Honour Bright

The door to Daffyd's den opened slowly. The light from a single candle cast shadows on the wall. "Jack? Are you asleep?" He turned from facing the wall, his pillow punched up and his blankets a tumble. He had been curled up on the overstuffed chair. His shirt was hanging out and wrinkled. Boots were kicked across the room. "Megan. I'm sorry. I dozed off." "No, you weren't. You are brooding. And you are sleeping here purposely." He didn't say anything. "I talked to Rhiannon." Jack stared straight ahead. Megan sighed and put her candle down. "I can see this is going to be a long night." "Then perhaps you should get to bed, Megan. You had one hell of a party." "I'm too keyed up to go to bed. Daffyd fetched me when he saw what was going on but I couldn't break away. I had to wait till the last guest left." "I understand. After all, you and Daffyd were the hosts. You can't keep dropping your life every time Rhiannon has a crisis in her life." Well, I just came down from seeing Rhiannon." Jack said nothing. "Rhiannon is a wreck. I gave her some laudanum and sat with her till she fell asleep." "Megan, you must be exhausted. Go to bed." She shook her head. "I think you and I need a serious chat. You aren't planning on walking out on her, are you?" Jack reached for a bottle of brandy and poured himself a drink. "I'll pay Daffyd back double in spirits I have on the El Lobo." "That isn't a problem. But I think you need to listen to the story." "I know enough. I can fill in the blanks. She was the woman to blame. My best friend was killed and she is the reason." Megan poured herself a drink. "I am trying very hard to keep my temper, Mr. Jack Wolfe. Do you have any idea what Rhys Morgan did to my sister? To her life? What her life ended up? Or where she even started?" "I know that her mother slipped and hit her head on a rock and drowned and she was raised in a convent." Megan took a healthy sip of her brandy. "This always calms me down. And I need it. Because if I don't, I just may punch you in the face, Jack Wolfe!" "ME? What did I do?" "That little sister of mine has been to hell and back in her life. Our father shipped her off as soon as he was able to. Never showed her an ounce of love after our mother died. He blamed her and couldn't get past that. Good Lord, Jack! You met him. Have you ever seen a more unfeeling man in your life?" Jack started, "Well, not really but--" "So Rhiannon is shipped off to a convent where the Mother Superior used to beat her. BEAT her, Jack! And why? Because she and Muir used to love to go to the docks and watch the ships. Rhiannon put up with them because to her, the few hours she had to escape that convent were worth the beatings. She lacked for love all her life. And when she found it, the man was Rhys Morgan." "But how did she meet him if she was in a convent?" She poured another glass of brandy for Jack and one for herself. "This seems to calm me. Rhys was on the bluffs to sketch when Rhiannon was up there writing poetry." "I never knew that she---" "Wrote poetry? She stopped writing. She stopped when Rhys was killed. She had met Rhys when she was ten years old and he was twenty. She rowed out on a skiff to look at a ship--which happened to be the Neptune Rising. It capsized and Rhys fished her and Muir out of the sea. They met again six years later. Only this time, Rhiannon was on the verge of womanhood. Rhys pushed her over the edge. If you get my meaning." Jack grimaced. "So, my friend Rhys was my wife's first lover. Somehow this isn't making me feel any better, Megan." "Do you want to hear the story or don't you? Because I am giving it to you without the emotional factors you would get from Rhiannon. You are getting the plain facts." He drank his brandy quickly. "I have no choice, do I?" She smiled wryly. "Not when you are sleeping in my husband's study." "Then you have a captive audience." "Alright then. Be quiet. Rhys had planned on quitting the life of a privateer and coming back to respectfully ask for Rhiannon's hand. If he couldn't have it, then they were going to run off to the Caribbean. A captain by the name of Fox was going to help Rhys." "Wolfe." Jack broke out in derisive laughter. "Fox was Wolfe. I was the man to help Rhys and his darling if things went awry." Megan poured herself another drink. "Lord, I need this now! This has all the makings of a Greek tragedy. Rhiannon said he had to go back and sell his share of a venture to his friend. But when Rhys got there, his friend needed help. He had been taken captive by some Spanish monster and the quartermaster, whose heart was in the right place but wasn't much of a tactician, was hell-bent on rescuing his captain. Rhys knew that if he didn't help, not only would his friend be dead but also the quartermaster. So, honour bound, he had to put his plans with Rhiannon aside to save his friend. He thought Rhiannon would wait and she would understand once he got back." "So why didn't she wait?" "She was found out by a novitiate who told a priest who told the Mother Superior. She used that as a reason to humiliate Rhiannon and send her packing in disgrace." "And you wonder why I have no use for the Church?" "Rhiannon came back home. Try to put yourself in her mindset, Jack. To her, the man she loved with her heart and soul deserted her. Add my father chiding her on it and then he got the name of the man. The man who incidentally used the Conaway caves for storing his ill-gotten gains. He ended up giving her an ultimatum. Marriage to Lord Madoc Castlemaine in exchange for Rhys Morgan--if he was still alive--in exchange for his life." "She loved Rhys that much?" "She loved him that much."

Jack stretched out on the bed and patted the spot next to him. "A half hour, you say?" She held her hand up. "Oh, no, you don't, John Michael Wolfe!" "What, you don't trust me?" "Trust you? Um...no. You know I have a low threshold of resistance as far as you are concerned and I----" "Da-da!" Jack and Honour looked up to see their little girl standing in the doorway. Honour looked over and laughed, "My willpower just got a boost from my own daughter!" Honour scooped the little girl up in her arms and deposited her in the place that Jack had previously tried to coax Honour to take. "Well, hello, Miss Zara!" Zara reached over to touch Jack's face and he let out a growl and pretended to nip her fingers. She squealed and tried it again. Honour put her hand to her mouth to hold back her laughter. "I must say, Captain Wolfe, that you have charmed her." He hugged his daughter and said, "Like I did her mother?" Just then Nanny Greyson came in. "And so like her mother she be! This one will be the one into the horse-stealing and the blueberries!" Jack burst out laughing. Honour raised her eyebrow. "Not so funny, Jack Wolfe!" He shook his head. "I just had a vision of Zara in one of the cannons, her little feet sticking out and kicking!" Honour sighed. "Then I guess you will need to baby-proof the guns." "WHAT?" "With some sort of mesh." "Honour, you DON'T baby-proof weapons." Nanny Greyson picked Zara up and said over her shoulder, "You do with this one!" Zara's mouth went into a trembling baby-pout as she reached for Jack over Nanny's shoulder. Her arms outstretched as she started to wail, "Da-da!" Jack started after her and Honour stopped him. "There is such a thing as spoiling a child, Jack." "I know, but she's my little girl." "Jack, let's just have a nice time tonight. Just the two of us." He sighed. "I suppose. Maybe we should enjoy it while we can. After all, I am sure this is not the end of the Wolfe pack." She ran her finger up and down his arm. "I thought we were going to wait a while." "Honour, I really would like another child. But this time I want to be in on the beginning." "You were. At least for the important part. You just didn't know it." She picked up a hand mirror to check the back of her hair in the tall mirror. "I'd like a son." "Jack, ALL men want sons. I'll see what I can come up with. But one thing I want to remind you of. I am NOT a broodmare. I don't intend to be standing behind a baby every nine months." "How about a baker's dozen?" "How about I see the stablemaster who happens to have a nice dagger? One snip and it's all over. Well, the part about you acting like a stallion." Jack winced as Honour laughed. "OK you can act like a stallion with the equipment of a gelding. The factory will be shut down but we still have the playground." He made a face at her. "You are a cruel, cruel woman, Honour Bright! You have these thoughts often?" She laughed, "I did when I had my lying-in with Zara. But yes, Jack, when we get to Barbados, I don't see why we can't plan for future wolfes." He looked a bit pensive. "I know what I would like to name our first born son." "Jack, all men want to name their firstborn after themselves. But naming a chid 'junior' doesn't impart immortality on you." Jack shook his head. "No, this is for a man that gave me my life." "You want to name your son Charles after your father?" "No." "Darling, I am running out of options here." "I want to name him Rhys. After the man who rescued me from Mendoza. Rhys Morgan Wolfe. How does that sound?" *CRASH!!* Honour stooped to pick up the pieces of the shattered mirror with her trembling fingers. "OW!" She sucked on her finger. Jack bent over to look at her finger. "Just a surface cut. Here's a cloth to wrap around it. I'll pick this mess up. What happened? It just slip from your hand?" She nodded. "Yes." Jack smiled, "Guess the thought of more children has you rattled, love. But never fear--I shall be gentle! Times like this I wish we could just stay in our room and shut the whole world out." "We don't have to stay till the end if you don't want to." "Promise?" "No." "What?" "I want to dance and have every woman there envying me my handsome husband, the commercial investor of exports and imports!" He laughed as he put on his new frock coat of black and silver brocade. "You like?" She put her hands on his collar and drew him to her. In a small voice, she said, "Jack, hold me like you never want to let me go." He wrapped his arms around her. "Like this?" She nodded. "I do love you, Jack Wolfe." Touching foreheads, he whispered, "I'll hold you to that." She gave him a beguiling smile and whispered, "Rabbit!" Honour took one last look in the mirror and pinched her cheeks to redden them. She dabbed a bit of scented water behind her ears as Jack waited impatiently at the door. "Mrs. Wolfe, if you don't get your behind over here tout suite...." She gathered up her skirt and said, "I'm coming....I'm coming..." At the top of the staircase, Honour hesitated. "Now, remember, Jack...just for tonight your wife's name is Rhiannon. Tomorrow I go back to being 'Honour'." "I've done alright so far, haven't I?" "Yes, you have. And I love you for it." The two descended the staircase, Honour's hand resting on Jack's arm. Partway down, they both stopped. There was someone looking up at them from the bottom of the staircase that neither of them thought they would ever see. "DUCKIE?" "Jack? Honour? And then Jack froze. "Hello, Jack." "ROSE?" A look of astonishment crossed Rose's face. Her eyes met the woman's on Jack's arm and a look of recognition registered on her face. "Lady Castlemaine!"

Honour looked through boxes that were strewn over the floor. "Now where did I put the slipper?...Ah! There it is. And now where is the other one..MUIR!" Her wolfdog sat there with her peau de soie slipper delicately in his mouth. She said firmly, "Drop it!" Jack chuckled, "You always did leave your boots anywhere you happened to take them off." She reached into another box and retrieved a corset and bloomers. Sitting back on her heels, she sighed. "I will be so glad when this fou-fou stuff is over with. As much as I enjoy being a woman---" "And as much as I enjoy having you be a woman---" "I feel so much more relaxed when I am just in a chemise or even a pair of breeches." Jack fussed with his cravat, tying and untying it. "I just can't seem to get it right. No matter how I try, it always ends up in a monkey's fist!" Honour stood up. "Here. Let me try." She deftly tied it and put a stickpin in it. Standing back, she admired her work. "I love that silk shirt on you." He fastened cufflinks into the French cuffs. "Well, you won't catch me wearing any lace at the throat or cuffs." She kissed him quickly, "I wouldn't have it any other way. Now let me try to get dressed." She slipped behind the screen and five minutes later she emerged. Dressed in her bloomers and a very light chemise, she had a corset around her waist. "I think I need to ask Derwena to help me." Jack shook his head. "Why, Mrs Wolfe--how many times have we been over this? I can lace as quickly as I can 'un'." She laughed, "Yes, but that usually involved a dagger and you made short work of those laces. Just a flick of the blade and moving upwards and it serves your purpose. Quick and tidy. I'm surprised I didn't get a chest cold!" "Hey, you were kept plenty warm." He turned her around. "Now hold on to the bedpost and suck in. Not that you need this corset." She held on tightly and Jack pulled the laces tight. He finally planted his foot gently on her bottom and pulled back. "Whoa, Nelly!" She reached behind her to smack him. "I am NOT a mare, Jack." "Tight enough?" "I can still breathe but yes, that is tight enough." She disappeared behind the screen again. When she emerged, she was wearing a burgundy peau de soie gown. The dress was off-shoulder, the sleeves fitted, ending into a point above the middle finger. The bodice was fitted and dropped to the waist, black lace overlaid on top of the burgundy. The waist was form-fitted to her body and then flared out at the hips so that the slightest movement sent it into motion all its own. Jack stared at her. "Too much?" she asked. "My Lord, no! It's just--" "What?" "Honour, you take my breath away. Just when I thought you couldn't be more beautiful, you surprise me. I don't know if it is because we are on land, there is candlelight, or you are the mother of my child." She looked up at him hopefully. "Then you approve?" "Wholeheartedly." She rummaged in her jewelry box and pulled out a ruby necklace. "I think this will be perfect. Would you fasten it for me?" She swept her hair up and felt warm breath on her neck. She giggled, "Not fair, Jack! You know just the right place..." He whispered, "I should. I've visited this spot enough times." Honour turned around and took his face in her hands. "As much as I would love to, we are due to make out debut in half an hour. And Father is already giving us the fisheye." Jack burst out laughing. "The fisheye?" She nodded. "You know--like this." She squinted one eye and looked down, all the time screwing her mouth up like she was sucking on a pickle. Jack roared with laughter. "Where did you ever learn to make that face?" She laughed with him. "When Megan and I were younger--I must have only been about five--I made that face at Megan when Father was pontificating at one of his Sunday dinners. I looked over at her and I remembered it all too well--Megan snorted milk out of her nose!" "NO!" "Yes, and ever since then, she hasn't been able to drink milk!"

