"But," Aaron started to argue but James shook his head and placed his index finger against Aaron's lips.
"Enough," He said then leaned over to kiss him. When they parted, James sighed. "I may not be able to restrain myself if the driver doesn't hurry."
Aaron smiled at James' words but there was a gnawing in the pit of his stomach. He didn't dare ask James about Ike now. He knew, though, that he had to find out more. He couldn't imagine Henry's little boy doing such evil.
)O(
Chapter 40:
Gossip
Beatrice was haggling with the fruit vendor over a bunch of plantains when she noticed Captain Hyde's cook frantically signaling to her. She tried to ignore Ethel as long as she could while she finally settled on the price and paid for the fruit. Aaron was the only person she had ever known who would eat a plantain raw. She wasn't sure it was good for him but if it encouraged him to eat, she would buy him anything. In the end, she turned to the other woman.
"Yes, Ethel," She tried not to sigh but couldn't entirely stop herself.
"So how is the lassie? Did she lose the wee bairn?"
For a moment, the idea made absolutely no sense to Beatrice. Which lassie and which bairn could the daft woman be inquiring after? And then she remembered the Commodore mentioning Aaron's collapse at Captain Hyde's affair. After a minute or two, Beatrice shrugged.
"The truth is, we don't know. The Dunbars hope not but her ladyship won't let the Commodore call a physician. She's frightened of strangers, especially men, ye see. I think the Commodore has sent for her old nurse t' come an' see to her but it may be too late," Beatrice looked especially solemn as befitted the concerned servant of a wealthy couple.
"Such a sad, sad thing. Just let the poor lassie know that the Hydes wish her an' the wee one all the best. Mrs. Hyde would love t' have her ladyship t' tea some afternoon when she's feeling a mite better," Ethel said, her green eyes and fair skin glowing in the fresh air. "Now, tell me true, lass, is her ladyship of pure blood?"
Beatrice's eyes widened and she wanted to smack Ethel across the face but she restrained herself. Turn the other cheek, she told herself. "I just don't know. The Commodore says her mum and da were both Frenchies. Lady Dunbar is a fine woman and a good soul, an' I'll not hear her spoken of otherwise."
At that, Ethel noticed the look in her eyes and her own eyebrows raised. "I wasn't meanin'--I was just--."
"Good day, Ethel. I'll pass the good wishes on t' the Commodore and his lady, thank you," Beatrice turned on her heel then and walked away. She was nearly halfway back to Rum Harbor when it occurred to her that if Lady Dunbar was in a delicate state, there would be a good reason for the Commodore to stay home and her to avoid such gatherings. She had to chuckle.
)O(
Aaron never could bring himself to ask James about Ike Stern. On some level, he knew it was true but he couldn't bear to think about it. He heard James mutter something in his sleep and turned to watch his husband. The moonlight just picked out his profile and he leaned in close, breathing in the smell of James, sweat, brandy and a hint of come. Gently, he trailed a finger across James' slightly pouted lower lip, trying not to chuckle when James waved a hand as if to shoo the errant fly away. He let a few seconds pass then did it again, this time James sucked his lip between his teeth and turned away. Aaron grinned and rose from the bed, going to the balcony overlooking the cliff and leaning on the rail.
He missed Henry. As much as he loved James, needed him really, it was Henry who still had his heart. In his mind, he saw the Lash disappear over the rail of the Maid again and the tears came. He hated crying in front of anyone, and it seemed such an ungrateful thing to do when James was so good to him, but here, now, the sobs shook him unmercifully. The worst part, of course, was that it was so bloody unfair that he couldn't love James the way James loved him.
"Aaron?" He heard the voice say and whirled to see the Lash standing at the other end of the balcony.
"Henry!" He started to rush forward when Stern held out his hands and shook his head, halting him in his tracks.
"Nay, love, it's best ye don't," Henry's voice made him quiver. "I don't have much time, Aaron."
"I miss ye, Henry," Aaron hated the sound of his own voice. "I--."
