"What does it feel like to be in love…hmmm. Well, it’s an amazing feeling. I remember when I first met George, every time he’d look at me butterflies would start dancing in my stomach and I couldn’t stop thinking about him. I wanted to spend every moment of the day in his presence…and I still feel that way. He still can make my heart jump with just a look." Isabelle turned and looked at Allison intensely. "Young lady, if you find someone who does that for you, don’t you dare let it get away from you." Allison dropped her gaze and shook her head.

"I don’t have a choice, Isabelle, my future has been decided for me. I’m going to Ireland to marry Joseph, and I have no way to get around that." Allison felt her eyes start to tear up as she realized the hopelessness of her situation. She heard a sound behind her and turned to look. Morgan leaned in the doorway, an inscrutable expression on her face. Allison forced a smile onto her face and hoped the dampness of her eyes wouldn’t be noticed as the captain pushed away from the doorjamb and walked up to her. Morgan stopped in front of her and tilted her chin up, her eyebrows puckering in question as she looked into her eyes.

"Are you ready to go, Allison?" she asked softly. She nodded in answer and Morgan ran her thumb gently along the line of her jaw. George walked up behind Morgan and moved around her to take his wife’s arm. He hushed Isabelle with a soft word and Allison heard him explain.

"Morgan needs to get them moved out of Carolyn’s establishment before the woman leaves here." He said softly. "She’s promised to come by for lunch after things have calmed down a little." Allison saw Isabelle nod out of the corner of her eye. George cleared his throat and Morgan looked away from her, raising an eyebrow in question.

"Do you know where you’re going to stay, Morgan?" he asked. She nodded.

"I’m planning on getting a room at the Sleepy Rooster." Isabelle wrinkled her nose a little and Morgan chuckled. "I know, it’s not the best place, but I should be able to get a room on the second story that overlooks the dock and shipyard. I wouldn’t be surprised if Carolyn tries to have someone finish the job." George and Morgan clasped hands briefly and Isabelle hugged her, then turned and hugged Allison as well.

"Would you tell Anne that I said goodnight, please?" Allison asked, receiving a nod in answer from Isabelle. They waved as Morgan led Allison back into the house, and Allison waved back. Morgan led them out the door and down the steps and Allison felt a moment of surprise as she saw their carriage already waiting for them.

"I had a servant run and tell him to pull around," Morgan said softly as she helped Allison up into the carriage. After settling herself into the seat next to her, the older woman rapped sharply on the roof of the carriage and the driver sent the horses off down the driveway. Allison felt suddenly tired and leaned her head back against the seat, closing her eyes to try and clear them. I’ll just rest my eyes for a moment, she thought to herself.

Morgan glanced at her companion as the driver wove his way through the city streets. Allison had fallen asleep shortly after they left the Stromwell’s and was now tucked close against her body, her head pillowed on her shoulder. Morgan felt a gentle smile curve her lips as the younger woman reached her arm around her waist and squeezed. The captain sighed softly and looked out the window of the carriage, watching the darkened houses give way to shops and offices. I’m glad George suggested having one of his people go and pack our things and meet us there with them. It’s nice having his friendship back…at least now I have someone I know I can trust again. I don’t think I would have had the energy for a conflict with Carolyn this evening, and I know there would have been one. Morgan leaned her head against the side of the carriage and relaxed into the seductive warmth of the body curled against hers, watching as they rolled into the warehouse district.

The streets grew darker and she spied figures lounging in the shadows, heads turning as the carriage rattled by. Morgan clenched her jaw, wishing she had more than just the long knife at her side. She sighed softly, wishing she didn’t have to bring the innocent Allison to this side of town, knowing she didn’t have a choice as she spied her ship still moored at the dock. Finally the carriage slowed, pulling in front of one of the taller buildings on the street. As they rocked to a stop Allison blinked and sat up, looking around in confusion.

"Have a nice nap?" Morgan teased gently. Allison looked up at her in surprise.

"I can’t believe I fell asleep on you! I’m so sorry, Morgan!" Morgan laughed softly and unlatched the door and stepped out. Reaching back in she offered her hand to Allison.

"It’s alright, Allison, you were tired. Wasn’t that exciting of a ride," Morgan answered. Allison stepped down from the carriage, losing her balance briefly on the cobblestone street. Morgan steadied her, resting her hand gently on her lower back, then led them around the carriage. Morgan paid the driver for his services, tipping him well, and sent him on his way before leading Allison towards the inn. The windows glowed and the low hum of voices drifted out the door. As they walked up George’s man walked out, spied Morgan and veered her way.

"Captain, Mr. Stromwell told me to take the liberty of reserving your rooms. Unfortunately there’s only one available. It’s a large room, and overlooks the street." Morgan nodded and reached out to clap the man on the back.

"Thank you, John, you’ve been a great help." Morgan tried to offer the man a coin, but he waved it away.

"Thank you, Captain, but I can’t take that. You’re like Mr. Stromwell’s family. I also had the trunks taken up." Morgan nodded, glancing down as Allison spoke up.

"Did you get my journal?" the young woman asked worriedly. John smiled at Allison.

"Yes, Miss, I did, anything that looked like it might be yours I packed up, so you may have some things to return, but I made sure that nothing was left." Morgan chuckled.

"Well, John, now I know why George asked me to let you go do that for me. Thank you very much." John nodded, then pointed at a side door just visible in the light of the street lamp. "The innkeeper said that you should use that entrance if you want to avoid the common room, and your room is the third one on the right." Morgan nodded and thanked John again as she accepted the key to the room before he left. Allison followed her as she headed for the door, Morgan watching the shadows warily. Opening the door she motioned Allison in front of her, shutting it carefully behind them before following the redhead up the stairs. The place seemed pleasantly cleaner than she remembered and the common room was much quieter than she had anticipated. Reaching the top of the stairs they moved down the hall, Allison stopping in front of their door to wait for Morgan to unlock it. The captain opened the door for her and followed the younger woman into the room, her eyebrows climbing up her forehead in astonishment.

The room was well lit with oil lamps and a small fire crackled on the hearth. The bed was made up with fine linens and a handmade quilt, and a well-loved chair sat in front of a large pair of windows. A table was set against the wall next to the fireplace with a bowl of fruit placed in the middle. Morgan looked around in amazement, noticing the same look on Allison’s face.