"Good morning, Megan!" "Well, good morning to you, too!" "Have we lots to do today? The ball is tomorrow night." Megan looked around. "Any cleaner and this place could be Westminster Abbey. No, dear, we just need the last minute decorations and the candles placed around the room. And the dais over there is where the musicians will play." "You think of everything." Megan smiled, "Well, this winter ball is a tradition started by Daffyd's grandmother so who am I to break tradition?" Honour hummed while she placed candles in the candleholders. "And what has you in such a fine mood, sister dear?" Honour stopped and said, "What? Oh..well..I got a good night's sleep." "Oh, is that what we are calling it now?" Honour retorted, "I tend to see a glow on YOUR face too, Megan." She laughed, "Well, I dare say even with Father under the roof, we both managed to have a bit of romance, didn't we?" Honour looked in the mirror. "I didn't think it showed. I mean, I had heard it but never really looked." "Where is Jack now?" "He is up in the room gathering some nautical charts and maps to show Daffyd. Zara is with Nanny Greyson." "So it is time for the sisters to garner a bit of time for themselves. Let's put our feet up and enjoy our tea and scones before we undertake the final touches on the room." Honour dipped her scone into the clotted cream. "I must say, Megan, that this is what I really miss in Barbados. Fresh cream from the contented cows of the English countryside!" Megan hesitated. "Rhiannon, have you ever considered telling Jack about...you know...Madoc and the whole unfortunate incident?" Honour put her teacup down and shook her head. "What purpose would it serve, Megan? I can't tell Jack about Madoc. And that 'unfortunate incident' you refer to happened to be one of Jack's best friends." Megan's jaw dropped. Honour said quietly, "Yes, well....I don't know the whole story. But when we were in Castara he told me how Rhys died. Run through by a jealous husband. Megan, how could I possibly tell him the truth after that?" Megan hesitated. "Did Jack ever wonder about...you know..the other men in your life? Surely he must have know that you had a lover before he came along." She carefully placed her teacup back in the saucer. "We never discussed it. We respect each other's privacy on our past....encounters. Jack was not a choirboy, Megan. Not by a long shot. It's what he does now that concerns me, not his past." "I understand." Megan hesitated. "Have the nightmares stopped, Rhiannon?" "For the most part." "Have you had any since you have been here?" She nodded. "Twice now. Jack doesn't quite know what to think. He suggested I talk to a priest or someone." "There is always that Father Simon you told me about. The one you met in Caernarvon. Do you want to see him?" "No. Megan, I--I didn't go see Taffy Farmington that day. I went to Castlemaine." "You---WHAT?" "I went to the manor. I had to confront what happened that night. I needed closure, Megan. I had to confront what happened there and put the ghosts of the past to rest. It is the only way I can move forward." "Did it help?" "I think so. Megan, last night I had never been closer to Jack. I don't mean in the physical sense...obviously Zara proves THAT!" Megan laughed. "I figured as much." Honour smiled. "Jack makes me happy. For the first time in a long time, I am happy. Complete." "Didn't Rhys make you happy?" Honour took a sip of her tea and her face became thoughtful. "Yes. But not in the way Jack makes me feel. And not because of Zara. Rhys belonged to another girl. One with youthful and dreamy ideals. But that girl 'died' when she was palmed off with a handshake and a fare-thee-well to Madoc Castlemaine. That old Vinegar-Veins never understood. All he was about was control." "Did he ever--strike you, Rhiannon?" "Not in the sense you think. He did beat me once. He was cruel. I had bruises to prove it. A grab here, a pinch there..." "And he tried to keep you from us." Honour nodded. "But he never counted on a young girl who decided she wanted more out of life." "Do you think of Rhys much?" "How could I not, Megan? I was a party to what happened to him. But I can't undo the past. Did I love Rhys? Yes, I did. Rhiannon Conaway loved Rhys Morgan." "And now?" "Megan, do you remember the story Parry used to tell us? The one about the Phoenix?" "Vaguely. You were always more interested in his stories than I was." "Only so I could trick him and run off with a horse to pick blueberries. But the Phoenix was a legendary bird that would set itself on fire and rise from the ashes every five hundred years." "And?" She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. "I was like that bird. When Rhys was murdered and died in my arms, Rhiannon Conaway died too. And from those ashes, a new person arose." "Honour Bright." "Yes. Honour Bright became the woman you see today. Megan, I don't quite know how to explain it. It wasn't like an epiphany, It was a slow, painful rise." "And you found it in Barbados when you married Jack Wolfe." Honour shook her head. "No, it came later. I think it was when Jack and I put down the mutiny when we were out to sea in December. We both saw a side of each other we didn't know was there. Lord knows I tried to fight it. And I think Jack did too. But love conquered all." She put down her teacup again. "This is getting way too sentimental for me, Megan." "The trait of the Welsh, my dear. You can't fight it." "I'll always think of Rhys, Megan. How could I not? But I deserve happiness. And I found it." Megan walked over to her front window and gazed out at the new-fallen snow. A part of her longed to tell her sister what the rumours in the shire were. But as Rhiannon had said, she deserved happiness. Daffyd had said, 'Let sleeping dogs lie.' The annoying little voice that seemed to belong to the Conaways whispered in Megan's ear, 'But doesn't she deserve a guilt-free life too?' To the little voice, Megan said, 'Shut up!" "I beg your pardon, Megan?" She smiled at her sister and said brightly, "Nothing. Now....shall we put the finishing touches on the ballroom?" "Let's do! I can't wait till the ball!" Megan gave her sister a hug. "And you can come down the stairs on the arm of your husband. The undead one." "The one that makes me happy." Megan gave her a hug. "And I am happy they are the same person! Now, shall we put the silver trays here...or there?"

Jack laid the hairbrush down and moved to massage Honour's shoulders. "Mmmm..Jack, that feels wonderful. I never realized how hard carrying Zara around could be on a person's back." "No, this isn't muscle strain, love. This is good old fashioned stress. Stress in the form of Lord Rhodri Conaway." "I can't disagree with you. When do you expect El Lobo to be back in port?" "Briggs is due back next week with the swag unloaded in Amsterdam and then we shall be heading back. One stop in the Canary Islands and then we are homeward bound. Wherever that may be." "To our plantation, of course." "Honour, you never did tell me what it is like." He leaned to kiss her ear and whispered, "The land. I want to know what you spent my money on." She held her finger up. "OUR money!" "Alright, OUR money. Tell me about it." "Jack, you will love it! The house has a verandah wrapped around it and the entrance has six Grecian columns. There is an upstairs balcony. And the stairs are red brick. A huge massive oak door." "Sounds impressive!" "Oh, it is. I saw this house and fell in love with it. There is a marble staircase that splits in two. And French doors that open out to a brick patio and a view of the ocean. The owner left his mahogany table and sixteen matching chairs. And a beautiful cut-glass chandelier from Murano. The kitchen is detached from the house, of course. There is a brick walkway with a pergola covered with grapevines so we can make our own wine, too. And the gardens are covered with exotic flowers. The perfume in the air at night is divine!" He kissed her shoulder and she leaned back into him, closing her eyes. "What is the bedroom like?" he whispered. Her eyes flew open and she smacked his hand on her shoulder. "Jack, you are so bad! There is a massive four poster bed with mosquito netting that was left behind. I gave the owner a bit extra for some furnishings. The coverlet is down-filled and the curtains are lace. The balcony looks out over the ocean too." He murmured, "Just like our room in Castara," as he kissed her neck. "And how many bedrooms?" "Hmmm? Oh...oh, six, I think. The overseer and his wife have been taking care of it for me." "You, madame?" "Well, at the time it was ME. Now it is US." "And Zara's room?" "There is an antique cradle there in the alcove. But she can have her own room." 'There really is five hundred acres?" "Give or take a few." "Outbuildings?" "Sugar mill right there and storage buildings.Two barns and a ten-stall stable. Some slave cabins that I want to refinish and rent them out inexpensively to the laborers. No slaves, Jack. That is non-negotiable. I won't have it." "Agreed." He moved his hands around her waist and reached up to untie the gown. It fell away with one soft swish. She touched his hand gently and said softly, "Jack Wolfe, sometimes I think you take my breath away." He kissed her neck in that one spot. "And the rest of the time, I know you do."

Honour had thrown her clothes over the screen. "So, what is this story about blueberries you said you would tell me later?" Jack stretched out on the bed, his hands folded behind his head. "Do you believe that people are destined to be together, Honour?" Her head peeked out over the screen. "I hadn't really thought about it." Her head disappeared again as her skirt was flung over the screen, landing on the floor. "I need to tell you something that just came to my mind. Ready for a bed-time story?" Her laughter was heard from behind the screen. "In a minute. Just having a hard time getting out of these lacings." "I would be more than happy to oblige, you know." "I'll be out in a moment. Meanwhile, would you check on Zara?" Jack opened the door to Zara's nursery. The child was wrapped up in her pink blanket, the bunny Jack had given her she had under her arm, her head resting on its ears. Jack smiled and brushed her hair back, then gently took her thumb out of her mouth. Zara frowned a bit in her sleep but then relaxed and continued to sleep. Honour came out from behind the screen, wrapped in a silk dressing gown and brushing her hair. She sat down on the bed, Jack taking the brush out of her hand and he started to brush her hair. "Mmmm....that feels wonderful. Now tell me the bedtime story!" Jack intoned, "Once upon a time...." She groaned. "I thought this was a for real story." "It is. Alright, I'll start over again. The first ship I sailed on was docked in a coastal town in Wales. And I met someone." Honour felt a twinge of jealousy. "And this someone....did she become important in your life?" Jack nodded soberly, "Yes, she did. In fact, she was all I could ever hope for." "And why are you telling me this?" she asked tightly. "Because it is something I feel I need to confess to you." "You fell in love with her." "Yes, I did. But not right away. Will you stop asking so many questions? I need to get this off my chest, darling." "And this is the bedtime story that I am supposed to wrap myself in? I'm sorry if I don't get a warm and fuzzy feeling about it, Jack." Jack sighed and brushed her hair gently. "She was the most fascinating creature I had ever seen. Long blonde hair and big blue eyes." "Following a pattern here, Jack?" He shrugged. "Maybe. The ship was the Laura Ann." Honour sat there quietly. "Mmm hmmm...." And the lovely girl had a dog with her---" "I'll bet he was nothing like Muir." "---and I'll never forget what she said to me." "I love you?" Jack chuckled, "No. She kept emphasizing that she was old enough." "And you were worried she was underaged. Jack, why do you feel the need to ruin this evening with your true confessions of your past infidelities?" He laughed, "Hardly can be called an infidelity when it all happened before I met you. In a matter of speaking. And you know what she was eating?" "Curds and whey...how would I know?" "She was eating blueberries." "Lots of blueberry patches up here." "Ah, but there is one thing she said that stopped me from pursuing the relationship further. She was six years old." Honour stopped suddenly. Jack continued, "Her last words to me were, 'I'm not allowed to talk to strangers let alone tell them my name. But my name is Rhiannon.' She turned to look at him, her mouth a perfect O. "Oddly enough, her dog was named Muir." Honour finally found her words. "You mean...you mean...." Jack couldn't stop laughing. "I was the sailor who showed you the Laura Ann." She murmured, "It was the night before I was shipped off to the Order of St Brigid." "You were charming and precocious as can be." She started to laugh. "And you remembered me after all that time?" Jack nodded. "You were such a sight. Hair tangled and blueberry stains all over your dress and hands. You told me you took your father's stallion out and were being sent away. And meeting your father, it becomes all too clear to me now. But you were positively adorable!" She shook her head. "After all those years.....I guess you could say we found each other again." "Again? My darling, we were never lost to each other. Just parted by circumstances." "Did you ever think about me?" "Honour! You were six years old! I only remembered the story when Megan mentioned you used to hang around the docks and talk to sailors. Why Muir never connected me to the events, I'll never know." "Muir never forgets anyone. That was why he was so accomodating when we got married." "And so it solves one more piece of the puzzle." "And that is....?" "I wondered why Muir never bit me in the arse!"

