A/N: What?! Another one! LOL

All mistakes are my own.

I do not own FSOG, just the original characters, and plot.

I would forsake everything for the man I love. Granted, it would be a foolish plight, opening me up to countless ridicule. But isn't that what love is anyway? Risk, danger, excitement? Isn't that why most women would rather die than depart from the other half of their soul? –Gossip columns.

Warm, balmy air.

That was the first thing Ana noticed while on the buggy with Dr. Ackley. The air was warm, and smelled sweet. It was something Ana could have never imagined. She wanted to see the sea, and the surrounding dock area, however, when she left the large ship, it was too dark to see anything, other than the transport waiting near the entrance. As if sensing her thoughts, Ackley spoke.

"Do not fret, Miss Ana. You will be able to see everything come morning, and it will be well worth the wait."

Smiling at the thought of seeing the island during the day, Ana asked about the doctor's home.

"We should arrive their shortly. I honestly would have been happy in a hut; growing up middle class allowed me to be content. However, the captain's sister, my wife, insisted on this home. the joy on her face changed my resolve."

Ana could hear the warmth in his voice when he spoke about his wife, and she was a little envious of their relationship. She wanted that with-

Well, it didn't matter who she wanted that with. It would never happen.

"I admit to being curious to meet the woman who has ensnared your heart so deeply." Ana teased the besotted doctor. Unbothered, or uncaring of her observation, Ackley joined in.

"Ensnared, captivated, spelled. Call it what you will, but that woman is the only person's opinion I will truly care about." Ana could see the man was serious, and she had even more respect that he spoke the truth. Ackley could see that his comment left Ana introspective. He knew who it was over, and he just hoped Christian knew what he was doing.

The idiot better come to his senses, and soon, Ackley thought tiredly.

"I hope you enjoy lodging at my home. My wife will get a kick out of being a chaperone, seeing as how she is every bit as mischievous as her brother." Turning down a long dirt road, Ackley sped up when he saw the front lantern lights still burning. Ana however gasped. In front of her was a large, plantation style home. it was surrounded by trees, and upon closer inspection, one could hear the waves behind the sprawling estate. The white pillars, numerous windows, and greenery looked to be an oasis away from the world. Once the buggy came to a stop Ana's eyes were focused on the brick steps that led to the front door. Moments later, a stable hand came from the side of the house, and the front door swung open, followed by a loud scream.

Ana watched as a short, woman came running down the stairs. Her long, curly black hair that fell in waves to her waist seemed to dance around her as she jumped up and down in place, waiting for Ackley to dismount. Grinning at her exuberance, Ackley laughed aloud before nodding to Ana.

"Excuse me but for a moment, Miss Ana."

Ana watched as Ackley jumped down before picking up his wife, and squeezing her to his person. Their reunion was very romantic, and Ana felt as if she was intruding on an intimate moment when he tilted his head and kissed the woman softly. After several moments, Ackley pulled back, smoothing some wayward hair from the woman's face. Blinking as if to clear his vision, he returned his attention back to Ana.

"Lady Steele. I would like you to meet my wife, Mia Ackley. Darling, I would like you to meet Lady Anastasia Steele, the daughter to the Duke and Duchess of Essex. She is your brother's guest."

Eyes wide, Mia stepped forward. She made a brief curtsy before speaking.

"Lady Steele! Tis' a pleasure to meet you. I wish I was aware of your coming to visit, I would have prepared accordingly." Ana noticed the reprimanding look she gave her sheepish looking husband, and giggled. Coming to the man's defense, Ana spoke.

"No need to worry yourself over such a thing. The blame is squarely on me. I admit to not knowing I would be here. I will take any room. And please. I insist on you call me Ana. We are away from proper society, and I have no desire to be on airs in the company of good friends."

"Well, I insist that you call me Mia. It is only fair."

Kissing his wife's hair Ackley turned to Ana.

