Breakwater Beach

by Carole Ann Moleti

  “Should we allow them to be alone with three strange men in all this chaos?” Elisabeth asked. “Katherine, in particular, is very innocent and timid.”

  “I trust Kyle Vauxhall with my life. They’re perfectly safe. And you’re finally here. I feared this moment would never come.” He bent under the brim of her hat to kiss her lips.

  “Edward, it’s not proper to do this in public.” She placed her hands on his shoulders to hold him in abeyance.

  “I haven’t seen you for two years, and I don’t care what’s proper.” He pulled her toward him and his lips nibbled down her cheek to her neck.

  Elisabeth lowered her head and suppressed a smile. Her cheeks burned. No one around them seemed to take any notice. “We can certainly wait another hour or so, my darling.” As much as she’d anticipated being with him, time and distance had erased all but the most vivid memories of their coupling. She was like a virgin again, but he might not understand that.

  The men hauled the baggage out of the staterooms. Edward helped them guide a trolley down the gangplank. Elisabeth and the maids followed treading carefully, wobbly from sea legs, each carrying a satchel and gripping the railing for support. They loaded their belongings onto a flat wagon drawn by a scrawny horse that looked like he might drop in his tracks at any moment. The two sailors hopped aboard. “Dock 7,” one said, and the horse clomped off.

  Vauxhall offered one arm to Sara and the other to Katherine. “Ladies, it’s a short distance to The Sea Mist.” They followed the wagon.

  Edward took her hand and kissed it. “You’ve never seen my ship. I’ve readied it for our two or three day voyage to Cape Cod, where we’ll be living. Shall we?”

  “Of course.” She slipped her hand into the crook of his arm, another delightful thing they’d barely had time to practice. Elisabeth’s struggled to get her footing on land.

  Edward put his arm around her and peered under the hat once again. “Hang on tight, my love. I don’t want you to fall in the gutter.” His lips brushed her cheek.

  “I’m exhausted from all this, Edward. I need a good rest.”

  “And you have one. I’m sure the journey was an ordeal.”

  “Yes.” Just thinking about it brought tears to her eyes. She leaned on her husband for balance, and they stepped off toward the panorama of masts silhouetted against the clear blue sky at the opposite end of the harbour.

  The hubbub of the ocean liner dock gave way to the quiet sleaze of the smaller ship berths. Unshaven sailors in tattered clothing, hair tangled and wild, hung off the two- and three-masted sailing vessels, whistling, stomping, and calling out.

  “Two men, three wenches, and look at them, will you? All fresh ‘n pretty, done up with hats and bustles.”

  “Aye’d love ta get underneath those skirts and into those pantalets.”

  The tirade symbolically ripped her clothing off, leaving her feeling naked, vulnerable, fearful. She walked with her head high, but clung tightly to Edward’s arm.

  “I’ll toss my men overboard if they take one step over the line.” Edward picked up the pace to get past the hecklers.

  “I’m sorry, ladies,” Vauxhall said to Sara and Katherine. “These men aren’t schooled in proper behavior.”

  “Things were not even this coarse in Liverpool. I do hope we’ll be there soon.” Sara found the courage to speak while Katherine buried her head chin into her chest and hid her face.

  “Almost. There’s The Sea Mist.” Edward beamed at the sight of his ship.

  Elisabeth saw their trunks being hoisted aboard the three-masted schooner whose bow pierced the air in front of it like a needle. The sickly horse trotted by, drawing the now-empty cart. He lifted his tail, depositing a pile of steaming manure in the gutter.

  A gentleman dressed in a business suit and hat stood on the dock, in front of a carriage.

  “Elisabeth,” Edward said, “this is Neville Somersell, the owner of the shipping company.”

  “Mrs. Barrett, what a pleasure to welcome you to America. Captain, you never told me your wife was so beautiful.” Somersell kissed her hand and bowed, his nose almost touching his belt buckle. “The Cape is lovely, my dear, but a bit isolated. Any time you’d like, I’d be delighted to show you around Boston. I think you’ll find it more to the taste of a sophisticated lady such as yourself.”

