“You're not a pirate.”

Mangan heard the words, as if through a haze. “Of course I am,” he mumbled, still half-asleep. “I look like a pirate, I talk like a pirate...”

“But you're not.”

Captain Mangan decided he had better try a little harder to wake up. He squinted into the bright morning light flooding his quarters and saw Trixie sitting at his desk. Looking through his papers. Granted, these were only the papers from the previous day's raid and not his truly important documents, but... Biting back an angry retort, he reached for his pants. “Look around ye, Miss Belden. Ye be surrounded by the spoils of thievery. I assure ye—the ships we stole from did not give it willingly.”

Quivering with excitement, Trixie tapped the papers. “Pirates don't often steal official documents.” Her blue eyes sparkled. “Especially official French documents.”

Captain Mangan remained silent, but that didn't stop Trixie from expounding her theory.

“Almost every ship you attack is French. Coincidence? I don't think so.” Blue eyes snapping with curiosity, she worked on her theory.

“You're able to go places that the regular Navy can't,” she mused. “If an English Naval ship sailed into French waters, it would be attacked. But if the Straight Arrow sails into French waters, flying the Jolly Roger, most ships will avoid her.” Trixie's excitement grew as she worked out her theory. “So, you board French ships and steal everything of value, especially documents, before destroying the ship. That way, you have their charts, orders, and who knows what all else. It's brilliant!”

She perched on the edge of the bed. “Am I right?”

“Ye've a good theory, and it's a fine plan, but it's entirely possible that I'm precisely what ye see—the finest pirate of the seas.” Mangan continued to dress, pulling on his boots.

Trixie shook her head, blonde curls dancing in her enthusiasm. “What have you been telling me? 'Not everything is as it seems'.”

“Ye'r graspin' at straws. That could mean anything.”

“But it doesn't. You're working for the English, Captain Mangan!”

Mangan sighed. “Ye'r not goin' to let this go, are ye?”

She shook her head, a grin nearly splitting her face in two. “Never.”

“And if I am workin' for the English?” Mangan asked. “Why do ye think it's such a big secret?”

“So that you can...” Trixie sobered as she thought through the ramifications of the loss of his cover. “It wouldn't work nearly so well if word got out.”

Mangan finished lacing his boots. Disregarding the marks they would leave on his blanket, he swung his legs up on the bed and stretched out, Trixie perching beside him. “It wouldn't work at all if word got out. Mind you, I'm not sayin' as yer right or wrong.” He winked. “I'll leave that to yer imagination.”

To his surprise, Trixie did not respond with a flip joke or prod for more information. Instead, she stared at him, and he saw something new in her eyes. If he wasn't mistaken, it was respect.

“You allow the world to think that you're a common criminal, just to help the Navy,” she said slowly. “You've sacrificed any chance at a respectable life.”

Mangan sighed. “It's not so simple as that. To be honest, I was sort of coerced into this. It really was a pirate ship that I stowed away on when I was a lad. The problem was, we weren't very good pirates. It wasn't long before we were caught. Someone in the Navy thought I could be useful, and here I am.”

Trixie's eyes had never left his face. She slid further up on the bed, and gazed at him earnestly. “You're certainly good at what you do now.”

“Ye have no idea,” Mangan murmured, drawing Trixie to him in a swift movement. His lips hovered over hers, and he waited, curious to know how she would react. With a boldness he had not anticipated, she took his face in her hands and drew him in, closing the gap between them.

The kiss was far gentler than anything he had yet experienced, and, at the same time, much more powerful. It was...sweet. Deliciously, intoxicatingly, addictingly sweet. The kiss intensified, and Mangan rolled so that she was beneath him. He marvelled at the change. When they had kissed before, there had been lust, on both sides. Now, there was something more. Something that had his heart stirring in a way he had never experienced. Something that added a tenderness to his touch, and a tremble to his hand. There was...love.

“Cap'n!” Vigorous pounding on the door to his quarters had Mangan cursing under his breath.

“For the love of Pete,” he muttered. “What now!”

He looked down at Trixie, whose eyes were still smoky with passion, and groaned.

“This had better be good!” he growled, and went to answer the door.

“Cap'n!” Esau's voice was low, but tense. “There be a ship approaching.” He paused, and glanced at Trixie. “An English ship.” He cleared his throat nervously. “It bears a marked resemblance to the Ten Acres.”

Mangan whipped his head toward Trixie. She stared back at him, eyes wide with horror.

“I'll be right there,” Mangan promised, then closed the door in the face of his first mate.

He strode back to his bed, and grasped both of Trixie's arms. “Do ye know anythin' about this?”

