PRELUDE TO EL LOBO DEL MAR

[Welsh Wench]

Honour came downstairs as Megan was sorting through candles and decor for the ball. She had boxes and crates opened and packing materials strewn everywhere.
"Megan, what on earth hit this room? A cyclone?"
Megan puffed her breath up and her hair fluffed away from her red face.
"I think I bit off more than I can chew with this, Rhiannon."
"You said that last year, Megan."
"This year I mean it."
"Said that last year, too."
"I'm glad the menfolk are away for the day. I can get the lion's share done without Daffyd telling me not to make a fuss."

She shifted Zara to her shoulder. The baby yawned and Rhiannon rocked her.
"Let me put Zara to sleep and then I wil help you sort through this mess. Maybe we can get most of it done and put aside for the servants to hang the decorations."
Megan sat on the floor. "If only I had made the winter ball for summer, I could open up the veranda and the guests could spill out there."
"But then it wouldn't be the winter ball, Megan."
She laughed, "Oh, yes. That's right!"

Honour rocked Zara and sang gently to her.


Gee, geffyl bach, yn cario ni'n dau
Dros y mynydd i hela cnau;
Dŵr yn yr afon a'r cerrig yn slic,
Cwympo ni'n dau. Wel dyna i chi dric!

Cwyd Robin bach a saf ar dy draed,
Sych dy lygad, anghofio'r gwaed;
Neidiwn ein dau ar ein ceffyl bach gwyn,
Dros y mynydd, ac i lawr y glyn.

Gee, geffyl bach dros frigau y coed,
Fel y Tylwyth Teg mor ysgafn dy droed,
Carlam ar garlam ar y cwmwl gwyn;
Naid dros y lleuad, ac i lawr at y llyn.

Megan looked over at her and said quietly, "Do you know what you are singing, Rhiannon?"
"Hmm? Just a lullaby."
Megan looked down. "It was a lullaby Mother used to sing to you. To me. To all of us."
Honour could feel a lump in her throat.
"Do you blame me, Megan? For Mother's death?"
Megan clasped her sister's free hand and said quickly, "Most certainly not! It was an accident pure and simple."
"Father never saw it that way."
"Father never got over losing her."
Honour looked towards the fire, gazing into it as if she coud read the past. "He sent me away, Megan. Six years old and he sent me away."
Megan's eyes met her sisters and Honour could see the love Megan had for her reflected in them.
"Thank you. Thank you for coming to visit me when you could."
She squeezed her sister's hand. "I did what I could."
Honour touched the silver chain around her neck. "You most certainly did."

Zara stirred gently as her eyes shut. Honour gave Megan the blanket and she spread it by the fireplace. Gently the baby was laid down.
"I think she will sleep for a few hours. Now...shall we get down to the business of getting the ball plans under way before Jack and Daffyd come home?"
"I think that would be best. Let's get to it!"

"...and the crystal bowls with silver and gold balls can go on each end of the serving table."
"Why not surround it with laurel branches and a few sprigs of holly?"
"That is a wonderful idea!'
"What is a wonderful idea?" an authoritative voice said from the doorway.
The bowl slipped from Honour's hands and crashed on the floor.
Megan looked up and said one word.

"FATHER!"

[Welsh Wench]

 
Lord Rhodri Conaway stood in the doorway, larger than life.
He was not really a large man but his presence made him seem so. But somehow he seemed not as tall as Honour had remembered him. Maybe it had been the two years since she had seen him. She had been under a great deal of stress when she had returned home. Her presumed desertion by Rhys Morgan when he didn't return for her when he promised. And her subsequent curt dismissal from the Order of St Brigid.

At fifty-five, he still had the stern, patrician features, the strong jaw that marked the Conaway lords that had come before him. His steel-blue eyes took in the sight of his two daughters in the midst of their decorating plans.
He held his arms out.
"Is this any kind of greeting for your father?"
Megan dutifully went to her father and embraced him.
"Welcome home, Father. How was London?"
"In an upheaval with the change from the Crown to Cromwell. Our sort is having a hard time, what with the politics. Rhiannon? No embrace for your father?"
She ignored him and said stiffly, "Hello, Father. I'm sorry about the crystal, Megan."
She picked up the broken pieces. Her fingers trembled, a shard cutting her.  She quickly wrapped her finger in the kerchief she kept in her waistband for Zara's needs.
Megan hurriedly said, "No problem, Rhiannon. It was an extra bowl from a set we received from Daffyd's grandmother. Daffyd broke one last year and it has been an odd number ever since. Now they all match once again."

"And what have we here?"
Lord Conaway looked down and reached for Zara. Honour was quicker and picked Zara up. The baby stirred, frowning in her sleep.
"She's mine."
He reached out to touch her curls. Honour turned her away from him.
"So you have a child. Do you have a wedding ring to go with her?"
Megan cried indignantly, "Father!"
"Well, Madoc has been dead longer than the required time to have a child this age and knowing the way your sister is..."
"I beg your pardon, Father!"
He turned to Honour and said, "Well, have you found yourself a husband or is this child the product of a chance encounter?"
Honour held Zara close to her and said through clenched teeth, "She's legitimate and yes, to answer your unspoken question, she is baptized and I can produce the papers to prove it, if you so desire."
He waved his hand dismissively, "That won't be necessary. She is a bonny lass, isn't she? And her name is....?"
"Zara."
He looked expectantly at her.
"Zara Wolfe."
"Ah, so your husband would be Mr. Wolfe. And does this Mr. Wolfe have a first name?"
"Of course."
"Then since he has chosen to mingle his blood with that of the Conaway blood, might I have his first name?"
"John. John Wolfe."
"And what does Mr. John Wolfe do for a livelihood?"
"We own a plantation in Barbados."
"What kind of plantation?"
"Sugar. We purchased five hundred acres outside of Bridgetown. Why all the questions?"
"I want to make sure my little girl is well cared for."

Honour gave a derisive laugh.  "Since when did you care?"
His jaw tightened. "I see all these months have not tempered your defiance, Rhiannon. Your wild ways are what got you into trouble to begin with. First with the Mother Superior and then the unfortunate...incident regarding your husband."
"Incident?" Megan exclaimed. "Madoc tried to kill her, Father."
"And what did she do? She ran away. She made matters worse."
Honour could barely control her rage. "Did you expect me to swing from the gallows for the crime of self-defense?"
"I expected you to come to me for help."
"Help? HELP? The last time I came to you for help, you married me off to a cruel monster! I was afraid of whatever other tricks you had. Or did you have another old fart in mind to marry me off to?"
Lord Conaway said coldly, "And did you have another young stallion in the barn, pawing at the ground after the death of the one you were dallying with? I can only hope you learned your lesson after all I have gone through to clean up this mess you made."
"Wh-what do you mean?"
"I mean no Conaway is ever going to swing for murder. EVER. Not only have I been sitting in Parliament in London, I have been clearing your--OUR--name."
He reached into his greatcoat and produced a paper.
"This just came through. It is a full absolution for Lady Rhiannon Conaway Castlemaine in the implication of the murder of Lord Madoc Castlemaine. Your dearly departed husband."

"But how...why?..."
"How? Coins showered into the waiting palms of a few Judas Iscariots who care more for sovereigns than justice."
"You mean....?"
"You can walk out of this mess without any retribution and not look over your shoulder. But there is one thing. You will waive all rights to your inheritance. Madoc's sons, who were out to avenge their father, seems to be mollified with the 'donation' of the meadowland that is between our two estates. The land that was to be yours in my will. You will not receive a farthing from me anymore, Rhiannon. All rights are to be given up. Is that understood?"

Honour stood there with her mouth open. Lord Rhodri Conaway took the baby out of her arms.
"Now, this is the newest addition to the Conaway women."
In her shock, Honour stood there as her father looked at Zara. The baby woke up and stared at Rhodri with her blue eyes, not even daring to cry.
He looked at Zara and murmured, "She has her mother's--and her grandmother's--blue eyes. Yes, a fine bonny lass to the Conaway name!  And when will I meet the venerable Mr. Wolfe?"
Rhiannon found her voice. "He and Daffyd had some business and they shall be back by dinnertime."

Megan spoke up, "A word in private, Father, if you please?"
Lord Conaway handed Zara back to Honour and followed Megan to an anteroom.
"Father, I have a request to make."
"And that would be...?"
"John Wolfe does not know of Rhiannon's past."
"What?"
Megan gently explained, "Rhiannon met John Wolfe when she ran to Barbados. From what I understand, it was a love-at-first-sight-let's-get-married situation. She was afraid to tell him and as time went on, she saw no need to mention it to John."
"When she came to Wales, did she not think that he might find out, what with the scandal it caused? Townspeople talk, you know. They still talk. And your sister gave them a plethora to gossip about."

Megan thought quickly. "John had some business here and he surprised Rhiannon when they were on board. He thought it would be a nice surprise for her to see her family. She was hoping that it would never be brought to light."

Lord Conaway shook his head. "Such a foolish girl."
Megan's anger blazed in spite of herself.
"This 'foolish girl' as you call her was able to sail to Barbados by herself, make a living and marry a man she loves. She has a beautiful daughter and from what I understand, John Wolfe is wealthy in his own right. So leave her alone, Father. Try to make peace with her for the short while she is here. She's leaving a few days after the ball."
Lord Conaway sighed. "You do have a valid point, Megan. Agreed. No good can come of keeping ill feelings fueled. So, yes, I will for the sake of the Conaway name, put this aside."

