"Alright, Morgan, tell me what you know."

Isabelle and Allison sat down in the chairs across from the desk and listened as Morgan paced, telling them what she'd found, heard, and discovered. Apparently, according to the loose tongue of one of the blonde's associates, Carolyn's involvement with Henry went far beyond being lovers. Morgan's carefully asked questions revealed that the two had been working together for about six months, and that Carolyn had urged the young man to court Anne in order to have a different connection to George other than Morgan. Through Henry Carolyn had been able to insinuate herself into dealings that she ordinarily would have been locked out of, and in doing so was attempting to sway the favor of certain influential people her way.

"Morgan, that woman is a demon," Isabelle exclaimed as the captain finished. Allison sat in silence, her eyes fixed in Morgan's grim countenance.

"Yes, she is, Isabelle," Morgan said, sighing. "I'm just sorry that I wasn't here to catch her earlier." Morgan glanced worriedly at George. He looked suddenly weary as he stared blankly across the room. "George?" Morgan said softly. He looked over at her and smiled humorlessly.

"Thank you, Morgan. You've just confirmed some of the rumors that I've heard and filled in some very large blanks. I knew that Carolyn was up to something, but I haven't been able to get anyone in close enough to find out. Now that I have an idea I know exactly how to take care of her." George paused for a moment, then continued, his eyes locked on his wife, "though, what to do about Henry is going to require some thought." Morgan's eyes met Allison's, and she smiled softly.

"Mr. Stromwell?" George looked at her and chuckled.

"Please, Allison, call me George." Allison smiled and nodded.

"Alright, George, I have an idea about Henry." George leaned his arms on his desk and nodded at her.

"Go on." Allison wet her lips and continued.

"Since Carolyn was trying to use Henry to get to you, well, use Henry to get to her. Don't let him know right away that you know he's been unfaithful. Have someone follow him, watch him. If they make it through tonight thinking their scheme is still a secret, then I think they'll grow bolder and their plan will become more evident." Morgan laughed heartily and leaned down to brush a kiss against Allison's cheek from where she stood next to her chair. Allison’s eyes widened and she looked up at the captain.

"You are brilliant, Allison!" Morgan said, and George quickly agreed.

"Yes, Miss Allison, that is a great idea. Let them develop false confidence." Allison smiled briefly, then frowned in thought.

"But, what about Anne?" Isabelle waved her concern away.

"Don’t you worry about her, Allison. She’s a strong girl. I’ll convince her to stay over this evening and George and I will let her know what’s going on. She’ll be upset for a bit, but then she’ll angry, and, more than likely, she’ll want to help us with those two." Isabelle rose from the couch and pulled Allison up with her. "Now let’s go mingle, child. If we’re gone much longer people will start to gossip." Allison glanced over at Morgan and saw her nod slowly at George.

"Go ahead, Allison, I’ll catch up with you." Morgan turned and said. Allison nodded and followed Isabelle out of the study, glancing over her shoulder at the captain before the door shut behind them. Isabelle led them slowly back through the house, a thoughtful expression on her face. Following along quietly, Allison glanced at the older woman’s face every so often. Finally the older woman took a deep breath and looked at her.

"Are you glad that you accompanied Morgan to our party, Miss Allison?" she asked quietly. Allison nodded.

"Oh yes, it’s been delightful. You have a beautiful home, and dinner was the best I’ve ever had. I-" Allison stopped as Isabelle put her hand on her arm and keeping them just inside the doorway to the courtyard. Allison shot a startled look at the older woman.

"Young lady, I mean being with Morgan." Allison felt her stomach flip in reaction to the question and she looked away, fearful that Isabelle's searching gaze would find too much.

"I always enjoy being around Morgan," Allison said softly. "She's a very interesting woman." Isabelle chuckled and put her arm around Allison and led her out the door and onto the veranda.

"Well, child, if you ever need someone to talk to about that girl, you are welcome to come to me." Allison shook her head, sighing softly.

"Thank you for the offer, Isabelle, but I doubt I will get the opportunity to accept it. In a short time I'll be on a ship headed to Ireland, and I'll never see Morgan again." Allison swallowed hard against the lump that formed in her throat as she said those words and tried to ignore the look Isabelle shot her.

"You don't sound like your looking forward to that, young lady. And why are you going to Ireland?"

"My betrothed, Joseph, is there...that's where I was headed when Morgan captured my ship. And, well, to be honest I can't say that I am looking forward to it. I've never met Joseph, and, unfortunately, I'm one of those foolish girls who wishes for true love." Allison shook her head at herself and leaned against the railing of the veranda, watching the dancers below.

"Sounds like quite the predicament you're in, Miss Allison. I take it there was no swaying of your father?" Allison shook her head. "Hmmm....that is a shame. I guess I got lucky. George and I were able to marry for love, and are still in love. Many of the people around here don't understand that though. I don't think they comprehend what it feels like to be in love." Allison stared down at her hands, then glanced briefly at Isabelle.