Chapter XXI

"I thought you weren't coming," Donovan said as Hannah appeared in the dreamscape.

"I'm sorry, love. I got to thinking and just now fell asleep, I guess."

A cold chill formed around Donovan's heart at Hannah's words. They'd just promised one another forever and always, but in the back of her mind, Donovan wondered if Hannah could accept all that meant. Maybe she was having second thoughts and had used the time to figure out a way to let Donovan down easily. Maybe she....

A hand on her face caused Donovan's mind to come to a screeching halt, and she looked down into concerned green eyes. "Donovan? Are you all right?"

Donovan stuffed her hands in the pockets of her favorite pair of trousers to keep from reaching out and pulling Hannah into her arms. She looked down at the ground before meeting Hannah's eyes again, then she blurted out her question.

"Hannah, are you having second thoughts about me... about us?" Her voice dropped to a whisper at the last.

Hannah's eyes dropped and Donovan fought not to pull away from her touch, only to feel the chill when Hannah pulled it away herself. She poised herself to run, to get away from the pain that was slicing through her very being. Then she felt her hands being removed from her pockets and clasped protectively in Hannah's.

Hannah pulled Donovan over to the rock where they usually sat and eased her down onto the surface. Hannah seated herself facing Donovan, knowing she needed to see Donovan's face when this was said.

"Donovan, do you remember what I said to you a few hours ago? About being with you for the long haul? About us being together forever?"

Donovan nodded slowly.

"Why do you doubt me? Why do you doubt the sincerity of my love for you?" Hannah blew out a frustrated breath. She reached a hand up and lifted Donovan's chin til their eyes met. "We have to get this settled Donovan... here and now. If you don't trust me, can't trust fully the love I have for you, this is not gonna work between us. So you need to make a decision one way or another. I know where I stand."

Hannah rose and would have walked off, except that she forgot that her letting go of Donovan's hands did not necessarily mean the reverse was true. Donovan had a firm hold on her hand and though obviously holding on delicately, she made it equally clear she was not letting go.

Hannah made as if to resume her seat across from Donovan, but Donovan shook her head. Instead she pulled Hannah into her customary position on the rock with Hannah's back against the Captain's chest, and Donovan's arms clasped around Hannah's waist and their hands linked together. Hannah couldn't help but relax; she fit perfectly here, and both she and Donovan knew it.

"I am sorry, Angel. My doubts are not of you, but of myself." She tightened her grip when Hannah flinched. "Not of my feelings, beloved, nor of us. Only of myself, and the darkness I seem to fall into when this... days like today... happen. You deserve...."

Hannah spun in her arms so quickly Donovan couldn't rightly say how she did it without either of them getting hurt. But she found her face caught in two hands and her gaze held by two fierce green eyes.

"Now you listen to me, Donovan Scott! We all have doubts about the choices we make. We all have faults and shortcomings and stinky feet and bad breath. It's what makes us human, and that's not a bad thing. I understand self-doubt; God knows I've experienced enough of it myself. But sweetheart, no matter what you think sometimes, I got exactly what I deserved when I got you. And you, bless your heart, got more than you bargained for when you got me. You have doubt or concerns, talk to me. Don't assume the worst. Life and love isn't all sunshine and roses. But it is us together forever, okay?"

"I love you," was all Donovan said before she leaned in and captured the lips so close to her own.

When they separated, Donovan asked, "Hannah what were you thinking about earlier?"

"Hmm? Oh, I was thinking about Blackthorne and why he'd been such a problem for you for so long. You seemed to have defeated him and his crew easily enough."

"It was easy, once we met face to face. But Blackthorne has spent years doing hit and run maneuvers that kept him a step ahead of us. We have had any number of skirmishes, but today was the first real opportunity we have had to engage them so closely."

"Did he not realize what he was really up against?"

"No. He had been mocking us for years... not just the Maiden, but the entire fleet. We have just been the ones he normally encountered. I think it was more of a game with him."

"But you knew better." Hannah made a statement.

"I knew better. My whole crew did. We have seen the damage and destruction Blackthorne and his type wreak. We put a stop to it by whatever means necessary. It has never been a game for us. It is a deadly serious business, and one that has the lives and well-being of human beings at stake."

Surprisingly, Hannah smiled. "Do me a favor, love?"

"Name it," came Donovan's instant reply.

"The next time you doubt yourself, remember that, will ya? And remember that you function in the guise of a pirate because the Navy restricts your ability to help those folks who need you to."

Donovan's jaw dropped and she was hard pressed to keep her eyes from bulging out of their sockets. "Uh... bu... um...." She forcefully closed her mouth and scratched the back of her neck. "That was very clever, Angel," she finally managed to mutter.

"Nah. You said it. I just pointed the obvious right back to ya." But Hannah couldn't help the grin that crossed her face. And the two of them fell into a deeper slumber wrapped in one another's embrace.

************

Things changed subtly for them after that, and life onboard ship quickly fell into a routine once more. Donovan and her crew were aware of several small, uninhabited, uncharted islands, and they chose one of these to drop the remainder of Blackthorne's pirate crew on. They left them with enough supplies to survive until they could establish themselves a bit, but Hannah's heart still went out to the five men standing forlornly on the shore as the ship pulled away.

"Do not fret, Miss Hannah," Merryweather said as he sidled up next to her. "It is more mercy than they deserved, and at least they have a fighting chance."

"I know you're right, Mr. Merryweather. But it makes me think. Makes me wonder what makes a man turn to that sort of life. And it makes me wonder if that could be me had I made different choices in life."

"I think, Miss Hannah, I think that it could very well be any one of us. Taken as a whole, humanity is very much alike, and it is only the decisions that we make and the reasons behind those decisions that make us different. It is what separates us from the rest of the animal world in my opinion."

"I agree with you, Mr. Merryweather. Thank you for reminding me of that."

"Glad to be of service, ma'am." He tipped his hat in salute and walked back to the bridge. He turned to Donovan who stood gracefully at the wheel, hair blowing back in the wind and smile.

"That is quite a lady you have yourself there, Captain."

"I am rather inclined to agree with you, Mr. Merryweather, but what precisely brought on that particular observation?"

"I like her mind, sir. She is a thinking person, and yet she feels things deeply too. Did you know she made sure each man including our prisoners was fed and had their wounds seen to after our skirmish the other day? And she had your hot water on; that is why it was ready as quickly as it was. And it certainly doesn't hurt that she is beautiful to look upon either. I think your father will heartily approve of your heart's choice."

"And my mother?" Donovan asked wryly, knowing she could count on John Merryweather for an honest assessment.

"Captain, my own mother raised me to keep a civil tongue in my head concerning the ladies."

"And?"

"It is best if I be quiet now sir."

Donovan laughed aloud and clapped Merryweather on the shoulder. She nodded the steersman over. "You know where we are headed, Fitz?"

"Aye, sir."

"Good man. Steady as she goes then."

"Steady as she goes then, aye, sir."

Donovan squeezed her first mate's shoulder before releasing her hold and stepping down to the main deck. "You have the watch, Mr. Merryweather."

"Aye sir." Donovan took two steps from the bridge before she turned back to the first mate with a twinkle in her eye.

"And John?" He lifted his eyes and cocked an eyebrow in rejoinder. "Your response to my mother's reaction is much more polite than my own would have been." She chuckled again at his dropped jaw expression, and went off in search of Hannah.

************

Hannah watched in amazement as the crew of pirates converted themselves into sailors of the Royal Navy once more. There wasn't much change in their demeanor, really, except that they became even more formal with one another. And of course there was the whole uniform thing....

Hannah couldn't get over the difference it made in their presentation. They went from being a somewhat relaxed band of organized outlaws to a well-oiled military presence, and it changed how everyone around they responded to them, and how they reacted to one another as well.

The first time she saw Donovan in her Captain's uniform, she nearly swooned, and probably would have if she hadn't see the wicked twinkle in Donovan's bright blue eyes.

"You love this, don't you?" Hannah asked as they were preparing to make their last stop before shooting for home. They had gone almost two days out of their way to reach this tiny group of islands to drop off the stolen goods they'd recovered from Blackthorne's ship. Donovan and her crew were official representatives of the Royal Navy, and Hannah couldn't help but be impressed by the bearing that Donovan wore like a cloak. Her presence was even more outstanding than before, and Hannah had been very inspired by the original, thank you very much.

"Do not let the trappings fool you, Angel. I am still Donovan Scott beneath the finery."

"I know, love, and I adore what is hidden beneath the uniform. But you project a different aura as a Naval officer than you do as a pirate."

"Better or worse?"

"Neither, really. Just different... more aloof maybe."

Donovan thought about that. "I think I am actually. There is a certain amount of decorum I am expected to project as a Naval officer. To do that requires that I become more formal, less friendly with officers and crew alike."

"And me?"

Donovan reached out and drew Hannah to her, mindful of the sword that hung at her side. "There is an exception to every rule, Angel, and you are the exception to mine... at least in private." She sighed. "I have to maintain the facade in public for everyone's sake."

"I understand, Donovan. But one day... one day I hope I will be able to be your exception in public." Then Hannah took Donovan's arm, and let the Captain lead them from the cabin to the deck. The crew were waiting to take the goods to shore.

************

Donovan stood back and watched Hannah effortlessly charm the fascinated islanders. They had never seen spun gold hair or emerald green eyes. Most of Donovan's crew had dark hair and dark eyes and those that didn't didn't stand still long enough for anyone to note or comment on it anyway. But Hannah bore their curiosity graciously, and in doing so won herself a place in their hearts forever.

"They found you mesmerizing, you know," Donovan commented to Hannah later that evening. They were comfortably ensconced in their cabin, and Donovan was once more the relaxed looking adventurer. Hannah continued to wear her comfortable native garb. She wouldn't don the complicated period dress until they arrived in port, and then only so as not to embarrass Donovan in front of her mother.

"They found me different, Captain. Blonde hair and green eyes don't seem to be very common in these parts, even among your crew. John's hair is the closest, and it is still very different from mine."

"No, angel, they found you compelling. Not just because you *looked* different, but because you *acted* differently towards them then most of our race and breeding do. You accepted their looks and touches and questions without malice or rancor. You showed infinite patience with them. Even though my men are polite enough, they do not encourage questions or conversation in a first meeting. It takes a lot of time and effort on our parts to accomplish what you did in one afternoon."

Hannah lifted her head from Donovan's shoulder where she'd been happily resting. As much as she loved the look of Donovan in her uniform as the formidable British Navy Captain, she much preferred Donovan as she was now... as simply Donovan. Now she caught Donovan's eye. "Did I do wrong, love? By being so open with them, I mean?"

Donovan eased Hannah's head back down to her shoulder and gently kissed the blonde head tucked under her chin. "No, beloved. Absolutely not. If you were our ambassador, we could take over the world with that natural charm." She felt rather than saw the blush that crept up Hannah's face and chuckled soundlessly in response. "Oof!"

She sat up slightly so she could look down into green eyes she knew would turn her way. "Now, was that nice? I ask you! Pay a beautiful woman a compliment and get slapped for your trouble!" She smiled when Hannah gently began caressing the injured body part in question.

"Be nice to me," Hannah grumbled.

"Me?? I *was* being nice. I did not hit you. I simply said you were very charming."

Hannah narrowed her eyes at Donovan, and the Captain had to bite her lip to keep from laughing at the expression on the writer's face.

"It wasn't WHAT you said; it was HOW you SAID it," poking at Donovan's chest to emphasize her points.

Donovan laughed aloud. She'd never known anyone like Hannah, and she wondered if it was all due to the fact that Hannah was raised in a different time and place, or if it was just something about Hannah herself. Donovan squeezed the younger woman closer to her, eliciting a squawk from Hannah before she settled herself more firmly into Donovan's embrace.

"Hannah, I hope you never have cause to change your outlook or your attitude. I love you just the way you are."

"I love you too, Donovan, British officer or pirate. Happy dreams, my love."

"You too, beloved. Goodnight."

************

The next few weeks passed in something of a monotonous routine. Donovan took the first watch, and as such was up before dawn. Hannah got a very good idea of exactly what it took to be the Captain of a Royal Naval vessel. Everything was brought to Donovan's attention for approval, though most everything went through John Merryweather first.

Since the first mate took the mid watch, he and the Captain shared lunch and went over any business that needed to be seen to. Hannah couldn't believe the details involved in running a ship. Mr. Roberts usually had the third watch, and he shared breakfast with Donovan for the same purpose. Though Hannah enjoyed these informative times, she admittedly looked forward to the evening meal, when she and Donovan usually took the opportunity to eat alone. And when they did have to share mealtimes with the crew, they at least took a turn or two alone on deck under a canopy of stars, unbothered by the crewmen on duty.

Hannah decided she like the men who served under Donovan's command. They were individualistic when it came to their command styles and personalities and such. But they were all unerringly to a fault loyal to Donovan and supportive of her leadership as their Captain. Hannah had been approached by more than one member of the crew who was anxious to share with her how highly their Captain was regarded, both by themselves and others in the fleet.

For her part, Hannah pitched in and helped where ever she could lend a hand. She learned several new skills, including navigation, chart plotting and knot tying. Cookie was quick to express his joy on the occasions she helped out in the galley, even though she had him trying things he'd never conceived of trying before. Beyond that, she was just plain good company, and he looked forward to the quiet times they simply sat and talked while preparing the next meal.

Hannah also anticipated their exchanges. Cookie had well-thought out ideas, and given enough encouragement, he was willing to express them in a very intelligent manner. He and Hannah had some lively conversations, and their diametrically opposed backgrounds just made them all the more interesting.

So the weeks passed and they slowly neared the Warrior Maiden's home port. Hours upon days were spent scrubbing and polishing the already spotless ship, making her ready for her appearance at the Admiralty when they reached Portsmouth.

"Donovan?"

"Yes, Hannah?" Her voice was muffled as it came from the inside of the small wardrobe. She was busy preparing her dress uniform, as they expected to reach land in the next day or so. Already her buttons were polished and her sword sharpened, and now she was searching for her boot polish. It had to be in the wardrobe... there was no where else for it to be. But she had apparently not put it in its customary spot. So now she was trying not to become frustrated as she searched for it.

Hannah sidetracked her question in light of the obvious aggravation Donovan was emitting. "Love, what are you searching for?"

"My boot polish! I cannot find it and the boots will not polish correctly without it!" She ran a hand through her dark hair in an effort to calm herself.

"Donovan, Harold has it. He came by this morning when you were on deck and asked for your dress boots and the polish. I assumed you had sent him down here for them, and I gave them to him." She sighed and looked at the floor. "I'm sorry. I'll go get them fr...."

Donovan reached out a hand to Hannah to stop her before she could turn around. "No, Angel. That is perfectly fine. I am sorry I overreacted. It is just...."

"Just what, Donovan? Why is everyone acting so nuts around here? I thought ya'll'd be glad to get home, but instead, everybody's working like dogs, and no one seems thrilled that we are reaching land in another day or two. Am I missing something here?"

