(Untitled)

[try_corsets]

After everything that has happened since she left Port Royal, Elizabeth decides there is something disconcerting about events that do go according to plan. Raph remains undetected aboard the Empress. Complications have yet to ensue

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[whitestshoes]

An equally pregnant Pam watches the entire event take place with an expression of amusement.

"That's a lot of food."

[try_corsets]

"Yes," says Elizabeth, staring at the latest plate to arrive. She appears slightly dazed. "Rather."

Abruptly, she goes from staring at the table to staring at Pam.

"Ah." A slight smile. "Would you care to join me?"

It's hard to tell, but Elizabeth is quite pleased by this turn of events.

[whitestshoes]

Pam's got a hand absently resting on her belly; she's feeling more and more top-heavy every day with the baby due only a few weeks from now. Not to mention antsy. And hungry.

And that trifle looks amazing.

"Sure," she says brightly, and pulls up a chair, sinking somewhat awkwardly into it.

[try_corsets]

Elizabeth continues watching her with an unnerving, unblinking look until Pam seems reasonably comfortable -- if that's even possible in their mutual condition, and Elizabeth is of the opinion that no, it's really not.

"You're the only other pregnant woman I've come across here," she says, and it almost sounds like a question, or a challenge.

'Woman' is also an important distinction.

[whitestshoes]

"I think I might've seen one other," Pam says, even shifting a little once she's in her seat in order to find a resting position that won't put her back through hell.

It might be a little easier said than done, though.

"Though I won't be pregnant for very much longer."

It's uttered with optimism and a tinge of anxiety.

[try_corsets]

A wince of sympathy (and a tiny bit of reflexive self-pity) follows Pam's shift of position. Elizabeth stiffens slightly and puts down her spoon.

"Oh? How long?"

If the look she'd given Pam before was focused and sharply interested, this one is flat out intense.

[whitestshoes]

"A couple weeks? It could be later, it could be sooner."

Pam's eyes widen.

"It probably won't be, though. Sooner, I mean. At least, I'm pretty sure."

[try_corsets]

"I hope not," replies Elizabeth: quick, stilted and vaguely horrified. "I understand that's best avoided."

She inhales; lets the air out slowly.

"I'm Elizabeth. Captain Elizabeth Turner."

[whitestshoes]

"I'm Pam Halpert. It's nice to meet you, Captain Turner."

She offers a hand - and then remembers the tower of food in the way, retracting it sheepishly.

"When are you due?"

[try_corsets]

"And you." It is, for once, completely meant.

A small, awkward smile acknowledges the gesture and Elizabeth inclines her head.

Then she frowns.

"I..." She lifts her chin. "I'm certain it will be under three months. Yes. In three months."

[whitestshoes]

"Oh. Well, you've got a ways left, then."

Her attention falls back on the food.

"So is Bar trying to feed an army, or just a pregnant mother?"

[try_corsets]

"Yes."

Elizabeth relaxes by small degrees and runs her eyes over the table again.

"One can never tell." It's dry. "Though I have reason to believe Bar isn't to blame. She doesn't care much for me."

The feeling is mostly mutual.

"In any case, it seems two pregnant mothers are to benefit." Beat. "Is this your first?"

[whitestshoes]

Pam frowns at that admission, but doesn't dwell on it for very long.

"It is," she says, grinning widely. "What about you? First baby?"

[try_corsets]

"Oh yes," Elizabeth tells her, nodding. "Will and I haven't been married long."

Especially if one considers the amount of time they've actually spent together since their, ah, unique ceremony.

"Though it did feel as if we were engaged to be married forever," she smiles.

[whitestshoes]

Pam gets a look more akin to fondness on her face when she hears that sentiment.

"I think I know what you mean," she says. "Even if I didn't know it right away at the time."

[try_corsets]

"Our wedding was interrupted, then delayed by unhappy circumstances. I had hoped to be married long before I actually was," she explains. "Have you known your husband long?"

This conversation is so far outside her realm of recent experience that Elizabeth looks almost unsure whether or not it's appropriate to ask.