Jensen was standing at the side table pouring himself and Tan a drink. John crossed the drawing room and pulled out a new decanter of brandy. The amber liquid sloshed from side to side as he swirled and poured a new snifter for himself. The two joined Tan at the clustered seating area, in front of the fire.

"Tan and I are discussing your plans," Jensen said.

John placed his drink on the table and walked over to the grate. He stoked the embers and added more logs, hoping to turn the fire into a roaring inferno. He chose a wing chair and slumped into it. The heat of the fire enveloped him as more logs caught on. He watched the flames dance, drink in hand. All afternoon, he grappled with the idea of staying behind. He knew he would miss his adventures on the high seas, or captaining the Isabelle. The strong scent of brandy washed over him as the drink warmed in his hands. "What about my plans?"

"Are you sure you want me to leave without you?" Jensen asked.

A piece of timber popped in the fireplace. John stared at the flames, watching as it consumed the logs. "A part of me wants to take off on the high seas, casting my responsibilities aside. Lord knows I rationalized ignoring them for this long." John took a deep gulp, trying to force himself to swallow the feeling growing in his chest.

"Are you staying behind because of the girl?" Jensen inquired.

"No—" John sputtered, trying to catch his breath. "No. Maybe. I don't know," he said. Letting out a deep breath.

"There are plenty of girls, willing and ready back in Boston, and at every port in between," Jensen said. "Does your father have anything to do with your decision, is he making you marry the girl?"

John stood and approached the fire. The heat washed over him, almost uncomfortable on his face. He used the iron rod to stoke the fire, as he considered Jensen's words. "It's not the girl," he said, "besides, my father is not aware of her presence here." How do I explain this feeling? "I spent the last few days scouring through the estate papers. My father—" John cleared his throat deciding not to comment on his father.

Tan strode over to the side table, returning with the brandy bottle in hand. He refilled all three snifters, and sat down again. Long ago John had learned that Tan's silence was usually a form of disapproval.

Rolling the freshly refilled snifter in his hand, John welcomed the cool soothing of the glass against his heated palms. "The estates are too vast for one person to manage alone. My duty, no, my responsibility—" he corrected, "When we left—" John mussed the hairs at his nape. He hated to admit that for all intents and purposes he had shirked his responsibilities over the last eight years. In the end he just drained his glass cup.

"Have you forgiven the Duke?" Jensen asked.

"Is that necessary too?"

"You know—he was trying—even if his approach was high-handed." Jensen refilled John's glass tumbler.

"The irony was that I would have done everything my father demanded, even consented to marry the girl. The timing—" John said.

Jensen nodded. "What about the business? Your ship? Do you plan to captain any voyages?"

"I am not giving up seafaring, but I need to make changes. I can set up an office here and strengthen the London branch. With your help, if you are willing of course. Douglas can oversee the American side. What do you think?" John stood, pacing in front of the fireplaces, anxious to start planning.

"Are you sure?"

"I think so. Yes." John sighed in relief. His decision was made.

"The real question is whether I would be able to make the trip to Boston and back before you join the ranks of married peers," Jensen quipped.

"What are you insinuating?"

"I mean, my dear friend, you are abandoning a successful business, and rejoining the peerage for a mere girl."

"There is nothing mere about her. She is resilient, resourceful and compassionate. Besides, she is not the only reason," John conceded. "If everything she said is true, I can't leave her. She needs help, but she is not why I am choosing to stay."

"All right, if you say so."

"Tan, you are a witness, John has agreed to wear the shackles," Jensen mocked.

"Enough you two. John end tonight on a celebratory note, after all Jensen departs on the morrow." Tan was ever the conciliatory type. "Fair winds and following seas ahead my friend."

"Here is to safe sailing!" John added.

"I'll drink to that," Jensen finished.

***

Elizabeth reached the landing. In the hallway, she released her breath and leaned against the paneling. Her sides still ached when she climbed the stairs. Blast Fredrick for breaking her ribs. Earlier tonight, she felt ill at ease with the others, but the sensation lessened as the members of the crew regaled her with tales of their adventures.

She should have retired sooner, even though she had enjoyed their company. Her body was still recovering from the abuse at her cousin's hands. When Fredrick, the new Earl of Danbury, inherited her father's title he tried to force a marriage on her to gain control of her inheritance. When she refused, he locked her up and had used his fist and kicks to convince her. Sitting upright for a long time made it harder on her body. Now, she struggled to return to her room. Taking a deep breath, Elizabeth pushed herself away from the wall, trekking down the hall.

"Here, let me help you," Mei said. The younger girl stood at Elizabeth's side.

"Mei, goodness, I did not hear you approaching."

"The floor is carpeted."

"Well—yes, it is." Elizabeth found herself at a loss. This girl barely spoke at dinner and now I must pry every word out of her. "I can manage. My bedchamber is only a bit further."

Mei blocked her way. She held out a light blue porcelain container. Elizabeth could detect a faint hint of mint. "What is it?"

"This is for you," Mei offered.

"Thank you. This is a beautiful jar," Elizabeth replied. "I am sorry, I don't have anything to give you in return."

Mei removed the lid, releasing a strong scent of peppermint along with something nose tingling and woody.

"This is a balm for bruises."

Elizabeth blushed, there was no help for it, everyone must have noticed the discoloration.

"Warm the oil on your palm first, then rub it into the discolored areas," Mei instructed. She rolled up her right sleeve revealing a purplish bruise, the edges fading to a light greenish yellow. "When I injure myself, this helps."

Elizabeth forgot her own embarrassment as she watched Mei apply the mixture to her own arm.

"In the morning, use the salve on any areas still hurting. Remember to make small circles," she demonstrated.

"I--thank you." Her eyes stung. Not wanting to embarrass herself further, she smiled and said the only thing that came to mind, "It smells better than the liniment Mrs. Watson brought me." She forced herself to turn away from the girl, and wiped her eyes.

"I will take you to your room," Mei said. She supported Elizabeth's arm as they walked down the hall.

Strangely, the silence was comforting. Elizabeth opened her door and turned to say goodnight, but her companion was long gone.

Author's Note: As promised, here is the next chapter. Hope that you enjoy it. Please remember to like and follow to get updates when I post. Also, for those who asked, you can follow me on Instagram @kianaberkman. I will be posting occasional book reviews and can answer questions about TDB. Happy reading!