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Watching and Talking

by Estelwolfe
March 11, 2004

Perhaps if she had been paying more attention to the ground that she trod and less attention to the man she was passing her foot would not have managed to find the loose cobblestone that nearly sent her sprawling to the ground.

She was certain it had been a cobblestone. Beyond a doubt, it must have been a cobblestone. Even subconsciously she would never stoop so low simply to gain the notice of the military man.

Though she had to admit that there were far worse things than the Commodore's arms that could have broken her fall . . .

"Are you well, my lady?"

She could feel a blush rise to her cheeks at the concern in his voice. Had she missed him speaking before?

"Yes, quite well, Commodore. Thank you." She straightened quickly.

"You're most welcome." His hands, callused as all swordsman's were, dropped from her arm to be clasped lightly behind his back. "I don't believe we've had the pleasure. You obviously know who I am, but I am afraid—"

"Maria. Maria Cuentan." Her breathing quickened and she struggled not to blush again.

"Lord Phillip's daughter, then. You arrived a few weeks ago, did you not? I apologize for not having made your acquaintance sooner, but things have been rather . . .hectic of late." A wry smile twisted the corners of the Commodore's mouth, a faint hint of melancholy
showing through just as it had for since the announcement of William Turner and Elizabeth Swann's engagement.

Hectic was one way to describe what had happened. Chaotic would probably be more accurate. When she first arrived, the man's eyes could see only one woman, the Governor's daughter, and Maria had known she was no match for the beautiful young woman.

Then there had been the pirate attack, of which people still whispered, some even claiming that it had been the damned and the
undead who had raided the town, those bearing form in the dark but only skeletal frames by the light of the moon. Next the commodore was off on a rescue mission, chasing the impetuous blacksmith and his pirate ally, searching for the woman that he obviously loved. The tales of what had happened on that voyage . . .if not for the men lost, it was unlikely anyone would have believed it more than a shared nightmare. And then Elizabeth Swann's announcement, after having agreed to marry him in front of dozens of witnesses . . .

"—you and your father would care to join me for supper some day."

The blush again threatened to rise. It should not be so hard to multitask staring at the man and listening to his words at the same time. She quickly hastened to reply, hoping to cover the slip.

"That would be delightful! I shall extend the invitation."

The small smile reappeared on the commodore's face and Maria couldn't help but blush. Had she sounded too forward? She had tried not to show her eagerness . . .

"I look forward to it, Miss Cuentan. If you would excuse me, I'm afraid I really must be going."

"Of course. I'm sorry to have been a bother. I shall watch my footing more closely from now on. And you may call me Maria." As
soon as the words left her mouth she willed them back, for that truly had been too forward. Watching a man certainly did not count as knowing him, especially when he had most definitely not been watching back.

"No bother, my lady. It's been most delightful speaking with you."

Maria dared to return the smile he sent her way, wondering if there truly was a bit less melancholy in it than there had been before or
if that was just her wishful thinking.

As she watched him walk away, the smile became a grin as she suppressed the urge to skip down the street like a small child.

Elizabeth Swann's decision had at least given the rest of them hope.

~.~

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