Sean sneezed, then stumbled a little as he tried to move closer. Marioselle noticed and quickly reached out to help steady him.

"Sean! She cried, catching him by his arms, nearly falling back herself as she took the brunt of his weight. What is it? Are you ill?" She asked, touching her hand to his brow. He was perspiring, yet his teeth were starting to chatter. "Oh, dear! You're burning up! Come you must sit down. How long have you been like this?"

Sean allowed her to lead him to the settee and sat down. He had to admit, he was feeling a tad under the weather. He was one of England's top secret agents. He had escaped from danger and cheated death more than a few times. He wasn't going to allow a mere fever to take him down. However, he was smart enough to realize he wasnt infallible. He would take minute or two to compose himself and catch his breath. Trufully he was feeling more embarrassed than ill. He couldn't afford to show weakness in front of anyone, let alone Marioselle. She needed to know she could trust him to keep her safe.
"Not very long. It's just a little chill from this blasted spring weather. It rained the entire journey here. I will be fine in a moment. Do not worry yourself, lord knows I've survived worse.

Marioselle raised an eyebrow in question at his statement. Sean waved it off with a shake of his head. Explanations could wait until later. He would tell her everything when she was safely tucked aboard the ship.
"Can you be ready to leave by midnight?"
"Midnight? Sean, you are in no condition to travel. I insist you stay here for a few days. Once you have recovered, then we will talk about leaving. I will ask Grandfather to post a few guards."

"No!" He nearly shouted. He had to remind himself to lower his voice. They couldn't risk anyone hearing their conversation. He could tell that the fever was already starting to take its toll on him. His head felt foggy, and his vision was beginning to blur. He had to get them onboard the Eclipse, tonight. Then he would be able to rest and recuperate.

Ian, the captain of the Eclipse was a friend. He had been first mate to Captain Julien Roger's, aka Jewels the pirate. Though nobody outside the king and those closest to him knew that bit of information. When Julien married Jonathon's sister Amelia, he retired from piracy, leaving his ship to Ian. They would be safe with him.

He took Marioselle's hands in his. "We can't afford to wait. There is a ship sailing for England tonight. They are awaiting our arrival. It is the only way to ensure your safety until we reach London."

Sean heard a noise coming from the outer door. He jumped up so suddenly he was hit by a wave of nausea. Dear God, please dont let me retch in front of her, he prayed silently. She would never go along with his plan then. The lady would dig in her heels and demand he stay put, and he wasn't sure he would have the strength to fight her.

After a couple of deep breaths he walked over the doors and looked out. There was no one about. However, it didnt mean there hadn't been. Sean trusted his instincts, and at this moment they were telling him someone had been listening.

"What is it? Was someone out there?"

"I dont know, not that I can see, but I thought I heard someone. Or maybe its this damn cold making me a bit uneasy. We can't afford to take any chances. I need you to Listen to me closely, Marioselle. I want you to promise that should anything happen to me, or if we become separated that you will get on board that ship."

"Sean you cant ask me..."

Sean grabbed ahold of her shoulders. "Promise me Marioselle!"

Marioselle blinked as if he had struck her. Sean had never spoken to her like this before with such aggression. His tone foreboding and ominous. It scared her more than she could admit. "I promise."

"That's my girl. Take this," he said as he handed her a folded scrap of paper. "Give this to the captain as soon as you board. His name is Ian. Should I not make it..."

"No! Dont say that, you..."

"Shhh." He said, placing a finger to her lips, silencing her objections. "I have ever intention of boarding that ship with you. It's mearly a percaution, instructions for him to follow. Trust no one along the way, and be cautious until the ship has set sail. Ian and his men will you get to London safely.  They will personally see you to Waverly Hall. Do I have your word?"

"Very well. I dont like it, however I can see there will be no changing your mind. What is your plan?"

"There is a coach and driver parked outside the back gate. At midnight I will cause a distraction. I'm not sure what yet, but you will know. Once it starts I want you to head this way. I will be waiting for you. If I am not here, you are to wait no longer than five minutes. You are to go on without me. The coachman knows what to do. I will catch up to you if I am able. Now, you must get back. People are probably wondering were you are. Act natural, and dont tell anyone, not even your mother. I will leave a note for her and your grandparents. They will understand."

"I pray you are right. I don't wish to cause them anymore worry. They only just got us back after everything that happened with my father. They will be devastated."

"I'm sorry. I wish there were another way."

"I know. I shall be here at the stroke of midnight."

Sean nodded and watched her leave the room. Feeling another spell coming on he walked over to the desk and sat down. He then leaned back and rested his head against the cool, soft leather squab for a moment. Once the dizziness subsided, he sat up and removed pen and paper from the drawer. He began to write.

Dear Lady Sutton....