[Of course, no copyright infringment intended. Just a lovely story about Will and Elizabeth's encounters at an engagement ball. Just a bit of fun. Possibly a slow start, but I hope to make it enjoyable! So shall we begin?

The lady's heart fluttered as she descended the staircase, and she anxiously smoothed her dress in anticipation of the event. The murmur of the throng resonated throughout the mansion, and she glided to the entryway. When the woman turned to the man standing alongside, she gently squeezed his hand, and they stepped into the chamber.

"Presenting Mister William Turner and Miss Elizabeth Swann."

Elizabeth released Will's clammy hand to obeisance, and he awkwardly bowed in full length black attire. Once they had entered the quarters, the next pair was introduced, and Will hastily pulled his fiancé to the side.

"Will, are you all right?"

His eyebrows furrowed, and a bead of sweat dribbled down his forehead. He attempted a smile, but it failed him when Elizabeth's relatives passed by with a menacing glance. "I don't think I am making a very good impression."

"We have only just arrived, and you are doing fine. It is merely my relations who refuse to respect the fact that I am more than willing to marry for love instead of fortune and stature." She sighed as men and women were joyously engaged in dancing. "I'm sorry my father talked you into this."

"He only wants what is best for you."

"Perhaps this is not what is 'best'." She saw Will nod slightly and then felt his hands fiddling with her slender fingers.

"Do you wish to dance?" He lifted his eyes to her rosy cheeks.

"Are you offering?"

The gentleman held out his rough hands, Elizabeth greedily accepted the opportunity, and they spun into the vivacious dance. They bounced to the either side, and after the formal bows were performed, the dance was initiated. Meeting in the middle, they clapped hands and chuckled at each others jaunty steps. As they circled counter-clock wise, palm to palm, Elizabeth proclaimed in a merry tone, "I never knew you could move in such a sprightly manner!"

"Ah, Miss Swann, there are many things you have yet to learn about me." The string instruments rose in a crescendo and then abruptly descended as the dance came to a jovial end. Back to their stations, the partners clapped for the band, and Will and Elizabeth scampered off the floor in search of refreshments.

Guzzling down a glass of champagne, Elizabeth caressed Will's arm in enjoyment. "This dance is not so dreary, is it?" she asked playfully.

"No, not when I am with you." He sipped on his own drink as Elizabeth grasped another glass off of a waiter's platter.

"Then I shall never leave your side."

"Is that a promise?"

"Yes, of course."

At that moment, Elizabeth was approached by her indulgent uncle, who swaggered beneath his saggy weight. She leaned into Will and whispered, "That is my Uncle John."

"John Swann?" He grinned at the simple rhyme. Her eyes widened, knowing her beau was fully prepared to make some teasing notion.

Before he had a chance, John shook hands with Will and said in a thick accent, "It's a pleasure making your acquaintance, Mister Turner. I've heard much about you from this little lady. Of course, it has only been of recent. I convinced her father to host this ball before my departure."

"Oh, now, Uncle John I am certain my father had this planned all along."

"Aye, I too know that your father has desired to announce your engagement for quite some time." He took a step toward Elizabeth and offered his chubby hand. "If I may be so bold, may I dance with your lovely fiancé, Mister Turner?"

Will agreed, chuckling at the fact that Elizabeth has foolishly promised that she would never leave his side. Of course, he knew she meant permanently. Now alone, the man wandered about the ballroom, hoping to catch a glimpse of a familiar face.

The instruments softly strummed, and the twenty year old curtsied to her faux suitor. However, when she lifted her eyes to her partner once more, her head tilted to one side for he had been replaced by a male with kohl masked eyes. The pair gracefully glided to opposite sides and in passing, she murmured his name. Jack Sparrow.