A/N: Gasp! I am so sorry for the long update. I've had a lot going on and just didn't have time to write. I know this chapter is short but I'll try to have a longer one next time. Anyway I hope you all enjoy this and thanks for reading and reviewing!

Chapter 6

The next day Elizabeth learned from her father that James had to make a trip to England. Some "Navy" business is what her father told her. The Dauntless would be taking off today, bright and early. She was sad that he was leaving, she had no idea how long he would be away. They finally seemed to be building something deeper and he was going away.

Elizabeth had slowly been making her way to the docks, to see James off. She was dreading it, she hated goodbyes. But she hoped that he was be back soon, that this "business" would not take very long and he would be back. She was creeping up on the docks and the Dauntless was in plain view now. Her eyes searched for James and finally found him. He was talking to Lieutenant Groves.

"James!" Elizabeth called and she picked up her skirts and hurried over to him. Along the way she tripped on a plank of wood and landed safely in James' quick arms.

"Elizabeth, you really must be careful! I would hate to see you hurt," he said softly.

"I was just happy to see you, James," Elizabeth put on a sad pout. James smiled and then released her safely back on her own feet.

"I honestly am surprised to see you out here Elizabeth. I figured you had more important things to be doing," James said. Elizaebeth playfully slapped James' arm.

" What could be more important than seeing my friend off," she told him. "So...how long are you going to be gone anyway?" she tried to be casual.

"I don't know," James said and then dropped his voice. "I think this is pointless. Beckett is just coming up with an excuse to be rid of me if you ask for my opinion."

"Why would he do that?" Elizabeth asked. James shrugged his shoulders.

"Maybe it's just me that thinks that," James said.

"I'm going to miss you James," Elizabeth suddenly blurted out and successfully changed the subject.

"Ah, you'll hardly know I'm gone," James laughed softly. "I think you've got plenty going on, all these young men I'm sure are desperately wanting your affections," he was trying to make light of it but Elizabeth could tell he did not like thinking about that. "Beckett seems quite taken with you.."

"I...ah..what...what makes you say that?" Elizabeth was suddenly the one stumbling over her words. She felt a blush creeping up her chest and to her face. James gave her a look of 'seriously you need me to tell you?'

"Well I believe it's quite obvious," James said stiffly. He knew that his jealousy was beginning to come through.

"Well I think that that is your imagination," Elizabeth said. She knew that James was right. Beckett was interested in her, no doubt about it. James gave her a knowing look and she glanced down at her feet, unable to look at him. "So you really don't know how long you'll gone?" she asked. James shook his head no.

"Commodore....Commodore sir..um...sorry to interrupt but we are almost ready," Groves said.

"Sounds good lieutenant, go ahead and board the Dauntless, I'll join you momentarily," James told the young lieutenant. Groves nodded his head.

"Good day Miss Swann," Groves said to Elizabeth before departing. Elizabeth had smiled warmly at him in response.

"So I guess this is it then?" Elizabeth said.

"Yes, I suppose so.." James said quietly. He stepped as close to her as was proper and took her hand and placed a gentle kiss on her hand. Elizabeth swooned. Why was this side of James coming out now? Why did it not come out sooner? She felt tears threatening to spill from her eyes.

"Please be careful, James," Elizabeth told him. She noticed that he still was holding her hand as well.

"I will...for you," James said those last two words so quietly that Elizabeth almost did not hear them. He let go of her hand and stepped back from her. "Good bye, Elizabeth." He turned around and started to walk away.

"James!" Elizabeth called to him, quickly catching up with him. He turned around and faced her. Her beautiful brown eyes were filled to the brim with tears now. It killed him inside to see her cry. She suddenly extended her hand to him, a pink handkerchief in her hand. "Take this, for good luck...it's always been lucky for me anyway," she smiled shyly at him. James could not help but smile as he reached out and took it from her, their hands brushed.

"Thank you, Elizabeth...I promise I'll bring it back to you," he said softly. Elizabeth grinned and slapped his shoulder gently.

"You better, that's my favorite handkerchief!" Elizabeth said playfully. James nodded and gave her one more heart melting smile before he had to go. She watched him as he made his way to the Dauntless and she suddenly felt very alone.