Annette awoke as the early morning sunlight shone through the windows of the carriage. The light glimmered through the glass, casting strange shapes upon the walls. Annette looked through the windows in fascination, even as the others still slept. Her friend woke soon after her and smiled as he saw her glued to the window. "Is that the seaside?" she asked, happily.

"That it is," he answered with a smile. "Have you never seen it?"

"Never," she said, knowing her ignorance was showing but not really caring. Her companion stretched and then leaned towards the window with her.

"It looks as if we're almost at the harbor," he observed. "One of those ships yonder must be for us."

"Is it possible? England? And a new life?" she was amazed at the changes that were suddenly before her.

"It is possible, my little Annette," he said, wrapping an arm around her. "A new life for both of us," he kissed her cheek. She felt her heart flutter. She was both scared and content at the same time. And happy. So very happy. It didn't seem right that her life had taken such amazing turns so quickly, it would take awhile for her to come to terms with everything. Still, she thought as she relaxed into her friend's arms, she couldn't be happier.

The carriage soon came to a stop in front of a large ship. The small group was gently awakened, and then ushered onboard. Annette held hands with her protector all the way. They stayed together as they left the carriage, walked the way to the ship, and climbed on board. It was only when they where shown to different quarters did they finally have to part. Annette still didn't like being parted from her friend for even a moment, but he smiled and kissed her hand.

"I won't be far," he promised, more by his eyes than his lips. It didn't matter, Annette understood. He stepped towards her and kissed her deeply before allowing themselves to be parted. She kissed him back, and then he nodded for her to go on.

Annette was shown into a small room with four bunks. The three other women that had been saved with her soon followed. The women chattered for awhile, mostly talking about how little they had all slept in the carriages and how mysterious the Pimpernel had been. After minimal conversation, they all crept quickly to their respective beds, as no one had experienced a particularly restful night previously.

Annette laid down and tried to rest, but for the most part she couldn't stop thinking of her friend. Her love. He had said his name was Sydney Carton. Sydney Carton. She repeated the name in her head over and over as the boat settled in the water. Sydney Carton. A fine name. An English name. He was returning to his own country today, she thought. Yet he had said this would be the beginning of a new life for him as well as her. She pondered over this as she gradually drifted into a restful sleep.

The ship rocked and Annette found herself once again on deck. She leaned against the rail and watched the sunrise appear over the bow. "Another early riser," a familiar voice observed. She turned around and found Sydney walking towards her.

"I am not used to sleeping in," she answered. "I would have to be at my work as early as possible." He nodded. "Did you usually get up early too?" she asked.

"Not generally," he confessed. "I used to sleep in the mornings as long as I could... but now..."

"I understand," she said, taking his hands. "Every single moment that we can be awake is a gift." He nodded.

"You understand perfectly." He smiled and put his arm about her waist.

"Tell me about England," she prompted. "What is London like? Are the people there much like you?"

She felt him chuckle and she knew her innocence was showing. "God forbid," he smiled. "No, my dear, the people of London are much like people everywhere else. Some are good, some are not."

"Are they kind to foreigners?"

"Some are, some are not," he answered honestly. "But, I think you will find that most people disagree with the direction the revolution took in France and have sympathy for those who have lost so much."

"I do not feel that I have lost much," she said, thoughtfully looking out at the water. "France is no longer the place I grew up in. My little store, I took such great pride in... I worked so hard there, but it is no longer where I belong. My life there is over."

"And now you have a new life beginning," he observed. He looked out at the water with a sort of peaceful contentment.

She wished she could have his same calm attitude, but she did not. Instead, she tried not to look as frightened as she felt. It didn't work, her companion could tell.

"What is it?" he asked, placing a comforting hand upon her arm.

"I should be so scared - a new country - a new language to learn…" she confessed. "I should be so frightened. Would you... would you stay with me? And help me?" for a moment she felt exactly the same as she had two days ago when she had first met him – when she hand first turned to him for strength. When she thought she was about to die, he was the one that had given her the strength to live. Still, she needed him. She didn't mind confessing it to him.

He smiled again. He turned and took her hands. "Of course I will, Annette. You will always have me."

She felt a huge surge of relief wash over her. "I'm not afraid of anything if you are with me," she said honestly.

"I spoke to the captain," he said, nodding to the front of the ship. She looked at him in confusion. "He informs me that he is unable to perform marriage ceremonies in these waters, so I suppose we shall have to wait until we arrive in England."

She stared at him in confusion.

He laughed, "My dear little seamstress, can you not see that I am in love with you? I am asking you to be my wife."