She shook her head, curls bouncing in her vehemence. “No!” She started to pull away from him, but stopped, her eyes wide. “Oh, no.”

Mangan's face hardened. “Oh, no, what?”

Trixie winced. “I sort of left a note for Captain Frayne before I came aboard the Straight Arrow the first time.”

Captain Mangan closed his eyes. “And jest what did this note say?”

Trixie bit her bottom lip. “It said that the Straight Arrow was in port, and that I was going on board to look for information.” She laid a hand on Daniel's arm. “I'm sorry,” she said miserably.

Trixie's obvious remorse had Mangan forcing back his initial anger. Still, it made for an ugly situation. Trixie did not yet realize it, but she could be his undoing, in more ways than one. By coming aboard the Straight Arrow, Trixie had ensured that Gingerbeard would not fail in his quest to bring her to battle. He sighed. “It was to be expected. Ye had no reason to trust me. Frankly, I'm surprised that it's taken the good Captain Frayne so long to find ye, if he's had the note all this time.”

Trixie shrugged. “The ocean's a pretty big place, I guess,” she said.

“Aye,” Mangan agreed. He started to release her, then dropped beside her on the bed so he could look her in the eye. “Will the good Captain be carryin' an extra large grudge? Are ye,” he paused, “special to him?”

Trixie's blush answered his question.

“And he's special to you,” Mangan continued, pushing past the dull ache in his heart to say the words. Without allowing Trixie to respond, he rose abruptly and left the room, calling for Esau.

“We'll wait for the Ten Acres,” Mangan told his first mate.

Esau looked at him, his crinkled blue eyes wary.

“Be this part of a larger plan?” he asked hopefully.

Mangan sighed. “Not in the way yer hopin',” he said, eyes on the ship in the distance. “We have something that Captain Frayne wants. He's not going to go away without a fight. T'is best to meet him straight on.”

Esau surveyed his captain narrowly. “There be a larger problem,” he surmised.

“Captain Frayne means to retrieve Miss Belden,” Mangan said, his voice void of emotion. “T'is best for everyone if he is successful.”

“For everyone?” Esau asked, and Mangan knew that the first mate was well-aware of the Captain's feelings for the stow-away.

“This is no life for a lady,” Mangan said softly. “T'is best if she goes back to shore with Gingerbeard. We could try to outrun him, and take her back to port ourselves, but Frayne would never let me go. Not when he's this close. No, it's best if we deal with this now.”

Esau looked grim, and Mangan knew that the first mate did not approve the plan. He also knew that the man's loyalty was stronger than his independence.

“Aye. We sail to meet the Ten Acres,” Esau said, and strode to the helm, issuing orders.

Mangan didn't move. He felt Trixie's presence beside him before she spoke.

“Why can't you just tell Captain Frayne the truth?” she whispered furiously.

A sad smile crossed his face. “Do ye really think he'd believe me?” He shook his head. “No. Me mission depends on secrecy. I have no authorization to tell the good Captain anything.”

Trixie worried her bottom lip. “Why don't you run? The Straight Arrow is faster than the Ten Acres, isn't it?”

Mangan shrugged. “Maybe, maybe not.” He turned and looked into her eyes. “Do ye really think that Gingerbeard will give up the chase?” he asked. “He won't rest until he's rescued you.”

Trixie looked up at him, her eyes desperate. “But I don't need rescuing!”

Mangan smiled. “That be a matter of opinion. The fact remains, he thinks that ye do. And he won't give up.” He lowered his voice and said, “I know I wouldn't.”

Trixie swallowed. “You're right. He won't give up. He thinks I'm in danger.”

“And so ye are,” Mangan said. “Look at what's happened while ye've been aboard. Ye've witnessed fighting such as makes many a man sick. And ye've defended yerself in a way no lady should ever have to.” He looked deep into her eyes. “And that's not the only danger, is it?”

Trixie swallowed.

“They be sendin' a dinghy,” the look-out called.

Captain Mangan turned his attention back to the ship. “Strike our colours,” he said.

The crew gaped at him.

“Ye heard me, men. Strike the colours!” Mangan's glare forced the men into action. With much grumbling, the Jolly Roger came down.

All conversation and motion aboard the Straight Arrow ceased as they watched the dinghy. All eyes were on the tall, red-haired man being rowed toward them. Whispered calls of “Gingerbeard,” circulated among the men, causing many of them to sneak furtive glances at their captain.

Mangan watched, his face impassive. Never, since assuming command of the Straight Arrow, had he had cause to strike his own colours. Admitting defeat before there was even a battle had never been an option. It was singularly disturbing the affect one tiny blonde woman had, not only on his emotions, but his actions.