Honour stood by the fire, holding her daughter desperately close to her. Trembling, she wiped the tear from her eye before it landed on Zara.
"Why now, Zara? Why did he have to come home NOW?'

Lord Conaway and Megan had no sooner entered the room when the sound of male laughter and noisy footsteps were heard in the mud room.

Megan was relieved. Honour was filled with trepidation.
"I do believe the gentlemen of this house have arrived home."
Lord Conaway gave a slight smile. "And I would say it is time I met my son-in-law."

[Captain Jack Wolfe]

Jack's voice could be heard clearly as he and Daffyd came down the hall, and it gave Honour a bit of comfort.  He was in his element, in the midst of telling Daffyd a story.
"... and when I finally managed to pull her sword free, that poor tree hung there as best it could until it finally fell over!"
"She did all that?" laughed Daffyd.
"Believe me, I was just as surprised!  She's a force to be reckoned with when she puts her mind to it."
"But of course!  She's a Conaway, after all!"
Megan gave her sister a bemused look, and Honour could feel her face colour a bit.  Rhodri stood impassively, a look Honour knew all too well.  He was  waiting to pass judgement.  First impressions were everything with her father, and second chances, if there were any to be had, came with a price.  Honour couldn't help but think how he would react if Jack were to appear dressed in is customary shift, replete with high boots, breeches, a roomy silk shirt in the style that seasoned swordsmen preferred, a waistcoat, and his long brown hair free and wild.  Not that she disliked the way he dressed since they came to Wales, though she often teased him about looking so prim and respectable.  Beneath that polished, gentlemanly exterior was the untameable man she loved. 

"Rhodri!  What an unexpected surprise!" exclaimed Daffyd.  "We had no idea were coming home.  How are things in London?"
Jack paused at the doorway and looked first at Lord Conaway, then to Honour still standing by the fireplace.  He could see she was upset, clutching Zara to her as if the Devil himself was in the room.
"Frustrating, thanks to the Lord Protector.  Mark my words, Daffyd, that man is dangerous.  I wouldn't be surprised if he disbands both Houses, he's that mad," said Lord Conaway.
"But as you say, what's bad for England is good for Wales," chuckled Daffyd.
"And who do we have here?" asked Rhodri.
"Oh!  Pardon my manners," said Daffyd.  "This is Rhiannon's husband, Cap--"
"JOHN Wolfe," interjected Megan.  Jack quirked an eyebrow, and she gave him a wide-eyed nod.  He looked over at Honour.  Her eyes told him everything he needed to know.
"That's right, John Wolfe," Jack said glibly.  He stepped forward and shook Lord Conaway's hand firmly.  "I've heard so much about you."
"All good, I should think."
"Yes, there's that.  You'll pardon me, your Lordship.  I've been missing my wife and child all day."

Jack went to Honour and searched her eyes. 
"Are you all right?" he asked quietly. 
She looked into his eyes and feigned a pleasant expression.  "No," she whispered.
Jack set his jaw, and gave Honour a slight nod.  "You look tired, darling.  I know Zara can be a handful to look after.  Why don't you have a bit of a lie down before supper?"
Honour smiled tiredly at him and said, "I think that would be a good idea.  Here.  She's been asleep only a short while."  She gently bundled Zara off into Jack's waiting arms.  The sleeping child stirred a little, then took a handful of her father's waistcoat lapel and relaxed against him.
"There we are.  Safe as houses."  Jack kissed Honour on the cheek and smiled reassuringly.  "I'll come get you when it's time to eat, love."
Honour looked at Jack, then to her father, then back again.  "You'll pardon me, please," she said as she brushed past her father and went up the stairs.

"Daffyd, do call for the nanny," said Rhodri.  "There's no reason for John to be saddled with the child whilst we chat."
"No need, thank you," Jack said quickly.  "I prefer to spend every moment with my daughter that I can."
"Well, it's your choice, of course," Rhodri demurred.
"That it is.  And she's happy right here.  Who am I to disturb such peace?" smiled Jack.
"How old is she now?" asked Rhodri.
"Oh, almost ten months now.  She took her very first step only a couple days ago.  Destined for great things, this one is."
"Forgive me saying this, John, but you dote on that child as if you've only just seen her.  I daresay you're going to spoil her."
"Then spoil her I shall, Lord Conaway," Jack declared, with more than a little defiance in his voice.  "My choice, remember?"
The older man took the hint.  "Please, we're family now.  Call me Rhodri.  After all, that is my grandchild you're holding."
"Fair enough, Rhodri," smiled Jack.  "But you'll forgive me for thinking of her as my daughter first, and your granddaughter second.  Seeing as we've just met, and all." 

Jack knew that Rhodri's presence was what has upset Honour so terribly, and he could read the lord's haughtiness as if it were emblazoned on the very walls of the room.  It had been a long time since he had verbally sparred with someone other than Honour.  This was going to be a treat.  Though the rewards of such discourse with Honour were sweet, indeed.
"Shall we retire to the study?" asked Daffyd uneasily.
He led them into his office cum retreat.  Jack settled into a high-backed leather chair and smoothed Zara's curls.  Rhodri took the chair opposite him, striking a regal, if relaxed, pose.  Daffyd busied himself pouring brandies for them all.
"I understand you've bought a sugar plantation in Barbados," began Rhodri.  "A lucrative, if far flung operation.  How many acres?"
Jack thought for a moment.  "I'm not quite sure, to be honest.  Hon-- Rhiannon would know that better than I."
"You don't know the size of your own plantation?  That's a bit odd, don't you think?"
"Just because I'm fuzzy on a particular figure doesn't mean I'm not keen on making the enterprise a success, Rhodri."
"All the same, leaving such details in the hands of a woman..."
"I'm sorry, your lordship.  Is there something lacking in the mental faculties of the Conaway women I should know about?  A genetic deficiency, perhaps?"
"Of course not!  The Conaway line is strong!  How dare you insinuate..."
"Actually, you insinuated, Rhodri.  Rhiannon is by far one of the most brilliant, insightful people I've met in all my travels.  You do her a disservice, suggesting I shouldn't trust her with details."

Daffyd knocked back his brandy and poured another.
Rhodri smiled to himself.  "Touché, John.  Perhaps I am old and set in my ways.  I forget that there is a brave new world out there, far from the decorum of the motherland."
"New lands, new ideas.  It pays to be flexible," said Jack.
"Yes, quite.  Megan tells me you were a wealthy man before becoming a sugar farmer."
Daffyd tried hard not to choke on his drink.  Honour had told him and Megan of the Dutch ship Jack had plundered and the subsequent riches he had come away with; the entire year's profits of the Dutch East India Company.
"Oh, a few well placed investments here, some useful information there.  It all adds up over time," Jack answered coyly.
"So, you weren't always of means, then."
"I'm going to check on supper.  Please, continue," said Daffyd, and he hastily left the room.
Jack looked down at Zara and smiled.  "No, I wasn't.  The son of a shipwright.  My father scrimped and saved to send me to university.  Took nearly every penny he had."
"And your course of study?"
"Philosophy and literature."
Rhodri snickered.  "The liberal arts?  That hardly prepares one for the world of finance and business."
"And yet, I've done all right.  Well enough that both Rhiannon and Zara need never worry about money as long as they live."
"Really!  And may I ask, as Rhiannon's father and Zara's grandfather, exactly how much are you worth?"
Jack smiled enigmatically.  "You may ask..."
Lord Conaway stared at him expectantly.
Jack cleared his throat and took a sip of brandy.  "That was a little joke."
"Very little," answered Rhodri sternly.

"Supper will be ready in fifteen minutes," said Daffyd as he entered the room.
"Ah!  Then I should wake Rhiannon so she can make herself ready," said Jack hastily.  He rose from the chair, careful not to disturb the sleeping Zara, and headed for the door.
"We'll continue this conversation later, John," Rhodri declared.
"Looking forward to it," replied Jack, and he quickly left the study.

He quietly shut the door to his and Honour's room.  Honour was lying on the bed, staring at the wall.
"Honour?  Almost time to eat, darling.  Zara and I came for you, just as I promised."
"I'm not asleep," she said softly.
Jack laid Zara on the bed, and went around to Honour's side and knelt beside her.
"He's upset you that much?"
Honour's eyes welled with tears.  "Jack, he's such a horrid man!   I could never be good enough in his eyes..."
Jack smiled sympathetically and stroked her hair.  "I believe you, darling.  After the interrogation I just went through, I can believe him capable of a lot of things."
A tear escaped her eye and tumbled down her cheek.  "I'm so sorry, Jack.  I had no idea he'd show up.  I hope he wasn't to harsh with you."
He gently wiped the tear away.  "Hey, you know me!  I can hold my own in any situation.  Though he's plenty sharp.  I've been in sword fights less dicey.  I can see now where you get your sharp tongue."
She laughed a little.  "It's a Conaway trait."
"Same with the Wolfes."  He looked over at Zara.  "We're in for quite a time with her, aren't we?"
"Any regrets, Captain Wolfe?"
Jack smiled and shook his head.  "Not ever, my love.  Now, let's get ready for supper.  This is going to be interesting..."

[Captain Jack Wolfe]

Megan, Daffyd, and Lord Conaway were seated at the table in the formal dining room.  The room was appointed much like the rest of the Llewellyn home; understated elegance.  Flickering lamp light illuminated family portraits hung on richly panelled walls.  One of the servants was busy collecting dinner plates from the large open hutch opposite the fireplace. Rhodri, of course, had claimed the high-backed chair at the head of the long, narrow cherry table.  Megan sat to his left, with Daffyd beside her.  They chatted pleasantly while the kitchen staff filled their waiting wine glasses and completed the final preparations for the meal.  A heavy tureen sat at the centre of the table, brimming with pheasant stew.  Along with it were several loaves of fresh caraway seed bread.

