Fearing that the child would be shot, Annabelle turned away. She was surprised when Mr.Hornblower was able to stop Moncountant from taking the young boy's life. Moncountant went to the steps of his home and turned to the people of Muzillac.

"Vive la roi!" Moncountant said.

With that, Moncountant returned inside. Annabelle ran over to Mr.Hornblower and Major Edrington. Mr.Hornblower turned to the young woman who had the children with her.

"Madamoiselle, take these children away." Mr.Hornblower said.

"Thank you, Monsieur. Thank you." The woman said.

With that, the woman led the children away.

"I take it the welcoming ceremony is now over." Major Edrington said.

While Mr.Hornblower went to check on the bridge, Annabelle stayed behind with Major Edrington.

"Come along, Mr.Farleigh. It's time to make camp." Major Edrington said.

"Camp, sir?" Annabelle said.

"We cannot stay in Muzillac, only on the outskirts. We must practice some combat drills in private. Therefore, we make camp." Major Edrington said.

Major Edrington helped Annabelle mount his horse and then mounted himself. Together, with the Lobster troops, they rode for a secluded area where they made camp. Annabelle was shown to a tent, it actually felt wonderful to be lying in a bed and not some swaying hammock. The only thing that bothered her was that she could hear Major Edrington running some drills just outside of the tent. Mr.Hornblower came by the camp later in the day to report on the process of the bridge, he then left. Most likely, he was heading for Muzillac. Annabelle wondered why she wasn't called to follow him, most likely because Major Edrington was in charge of her head. Of course, Annabelle didn't mind. She was rather smitten with Major Edrington.

During the evening, the drills continued. Annabelle was growing extremely frusrated. She finally stepped out of the tent and went to find Major Edrington. It was pitch black outside. Nobody could hardly see in front of them. A slight noise would make even the bravest man jump. So, when they saw Annabelle creeping in the shadows, they thought it was either an animal or possibly a Republican soldier. One of the soldiers fired. For a moment, Annabelle was frozen. She felt something had torn the skin on her stomach. She looked down and saw that she was bleeding. Annabelle collapsed to the ground. Major Edrington came out of his tent and saw the wounded Annabelle.

"Somebody run for Muzillac. Find an able physician. This bullet must come out." Major Edrington said.

One of the soldiers mounted his horse and raced off towards Muzillac. Major Edrington carried Annabelle to a tent and lit a lantern. She was in and out of concious, obvilious to her surroundings and becoming increasingly ill.

"Major Edrington, sir-"

"Don't speak, boy. You've been shot." Major Edrington said.

"Shot? Where?"

"It seems the bullet is somewhere inside your stomach. One of my men has rode for Muzillac to find a physician."

"A french doctor? It's a lost cause."

"Mr.Farleigh, you are strong. If the physician gets out of hand, then I will personally remove the bullet."

Annabelle spent the next hour, going in and out of concious. She lost alot of blood over this course of time. Major Edrington tried to control the bleeding and keep Annabelle alive until the soldier returned with the physician. Thankfully, they arrived, and the physician began to treat Annabelle. During the process of removing the bullet, Annabelle was close to fainting. Major Edrington and the soldier were forced to leave the tent. Annabelle did everything in her power not to scream, but she was finding it difficult. When the bullet was finally removed, Annabelle was washed and the wound was dressed, the physician left the tent. Annabelle saw this as a good time to rest.

"Monsieur, you must see this." The physician said.

The Physician led Major Edrington into the tent. He lifted the blanket for Major Edrington to see. Annabelle's bare breast had been exposed. The Physician carefully covered them up.

"In all my years of service, I've never seen this. A woman. She's been serving under Captain Pellew for three years. All this time, she has had everybody fooled." Major Edrington said.

"Monsieur, don't make her upset. Not until she has recovered." The Physician said.

"Thank you, sir. For saving her."

The Physician left the tent and headed back to Muzillac. In the morning, Annabelle woke and turned to see Major Edrington reading a book.

"Sir?"

Major Edrington looked up from his book and went to Annabelle's side.

"It seems our little actress has finally emerged." Major Edrington said.

"Actress?"

"The doctor examined your anatomy. He told me your gender."

