What the Heart Wants
By that belle

In a time where status meant everything, and marriage was a practical arrangement between two people, where did one fit in? The heart wants what it wants… ..Tony & Kate..

A/N: This is a little fic I thought up while I was finishing my History assessment. As far as I know, it's not related to American history. See what you think of it, and enjoy.

31 December, 1839

It has been seven long months since we left Washington DC on the Stenson, and not a day has gone by that I have not thought about my homeland, and what exactly I am getting myself into. You see, because my homeland, America, became so over populated, living conditions have dropped quite severely, including for those who live middle and upper class lives. A ship was built when rumours of a new land were brought to light, and it sparked my interest immediately.

I resent living an upper class life. In America, status means everything, especially to those who are wealthy and sophisticated. I was born into a wealthy and sophisticated family, and I think that life is not simpler because my family has spare money to throw around.

That is why I took the opportunity to get on this boat and go to the new land. I want to start my life over, as a person of equal status to everyone else. And so far, my efforts have not been in vain. I have met some very lovely people already, and like myself they are looking to start their lives over.

I met Abigail Scuito when I discovered she was going to be my new roommate while we were on the Stenson. I found her to be a very lovely and entertaining young woman. Unlike myself, she was not born into an upper class family, and for that reason wanted to start her life over. Abigail is a woman who, like myself, has never worked a day in her life. However, she has a very strong liking for the sciences, and I have tried to persuade her to open a shop or start a school when we arrive in the New Land. But I think she will not take my advice. I am not great at influencing people.

Through Abigail I was introduced to Jethro Gibbs, Anthony DiNozzo, Timothy McGee and Donald Mallard, four men who left Washington DC to further their careers in politics. I am lucky that I am not a man, because politics confuses me, and I do not wish to spend each day discussing it as men do.

I have always wondered whether I will marry when I reach the New Land. Marriage in real life is not like marriage in my head. Marriage is a practical arrangement between two people with distinctly different roles. I do not like the idea. I wish for romance. I wish to be compatible with my life partner, whoever he may be, and most of all I wish that we will be able to respect and love each other. Abigail told me that I am a dreamer. Is it really too much to ask?

Caitlin Todd put down her pen and looked at the latest entry of her journal with distaste. She didn't know why she had that feeling, but it was there. She heard footsteps outside the cabin, signalling Abigail's return. Sure enough, the door opened moments later and Abigail stood there, smiling. She frowned when she saw Caitlin sitting at the desk still.

"Caitlin!" She exclaimed, walking over to her friend. "The sun has nearly set and you have not yet put on your party things!"

"I know, I know," Caitlin laughed, closing her journal and looking up at Abigail. "I got a little carried away."

"The end of year party is going to start soon." Abigail reminded her with a smile. "It is sure to be a good night. I suggest you wear your white long sleeve blouse, your dark blue skirt, and your grandmother's brooch. Oh, and your mother's ring."

"What will you be wearing, Abigail?" Caitlin asked, getting up from her seat. She crossed the room to the closet and picked out the clothes that Abigail had suggested she wore. "I really admire you in your black skirt."

"Thank you, Caitlin, but tonight is going to be special." She took two garments from the closet and laid them out on her bed. It was her black short sleeve blouse, her dark red skirt, and the brooch that Abigail had custom made. It had a spider engraving on it.

Caitlin unbuttoned her skirt, and stepped out of it. She then unbuttoned her blouse, and laid both garments on her bed. She then slipped into the long sleeve blouse Abigail ad suggested, and buttoned it up to the collar. She then proceeded to button up both buttons on the end of the sleeves, before stepping into her skirt. Like all of her other skirts, this one buttoned up just below her breasts and went all the way to the floor. It was the fashion that most women wore. She pinned her grandmother's brooch to her blouse, just under her throat, and went over to the mirror. She adjusted her bun while Abby finished dressing and played with her fringe a little. Finally, the two were ready to go. They left the cabin, giggling and talking quietly about the party.

The party was being held on the top deck of the Stenson. Several large tables had been brought out so that dinner could be served outside, and there was a live band playing, plus an adequate sized dance floor for anyone who was interested. Abigail and Caitlin made their way through the crowd towards Anthony, Timothy and Donald, who had reserved a table for them all.

