A/N: Hello All!

I realize it has been almost a year since this has been updated. However, here is a nice long chapter for you lovely brilliant readers who have stuck with this story.

Not to mention putting up with such a long wait between chapters. I am really sorry you guys. Real life can be so difficult and I just want you to know how much I appreciate your reviews. They truly keep me motivated to keep going.

I also want you to be aware of the fact I fixed up chapter 4 of this story. I filled it out more per your suggestions concerning her remembering bits and pieces. Feel free to check that out even though I realize you can't leave a review on a chapter you've previously commented on.

All suggestions and ideas mean so much and are greatly appreciated!

Major thanks go out to my beta BabyB26. Without her critique and suggestions this would have taken much longer to post.

I love and thank all of you for reading! I hope you will enjoy reading this chapter as I did writing it.

Flames will always be used for firewood and candles.

DISCLAIMER: I still own nothing. The only thing I own in this story is Patricia Winters, Eva and Ansgar.

-…-…-

Chapter 5:

-…-…-

The rain matched his mood.

John Smith turned in his bed for what seemed like the hundredth time. The rain outside doing nothing to sooth his inner thoughts.

'Was the rain lulling her to sleep?'

John briskly shook his head at that thought, shoving a hand through his hair before facing the wall. Barely had the thought of her left his mind before the knowing gnawing truth surfaced.

'She is engaged.'

The captain squeezed his eyes shut as if in doing so he could erase that fact from his mind.

For he knew he was partially at fault.

Roughly pulling up the blankets from the bottom of the bed, his mind drifted to the fur mantle given to him so long ago folded on a trunk in the next room.

"Damn," he swore as he pulled the blankets to his chin and turned to face the wall once more.

And if his dreams consisted of her hand against his, of her wrapped in his arms and the feel of her lips…

When he wakes that rainy morning, John Smith pushes it all away like a current from the river that took him from Virginia all those years ago.

-…-

It was the rhythmic tapping on her window that soon gave way to a pitter-patter as she slowly opened her eyes. Darkness greeted her before she gradually focused on the firelight coming through the dressing screen from the next room. Low voices filtered through to her as Pocahontas stretched, yawned and huddled down into the soft blankets. Since coming to London, the native princess knew she had not felt so peaceful and warm. Whereas John Rolfe's mansion loomed large and her own bedchamber huge compared to her longhouse at home, the room always felt chilly and damp. Pocahontas sighed as the wind blew drops of water against the window.

"Good morning," Eva said as she tapped on the dressing screen, "I thought I heard you moving about. How are you feeling?"

If she were being completely honest with herself and Eva, the princess wanted nothing more than to stay in the dry warm room for at least a few more hours.

And yet the native could never ignore such a heartfelt concern in the older woman's voice.

"I am fine." Pocahontas stated as she stretched for a final time before sitting up. "I slept very well all thanks to you."

The native watched as Eva moved the screen aside, she holding clean clothes in one hand and a basket in the other.

"Time to start your day," Eva began as Pocahontas forcefully pushed the blankets aside, "We will have our morning meal, I would like to look at your hand and I assume you will want to head back to Rolfe's home. When that time comes Ansgar and I will be happy to accompany you."

She said all this as she arranged the items in her hands, smoothing out a garment whilst Pocahontas slowly undressed.

"This was a gown of my daughter's choosing," Eva started as she held the garment against Pocahontas's figure, "I think it will fit you very well."

-…-…

People and horses slipped on the wet cobblestones as they made their way through London's busy streets. Amongst them was Captain Smith, carefully weaving his way through the crowd. Yet as the rain picked up in its intensity, he hurried his pace.

It was five minutes later when Captain John Smith knocked on his friend's door, merely to have it instantly open before he had a chance to lower his hand. Eva smiled as she ushered him inside the warm house.

"I thought as much you would come at some time today so I kept an eye on the window."

"I wanted to save you and Ansgar from having to escort Pocahontas back to Rolfe's estate. I was then going to hire a proper carriage for her."

"John, that is not necessary."