Dessert was brought to the table and everyone quietly ate. Honour slipped her hand under the table and ran her hand up and down Jack's leg. The table jumped. "Something the matter with your leg, John? A cramp?" Lord Conaway said. Jack tried to keep his mind on his dessert. "Just something that comes up now and then." Honour mouthed to Megan, "More now than then." She then put on a very innocent face, continuing to run her fingers up and down. Jack concentrated on his dessert even more. Honour continued to eat her dessert and then picked up an apple slice and sucked the juices off it. Megan coughed and choked. Daffyd pounded her on the back as Megan tried to regain her composure. Lord Conaway raised his eyebrow. "Are you alright, Megan?" Her eyes watered as she tried to stop coughing. "No, I'm fine." Daffyd and Jack rolled their eyes and shook their heads, both thinking the same thing. 'Those Conaway sisters....' Honour and Megan continued to give each other looks and mouthed comments that made each other giggle. Jack was beginning to see a side of his wife that he never knew---and he liked. Lord Rhodri Conaway looked from one to the other with disapproval. "I suggest we take our brandy into the study, gentlemen. I would like to get to know my son-in-law more." Jack stood up, grabbing Honour's hand. "Another time, perhaps, Lord Conaway. I think it is time my wife gets to bed. She's had a long day and Zara does keep her going." "So does Jack," Megan whispered to Daffyd. Unfortunately as he took a sip of brandy and it went down the wrong pipe." Lord Conaway frowned. "What is WRONG with this family? Did we not learn the proper way to eat and drink?" Daffyd reached for his water. "I'm sorry, Rhodri. The brandy went down the wrong way." Jack put his arm around Honour and said, "Then we shall bid you goodnight." Honour said, "We can finish up the decorating tomorrow, Megan. After all, we only have two days left." Megan smiled at her sister lovingly. "Thank you for all your help, Rhiannon. Please enjoy your evening." Honour returned with a twinkle in her eye, "That I certainly shall." Daffyd said, "Thank you for a tour of the port, John. I can't wait to see your ship once she's made berth!" To this Lord Conaway said, "You have a ship, John?" Jack said modestly, "Well, yes, I do. She's a variation on a Spanish-built frigate. Thirty-six guns, and swift as the wind. She's a ship that I've invested heavily in. As I hinted, I do have a hand in commerce." "Really! But she sounds more like a war ship than a freighter." Lord Conaway was clearly impressed, but dubious. "One can never be too careful, Rhodri. Not with the proliferation of pirates these days. But if you don't mind, Lord Conaway, I am looking forward to spending time with my lovely wife. After all, I haven't seen her since this morning." Honour gave Jack a radiant smile and the two walked out of the dining room arm-in-arm. The sound of whispering and Honour's soft laugh was heard in the dining room. "Are they always like that?" Lord Conaway said sourly. "Pretty much. Daffyd, dear, would you please pass me the cream?" "Why, certainly, my darling. And then perhaps we should retire early as well?" Megan gave him a teasing smile. "I do think that is a good idea." Lord Conaway rolled his eyes and shook his head. Those Conaway girls.....

Lord Rhodri Conaway stood in the doorway, larger than life. He was not really a large man but his presence made him seem so. But somehow he seemed not as tall as Honour had remembered him. Maybe it had been the two years since she had seen him. She had been under a great deal of stress when she had returned home. Her presumed desertion by Rhys Morgan when he didn't return for her when he promised. And her subsequent curt dismissal from the Order of St Brigid. At fifty-five, he still had the stern, patrician features, the strong jaw that marked the Conaway lords that had come before him. His steel-blue eyes took in the sight of his two daughters in the midst of their decorating plans. He held his arms out. "Is this any kind of greeting for your father?" Megan dutifully went to her father and embraced him. "Welcome home, Father. How was London?" "In an upheaval with the change from the Crown to Cromwell. Our sort is having a hard time, what with the politics. Rhiannon? No embrace for your father?" She ignored him and said stiffly, "Hello, Father. I'm sorry about the crystal, Megan." She picked up the broken pieces. Her fingers trembled, a shard cutting her. She quickly wrapped her finger in the kerchief she kept in her waistband for Zara's needs. Megan hurriedly said, "No problem, Rhiannon. It was an extra bowl from a set we received from Daffyd's grandmother. Daffyd broke one last year and it has been an odd number ever since. Now they all match once again." "And what have we here?" Lord Conaway looked down and reached for Zara. Honour was quicker and picked Zara up. The baby stirred, frowning in her sleep. "She's mine." He reached out to touch her curls. Honour turned her away from him. "So you have a child. Do you have a wedding ring to go with her?" Megan cried indignantly, "Father!" "Well, Madoc has been dead longer than the required time to have a child this age and knowing the way your sister is..." "I beg your pardon, Father!" He turned to Honour and said, "Well, have you found yourself a husband or is this child the product of a chance encounter?" Honour held Zara close to her and said through clenched teeth, "She's legitimate and yes, to answer your unspoken question, she is baptized and I can produce the papers to prove it, if you so desire." He waved his hand dismissively, "That won't be necessary. She is a bonny lass, isn't she? And her name is....?" "Zara." He looked expectantly at her. "Zara Wolfe." "Ah, so your husband would be Mr. Wolfe. And does this Mr. Wolfe have a first name?" "Of course." "Then since he has chosen to mingle his blood with that of the Conaway blood, might I have his first name?" "John. John Wolfe." "And what does Mr. John Wolfe do for a livelihood?" "We own a plantation in Barbados." "What kind of plantation?" "Sugar. We purchased five hundred acres outside of Bridgetown. Why all the questions?" "I want to make sure my little girl is well cared for." Honour gave a derisive laugh. "Since when did you care?" His jaw tightened. "I see all these months have not tempered your defiance, Rhiannon. Your wild ways are what got you into trouble to begin with. First with the Mother Superior and then the unfortunate...incident regarding your husband." "Incident?" Megan exclaimed. "Madoc tried to kill her, Father." "And what did she do? She ran away. She made matters worse." Honour could barely control her rage. "Did you expect me to swing from the gallows for the crime of self-defense?" "I expected you to come to me for help." "Help? HELP? The last time I came to you for help, you married me off to a cruel monster! I was afraid of whatever other tricks you had. Or did you have another old fart in mind to marry me off to?" Lord Conaway said coldly, "And did you have another young stallion in the barn, pawing at the ground after the death of the one you were dallying with? I can only hope you learned your lesson after all I have gone through to clean up this mess you made." "Wh-what do you mean?" "I mean no Conaway is ever going to swing for murder. EVER. Not only have I been sitting in Parliament in London, I have been clearing your--OUR--name." He reached into his greatcoat and produced a paper. "This just came through. It is a full absolution for Lady Rhiannon Conaway Castlemaine in the implication of the murder of Lord Madoc Castlemaine. Your dearly departed husband." "But how...why?..." "How? Coins showered into the waiting palms of a few Judas Iscariots who care more for sovereigns than justice." "You mean....?" "You can walk out of this mess without any retribution and not look over your shoulder. But there is one thing. You will waive all rights to your inheritance. Madoc's sons, who were out to avenge their father, seems to be mollified with the 'donation' of the meadowland that is between our two estates. The land that was to be yours in my will. You will not receive a farthing from me anymore, Rhiannon. All rights are to be given up. Is that understood?" Honour stood there with her mouth open. Lord Rhodri Conaway took the baby out of her arms. "Now, this is the newest addition to the Conaway women." In her shock, Honour stood there as her father looked at Zara. The baby woke up and stared at Rhodri with her blue eyes, not even daring to cry. He looked at Zara and murmured, "She has her mother's--and her grandmother's--blue eyes. Yes, a fine bonny lass to the Conaway name! And when will I meet the venerable Mr. Wolfe?" Rhiannon found her voice. "He and Daffyd had some business and they shall be back by dinnertime." Megan spoke up, "A word in private, Father, if you please?" Lord Conaway handed Zara back to Honour and followed Megan to an anteroom. "Father, I have a request to make." "And that would be...?" "John Wolfe does not know of Rhiannon's past." "What?" Megan gently explained, "Rhiannon met John Wolfe when she ran to Barbados. From what I understand, it was a love-at-first-sight-let's-get-married situation. She was afraid to tell him and as time went on, she saw no need to mention it to John." "When she came to Wales, did she not think that he might find out, what with the scandal it caused? Townspeople talk, you know. They still talk. And your sister gave them a plethora to gossip about." Megan thought quickly. "John had some business here and he surprised Rhiannon when they were on board. He thought it would be a nice surprise for her to see her family. She was hoping that it would never be brought to light." Lord Conaway shook his head. "Such a foolish girl." Megan's anger blazed in spite of herself. "This 'foolish girl' as you call her was able to sail to Barbados by herself, make a living and marry a man she loves. She has a beautiful daughter and from what I understand, John Wolfe is wealthy in his own right. So leave her alone, Father. Try to make peace with her for the short while she is here. She's leaving a few days after the ball." Lord Conaway sighed. "You do have a valid point, Megan. Agreed. No good can come of keeping ill feelings fueled. So, yes, I will for the sake of the Conaway name, put this aside." Honour stood by the fire, holding her daughter desperately close to her. Trembling, she wiped the tear from her eye before it landed on Zara. "Why now, Zara? Why did he have to come home NOW?' Lord Conaway and Megan had no sooner entered the room when the sound of male laughter and noisy footsteps were heard in the mud room. Megan was relieved. Honour was filled with trepidation. "I do believe the gentlemen of this house have arrived home." Lord Conaway gave a slight smile. "And I would say it is time I met my son-in-law."

Honour came downstairs as Megan was sorting through candles and decor for the ball. She had boxes and crates opened and packing materials strewn everywhere. "Megan, what on earth hit this room? A cyclone?" Megan puffed her breath up and her hair fluffed away from her red face. "I think I bit off more than I can chew with this, Rhiannon." "You said that last year, Megan." "This year I mean it." "Said that last year, too." "I'm glad the menfolk are away for the day. I can get the lion's share done without Daffyd telling me not to make a fuss." She shifted Zara to her shoulder. The baby yawned and Rhiannon rocked her. "Let me put Zara to sleep and then I wil help you sort through this mess. Maybe we can get most of it done and put aside for the servants to hang the decorations." Megan sat on the floor. "If only I had made the winter ball for summer, I could open up the veranda and the guests could spill out there." "But then it wouldn't be the winter ball, Megan." She laughed, "Oh, yes. That's right!" Honour rocked Zara and sang gently to her. Gee, geffyl bach, yn cario ni'n dau Dros y mynydd i hela cnau; Dŵr yn yr afon a'r cerrig yn slic, Cwympo ni'n dau. Wel dyna i chi dric! Cwyd Robin bach a saf ar dy draed, Sych dy lygad, anghofio'r gwaed; Neidiwn ein dau ar ein ceffyl bach gwyn, Dros y mynydd, ac i lawr y glyn. Gee, geffyl bach dros frigau y coed, Fel y Tylwyth Teg mor ysgafn dy droed, Carlam ar garlam ar y cwmwl gwyn; Naid dros y lleuad, ac i lawr at y llyn. Megan looked over at her and said quietly, "Do you know what you are singing, Rhiannon?" "Hmm? Just a lullaby." Megan looked down. "It was a lullaby Mother used to sing to you. To me. To all of us." Honour could feel a lump in her throat. "Do you blame me, Megan? For Mother's death?" Megan clasped her sister's free hand and said quickly, "Most certainly not! It was an accident pure and simple." "Father never saw it that way." "Father never got over losing her." Honour looked towards the fire, gazing into it as if she coud read the past. "He sent me away, Megan. Six years old and he sent me away." Megan's eyes met her sisters and Honour could see the love Megan had for her reflected in them. "Thank you. Thank you for coming to visit me when you could." She squeezed her sister's hand. "I did what I could." Honour touched the silver chain around her neck. "You most certainly did." Zara stirred gently as her eyes shut. Honour gave Megan the blanket and she spread it by the fireplace. Gently the baby was laid down. "I think she will sleep for a few hours. Now...shall we get down to the business of getting the ball plans under way before Jack and Daffyd come home?" "I think that would be best. Let's get to it!" "...and the crystal bowls with silver and gold balls can go on each end of the serving table." "Why not surround it with laurel branches and a few sprigs of holly?" "That is a wonderful idea!' "What is a wonderful idea?" an authoritative voice said from the doorway. The bowl slipped from Honour's hands and crashed on the floor. Megan looked up and said one word. "FATHER!"

