The Gypsy Witch

by The Gypsy Witch (EReads) (lit)

  Ricardo rubbed his chin. "Did you tell her that you love her?"

  Scott looked at him across the room. "Love her! Would I spend my hard earned money on her a home if I didn’t love her for God’s sake!"

  "I know that Scott, but did you tell her so?" he insisted on an answer.

  "No, I don’t think so, unless it may have been mentioned in a heat of passion. It’s all a little blurry in my brain."

  "Damn, Scott! I can see your education in the wiles of a well bred woman are sorely lacking! You offered to put her up in a house, yet never told the woman you loved her!" The louder his voice became the more Scott held his poor aching head.

  "What does that supposed to mean?" Scott growled back.

  "She probably thought you wanted her for a mistress instead of a wife. Or did you mention the word marriage to her?" Ricardo probed.

  "No," Scott groaned in anguish.

  "Well, rest assured, she has jumped overboard. Of all the stupid…"

  "Enough!" Scott roared. His mind was going back over every detail of the previous night. Her interest in the map. He slapped his forehead then groaned in pain. "She swam to the Scilly Isles, Ricardo. I showed her on the map and even told her when we would be closest to them. Oh God, Ricardo! What have I done? She could have drowned!" Scott’s anguished cry rent at the Spaniard’s heart.

  It was worse than he thought. Never had Scott mentioned love with any other woman. Ricardo put a hand on the other man’s shoulder. "We will find her for you Scott. Never fear, we will find her."

  Ricardo turned and left the cabin to tell the helmsman to turn the ship around.

  ~ * ~

  Danielle was shocked to find out the connection on the English shores was a Mrs. Dominion. She lived in the small seaport village of Cadgwith near Lizard Point in Cornwall. Her heart skipped a beat when she had heard the surname. Dominion! Could there be a connection? The trip was all arranged. Lady Elizabeth had written a note of introduction for Danielle to use at her destination. She also handed her a ring that she put on her third finger. It was a silver dolphin.

  "If Mrs. Dominion needs more proof, this ring will leave no doubt," Elizabeth explained.

  In just an hour, Danielle was ready to leave the island. Lady Elizabeth had insisted on packing a trunk full of her daughter’s clothes and gave her more than enough coin to get her to the village where Sir Francis should be returning.

  The first part of her journey was to board one of the small fishing vessels from the island. On this short trip, Danielle started to become apprehensive about this madcap scheme. It was too late now! She stayed in the bow of the small boat until it docked on the mainland near Land’s End. Luckily for her, there was a coach nearby for hire.

  The coachman was a kind, grandfatherly type with silver streaks through his once black hair. After loading her trunk onto the top of the carriage he put her satchel on the bench opposite her. He then made sure she was comfortable with a heavy rug over her legs.

  "The name’s Simms, m’lady," he smiled. "If ye should require anythin’ just stick ye’r ‘ead out the winder and shout. A’ll ‘ear ye."

  "Thank you, Simms. I shall," Danielle said, tucking the lap robe securely around her.

  The morning was cool and the breeze felt refreshing as she leaned out the window, catching its full impact in her face. It brought back the feel of the wind on The Scarlet Eagle and memories too excruciating to think about at this time. She shoved them into the back of her mind.

  Except for stopping at an inn for tea and a change of horses, they continued north toward their destination. As they followed the Channel, she could hear the sounds of the sea splashing against the shore most of the time, and if perchance the coach managed to draw close enough, the view was breathtaking.

  The sun shimmered like molten silver on the blue of the water. The sight of the open sea brought Scott to mind and her heart ached for him. She looked to the point where the sea joined the sky. Where was he now? she wondered. In what direction does the wind blow? Would she ever cross his mind?

  Late in the day, as the shadows stretched before them, the coach bearing the beautiful raven-haired young woman arrived near Cadgwith at Lizard Point. Danielle, her imagination flowing freely, was becoming more and more anxious about meeting this Mrs. Dominion, whoever she may be. And she crossed her fingers that the news about Sir Francis would be to the good.