"Is Pocahontas ready? If not tis alright…"

The man stopped talking at Eva's critical look, "She is presentable; however we are first going to break our fast. Would you care to join us?"

"Do not trouble yourself. I usually…"

"Ansgar," Eva interrupted, "Could you please bring me the extra set of dishes?"

-….-….

"Does she not look lovely? I knew Ilsa's old gown would fit her very well indeed."

"Indeed," John answered whilst Ansgar chuckled.

The dress was far from respectable in English society. It was layered with red and white fabrics, had a low bodice and skirts that flared outwards around her hips.

"You look nice," John Smith offered as he gazed at her sitting between Eva and Ansgar at a small table near the fire.

"How are you this morning?"

"I am well," Pocahontas replied, "I truly want to thank Eva and Ansgar. Your hospitality has been wonderful."

"Think nothing of it," Ansgar continued as he spread jam on his bread.

Silence fell once more, Pocahontas's dark eyes looking at her plate. Eggs, bread and a pastry she could not identify were organized neatly on the dish.

The princess raised her head as Eva poured her more tea into the cup in front of her plate.

"The markings on your arm I find them interesting. I saw them when you were in the bath last evening."

Pocahontas traced the red lines through the fabric on her arm and smiled. "I received this a few years ago. It was my first tattoo."

Eva's eyes widened in surprise. "You have others then?"

Pocahontas nodded. "Yes."

"Tell me," Eva continued after she'd swallowed a bite of food, "What are your people like?"

A wistful smile crossed Pocahontas's face as she placed down her cup of tea. It was then she spoke of the corn and honey cakes that she was known for making in her village.

"They sound delicious," John commented; he very much impressed by her description.

"The secret is in layering the honey just so," Pocahontas said as Eva beamed at the younger woman.

"Ansgar," Eva spoke a smile laced in her words, "We must go to this village for the cakes alone. Yet, what would I wear?"

Pocahontas grinned. "I brought a few dresses from my homeland. I usually design mine with very intricate beadwork and fringe along the hems. At home, I like to wear them in the evenings when we get together to dance and tell stories."

"I understand," Eva said, "I have dresses I do my chores and ones for a more festive occasion."

"Most people do," John Smith said as he finished his tea, "I have found that in my various travels."

"I see," Pocahontas's dark eyes met John's gaze from across the table as he quickly raised his blue orbs towards her face. His expression unreadable, Pocahontas felt the heat slowly rise to her cheeks as he looked at her.

"Anyhow," the man abruptly stood, "I am off to hire us a carriage in order to return you to Rolfe's estate."

Hurriedly securing his cloak, John opened the door into the rainy morning. Pocahontas watched as the captain straightened his hood before dashing up the street.

"It will not be long," Ansgar assured as the princess nodded. Shivering slightly due to the damp air, the native moved her chair closer to the fire.

"You both have been so kind," she began, "Your house is so warm and lovely."

Eva grinned. "We have gotten high praise from a princess across the sea!"

"I believe you have brightened Eva's day," Ansgar commented as Pocahontas laughed.

"I speak the truth."

Eva continued smiling as Ansgar reached for Pocahontas's injured hand, "Let me have a look at that. Do you have any pain?"

"A little," Pocahontas answered truthfully, "If I keep it flat tis alright yet if I curl my fingers it is painful."

"Have John Smith bring you back here in a week's time so as I can remove the stitching," Ansgar instructed.

"Well, well if he is available of course I will however I am certain John Rolfe knows where you live. If John Smith is not.-"

Eva's sharp tone cut off the younger woman, "John Smith makes good care of you. He will be available when or as you say."

"What do you mean as I say?"

"He makes care of you… John Smith does. Ansgar told you to return in a week's time."

"She means that John Smith takes good care of you. He will see to it that you are here next week."

"I understand that," Pocahontas stated, "I only meant if John Smith is not able to.-"

"No, worries, he will take care of you. You just remember to do the same."

The native arched an eyebrow, unable to hide her quizzical expression. "What?"

Pocahontas shook her head. "Is he not leaving soon for a voyage? When I had my unfortunate accident he told me he was shopping for supplies."