With a clatter, the sailors lowered a rope for the boarding party. Seconds later, the dreaded Gingerbeard, Captain James W. Frayne of the English Navy stood on the deck.

“Trixie!”

The crew watched in stunned silence as Gingerbeard strode purposefully across the deck. Ignoring Captain Mangan, the sailors, and his own boarding crew, he wrapped his arms around the lady.

“You're safe!” he exclaimed.

Trixie nodded against his shoulder. Mangan's heart constricted as he watched her return his embrace. Almost immediately, though, Gingerbeard's focus changed. One arm securely around Trixie, he faced Captain Mangan.

“You have a lot of nerve,” Captain Frayne said, “kidnapping a young woman.”

Mangan placed his hand on his cutlass. “Kidnappin' be such an ugly term. I prefer to term it, providing assistance to a young lady in need.” He shrugged. “Really, it were the least I could do.”

Frayne's face flamed with outrage. “How dare you! You had no right to keep Miss Belden against her will.”

“We were well out to sea when her presence was detected,” Mangan said, his tone mild. “I was merely keeping her safe until she could return to shore.”

Gingerbeard regarded him with suspicion, but quickly turned his attention back to Trixie. “Are you sure you're unharmed?” he asked, his green eyes intent.

Trixie flushed under the scrutiny, but said, “I'm fine, James. Really.” She held his eyes. “I've had a most interesting voyage.”

Gingerbeard narrowed his eyes. “Mmm... I can well imagine.” He changed the focus of his attention. “Captain Mangan, I'm under orders to bring you in. If you'll please come with me, I'll send a crew to sail your ship to port.”

A murmur of outrage circulated among the crew. “I have full authority to offer leniency for co-operation,” Gingerbeard continued. “I would hope you take advantage of that offer. Captain Mangan?”

Mangan hesitated. When it came right down to it, he wasn't sure that he could leave the Straight Arrow. But it fell upon him to lead the way. “Men,” he said, “Ye've been a brave and loyal crew. Ye've done yer duty and more, and I'm proud to have sailed with each of ye. It be me advice that ye co-operate with Captain Frayne.” He looked at the red-haired man. “He be a man of his word.”

The crew continued to mutter, but grudgingly set to work lowering the dinghies. All the while, Trixie stood, gnawing her lower lip.

“This isn't right!” she burst out, surprising both Captain Frayne and Captain Mangan.

Captain Frayne turned to her. “Is there a problem?” he asked.

Ignoring him, Trixie ran to Mangan's side. “Do something! You know that this isn't right!”

He shook his head in warning. “Ye know that I can't,” he said, one eye on Gingerbeard.

“He's a good man,” Trixie said in a low voice. “He'll believe you.”

Mangan shook his head. “No, he won't. He's under direct orders. And he's a man of his word. He's sworn to bring me in.”

Trixie shook her head again. “This isn't right,” she repeated, one foot tapping impatiently.

“Miss Belden.” Captain Frayne stood beside her, his fingers at her elbow. “Is there a problem?”

“No, sir,” Mangan said, with a quelling look for Trixie. She stared back at him, and he knew by the desperation in her eyes that she was about to do something foolhardy. With a last gaze, filled with turmoil, she turned away from him.

“Captain Frayne,” she said, her voice shaky. “I would have a word with you.”

Gingerbeard immediately put one of his men in charge, then followed Trixie to the prow. Mangan watched them, an agony of emotion beneath his calm demeanour. Trixie gestured with her hands as she spoke, while Gingerbeard directed wary glances at Mangan.

The conversation seemed to last for hours, both parties speaking emphatically. Finally, the two approached Captain Mangan. Gingerbeard's green eyes were coolly analytical.

“Miss Belden tells an interesting tale,” he began, with a glance out of the corner of his eye for the young lady. Trixie looked back at him, pleading. Gingerbeard hesitated. “I'm torn. If what she says is true...”

Mangan inclined his head. “I doubt the young lady is given to tellin' stories out of school.”

Frayne raised an eyebrow. “It isn't the lady that I doubt,” he said.

Mangan nodded curtly. “I understand. This be a delicate situation.”

“Can you offer proof of your claims?” Gingerbeard asked.

Mangan looked up in surprise. As much as he had come to respect the determination and vigour of Captain Frayne, it had not occurred to him that he could also be a man with whom it was possible to reason.

“I can,” he said slowly. He glanced at his cabin, where he kept the orders from the Naval commander. “I'm under strict orders,” he said softly. “Me orders be confidential.”

Gingerbeard regarded him steadily. “Mine are not. My orders are to bring you in, dead or alive.” He paused. “Many of my fellow captains would prefer dead.”