Jack and Honour paused outside the entrance of the dining room.  Honour's brow was furrowed in worry.  Why, of all times, did her father have to be there?  It didn't help that things had already gotten contentious between him and Jack.  Would he abide by Megan's request?  Honour could feel her stomach tighten with dread.
"I know that look, darling," Jack said quietly.  "I can handle him, don't you worry.  At the end of this evening, the only thing of substance he'll have learned about me is that I won't be trifled with.  And I won't let him torment you.  I have no time nor respect for any man who would turn out his own child for no good reason the way he did you."
"Why, Mister Wolfe!  Are you my knight in shining armour this night?" she teased.
Jack grinned at her.  "There's a lot of rust here, but yes, Mrs. Wolfe.  I shall defend you against the dragon.  Tonight, and always."
He drew Honour to him and tenderly kissed her lips.  As they parted, she looked into his eyes.
"Jack, he can be so very cruel."
Jack gave her a wink.  "Of that I have little doubt.  But when is the last time he tangled with a pirate?"
"Um... never, that I know of."
"Well, then it's him you ought to be worried about, darling.  Shall we?  The food smells wonderful, and for once I'm hungry for something other than you."
Honour giggled.  "You're making me blush!  I can't go in with red cheeks!"
"Sure you can!  Let them wonder.  Besides, we're married.  We're entitled to a little hallway passion now and then.  Oh, look at those cheeks now!"
Honour playfully slapped Jack on the chest, then took his arm.  With her head held high, she and her husband made their entrance.  But despite his show of bravado to boost Honour's confidence, one worry nagged at Jack.
"Rhiannon.  Her name is Rhiannon, not Honour.  Don't mess this, or you'll be explaining more than you ever wanted to..."

"Ah, there's the happy couple!" chimed Megan.  "Please, do join us!"  She caught Honour's eye, and with a smirk she made a brief motion to her cheeks.  Honour rolled her eyes and stuck her tongue out quickly.
Jack held Honour's chair as she sat down across from Daffyd, and Jack took the seat between her and her father.  He fully expected Rhodri to start in with pointed questions at some point, and he didn't want Honour caught in the crossfire.
"The food smells so good, and I am famished!" said Jack cheerily.
"It's pheasant stew, from birds taken here on the property," said Daffyd.  "I make sure grain is put out through the winter to keep them close and plump.  Shall we dig in?"
"Perhaps Father would like to make a toast to start things off?" Megan suggested.
Rhodri cleared his throat and thought for a moment before raising his wine glass.  Oratory was his stock and trade in the House of Lords, and Jack silently prayed that the food would still be warm by the time the toast was completed.
"This occasion has brought many surprises with it.  Many surprises, indeed.  The least of which being that my youngest daughter is wed to an intelligent if not somewhat mysterious man who obviously loves her.  And together they have brought a beautiful daughter into the ranks of the Conaway family.  So on this night, I wish to express my thanks to you, John, and to Daffyd as well.  It is gratifying to know my daughters, and grandchildren, are so well taken care of.  God bless us all."

"Here, here!" said Daffyd.
They all took the customary sip of wine, and one of the servants began filling the bowls full of hot stew and placing them in front of the diners.  The dinner conversation was light, but Lord Conaway remained oddly quiet.  Finally, he broke his silence.
"Megan tells me you and Daffyd were off on business today, John.  Another one of your investments, I take it?"
Jack gave a small smile.  It had taken Rhodri a while to make his move, and there it was.  "In a way, yes.  I wanted to make sure our passage to Barbados was in still order, and finalise the arrangements.  Port fees, and such.  The usual."
"Do you always oversee such arrangements so closely?  I'd call that a bit unusual.  I thought the ship's owner was responsible for such things."
"I don't like leaving things to chance.  It's not in my nature."
"More stew, anyone?  Or bread?" Daffyd interrupted.
"Please," Jack answered quickly.  "I was hungrier than I thought."
"You must be anxious to return to the New World and your latest endeavour, then," Rhodri continued.  He was determined to find out more about his new son-in-law.  There was a shadiness about the younger man that didn't sit well with him.  "Has Rhiannon refreshed your memory as to your acreage?"
Jack smiled politely.  "The subject never came up.  Too busy doting over my wife and child to think about it, really."
"Five hundred," Honour said with a hint of nervousness in her voice.
Rhodri chuckled scoffingly.  "Five hundred acres?  That's hardly what I would call an estate!"
Jack took a deep breath.  "Lord Conaway, do you have any idea how much larger Wales is in comparison to Barbados?"
"Not exactly," Rhodri hedged.  "I do know it's one of the largest islands England has colonised in the New World."
"I thought as much.  But it's an easy enough mistake for someone to make.  Wales is over seventy-five times the size of Barbados.  So you see, our five hundred acres for sugar cane is easily worth more per square foot than any turnip fields here." 
Honour had to bite her lip to keep from giggling at Jack putting the grand Lord Conaway in his place.  Megan was having similar problems, while Daffyd managed to empty his wine glass.

[Captain Jack Wolfe]

Rhodri cleared his throat.  "Well, thank you for enlightening me, John.  Another of your well-played investments.  Nicely done."
"I can't take the credit for this one, Rhodri," Jack smiled.  "Congratulate your daughter!  It was, um, Rhiannon's desire to buy the plantation.  And buy it, she did."
Honour gave Jack a surprised look.  "Um, well, yes, I did," she stammered.  "I positively fell in love with Barbados, and wanted to raise Zara there."
"I must say, I'm impressed," said Rhodri as he regarded his youngest daughter with new eyes.  "I never thought you had a mind for business, the way your head was always in the clouds."
Honour sat up a little straighter, trying to keep the defiant edge out of her voice.  "It was the right decision, and I made it."
"Conaways have always had a good eye for land," pronounced Rhodri.  "It's in the blood."
"In the blood, my arse," Honour muttered.
"I'm sorry?  I didn't catch that," said Rhodri.
Honour took a quick sip of wine.  "I said, we've made it into an art."
Lord Conaway puffed up with pride.  "Quite right!  We have at that."

Honour gave Megan a wide-eyed look, and Megan pretended to dab her mouth with her napkin to cover her smile.  It was a game the Conaway girls had played time and again at the supper table since they were little, wordlessly expressing their boredom or exasperation and trying to make the others laugh as their father droned on about politics and whatnot.
Jack held his composure and said, "Blood or not, it was a brilliant move on her part, for which I am proud and grateful.  And we'll make it the perfect home for Zara."
"Provided the sugar market holds," added Rhodri.  "How many years until the note is paid off?"
"What note?" asked Jack flatly.
"Why, the note on the property, of course.  Surely they have banks in Barbados," laughed Rhodri.
"The plantation is paid for, Father," said Rhiannon coolly.  "It was a cash transaction."
Rhodri stared at Honour, then gave Jack a suspicious look.  "It would seem you have indeed managed to do well for yourself.  But doing what, I would still like to know?"
Jack's coy smile returned.  "As you said, well-played investments.  Shipping, warehousing, trade...  I'm quite industrious."
"And more than a little evasive," Rhodri said with growing impatience.
"Anyone for dessert?  I'm starving for something sweet!" interrupted Megan.
"Oh, me!" said Honour quickly.  "You always have the most delicious sweets, Megan."
"It's nothing extravagant, really.  Apples with egg custard and cream."  Megan motioned to one of the kitchen staff.  "Enydd, please bring out the desserts, would you?"

The sisters had jumped to another game they had become practiced at; derailing their father's inquiries.
"It's a shame it's still winter," continued Megan.  "We could have had your very favourite."
Honour's face broke into a grin.  "Blueberries?"
"Yes, of course!  Blueberries!  Oh, John, you should have seen Rhiannon when she was a little girl," laughed Megan.  "She would slip outside and head right for the blueberry patches, with Muir in tow.  Then she'd stuff her pockets full of blueberries and take off on one of her adventures.  When she and Muir finally came home, her fingers, lips and dress would be stained from the juice!"
"It was impossible to keep her in nice clothes," sighed Rhodri.
Jack turned and grinned at his giggling wife.  "Now this I have to hear about.  What adventures?"
"Just childish things," Honour laughed demurely.  "Nothing special..."
"Her favourite thing to do," said Megan, "was to go down to the docks and look at the tall ships.  In love with the sea, that one has always been!  Bold, too.  She'd even strike up conversations with sailors!"
Rhodri looked up at the ceiling and shook his head.
Honour was blushing fiercely.  "Oh, I did not!"
"Well, that's what you told us!" countered Megan.
"I'm sorry, darling, but it's entirely believable!" Jack laughed.  "I can practically see you, all mussed from playing in the berry patch, with Muir by your side.  I'll bet you had squashed blueberries in your pockets..." 

His laughter trailed off, and he gave his wife a strangely quizzical look.  His mind went back to that day on the docks of Beaumaris when the precocious little blueberry stained girl with her wolf-dog talked him into taking her aboard the Laura Anne for a tour.  A precocious little girl named Rhiannon, and her dog Muir.
Honour's laughter trailed off, too, as she searched her husband's face.  "What?  What is it?"
Jack chuckled and shook his head.  "I'll tell you later, my love.  But when we land in Barbados, remind me to plant a blueberry patch or two.  I'd hate for Zara to miss out."

