One day, during Archie's recovery, Annabelle entered the room and saw an exhausted Mr.Hornblower trying to feed Archie. Annabelle sighed and went over to Mr.Hornblower, laying a hand on his shoulder.
"Go sleep, sir. I'll keep watch on him." Annabelle said.
"Very well. Perhaps you could get him to eat."
"I make no promises. I'll only try."
Mr.Hornblower nodded and got up. He left Annabelle and Archie alone. Annabelle sat down on Archie's bed and grabbed a bowl of oatmeal. She shoveled up a spoonful and offered it to Archie, who simply turned his head to the side.
"Archie, take a simple bite. You'll only get well if you eat."
"You're a fool, Annabelle."
"I beg your pardon?"
"I'm beyond help. Why are you attempting to save me when you know that hope is lost?"
"Hope can never be lost, Archie. You will recover. I know you will. Now please. Eat a small bite."
Annabelle tried for seven minutes to get Archie to eat, before he finally knocked the bowl out of her hand and onto the floor.
"You're acting like no more than a child. If you feel as though you have the right to behave selfishly, then I will not attempt to stop you. Be forewarned, however, that I will never stop trying to place you on the long road towards recovery."
Annabelle started to get up, when Archie grabbed her by the arm.
"No please. Don't leave. I want to speak with you."
"About what?"
"Is London still the same? Can you still see a pub around every corner?"
"Well, due to the war, London has changed. It has changed alot. Soldiers are marching down the streets every day, and some houses are robbed by Frenchmen. I do wish that I had better news."
"You can't prevent war, Annabelle. I've told you before."
"I know. I just want everything to turn out well. Especially for you."
"I'm fine, Annabelle. In perfect health. I promise. I'lll get better."
"Don't tell me this, Archie. Prove it."
Annabelle kissed Archie on the cheek and then left the room. She returned to her cell and fell asleep, hoping and praying for Archie's recovery. For the next few days, Annabelle left Archie in the care of Mr.Hornblower. In hopes that he would improve. Then, nearly a week later, Annabelle's prayers were answered. For the first time in years, Archie stepped outside. Annabelle was so happy, that she ran up to him and gave him a hug.
"Oh, I just knew you could do it. I knew you were strong."
"No. I was strong because of you. Thinking about your encouragement got me through each day. Now, how about you show me around?"
"I'd be honored."
Annabelle suddenly caught sight of a distracted Mr.Hornblower.
"Is he all right?" Annabelle asked.
"Some people are unable to handle the truth, Annabelle."
"The truth about what? Does the truth interfere with our mission?"
"Yes. It involves The Duchess."
"Well, tell me. I have a right to know."
"Her name is Catherine Cobham. She's an actress."
"An actress? Not a Duchess?"
"Yes."
"Archie, if what you say is true. Then, what do we do? If Captain Pellew figured out..."
"He won't. It will be kept secret."
"Secrets sometimes cannot be well kept."
