The next few days were the happiest in Bianca's life. She had her two children, both from her Masters, and she thrived on the love and affection she was receiving. True, at times, a niggling doubt raised its not--so--inquisitive head and demanded to know how she would explain away the fact to her two children when they were old enough.

For Bianca knew in her heart, that her Masters would never let her leave.

"We're sailing into our forties, lass," the Irishman had reprimanded her ...