EL LOBO DEL MAR

[Welsh Wench]

Zara ran upstairs to her parents' room. She knocked softly and Honour opened the door.
"What? What is this?" she exclaimed.
Zara stepped in and turned around. "Auntie Maura Laura made it!"
"Oh my goodness, darling! You will be the belle of the ball!"
"It's not a ball, Mama. It's a ceilidh."
"Of course it is, darling! Jack! Look at this!"
Zara struck a pose as her father walked into the room, his mouth dropping open.
"What have you done with Zara? Where's my little girl?"
She laughed. "Right here, Da! Don't you see me?"
He scooped up his little girl and tugged on a pigtail. "I guess it IS Zara!"
She struggled to get down.
"I have to go. I have to wait for Gwan. Hurry up! We don't want to be late to the ceilidh."
Jack turned to Honour. "Are you sure she is only three?"
"Three and a half. Don't forget the 'half.' She would never forgive you for that."
He sighed. "I can see in about ten years I am going to have my work cut out for me."
"What work?"
"Making sure she doesn't go from thirteen to thirty."
"She's precocious."
He shook his head. "I almost feel sorry for the man she will fall in love with. He won't stand a chance once she makes up her mind he's the one she wants."
Honour picked up her shawl. "Let's cross that bridge when we come to it."

Aggie and Zara were waiting at the foot of the stairs.
"Come on, Mama and Da! I have to see Auntie Maura Laura at the ceilidh."
"Why is that, Zara?"
She shook her head and whispered, "I can't tell you."
They looked at Aggie and she shrugged. "I have no idea."

Honour turned to Thomas and linked her arm in his. "Oh, Thomas! Don't put on the frowny face! It's not so bad. Maybe you will meet the woman of your dreams there!"
Jack broke out in laughter. "Thomas' heart belongs to the Royal Navy!"
Thomas scowled. "This—THIS is why I don't want to go!"

The men were lined up on one side and the women on the other.  Zara slipped into the line.
Jack grabbed her hand and said gently, "Zara? Honey, this is for grownups."
"Who says?"
"Well, it's just the way it is."
"Maybe we need to change it."
"Zara, are you SURE you are only three?"
Maura and Laura joined the conversation.
"Oh, come on, Jack. It won't hurt to let her play along."
Jack looked dubiously, "What will the other gents say when a little lassie only knee high tries to dance with them?"
Zara's face turned red and Jack could see the Wolfe temper engaging.
He sighed."All right, Laura..Maura....but I will hold you responsible."
The two women leaned over and whispered to Zara and took her hand. Zara turned back to Jack, smiled and gave him a wave.

He found Honour talking to Fiona. "Do you see where your daughter is?"
"Oh, heavens! Let me get her! She will get trampled once the dancing starts."
Just then the music started and Zara took her place at the end of the line. A few of the men found it amusing.
"Little lassie, why don't you go over with the rest of the bairns?"
Zara held her head up high.
"I can dance. And my mama once hit a man with a bottle at a ceilidh and she is heading this way. Bollocks!"

Honour took Zara's hand and said quietly, "Zara, this is for big people. Why don't you go play with your cousins? I think they are getting a little dance together and..."
"NO! I am going to dance."
Just then the music started up. Zara stood between Maura and Laura facing Rafferty and Flannery.
"Oh, blimey!" Rafferty said.
"Well, try not to step on her."

[Welsh Wench]

The musicians started to play and Zara marched up to face one of the men. She curtsied and then the dancing began.
And Zara took the place by storm.
Between Maura and Laura, Zara kept every step with them.
Jack marched over to Aggie, his face registering astonishment.
"When did all this happen?"
Aggie shrugged. "I suppose when she was over at 'Maura-Laura's' home. This must be their big secret."

As they watched Zara step and twirl, the little girl never missed a beat or a step. The men soon forgot she was a little girl and viewed her as a partner.
Aggie picked up her ale and casually said, "Oh. I guess I forgot to mention there were no one who could dance at a ceilidh like Maura and Laura. No one could hold a candle to them."
"I guess not!"
Aggie took a sip of her ale.
"How do you think those two snagged Rafferty and Flannery?"

The fiddle player of the band announced, "This is a ladies' choice for the Eightsome Reel. Ladies, find the gent of your choice."
Zara smoothed out her kilt and looked around. She spied her parents over by the heather ale bowl and headed their way.
"Don't look now, darling, but your daughter is headed this way. Are you up to dancing with her?"
"Why, I would be delighted."
Zara walked up to Jack, curtsied and smiled.
"You have mama to dance with."
She turned and walked away. Jack stood there with his mouth hanging open and Honour dissolved into laughter.
"Get to used to it, my dear. Someday a lad will steal her heart."
"More like she will steal his. I can't believe she did that to me!"
They watched Zara as she resolutely headed towards the men.

Zara walked up to Thomas and curtseyed.
"Are ye dancing?" she asked.
He responded, "Are ye asking?"
"I'm asking."
"I'm dancing."
And Thomas took his niece's hand and she led him into the circle for the Eightsome Reel.

Jack and Honour stood there in astonishment. Zara kept in step with Thomas all the way.
"Well, I'll be! Looks like Zara broke through Thomas' icy exterior and she's bound and determined he will have a good time!"
The look on Thomas' face was one of sheer abandonment of his stodgy ways and gave way to joyous laughter as Zara led him around the circle.

Maura and Laura continued to dance with Rafferty and Flannery in the same circle.
"It looks like the MacGregors are ruling the ceilidh tonight. Honour?"
"Yes?"
"Are ye dancing?"
"Are ye asking?"
"I'm asking."
"Then I'm dancing."
Jack and Honour joined the circle.
Just then Jack looked over by the doorway and just about stopped dead in his tracks.
"Oof!" Honour exclaimed.
"Sorry, darling."
He sidled up to Rafferty and whispered, "Is that who I think it is?"
Rafferty smiled and said. "Aye. Elspeth McIver in the flesh!"

[Captain Jack Wolfe]

Thomas found himself enjoying the dance with his young niece more than he thought he would. But then he caught sight of a woman entering the dance hall. She looked to be a few years younger than himself, with auburn hair that tumbled down in loose curls about her shoulders and eyes that shone like brilliant emeralds. He half stumbled to a stop as he watched the mystery woman, only to be startled from his reverie when Zara ran into him.

"I thought we were dancing!" she declared indignantly.
"Well, yes, we were," said Thomas. "You'll have to excuse me, Zara. I believe I recognise someone."
He turned away and began to make his way through the other dancers.
"Fine!" shouted Zara. "I'll just go dance with my Da!"

As Thomas dodged and apologised his way toward the mystery woman, he saw a young man with two drinks in his hands approach her. Thomas nearly stopped when he saw the younger man dip his head in apology as he brushed past her. Heartened by this turn of events, he pressed on until he was right in front of her.

"He'll be along? I certainly hope not. He passed on six years ago."
Thomas stifled an inappropriate laugh. "I'm sorry. Your wit is devastating."
"So now you notice? Took you long enough, Thomas Wolfe."

"My apologies, madam. You remind me of someone I knew some time ago, and I was wondering if you might be her."
"'Madam'? I should have one foot in the grave, calling me that. You remind me of someone I knew long before the undertaker started nosing about. But you can't be. To him, I was a pesky wee lass he wouldn't give the time of day."
Thomas could feel his face turning redder by the second. "I- I meant no offence! I didn't mean, that is..."
The woman smiled mischievously. "All these years, and you're still an easy one to fluster."
"Elspeth? Elspeth Campbell?" stammered Thomas.
"It's MacIver now."
"Ah. Well, then I'm sure--"
"He'll be along? I certainly hope not. He passed on six years ago. He was never one for formalities, but to put in an appearance now would be a low point, even for him."
Thomas stifled an inappropriate laugh. "I'm sorry. Your wit is quite devastating."
"So you finally notice? It took ye long enough, Thomas Wolfe. Now, are ye keen to fetch a lass a drink, or should I chase down that handsome young buck who nearly tripped over me?"

Elspeth offered her hand, and after a moment, Thomas took it in his. He knew he wore a silly grin on his face, but he didn't care. He was utterly entranced. His heart, for once in an extraordinarily long time, felt light.

"Well, slap me thrice and hand me to me mama," said Jack.
"What?" said Honour.
Jack chuckled. "It's one of many things Briggs says when he's caught out by surprise. Take a look over there."
"Who is that with Thomas?"
"Elspeth Campbell. She took lessons in cooking and housekeeping from Aggie. When we came to visit, she would tag along. Come to think of it; she was always trying to get Thomas' attention."
"Do I detect a hint of jealousy?"
"What? No, not at all. I had my books to keep me occupied."
Honour shook her head. "As much as I try, I can never picture you as some book-bound nebbish."
"Really? How often have you found my study strewn with books, maps, and pages of scribbled notes?"
"Your study, our cabin aboard ship, and nearly every horizontal surface within your grasp."
"I rest my case," said Jack with a wink.