Donovan lowered her body until she was sitting on the bed; then she drew Hannah down onto her lap. "Everyone is 'acting so nuts' as you so eloquently put it because homecoming is very demanding on us. When we reach the port, the Fleet Admiral will immediately come aboard for an inspection and review. If that goes well, then we will put into the dock and the Maiden will be turned over to the yard inspector so she can be fitted out to return to sea again."

"And if you don't pass inspection?"

"If we fail to pass inspection, then we must start over, and that means we stay here and clean and scrub until the Admiral is satisfied." She paused then sighed. "Of all the ships in the fleet, only a very, very small handful have perfect inspection records, and the Maiden is one of them. We tend to be judged more harshly because of it."

"That hardly seems fair."

"No, but it is not surprising. Life is rarely fair."

Hannah sat quietly for a moment. "I'm gonna complicate things for you, aren't I?"

"Yes," Donovan answered honestly, "but we will cross that bridge when we come to it. At this point in my life, the Navy needs me much more than I need it. I would be very happy to settle in the cottage on the island and never leave again."

Hannah pulled back slightly to stare into Donovan's eyes and gauge her sincerity. What she found there surprised her, given her knowledge of Donovan's love of the sea and her duty as an officer of the crown. "You're serious."

"Yes, I am. If you were with me, I could be very content spending the rest of my life settled down there with you."

"Wow," Hannah said softly, her eyes taking on a shine.

"Could you bear something like that, Hannah? Knowing the differences between your world and mine? Could you give up all your advances to live a simple life with me there, here in this time?"

"I like to think I could, love. I know I would be content to live in any time and place that we were together. I like to think I am strong enough to adapt to the differences in our cultures and become a contributing member of this society." Hannah paused, correlating her thoughts. "But we are assuming that the portal has or will close at some point, and that we will no longer be able to cross from time to time. We don't know that."

"That is very true, and your world has so many fascinating things in it."

Hannah gently traced the strong brow line and cheekbones. "Do you think you would be able to choose to live in my time, if it was offered to you as an opportunity?"

"I like to think I would have your strength and courage to try, Hannah."

Hannah sighed, releasing a tension she didn't even realize she was carrying until that moment. "Good, but I'm glad it's not something we have to worry about for a few months. I have a feeling I'm gonna have my hands full trying to manage winning your mother over to my side."

"I would be willing to wager you are correct in that summation, madam."

Hannah slid from Donovan's lap and they both stood and began moving around the small room once more. "Why is that, Captain?"

"Why is that what, Angel?"

"Why am I going to have my hands full with your mother? I only based the comment on the impression I have gotten from the few comments you've made about her. Why is she gonna have a problem with me? She doesn't even know me!"

"Precisely, and that will only be the first problem she has with you." Donovan grew dizzy with their pacing and sat once more, pulling Hannah back into her lap.

"Excuse me?"

"She doesn't know you or know of you. Therefore you are not titled and as such beneath her consideration as a good marital match. The fact that you are a woman does not help. Although I cannot marry a man as long as I am regarded as a man, my mother will not like the fact that you are woman. And finally there is the fact that you are a colonist. That will probably be seen as treason in her eyes."

Green fire was burning hotly in Hannah's eyes before Donovan finished speaking. "Oh, I can see she and I are gonna need to clear up her few issues right at the beginning of things."

"Do not be hasty, my love. She is quite a formidable woman. And she does love me in her own fashion."

"Oh, I won't do anything to disgrace you, Donovan, unless she pushes all my buttons about you. Then she is gonna find out what happens when a formidable woman who loves you body and soul gets pushed too far. I won't roll over and play dead for her."

Donovan flushed from head to toe. There was something very sexy in Hannah's possessiveness, and she couldn't stop the thrill that ran up her spine with the words or the tone of voice. "I have the distinct impression that my mother may have finally met her match." She paused then smiled brightly. "My father will love you."

"Well, at least I'll have two-thirds of the family on my side."

"Oh, I believe there will be more support for you than you can possibly imagine, Angel."

Hannah waited for Donovan to continue, but instead the Captain lifted Hannah from her lap and rose. She walked to the door and opened it without speaking. Hannah finally realized the conversation was over for the moment and asked, "Whither are you bound, good sir?"

The twinkle in Donovan's eye belied the seriousness of her tone. "I must still fetch my boots, madam. It will not do for the Captain of this vessel to stand before the Admiral in stocking feet."

"And we will continue this conversation later?"

"No, beloved. I think you understand precisely how to manage my mother. The rest will be a pleasant surprise."

"Promise?"

"Absolutely. I will be right beside you to insure that it is."

"Then go get your boots, Captain. I need to hang out my dress to let the wrinkles fall out of it." She chewed on her thumbnail. "I am gonna have to buy a few more dresses here, love. Much as I prefer the clothes Satosh made for me, I don't think your mother or anyone else here will approve of them very much."

Donovan looked thoughtful. "You are correct, Angel. But let us get past the trial of meeting my mother first. It may be that she will approve of you, and will help supply a dressmaker. And if she does not, there is no need for us to remain long, and you may as well be comfortable in that case."

Hannah walked the few steps to the door and wound her arms around Donovan's neck. "I like the way you think, Captain."

Donovan leaned down and stole a kiss, which lasted a bit longer than she expected it to. She drew back with a deep breath. "Well, do not share this around, madam, but, um... I like your thinking too."

"Oh really? Do ya now?" Hannah asked coyly.

"Yes ma'am, I do." Donovan reached out and unexpectedly swatted Hannah on the butt. "But I find you most distracting. Now, excuse me while I go find my boots!"

Hannah chuckled out loud as Donovan scampered out the door as though the Devil himself was on her heels. It was nice to know that she had the same effect on Donovan that Donovan had on her. I really like this giddy, being-in-love thing Hannah though with a smile, before turning her attention back to her dress.

************

Hannah was quite impressed with the ship's company and crew as they stood along the railing of the ship as it slowly made its way up the channel to Portsmouth. The ships and sailors on their route saluted as they went by, but nary a man turned his eye from his station.

Donovan stood on the bridge, dazzling in her array of bright brass button and the few glittering ribbons she wore on her chest. Hannah would never have recognized her had she passed her on the street. The stern demeanor, the powdered hair, the trim uniform were all so different from the Donovan she was so well acquainted with. It was only on the rare occasion that Donovan caught her attention and let her eyes twinkle briefly that Hannah felt it was all some great show put on for someone's benefit. She still hadn't quite decided whose.

As the boat pulled in to the dock, men scrambled to tie her off and returned to the positions on the rail as quickly as possible. This was unusual for the Maiden. Generally, she was anchored some distance from the dock and the crew was ferried to shore in long boats. Their tying to the dock itself signaled a longer shore rotation, and each man aboard knew the reason behind it. And with the exception of one or two, all were glad for it. Sailing with Captain Donovan Scott had always been a good thing. Hannah had simply made it better.

Almost immediately, the Admiral was piped on board. He studies his surroundings with a smile, noting the proud stance of the sailors and the polished look of the ship. Then his eyes fell on Hannah and he turned to Captain Scott with a lifted eyebrow.

"It appears, Captain that we need to talk."

Donovan nodded and saluted and motioned for the Admiral to lead the way. Then she extended an arm to Hannah who accepted it with alacrity.

"Mr. Merryweather, set the watch, and dismiss the men for leave time. Make sure it is understood when each is due back here for duty. We will begin unloading the stores in the morning. Then I expect the Admiral will have a schedule for us for repairs and such."

"Aye sir. Good luck," he muttered under his breath.

Donovan gave a bare nod of acknowledgement of his words. She clasped her free hand over the one Hannah was gripping her arm with. "Come, beloved. Time to face the music."



Chapter XXII

"And you really believe your mother will go along with this, Captain?" The Admiral turned his face to Hannah, his expression apologetic. "Forgive me, Miss Hannah, but I have met Margaret Scott, and she is quite the forbidding woman. It is not enough that you are a colonist, albeit a lovely one," with a bow and a flourish in her direction. "The fact that you consented to come here with her son *unwed*, which she will consider you as she has not approved the match between you, makes you loose and whorish."

Donovan was on her feet before the Admiral could finish. "Just a moment, sir! I will not permit you to speak either to or about my bride in such a manner!"

"SIT DOWN CAPTAIN!!"

"NO, SIR! I do not need the Navy slandering Hannah, and I WILL NOT TOLERATE IT!!

"CAPTAIN!"
"Donovan."

Hannah's soft-spoken word cut easily through the shouting match that was quickly headed towards a brawl. Donovan glared at the Admiral a moment longer before she turned to face her beloved. She reached out her hands and grasped Hannah by the waist, forcing Hannah's hands to her chest to keep them from being pinned between them. Hannah allowed her hands to trail up Donovan's chest to her broad shoulders, and she noticed the barely repressed shiver that ran through the tall frame.

"Angel?"

"Love, it doesn't matter what the Navy thinks, though all the Admiral was trying to do was warn me of your mother's possible reaction. Don't throw your career out the window when he was trying to help."

"Listen to your bride, Captain. She is a very wise woman."

Donovan's eyes never left Hannah's face, even when she answered the admiral. "Yes, sir, she is, but I still will not have you or anyone else disrespect her. I love her, sir, and I have every intention of making sure the entire world is aware of that fact. As far as anyone knows we have been married since the middle of June. The question is, sir, is whether the Navy supports me or not."

"It is not in the Navy's authority to decree on way or another on the marriage of its officers, Captain. But I personally would like to extend to you both my heartiest congratulations. It is good to see you found someone whom you are so willing to defend so fiercely."

"Then you understand my request for a bit of extended shore time, sir?"

"I do indeed Captain, and considering your desire to win your mother over, it will be granted. The Maiden has been due for a refit and overhaul for quite some time now, but you kept putting it off to go back out to sea." He smiled and motioned at Hannah who blushed quite prettily. "Now I understand your eagerness."

"Once your cargo has been unloaded, let your men know that they will be assigned shipyard duty. A majority of them will be assigned to do the overhauling and refit work. Your two senior officers will be in charge of the yard work to allow you to go home to tend to your pressing family business."

"And shore leave for my crew, sir?"

"Set up a rotating schedule, Captain. Give each of them a week off with pay. Rare, but not unheard of, especially considering the money you have saved the Crown in keeping the peace out there for years running. You are truly an asset to the uniform, Captain."

"Thank you, sir. I will have the roster on your desk in the morning. We will be here to unload the stores first thing, and then the Maiden can go into the yards immediately afterwards. I thought the men deserved a chance for a little entertainment tonight."

"Was that wise, Captain? Do you really believe the crew will be in any shape to carry out their duty tomorrow after they spend the day... ahem... in town?"

"Yes sir, my crew are all good men. They will do their duty, no matter the shape they come back in. They know their bonuses depend on the ship being unloaded in a timely manner. I trust them, and they know that too."

"It is your decision, Captain. I hope you are not disappointed for your faith." The Admiral opened the door, surprised to hear the sound of male singing coming from the direction of the Warrior Maiden. He stepped through the portal and stopped, stunned, at the picture before him.

Every man on the Maiden had changed from his dress uniform into his work clothes, and was busy getting the stores unloaded. John Merryweather noted the trio standing in the doorway of the Admiral's office, and he sketched them a salute, but otherwise, no notice was given to them as the men systematically moved the crates from the hold to the deck and down to the dock.

The Admiral turned to Donovan who had a stoic expression on her face, but whose eyes glittered with fierce satisfaction. "Well, Captain, it seems your faith is well justified. If only the rest of the fleet enjoyed such loyalty. Go tend to your crew, Captain, and get me that schedule. You have business at home that needs tending."

"Aye sir."

The Admiral turned and took Hannah's hand in his own, covering it and squeezing lightly. "It has been an honor and a privilege, my dear. I think you are just the balance Captain Scott needed in his life. I wish you luck in dealing with his mother."

"Thank you, Admiral. Your good wishes are appreciated."

"Go, Captain. I will see you in the morning, if not before," knowing Donovan's penchant for having things ready early. Donovan offered a salute which was acknowledged and then gave Hannah her arm, and the two made their way back to the ship.

"Captain on deck!"

"As you were! Mr. Merryweather, a word, if you please."

"Aye sir." John Merryweather handed his tally sheet to Mr. Roberts and moved to follow the Captain to her quarters. Her belongings and Hannah's sat neatly in two chests in the middle of the room waiting to be unloaded. Hannah went in first and took a seat on the bed, while Donovan took her desk and the first mate remained standing.

Donovan remained silent, and finally Merryweather asked, "Is there a problem, sir?"

"I am not sure, Mr. Merryweather. Would you care to explain to me why the men are unloading the cargo instead of taking their leave? I thought I gave an order."

"Donovan...."

"Hannah," Donovan said before she could speak further. "I understand your concern, but this is ship's business. Please...."

Hannah nodded reluctantly and sat back against the headboard. She bit her lip. She knew Donovan was right, and in this time and this place she had no responsibility or entitlement to speak. And she certainly had no desire to undermine Donovan's authority on her own vessel. But it was very hard to remain silent when it was clear that the crew had done it for Donovan's sake.

"I decided to have done with it, sir. It looks better for you and for us if we unload the cargo immediately. The Maiden has a reputation to maintain."

"So my orders mean nothing, then?" softly, sharply.

"No sir, we followed your orders. I simply moved up the timetable on them a bit. It is my job as first officer to insure your orders are carried out in a timely manner in a way that befits the situation and your reputation. I exercised my prerogative to move the timetable up to ensure that."

Donovan bit down on a smile. The truth was, they had done her a good turn, and she wasn't going to punish anyone for that. But it didn't hurt to remind them that she was still the Captain, and she let John sweat for a few minutes while she stared at him in silence.

Finally, she rose from her chair and clapped Merryweather on the shoulder. "You did a good thing, John. All of you. The Admiral was most impressed. I would appreciate being made aware of a change before it is implemented if it happens again, however."

The first mate nearly sank to the floor in relief as his knees tried to unbuckle beneath him. Instead he smiled and said, "Aye, sir," recognizing the reprimand for what it was. "Thank you, sir. We wanted to make you proud."

"You did, John. You did very much. Now," she continued, reaching back to her desk, "I want you to call the men together. I have some news and our new orders they should be aware of before I leave. Then Hannah and I need to make our best speed home. It is time to introduce my bride to my mother."

John flinched involuntarily at the last statement. "Aye sir. Will you be needing some back-up on that front?"

"Not immediately Mr. Merryweather, though I doubt either of us would object to your coming to visit when you have some free time to spend."

"I believe I can arrange that, sir. And if you will be kind enough to let me know when and where the nuptials will be, I imagine I can find a way to be there as well."

"I hope so, my friend, as I would like you and the rest of the crew to stand with me. You especially, though." Donovan extended her hand.

John accepted it with alacrity. "Thank you, sir. You know it is my honor to stand with you and Miss Hannah."

"Good. I will let you know as soon as my mother has settled down with the idea. Now come along. Let us give the orders to the men. I think they will be well pleased."

"Aye, sir!" John held the door open and gestured the Captain to walk before him. Donovan gave a slight bow and proceeded to step through when she realized Hannah hadn't moved from the bed.

