The halls of the manor were eerily quiet as John made his way to Lord Stone's chambers. Glancing up at the walls, he noticed that some new artwork had found a home on the large marble walls since his departure. Lord Stone was known in England for his impeccable taste in art and it was rumored that at an early age, he had blown a fourth of his inheritance money on a extensive collection of paintings, sculptures, and pottery, much to the horror of his parents, no doubt.

A servant carrying a basin of water, no doubt for his ill master, hurried by and acknowledged the captain with a hasten bow of his head, to which John nodded in return Since he had spent a lot of time in this place since he had been a boy, the staff all knew him and, except for a couple of incidences, usually permitted him access with no trouble. Maintaining a close relationship with the Duke's daughter didn't hurt things either.

As he drew closer to the chambers, the captain quickened his pace; honestly not to sure of why he had. All that he knew was that his father had said the Duke was quite ill and that he must go to him as quickly as possible. Those words were the only ones racing through his mind as he continued to navigate the halls he had known since childhood.

"I hope I'm not to late." he murmured as he rounded the final corner that led to the Duke's outer chamber. "The last thing I need right now is the death of my father's employer and my benefactor." Not to mention you future father-in-law. The thought came forward unbidden and John quickly pushed it aside. That was certainly the last thing on his mind as the moment.

The guard at the chamber doors looked up as he approached. "Can I help you, Sir?"

The young man hardly looked a day over twenty, clearly a new recruit. John couldn't help but smile. "I'm here to see his Lordship."

The youth eyes him suspiciously. "I'm sorry, but Lord Stone is not seeing anyone at this time. I'm afraid his health is less than satisfactory."

"I know." Usually, John would have given the lad a jesting, but today he was in no mood for amusement. "I am Captain Smith. My ship docked not an hour ago at the harbor and I was told to come here at once."

Clearly this was not impressing the guard. "And who told you such a thing?"

God help him, he was ready take the boy by the shoulders and physically remove him if he had to. Trying to keep his temper in check, John answered. "My father. The Marquis William Smith of Essex."

"I've never heard of such a Marquis." The guards hand had moved to the hilt of his sword.

Surly this boy could not be that daft! "How is that possible? My father has been an advisor of Lord Stone's for years! I'm betrothed to his daughter for heaven sakes! Surely she has mentioned my name!"

The young man smirked. "The only thing that Lady Stone has mentioned recently is the latest fashion she purchased for her wardrobe this past week. Just sent one of her maids to fetch it for her this morning. She has never even mentioned a man."

Despite his growing frustrations with the guard, John had to admit he was not surprised. His fiancé was a beautiful woman, to be sure, but she lacked the depth that he so desired his a partner. All that concerned her was the latest fashions, fancy parties and mindless gossip, hardly things he would choose to feel his days with. He had often asked her what she would do after she became the duchess, a title that now did not seem so far away.

And her answer?

Her answer had been simply that she would leave the politics to her husband and live her life as a social icon that all the ladies of society would envy.

He once again turned his attention back to the situation at hand. "Listen, boy." His voice was calm, but cold. "The man behind those doors has been a surrogate father to me in times when my own father was too busy to raise me. God help you, if you refrain me from him any longer and he passes, I swear on my life you will never be anything more than a lowly manor servant, do I make myself clear? Now let me pass." The last words were spoken through clenched teeth.

He saw the muscles working in the lad's throat as he nodded and moved away so the captain could enter. Walking though the doors, John could smell the familiar scent of pipe tobacco that was such a signature of his benefactor. The other guards with the chambers instantly recognized him and greeted him with slight nods and smiles, many of which he returned.

He was just about to enter the bedchamber when the door opened and he met the startled green eyes of his fiancé. Abigail Stone looked up, first in surprise and then her face softened with recognition. She had been crying "John." She unconsciously brushed a hand across her face to catch any stray tears. "I had no idea you had returned."

"Not even an hour ago." he replied, handing her his handkerchief, witch she accepted with a week smile. His gaze flitted above her to beyond the doors. "How is he?"

She wiped the last of her tars and handed the cloth back to him. "Awake at the moment, though I fear he will not recover this time."

Confusion lit his voice. "This time?"