Eva's shoulders lifted in a shrug. "That could be for anything."

The native watched as Ansgar carefully unfurled the bandage around her hand. It was a bit swollen; however the skin did not possess the angry red look from the previous day.

"You are mending well," Ansgar said as he cleaned the area with an alcohol soaked cloth. Pocahontas flinched as he moved her fingers and wrist.

"Yes," Eva glanced over her husband's shoulder from behind, "Be careful how you use the hand and you should be just fine in a week."

"Thank you," Pocahontas replied whilst Eva handed Ansgar a clean bandage.

A noise from outside startled the native woman as Eva quickly opened the door.

"I found someone," John announced as he stood in the doorway.

"Good," Eva said as she hurried into the adjacent room, only to return with a heavy cloak for Pocahontas.

"This is long and will cover the dress," Eva explained as she handed it to the native, "You can return it next week."

"Thank you so much," Pocahontas began whilst Eva embraced the younger woman.

"Here you are," Ansgar remarked as he gave her a small package, "These are clean bandages and a small bottle of alcohol. Just be sure to keep the wound clean."

Pocahontas smiled gently. "I am honored by your generosity."

John Smith nodded before taking the small package whilst Eva helped get the cloak situated around her shoulders and over her gown.

All too soon the door had been shut behind the couple as Pocahontas stepped into the morning rain.

-….-….

As the damp wind blew and the carriage jostled her along, Pocahontas was grateful for the cloak that Eva had let her borrow. Though they were protected from the outside elements, Pocahontas still found herself slightly shivering. John Smith sat across from her, seemingly unaffected even though he was soaked.

"You must be freezing," Pocahontas stated before she'd thought better of it.

"I am fine," John Smith replied, "I noticed you shivering."

Pocahontas watched as he leaned down, seemingly searching for something beneath the seats. Having not found what he'd been looking for, John's gaze sought hers through the dimness of the carriage.

"I thought the driver would have a blanket," he explained, "I am surprised he does not. This is a decent carriage. I made certain of that."

Eva's words from earlier that morning floated through her mind.

'He takes care of you.'

'You just remember to do the same.'

The native swallowed thickly. "This is a lovely carriage. It seems to rain here a lot."

John nodded. "Yes, it does."

"It makes the air feel very damp and cold. You think I would be used to it given my homeland yet here tis different…"

Her voice trailed off as John Smith nodded again.

"Your homeland is beautiful," he said with such sincerity that the native lowered her gaze.

"I miss it," Pocahontas murmured as the carriage stopped. Parting the curtains in the window, she spotted a large group of people ahead.

"I miss it too," John said so low the native was not sure he'd spoken at all.

Yet the earnestness in his eyes told her she'd not imagined his words.

"My father would love to see you," Pocahontas said as the carriage slowly began moving, "He will be so thrilled to know you are alive."

"I am glad your father is well," John stated as he shoved his hood off and ran a hand through his hair.

Again she recalled Eva's words from the night before.

'Was it that John Smith did not write to you or was it could he not write to you?'

Unbidden, other memories surfaced.

His warm hand in her own.

The strained tone of his voice when he'd spoken her name.

His somber gaze.

His breath on her cheek prior to his lips gently touching hers.

All came in a rapid succession, one after the other until she noted her hands fisted in the cloak's material.

"I," she did not know where to begin. She was unsure if she should mention the thoughts that were invading her mind.

'What if it never happened?'

'You would be humiliated.'

Clearing her throat in order to silence her musings, Pocahontas smoothed her hands over the cloak. It was then she winced, as her injured hand protested at the action.

"Are you alright?"

"Yes, thank you."

Trying to avoid the inevitable, she quickly glanced outside her window confirming that the rain was finally becoming misty in the morning air. Pocahontas frowned, sorely missing the sun drenched fields of her homeland. The way the flowers would bloom and the smell after a gentle rain. The feel of the earth beneath her bare feet, to the moonlight filtering through the canopy of trees.

The London village was magnificent and the sights so different that Pocahontas was certain she could not compare the two worlds.

