There was another thing she missed about America, Sarah thought: riding was so dull in England. It was always enjoyable, but there was never anything exciting about it here. In America, she never knew when she would come across a beautiful lake or river, or even a particularly pleasant grove of trees. But here in England the earth was too tidy and trim. Trees around a pond were arranged just so—she could tell just from looking what the shape of the land was for miles around. It was almost tedious.

Still, riding did give her time to think, and Sarah needed lots of that. It had been shocking seeing James the night before, although she couldn't quite place why—it wasn't as though they hadn't seen each other for years, only a few months. She supposed it was because she'd never seen him outside of his reporting capacities. To see him at a party, in a formal cravat and jacket, was not something she had been prepared for.

It was probably because she hadn't been expecting it. Had he even mentioned it when she left New York three months ago? She thought back to the day she had left for England, trying to remember if James had given any hints that he, too, would be crossing the Atlantic.

New York Harbor

Morning of March 18, 1788

The first time that Sarah had left for England, James refused to even say good-bye, instead turning his back and folding his arms.

This time, though, he dashed across the dock to her and hugged her so tightly that she dropped her bags.

"James!" she laughed into his shoulder as she hugged him back. "For goodness' sake, I'll be home by the New Year!"

"Too long!" he insisted. He pulled back and held her hands in his. "I'll miss you terribly."

"I shall miss you too," she said. She was surprised to find tears welling in her eyes, and blinked them away quickly. "I'll write, James, don't worry—"

A rich, deep voice interrupted her. "James isn't the only thing you'll miss if you don't hurry," Moses said. "Your ship's about to leave!"

"Oh, it can wait," Sarah said, and stood on her tiptoes to hug him goodbye. "I feel so silly—it's only for a few months." She shook her head. "I'll be back before you even notice I'm gone."

"We're noticing already," Moses said, and smoothed her hair. "Safe journey, Sarah."

"Thank you, Moses," she said happily, and turned back to James.

"Don't forget to write," he said fiercely.

"Like I could!" She squeezed his hand and laughed sadly. "Now I really ­do have to leave." She picked up her luggage and walked up the plank, handed her bags to the steward and leaned on the railing. "Goodbye!" she called, and waved furiously.

As the ship sailed away, she kept her eyes on James' bright hair until it blended into the morning sun.

Bellevue Woods

Morning of June 24, 1788

No, Sarah frowned; James had said nothing to indicate that he would be leaving for France. In fact, hadn't he asked her to write to him? Why would he have done that, if he intended to sail a week later?

It was very puzzling indeed.

The sun was almost directly overhead her now, and Sarah suddenly remembered her promise to be back for lunch. She gently guided her horse into a quick canter and resolved to think about James after she had eaten.

**

Edward cleared the plates from the table and Sarah frowned at her mother.

"Note? What note?"

Her mother fluttered her hands. "Your friend from last night sent something over this morning," she said.

"Oh!" Sarah said, and looked around. "Where is it?"

"Here, miss," Edward said, and handed it to her.

Sarah eyed the wrinkled flap of the envelope. "You didn't read it, did you, Mother?"

"Er."

Sarah felt as if something very personal had been taken from her. "If anything else comes from James—Mr. Hiller—it's personal, please."

"Sorry, darling," her mother chirped, "but he is a handsome boy, and your father and I thought—"

"What?"

"It was just an idea." Lady Phillips pouted. "Really, we were surprised it hadn't occurred to you. You are seventeen, after all."

"Yes. I am." Sarah sighed heavily. "I would appreciate it," she said, "if any incoming mail directed to myself reached me without interference."

"All right, darling," her mother said. "But I do hope that you'll think about the prospects of—"

"Mother!"

** end Chapter Four

A/N: One more plug for the Liberty's Kids Pursuing Happiness Forum at also like to request that if you like this fic, you check out my other ones here at ff.n. And give feedback!

Thanks to awesome reviewers Ruberta, Melee, jerseygirl13, DaggerQuill, and Pottergirl. Y'all rock!