Apollo and Artemis had been thrilled to finally get to their destination, after weeks at sea and new port after new port Zeta was happy they could finally make themselves at home. Zeta had to admit her new home was a paradise on earth that she took great joy in exploring all be it alone since she saw little of Phoenix since their arrival. Phineas and his father Thomas’s plantation was large and home to a great many people. They employed many workers and had hundreds of slaves. Zeta had never understood how one man could expect another to work for free or consider them less than human but it wasn’t her place to say anything for which she was reminded on more than a few occasions. She was delighted to be able to give her people better housing and fair wages not to mention added bonuses like fabric for clothing and an extra day off of work a week. Thomas and Phineas weren’t in agreement with her ideas and soon after that wrote to Webster stating just that. Bo and Mena were hired on as plantation managers looking over the workers and all their needs. Soon after Phineas and Zudora’s wedding, Zudora became pregnant. Phoenix and Zeta also hoped to have a child looking forward to starting a family of their own. Phoenix had become adamant about it leaving Zeta feeling anxious when it didn’t happen. Zeta wrote to her father and brothers often informing them on their plantation’s progress and wishing them all well. She also wrote to Captain Crumb and sent them to the Port in London knowing he stopped there often. She and Phoenix had been happy for the most part distant at times but happy, it was obvious things between them were starting to change. Phoenix’s attitude toward her seemed to emulate that of his cousins as if he was letting him influence his thoughts and decisions and that was the last thing Zeta wanted or needed not to mention it seemed as if with every passing day Phoenix became more and more distant from her leaving her feeling lonely without her family and friends an emotion she had never really felt before. She had to admit she thought about the Captain a lot and hoped he would soon stop in for a visit it had been six months since their arrival and she still thought of him often and had written to him twice. It was early on a Friday morning and Zeta and Phoenix were sitting down to breakfast, Phoenix was just about to get up and go to work when Bo walked in. “Mail’s in Sir few letters from England.” Phoenix smiled as he looked through them. “Well, Zeta looks like your father’s written you twice and Tanner’s sent me something.” Zeta smiled as she took the letters. “That’s nice I haven’t heard from him lately, I’m going out for a ride maybe I’ll read them while I’m out.” Phoenix smiled as he leaned in to kiss her.” See you at lunch honey have a nice ride.” Zeta gave a quick nod then finished her tea before heading out to the stables. After about a half hour she stopped at the beach in the shade and sat down to read her father’s letter. “Dear Zeta my love,” right away Zeta knew it wasn’t from her father. “I received your letters and I can’t tell you how much I miss you. I sent this as if I was your father hoping Phoenix wouldn’t open it, let’s hope I was correct. It’s been so long since I last saw you yet I look at your painting every day and kick myself for letting you go. I’m sure you’re happy and in love and have probably all but forgotten me but I wanted to let you know you’re always on my mind. I saw your father a few days ago and he said you’re and Phoenix’s plantation is showing progress and that you have given all of your slave’s reasonable wages and a better quality of life. You have such a big and fair heart how could I not love you, your father saw the portrait of me you painted in my cabin, not the one of you thank the Gods, I have that hidden from view. We went and had drinks; before we parted he asked me if Phoenix had realized I fell in love with you, I said he had but that I never did anything about it. After seeing your portrait of me he laughed and said “It took my daughter eighteen years to fall in love and get married and only one month after that to fall in love again poor Zeta. I told him nothing happened and that you picked Phoenix he just laughed and said but if she could have had you both I’m sure she would. I doubt Phoenix would like if I came to see you but not seeing you is like torture to my very soul. If I can make it that way I will, I hope you're still wearing the ring