Fire Dragon's Angel

by Barbara Blythe

  “You heard?”

  “Most of it. Latimer, what does this mean?”

  “It’s hard to say. I would like to join these men and offer up a prayer. Then I think we should head toward home, eating while we ride. I know I promised we’d rest.”

  “It’s all right. I understand.”

  Latimer’s heart swelled with love, but a deep sadness filled his soul. It was time to give serious thought to the welfare of Ceressa, April, and the maid, Mariette, for the situation was worsening by the minute. As badly as he hated to admit it and though it nearly broke his heart, he feared returning them to England might be the only solution. But how did he keep Ceressa from harm once she returned if he was not there to help her? Had he no choice but to entrust her to Geoffrey?

  ****

  The return to the cottage in James Cittie brought Ceressa relief and confusion. A day turned into two weeks, and Latimer made no attempt to join her at night. Ceressa began to imagine that magical time under the stars and moon had been a dream. Indeed, when it became apparent there would be no consequences as her natural cycle came and went, she was certain she had imagined it.

  But whenever Latimer looked at her, his eyes assured her that night had been real.

  As he was preoccupied with events, Ceressa kept her distance, practicing her stitching with Mariette’s help as they finished the alterations on the remainder of Heloise’s gowns.

  They also worked on a new dress for April and a matching one for her new favorite doll, one Latimer had brought back from London and had presented to her on the day following their return from Bocatakum’s village. The doll had dark hair and eyes and looked a bit like April. April named her Alawa. In a rare moment of camaraderie, beneath the trees near the stable where April shared tea with her new doll, Latimer had whispered close to Ceressa’s ear that Alawa meant pea. Only April’s stern look had quieted their mirth, and as Latimer had looked at Ceressa, she’d been certain he would kiss her. But instead, he’d turned away, calling for Bengie.

  By the latter part of June, Ceressa’s nerves had reached their breaking point. Unable to be about the cottage a moment longer, she donned her newly refashioned riding habit and saddled Nosegay. The sun was warm, the birds sang cheerfully, and the air was scented with jasmine and wild roses. Mariette and April stood within the stable watching her as she prepared to leave. There was no session at the State House that day, and Latimer and Bengie had ridden off to some unknown destination shortly after dawn. Daniel, Kate’s husband who’d recently arrived from Tidelands, was hard at work, hoeing in the garden.

  “Do you think you should be out riding alone, Mistress Ceressa? Bengie says it is much too dangerous because of all the turmoil caused by that Nathaniel Bacon.”

  Ceressa led Nosegay out then halted the mare as she stepped up on the block and swung up easily in the saddle, arranging her sky blue velvet skirts.

  “And doesn’t Mr. Harrell know a great deal these days,” Ceressa teased. Mariette blushed prettily.

  “Bengie—Mr. Harrell—is very knowledgeable. And very much the gentleman.”

  “I agree with you. He’d make some young woman a fine husband. Don’t you agree?”

  “I can’t say,” Mariette replied, though she lowered her eyes. Ceressa wondered if the girl had fallen in love with Latimer’s estate manager. She certainly hoped Mariette didn’t end up with a heart as broken as hers. Mariette lifted her eyes, apparently not done with her attempts at dissuasion. “It’s rumored that Nathaniel Bacon could very well be on his way here with his men. What if you run into them?”

  “I’ll take my chances. Surely, Bacon couldn’t be any more disagreeable than Latimer is at times.”

  “Mistress Ceressa!” Mariette gasped and April giggled. “You can’t mean that.”

  “Indeed, I do.”

  “Bengie says his new responsibilities as a burgess weigh heavily. And he’s also worried about the native people. Lord Kirkleigh is in a difficult position.” Something in Mariette’s words irritated Ceressa—it almost seemed as though she had no concern for Latimer’s dilemma and was only worried about herself. But she was worried about Latimer. How could he ever balance the two worlds he shared and please everyone?

  “You’re absolutely right. I didn’t intend to sound so self-absorbed. I promise I won’t be long.”

