I just wanted to let people know that I was a little unhappy with the way I wrote the last chapter. Maybe it's just me, but there was something that I didn't like. Anyway, this chapter will be written a little differently and better...I hope. Also, does anybody else look over their work after they post it on the site and cringe at all the typos? I know that I did, so I plan on trying to lessen the amount of mistakes in this chapter! Hope you enjoy.

Chapter Two

Mary-Alice knocked on the bathroom door with a pillow and set of sheets in her arms. She had almost made Jack bath before his supper because he had been so filthy when he had arrived, but he had managed to charm his way into letting him eat first. Had it been her father, there would have been no question about it: Bath then supper. As it were though, Mary-Alice was just a easy target for Jack's usual for of manipulation.

Hearing no movement in the room she knocked again and called out to him, "Jack, I'm just making up the bed in your old room—"

The door swung open suddenly and she was overwhelmed by the image of Jack in just a towel. Doing her best to keep from dropping the bedding in her arms and hiding the embarrassing blush that had crept up her neck and heated her face, she stubbled out an apology for disturbing him turned away. For some reason the image of Jack in just a towel around his waist had made her stomach flop uncertainly and her mouth go dry all of a sudden.

Once she was safely in the guest room she took a deep breath and began making the bed.

One she certain of, she absolutely refused to think about her body's reaction to seeing Jack half naked. 

Jack watched as Lacey all but ran from him.

"I didn't realise I had that sort of effect on you girl." He mumbled quietly as he closed the door and proceeded to dress in some of Abel's old clothes.



Jack nursed his rum in his hands whilst lounging in one of the overstuffed chairs and watched as Lacey sat in front of a dress mannequin carefully embroidering a spectacular mint green gown with gold thread. Every so often she would look up and catch his eye and quickly look away again blushing like a fair maiden. It somewhat amused Jack that his childhood friend, ten years his junior though him to be… well 'blush' worthy.

"I'm surprised you're not down at the Tavern drinking with all your crew." Lacey said breaking the silence and not turning around.

Jack was a little surprised of this too, but for some reason he felt like being in her company tonight and no one else's.

"Are you already keen to get rid of me, love?" He asked swirling the rum in his hand.

Lacey looked up at him taken aback. "Of course not Jack, I love seeing you. Especially since it has been such a long time between your last visit and now."

Jack smiled. "So you did miss me then."

Again, slightly bewildered, she looked across at him carefully as if trying to distinguish his thoughts before finally answering, "Of course I missed you Jack."

Jack knew there was a hidden question in there, what she really wanted to know was if he had missed her. Jack already knew the answer to this was yes, but as far as he was concerned, if she didn't ask him, he wasn't going to tell her.

A comfortable silence descended upon them again.  

Finally, Lacey tied off the end of her thread and stood back admiring her work.

Jack watched her turn and smile at him. "What do you think?"

"I bet your father was proud of ye Lacey." Jack said as he stood up and made his way over to her. "Although, you missed a bit on the hem there."

Lacey's smile faded and she turned to inspect the dress. "Where Jack, I don't see."

Jack watched the girl scrutinized every patch of the dress. He couldn't help grinning cheekily as she turned around. Once she saw his grin she new she'd been had and lightly hit him on the shoulder.

"That's not funny Jack. This dress will make enough for the governor's payment this week, that is unless he has put up the charge again."

Jack shrugged slightly. "Well I suppose it's late shall I escort you to your room, love?"

"If you please."

With that, Jack took Lacey's arm as they climbed the stairs to the bedrooms.


That Morning Mary-Alice made her way into the business area of the town and inspected her shopping list. She needed more food now that Jack was there and she didn't know how long he planned on staying for.

Mary-Alice sorted through the items picking out vegetables and eggs and milk. She prayed that she would have enough money to pay for her purchases, the governor's high taxes had hit everyone hard and the produce farmers had been forced to make their food much dearer.

Mary-Alice looked up as her name was called.

"Well if it isn't Miss Mary-Alice Cole this fine morn."

John, the butcher wandered over to her hugged her tightly before pulling back.

"How are you dear? Still holding up after your Pa's death?"

Mary-Alice winced slightly at the bold statement but let it slid, he was after all a very nice man who did mean well.

"I've been…holding up, thank you for asking."

His smiling face faded as his eyes focused behind her.

"Well, well, what do we have here now? The governor's best henchman going about his business of robbing people."

Mary-Alice turned to see one of the Governor's most trusted advisors standing behind her. Ignoring John, he bowed slightly to her before speaking.

"Miss Cole, Governor Holum wishes to speak with you in his home. His private carriage is over this way."

Mary-Alice looked at him bewildered for a moment before the advisor took her arm to direct her.

"Now just a minute there." John bellowed

Mary-Alice turned to see the butcher red in the face.

"Is there a problem?" The advisor asked casually while red coats appeared out of nowhere.

John cleared his throat and sent a menacing look towards the advisor. "I don't hear the little lass agreeing to see the governor."

Mary-Alice's heart almost melted at the protectiveness that the butcher was showing, which was why she would not allow him get into trouble over her.

"It's quite alright John, I will go and see the governor if he wishes it."

"Satisfied?" The advisor spat out.

Mary-Alice sent a meaningful look at the butcher praying that he would not make any more fuss. Without another word Mary-Alice was escorted to the Governor's carriage.



There we go. Another chapter done, I hope it was better than chapter one, I plan on improving my writing as I go along with the story.

Special thanks to:

Yasuko – Thank you honey! You were my first reviewer, I will remember that forever!

CrazyCanoeingGIT – thank you so much for reviewing, I plan on reading the most updated chapter of 'What's in name?' It's a great story!

 You guys are really encouraging! And I'm really appreciative of it.

To anybody else who is reading this, please keep reading it, it may be a little slow now, but I can guarantee action to follow very soon. Watch this space!