"Wait outside for me, Mr. Merryweather."

The door closed completely before Donovan turned to Hannah. "Are you coming, Angel?"

"I'm sorry, Donovan. I didn't mean to overstep my bounds." It was said softly, but the Captain could hear the sadness, anger and frustration in Hannah's voice.

Donovan sat down and took Hannah in her arms. The writer held herself stiffly for a moment, but Donovan's large hands ran gently up and down her spine and she felt herself relaxing into the embrace. "It is all right Hannah, and quite understandable, given your nature. They did a good thing and you did not want to see them punished for it. I appreciate that about you. But I needed to handle it as I saw fit."

"I recognize that, love. I felt bad for putting you on the spot. I didn't mean to embarrass you by speaking out. I know I don't really behave like a woman from this century should."

"And why should you, beloved? You are not from this century. I treasure you even more for that very reason."

"You are a smooth talker, Donovan Scott. You could really turn a girl's head."

"I have already turned and caught the only girl whose head I was interested in turning."

"Oh you have, have you? Then I guess you better make an honest woman out of me pretty quick here, Captain."

"As quickly as I can, my love. As quickly as I can." She rose and pulled Hannah up with her, keeping their hands clasped as they moved to the door. "Come, let us go tell the men about their schedule, and then we can go."

Hannah pulled Donovan to a halt just before she opened the door. She slid her hands up Donovan's chest, locking her fingers around Donovan's neck so as not to disturb the hair that was neatly tied back and powdered. She urged the Captain's soft lips down to meet her own, and they spent a long moment in leisurely, teasing exploration. Hannah pulled away slightly to breathe and Donovan captured her lips a second time in fierce passion.

When they separated, Hannah laid her head on Donovan's chest, listening to the rapid heartbeat with a sense of satisfaction. It was nice to know that she affected Donovan with much the same intensity as Donovan did her. She'd seen stars for a minute there.

"Come, Angel," Donovan said again still slightly breathless. "Before I forget my manners and throw you down on the bed here and have my way with you."

"And this would be a bad thing how?"

Donovan growled. "Do not tempt me, woman! I have plans for you, for us, and it does not involve anything even remotely resembling a hurried affair on the ship. Now let us leave before I lose what little resolve I have remaining."

"I love you, Donovan."

"I love you too, Hannah Scott."

Hannah couldn't stop the little gasp that escaped. "I do like the sound of that. Let's go, Captain. We don't wanna keep your crew in suspense too long."

They opened the door and John Merryweather stood there blushing, but maintaining his gaze towards the stairs. Donovan led Hannah past him and up the stairs, and he followed without a word. He was as anxious as the rest to see what news the Captain had in store for them.

************

"The men seemed quite excited about the time off," Hannah commented as she settled into the small berth they had secured on the afternoon train. "And almost all of them expressed a desire to be at our wedding."

"It is quite an event for most of them beloved, and somewhat rare. Many men of the sea never marry."

"Yes, well, you're not an ordinary man of the sea, are you, love?"

Donovan chuckled and pulled Hannah into her and laying the blonde head gently on her shoulder. "No, Angel. Not exactly. Now rest. We have quite a ride before we reach town, and I imagine Mother will be something of a draining ordeal for both of us."

"But...." Hannah found her words cut off by a kiss.

"Hush and go to sleep. It will make the time pass a little faster." Donovan closed her eyes and snuggled close to Hannah. Hannah looked back at the serene face incredulously.

"Can't believe you kiss me like that then just expect me to turn over and go to sleep," Hannah muttered as she turned and twisted before settling down with her head on Donovan's shoulder. She mumbled a bit longer before nervous exhaustion won out and she felt into a light doze. She never saw the blue eyes that smiled fondly down at her before they closed in sleep as well.

************

It was nearly dark when they pulled into the train station, and Donovan groaned when she stretched to her full height before stepping from the train. Their nap hadn't been very long, and she was tired from just sitting and listening to Hannah worry. Not that she blamed her; she was not particularly thrilled to be facing her mother. But it had to be done, so she took their cases in one hand and Hannah's hand in the other, and made their way to the local tavern.

"Um, Donovan? Aren't we going home... to your mother's house, I mean?"

"We will in the morning, beloved. I do not feel up to facing her disappointment tonight. I would like a hot bath, a hot meal, a soft bed and you."

Suddenly Hannah understood Donovan's reluctance. It wasn't anger Donovan would be facing, though Hannah suspected she herself might be before all was said and done. It was disappointment, the kind that was deep and cutting. She nodded to more than just Donovan's words when she spoke.

"That sounds lovely. I think I'd like that very much." And they crossed the threshold into another world.

************

"Folks were very glad to see you, Donovan, and they were very gracious to me as well."

"I do not get home often, love, and you simply charmed them all."

They were comfortably sprawled on the bed, the remains of their dinner on a small table nearby. They had bathed first, and Hannah ran her fingers through the hair that was raven once more. "I definitely like it better dark than light," she said conversationally, which got her a raised eyebrow in return.

"So do I, Angel. Powdering is a formality that is slowly disappearing, thankfully."

Hannah looked closely at Donovan whose head was in her lap, and for the first time she saw the signs of strain and weariness on her features. "C'mon, love," she said, tugging gently at Donovan's shirt. "It's late, I'm tired, and I want to cuddle with you."

Donovan didn't answer; she just stood long enough to help pull the cover back, then crawled in and curled herself around Hannah. Hannah extinguished the lamp before brushing a light kiss across the nearby forehead. "Goodnight, love," she said softly. Her answer was a firm hug and the sound of even breathing in her ear.

************

Morning came early, as it is wont to do, and Hannah and Donovan were up with the sun. It wasn't particularly far to the Scott's homestead, but Donovan wanted to arrive early and get the unpleasantness out of the way first thing. That way, there would be plenty of time to find another place to stay if her mother turned them out.

So after a good hearty breakfast from the tavern kitchen, Donovan found a carriage for hire to take them the relatively short distance to her parents' home.

A man opened the door at their knock and then stood with surprise on his face for a long moment before he swept Donovan up in a big bear hug. Hannah would have recognized him as Ernst Scott even without Donovan's gasping. "Papa, please put me down."

"Donovan, it is so good to see you! When did you get in? How long can you stay? And who is the lovely lass with you?"

"Papa, allow me to present my bride, Hannah. Hannah, this is my father, Ernst Scott...."

"But you can call me Papa, lass. It would please me no end to have you do that, especially since you are already a member of the family apparently." Ernst took the opportunity to glare at Donovan. "It seems we have missed quite a bit since you have been gone from us."

"Not as much as you believe. Papa, can we go inside? I promise to answer all your questions."

"Of course. Where are my manners? Come in. We have just gotten up from table, but I think we could manage to feed you."

"We have eaten, thank you."

"Ernst? Who was at the door?"

"Come, Mama. Our wayward child has returned and brought us a new daughter."

Margaret turned without a word and went back into the kitchen. "Well, that went well," Ernst muttered, before grabbing the largest bag and ushering Donovan and Hannah into the house.

************

"So you are not actually, legally married yet?" Ernst asked when Donovan finished speaking.

"No, Papa. We wanted you to do it."

"So you traveled together as man and wife without the benefit of a minister? You dared to bring a whore into my house and expect me to treat her as a lady? Worse... as a daughter?? How dare you...."

"Now Mama," Ernst began, but he was overridden by both Mama and Donovan.

"Do not 'Now Mama' me, Ernst!"
"How dare *I*?? You do not speak...."

Margaret turned flashing brown eyes towards her daughter. "Do not raise your voice to me, Donovan! I had a daughter once, and I lost that daughter to the sea as surely as though she had died, and what was left in her place was a perversion! An abomination before God! And now you expect me to not only accept the fact that you will live as a man for the rest of your unnatural life, but that you have found a perverted whore who will share your bed!!"

The sound of a chair breaking across the desk stopped her tirade cold, and Margaret turned to find Donovan seething holding only the two remaining legs. "THAT'S ENOUGH!!" Donovan roared.

"GET. OUT. OF. MY. HOUSE. I want you gone when I come back to clean up this mess!"

Margaret stomped out of the room, and everyone took a deep breath.

"I'm sorry, Papa. Would... would you still be willing to marry us?"

"Donovan?" Hannah put her hands on Donovan's chest and waited for the anguished blue eyes to track to hers. She flinched at the raw pain she saw inflicted there. "Take your fa... take Papa out to the barn and curry the horses. Just for a little while. I am gonna talk to your Mama. When I am done, then we can go."

"But I... do you... are you sure, beloved?"

"Yes, love. You leave her to me."

Ernst covered his mouth with his hand. He recognized the fierce light in Hannah's eyes as something Margaret hadn't counted on. The woman Donovan had chosen had an intensity he'd never seen matched, and it was obvious by watching the two of them together that their love was real and abiding. He almost wished he could stay and watch the fireworks, then decided he was just not that stupid. He did watch as their lips came together, then turned away in respect for their privacy.

He waited a long moment, until he heard a slight moan. They had forgotten he was even in the room and were consuming one another with their kiss. Though loath to interrupt them, he cleared his throat rather loudly, forcing them reluctantly apart as they blushed darkly at their behavior.

"Come on, Donovan. I think Hannah can handle your Mama just fine on her own."

Donovan gently traced Hannah's lips with her fingers, smiling when they parted and her nostrils flared. "I love you," she said softly, but audible to everyone in the room.

"That's a real good thing, Captain Scott, 'cause I love you too. Now go. I'll take care of your Mama, then we can go find a place to stay."

Donovan looked at her father and followed him out the door. Then Hannah turned her attention to the mess on the floor. She'd never seen Donovan get quite so angry... not when she'd gutted Blackthorne and not when she'd take the Admiral to task. Margaret Scott was lucky Donovan had broken the chair instead of her. The fury pounding through her veins at her mother's words was evident, and it was only Donovan's iron will that kept her from lashing out at her mother directly.

It's probably a very good thing that she did that. God knows my self-restraint was about to fly out the window. I was ready to bitch smack her into next week.

Hannah felt her ire rising again and took a deep, cleansing breath. Then she began methodically picking up the shards and splinters of wood that lay scattered across the desk and carpet area around it.

She was about halfway done when she heard a clattering at the doorway. "WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU ARE DOING?? GET OUT OF MY HOUSE!!" Margaret's face was so red, Hannah literally feared for her life.

"No." A single word, spoken with quietness and determination, and it threw Margaret off her stride.

"What do you mean NO??? Get out of my house!! You're not welcome here, you disgusting harlot!!"

"Mrs. Scott, you have every right to hate me. No real reason, since you don't even know me, but certainly every right. I suppose there will always be people in the world like you who are too busy judging others that they never take the time to get to know them as individuals. A real shame, that, because you miss out on a lot of things due to your petty hatred, but that is not my concern now." She held up a hand when Margaret drew breath to speak.

"Please do not interrupt me. I am going to say what I have to say and you are going to sit down and listen. Then I will leave, and it will be up to you what happens from there. Understood?"

It wasn't her planned reaction, but Margaret surprised herself by nodding dumbly and found herself eased into a chair at Hannah's gentle insistence.

"As I said, Mrs. Scott, your feelings for me are irrelevant at this point, except as they concern Donovan. But your feelings for Donovan, madam, are completely unacceptable and abhorrent to me. You gave birth to her, loved and nurtured her, and now you turn your back on her because she follows her heart?? What the hell kind of mother are you anyway??

"Now you wait...."

"NO MA'AM!! I am not finished. You know nothing of the wonderful human being Donovan has become. All you see is a perversion, an abomination. She is a respected Captain in the Royal Navy, well decorated, and revered by her men. She is a hero to the people of the islands. And she is a loving, caring woman forced to act out a role because of the path she has chosen to follow. But you don't see that, do you? You don't see the brilliant mind, the loving heart, the beautiful soul."

"It doesn't surprise me that you cannot accept the fact that Donovan and I love one another. You cannot love Donovan for the person she is or the person she has to be to follow her heart. It should give you a measure of peace to know that as far as the world is concerned, Donovan and I will be lawfully bound as man and wife. At least your neighbors won't sneer at you and the fact that your child is a disgrace." Hannah could hear the scorn in her voice, and just couldn't make herself care enough to stop it.

"I feel sorry for you, Mrs. Scott. You are so busy being cruel and petty that you're gonna miss out on a lot in life, not the least of which is the amazing person that Donovan is."

Hannah walked to the door and turned around when she reached the threshold. "I want you to remember something, Mrs. Scott. I don't know you or anything about you, except for the little bit I have seen and what little Donovan has said. I do not like you and I do not like your attitude. But I especially will not tolerate your attitude towards Donovan, because you hurt her and I don't like that at all."

She took a deep breath, and looked out the window towards the barn where she could see Donovan standing in the door. "Stay away from her, Margaret. She is no longer your concern."

"What gives you the right...?"

"I love her. That gives me the right. We are going to be married in just a few days. That gives me the right as well. And remember when she no longer comes around that you gave up your right to her love when you pushed her away to hold on to petty prejudices and hatred. Goodbye, Mrs. Scott. I wish I could say it's been nice, but it really hasn't."

Hannah stepped through the doorway and made her way swiftly out the front of the house on shaking limbs. She rounded the house and headed in the general direction of the barn, knowing Donovan would see her and meet her halfway or better.

Donovan caught hold of the cold hands, chafing them gently as she led Hannah towards the barn. They didn't speak; there was no need. Whatever needed to be said would wait til they were long gone from this place.

Ernst looked up at their approach and noted the paleness in Hannah's features. He was sure he'd hear from Margaret just exactly what had transpired, but his curiosity was overwhelming. He didn't think Margaret had gotten a word in edgewise; he hadn't heard her screaming. Whatever Hannah had done had been very draining, though she'd apparently had her say before leaving.

"Papa, will you bring the other bag out here?"

Ernst nodded and went into the house. He noticed Margaret was sitting in one of the wing back chairs unmoving, and he made a note to check her as soon as he got the children on their way. He brought the bag and placed it in the carriage, noting that a healthy color had already returned to Hannah's face. He took her hands in his.

"Are you all right, Hannah?"

"Yes, M... Papa. It just... I wasn't very pleasant. You might want to keep an eye on her, because eventually, something's gonna break."

"I will do that Hannah. Thank you for caring." He turned to Donovan. "I will be in town in three days. We can marry you on the Maiden, then you will have a bit of time for a wedding trip before duty will call you back to the sea."

"Thank you Papa," Donovan replied. "We will see you on Sunday."

"I'll take care of her, Papa," Hannah whispered. "She's the best thing in my life."

"Thank you, Hannah, I know you will. Donovan is one of the best things in mine as well, daughter. I am glad you are part of our family." Donovan reached over and took Hannah's hand in her own.

"So am I," she said with a smile, then she clucked to the horses and they started down the road back to town. Ernst turned back to the house and shook his head.

"Time to brave the lion's den." And he walked back to his home.