I bought for you, I miss you and love you always,” Captain Ryan Crumb Zeta realized she was crying after wiping her eye’s she opened the next letter “Dear Lil Bit, I miss you my daughter, I hope all is well and Phoenix is treating you right. I saw Captain Crumb today and spent a few hours with him. If I would have known the two of you would have been such a good match I would have introduced you two a lot earlier. He’s a good man as was his father, I pity him it’s obvious he misses you and is more than in love with you. And you my delicate peach cannot pretend not to love him too, I do not encourage you to in any way turn away from Phoenix for he is also your match and a good man. I just know you well enough to know your heart has been split in two over this and it weighs heavy on your soul as a result. Just remember to keep all of this a secret because if Phoenix learns of your hearts desires he will never forgive you, a husband's pride comes before your heart's secret desires. I love you and hope to see you soon. Yours’s truly Augusto Steel” The plantation was coming along well the sugar cane had been planted and looked to be growing at a fast pace. Zeta had befriended the black men and women that helped work the land yet they thought of her as only their superior leaving Zeta lonely without Phoenix who seemed to be spending more and more time with Phineas and she never seemed to be invited. Zudora and Kami were of course but she was excluded and Phoenix didn’t seem to find any fault with that. After hearing about what a loss they would take due to paying their workers Phoenix began to worry about what profits they would get with their first harvest. But Zeta chalked it up to the cost of starting a plantation and figured they would see more money with the next harvest. Wanting it to be a surprise Augusto and Captain Crumb didn’t write ahead to warn of their arrival, Augusto could tell Ryan was anxious to see her having paced the deck for hours before they docked. When Zeta heard of their arrival, she rushed to the cove to greet them to find Phoenix already there. “So it’s true my father’s here?” Phoenix nodded “The Captain as well.” Zeta smiled big as she watched them row in; Phineas just shook his head in disgust. “I swear Phoenix how can you watch your wife get so hot and bothered over another man and not get pissed off?” Phoenix shrugged “Stop it Phinny, not now.” Zeta turned and glared “Go to hell Phineas, can you at least wait until my father and my friend leave before you try to start problems between me and my husband.” As soon as they hit land Zeta ran into her father’s arms hugging and kissing him. “I’ve missed you so much, papa.” Turning to Ryan she smiled then laughed as she hugged him as well “Ryan it’s great to see you.” Ryan flashed a smile “Well Lil bit I said I’d visit so here I am.” Turning to Phoenix he held out his hand “Phoenix it’s nice to see you.” Phoenix gave a welcoming nod “Let's head back to the house I’m sure you’re both tired after such a long voyage.” Phineas made a grunting sound and Ryan turned to look at him “Phineas right?” Phineas nodded “Like I said Phoenix hot and bothered and you’re not even bothered by it if it was my wife I’d have slapped her so hard she’d still be trying to pick herself up.” Both Augusto and Ryan frowned Phoenix waved him off “Ignore him.” Zeta shook her head “He thinks Phoenix should beat me because I was happy to see the Captain.” Ryan looked ready to rip out his throat “Well then it’s a good thing he’s walking away.” The rest of the night went well, Phoenix was quieter than usual and that night when Zeta tried to make love he turned away and said he was too tired. A first for him so she assumed he had other things on his mind, especially when an hour later he got up and dressed to leave. “Where are you going?” Phoenix sighed “Just on a ride honey, I’ll be back soon get some rest.” Zeta knew it was a lie but figured he needed some space what else could it be at two a.m.” Stepping out onto the porch Phoenix ran into the Captain smoking a cigar. “Captain” Ryan smiled “Where you headed?” Phoenix shrugged “Just to get some air.” Ryan shrugged “Well hope you find some.” Sitting down Ryan watched as Phoenix hurried toward Phineas’s plantation confused as to why he was going there so late at night. The next morning at breakfast Phineas showed up early with his father Thomas in tow wanting to see Augusto. “It’s been year’s boy about time you came to