  “Don’t go far, Lady Ceressa. And don’t take the road to Middle Plantation. Bengie says that if Bacon and his men return, they’ll be sure to block that route. Mayhap Daniel would ride with you?”

  “No,” Ceressa said firmly, aware Latimer’s trusted servant would do everything in his power to keep her from going. And she didn’t want to have to threaten the elderly man with a sword as she had Benjamin.

  “Take me with you,” April pleaded. Ceressa shook her head.

  “Not today, Pigeon. I just need to ride a bit and clear my head of all the cobwebs.”

  April scrunched her nose. “There’re no cobwebs in your hair,” the child pointed out. “’Cause there would be spiders crawling on you.”

  Ceressa laughed and Mariette smothered her laughter behind a hand.

  Ceressa found Latimer’s niece delightful, intelligent, and completely lovable. She was quite fond of the children she had taught at the mews, but they had parents and relatives to care for them. She’d never given any thought to being a mother and what such would entail. But the few weeks with April had assured her there was plenty of room in her heart for children.

  “I didn’t mean real cobwebs. It’s just that sometimes one has so many things running through one’s mind that one has to sort them out.”

  “Hurry and sort them,” April insisted. “I want a tea party.”

  “I shall,” Ceressa promised. Then she added for Mariette’s peace of mind, “I’ll stay safe. Please don’t worry.”

  Mariette gave her an uncertain smile, indicating her unwilling acceptance of Ceressa’s plans. But Ceressa would not be swayed, and guiding Nosegay from the stable, she headed toward the road and set off toward town at a gallop.

  ****

  “Good day, Ceressa,” came the friendly greeting, and she quickly slowed the mare. Looking to her side, she saw Bartholomew and Phyllis just leaving the apothecary’s shop.

  “Good day to you, Mr. Carruthers, Mistress Carruthers.”

  “I’ll have none of that. It’s Bartholomew to you,” the man insisted cordially. “Is Latimer behind somewhere?”

  “No, not today,” Ceressa replied. “He had business to attend to.”

  “Humph,” Phyllis snorted, looking as disagreeable as ever, even though her gown of golden silk looked lovely on her. Bartholomew gave his daughter a warning glance.

  “Phyllis, don’t you need to pick up something at the millinery—a hat or handkerchiefs?”

  “You’re trying to get rid of me.” Her brows lowered in open animosity. “Don’t worry. I’ll leave you and her alone.”

  Phyllis strode angrily toward another shop, from which hung a sign bearing a painting of a hat upon a bolt of cloth. Bartholomew offered Ceressa an apologetic smile.

  “You mustn’t judge me by my daughter,” he began.

  Ceressa almost laughed but knew the man was sincere. “I judge people by their actions.” She smiled down at him.

  “Then you do understand there was never anything between Latimer and Phyllis other than what Phyllis assumed. My daughter doesn’t like to be denied, but that’s my fault, for I catered to her every whim after her mother died.”

  “No one can blame their shortcomings on another—they must take responsibility for their actions. Any folly I commit is my fault and no other’s.”

  “I hope Latimer knows how lucky he is.”

  “You’d have to ask him.”

  Two men approached and called to Bartholomew, extending an invitation to the man to join them at Lawrence’s. Bartholomew bid her good day then walked away. Ceressa started to turn Nosegay about, aware that she should return to the cottage, when Phyllis ca
me marching up. Ceressa doubted the girl had ever entered the millinery shop and had listened in on their conversation.

  “I suppose you think you’ve charmed every male in James Cittie with your unorthodox behavior and unsolicited opinions. I never thought Latimer would allow a woman to rule him.”

  “I believe Latimer prefers a woman who rules with him.”

  Phyllis’ face reddened.

  “As for my unsolicited opinions, my parents taught me to use the mind that God gave me.”

  “That could be a dangerous thing to do here,” Phyllis said. “There’s no mistaking that several of the graves by the church contain those who used their minds in ways considered imprudent.”