"Hush, an' listen t' me," When Aaron fell silent, he became aware that Henry had lowered his voice and he couldn't hear him over the sound of the ocean breaking on the rocks at the base of the cliff. Whenever he tried to move closer, Henry shook his head and shooed him away. " . . . the Maid."
"Henry?" He asked again. "What are ye saying?"
Stern smiled at him then slowly disappeared. Aaron tried to catch a final glimpse but there was nothing left. He tried to draw in a breath, not sure if he wanted to call to Henry or to cry out in disappointment, but it hurt too terribly. He tried to step back into the house but something seemed wrong with his feet as they wouldn't move. His hand closed on the door knob and it was so cold he had to let go. When he did, he realized he couldn't keep his balance and landed on his knees on the tile. He tried to rise, to get himself up off the stone surface when suddenly there was a booted foot on his hand.
"Aaron Johnson, as I live an' breathe," The voice was unmistakable and he cowered away suddenly. McSwain.
"P-please," He gasped then felt the rough hand tangle in his hair and pull his head back.
"Ye make a fine lookin' wench, Aaron. Then again, ye always were somethin' fine to look on. 'Tis time t' go, Aaron. I been waitin' fer ye."
"No, let me go," Aaron twisted hard in hopes that he could pull free but had no luck. "Why are you here?"
McSwain laughed and Aaron ducked away, knowing that there were always consequences when he heard that sound. "Ye know why. Thanks t' you, there's t' be a new pirate in hell soon enough. The whelp."
"I-I didn't," Aaron was suddenly drawn to his feet and McSwain didn't release his grip on his hair. "I didn't do anything!"
"A sin's a sin, mate, whether 'tis committed or omitted, don't matter t' the Dark One. Come along, Aaron, we neither one of us are too patient," McSwain was so close, Aaron could smell the stink of sulfur on his breath and feel the heat of his flesh as it burnt against him. It was only when McSwain stepped onto the rail of the balcony and started to drag Aaron up with him that Johnson understood what he meant to do. "Aye, whelp, that's just the thing."
"Aaron!" The voice that got through to him was James'. The reality of what was going on stung him as he was pulled to the marble tiles, landing hard on his side as James dragged him off the rail.
Stunned, he could only lay on the cold floor while James knelt beside him "Aaron?"
"McSwain," Aaron could barely manage and then it was all too much for him.
)O(
Ellis Chambers stood in the foyer of Rum Harbor and waited for James to emerge from his study. James was taking a short leave of absence ostensibly to deal with his wife's miscarriage. The reality was that Aaron was unwell. There were always papers that he had to sign, however, and Ellis had brought him the day's correspondence to go through. He was admiring the fine cut glass of the chandelier when he heard someone whisper.
"Lieutenant."
He turned around and looked up at the stairs to see Aaron standing about halfway down. He was bundled into a thick velvet robe though his feet were bare. Ellis nodded to him and stepped closer.
"Aye, sir?"
Aaron signaled him to come up the stairs. Reluctantly, Ellis did so. He'd seen the look in James' eyes when Aaron kissed him at the wedding ceremony. He also knew that he did not want to make an enemy of James Dunbar. But there was such a need in those azure eyes that he couldn't resist. Aaron sat down where he was and Chambers joined him a step or two lower.
"Yes?"
"Got t' ask ye a question," Aaron peered carefully down through the stair-rail to see if James was emerging from his office then turned back. "What have ye heard about-about Ike?"
"Nothing good," Ellis said after a moment. "I don't think the Comm
odore will approve of me telling you this but you need to know the truth. He's rumored to be the captain of a ship called the Masked Lady and he's done some horrible things. Put innocents to death, raped and killed whole families, even set fire to an orphanage. I don't know what the real truth is but I do know that he is a real danger."
Aaron seemed to collapse in on himself, as if someone had cut his marionette strings. Chambers started to reach for him then paused, afraid Aaron would misinterpret his actions. After a moment, Aaron managed to raise his head. He spoke without looking at Chambers.
"Thank ye, Lieutenant. Don't tell James I asked, hmm? I don't want him thinkin' I blame him fer any of it. 'Tis all my fault," Then Aaron got to his feet and crept back up the stairs.