"Come on, darling! You can do it!" Honour was standing behind Zara holding her hands. Jack sat about five feet away with his arms outstretched. Zara looked up at her mother's face bending over her, a tentative look on her face. "Come on, sweetheart--come to Da!" Zara looked at her father, a look of determination crossing her delicate features. Honour had to stifle a giggle as she whispered, "I've seen that look before! You can't deny her as your daughter, Jack Wolfe!" Zara put one foot out and then wobbled. Honour tightened her grip on her little daughter's hand until she regained her balance. Jack sat there and gave her an encouraging look and wiggled his fingers towards her. She put one foot in front of the other and Honour gently slid her fingers out from Zara's fists. Zara took three steps and fell forward just as Jack caught her. "Oh, my little girl! Did you see that? Did you see how brave she was?" Honour laughed. "She had to do it eventually, Jack. But at least her daddy was there to catch her!" He hugged her close and she patted his face. "Do you think she will do it again?" "I have no doubt, dear. Now that she knows she can do it, she won't be afraid." "She never was afraid. After all, she's a Wolfe!" "I think for that she deserves a cookie!" Honour laughed. "Good thinking! A thin mint cookie would be an incentive to keep trying." "Jack, she's done it once and knows she can do it again. She will continue to walk now." Just then there was a knock at the door. "Come in," Jack called. Megan came in, a few boxes in her arms. "Rhiannon, these were just delivered from Madame Doucet. I do believe it is the dress you ordered for the winter ball." Honour jumped up. "Oh, my goodness! And in record time, too!" "She always was your favorite seamstress when you were ma----when you were masquerading at the balls in London." Honour shot her a look and hurriedly took the box from Megan. "I'm sorry!" Megan whispered. "What are you two whispering about?" Jack looked up from holding his little girl. "Nothing you need to know about, Mr. Wolfe!" Megan laughed a bit too quickly. "I can't wait to try it on!" "I'll help you." "Jack, could you please watch Zara for about fifteen minutes and then bring her upstairs?" Jack was already on the floor playing with his daughter. "No problem. And don't I get to see you in that dress?" "No! Not until the ball. You can wait another week." Megan shut the door behind them. "Rhiannon, I'm sorry. I almost let it slip out." "I know. That was really close." "I don't agree with you keeping your marriage to Madoc a secret from Jack." "Megan, I HAVE to. It would lead to more questions." "The more you try to keep a secret, the more it wants to get out, Rhiannon." "I know. I'll worry about that later and....oh! Look at this!" Honour opened the box and drew out a dress of burgundy peau de soie with a fitted bodice and a skirt that dropped and flared. "Oh, Rhiannon! How gorgeous!" She lifted it and held it against her. "Jack will love this!" she breathed. Megan rolled her eyes. "Rhiannon, I swear, the two of you---" "---are enjoying our time together without the crew. I can't wait to get back to Barbados and raise Zara there." "And what about little wolfes? Any plans for a pack?" Rhiannon laughed. "You never know, Megan. " Megan wrinkled her nose. "I wouldn't be surprised to see you have a litter!" "A litter of what?" Jack had opened the door, his arms full of baby. Megan hastily shoved the dress in the box and Rhiannon sat quickly on it, the lid bouncing up and hitting her in the arse. "A litter of kittens. Megan thinks that Mittens is expecting. May I have one?" Jack sighed. "Honour, we won't be here that long. We leave the day after the ball. Briggs is scheduled to come back then. I got a letter from him." Honour sighed. "Alright. But when we get back to Barbados, I want a kitten. For Zara." "Uh huh. For Zara. And what would Puddin' think?" "Well, we just don't tell him!" ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Honour laid Zara down in her crib and covered her up gently. Jack leaned against the doorframe. "I don't think I have ever seen such a beautiful sight." "She's getting so big now. Not a baby anymore. A toddler." "Do you want to try for another child, Honour?" She smiled. "Let's take it slower, Captain. After all, we have only been reunited for about six weeks now!" He sighed. "I just missed so much that I don't want to miss anymore. I'm not getting any younger." "She's not even a year old, Jack. Let's enjoy her. And each other." "How old was your father when you were born, Honour?" "I don't know....I guess he was around thirty-four." "Thirty-four and he had four daughters. I'm thirty-six and have only one." "Let's get settled in Barbados first." "You never talk about your father. What is he like?" "Bold. Arrogant. Stubborn. Lord of the Manor." "When was the last time you saw him? When you left St Brigid's?" "Jack, why all the questions?" "I just want to know what he is like. Would I like him?" "No," she said curtly. "Why not?" "Because I don't." "But, Honour, it's your father." She turned on Jack and said, "I don't want to talk about him." "What are the chances of me meeting him someday?" "Don't bet the ship on it. Jack, let's just get back to Barbados." He kissed her and held her close. "I understand. I miss the Caribbean. And I can't wait to get into that plantation you bought. It may not be Monsieur Picou's, but I bet it comes close." "Very close, darling. VERY close!"

"Do you think the silver candlesticks or the crystal ones would look better, Daffyd?" "My dear, are you ever going to stop fretting over the Winter Ball?" Daffyd lit his pipe and smiled indulgently at his wife. Megan frowned, "I just want it to be the ball that everyone will take about, that's all." "Megan, they already are talking about it." "Did you and Jack have a nice time at the horse breeder's?" Daffyd nodded. "We did. Lord, I like that man. Very knowledgeable. Oxford-educated, you know. Had the makings of a fine professor." "So what happened?" "He's not saying much about it. Guess it was maybe just a case of wanderlust and trying to find himself." Daffyd picked up the list. "Countess Carlisle? Edwin died, do you still keep in contact with his wife?" "I owe her a social obligation, Daffyd." He groaned, "When will it ever end?" "Probably never. Do we have enough wine in the cellar?" "For who, Countess Carlisle? But yes, we do. There is enough sherry and claret to service the entire fleet of ships parked in the harbor. Most are waiting in the harbor for the ice floes to melt so they can sail off to warmer weather. The storm a few weeks ago caught them all by surprise." "I'll miss Rhiannon when she leaves. Jack and especially Zara." "We still have them till Jack's friend comes back from Amsterdam with the ship." Daffyd sat down in front of the fire and took off his shoes, warming his feet. "Aaaah! And were is the happy little family now?" "Jack took Rhiannon to town to look at fabric for a dress and also some new clothes for Zara. The child is growing so fast she will be out of her clothes in a month." "Do you feel good about Zara and Rhiannon being on a pirate ship, dear?" Megan sighed. "Daffyd, Rhiannon has gone through so much. I haven't seen her this happy since...." "I know. But that happiness was tainted with good old-fashioned St Brigid guilt and then there was..,.you know...adultery." Megan replied, "Adultery is such a harsh word. And I am of the opinion that it doesn't apply in this case. Rhiannon was practically forced into marriage to Madoc. Imagine a seventeen-year-old girl married to an old man of forty-seven!" Daffyd chuckled, "I am surprised she didn't kill him!" Megan slapped his arm in mock outrage. "That is my sister you are talking about! Madoc kept Rhiannon isolated. I think the only time I saw her in the six months she was married to the monster was at a few balls. Madoc wouldn't let any of us near her. Except that Dilys went ahead and literally shoved Madoic aside to talk to Rhiannon." Daffyd laughed, "I remember that! Madoc about turned purple with apoplexy!" Megan continued, "We were never able to find out how she was, how Madoc was treating her or if she needed anything." Daffyd took a draw on his pipe. "Except for the ball where he unveiled her portrait. Lord, I swear I will never forget the look on Madoc's face when finally saw it!" Megan sniffed, "Serves him right for not looking at it before he threw his big soiree." Daffyd shrugged, "Yes but you know the mighty Lord Castlemaine always had to do things in a grand way. And Rhiannon was just something to wave under the noses of the shire. He had a young--very young---beautiful wife to beget heirs on. "Wasn't the three he had with the first Lady Castlemaine enough for him?" "Apparently not. I'm just pleased as can be that Rhiannon never had children by him. Little sour pusses, they would be. Even with Rhiannon as their mother." Daffyd got up to put a few more logs on the fire. "She's happy. Jack is good for her. And they love each other. It's a damn shame Jack Wolfe didn't come into her life instead of Rhys Morgan." Megan took up her needlepoint. "From what Rhiannon has said, Rhys was good and kind and gentle. He loved her, Daffyd. And the guilt is still with her. I don't know if it will ever leave her entirely. She was even able to talk about it now." "What did she say?" "She was convinced she saw Rhys Morgan when they were in the Azores." They were both quiet. Daffyd broke the silence. "Do you think you should tell her the truth about what really happened that night?" Megan looked up and said in a steely voice, "No. She is truly happy for the first time in her life. Let sleeping dogs lie." He poured himself another brandy. "I agree. No good can come of it. Why should the happiness of Rhiannon and Jack--and especially Zara's future--be compromised? You're right, darling. We let the dead bury the dead."

She practically tore the iron gate from its hinges in her haste to leave the cemetery. Her breath came in ragged gasps as the cold air hit her air passages, leaving her with a feeling of suffocation. She willed herself to slow her breathing and gained control of it. Domino patiently pawed the ground, the snow making shallow trenches. Honour looked up at the sky. She had forgotten that the gloam of twilight on a Welsh night came earlier than the pink and orange hues of a Caribbean sunset and suddenly she was wishing she was back to the place that had felt like home to her. But she had to see this through. Honour carefully walked up the massive stone steps that led to a heavy English oak door. She lifted the latch on the front door. To her surprise, it was not rusted yet it creaked in protest as if it were disturbed from a one-hundred year sleep. The light barely streamed through the narrow windows but still the shadows played on the wall, as if fingers could reach out and close around your throat. Honour felt around the lintel and her hand found what it was looking for. A candle and a box of flints. She struck one on the cold stone wall and sparked it, then held the flame to the wick. She blew it out and put the candle in the holder that was always on the library table next to the door. She held it aloft to better see the room where she had been forced to play Lady of the Manor and was expected to greet Madoc's guests. 'How was I supposed to act, Madoc? I was only seventeen years old.' Cobwebs covered the furniture. She shuddered as her eyes wandered over to the wingback chair that Madoc had always sat in. A book lay by the table, face down and open as if waiting patiently for the reader to resume his place. A place that the reader would never come back to. The fireplace had the burnt embers of a fire spent. Her eyes followed upwards and what she saw next, she gasped in disbelief. It wasn't so much viewing the portrait of her that Madoc had commissioned to have painted that frightened her. It was what had been done to it. It had been rent from top to bottom and slashed crosswise and diagonally, till its canvas lay in tattered strips. A dagger lay embedded where her heart would have been. Honour reluctantly drew her eyes away from the defaced painting. The shadow the furniture cast upon the walls gave the room an eerie feeling. She couldn't help but look at the grand staircase that split into two directions midway. As she did, she could almost hear Rhys's voice and smell the fresh sea with a touch of horse and leather that was Rhys. A scent that never failed to make her blood race. Her feet felt like lead but she willed them to lead her to confronting her past, once and for all times. Her footsteps echoed in the hollowness of the room as she climbed the steps slowly, the candle dripping wax from the wick. She breathed deeply and as she came to the bedchamber, she rested her hand on the door post. Cautiously she opened the door. The room stood almost exactly as she had left it that night. The dresser drawers were left open where she had emptied them in her haste to flee. The armoire door was open and a few pieces of finery were still scattered on the floor. She held the candle aloft and her eyes followed the glow. To the featherbed. But with one change. The sheets were gone. Her eyes roamed over the room, cobwebs draping from the corners and the furniture like spun out of the remnants of despair that hung in the room. She cried out loud when she saw something against the wall. Bloodstains. Her aim was true that night, driven out of self-preservation. Madoc stared at her in disbelief for what seemed like a minute but was in actuality only seconds. His hand touched her bodice dagger as if he couldn't believe it. He was thrown back against the wall, his lifeblood seeping quickly, taking his life force with it. He reached out to her in supplication, the blood bubbling forth from his lips. He tried to form her name with his lips. He slid down the wall and then fell forward on the stone floor. She sat there on the bed, her eyes were wide with horror. She tore her gaze away from the stains and her eye caught something near the baseboard. She reached over and picked it up. Turning it over in her hands, she recognized it. It was the ring that Rhys had always worn, the crest of the Morgan family engraved on it. Her eyes filled with tears. He whispered, "I know it's fatal, my love." "Rhys. Rhys, please. Don't leave me. I love you." "I love you too, Rhiannon." The ghosts of the past were proving too much for Honour. She stood up and hurried across the room. As she walked by, a screeching noise was heard from inside the chimney. She screamed and ran out as fast as she could, not stopping for anything. She ran down the stairs at breakneck speed and flung the door open. Mounting Domino in one quick motion, she kicked the horse in the flanks and fled from Castlemaine as fast as the mare would take her. The castle stood in the gloam of the evening, never giving up its secrets save one. The cat climbed out of the chimney and hurried off in search of mice.