see me.” Augusto smiled as he sipped his coffee “Hell Thomas ships sail both ways old man, when is the last time you came back to England?” Thomas shrugged “Too old for that now, hell I’ve been trying to get that brother of mine out here for years but you know Webster if it’s not one thing it’s another.” Augusto smiled when Ryan walked in “Morning Captain, I hope you slept well last night.” Ryan smiled “Yes thank you.” Thomas looked around the room then back at Augusto “Where is that daughter of yours Augie? That girl has caused me and Phinny more problems than a year long drought.” Augusto frowned “What’s she done now?” Thomas shook his head in disgust. “Wasn’t even here a week before she fixed up her slave’s houses and started paying them wages, damn near giving them freedom.” Augusto smiled “Zeta has her some strong opinions on the subject.” Phineas huffed “They are walking around here acting happy.” Ryan took a drink of coffee “What you’d rather they act like beat dogs?” Phineas glared at him “Yes because that’s what they are.” Phoenix walked in and smiled “Morning.” Ryan began to wonder where Zeta was but thought twice about asking, Augusto did not “Where’s Lil bit?” Phoenix feigned interest for the guests benefit “She has a room here that she paints in; she usually goes there in the morning. It’s on the second floor fourth door to the right, the room next to the room you’re staying in Captain.” Augusto knew the Captain wanted to see her “I think I’ll head up there.” Turning to Ryan, he smiled “Care to join me maybe we can look around the plantation afterward?” Ryan nodded “Sounds like a plan.” Phineas watched him with suspicion. “Make sure you stay with Augie, wouldn’t want you and Zeta alone behind closed doors now would we Ryan?” Ryan stood and got in Phineas's face “You’re making me mad, about time you mind your own business, and I haven’t given Phoenix any reason to worry about my intentions toward his wife. My feelings for her have nothing to do with you, our friendship is none of your concern and never call me Ryan again you’re to refer to me as Captain understood.” Turning he looked at Phoenix “Your cousin needs to watch his tongue before I cut it out.” Meeting Augusto at the door he followed him up the stairs. “Sorry but I can’t stand that guy, have you seen how his wife acts like he’s going to beat her at any moment, constantly apologizing I can’t even imagine Zeta acting that way.” Augie laughed “And you never will, not my girl, no way, no how.” Nearing the room they could hear Zeta singing, Augusto turned and smiled “I’ve missed her sound, so much like her mothers.” Opening the door they watched her quietly as she painted with her back to them. She painted the ocean at night with waves crashing around two figures a man and a woman only their silhouettes showing as they held each other in an embrace. Ryan smiled at the memory Augie laughed “Fantasy or memory?” Zeta laughed as she turned to find them watching “Doesn’t this room get excellent light in the morning?” Augusto walked around looking at some of Zeta’s new paintings while Ryan continued to stare at the one in front of her. “This is amazing?” Zeta smiled looking to see how far her father had walked away “It was indeed.” Augusto walked back over and pulled her into his arms “So Lil bit are you happy here?” Zeta shrugged “Sometimes, other times not so much.” Augusto frowned “Why not so much?” Zeta shrugged “Except for Phoenix and Apollo and Artemis I’m pretty much alone just like before.” Ryan frowned “What about Zudora?” Zeta chuckled “Phinny thinks I’m bad association, too strong willed he said after spending time with me she comes home unruly and disobedient so unless he’s with us she can’t see me.” Augusto sat down and looked through her sketch book smiling when he saw sketches of the Captain. “How are you and Phoenix?” Zeta nodded “We're doing fine I guess he works a lot and spends a lot of time with his cousin so we only get to see each other at night. I avoid Phinny he never knows when to shut up and he’s constantly trying to cause problems between Phoenix and me. I was thinking if I could get pregnant it might make it easier you know, but it seems as if I’m not supposed to be a mother. I mean Zudora just had a baby and she’s already pregnant again.” Ryan smiled as he put his arm around her shoulder “It will happen, darling, just be patient.” Augusto stood and they all started for the door. That afternoon Zeta covered the painting