Chapter XXIII

"Donovan?" The blonde head peered around the door and Donovan turned from the mirror and caught her breath. While she had been aboard the Maiden working with the yard master on repairs and refits the last three days, Hannah had spent her time finding them a small cottage to rent. They'd gotten it for a paltry sum, since there was a bit of repair work to do on it as well, but Hannah had thrown herself into the task, despite the talk her efforts stirred. Now, as Hannah appeared before her in bridal white, Donovan's thought was one of wonder and delight. Wondering when and where she'd found the time to find such a talented seamstress on such short notice and delight at just how beautiful Hannah was.

It was only when she noticed the color that flushed prettily up Hannah's cheeks that Donovan realized she was staring with her mouth agape. She blushed herself and cleared her throat in an effort to dispel her embarrassment.

"Hannah? You look... incredible... simply amazing. But what are you doing here, beloved? We are not supposed to see one another until the ceremony."

"Donovan, we haven't followed the rules for anything else? Why should we start now?"

Donovan couldn't stop the grin that creased her face. "Very true. Come here."

Hannah obeyed, and found herself swept away on toe-tingling sensations for a very long moment. When she opened her eyes again, she blinked dazedly until she could find her voice. "Wow!" she whispered.

"I have missed you, Angel. The nights are not the same when you do not share my dreams."

"I know, love," Hannah answered quietly. She laid her head on Donovan's chest, unmindful of her hair. Her only concern was listening to Donovan's heartbeat, and she found great comfort in its steady rhythm. "I've missed you too. I think we have both been exhausted by our various labors."

"Probably, but you have done a wonderful job with the cottage, Hannah. Even though this is temporary for us, it is so nice to have a place to come home to that we can call ours." Hannah flushed faintly at the praise.

"I just want you to be as happy as I am being with you."

"I am afraid that is not possible, Angel." Donovan felt Hannah stiffen in her arms. "I passed that level of happiness the first time I held you in my arms." She returned Hannah's firm embrace eagerly. "Now what do you say to you and I going up to the Maiden's deck and being married?"

"I say I think I like that idea... a lot. I have waited a lifetime for this."

Donovan leaned down until she was a hairsbreadth from Hannah's lips. "So have I, beloved." Then she was swept away on a world of sensation until the door opened and someone was tapping her on the shoulder.

"Yes?" Donovan growled, keeping her attention on placing butterfly kissing around Hannah's lips. "What is it?"

"Um, Captain? I apologize for intruding, but everything is ready sir. We need to get you both topside to get the ceremony started." John Merryweather kept his eyes downcast to keep from prying. He could feel the heat they radiated just being together, and had no desire to see if it would singe.

Donovan groaned and pulled away reluctantly. "We will continue this later," Donovan said to Hannah sotto voce. Hannah bit her lip to keep from whimpering at the desire apparent in Donovan's eyes and voice. Donovan turned to Merryweather. "Are you giving away the bride, John?

"Aye, sir."

"Very well, then," she said, placing Hannah's hand on the first mate's uniformed arm. "Give me two minutes to get into position, then escort her up."

"Aye, sir."

Donovan turned to Hannah once more and cupped her cheek gently. "I love you."

"And I love you."

Without another word, Donovan left the small cabin and walked to the bridge where her father and her crew waited.

"She came to find you, did she not?"

"You can tell?" As much an admission as it was a question.

"She has a fire I recognize, and she is not one to let tradition stand in the way of desire. Besides, you wear a look of contentment."

"I am quite satisfied. A number of dreams come true for me today."

"Thank you for giving me the honor of presiding, Donovan."

A slight stir from the aft area of the boat delayed Donovan's reply, and she looked up in surprise to see her mother step off the gangplank onto the deck of the ship. Before she could formulate a response, another motion caught her attention, and Donovan focused on her bride.

Hannah really did look stunning. Her gown was simple; plain white silk with a while lace overlay on the bodice and sleeves. She wore a wreath of braided wildflowers as a crown for her head, and in her arms she carried a bouquet of roses from the prized garden of the Admiral's wife.

The Admiral stood beside Ernst, having been asked by Donovan to bless the union once it was official on this side of the pond. His wife Elizabeth stood to one side, having been happy to stand for Hannah when asked.

But Donovan wasn't really concerned with anything else but Hannah, and found her gaze captured but the vivid, sparkling green that reflected the sheer joy she felt at the moment. Another second and she was taking Hannah's hand from John, who moved to stand beside her as her best man. Then the crew closed around them, and Ernst began to speak.

"This union is recognized on one side of the pond, but of course it is not truly official until we do it the Royal Navy way," Ernst said with a smile, garnering chuckles from the crew. "So let us get to it then."

When he reached the question about opposition, he more than anyone there held his breath. No one had been more shocked at her arrival than he had. He'd spent two days listening to Margaret waffle between anger and tears. When he'd left the morning before, he'd done so to silence, and he was unsure of the welcome he would receive when he got home. Margaret hadn't condemned him, but she'd been clear in showing her hurt of his support of Donovan and Hannah over her.

Silence passed, and he continued the traditional ceremony. Then the Admiral offered his blessing. "The Lord bless thee and keep thee. The Lord make His face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee. The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace. Now and always."

"Ladies and gentlemen, it is my distinct pleasure to present to you Captain and Mrs. Donovan Scott."

"Present arms!" John Merryweather's command rang out and the officers quickly formed a canopy with their swords. The crew threw rice and the flower petals Elizabeth had given them before the ceremony began. Then the entire gathering followed the bridal party down the gangplank and to the Admiralty building for the reception.

The first order of business was the cutting of the cake, and Donovan was hesitant to offer the use of her ceremonial sword to cut it... not with both of them knowing very well where it had last been. Unwittingly, the Admiral came to the rescue.

"Captain Scott, you did not give us much time to complete this, but...." He reached onto the table and drew forward a long, thin, wooden box. "A token of the Navy's esteem, sir, and a welcome aboard for Mrs. Scott."

Donovan held the box while Hannah slid the cover off, then both gasped in surprise at the contents. Inside, cradled gently in a bed of rich blue velvet, lay a new ceremonial sword. It was delicately etched in a pattern Donovan had never seen and see looked at the Admiral with wide, questioning eyes.

"Mr. Merryweather took care of the design. He said you would understand them."

Donovan looked closer and saw several things that she recognized that would mean nothing to the Navy. There was a book, a quill and a parchment for Hannah. For herself there was her standard, her captain's insignia and her family crest. Right at the very top, nearest the hilt were the eyes that were part of her pirate's banner.

"That is incredible." Hannah whispered, sparing Donovan the need for immediate comment. "Thank you, Admiral, Mr. Merryweather."

"Yes, thank you gentlemen. I am overwhelmed."

"Wonderful! Now will you and your bride please cut the cake? I have been waiting since yesterday for a piece, and Elizabeth would not let me have any," the Admiral whined petulantly.

Donovan chuckled nervously and nodded for Hannah to lift the blade from the case. She had to secretly smile at Merryweather's nerve. If the true meaning behind at least one of those symbols became public knowledge, disgrace would be the least of their worries.

Hannah was surprised at the weight of the sword, and smiled thankfully when Donovan wrapped her much larger hand around her own on the hilt. Then they cut the cake to much cheering, and fed one another carefully before moving to the punchbowl where John waited with a glass for each of them and one for himself. He raised his own in toast.

"No finer Captain could a crew ask for than Captain Scott, and we are thrilled he has found a lady who is worthy of him." A cheer broke out from the crew. John held up his hand for silence. "So to Captain and Mrs. Donovan Scott, I would like to wish happiness, joy and strength. May you find your dreams in one another."

The entire room raised their drink in toast. Contrarily, Donovan put hers down and took Hannah's face in her hands. "I already have," she whispered, before capturing her lips in a kiss that blocked out everything but each other for a very long time.

Eventually, they became aware of the calls and cheers of their audience and pulled away blushing.

"Well, now," the Admiral boomed, "looks like we need to get this young couple on their way!"

Their friends laughed and cheered again, and twin blushes deepened further. "Sorry, beloved," Donovan started as she wrapped Hannah in her strong arms. Hannah snaked an arm out and placed her fingers across the soft lips.

"Never be sorry for loving me, Donovan. You make me too happy for me to worry about what the rest of the world thinks anyway."

"I love you, Mrs. Scott."

"I love you back, Captain Scott, with all my heart."

They stepped back slightly and altered their positions so they were standing side by side and not face to face. Then they began making a circuit of the room, making sure to stop and speak to each and every person there.

Elizabeth met them as they neared the door. She gave Hannah a hug, and handed a basket to Donovan, who took it with a raised brow.

"I know you are both anxious to leave. The basket contains some of the food," motioning around the room, "and a bit of cake. The girls and I will pack up what is left and bring it over to your place tomorrow." She paused. "Late tomorrow," she added with an almost girlish giggle. "Now go, before they discover you are leaving."

Hannah leaned forward and kissed Elizabeth's cheek. "Thank you, Elizabeth." Then she tugged Donovan's free hand out the door....

... and ran smack dab into the imposing figure of Margaret Scott.

The trio stared at one another for a long moment before Margaret's eyes fell to the ground. "Donovan, I would like to speak to your bride. Would you excuse us, please?"

"No ma'am," Donovan answered succinctly. "Whatever you have to say will be said to both of us or not at all." Hannah had been very honest in her telling of exactly had occurred during her confrontation with Margaret. Donovan had no intention of leaving Hannah to her mother's tantrum, especially given how she felt about Hannah standing up for her like that. It still sent warm tingles up and down her spine.

Margaret flinched, but nodded her head. "Very well." She turned to Hannah. "I still do not like you, but you were right in saying I do not know you either. I do respect your willingness to stand up for yourself and Donovan. It says a lot about your character, and frankly reminds me more than a little of myself." She drew a deep breath. "I cannot bring myself to bless this marriage... not now; maybe not ever. I am... there are a lot of things that... well, perhaps with time...? I cannot say. But I would like you to know that you have given me a lot to think about. And anything is possible."

She turned back to Donovan. "I do sincerely hope for your happiness, Donovan. It is all I have ever wanted for you, though our ideas of what should make you happy vary widely. Go with God, children, both of you." Then without another word, Margaret turned and headed down the street in the opposite direction from the one they needed to be going to reach their small cottage.

Donovan watched her walk off for a long moment before she turned and extended her arm to Hannah once more. "Mrs. Scott? Shall we go home?"

"Absofriggenlutely, Captain. I have plans for you tonight." Then she had to laugh aloud as Donovan's pace suddenly redoubled.

************

They nearly fell in the door. Donovan had insisted on lifting Hannah over the threshold and was loath to give up the basket to do it. So she was fairly unbalanced as they stumbled in and it was merely saving grace that kept them upright as she fell back against the door to close it. She stood for a minute breathing hard with her eyes closed before she noticed the bouncing in her arms. Donovan cracked one eye open and peered down at the silently laughing Hannah.

"What, pray tell, is so funny, madam?"

The silent laughter became real laughter, and Donovan was having a hard time keeping her face a stoic mask. There was something in Hannah's laugh that made her warm and happy and a stern façade was almost impossible to maintain.

"We are, Captain. We survive decades between us, pirates, storms and any other number of things to nearly crash and burn just before our honeymoon starts?! There is something cosmically wrong with that picture. Especially since we could have avoided it." She tenderly stroked the smooth face above hers. "You didn't need to carry me over the threshold, love. Particularly since you were unbalanced by the basket."

Donovan processed what Hannah had said, understanding the meaning behind the words, then she pouted just the least little bit. "But I wanted us to have the whole starry-eyed, fairy tale experience. We have done too much to be together not to do the best we can for us."

"Drop the basket, Donovan." The low husky voice made her obey, and she heard the rattle of dishes before she found her lips covered by Hannah's. She immediately found another reason to be thankful for the solid construction of the thick oak door as it was all that was keeping the two of them from falling to the floor.

Hannah's hands began a gentle wandering, scratching her scalp and the back of her neck before coming around to the front of her dress tunic. Her lips left little butterfly kisses everywhere they could reach before she started nibbling down the side of Donovan's neck.

She popped the first button and slid her hand in the two inches it would go before she proceeded to work the second one free. The third button allowed her access to Donovan's breasts just as her lips reached the sensitive juncture between Donovan's neck and shoulder. She heard and felt the moan that rose from deep in Donovan's chest, and she reached up to grasp Donovan's face in her palm. The desire in the darkened orbs was scorching and she pulled the soft lips to her own once more, devouring them with unexpected intensity. Then she pulled back until they were barely apart... lips still touching and breathing the same air.

"Take me to bed, Donovan. I'm gonna make love to you til the sun comes up."

Donovan didn't answer verbally. She couldn't, and there was no need. Instead, she traced her tongue over Hannah's lips until Hannah despaired of the teasing and declared war with her own tongue. Donovan pushed herself away from the door on shaking legs and headed for their tiny bedroom, glad beyond reason that it was only a very few steps. She had sincere doubt in her ability to make it farther than that.

Donovan's knees hit the edge of the bed and she lowered Hannah the short distance to the mattress. Gradually she pulled back from their kiss and devoured Hannah with her eyes, keeping her hands in constant motion on Hannah's body. She was quickly coming to understand that her dreams couldn't begin to hold a candle to the sensations reality caused in her body.

Donovan traced lightly up Hannah's torso with trembling fingers, watching in fascination the play of muscles beneath its silk covering. Gently she tugged Hannah into a sitting position, covering her face and hair with light kisses as she struggled to unfasten the multitude of tiny buttons that held the dress together. She growled in frustration over her lack of progress, especially when Hannah's own hand became busy and she quickly unbuttoned Donovan's tunic. Then she started her fingers running up the soft skin in an effort to touch Donovan everywhere at once.

When she brought her lips to Donovan's neck again, the growl became a purr and the Captain shifted her head to one side to allow Hannah the access she needed. Hannah pushed at the dress coat, anxious to have it out of the way. "Let me love you, Donovan," she whispered.

Donovan nodded and stood, then slipped the jacket from her shoulders. Hannah knelt before her and almost immediately Donovan lifted her up to stand in front of her. "Do not kneel before me, beloved. You are neither slave nor servant to me."

"No, but I need your boots and trousers off, love, and I have waited a lifetime to undress you." Donovan swallowed hard at the words and nodded her agreement. "Would you prefer to sit for your boots? It might be easier."

In response, Donovan took a seat, nearly missing the bed in her haste. Hannah worked the right boot off, taking the time to tickle her toes when she slid the sock off her foot. Donovan jerked in surprise and chuckled. "That was not very nice."

Hannah laughed lightly. "No, but it sure was funny." Then she turned her attention to the left boot. It came off a little easier, but instead of tickling the foot she cradled, Hannah stroked her hands up and down the now naked calf, raising the foot to place delicate kisses on each toe. Donovan sucked in a breath at the sheer eroticism of the act, and almost missed Hannah's low command.

"Stand up for me love."

Donovan did so on shaky legs, wondering why she felt so nervous. She and Hannah had loved one another many times in their dreams, and had indulged in some private necking on their crossing over. But this is the first time we will love each other for real, Donovan thought, and felt the butterflies twitch in her belly. Then she lost all coherent thought as Hannah's hands slid her trousers off, managing to hit every sensitive spot on her ass and the back of her legs.