"What brings ye to Scotland, Thomas?" said Elspeth.
"A happy accident," said Thomas. "I came to visit my grandmother but found my brother was here with his family."
"Wait, Jack is here?"
Thomas' face fell. "Well, yes. I can take you to see him if that's what you prefer."
"Does he have his nose shoved in a book?"
"Not at the moment, I should think. He should be dancing with this daughter."
Elspeth hooked her arm with Thomas'. "I'd love to meet his daughter and his wife. What a grand night this is!"
"What brings ye to Scotland, Thomas?" said Elspeth.
"A happy accident," said Thomas. "I came to visit my grandmother only to find my brother was here with his family."
"Wait, Jack is here?"
Thomas' face fell. "Well, yes. I can take you to see him if you would like."
"Does he have his nose shoved in a book?"
"Not at the moment, I should think. He should be dancing with this daughter."
Elspeth hooked her arm with Thomas'. "I'd love to meet his daughter and his wife. What a grand night this is!"

As they made through the dancers to the other side of the hall, Elspeth said, "All those years ago, who would you say I fancied?"
"Well, I'm not sure."
"Yes, ye are. Don't worry; I'll not take offence at your answer."
"I... I always assumed you were fond of Jack."
Elspeth giggled, and the giggle quickly became laughter.
"Oh, Thomas! All the times I went out of my way to pester ye, no matter how hard ye tried to shoo me away. Now, why do ye think I did that?"

Thomas stopped in his tracks. His look of astonishment melted into embarrassed laughter.
"Me?! I never stopped to think you might fancy me."
"Well, I was just a girl, teetering at the cusp of womanhood. I hadn't the foggiest notion of what I was doing besides getting your attention."
"But why me?" asked Thomas.
Elspeth smiled. "I liked your eyes. Getting ye riled made ye look at only me, and then I could see right into them. And what would ye know? Ye've still got them. Only, now they seem just a wee bit wiser. Wiser than they were just moments ago, even."
"Elspeth, I--"
"We've plenty of time to talk later," she said softly. "Right now, we're about to be trampled by these dancers."
"Oh, right! We should find Jack and his family."
"A wonderful idea," Elspeth giggled. "I'm glad ye thought of it."

"Jack!" called Thomas. "Look who's here!"
"Elspeth!" said Jack. "As I live and breathe! How are you?"
"Just lovely, thank ye. I caught Thomas trying to sneak out of the dance and talked him into staying," she said with a wink.
"I was-- what? No, I wasn't!" protested Thomas.
"Thank goodness you showed up when you did to thwart his escape. Elspeth Campbell, may I introduce you to my wife, Honour, and our daughter, Zara."
"What a pleasure it is to meet ye, Honour," said Elspeth. "I'm glad to see someone finally got Jack's nose out of his books. And Zara! Such a lovely name.  Aren't ye just the prettiest wee lass I've ever seen!"
Zara gave a polite curtsey and took a deep breath. "Are you gonna marry my Uncle Thomas?"
"Am-- am I what?" stammered Elspeth.
"Uncle Thomas looks at you like Da looks at Mum when they send me to bed earlMMMPH!!"
Mortified and blushing, Honour clamped her hand over Zara's mouth. "I'm so sorry!" said Honour. "She has an active imagination and says whatever..."

By this time, Elspeth was nearly doubled over with laughter. "No, don't apologise! She reminds me of my own daughter when she was that age. And Thomas! Ye turned white as a sheet! The lass caught ye out, eh?"

[Welsh Wench]

"Excuse us, will you?" Honour hustled Zara into a corner.
"Zara Wolfe, that was a bit rude, don't you think?"
Zara said darkly, "I was having a nice time dancing with Uncle Thomas and then she came along."
"You can dance with your da."
She shook her head. "You always dance with Da."
"Then go over to your cousins. They seem to be up to mischief and that is right up your alley."
She walked away but said over her shoulder, "I wish Phillip was here. He would at least get me a cookie."
Jack came up. "What's this about Phillip and a cookie?"
Honour stared after her daughter then shook her head.
"No. No need to worry about that. He's too old for her..." she said to herself.
"What did you say, darling?"
"Hmm? Oh...nothing."

Zara found her way over to two lads who were busy tying together the shoelaces of a rather distracted gentleman.
"My name is Zara," she announced. "Who are you?"
"Shush! Cannae ye see we're doing what we ought to nought?" said the darker haired one.
"Why do you think I'm here?" she replied.
"Fair enough," said the other. "I'm Duncan, he's Finn. This bloke's drunk to his eyeballs, and we're tying his laces so he falls on his face when gets up to follow our Auntie Constance."
"I want to see that!" she whispered. "What's his name?"
"What's it matter?" said Finn. "He's a MacGregor. You know what they're like."
"I'm new here. What are your last names?"
"We're Campbells," said Duncan. "Ye never told us your last name."

"I"m a MacGregor!" Zara shouted at the top of her lungs.

She lunged at Finn before he could finish tying the elder man's shoelaces together.
Duncan tried to grab her but managed to grab the man's leg instead. The man jumped up, startled, spilling his drink on the lads' Auntie Constance. She stood, aghast, and punched the MacGregor man squarely in the face. He reeled backwards, dragging Duncan with him, crashing into a table occupied by more Campbells who didn't care for his intrusion. They in turn hauled the man up to inflict their displeasure upon him. With the room being overwhelmingly MacGregors, all hell soon broke loose.

Bodies flew pell-mell, and of all in attendance, Aggie seemed to enjoy the spectacle the most. Thomas' instincts kicked in as he tried to shield Elspeth from the melee.
"Would ye get off me?! What, ye think I'd never seen a brawl before? I'm not some shrinking English rose, Thomas! I'm made of sterner stuff."
"Yes," he said. "Yes. You most certainly are. I apologise."
"You... what?"
"I apologise, Elspeth. I tried to protect you when it wasn't my place. And I should have realised you, of all people, are capable of taking care of yourself."
Elspeth strode up to Thomas. "MacGregors, your people, and Campbells, my people, fighting. I should take a swing at you for old times sake."
"But you won't," said Thomas.
"No, I won't," she said quietly.
"For the love of Saint Christopher, would ye shut up and kiss already?!" shouted Aggie over the din.

"Jack, Zara was headed over that way after I scolded her!" cried Honour.
"Right, I'm on it," said Jack. "Wait! I see her!"
"Is she all right?"
"More than all right. I'll take care of it."
"She's not all right is she?" said Honour.
"She's fine! "I'd rather save the boy she's trying to choke if you don't mind!"

[Welsh Wench]

Jack walked resolutely over to Zara, who was on the back of some poor helpless lad named Duncan. He was howling in pain as Zara grabbed hold of his hair.
"Bollocks! I'll do you in for messing up my hair! I'll tear your ears off, chew them up and stick them on backwards!"
Duncan leaned forward and flipped Zara over his head. She laid there, trying to catch the wind that had been knocked out of her. Finn picked her up by her waist and she flailed in the air and yelled, "Ye doaty eejit!"
She brought her foot back and kicked young Finn right where he would remember it. So would his grandchildren. He dropped her suddenly and writhed in pain, limping off.
Another boy came up behind her and pushed her forward into a dessert table. Her face glanced off a blueberry tart.
"Och! So sorry, Zara! I thought you were that Campbell girl."
Her cousin Allan tried to wipe the blueberry off her face and made it worse with the streaks.
"Allan! Look what you did to me! Now I have blueberries in my hair! I'm blue!"
Duncan took that opportunity to sneak back towards his Campbell cousins when Zara flung herself on his back and got his neck in a choke hold.

Jack reached over and picked his daughter off the back of the lad.
He said, "We will have none of that, Zara Jane!"
Then he burst out laughing. Zara's face was streaked with the blueberries from a pie someone had made.
"Look what he did to my hair, Da!"
Zara's pigtails were undone and dangling from one of them was the tattered remnants of the red ribbon Aunties Maura-Laura had put in them.
She struggled to get free from Jack, all the while using words she had no right to know.
He clapped his hand over her mouth and said quietly to her, "We will have none of that, Zara. If your mother hears that...."

He carried her over to the family. Elspeth put her fist up to her mouth, trying to stifle the laughter.
Thomas looked at her and his mouth dropped open. The only thing he managed to say was, "For the love of St Andrew—she looks like a Pict warrior!"
Honour hurried forward, taking her daughter from Jack's arms.
"Oh, my goodness! Jack, hand me some of that cool water over there. She has a cut on her lip and she's going to have a black eye."

Honour took her handkerchief and dabbed at Zara's lip. She scowled and turned away.
"I'm not through with him, Mama."
"Yes, you are, Zara. Your cousins Allan and Adair are finishing the fight and...yep, there goes Raffery and Flannery to break it up."

Rafferty and Flannery hauled their lads over to the side of the room.
"Ain't nobody goes treating Zara like that!"
Rafferty held Allan at arm's length while the lad kept swinging. Flannery grabbed Adair around the waist and hoisted him in the air, all the time he kept struggling to break free.
"Do we need to take ye all out to cool off?"
The lads looked over and saw that Duncan and Finn retreated to the far corner, wiping the sweat and blood off their faces. Duncan kept checking to make sure his ears were still on and the right way, too.

