Scarlett's smile faded as Commander Hughes’ words began to sink in. Everything had been so perfectly planned and she could hardly contain the excitement that had been building inside her. Now it felt like everything had been too good to be true.

“Unable to take us?” she said.

“I can take you to a different port; however, you will have to find another ship there to travel to Plymouth. I'm afraid I will not be traveling any further south. But it is my hope that with the money I am saving you, you'll be able to use it to hire another ship.”

Scarlett nodded, the disappointment inside her slowly coming to ease. It was simply a small hiccup in their plans but it would still set them on the right course. She glanced at William standing beside her. He reflected her thoughts but gave her a determined nod of approval.

“Alright,” she said. “There's no harm done.”

“You are okay with continuing our accord, then?” the Commander said, sheepishly.

“Yes, it's no matter. We will find another ship in the next port. We had planned to do that, anyway. How hard can it be?” She smiled reassuringly.

“Excellent--I'm so glad,” he said, relief sweeping across his features. “Now, please, follow me and I will lead you both to your quarters. Oh, and welcome aboard!” He extended his hand out to take Scarlett's, gazing at her flirtatiously under the shadow of his tricorn as he guided them up the plank to the ship.

Stepping onto the deck, Scarlett observed the men moving about. A few stood proudly in clothing similar to the Commander's but most were dressed down for laborious work, their trouser legs rolled up and soaking from having just swabbed the deck. Some paused to stare inquisitively at the newcomers and exchange whispers and smiles with their comrades.

The Commander ignored the men, leading Scarlett and William below deck to a small private cabin. He opened the door and welcomed them to enter before excusing himself to attend to his crew while they settled in. They placed their bags at the feet of two narrow cots and sat down, their knees nearly touching as they did so. The cabin was dark and barren, save for the glowing candle atop the small table in between the cots. It was going to have to do.

The ship creaked as it began to move and upon hearing the bell ringing above, William jumped up and ran to the door.

“We're setting off, Scarlett,” he exclaimed, eager to watch the crew set sail. “You want to come see?”

“Sure,” Scarlett said, smiling at her brother's glee.

It was his first trip away from home and his excitement was obvious as he took his first wobbly steps through the hull. She followed him as they emerged above deck, though the feeling of the moving ship set nerves floating about inside her stomach as well. It was the first time she had been on a ship since the Captain's and a flood of emotions and memories came back that she wasn't expecting. She watched her brother run along the starboard side, peering forward to the course they were setting. However, as Scarlett turned back to barely catch sight of her home fading behind the thick fog, she only felt lonely. She should have been happy at the prospect of finding her sister and reuniting her family and tried to remind herself of her mission, once a hopeful elation just hours earlier. But no matter how hard she fought against it, the sadness persisted. Not knowing the reason why only frustrated her more.

“My dear Scarlett, is something the matter?”

Scarlett turned to face the gentle voice of the Commander standing tall beside her, his hands clasped behind his back. His uniform was brisk and bright in contrast to the gloomy grey surrounding them.

“I'm sorry, Commander. I didn't see you.”

“No apology needed. I do hope my accomodations are suited to you, though.”

She smiled. “Oh, of course. It's more than we expected. I don't think I could thank you enough for helping us along our journey.”

He raised his hand in dismissal. “Your presence aboard my ship is thanks enough for me.” He paused and then risked a glance at her before following her gaze back to the sea. “Is it leaving your home that dampens your spirits? It can be difficult, I know.”

Scarlett hated how he read through her so easily but somehow, she didn't think that was the only reason for her gloominess. Whatever it was, she wasn't about to share it with the Commander. “I suppose it is.”

“I am sorry,” he said. “Perhaps--you simply need a friend.”

“Yes, I'm thankful my brother is with me.”

He pursed his lips. “Do forgive me. I meant to say I would like to invite you to dine with me tonight--if you so wish, that is. I would find great pleasure in your company. Your brother may join as well.”

Scarlett turned away from the sea to face him, pondering his offer with a smile. “Yes, I would quite like that.”

----------

That evening, ushered by a lower-ranking sailor, Scarlett and William entered the Commander's cabin at the time they had been given for supper. The cabin was larger than that of a pirate ship and much cleaner. Four paned windows stretched across the back wall, the short curtains tied back to allow the last light of dusk into the room. The centerpiece was a large, heavy table, likely used for the Commander's papers, maps and navigational tools but these had been cleared and set off to the side on a smaller desk in the corner. The table now displayed an intricate collection of china dishes and silverware set for four, and a simple but ambient lantern cast a soft glimmer over top.

“Ah, Miss Scarlett,” the Commander said, standing near the table with his Lieutenant by his side. “And William--it's so nice for you to join us this evening. I'd like you to meet my lieutenant, Mister Brigham.”

He bowed curtly, revealing a premature thinning spot on his head. He was similar in age to the Commander and, save for his hair and longer sideburns, looked nearly like a replica of his superior. Scarlett couldn't help but notice how handsome and youthful the Commander was in comparison, his jawline sharp and cheekbones high. He peered at her, catching her wandering gaze before she bashfully turned her eyes away.