"Oh, God, Hannah," she moaned softly, gripping the sheets in her clenched fists as she fell to the bed. "Undress for me, Angel. I need to see you; I want to feel your skin touching mine."

Hannah whimpered at the husky tone in Donovan's voice, and turned her back. "Unbutton me, Captain. But no touching."

Eagerly Donovan complied, finding it much easier to deal with the myriad of tiny buttons now that she could see them. Of course the unsteadiness of her hands was somewhat detrimental to her cause, but not enough to keep her from doing Hannah's bidding.

At last the dress lay open from neck to waist, and Donovan could not resist the temptation of the golden skin that lay beneath the silk covering. Starting at Hannah's slim waist, she placed her open palms on Hannah's bare back. Slowly she traced upward with her thumbs along Hannah's spine, and she smiled when she felt Hannah push back into her touch.

When she reached the strong shoulders, Donovan pushed the material down her arms, being sure to keep her hands in light, teasing contact all the way to Hannah's fingertips. Donovan let the dress fall to Hannah's waist, and when Hannah turned, stared unabashedly at the now naked chest. Donovan entwined their fingers and slowly brought them one by one to her mouth to be kissed. Then her hands dropped to Hannah's waist, and she eased the dress the remainder of the way to the floor.

"So beautiful," she murmured. "Even better than in my dreams."

"Mine too," Hannah replied softly, wrapping her arms around Donovan's neck and pulling her in for a kiss. Donovan edged them to the bed once more, and Hannah proceeded to maneuver herself on top, straddling Donovan at the waist. "Now it is time to make our dreams become reality, love."

Donovan's answer was made in her kiss as she pulled Hannah down until skin met skin. Then everything became about sensation - touch and scent and taste and sound - and the world went on its way without them for quite a little while.

************

Sunlight streaming in was the first thing that woke Donovan out of a deep, dreamless sleep, and only because it was falling directly in her eyes. They had spent the previous day intermittently loving one another and laughing and talking. It had been both frightening and wonderful, and Donovan had felt something settle into place at least.

They had finally fallen to sleep just as the sun had begun to tint the sky with morning, both relaxed and sated and utterly exhausted. Donovan scowled, not happy to be awake yet, though her inner clock told her it was close to midday. She shifted to find a better position out of the glare when the warmth in her arms mewled and stirred slightly. Then Hannah renewed her grip, and settled back into a peaceful slumber.

Donovan smiled and focused her attention on Hannah. What they had shared yesterday had been a culmination of a lifetime of dreaming and waiting and.... And it had been more wonderful than Donovan had imagined it could be. Dreams had nothing on the reality they shared together, and even the slight pain and discomfort she felt now couldn't diminish the true suitability they shared together.

She lay there with a smile on her face, concentrating so hard that she didn't notice Hannah was awake until a soft touch on her face brought her back to reality and the woman who shared it.

"Problems, love? You had a very peculiar look on your face."

"No, Angel. Contemplating the rightness of my world as it is at this very moment."

"I see," Hannah yawned, scrubbing her face with the hand not currently running lightly up Donovan's torso. "And what brought you out of a sound sleep that you felt the need to ponder that?"

Donovan twisted enough to allow the glare of the late morning sun to hit Hannah squarely in the eyes. Hannah flinched, and buried her face in Donovan's warm, soft chest.

"Ow," she mumbled from her cocoon. "That hurt."

"Yes. It was much more pleasant to concentrate on us than continue to face that."

"Well, now that we are awake," Hannah hesitated when the surface below her began to rumble with laughter. "What's so funny?"

"You are tickling me," Donovan growled out, even as another ripple of laughter shudder through her frame.

"Huh?" Hannah asked. "Donovan, I haven't moved my hands."

"No, but you are breathing, talking and blinking. And it all tickles."

"Heh heh heh. Ammunition... gotta love it," Hannah mumbled, proceeding to blink, breathe and nuzzle until Donovan was squirming. Then without warning she found herself on the bottom of a very small pile with Donovan's long fingers grazing up and down her sides.

"Yes, well, all is fair, beloved," were Donovan's last words until Hannah pleaded for mercy with tears running from her eyes and laughter rolling from her belly.

Their laughter finally wound down and they remained wrapped in the warmth of one another's arms for a while. Finally though, full bladders and empty stomachs forced them from the bed to take care of some of life's other most basic needs.

************

In the early afternoon, the couple decided to take a walk down the beach. The air in late August was warm, but there were hints of cooler weather not far behind. Hannah shivered, unused to the difference in temperature, and Donovan naturally wrapped an arm about her and held her closer.

"Cold, Angel?"

"A little. I'm not used to this kind of weather at this time of year. This is winter for me."

"Um, Hannah... this may not be the best time for me to mention this, but it is going to get a lot colder before it gets warm again."

"How much colder, love?"

"It has been a few years since I actually tried to winter here, but if memory serves... quite a bit. It is one reason we hate to come in. We will head out as soon as we are able, but we will be here for at least part of the winter, I am afraid."

"You are taking me with you when the Maiden heads out again, correct?"

"Yes. I will make the arrangements."

"Then I can bear the cold for a few months. I will need some heavier clothing, though."

"I think we can manage that, Angel. That does remind me, though," Donovan added as they turned around and headed back down the beach towards their cottage.

"Yes?" Hannah asked when Donovan didn't continue to speak. She noticed Donovan's eyes were focused on her and she blushed under the intensity of the stare.

"So very beautiful," she commented softly, stroking Hannah's cheek with the backs of her fingers. "Have I told you today just how much I love you?"

Hannah's blush deepened and she grinned. "You might've mentioned it once or twice, but I certainly never get tired of hearing it said."

Donovan put her hands at Hannah's waist and slid them around the back. Hannah naturally slid them up Donovan's chest and shoulders to lock around the Captain's neck.

"I do love you... more than life or breath or the sea. You changed everything for me. You are the best part of me, and I am thankful every single day that you are in my life."

Hannah would have responded, honestly, had not Donovan stolen her breath first by her words, then by her actions. When they finally separated, breathless, Hannah simply took Donovan's hand again and quickened their pace towards the cottage. The writer had lost her words for the moment, but she was sure that Donovan would understand her message.

************

They were in the small living area preparing dinner when a knock sounded at the door. They looked at one another puzzled til the second knock brought a recognizable voice with it.

"Hannah? Captain Scott? It's Elizabeth. Is it safe for me to come in for a moment?"

Both women were in robes, so Donovan hastily moved to the bedroom and shut the door. Hannah tightened the robe around her midsection and went to open the door for Elizabeth, who promptly blushed at Hannah's state of undress. That caused a blush of her own, and Hannah was thankful for the distraction of taking the large basket out of Elizabeth's hands and resting it on the table.

"You would think after more than thirty years of marriage to the same man and six children, I would not be embarrassed about sex. And I am not, exactly, I suppose. I just hate interrupting newlyweds."

"You weren't interrupting, Elizabeth. I was just getting ready to fix a little dinner for the Captain and myself."

"Then I will not keep you, my dear. I just wanted to drop of the remainders of your feast from yesterday, not that there was much left. Enough for a meal or two, perhaps. It will save you the trouble of having to prepare anything this evening, at any rate."

"I appreciate that Elizabeth, and so will Donovan."

"Good, good." She sighed and put her hand on the door knob. "In a few days, when the Captain returns to his duties, perhaps you could spare a bit of time for me. You have the most interesting pattern of speech I have ever come across, and I wish to know more about it if you would be willing."

"I can do that. Do you know of a place I could get a journal?"

Just then, Donovan walked out of the bedroom, cutting a fine figure in loose britches and a linen shirt. She looked between Hannah and Elizabeth, one brow slightly raised.

"Excuse me, Captain Scott. I was just leaving. Hannah, if you ask your husband to take you to Mills and Rowe, I believe they will have a journal like the one you need."

"Thank you, Elizabeth."

"Yes, thank you, Elizabeth," Donovan echoed.

"You are both most welcome. Now if you will excuse me, I still need to prepare dinner for my husband and family. We will see you both soon, because you will have to join us for dinner when you return to duty, Captain."

"Thank you, madam. We are happy to accept."

"Then we will plan on it. Good evening," and Elizabeth disappeared out the door before either could say another word.

Donovan stared at the closed door a moment longer before joining Hannah at the table. "Let us see what fine repast my crew left for us, Angel. I am surprised there was anything for her to bring at all."

Hannah laughed and the two sat down to a fine evening meal.



Chapter XXIV

The week passed quickly, though Donovan soon learned that she didn't do well with nothing to occupy her time. Much as she and Hannah enjoyed making love together, there was only so much real world intimacy their bodies could handle before begging for mercy. So that left them a lot of hours in the day to fill.

They took walks along the beach every day, and Donovan took Hannah to Mills and Rowe for her journal. Hannah spent time every day trying to adjust to writing with a quill as opposed to using a pen or her computer. It was a frustratingly slow process, but Donovan worked patiently with her every day, and gradually, Hannah was getting the hang of it.

Donovan made a few repairs to the small cottage, fortifying it for the coming winter. She added interior shutters, and caulked all the cracks and crevices. Then she spent an entire morning walking on the roof, making sure all the shingles were good and tight. Surprisingly, Donovan was quite adept with a needle and thread as well, and spent part of each day sewing what she referred to as 'cozies' for the windows and doors. And she was doing her very best to figure out a way to add a bathing room and water closet.

Hannah meanwhile was not having an easy go of things. She never realized how accustomed to modern conveniences she was until they were no longer there. Suddenly something as simple as making a cup of coffee or trying to bathe was a chore that took a tremendous amount of work and effort. Even writing was difficult. Had it not been for the fact that Donovan was home, Hannah would have cried in despair. As it was, she dreaded the day Donovan returned to the yards for work.

Donovan noticed Hannah's edginess, and chalked it up to the new surroundings. She wasn't far off; she simply did not know how to fix what was wrong, especially since she wasn't entirely sure what the problem was. Hannah was loving and attentive whenever she knew Donovan was nearby, but Donovan caught her muttering invectives to herself on more than one occasion when Hannah was unaware of her presence.

When Monday morning rolled around, Hannah saw Donovan off to the shipyards with a well packed lunch and a kiss. Then she went back to the cottage determined to do her best to make a comfortable home for Donovan and herself.

It wasn't so bad at first. Hannah was gradually adjusting to the need to keep the fire stoked, and learning how much wood was enough, and figuring out just how long it actually took to make coffee. She was learning to have a real affinity for tea because of it.

She secretly sort of enjoyed the handle pump, recognizing it as a form of progress, and able to relate it to similar exercises she enjoyed in her gym at home. She tried not to get off on that tangent, though because she found it depressed her and she was not going to saddle Donovan with a depressed, weepy woman.

She doted on Donovan when she stepped through the door, feeling for all the world that Donovan was her only contact with any type of reality. Donovan encouraged her to get out and make friends, and they did visit the Admiral and Elizabeth occasionally, but Hannah found herself reluctant to leave the cottage for any length of time alone. They were so many mistakes she could inadvertently make here, and so many things she needed to do at the cottage that she went out sparingly.

Hannah did manage to make a few friends in her wanderings, though, and she was fascinated with seeing what was for her living history. But it also made her homesick for 'civilization', which in turn made her depressed again. It was becoming a vicious, bitter cycle.

Concerned with what she felt was Hannah's unease, Donovan went to Elizabeth for some advice.

"Captain Scott... Donovan... you have to realize that women are completely different beings from men. We are diametrical opposites, and it is sometimes a wonder that the institute of marriage continues to survive."

Donovan couldn't correct her, so she simply nodded and let Elizabeth continue.

"You have to realize that EVERYTHING has changed for Hannah. She had blossomed from a girl into the flower of womanhood. Her body is changing again, and she is learning things, physical things, about herself and you. What is pleasurable; what is not. You see, Captain," here Elizabeth leaned forward conspiratorially. "Women are taught from an early age that sex is for procreation only. That we are not supposed to enjoy it. Let me tell you the secret behind my long and happy marriage, Donovan. My husband cares about me... inside and outside of the bedroom. He sees to my pleasure as well as his own, and he always makes it a point to notice things around the house and compliment me on them."

"Ma'am," Donovan pleaded, holding up her hands to keep Elizabeth from elaborating any more. There were some things NO ONE needed to know about their commanding officer.

"I am sorry, Captain. I do not mean to make you uncomfortable. But I think it is important that you understand this clearly. You also have to realize that Hannah is now many, many miles from what has been her home all her life. Everything is different here, and she is still trying to settle in and make a proper home for you. She does not have many friends that I am aware of, aside from myself and a few of the shopkeepers."

"Give her some time, Donovan. She is making a lot of difficult adjustments. Just love and support her the best that you can."

"Thank you Elizabeth. I will do my very best."

"I know you will, Captain. I have seen the two of you together. What you have is special... nurture it, and it will turn out all right in the end.

************

Hannah didn't understand her reticence to get out among people. She'd been granted an opportunity historians would have killed for. Donovan had tried to encourage her, but still she hesitated. In her heart, she acknowledged that it was more than simply fear of exposing her differences to them. But she wasn't sure if it was the lack of modernity that would depress her further or the chance that she might find more to like here that was keeping her apart.

Hannah was ashamed of her weakness, but couldn't seem to find a way past the homesickness that was plaguing her. So she threw herself into every task and focused her attentions on Donovan. Donovan didn't begrudge Hannah's attention, and she made an extra effort to seem appreciative of it.

Hannah managed to do a credible job finishing up the cozies, and Donovan was quick to praise her efforts. It was especially pleasing since she really did not care for sewing or mending, and had to take special pains to complete them properly.

Things settled down for the next couple weeks, and Donovan felt herself relaxing slightly. She was still good to compliment Hannah sincerely on whatever task she has assumed for the day, but she no longer felt the need to walk on eggshells. If their bedroom activity was any indication, there never had been a problem. It was the one place Hannah was completely free and open with her.

Hannah had been fierce and wild or tender and soft by turn, and Donovan had responded eagerly to each and every prospect afforded her. Sometimes she led and sometimes she followed, but always they loved one another with deep and sincere passion.

One month after they had wed, however, Donovan was forced to stay late at the yard, and everything came to a head.

************

It started when Hannah got up, bloated and miserable. Donovan offered to stay home, but Hannah refused, knowing however badly she wanted her Captain home, the ship and crew needed her there if they were going to get back to sea early. Hannah had stopped by the yard on occasion and had seen the massive amount of repair and refit work the Maiden was receiving. She appreciated the need, and yet she resented it as well, because every new job meant longer they had to stay here.

On this day, however, Donovan was torn between the need to stay and comfort Hannah and the need to be at the shipyard supervising the refit. They were installing a new boom and Donovan knew it was going to be a chore. But when Hannah shooed her out the door with her lunch and a kiss, she took it as a good sign, and headed cheerfully toward the dock yard.

Hannah decided to lay back down for a bit, hoping the cramping would ease. She fell asleep quickly, and it was almost noon before she stirred again.

