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Anna smiled at him as she confided. “Captain you too kind to me, but I will be more than fine in the between-decks with the other passengers. I would feel strange about being treated differently than the other women on the ship, as I’m sure they would.”

She was silent for a moment carefully choosing her words before speaking. “Now, about Major Marsh, it’s true that we’ve had a few squabbles as you say, but not for the reasons you might think. The Major has taken it on himself to become my guardian, and each fight has more or less to do with that and nothing more. I can assure you he has treated me properly.” She explained, not wanting to say more about their exact conversations.

Captain Drake looked inquisitively at Anna, as though trying to read her face, then said no more. They walked to the forecastle where they enjoyed some breakfast together, then the rest of the morning they spent together. She relished his company like a sister would relish her time with her brother, and he was very easy to be around. They visited the different areas of the ship that only crewmembers went in like the Steerage, Capstan, and the Round House or navigation room.

At midday the Captain had work to attend, and Anna gathered up her items to teach her class in the between-decks and she was delighted how well the classes were going. All of the women and four of the sailors attended daily and it made her feel a sense of pride to know she could share her knowledge with others.

“Why yes Captain Drake, that would be lovely.” She replied, throwing Major Marsh a challenging look with her fiery green eyes. Anna grabbed the Captain’s arm and looped hers through his.

As they walked away Captain Drake asked, “Is Major Marsh bothering you again, Miss Pemberton?” He looked concerned as he put his other hand on her arm that was entangled in his.

“Please call me Anna, and no, he’s not bothering me Captain. Why do you ask?” She offered, with a faint smile. Anna didn’t want to share what the Major had said to her with anyone, especially the Captain, because she was afraid they would agree with him.

“Well, to start with on the very first day you came onto the ship Major Marsh seemed to cause a lot of turmoil with him pulling you on the deck floor not once but twice. Then last night you were having fun till Major Marsh danced with you, then suddenly you complained you were tired, but strange thing is that you don’t look like you got any rest at all.” His eyes were filled with questions as he continued. “If I’m not mistaken I just heard you two in a squabble a few minutes ago. Are you sure there isn’t something you want to share with me? I can make sure Major Marsh stays clear of you. I will be more than happy to allow you to have my Great Cabin, and I’ll sleep on the main deck with my crew.” Captain Drake said in a soft soothing voice.

He chuckled as he watched her. “You know Miss Pemberton, I quite enjoy our little chats together. It’s the highlight of my day.”

“Well, I’m glad one of us is having fun Major and by the way I know you weren’t beside me last night, because I stayed awake to make sure you didn’t!” She countered with a satisfied smile.

“Ah, it’s your fault Miss Pemberton that I didn’t get my beauty rest. I felt it my duty to guard this entrance, just in case one of your admirers decided they wanted to see a bit more of you, after your little show last night. I’m quite please to hear that you waited up for me.” He countered with a smug grin as he chuckled.

“Major Marsh, you arrogant, annoying, contemptible man. You are maddening! Do you hear me?” She exclaimed in a tone that was much too loud.

When she looked up she saw several people watching them, and a few even looked amused. That was great! Anna disliked causing a scene but she could tell the Major was taking great pleasure in the whole situation, since he was still laughing.

Captain Drake had seen the two sitting together and thought they were fighting again and quickly headed in their direction. “Good Morning Miss Pemberton, can I escort you over to get some breakfast?” He asked as he gave Major Marsh a questioning look.

“Well, you look a little tired this morning Miss Pemberton. What’s the matter? Didn’t get enough sleep? Out late playing on the deck?” He accused in a mocking tone, with his voice still low so no one else could hear.

“What’s the matter with you Major Marsh? You seem a bit fatigued yourself. Didn’t get enough rest?” She mocked right back, knowing he had never come back into the lower deck last night.

He grinned as he leaned over and whispered in her ear. “How do you know I wasn’t sleeping right next to you Miss Pemberton?”

Anna swatted at him as she whispered back. “Stop that! Don’t whisper in my ear again. Do you hear me?”

It didn’t stop her from noticing how devilishly handsome he looked with the dark stubble on his chin and cheeks and his black hair raked back, and that darn grin. He had an unquestionable charm about him that she couldn’t deny, and found even harder to resist. What was she thinking? She bit her bottom lip wishing he would just go away.

Anna decided to keep her hair loose and down today pulling it back with only a ribbon, when she got ready to head to the main deck. Seeing her image in the mirror, she arranged a few wisps of hair into bangs on her forehead. It might not be the hairstyle a lady should wear, but she was never one to follow rules. She laughed thinking it might irritate Major Marsh. She straightened out the wrinkles in her gown she wore the day before, and headed up to the main deck to get some fresh air.

Major Marsh was sitting at the entrance to the steps and he grabbed her arm, and pulled her to his side as she tried to pass. “Don’t cause a scene Miss Pemberton. Have a seat beside me, as I’d like to have a little talk with you this morning.” Major Marsh offered, keeping his deep raspy voice low.

Anna had very little choice but to obey, since she didn’t want to cause another scene on the ship. The best she could do was sit and try not to draw any more attention.