This chapter is just a little setupfor the next one.
I think I've worked out what's going to happen in Nassau, but now that school's started again, I'm going to be rather busy. Now the problem is to actually write it. :-P

Farewell

By the time Stephen returned with the others to the Surprise, it was late in the evening. The three crewswere permitted to visit between ships, and it was noticeably quiet onboard since most of them were enjoying a rousing celebration in the fo'c'sle of the Coventry. Before retiring, he decided to take a chance and check on Rose; he found her awake and lying listlessly in her cot looking peevish and tired.

"Did you sleep?" he asked as he felt her forehead.

"A bit." She watched him with a frown.

"And have you eaten anything substantial?"

"By the goddess, Stephen, there is nothing wrong with me."

"I shall be the judge of that," he countered as he probed the sides of her neck to check for the swellings that indicated infection. "My dear, your grief for dear Mr. Allen, profound as it is and as much as I respect it, should not be making you this ill."

"Stop that bombastic nonsense. In this circumstance, I am the expert," she insisted.

"What do you mean?" He again reached for her wrist to feel her pulse.

"Only one simple fact: the only thing the matter with me is that I am with child. It is not a fatal condition, and I do wish you would stop fluttering about me."

Her revelation caught his attention. At first, he nearly asked if she was certain, but he had no doubt that she was. Asking such a thing of one who had successfully borne and delivered three children would be a terrible offense. "I see. Well, I am relieved that you have not contracted a fever. Is it usual for you to have the experience of weakness and nausea?"

His manner, agreeable, professional, and completely accepting of her condition, seemed to satisfy her and to lessen her sharp crossness. "Yes, during the first few months. I shall not be able to eat breakfast for some time, but it always passes as I become accustomed to it."

Very carefully, he palpated her abdomen. "You are, of course, quite correct when you say that you are the expert." He stopped and looked seriously at her. "I always keep private my consultations, and so I shall with you; however, you are quite obviously ill. We are to go to the Coventry at noon tomorrow, and I will tell them that you are ill and must be left alone."

"Tell them what you must," she sighed.

"May I assume that you have informed Lieutenant Pullings?" he asked casually.

"Not yet. I shall tell him after this dangerous business is over."

Taking a seat in the chair, Stephen slowly stroked his chin. Of course she must know that the man might not survive the mission ahead. In that case, it was better for them to take their marriage vows right away. In the event that Tom was killed, at least she and her child would have the protection of his name and whatever pension his widow was due. On the other hand, Stephen was quite positive that the daughter of Flint and Lily would care nothing for a respectable name and a steady income. After having rejected her share of Flint's blood money – by right, it had all belonged to her – the lady could hardly care for a few shillings a month.

It was as if she had read his mind. "I have shared this with you not only because you are an infernal pest that irritates me beyond the patience of a saint but also because you are a trusted friend. I know you'll not speak of it to others, but I also trust you to spare me advice no matter how well meant."

"My dear lady, how could one such as I even begin to advise you?" he asked with a laugh. "No, I am hoping to convince you to eat richly when you are well enough to supplement the missed meals. Beef, red wine, fresh fruit and vegetables as often as possible. These things and plenty of sleep and fresh air. Perhaps a bit of light exercise, such as walking."

"Goddess protect us, you are insipid as a little girl," she snapped.

He flinched physically at these words as if she had struck him. For a brief moment, his hurt showed starkly on his face before he was able to mask it, but it had been enough.

"Stephen – no. Forgive me. I did not mean that."

"Yes, I know," he assured her.

Now, she sat up, and she looked fierce and pale with dark circles around her eyes and little red blotches of passionate emotion on her cheeks. "No, I did not mean that. You are the truest of friends. I don't know why I said that."

"You said that because of your delicate condition," he replied with a real smile. "It is typical for you to be in a foul mood, as you know."

In response, she rolled her eyes, but she lay back again, and the moment had passed.

Late in the morning, Stephen waited for Rose to make an appearance. She had been too ill to get up earlier but she had eventually washed and dressed in preparation for their transfer to the Coventry. The men had already sent her sea chest and other belongings along over to Commodore Bellows's ship. Now, she was saying her private farewell to her fiancé and every man on board had come up on deck to give them complete privacy.

It was not long that they waited for Tom to lead the lady up on deck; from the lieutenant's manner, it was obvious that she had not told him about the child. Not that Stephen had expected her to change her mind, but one never knew in such situations and he had hoped that she would realize that he had the right to know before going to face danger and possible death.

Before departing, Rose went to the quarterdeck with Jack. "I am not one to interfere in your running of the ship," she said to him in a low voice that could not be overheard, "but I must ask you something."

"What is it?"

"If it is at all possible, please keep Tom out of harm's way. I know he is as brave as a lion, but my heart misgives me on this whole wretched cruise."

There was no reply at first and he merely studied her with a frown. Damn the woman. He considered her the most infuriating of females, which was saying a lot, but he genuinely liked her and felt sorry for her despite her appallingly uncouth independence. Damn her!

"I shall do what I may," he replied, "but you know the risks as well as I do."

The serious frown on her face deepened and she nodded. "I suppose I should blame myself for not falling in love with a coward."

There was nothing for it: he had to laugh. "You've a bit of an easier time than a sailor's wife, though, being a sailor yourself."

She smiled as well and pressed his hand. "Good luck, Jack. May the goddess look after you all."

Leaning down to kiss her upon the cheek, he said, "I will do what I may, my dear. Don't fret yourself."

With a real smile, she nodded and turned to go. Stephen was waiting for her and she reached up to kiss Tom one last time in front of everyone – they all watched with grins. And as soon as the lady and the doctor were gone to the Coventry, Jack gave the order to signal the Gallant that they were ready.