“Ja … I mean nein. I was just talking to the cooks, and they mentioned freshwater fish would be a nice change for the crew. Any chance to break loose a few men and have them go on a fishing expedition?”
“We can do that straight away.
“Wunderbar, dankt viel, first officer. I knew you’d be good for it.”
“Hmm, so formal. When did you take a class in etiquette?” Otto asked facetiously not expecting an answer.
“You know me; I’m just a quick learner how to have someone do my bidding tactfully.”
Otto rolled his eyes and quickly walked away, not waiting for another smart-arse comment.
Otto dispatched men to take three of the twenty-foot long rowboats with fishing gear and sent them off.
“I don’t care if any of you are suffering from self-inflicted hangovers. If you think this is a way to jack around, you got another thing coming. Make sure you have enough fish to fill the entire crew’s bellies, or I’ll send you back out,” he instructed them harshly. “And take the four cabin boys with you to help. Karl and Hugo deserve a break from them.”
Many of crew had sailed with him for years as fellow sailors. These men knew Otto was by nature a gentle fellow, but they knew that as first officer, he had to play the tough, serious role to manage a sailing ship. By now the entire crew also knew Otto would pounce on them if they didn’t carry out his orders to the letter. When pushed, he could be hell. After all, he was in charge of a ship full of experienced sailors who were sly in creative ways to be slothful at times.
Otto did not realize that after the scuffle on deck with that mangy cur Kessler and his cohorts when he and Fritz Huber had handily pummeled the brigands, the crew now saw their first officer in a whole new light. He was no lightweight in a fight, and they would think twice about not following his orders.
The two boats shoved off and headed toward the marshes. They soon were out of sight. It was a beautiful morning, but the heat and humidity would increase during the day. The fishermen soon would be sweltering.
* * *
As he walked the docks, Heinrich asked everyone he encountered if they had sailed the Caribbean and if so followed up with questions regarding their voyage. Eventually, he found two captains who recently returned from the West Indies. Along with sea conditions and the best route, he discussed potential import commodities. He found sugar, coffee, and spices were highly prized merchandise that could be sold for a considerable profit in both American and European markets. These highly sought out commodities appealed to him because they could provide an immediate cash flow.
Since the day was still young, he decided to go into the city to get acquainted with the local merchants. He was in the middle of one of these visits when a fashionably-dressed young woman entered the store. As he continued the discussion with the proprietor, his eyes were drawn to her lovely features. On several occasions, he saw her furtively glance his way and sensed she was taking stock of him. Near the end of his conversation with the merchant, he stole another peek at her and it so happened she was glancing his way. Both quickly averted their eyes as children do. He quickly wrapped up the conversation and thanked the proprietor for his time. Feeling childish playing games with the pretty lady, Heinrich decided to walk up to her, and as he approached, the woman looked at him with a smile. Her lovely dark-blue eyes expressed a slight embarrassment. He didn’t want to come on too strong, but at the same time, he wanted to take advantage of this opportunity. He gave her a warm smile and introduced himself.
“Hello, Miss. May I introduce myself? I am Heinrich Drope. And you are?”
“Anna Dupree, kind sir. Forgive me for my bad manners for … staring your way. I thought you were someone I recognized, but my silly mistake. Please accept my apology for my rudeness.” Anna’s eyes held a sensuous twinkle.
“On the contrary, Miss Dupree, it is I that owe you an apology. I do not often meet lovely ladies, such as you, due to my being at sea much of the time.”
Heinrich enjoyed playing coy with women, but in this case, he didn’t want to waste time, he wanted to get to know her. He found her extremely attractive.
“It would be my pleasure to meet you over a cup of coffee and get acquainted; if that is all right with you?”
“That would be appropriate, Mister Drope. I must put in an order first. Then if you are still so inclined, I would be glad to join you for a cup of coffee.”
“I shall wait for you to finish your business, Miss Dupree.”
