time. "Elizabeth was a fine nurse, though."

"It was my pleasure, naturally," I say. "I felt so useful."

"Shall we continue, Elizabeth?" Norrington asks, tucking my arm tighter against him.

I glance regretfully at Will. "Yes. Thank you, Captain Norrington. Will? Perhaps you can come around later?"

"Perhaps."

As Norrington and I continue down the street, I crane my neck for one last look at Will. He is watching us, face stricken. As if sensing my gaze, he turns away, and I have the most hideous feeling that he will not come around later. Perhaps I have spoiled our friendship for good. I cannot bear to think on it.