The next morning, it was time for Major Edrington and his troops to leave the Indefatigable. Edrington approached Annabelle, so they could exchange a final farewell.
"Your mind is set?" asked Edrington.
"It is." said Annabelle.
"You're a rather unsuitable woman, but you are a fine sailor."
"Thank you for the compliment. Goodbye, sir."
Annabelle saluted Edrington and he walked away. After Edrington and his troops departed, everyone went about their regular duties. Annabelle and Matthews worked to mop up the deck, while Styles and Oldroy worked on repairing a longboat that had been nearly destroyed during a storm. Annabelle noticed that Matthews was looking at her, and smiling an awful lot.
"Have I done something to please you?" asked Annabelle.
"Indeed, you have. You rejected the Earl, didn't you? He asked you to marry him, and you refused."
"I found you were right. I suppose that I did love him, but not as strongly as I had believed that I did."
"I-"
"Now, do not force me together with Archie. We both had a rather lengthy chat with one another, and thought it'd best to simply be good friends. I will find love in my own time, Mr. Matthews. Now, however, I am simply content with being nothing short of ultimately joyful."
"If you're happy, then we're happy." said Matthews.
Annabelle gave a smile and then turned her attention towards the ocean, which concerned Matthews.
"Annie? What is it?" asked Matthews.
"I was only thinking, Mr. Matthews."
"On what?"
"On this adventure. I wonder how long will it last? Will it go on forever? I've learned that it's no fun & games, and I've had many losses, and a fair share of triumphs."
"Do you want it to end?"
Annabelle turned to Matthews and shook her head. "No, Mr. Matthews. I never want it to end."
"That's make what makes you a fine sailor."
Annabelle and Matthews suddenly heard the sound of a seagull squawking. They both looked up and watched it fly over head and towards the glowing sun. Annabelle saw this is as an omen. No telling if that seagull would live or die, but she knew it was doing what it loved. It was flying and Annabelle knew that seagull loved it. Annabelle loved sailing, and she did not give a damn if she lived or die. As long as she did what she loved.
So you think it's over, do you? Annabelle is content aboard the Indefatigable and she knows where she stands. Why, it sounds like a very pleasurable ending. However, this is not the ending. In fact, it's only the beginning. Soon, Annabelle will get more than bargained for. Especially when she must deal with a transfer and a rather intolerable captain and the extreme possibility of a newfound love. A true love...