[Welsh Wench]

Dessert was brought to the table and everyone quietly ate. Honour slipped her hand under the table and ran her hand up and down Jack's leg. The table jumped.
"Something the matter with your leg, John? A cramp?" Lord Conaway said.
Jack tried to keep his mind on his dessert. "Just something that comes up now and then."
Honour mouthed to Megan, "More now than then."
She then put on a very innocent face, continuing to run her fingers up and down. Jack concentrated on his dessert even more. Honour continued to eat her dessert and then picked up an apple slice and sucked the juices off it.
Megan coughed and choked. Daffyd pounded her on the back as Megan tried to regain her composure.
Lord Conaway raised his eyebrow. "Are you alright, Megan?"
Her eyes watered as she tried to stop coughing. "No, I'm fine."
Daffyd and Jack rolled their eyes and shook their heads, both thinking the same thing.
'Those Conaway sisters....'

Honour and Megan continued to give each other looks and mouthed comments that made each other giggle. Jack was beginning to see a side of his wife that he never knew---and he liked. 
Lord Rhodri Conaway looked from one to the other with disapproval.
"I suggest we take our brandy into the study, gentlemen. I would like to get to know my son-in-law more."

Jack stood up, grabbing Honour's hand. "Another time, perhaps, Lord Conaway. I think it is time my wife gets to bed. She's had a long day and Zara does keep her going."
"So does Jack," Megan whispered to Daffyd. Unfortunately as he took a sip of brandy and it went down the wrong pipe."
Lord Conaway frowned. "What is WRONG with this family? Did we not learn the proper way to eat and drink?"
Daffyd reached for his water. "I'm sorry, Rhodri. The brandy went down the wrong way."
Jack put his arm around Honour and said, "Then we shall bid you goodnight."
Honour said, "We can finish up the decorating tomorrow, Megan. After all, we only have two days left."
Megan smiled at her sister lovingly. "Thank you for all your help, Rhiannon. Please enjoy your evening."
Honour returned with a twinkle in her eye, "That I certainly shall."

Daffyd said, "Thank you for a tour of the port, John. I can't wait to see your ship once she's made berth!"
To this Lord Conaway said, "You have a ship, John?"
Jack said modestly, "Well, yes, I do. She's a variation on a Spanish-built frigate. Thirty-six guns, and swift as the wind. She's a ship that I've invested heavily in. As I hinted, I do have a hand in commerce."
"Really! But she sounds more like a war ship than a freighter." Lord Conaway was clearly impressed, but dubious.
"One can never be too careful, Rhodri. Not with the proliferation of pirates these days. But if you don't mind, Lord Conaway, I am looking forward to spending time with my lovely wife. After all, I haven't seen her since this morning."

Honour gave Jack a radiant smile and the two walked out of the dining room arm-in-arm. The sound of whispering and Honour's soft laugh was heard in the dining room.

"Are they always like that?" Lord Conaway said sourly.
"Pretty much. Daffyd, dear, would you please pass me the cream?"
"Why, certainly, my darling. And then perhaps we should retire early as well?"
Megan gave him a teasing smile. "I do think that is a good idea."
Lord Conaway rolled his eyes and shook his head.
Those Conaway girls.....

[Welsh Wench]

Honour had thrown her clothes over the screen.
"So, what is this story about blueberries you said you would tell me later?"
Jack stretched out on the bed, his hands folded behind his head.
"Do you believe that people are destined to be together, Honour?"
Her head peeked out over the screen.
"I hadn't really thought about it."
Her head disappeared again as her skirt was flung over the screen, landing on the floor.
"I need to tell you something that just came to my mind. Ready for a bed-time story?"
Her laughter was heard from behind the screen. "In a minute. Just having a hard time getting out of these lacings."
"I would be more than happy to oblige, you know."
"I'll be out in a moment. Meanwhile, would you check on Zara?"

Jack opened the door to Zara's nursery. The child was wrapped up in her pink blanket, the bunny Jack had given her she had under her arm, her head resting on its ears. Jack smiled and brushed her hair back, then gently took her thumb out of her mouth. Zara frowned a bit in her sleep but then relaxed and continued to sleep.

Honour came out from behind the screen, wrapped in a silk dressing gown and brushing her hair. She sat down on the bed, Jack taking the brush out of her hand and he started to brush her hair.
"Mmmm....that feels wonderful. Now tell me the bedtime story!"

Jack intoned, "Once upon a time...."
She groaned. "I thought this was a for real story."
"It is. Alright, I'll start over again. The first ship I sailed on was docked in a coastal town in Wales. And I met someone."
Honour felt a twinge of jealousy. "And this someone....did she become important in your life?"
Jack nodded soberly, "Yes, she did. In fact, she was all I could ever hope for."
"And why are you telling me this?" she asked tightly.
"Because it is something I feel I need to confess to you."
"You fell in love with her."
"Yes, I did. But not right away. Will you stop asking so many questions? I need to get this off my chest, darling."
"And this is the bedtime story that I am supposed to wrap myself in? I'm sorry if I don't get a warm and fuzzy feeling about it, Jack."
Jack sighed and brushed her hair gently.
"She was the most fascinating creature I had ever seen. Long blonde hair and big blue eyes."
"Following a pattern here, Jack?"
He shrugged. "Maybe. The ship was the Laura Ann."
Honour sat there quietly. "Mmm hmmm...."
And the lovely girl had a dog with her---"
"I'll bet he was nothing like Muir."
"---and I'll never forget what she said to me."
"I love you?"
Jack chuckled, "No. She kept emphasizing that she was old enough."
"And you were worried she was underaged. Jack, why do you feel the need to ruin this evening with your true confessions of your past infidelities?"
He laughed, "Hardly can be called an infidelity when it all happened before I met you. In a matter of speaking. And you know what she was eating?"
"Curds and whey...how would I know?"
"She was eating blueberries."
"Lots of blueberry patches up here."
"Ah, but there is one thing she said that stopped me from pursuing the relationship further. She was six years old."
Honour stopped suddenly.
Jack continued, "Her last words to me were, 'I'm not allowed to talk to strangers let alone tell them my name. But my name is Rhiannon.'

She turned to look at him, her mouth a perfect O.
"Oddly enough, her dog was named Muir."
Honour finally found her words. "You mean...you mean...."
Jack couldn't stop laughing. "I was the sailor who showed you the Laura Ann."
She murmured, "It was the night before I was shipped off to the Order of St Brigid."
"You were charming and precocious as can be."
She started to laugh. "And you remembered me after all that time?"
Jack nodded. "You were such a sight. Hair tangled and blueberry stains all over your dress and hands. You told me you took your father's stallion out and were being sent away. And meeting your father, it becomes all too clear to me now. But you were positively adorable!"

She shook her head. "After all those years.....I guess you could say we found each other again."
"Again? My darling, we were never lost to each other. Just parted by circumstances."
"Did you ever think about me?"
"Honour! You were six years old! I only remembered the story when Megan mentioned you used to hang around the docks and talk to sailors. Why Muir never connected me to the events, I'll never know."
"Muir never forgets anyone. That was why he was so accomodating when we got married."
"And so it solves one more piece of the puzzle."
"And that is....?"
"I wondered why Muir never bit me in the arse!"

[Welsh Wench]

Jack laid the hairbrush down and moved to massage Honour's shoulders.
"Mmmm..Jack, that feels wonderful. I never realized how hard carrying Zara around could be on a person's back."
"No, this isn't muscle strain, love. This is good old fashioned stress. Stress in the form of Lord Rhodri Conaway."
"I can't disagree with  you.  When do you expect El Lobo to be back in port?"
"Briggs is due back next week with the swag unloaded in Amsterdam and then we shall be heading back. One stop in the Canary Islands and then we are homeward bound. Wherever that may be."
"To our plantation, of course."
"Honour, you never did tell me what it is like."

He leaned to kiss her ear and whispered, "The land. I want to know what you spent my money on."
She held her finger up. "OUR money!"
"Alright, OUR money. Tell me about it."

"Jack, you will love it! The house has a verandah wrapped around it and the entrance has six Grecian columns. There is an upstairs balcony. And the stairs are red brick. A huge massive oak door."
"Sounds impressive!"
"Oh, it is. I saw this house and fell in love with it. There is a marble staircase that splits in two.  And French doors that open out to a brick patio and a view of the ocean. The owner left his mahogany table and sixteen matching chairs. And a beautiful cut-glass chandelier from Murano. The kitchen is detached from the house, of course. There is a brick walkway with a pergola covered with grapevines so we can make our own wine, too.  And the gardens are covered with exotic flowers. The perfume in the air at night is divine!"

He kissed her shoulder and she leaned back into him, closing her eyes.
"What is the bedroom like?" he whispered.
Her eyes flew open and she smacked his hand on her shoulder.
"Jack, you are so bad! There is a massive four poster bed with mosquito netting that was left behind. I gave the owner a bit extra for some furnishings. The coverlet is down-filled and the curtains are lace. The balcony looks out over the ocean too."
He murmured, "Just like our room in Castara," as he kissed her neck. "And how many bedrooms?"
"Hmmm? Oh...oh, six, I think. The overseer and his wife have been taking care of it for me."
"You, madame?"
"Well, at the time it was ME. Now it is US."
"And Zara's room?"
"There is an antique cradle there in the alcove. But she can have her own room."
'There really is five hundred acres?"
"Give or take a few."
"Outbuildings?"
"Sugar mill right there and storage buildings.Two barns and a ten-stall stable. Some slave cabins that I want to refinish and rent them out inexpensively to the laborers. No slaves, Jack. That is non-negotiable. I won't have it."
"Agreed."
He moved his hands around her waist and reached up to untie the gown.
It fell away with one soft swish.
She touched his hand gently and said softly, "Jack Wolfe, sometimes I think you take my breath away."
He kissed her neck in that one spot.
"And the rest of the time, I know you do."

