Scene 2: (A beautiful dress and an impressive sword)

 

[ Elizabeth awakes and decides to take out the medallion from a hiding place in her bureau drawer; she puts it on; there’s a knock on the door]

Governor Swann : Elizabeth ? Are you alright? Are you decent?

Elizabeth : [hides medallion in the bodice of her nightgown, throws on a robe] Yes, yes!

Governor Swann : Still abed at this hour? [opens the curtains and the window] It’s a beautiful day. I have a gift for you. [reveals dress]

Elizabeth : Oh, it’s beautiful!

Governor Swann : Isn’t it?

Elizabeth : May I inquire as to the occasion?

Governor Swann : Does a father need an occasion to dote upon his daughter? [to the maids] Go on. Actually, I, um…I had hoped you might wear it for the ceremony today.

Elizabeth : The ceremony?

Governor Swann : Captain Norrington ’s promotion ceremony.

Elizabeth : I knew it!

Governor Swann : Commodore Norrington, as he’s about to become! [the maids lace Elizabeth up into a corset]  A fine gentleman, don’t you think? He fancies you, you know. Elizabeth? How’s it coming?

Elizabeth : It’s difficult to say.

Governor Swann : I’m told it’s the latest fashion in London

Elizabeth : Well, women in London must’ve learned not to breathe.

Servant: Milord, you have a visitor.

[ Will studies a sconce and upon touching it, a piece comes off in his hand; he buries it in the vase that’s holding canes and umbrellas]

Governor Swann : [walks downstairs after the servant] Ah, Mr. Turner , good to see you again.

 

 

Will: Good day, sir. I have your order. [opens case and takes out the sword]

Governor Swann : [takes the sword and unsheathes it] Well.

Will : The blade is folded steel. That’s gold filigree laid into the handle. If I may. [balances the sword] Perfectly balanced. The tang is nearly the full width of the blade. [flips the sword and presents it gracefully to the Governor]

 

 

Governor Swann : [takes the sword] Impressive. Very impressive. Ah, now, Commodore Norrington is going to be very pleased with this. Do pass my compliments on to your Master. Hmm?

Will : I shall. A craftsman is always pleased to hear his work is appreciated.

Governor Swann : [enter Elizabeth ] Oh, Elizabeth , you look absolutely stunning.

Elizabeth : Will! It’s so good to see you. I had a dream about you last night.

Will : About me?

Governor Swann : Yes, well, is that entirely proper for you to…?

Elizabeth : About the day we met, do you remember?

Will : How could I forget, Miss Swann ?

Elizabeth : Will, how many times must I ask you to call me Elizabeth ?

Will: At least once more, Miss Swann , as always.

Governor Swann : There. See? At least the boy has a sense of propriety. Now, we really must be going. [gives Elizabeth a parasol] There you are.

 

 

Elizabeth : Good day, Mr. Turner .

Governor Swann : Come along.

 

 

Will: Good day… [Elizabeth and the Governor exit, Will trailing after them, they leave in a carriage] … Elizabeth .

 

 

Next chapter                   return to Chapterpage