The band interrupted the ceilidh.
"Good people—including the Campbells and MacGregors---the ceilidh looks to be winding down. Our fiddler caught a bottle that was thrown—appears to be from MacGregor and Sons—and wrenched his wrist. Starting to swell up. So...if we have no fiddler, then the ceilidh looks to be over! Goodnight to ye good people—and I must say, it was a helluva brawl!"

[Captain Jack Wolfe]

Jack's head whipped around towards the stage. "What?! Stop? They can't stop!"
"You heard what he said," replied Honour. "The fiddler can't play. Once again, a pleasant dance turned into a huge fight. Without a fiddle, what are they supposed to do?"
"Everything was going so well. Everyone was having such a good time."
"And I'd swear there were sparks between Thomas and Elspeth," added Aggie. "I swear, he should have kissed her, but ye and yer brother, always runnin' yer gob too much."
Jack took a deep breath and crouched down in front of Honour and Zara. "Honour, remember when you asked me about that violin you found in amongst my things?"
"And you said you didn't know about any violin."
"I wasn't entirely honest with you. I learned to play years ago under the tutelage of a dear friend. It helps me relax and gather my thoughts."
"That sounds more like you've been entirely dishonest with me," countered Honour.
"Well, now we've cleared the air, yeah?"
Her mouth dropped. "Don't tell me you intend to--"
"Sit in with the band. I can't stand by and let the ceilidh end on such a sour note, as it were. Not when we'll be leaving for home soon. Please, allow me this. Or tell me no, and that will be the end of it."

"But what if you can't play as well as you used to?" she said.
"Then the piper can earn his fee and take the solos, easy!" grinned Jack.
Honour shook her head and looked heavenward. "Oh, fine! Go!"
"Take care of your mum, Zara," he said, wiping a bit of blueberry from the end of her nose. With a wink, he was off for the stage.
"Aggie, did you know he could play the violin?" said Honour.
"That lad has always been full of surprises," said Aggie with a chuckle. "At least this one, I like. Unless he's rubbish. I've still got a good throwing arm."
"You'll try to miss the fiddle, yes?"
"Shush. I'm old. No promises. Now tend to dear wee Wilma Wallace."

Jack hurried up to the stage to find the musicians packing up their instruments.
"Hey, what are you doing? The night's not over," he said.
"Ye heard what we told everyone, lad," said the drummer. "The fiddler's hand is a mess. No fiddler, no ceilidh."
"Now you've got a fiddler," said Jack.
"Are ye any good?" said the fiddler.
"I may be a bit rusty, but I'm sure I can hit enough rights notes to keep a song going. Does your fiddle still have all its strings?"
"Aye, and I'll thank ye for giving it back the same way when ye're done with it."
"I'll take that as your blessing. And I'll treat it like I would me own daughter," said Jack as he took the fiddle in his hands.

Jack took the instrument and quietly checked the tuning of the strings, adjusting the tension of each one until their tones matched perfectly.
"Oi, Monty," said the piper to the fiddler. "Did ye know it could do that?"
Monty replied with a rude gesture from his good hand. "And what be yer excuse for them infernal pipes besides confusing geese at matin' season?"
"Don't be unkind! I've confounded an ostrich or two on a good day, whatever them is!"

"Right-o, Reuben," Jack whispered to himself. "What was that tune you'd get them all to forget their troubles with? Help a bloke out. Ah yes, I think this is it..."
He didn't bother to try and get the gathering's attention. With the fiddle tucked under his chin, he drew the bow across its strings. The instrument gave forth a rich, middle tone that brought a hush over the room. He then began to play a slow tune, strange to the ears of those listening. A song of the Steppes, slow in pace yet strong in rhythm. Gradually, he increased the pace. With every beat, his heel hit the stage a little harder. Soon, the hands of the audience took up the beat as he played faster and faster. When no one could stay in their seats any longer, he brought the tune to an end.

"Not the music you're used to," Jack exclaimed. "But I'm happy you enjoyed it. Now for something ye might like even better. I've not a clue what it's called, as we're making it up as we go. Better yet, why not give it a name? 'Aggie's Reel', after me own dear gran?"
Applause erupted from the MacGregor side, with just a smattering from the Campbells.
"Well, think of it what ye will. I dare anyone to keep their feet still."

Jack turned to the band. "Let's give these good folk a reason to dance instead of thinking about their sore jaws. All right, lads, a spritely reel in A. Watch me for the changes, and try to keep up."

Finn and Duncan marched up to Zara and nodded politely. Duncan elbowed Finn, and Finn
said quietly, "Are ye dancin', Miss MacGregor?"
Aunties Maura-Laura were retying her pigtail and trying not to giggle.
Zara said softly, "Are ye askin'?"
"Duncan and me, we be askin'."
Zara curtseyed and said, "Then I be dancin'!"
The two boys led Zara out to the floor to the space the children had cleared out for their own ceilidh. Allan and Adair came up and looked at the boys fiercely, but Zara intervened.
"Come on, join in."
"Are ye askin' us, Zara?"
"I'm askin'!"
"Then we're dancin'!"

Aggie looked over and said, "I don't believe it!"
Honour looked over, and her mouth dropped open. "I guess she is a more forgiving person than I am!"
"Aye, and seein' she's the fiddle player's daughter gives her an edge."
"Well, she got over being dumped by her Uncle Thomas."
Aggie looked over and saw Elspeth and Thomas talking and laughing. Elspeth put her hand on Thomas' arm.
"I have a feeling about this one, Honour."
Honour smiled, "So do I. I haven't seen Thomas this relaxed in  a long time."
"Aye, well, Elspeth always had her eye on Thomas. Maybe now it will be returned! "

"What has me vexed," continued Aggie, "is where Jack learned to play the fiddle like that. He could make gypsies weep."
"No doubt, some adventure he's neglected to tell me about. I know Jack doesn't mean to hide things from me. I wouldn't be surprised if he's forgotten half the amazing things he's seen. Aggie, he's shown me wonders I still have trouble believing, though I saw them with my own eyes."
Aggie put her hand on Honour's shoulder. "Count yourself lucky, lass. If he's making an effort rather than outright hiding everything away, your marriage will be a far happier one than mine."

[Welsh Wench]

The goodnights were said at the ceilidh. Duncan and Finn Campbell came marching up to Zara and Honour. Their fathers stood in back of them.
"Go on, lads. Say what ye need to say and be done with it."
The boys looked at each other and then looked down at their shoes.
They mumbled some words.
Duncan's father nudged his shoulder. "Come on, lad. The wee lassie couldn't hear ye."
He sighed, "Aye. Miss MacGregor, we be sorry for treating you that way. It weren't the gentlemanly thing to do."
Finn's father pushed him forward."Aye, Finn. It be yer turn to eat the humble pie."
Finn turned to his dad and said, "It not be humble pie. It t'were blueberry."
Finn's father groaned,. "Just go ahead and say it."
Finn dug his shoe into the wooden floor and looked like he wished he could crawl into it.
"Aye. What Duncan said. We be sorry. But bollocks, barra, it were a real batter! Ye fight pure dead brilliant for a lass!"

Zara stood there and stared at them. The silence was palpable. She stood there with blueberry stains on her face, her pigtails all bedraggled and a black eye. Her lip was cut and starting to swell up.
Instead of accepting their apology, Zara did the unthinkable.
She hugged both of them.
"Nae problem."
Finn and Duncan's fathers stood there and shook little Zara's hand in turn.
"And lassie, ye come back and see us when ye are grown. The way ye danced, I be thinking Duncan and Finn will be fighting over ye to dance at the ceilidh!"
Duncan and Finn both turned shades of red and retreated back.

The Campbell boys' father went up to Maura and Laura and said, "Aye, as we always said, 'no one dances a reel better than the McKee lasses!' "
They both laughed.
"Do ye think we be McKees?"
"I dinna remember. I thought we were MacGregors!"
"Ye think so?"
"I dinna know. We be MacGregors so long we think we are just Maura and Laura."
"Are ye Laura?"
"I dinna know. I thought I be Maura!"
They shrugged and laughed and the fathers shook their heads.
"Ye lasses haven't changed. Just as daft as ye were when we were six. Thank the powers that be the MacGregor lads be crazy enough to put up with ye!"
They all laughed and the Campbells went back to their own corner..

Honour wiped Zara's lip again with a wet cloth.
"Mama?"
"Yes, Zara?"
"That be right nice of them to say they were sorry."
"Yes, it was."
"But they were wrong."
"Oh?"
"Yes. They called me Miss MacGregor. I am Zara Wolfe."
Honour sighed, "Let it go, Zara. Just let it go."
Honour and Aggie looked over to the children who were having their own ceilidh.
"Looks like all is forgiven. If only adults would be more like the bairns, this world would be a much happier place."
"I see Jack giving the fiddle back to the band. That must mean the dancing is over."
"Aye, well, it seems to be midnight so I should say so. Do ye think ye can get wee Zara to wind down and go to bed?"
Honour sighed. "I don't know. All I know is that I am exhausted and Jack is keyed up. It should make for an interesting evening."
Aggie smiled, "Get your rest, Honour. Just because Jack has other ideas doesn't mean you have to be party to it. Ye CAN say nay."
Honour blurted out, "And deprive myself?" She blushed when she realized  how it sounded.
Aggie laughed. "A good shag never hurt anyone and ye sleep better at night."
Honour looked over. "I suppose I had better collect my daughter."
Aggie looked over at Zara too and shook her head. "Are ye sure she is only three and a half?"