[Captain Jack Wolfe]

The two lovers looked at one another lovingly as they caught their breath.
"I don't care how much you dress as the gentleman, Jack," Honour smiled, her face aglow as her golden hair spilled across her pillow.  "You still make love like a pirate."
Jack caressed her cheek.  "Would you have it any other way?"
"No!" she giggled as she ran her finger across his chest.  "Never.  I hope it's always like this with us."
"As long as I draw a breath, it will be," vowed Jack.  "Fair warning, I intend to keep breathing a very, very long time."
"I should hope so!  You've spoiled me for other men."
"Ah!  My master plan is a success!"
They laughed together, and Jack gave her lips a lingering kiss.  "But I'm afraid I neglected to foresee one thing; you've spoiled me for any other woman."
Honour smiled wickedly.  "You're not the only one with a master plan, Jack Wolfe.  Though I'm sure half the Caribbean will lament my victory!"
"Only half?  Give me some credit, darling!" he teased.  "Hold on.  I have an idea."
She giggled again, this time gently raking her nails against his skin.  "You're not going to let me get any rest this night, are you?"
"No fair reading my mind!" he protested.
"It's not your mind I was reading..."
Jack moved to kiss her again, but when Honour closed her eyes, he kissed the tip of her nose.  Her eyes popped open in surprise.

"First, we need to celebrate," he said with a devilish wink.  He reached under the bed and produced a bottle of merlot and two glasses.  Honour took one glass, then he pulled the cork from the bottle with his teeth and poured the wine.  Honour playfully took the cork from her husband's teeth and returned it to the bottle.
Jack raised his glass.  "To our master plans!"
"To our shared brilliance!  We managed to snare each other forever," she said as they clinked their glasses.  "How little you knew I had set my sights on you that day, all those years ago."
"What I want to know is how you knew I have a weakness for blueberries."
"Women's intuition."
"I bow to your superior cunning and wiles."
"You'll have to do more than that."
"Any hints?" he winked.
"I trust your imagination."
"I can imagine a lot."
"And that's one reason I love you," she smiled over the rim of her glass.  She took a sip of wine and sighed.  "Do you hear that sound?"
"What sound?  I don't hear anything."
"That's just it.  I can't believe Zara is still sleeping!"
"I am, too, with all that racket we just made."

Honour gave a look of mock indignation and slapped Jack's arm.  She set her glass down on the bedside table and got out of bed.  Jack watched approvingly as she retrieved her dressing gown from the floor and wrapped it around herself.  Quietly, she padded over to the door to Zara's room and opened it.  Candlelight fell upon the child's cradle to reveal a peacefully sleeping little girl, still clutching her favourite toy rabbit.  Honour smiled and closed the door with a soft click of the latch.  As she walked back to the bed, she noticed Jack seemed lost in thought.  She could see small furrows in his brow, and he was frowning slightly.  Not wanting to lose the light mood of the night, she gave a low whistle to catch his attention.
"Oh, sailor..."
Jack blinked and looked up just as Honour let the gown slip from around her and fall to the floor.
"And there is another reason I love you!" laughed Jack, and he patted the bed.  "Get back in here where you belong."
She gave him a coy smile as she picked up her wine glass and slipped in between the warm covers beside her husband.  "You know I have to ask."
"About?"
Honour took Jack's hand.  "I saw the start of it.  The frowny face.  The face that tells me your are thinking about something serious."
"You know me so well," he said.  "Honour, this has all been so perfect.  Well, except for your father.  A sour grape, that one."
"Father has always been that way.  What hurts the most is how he never fails to put the Conaway family name before the needs of the family itself.  But I do enjoy the way you handle him."
Jack smiled.  "He's not that difficult to manage.  Too puffed up with protocol and decorum to really come after me.  But I'll tell you what-- part of me would love, really love, to tell him the truth about me.  Just to see the steam come out of his ears like a kettle."
Honour laughed a little, but part of her worried a little that Jack might actually follow through on that whim.  Lord Rhodri Conaway was an expert at getting under people's skin.  "You never really would tell him, would you?"
"What?  Oh, no, darling," Jack reassured her.  "He's being cordial enough toward you, and I don't want to upset that balance.  Besides, he strikes me as someone who wouldn't think twice about handing me over to the authorities to protect the family honour," he said, finishing with affected snobbery.  "Nor will I have him lock me up just to teach you a lesson.  I mean, think of it!  After everything I've seen and been through, only to end up in a prison?  In Cardiff?  How unglamorous is that?"
"Hey, I happen to like Cardiff, thank you very much!" Honour laughed.
"There's a bit of good news.  I'd be assured you'd find a reason to come visit, if only for the chance to shop," he teased.
Honour sipped her wine casually, and with a toss of her hair replied, "There's a fabulous leather-works near the prison.  They make the most divine boots.  It will give me an excuse to drop by to see you."
"And Zara?"
"She's a little young for boots, don't you think?"

Jack clamped a hand over his mouth to keep from laughing too loudly.  "She is your daughter, Honour.  I was surprised to see knit booties on her feet, not leather ones."
The lovers laughed together and exchanged affectionate glances.  But Honour could still see that hint of trepidation in his eyes.
"You're really going to miss this place?" she asked, knowing there was more to it.
Jack nodded.  "This place, this time together, the warmth and generosity of Megan and Daffyd... yes.  I will miss it.  Darling, this is the first time since those first few weeks we were married that I've been able to let my guard down and enjoy the moment.  No cares, no responsibilities outside of you and Zara.  I like it, Honour.  I like the peace.  It's a warm cocoon I'd rather not leave.  But I know we must.  And I'm dreading it."
Honour brushed a long lock of hair away from his face.  "But we'll have that again, once we're back in Barbados."
"I know, and I want that more than anything in the world.  A safe, peaceful haven where we can raise Zara and live out our lived together."  He sighed, and gave a melancholy look.  "Yet, before we can begin that life, we have to sail to the end of the New World aboard a pirate ship with a pirate crew, and I, their pirate captain.  Once there, I have to find a way to walk away from it all forever.  The Account, the crew, the ship... all of it."
Honour shook her head.  "I can't see you giving up the Lobo.  Maybe you could sell off the guns and refit her?  There has to be something we can do.  You love that ship."
Jack looked deep into her eyes.  "I love you more."
Honour could feel the tears begin to well.  "You told me once, a long time ago, that you could never be without that ship.  It's too much a part of you."
"I know better now," he smiled tenderly. 
"How do you do it?" Honour asked.
"Do what?  I mean, yeah, I know a thing or two about female anatomy, and what works.  Like that little thing I do that make you..."
"NOT THAT!!  I mean, you've seen so much.  So many terrible things, yet you manage to stay optimistic.  How do you carry on?"
Jack affected a haughty air.  "I am English! It's what we do."
She giggled and poked him playfully in the ribs.  "I'm serious, silly!  It's as if nothing can hold you down."
"Honour, I had no future before you.  That made it easy to endure anything and everything.  When one has nothing to look forward to, anything is imaginable, and tolerable.  But now, I have you and Zara.  I can step away from that old life and forge a new future.  You have made that possible for me.  And for that, I'm ever in your debt.  With you, I can imagine anything."

Honour finished her wine and set the glass aside on the bedside table.  She snuggled down in the bed and laid her head on Jack's chest, and thought for a moment about the many things she had endured over the years.  No matter what, she found a way, as Jack put it, to carry on.  But instead of the usual bitterness that come with those memories, Honour found comfort.  Just as Jack found boundless hope in her and Zara, she found the same in him and their daughter as well.  Honour realised just how she and Jack were kindred spirits.  More than that.  They were, in every sense, soul mates.
Jack stroked her hair.  "You're quiet all of a sudden.  Did I upset you?"
"No," replied Honour softly.  "No, I'm happy."
"Did I answer your question?  I know it probably doesn't make sense..."
"Jack, it makes all the sense in the world.  Because you do the same for me."
"I'm glad I make you happy, Honour.  Even when we're not talking about that little thing I do that..." He paused, waiting for her reaction.
"Yes?" she asked coyly.
"Usually you interrupt me when I start talking bawdy."
Honour looked up at her husband with a gleam in her eye.  "Why do you think I didn't bother putting my nightgown back on?"
"Why, you little temptress!" smiled Jack.  "How deliciously lewd of you!"
"Jack, are you going to talk for the rest of the night?"
"I guess you're going to have to find a way to shut me up."
She snaked her hand behind his neck and drew him to her.
"Shut up, Jack."

[Welsh Wench]

"Good morning, Megan!"
"Well, good morning to you, too!"
"Have we lots to do today? The ball is tomorrow night."
Megan looked around. "Any cleaner and this place could be Westminster Abbey. No, dear, we just need the last minute decorations and the candles placed around the room. And the dais over there is where the musicians will play."
"You think of everything."
Megan smiled, "Well, this winter ball is a tradition started by Daffyd's grandmother so who am I to break tradition?"
Honour hummed while she placed candles in the candleholders.
"And what has you in such a fine mood, sister dear?"

Honour stopped and said, "What? Oh..well..I got a good night's sleep."
"Oh, is that what we are calling it now?"
Honour retorted, "I tend to see a glow on YOUR face too, Megan."
She laughed, "Well, I dare say even with Father under the roof, we both managed to have a bit of romance, didn't we?"
Honour looked in the mirror. "I didn't think it showed. I mean, I had heard it but never really looked."
"Where is Jack now?"
"He is up in the room gathering some nautical charts and maps to show Daffyd. Zara is with Nanny Greyson."
"So it is time for the sisters to garner a bit of time for themselves. Let's put our feet up and enjoy our tea and scones before we undertake the final touches on the room."

