Author's Note Here is 10... a third of the way done... remember the more feedback the faster they are posted. Meg

Jacqueline was uneasy as she sat on the open deck, watching the water rush by. Tears welled in her eyes as she thought about what she had found in d'Artagnan's trunk. Edmund… D'Artagnan had came back from the card game a couple nights ago; he had been distance, sad perhaps. Jacqueline was confused by his recent behavior. She did not know what to make of it. She was so lost in thought she did not notice the minister's wife come up behind her.

"Lady Hepburn," Helena stopped.

"Please, call me Jac-" Jacqueline shook her head. "Julia, call me Julia." Helena sat down beside her.

"Julia, I mean no intrusion, but are you alright?"

Jacqueline sighed; she had been caught crying. "Just emotions running high."

Helena looked at her, "Lord Hepburn?"

Jacqueline resisted the urge to roll her eyes. Was it that obvious? "Among other things," this was true enough.

"You will work it out. I see the way he looks at you and cares for you." Jacqueline could not help thinking of the fainting incident. "…And I see the way you look at him. You two are in love and unfortunately, many people married are not. It will all be alright soon."

Jacqueline thought a moment. "How can you be so sure?"

Helena smiled, "It takes one in love to know someone else is."

Jacqueline forced a smile. "Thank you Helena," she said as Helena stood up.

"He will be happy about the baby, just you wait and see," she said as she left.

Jacqueline watched her go, thinking. If only it were that simple…married, a baby…She stopped herself, those were dangerous thoughts. She was still a fugitive and then there was the mission… She must stay focused. She then thought of d'Artagnan's story, his promise to his mother. The way he had told her his mother would have loved her.

Jacqueline looked down at the ring and her last thought was of what she had discovered in d'Artagnan's trunk. Her stomach formed a knot, and she wondered what it all meant, what would she do if…

"Milady," Duke Winchester said tipping his hat.

"Duke," Jacqueline said focusing back to reality.

"Feeling any better, milady? Anymore sickness?"

Jacqueline groaned inwardly, she was sick of everyone thinking she was with child. "A little," she said, forcing a smile.

Baron Francis walked by tipping his hat, obviously in a hurry. "Milady," he said quickly.

Jacqueline nodded, "Baron," she said as she got up. "Excuse me, Duke. I must find Lord Hepburn."

He nodded, "Of course, milady." Jacqueline stepped down and walked toward the only room of the ship that held any books.

D'Artagnan closed the book with a snap. He had not really been able to read it anyway. He had been afraid of being too close to Jacqueline, and he had realized how much he wanted to be with her. A couple nights ago, the other men talking about 'Lord Hepburn and how he was getting an heir' had really gotten to him. He had tossed that night in bed, not really sleeping.

How he envied 'Lord Hepburn' in many ways. His 'wife', his 'child,' all of it. He wanted all that, and with Jacqueline no less. His mother had told him he would find a lady while in the musketeers, and she was correct, Jacqueline had practically landed in his lap.

"Lord Hepburn may I?" the minister asked as he stepped in. D'Artagnan nodded, "Minister."

The minister laughed. "Please, call me Joseph."

D'Artagnan smiled, "as I am Henry."

Joseph sighed, "Henry, I do not mean to intrude, but has something happened between you and Lady Hepburn?"

D'Artagnan tensed, "What do you mean?"

Joseph sat thinking. "Well, you two were inseparable and now…" he trailed off. " Henry, you remind me of myself a few years back, as Lady Hepburn reminds me of Helena. We were just married and, unsure of ourselves, but very much in love. Still are of course." D'Artagnan listened closely. "Anyone can see you two love each other, but well… I found women need reminders, in words no less. It helps the marriage, and eases their unease. Just a bit of advice on the women, tell her once in awhile." Joseph winked as he got up. "I know you will work it out."

D'Artagnan sat still thinking. Tell her? Should I? The mission…her life… there was a lot to consider. He then remembered two months ago and Charles. If he wasted the opportunity, he had been given when she stayed and not gone to England to marry Charles well, he might not get another one. He wanted no regrets, he decided. He would speak to her as soon as she returned that evening.

He walked back to the cabin. "My lord, Baron Francis and Lord Rochester each left a bottle of wine, as congratulation." The servant informed him. D'Artagnan looked at the bottles and smiled. It would be a shame to waste these. He thought to himself as he set about finding a couple glasses. He would drink some, no doubt Jacqueline would return shortly, and there would still be some for her as well.