Dearest,

I should've recognized your intentions the moment you suggested we take a stroll from your little "borrowed" river boat to my hotel suite. Pirate. You know me too well I fear, for if we had remained upon the Seine until morning, Calypso herself could not have persuaded me to leave your company.

I enjoyed our time together on the water once more...although, the gentle rocking of the river was only a bleak echo of the Sea, the siren that calls to my very soul. And the Pearl, how I miss her full, black sails and sweeping deck. She is the only woman to whom I would entrust your safety upon such dangerous waters as you always face, I'm happy to have seen she has kept such a promise to me in my absence, and I cannot wait for us all to be united once more.

Jane extends her thanks for your gift of gold coin and amusement, we've enjoyed nearly a fortnight in Paris together...taking in the sights, the diversions, the music, the art, and of course quite my favorite at the moment, the heavenly food and pastries. There is a little boulangerie across the street from Le Meurice and Jane and I have taken to picking up a little box of cakes and treats each morning to accompany our afternoon tea. I must confess, Jack, I must've eaten nearly a half dozen at one sitting! I wish I could partake of the exquisite French wine, but alas Jane has been quite firm with me and kept me from all forms of such drink.

I count the days until we can be reunited once more... I write to you now from the little desk next to the bed in my suite it seems you occupied with me so long ago. We are to return to the countryside this afternoon as (and I'm sure you took notice during your visit) our little one has grown quite large indeed and it is not quite as comfortable to walk around as I would like. Jane tells me I will have to be put to bed rest within another fortnight, and our little one will join us not too long after. My anticipation builds with every day ...I await the day I may welcome such a little creature into our world. How I but wish you could be here alongside me.

I can hear the carriage approaching so I must regrettably draw this letter to a premature close. You are my heart's only thought, my captain. Write to me as soon as you reach a suitable port, for I have but an inkling my next letter to you shall contain joyous news indeed.

All of my love,

Elizabeth