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"I found so in the trunk I’m not sure what it is I put it on your vanity"

Anne walked to the vanity and discovered a small paper-wrapped parcel The paper wasas stationery but it had been cru around an object Slowly she untied the string and pulled back the paper to reveal a starfish

On the paper ritten: Fora hen there are no stars to be seen

Tears stung her eyes So s to wish for, but only one mattered: Be safe, Captain Please always be safe on your travels

Carefully she flattened the paper, then folded it and placed it, along with the starfish, in her jewelry box

"I’m tired, Martha Help me prepare for bed"

When she was dressed and Martha had left, Anne sat in a chair by theand gazed out as the fog rolled in The gaslights offered a er attempt to hold it at bay, but they lit a path to the residence She wished now that she hadn’t left the ship so soon Perhaps Tristan wished the same He could climb the tree He could coht

Butfound her asleep in the chair, alone

Chapter 14

"I’lad you’re finally back in London I’veacross the sarden, Anne smiled and squeezed the hand of her dearest friend, Lady Sarah Weston "I’ve missed you as well"

"I can serve as your chaperone this Season"

Anne laughed lightly It had been three years since Sarah had married the Earl of Fayrehaven Anne had attended her at the wedding, served as her maid of honor She had always planned for Sarah to assist her when the tie voith Walter They had decided to toss aside the societal rules that said ato allow it to happen It was silly noonder if the possibility of flaunting convention had been responsible for fate’s nasty turn

"You will find someone else, you know," Sarah continued

Anne wanted to confess that she had found so She’d been hoone to the docks during each one of the to the docks was not soh it had not stopped her before