Mangan nodded. “I understand.” He sighed. “Come with me.”

The two Captains and Trixie descended the stairs to Mangan's quarters. Though he raised his eyebrows at the trundle bed beside the captain's bed, Captain Frayne asked no questions.

“The documents are all here,” Captain Mangan said, standing behind the sheath of papers. His fingers lingered over the wooden box. “And me orders be here.”

Both Captain Frayne and Trixie waited expectantly. With another sigh, Mangan removed the key from around his neck and opened the box.

“You told me you moved the papers!” Trixie exclaimed, her indignation palpable.

Mangan smiled at her. “It stopped ye from tryin' to break into the box, didn't it?”

Trixie grumbled under her breath, but kept her eyes on the papers he withdrew. Even without a close examination, both Captain Frayne and Trixie could see that the papers sported the official insignia of the English Navy. Mangan handed the papers to Frayne.

“As ye can see, I have orders to waylay the French.”

Frayne read the documents carefully. “And have you met with success?” he asked.

Mangan nodded. “News may not yet have reached the Navy, but yesterday, two French vessels were destroyed.” He tapped the orders. “Ye'll note that me orders contain the expected co-ordinates of the Fleur de Lis and her sister ship.”

Frayne nodded, eyes still on the document. When he looked up, a new quality had entered his cool green eyes. “You've put me in a bind,” he said. “I can't very well let you go, and I can't very well prevent you from carrying out your orders. Especially seeing as how they're so important.” He paused, stroking his red-gold beard.

“But you have to let him go!” Trixie burst out. “You can't put him in prison for obeying orders!”

Frayne turned to her. “I don't want to, Miss Belden. But what other choice do I have? If the men who issued these orders choose to free him, that's one thing. But, for me to let him go...” He shook his head.

“You know that they won't free him,” Trixie protested. “There would be a rebellion if people heard that Captain Daniel T. Mangan, Scourge of the Sea, had been captured, then released.” She grasped Captain Frayne's arms and looked up at him, her eyes begging. “You can't bring him in.”

“Is there an alternative?” Frayne asked, staring into Trixie's china blue eyes. Mangan winced, knowing that he had looked at Trixie with what must have been a similar expression.

He loves her, Mangan realized. He loves her enough to help me escape, simply because she asks him. It was a sobering thought, and not one on which he wanted to dwell. For if he did, he would also have to think about the absolute admiration Trixie showed for Captain Frayne.

“There is a way,” Mangan said slowly, “but it would involve ye losin' face a little.”

Captain Frayne inclined his head. “I'm willing to make some sacrifices for the greater good,” he said.

Mangan nodded. “Ye could leave me entire crew on board. With a skeleton crew of yer men to watch us. Perhaps yer least able-bodied men. Then, in the dark of night, me crew could overpower them and send them back to you in the dinghy.”

Captain Frayne drummed his fingers on the desk. “It could work. Especially, perhaps, if my men were given some rather strong ale.”

Mangan smiled. “That be the only kind on board.”

“And how will I explain my negligence in not guarding you properly?” Frayne wondered.

“Arrogance?” Trixie supplied, an impish grin on her face.

Captain Frayne raised a ginger eyebrow, though he looked at her with tolerant amusement. “You're enjoying this too much,” he told her, shaking his head.

“I'm serious!” Trixie protested. “You could say that the infamous Captain Mangan was so devastated at being captured that you didn't think he was capable of contriving an escape.”

“You're right. She is enjoying this too much,” Mangan agreed, locking eyes with Frayne.

With a rich laugh, Frayne said, “The worst part is, she's right. It could work. I might get a slap on the wrist, but that's about it. And if they do give me a hard time, I can always approach the Admiralty with my knowledge of your orders. They won't like it, but there won't be anything they can do about it.”

“And this absolves yer crew both of knowledge of me activities, and negligence on their part,” Mangan pointed out. “Trixie's right. It could work.”

“Of course I'm right!” Trixie exclaimed. “I'm always right! Haven't either of you learned that yet?”

Frayne and Mangan exchanged glances. “And I'm supposedly the arrogant one,” Frayne said, shaking his head. “All right. Tonight, after Miss Belden and I are back on the Ten Acres, I'll send over a skeleton crew. You'll return them in good condition, I hope?”

Mangan nodded. His own sense of honour told him he couldn't allow the sailors to be harmed while on a ship with a lowered flag. “I'll do me best. If all goes well, no blood will be spilt.”

Frayne nodded. The two men stared at each other for a moment, and Mangan was struck by the realization that despite the events separating them, he and Captain Frayne shared more similarities than differences. Under other circumstances, we probably would have been friends, he realized. Captain Frayne was apparently having similar thoughts, for he extended his hand to Mangan and shook it heartily.