Commander Hughes encouraged everyone to sit, taking the honor upon himself to assist with Scarlett’s chair. Swiftly, a sailor, previously hidden off to the side, approached the table. He fluffed out their napkins, placed each on their laps and then filled their glasses with port. Scarlett caught a look of impressed amusement dancing across the Lieutenant's features as he glanced at the Commander. He only ignored him and instead watched the sailor leave the cabin and return a few minutes later with their meals. He set before them healthy platefuls of beef, potatoes, salted fish and a biscuit on the side. Scarlett looked at her brother beside her, his face displaying awe at the setting before them. It was certainly more luxurious than what they were used to and Scarlett dared to think the same was for Brigham, too.

“The benefits to stopping in port,” Commander Hughes said. “You see, we are able to supply ourselves with a good meal once in a while and not just the foods that will preserve for weeks at a time.”

“You have done well, my good sir,” Lieutenant Brigham said, raising his glass before taking a hearty sip.

The four began to dine and small talk commenced in between bites. Scarlett found herself beginning to enjoy the company of her newfound friends and to relax as her glass was refilled. The Lieutenant seemed to feel the effects of the port as well, growing livelier with every gulp. Scarlett wasn't bothered, however, and was growing to like him.

“I heard a most amusing story the other day,” Lieutenant Brigham began, setting his knife and fork down on his empty plate. He then picked up his glass and leaned back thoughtfully. “A tale of a robber who had been terrorizing the town--somewhere inland, closer to London. Apparently, this had been going on for quite some time. He would steal from many people, nearly something every day, but they were never able to catch him. Well, meanwhile, a man who owned the local inn had suspicions that his wife was having an affair. So he pretended to leave on business, knowing that her lover would be showing up in his absence. That evening, that very thing happened and he caught them in quite a compromising position.” He chuckled lightly. “Turns out, this lover was also the robber! Of course, they sent him to the gallows and that was the end of that. I dare say the girl's heart was broken.”

The Commander smirked. “Well, that's what happens when you get involved with scoundrels who break the law. The girl should have known better or at least expected the outcome.”

“Exactly. I'd wager he was a deserter of the army, too--an alarmingly increasing malady.”

“Oh, you could likely guarantee it.”

“You know who I'd like to see hanging from the gallows more often?” the Lieutenant said. “Bloody pirates.”

Scarlett started for a moment, the delicious meal before her suddenly turning her stomach. The dizziness in her head confused her emotions and immediately, distaste for the men across from her began to rise.

“I couldn't agree more, my good friend,” Commander Hughes said. “Disgusting barbarians who should be punished for their sins.”

“Damn right. They're a menace to us all--cowards running away from law and order or from war duties to live a life of debauchery. Disgusting, indeed.”

“My dear Scarlett,” Commander Hughes said. “Is something wrong? Do you not like your food? I will have them take it away immediately and prepare something else.”

“Oh no,” she said. “It's quite delicious, thank you.”

“Well, are you ill? Perhaps you are a little seasick? We may fetch a remedy to help.”

“No, it's not that, either. It's just…the conversation took me by surprise--that's all.”

“Oh, now see what we have done, Brigham? We've upset the poor girl with our crude talk. We shouldn't discuss such things before a lady.”

“Oh no, it's quite alright,” she said, setting her utensils on her plate. She hesitated, feeling the intoxicated urge to speak but fear won over her tongue. She shook her head dismissively with a smile.

“Do you have an opinion on the matter?” the Commander said. “Now I am curious. Please, do enlighten us.”

“Well,” she began, “I don't think pirates are all that you say they are. They're people just like us, trying to find their way in life.”

Lieutenant Brigham stifled a chuckle but she continued.

“Of course, their lives are a little less conventional than ours but perhaps they didn't choose it. They may be victims of circumstance, thrown into a hard life and trying their best to survive in a world that has not given them a chance but instead, has shunned them as outcasts.”

The Commander gazed at Scarlett as she spoke, putting a finger against his lips in contemplation. “Scarlett, do forgive me if I am being frank but where were you all that time?”

“Pardon?” she said, but she feared she knew what he meant.

“All that time you were absent back home. You do realize little rumors spread through that town of yours?”

“Well, I--” she fumbled, glancing at her brother who only gazed at her with baited breath and a pale face. She hadn't told anyone the truth aside from her family and always could avoid the subject tactfully. Now that she was put on the spot, she didn't know how to respond. If she told a lie, what would she even say?

The Commander, answered by her silence, spoke for her instead. “You were with pirates, weren't you?”

His conviction left her with no point in a disguise. “Yes, I was.”

“Good Heavens, Scarlett. Were you taken as captive?”

“Yes, of course, but they returned me home safely.”

“Bloody Hell, she's a sympathizer to pirates,” the Lieutenant spat out.

“No, I just think we should give them the benefit of the doubt. Not all pirates are horrible, just as is any other man from his comrade.”

“Scarlett,” the Commander said. “These men are murderers and thieves, slave traders, whoremongers, deserters of the Navy, among many other things. There are no good men amongst the like as you indicate. You do not know what you speak of.”

“No, you don't know what you speak of,” she said, heat rising to her cheeks in surprise by her own blunt response.

Commander Hughes’ eyes widened and he blinked as his Lieutenant chuckled in disbelief. But he recovered quickly and leaned forward with his arms on the table. “Scarlett, you tread on dangerous waters. You just remember that.”