As fate would have it, Elizabeth is returning from the galley and approaches the stairs from the opposite direction but at almost the same moment as Will. Hesitation flickers across her features, but it would be absurd to pretend she hasn't seen him or to find somewhere to hide until he passes.

She stops, absently twisting the stem of the apple she'd just pilfered (Barbossa had insisted on bringing apples) and stares at Will, distant expression firmly in place.