“You're not what I expected,” Captain Frayne said, his green eyes frank with something akin to respect. “It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance, and I hope that we have cause to meet again under happier circumstances.”

Mangan nodded. “I could say the same of ye.”

“Now.” Captain Frayne turned his attention to Trixie, and his serious demeanour lightened. “It's time to head back to the Ten Acres. I brought along some clothes for you.”

Trixie grinned. “You were certain you would find me, then?”

“Of course,” he said. “I'd have looked for you for the rest of my life, if necessary.” He gazed at her, his adoration evident.

Mangan swallowed and turned away.

Frayne studied Trixie's breeches and shirt with amusement. “Where did you get those clothes, anyway?” he asked.

“Well, the breeches belonged to Bobby, and the shirt...” Her voice trailed off as she fingered the cuff.

“Keep it,” Captain Mangan said, his voice low. He smiled in an attempt to cover his emotion. “T'will be a reminder of yer adventure at sea.”

“We should return to the ship,” Captain Frayne told Trixie, his arm firmly around her shoulder. He eyed her shirt, and Mangan had a feeling that if it were up to him, Trixie would not be coming away with any reminders of her time on the Straight Arrow.

Captain Mangan followed Captain Frayne and Trixie onto the deck, and watched as Frayne gave orders to his men who would be left behind. Trixie stood beside Gingerbeard, her expression uneasy.

When all was ready, Captain Frayne came back to Mangan. For the benefit of the crews, he ordered Mangan to comply with the English sailors, and to follow the Ten Acres back to port. Mangan agreed with a grim nod.

“Wait.” Trixie touched Frayne's elbow and looked up at him earnestly. “I would have a word with Captain Mangan.”

Frayne glanced between the two, his expression wary, but nodded shortly. Trixie led Mangan a few feet away, out of sight of the crew, then stood, gnawing a fingernail anxiously.

“I'll be fine, if that's what yer worried about,” Mangan said quietly, his dark eyes drinking in what he knew might very well be his last sight of her.

Trixie nodded miserably.

“Hey.” Mangan lifted her chin, forcing her to look at him. “Ye've devised the best plan possible, given the circumstances. I be in yer debt.”

“It's not the best plan,” Trixie choked out, her blue eyes stormy. “It means I'll never see you again.”

Trying to fight the stab of joy he felt on learning that he would actually be missed, Mangan smiled down at her, and wiped the single tear running down her cheek.

To his surprise, Trixie shoved herself at his chest, wrapping her arms around him. Daniel held her tight, closing his eyes. “Shh...” he whispered. “Ye never know. Perhaps we'll meet again.”

Trixie nodded, her head tight against his chest. With a sigh, Mangan released her. “Yer Captain is waitin',” he said.

Trixie nodded, and sniffled. Together, they walked back to Gingerbeard.

Captain Frayne's face was red with suppressed jealousy when he took Trixie's arm. “Are you ready?” he asked, his tone surprisingly gentle.

Trixie nodded, and waved at the assembled crew of the Straight Arrow.

“I'll miss you!” she cried, smiling through her tears.

First Mate Esau took her hand and shook it vigorously. “It were a pleasure to have ye aboard, miss,” he said. The rest of the crew cheered as Trixie waved again and disappeared over the side of the ship.

Captain Frayne waited, his eyes on the dark pirate. “I'll take good care of her, you know.”

Mangan looked up, his surprise showing clearly.

With a wry smile, Frayne explained, “She tends to have this effect on men. We all want to protect her. Well, at least when we don't want to throttle her.”

Despite his melancholy mood, Mangan had to laugh. “That just about sums it up, don't it?”

Conscious of the sailors around them, both men left it at that. Captain Frayne followed Trixie down to the dinghy, and Mangan was left on board the Straight Arrow with his full crew, and a few members of the Ten Acre's crew.

The ship had never felt emptier.

Confined to his quarters, Mangan paced. From the bed, to the desk, to the window, to the door. From the door, to the window, to the desk, to the bed. From the bed, to the desk, to the window... He stopped, staring out the port hole. The Ten Acres was in full view. And Trixie and Captain Frayne were on the deck.

She was wearing a dress. Mangan's eyes widened as he observed the fancy blue dress, with its huge skirt and revealing neck-line. Captain Frayne certainly had provided a change of clothing.

It's best that she's gone, Mangan told himself, though he couldn't stop himself from staring at her. If she stayed on the Straight Arrow, she would probably never have a chance to wear a fancy dress again, he told himself. And women like that sort of thing. He frowned. Did Trixie? She hadn't complained about wearing breeches... In fact, she seemed to have enjoyed it.

