Scott took the envelope and folded it and put it in his pocket. He saw how much his mother had enjoyed teasing him and grimaced. He knew sooner or later he was going to have some explaining to do, but for now, his first night home, he put it off.
"Aren’t you going to read it?" his mother asked innocently.
"Later," was his only remark. But Ricardo and Jenny both noticed an immediate change in his mood.
He joked with them and told his mother of some of his funny capers with Ricardo. He had just finished telling of finding him with a room full of empty rum bottles. He was rewarded by the pink stain on Ricardo’s dark face.
The evening went on and he relaxed back in a large comfortable chair, his long legs stretched out before him, ankles crossed.
He sipped his wine and watched his mother and Ricardo sitting together cozily on the settee. They were so involved with each other they had completely forgotten his presence. He thought of the letter in his pocket. A letter from Danielle’s own hand. He wanted to savor its existence before he went to open it.
"Don’t you two think it’s about time you quit stalling and got married? After all--"
"Scott, please!" His mother cut him off.
"Well, it seems to me--" he continued.
"It seems to me," she stood up straightening her skirts, "that you should mind your own business!"
Quickly Scott got to his feet, motioning Ricardo to stay on the settee with a shake of his head as he approached his mother. He placed his arms affectionately about her shoulders, and hugged her gently.
"I think I’ll call it a night," he winked at Ricardo over his mother’s head. "So you two can be alone." He bent and kissed his mother on the cheek. Quietly he left the room as Ricardo rose from the settee and joined Jenny at the bay window where she’d retreated at Scott’s outspoken words.
"Oh Jenny," Ricardo spoke softly in her ear, his arms lovingly wrapped about her, his chest pressed against her back. "Don’t be upset with Scott. His words are but the truth. You know I’ve loved you forever. And the sea palls when I don’t see you as often. Please say you’ll make on honest man of me."
Jenny turned in his arms and slipped her arms around his waist. "Are you serious? You’re ready to give up the sea?"
"I’m serious. Let’s get married before Scott leaves."
"Sit down Ricardo. Before I answer you I have something to tell you. Then we will see if you still want to marry me." After he had sat back down on the settee she went across the room and sat on a chair. She wanted to watch his face when she confessed her activities over the last few years. It was a time of secrets to be shared on both sides. Jenny, of her involvement with the French Huguenots and friendship with Danielle. Ricardo, his admission of Scott’s involvement with Danielle. They both felt better with their consciences clear.
"So now will you marry me, my love? If it were possible I would only love you more, now that you’ve shared that burden with me. Please say yes, and put me out of my misery."
"Yes," she whispered and ran across the few feet to throw herself in his arms. Her childbearing years were over, which caused Jenny a little sadness, knowing this loving Spaniard would have enjoyed children of his own. But she was happy with the thought that at least they could share Scott and his children. Yes she wanted him with all her being and the feel of his kisses growing more passionate was enough to weaken her completely.
The second Scott closed the door to his room and lit the oil lamp he withdrew the envelope from his pocket. The neat feminine handwriting on the outside quickened his breathing. He gently ran his fingers over the words Scott Dominion on the front. He turned it over to open it. It was only one thin sheet.
My pirate,
No, the obligation is not finished yet. But have I told you I miss you? I do.
Love, Danielle
She missed him. Those words were nothing compared to the empty hole in his heart and the ache in his gut with longing for her. He read the short script over and over. He reclined on the bed, his arms crossed under his head. He stared at the ceiling a smile curving the corners of his mouth. His thoughts filled of Danielle and the last time they had made love. He remembered the way she had completely taken charge of their lovemaking and ridden him to completion. There were so many facets to the woman he could go the rest of his life and never be bored with her. She owned his heart. If she were only here to tell her so. He realized neither one of them had mentioned the word love, yet he felt their every action together meant just that.
He rolled onto his side and buried his head in the pillow. He must be losing his mind! For even here in his own bedchambers, her fragrance filled his senses. Even the pillow under his head carried the essence of her scent.
~ * ~
The next morning a strong wind blew against his face as Scott walked along the beach, his hands stuffed deep into his pockets. He bent into the gale, kicking at the sand as he plodded along deep in thought. The ghost of Danielle rode heavily on his shoulders and he walked down the shoreline with no direction in mind.
When an obstruction of land blocked his path he looked up. Before him stood a rocky cliff. He could either turn back or climb the wall in front of him. He looked at the waves splashing against the rocks, the sea spray glistening on his face and hair. He wasn’t ready to go back into the confines of his mother’s house, so he started a slow easy climb up the cliff.
It did not take him overlong to reach the top and when he finally stood up and looked around he realized it had been well worth the effort.
He was standing on a large plateau partly enclosed in trees. To the west through the trees he could see the road that led back to the village. To the east the large panorama of sea filled his vision. He walked to the edge of the cliff and stared down at the white foam as the waves hit against the rocks. Above his head the sea gulls flew on silent wings crying out their message as they swooped and glided through the air.
Scott took a deep breath, the fresh salt air filling his lungs. He looked over his shoulder at the long stretch of grass and wildflowers spreading out before the trees began.
Here could stand the home he had dreamed of for Danielle and him. Such a manor it could be with large windows facing the panoramic view of the Channel. It was just what he had been wanting to find. Instead of climbing back down the cliff face Scott strode toward the road leading to the village.