Three days later~~ Honour, it's so cold out. Are you sure you want to go?" "Jack, Taffy Farmington sent me an invitation to tea. And I already accepted. In this neck of the woods, a change of heart is considered a kiss of death." "Then I'll take you in the carriage. You will stay warmer." "No, darling. I will be fine. I've been riding since I was three. And I have my cloak and a muff to keep my hands warm. Goodness, Megan's mare knows the way by heart. And I need you to watch Zara. Megan has too much to do with the ball. The nanny is busy with Morwenna and Dylan and Zara is asleep. So find something to amuse yourself and I will be back in a few hours." Jack looked at the chest in the corner. "I suppose I could look at the scrolls." She gave him a quick kiss and said, "Now you are talking! Put the quiet time to good use. I should be back by five o'clock." He drew her cloak up around her neck and tied it securely. "Be careful then." Honour had the mare saddled and ready in fifteen minutes. "Thank you, Harrison. I'll take good care of her." Harrison tipped his cap. "I know ye will, Ma'am." She patted Domino and whispered, "Change of plans, Domino. Let's go." She cleared the barn door and kicked the mare's flanks gently. She galloped across the pasture. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ There it stood, its imposing dark turrets grasping towards the heavens in a sinister reach. Honour sat there on the mare, a chill running down her spine that had nothing to do with the temperature. She gazed at it, trying to look at it with an objective eye. The mare stood still, not moving a muscle. Almost as if she sensed the foreboding of the castle. Rhiannon stared at the cold grey stones and took a deep breath. 'If I am ever to put this behind me--a stop to the nightmares---I need to confront this now.' She thought back to the night before. She and Megan had finally talked about that fateful night. Megan had tactfully never brought it up. In fact, she referred to it as 'that unfortunate incident' as if it were a glass of spilled claret on a snowy white tablecloth. Honour and Jack had spent a delightful evening in their rooms by themselves after dinner. Jack had played on the floor with Zara, watching as she tried to pull herself up on the furniture but always plopping down before she was able to stand. "Give her time, Jack. She will be standing by herself inside of a fortnight." "I know you are right. But she's a Wolfe. Isn't she brilliant?" Honour had to agree. After Zara had been put to bed, she and Jack sat before the fire, sipping on brandy and warming themselves before the fire. The night ended like it usually did, and they fell asleep in each other's arms. And then it happened. The nightmares began again. She bit her lip as she thought back to the terror of the night. It was always the same. Details were still hazy but it always ended with her screaming. Jack always held her and gently rocked her as he would Zara after she had come out of it. He had been most understanding but he thought it had to do with the death of her mother. And she couldn't tell him what was the cause. Not now. Not ever. Honour dismounted the mare and tied her to the tree to the right of the gate, its gnarled and twisted trunk almost a reflection of what had dwelled there. She patted the horse on the nose and said softly, "I won't be long, Domino.' She looked up at the house, almost as if she could feel the evil that had emanated within. Taking a deep breath she walked over to the massive gate of the estate. The latch was rusted, the wrought iron hung on its hinges. She pushed with all her might with her shoulder and was able to budge it enough to squeeze her slim body through. But she wasn't quite prepared for what she saw out back. The cemetery. Having come over from France with William the Conqueror, the Castlemaines were a force to be reckoned with in the shire. So much so that the church's consecrated ground was not even good enough for them. Honour willed herself to walk forward even though her first instinct was to run. The wrought iron gate surrounded the stones that looked like mushrooms that had sprung up through the snow. There were maybe fifty of them. Madoc's first wife was buried there. Honour had always found it disconcerting, knowing that their chamber window faced the graveyard and Madoc's wife was there, as if watching Honour take her place at Madoc's side. And in his bed. Honour's boots crunched on the hard packed snow underneath the layers of softly dusted powder. A light snow was coming down, falling softly as if to muffle the whispers and uttered judgements of the deceased. Steadily she walked forward, glancing at the mare to make sure she was still there. Domino's breath came in white puffs as her warm breath condensed in the cold air. Honour put her hand on the gate. It hung loosely and she pushed, a soft groan of metal on metal, as if it protested the intrusion of the living. She looked at the dates on the stones, the history of the family written for all time in slate and marble. Castlemaines whose lives were played out only through their epitaphs, giving no clue as to what they were like. Who they loved. Or who they hated. And then she saw it. It was of marble and perhaps eight feet tall. On it was carved the name. Lord Madoc Castlemaine As if he was Lord of the dead. She felt as if he were watching, knowing she was there but not to pay her respects. Honour self-consciously stepped away from the grave, almost as if afraid he would reach up from the dark earth and grab her, dragging her to his hellish grave. 'So you did get a decent burial after all. You bastard. I hope you are roasting where I know you are.' She felt her hands clamp in fisted rage as she confronted the monument to the man who sought to lay her in the ground instead of himself. She turned quickly, forcing herself to walk slowly and deliberately out of the graveyard, the trees swaying in the winter wind, howling as if in mourning. She knew there was only one more step to do for closure. She had to go inside the castle.

"Have you heard from Josiah yet?" Honour asked. Jack looked up from the book he was reading. "Funny you should mention that. I got a letter today. They reached Amsterdam safely and with no incidents." "When will he be back?" "About two weeks. Homesick?" She leaned over Jack's shoulder and gave him a kiss on the cheek. "Yes, I think I am. It was grand to see Megan and Dilys and Gwyneth but I miss the sun." Jack laughed. "It was funny to see you with your sisters. I swear, the more you talked, the thicker your Welsh accent got. And when you and your sisters lapsed into Welsh, I couldn't keep up." She laughed. "And you don't realize it, but when you talked with Angus, you kept right up with his Scottish brogue. I never heard you roll your 'r's that way!" He reached over and patted her cheek. "You can thank my maternal grandmother for that. She lives in Scotland and I used to visit her during summer. But we will be home soon enough. I can't wait to see the plantation you bought. It sounds like everything you ever wanted. Even better than Mr. Picou's property." "About the plantation, Jack---" "Da-da!" Zara held onto the edge of a small table and let go. "Come on! That's my girl! Put one foot in front of the other and--" WHOMP! Zara sat down on her bottom. Jack sighed. "So close..." Honour picked her up. "And now it is time that Zara went to bed. And then I think Mummy needs to get some sleep too. Say night-night to Da." Zara yawned as she laid her head on Honour's chest. She gave Jack a baby-wave and Jack blew her a kiss as Honour put their daughter to bed. As they laid in bed, Jack said, "Honour, I think I would like to have your portrait done." "Mmm hmm....." "Honour?" Silence. He laughed softly and said, "You haven't heard a word I said. Sleep tight, love." He leaned over and kissed his wife's cheek, then snuffed out the candle. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ I think this dress is very becoming, don't you?" Rhiannon looked at Madoc and sighed. "It's alright. But the colour is so awful! I would look like an old woman in that dress." Madoc's mouth drew into a tight line. "It is very fitting as to your station as Lady Castlemaine." Rhiannon flung herself backwards on the bed and stared at the ceiling. "But I would look about forty in that dress, Madoc." He held the dress up. "It is what you will wear." She took the dress and made a face. "It smells funny. Like it has been in a closet for a long time." He ignored the remark. "And here are some pearls. Three strands and a rosary attached. To show your piety." "PIETY?" she laughed. "Piety. You were, after all, brought up in a convent. Surely piety is not an unknown quality to you." "Why do I have to sit for a portrait?" "Because it is a tradition in the Castlemaine legacy." "So what did you do with the former lovely Lady Castlemaine captured for eternity on canvas?" Madoc looked out the window and said quietly, "Margaret's portrait is now over at Henry's house." "Well, I am sure he is happy to have his mother back with him again. Can't we just do this another time? Like when I am an old lady? I mean, by the time I am thirty, the character will be there and I will be a much more interesting subject." Madoc's hand touched her arm and it made her shiver. But not the way Rhys' touch had made her shiver. Madoc's was cold. As cold as ice. It matched his heart. 'Old Vinegar Veins', Rhiannon had called him under her breath and behind his back. She held the dress up and said, "I think this dress is hideous." Madoc grabbed her by the arm and said in his deadly calm voice, "You will wear it if I have to dress you in it myself." His face was close to her and she could see the coldness in his eyes. She tried to match it but her gaze faltered. "As you wish, Milord." He gave a self-satisfied smile. "That is more like it, Madame. The painter is due here at 1:00. The light in the library will be perfect till late afternoon." "The library? Madoc, why not the gardens? It's so nice out and the library is musty and---" "The library." He let her arm go and Rhiannon rubbed it where it hurt. "Alright. I'll change into this....gown." Madoc left and she stepped out of her chemise. Another bruise to add to the other ones on her arms and shoulders. Madoc's control was not only over her mind, but her body as well. She rubbed the spot, hoping that it wouldn't be seen by anyone. Most of all by her sisters. Dilys would make a scene and at the most inconvenient time. And then Rhiannon would pay for it later. Rhoslyn, her maid, came into the room. "Lord Castlemaine sent me to help you lace, Milady." She could see Rhoslyn glance at Rhiannon's arm and bite her lip. "Oh..this. Silly me. I ran into the casement window latch." "Ye do that quite a bit, Milady. Always bumping into what you ought not. Ye be careful, Milady. I like you." Rhoslyn met her eyes and Rhiannon nodded slowly. "Thank you, Rhoslyn. I shall. Now would you help me into this dress?" Rhoslyn blurted out, "That one?" Rhiannon looked puzzled. "Yes. I don't like it much myself...." "But--but that dress be HERS!" Rhoslyn's eyes darted nervously to the window. The window that overlooked the cemetery. Rhiannon dropped the dress as if it were on fire. "You--you mean it was HERS?" "Aye, milady. Lord Castlemaine bought it for her. She was wearing it the night she fell down the stairs. Broke her neck clean, it did." Rhiannon gathered the dress up. "I refuse to wear the dress of a dead woman. Especially one who was wearing it when the incident that helped her shed this mortal coil occurred. And I don't care if I get....never mind. I know what to do." With determination, Rhiannon took the dress and held it oh, so carefully to the fire. Rhoslyn's eyes grew round. "Milady..don't..." Rhiannon took the dress with the singed front. "Oh, dear. Look what happened. I guess I warmed myself in front of the fire too closely. It appears to be ruined. Now, if Lord Vinegar---if Lord Madoc wants my portrait, he will have to settle for the deep purple one. Oh, and lace me tight. VERY tight. I may as well show my best side to the painter. Lord Castlemaine doesn't want to see the portrait until it is done. A nice surprise for the lord, don't you think?" She knew she would pay dearly for her rebellion but she didn't care. All she knew was that she was in a hopeless situation and this was one small amount of control she had over her own life. If only you had taken me with you, Rhys..... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "NO!! PLEASE NO! DON'T!" The scream from his wife woke Jack out of a sound sleep. "Honour? Honour! Shhh....my darling, it is just a nightmare. Hush...I'm here." He gently rocked her as she sobbed in her twilight sleep. "I--I'm sorry, " she could barely whisper. He made soothing sounds but it didn't help the worried look on his face. "Honour," he said gently, "perhaps you should talk to someone about these nightmares. A priest, if you have one handy. Or maybe Megan and you can get to the root of them. Or you could talk to me..." From the nursery, Zara began to cry. Honour started to get up. "No, don't, Honour. I'll tend to her." She laid back against the pillow and tried to get herself under control. Within a few minutes, Jack came back to bed, holding Zara. "I guess she woke up when you screamed. But Mummy is alright now, isn't she, precious?" Jack handed Zara to her and then got back into bed. "This bed seems to be big enough for all of us, wouldn't you say? Just this once?" Honour held her baby close to her, trying not to cry. She kissed the top of her head and tucked her in between the both of them. Jack looked over at Zara and put his finger up to where she could clutch it. Sleepily, Zara took his finger and held tight. Jack smiled gently at Honour and said, "Are you alright now, love?" She managed a smile. "Jack, I will be fine. I just had an intense dream." Jack stroked her cheek. "Want to tell me about it?" She sighed. "It was kind of jumbled. I --I was just in a trap and couldn't escape. But I am alright now." "Is it always the same dream?" "Pretty much. I'm like a wounded animal and my way out is suddenly taken away from me and I feel so...helpless." "Honour, talk to a priest if it will help. Or even me." She shook her head. "There is nothing to talk about. Jack, it is just something that I have had since I was a child." "Is it about your mother?" he said gently. Honour shrugged and yawned. "Can we talk about this in the morning?" He kissed the top of her head and said, "Yes, my dear. Now get some sleep." But she didn't reply. She was already sound asleep.

Now it was Megan's turn to rattle her teacup. She set it down gently and then turned to her sister. Honour shook her head and said more to herself than Megan, "But he can't be. I held him as he took his last breath. The blood...so much blood.... " Megan reached over and held her sister by the shoulders, forcing her to look at her. In slow, measured tones, she asked, "Rhiannon, what makes you think he may be alive?" Honour looked at her with troubled eyes. She barely whispered, "I saw him. Megan, I swear, I saw him!" "Where? Where did you see Rhys Morgan?" "In the Azores. Jack and I met at a tavern and I saw him walk by." "Did you see his face?" "N-no." "Then how do you know it was him?" "The same boots." "Rhiannon, think about it. A pair of boots?" "And his coat. And his rapier. And he walked just like Rhys." "Darling, every pirate walks the same," Megan said quietly. Honour laughed shakily, "You're right. Of course you are right. It was just my mind playing tricks on me, wasn't it?" Megan nodded. "Yes, Rhiannon." Rhiannon laughed again, a bit too brightly. "Yes. Just my mind." Megan patted her sister's hand. "And now you put it behind you. Rhys Morgan is no longer a part of your life." Honour wiped the tear away from her eyes. "And God willing, Jack will never know." "You never told him that part of your past, did you?" She shook her head. "How do you tell your husband you killed his best friend?" Megan said sternly, "You didn't kill Rhys Morgan. He was a full-grown man, and he chose to see you that night, knowing he was with another man's wife. I'm sorry, Rhiannon, for the way it turned out. But don't blame yourself." Zara stirred and Honour covered her up again with the blanket. "I don't. And the fact that I have Zara is proof enough that I am meant to be happy. And I will be. As soon as I get back to Barbados."

