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Elizabeth Swann awoke with a start. The deck of the Dauntless was gone, replaced by the safety of her room in the governor's mansion. She had been dreaming again of Will and the pirate ship that she had seen eight years earlier on her way here, to Port Royal. And as always, the dream was so vivid and real to her. Her heart still racing, she reached over and turned up the oil lamp that rested beside her canopied bed. The room filled with dim light, gently illuminating the lavish furnishings and artwork that signified Elizabeth's status as the governor's daughter. Easing out of bed, Elizabeth picked up her oil lamp and made her way to her dressing table. She pulled open the top drawer and reached inside.
Her hand closed around a familiar object. Pulling her hand back out, she looked down into her open palm. There, lying faceup, was the gold Medallion she had taken from Will's neck eight years ago. The grinning skull hauntingly stared at her.
A loud knock on the door caused Elizabeth to jump.
"Elizabeth," came her father's voice. "Is everything all right? Are you decent?"
"Yes… yes," Elizabeth stammered as the doorknob began to turn. She quickly placed the Medallion around her neck and threw on a dressing gown, just as her father walked into the room carrying a large box. Estrella, Elizabeth's maid, followed and began to pull back the heavy curtains. Sunlight flooded the room. Outside, the town of Port Royal bustled alongside the blue waters of the Caribbean. Sitting out on a bluff was Fort Charles, its men, armed with cannons, keeping watch over the harbor.
Governor Swann smiled at his daughter. "I have a gift for you," he said proudly, holding the box out to her. Before she could respond, her father opened the box to reveal an elegant gown.
Elizabeth let out a pleased gasp. "May I inquire as to the occasion?" She asked taking the dress behind a screen as her father paced the room.
"I did think you could wear it to the ceremony today," he replied cautiously.
From behind the screen, Elizabeth silently groaned. The promotion ceremony! Of course! Since Norrington had accompanied Elizabeth and her father to Port Royal, he had only grown in standing with the Royal Navy. Now he was being made a commodore. Elizabeth knew her father would like nothing more than to see his only daughter wedded to such a noble man.
As if reading her mind, her father continued. "Captain Norrington, or, rather, Commodore Norrington… a fine gentleman. He fancies you, you know." Pausing, he added, "How's it coming?"
In reply, Elizabeth let out a gasp. Behind the screen, Estrella was pulling the laces on the corset as tight as they would go. Elizabeth felt the air being pushed out of her lungs as her ribs were bound tightly in the whalebone contraption. While the dress was beautiful—full of frill and lace—it was lacking in comfort.
"I'm told that dress is the very latest fashion in London," her father said.
"Women in London must have learned to not breathe," Elizabeth replied. She was not looking forward to being paraded around in front of the newly named Commodore Norrington in such a dress. Trying to take a deep breath, she winced. Deep breathing was clearly out of the question.
A moment later, the fitting was interrupted by a servant who announced a visitor.
Excusing himself, Governor Swann headed downstairs. Shortly after, Elizabeth followed, a frown on her face, as she tried to figure out a way to breathe in the tight corset and walk at the same time. At the top of the stairs she caught sight of the visitor and her frown disappeared, replaced by a beaming smile.
"Mr. Turner!" the governor exclaimed from below.
Will Turner stood in the foyer of the governor's mansion, one hand clutching a long, rectangular case, the other behind his back. His black coat was worn and in need of darning, and his boots were scuffed. But Elizabeth did not mind. The frightened boy she had rescued eight years before was gone, replaced by a handsome young man. From the top of the stairs, out of sight of her father and Will, Elizabeth stared unabashedly at his sad eyes, strong jaw, and thick brown hair, which was pulled back into a ponytail.
"Good day, sir," Will replied, unaware of Elizabeth's eavesdropping. "I have your order." Walking over to a table in the foyer, Will placed the case gently on top. Then, with the utmost reverence, he opened it to reveal a dress sword and scabbard. Will waited as Governor Swann pulled the sword from the case before continuing. "The blade is foiled steel. That's gold filigree laid into the handle. If I may… " Taking the sword back, he continued to point out its strengths.
"Very impressive," Governor Swann said when Will was done. "Do pass my compliments on to your master."
Sighing, Will nodded. The "master" was actually none other than Will himself. But the old blacksmith Will worked for tended to take all the credit for Will's skill.
"I shall," Will said politely. "A craftsman is always pleased to hear his work is appreciated… " His voice broke off.
Elizabeth was walking down the stairs, a smile on her lips. Her hair gleamed in the fractured sunlight and Will took an involuntary step forward.
"Elizabeth! You look stunning," her father said, voicing Will's thoughts.
But Elizabeth did not seem to notice her father or his compliments. Her eyes were riveted to the young swordsmith standing beside him.
"Will! It's so good to see you," she said warmly. "I dreamt about you last night. About the day we met. Do you remember?"
"I could never forget it, Miss Swann."
Oblivious to the effect she had on him, Elizabeth pressed on. "Will, how many times must I ask you to call me Elizabeth?"
"Once more, Miss Swann," he said. "As always."
Elizabeth's face fell. Will was just too proper and polite. Straightening her back and holding her head high, she descended the rest of the stairs. Right before she walked out the door, she turned. "Good day, Mr. Turner," she said coolly.
Without another word, she walked out the door and into her carriage, leaving Will Turner behind.