Andrew smiled and patted Evone's arm as they walked.? "The Elusive is a good ship and is more than capable of making the voyage to France.? We can leave as soon as the repairs are done. Which..." he paused to take in the state of the ship's repair work "...should be in no more than another day or two." The sun was midway in the sky, spreading its light and heat all over the island.? "I'll need to make a few stops along the way," he went on.? "Partly to make inquiries to pick up what news there might be of your dear husband and his pirate partner. But also to make a few pickups and deliveries." He favored Evone' with an enigmatic look.? "The Elusive is, after all, a business enterprise of sorts, and I cannot neglect _all_ of my business if we want to keep her deck under our feet and canvas in the rigging."

"Our first stop will likely be Port au Prince, on Hispaniola.? It's not exactly a thriving center of mercantile power, but most of the basics can be found there."? The captain of the Elusive looked apologetic.? "I know you're having to make do with what we're been able to scrounge for you, dear one, but if you'll make a list of everything you need to feel civilized once again, I'll make it a point of honor to scour the entire town until you have everything you need for the rest of our voyage."

Taking her hands in his, Andrew brought her fingers to his lips and kissed them.? "You deserve whatever creature comforts we can manage, my love.? You have but to ask."

When he addressed her directly, she blinked at him. “Think nothing of it. I am not some shrieking violet.”

Her father, Jean Pierre Renault had been the second son of the plantation owner?plantation in Louisiana who had?fell in love with her mother, Genevieve who had been a slave there. Her father loved her mother enough to leave his home and move to Philadelphia. Both her parents taught her the value of hard work.?