Honour came into the conservatory where Megan had been sitting at her desk, surrounded by stationary, envelopes, inkpots and pens. Zara was snuggled against her mother and reached out for Aunt Megan when she saw her. Megan extended her arms and Zara went willingly. "Megan, don't tell me you haven't finished with the invitations to your winter ball yet!" Megan sighed. "I got delayed. My hand kept cramping up. But I am almost through." Honour sat down and picked up the pen. "My handwriting is still good. Do you want me to finish up?" Her sister bounced Zara on her knee and exclaimed, "I would love it!" "Where are Dylan and Morwenna?" "Upstairs with Nanny. She is going over their lessons with them. So I have a few hours of quiet to get this done." Honour picked up the list and surveyed it. "I take it the check marks are the ones already done?" "Yes. I am a little over halfway through it." "Good Lord, Megan! Have you invited all of Wales and half of northern England, too?" "Well, you know that Daffyd has his hands in alot of different enterprises. And this IS the 'event of the season'." Honour dipped the pen in the inkwell and started writing. She smiled as she wrote. "Do I need to make one out to Captain and Mrs. Jack Wolfe?" Megan smiled back. "I am so happy you and Jack will be here for this." Honour sat back and stretched. "I can't believe it will be the first social engagement that Jack and I will have that doesn't involve a tavern and someone getting a bottle broken over their head!" Megan shook her head. "From the manor born and convent-bred, you certainly took a turn Father hadn't expected." "Did anyone bother to tell him I got married? Again?" Megan shook her head. "He won't hear a word from me, Rhiannon. Although I must say Jack cleans up well." Honour laughed. "Clean shaven and in clothes that aren't made out of the same fabric as the sails! Who would have thought?" Megan said, "I suppose it is like sleeping with a different man!" Honour and Megan looked at each other and burst out laughing. Megan said, "You know what I mean!" Honour resumed her writing. She affected a snobby voice and said, "Oooh, would you look at this? A countess, no less!" Megan was playing pattycake with Zara and looked over. "Oh, well, actually her husband is--was--an earl. And you know there is no such title as Earl-ess." Honour sighed and continued. A little over an hour went by and she finally stood up and stretched her arms above her head. "Finished!" Megan glanced up and said, "Wonderful! And your little one is asleep." Zara was laying on a blanket by the fire, Muir curled up next to her. "That dog just loves her, doesn't he?" Honour laughed, "Since the day Zara was born, she has had Muir's undying love!" Honour sat before the fire and gazed into it. Megan handed her a cup of tea. "A shilling for your thoughts, love." Honour gave her a small smile. "You always knew when something was on my mind, didn't you?" She nodded. "When you were born, Mother said you were my present. And I was to watch over you." Honour took a sip of her tea and said softly, "She never knew how right she would be." Megan reached over and touched her hand. "He still crosses your mind, doesn't he?" Honour nodded, still gazing at the fire. Megan sighed. "I thought so. Sometimes when you look out the window, I would catch you glancing in that direction." "It doesn't help that Castlemaine is two miles away." "We always seem to skirt around what happened, Rhiannon. Would it help to talk?" "Maybe." She felt the tears come unbidden to her eyes. "I just wondered if he got a decent burial, Megan. I felt awful---I just ran. I felt like I abandoned Rhys." Megan shook her head sadly. "I never told you because it was such a sensitive subject. A crewman of his stopped here, thinking this was Castlemaine. He said he was looking for his captain. Captain Rhys Morgan, he said. Fortunately Daffyd was not home. I directed him to Castlemaine. I knew he must have been with you. And if Rhys Morgan brought you a few hours of happiness, it wasn't for me to judge or even stand in the way. Everyone knew what a cruel bastard Madoc Castlemaine was. Everyone except Father. He thought you needed a firm hand. And that Madoc would be the right husband to whip you into shape." Honour gave a bitter laugh. "Whip he hardly did. At least not to where it showed. His abuse was more psychological." Megan continued, "I sent the crewman on the way to Castlemaine. He had told me he was to meet Rhys at 8:00 PM. With a carriage." "We were to leave that night." "I am guessing that the crewman found Rhys. And took his body with him. No one said. And he would see that Rhys had a proper burial." Honour's hand started to shake and her teacup tottered. Megan took it out of her hand and laid her hand on her sister's. "What is it, Rhiannon?" Honour turned to her with bewildered eyes. She said quietly, "What if Rhys is still alive?"

Jack sat in the rocking chair and gently stroked his daughter's back while she laid her head on his chest, rocking her gently. Honour looked over at the two of them and a feeling of contentment came over her. 'This is what I was running to all my life. This is where I belong.' She turned back again to look at the snow coming down. The fire crackled in the fireplace and when Honour turned around again, Zara was asleep in Jack's arms. But then, so was Jack. 'If I accomplished anything in this life, it was giving Jack what he always wanted even if he didn't know it. A child of his own. And a chance at happiness.' Honour carefully scraped a bit of frost from the window. She looked out at the snow coming down in silence, blanketing the earth with an eerie calmness, shrouded in white. Almost as if to whitewash her sins that were buried along with the man Honour had loved with her whole being. Her mind drifted back to another place, another time. Another lifetime ago. He whispered, "I know it's fatal, my love." "Rhys. Rhys, please. Don't leave me. I love you." "I love you too, Rhiannon." And then he was gone. She felt a tear escape and trail down her cheek. Hastily she wiped it away with the back of her hand and whispered, 'Please, Rhys. Please don't let your memory keep me from enjoying true happiness. Please go and stay buried deep down in my heart. If you ever loved me, let me go.' She closed her eyes and tried to calm herself. What would her life be like now? Would they constantly be on the run? Would they be sailing the seven seas? Would they have settled down? She looked over at her husband sleeping in the rocking chair, their child curled up resting against his chest. At that moment Honour felt she couldn't love Jack any more than she did. She quietly walked over and covered the two of them with a quilt. Jack stirred and opened his eyes. "She's asleep." "Yes, she is, darling." "I did good, didn't I?" Honour looked at him lovingly and smiled. "Yes, my darling. You did good."

Several days later..... Honour rested her forehead against the window and looked out. "It's snowing even harder, Jack. I do hope Briggs was able to leave as planned." Jack looked up from bouncing Zara on his knee. "He did." "How do you know?" Jack grinned sheepishly, "When you and Megan went into town to talk to the dressmaker, I borrowed a horse from Daffyd and rode down to the docks. El Lobo is ported out, right on schedule according to the dockmaster. I wanted to check to make sure the ship sailed off before the snow started." She sighed. "You just can't seem to get the saltwater out of your veins, can you?" Honour looked over to see Jack covering his face with his hands and when he opened them, Zara kept trying to tweak his nose. Her squeals of delight filled the room. Honour felt a pang of guilt. She had kept the pregnancy to herself, effectively shutting Jack out of what was perhaps the most important event in their lives. But the sheer joy that Jack found playing with his daughter was a salve to it. Jack was now down on the floor with Zara making her stuffed bunny hop and land on her head. Zara kept grabbing for it and Jack would make it bounce away. "Best piastres I ever spent!" His wife smiled broadly. There was a knock on the door. "Miss Rhiannon, a few packages arrived for Mr. Wolfe." The servant girl handed Honour a few large packages. "Thank you, Jane." She raised an eyebrow to Jack. "Did you buy me something?" He got up gingerly from the floor. "I don't know how much longer I can keep playing on the floor. It's hard on the knees." He took the packages from Honour. "Well, not exactly for you but kind of." She placed her hands on her hips. "I hate it when you speak in riddles, Jack Wolfe." Jack opened the packages and drew out some new clothes. "I took an afternoon and went to a tailor. This is for the ball that Megan is having in a few weeks." "Ah, yes! Her annual winter ball! I missed last year's and I regretted it." "You missed it? Why?" "Jack, I was about a month away from delivering the baby. It wouldn't be right for me to be seen in social situations with a belly out to here!" "Good point." "And what is this?" Jack took the package and hid it behind his back. "Oh..this?" "Yes! THAT! Is it for me?" He smiled wickedly and said, "Possibly. Have you been a good little girl?" "I don't know. Have I?" He chuckled, "Have I ever complained before?" She tried to get the package and he held it over his head. She jumped, trying to reach it. Jack laughed, "I love when you beg!" Honour pouted. "Alright, be that way." Jack put his finger under her chin and lifted her face. "I love that little pout you do. Seems that is another thing Zara has inherited from you. And when the two of you do that, I am helpless. So, yes, you have been a good little girl and deserve a reward." He gave her the package and she gave him a brilliant smile in return. Putting it on the bed, she opened the package and gasped. "Oh, Jack, it is just beautiful!" She lifted out a melee of red lace and silk. "But...but it's not a dress!" He looked up from sorting through his new clothes and said, "Hmm? Oh..well, I thought it was something that could be for a private party of one." She looked at the crimson silk as it swirled. "A new dressing gown. And just who is this really for? Me....or did you buy it for me for YOU?" He laughed, "Well....I thought it would be nice. You can show me tonight how it fits." Just then, a cry came from the floor. Zara's lower lip trembled and she held her arms out. "Da! Da!" Jack turned to Honour in amazement. "Did you hear that? Did she actually say 'Da'?" Honour laughed. "What did you expect her to call you? Captain Daddy?" He bent down and scooped his little girl up. "What's the matter, precious? You were feeling neglected?" Zara buried her face in Jack's shoulder and he could feel her settling down. Honour looked at the two of them. She exclaimed, "I never thought I would see the day when the most feared pirate of the Caribbean would be cowed by a little baby." "She's not just any baby, Honour. She's mine."

Honour took a long drink of her wine as Jack sat back in the chair, warming his feet to the fire. His boots were under the bed, as usual. His shirt was out of his breeches and he leaned back, reveling in the warmth. She gazed into the fire and said, "I lied to you on my past, Jack. I am not the offspring of a scullery maid and a stablegroom. I am one of four daughters of Lord Rhodri Conaway." He nodded. "That clears up something that always bewildered me. I knew you had quality and breeding from the first day I saw you. And now it all makes sense. So you too are landed gentry. It explains why Megan is lady of this manor. Money marries money. And who might the other sisters be?" "Gwyneth is the oldest. Ten years older than me. She is married to James Hamilton and Dilys--she is the true rebel in the family--she married a Scotsman. His name is Angus McFarland. Both very nice men. Although I can't understand Angus when he rolls his 'r's." "Where is your mother?" Honour looked down and said softly, "I am to blame for that." "What?" She looked up at him and her eyes glistened with unshed tears. "I caused my mother's death." Jack took her hand and said, "Honour, it is not your fault she died in childbirth." She shook her head and gazed into the fire. "So long....it was so long ago. I don't even remember it. I was three. My mother took me down to the pond. I broke loose from her hand and decided to chase a butterfly. Or so I was told." She rubbed her temples. "My mother called for me and I got close to the edge. She slipped on the mud and hit her head on a rock. She was unconscious and drowned. The governess found me a few minutes later. Playing on the edge of the pond and my mother was....dead." Jack reached over and held her hand. "It was not your fault, darling." She said almost inaudibly, "I know. It took me years to realize it wasn't my fault. But Father saw it otherwise." "Your father?" "He ignored me pretty much after that. Any love he had for me, he shut off. And when I turned six, he did what was right. For him." She took a deep breath and continued, "He sent me away to the Order of St Brigid." "A convent?" She nodded. "I was there for eleven years. Until I was dismissed." "Did you forget to fill the candles for Vespers? Let the holy water run dry?" Jack tried to make light of it even though he feared he already knew why she was returned home. She shook her head. " 'Unseemly behaviour ' was the nice way of putting it. I was sent home in disgrace. My father didn't want me around still so I did what I do best." "You ran." She nodded. "You once asked me about my silver chain." She took it out from around her neck and gently touched it. "Megan made sure I had something of my mother's. She was wearing it the day she...." Jack nodded. "I understand." Honour found her voice again. "It keeps her real to me. Close. And whenever I don't know what to do, I look up at the stars and ask her for her advice. Or at least for her to watch over me. She's not with me but I feel oddly comforted." "And where is this poor excuse for a father now? Dead?" She shook her head. "He's in London." "Do I want to meet him?" She gave a brittle laugh. "No, I don't think so." "And you ended up in St Lawrence waiting on tavern tables." "I had a small amount of money and I booked passage on the first ship going out of port. It was to Barbados. Amos took pity on me and that is how I ended up at the Varlet and Vixen." Jack drew her into his arms and kissed her. "Is this all?" She felt her heart lurch. Memories of Madoc Castlemaine and Rhys Morgan rose up in her but she pushed them far down. Honour nodded. "That is all, Jack. Now you know the truth." He took her hand and pulled her up. "And how long is Zara due to sleep?" She recognized the gleam in Jack's eye. "Oh, I am sure she will be a while yet. Do you have anything in mind? A good book? Maybe a game of cards?" He smiled wickedly as he drew the sash loose on her dressing gown. "You can keep the silver necklace on." He drew her down to him on the bed. "Lord, Honour, do you think we can manage in a bed that isn't swaying?" She kissed him deeply and loosened his shirt. "We managed in St Lawrence and we managed in Castara and we even managed it in Barbados. So I think we shall do just fine here in---" He silenced her with a kiss. As their lovemaking commenced, she reasoned with that annoying inner voice of hers, 'Really, Madoc and Rhys are just a closed chapter. I have a new life with Jack and a fresh start.' Their passions were rising to new heights when the inevitable happened. "WAAAAAH!" Jack stopped and looked with dismay at Honour. She sighed and threw his shirt at him. "I'd suggest you put on your trousers!"

