Master and Commander Hughes stood tall in his uniform. His deep blue waistcoat lined his cream undercoat in a smart fashion, edged with a gold thread to match that of the brim on his tricorn hat. The Royal Navy frequented the bay of Scarlett's hometown and Commander Hughes and his ship were no exception. Many times he and Scarlett would see each other, whether on the docks or in the town as he made his way to the tavern for a drink. Despite Scarlett's lowly position as a baker's daughter, this didn't prevent the Commander's wandering eye from often landing on her.

He approached Scarlett and the merchant, receiving a spirited, respectful bow from the tradesman. Must be a Royalist's son, Scarlett thought as she resisted the urge to roll her eyes.

"Good day, Commander," she said.

"It's been quite a while since I have seen you out and about," he said, nodding politely to the man at their side before turning his attention back to Scarlett.

"Yes, I was just making an accord with this man," she said, avoiding his inquiry hinting at her recent absence.

"What kind of accord, may I ask?"

"My brother and I will be making a journey to Plymouth. We're in search of our sister."

"Oh, Plymouth! A beautiful, bustling town but such a far travel. You will have to get by on much more than that, I'm afraid." He pointed to the purse in her hand.

"Well, this will get us through part of our journey but then we'll have to find another ship."

"And with what will you pay them? My dear girl, would you care to walk with me?" The Commander offered his arm to Scarlett.

"Do we still have a deal, miss?" the merchant spoke up.

Scarlett began to respond but Commander Hughes intervened. "My good man, you seem like a respectable tradesman. I warrant you wouldn't mind me taking this one from you?"

"Oh," he said, fumbled by the presence of the Commander's authority as he towered over him. "I suppose not. Certainly--as you wish."

"The King's Navy thanks you for your loyalty."

"Thank you, sir," the merchant replied with a wide grin. "Long live the King."

"Yes, long live the King and all that," Commander Hughes said, a smirk appearing on his face. He turned back to Scarlett and took her hand upon his arm, leading her away from the merchant and back down the dock towards town.

"What's the meaning of this?" she said.

"That was the breaking of your accord with a lowly merchant only looking out for his own interests."

"Commander, I beg your pardon but I was very close to making a deal with that man--my only means of reaching my sister. You've no clue how many others I've talked to today. You had no right to break it off."

"Miss Scarlett, I am only helping you."

"How?" she said, stopping them in their tracks.

He gazed down at the frustration in her beautiful green eyes. He had never been so close to her. "Scarlett, I am a master and commander for His Majesty's Royal Navy. I can take you on your journey."

Her eyes lit up at the prospect of his offer but he made it seem too simple. "You can take passengers?"

"Absolutely. We carry governors or soldiers and the like to and fro all the time. A couple of respectable citizens making an honest journey is no trouble at all. And, I might add, it will be at no cost to you."

Every apprehension Scarlett had about the Commander washed away in that single moment. "Oh, thank you. Commander, you have no idea what this means to me."

A smile beamed across his face. "It is my utmost pleasure," he said. "We set sail the day after tomorrow in the early morning. So do we have an accord?"

"Yes, of course, but you should accept something for my appreciation."

"Miss Scarlett, I require no offer. Your happiness is good enough for me." He took her hand in his and kissed it softly. "I will see you in two days' time." Then he stepped away, the sound of his boot heels tapping on the wooden dock fading as he sauntered back to his ship.

Scarlett felt the blush in her cheeks, the kiss on her hand taking her by surprise. Even though she had experienced love, it was altogether a different feeling with a high-ranking gentleman's chivalry. She was not blind to Commander Hughes' advances in the past, remembering the time he had invited her to the local dance right before her capture on Captain Jones' ship. This offer of taking her and her brother on their journey at no cost was likely just another means of winning her over. Of course, there was a significant gap in their social rankings. A commander in the Royal Navy wouldn't have anything to do with a simple baker's daughter, at least for the long run. However, Scarlett was willing to play along to her advantage if it meant making their way to Plymouth as efficiently and economically as possible.

Scarlett meandered her way back up the docks, dwelling on her new success and how quickly she would find her sister and reunite her family. A smile spread across her face--she couldn't wait to tell them. Grabbing her skirts, she ran up the cliffside in the dimming evening light, taking in the view of the only home she had ever known. It wouldn't be long before she'd be bidding it farewell.

----------

The Hamiltons were gathered around the table for supper. A roaring fire had been kindled in the hearth and Catherine carefully removed the pan baking above the flames. The smell of fresh bread permeated the air, the biscuits toasted to a golden brown as they insulated the hot potato pie underneath. She placed it on the table before her family.

"So," George began, serving out helpings of the pie to his children. "Do you bring news of your search, Scarlett?"