The native felt her heart clench as she glanced at the man sitting on the other side of the carriage. Her mind wandered back to their first meeting and to how much she had learned from him.

Unbidden, another notion surfaced; had she taught him anything? In her heart she was certain she had, though the native could not place what it could be.

In order to keep her distressing thoughts at bay Pocahontas asked, "Have you always lived in London?"

"No," John Smith answered. The captain could not help but give a slight laugh at her surprised expression.

"I always assumed you lived here," Pocahontas explained as she shrugged, "You never mentioned anywhere else."

"I assure you," John continued as he straightened in the seat across from her, "I was born and brought up on a farm quite a distance from here. It was not interesting in the least."

"It must have been beautiful with all the open meadows and woodlands."

"Not as beautiful as your homeland with those splendid waterfalls. We had brooks around the property however it was nothing as stunning as you and your home."

Pocahontas lowered her eyes as she twirled a piece of hair around a finger. She allowed herself to take a deep breath prior to smoothing down her hair and slowly met his cerulean gaze.

"John Smith," she startled at the sound of her own voice as she gave a nervous chuckle, "John Smith, I need to speak with you."

She sighed as he arched an eyebrow. "Have we not been speaking to one another all this time?"

Flustered, her words came out rushed as she shifted in her seat. "No, Yes, we have yet I, I must, I can no longer ignore something that I believe happened between us whilst drinking the opium tea."

"What do you believe may have happened?"

The rocking of the carriage seemed to relax the young woman as she dropped her shoulders.

"I may have said some things. And then you may have spoken…"

John Smith chuckled before noticing her furrowed brow. "I truly do understand. Pocahontas, I promise you did not utter any.-"

"Did we kiss?"

The native princess forced herself not to react at the desperate seeking tone in her voice. Pocahontas swallowed hard, willing her pulse to slow.

"What did you say?"

"I asked if we kissed or was it the opium that.-"

For a moment, the captain looked away in order to gather his thoughts. He had not been certain if she would have remembered what transpired between them the prior evening.

Sighing, John Smith lifted his eyes in order to see her face and was immediately concerned at her perturbed expression.

"Pocahontas," he began as he held her gaze, "Yes, we did kiss. I had merely leant forward to hear what you were saying and and… Our lips touched for the briefest of moments."

"Oh," Pocahontas exhaled as she sank back against the plush seating, "Oh, oh well that is you see… I was hesitant to refer to what may or may not have occurred. I figured I must have experienced an odd dream of some sort and yet it was so vivid."

"It was an accident," John gave a short laugh, "A mishap…"

"A mishap," Pocahontas repeated.

"Right."

"Right," the native said as the two of them felt the carriage lurch up the drive to Rolfe's estate.

"Thank you for telling me the truth," Pocahontas began as she gathered her skirts in her good hand.

Whilst trying to stop the thudding of her heart against her ribcage. The woman praying he could not see the blush that colored her cheeks.

John smith nodded as he picked up the package that Ansgar and Eva had given to her what seemed like a lifetime ago.

Pocahontas smiled. "Thank you for all your help."

They were interrupted by a knock coming from the driver as John Smith turned towards the exit.

"We have arrived sir. Shall I wait whilst you escort the lady to the door?"

"Yes," John answered as he easily exited the coach.

Picking up the skirts of her dress in order to exit the carriage, Pocahontas bowed her head whilst the wind blew strands of hair in front of her face. She could feel his closeness as he moved beside her. The manner in which he kept his pace light yet purposeful as they walked up the drive. The tenderness in the way he held her arm as they neared the steps.

Before she knew it Pocahontas stood barely a foot from the door as she turned to face him.

"I…"

Her voice caught as she noticed the brilliant blue of his eyes, in contrast to the dreary gray sky above. He had let go of her arm and stood so close to her she could smell the mixture of rainwater and soap. The cool wind blew, causing her to shiver as a bird called from some distance away.

The native tilted her head, her dark eyes piercing as she gazed at him. Her mind replaying in rapid succession all that had occurred that lead her to this moment.

