Jack rowed them both ashore and walked her back to his father's house. He would have offered his arm, but they'd fallen into the habit of walking arm-in-arm only when she wore skirts. She had worn trousers for her day of sailing practice. She invited him in when they arrived, but he only came as far as the front hallway.

"It's late, darling, and it's been a long day for you," he explained. "You're still not 100% yet after your illness, and I put you through your paces today. You ought to get some sleep."

She nodded, stifling a yawn. "You're probably right." She gave him a mischievous smile and teased, "Isn't every day a girl gets 'Captain Jack Sparrow' to teach her navigation, is it?"

He returned her smile. "Just 'Jack,' to you, Liz. Since you prefer it."

Elizabeth slipped her arms around his neck and kissed him on the cheek. "Thank you for today, Jack," she whispered.

Jack slowly slid his arms around her in turn, and his eyes fell closed. "'Twas my pleasure, darling," he replied quietly, and just held her for a while. He kissed her on the temple just in front of her hairline, and stroked her cheek as he disengaged from the hug. "Best see to your baby and get to bed, love," he advised, "while I 'scape your auntie's wrath. I'm sure she'd never believe you spent all this time just talking with Will!" He flashed a quick grin and was out the door.

Elizabeth laughed and turned to go upstairs. "Even though I did," she murmured to herself.

Teague's voice from the sitting-room doorway stopped her. "All right, Miss Liz?"

"Fine, thank you, sir," she replied politely.

"My son treating you all right?" he pressed.

"Quite gentlemanly, thank you, Captain Teague," she assured him.

"Glad to hear it," he told her. "Bit of a rascal, my son, but I'd have for you or your auntie to have to kill him."

"Certainly never again," Elizabeth told him, shamefaced. "Not that he deserved it, even then." This was awkward, speaking to her host about the fact that she had once caused him untold grief by killing his firstborn son.

"Aye, but 'twas the only way, lass," he told her. "'S what makes you a good pirate, the ability to do what you have to do no matter how much it hurts. Jack respects that." Teague started to go back into the room, but then turned back and added, "As do I."

"Thank you, Captain," Elizabeth said, meaning it with every ounce of her being. "Good night, sir."

His voice called back, pointedly amused, "Good morning, Miss Liz."

Elizabeth stood alone and still in the hallway for a moment awash in relief. She felt as if a giant weight had rolled off her shoulders with the knowledge of Teague's forgiveness as well as Jack's. She sighed and rolled her shoulders a little, and then headed upstairs to check on Jacob and to wake Maggie and send her to bed.

Downstairs in the sitting room, Agatha glanced up when Teague re-entered. "Well?" she asked eagerly.

Teague's craggy face softened in a smile. "She saw her husband," he told her.

Agatha's eyes widened in surprise. "And?"

"And she was hugging my Jacky most affectionate in the hallway just now."

Agatha raised her eyebrows. "Was she, now?"

"Aye. Assured me he was treating her 'quite gentlemanly,' as she said."

Agatha looked askance at him. "But is that a good thing or a bad thing, Edward?"

He shrugged. "Not sure. First time it's ever happened. My boy's always been a devil with the ladies, but he's never had one for a real friend before, nor loved any of 'em. If he felt himself getting close to it, he'd leave 'er right away. But you notice he's still around, and when he does leave, he comes right back."

"Indeed," Agatha said with some satisfaction. "We shall have to wait and see how events unfold, shan't we, then?"

Teague gave a dry, creaky chuckle. "Aye. And mayhap help 'em unfold a bit faster, eh, Ag'tha?"

Agatha tried to look innocent. "Well, they're neither of 'em getting any younger, are they?"

"Nay," Teague agreed. "Nor are we."