Later that evening, Annabelle was coming to deck when she saw Lieutenant Bush, Lieutenant Bucklard, Mr. Hornblower, and Archie go to Captain Sawyer's cabin. Annabelle knew well that she had a few chores left, and that taking time to eavesdrop would only delay her duties; still, her main concern lied with the crew of the Renown and knew that she had to listen for the sake of her friends. After all, Captain Sawyer was nearly mad, and bound to give the most ridiculous orders.
Cautiously, Annabelle approached the cabin door and pressed her ear to it. Most of the conversation was inaudible, but she was unable to make out a location: the West Indies. Suddenly, a hand came to Annabelle's shoulder and she jumped in fear.
"Oh," Annabelle sighed. "Mr. Matthews, it's only you."
"I thought you've learned about the dangers of spying."
"I was only listening. Besides, I've not been able to hear anything."
"Well, I won't have you ending up at the bottom of the ocean again. Come on now."
Matthews was able to drag Annabelle away from the cabin door and towards the lifeboats that she was meant to be inspecting.
"Mr. Matthews, I heard Captain Sawyer say that we're meant to sabatoge a Spanish ship at the West Indies, do you think it's true?"
"You shouldn't be pressing your nose into the business of others, Annabelle."
"Yes, Mr. Matthews."
Annabelle, with assistance from Matthews, made her way into the lifeboat to inspect it. It didn't take her long to see a small hole in the floor of the boat. She realized that she didn't have the proper tools to fix the hole, so she began to climb back onto the ship. She was surprised when Lieutenant Bush pulled her back on board.
"I-I was just inspecting a longboat, sir. There seems to be a hole in it." said Annabelle.
"Have one of the carpenters repair it. I need to speak to you alone, if I may." said Lieutenant Bush.
As Annabelle began to follow Lieutenant Bush; she noticed Randall winked at her and chuckled. Once they were below deck, Lieutenant Bush took Annabelle to a secluded corner and sat her down in a chair.
"Explain yourself." said Lieutenant Bush.
"What do you mean, sir?" asked Annabelle.
"Randall came forward, and told me that you are not Charles Farleigh, but are Annabelle Williams, an English girl who stowed aboard a ship and disguised herself as a sailor."
"You can't always trust Randall's word, sir."
"This is not exactly a story that you can make up on the spot. Now, is it true? Are you a woman?"
"Yes. Yes, Mr. Bush, I am a woman. My name is Annabelle Williams, just as Randall told you."
Lieutenant Bush sat down, his face frozen in a state of disbelief. Annabelle sighed and stood, she faced away from Lieutenant Bush and lowered her head towards the floor.
"This is madness. How long have you lived like this?"
"Since I was sixteen. Eight years ago, I lived a pleasurable life in London with my father and mother. Despite having all I wanted, I found life to be routine & incredibly boring. It may seem selfish to some, but I so desperately wanted adventure and did not have the courage to stay and become some old maid who would sit and wait on her husband. So, I stole my father's clothes , cut my hair, and stowed aboard the Justinia where I began to call myself Charles Farleigh and found occupation as a cabin boy. Since then, I've been promoted to a sailor and I've been protected by Styles and Matthews, who have known my gender since I first took on this disguise."
Annabelle turned to Lieutenant Bush, whose look of disbelief had turned to shock. It almost seemed as if he was unable to speak.
"I suppose now you'll want to report me to Captain Sawyer." said Annabelle.
"N-No, I couldn't. I've not known him long, but I'm often a good judge of character. If he knew who you were, he wouldn't even give the fair option of a trial." said Lieutenant Bush.
"So you'll keep my secret?"
"I may not approve; but I will keep your secret."
"What about Randall? If he finds out that you didn't report to the captain... "
"He won't have to know. I'll lie and say that I went to Captain Sawyer."
"You have a good soul, Mr. Bush. Thank you."
Annabelle turned to leave when she felt Lieutenant Bush touch her shoulder. He slowly turned her around to face him.
"Ms. Williams, I hope you will be careful. While I be able to fool Randall; I fear that he may still find ways of ridicule." said Lieutenant Bush.
Annabelle smiled. "There's no reason to worry, sir. Randall will do no harm."
"Goodnight, Ms. Williams."
"Goodnight, Mr. Bush."
Annabelle raced off and bumped right into Styles; causing her to fall to the floor. Styles sighed and helped her to her feet.
"Aren't you meant to be on deck finishing chores?" asked Styles.
"I-I was, for a moment. Lieutenant Bush wanted to speak with me in private." said Annabelle.
"What did he tell you?"
"Only that he knows my secret-" Styles was about to walk and find Lieutenat Bush, when Annabelle grabbed him. "-and he promises not to report to Captain Sawyer."
"He's a complete stranger and a commanding officer: How can you be sure that we can trust him?"
"Mr. Styles, he'll keep quiet, I'm sure of it."
"What if he doesn't?" said Styles.
Styles walked away and left a confused Annabelle to ponder if he could possibly be right about Lieutenant Bush's character.