Chambers watched him retreat to the safety of his room and felt sick. On one hand, he felt obligated to let Aaron know exactly what he had heard. On the other hand, he had seen how it had devastated Aaron to learn that his fears were confirmed. I hope James can forgive me. What have I done? He returned to his post in the foyer to wait for his commander's instructions.
Several minutes later, James stepped out of his office with the portfolio of papers Ellis had brought him. Without his wig on, he looked younger and more vulnerable. He met his Lieutenant's gaze and smiled slightly.
"All finished then. If Aaron's feeling better tomorrow, I should be back to the fort before the week's out," He noticed Ellis' expression. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing, not really," Chambers lied. "I just worry about you and Aaron. Have you mentioned Santiago to him?"
"No," James' expression grew grim and he shot a glance up the staircase as if checking for Aaron. "And it would be well for no one to mention anything about that matter in front of him. There's no telling what it would do to him to find out about Ike Stern. I just don't want to risk it."
Briefly, Ellis wanted to throw himself to his knees and plead for forgiveness. Instead, he nodded and stiffened his back. "Yes, sir. Your permission to return to duty?"
James studied him for a moment and Ellis prayed there was nothing tell-tale about his expression. Finally, James nodded and waved him on. With a salute, Chambers left though as soon as the door shut he slumped against a support pillar and heaved a huge sigh of relief. Ike Stern had become the devil himself; James didn't want Aaron to know of it and Aaron did know but didn't want James to know he knew. When he felt recovered a bit, he continued on his way. He needed to worry about his own concerns rather than borrowing trouble from James and Aaron.
)O(
Chapter 41:
September, 1719:
The Governor's Party: Nassau
Jacqueline's "miscarriage" was good for nearly two months of peace and quiet. James was quite aware that he was building up a tremendous social debt but most people said nothing to him about it. Those who had seen his wife were sympathetic and those who had witnessed Erin's collapse were staunch defenders. To James' surprise, there had even been an outpouring of sympathy toward Erin especially. They had received a number of notes and small gifts for her. Most of the notes were in laughably bad French but the attempts were touching in their sincerity. Aaron had responded to each and every one with a graciousness and civility that James found surprising. The man had been a pirate yet he was able to craft a letter of thanks that warmed the reader's heart.
As James watched the sun rise through the bedroom window, he thought about the changes Aaron had worked on his life. At one time, he had hopes of being promoted to the Admiralty in England. But encountering the Saucy Maid and finding himself enamored of Aaron changed everything. He sighed and comforted Aaron automatically when the former pirate began to jerk in response to his nightmares.
With a groan, James realized that they had a party to attend this evening. It was a celebration of Governor and Mrs. Edwards' 25th anniversary, a notable occasion. James smiled slightly at the idea of a 25th anniversary party for himself and Aaron. Perhaps by that time, they would tell everyone the truth and consequences be damned. It pinched his conscience sometimes to realize that Aaron was a prisoner because of their desire to be together. But I would never give him up, ever, James mused as he rubbed his cheek across Aaron's hair. I would fight the devil himself to keep Aaron with me.
That last thought led James to a new one. The latest news about Ike Stern had come as a shock. Apparently, Red Ike was now captain of the Masked Lady. Worse, he was looking for other ships to fly under his flag. It had been a bloody mutiny that left nearly half the crew of the Masked Lady dead of pistol, sword or the noose. Stern had moved himself to a primary position on James Dunbar's list with that.
)O(
The Dunbars were welcomed into the home of Governor Edwards by the Governor and his wife personally. It was Charlotte, the Governor's daughter, who commandeered Erin and led her to where the other young ladies were laughing and talking. Aaron tried to keep his eye on James but it was nearly impossible in this environment. He concentrated on the conversation around him, gossip mostly about the goings-on of the small community. When a dapper young man stepped into their midst, Aaron became aware of the change in the dynamics and looked up to see what was going on.
"Ladies, may I present my younger brother Winston Edwards? Some of you know Winnie from before his stay at Eton. Winston?"
The lad was handsome, as good-looking a boy as his sister was a girl, and he obviously understood that. "Ladies, it is a pleasure to meet you all. Lottie, introduce me to your guests."