“Why thank you for your invitation, sir.”
“Please call me Heinrich. Anything else seems rather stuffy.”
“All right, Heinrich. Please call me Anna.”
“Anna it is then. After your business, we will enjoy each other’s company.” Anna slightly tilted her curly-haired head and Heinrich reciprocated by a slight bow.
Heinrich loitered just outside the store. He took in the scene around him; men in suits going about their business, women running their daily errands, and horse-drawn carriages ambling up and down the cobblestone streets. Momentarily, the door opened, and Anna joined Heinrich on the wooden porch.
“You will have to choose a place since I am not familiar with the city,” Heinrich told Anna.
“A couple of blocks away there is a delightful cafe. Do you mind carrying one of these bags?”
“Not at all.” As Heinrich took the largest bag from her, he faintly smelled her fragrant powder. Walking by her side, he sized her up from the corner of his eye. He put her age as early to mid-twenties. She possessed a sophisticated air, and at the same time she seemed down to earth and quite amiable. Anna had a confidence about her that gave off a graceful maturity. Heinrich felt at ease with her, and he didn’t think she was the snobbish sort.
They came to a small cafe that served a variety of beverages and pastries. It was a far cry from European cafes, but it had a pleasant environment and was not busy. Anna and Heinrich sat down at a window table and ordered coffee. They began with small talk and gradually moved on to more personal subjects. She was up-to-date on world affairs and extremely knowledgeable about a broad array of topics. Heinrich was not at all bothered by her vast knowledge. Rather her remarkable attention to details impressed him immensely.
“Tell me, Anna, how do you keep yourself so in tune with affairs that are usually handled by men?”
“I have always been interested in current affairs. Also, I have grown up in a home where complex business matters are discussed daily. You see, my father is a proprietor of goods. He started in the old country and brought his business to America. Over the years he has built his company with stalwart energy. Since I was a little girl, I followed him around like a shadow, and he has taught me much over the years.”
“So that’s why you are so knowledgeable. I can certainly learn a thing or two from you.”
“Or perhaps three or four,” Anna stated with a gentle laugh, which Heinrich found endearing. He laughed along with her.
“How do you keep yourself busy besides counseling men in business affairs?”
“I am a partner in my father’s business. I control forty percent, while he retains the rest,” she said without any sign of smugness.
“Well, I am not surprised at that? You are a very competent woman. I have never before met anyone like you. I am truly impressed.”
“Does it bother you, Heinrich, that I am involved in business ventures?” she asked in a serious tone.
Heinrich tried to determine if there was a reason behind her question but simply decided to answer in a straightforward manner. “Not at all, Anna, I have no problem with it, in fact, I find it intriguing.”
Anna broke out in a broad smile that brought sunshine to her face. “Thank you for saying such nice things. Most men find me intimidating. Many even find me offensive, believing I am treading on their toes. I am only pursuing what I enjoy, and I relish the challenge.”
“There is certainly nothing wrong with that. I wish you the very best in your endeav
ors.”
The two continued conversing for a while longer. Anna concluded that Heinrich was as genuine as his words. She was grateful that he wasn’t just another male that slighted her for being involved in a vocation that was deemed only open to men. Furthermore, she found him incredibly handsome.
Anna had not had a male suitor in the last three years of her life; not since she was twenty-one years old. It wasn’t that men did not interest her. She was always in search of the right man but wanted one who would consider her his equal. There were times when Anna had thought her vocation had become a curse; she felt shunned by men. She observed the males in her business community choosing as wives females that were solely suited for supportive roles, such as hosting social gatherings, keeping the home in order, and rearing children. With her business interests, the men around her believed that she had no desire in the amorous part of life. They were dead wrong; Anna was very much interested to find a suitable male.
“If you have some time, Heinrich, would you be interested in seeing Savannah? It’s certainly not a European city with all the historical trimmings, but if you are thinking of returning, it may help to get a sense of it.”