Zara was standing there with her cousins Adam and Adair. Duncan and Finn headed over to her and stood there shyly.
"Aye, Miss MacGregor, yer dad be a right good fiddle player."
Zara's eyes were shining with admiration for her da. Everyone was clapping as Jack left the stage.
"He is, isn't he?" she said with pride.
Duncan stepped to the side and said quietly, "Miss MacGregor?"
"Aye?"
Duncan leaned over and gave Zara a quick kiss on the cheek, turned and walked quickly away.
Finn laughed at his cousin. "Ye kissed a gir! Ye kissed a girl!" he sing-songed.
Duncan looked at him crossly and punched his arm.
"Shut yer gob, Finn!"
Zara stood there and touched her cheek, then quietly whispered, "My name is Wolfe. Zara Wolfe. And ye won't be forgettin' me either."

[Welsh Wench]

Aggie sat there, a glass of whiskey next to her. Her feet were propped up by the fireplace, warming her feet as her knitting needles clacked away.
Honour paced back and forth in front of the window.
"What is the problem, dear?"
"Hmm? Oh. Jack was wandering over to Rafferty's to try out that new whiskey they distilled. I guess they all are wound up from the brawl. I must say Allan and Adair gave it their all."
"Aye, so true. And Zara went to sleep without a fight."
"The ceilidh took a bit of starch out of her."
Aggie chuckled, "I never saw a wee lass like her throw such a punch! Hit that Campbell boy right in the eye, she did!"
Honour shook her head. "Yes, but she paid a price for it. She has one goose egg over her eye and it's turning black and blue. I put a cold pack on it and some ointment to speed the healing on her split lip."
"I'm afraid that Campbell boy got it right in the ears when she boxed him. I heard her yell she was going to chew them off and stick them on backwards!"
Honour got up and looked out the window again.
"If ye be worried about Jack, he's with Thomas and they will be alright."
"That's what worries me. He's with Thomas."
Aggie put her knitting down. "Thomas is the soul of responsibility. He will keep Jack on the straight and narrow."
Honour let the curtain drop. "Not so sure about that."
Aggie took a sip of her whiskey. "And sure as heaven above you are going to tell me what happened."
Honour sat down and rubbed her hands before the fire.
"Jack's ship was being pursued by a Royal Navy ship. The admiral requested a meeting with El Lobo's captain. They sent a longboat and took Jack back. I was frantic. I was sure they were going to take Jack prisoner and confiscate the ship. Duckie tried to calm me down but I could tell Josiah was just as worried as I was. It turns out the admiral was none other than Thomas. It was a fortuitous meeting because Thomas had the pardon from the Crown. But I waited and waited for Jack to come back and when he climbed over the side of our ship, he was in high spirits. Not from the pardon but he and Thomas celebrated. It was hours before he came back and Thomas was in worse shape than he was. Of course, Jack had some excuse and I was in no mood to hear it. So I clocked him right on the jaw. He went down like a  sack of flour. I daresay the crew gained a new respect for me. Jack laid there and worked his jaw to make sure it wasn't broken. Thomas had this god-awful hat full of feathers and somehow the cat ran off with it, thinking it was a bird. He tore it to pieces. Zara toddled into our cabin and let out the most awful scream. She thought the cat had killed a bird. But it was just Thomas' hat."

Aggie burst out laughing and wiped the tears of laughter from her eyes. "Oh, those two!  When Thomas is with Jack, he lets his hair down and relaxes. But don't you be worrying. Those two are over and Rafferty and Flannery's trying that new whiskey they distilled."
Honour walked over to the window again and looked out. "I just don't want a repeat of what happened---oh, good! Here they come."
Aggie put her knitting in the basket. "And on that note, I shall bid you goodnight, dear. Try not to be too harsh with him. After all, they may be grown men but their habits are those of boys."

Honour sat there in the chair, staring at the fire with her arms crossed when Thomas and Jack came staggering in.
"Oh...there she is! My lovely wife!"
"Where would you expect me to be, darling?"
Thomas looked at Jack and he looked back. "When she says 'darling' in that tone, I know trouble will follow."
Thomas looked sheepish and tried his best to placate Honour. "I just needed advice, Honour. You know...on women."
Honour stood up and tapped her foot. "Then maybe you should have gotten advice from a woman, Thomas."
Jack whispered, "Let me handle this. I know how this works."
He turned to Honour and said, "Sweetness, you know--"
Honour balled up her fist and hit Jack in the jaw again.
"OW!"
Thomas scooted towards the stairs. "I think I will bypass your advice, Jack. I don't think the 'good rogering' will work in this case."

Honour whirled on Jack. " 'A good rogering?' A GOOD ROGERING?"
He moved his jaw back and forth. "It's always worked before."
"I spent the night taking care of your—YOUR--daughter who decided to take a punch at that Campbell boy which set the whole brawl in motion! I tended to her wounds and put a cold pack on her face to get the swelling down. You left that all to me. And now you expect a 'good rogering'?"
"How about a terrific one?"
She balled up her fist again but Jack caught her by the wrist.
"Oh, come on, let's have none of that. You know how good it is when we kiss and make up."
She wrenched her wrist away and threw Jack's hat at him.
"Here's your hat."
She grabbed a wool blanket. "And here's a blanket. I guess tonight you can sleep in the barn. Because you sure aren't welcome in our bed tonight."
She opened up the door. "Be glad it's a nice night out tonight and not raining. And give my regards to the sheep."
She pushed him out the door and locked it behind him.

The whiskey that Rafferty and Flannery had distilled was top shelf and it was really beginning to take its effect on Jack. He staggered towards the barn, fortunate that it was only about fifty feet away from the house.
He opened the door and stepped inside. The sheep made gentle noises. "Looks like I will be your company tonight, sheep."
He made his way to the loft where the hay was kept. "Damn ladder. Why do you keep moving?"
He climbed up and fell face first in the hay and covered himself with the wool blanket. Just as he was about to doze off, he heard the barn door creak and a soft light from a lantern.
"Who's there? Thomas? Did you get kicked out too?"
The figure stealthily climbed the ladder.
"Honour?"
She stood there wrapped in a blanket and when she reached his side, she dropped it, standing there in what nature gave her.
She pulled the blanket down and slid in next to him.
"I guess the promise of a 'good rogering' was just too good to pass up."
"No. No 'good rogering' "
"No?"
"No"
He took her in his arms. "No. A 'terrific rogering'."
She extinguished the lantern. "I'll be the judge of that."

[Welsh Wench]

Meanwhile in Barbados....

Dr. Drake Gander put away his stethoscope and patted Morwyn on the shoulder.
"Not too much wrong with you, lassie. Just a bad cough."
He turned to Megan. "She will be fine. I will send over an elixir that I can mix in my office. Just some herbs in honey and she will be as right as rain in a few days."
Megan put her hand over her chest. "Oh, thank heavens! You know I worry so. You've been a godsend to this family ever since you pulled me out of that fever when I arrived here."
He smiled at the compliment.
"And have you heard from our intrepid travelers lately?"
Megan smiled. "I got my first letter the other day. Jack's grandmother made amends with her errant grandson and welcomed them with open arms."
"When do you expect them back?"
"Knowing Jack, probably in about three months. He has some notion of trying to find the Stone of Scone. You know that man can't resist an adventure."
"As I so well know. I am glad Honour is with him to balance out his exuberant spirit. She's the voice of reason with him."
Megan began to thumb through the packet that Daffyd had left on the kitchen counter.
"No...nothing more from them...wait a minute! There seems to be two letters here for you!"
She handed them to Duckie.
"Oh....Jack said I can receive my letters at his home since I am rarely at mine and it is more secure."
He turned it over in his hands.
"Hmm...a letter from the University of Glasgow. I wonder what they could want with me."
"Only one way to find out. Open it up!"

Duckie perused the letter quickly.
"I don't believe it. The medical division wants me to come to Glasgow—all expenses paid—for two months to oversee their studies on herbal remedies."
"How wonderful! When they want you to start?"
He looked at the letter again.
"Oh...right away. Good grief, I would have so much to do. Bookl passage and get my associate—that is the young Dr Baskin—prepared to take over. I suppose I can leave by the end of the week. It's a wonderful opportunity! And I haven't been back home since---well, that incident with Rose."
"Who is the other letter from?"
He turned it over and looked at the return address.
"Oh dear. Speak of the devil. It's from Rose!"

