Author's Note: SOO SORRY guys... the site wouldn't let me log on for several hours... here's 14.. and even though I am gonna post 15 in a minute, PLEASE send feedback for both (if you want just post on one chapter, but add comments about the other too) Thanks... oh many thanks to Heather and Nicole as usual. Meg

"Well, land has just been spotted for the first time," Duke Winchester said at the breakfast table.

"How exciting," Jacqueline responded.

D'Artagnan looked at her, but she did not meet his gaze. It was day four and still she ignored him when possible. Are all women so stubborn? He thought to himself. They had kept the appearance of a normal married pair in public, but in private, well... the few and short times they were alone, she had said nothing to him.

"Lord Hepburn, how about one last game of cards?" Lord Rochester asked him.

"Indeed, that would be most splendid to past the time," the duke said, agreeing. D'Artagnan turned to the minister, who nodded. "Yes, I agree with the idea. It will be a most welcome diversion."

The baron smiled, "Anything is better than sitting here, I too wish to play."

D'Artagnan nodded. "Alright, which game shall it be?" he asked as the men headed off to the card room.

Jacqueline had read a book and ate luncheon alone, and now she was on deck watching the water lapping against the ship. She could see England, or rather a tiny piece of land that looked as big as two of her fingers did. It was slowly getting bigger. The duchess approached her, "Lady Hepburn, how are you?"

Jacqueline turned to her. "I am fine, just a little anxious to be on firm ground again."

The duchess laughed, "Yes, I quite agree my dear." She sighed, "we must get together sometime in England, you know the four of us."

Jacqueline tried to smile, "yes, of course."

The duchess waved good-bye and disappeared, and Jacqueline turned back to the railing and leaned over slightly. The spot of land was now four fingers big. She was so engrossed in guessing when they would land that she did not notice d'Artagnan come up behind her. He placed his hand on her shoulder, causing her to jump slightly.

"I am sorry, Jacqueline. I did not wish for you to fall over."

She gave him a cold look and turned back. Go away! Just go away! She thought, as the silence stretched into several minutes.

D'Artagnan looked around to make sure they were alone. "Jacqueline, please talk to me," his voice was soft as he pleaded with her.

It went silent again, and it was several minutes before he heard her sigh. "Only if you agree not to speak of…" she trailed off and regained her composure. " Of what happened, so we can complete the mission."

It was d'Artagnan's turn to sigh, "alright, if that is what it takes. You have my word as a gentleman."

The land was getting bigger again as they stood there. He wrapped his arm around her waist and she tensed at first, but let go. They stood there, silent, watching for half an hour before Jacqueline broke the silence. "We must pack up and check the treaty and jewels for transport." Her voice was soft and low.

He looked into her eyes. "Stay with me tonight. I miss you. I have not slept well."

He was pleading again, and she found it hard to say anything. "I should get my things from the minister's cabin; I'll meet you at our cabin later." She turned and walked away, leaving him staring out at the land approaching.

"You will be alright?" Helena asked Jacqueline, concern written on her face.

"Yes, we agreed to complete the mission first, and then work it out." Jacqueline sighed. "Anyway, we have to put in an appearance with the king, and we need to make sure we can still act civil." She gave Helena a smirk.

"You mean you need to make sure you will not kill him?" Helena asked her, smirking back.

Jacqueline nodded; "We will be fine." She hugged her as she turned toward the door. "Thanks for your help and being there for me."

Helena smiled, "Of course, my dear. I expect to hear from you from time to time."

Jacqueline nodded. "I promise," she said as she walked out and down the hall to the cabin.

Jacqueline ate in silence; she felt a little dizzy and she was sick of being on a moving ship. "I have not gotten used to the ship's movement and I am still a little sick from it," she answered d'Artagnan's unasked question. She could see the concern on his face. Fortunately, he did not press the matter and accepted her answer.

Jacqueline took a sip of her tea and grabbed another finger sandwich from the tray. She had enjoyed this culture advantage from England since the first day. D'Artagnan had not tried to press her into talking much since her return earlier.

"We dock at dawn the captain informed me earlier," d'Artagnan told her, breaking the silence that had reentered upon them.

Jacqueline grabbed the last sandwich and ate it. "Good, we can be off by sunrise and on our way to the palace. We should get there by midday and we can get this over with quickly." She was a little nervous about seeing Charles again. D'Artagnan had eaten hardly anything, and as he watched her eat most of it, he wondered with concern if she had eaten at all over the past few days. "I for one will be glad to be back in France once this is all over," Jacqueline stated.

D'Artagnan frowned. Why? To be a fugitive again? Jacques Laponte again, instead of Jacqueline Roget? He sometimes wondered if all women were this confusing. He certainly did not remember his mother being so. The two got up and started to pack their things.

By the time, they were done a servant had appeared to question where they wanted dinner. D'Artagnan looked at Jacqueline and she stood up. "In here tonight, thank you." She waved her hand as she had seen d'Artagnan do many times, and wondered if she were getting used to it, as she did it automatically.

"Very good, milady," the servant bowed and left.

D'Artagnan looked at her a bit taken back. "I would rather not face everyone tonight. I feel sick, and we have a big day tomorrow, best to turn in early," Jacqueline explained.

D'Artagnan nodded and the servant reappeared with the tray and cart. They walked over to the table and sat down. As usual, there was plenty to eat, and again Jacqueline ate a good bit. "Must be the sea air," she commented as D'Artagnan looked at her strangely. They started with some Italian pasta dish, and that was followed by a salad, which the servant told them was Greek before he left. Finally, they came to something they both knew. Onion soup, of French origin.

As they ate it, Jacqueline had to make a comment. "I will miss the food. It has been an interesting experience."

D'Artagnan nodded as the fish dish was served and finally dessert, apple torte, one of his favorites. "Mother's was better, but this is still good," he commented as they ate it.

They then moved to their trunks and finished the packing the last items, the treaty and jewels, after inspecting them once again. As Jacqueline had suggested, they turned in early. D'Artagnan, wanting to keep the peace they had held all afternoon, grabbed a pillow and blanket and headed for the floor. Although she was back, he still did not sleep as well as he had before the incident. All night he tossed, turned, and thought of King Charles and England.