Even though the invitation reminded him of Lucy, he found it appealing. “I would love to, but I do not want to disturb your plans for the day.”
“Not at all, I would love to show a newcomer all the fanciful sights.”
In a horse-drawn carriage, Anna took Heinrich through parts of Savannah and explained the history of how the city was established and how it grew to what it was today. One of the places she took him that afternoon was the City Hall. She showed him a plaque on a wall that commemorated Count Casimir Pulaski. Anna explained that Pulaski was considered a hero of the recent War of Independence.
“He was Polish and fought against the Russians in the Polish-Lithuanian uprising for independence. Later, he came to America because he was overwhelmingly inspired by what the colonists were doing in their revolt against the British. His fighting and leadership skills were recognized, and he was appointed a Brigadier General by George Washington. He commanded the Revolutionary Army’s cavalry. In 1779, during the siege of Savannah, General Pulaski was given command of both the American and French armies. The British had control of Savannah, and the American and French forces attempted a gallant attack to win the city back. Just southwest of here, on what is called Spring Hill Redoubt, the battle was waged. Pulaski was mortally wounded while leading a cavalry charge. He was hit in the upper thigh and had to be evacuated. He was taken aboard the ship, the U.S.S. Wasp, for medical treatment. However, he never regained consciousness and died of gangrene. Pulaski was the only American foreign-born high-ranking officer to lose his life during the Revolutionary War.”
“Very interesting.”
“History is full of colorful events, but unfortunately grief as well. It is sad that so much of what we have today has been brought about by people who suffered trying to provide better conditions.”
Heinrich contemplated her statement and nodded his agreement. Instead of delving into what could become a long diatribe, he decided to leave it be and changed topics.
“This land seems ripe for newcomers to open new businesses and start new lives. I desire to be part of that growth.”
“You can be, Heinrich. There is so much that America needs that you will never run out of product to import. Possibly we can strike a business deal. Let us discuss that opportunity after your Caribbean voyage,” Anna said excitedly.
“Yes, let’s talk, Anna when I return.”
The very last place they visited was a ridge overlooking Savannah. The stark beauty of the wooded landscape was a lovely sight.
They sat side by side on the carriage cushioned bench taking in the city below.
“Can you see the large building with the dark gray roof just past that church steeple over there?” Anna asked as she pointed to the area.
Heinrich tried to locate it. He thought he was looking at the correct building, but wasn’t entirely sure.
“That is our family warehouse. Next time you are in Savannah, I will give you a tour. We are rapidly outgrowing it, so Father is planning on building a second one soon.”
“And I would like to show you my schooner,” stated Heinrich.
“That would be wonderful. I would love to see your ship,” Anna said enthusiastically.
“Let’s plan on it.”
“Oh, Heinrich, I look forward to it,” she said and, in her excitement, nudged him with her shoulder.
Heinrich could smell the delectable scent of this gorgeous woman and temporarily lost his composure. Putting an arm around her shoulders, he pulled her closer, saw the beauty of her features, and embraced her warm body. Her face, just inches from his, was all too inviting; he planted a kiss on her full lips. Anna momentarily stiffened in his arms not used to such a tender touch, but part of her couldn’t and wouldn’t leave the embrace, and she pulled herself closer returning his kiss. Her mouth pressed upon his, evoking a whirlwind of passion emanating from the emotion of the moment. His strong arms felt good, and the kiss seemed to last an eternity as she closed her eyes, feeling the ecstasy. They both parted and looked into each other’s eyes trying to read each other’s souls. Their warm breath wafted between them as they faced each other. As if on cue, they kissed again, and Anna’s longing for this man prevailed over anything and everything. Hot flames of passion stimulated her very being, and she was temporarily overcome with pure delight.