"Mia, per our agreement, your brother and I think it would benefit everyone if you were to act as Ana's chaperone."

Mia smirked.

"Ah. Well, I have no problem with being her chaperone. After all, you are the daughter of a duke. I however would like to know how you came to be on my brother's ship?"

Opening her mouth, Ana was about to reply, when Ackley chuckled, beating her to it.

"I will explain everything later. But first, I assume everyone would like to get settled in. Wouldn't you agree, Ana?"

Smiling in relief, Ana agreed with the doctor.

…..

Ana quickly found out that the interior of the house was just as impressive, if not more so, than the exterior. A long winding staircase, gleaming white oak floors, spacious bedrooms. Ana was given the last room at the end of the hall.

"You will have complete privacy here, Ana. Your room has a view of the ocean, and should you need any assistance, just ring the bell stationed to the right of you. Each room has its own wash room, which is to your left. Typically, I would let my lady's maid, Isabella, assist you; however, she has returned home for the evening, but will be back come morning. I will introduce the two of you. I will send another maid shortly to help you disrobe."

Turning, Ana saw the small bell that was attached to a string outside of her door. She smiled in thanks at Dr. Ackley's wife.

"Thank you, Mia, for your hospitality. I want to apologize for your husband's assumption that it would be alright for me to stay with you."

Waving off her apology, Mia walked further into the airy room, placing a change of attire on the bed.

"Tis' alright. You don't have to apologize, I like to tease my Ethan. I admit to being curious as to how you know my brother. Have you met before?"

Laughing at the thought, Ana sat on the soft, bedding, inwardly delighting in having somewhere comfortable to rest for the next several weeks.

"No. One of your brother's men, Griffin, kidnapped me."

Eyes wide, she sank into the bed beside her.

"Surely you jest. Griffin? The man has five children! His wife is expecting their sixth. He wouldn't hurt a fly!"

At the time, Ana did not know that, but after spending time with him aboard the Lady Divine, she came to the realization that he was only following the orders of his captain. Mia's voice pulled her from her thoughts.

"My brother may have gone a bit daft since being at sea. Kidnapping a duke's daughter could be grounds for treason." Eyes wide, Ana placed her hand atop of Mia's.

"Your brother has been nothing but kind, and hospitable. Your husband has even sent my letter back home. I hope it will ease some ruffled feathers. I would not want your brother to suffer all from a simple mistake. I will send several letters confirming my health and state once they have received the first one."

Studying Ana, Mia noticed how desperate the woman seemed to be for her to believe that she was fine.

"Nevertheless, it must have been quite a shock."

Relaxing a bit, she agreed.

"Indeed, it was. But I wouldn't trade my experience for anything in the world." Eyebrows raised, Mia stood.

"Well. I will let you get some rest. Tomorrow we can resume our conversation. I hope you will be able to shed some light on your sudden adventure?"

Smiling in agreement, Ana stood as Mia left the room. Once the door closed quietly behind her, she headed out to the balcony. Although it was dark, making it impossible to see the expansive ocean, she let the sound of the waves calm her. Without giving it a thought, she took the pins from her hair, letting the tresses fall to her waist. Bending over, she took off her shoes, and wiggled her toes. Giggling at the free feeling, she turned her head up to the sky, fascinated by the numerous stars that seemed to stretch across the horizon.

"Wait, and hope," Ana whispered into the night air.

Wait and hope indeed.

…

"We've arrived, boy."

Grinning, Henry jumped down from the carriage, and immediately walked up to the steps of another large home, less than a mile away. Almost immediately, the French doors opened, showing a ruffled, yet thrilled butler.

"Sir, Christian! Henry! Tis' wonderful to see you again sire. Shall I call for the bags to be removed inside?"

Jumping down, Christian smiled up at his faithful butler, who stood at the top steps.

"Please. And make sure Henry is settled in for the night. I can imagine he misses his own sleeping quarters." Both men chuckled at the boy who was barely holding still.