Abigail nodded. "He has fallen ill several times over the past few months, getting a bit worse each time. I'm afraid, John." Her eyes began welling up with tears. "He can't leave me yet. I'm not ready to run this manor on my own" And then her eyes took on a flirtatious light. "But then again I won't be alone will I? Would you care to accompany me back to my chamber?"

He groaned inwardly. "I'm afraid I can't, Abigail. I need to speak with your father. But I will surely see you tonight at the banquet."

Her face immediately fell. "Of course. I'll see you tonight. Good-bye, John"

Pressing a kiss to her hand, he watched as left the chamber and closed the door behind her. John felt his heart go out to her. Despite her shallow tendencies, Abigail Stone hid a heart of gold beneath a shield of frivolity. He knew how deeply she loved her father and him for that matter, though he was sorry that he would never able to return that love. Their engagement had been in the works since they had been no more than children and thankfully, it had yet to be brought up.

John was hopeful that never would be in the near future.

The open door cast a small sliver of light across the bed where the old man lie. John entered quietly, shocked at how frail the lord of the manor looked. All his life, Arthur Stone had been a pillar of strength that held the manor together after his wife's death when John and Abigail were eight. Mary's passing had been tragic, but Arthur had at once called the manor together, from himself, down to the lowest serf and made a declaration that someway, somehow, they would survive.

And survive they had.

Under the lord's watchful eyes, the manor flourished and John had never for a single moment thought the man weak.

Until now.

Slow uneven breathing was the only indication that the man was still with them.

Not wanting to disturb him, John turned and quietly began to leave the room, but a feeble voice called out. "Who's there?"

John immediately turned on his heel. "John Smith, milord."

With great effort, the old man raised his head. "John. I had no idea you had returned from the New World." He motioned for the captain to come closer. "How was your journey?"

John came and knelt beside the bed. "Uneventful, for the most part. Although we did manage to bring in some captives. Women, all of them. I've put them to work around the manor."

"Good." A frail hand moved to cover the younger man's "I trust you will stay?"

"Only long enough to gather supplies. After that, if your lordship permits, I plan to sail again. There is still much to be discovered."

Arthur opened his mouth to answer, but a coughing spell overtook him. "I'm sorry, John, but I seem to be unable to discuss it right now, but I will see you later tonight at the banquet. You can tell me all about it then."

"Of course." John rose and kissed the hand that held his, as was the custom. "I wish you good health, milord."

There was no reply as John glanced back only once at the bed that held the once strong man before closing the door behind him.

….00000.…

"Before I present you to her ladyship, there are some things you should know about Abigail Stone." Kokoum remarked as the walked through the massive halls to the Lady's chambers.

"Really?" Pocahontas gasped as she struggled to keep up with her countryman's long strides. "Such as?"

She breathed a sigh of relief as Kokoum stopped. "Well, besides being engaged to your infamous captain, her father is one the most powerful lords in England. He has great influence over the king and in court, so watch yourself."

Pocahontas nodded. "What else?"

A knowing smirk spread over Kokoum's usually stone face. "The woman is a social icon. Frivolity is her middle name. She knows fashion like the back of her hand and lives for the latest gossip of the London society."

"And that is important because?"

"It's important because she will expect you to fall to her every whim and wish. This is a different world, Pocahontas. If you do as she asks, you will never want for anything ever again."

Her eyes darkened. "Except my freedom."

Understanding flooded her companions eyes. "And perhaps one day, you will have it, but only if you do as you are bidden. From this point on, you belong to her, just as I belong to the captain."

Pocahontas glanced at him, but her attention was drawn away from a shriek in the next room. They were now inside the chambers and Pocahontas saw a handful of women in servant's clothing, all of them rushing about in haste with various items of clothing in their arms. The door to her right swung open and a woman about her age stormed in. She was wearing a robe, her long blonde hair cascading down her back in glorious waves. Her face was fashioned with delicate features and vivid eyes, the shade of the brightest emerald. The woman was, in a world, physical perfection.

"Ladies, tell me something" Her voice flowed though the air like a soothing lullaby. Maintaining perfection is such hard work, but well worth the effort, don't you think?"