In a sudden sense of reality, she pushed herself gently away from him and brought a hand to her lips as she searched his eyes for … for what exactly? She didn’t know. She felt she had been spirited away on a cloud. Was it wrong to feel this way? Was it guilt for allowing herself to welcome Heinrich’s embrace? Was it the strange feeling of being in a trance that she couldn’t break when he kissed her? Her emotions were saying, “What is it that I’m afraid of? It was just an embrace and a kiss. Nothing to be so alarmed about. You deserve to enjoy it. There is nothing wrong with this. I am just being silly.”
She and Heinrich were still enveloped in each other’s arms. Turning towards each other, they caressed, and their lips came together one more time. Their desire for the time fulfilled, Anna snuggled deep into the cleft of Heinrich’s arm and rested her head on his chest. His rhythmic breathing and beating heart were comforting to her.
Here was a man she had just met; a total stranger. And she had let her defenses down and allowed her emotions to run free. Not with abandon. She was still in control. He had not sought out what was beyond the embrace and the kiss. At least not yet, she cautioned herself. Had she read him correctly from the very start; that beyond his dashing good looks, Heinrich was indeed a gentleman? Was it an innocent probing or a real proof of his intentions? As if searching a deep, dark, and murky well, her mind cascaded along in retrospective thought. She told herself that what had transpired was wonderful; nothing to get upset about. She continued to relax in his arms as he gently stroked her hair.
“If I have overstepped my boundaries, Anna, please forgive me, I did not plan this. Your charm just overcame me. I have no intention of hurting neither your feelings nor your reputation,” Heinrich stated softly.
“It’s all right, Heinrich. I must confess that although I was taken by surprise, I reciprocated because I wanted to.”
She pushed herself away from his soft embrace, and they locked eyes for a moment. Heinrich could only think how delectable Anna felt in his arms. He respected her too much to take it any further than that. But would she truly believe that? He hoped she would. Heinrich slowly lowered his eyes and took on a posture of guilt. He did not want to hurt this woman.
“Heinrich, thank you for respecting me. I feel there must be something deep inside both of us to attract each other like this. I like you very much, but time is needed to prove that out. Is that fair to you?”
A smile presented itself on his face. “Yes, of course, Anna. I must tell you I am glad that I ki
ssed you.”
“And I you, Heinrich. It took me by surprise, but I do not feel guilty about it. You should not be either. Let us lock this moment away in our hearts and plan to know each other better.”
“Fair enough. I look forward to seeing you again.”
Anna’s smile lightened his countenance, and he knew then it was going to be all right between them. It was getting late. They left the lovely setting and headed for the harbor.
* * *
Otto was deep in conversation with the boatswains on deck when Heinrich arrived, in the company of one of the loveliest women Otto had seen in a very long time. Dozens of sailors saw their approach and wondered who the gorgeous female with the captain was?
“Lucky bastard,” was repeated across the decks as the sailors continued their ogling.
“Oh, Heinrich. What a grand vessel you have,” Anna exclaimed at the sight of the schooner. You are the owner of such a magnificent ship?”
“Thank you. Yes, she is all mine. At another time, I will tell you the story behind it. However, much as I would like to give you a tour, Anna, I think best we do that next time. The sailors will have to be taught to behave more like gentlemen before I take you in their midst, as you can see them gawking at you this very moment.”
Anna smiled. She had already felt their eyes on her and took it as a compliment.
“My business involves harbor visits, and I am in the midst of sailors much of the time. I am used to such attention, and it doesn’t faze me,” she said softly so only Heinrich could hear.
Heinrich chuckled softly as he got down from the carriage and handed her the reins. He took her left hand and placed a kiss on it. “Thank you once again for a wonderful day. You have been most gracious. I will be thinking of you and look forward to coming back to Savannah to see you, Anna Dupree.”
“Until then my daring sailorman,” she said mischievously and then poetically, “I will be waiting at the top of the light tower for your return.”
They waved farewell; then Anna maneuvered the carriage back to town. Heinrich came up the gangplank whistling as if nothing unusual had happened. All eyes were on him.
Winds of Fury Page 25