  Danielle had Simms question a few people of the village, knowing that no one would be expecting her, until he finally found the house for which she was looking. After paying him for her fare and thanking him profusely for her safe journey, she watched him leave before turning to approach the house. He had wanted to stay and see her safe inside but to this Danielle was adamant that she was fine and for him to start back on his journey.

  The house stood alone at the end of a cobblestone street; a large white house with a small fence surrounding the yard. The clean, whitewashed exterior sparkled in the early evening sun and the starched curtains were drawn back, parted from the center in neat precise folds.

  A warm feeling of welcome reached out to her as Danielle opened the picket gate and walked gingerly up the stone walk, being careful not to step on the sweetly scented flowers spilling over the garden boundaries, littering her path. She mounted the steps and knocked firmly on the door.

  It was answered by a pleasant voiced lady of medium age and height with streaks of gray in her hair, which was pulled back loosely into a knot at the nape of her neck. Tendrils were escaping to curl gently around her face. Danielle caught her breath as she met the woman’s eyes. They were a strange slate gray, identical to those of a certain sea captain. The picture Scott had had in his cabin was the very same lady but she must have been much younger at the time. There was no doubt in Danielle’s mind as to the identity of this woman. This was Scott’s mother.

  In a steady voice, she said the words that Lady Elizabeth had told her to speak.

  "The wind blows urgently from the south, Madame. I have heard a storm will soon follow."

  Mrs. Dominion replied smoothly. "Thank you for the warning," She stood aside so Danielle could enter the house. "You must come in for a cup of chocolate before you journey on."

  Mrs. Dominion showed Danielle into a sitting room off the parlor. The small room was dominated by a large window overlooking the Channel. It was as it should be, Danielle thought. There would have to be such a room for a woman whose son spent his life upon the open sea. And what of Ricardo? Does she await his return also?

  "Now, my dear. How can I help you?" Mrs. Dominion asked, as she poured the beverage that was sitting on a serving tray nearby.

  The young woman turned from the window. "I am Danielle Rochette, Mrs. Dominion. And I have come to inquire about Sir Francis Dolphin on behalf of his wife." She handed the middle aged woman the letter of introduction from Lady Elizabeth, and waited quietly while she scanned the page. "She also sent this ring with me, in case there was any doubt." Danielle slipped the ring from her finger and handed it over to the lady before her. Mrs. Dominion barely glanced at the ring before handing it back.

  "Do you have any information I could give her?" Danielle asked.

  "How long have you known Sir Francis?"

  "I have never met him. I have only known his wife for a short time and she was so distraught I volunteered to come and check on her husband for her." She watched the expression on the other woman’s face.

  Mrs. Dominion finally made a decision and stood up. "Come with me and I will explain along the way. I am glad someone has come. I have been unable to let Lady Elizabeth know. You see, the seamen that usually takes Sir Francis’s messages to her is indisposed, and… I have Sir Francis here with me. He was injured and is now recovering." She noticed the alarmed expression on the pretty young woman’s face. "He is no longer in any danger, do not fear. In fact, he will be able to travel home himself in a few days’ time."

  "If it’s possible, I would like to see him," Danielle said. "I’m sur
e he will be glad to hear that all is well at his home."

  "Yes, Miss Rochette, I’m sure he will. We will go to Sir Francis first, then I will see that you have something to eat. You must be near exhaustion from your long trip." She led Danielle out of the room.

  "Not really," Danielle smiled. "It was actually quite an adventure."

  At the end of the long hall, Mrs. Dominion pushed open a door. Inside, reclining on a large feather bed, lay Sir Francis, his skin pale and wan.

  "Sir Francis, your wife sent you a message with this young lady. Her name is Danielle Rochette and I think she has a ring that belongs to you." Mrs. Dominion smiled.

  "Is something wrong with Elizabeth?" A frown creased his forehead drawing his brows together.

  "No, sir!" Danielle answered immediately putting his mind at ease. "She is just extremely worried about you. You are over late she told me."

