A Line In The Sand: Deleted Scenes
Scene 1: How Miss Turner Was Entertained Aboard The Dauntless

Author's Note: Ok, so it occurred to me that I really hadn't done much with the Curse of the Black Pearl – it was all over in one chapter. And I think I could have done it more justice. And it just wouldn't leave me alone. So, here are the major scenes from Curse of the Black Pearl which I originally cut because I wanted to get on with the story proper. They're all Victoria-centric, but James too, because I wanted to write them before he realised he loved her, before she thought she had a chance and before they became all each other had.

Her brother lay weak and sleeping in the bunk next to hers, but Victoria Turner was bright and awake. She slipped out of her bunk and laid her hand on Will's. He stirred slightly and turned his head to her, forcing his eyes open, frowning to focus on her. His fingers tightened in hers and he made to sit up, but she pushed him back down with a thump.

"What is it? What's wrong?"

"Nothing. I just wanted to check you're all right. The surgeon said you have to rest."

She fidgeted, shifting from one foot to the other, feeling the worn wood beneath her feet.

"I feel all right."

"That Elizabeth Swann was with you right 'til she had to go to bed."

"Was she?"

"Mmmm," Victoria frowned; feeling slightly put out by that sudden look of delight on Will's face. "She said she would come down and read to you if you were up to it today. I'm going to explore the ship – Lieutenant Norrington said he would give me a tour."

"All right, Vicky, I'll see you later."

"Yes. Well, go back to sleep. You need your rest, remember?"

She glowered at her brother as he snuggled back down under the covers. She threw her clothes on and combed her hair with her fingers, scrabbling under the bunk for her lost ribbon, coaxing her tangled curls back, hoping she looked presentable.

The dawn was breaking and sparkling on the lapping waves around the Dauntless. There was a fine mist in the air, already beginning to evaporate in the growing sunlight. She curled her hands around the rail and leaned forward, grinning at the distant horizon, enjoying the loll of the ship beneath her.

She felt a large hand close firmly around her shoulder and pull her back.

"Do not lean out so far, Miss Turner," Lieutenant Norrington said.

She might have argued with anyone else, but he was smiling and she realised it was worry, not a desire to spoil her enjoyment that caused him to say it. The thought that he worried for her sent warmth down into her toes and made her stand up a little straighter.

"Good morning, Lieutenant."

"Good morning, Miss Turner. I trust you slept well?"

"Perfectly well, thank you."

"Your brother is well?"

"Yes. I believe Miss Swann is going to read to him later."

"And you do not intend to join them?"

"I doubt there would be much room for me."

Norrington paused, seeing the flicker of hurt that passed across her face. She was very pale and thin, he noticed suddenly. Even more pale under that untidy thicket of dark hair and her face was almost gaunt.

"Have you eaten, Miss Turner? I believe there is porridge for breakfast."

"Oh, that would be wonderful."

"I doubt you would enjoy taking it with the other sailors, so shall I bring a bowl to your cabin?"

"Couldn't I have it here?" she asked, completely unaware that Lieutenants were not in the habit of bringing porridge to the rooms of people they had picked up in the middle of the ocean.

"If you wish."

"Will you join me, Lieutenant?"

He paused again, feeling the same murmur of amusement at her formality he had felt the day before when she had extended her hand to him. But she was looking at him solemnly, clearly making a genuine offer and clearly expecting him to take her seriously.

"I would be delighted, Miss Turner."

They nursed the bowls of hot porridge rather longer than they normally would have. Victoria had many questions and James liked to answer correctly.

"We calculate that we shall reach Port Royal in a week, Miss Turner."

"And what is Port Royal like, Lieutenant?"

"I truly have no idea. It will be an adventure for us all."

She fell silent and stirred the porridge round the bowl before eating a large spoonful.

"What will Will and I do in Port Royal?" she asked softly, stirring her porridge again.

"A situation will be found for you and your brother."

"Separately?"

There was a note of worry in her voice and James, inexplicably, found himself soothing it.

"If you fear being separated from your brother, Miss Turner, I give you my word it shall not happen."

A smile darted across her face and she was grinning at him, the pale, lean face that was so like her brother's suddenly became pretty and he found himself smiling back.

"Victoria," she said. "My name is Victoria. You may use it."

Again, her solemn formality made him want to laugh, but a desire not to hurt her feelings overwhelmed it.

"In that case, Victoria, you may call me James."