  “Are you threatening me?” How Ceressa wished she’d brought Latimer’s sword with her. She’d love nothing better than to sever a few of those ringlets framing Phyllis’ calculating but lovely eyes.

  “Just cautioning you.”

  “It must rankle that your father has made me feel welcome.”

  “My father would like anyone Latimer liked. He thinks of Latimer as the son he never had. Men need sons—not daughters. They seem incapable of caring for them.” The timbre of Phyllis’s voice was surprisingly emotional. Just as Ceressa felt pity stir within her, Phyllis lashed with another barb. “Anyway, I hope you suffer no ill fortune.”

  “Judging by the sincerity of your voice, I can tell you wish anything but.”

  Phyllis arched her dark brows then, without a word, turned her back on Ceressa.

  Releasing a deep breath, Ceressa struggled with her anger. After the encounter with Phyllis, she was too upset to return home. Instead, she chose to continue her ride, wondering what lay beyond the western boundaries of the town. Perhaps, this was her chance to find out.

  Fire Dragon's Angel

  28

  Latimer had spent several unproductive morning hours with Sir William, who, as far as Latimer could tell, was delusional and over-optimistic. Latimer had promised Bocatakum he would do everything in his power to prevent what was certain to prove destructive for both colonist and native, but he’d met with no success. Now he and Bengie headed toward James Cittie having just left Sir William’s home, Green Spring.

  His mood was not good.

  “You’ve done all you can,” Bengie reassured Latimer. “You mustn’t blame yourself for an old man’s shortsightedness.”

  “So much is at stake.” Latimer shook his head as he urged Firewind into a faster trot. He had a sudden need to see Ceressa. He’d determinedly avoided her since their return from Bocatakum’s village, torn between wanting her and knowing he had to send her back to England. Now, he must cast aside his pride and admit his father could protect Ceressa. Help me, Lord. I don’t know if I can send her away when I want and need her so. Guide me to the right decision.

  “I know you worry about Lady Kirkleigh and Mistress April. I am concerned for Mariette.”

  “Bengie, have you fallen in love?”

  “I haven’t known her very long,” he hedged. “Sometimes she’s like a timid kitten. Then at other times she seems so certain.”

  “Have patience, my lad. She’s a fair and winsome creature. And don’t let her certainty daunt you. I’ve learned that a woman who knows her mind has her merits.”

  Bengie chuckled.“I must admit, I admire Mistress Ceressa’s forthrightness.”

  “As do I, at times. But when we reach the cottage, I’d best find her waiting for me as I instructed or she will see me at my worst.”

  Bengie quirked a brow in response to his words. “You mean you’ve been on good behavior since your return?”

  Latimer cast a quick glance at Bengie noting the teasing light in the young man’s eyes. He suddenly laughed, and Bengie joined in just as they turned into the oyster shell path, skirting the cottage as they headed toward the stable. Daniel hurried out to meet them, clearly distraught as he whipped off his old hat as a show of respect to Latimer.

  “Master Latimer, I just learned from Miss Mariette that Mistress Ceressa left earlier for town. She’s been gone since morning. I wasn’t sure what to do, what with the women here and no man about the place if I left to search for her.”

  Fear and anger warred within Latimer as he looked down at the frantic man. What was he to do with such a headstrong, determined, opinionated woman who continually placed herself in danger? She was more trouble than April and far more disobedient. It was then the child darted from the cottage, Mariette following.

  “Unca Lat, Ressa s’posed to have a tea party with me. Why hasn’t she come home?”

  “That’s what I intend to find out.”

  Mariette presented him with a sorrowful expression. “I tried to talk her out of going. She wouldn’t change her mind, and she refused to ask Daniel to accompany her.”

  “She said spidery webs were in her head,” April volunteered, and Latimer would have laughed aloud had he not been close to panic. As it was, he could only manage a grim smile.

  “I’ll go with you,” Bengie offered.