"Shall I prepare anything for you, sir?"

Shaking his head, Christian reached into the front of the coach and grabbed his ledger.

"Nay. I will be retiring to my study."

"Very good."

Walking over to Henry, Christian ruffled his hair.

"You did good, Henry, this voyage. Will you be prepared to leave on another one soon?"

Eyes wide, the boy nodded. Christian quickly found out that if there was anyone who enjoyed sailing the seas more than him, was the boy. Patting him once more on the shoulder, he headed to his study to grab a stiff drink. Entering his home, he took a cursory glance, noting that everything was still in its rightful place. He saw his travel finds displayed through his home, demonstrating how far he'd gone, and his many successes. Before, that, along with a tall decanter of brandy was all he needed to bring him contentment. However, that was not to be the case this evening. No, his home felt cold and lonesome. His treasures seeming more superficial, than meaningful.

Opening the door to his study, he took in the large expanse of literature lining the walls, the globe situated to the right of the room, and the large glass windows along the back walls. Walking over to his liquor, Christian poured a hefty amount, sighing in pleasure at the amber liquid moving swiftly down his throat. Tossing his ledger on his desk, he settled into his seat, before turning and gazing out into the night sky, thoughts focused on one woman: Lady Anastasia Steele.

She was an enigma to him. Beautiful, yes. Strong, smart and explicitly passionate about causes she believed in. But it was something else. He was quickly starting to learn, that it was something he couldn't put a word to. Something so inherently, Ana. It troubled him to think one woman could consume his thoughts day and night. It was however true. Even now, glancing at the books surrounding him, all he could think of is Ana venturing into his study, seeing the many works sitting along his wall. No doubt she would try to refute every logical argument he had concerning various works. He would try to provoke her, inciting her to-

To what? Everything improper? A woman such as herself would never go beyond what was lady-like, regardless of Ana wanting out of her sheltered existence.

As much as it pained Christian to admit it, Ackley was right. It would do no good for a woman such as Ana to be caught in a scandal. It would even be more insulting to her if he were to have her as his mistress. He knew that kissing her was completely against his own set of rules, yet he couldn't resist. One glance into her warm soulful eyes was his undoing. He had to see what it felt like to taste heaven, if only for a moment. Christian was stunned to realize that it was more. So much more than he could have ever known. It wasn't in her response, which was hesitant, and a bit shy; no, it was the way her body fit against his own. It was in how she smelled, and the soft sounds he was able to draw out of her. It filled him with immense pride to know he was the only one to draw such emotions from her.

Not to mention you still haven't told her who you really are. Ackley's words were taunting him, yet they were true. He couldn't ignore that he wasn't upfront with the girl. She didn't even know that her father originally wanted the two of them to marry. Him being an Earl was enough qualifications to the Duke, and because Christian had an inkling that was where the man's mind was heading, he opted to remove himself from the drawing before-hand. What would stun even Ackley is that Christian met Ana before.

Oh, she would never remember, but he did almost four years ago. Almost embarrassedly, he remembers making a snide comment on her dress looking too small for her person. He was completely inebriated, and was unaware she heard his comment until too late. Several men from other distinguished families added a comment or two, practically turning the girl into a hermit. That following morning, he sailed from London and never thought much about the encounter.

Now, it seemed as if fate was mocking him for his poor choices in his youth. Even now, Christian felt it would be impossible to admit to being that man. His appearance drastically changed, and Ana didn't seem to have any recognition, nor recollection of the event.

Would it be so terrible, then? To tell her the truth about who I am? For the first time in a long while, Christian found himself wanting to reveal more of himself to Ana. She seemed to be worth the effort. Christian figured that by revealing more of who he was, it would leave Ana open to forgiving him for holding back on his true title. At least that is what he hoped.

"We shall see," Christian murmured to himself.

Welp! It seems that Christian has decided to put on his big boy pants…. I love you ladies, and leave me a review. It makes my day.

=)