  “Thank you, Mr. Somersell.” Elisabeth noted the leer on his face. He would be the last person she’d care to visit.

  “Captain, I’ll be in touch.” Somersell jumped into his Brougham, the groom cracked the whip, and the black horse took off.

  “Let’s get you ladies aboard.” Edward led the entourage up a rickety, narrow plank onto the deck where a few sailors coiled ropes and adjusted rigging.

  The odour of wet wood and musty rope wafted through the air. Two men charged down the deck. One pulled on the other’s shirt until it ripped off. They swung at each other and as their blows connected, blood spurted out of a squashed nose and a split lip. The pair crashed into a rolling, punching tangle on the deck, bowling over Katherine and Sara.

  Elisabeth pressed herself against a pile of ropes to stay clear. She pressed a hand over her mouth to stifle a scream, and over her nose to quell the stench of stale urine.

  Several other sailors hurried over to watch the fight. Edward and Vauxhall dragged the men apart and held them up by their hair.

  “I’ll have none of this! You were warned we’d have ladies aboard. Off, both of you!” Edward shoved them down the plank and kicked at one’s behind.

  He fell to the dock with a thud.

  Edward started toward the crowd of sailors, his voice shrill with fury. “What are you all standing around for? Get back to work or you’ll be next.”

  The men scattered. Several seamen ran down and assisted the moaning man to his feet. He limped off, his arms draped around two companions. The one he’d been fighting with had already run away.

  Elisabeth stood frozen, horrified. Katherine whimpered and Sara comforted her as Vauxhall ran to assist them. They struggled up and brushed themselves off.

  “Mr. Vauxhall, make Sara and Katherine comfortable in your quarters. Then join the crew below and get them under control. I’ll take my wife with me.” Edward grabbed Elisabeth’s arm and jerked her toward him.

  “This way, ladies. Don’t worry, there will be no more mischief.” Vauxhall led the maids toward the stern of the ship.

  Edward nearly dragged her across the deck in the opposite direction.

  Elisabeth struggled to keep up with his long strides. The general lack of decorum didn’t disturb her nearly as much as the aggressive side of her husband she’d never seen.

  “I am deeply sorry, Elisabeth. Sailors are used to taverns and harlots. Most of them have no idea what a lady is. This is the only life they know.” Breathless from annoyance and rushing, he guided her into his cabin, slid the door closed, and latched it.

  She took deep breaths and forced herself to speak slowly. “Is Brewster like Boston?”

  Edward’s voice softened. He slipped his hands around her waist and brought his face close to hers. A smile tickled the corner of his mouth. “Brewster is lovely, quiet, a lot like Berkshire, but more remote.”

  “Thank the good Lord. You’re brave, and love excitement and adventure, Edward. I crave some peace and quiet.” Elisabeth took off her hat and laid it on his desk. She noted her handkerchief neatly unfolded, with a compass on top. The angry tension in her brow relaxed. He keeps that with him while he’s at sail.

  “And you shall have it. Very soon. You are a very courageous woman, Elisabeth, to have fought so hard for your freedom. And to have convinced me that, against all odds, we could become husband and wife. Your dreams are about to come true. And mine as well.” His embrace was longer, more intimate, this time. He nuzzled h
er neck, and his hands stroked from her back to her bum, as close as he could get with the bustle. “I’ve done my best to make things perfect for you, but I suppose things were much nicer aboard the Batavia.” Edward’s tone was apologetic.

  “I can see how much you’ve done to bring me here. The Batavia was bigger, but I trust the seas won’t be as rough.” She sincerely hoped for calm. And that he wasn’t expecting more courage than she had.

  “We’ll hug the coast, and the bay is almost always calmer than the ocean.” He released her and sat at his desk. “Here is our course.” His finger traced a line on an unintelligible nautical map.

  “Doesn’t appear to be that far.” Elisabeth struggled to see where he was pointing. Dark teak and small portholes overhead did little to illuminate the cabin. What she wouldn’t do for sunshine, real windows, a view of trees, grasses, and flowers. Her trunks took up most of the space on the side of the platform bed. A tiny washstand stood to the side, holding a chamber pot on the bottom shelf.