of her and Ryan and had Bo take it onto the Wind Serpent and leave it for Ryan as a surprise. That night at dinner Phineas and Zudora joined Zeta and Phoenix and their guests, Phineas looked irritated as Apollo and Artemis obediently laid at Zeta’s feet. “Damn it Phoenix your wife is intolerable.” Phoenix frowned “What now cousin?” Phineas frowned “First she treats slaves as humans and now she letting those damn mutts of hers sit at the table.” Zeta glared at Phineas as she walked into the dining room “If you don’t like it you know you’re way to the door, get the fuck out.” Zudora almost choked on her wine “Zeta watch your language.” Zeta shrugged “My dogs are not hurting anyone, and you’re here as our guests, do I bring my dogs to your house no I do not, this is our house our rules so deal with it or leave your choice.” Augusto laughed “Well said.” Phineas growled “Why Phoenix even allows you to speak I don’t know, and this is his house, not yours he is the man he should decide the going on’s around here.” Zeta looked to Phoenix to defend her but he didn’t seem to care. “Since you have nothing to say let me, we make decisions together, this is our house, in fact, it was my money that paid for it, you ass.” Phoenix sighed “Phinny, Zeta and I are a team, I value her opinions and we make all of our decisions together.” Zeta smiled finally it was nice to hear her old Phoenix again sticking up for her now if it was real or just for show she didn’t know. Ryan watched her wishing he could steal her away in the night. Shannon came into his thoughts he missed her and was looking forward to seeing her. After his last visit, he felt so much closer to her and he knew it would take a miracle for him and Zeta to ever be together and that it was just a fantasy, a dream and that’s all it would ever be. Augusto and Ryan’s visit was short but Zeta was more than thankful to see them it was nice to have people that loved her around she only wished they could have stayed longer. Phoenix had made it a point to stay away as much as possible which wasn’t new except Zeta wondered where he was going so late at night. Zeta was out on her daily ride when Phineas rode up next to her. “You’re kind of far from the plantation aren’t you?” Zeta shrugged “No farther than any other day Phineas.” Phineas looked around “Phoenix with you?” Zeta shook her head “No I ride by myself, can I help you with something?” Phineas gave a sly smile as he rode up close to her side. “Zudora told me you and Phoenix have been trying to have a baby.” Zeta nodded already irritated knowing Phoenix had told him that himself. “Yes, we would like to start a family why do you ask?” Phineas shrugged “I was just wondering why you have been denying him, is it because you’re still in love with that lowly Captain or are you just doing it out of spite for Phoenix bringing you here?” Zeta glared at him “Do you mean to say you think a woman can control if she gets pregnant or not. I knew you were an ass but come on man. I want to have a child with Phoenix more than anything, I would never deny him that and the Captain and my friendship is just that a friendship. I’m sick of you filling Phoenix’s head with all your lies and bull shit. Mind your own damn business, keep beating your wife and she’ll keep giving you children to corrupt and let Phoenix and I handle our own affairs.” Reaching for her Phineas grabbed her arm pinching her skin “I’ll not allow any woman to talk to me like that.” Zeta whistled and Apollo and Artemis ran up circling them growling making Phineas’s horse get nervous and rear up. “Call off your mutts.” Zeta tried to free her arm but he held on tight “Let go of my arm and I might.” Phineas looked at the dogs then back at Zeta “If Phoenix knew what was best for him he would have put you and your dogs in their place months ago.” Still holding her arm Zeta ripped it from his grasp “Phoenix will hear about this.” Phineas laughed “Shall I tell him or will you.” Zeta rode off followed by Apollo and Artemis in search of Phoenix hoping he would at least act as if he cared. Seeing him in the fields she rode up and jumped down “Phoenix can we talk?” Phoenix looked tired “What now Zeta?” Zeta frowned “Your cousin.” Looking around she reached out for his arm “I only need a moment of your time in private.” Phoenix sighed as he followed her onto the porch “Alright Zeta what is it?” Zeta took a deep breath “Your cousin just accused me of denying you children on