  "His ship was attacked by a French naval vessel," Mrs. Dominion spoke up. "Even though they did manage to escape, thank God, Sir Francis took a musket ball into his side. He lost a considerable amount of blood, but his strength is returning and he is healing well. Luckily a doctor leaving France was on board, so he had medical attention immediately."

  "Enough, Jenny, if you please," he scolded the woman gently. "I’m sure this young lady does not want to hear all the gory details. But you assure me all is well at my home."

  "Yes, I promise. But I did tell Lady Elizabeth I would send back a message. Is that possible?"

  "I would probably arrive there before a message could be taken to her. I should be able to leave in the next day or two." Sir Francis smiled. He would be happy to return to his bubbly wife of many years and to be in his own home again.

  Danielle started toward the door. "If you could direct me to the nearest inn, Mrs. Dominion, I’ll leave and with your permission, Sir Francis, I’ll return and see you tomorrow."

  "Nonsense, Miss Rochette! I have another spare bedroom and I wouldn’t dream of letting you stay anywhere else. I insist!" She held up her hands halting any further argument. "First, I’ll show to your room, then I will bring you something to eat."

  A sudden awareness of where she was hit her full force as she entered the small bedroom. The furniture was simple but well made. There was a large chest under the window, a large bureau and wardrobe, some shelves lined with books, and a huge bed with dark wood posts, almost reaching up to the ceiling. Her body trembled as the invisible presence of the absentee owner encircled her. The scent of him, the feel of his hands on her body, it was all here, invading the darkest recesses of her memory, sending a tremor through her soul.

  "This is my son’s room, but since he is not at home, and I don’t expect him in the next few days, you are welcome to use it for as long as you’re here. Please, make yourself comfortable, I’ll return shortly."

  After Mrs. Dominion left the room Danielle looked again at her surroundings. She had known this was Scott’s room even before his mother had said a word. Her heartbeats quickened as she stared at the bed, picturing in her mind a much smaller bunk with the reclining figure of the man that filled most of her thoughts. She walked around the room and found herself touching certain things that she knew Scott had touched before her. She examined the books on the shelves, not at all surprised to find a few that were on ships and sailing.

  Suddenly tired, she slipped out of her dress and clad only in her chemise, lay back on the bed. She closed her eyes and thought of another bed in another time that seemed so very long ago. She relived every second of their time together aching for his arms to carry her away to ecstasy.

  Minutes later Scott’s mother found her sound asleep curled into the pillow, the look on her face one of total contentment. Mrs. Dominion pulled a heavy quilt over the sleeping young woman and silently left the room.

  ~ * ~

  Ricardo joined his captain on the foredeck where he stood, his hands clasped behind his back, his feet planted firmly on the deck steadying him against the roll of the ship as it plowed through the oncoming waves. His mood was pensive as his slate-gray eyes roamed the horizon for the first sight of land.

  "We should see the islands soon, Scott. I want you to know that I pray she will be safe and there for you." Ricardo patted his captain’s back.

  Scott turned and gave him half a smile. "Thanks, Ricardo. I too have done some praying of late."

  Within the hour Scott stood at the bow of the longboat squinting against the sun as the shoreline of St. Mary’s grew more distinct with a slowness that was pure torture. Before it edged its nose into the sand, Scott was over the side, wading through the knee high surf. Ricardo followed him, trying to keep up as he crossed the beach, his long urgent strides carrying him rapidly toward a group of fishermen. They stood together, talking of the day’s fishing over a leisurely smoke before adjourning to their respective homes.

  All eyes looked up at Scott with some uneasiness as he bore down on them. His size alone made them take note. "I’m looking for a dark-haired young woman that would have come ashore in the last couple of days. Have you seen her?"

  When he repeated himself for the second time, the men quit their close scrutiny of the uninvited guest who had burst into their midst. As one their eyes lit up with comprehension for the object of his search and broad grins split their countenances with understanding.

  "Ah, the little raven-haired beauty!" One of them broke in. "Aye, Capt’n! She came ashore just a few meters from where we stand. Exhausted she was, too Capt’n. Why it was me own brother that found ‘er, face down on the sand. At first ‘e thought she was dead, but seeing as ‘ow she still breathed, ‘e carried ‘er ‘imself up to yon castle." He jerked his head in the direction of Dolphin Castle on the hill.