The first thing she noticed was the fact that it was chilly in the house, and realized immediately that she'd forgotten to stoke the fire and it had gone completely out. She sighed and bit her lip, and moved to relight the flame, knowing she needed to do that before anything else was possible.

Three skinned knuckles and two burnt fingers later, Hannah finally had a small flame burning in the stove. She sighed with relief and stuffed the box with wood, knowing it would catch fairly quickly. Her next step was to fill a pot with water for heating. This could have gone better, since she barked her skinned knuckles on the cabinet while she removed the pot, but thankfully she didn't smash them or worse.

She finished embroidering a table cover, not completely satisfied with how it turned out, but well-pleased with the fact that she was learning a new skill. She couldn't wait to show Donovan when she got home from work today.

Hannah smiled when her thoughts turned to Donovan. She couldn't ask for a more thoughtful lover. Donovan was so good to notice all of Hannah's efforts, and kind enough not to mention the less-than-stellar ones, thinking wryly of some of her earliest cooking and sewing attempts. She was getting better, though, and Donovan was quick to encourage her and praise her efforts.

Her attention was drawn out of her thoughts by the rumbling of the stove which was literally jumping with the heat. Hannah jumped up and quickly closed most of the vents, and opened the firebox to spread the fire out a bit. It took some patience and a lot of effort on her part, but she managed to bring the fire under control without any mishaps, and she was quite proud of that fact. Even better, the heat had caused her water to boil much faster, and she filled a tub with the water, intent on soaking for a bit. Suddenly things were looking up.

Hannah slipped into the warm tub with a sigh of relief. The warmth helped ease the nagging ache in her belly, and she turned her thoughts back to Donovan. She treasured their time together and she knew Donovan did as well. Hannah simply wished there was more of it. She smiled. Donovan had been supportive of her and she determined more than ever to show Donovan her unwavering support in return.

She clutched the ring she still wore around her neck. Hannah hadn't realized that she would not be given an opportunity to place a ring on Donovan's finger, and she hadn't seemed to find the right time to do it since the ceremony. Maybe tonight, she thought. It was their one month anniversary, and she had made some nice plans for them to celebrate. The house was clean, the table set with flowers and candles; all she had to do was take care when preparing dinner.

Gradually Hannah's water cooled and she bathed quickly and changed into one of the comfortable outfits Satosh had created for her. It was one of the most flattering, and Hannah felt attractive as well as relaxed when she wore it. She carefully emptied the tub, and turned her attention to preparing a special meal for Donovan.

The time for Donovan to come home came and went. The candles burned down, and despite Hannah's best efforts the meal overcooked and dried out as she valiantly tried to keep it warm. Finally, she closed all the vents and stoked the fire, then she grabbed the new overcoat Donovan had gotten for her, and walked calmly out the door.

************

When Donovan walked through the door much later that evening, she sensed something awry immediately. There was no sound in the bedroom, and it was obvious Hannah was not in their small living area. It was also chilly in the house, something Hannah didn't tolerate well at all. It had become something of a joke between them, since given the option Hannah would keep it as warm as the tropics. Secretly, Donovan would have been happy to have it that warm as well, but she knew there was no way to feasibly maintain it in this part of the world.

Donovan hung her hat and cloak on their hook and went straight to the bedroom, then cursed herself for not lighting a candle first when she kicked the corner of the bed.

Still cursing, Donovan stumbled out of the bedroom and over to the table where to candles sputtered trying to remain lit. Even as she watched, one candle went out, and Donovan carefully picked up the second one. She noticed then the remains of what would have been a feast had she been home on time and winced. Donovan took a second look at everything, noticing the newly embroidered tablecloth and the fresh wildflowers and felt like crying. Hannah had planned a special evening for them, and she had, however inadvertently, ruined it by not being at home on time.

Donovan bit her lip, thinking long and hard about where Hannah might go. Then she donned her hat and cloak and lit a lantern, walking out into the crisp, clear night to find her Angel.

************

Donovan thought long and hard about the possibility of Hannah going to Elizabeth's but summarily rejected it... primarily because Hannah just didn't socialize much here. I think it is time we talk about these things. Just supporting her has not been enough. I need to know what she is thinking, feeling. Why she has changed so much.

Having given up the idea that Hannah would go to one of her only friends here, Donovan headed down the stretch of beach they loved to walk on. She walked slowly, not wanting to miss Hannah in her haste.

She was nearing the end of the tract of beach they normally frequented, and was beginning to despair of actually finding her. She was torn between anger and hurt, and Donovan was just ready to give up when she heard a soft voice call her name.

"Donovan?"

"Hannah?" Donovan swung the lantern in a wide arc searching for her heart's desire. Even knowing she was nearby, Donovan still nearly missed Hannah's small form in the darkness.

Hannah sat in the shadow of a dune, mostly out of the wind, but still able to see the waves come crashing onto the shore. It had helped restore her balance, and she felt more normal than she had in a while. Knowing, *realizing* that some things were constant regardless of the time and place had proven very soothing, and Hannah felt she had finally put her problems into perspective.

"Hannah?" Donovan called again softly. Hannah was swaddled in the coat, and the only thing actually visible in the bare light was her eyes. She didn't realize Donovan couldn't see her.

"Donovan, love. I'm right here. Look to your left, by the dune."

Donovan peered into the darkness, scrambling to Hannah's side when she found her and almost dropping the lantern in her haste. She set the lamp to one side and immediately wrapped her arms around Hannah's small body, murmuring love and apologies into the covered head now neatly tucked beneath her chin. Hannah greedily absorbed the love and warmth, until she became aware of the mumbled words being spoken in her ear. Then she pushed away from Donovan just slightly, and looked into her sad eyes.

"Donovan, sweetheart? What are you apologizing for? You didn't do anything wrong."

"You went to such effort to make a special meal, and I completely missed it. I...."

"Shh," Hannah said softly, putting her fingers to Donovan's lips, and taking a moment to be distracted by their softness. "It took me a while, but I realized when I came out here tonight that I have been grossly unfair to you. I know you don't understand what I am going through, and until tonight, I'm not sure I did either. But I think I have figured it out, and I'd like to share if you're willing to listen."

"Absolutely, Hannah. I was hoping we could talk about this. I mean, I have been wracking my brain to figure out what I could do differently...."

"You don't need to do a thing differently, love. You have been wonderful and supportive of me, and I know it hasn't been easy. I haven't been easy to live with in the last month, and I apologize. It's not your fault this isn't the cinch I thought it would be."

"Cinch? Like for a saddle?" Donovan was honestly confused, and it showed.

"No, love. Cinch as in easy. But that is a prime example of what I mean."

Donovan turned them so she was leaning with her back to the dune, and Hannah was cradled between her legs in front of her. She wrapped her long arms around Hannah's slim waist, and sighed in soundless contentment when Hannah leaned her body back into Donovan's own. "I am not sure I understand you, beloved."

"I know, and I am not making this any clearer. Let me start from the beginning and see if that helps."

"You see, Donovan, I fully expected to have an easy adjustment to living here in this time with you. I mean, I read all about it. I understood what the times were like. And even given the rather rough time I had at your cottage on the island, I chalked it up to nerves. I mean, how hard could it be to live here, really? I did okay on the island, and I did pretty well on the boat. How hard could dry land be, right?"

"I should have caught a clue when we were in the cottage on the island. Book smart doesn't always translate into practical smart, and I was getting kicked in my practical butt. You can't just pick up the phone and say you'll be late; I can't just flip a switch for coffee; I can't simply flush the toilet or run a hot bath. The harder I tried, the worse I seemed to fail, and you were always so tolerant and understanding about the whole situation, and that almost made it worse sometimes. The only time I felt on an even keel was when we were alone together, and it just isn't feasible for you to be around all the time. And it certainly isn't practical for us to spend ALL our time together in bed, as attractive as the possibility sounds sometimes."

"Is that the reason you have not gone out much at all since we have been here? Is that why you have been missing from my dreams? Are you that uncomfortable in my world?"

Donovan held her breath, not wanting to hear, but needing to know. Hannah frowned slightly.

"I have been there waiting for you, love. Maybe my depression kept us apart?" She tapped a short nailed finger against her teeth, and Donovan swallowed her words when it became obvious Hannah was working through something.

"Let me start over, love. Because I don't want any more misunderstandings between us, all right?" Donovan nodded and Hannah continued. "It doesn't make much sense I'm afraid. But I am uncomfortable with the fact that I can't function here like I think I ought to be able to. I am having a harder time adjusting than I expected to and that depresses me, especially when you really have been too understanding for words."

"I'm afraid if I go out among people I will embarrass myself or you, since, as Elizabeth inadvertently reminded me, I stick out here. With my speech and attitude and mannerisms. It's apparent to everyone that I am different. The fact that I can't seem to do the simplest things simply frustrates me more, and it all becomes one huge, vicious cycle." She paused and tilted her head back at Donovan. "Does that make any sense at all to you?"

Donovan sat silently for a few minutes, processing everything Hannah had said and hopefully translating it correctly into something she understood. "Do you want me to become less understanding?" she finally asked. "Elizabeth said it was important... that I notice things and compliment you on them. But if it is making you uncomfortable...."

"No, love, no! To be very selfish, I need that from you. It reminds me that I am making some progress here, and given enough time, I can make this work for me and for us." She swallowed and looked away from Donovan, who could feel her unease, but remained silent, waiting. Finally Hannah spoke again, very softly.

"I think it boils down to the fact that I want you to need me... need you to need me, like I need you. And a lot of times lately I seem to have been coming up short in that department."

"Not at all, beloved. Elizabeth was correct in pointing out one thing to me... this IS a major adjustment for you, and I have been amazed at how well you do seem to be adapting to what for you is a completely unnatural environment. You always manage to have a hot meal ready for me when I come home, and I have had a lot less burned ones than I managed myself when I was learning to cook." Donovan smiled to take away the sting of her words, and Hannah returned it, understanding exactly what was being said.

"I know I miss many of your attempts to do things during the day, but I do appreciate your efforts on my behalf. I am glad you are here with me, and would sooner have us working through your frustrations than for me to be without you or let you suffer through the aggravation alone. We are married, Hannah; husband and wife in the eyes of the world and...." Donovan cocked her head in thought. "What was the word you use in your world, Angel?"

"Partners?"

"Yes, partners. We are partners in every sense of the word. If you have a burden, share it with me and let me help you. If you have joy, share it also, that I can celebrate with you as well. We are one together, beloved. Do not shut me out... let me do my part."

Donovan felt the sobs shake Hannah's small frame, and she cradled her close in silence for long moments before speaking. "Tears, Hannah? I did not mean...."

Fingers at her lips stilled Donovan's voice and she waited for Hannah to speak. "That was beautiful, love. I didn't mean to be so selfish, but I see now that by not sharing my misery as well as my joy that you were being shut out. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to do that. You deserve better than that."

Subtly, Donovan shifted Hannah in her arms until she was cradling her in her lap. "I got precisely what I deserved, Hannah. My dreams came true when I got you."

Hannah wrapped her arms around Donovan's neck and pulled her in firmly until their lips met passionately. Only when they needed air did she pull back, and then she whispered, "I love you," and cuddled tightly into Donovan's chest.

"I love you, too, Angel. I want you to remember that the next time things seem hard. Come to me and let me help; just like I will come to you."

They sat quietly for a time, unmindful of the steadily dropping temperature. Instead they focused on the warmth the returning stability to their relationship brought and were content. When Hannah fidgeted and shifted lightly, Donovan looked at her expectantly. Hannah cleared throat.

"Donovan?"

"Hmm?"

"I was wondering something."

"What is that, Angel?"

"Well, Jack gave me something, and I've been meaning to give it to you, but the time never seemed right and I didn't have a chance at our ceremony and well, I was wondering...?" She broke off her ramble, not sure she was going about this the right way.

"You were wondering what, beloved?" Donovan was intrigued. She'd never seen Hannah quite as flustered as she was right at this very moment, and she found it endearingly cute.

"Would you unfasten my necklace, Donovan?"

Perplexed, yet charmed by the simple request, Donovan complied, handing the two ends forward into Hannah's hands. She couldn't see what Hannah did, but almost immediately the two ends came back to her.

"Would you put it on me again, please?"

Donovan's curiosity was burning brightly now, but she obey, then sat quietly waiting for Hannah's next words, noting that her eyes stayed riveted to the hands in her lap and whatever she held in them.

"Do you remember the bag that you found in the carriage on the way to the ship?" Donovan nodded and Hannah continued. "Yes, well you said it was addressed to me, and it was. From Jack. He gave me a lovely supply of chocolate...." She snuck a peek at Donovan. "I still have some, by the way." She was charmed by the bright smile she got for that.

"Anyway, it also had an envelope in it with my name on it." Donovan nodded. She remembered that as well. It was the reason she'd been sure the bag was Hannah's.

"Right. So anyhow, in the envelope was a note from my father... and, um, my mother's wedding ring. He said...." She shivered, and Donovan wrapped her arms tighter. Hannah felt the light brush of a kiss across the top of her cloak and smiled tremulously. "He said that he hoped I or the one that I loved would wear her ring. So I was wondering...." She took Donovan's left hand in her own and held the ring up. "Would you be willing to wear my ring? I know you may not be able to with being a sea captain, but maybe we could put it on a chain for your neck or... OH!"

Donovan slipped her finger through the ring, amazed at the way it fit like it was made for her. Donovan stared at it a long time, or so it seemed to Hannah, before she turned her attention back to Hannah. "It is beautiful, my love, and the sentiment behind it leaves me speechless. I will wear it proudly." She tipped her head slightly and sealed the promise with a kiss.

Eventually they pulled away and Hannah looked into Donovan's eyes. "Captain Scott?"

"Yes, Mrs. Scott?" said with formality but a teasing grin and a twinkle in her eye belied the seriousness of the reply.

"Would you be so kind as to take me home and make wild, passionate love to me for the rest of the night?"

Donovan shifted so quickly Hannah would have fallen had it not been for lightning fast reflexes on Donovan's part. "I believe, madam, that is the best offer I have had all day."

Hannah rose and put her hands on her hips, eyebrow arched in mock annoyance. "I believe, Captain, that had better be the ONLY offer you've had all day. You're taken... and you're mine."

"Body and soul, beloved. Body and soul."

Donovan stood and brushed the sand from herself and then Hannah, then she grabbed the lantern and gave it to Hannah to hold so she could scoop Hannah into her arms.

"Donovan put me down! It is too far for you to carry me all the way to the cottage through the sand! Please, love," she said on a softer note. "I don't want you to hurt yourself." Donovan pouted, and Hannah chuckled, nearly upsetting them both when the pout became mock indignation. Hannah bit her lips, and aimed for a compromise.

"How 'bout this? We'll walk together back to the cottage and you can carry me across the threshold into the bedroom. BUT... I'll hold the lamp."

Donovan ducked her head and stole a quick kiss before gently setting Hannah on her feet. "I believe I can accept that as an equitable arrangement." She offered her arm gallantly and took the lantern from Hannah. "Allow me the honor of lighting your way, m'lady."

"You already do love, in every way that matters."