"My lord, allow me to explain-"

"I don't want an explanation. I only want to know if you feel better."

"Y-yes, sir. I'm only sore."

"Well, then I suppose you will have to stay off your feet for awhile."

"You aren't angry?"

"If I was Captain Pellew, I would be upset. If I were your parents, I would be dissapointed. However, I'm nothing but a stranger to you. I cannot be angry at someone that I barely know."

"My name is Annabelle. Annabelle Williams." Annabelle said.

"What a beautiful name. How old are you?"

"Eighteen, sir. I'll be nineteen in two months."

"When did you enter Captain Pellew's service?"

"I had just turned sixteen. I was afraid of never having an adventure, and being trapped in an unhappy marriage. So, I ran away and joined the Navy. I've never regretted it. Being a sailor, has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life."

"So, you were betrothed?" Major Edrington asked.

"No sir, but I was surrounded by suitors. None of them were tolerable. Simply boring."

"Well, speaking from a gentleman's point of view. I can see why you are the talk amongst men. You're quite handsome."

"Thank you, my Lord."

For awhile, Major Edrington and Annabelle stared at each other.

"Your book." Annabelle said.

"What?"

"You were reading a book. What is it?"

"It's not a book. It's a play. William Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet."

"One of my favorites. Mama and Papa attended a performance of it, before I was even born."

"I believe one of my favorite moments is when Romeo is at Julet's balcony and he says to her "Love goes toward love, as schoolboys from their books..."

"But love from love, toward school with heavy looks." Annabelle finished.

"Romeo simply was in love with Juliet, and for such he felt like a schoolboy. Every time he left her, it was with a heavy heart."

"My Lord, you understood him?"

"As a boy, I didn't. Now, as an adult, I can understand that, to Romeo, Juliet was his everything. His world. His light. To be seperated from your true love, is said to be one of the most difficult things in the world."

"Would it be worse than death?" Annabelle asked.

"I suppose it would."

"Well, I should get some rest."

"Of course. I'll leave you alone now."

Major Edrington got up and left the tent. Annabelle laid down to rest, Her mind was clearly occupied with thoughts of Major Edrington. For the next few days, Major Edrington went between camp, the bridge, and Muzillac. Annabelle was in her tent, getting ready for bed, and reading Major Edrington's copy of "Romeo & Juliet." Suddenly, Major Edrington entered the tent with a large brown package.

"It's for you." Major Edrington said.

"A gift? My Lord, this is not neccessary."

"It's mostly a token. To show how grateful I am for your survival."

Annabelle took the package and unwrapped it. She saw a snow-white gown, which completely amazed her.

"Oh, it's beautiful. Where did you find it?"

"I went into Muzillac and found a seamtress. I hope it fits."

Annabelle began to undress, Major Edrington quickly turned so he didn't have to watch. Although he was tempted. He was actually smitten with Annabelle.

"You may look." Annabelle said.

Major Edrington and saw Annabelle in the gown.

"Well, how does it look?" Annabelle asked.

"Beautiful."

"My Lord, are you ill? You seem a bit pale."

"I don't think I am."

Annabelle felt Major Edrington's forehead.

"No fever. Perhaps you're nervous."

"No. I'm only in in love."

"With who, my Lord?"

"I could show you."

Major Edrington drew closer to Annabelle and kissed her lips. Annabelle had no desire to pull away. In fact, they kept kissing for almost a minute.

"You have refused to step away." Major Edrington said.

"Don't you realize it? I've wanted this. I've wanted you to kiss me from the moment I saw you."

"Well, I've wanted to kiss you from the moment that you revealed who you were. I've grown rather fond of you, Annabelle. In fact, though I may seem rather quick to admit it, I believe I have fallen in love with you."

"Well, it took Romeo & Juliet only one look, my Lord. They knew they were destined. If you could fall in love with just a single look, then maybe its not impossible to fall in love in only three days."

"Come with me."

Major Edrington took Annabelle's hand and led her to his tent. It was only when he began to remove his clothing, that Annabelle realized what was about to take place.

"My lord, we'll be caught."

"Annabelle, we're alone. I've sealed off the tent."

"I'm still very nervous."

"Then, I'll be sure to take it slow."