Honour dipped her scone into the clotted cream.
"I must say, Megan, that this is what I really miss in Barbados. Fresh cream from the contented cows of the English countryside!"
Megan hesitated. "Rhiannon, have you ever considered telling Jack about...you know...Madoc and the whole unfortunate incident?"
Honour put her teacup down and shook her head. "What purpose would it serve, Megan? I can't tell Jack about Madoc. And that 'unfortunate incident' you refer to happened to be one of Jack's best friends."
Megan's jaw dropped. Honour said quietly, "Yes, well....I don't know the whole story. But when we were in Castara he told me how Rhys died. Run through by a jealous husband. Megan, how could I possibly tell him the truth after that?"
Megan hesitated. "Did Jack ever wonder about...you know..the other men in your life? Surely he must have know that you had a lover before he came along."

She carefully placed  her teacup back in the saucer. "We never discussed it. We respect each other's privacy on our past....encounters. Jack was not a choirboy, Megan. Not by a long shot. It's what he does now that concerns me, not his past."
"I understand."

Megan hesitated. "Have the nightmares stopped, Rhiannon?"
"For the most part."
"Have you had any since you have been here?"
She nodded. "Twice now. Jack doesn't quite know what to think. He suggested I talk to a priest or someone."
"There is always that Father Simon you told me about. The one you met in Caernarvon. Do you want to see him?"
"No. Megan, I--I didn't go see Taffy Farmington that day. I went to Castlemaine."
"You---WHAT?"
"I went to the manor. I had to confront what happened that night. I needed closure, Megan. I had to confront what happened there and put the ghosts of the past to rest. It is the only way I can move forward."
"Did it help?"
"I think so. Megan, last night I had never been closer to Jack. I don't mean in the physical sense...obviously Zara proves THAT!"
Megan laughed. "I figured as much."
Honour smiled. "Jack makes me happy. For the first time in a long time, I am happy. Complete."
"Didn't Rhys make you happy?"
Honour took a sip of her tea and her face became thoughtful.
"Yes. But not in the way Jack makes me feel. And not because of Zara. Rhys belonged to another girl. One with youthful and dreamy ideals. But that girl 'died' when she was palmed off with a handshake and a fare-thee-well to Madoc Castlemaine. That old Vinegar-Veins never understood. All he was about was control."
"Did he ever--strike you, Rhiannon?"
She drew a deep breath.
"Once. Once he beat me within an inch of my life. Madoc was cruel. I had bruises to prove it. A grab here, a pinch there..."
"And he tried to keep you from us."
Honour nodded. "But he never counted on a young girl who decided she wanted more out of life."
"Do you think of Rhys much?"
"How could I not, Megan? I was a party to what happened to him. But I can't undo the past. Did I love Rhys? Yes, I did. Rhiannon Conaway loved Rhys Morgan."
"And now?"

"Megan, do you remember the story Parry used to tell us? The one about the Phoenix?"
"Vaguely. You were always more interested in his stories than I was."
"Only so I could trick him and run off with a horse to pick blueberries. But the phoenix was a legendary bird that would set itself on fire and rise from the ashes every five hundred years."
"And?"
She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. "I was like that bird. When Rhys was murdered and died in my arms, Rhiannon Conaway died too. And from those ashes, a new person arose."
"Honour Bright."

"Yes. Honour Bright became the woman you see today. Megan, I don't quite know how to explain it. It wasn't like an epiphany, It was a slow, painful rise."
"And you found it in Barbados when you married Jack Wolfe."
Honour shook her head. "No, it came later. I think it was when Jack and I put down the mutiny when we were out to sea in December. We both saw a side of each other we didn't know was there. Lord knows I tried to fight it. And I think Jack did too. But love conquered all."
She put down her teacup again.
"This is getting way too sentimental for me, Megan."
"The trait of the Welsh, my dear. You can't fight it."
"I'll always think of Rhys, Megan. How could I not? But I deserve happiness. And I found it."

Megan walked over to her front window and gazed out at the new-fallen snow. A part of her longed to tell her sister what the rumours in the shire were. But as Rhiannon had said, she deserved happiness. Daffyd had said, 'Let sleeping dogs lie.'
The annoying little voice that seemed to belong to the Conaways whispered in Megan's ear, 'But doesn't she deserve a guilt-free life too?'
To the little voice, Megan said, 'Shut up!"
"I beg your pardon, Megan?"
She smiled at her sister and said brightly, "Nothing. Now....shall we put the finishing touches on the ballroom?"
"Let's do! I can't wait till the ball!"
Megan gave her sister a hug. "And you can come down the stairs on the arm of your husband.  The undead one."
"The one that makes me happy."
Megan gave her a hug. "And I am happy they are the same person! Now, shall we put the silver trays here...or there?"

[Captain Jack Wolfe]

A gentle snow fell silently on the hamlet of Llanfaes, just outside Beaumaris.  Drake Gander watched the drifting flakes settle on the sleeping farmlands from the window of the cottage he and his sister, Rose, were staying for the next few days.  He sighed wistfully.  As beautiful as the snow-covered hills were, he longed for the lush green islands and warming sun of the Caribbean.  As a boy, he loved the wintertime.  But now it felt almost claustrophobic.  He was used to taking a book with him to sit upon the open deck and enjoy the fresh air.  A seat indoors by the fire would have to suffice for now.
"One more day until this silly ball, then another four or five until the ship is in port," Duckie said to himself.  "You can hold on that long."
It wasn't that he didn't love his sister.  Rose could be trying, to say the least.  A month under the same roof with her was proving to be his limit.

To call the house a cottage was an exercise in understatement.  It would have easily served as a proper home for a family of six, with everyone having their own comfortable bedroom.  The only thing preventing that was the lack of a kitchen.  Meals were taken at the manor house, which belonged to Kiran Stapleton, a wealthy land baron and friend of Rose's departed husband, Edwin.  The food was rich and plentiful, as was Kiran himself.  He was a most accommodating host, as generous as he was rotund.  His wife, Ffanci, made sure their every need was seen to.  But for Duckie, it felt more like a gilded cage.  He longed for the simplicity of life aboard ship again.  His quarters, his surgery, his domain.  The upcoming week couldn't pass fast enough.

Duckie took a sip of brandy, and turned as he heard the latch on the front door close.  Rose stood at the entryway, shaking the snow from her cloak.
"Taking a stroll in the fresh air, sister of mine?" he asked.
Rose gave him a bemused look.  "And why would I do such a thing in this beastly cold, brother of mine?   I was dispatching the driver on an errand."
"You did?  I wish you had told me you were going to do that.  I had a favour to ask of Mister Pertwee."
"Who?"
"The driver.  Silas Pertwee.  Honestly, Rose, do you not even know the names of the people you employ?"
Rose waved her hand dismissively.  "I have four drivers, Drake.  You can't expect me to remember all their names."  She walked to the cabinet and poured herself a glass of cognac.
"No, I suppose not.  That would take effort."
She rolled her eyes as she sipped the honey-coloured liquor.  "Oh, don't start.  You really should learn to relax and enjoy the finer things."
"Not when it means denying others simple respect, such as knowing their names."
"You missed your calling, Drake," she sighed.  "The way you preach, the ministry would have been a good vocation choice.  I'll have you know, I was doing you a favour."
"How so?"
"I sent Mister Pertwee to the port, to enquire if your ship had arrived yet."
Duckie gave her a dubious look.  "And what name did you tell him to ask about?"
"El Londo de Par, of course!"
Duckie laughed and shook his head.  "Close, but so very wrong.  You told him nothing of the sort."
"And how can you be so sure, Doctor Gander?"
"It's El Lobo del Mar.  The Sea Wolf, in Spanish."
"A trifling mistake.  I never claimed to be conversant in Spanish.  They'll correct him at the port," she shot back, obviously flustered.  She polished off her drink and poured another.
"You sent him to enquire about one Captain Jack Wolfe.  Didn't you?"

"Drake, you see conspiracies where none exist," she answered with a wounded tone.  "Must you interrogate me over every kindness I try to give?"
Duckie sighed.  "I'm sorry, Rose.  I do appreciate what you're trying to do, but it was unnecessary.  El Loboisn't due back in port for another six days, and Mister Briggs is a very punctual man."
"Even so," replied Rose, "He may have come back early.  Either way it's a bit more coin in Mister Pertwee's pocket.  If it will make you feel any better, I shall pay him double what I promised for his bother."
"There's no need for that, now..."
"No, I insist!  If I sent him on a wild goose chase, then I must make amends.  End of discussion."
"All right, then," Duckie smiled resignedly.  "I'm sure he'll appreciate your generosity."
"He had better!  I'm doing this to soothe your sensibilities.  Honestly, Drake, your moral compass will drain me dry at this rate," she teased.

Duckie smiled at his sister.  There was the sense of humour he remembered Rose having.  Perhaps he had misjudged her after all.