Megan frowned. "I wonder what SHE wants."
She looked at Duckie with curiosity and expectation and was disappointed when he put the letter in his pocket.
"I'll deal with it later. If she is sending me a letter, it can't possibly be good."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Josiah? Josiah Briggs—are you home?"
Renee came out of the parlour. "Why, Dr Duckie! I haven't seen you in a month! Are the residents of Bridgetown keeping you busy?"
Duckie made a sweeping bow. "Why, if it isn't Renee de Bertrand, as I live and breathe!"
"Now what makes you think the honourable Josiah Briggs would be here?"
Duckie poured himself a snifter of brandy.
"Because, Renee, it is a not-so-secret secret that Josiah is living here. And with his lad, Phillip."
"Alright, so yes, Josiah and Phillip are living here. But for all you know, maybe Josie is renting a room here for himself and the boy?"
Duckie practically choked on his brandy. "Everyone knows that Josiah has been in love with you for years, love. And I've seen the glow on your face and the way you look at him when you think no one is looking. And I know you have become a surrogate mother to the lad. And a finer mother I couldn't imagine. You are very progressive minded and Phillip will benefit from that."
"Alright so I am busted on this. Duckie, I have never been happier. Or contented."
"Any wedding bells?"
"Don't rush things, Ducks. We are working on our relationship. So what brings you by? Business or pleasure?"
"Well, I would say it was a surprise I received. One I am not sure how to handle."
"So what is it? Talk it out and we will come to a solution."

Duckie pulled a letter out of his vest pocket.
"This. I received it in the mail and I am afraid to open it."
"How can you be afraid of a piece of paper? You have no debts, you have no wife to hound you for a dissolution of marriage. Are you afraid you have inherited a fortune?"
He shook his head. "It's from Rose."
"Rose? As in your sister who married well? Rose? As in 'I think I will wreck Jack Wolfe's life several times over?' Rose, as in.---"
"Yes, yes, we all know her past sins. I hope she doesn't want to relocate to Barbados and move in with me."
"So why don't you open it?"
"Because I don't want to read it by myself."
"And since Josiah knew your sister, you wanted his input."
"Precisely."
"But Josiah is not here. He's out to seeing to some molasses getting ready for shipment to Captain Harkness. El Lobo should be back any time now and will be sailing within the month.
Josiah is taking the ship and taking Phillip with him. So....will I do?"
Duckie looked relieved. "Will you? Please? I am afraid to read it."

She held her hand out. "That envelope isn't going to open itself, Ducks. Hand it here."
Renee picked up an ivory letter opener from her desk and deftly slit the envelope open.
"Are you wanting to read it or shall I?"
Duckie rubbed the bridge of his nose and sighed. "You do it. I can't face any disasters from her."
Renee skimmed the letter quickly, her eyes opened wide and she tried to suppress a smile.

"Dear Drake,
    I know it has been a while since I have written. Alright so about two years. But I have some news.
As you remember, I left El Lobo del Mar in a heap of shame. My time on that ship was an eye opener. When I saw how happy Jack and his wife—I still know her as Rhiannon—were, I got to thinking of my own life.
I arrived back at my estate and began to take a good, hard look at it. All I could see was cold walls, empty-eyed portraits of people I never knew staring back at me and the liquor. I began to realize that the liquor was the only thing that was numbing me from seeing what I was missing. And what I had become.
    While I wasn't in love with the Earl, we did have a mutual respect. Did I miss him when he passed away? If I was honest with myself, I would have to say no. He brought into the marriage what I thought I wanted. Riches, an estate and a title. I was what he wanted. A wife to entertain his various friends.
      As we had no children, there was no heir to inherit the title and estate. When I died, the title  would revert to his brother's son. As it was inevitable, I contacted Malcolm—that is the nephew's name---and arrived at a settlement with him. I would relinquish all lands and titles and claims on the estate. Malcolm, in turn would provide me with a lump sum settlement and an annual pension that would keep me comfortable.
  I decided to do a bit of traveling and decided to see our cousin Maude in Derbyshire. She introduced me around and at one dinner, I was seated next to a charming, handsome man named Lord George Derby of Derbyshire. Yes, he is landed gentry—a country squire—and has an estate. But it is not what you think. I was not looking for a husband or even a paramour.
But Lord George was so fascinating and charming and I couldn't resist.
So this may come as a shock but I fell in love. Genuinely, madly in love with him and married him a year ago. I know you are going to laugh—but I am proud to announce your dear sister is now—and I can hardly believe it—the proud owner of a sheep and goat farm!
    George is very hands-on with the operation and is teaching me the finer points of breeding and shearing. Last week, I sheared a sheep by myself for the very first time! I have a few herding dogs that I am training by myself and they are obeying quite well.
      Drake, I am so very ashamed of what I used to be. The time you spent with me was like you were holding a mirror in front of me and I saw myself exactly as you saw me—a vain, selfish woman who thought nothing of people's feelings.
But I know you would be happy to know I have changed and have found the happiness I so longed for even if I didn't know it.
    I hope Jack and Honour will find it in their hearts to forgive this foolish woman who tried to sabotage their marriage. I don't know if I can ever forgive myself for it.
I did send a letter of apology to Rhiannon's sister Lady Llewellyn but it came back as undeliverable. I do hope they are well. The postman could not find a Bancroft Hall.
    I will conclude this letter with my hopes for happiness in your life. I hope you are happy for me and please wish me well.
When you get back to England, you will always have a place to stay here. Just ask for Derby Farms and that is where you will find us. George is looking forward to meeting his brother in law.

                                                                                      With all my love,

                                                                                              Rose
                                                                                             
Renee handed Duckie back the letter.
"I swear, Renee, I don't know what to say."
Renee gave Duckie a hug. "I think the letter shows genuine repentance and honestly, she sounds really happy. It is nice to know there is still room for redemption in the world."
Duckie stood there, still staring at the letter and carefully reading it to himself.
"Rose...a sheep farmer? Shearing sheep? Raising herding dogs? This is a woman who wouldn't pick up a piece of paper she dropped. She would ring for the servants."
"I take it you are happy for her."
"If it is true, yes I am. But I would have to see it with my own eyes."
"So what are you going to do?"
He smiled broadly and said, "I think I am going to take a longer leave of absence from the practice. I will take a few extra weeks."
"To get situated in Glasgow?"
"Not only that. I'm going to go to Derbyshire! This I have to see!"

[Welsh Wench]

Duckie folded the letter and put it in his pocket. It had been taken out, read and reread a dozen times in the last few days.
"Guv'nor? This here be yer destination. Derby Farms That be it up the road. See the manor house?"
Duckie looked out and saw a handsome stone house with a neatly tended garden and a twisting walk leading to it. A wrought iron gate was framed by a stone wall, quite like the ones he had seen in Ireland.
He hopped down from the carriage and the driver handed him his two valises.
"'ere ye go, Guv'nor."
Duckie handed him his fare and put on a smile he didn't really feel like wearing.
"Thank you. If I need a lift back to the city, how shall I reach you?"
"Just contact the dockmaster. 'e will fetch me and get a time back to ye. Ye not sure if ye be stayin'?"
"Let's just say this is an unexpected surprise."

Duckie walked up the stone walkway and started to go up the stairs. He glanced over the property and saw a sight he thought he would never see. In the distance, there was a woman and man wrestling with a sheep. The woman had it by the head and the man was trying not to be kicked.
"Here, darling. Let me grab his legs. Like this. Watch you don't get kicked."
Duckie dropped his valises by the front door and walked over to the stone wall. He leaned on it and couldn't believe what he was seeing.

There was his sister Rose with her arms around a sheep trying to hold it still. A tall, handsome man was brandishing shears.
"This doesn't seem to be working, George."
He sighed. "You know what they do sometimes?"
"What?" Rose asked.
"They sing softly to the sheep. It seems to quiet them down."
"You want me to sing?"
"Give it a try."
She sighed and said, "Alright. But don't blame me if it takes off running."
She took a deep breath and sang softly,

      Golden slumbers kiss your eyes
      Smiles await you when you rise
      Sleep pretty baby
      Don't you cry
      And I will sing you a lullaby.
     
Duckie's voice softly joined in

        Cares you know not
        Therefore sleep
        While over you a watch I'll keep
        Sleep pretty baby
        Do not cry
        And I will sing you a lullaby

Rose's head shot up at the sound of the male voice joining hers.
"I don't believe it. I DON'T BELIEVE IT!"
Rose quickly detached herself from the sheep and it ran off to join the rest of the herd.
She ran as fast as she could towards the wall and vaulted over it. Duckie could scarce believe this was his sister.
Her hair was pinned up but was coming down in disarray. Her face was streaked with dirt and her clothes were splashed with mud. But there was one noticeable difference.
It was in her eyes.
There was happiness.

She grasped his face in her hands and said in bewilderment, "Is it you? Is it really YOU? Am I DREAMING?"
He laughed, "It's really me."
"And you have come for a visit? For real?"
"For real. I had to see this all for myself."

She grabbed Duckie's hand and practically dragged him over the wall. Pulling him along, she took him over to her husband.
Excitedly she said, "George, I want you to meet my brother Drake. He's come for a visit!"
Lord George Derby grinned as he shook Duckie's hand.
"Thank God! I thought you might be one of Rose's old suitors here to give me some competition!"
He shook George's hand. "I just had to see for myself if what I was reading was true. And I see it is."