  The smile that split the countenance on the tall captain brought out the sun. She was alive! She was safe! He waved his thanks and turned making a path straight for the castle. It stood like a huge fortress, outlined against the afternoon sky. He had taken no more than a few steps when one of the fishermen shouted at his back.

  "But she is no longer with us, Capt’n!" He yelled at the parting figure.

  Scott froze in his tracks, then turned and made his way slowly back to the spot where the fisherman stood.

  "What do you mean she is no longer with you? Where is she now?" Scott demanded, his look black as a thundercloud. Gone was all trace of the happiness before.

  "I couldn’a tell ye. All I know is that not two days ago she came and boarded my brother’s boat, and ‘e told me that ‘e was makin’ a fast trip to the mainland. She had a trunk and a small satchel, but that is all I can tell ye. She is some wench! We’ve not the opportunity to get too close to’er as yet, ‘ad we boys?" he chuckled at the men surrounding him.

  "Be thankful that you didn’t!" Scott spoke between clenched teeth. "Because if you had harmed one raven hair on my beauty’s head you would regret it till your dying day! And death would come all too soon!" He wheeled on his heel, retracing his steps in the direction of Star Castle, completely ignoring Ricardo who was straining to keep up with Scott’s tireless ground-eating walk.

  After pounding fiercely on the large oaken door, Scott paced back and forth impatiently waiting for it to be opened.

  A young downstairs maid timidly opened the door to the huge man scowling down at her. "Could I help ye, sir?" She asked meekly.

  "Yes!" he answered gruffly. "Is Sir Francis available?"

  "No, sir, I’m sorry but Sir Francis is not on the island," she explained.

  "Then Lady Elizabeth? Surely there is someone in Sir Francis’ absence with whom I could speak!" he shouted, scaring the poor girl half to death.

  "Yes, sir. Of course, sir. Right away, sir," she said, between small mincing curtsies leading him into a large drawing room. Before leaving the room she curtsied one last time. "I will send Lady Elizabeth to ye right away, sir."

  "Well, be quick about it then!" His words followed her as she swiftly left the room.

  Lady Elizabeth scu
rried in, a few minutes later, her long skirts swishing against the tapestry rug.

  "Why Scott Dominion! Hello! To what do I owe the pleasure of this visit? It has been years since we saw you last." She hurried forward, with outstretched hands. Scott took them in his own and squeezed them. "I can’t tell you how happy I am to see you," the little lady kept on talking. "My, but you’ve grown." She stepped back appraising the tall, handsome man before her. "You were but a lad the last time we met… Ah, but of course you captain your own ship now. Your reputation even reaches us here," she said mockingly. She placed her arm through his, and led him toward the settee which faced the window and the open sea. "Do tell me," she chattered without pause, "how is Ricardo? Are you two still together? I can’t imagine one without the other." She didn’t give him time to answer any of her questions, in her usual way. "…and your mother, I trust she is well? Has Ricardo made her a happily married woman yet? That was foremost on his mind the last I saw him."

  "Did I hear my name being bandied about?" The Spaniard smiled at her from the doorway.

  "Oh, Ricardo!" Lady Elizabeth jumped to her feet, rushing to him, brushing aside his efforts of formality, giving him a mighty hug. "It’s wonderful to see you again. Sir Francis is gone to the mainland, I’m afraid and he will be sorely disappointed when he finds he missed you both. What brings you to our little island?" She stopped to take a breath and saw the way Ricardo looked over her head at Scott.

  The man on the settee stood stiffly, and scowled impatiently at the two friends.

  "I won’t take up much of your time, Elizabeth," he interrupted, "as I am in a hurry. I just want to inquire as to the whereabouts of the young woman that was your guest a few days back." He watched as the lady of the castle stared at him. His mind was filled with impatience. He did not want to seem rude but his thoughts were screaming for desired information.