Honour hesitated. The moment that she was dreading was here. It was time to lay her cards on the table and be honest---almost--with her husband. Quietly, she said, "I suppose I owe you the truth since half of what is yours in that cradle is also half of me. Jack, I am so tired. Let's send down for some cheese and bread and a bottle of merlot and settle in for the night. Then we can have the talk I have been dreading to tell you." Jack nodded. "I think that is a good idea." "I'll be back in a few minutes." "But what if the baby wakes up?" "Pick her up." "But..but...." "Jack, I can guarantee you she won't break." She opened up the door to the parlor where Megan had been sitting with her needlework. "Rhiannon, I can't begin to tell you how nice it is to have you back. And you know, I even like your choice in husbands! He's just as I pictured him. Well, he didn't have the horns and forked tail like you described. And I am guessing he left his pitchfork out by the door." Honour laughed. "It's hard to get used to that name, Megan. I know it will take Jack a while. Did Daffyd get back yet?" "No. But he's probably talking to the magistrate. Once those two get talking about horse-breeding, I may not see him for hours. He did tell me he'd probably have dinner with Magistrate Allison so not to hold up anything." "Megan, do you mind greatly if Jack and I get some food and take it to our rooms?" "Not at all, sweetheart. I trust the rooms are sufficient?" Honour laughed. "I see you gave me my old room. The sitting parlor is ideal. Are you sure we are not putting you out, showing up here unexpectantly?" "Darling, I did expect you. I just didn't know when. I sent a note off to Gwyneth and Dilys that you are back. I imagine they will be coming over in the next day or two." Honour bit her lip. "And...him? Does he know?" Megan concentrated on her needlework. "He's still in London sitting in the House of Lords." "Thank God!" She put her needlework down. "But you know they won't be in session forever." Honour hesitated with her hand on the doorknob. "I'll deal with it when the time comes. Unless I can manage to leave before he returns." Megan gave her a sad smile. "From your lips to God's ear, Rhiannon. How is Jack enjoying Zara?" Honour smiled broadly. "He's smitten. Of course, Zara is still asleep. But I can honestly say, I have never seen Jack Wolfe afraid of a little bundle from heaven! And now I'm off to the kitchen to get a small meal for us. All that time on the ship, it will be good to sleep in a bed that's not rocking." Megan looked at Honour and she looked at Megan. They both burst out laughing. "Just...don't say it, Megan. Don't say it." Megan waved her on. "Go! Enjoy your evening and Daffyd and I will see you in the morning." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Honour bumped the door open with her hip. "Let me take that!" Jack took the tray from her. "Thank you, darling. It's just some cheese and flatbread and Mrs. Ferguson--that is Megan's cook--sent some cookies and fruit with me." She reached under her tucked arm. "And a bottle of merlot that Daffyd himself bottled from the vineyard here." Honour disappeared behind the screen and threw her chemise over it. Jack said casually, "Megan did quite well for herself. Marrying landed gentry. That in itself has to be an interesting story." Honour came out wrapped in her dressing gown. Jack had stoked the fire while she was gone and had now laid out the food on the table. "Did Zara stir?" He shook his head. "Not a peep out of her. I put my finger under her nose to make sure she was still breathing." Honour laughed. "Jack, she is alright. She has been known to sleep for a few hours. We call it a nap." Jack uncorked the bottle of merlot and poured two glasses. "And now it is your turn, my love." She looked down and said quietly, "Alright. But remember you said you would love me no matter what." "And I will. I mean, it's not like you murdered anyone, is it?" Her head jerked up sharply. "Of--of course not." "Good. Now tell me your secrets. I've told you most of mine."

Honour ran over and gave the woman a hug. She was about five years older than Honour, her hair a honey-coloured blonde and her hazel eyes reflected a serenity that Jack scarcely saw in women. She was about the same height as Honour but she was plumper. A woman who was content with her maternal status. Honour ran back to Jack and took his hand. "Megan, I would like you to meet Ma----um..Captain Jack Wolfe." Megan tried to suppress a grin. "With an 'e; no less! My, my....the other names I had heard you called!" Honour felt her face colour. Megan continued, looking up at the ceiling as if they were all listed there. "Let's see...there was 'scoundrel'....'cur'....." Honour tried to motion Megan to be quiet but she continued mirthfully, "....and then there was my personal favorite. What was it again, Rhiannon?" Rhianon's face continued to flame. "I'm sure I don't remember----" "Oh yes! NOW I remember what it was! Let's see if I can do it right....'NO GOOD ROTTEN BASTARD!' " Jack stood there, his mouth dropped open. Megan then laughed gaily and said, "Don't fret, Mr. Wolfe. I called my husband 'lower than a snake's belly'. But we all say those things in the throes of childbirth!" Honour asked anxiously, "And where is my little precious?" "Nanny Greyson just got her down for her nap. So let her sleep a little bit or she will be cranky. Please, dear! Sit and visit. You too, Mr. Wolfe." Jack looked anxiously at Honour but she sighed. "Best do what Megan wants us to. She won't settle for any disturbance in her domestic bliss!" Merrion came in with a tray loaded with a silver tea set and blueberry scones with clotted cream. "I thought the guests would like a bit of repast. Lord knows, they will need to keep their strength up when they have to run after little Missy upstairs." Megan poured a cup and handed it to Jack. Her eyes twinkled as she said, "Brandy is on the sideboard, second door on the bottom." He grinned and headed that way. As he passed Honour, he whispered, "I like her....Rhiannon!" Honour felt her face blush. She hadn't really noticed that Merrion was the one who spilled the beans on what her real name was. But she knew it was always in the background, waiting to come out. In a way, she felt relieved. As if one less secret loomed before her, waiting to explode. Honour asked, "And how is she? Did she miss me?" Megan handed her a scone. "Babies don't think in those terms, Rhiannon. But I think she felt something missing." "And what did I miss? Did she take her first step yet?" Megan shook her head. "No, I think she was waiting for you to come back to show you how she is growing up. But that upper tooth did break through. We gave her a wet rag to chew on and a spot of whiskey on the gums helped." Jack's eyes grew wide. Megan smiled, "It is an old Conaway tradition, Mr. Wolfe. A tot of whiskey on the gums to numb it." "Please---call me Jack. Um...Conaway tradition?" "Generations of Conaways have relied on the spirits. Of course, some can handle it more than others." Megan winked. "Why, some of us have even succumbed to matrimony while under the influence of aqua vitae!" Honour asked, "Where is Daffyd?" "Oh...he had to go to the magistrate's office to file some new deeds. The children are over at Standish Hall visiting with their friends." Jack kept looking anxiously up the stairs. Megan smiled, "You look like you are waiting for someone, Jack. OH! I know! Could it be you want to see your daughter?" "Well, I was hoping..." "Of course you were! Rhiannon, where ARE your manners? Take the man up to meet his little unexpected bundle of joy." Honour grabbed Jack's hand and hurried him upstairs. At the door, he hesitated and said, "Honour, I don't know if I am ready for this...." "Jack, she is just a little girl." "I know, Honour, but---" "But nothing! You can't tell me the great Mad Jack Wolfe is cowed by the thoughts of meeting a little tyke." "But...but what if she throws a thin mint cookie at me?" "She won't. Maybe at Briggs but not you." Jack still hesitated but Honour tenderly put her hand on his arm. "It's all right, Jack. She's not going anywhere. You've got the rest of your life to get acquainted with her. And her with you." She opened the door and led him to a cradle that held a small, delicate little toddler. Her brown curls spread out over the satin pillow, her cheeks pink with health. She had a pink wool blanket wrapped around her, and she had one tiny hand balled up into a little fist, the other had her thumb in her mouth. Honour gently drew the blanket down. Her eyes shone with pride but her voice had a little catch in it as she said, "John Michael Wolfe, may I present....your daughter."

The gangplank was put in place. Honour slid her hand into Jack's and pulled her cloak closer to her. He reached over to her and fastened her cloak pin to close it. Gently he put her hood up. "When will you ever learn to dress yourself, woman?" She laughed and said, "There's a wenchmouth in there but I am not going to say it!" "How do I look?" "Very piratey. But don't fret. Megan and Daffyd know your occupation. In fact, Megan said she didn't expect anything less of me. She always said I had a penchant for pirates. Even when I was a child, I used to sit on the docks whenever I could." Jack motioned Briggs over to him. "Josiah, you are all set to take the ship to Amsterdam?" Briggs grinned. "Aye, right and ready. The men will take two days' rest and then we shall sail off." "And you know who to contact for unloading the swag?" He nodded. "Claessen de Witt." "And you know to hold out for twice of what he offers?" "His reputation precedes him. He is known to be fair. After he sees no other alternative." "So I expect you back around February 15th. We will be staying at Honour's sister Megan's place--what was the name of the estate again, dear?" Honour was putting her hands in a fur muff. "Bancroft Hall." "Right. Bancroft. In Beaumaris. We shall be ready to sail around that time. Just send word to us you are in port and we can be there by the next day. Bancroft is--how many miles is it, Honour?" "Five miles from the port, darling." Jack clapped his best friend on the shoulder. "And you will be fine without Duckie?" "I don't intend on getting into any skirmishes in the English Channel, Jack. We will be fine. Davis is with me. Even the kid. What's his name." "Eli, Josiah." Honour supplied. "Jack? Are you ready?" "As ready as I will ever be, darling. Lead on!" They sat in the carriage, Jack looking out the window abstractedly. "Jack, there is no reason to be nervous. She's only a baby." "Only a baby? Good Lord, Honour! Here I am thirty-six and I am meeting my own flesh and blood. I just want to make a good impression on her!" "Jack, she doesn't know about impressions. All she will want is to be rocked and sung to." "What about your sister?" "She's too old to be rocked." "You know what I mean. I want your family to like me." She patted Jack's hand. "They will love you." "I wanted to shave before we saw them." "Darling, what would your crew think if you turned dandy on them? No, you made the right decision to gentrify yourself once we got there. Besides, Megan and Daffyd are good sorts. And their children will love to meet their Uncle Jack." "That's right, Honour. Lay the pressure on me!" She laughed. "It will only be for a month, Jack. What can possibly happen?" He looked darkly out the window of the carriage. "With us? Anything!" The carriage pulled up to a manor house in dark red brick and a trail of frozen ivy crawling up the side. The bare trees were laden with icicles and snow covered the roof. Jack helped Honour from the carriage and pulled his great coat closer to him, the red wool scarf around his neck. "My God, it is like a winter wonderland, Honour! I hope it is warm inside." "Megan has a fireplace in every room, dear. But the real warmth is in her hospitality." "And..and she is inside?" "Megan? I suppose so." "No! Zara." "Well, I am sure she doesn't have any social obligations yet, Jack. Yes, she will be indoors. Megan is so overly cautious, she wouldn't take her outside. Now--take a deep breath!" Honour reached up and knocked on the great lion's head door knocker. The door opened and a dumpling-faced woman opened the door. "Miss Rhiannon! You're back earlier than we expected!" Jack turned to look behind him and saw no one. It finally hit him that he now knew his wife's real name. Rhiannon. Honour hugged the woman. "It is so nice to be back, Merrion." "Well, don't just stand here, Rhiannon. Come in, come in!" Jack followed his wife into the parlour. Rhiannon took her cloak off and said, "Merrion, I'd like you to meet my----" "So this is little Zara's da? I'd know it in a minute. The hair and the chin!" Jack couldn't help but grin. He was shifting from foot to foot, anxious and nervous to finally meet his progeny. "Did you have a nice sail to Barbados, Rhiannon?" "It was incredible, Merrion!" The housekeeper frowned a bit. "We expected you to come back by yourself. Megan will be very surprised." "It's a long story, Merrion, and I am sure----" "Rhiannon!"