Rose smoothed her breeches down as best she could and adjusted her blouse.
"I am afraid the sheep was not cooperating."
Duckie smiled, "I hadn't heard that lullaby in years. Mama used to sing it to us when we were wee bairns."
George clapped his brother in law on the back.
"Rose has told me so much about you, Drake."
"Please. Call me Duckie. The only person that calls me Drake was my stuffy sister."
Rose stuck her tongue out at him. "That stuffy sister is long gone."
She turned around and whistled. Four beautiful sheepdogs came running.
"Drake—I mean Duckie—I would like to introduce you to Charlie, Ollie, Sukey and Polly."
Rose proudly patted each one on the head as she introduced them.
"Pups? This is my brother Duckie. Do treat him with respect."
She made a slight gesture and each dog sat down on their haunches.
"Now Duckie, hold you hand out in front of each dog."
He did as he was told and each dog placed their paw in his hand and he shook it solemnly.
She clapped her hands and said, 'Dismissed!"
Each dog ran off to the barn.
Duckie said in wonder, "If I didn't see it with my own eyes, I wouldn't have believed it!"

Rose grabbed his arm in hers and looked up at him with sheer delight.
"How long can you stay? A month? A year?"
"I can only stay for two weeks, Rose. I just gave a seminar in Glasgow at the university and thought I would pay you a visit."
George turned to Rose and Duckie, "I am sure there is a lot for you two to talk about. Rose? Why not show him around and I will tend to the sheep and I will see you both for dinner in an hour."
She kissed her husband's cheek and said, "That I shall! I have so much to tell him!"

She watched as her husband headed toward the barn, the glow of love on her face.
"Isn't he marvelous?"
"I hardly know him, Rose, but he seems to be a pleasant fellow."
"He's landed gentry but that doesn't matter anymore. I would live with him in a hut."
Duckie laughed, "It's a good thing he's a landowner then. So...I got the bare bones of the romance in the letter. Now I want details."
Rose hugged his arm. "There isn't too much to tell. We were seated next to each other at cousin Maud's dinner party---you know how she always threw the parties with the most eclectic guest list--and he was describing his sheep operation. I was mesmerized. It was so fascinating, seeing such an elegant man talk about shearing and breeding and getting his hands dirty. The next day, he came calling. And, well, here we are!"

They continued to walk through the gardens, Rose pointing out the lilacs and daylilies. "I planted each of them myself! George gave me free rein but said I had to do it myself without any help from the servants. And I did! I must admit, I did have a bit of trouble with those weeping willows. The tree roots went deep. George doesn't know it, but I did employ the help of the gardener for that. But other than that, I did the work myself! Next year I will plant irises. Oh, do take a deep breath, Drake!"
He sniffed the air. "All I smell is a combination of horse manure and new mown hay."
Rose sniffed deeply. "Isn't it marvelous?"
Duckie shook his head in disbelief. "What have you done with my sister Rose? That stuck up empty headed woman who I last saw?"
Rose swept her hand over the land. "She found happiness. She found how rewarding it is to grow your own food, tend your own sheep and train your own dogs!"
"I am happy for you, Rose. I had hoped you would find joy in your life again."
He burst out laughing. "I can't wait to tell Jack Wolfe how you find the scent of dung as wonderful as the most costly perfume!"
She turned to Duckie and in a small voice, asked, "Has Jack forgiven me? I know I was positively obnoxious to him when we were younger. And what I did at the Llewellyn's winter ball was without a doubt the most ghastly thing I had ever done."
Duckie took her hands in his. "He's forgiven you, Rose. As he said once, 'All things happen for a reason.'  He would have been stuck in a mundane life as a university teacher and lived a boring life."
"Has Rhiannon forgiven me?"
"I can't really speak for her but I do have one thing to say—those clothes you were sent home with?"
"Yes?"
"They came from Rhiannon with the explicit instructions you not know who gave them to you."
Rose smiled happily, "Then I would say she has forgiven me. Oh, I do feel so much better now! And with you here, we can have a few parties."
"Rose, you know I am not one for the ballroom."
"Ballroom? Surely you jest! We have a large parlour that opens up to a huge porch. We just set food out and let everyone help themselves. Wait until you taste the potato salad that I make!"
He stared at her incredulously. "Potato salad?"
"It is boiled potatoes in wine but I changed it. I added some onions and celery and even a few hard boiled eggs then mix them up with a mixture of egg yolks, oil and vinegar. Maybe someday I will become famous for it!
Duckie shook his head, "I just can't believe it."
Rose led him to the house. "Believe it you will. Just wait till you taste my crepes...." as their voices faded off as they headed for the house.

[Welsh Wench]

Two weeks later......

"Must you really leave, Drake?"
"I am afraid I must, love. As much as I would like to stay, my home is Barbados along with my practice. I've left it for too long. My assistant Samuel Baskin can only do so much. And I do miss the sunshine."
Rose gave him a hug. "I shall miss you dearly."
He held her in an embrace. "I am so glad I got to see with my own eyes just how happy you are, Rose."
"I was miserable with the Earl and didn't even know it. Now all I have is a small glass of sherry every once in a while and some champagne if we are out at a party."
"I must say your crepes were out of this world. And that thing you call potato salad! I shall have to share it with Honour if you don't mind."
"Of course I don't mind! But she will always be Rhiannon to me. Now that Jack knows her real name, I am surprised he doesn't call her by that."
"It's become a habit but I have noticed in their—how shall I say?---prelude to their evening plans, sometimes he will slip and call her Rhiannon. That is when he is serious about her. As far as every day speech, she's still Honour to him."
"And how is that adorable baby girl of theirs?"

"Zara? She certainly has her Da wrapped around her finger. There isn't anything he wouldn't do for her. He'd give her the moon if he could."
Rose laughed. "Please give that little girl a hug. I don't suppose I would ever be called 'Aunt Rose' but it would be a nice gesture. And I do have something for her."
Rose dug in her pocket and drew out a locket. "It was mine when I was a child and I would like her to have it."
"But Rose, shouldn't you save it for any children you might have?"
Rose shook her head. "George and I agreed that the dogs are our children and it is just as well. George has fine children from his first marriage and they do treat me like a wonderful stepmother and I love them dearly. But they are grown and ready to start families of their own. I would like Zara to have this with one stipulation."
"What is that?"
She held the locket out and turned it over. "Engraved are the words 'to thine own self be true.'
I would like you to explain to her when she gets older that she should be her own person and not strive to change to please anyone. I wish I had realized what it meant back then."
Duckie stood back from Rose and put his hands on her shoulders.
"I am a firm believer everything happens for a reason, Rose. Maybe you were meant to be the Earl's wife for the few years that you were. It was what led you to George. He's a fine man and I can see that he makes you very happy. You have been given a second chance, Rose. Not everyone can say that. And you were smart enough to appreciate it."

Rose's eyes began to fill with tears.
"I shall always be thankful, Duckie. I feel the wonderful life I have is God's way of telling me he has forgiven me for the things I have done. And I feel confident now that Jack and Rhiannon have forgiven me.  It may be wishful thinking but I would like to think that we all have become friends.
Duckie hugged his sister. "I am confident that they will be happy for you and wish you only the best, Rose."
Rose put her fingers in her mouth and whistled. Duckie put his fingers in his ears and said, "Where on EARTH did you learn to whistle like that?"
She laughed and said, "George taught me. And look! Here they come!"
Four dogs came bounding across the field and lined up next to Rose.
"Pups? What do we do? "
Sukey pawed at Rose's skirt. Rose said, "They came to say goodbye to you, Duckie."
Duckie bent down and extended his hand to each of them. They dutifully put their paws in his hand and Polly, the last one, licked his face.
Duckie laughed, stood up and gave Rose a hug. George ambled over and leaped over the fence.
"I am so happy I got to meet you, Duckie. And don't worry. I shall take very good care of her."
Rose clapped her hands and the dogs ran off.
Rose kissed Duckie and said, "Please come back as soon as you can. I love you!"
George shook his hand and the two waved goodbye as the carriage pulled up as Duckie put his luggage on the rack next to the drive and hoisted himself up on the seat.
"Goodbye and take care!"
As he looked out the back of the carriage, he saw George kiss Rose and the two of them walked with their arms around each other back to their barn.
Duckie smiled, 'All is right in Rose's world. She'll be fine."

[Captain Jack Wolfe]

Jack rode into the port and tied his pony up in front of the harbour master's office. Before him rode El Lobo del Mar proudly at anchor.
"The second love of my life," he said to himself as he straightened his frock coat and hat.

He walked into the harbour master's office in full air as a ship's captain.
"Hello, sir," he announced. "I am Captain Jack Wolfe, master of El Lobo del Mar."
A tall, spindly man emerged from a back room. "Excuse me? Who might ye be, again?"
"Captain Jack Wolfe. I am master of El Lobo del Mar."
"And which boat would that be, laddie?"
Jack resisted the urge to bristle. "My ship is the largest one in your harbour."
"Ah, that one. Then ye'd be Master Davis, aye?"
"No, Master Davis works for me. I'm Jack Wolfe, owner and master of the ship in question."
"Then who be Master Davis?"
"He is in temporary command, by my order."
"And who might be responsible for the charges of mooring ye big bonnie ship, unannounced, in my fair harbour?"
Jack looked out at his ship, then back to the harbourmaster.
"No one has discussed charges or payments with you?"
"Not a soul."
"That would be Master Davis,then."

