Needless to say, Jim's socializing was finished for the time being. She wouldn't go out at all, fearing to run into Harrison and his fiancé and moped around much of the day. Carol had relayed Pike's story to her as gently as she could and it completed Jim's disillusionment with the man.

"You and Bones were right," she sighed dismally one rainy day. "I shouldn't have let him steal my heart so easily. He did not truly value it at all."

"Some men take awhile to show their true selves, dear," Carol said. "Thankfully for you, his showed up before the wedding, rather than after.

"But why did it have to show up at all?" Jim wailed. "Why did I miss the signs?"

"Most of us did," Carol admitted, "and you were in love. It is hard to see faults in that state."

Jamie smiled ruefully and changed the topic.

"I wish Bones hadn't let the Admiral scare him off. I know how you two care for each other and it irks me that his being less wealthy is going to keep you two from happiness."

"Father will come around once he realizes I have absolutely no intention of marrying any other man," Carol said firmly, face flushing a becoming pink. "Underneath his snobbishness, he does understand Leonard is a very good man, I think. Do not fret about us, Jimsie. I will make certain you stand beside me at the wedding."

Jim broke into a rare smile at her friend's confident prediction. So, Bones had not been as shy as she thought. Good. There was still hope for this world.

Unfortunately, Harrison's wedding and the resulting furor surrounding it dealt a further setback to her emotional recovery and Carol was at her wits end to know how to help her. When the usual distractions failed utterly, she sent for reinforcements.

"Jim, dear, do come down and say hello to Captain Pike, would you?" She called through the bedroom door behind which Jim had barricaded herself from the outside world in hopes of avoiding any stray gossip.

"I'm a fright and unfit for civilization. Why would he want to see me like this?" She moaned listlessly.

"Because he's your friend, Jim. I imagine he's seen you in worse shape in your younger days."

Jim did remember and smiled faintly, thinking of the time she'd fallen into the duck pond and he'd pulled her out a sodden, slimy, mess. Maybe some naval tales would do her good for awhile. So, she washed her face and crept downstairs.

Christopher was worried when he saw how pale and wan she looked, but did his best to keep his comments neutral.

"Hello, Jim. Good to see you up and about," he said offering her a smile and helping her to a seat.

"Captain," she acknowledged. "A pleasure to see you. How is your niece?"

"She is in similar straits as you emotionally. My brother and sister in law have removed her to their country estate so she can rest easier before her time comes."

"How old is Miss Amelia?" Jim asked curiously.

"Eighteen next month," he replied sadly.

"No wonder you were so angry," she murmured with a sigh. "It's not fair. He leaves two hearts destroyed and merrily weds the richest girl he can find, not caring at all about the pain he caused."

Pike said nothing, merely listened while she poured out her hurt and anger.

When she had exhausted herself and began to feel sleepy she prevailed upon him for a story.

"Captain, Please tell me the story about the whales that used to be my absolute favorite. It always made me feel better when I was being fractious."

Christopher was happy to oblige her, remembering the way her blue eyes would fasten on him during the tale and her childish squeals of glee when he described the magnificent whales they'd encountered on a long sea voyage in his youth.

This time however, it had the effect of soothing her to the point of slumber and by the time he'd finished, she was fast asleep, a faint smile on her pale face.

His heart tripped at how beautiful she was, even in slumber. Charmed as he'd been by the girl Jamesina, he had to admit he was hopelessly in love with the woman version. But it would not do to dwell on those thoughts while she was still recovering from heartbreak.

After a whispered talk with Carol, he carefully picked Jim up and carried her up to her room so she could sleep easier, trying not to be alarmed at how easy a task it was.

Admiral Marcus, having finished his business and social obligations, decided that they would quit London somewhat early and visit the home of his reclusive friend, Mr. Spock, and his wife, Nyota on their way back home.

Jim was grateful to be leaving the city and was even more glad to know the Captain would be accompanying them.

So, they set off early one morning and after a long days travel, arrived at the large stone, but very practical, residence of Lord Spock and Lady Uhura.

The couple were very gracious and hospitable and Jim found the stiff and very intellectual Spock rather amusing. He eyed the antics of his young son with long suffering fondness.

"My son, it is most illogical to place your serving dish on your head."

Nyota put the famous Miss Grey to shame with her elegance, grace, and kindness. Jim was rather dazzled by her and could see Mr. Spock was, too.

Despite all this interesting interaction, she still struggled with the lingering pain and doubt and longing for the love she'd lost. Was it Harrison she'd missed, or the romance itself? She realized uncomfortably that she was not certain.

The third day their party spent at Spock and Uhura's, Jim decided she'd had enough of the inside and decided to go outside and walk and think alone. A quick word to Carol and she was off, striding across the lawn, heedless of the heavy clouds forming.

Deep in the middle of a very involved discussion of colonies and the ethics of empire, Pike suddenly broke off from his point to say "Has anyone seen Miss Kirk? She did not notify us she would not be down today. Is she ill?"

"No," Carol replied, with a look of worry dawning on her features. "She said she was going out for a brief walk, but that was over an hour ago. I do hope she didn't wander herself lost. She's in no state for traversing rough terrain in the rain."

The clouds had begun to release their weight as they'd been speaking.

Admiral Marcus frowned.

"Why did you not go with her, then?" He asked, in a reproving tone.

"I tried to, father, but she insisted on being alone and assured me she would not be long. Oh, Jim." Carol sighed. "Where did you go?"

Pike had already got up and made for his coat.

"I'll go out the back and search for her. Admiral, will you take the front?"

"Indeed, Christopher. I beg pardon, Spock, but we shall have to continue this discussion another time. Winona would be most unhappy that I lost her daughter."

"Of course, Admiral, and I will aid you in your search."

Christopher didn't hear any of this as he was already out the door, looking for any sign of Jim. There wasn't much of a trail to follow, but the dampness of the ground showed faint imprints at intervals. Calling her name didn't bring results, so she must have gone a considerable distance. After following her trail for what must have been three miles, he tried calling again.

"Jim! Jim! Jamesina Kirk! Where are you?"

There was a pause then a faint "here!" that had him running forward towards the sound as fast as he could. Jim was sitting in the grass soaked with the rain, one leg propped up in front of her, looking miserable.

He dropped to the ground in front of her and began examining her for injuries.

"What happened, Jim?" He asked, frowning at seeing a swollen foot.

"It's my ankle," she said in a small, pained tone. "I tripped and twisted it wrong. I've been trying to crawl back, but then it started raining, and I am so tired."

"We need to get you out of this weather before you catch cold. Up you go."

He scooped her up in his arms in one swift motion, Jim letting out a squeak of surprise, but gradually relaxing against him as he began to stride towards the house.

She found herself feeling very safe now in the arms of the man she knew she could trust. Despite the pain in her foot, she was busy looking up at him and inwardly having revelations of just how much he cared for her. He held her like she was a priceless china doll and looked down at her frequently as if he was worried she'd suddenly vanish on him.

So it hadn't been her mother's active imagination after all.

"I'm sorry I was so abominably rude to you," she whispered as they made the long trek back to the house.

"No young woman of spirit enjoys having a hard-bitten, middle-aged bachelor thrown at their head, Jim," he replied shortly, with one of his self-deprecating smiles. "It was perfectly understandable that you would be irritated with me."

"Even so," sighed Jim. "It was not your fault and I was uncivil. Will you accept my apology?"

"Of course," he said, with a look that she couldn't figure out. "Now, I must get you inside and reassure your friends who are very worried about you."

With a sigh of relief, she found herself out of the rain at last, dripping water all over the floor.