Major Edrington stripped off Annabelle's gown and then gave her a long kiss. Their bodies were pressed against one anothers. Together, they laid down on Major Edrington's open bed and continued their seduction. Major Edrington dimmed the lantern. The next morning, a nude Major Edrington and Annabelle rested against each other in bed. They suddenly heard a great commotion outside of the tent.

"Charles, what is going on?" Annabelle asked.

"I don't know. It might be The Republicans. Stay inside."

"I'm still a sailor, darling. I have a right to know if the crew of the Indefatigable is in danger."

"Very well. You may listen in on the conversation. Just be sure to slip into some clothes."

Annabelle slipped into her gown and followed Major Edrington out of the tent. Major Edrington apporached one of his soldiers who was on horseback. Annabelle took his arm.

"My Lord, I...Oh, I'm sorry. I did not know you had a lady here at the camp."

"Yes. She's a woman from town. I needed her help with translating some reports from Moncountant."

"I see. My Lord, you must head for the bridge. Some of the Frogs have managed to fire."

"Very well. I'll see to it."

The soldier rode off. Major Edrington headed towards his horse.

"I'll change my clothes. I'm riding with you."

"Annabelle, I can't allow that. You are not on a ship anymore, you are on a battle line."

"Even so. My greatest friends are there. They need my help."

"All right. I won't argue with you. Just be sure to stay with me."

After Annabelle changed her clothes, she and Major Edrington rode for the bridge. They met up with Mr.Hornblower. Annabelle ran towards the cannon.

"Is everyone all right?" Annabelle asked.

"We're fine, Annie." Oldroy said.

The battle went on for a few moments, before the Republicans finally retreated. After everything settled down, Annabelle was taken aside by Archie.

"I see blood on your shirt. What happened?" Archie asked.

"I was shot. One of Charles' men wasn't paying attention and he shot me in my stomach."

"Charles? Who is Charles?"

"Oh, I meant Major Edrington. You see, I call him Charles now because...well...Because we shared a night together."

"He seduced you? Against your will?"

"Not against my will. It was what I wanted. I am deeply in love with him, Archie and I know that he loves me."

"I see. So, you rejected me because I am not weathly."

"Archie, I never said that. I rejected your advantages because I wished to sort out my feelings for you."

"Yet, you take no time to crawl into bed with Major Edrington. You've made it obvious that he is the greater man."

"No! Archie you're a great man. A loving man. Only, Charles is-"

"Wealthy? Handsome? An Earl? Which is it, Annabelle? What do I have to be to be greater than a Lord?"

"Archie..."

"During your dissapearance, I picked this for you."

Archie took a rose out of his coat pocket and handed it to Annabelle.

"I know it's not much. It's only a flower. I suppose it means nothing to you." Archie said.

Archie walked away from Annabelle. Annabelle ran over to Major Edrington.

"Charles, could you remove me from this place?" Annabelle asked.

"Of course. Do you want to return to camp?"

"No. I want to go into Muzillac. Find an inn and pay for a room. I suppose you'll give me some money."

"Of course I would. Why do you want to stay in the city, though? Have I done something to upset you?"

"Of course not, darling. I just find those guns a simple bother."

"You have no problems with cannons, though."

"Well, I believe I need a few moments of peace."

"I'll ask Mr.Hornblower for his permission."

"No. I should. I am in his command, after all."

Annabelle walked over to Mr.Hornblower.

"Mr.Hornblower, I fear I'm ill, sir. I think it would be better for the crew if I stay in Muzillac for a few days. Just to prevent this virus from spreading."

"Very well, Farleigh. Only until you are well and have recovered from your wound." Mr.Hornblower said.

"Thank you, sir."

Major Edrington escorted Annabelle back into the walls of Muzillac and got her settled into an inn. He gave Annabelle a kiss.

"Stay safe. Don't open the door unless you believe its me or one of Mr.Hornblower's men. Understood?"

"Yes, Charles."

"Stay safe, my love."

With those words, Major Edrington left. Annabelle sat on the bed and took her gown in her hands, and smelled it. It still had the scent of Major Edrington. She then turned her head and saw the rose she had recieved from Archie. Then, after a moment, she broke into tears.