"Actually, I do. I searched and asked different merchants for hours around the docks but I finally found someone willing to take us--and he isn't a merchant."

"Isn't a merchant?" Catherine said, concern creasing on her brow.

"No. In fact, he is a commander in the Royal Navy," Scarlett said, receiving light gasps around the table. "And the best part of all is that he is willing to take us to Plymouth at no cost."

"Scarlett, don't jest--are you serious?" William said, setting down the utensil in his hand in disbelief.

"Who is this commander?" George asked.

"Commander Hughes. His ship frequents our harbor. I've run into him many times while making my deliveries and he always stops to chat. He seems like a gentleman."

"Ah, I think I've heard the name," George said, a wary smirk on his face. "Well, he must be some gentleman to be so willing to make that offer."

"Are you sure this man wasn't just fooling with you?" William said.

"I don't see why," she said. "He told me they take passengers all the time. It seemed like an honest offer. Anyway, I think it's our best option."

"Oh Scarlett, a commander of the Royal Navy," Catherine said. "Your beauty must have caught his eye."

"Oh Mother, please. What could he possibly want with me?"

"Don't be so hard on yourself, dear. Stranger nuptials have happened. Think of the social standing you would have--the wife of a commander. He captain's a whole ship, you know. He could very well become a commodore someday."

"Yes, Mother, I know. But I think you're getting ahead of yourself--the wife of a commander? I barely know him."

"Well, it's nothing to get upset about," Catherine said dejectedly as she turned her gaze back to her food. "I simply wanted to suggest it. It's easy to court someone when you're on his ship for a while."

"Yes, I know," Scarlett mumbled, thinking of the Captain. "But I am not interested in Commander Hughes' advances. He's simply taking William and I on our journey to find Grace--nothing more than that."

"When does the ship depart?" George said.

"Day after tomorrow in the early morning."

"Well, I suppose we better start packing our things," William said, scooping an enthusiastic spoonful of potatoes.

----------

The day had arrived for Scarlett and William's departure. The family rose early and after a quick breakfast, all gathered around to say their farewells. William collected their two lightly packed bags containing an extra change of clothes as they exited the cottage. In the damp morning air, the family stood at the beginning of the pathway leading away from their home.

Scarlett turned to her parents. Catherine was already dabbing tears from her cheeks with her handkerchief and she could tell her father wasn't doing much better.

"Well, this is goodbye," she said. "But we will return soon. It will be a quick journey on a fast ship and we will bring our sister home."

Catherine embraced her daughter for one last time, followed closely by George. "I'm proud of you," he whispered as he hugged her tight. "Tell her we love her and that I'm sorry."

Scarlett smiled. "Of course, Father."

George nodded contently before turning to William. "Son, take care of your sister."

"I will, sir. I won't let her out of my sight." William stole a glance in his sister's direction.

"I'll probably be the one taking care of you," Scarlett said. "You forget I've been with pirates."

"Oh, pirates," Catherine said, fear coming over her once again. "Please be careful!"

"Don't worry, Mother," William said. "We'll be on a navy ship. We are well protected."

Catherine smiled, hardly convinced as she glanced between her children. "It's just hard seeing both of you leave."

"They'll be alright, Catherine," George said, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder before turning back to them. "You better be off. Don't want to miss your ship!"

Taking one last moment, Scarlett bent down to Joseph and gave him a hug. "You take good care of Mother and Father, now. And study hard."

"I will," he said. "I'll tell you all about the stories I read when you come home."

"Sounds like a brilliant plan."

"Don't get into any trouble without me," William added, then he turned to Scarlett. "Are you ready to go?"

"Yes, as ready as I can be."

With that, William heaved the bags onto his shoulder as everyone bid their final farewells. The sun was rising quickly and shining through the clouds as they hurried down the path towards the marketplace. It wasn't long before they reached the bustling harbor and spotted the Royal Navy brig, which stood out dynamically amongst the other ships. They meandered through the cartloads of fish and barrels of sugar and flour until they had nearly reached the end of the boardwalk.

Scarlett peered up at the tall ship. It was cleaner than what she was used to, its hull freshly painted and its sails cream white. A union jack blew proudly in the wind atop the highest mast. Her sailors busied away finishing their daily cleaning duties and preparing the ship for departure.

A blur of blue, cream and gold rushed down from the stern deck and descended the plank bridging the gap between the ship and the dock. However, instead of happily greeting his guests, a look of concern covered over the Commander's usually prideful features.

"Scarlett, I am glad to see you have arrived," he said. "And your brother, I presume?"

"Yes, this is William," she said. "William, this is Commander Hughes."

William tipped his hat and the Commander gave a slight bow in exchange before turning his gaze back to her. "Miss Scarlett, it is with great distress in which I bring this news to you. I have had a change of orders and I will be unable to take you all the way to Plymouth."