To Aaron's horror, Charlotte began with him. "This is Erin Dunbar, the wife of Commodore Dunbar. I told you about her before, remember?"
Aaron didn't offer his hand but it was scooped up by the scamp and a kiss planted on his knuckles through the glove. He tried to pull away but Edwards held tight to his hand and spoke, sotto voce, in French. "Your beauty inspires, milady."
For Aaron, the moment couldn't end soon enough. When the youth released him finally, he pushed his way out of the group and headed for the last place he'd seen James, by the refreshments. He found Chambers there, who eyed him with concern.
"Are you all right?" Chambers kept his voice very low as he took up a cup of the punch and handed it to Aaron. Aaron gulped it down gratefully then shook his head. He longed to tell Chambers that he was looking for James but he knew he had to keep quiet. He became aware then that Chambers was no longer beside him. He turned a complete circle, suddenly aware that his chest was beginning to ache. He breathed in hard and deep, hoping to make the rising panic retreat. One of the serving girls passed him by and he shivered. Too many people, He longed for a dark place to hide or James to find him.
Suddenly, there was a soft sound in front of him. Aaron looked up and into the mischievous blue eyes of the Governor’s son. A youngster still, the boy was about his own height and build but he would put on some height and weight soon enough. He stood thoughtfully in front of Aaron, a slight smirk on his lips. Aaron lowered his gaze demurely.
“Milady Dunbar,” Winston said with a bow. “Would you honor me with a dance?”
Aaron hesitated and cast a glance out onto the empty floor where the others were just getting started. He shook his head and cast another look around for James. Edwards laughed softly and caught Aaron’s hand.
“Don’t be afraid, milady, I won’t hurt you. Besides, we needn’t dance here—there are other places where it’s quite pleasurable,” At the words, Aaron felt a flare of anger and met the boy’s eyes again. Was the little bastard saying what he thought he was saying?
Winston was surprisingly strong and soon had Aaron in his embrace, moving them both across the floor with a confidence that seemed unnatural for his age. Aaron tried to push him away a bit but his strength wasn’t what it once was. Aaron spotted James off in a corner speaking animatedly with Chambers and one of the local squires. Feeling weak and abandoned, Aaron tried to cling to the doorway as Edwards led him out onto the veranda but the young man pulled him along anyway. And then they were in the cool darkness of the late evening, ro
ugh stone tiles beneath their feet, the smell of jasmine and the sea surrounding them. Winston drew them away from the door several paces until they stood at the very edge of the little garden. There, he led Aaron to a bench and indicated for him to sit down.
“I apologize, milady,” Edwards said as he dropped onto the stonework beside Aaron. “I did intend for us to dance but I didn’t realize how chill it was out here—and that we cannot hear the music either. What shall we do, hmm?”
For a few moments, Aaron wasn’t sure what to do about this situation. Now that Winston mentioned it, he started to shiver from the nip in the air. Contrary to the boy’s words, they could hear the music playing but it was faint and leant the whole thing a haunting
quality. Without warning, Edwards leaned over and graced Aaron’s cheek with a kiss, his hand brushing across the padding that gave Aaron a bit of cleavage. With a glower, Aaron seized the boy’s offending limb and shoved him away.
“Now, now, milady,” Winston said with a sweet smile. “There is no harm in sharing a few kisses, is there? You should be quite pleased that I find you so beautiful.”
Aaron snorted in a most unladylike way and made to rise only to have Edwards seize his arm and pull him back. Off-balance, Aaron tumbled back and landed nearly on the young man’s lap, affording the boy another opportunity to grope him. Without further hesitation, Aaron landed a solid elbow into the boy’s ribs and managed to get to his feet, intending to return to the party.
“Not so soon, Mrs. Dunbar,” Edwards, though panting, was suddenly standing between Aaron and the well-lit doorway that beckoned them back to the party. “My ‘dance’ isn’t finished yet, is it? You French whores are all alike, eh? Besides, whenever your sailor is off to sea, I’ll come to visit you. You’d like that, wouldn’t you?”
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