Chapter Three

It was 11:30 when Kit finally felt safe enough to attempt to sneak out of the house. She had to wait for Uncle Matthew to finally go to bed, then for Judith to fall asleep.

She got out of bed when she thought Judith was deeply asleep, but Judith stirred when she moved.

"Kit?" she asked groggily. "What are you doing?"

"Nothing Judith. Go back to sleep," Kit whispered.

"You're going out, aren't you?" Judith demanded.

"No, no. I'm- I'm- Please don't tell Uncle Matthew and Aunt Rachel, Judith," Kit pleaded.

"I wouldn't do that to you, but mind you hurry back," said Judith with an admonishing look at her cousin. "And be quiet."

"I will. Thank you." Kit slipped out of the bedroom, down the stairs, and out the unlocked company room door silently.

Kit walked the moonlit path to the willow tree quickly. Passing through the leaves, she saw Nat sitting at the base of the trunk.

"You came," he said.

"Of course I came. If you risked that flogging to come see me, I ought to at least come and meet with you," said Kit. "What did you want to say?"

"Well, I wanted to apologize."

"For what?"

"For being so rude to you when you came to see me."

"I forgive you, Nat. I can understand that, being in your position then, no one would have been very civil. Though I was rather hurt at the time."

"I know. And I'm sorry," said Nat. "I'm also sorry I put jack o' lanterns in the windows of your love's house."

"My love? You're talking about William. I don't love him."

"But then why are you going to marry him?"

"Who ever said I was going to marry him?" Kit demanded.

"Kit. Even I know that William Ashby said he wouldn't start to build his house until he made up his mind. Obviously his mind is made up," Nat told her baldly.

"Oh, Nat! That's the problem. He's so sure and confident, but he hasn't even asked me yet!" Kit complained.

"What will you say when he does ask, Kit?" asked Nat quietly.

"Well, I'll, uh, say 'yes,' I suppose," said Kit, feeling flustered.

"Why?"

"He doesn't expect me to be useful like everybody else around here does. I can't cook. I can't clean. But he doesn't expect me to," Kit argued desperately.

"But you don't love him, do you?" Nat pressed.

"No, but – I – uh – It's really no concern of yours, Nat!" Kit snapped. Oh, Kit thought, why did I open my mouth? And to this rude sailor, of all people! If I could just have kept quiet…Why am I constantly making a fool of myself in front of him?

"Calm yourself, Kit," said Nat, who had been watching her face steadily flushing. "'Tis no matter. I just wanted to apologize for my action to you and your, uh, friend. And to say goodbye."

"Goodbye?" Kit blankly repeated.

"Yes, it's almost winter and 'tis time for the Dolphin to start heading back to the Barbados areas. We are leaving in a few weeks time and I shan't be able to come ashore again."

"Oh," was all Kit said. She felt strangely empty for some reason she could not comprehend. Why should Nat's absence make any difference to her?

"Well, I must be off now," said Nat, as he stood up. He gazed down at Kit with a strange look in his eyes – a look she couldn't understand. He helped her up. "Take care and look after Hannah for me."

Kit followed him out from beneath the shelter of the tree. He started to walk away but turned back before he moved forward a step.

Looking deep into her eyes, he said quietly, "Don't marry him, Kit."

Then he walked off, leaving a very confused Kit alone with only her thoughts and the moonlight for company.

A/N: I updated! Well, I'm sure you know that, otherwise you wouldn't be reading this chapter. I have an idea of what to do for the next chapter, but I wouldn't really expect much of it to be in the same time frame as the book. I claim artistic license because my story fits better that way. But a lot of the plot will be in this story o' mine. Anyway, I hope you liked it. Please review!

Author's Note: I'm sorry I haven't updated in so long. Being a senior in high school, I've been anxiously awaiting letters from colleges. So here is my update. To make it up to you all, in a few days, I will try to update almost daily. So please do me a favor and review for each chapter. It will honestly make me so happy. In the meantime, I have found the cord so I'm working away. Also, just so you know, I will be sending an e-mail out to people who reviewed in the past, but haven't since, so if you don't want an e-mail from a strange person, I suggest you leave me a little note by next Monday. Thanks to those who reviewed last chapter! You are amazing.