Donovan heard the sexy undertone in Hannah's voice and without warning took the smaller hand in her own and began loping down the beach at a run. She had to taper her steps to match Hannah's own stride and accommodate their laughter, but her intent was perfectly clear.

And when they arrived back at the cottage, she was happy to show Hannah just how focused she was... several times.

************

"So why were you so late getting in last night, love? Or can you say?" It was just before dawn, and Hannah and Donovan were in the small living space trying to restart the fire. Actually, Donovan was relighting the fire, and Hannah was cleaning up the remains of their ruined evening meal. Neither had been a top priority when they'd arrived home the night before.

"We had difficulties getting the boom in place and balanced. That took the majority of the daylight, and the crew and I had to scramble to get the rest of the day's work done."

"What's the rush?"

"The rains are due any day, and we want to have the outer repairs as soon as possible before they come. Then we can move indoors and do the interior work."

"Makes sense."

Donovan was finally satisfied that the flame had caught, and after adding more wood, caught Hannah's robe tie between her fingers and tugged gently. She smiled rakishly when Hannah stood in the circle of her arms.

"Thank you, beloved. I do try that on occasion. Besides, the men are already complaining about the weather here. I think we will be ready to go out again sooner than expected." Donovan paused and allowed herself to be distracted by the warm hands and nails that were scratching slow circles on her back. "Now, what do you say to my staying home with you today?"

Hannah's green eyes were filled with exasperation as they gazed up into blue. "Donovan, last time I checked, I didn't have STUPID tattooed on my forehead." Donovan's own forehead crinkled in confused thought as she tried to figure what that statement had to do with anything.

"Sweetheart," Hannah said, moving her hands to grasp Donovan's face on both sides. "Of course I would love to have you stay home with me today. Even though I feel so much better about things after last night's talk and all, I still miss you when you're gone. So of course I want you here. Thing is... can you stay?"

"I not only can," Donovan said. "I will. We have something we need to do later on this morning, but I am open to suggestions for right now if you have any."

"Hmm," Hannah answered thoughtfully while her hands were busy untying the closures on Donovan's robe. "I think," she said, sliding her hands up the smooth skin of Donovan's torso to her broad shoulders, and pushing her robe to the floor. "We could probably... oh, God," feeling Donovan's strong hands return the favor. "Find some... thing... oh, sweet Jesus, love!" Hannah forgot what she was saying when Donovan's hands found her breasts, and Hannah pulled her in to a deep, passionate kiss.

Donovan smiled into the kiss, loving the influence her touch had on Hannah. Then moaning herself when she felt Hannah's hands trace down her back and around the front of her thighs.

"Oh, Hannah...." Donovan murmured before finding her lips captured once more.

"You... me... bed... now."

Donovan slid her hands around until they rested on Hannah's waist, then gently lifted, not at all surprised when Hannah's legs wrapped around her waist. She stood still for a long moment as they absorbed the renewed sensation of skin on skin. Then she edged the three steps it took to reach the bedroom door.

Hannah caught her hand on the doorframe, and Donovan pulled up short, a frown crossing her face. "I thought you wanted...?"

Hannah smiled, cupping Donovan's face tenderly. "I do. I just wanted you to know something first." A dark brow rose and Hannah traced it gently. "You make my life worth living."

Donovan's face softened, and she crossed to the bed, laying Hannah down tenderly on the bed. "As you do mine, beloved," running her hands along Hannah's naked body from toes to shoulders. She stopped along the way to tease and taste, delighting in the shivers and moans she was drawing from deep within Hannah's chest.

When she reached Hannah's lips, Donovan was drawn into another fiery kiss, and thoughts of teasing flew out of her mind. "I love you, Mrs. Scott," she murmured before beginning her assault in earnest. Hannah's answer lost as she wrapped her hands in Donovan's hair, and abandoned herself to the feelings Donovan was stirring in her.

Neither of them noticed the sun come up.



Chapter XXV

"So where are we going?" Hannah asked as they made their way down the street. Donovan had been surprised at the number of merchants that greeted her and Hannah by name. Obviously in her few excursions into the marketplace, Hannah had made a good impression. Donovan patted the hand tucked into the crook of her arm and returned the greetings as they strolled through the market towards the lumber mill.

Arriving, Hannah looked at Donovan perplexed. "Um, honey?"

"Yes, beloved?"

"Um, not that I mind the walk and everything, but what are we doing here? I thought you'd finished the repair work on the house."

"I have," Donovan replied, taking her hand and helping her up the steps. "This is for a new project."

"A new project?" Hannah echoed. "Isn't it getting late in the year to be starting something new?"

"Yeeees," Donovan drawled. "But once I get the walls and roof up, the rest will follow fairly quickly. John and a few of the crew have volunteered to help me get the basics done."

"And may I ask what it is you are building?"

"You may ask." Hannah waited, but Donovan was not forthcoming with any further information. Hannah raised a blonde brow in mute question.

"It is a surprise, Angel. One I promise you will like."

"You promise, huh?"

"Yes, I promise."

"Okey dokey, then," Hannah replied and waited for Donovan to conclude her business with the lumber merchant. Then they headed back the way they'd come.

The lumber wagon was at the cottage being unloaded when they arrived. Donovan tipped the driver and his man, and sent them on their way as soon as they were finished. Then she began digging holes for the posts, and Hannah went to start lunch.

It was nothing fancy, but by the time Hannah got things ready and went to get Donovan, the Captain already had a rough outline of a room that was about four feet wide and it looked like it was going to run the length of the cottage. Hannah cocked an eyebrow at the speed at which Donovan was working but knew better than to ask, so she simply called her in for lunch.

By the time the sun set, Donovan had the posts in place for the room that did run the length of their small home. Hannah's curiosity was piqued, but she kept her suspicions to herself. She'd wait to see if she was right.

The following day was cloudy, and Donovan held her breath, hoping for the rain to hold off just a little longer. If they could get the mortar poured and the roof on, the rest would be easy. It was Sunday, the crews' day off, and she was expecting John and a few of the other men to show up sometime in the early part of the morning to help her. She's spoken to them a couple weeks before when she'd originally ordered the lumber.

Donovan was quite surprised however, when she opened the door to John's knock just after dawn, and saw her entire crew standing behind her first mate.

"John?"

"They volunteered, Captain. We all figured you were doing this for Miss Han... Mrs. Scott, and she was so kind to us on the trip back that everyone wanted a chance to do something nice for her in return."

"Donovan? Who's at the door, love?" Hannah came up behind Donovan and stuck her head under Donovan's outstretched arm. "Oh," she said, a bit startled to see the entire crew staring shyly back at her. "Mr. Merryweather, gentlemen. What an unexpected surprise," glancing down at the robe she was still wearing.

"Beg pardon for intruding so early, Miss Ha... Mrs. Scott. The weather looked so poorly this morning we decided to get over here quickly to help the Captain get finished with... his project." Donovan had given them specific instructions on the room's secrecy, and Merryweather was quick to remember them at her warning glare.

"Well, I'm glad to see you all again. If you will excuse me, though, I need to get dressed and put the coffee on to boil for you gentlemen. Donovan, could I see you a moment before you start working, please?"

The crew didn't say a word, but Donovan could feel their gleeful trepidation on her behalf. They were not stupid men by any means, and they moved around to the side of the building without any prompting. Donovan spoke softly to Merryweather, who was the only one who remained.

"You know what needs to be done, Mr. Merryweather?"

"Aye, sir. Apologies for arriving so unexpectedly. We did not think about Miss Ha... Mrs. Scott's feelings or what kind of trouble it might present for you."

"It is all right, John. I...."

"Donovan?" Hannah called softly.

Donovan looked back towards Hannah, then at John with a resigned look on her face. "I'll be out shortly," she whispered. "You know what to do to get them started."

"Aye, sir. We will take care of things."

She shut the door carefully behind him, and turned to where Hannah stood in the bedroom doorway, dressed and waiting. Donovan walked slowly towards Hannah, with the gate of a man on his way to be executed. True, she had been quite surprised by the earliness of the hour and the number of men who had arrived, but she couldn't find it in her heart to blame them for their eagerness. Hannah had shown all of them unfailing kindness, and it was natural that they'd want to do the same in return. She probably should have given Hannah a little more warning about the crew coming to help though.

"I am sorry, beloved. I...."

"Donovan, I don't mind that the crew is here, and I appreciate that they are gonna help you finish this project. If it turns out to be what I expect it to be, I'm sure I'll be thrilled that all of them showed up on our doorstep at dawn this morning. It would have been nice to have had a little warning about their presence before I peeked out the door at them in my robe, though." Her tone, while not ugly or demanding did have a hint of scolding in it. "It's improper for me to be seen not fully dressed."

Donovan dropped her head, and looked at Hannah through her dark lashes. "I did not expect the entire crew to show up and certainly not this early. I thought it would be John and perhaps half a dozen men later this morning. However, I should have mentioned their coming to you last night, and for that I apologize."

Hannah leaned into Donovan's strong body and forced the blue eyes to meet her own. "No worries, love. You go on out and do your Captain thing and I'll see what I can come up with for lunch for these guys. Looks like our roast will be turning to stew."

"I love you, Hannah."

"I know you do. And I love you back. Now go help the crew so ya'll can get finished before it starts storming." Thunder rumbled ominously, and Hannah smacked Donovan lightly on the butt. "Go on. You don't wanna be out in this getting sick."

Donovan kissed her softly and hurried out the door, hoping the weather would hold back for just a few more hours.

Hannah turned her attention to her larder, looking to see what she had to turn her roast into stew. Another knock on the door startled her, and when Hannah opened it, Cookie was standing in front of her with an armload of groceries.

"Cookie?"

"Sorry it took me a little longer to get here than it did the rest of the crew, lass. I needed to get enough together to feed this bunch." She grabbed him by the elbow and ushered him inside.

"Come in! Come in! Let's see what you've got and what I've got and see what we can come up with between us. I have a feeling they're all gonna be cold and wet before all is said and done."

"I would be inclined to agree, lass. Let me get the rest of the foodstuffs before the bottom drops. Be right back."

It was midmorning, and dinner was well underway when the first drops of rain fell lazily from the darkened sky. It only took minutes for it to become a downpour, and Hannah fully expected Donovan and the crew to come running inside to get out of the pelting rain. Instead, she heard the frenzied noise of more rapid work.

Hannah went to the small window on the 'living' side of the house, only to realize she really couldn't see anything that would be helpful. There was a scream, a holler, then a loud thunk against the side of the house hard enough to make the front window shudder. Heedless of the weather, both Hannah and Cookie dashed out the door.

The roof was on and at least one short wall was up, because neither of them could see anything. As quickly as they dared in the slick mud, they moved around to the long side of the addition. Here the wall and the roof were only partially completed and the crew was struggling to finish the roof. However, it would only support a very few of them at once so it was slow going, especially since the rain made it slippery and dangerous.

The men who were working on the walls stared at Hannah as she stomped into the room to stand under the bit of roof that was finished. She put her hands on her hips and glared up at Donovan who settling another beam into place. Hannah waited calmly until the lumber was in place, then she bellowed, "DONOVAN SCOTT!!!" The crew averted their gazes at the sheer fury the small woman was emitting.

Donovan looked down into the sparking green eyes and understood immediately she was in a world of trouble. "Yes, dear?"

Hannah opened her lips to rail at Donovan, then took a deep breath and asked sweetly, "Do you think I could speak to you privately for a moment, Captain?"

Donovan nodded and turned to John, who was her partner on this side of the roof. "I will send someone up to help you when I get down, John." She glanced at Hannah again. "I have a feeling this may take a while and we need to at least finish the roof today."

"Do not worry, sir. We will take care of the roof. You go take care of your wife."

Donovan nodded, and motioned to one of the men to join her near the ladder. She slid down and they conversed briefly before he went up to take her place. Then she walked over to the sheltered corner where Hannah waited. Then they stood dripping in the dirt at one another for long moments before Donovan spoke.

"Are you all right, beloved? Why are you out here in the rain? You could catch your death...."

"And so could you," Hannah shot back, shivering. Even though they were dry and relatively sheltered from the wind, the temperature was quite chilly, and the cold was making her teeth chatter. Donovan slipped out of her heavy oilskin coat, and wrapped it around Hannah's body. Hannah sank into the warmth with a sigh of relief.

"No, Angel. Mr. Merryweather brought our rain gear just on the off chance it would be needed." She motioned to her dry body. "See? It has done its work very well. I am dry and warm, except for my hair and face. Even my hands remain warm from the constant work." She waited a beat then continued. "We should be done with the roof and a majority of the walls by dinner. After that we will finish the walls and lay the floor. We will be under cover then, so it so move along at a bit faster pace."

"You're that determined to finish today then?"

"With as much as we can be, yes." Donovan answered. "Once we get the roof on, the rest will be considerably easier."

"I just don't want you... or anyone, for that matter, to end up sick or hurt from this. A bathroom is not worth someone dying for, love."

"I understand your concern, Hannah. That is why we... wait a moment... how did you know it was a bathing room? It was supposed to be a surprise!"

Hannah put her hands on Donovan's chest, despite the fact that her crew was standing around trying not to stare at the two of them. To their credit, they did keep working, just at a much slower speed than they had been previously. Hannah lowered her voice farther and leaned in, greedily absorbing the warmth Donovan seemed to have in abundance.

"It was a surprise, love... it took me a while to figure out. It was the only thing I could come up with that made any sort of sense. I will admit to being selfishly pleased by the whole idea."

Donovan grinned. "I was hoping you would feel that way."

Hannah slid out of the oilskin, and shivered when the cold air hit her wet body. "Here," easing the coat around Donovan's shoulders. Let me go back inside and change before I get sick." She looked at Cookie. "I hope we can get him dried out."

"Let him stand at the stove for a bit; he will be fine."

Hannah started to leave when firm hands at her waist stopped all movement. She looked back at Donovan who stood casually, possessively behind her wearing a rakish grin. "No kiss goodbye?"

"I didn't think...."

"Do not think so much," Donovan teased. "This is one of those times thinking is highly overrated."

She realized Donovan stood between her and the rest of the room, and the men were at least trying not to stare in their direction. Hannah didn't answer, but applied herself wholeheartedly to the task at hand. She felt a languid warmth steal through her bones, and sighed softly when they parted. She licked her lips before opening her eyes.

"You are really good at that, you know."

Donovan grinned and nipped Hannah's nose. "I have a wonderful practice partner." That got her a grin in return. "Now go inside before you get chilled again." Hannah nodded and scooted out the nearest wall opening. Donovan watched her go, and a thought occurred to her. She took Cookie aside and whispered something to him. He nodded and picked up a saw and ran through the downpour back to the house.

By the end of the day, the long room was complete, and a corner of the living area wall had a hole that would soon hold a door. The crew had finished just around sundown and Hannah and Cookie had given them all a second hot meal and warm cookies before they had left to return to their lodgings.

"That was a nice thing you did, beloved," Donovan commented as she stepped out of the bedroom drying her hair. She'd been glad to slip into a sweater too, and came out now in her sock feet and set her boots near the fire.

