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Someone was clearing their throat and Anna turned to find both Edward and Henry standing behind them. She had almost forgot they were on a ship full of passengers, and she could feel the color rise to her cheeks as she blushed and struggled to regain control of her senses. Embarrassment was now the emotion of the hour and she hoped they hadn’t seen or heard too much.

“How are you this fine morning Miss Anna?” Asked Henry with a sly smile on his lips.

“I’m doing splendid Henry, and I’ll leave you gentlemen alone for now.” She said in a voice she barely recognized as her own. Anna knew she needed to find something to keep her busy and away from Major Marsh, so she went to visit Captain Drake about an important matter.

Robert turned and watched her until she was out of sight, longing for her to return to his side. “Didn’t you see I was busy?” He suggested in a clipped tone, stifling a groan.

“That’s exactly why we came over here. You need to stay away from Anna. She’ll be getting married in Jamestown and you don’t want to ruin her reputation in the meantime on this ship. We think the world of Miss Pemberton and would hate for her to get hurt.” Edward said adamantly, as he gave his friend a meaningful look.

Robert nodded solemnly. He hadn’t even thought of that, and no, he didn’t want to see her get hurt either. For some strange reason this woman was the last person he’d ever want to see hurt and he needed to control his behavior better. “You are completely right. Nothing like being scolded by your friends to bring you back to your senses.” He replied firmly as he smiled at Edward and Henry, and then he glanced once more in the direction she had disappeared.

“Miss Pemberton, what makes you think you’ll get rid of me that easily? I feel it my duty to see to your safety since you cared for my head injuries.” He remarked with a roguish smile.

She whispered in a soft voice, as she leaned closer to him to confide. “Well, Major Marsh coming from you, I’m not sure if I should take that as a threat or a compliment.” Anna took one of his hands with both of hers, and gave it a squeeze. “Seriously, I mean it, thank you for everything, including the head injury you took in my place.”

Anna knew it was her undoing the minute she touched his hand, it gave him the opportunity to respond, which he did. He brought both of her hands up to his lips and brushed them with a warm soft kiss, which felt heavenly on her skin. She felt the chill bumps go down her spine from the sheer pleasure of his touch. He drew her hands to his cheek and rubbed his cheek against both of her hands, as though bathing in her scent.

Anna knew this was dangerous territory and knew she needed to stop this madness but her body would not listen to her commands. It was in shock from the heady feelings that he aroused.

He reached up and brushed a curl from her cheek and tucked it behind her ear, then brushed his lips lightly against her ear, and whispered. “I have wanted to touch your hair every since you fell on top of me on the deck that first day.”

“It is a glorious day Robert! Everyone is finally well.” She added with excitement in her voice. She walked over by his side and leaned on the side rail beside him as she spoke. “Robert, thank you again for all your help in the past week. You were wonderful with the passengers and as you know several of the women are quite taken by you.” She suggested as she chuckled softly.

“Whatever do you mean Miss Pemberton?” He replied as he grinned. It was quite obvious even to him that several women were interested in him, and he never had trouble attracting the opposite sex.

“Oh you beast, you know exactly what I mean.” She reached over and gave his arm a playful little slap as she laughed. “Several women who weren’t even ill were begging for you to stay by their cots and I thought I’d never get them up.” She teased him as laughter danced in her soft voice.

“Laugh all you want Miss Pemberton, but you too have Edward and Henry to add to your lineup of admirers.” He said very seriously. “They would protect you with their very life.”

“I know I will truly miss everyone I have met on this voyage including even you Major Marsh. There is never a boring moment when you’re around.” She reminded him thoughtfully while looking out over the ocean as she spoke.

Ship life had been scary at first but now that she had adjusted to it and everyone one on the ship, she knew it would be hard when she left. It was even scarier to think of the unknown life she would lead in Jamestown, but she would just tuck that into the back of her mind for now.

Everyday she took time to read to the other passengers from the books she had brought with her in her trunk. They all seemed to enjoy her stories; especially some that she had written herself, Edward and Henry were helpful too. They would act out some parts of the stories while making the sound affects, which made the stories, come right to life. Late at night she would pull out her diary while sitting under the moonlight on the main deck, making notes of her day that included, anyone she had spoken to or helped and everything she had seen.

Major Marsh was surprised when he saw how well she had taken on the task of being nursemaid to the seasick passengers. She had been nothing like he expected from the moment he had saw her coming in that small boat to the ship, with her fancy plumed hat and dark green gown. She had looked like a queen, who didn’t know the meaning of work, but instead she had proved to be quite the opposite. Even Edward and Henry had commented on what a diligent worker she was and seemed to be quite taken with her.

He started helping again on the second day, as his head injury improved, and he worked side by side with Anna, never speaking of that first day again. It was actually a very pleasant time, even though so many had been ill. He thought it had helped the group to come together as a family and get to know one another.

Robert was on the main deck leaning on the side rail looking out at the ocean when Anna walked up. “Good Morning Robert.” She said in that soft angelic tone he had come to love.

He turned and smiled, “And Good Morning to you my lady. It’s beautiful out today, don’t you think?” As he spoke he leaned back on the side rail.