A bark of laughter escaped his lips as he saw Trixie tug off the wide-brimmed straw hat she wore. Captain Frayne turned to speak to her, but Trixie merely laughed and tossed the hat aside.

His laughter was short-lived, dying as he saw Captain Frayne and Trixie engage in what looked to be a serious conversation. His heart sank as he saw Trixie place her hand on his, and a kiss on his cheek. They stood together, looking out over the sea.

Mangan turned away from the window, unable to continue watching. His quarters, which had always seemed perfectly adequate, were now suffocating him. He stretched out full-length on his bed. After the evening, the situation would improve, he told himself. Once they were free of the Ten Acres, he could sail anywhere, receive new orders, discover new ports... He would forget all about Trixie Belden. It was for the best.

Disgusted with himself, he closed his eyes and waited for dusk to fall.

Several hours later, Captain Mangan stepped over the slumbering form of the man who was supposed to be guarding him. It had cost him half a bottle of fine Irish whisky, but it was worth it. Without a sound, he prowled the deck, counting the English sailors who were passed out from too much ale. When all had been accounted for, he gave a soft whistle, and the crew of the Straight Arrow materialized from the dark recesses of the ship.

“Load them into the dinghy, men,” Captain Mangan said, and the crew hurried to obey. “Gently, now!” Mangan warned. “We don't want to wake them.”

With much grunting and swearing, the English sailors were loaded into the dinghy, and were rowed to the Ten Acres. They were left slumbering in the secured dingy while a second dinghy picked up the men who had deposited the English sailors.

When all were back on board, Captain Mangan gave the orders, and a silent get-away commenced. Mangan stayed above deck, playing his role by watching intently for any sign of pursuit. When the first light of dawn streaked the sky, they were many knots distant from the Ten Acres.

“Well done, men,” Mangan congratulated the sailors. “Ye've proved yer worth yet again.”

Exhausted from the night's activities, he retreated to his quarters. Weary beyond all reason, Mangan tugged at his stained and sweaty shirt, stripping it off roughly. He tossed it on the floor, and turned to his bed.

The bed that was not empty.

Still in the fancy blue dress, Trixie was sprawled on top of the covers, fast asleep.

Mangan rubbed his eyes. When he opened them, Trixie was still there.

He walked slowly to the edge of the bed, and leaned over her, watching the gentle rise and fall of her chest. She was definitely on board the Straight Arrow, and in his bed.

He rubbed his eyes again. When he opened them, she was still there, again.

He sat on the side of the bed, unsure what to make of the situation, but pretty certain it was in his favour. With a cautious hand, he trailed his fingers down her bare arm.

She stirred. Without opening her eyes, she reached for him. “I've been waiting for you,” she murmured, pulling him towards her. “What took you so long?”

Mangan's face hovered above hers. “Aye, but I'm here now, aren't I?”

“Mmm...” Trixie agreed. She opened her eyes, and Mangan felt a pang in his heart. Beyond all doubt, this situation was to his advantage. No matter for how long, she had returned to him.

“How did ye get on board?” he asked, though he was concentrating more on Trixie than on any answer she might provide.

“I waited for your crew to bring the other sailors back to the Ten Acres. Then I politely asked them to take me back with them.” Trixie's impish blue eyes twinkled.

The corners of Mangan's mouth quirked. “Me own men brought you aboard?” he asked.

Trixie giggled. “They didn't seem to mind.”

“I imagine not. And that would explain why Esau kept asking me if I wanted to check me quarters,” Mangan groaned.

Trixie laughed. “I think your first mate is a bit of a match-maker.”

Mangan winced. “T'is best that he's chosen the life of a pirate, then, for I think not many would trust him to marry off their respectable daughters.”

“Speakin' of respectable daughters...” Mangan's voice trailed off, even as his hands trailed over the delicate fabric of the bodice of Trixie's dress.

“You're not calling me respectable, are you?” Trixie teased. “After all, I'm prone to wearing boy's clothing, and stealing aboard pirate ships.”

“I don't know what to call you,” Mangan admitted.

Trixie smiled. “Call me a mystery. I liked that.”

Mangan full-out grinned. “A mystery. Aye, yer a mystery indeed.” He leaned close to whisper in her ear, “A mystery which I would very much like to solve.”

Trixie ran her fingers through his hair, removing the leather string tying it back. “It could take a while. I be a complicated woman, you know.”

“That's fine by me,” the captain said. He started to place a kiss behind her ear, but stopped. “Trixie,” he said, and then didn't know how to continue.