Choruses of agreement rang though the chamber. Abigail smiled sweetly into the mirror. "Really? That perhaps one of you can tell me why my fiancé, the one I am destined to spend my life with, is neglecting me?"

Pocahontas and Kokoum exchanged a glance, both thinking the same thing.

Before them, Abigail continued her lament. "He has been to see my father. He has been to see his father! I wouldn't be surprised if he was chatting up every old man in all of bloody England! And yet, the thought of visiting a ripe young noblewoman is unappealing to him!" She sighed and turned to her maidens. "Does anyone else see a problem with this situation?"

Kokoum pushed Pocahontas forward and cleared his throat to announce his presence. Bowing low, eh addressed her. "Lady Stone, my apologies for the interruption, but I come bearing gifts from Captain Smith."

Abigail then noticed Pocahontas and turned to look her up and down. "Another handmaiden? Kokoum, you should know this is the last thing that I need!" Sighing, she turned away and began fixing her hair in the mirror. "Does this 'gift' have a name."

"My name is Pocahontas."

Everyone in the room, including Kokoum gasped at the audacity of this new slave and Abigail's hand immediately stilled. Turing to face her, she asked. "Did you just speak?"

Pocahontas met her eyes. "My name is Pocahontas, milady. I simply thought that you might like to know…

"How dare you!" Abigail was up in an instant. "Who do you think you are? You do not lower your eyes when I address you. You do not tremble." She stopped about five feet in front of the native, placing a hand on her hip. "Are you not afraid of me?"

Pocahontas tipped her head to the side. "Would it please you if I were?"

The Lady seemed to consider this for a moment and then "Not so much, come to think of it."

"Well, then. I am only doing as you please."

"That's true. Quite true." Abigail shook her head. "You were begining to say something earlier."

Pocahontas nodded. "Concerning the captain. I thought that you would like to know he is well and suffered no injuries in battle."

Astonishment crossed the blonde's face. "I did want to know that. I saw him earlier in my father's chambers, but only for a moment. I had no idea if he was safe or not. I was so…" She paused. "You've very perceptive, aren't you, Pocahontas?"

The native allowed a smile to cross her face. "Only when I need to be. You may be interested to know that my true talent lies with the needle. I can make you a gown the shade of your eyes. I know of a special dyeing process passed down by my people from generation to generation."

Abigail squealed and immediately threw her arms around a shocked Pocahontas. "A slave who knows fashion! I'm keeping her." Releasing her newest servant, Abigail turned to the rest of her maidens. "I was wrong! John hasn't forgotten about me! Thank you Kokoum. That will be all. Elizabeth, get Pocahontas a proper gown." Her nose wrinkled as she picked at the sleeve of the native's cotton work dress. "That flimsy thing will never do for a handmaiden of mine."

Twenty minutes later, Lady Stone was satisfied with her newest maiden's appearance and seated herself at her vanity. "It's time, girls." She said as she fluffed her hair. "The banquet is only hours away and I must look my best. Society will be expecting no less from me. Fashion is, after all, my strongest suit." Abigail smiled as she extended her arms and waited to be dressed. "Come, ladies. Let's polish this jewel!"

…0000...

That evening, the main hall was a flourish of activity. Everyone had their specific tasks assigned to them to make sure everything had gone smoothly. Several servants scurried about, placing food and cups on the tables. Others were making sure the decorations were secure and the ballroom immaculate for the dancing that would no doubt take place. Kokoum watched all of this with an sharp eye. As John's steward, he had been put in charge of the event entirely, making sure everyone was where they were supposed to be and the banquet went of without a hitch. It was rumored that Lord Stone would make some sort of announcement tonight that would change all of their lives. Everything must go as planned.

He saw Pocahontas enter the main hall carrying a bottle of wine that was no doubt the best in the house. She began pouring a small bit in each of the glasses and Kokoum couldn't help but notice that for being a very independent woman, she fell into her new role rather well. The violet dress that Lady Stone had secured for her looked absolutely radiant against her caramel skin and her long raven hair hung in a loose ponytail down her back. It was a simple, yet elegant ensemble and Kokoum couldn't help but be impressed.

John chose that moment to stride into the room, trying in haste to tie his cavart at the last moment. "Ah! Kokoum, there you are! I trust everything is running smoothly?"