'Have the spirits guided me here?'

Pocahontas wondered; she knowing she had not even tried to listen to her heart since leaving her homeland. And yet here she was, standing before the man who she had fought to avoid since that day on the palace balcony. For a reason she dare not identify, the spirits had placed him in her life once more.

In a span of seconds, John Smith took a step back from her. "Well, I, I should go."

"You," Pocahontas continued passed the lump in her throat, "H-have something on your cloak."

In a hurried movement she brushed a spot on his chest, even as she just as quickly dropped her hand.

"Thank you."

Pocahontas gave a weak smile, whilst John smith carefully situated her tangled tresses behind an ear before lowering his hand and taking another step back.

Eva's words and his actions seemed to echo around her as she moved closer towards the English captain.

Even as her mind and heart battled, the native could no longer disregard what her innermost being was telling her.

In that moment, as she gazed in his azure eyes she did not want to ponder any longer.

The native princess suddenly embraced the English captain. Her body trembled as she clasped him to her, the desire to fully enjoy his touch nearly driving her mad.

A state of mind she had not known until she kissed him, her mouth slanting over his whilst she grasped the back of his head. The fact his hair was somewhat damp from the rain was of no concern as her fingertips dove into his golden tresses. The taste of honey as well as the scent of soap and rain filled her senses as she deepened the kiss. Her heart soaring as he responded to her passion.

In one fluid motion, John Smith placed down the package he had been holding on a concrete pillar before fully clutching her against him.

Pocahontas moaned as he savored her bottom lip, her hands grasping his hair whilst his hand cupped her face. The native arched her neck in order to give him more access as he kissed down her jaw line, stopping where her shoulder and neck met. In that instant, Pocahontas felt alive as his tremulous whisper reached her ears.

"W-Was that an accident?"

He allowed his cloak to envelop them both, her chest pressed hard against his while he stroked the smooth skin of her cheek. Her answer was another kiss as John Smith ran a hand through her hair.

Pocahontas swallowed hard as she gradually pulled away, her head resting against his shoulder.

"I have to go."

"Come with me," he whispered as he tightened his hold.

Though she knew where her heart belonged, Pocahontas hesitated as the weight of her actions came crashing upon her like a rough ocean wave.

"You know tis not that easy."

He cupped her face whilst his eyes sought her gaze. "Sometimes, the right path is not the easiest one."

He grasped her so tightly that it took her breath away as he crushed his mouth against hers. Unable to resist, Pocahontas kissed him with just as much fervor.

John Smith spoke barely an inch from her lips. "I know you. If you wanted the easy way out of things I would now be dead."

"John," she whispered whilst trying to catch her breath, "Oh, I know, I know… I…"

Allowing one final ardent kiss was effortless.

Wrenching herself away from his warm hold and valid words took more effort than she ever knew she possessed. Breathing labored, Pocahontas stumbled towards the door prior to yanking it open and slamming it behind her. The princess was grateful for the door as she leaned against it, her fingertips tracing her tender lips.

"Pocahontas!"

Mrs. Jenkins's voice echoed from down the corridor before the older woman hurriedly entered the foyer.

"Sit down my dear," the older woman began as she guided Pocahontas over towards the small bench in the corner.

"I heard of your dreadful misfortune. Now, you just sit there and I will look after you. John Rolfe has left for the day, something about a message from his majesty and.-"

The servant was abruptly cut off as a knock resonated through the foyer. Before Pocahontas could voice an objection, Mrs. Jenkins rushed to open the door.

"Good day to you madam."

The native's breath caught in her throat as John Smith's smooth voice reached her ears.

"I was escorting Lady Pocahontas to the door and I forgot to hand her this package. Would you be so kind to see that she receives it?"

"Of course sir," the servant replied whilst Pocahontas noted his charming smile.

"I thank you," he responded before nodding and handing Mrs. Jenkins the small box.

Pocahontas watched as he smiled once more, turned and sauntered back into the mist, his cloak billowing in the wind as Mrs. Jenkins closed the door.

-…-End of Chapter 5…-…-