Jack walked briskly down to the docks, where he found Davis tending to the reprovisioning of El Lobo.
"Davis, as I live and breathe!" said Jack. "My ship looks as fine as ever. And how fare you?"
"Happy to deliver her to you in fine shape, Captain," said Davis. "You'll find her ready to sail for home. Even the doctor is settled in."
"The doctor?" said Jack.
"Aye! Doctor Gander joined up with us in Glasgow. He didn't think you'd mind."
"Again, Ducks knows me well. Good, good! And Davis, you'll need to make space for additional cargo."
"The wife made a few purchases, sir?" said Davis.
"Of a sort," said Jack. "One will be an old harpsichord. Mind you don't scuff it, eh?"
"She'll not get any new scratches, captain! And where will you be?"
"Catching up with our friend physician. Oh, and there's no rush, but the harbourmaster would like a word with you. Take your time."

As Jack made his way below decks to the sick bay, he could hear the clinking of glass bottles and the soft humming of an unfamiliar tune. Pausing at the door, he watched unnoticed as his dear friend Drake Gander busily rearranged the ship's infirmary to his liking. After a few moments, he gave a gentle knock on the bulkhead.
"This had better be more than a splinter," groused Duckie, still with his back to the door. "I'm still getting things in order. I don't who decided to make a mess of my infirmary, but I'll have words with them when I find out!"
"Is this the first time you've set up practice without permission aboard a moored ship," said Jack, "or do you make a regular habit of it?"

Duckie whirled around, almost dropping the glass jar in his hand. "Jack! I'm sorry, I didn't you would mind--"
The doctor's apology was cut off by his friend taking him firmly by the shoulders, with a look of joy upon his face.
"Mind? Why on earth would I mind? I could hug you, I'm so glad to see you!"
"I would advise against it," said Duckie, glancing at the jar in his hand. "This is an acid that could easily eat through your clothes, and a good portion of you as well. That's not something I would care to explain to Honour."
Jack took a respectful step backwards. "Perhaps if we commiserate over some of your brandy, then?"
"I have yet to unpack any of that just yet. I'd never get this jumbled mess of a sickbay back in order if I did."
"About that," said Jack, sheepishly. "The barber-surgeon who'd signed on for this voyage jumped ship at the first port we made. After he'd made merry with the laudanum and opium, naturally. Honour stepped in to render aid after that. Thankfully, no one was gravely injured. I'll leave the hugging to her."
"She's a natural healer, that one," said Duckie. "The way she ministered to you with that shoulder wound... I'd give anything for a classroom filled with Honour Brights."

"While I'm happy to have your here again," said Jack, "I have to ask; WHY are you here?"
"A funny thing, that. I got an invitation to hold seminars at the teaching infirmary of Edinburgh. I leapt at the chance, understandably. Once I'd finished, I decided to spend some time in Glasgow. And what ship should I happen to see in the harbour one day but El Lobo del Mar? I asked Davis for passage back to Barbados, and he agreed if I would serve as ship's surgeon. But had I known my sick bay was in this state, I might have taken my chances aboard a whaler."

"Honour will be thrilled to know you're travelling home with us. Zara, too."
"Little Zara is here? Oh, I can't wait to tell her stories again."
"She's spent every moment she could with my grandmother," said Jack. "I'm sure he has stories for you as well."
"I can't wait to be spellbound by every one of them," said Duckie.

The two men talked at length, catching up on the events since they were last together. Finally, talk turned to Jack's family.

"Oh, come on, Ducks! Humour me!"
"Jack, if we're to get under way, my sickbay needs to be in order. You know that!"
"Rubbish," said Jack. You're never happy with the state of your infirmary and you rearrange it constantly. That's why I've never been able to assign a yeoman to work with you. They all quit after a day."
"Because they stand around waiting to be told what to do," protested Duckie. "I need someone who can think for themselves. Within reason, of course."
"Reason, being the litmus test you're the sole arbiter of," said Jack. "Doctor, you set the bar impossibly high for those in your charge."
"Pot, meet kettle," said Duckie. "Ask any of your firsts if what's expected of them is reasonable."

"To ensure the safe operation of this vessel and the continued safety of her crew--"
"Don't quote ship's articles to me, Captain, sir. I helped you write them. Can we get back to what we were really arguing about?"
"You're right, we should. Duckie, I'm asking you to meet my grandmother and a couple of cousins. What's the harm?"
"Because I have too much to do!" said Duckie.
"No, you really don't. It's not as if we're sailing into battle." Jack let his shoulders sag. "Ducks, please. They want to meet one of my dearest friends. They've heard nothing but fine things about you."
Duckie exhaled heavily. "Fine things?"
"Nothing about Cartagena."
"A messy affair, that. But it was a thrilling escape!"
"You can bring up the tale yourself, but we do need to make ready to sail."
"Pish, tosh, Jack. I can't wait to meet your relatives. This will be fun!"

[Captain Jack Wolfe]

"So, there's Rafferty and Flannery, Rafferty being the taller one..." said Duckie.
"Yes," said Jack.
"Which is the smarter one?"
"Ummm, toss a coin? It depends on the subject and when they last ate."
"Right. Their wife's names?"
"Maura, with Rafferty. Laura, with Flannery, I think."
"You think?"
"They don't make telling each other apart easy."
"Identical, I presume?"
"They take great pride in the fact, and will prank anyone they think isn't paying attention. Why?"
"Because you, my dear friend, couldn't have a normal family gathering if your mortal soul depended upon it."
"And where would be the fun in that? Zara arrived at the best solution, simultaneously addressing them as Auntie Maura-Laura. The way they dote on her, it's going to make leaving that much harder."

"You could divest your interests in Barbados and move here," said Duckie.
"Think back, my friend. How did I feel about those snowy, icy days when we were at university?"
"You cursed them in at least seven different languages, including Phoenician. Nor do I think Honour would care to endure another snowy winter like those she endured in Wales."
"I know she wouldn't. Yet, a portion of my heart will always be here. With my family. But I don't belong here. Does that make sense?"
"You're divided enough as it is, Jack. One foot on the deck of your ship, the other firmly with hearth and home. Take care you don't become splintered."
"Doctor's orders again?"
"You know better than to ask that. I take it this is your Gran-- this is Aggie's house? It's the noisiest, by far."
"Oui, nous sommes arrivés! Entrons, bon docteur."
"Merci, mon capitaine! Ce sera une soirée des plus instructives."
"Careful, I know where you bunk."
"And I'm the one with all the poisons."
"You win!" laughed Jack. "Let's go meet the family. Your new extended family!"
"My... my what?"
Jack threw the door open wide. Inside was a bustling mass of people, drinking and laughing and cooking and enjoying each other's company.
"Your home away from home, Ducks. Follow me. Though I wasn't expecting quite this. What's the big to-do about?!"

Aggie bustled up to him and said, "Jack Wolfe, you're half an hour late, as always. We're celebrating!"
"Celebrating what? My departure?"
Thomas strode up to him. "No. You get to linger here another ten days, brother. By order of your co-captain."
"My co-WHAT?"
"Remember our deal?" said Honour. "When I saved your life on that godforsaken maze island?"
"The third time you saved my life. Yes, I remember."
"Third?" said Honour? "I saved your life twice. The sniper, and the snake."
"No," said Jack. "The first time you saved my life is when you married me."

[Welsh Wench]

Meanwhile in Barbados...

Eli pushed himself away from the dinner table.
"Mrs. Avery, ma'am, you certainly outdid yourself with that chicken."
She bustled around the table. "Well, Eli, I am just glad I have people to cook for. I do miss Miss Honour and the Captain."
Daffyd leaned over and helped himself to another piece of pie.
"The plantation is running so smoothly, thanks to you, Eli."
Eli blushed. "I am just grateful for the chance to get my hands dirty again." He looked at his hands quickly. "Well, I did wash them...you know what I mean!'
Morwenna shyly gave Eli a drawing she had made.
"This is for you, Eli."
He took it in his hands. "Why, Miss Morwenna, this is a wonderful picture! And that must be the sun setting on the water."
She nodded happily as Eli took her in his lap.
Megan smiled at Eli. "Some day, Eli, you are going to make a wonderful father!"
He laughed a bit self-consciously. "I guess I would have to find a wife first. Hadassah...."
his voice trailed off.
Megan and Daffyd exchanged glances.
Daffyd changed the subject.
"Shall we retire to the library and go over a few figures?"
"I am sure Jack will find the numbers in tip-top shape. When are they due back?"
"I got a short scribble a few days ago. They will be leaving by the end of next week, if my deciphering is correct. And I am sure he has a lot of adventures to relate."
Megan poured herself a cup of tea.
"I know Rhiannon was nervous about meeting Jack's grandmother but it must have gone alright because the mail packets kept going to (whatever town we had for them).
Morwenna hopped down off Eli's lap.
"I miss Zara."
"And I am sure Zara misses you."
Daffyd stood up and pushed his chair in.
"Shall we go, Eli?"
"Right behind you."
Daffyd grabbed a bottle of brandy. "Jack won't mind. I am sure he will be coming home with a lot of Scotch whiskey."