  “No, not nearly as far as you’ve already come.” He took her arm and led her to the bed. “Plenty of room for both of us here, my love. It’s been far too long.” He unbuttoned the back of her dress. “Green was always my favourite colour and it looks stunning on you.”

  He kissed her cheek and brushed his lips down her neck. His beard was bushier now, and it pricked her skin like needles. Elisabeth shuddered and pulled away. She’d dreamed of this moment for so long, but Edward seemed so different.

  “What’s wrong?” His voice was a shallow whisper, his expression a combination of surprise and disappointment.

  Anxiety and exhaustion spread through her like a fever flush. “I’ve still not recovered from the voyage, the excitement. Are you sure Katherine and Sara are safe?” She twisted her arms behind her neck and refastened her buttons.

  Edward’s lips formed a straight line and his brow furrowed. “Kyle gave up his quarters for them. They’ll be fine. He’ll keep an eye on the crew below.”

  “I need to make sure they’re all right, and we’ll need to get supper. We’ve already missed tea.” She sorely wanted to be out of her confining clothes and to take a nap, but that would mean . . .

  “Promise me, Elisabeth, if they’re all right, we’ll come back here to spend some time getting reacquainted. I’ll have the cook serve supper, and tea, to all of us together this evening.” Edward’s fingers traced her face and neck. His hands ran down her arms and along her back. He looked like he wanted to devour her.

  The last time they had been together, she would have given anything to spend the entire day naked in bed next to him. But that was in her room, with her maid and chaperone next door. It was before he’d fled, leaving her behind. And before her father raised the specter of such dreadful accusations. Was he guilty of those transgressions? Had he taken another woman to this bed in her absence? He had been gentle the few times they had made love, but in his element and in charge, he wanted things his way.

  “All right, Edward. Let’s do that.” Elisabeth kissed his neck and chest. He was her husband, and had kept his promise to bring her to America. He’d made such an effort to prepare things. She’d keep her promises as well, but needed some time, some reassurance.

  Edward smiled and traced her face. Then he took her by the hand and led her out the door.

  Edward left her with the maids. Elisabeth found them comfortable, resting with their shoes off—and wished she could do the same. Ascending a narrow, low-ceilinged stairway, she made her way to the gunwales and peered over the side. Pushing away the fear the murky, deep water conjured, she tried to forget the vision of Edward drifting motionless in the dark.

  Sunbeams flickered over the ripples. A warm breeze tousled the loose strands of hair around her face, but she shivered.

  It will be nice to be on firm ground again. As she stared into the depths, familiar fears wormed inside her. A gentle touch on the shoulder startled her out of the trance.

  “The maids are happy, the cook is at work, and we have two hours to ourselves.”

  She stared into her husband’s eyes, seeking some reconnection with the Edward she remembered. “What do you love so much about the sea? It looks so forbidding. I could barely keep my footing on the ocean liner in the rough seas and can only imagine what it’s like on a ship this size.”

  He wrapped his arm around her, smiled, and returned her gaze. “Don’t look down, look over there. Right beyond the horizon are worlds of adventure, sights to see, and exotic ports to explore. I don’t think any mariner can explain his attraction to the sea.”

  “So, she must be the harlot that comforts you when you’re alone. You ran off and left me behind that day, Edward. How soon before you do it again?”

  His lips brushed her cheek, her ear. “I hated leaving you and have spent every waking hour and more dreams than I can count regretting that. But I kept my word, prepared things, and sent for you. Right now, you have a promise to keep, Lady Elisabeth Baxter Barrett. Shall I carry you off?”

  “I’ll walk.” What if something happened to him? What would happen to her? “I’m scared.”

  “Everything will be fine now that you’re here with me.” His arm encircled her waist, and she rested her head on his shoulder as they returned to his cabin.

  The door clicked shut. He slipped the bolt into place and moved toward her. The hunger in his eyes resurrected the misgivings.