  Latimer shook his head.“You stay here and begin to ready things for the return to Tidelands. It may soon be too dangerous to remain in town. Daniel, you and Kate pack whatever you think needs to go. Be sure to take Constance’s portrait.”

  “Master Latimer, you’ve got to have someone stay here or else there’ll be no tellin’ what they might do,” Daniel protested. “Kate and I aren’t afraid.”

  “Well, you should be,” Latimer snapped bringing a shocked look to the older man’s face. His temper was dangerously close to exploding. It seemed everyone he worried about was arguing and questioning his decisions. And now he had to find Ceressa while praying she’d come to no harm. “I’m not leaving the two of you here to face Bacon’s rabble. Pack.”

  Having uttered that command, he turned Firewind about and set off toward town. He’d just passed the church when he noticed Ceressa heading toward him. He halted Firewind as he awaited her arrival, his fear turning to fury as she nonchalantly neared. Kicking Firewind into a gallop, he bore down on her.

  Her eyes widened and her lips parted as though Bacon and his rebels approached. Good—she deserves to be frightened as badly as she frightened me.

  “Latimer, what’s wrong? Has something happened to April?” Ceressa reined in the mare, who tossed her head and snorted in displeasure.

  “No one knew where you were. I told you to stay close to home.” He was shouting.

  Her face noticeably reddened.

  “Are you so completely lacking in sense that you don’t understand the danger?”

  Now her face reflected anger, and her breathing was labored.

  “You’ve. Found. Me.” She spoke slowly and emphatically. “I’m quite well, as you can see, and I don’t need your lecture. Surely, you must have burgess business to which you should give your time and attention.”

  “My time and attention are wholly and completely focused on you and returning you home posthaste.”

  She lifted her delicate chin defiantly.

  It was a terrible time to replay memories of their time together on the journey to Bocatakum’s village. But they danced through his head unbidden, and he clenched the reins more tightly while painfully clamping down on his desire.

  This was never going to work. She had to leave. The sooner, the better. Otherwise, his weakness and self-will would sentence her to a life fraught with danger, disease, and uncertainty. “I trust you’ve had time to sort out your thoughts.”

  Once again, she reddened; this time he suspected it was attributable to embarrassment.

  “Ceressa, we have matters to discuss.”

  Her eyes narrowed. “You can’t keep me caged like an animal. You ignore me for days, and then when I seek my own diversions, you rant and rage.”

  “Though I am most displeased over your blatant disregard of my wishes, that’s not what I need to talk with you about. I’ve just returned from Green Spring.”

  “You went to see Sir William? What
did he say?”

  “He ignored the facts I presented and ordered me to apologize for some untoward comments I made concerning his ability. He turned a deaf ear to my pleas that a force be prepared to meet Bacon’s next return. While I was there, two messengers arrived confirming that Bacon is on the move. He then gave the order to mount the guns. Sir William is so insecure he trusts no one outside of his special circle.”

  “Men like Torrence Willshire,” Ceressa said disgustedly. “Why won’t he listen to you?”

  “It’s of no consequence. I’ve decided to leave for Tidelands in the morning.”

  “Perhaps it’s for the best. There’s no need for you to watch the governor ruin what’s left of his reputation after you’ve warned him and offered your help time and time again.” He was calmer now, and Ceressa seemed so, as well.

  “I would stay by Sir William’s side and die with him if I thought the man rational and capable of making sound decisions. I won’t risk my life for a curmudgeon’s indecision.”

  “By now, his wife has probably told the king we’re a lot of rebellious, ungrateful subjects. I’d like to tell King Charles a thing or two,” Ceressa fumed. It was known that the governor sent his wife to England the day after Bacon’s “pardon.”

  It was the opening Latimer needed.

  “Perhaps, you’ll have a chance to do just that.” Latimer was determined to keep his tone pleasant but firm. This was one time she needn’t think she’d have any say in a matter. She looked at him questioningly. “I learned, while at Green Spring, a ship is leaving tomorrow, bound for Barbados then Plymouth. When we return to town, I’m going to secure passage on it for your trip home.”