purpose, for you bringing me here like a woman can do that without a tonic of some sort. Then he grabbed my arm and hurt me.” Lifting her arm, she showed him the red marks and bruises coming to the surface. Phoenix shook his head “I’ll talk to him.” Zeta frowned “He was right you don’t care, do you? Do you also feel I’m denying you a child?” Phoenix shrugged “No it’s not that it just seems like it’s taking a long time is all.” Zeta stepped back “You think I’m barren don’t you?” Phoenix shrugged “I don’t know maybe, all we can do is wait and see.” Anger started to grow up inside her “Have you ever considered it might be you?” Phoenix’s face turned serious “It’s not me.” Zeta placed her hands on her hips “How do you know?” Phoenix stepped forward “I just do damn it.” Zeta laughed “I guess all we can do is wait and see right?” Turning to walk away she stopped and turned “It was only months ago you had no want or need for a child and now you act as if our happiness depends on it what has changed in you?” Phoenix sighed then turned and walked away. Within days of Phoenix’s birthday Webster sent The London magazine along with the article featuring Phoenix’s map. Inviting Phineas and Zudora Zeta planned a nice dinner as a celebration, knowing Phoenix had been stressed she hoped it may lift his spirits especially since he had received such great reviews. Leaving his father’s letter unopened she placed the letter and the magazine in front of him. “I thought a congratulatory dinner was in order.” Phoenix smiled as he looked over the magazine and article “It seems my map was a hit.” Zeta giggled with excitement “I’d hope so honey you work your ass off on it, what does your father have to say?” Phoenix smiled as he read the letter “It sounds as if they want me to go on another expedition for them, to the America’s.” Zeta frowned “What about me and the coming harvest?” Phoenix continued reading “It wouldn’t be until the end of the year Zeta; I’d still have six months to prepare.” Zeta got quiet as Phineas and Phoenix went into detail about the voyage and the reviews he had already gotten for his map of the West Indies it seemed Phoenix hadn’t even considered taking her along. That night in their bedroom Zeta combed out her hair and braided it as Phoenix once again read the magazine. “You don’t seem all that upset about leaving me here while you sail all the way to the America’s, in fact, you didn’t even think to ask me to join you.” Phoenix looked up and shrugged “Your place is here Zeta; this is your home now.” Zeta stood staring at him with defiance “My place is with you husband, my home is where you’re at.” Phoenix fretted as he approached her and pulled her into his arms “I can’t risk taking you aboard a ship filled with men again, not when I will be occupied with my work the whole time.” Zeta pulled away and looked up at him “What do you mean?” Phoenix pulled her back into his arms “You’re too much of a temptation Zeta, and this trip will be longer than this last one and more dangerous as well. You’re needed here and I can’t pass up another opportunity like this it’s not every day a cartographer gets the chance to have his work seen and his name known worldwide.” Zeta turned and walked to the window “So it seems by year’s end I’ll be living a life of solitude again.” Phoenix frowned “You still have Phineas and Zudora.” Zeta laughed “Phineas hates me and to be truthful I can’t stand him either and Zudora is not allowed to talk or see me without him present. He thinks I’m a bad influence on her and she acts like a beat dog around him and it makes me sick.” Phoenix frowned “I doubt my cousin beats his wife.” Zeta shook her head “Then your blind husband, she doesn’t get all those bruises knitting his socks if he had his way you’d be beating me too. He’s a monster Phoenix and it seems as if only you and Zudora can’t seem to see it.” Phoenix frowned “Phineas is a good man Zeta don’t speak of him like that.” Zeta laughed “See what I mean, hell Phoenix the bastard accused me of denying you an heir just to be a bitch like I was not getting pregnant on purpose. Maybe if you beat me like he beats her I’d get pregnant as fast as she does.” Phoenix sighed “Can we change the subject, you not getting pregnant is not something I’m in the mood to talk about.” Zeta frowned “Why is that, do you also blame me for our lack of a child?” Phoenix turned and walked away “I don’t know who to blame, it’s just frustrating, to say the least.”