With a heavy sigh Drake lowered the spyglass, staring out across the ocean. The coastline wasn't visible to the naked eye, at least not yet. But within the hour it would be and soon they would be docking in Williamsburg and she would be gone. He was surprised at the emotions that flooded through him as he thought of it. Of course he had always known that eventually they would reach America and she would leave the ship but now the reality of it was here and he felt as though he had been punched in the stomach.
"Thank you," he muttered to the crew member, returning the spyglass to him. Taking a deep, steadying breath he walked across the wooden planks to the hatch leading below deck, leading him to her for the last few hours they had left.
Entering the cabin, he stood by the bed for a few moments watching her sleep. What had this woman done to him? He had had women before, women who had claimed to have loved him, women who had tried desperately to get him to marry them, but he had never loved them back. In fact, he had begun to wonder if he was capable of love, blaming the coldness in his heart on being abandoned as an infant. But now, he was beginning to believe that he could love someone. But would she love him back?
Virginia's eyes fluttered open and she saw Drake standing by the bed with a look of wonder and amazement on his face. However, his eyes held a sadness. "Good morning," she whispered.
Her words snapped him out of his trance and he smiled at her. "Good morning," he answered.
"What's wrong?" she asked, wondering about the look that had been in his eyes.
"Nothing's wrong. We've spotted land. We're close to America and should be docking later today," he said quietly.
"Today?" she exclaimed, sitting up.
He gazed at her and felt something hurting deep inside him. She was so breathtakingly lovely. Her eyes were wide with the excitement of the news, her hair in wild disarray, the fiery curls trailing everywhere it seemed, and as she hadn't bothered to pull up the blankets, he could see a pink nipple winking at him through the coppery strands.
Impulsively he pulled her to him. "I'm going to miss you," he whispered.
"What do you mean?" she asked, a sudden fear creeping through her.
"Well, during the unloading and loading of the ship, I'll be extremely busy and then I'll be gone. I won't really have a chance to see you after you disembark," he explained.
"You're leaving right away?" she asked with alarm.
"Well, yes, but it's-" he started to explain but she cut him off.
"You're just going to leave me here? All alone? Just like that?" she almost shouted at him. "You're just going to dump me off on the dock and sail away without a backward glance or a second thought! And to think I was actually beginning to believe that you cared for me. You've used me this entire time, haven't you? Used me to satisfy your sick carnal cravings. You really are horrid! I'm glad we'll be docking soon, so that I never have to lay eyes on you again!" She burst into tears and collapsed onto the bed.
"V, please..." he said gently, touching her trembling shoulder.
"Don't touch me and don't call me that!" She shouted at him. "Just leave me alone!"
He knew he couldn't reason with her so he left her alone to cool off. He would try again later. He dejectedly climbed back up on deck and from the looks he received from some of the crew he knew they had heard her accusations.
He went back down to their cabin a few hours later to find her packing her bag. "We'll be docking soon and I was wondering if we could talk about this."
"There's nothing to talk about. You'll be rid of me soon enough and then you can start work on your next conquest." She didn't look at him, but continued gathering her few belongings together, checking to make sure she hadn't lost any of the jewelry or money she had brought with her.
"V, I told you weeks ago that I can't marry you. I'm sorry if you thought I had changed my mind, but I haven't. And I had assumed you would know that I have to go back to Liverpool. That's my home." He was trying to explain, trying to make her realize that her accusations were wrong, but he could tell she wasn't listening to him. "V, please listen to me."
Seeing that she had all her belongings, she picked up her bag. Brushing past him she said, "Don't call me that." And without a backward glance she went upstairs to wait on the deck. She was eager to see her new home and to get off this boat.
Drake sat down in the his chair, racking his brain, trying to think of a way to convince her that he loved her. Yes, damn it, he finally admitted to himself, he loved her. But if he just came out and told her she wouldn't believe him. But if he didn't do something quickly he was going to lose her forever. A thought struck him and he quickly ran up to the deck and located Simpson. "Simpson, do you know if any of the men would be interested in staying in America. I want someone reliable and trustworthy to keep an eye on Virginia for me."
Simpson thought for a moment and said, "Yes, actually Forrester had mentioned something about it."
"Perfect. Where can I find him?"
"He'll be down in the hold, sir, preparing the cargo for off loading."
Without another word Drake raced for the hold. With the shore fast approaching he didn't have much time.
Dropping down into the gloom of the hold, he quickly located Forrester and outlined his plan. The young man eagerly agreed. He offered to help him get set up but first and foremost he had to leave the ship with Virginia and find out where she went and report back before they set sail for England in a couple of weeks. During that time, he had to locate a bank and set up an account for Forrester. He was going to be very busy. He sent the sailor off to collect his belongings.
A few minutes later Forrester joined Virginia at the railing of the ship. His blonde hair shone in the bright sunshine and his blue eyes sparkled with excitement. "Oh, miss, I'm so excited! Aren't you excited? A whole new beginning, a whole new life just waiting out there!"
Virginia looked at the young crew member. He wasn't very tall, just a bit more than she and she guessed he was in his early twenties. Noticing the large duffel bag he carried with him, she inquired, "You're staying behind Forrester? You're not sailing back to England?"
"Oh no, miss. I was just working my way across."
You and me both, she thought grimly.
"I don't know if you know anybody over here, miss, but I certainly don't and I was wondering if you'd mind sticking together for a bit." He began to blush and stumbled on quickly "I was just thinking it's always nice to have a friend around in a strange place. And no offence miss, but you being a lady and all, it might be helpful to have a man, such as I am, to travel with."
The young man did seem sincere, although given her recent experiences she remained suspicious of him. He did, however, present some good points. Who knew what awaited her out there? If she kept her wits about her and didn't fall for any dreamy eyed stares or flattery she would be fine. "All right, Forrester. We'll venture out into this new land together." She held her hand out for him to shake which he did eagerly.
"Capital, miss, just capital!"
"And Forrester, please, call me Virginia."