Meanwhile, a heavy black coach came to a stop outside the office of the Beaumaris harbour master.  Silas Pertwee secured the reins and hopped down from driver's bench.  A small bell attached to the door announced his arrival to the harbour master, Mister Wickliff, who looked up from his ledger in annoyance at the young man.
"Aye, lad?  What can I help you with?" he asked.
"I've got an urgent message for Captain Jack Wolfe," Silas said, just as Rose had instructed him.  "Is his ship here?  It's very important that I find him."
"Oh, all right," Wickliff scowled.  "Wolfe, did you say?  Do you have the name of his ship?"
"Yes, sir. El Lobo del Mar."
Wickliff opened another heavy ledger and began leafing through it.  "I'm certain there's no ship in port of that name, but let me look for this captain..."  He turned to the most recent entries and ran his finger down the page, reciting names as he went.  "Walters, Wembly, Whitting, ah!  Here it is!  Jack Wolfe.  Nice penmanship.  And just as I thought, his ship isn't due back in port for a week yet."
"Oh," Silas said with obvious disappointment.  "Did he leave word as to where he would be staying?"
"I'm afraid I'll have to know the nature of your business to give you that, my young friend."
Silas dug in his pocket and retrieved the envelope Rose had given him in case of this very situation.  He handed it over to Wickliff, who opened it immediately.  The harbour master's eyes grew wide as he read the bank promissory note for 20 pounds sterling.
"Well, this is urgent, indeed!" exclaimed Wickliff.  "Says here your Captain Wolfe is staying at Bancroft Hall, right here near Beaumaris.  I'm sorry, but I don't have directions for you."
Silas Pertwee smiled broadly.  "No worries, sir.  I shall ask around and find my way.  Thank you for your time."

The young driver left the harbour master's office with a spring in his step, knowing his mistress would be very happy with the information he'd gained, and that he would be collecting the handsome reward she offered.

[Welsh Wench]

Honour looked through boxes that were strewn over the floor.
"Now where did I put the slipper?...Ah! There it is. And now where is the other one..MUIR!"
Her wolfdog sat there with her peau de soie slipper delicately in his mouth. She said firmly, "Drop it!"
Jack chuckled, "You always did leave your boots anywhere you happened to take them off."
She reached into another box and retrieved a corset and bloomers.
Sitting back on her heels, she sighed. "I will be so glad when this fou-fou stuff is over with. As much as I enjoy being a woman---"
"And as much as I enjoy having you be a woman---"
"I feel so much more relaxed when I am just in a chemise or even a pair of breeches."
Jack fussed with his cravat, tying and untying it.
"I just can't seem to get it right. No matter how I try, it always ends up in a monkey's fist!"
Honour stood up.
"Here. Let me try."
She deftly tied it and put a stickpin in it.  Standing back, she admired her work.
"I love that silk shirt on you."
He fastened cufflinks into the French cuffs. "Well, you won't catch me wearing any lace at the throat or cuffs."
She kissed him quickly, "I wouldn't have it any other way.  Now let me try to get dressed."

She slipped behind the screen and five minutes later she emerged. Dressed in her bloomers and a very light chemise, she had a corset around her waist. "I think I need to ask Derwena to help me."
Jack shook his head.
"Why, Mrs Wolfe--how many times have we been over this? I can lace as quickly as I can 'un'."
She laughed, "Yes, but that usually involved a dagger and you made short work of those laces. Just a flick of the blade and moving upwards and it serves your purpose. Quick and tidy. I'm surprised I didn't get a chest cold!"
"Hey, you were kept plenty warm."
He turned her around.
"Now hold on to the bedpost and suck in. Not that you need this corset."
She held on tightly and Jack pulled the laces tight. He finally planted his foot gently on her bottom and pulled back.
"Whoa, Nelly!"
She reached behind her to smack him. "I am NOT a mare, Jack."
"Tight enough?"
"I can still breathe but yes, that is tight enough."
She disappeared behind the screen again.

When she emerged, she was wearing a burgundy peau de soie gown. The dress was off-shoulder, the sleeves fitted, ending into a point above the middle finger. The bodice was fitted and dropped to the waist, black lace overlaid on top of the burgundy. The waist was form-fitted to her body and then flared out at the hips so that the slightest movement sent it into motion all its own.
Jack stared at her.
"Too much?" she asked.
"My Lord, no! It's just--"
"What?"
"Honour, you take my breath away. Just when I thought you couldn't be more beautiful, you surprise me.  I don't know if it is because we are on land, there is candlelight, or you are the mother of my child."
She looked up at him hopefully. "Then you approve?"
"Wholeheartedly."
She rummaged in her jewelry box and pulled out a ruby necklace.
"I think this will be perfect. Would you fasten it for me?"
She swept her hair up and felt warm breath on her neck.
She giggled, "Not fair, Jack! You know just the right place..."
He whispered, "I should. I've visited this spot enough times."
Honour turned around and took his face in her hands. "As much as I would love to, we are due to make out debut in half an hour. And Father is already giving us the fisheye."
Jack burst out laughing. "The fisheye?"
She nodded. "You know--like this."
She squinted one eye and looked down, all the time screwing her mouth up like she was sucking on a pickle.
Jack roared with laughter. "Where did you ever learn to make that face?"
She laughed with him. "When Megan and I were younger--I must have only been about five--I made that face at Megan when Father was pontificating at one of his Sunday dinners. I looked over at her and I remembered it all too well--Megan snorted milk out of her nose!"
"NO!"
"Yes, and ever since then, she hasn't been able to drink milk!"

[Welsh Wench]

Jack stretched out on the bed and patted the spot next to him.
"A half hour, you say?"
She held her hand up. "Oh, no, you don't, John Michael Wolfe!"
"What, you don't trust me?"
"Trust you? Um...no. You know I have a low threshold of resistance as far as you are concerned and I----"
"Da-da!"

Jack and Honour looked up to see their little girl standing in the doorway.
Honour looked over and laughed, "My willpower just got a boost from my own daughter!"
Honour scooped the little girl up in her arms and deposited her in the place that Jack had previously tried to coax Honour to take.
"Well, hello, Miss Zara!"
Zara reached over to touch Jack's face and he let out a growl and pretended to nip her fingers. She squealed and tried it again.
Honour put her hand to her mouth to hold back her laughter. "I must say, Captain Wolfe, that you have charmed her."
He hugged his daughter and said, "Like I did her mother?"

Just then Nanny Greyson came in.
"And so like her mother she be! This one will be the one into the horse-stealing and the blueberries!"
Jack burst out laughing. Honour raised her eyebrow. "Not so funny, Jack Wolfe!"
He shook his head. "I just had a vision of Zara in one of the cannons, her little feet sticking out and kicking!"
Honour sighed. "Then I guess you will need to baby-proof the guns."
"WHAT?"
"With some sort of mesh."
"Honour, you DON'T baby-proof weapons."
Nanny Greyson picked Zara up and said over her shoulder, "You do with this one!"
Zara's mouth went into a trembling baby-pout as she reached for Jack over Nanny's shoulder. Her arms outstretched as she started to wail, "Da-da!"
Jack started after her and Honour stopped him. "There is such a thing as spoiling a child, Jack."
"I know, but she's my little girl."
"Jack, let's just have a nice time tonight. Just the two of us."
He sighed. "I suppose.  Maybe we should enjoy it while we can. After all, I am sure this is not the end of the Wolfe pack."
She ran her finger up and down his arm. "I thought we were going to wait a while."
"Honour, I really would like another child. But this time I want to be in on the beginning."
"You were. At least for the important part. You just didn't know it."
She picked up a hand mirror to check the back of her hair in the tall mirror.
"I'd like a son."
"Jack, ALL men want sons. I'll see what I can come up with. But one thing I want to remind you of. I am NOT a broodmare. I don't intend to be standing behind a baby every nine months."
"How about a baker's dozen?"
"How about I see the stablemaster who happens to have a nice dagger?  One snip and it's all over. Well, the part about you acting like a stallion."
Jack winced as Honour laughed. "OK you can act like a stallion with the equipment of a gelding. The factory will be shut down but  we still have the playground."
He made a face at her. "You are a cruel, cruel woman, Honour Bright! You have these thoughts often?"
She laughed, "I did when I had my lying-in with Zara. But yes, Jack, when we get to Barbados, I don't see why we can't plan for future wolfes."
He looked a bit pensive. "I know what I would like to name our first born son."
"Jack, all men want to name their firstborn after themselves. But naming a chid 'junior' doesn't impart immortality on you."
Jack shook his head. "No, this is for a man that gave me my life."
"You want to name your son Charles after your father?"
"No."
"Darling, I am running out of options here."
"I want to name him Rhys. After the man who rescued me from Mendoza. Rhys Morgan Wolfe. How does that sound?"
*CRASH!!*

Honour stooped to pick up the pieces of the shattered mirror with her trembling fingers.
"OW!"
She sucked on her finger.
Jack bent over to look at her finger.
"Just a surface cut. Here's a cloth to wrap around it. I'll pick this mess up. What happened? It just slip from your hand?"
She nodded. "Yes."
Jack smiled, "Guess the thought of more children has you rattled, love. But never fear--I shall be gentle! Times like this I wish we could just stay in our room and shut the whole world out."

"We don't have to stay till the end if you don't want to."
"Promise?"
"No."
"What?"
"I want to dance and have every woman there envying me my handsome husband, the commercial investor of exports and imports!"
He laughed as he put on his new frock coat of black and silver brocade.
"You like?"
She put her hands on his collar and drew him to her. In a small voice, she said, "Jack, hold me like you never want to let me go."
He wrapped his arms around her. "Like this?"
She nodded. "I do love you, Jack Wolfe."
Touching foreheads, he whispered, "I'll hold you to that."
She gave him a beguiling smile and whispered, "Rabbit!"