The native set aside his checklist to help his friend tie the offending piece of fabric. "So far, so good, Master. Everything seems to be going as planned."

John nodded his thanks. "Glad to hear it and Kokoum." The native turned to look at him. "I've always told you to call me John when it is only the two of us. You may be my steward, but above all else you are my friend." His gaze shifted across the room. "By the way, did Lady Stone seem pleased with my gift?"

He nodded. "Pocahontas managed to make herself valuable to all of us in record time."

"I'm not surprised." John's smile faded and was replaced by a thoughtful expression. "Did she happen to say anything about herself? Where she's from? What her interests are? It' strange. I've never met anyone like her before. I can't myself but wonder…"

"She said nothing, Sir." Kokum quickly cut him off. "Please excuse me."

With that, he hurried away, leaving John stunned at his strange reaction, but had no time to reflect on the matter because Lord Stone chose that moment to enter the grand hall, Abigail supporting him. It seemed as thought some color had returned to the man's face, although he still looked like death ward over. He hurried over to help Abigail assist her father into his chair and then stood and took hr hand in his own.

"You look lovely tonight, milady." H said as he placed a kiss on the soft skin of her wrist.

She blushed. "Thank you, John. You are looking as handsome as always."

H smiled and held her hand at arms length. "Is this the latest fashion? It's absolutely stunning.

She glanced down at the aquamarine gown she had on. "It is now." She laughed. "Tell m, John. How did your expedition to the New World play out? It went well, I hope?"

The captain nodded. Of course. Once we found an opening into the river, we were able to go farther than anyone before us."

Awe crossed her face. "It sounds so exciting! Perhaps I shall accompany you on your next trip."

He shrugged, trying to stay calm. This woman wouldn't last a day on one of his voyages. "If you like milady. We sleep under the stars and live on dried rat meat. Quite an experience."

Abigail gave a nervous laugh. "Then again, perhaps I shall wish you well in spirit."

"The I shall appreciate every word" Tucking her hand into the crook of his arm, John turned her toward the ballroom. "May I have this dance?"

From across the room, Pocahontas watched as the captain led Lady Stone toward the many dancing couple's who now occupied that ballroom. At least he won't be bothering me tonight. She had to admit that, although her mistress was indeed shallow, Pocahontas liked her very much. The woman had been nothing but kind to her and her other servant immediately welcomed her into their circle. If she were to spend the rest of her life in slavery, she couldn't ask for a better position.

She saw another native man pass her and whisper. "It is good to see you, princess!"

Pocahontas immediately froze. Surly her ears must be failing her. No one could possibly-

"Princess! Word of your arrival has spread through our quarters! Everyone is anxious to see you!"

She watched wordlessly as another of her people called to her in passing. The only way they could possibly know-

"Kokoum!" she half shouted, half whispered.

Her fiend met her glare with a nervous gaze. "I admit that I told a few people. Pocahontas, your people need to know!"

Before she could answer, Lord Stone called all to attention. With great effort, the old man stood and raised his glass of wine in the air for a toast. "I propose a toast to our captain for a successful journey to the new world. Because of his hard work, we will now be able to invade Virginia and set up our fortune. God willing, by the end of this year, we will have a full settlement begun." he glanced over to his daughter. "Abigail, shall I continue?"

She smiled. "If you wish to do so father."

Lord Stone turned to face the captain this time. "John, this morning you came to me with a request for a new journey. And well I would love nothing more than another victory under the glorious belt of England, I have a more important mission for you. Granted, you will never be able to leave English soil again, but I believe you will find this much more satisfying and I can not think of a better person to carry it out than the man I consider to be my own son."

Pocahontas could have sworn she saw the captain's hand tighten around his wineglass. "It is always an honor to serve you, your Grace."

Lord Stone smiled and nodded. "As many of you know, Captain Smith and my daughter have been engaged for years now. Well, I'd say it's been far to long." He began to laugh, only to have a coughing spell overtake him. Abigail released John's hand to rush to his side, but her father waved her aside.

He raised his eye's to John's. "I want to make sure she is taken care of before I leave this world." His gaze returned to the crowd assembled before him. "For this reason, my daughter, Abigail of Stone manor will wed Captain John Smith of Essex in seven days time."