"What, love?" Hannah asked as she snuggled up with Donovan on the small couch. Each of the men had washed his cup, bowl and spoon as he finished and packed it away in Cookie's box. Then they had gently accepted Hannah's hand as she thanked them all personally, and taken the cookies she'd offered before they slowly, surely made their way out of her home.

"Providing us with that coffee break, cooking for everyone on short notice, but especially for the cookies. I think you took everyone back to their boyhood with that gesture."

"Well, it was so nice of them all to come out here on what was supposed to have been their day off that I just wanted to do something nice. Cookie helped me, ya know. He gave me a few tips for the stove as well. I didn't realize until today that he always tended the kitchen fires on the ship. I just mixed ingredients."

"I know. I also know the cookies were entirely your idea as he made it a point to tell me that... several times."

"Well, it was little enough to do for them. Maybe we could do something for Thanks... I mean Christmas. I keep forgetting ya'll don't have Thanksgiving here." The last was mumbled under her breath so low Donovan nearly missed it.

"We do have a harvest celebration, though," Donovan said, having caught Hannah's words and understanding the meaning behind them. "We can talk about it and decide later." She yawned. "Right now I just want to hold you and rest a bit before bed."

Hannah shook her head. "Uh uh. C'mon, love. Let's go to bed properly. It's been a long day for both of us, and I'm beat."

Moments later, soft snoring could be heard coming from both sides of their bed.

************

After talking things out with Donovan, Hannah finally felt comfortable enough to venture out a little more. She found that people were ready to welcome her with open arms. Donovan accompanied her as often as she could, and Elizabeth was always happy to welcome Hannah into her home when she felt a little overwhelmed.

Gradually, but faster than she'd expected, Hannah settled into the mid-eighteenth century life. And she made preparations to spend the winter.

Slowly, Donovan was converting the new room into a bathing room. It wasn't as modern as her efforts on the island, and certainly not nearly what Hannah was used to, but they were both thankful for small comforts. It was nice to have a full-sized tub, and they both appreciated not having to go outside to use the facilities in the freezing rain. Donovan was still working on the flushing system for their toilet, but they were both pleased with her hard work.

In addition, Hannah had set up a laundry area on one end, and when she had chance to show it to Elizabeth, she found herself the object of much envy. And suddenly there were several among the wives who were anxious to make her acquaintance and were glad to find they were welcome.

For it all, Hannah always made sure they were gone and dinner was ready when Donovan came home. The evenings were their time, and Donovan encouraged Hannah to talk about her day much as she shared her own. Donovan found herself learning as much about the world around her as Hannah was. Hannah was introducing her to a world she herself spent very little time in, and she found to her amazement that she was enjoying it. And they spent many hours together educating Donovan on all the technologies and lifestyle nuances she would experience in Hannah's world.

By the same token, Hannah was fascinated when Donovan spoke of her work. It was almost as though they were completely rebuilding the ship, and she couldn't wait to see all the work they'd done on the Maiden. Still, for all their efforts, it would be at least April before they would be able to sail for warmer waters.

Hannah was of two minds about the news when Donovan told her. One the one hand, it meant that they would be here through the winter. Not necessarily bad news, since they had been preparing for such an outcome since they'd arrived, and they were quite snug in their little nest. But it was a little disappointing to know that they would be wintering in the cold, especially with the warm waters of the Caribbean awaiting them. On the other hand, the news that Donovan would be home more was most welcome.

With that in mind and knowing that many of the men under her command had no real families to go home to, Donovan extended an invitation to her crew on behalf of herself and Hannah for the men to join them in celebrating the holidays.

Most of the crew was overjoyed with the invitation and accepted with alacrity. They missed Hannah's special treats, and truth be told, were a bit jealous of their Captain everyday around lunchtime when she unpacked whatever goodies Hannah had prepared for her.

Hannah was thrilled by the enthusiastic acceptance of their invitation and began preparing her menu. She realized almost immediately she would need assistance in making it a special time for the men, and went to Elizabeth for advice.

************

"Come in, my dear," Elizabeth beckoned when she saw who stood on her doorstep. "This is a most pleasant surprise as I didn't expect to see you for a few days. I understand you are hosting a holiday meal in your home for your husband's crew."

"Yes, we are. That's actually why I'm here. I need your help."

"Whatever I can do to help, Hannah. It has been such a joy watching you come out of your shell these last few months. I will tell you that you and Donovan have caused quite a stir among the wives here." Elizabeth watched Hannah's brows rise in question and patted her hand. "It is a good thing, dear. They needed stirring out of their complacency. Now, what can I do to help?"

So it was decided that Elizabeth would share her dishes and her stove in exchange for a few of Hannah's recipes, and an invitation to join them. They two discussed actually moving the get together to Elizabeth's home, but it was decided that would make things much too awkward for everyone.

Once everything was arranged, Hannah made her way home, where a surprise of a different sort awaited her.

************

Hannah didn't know whether to be thrilled or dismayed by the fact that Margaret Scott was standing outside her door when she arrived home from Elizabeth's. She sent a silent plea to Donovan for help before her good manners came to the fore and she graciously greeted the woman who would rather not be her mother-in-law.

Hannah opened the door and turned to her unexpected visitor. "Won't you please come in, Mrs. Scott? I was just gonna prepare myself a bite of lunch and a spot of tea. You're welcome to join me."

"Thank you," came the quiet answer and Margaret followed Hannah indoors.

"Please, have a seat and make yourself at home. I need to hang up my things, and I'll be right back."

Hannah left Margaret staring after her in surprise. It only took her a moment, and Hannah returned to find that Margaret hadn't moved from her spot. Hannah crossed to the stove and added more wood, pushing the kettle closer to the center to catch the heat faster. The she removed the bread from its place and began cutting slices.

Slowly Margaret's eyes took in everything, and she lifted her coat from her body and hung it on a peg by the door. Then she walked over to the kitchen side of the house, and noted the difficulty Hannah was having slicing the bread evenly. It was a difficult task for one with no experience, and Hannah was very new to this particular skill.

"May I?" Margaret asked, indicating the loaf. Hannah nodded dumbly, still trying to figure out exactly why Margaret was here. Ernst had been to visit them several times, but he had always been alone, and neither woman felt comfortable pressing him for details about his wife. He had relayed bits about her, but nothing concrete. Nothing that would give Hannah any indication of why the woman was standing in her kitchen area cutting bread like they did this together every day.

Hannah watched her cut for a moment, then turned to get out her skillet and butter. It wasn't toast like she was used to, but it was buttered toast. She place it near the edge of the stove, having learned the hard way how quickly a fire could start with bread and butter if it was too near the heat. Then Hannah set the table, and moved back to the small counter where Margaret had buttered the bread.

Carefully, she toasted each piece to a golden brown color, setting each piece on a saucer and covering it with a napkin. Then she poured the boiling water into the teapot, and set it to steep on the table. Without a word she motioned Margaret to join her, and they sat down to their simple repast.

"I apologize for the simple fare," Hannah said softly after a few moments of silence. "This is usually what I fix at midday when I am home alone. I'm not fond of cooking for just myself."

"Actually, I did much the same thing before Ernst was home all the time. It was easier, and generally it was all I could manage after breakfast," Margaret confided agreeably. Hannah wondered if she had slipped a dimension somewhere, things were so peculiar. Then Margaret's voice caught her attention again. "Besides, I like the flavor you have added to the bread; it is different and intriguing."

"Thank you, Margaret. I find it is more fun both to make and to eat if I spice it up a little when I make it. Oh, it doesn't get spiced every time, and even the spices change each loaf. But it's a nice change of pace."

"You have the most unusual speech pattern...." Margaret scrunched up her forehead trying to place it, but didn't continue speaking so as not to appear rude.

Hannah blushed and smiled. "A lot of folks have mentioned that. I think the fact that I come from the United States has a lot to do with it. The fact that I come from the Southern part of those same United States just makes the difference that much more pronounced."

"I suppose it does," Margaret replied. "It is unique and quite charming actually. No wonder Donovan was taken with you, aside from everything else. I know the first time I heard Ernst's brogue, I nearly swooned."

Hannah chuckled, and blushed again. "I can imagine. I did the same with Donovan."

Margaret looked up then, and caught the sincerity of the remark in gentle green eyes. "May I ask you something? I know I have no right, but I am trying to understand."

Hannah returned the gaze, and saw the honest plea in the eyes facing her. She nodded, then added, "Though I reserve the right to decline to answer if I am uncomfortable with the question."

"Fair enough," Margaret stated. She played with the bread crumbs on her plate. "How could you love my daughter like you do?" She looked up and saw the swiftly building anger and held up her hand. "Wait, please. I am trying to understand how one woman could be attracted to another woman in any sense other than as kin or in friendship. It goes against everything I have ever been taught."

Hannah drew a deep breath, knowing her relationship with this woman, and Donovan's relationship with her mother was riding on her answer. She folded her hands together and leaned her mouth on them, contemplating her answer seriously for a long moment.

"Mrs. Scott, I think you are coming at this from the wrong angle. You are stuck on the fact that we are both women. But we got to know one another as people first. The fact that we were both women never figured into the equation. When we fell in love, it was much the same thing... the fact that we are women is secondary to the fact that we are two people genuinely in love with each other. I like the person that Donovan is, and I fell in love with that person. She completes me in ways that no one else ever has or ever could."

"As Hannah does for me, Mother," Donovan spoke quietly from the doorway. She had been so silent and they were so engrossed in their conversation, neither woman had heard her enter the small cottage. Now she pushed away from the door where she and Ernst had stopped and walked towards the table.

"We are two whole parts of another separate whole. Together we are most complete."

Hannah took the hand that Donovan held out to her and pulled the taller woman closer. Donovan's arm automatically slid around Hannah's shoulders and Hannah leaned into the unconscious support Donovan offered. "Mrs. Scott... Margaret, I want you to think about something else. I know you are unhappy with the path Donovan has chosen in her life, but she is happiest at sea, captaining her own vessel. To do that in this society, she has to carry the pretext that she is a man. For Captain Donovan Scott to take a wife was not unusual and was in fact a celebrated event. Would you rather she be alone for the rest of her life?"

"I... do.... I never... I...."

"Think about it, Margaret. And you and Ernst join us for Christmas with the crew of the Maiden."

Margaret blinked the tears from her eyes. Hannah had given her a lot to think about and had done so without attacking or accusing; simply laying out the facts as she saw them. Maybe it was time to do some rethinking of the woman herself.

"Thank you, Hannah. You have returned intolerance and ignorance with graciousness and understanding. And you have given me a lot to think about. It is very possible I completely misjudged you and your motives, and I ask for your forgiveness in doing so."

"Absolutely," Hannah responded.

"I still need time to think about things. This is so different... goes against everything I have ever believed. But I would not see Donovan alone if given the choice, and it is apparent even to me that you two are bound by something deeper than love and marriage. It reminds me of a story I heard as a girl. There is something familiar...."

Margaret gazed off into space for a few minutes and no one disturbed the silence. Without warning she shook herself and returned to the present with a brisk nod. "I will have to look through some of the old journals...." Here Donovan smiled. She had grown up learning to read by those journals, and they held many fascinating tales and myths of her people in them.

"Now if you will excuse us," nodding to her still silent husband, "I think we will leave the two of you for a bit. But I would like to accept your invitation to dinner?" looking to Ernst for confirmation. When he nodded, Margaret smiled and returned her attention to Hannah. "Yes, we would love to join you. What can I bring?"

The abrupt change in attitude left Hannah was too stunned to speak and not really knowing the woman she wouldn't have known what to suggest anyway. Donovan stepped smoothly into the breech. "Raspberry tarts? I have not had those in so long, and they would be quite the treat for everyone."

Margaret smiled. Raspberry tarts had always been a particular weakness for Donovan and she was glad to do this much for her daughter. "I believe I can manage that. But we need to catch the afternoon train home if I am to have this ready in the next few days."

She rose and Ernst helped her on with her coat. He hadn't said a word, but he was much pleased at Margaret's attempt. It had taken him months of talk and subtle effort for Margaret to realize the mistake she had been making, and Hannah had vindicated his faith in her beautifully. They left without further adieu, and Donovan and Hannah just stared at one another for a long moment. Then Donovan wrapped her arms around Hannah, and they moved to cuddle together on the couch and ponder the abrupt turn of events.

************

The holiday came and went with no disasters or further surprises. The house was full to bursting with painfully scrubbed sailors, the Admiral and his family, Margaret and Ernst and Hannah and Donovan. There was a lot of talk and laughter shared among the group, and though Margaret did not actively participate, she did observe Donovan and Hannah diligently, and at one point she and Elizabeth sat together in deep conversation. When all was said and done, everyone had a most enjoyable day.

************

Time passed slowly... slower than most of them wanted it to, at any rate. Most of the Maiden's crew was ready for warmer weather and blue-green seas, not the dark gray of the North Atlantic. Still the time passed pleasantly enough beyond trying to stay warm in the bitter weather. Hannah and Donovan accepted the extra time together gladly and counted it among their blessings.

Work on the Maiden was completed, and as the weather began to clear, the crew started taking her out for short test runs. Hannah secretly hated these as she wasn't allowed on board and it meant one or two days at a time where she and Donovan were separated, and neither of them cared for that. Still they met one another in their dreamscape to talk and snuggle and were happy for the ability to still share that way.

Finally, though, the day in April came when it was time for the Maiden to return to her duty in the Caribbean.

Hannah came back from her shopping in the market to find Donovan packing her sea bag. Her eyes sparkled until she saw the look of despair covering Donovan's face.

"What is it, love?"

Donovan sank to the bed. "I could not obtain permission to take you home. I thought they would make an exception because of my service record, and you have made such a good impression on everyone here. I never dreamed the Admiralty would refuse."

Hannah sat on Donovan's lap wrapping her arms around the Captain's strong neck and feeling Donovan's hands come to rest neatly on her own waist. Hannah removed an arm when it became clear Donovan would not meet her eyes and tilted up her chin til their eyes met.

"I cannot do this Hannah," Donovan said sadly. "It took too much to find you. I cannot just give you up for months on end. I will give up my commission and we will go home together."

"Donovan, love... you need to stop a minute and start thinking outside the box." Hannah blew out an exasperated breath at Donovan's furrowed brow as she tried to communicate what she meant to Donovan in terms she could understand. "Surely Naval ships aren't the only things that leave out of the port."

"Of course not. Passenger liners go... out...." Donovan looked at Hannah in amazement. "Passenger ships leave from the port all the time; some bound for the Colonies and others bound for India and the East. We could book you passage...."

"... then I could check in and leave. We still need to figure a way to get me to the Maiden but...."

Donovan caught her lips in a deep fiery kiss. "I can do that. You leave that to me."

Hannah couldn't answer as Donovan's lips began moving down the side of her neck and her hands started wandering over Hannah's bodice, popping buttons along her way. Hannah shivered as the shirt fell open, and Donovan pushed it to the floor before picking them both up off the bed and laying Hannah down gently beneath her. Then she resumed her tender removal of Hannah's clothing, whispering, "Later," before applying herself wholeheartedly to the task at hand.



Continued In Chapter XXVI