Chapter 4

A/N: Hello all! For this chapter, I have decided to do something a little bit different. Instead of writing from Kit's POV, this chapter will be from Nat's, because this chapter actually existed in the book (end of Chapter 17) and we already know Kit's thoughts. Anyway, on with the story!

One week after having said farewell to Kit, Nat found himself approaching the wharf of Wethersfield. The Dolphin was just passing through on its way back from Hartford to Barbados. Nat forced himself to look away from the misty gray shores.

As they were passing the wharf, a shout suddenly resounded through the still morning air. "Ahoy! All hands! Man overboard!"

" 'Tis a woman!"

"Hold on there, ma'am, we're coming!"

"Lower the lifeboat, Nat!" yelled Captain Eaton.

Nat quickly did as he was told, aided by the red-haired sailor, James. Together, they lowered the lifeboat into the water and watched, astounded, as Kit swam over to them, panting.

"I knew it," James groaned.

Nat helped Kit into the little boat. "Kit! What are you doing? You said you wouldn't go in the river again for the world!"

"It's Hannah, Nat," gasped Kit. "They burned her house and they're going to arrest her if they find her. Please, can you take her onboard the Dolphin?"

Nat felt a surge of anger rush over him. "How dare they? What did she ever to do them? Where is she, Kit?"

"Over there," she pointed. "We've been there all night. I just managed to get her into the bushes before they came with their pitchforks and torches. And then she thought that Thomas was here, but then she got better. And she was terrified and whimpering. And I don't know what to do, Nat! We ran through the cornfields, but there was this man who was inches away from us. He shot at her cat, but I don't think he got her. Most of the town thinks she is a witch because she's a Quaker. There is a terrible illness in the town – 3 kids have died and all the houses have at least one person sick. Mercy's sick and I'm scared she might die. Her breathing is so horrible, Nat! I don't think I can manage if she dies. I'm going to –"

Nat had let her ramble on until they reached the shore. He had hoped she would feel better, but now that her thoughts had turned to her ailing cousin, he had to stop her. "It will be all right, Kit. Don't worry. All will be better. It will be all right." He repeated this, gently holding her hand, until she looked better and was more composed. His heart hurt for her pain and grief. He had never seen her looking so vulnerable as she did now, here, babbling and crying with water dripping from her hair.

When they reached the shore, Nat jumped out of the boat and helped Kit out. Then he went to the logs Kit had pointed out and found Hannah huddled there, still terrified. "Come on, Hannah. We're going to bring you some place safe."

Hannah started to follow, but suddenly stopped. "I need my cat. I can't go without her. I just can't, and thee ought to know that, Nat. She'd just grieve her heart out with no home to go to and me gone off on a ship."

"Then I'll go and get her," Nat assured her. "Stay here, both of you, and be quiet."

He started off, but was aware that Kit was following him. "Why did you do that, Nat? You're crazy! You'll be whipped if caught and Hannah won't be able to escape then! Why didn't you just pick her up and take her with you?" she demanded.

They had reached the scorched land that had once been the sight for Hannah's homely cottage. Nat stopped suddenly. "Damn them!" Nat choked. He turned to Kit, his eyes shining. "They took everything in the world that was hers besides that cat. And if she wants it, she'll get it. Now you can either help me or go back to her."

Kit hesitated. Nat stared at her, his eyes full of fury for the townsfolk, waiting. "I'll help."

The two went off in search of the yellow cat and found her hiding in the bushes near where she had escaped the bullet. With the combined efforts of both Nat and Kit, the cat was finally captured. They took her back to Hannah, who received her joyfully and then willingly stepped into the boat.

"Where are we going, Nat?" she asked.

He smiled at the old woman. "I'm going to take you to my grandmother in Saybrook. You two will be good company for each other. Come on, Kit, father will go on without us," said Nat. He held out his hand to her.

Kit shook her head. "I'm not going, Nat. I just wanted to see Hannah safe."

Nat looked at her, his blueeyes concerned. "I think it would be best if you came with us. We are going to Barbados now."

Kit shook her head again, her eyes shining. "I can't leave here, Nat."

Nat looked at her, his eyes cooling, resembling the sea on a stormy day. How could I have forgotten? She has William now, he thought. He said ,"Of course. I forgot. You're to be married."

He saw her flush. She said, " 'Tis Mercy. I must make sure she's okay. If I left without knowing – I'd never forgive myself, Nat."

Nat gazed down at her. She was wet and upset. He felt he had to say something before he left. He stepped forward, closer to her, stretching his hand towards her hair. "Kit –"

A shout from the Dolphin interrupted his confession. "Ahoy, there! What's keeping you?"

Kit began pushing him toward the boat. "Go, Nat! Quickly! They'll have heard the shouting."

"But what about you?" Nat protested, still worried about this stubborn girl. "You'll fall ill yourself if you stay out here in such clothes."

"I'll go home now. I promise. Only please leave now!"

Hejoined Hannah inthe little lifeboat . He and James began rowing back towards the Dolphin. He watched as Kit waved and then ran off suddenly back home. His eyes followed her as far as the mist would permit.

When they got back to the Dolphin, Nat helped Hannah onboard. Instead of returning to his duties, he walked towards the stern of the ship, gazing sadly at the gray strip of land retreating into the fog. Looking at the wharf, he thought of a certain damsel in distress he felt he had just abandoned, much to his own disappointment. In his heart, he knew that he had wanted Kit to come with him on the Dolphin, and his reason was not out of question of her own safety. But he would not allow himself to dwell on the true causes of his feelings. These thoughts occupied his brain as the ship sailed out of Wethersfield, leaving the town to disappear in the mist.

A/N: Okay, well, that chapter is now done. What did you guys think of it? A lot of the dialogue is based on, if not taken directly from, Chapter 17. Unless I get any ideas from you or from imagination, the next chapter will probably be after Kit's trial. Then the story will be over in a couple more chapters because Kit will have realized her feelings for Nat very soon. If you have any suggestions, please review. If you don't have any suggestions, review anyway to tell me what you think of my story!

Author's Note: Sorry my update for this chapter was not the daily update I had promised. I did the most reworking on this chapter because it is the one I liked the least and I wanted to delve more into Nat's feelings. I'm still not happy with it, but I think it is a little better. I didn't want to change it too much, though. Okay, my final little warning to you people who haven't reviewed: I will be sending out an e-mail soon. It's a lot of work to get all the e-mail addresses. Now please tell me if you think this chapter is better than it was before if you can remember that far back. Or just leave me a review! Thanks!