Honour took one last look in the mirror and pinched her cheeks to redden them. She dabbed a bit of scented water behind her ears as Jack waited impatiently at the door.
"Mrs. Wolfe, if you don't get your behind over here tout suite...."
She gathered up her skirt and said, "I'm coming....I'm coming..."

At the top of the staircase, Honour hesitated. "Now, remember, Jack...just for tonight your wife's name is Rhiannon. Tomorrow I go back to being 'Honour'."
"I've done alright so far, haven't I?"
"Yes, you have. And I love you for it."

The two descended the staircase, Honour's hand resting on Jack's arm. Partway down, they both stopped. There was someone looking up at them from the bottom of the staircase that neither of them thought they would ever see.
"DUCKIE?"
"Jack? Honour?
And then Jack froze.
"Hello, Jack."
"ROSE?"

A look of astonishment crossed Rose's face. Her eyes met the woman's on Jack's arm and a look of recognition registered on her face.

"Lady Castlemaine!"

[Captain Jack Wolfe]

Jack and Honour looked at each other in surprise.
"You know her?" they asked simultaneously.
"An... old acquaintance, from years ago," Jack said, regarding Rose coldly.  "When I was still at university.  How do you know her?  She got your name wrong."
"Like you said, and old acquaintance.  A friend of my father's.  Poor thing, she's must be in her cups already if she's forgotten my name," replied Honour quickly. 
Her mind was racing.  Why that vindictive shrew Rose Carlisle, of all people?  Everyone knew what a chatty gossip the Countess was, especially once she had started drinking.  The fact she knew Jack made things even worse.  The haughty older woman had looked down her nose at Honour from the moment they met.  It had taken every bit of self control Honour had to trade polite nothings with Rose at official functions, chalking up the snide and condescending comments she endured to jealousy on the countess' part.  Why did Rose have to show up now, and why did she have to blurt that name?  Honour had to keep Jack away from her before she could say anything else.

The couple continued together down the stairs toward their friend and his inebriated companion.  All eyes were on them as they did.  Jack felt uncomfortable being the centre of attention.  Commanding the attention of a rowdy tavern crowd was one thing.  This felt more like being on display.  Honour was taking it all in stride with grace and charm.  This was a special night for the Welsh social elite.  And here was Jack Wolfe, pirate and smuggler, in attendance as a member of the esteemed Conaway family.  He smiled at the absurdity of this cosmic joke, and resolved then and there to enjoy every moment of rubbing elbows with the monied blue-bloods.  All right, so he was technically a former pirate, now a wealthy plantation owner.  That didn't detract from the sweetness of the situation.
"Are you all right, Jack?" Honour asked.  "You had a strange look on your face for a moment."
"No, darling," he smiled.  "Everything is fine.  And why wouldn't it be?  I have the most beautiful woman in all of Wales on my arm.  The most beautiful woman in all the world."
Why, Captain Wolfe!  You make me blush."
"I'll do more than that once this party is over, Mrs. Wolfe," he said with a wink.
"I'm counting on it," she giggled as they reached the foot of the stairs, and Honour gave her husband a smile that could only belong to a woman in love.
They crossed the marble tiled floor over to where the perplexed Duckie and a smirking Rose stood waiting.

"Ducks!" beamed Jack.  "Rose," he said, with far less enthusiasm before turning back to his friend.  "What an unexpected surprise!  I didn't expect to see you here!"
"That makes two of us, Jack!" laughed Duckie.  "Dear God, I barely recognised you!  I haven't seen you dressed like this, well... ever!  And Honour!  Look at you!  My dear, aren't you beautiful!"
Honour smiled and kissed his cheek.  "It's so good to see you, Duckie!  We didn't expect to see you until the ship was back in port."
"Yes, well, it would seem Fate had different plans for us all," he chuckled.
"'Honour'," interrupted Rose.  "Have you quit going by Rhiannon, Lady Cas--"
Honour cut her off fast.  "Mrs. WOLFE will suffice, Rose.  Mrs. Rhiannon Wolfe.  'Honour' is a nickname I picked up in my travels."
Jack had no idea what had transpired between Honour and Rose to cause such palpable tension between them, but he did not care for his wife being spoken to in such a patronising manner.  He'd heard that particular tone in Rose's voice too often.
"Hello, Rose," he said as cordially as his temper would allow.  "Seeing you here is an unexpected surprise as well.  Who here are you the guest of this evening?"
Rose's mouth popped open in a look of complete indignation.  "Why, I'll have you know..."
"I'm Rose's guest, Jack," said Duckie before his sister could make a scene.  Still scowling, she took a large sip of her drink.  "Rose was married to the late Lord Edwin Carlisle, Earl of Shrewsbury."
"Your sister is a Countess?" asked Jack.  "Well, you managed to follow your ambitions, Rose.  Congratulations."
"Rose is your sister?" Honour asked incredulously.
"Yes, Jack, I am the Countess of Shrewsbury, Lady Rose Carlisle," Rose answered hotly.  "And yes, Rhiannon, or whatever you call yourself now, I am Drake's sister.  But look at you!  You managed to get yourself a brand new husband.  I'd like to know how you managed that, but I have an idea.  Did Jack tell you he courted me once?"
"Let me think," said Honour, seeming to search her memory.  "No!  Not once.  Ever."
"I'll bet there's lot you haven't told him, either--"
"Rose!" said Duckie sharply.  "Would you please give me a moment with my friends?  I have some business to discuss with them.  I'll only be a few moments."
"Fine," Rose answered curtly.  With a defiant jut of her chin, she turned and unsteadily made her way across the room to the punchbowl.

[Captain Jack Wolfe]

Once the countess was out of hearing, Jack broke the trio's silence.
"What the hell was all that about?"
Duckie shook his head.  "I am so sorry.  Rose has once again... overindulged.  A habit she was good at hiding when I last visited, but now... now it seems to be the largest part of her life."
"She hasn't changed a bit from the last time I saw her," said Honour.
"And she really has it in for you!" said Jack.  "I thought you said she was a friend of the family."
"Of my father.  Rose focuses on where the money is.  Otherwise, you're useless to her."  Honour looked at Duckie and felt her face colour.  "I'm sorry, Duckie.  I shouldn't have said that."
"No, no, you're quite right, Honour," Duckie said wearily.  "Rose has always been a social climber.  But she never understood that status is a vehicle, not a destination.  She got everything she ever wanted, and a few things she never expected.  Loneliness, for one."  He slowly shook his head.  "It's terrible to say, but I pity her.  I have to say, though, I thought she'd be happier to see you, Jack.  You've been a topic of conversation almost from the moment I arrived at her home, even more so the past couple of days.  It's almost as if she knew you'd be here."

"Me?  Why on earth would she be talking about me, after all these years?"
"I, well...  I made the mistake of mentioning that you've become something of a success in your field," began Duckie.
Jack's mouth fell open.  "Please tell me you didn't tell her..."
"Oh, no!  I told her you've done well for yourself as a ship's captain.  Nothing beyond that.  I also told her you are happily married, with a darling baby daughter."
"Forgive me, Ducks.  I know how well you keep confidences," said Jack.
"Quite all right, Jack.  I think we're all a bit off balance this evening.  But it's early yet!  I think we can still rally and enjoy the party," Duckie said.  "I'll tend to Rose unless she's already trapped some poor bloke in a conversation."
Strains of music could be heard starting in the great hall as the musicians took up their instruments.
"Ah, see?" smiled Duckie.  "Why don't you lovebirds run along enjoy the dance?"
Jack held out his arm.  "A dance, Mrs Wolfe?"
"I thought you would never ask, Captain Wolfe," she said with a smile as she took his arm.
The couple started toward the great hall when Honour paused after a few steps.
"Just a moment, Jack.  I need to thank Duckie."
"All right, love."
Honour hurried back to their friend and kissed his cheek.
"Please keep Rose away from Jack, Duckie," she whispered.
Duckie could see the dread in her eyes.  "This is about what you told me on the ship, yes?"
She bit her lip and nodded.
"I will.  I promise," he said with a squeeze of her hands.
"Thank you."  Honour smiled, then hurried back to her husband's side.

The great hall was alive with light, music, people dancing, and people watching others dance.    Jack led Honour inside the circle of spectators and bowed deeply before her with just a hint of a mock flourish, a muted version of the foppish bow he would tease her with on board ship.  She covered her mouth as she giggled and returned his bow with an exaggerated curtsy.  Jack grinned as he took her into his arms, and they began the dance.
"So," Honour began, "you and the countess..."
"Yes, me and the countess."
"You actually courted her?"
"I did.  Though she wasn't a countess then, of course.  Just an aspiring social climber who had no time for an aspiring professor."
"I hope you never proposed to her."
Jack looked at her, and after a couple seconds, cocked an eyebrow.
"Oh, you did not!" she said, aghast.  "Seriously?  No!"
"What can I say?  I was young and foolish.  I made a lot of stupid mistakes."
"To hear Briggs tell it, you never stopped making those."
"Why should I stop?  I got very good at it."
Honour laughed merrily.  "All right, then.  What about me?"
"I would say you've made stupid mistakes, but there have been a couple that get right up there..."
She playfully slapped his chest.  "That's not what I was asking, and you know it!  I mean, what about me?  Was I a stupid mistake?"
Jack gazed lovingly into her eyes as the corners of his mouth drew softly into a smile.
"No, Honour.  You are by far the most brilliant mistake I've ever made," he said with a wink.  "And I shall love you forever."
She touched his cheek as they moved in time to the music.  "You'd better, mister.  Because I'll love you just as long, and more."
"Then we'd better pick out a really nice china pattern.  Forever is a very long time to eat off boring plates."