Mrs. Avery looked as they left the kitchen.
"That Eli, he needs a wife!'
"I don't think he is in any hurry. He had his heart smashed in little pieces with that Hadassah. He lost his farm, he lost her, and then he almost lost his life on the ship if Rhiannon hadn't stepped in."
Mrs. Avery looked thoughtful. "Aye, she is a rare one. I heard how her compassion and the way she has a way of wrapping the captain around her finger...well, it served Eli well."
"She always looked at Eli as a little brother. She looked after him and even bought him a rapier for his devotion to the two of them. "
"Still, I would like to see him settle down. That little cottage could use a woman's touch."
Megan took a sip of her tea. "All in good time, Mrs. Avery. All in good time."

"...so, I think Jack will be happy with the expense account."
"Happy? He will be over the moon, Eli. This is the first time we showed a really healthy profit. And with the molasses going to Virginia and to Captain Harkness, this place is really prospering."
Eli looked out the window.
"Storm is coming in off the water. See the trees blowing? I should be going on to the cottage before it becomes a real downpour."
"Agreed. I will see you in the morning. And thanks for everything, Eli."
Daffyd clasped him on the shoulder. "I thank God that Jack put you in as overseer."
"You can thank the missus for that. She believed in me."
"Goodnight, Eli. Hurry home."
"Goodnight, Daffyd."

No sooner had Eli crossed the lawn when a clap of thunder and a monsoon kicked in. He ran as fast as he could down the slope, slipping and sliding. The rain was running in a gusher down the eaves of his cottage. As he went to open his door, his dog bolted out.
"Baron! BARON! You get back here! I don't want to be rubbing you down and setting you to dry off before the fire. That wet dog smell....BARON! What are you doing? There are no chipmunks by the woodpile! Oh, bother...."

Baron stood still by the woodpile, growling.
"Baron, it's probably just a raccoon..."
Eli heard someone crying.
"Pl—please, mister. Can you call off your dog?"
He grabbed the dog by the scruff and scolded him.
"Shut it, Baron." He marched the dog to the door and led him inside.
The crying continued, with sniffling and then it turned into sobs.
Eli crept closer, keeping his hands in front of him.
"Lass? Don't be afraid. I mean you no harm. Why, you are soaked to the skin!"
He held out his hand and the young girl backed away.
"My name is Eli. I live in this cottage but I work this plantation. What is your name?"
Her voice came in gulps as her teeth chattered.
"My..my name is Marilla."
"Well, Miss Marilla, it is doing neither of us good to be standing here in the rain. Come inside and dry off."
She shook her head.
Eli said as friendly as he could, "It's alright. There is a warm fire and I promise you Baron will not hurt you. Come on."
She took a few steps forward.
"Come. I have a blanket you can wrap in and I could put some broth in the kettle to warm up. Mrs  Avery in the big house makes the best soup."
She took a few steps forward as Eli opened the door.
"Come in."
She stood in the doorway, dripping and sniffling. Her light dress was plastered against her body and her shoes had seen better days.
Baron raised his head in curiosity but then laid back down by the fire.
"Miss Marilla, I have a shirt here that while it will be big on you, it is long and it is dry. Go upstairs in the loft and put it on. And here is a candle.
She hesitated but the thought of dry clothes was too much to a temptation. She took it in her hands and whispered gratefully, "Thank you very much."
Eli put the kettle on and stirred the broth. Marilla came downstairs with the long shirt on.
He smiled, "That shirt is big on me, too, but it is almost a dress on you. Here. Here's a wool blanket and wrap yourself in it and sit in that chair by the fire. And for goodness sake, take off those shoes and wrap your feet in that wool. Put your feet up on that stool and warm them."
She sat there with the blanket around her, staring into the fire.
Eli dished it out and broke a piece of bread and put jam on it. He poured her a glass of ale and set it on the table beside her chair.
She whispered, "Thank you," as she devoured the food.

Eli looked over at her. She was a small, delicate thing with bright blue eyes  set in a heart-shaped face and dark blonde hair that was plastered around her shoulders. Her face was streaked with mud. She was thin. Too thin, Eli decided. Like she hadn't been properly fed in a long time.
"So....my name is Eli Meredith. And you are Marilla?"
She nodded between bites.
"Marilla. Marilla Thompson."
He held out his hand. "Pleased to make your acquaintance, Miss Marilla."

She gave Eli a small smile. "This is good," she said quietly.
Eli took the plate away. "Can I get you anything else? More broth?"
She shook her head no, as she wrapped herself even tighter in the blanket.
He put the dishes on the sideboard.
"Now, Miss Marilla, how.....?"
His voice trailed off.
Marilla was wrapped in the blanket, but she was sound asleep.
'So fast?' Eli said to himself. 'What to do with her now?"
He looked over to the small cot that was in the corner. He dragged it in front of the fire and put a fresh blanket and pillow on it. Then he very carefully lifted the girl from the chair.
'Good grief, she can't weigh more than eighty pounds,' he thought.
He gently laid her down on the makeshift bed and covered her with the wool blanket.
She never stirred.
'Goodnight, lassie,' he said as he climbed up to the loft and his own bed.

[Welsh Wench]

Early next morning, Eli crept quietly down the stairs. Marilla was still sound asleep on the cot.
He poured himself a cup of the coffee that he had gotten from Jack's house and sat in front of the fire. He stared at her, wondering how she got here, what happened to her and most of all, what to do with her?
Marilla stirred and then sat bolt upright in bed, looking frantically around.
"Wh—where am I?"

He gave her a warm smile so as not to instill any fear in her.
"You're safe in my cottage, Miss Marilla. You were sleeping so soundly and I didn't want to disturb you."
She rubbed her eyes and tossed the blanket aside.
"I am so sorry to intrude on you. Where is my dress? I should be on my way."
"Your dress is still wet even though I put it by the fire. I imagine it shall be dry in a few hours. Even though it is caked with mud. So it looks like you are my guest for a few hours at least. May I get you something to eat?"
She nodded shyly.
"How does ham sound with an egg?"
"It sounds wonderful. But why not let me cook? After all, I...." she stopped herself.
Eli shook his head. "No, you are my guest."
He cracked an egg in the skillet and scrambled a couple eggs. In no time breakfast was ready and he set the table.
"I may not be the world's best cook but it is edible. I am not like Mrs Avery. The scones that woman can make!"
"Mrs Avery?"
"She's the cook up at the main house."
"Oh."

Eli took a deep breath and then stopped but then plunged right in.
"Miss Marilla,---"
"Please drop the 'Miss'. I am just Marilla, Mr. Meredith."
"Then you can call me Eli. Not Mr. Meredith."
"Eli and Marilla. I like that,' she said.

"Marilla....how did you happen to be wandering out in the dark and get caught in that storm? Surely your parents will be worried about you."
She looked down. "I have no parents. They are both gone."
"I'm sorry. I know it is none of my business but I want to help you. Can you tell me what happened?"
She looked around and then dropped her head, staring at her hands.
"Where did you come from, lass?"
With her head still down, she said quietly, "I was a maid at the Governor's mansion. One of many."
"And you quit?"
She shook her head no.
"You were let go?"
Still shaking her head no.
"Can you talk about it, lass?"

She raised her head and looked Eli in the eyes, seeing the concern and suddenly Marilla felt she could trust him.
"I was a maid. Actually I was in the kitchen, learning from the head cook. She saw potential in me and asked the housekeeper if I could help out. I really enjoyed it. And then...."
He saw the tears well up in her eyes. Tenderly he took her hand.
"Go on," he said softly.
She took a deep breath. "The junior valet took notice of me. I guess you could call it 'uninvited attention.' And he wouldn't let up. He was always following me and brushing up against me. Touching me. The other night he cornered me and made his intentions plain. He said if I didn't cooperate, he would tell the housekeeper that he caught me stealing a glass vase and that I would be sent to jail."
Eli felt his jaw tighten at the scenario. Just like a man like that to prey on a young girl's fears.
Suddenly Marilla burst out into tears.
"I don't know what to do...where to go?"

Eli took out his handkerchief and gently wiped her face.
"Don't you worry. I have an idea."
She looked at him questioningly.
"When your dress is dry, I want you to go up to the house with me. There are a few people I want you to meet and I think I can have a solution for you."

Within two hours, Marilla's dress was dry enough to put on even though it was streaked with mud from where she had fallen a few times.
"I can't go calling on rich people dressed like this!"
"You trusted me last night. Will you trust me now?"
She nodded.
Together they climbed the slope.
Eli started to walk into the back entrance of the house.  Marilla grabbed his arm.
"You can't just go walking into a fancy house without knocking!"
He smiled.
"I'm not going to tell you again. Just trust me."