"Good evening, Caitlin, Abigail." Donald said, standing up to greet them.

"Good evening." Timothy and Anthony added, smiling. Caitlin could not help but notice Anthony's eyes on her.

"Donald, where is Jethro?" Abigail asked as the two women took their seats. Timothy poured the two a glass of wine each.

"Jethro? I am not sure. I believe he may be with Jennifer Shepherd."

"Who is Jennifer Shepherd?" Caitlin asked, as Donald sat back down.

"We actually have reason to believe that Jethro is courting Miss Shepherd." Timothy said. "He has spent many a day with her… alone."

"Alone?" Caitlin and Abigail gasped. "You mean, Miss Shepherd has not been accompanied by a family member or another woman?"

"Yes." Anthony said. "He may plan to marry her when we arrive in the New Land next week."

"So soon?" Abigail questioned. "Too bad. I was almost becoming accustomed to life on this ship."

"Well, here he comes now." Donald said, pointing over to where Jethro stood with a woman who had beautiful red hair. She wore a gown similar in colour to her hair, and had a shawl wrapped around her arms. The two of them spotted Donald, and headed over to the table where everyone sat.

"Good evening." Jethro said, deciding to talk first. "This is Jennifer Shepherd." Everyone smiled at her. "I'll introduce everyone." He continued, smiling at her. "This is Abigail Scuito, Caitlin Todd, Timothy McGee, Anthony DiNozzo and my old friend, Donald Mallard."

"Nice to meet you all." She said. "May I?"

Jethro and Jennifer sat in the two empty chairs between Abigail and Timothy. Timothy poured the two a glass of wine, and the chatter at the table continued.

"Donald, what do you plan to do when you arrive?" Caitlin asked.

"I am not sure, my dear." He said thoughtfully. "My intention is to open up a general practice. I may find a wife, though."

"Someone to tend the house, right Ducky?" Anthony asked, a wicked grin on his face.

"Anthony, please do not call me 'Ducky'," Donald said irritably. "You know how it vexes me."

"Sorry… Donald." Anthony said. He caught Caitlin's eye and winked at her. Caitlin giggled and blushed, a reaction that did not go unnoticed by Abigail.

She turned to Caitlin and grasped her arm. "Caitlin, may I have a word?"

Caitlin nodded, and the two left the table. When they were far enough away from the table so that they couldn't be overheard, Abigail turned to Caitlin. "Caitlin, are you in love with Anthony?" She asked.

Caitlin looked at her for a moment, and looked to Abigail as though she might burst into laughter. But, she surprised Abigail with her honesty when she nodded. "I am." She said, the blush from before reappearing on her cheeks.

Abigail smirked. "I thought so. If you want, I could convince him into asking you for a dance."

"But, what if he says something?" Caitlin asked fearfully.

Abigail laughed, and patted her friend's shoulder. "Caitlin, you will never know unless you try. I will see if Anthony wants to dance with you. Go and get yourself another drink."

"But," Caitlin said, "I already have-"

"Go, Caitlin!" Abigail interrupted, laughing. She pushed her friend towards the refreshment table, then headed back to where the others were sitting. Jethro and Jennifer had gone off to dance together, and Timothy was sitting next to Anthony, looking rather flustered. Donald had gone off to ask a woman he recognised from somewhere to dance.

"Anthony, can I tell you something?" Abigail asked as she approached the table.

"Of course." He stood up and walked over to Abigail. "What is it, Abigail?" He asked when they were away from Timothy.

Abigail smiled mischievously. "I would like you to ask Caitlin to dance." She said.

Anthony looked at her. "Do you know something?" He asked her.

"I know a lot of things, Anthony." Abigail said, grinning. "One of them is that I think you should ask Caitlin to dance."

He chuckled at her. "I was planning on asking her without you nudging me in her direction, thank you Abigail."

Abigail just giggled as Anthony walked off in the direction that Caitlin had gone moments earlier. She headed back to the table, and Anthony found Caitlin, who was talking to a woman he hadn't seen before.

"Caitlin." He said, and she turned to him, smiling.