Trixie sat up, her hair tussled and her dress rumpled. “What is it?” she asked. Biting her lip, she asked, “You are happy to see me, aren't you?”

Mangan raised his eyebrows. “I think ye know that I'm happy to see ye. I just...I need to know why yer here.”

Trixie ducked her head in a moment of shyness. Mangan raised her chin, watching her intently.

“And I need to know if I need fear for me life at the hands of the good Captain Frayne.” He grinned rakishly. “Not that it would affect me actions overly much. Still, it be a good thing to know.”

Trixie smiled sadly. “Captain Frayne won't be pursuing the Straight Arrow,” she assured him. “At least, he promised me he wouldn't, and he always keeps his word.”

Mangan watched her eyes. “Yer not entirely happy,” he said.

She smiled sadly. “I think I broke his heart, a little.”

“Just a little?” Mangan questioned, remembering the complete adoration he had seen on Captain Frayne's face.

Trixie nodded. “He's married to the Navy. He always has been.” The sad smile appeared again. “I think it helps him remember his father.”

Mangan turned away.

“He'll be fine,” Trixie said, her fingers skimming his cheek.

“T'is not him I be worried about,” Mangan replied, catching her hand. “Will ye be fine?”

Trixie nodded, and her serious expression faded. “As long as I'm with you, I'll be fine.” She began to pout. “You haven't commented on my dress, Captain,” she accused. “I wore it especially for you, since you've never seen me in one. You have no idea how inconvenient it is to get from a dinghy to the ship in one of these.” She poked his chest lightly. “Aren't you going to compliment me on it?”

Mangan laughed at her uncharacteristic and obviously false pride. “Aye, I'll be happy to comment on yer dress. But first, I require a better look.” He gestured to the floor. “If ye would...”

Trixie rolled her eyes, but gathered up her skirts and stood up. “Is this better?” she questioned.

But Mangan was busy taking in her form. His eyes raked over her low neckline, snug bodice, and voluminous skirts. His eyes lingered, and the room was suddenly warm. When he finally met her eyes, he saw that her face was flushed.

“I take it you like it,” Trixie said.

Mangan's voice was thick. “Aye, I like it fine.”

“Be it...” he paused, “removable?”

The ship lurched, and Trixie lost her footing. She tumbled onto the bed and into Mangan's arms.

“I love ye, Trixie,” Mangan said tenderly. He hadn't said those words since before the deaths of his parents, and they felt unfamiliar on his lips. Unfamiliar, but right.

“I love you, Captain Mangan,” Trixie replied, her voice soft.

“Daniel,” he said. “Me name be Daniel.” Suddenly, he had to know what his name would sound like on her lips. “Please.”

“I love you, Daniel,” Trixie said, drawing him to her. “Though I also like Scourge of the Sea,” she murmured. She raised her face to his. “Kiss me, Daniel.”

“Daniel!”

Dan groaned. I'm going to kill Esau, he thought. I'll push him overboard when nobody's looking. No one will ever know. No one will ever interrupt me again when I'm with Trixie...

“Daniel! Breakfast is on the table.”

Dan opened his eyes. He wasn't on board the Straight Arrow, and Trixie wasn't in his arms.

“Aren't you picking up Bobby this morning?”

Resisting the urge to bury his head under the pillow, Dan swung his legs over the side of the bed and sat up. He was tugging on his lined jeans when Mr. Maypenny knocked on the door.

“Better hurry,” the grey-haired man told him. “The eggs are ready.”

Dan paused, half-way through the doorway. “Esau?” he asked, suddenly realizing that the First Mate from his dream and Mr. Maypenny had very similar eyes.

Mr. Maypenny snorted. “You'll have to try harder than that to find out my real first name, boy,” he told his young charge.

“Never mind,” Dan muttered. “I just had this really odd dream...”

He gave Mr. Maypenny an abridged and edited version of his dream while they ate breakfast.

“Sounds like a fine adventure,” Mr. Maypenny commented. “I especially liked the fact that you were a pirate spy.” He nodded in approval.

Dan laughed. “That was pretty cool.”

“And the fact that you got the girl makes it even better,” Maypenny said, eyes twinkling. “Looked like Trixie, you say?”

Dan rolled his eyes. “I didn't say, but yes, she looked like Trixie.” He grinned. “Why not? Trix is a pretty girl.”

Mr. Maypenny laughed. “Aye, that she be. But there's a different curly-haired blond waiting for you this morning.”

Dan grinned. “I'll pick up Bobby, then drop these biscuits off at the stable for Uncle Bill. If Bobby doesn't eat them all first.”