Honour entered each covered booth, drawing her cloak closer to her. The tradesmen had braziers at each booth, so she was able to warm her hands. "Do you have anything in a woolen scarf? Maybe a red?" The wool merchant grinned and said, "Yes, Madame! The finest merino wool and knitted by my own wife." She held it in her hands and hefted it. Not too heavy, not too light. She knew Jack would be unprepared for a Welsh winter. "I'll take it, Senor." At the next booth, she purchased a wool coat and gloves for Briggs and a few other things for the crew that stayed behind. She found a wool cap for Eli to replace the one he had. She remembered he had twisted it so much in his nervousness he had poked a hole in it with his finger. The embarrassment he felt touched Honour. She sensed that Eli didn't have much and had left to go to sea with whatever was on his back. She didn't know why she felt such an affinity for him. Perhaps it was his guilelessness or the eagerness to please. Whatever it was, she knew it was genuine. And Eli deserved a break. She headed over to a small outdoor cafe, sitting down to a cup of hot tea when a pair of hands went over her eyes. "Guess who?" "Now, Briggs--don't you dare let Jack catch us!" "WHAT?" She laughed as Jack sat down. "You were my second guess, love." He grinned and reached into a sack. "I bought something for Zara." Jack reached in and withdrew a stuffed rabbit. The eyes were sewed buttons and it had a bright pink ribbon on its neck. "Do you think she will like it?" She looked at the hopefulness on Jack's face and she felt a softness for him she didn't think possible. He was so eager to please and do things right. She took his hand in hers and said, "I think she will love it, Jack. How could she not? It is from her father." Jack's face broke out in a grin. "I can't believe by the end of next week I will be holding my daughter in my arms." "She's a squirmer, Jack! Just so you know. Always on the move. Why, before I left, Muir----" "Muir! I forgot about him!" "Muir missed you something fierce. He took your shirt and laid it at my feet when I was packing to leave. At that moment, I almost changed my mind. I think Muir was trying to tell me something but I was too intent on getting back to my family." Jack looked off in the distance. "I found that shirt. It still smelled like jasmine." He took himself back to the present and squeezed the hand that held his. "I feel like I have been given a second chance, Honour." "As have I, Jack. And now we have a family." "More tea?" "I'm fine. But get something for yourself." Jack went up to the tavern bar. Honour sat there, a feeling of contentment coming over her. She felt that nothing could intrude on it. She looked out onto the bazaar and that is when she saw him. Could it be....? Impossible. Her blood ran cold. But no one wore boots like Rhys Morgan. Her heart started racing. It can't be.....no, it can't. She held Rhys untill his life force ebbed away. She remembered brushing his hair back from his face and his beautiful grey-green eyes closing, his breath coming in a ragged gasp. The blood... Oh, the blood. She jumped up just as Jack was coming back with his brandy. "Jack...I forgot a purchase at the silk merchant. I---I'll be back in a minute." "But Honour..." She threw the cloak on and said hurriedly, "I'll be back in a few minutes, Jack." Without waiting for a reply from him, she rushed out the door and looked up and down the street. The fog was settling in as thick as pea soup but even so, she spied the dark green frock coat that he had worn so often. The gold and silver hilt of the rapier that he always wore. The burgundy tooled boots. She rushed down the lane, trying to squeeze by the merchants and their patrons. "Excuse me..excuse me..pardon...sorry...." The coat. The rapier. The boots. The strut. There was only one person who when you added up the factors tallied one man. And that tally was Rhys Morgan. As she entered a clearing from the people, he was gone in the mist. She stood there and rubbed her eyes. Was it a mirage? A ghost intruding on her present happiness? Or was he alive? She looked up and down the lane but there was no one in sight. No dark green coat. No gold and silver rapier. No burgundy boots. Nothing. She felt a tear escape from her eyes and she whispered his name. Then she shook her head and said to herself, 'No, Rhiannon. You didn't see him. Your mind is playing tricks on you.' She turned and headed back to the tavern, trying to compose herself. Honour entered and Jack was sitting there, idly touching the ribbon on the rabbit's neck. She sat down. "Did you find what you were looking for?" "What?" "The purchase. At the silk merchant." She laughed shakily and said, "Half way there I realized I had put it in another bag. Sometimes I don't know where my mind is, Jack." He laughed. "I know." "What?" "It is occupied with Wales and Zara. Relax, love. We will be home soon enough."

Honour pulled her shawl around her shoulders and shivered a bit. Jack put his arm around her and held her close as they looked out across the port of Ponta Delgada on the beautiful green island of São Miguel in the Azores. The fertile island that served as the midway point for their voyage across the Atlantic offered only a fraction of the warmth they were accustomed to back in the Caribbean. A thick, surreal fog blanketed the area, further reminding them of their distance from those sunny shores. Jack's thoughts drifted back two nights previous. He and Honour were enjoying an after dinner glass of Madeira and each others company. Once again, as they had the past several nights when Jack could devote his entire attention to his beloved wife, their conversation turned to their future together. “Tell me again about Zara,” he asked. Honour laughed softly. “You never tire of hearing about her, do you?” “The more you tell me about our little girl, she becomes that much more real to me,” Jack said, with a softness in his eyes that made Honour's heart melt. Ever since he had learned of Zara's existence, she had seen a tenderness within him she wouldn't have believed possible some eighteen months ago. She squeezed his hand. “I know a better way.” Honour got up from the table and went to the chest of drawers. She opened the second drawer from the top and began looking for something. “You haven't been hiding little Zara in there this entire time, have you?” Jack teased. “Of course not! Do you honestly think any child of yours could stay quiet five minutes, much less this long?” Honour pulled something from the drawer and hid it behind her back. “Now, close your eyes and hold out your hands.” “The last time you asked me to do this, I found your dressing gown in my hands and you wearing nothing but a smile and my boots!” Honour's mouth hung open in shock. “Jack Wolfe, you are a beast! Just hush and do as I ask, please?” Jack settled back in his chair with a devilish smile on his face and did as she asked. Honour placed something in his hands and gently curled his fingers around it. "Oh," he said, somewhat crestfallen. "Not a dressing gown. I suppose, since we've just eaten..." Honour gave him a gentle slap on the shoulder. "Would you try concentrating on something other than making another baby?" "Oh, difficult, difficult," he said with mock determination. "Let's see....it is rolled up and tied with a ribbon and seems to consist of paper. Honour, is this a prenuptual agreement after the fact?" "Damn it, Jack! Open up your bloody eyes!" she said in mock exasperation. "Ah, yes, that would help!" He opened up his eyes and looked at what appeared to be a scroll tied with pink ribbon. "Damn. You're still dressed." She gave him an 'I'm about to slap you into next week' look. He grinned sheepishly and untied the ribbon, then unrolled the paper. Jack's eyes went wide. "Honour? Is this who I think it is?" She laughed gaily. "Of course it is!" "This is really her? Mine? I mean...ours?" he asked in a voice halting. She nodded. "Yes, Jack, it's Zara." The paper revealed a detailed sketch of a baby's face. "When did you do this?" "Oh...over the last two days. It isn't quite finished but the face is. And a damn good likeness if I do say so myself. Of course, I was sketching from memory. But a mother remembers every single detail of her child's face." "I had no idea you were so talented." She raised an eyebrow. "My talents do extend past these four walls, I'll have you know. I used to spend alot of times up on the bluffs sketching and writing poetry. Somehow I have been....distracted by other things." Jack traced the drawing with his finger. "My God, she is just beautiful." Honour laughed softly and said, "Well, I made her myself!" "What you do mean, yourself? I think I had a hand in it too." "You may have provided an ingredient but I did the baking and took it out of the oven all by myself!" "Her eyes are just like yours. And her nose too." "But the hair and that determined little chin are all Wolfe." "And she is a princess. And with looks like that, she can rule the world!"

Honour gathered what few things she had and returned to the deck. The men were getting excited. She gave the port a sweeping look. And breathed a sigh of relief. The Gryphon was not there. She drew her shawl closer to her as her mind went back over the three days before Jack had whisked her away under protest. Under protest? Kidnapped was more like it. Jack had kissed her and the gangplank was let down. "I still think I should go with you, Honour." She hugged him and said with a sigh, "I would rather go by myself. I'll be back before you know it." He reluctantly let her go. "And when will that be?" She kissed his cheek and said, "I will be back no later than 3:00. And may I do a bit of shopping?" She looked at him hopefully and he laughed as he produced a bag of gold coins. "Don't spend them all at the boot store, love. We have no more room!" "Now, you know you can never have too many boots, darling!" She walked down the street leading to the room she had taken. Taken with.....him. Her mind drifted back to that day.... "Honour! What are you doing here?" She turned, a look of delight and worry crossing her face. "Cade Jennings!" A person she thought she would never see again in her life. "You didn't wait for me. I told you I would be back in a week's time. " "I had to leave. I....I got word that my mother was sick and I had to rush home to Wales." "And how is she?" "She had a bad chest cold and it was touch and go for a while. But she recovered." Oh, how easy it was to lie.... "Have dinner with me. And then we can decide what we want to do." "What do you mean?" "Well, you did get a formal divorce decree from Jack, didn't you?" "Not exactly." "What do you mean?" "I--I left Barbados suddenly and there was no time to file papers or anything. He went to Martinique to get Armand LaFork---" "La Fourche--" "WhatEVER. By the time he came back, I had gone. I had left him a note." Another lie. They just seemed to be coming quicker. "So what do you do now? Can you get a divorce en absentia from him? I mean, you could claim desertion. After all, he left you to go to Martinique." "I don't know. I suppose I could see the magistrate about an annulment." He took her hands. "I love you, Honour. And I want to be with you." Coincidently, they had both taken rooms at the same inn. By the end of dessert, the second room was no longer needed. Honour drew her shawl around her and entered the tavern. "There you are!" Mrs. Washburn bustled forth. "Lord, child! We thought something had happened to ye! Ye disappeared and never came back!" Honour replied, "I had a few complications, Mrs. Washburn. But things have straightened out and I have come for my things." "Ye are paid up till the end of the week. But ye missed yer passage ship back to Wales, dearie. And a gentleman left a note for ye." She opened a drawer and pulled out an envelope. "Was he upset?" "He didn't seem to be. He told me ye'd be back for yer things, that ye probably had gotten distracted with the bootmaker. He was laughing about it and said he would catch up with ye when--how did he put it?--Oh yes. When ye are a free woman." She winked slyly at Honour. "Thank you, Mrs. Washburn. I'll collect my things. I have passage back to Wales on another ship." In the privacy of her room, she opened the envelope. The handwriting she knew well. Honour, darling---I had to leave quickly for another port. El Lobo del Mar was spotted and my quartermaster sent word to me that Jack was heading into port. Fortunately I had docked The Gryphon on the west side of the port and Jack always favors coming in where the wind will take him. I'll catch up to you in a few week's time. By then Jack will be gone. I know he stops for supplies here and then heads out. Be careful and avoid the taverns. I know he frequents the Bilge Pump Pub and takes rooms there. I love you. Cade She folded the letter and put it back in the envelope, shoving it to the bottom of one of the trunks. There weren't very many things to pack up since most of her belongings--except for most of the chests of guilders that were deposited at the bank in Bridgetown--were at Megan's in Wales. Including what she held dearest of all. Zara. She called down to Mrs. Washburn. "May I borrow one of the men and a cart to transport my trunk to the docks?" Mrs. Washburn called back, "Most certain, dearie." Then she yelled, "Caleb! Get yerself over here. A small job for ye!" Within the hour, Honour had the trunk sent on ahead and decided to do a bit of shopping. By the end of it, Jack's pouch was empty. Yet she had purchased a new dress, a pair of boots and three silk shirts for Jack to replace the one she had pinned through the mast with her sgian dubh, the one that was caught in the door that he had to cut be out, and the one she threw out the porthole when Jack decided the key was more important than satisfaction. She picked up a few things for Zara. A dress here, a blanket there. And the crew was not forgotten. A few bottles of fine claret to be shared among them all. Because after all....the men needed to know they were appreciated. One final stop. Honour entered Ye Olde Swordshop. "May I help you, Miss?" She looked around and said, "I'd like to purchase a rapier. That one over there. The French one." Master Campbell laughed and said, "Aye, ye know your rapiers! T'is one of my best sellers." "Do you do engraving?" "I surely do. I can even do it whilst ye wait, Miss. A gift for a husband? Or a lover?" he said with a wink. She smiled broadly and said, "I want it inscribed with two initials." "And that would be?" "E. M." "I know this E. M. will be pleased." Honour nodded. "A special person. Because if it weren't for him, I never would have found my way back to the person I love. And now I have a chance to get it right."