  Edward unbuttoned her dress and eased it off her shoulders. The fabric fell into a puddle of silk around her. The trace of his fingertips sent shivers down her spine. She stepped out of the skirts, and stooped to unbutton her shoes, slip off her pantalets, and unfasten her garters.

  Edward watched, his mouth open, his breaths shallow. “You’ll need some help with the stays, I imagine.” He slid behind and loosened them one-by-one, brushing his lips over her back each time.

  It seemed as if his eyes were boring into her while he pushed each stocking down to her ankles and eased them off each foot. The pleasure of Edward’s gentle touch against bare legs set anticipation rumbling in her core. She moistened, preparing to receive him.

  Edward removed his shirt, then his trousers. Naked, horribly erect, he watched as she slithered out of her chemise. His gaze, his desire, was too intense, and she looked away.

  When she turned her attention back, Edward was already under the covers waiting. He beckoned with his eyes, raised the sheet, and tapped her side of the bed. “Don’t be afraid, Elisabeth,” he whispered.

  She slid next to him, and he gathered her into a firm, but gentle embrace.

  His kisses were moist and soft as a butterfly fluttering against her face. “You’re shaking like a leaf in the wind. Remember if you relax, all will be well.”

  “It’s been such a long time.” Tears rolled down her cheeks.

  “Too long, but soon you’ll have wonderful memories of our reunion.” He brushed them away.

  Edward’s arms tightened around her, and the quaking stopped. His fingers gently traced her shoulders and the curve of her back. The fear ebbed and the tension dissipated. Her sex throbbed.

  I’ll never hurt you.” His hands slid toward the front. He cupped her breasts in his hands.

  Electric shocks ran through her as his lips brushed and nibbled hers, before he covered her entire mouth with his. Elisabeth pressed her lips to his, and the rest of her body followed. Emboldened, aroused, she stroked his arms, savoring the contour and power of his rippling muscles. He sighed as she made her way down, cupped his bottom, and moved back up to his abdomen and chest.

  “I like it when you touch me so. Now it’s your turn.” His voice was a gravely whisper, his hand slipped between her thighs and stroked.

  The gentle massage sent a wave of heat through her body, so intense she caught her breath and struggled not to call out. “Oh, Edward . .
.” Her exhale turned to a gasp as the pleasure coursed through her.

  “What, my love?” He paused, and looked into her eyes.

  “So wonderful . . . don’t stop . . .” Elisabeth clenched her teeth and her back arched, an instinctual offering of herself to him.

  “Come to me.” The length of his member pressed against her.

  She parted her legs to allow him inside. Softened by his touch the sensation of his entry even more exhilarating. So close, so united, the boundaries between their bodies vanished as their movements intensified. She stifled her moans lest anyone be passing by outside.

  Edward’s movements intensified, his grasp tightened, holding her even closer, pushing even deeper into her. He shuddered and moaned. “Elisabeth.”

  Every muscle in her body contracted. “Edward.” She buried her face in this chest to stifle the scream. Warmth flowed over her thighs followed by a shaking so intense she couldn’t control her body movements or her cries.

  With it came a deep sense of calm. There was no longer anything to run or hide from. The beating of their hearts against each other gradually returned to normal while they traced each other’s faces.

  Boots scraped the floor outside Edward’s cabin. Untroubled, his eyes closed and he dozed. Silhouettes moved across the muslin cloth covering the portholes and larger window that looked directly out onto the foredeck.

  The men knew she was in here and what they were doing. Her cheeks burned. He is my husband. There is nothing for me to fear. Still, how will I face them?

  Chapter 13

  Elisabeth awoke alone. The familiar sway of a ship at sea greeted her feet. She used the chamber pot and washed. Who’d left the pitcher of warm water while she slept, naked and barely covered with the bedclothes? Like a guilty schoolgirl, she retrieved her nightgown from the foot of the bed. She’d taken such care when purchasing it, thinking the fabric that clung to every curve would entice her husband. Instead, irritated by the buttons to undo, Edward had eased it over her head and tossed it aside.