With a chuckle, Mr. Maypenny said, “It's a good thing Bobby doesn't like the food we put in the feeding stations. Otherwise, you wouldn't be able to take him patrolling with you.”

With a wave, Dan left to pick up his junior Saturday morning helper. When he knocked at the door to the kitchen at Crabapple Farm, however, both Trixie and Bobby barrelled out.

“You'll never guess!” Trixie exclaimed, her blue eyes snapping with excitement. “Honey just called, and she says there's a surprise waiting at the stables! Do you think it's a new horse?”

“Uncle Bill hasn't said anything about a new horse, but...” Dan shrugged. They both knew that Regan was more than capable of keeping a secret.

They hurried through the crisp snow, Bobby trailing behind. “You're going too fast!” he complained. “My legs don't know how to be as long as your legs!”

Dan stopped and knelt in the snow. “Hop on, Bobby. I'll give you a ride to the stable.”

Trixie rolled her eyes as Bobby clambered onto Dan's back. “You're spoiling him. You know that, right?”

Dan stood up, keeping Bobby balanced. “He'll be working outside all morning. No spoiling today.”

Trixie started back down the path, impatient with excitement. “Come on!”

They arrived at the stable red-cheeked and out of breath. Dan tumbled Bobby from his shoulders, and the three entered the stable. Unprepared for Trixie's abrupt stop, Dan bumped into her. They teetered for a moment before Dan caught Trixie by the shoulders. He steadied her, holding her against his chest.

“Whoa! Are you okay?” he asked, laughing.

Trixie was oblivious to Dan's question. “Jim!”

Dan looked up and saw Jim standing in the stable, a huge grin on his face.

“Trixie!”

An awkward silence ensued as the two beamed at each other from across the stable.

“What are you doing here? When did you get here? How long are you home for? Are you coming riding?” Trixie's words tumbled out, running together.

Honey's smiling face appeared over one of the stalls. “He got home late last night, and he's staying until Monday morning. Someone...” she paused, sending a pointed look in her brother's direction, “felt guilty about not coming home for Valentine's Day last weekend.”

“Oh!” Trixie beamed. “That's wonderful!”

A crooked grin lit up Jim's face. “I really did want to be here, Trix.”

“I know. But you don't have to feel bad—I still had a good time. Right, Dan?”

Dan smiled, remembering the movie they had shared at the Cameo. “Sure did. It's not everyday that I get to take a girl to the balcony of the Cameo.”

Jim raised a ginger brow, and for the first time Dan noticed something a little off about his face. “Jim, are you growing a--”

“The balcony?” Jim asked, with a tiny edge in his voice. “What movie did you see? Was it good?”

Trixie frowned. “I don't really know. I didn't see much of it.”

The smile slid off Jim's face. Oblivious, Trixie continued to beam at everyone in the stable.

Exchanging a look with Honey, Dan forced himself to laugh. “She fell asleep, Jim. I watched the movie by myself.” He shook his head. “I gotta tell you, Trix, you don't make it easy on a guy.”

Jim chuckled, his good humour restored. “I guess it's a good thing I didn't come home last weekend. Seems like you needed your rest.”

“Well, I'm not tired now!” Trixie declared. “Are you coming for a ride?”

Jim nodded eagerly, and was joined by Trixie and Honey as they saddled their horses. The sun flashed brightly as they left the stables, and Dan asked a second time, “Jim, are you growing a beard?”

Jim raised his hand to his chin, where there was obvious growth. “I'm going for a goatee. What do you think?”

“I think it looks great!” Honey offered. “And it's not strictly red. It's really more of a ginger colour.”

Dan choked. “A ginger beard,” he said, his lips twitching. He watched as Trixie turned adoring eyes to the red-head. “It works for you, Jim,” he admitted.

“Come on, Bobby,” he said, ruffling the little imp's hair. “Today we be pirates. Ready to set sail on the good ship Spartan?” Dan picked up Bobby and set him astride the patient work horse, then waved goodbye to Honey, Jim, and Trixie.

“Dan!” Trixie called, running after him to catch his arm. “Don't forget that tonight is Bobby's ice carnival. You are coming, aren't you?”

Dan nodded, smiling into Trixie's contagiously happy eyes. “I wouldn't miss it.”

Jim joined Trixie. “That's great! I was hoping you'd come, Dan. I've been wanting to catch up with you,” he said with an easy smile.

Dan rode into the preserve, a smile on his face, as well. Dreams were great, but reality wasn't so bad, either. And if Trixie was as determined to go back to Cobbett's Island and go sailing, well, he certainly wouldn't object. After all, there wasn't that much difference between a pirate ship and a sail boat...

 

In the Blink of an Eye

A Rose by Any Other Name

Bagatelles