Late that night, Scott returned home jauntily whistling an old sailor’s tune as he greeted his mother and Ricardo upon his arrival. "Good evening." He bent low, bestowing on them a mocking rendition of a gentleman’s bow. Scott crossed the room to pour himself a liberal portion of brandy before turning to the two curious people patiently waiting further explanation for his good mood.
"I have some good news." He toasted them with his glass. "Today, I bought a piece of land, the cliff just down the beach. And, I also hired a man to build a home for me."
"You did what?" Jenny stared in shock at her son.
"I bought that piece of rock overlooking the sea. Come and look." He dragged her to the window by the arm. "See? We’ll be neighbors."
"Are you trying to tell me something, Scott?"
"Well, Mother, sooner or later a man must settle down and marry. You’ve told me that yourself often enough. And now that you and Ricardo are finally going to wed, it made me think of my own life as well. So, I’ve bought the property and when my time comes, that’s where I’m going to live." He pointed with his snifter before returning to the center of the room.
~ * ~
Before the wedding, Scott and Ricardo had a chance to sit and have a private conversation together. Jenny had gone to the market and the men were alone for the first time since their arrival.
"I’m going to miss you, you old reprobate!" Scott toasted the Spaniard across the room.
"At least you have a good crew right now. I feel a little like I am abandoning you, Scott. And it doesn’t sit well."
"Nonsense! If I had Danielle here, we would both
quit the seas. There is no one that could persuade me to leave her side, believe me."
He rolled the glass, watching the light shine through its crystal shine.
The wedding was held in the little church in the village. It held quite a few of the people Jenny knew and, of course, the entire crew of The Scarlet Eagle was in residence.
Scott stood beside the couple during the short ceremony and was filled with a feeling of completion. His mother would now be taken care of and Ricardo could remain on land. His responsibility of worrying about his mother was now at an end. He had purchased the land he had wanted to buy to build his own home and with his note from Danielle still in his pocket, the future looked bright indeed.
Scott accompanied his men on their last trip from shore to The Scarlet Eagle. He sat in the bow, leaning against his gear and watched astern. He studied the slowly diminishing outline of the hilltop he had purchased a few days earlier. He had chosen the perfect spot for the manor and had given Ricardo the authority to see it built. His ship was leaving on the morning tide and he would be off searching for his love once again.
~ * ~
The Gypsy Witch ran before the wind, dipping rhythmically into each swell, as it swiftly drew near the rocky coast of France.
The young and beautiful captain peered into the darkness at the jagged shadows of approaching land. Danielle tried to distinguish the deadly outcropping of barnacle-encrusted rock from the saw-toothed shoreline of Point de Corsen.
All aboard was silent as the crew carried out their orders by pre-arranged signals. The whispered voice of the fathomer, as he reported the depths once a minute to his captain, was lost in the softly creaking sounds of the jib-sail. Cautiously the darkened vessel eased into the protected cove.
Expectantly, Danielle searched for the beckoning light that would signal the spot where her passengers awaited.
The rolling motion of the waves left Danielle suddenly dizzy and she grasped hold of the ship’s railing to keep upright. When would this new sickness diminish? She scanned the shoreline, checking first to the right, then to the left. Her sight caught on something. There was just a small speck in the darkness, but slowly it grew brighter as the ship drew nearer, before it blinked three times and was extinguished. It was the signal!
A long, shallow-keeled boat rowed close to The Gypsy Witch. Danielle steadied herself on rubbery knees, and went forward to greet the passengers as they came aboard. She never ceased feeling a deep sympathy for these poor immigrants who, like herself, had left their homes behind them. A mother, holding a little girl close to her side, looked about with the expression of fear and uncertainty reflected in so many of the faces that haunted Danielle’s dreams.
She held out her hand as an offering of welcome to the passengers as they stepped one by one from the rope ladder onto the deck of the ship. The last passenger to move forward and come aboard was a woman with dull blonde hair pulled severely into a knot at the back of her neck. Her clothing was tattered and hung loosely on shoulders that were not much more than skin and bone. The eyes that looked unresponsively at Danielle’s outstretched hand, had a faded, lifeless look to them and yet there was a vague resemblance to someone out of her past.
"Susanna? Is it really you?" Danielle grabbed her thin arm. "What is the matter?" Her voice became coarse, "Don’t you recognize me?" She paused, "It’s me. Danielle!"
Susanna stifled a gasp with the back of her trembling hand. "Danielle?" she said bewilderedly, still unable to grasp the realization that before her did indeed stand her childhood friend.
She clutched Susanna close in her arms, tears running slowly down her cheeks. "I thought I would never see you again! Oh, thanks be to God, Susanna, we have found each other!" They held each other tightly and both women wept.
David approached the two women and patted Danielle on the back, gaining her attention. "Danielle, this is not the time to be greeting old acquaintances. The men await your orders. There is food and drink for everyone in the galley before they are shown below-deck and you must take command of this ship if we are to sail with the tide. Perhaps you can continue your visit another time," he said caustically, glaring coldly at Susanna.
"Take command?" Susanna looked from one to the other in confusion. "What does he mean, Danielle?"
"I am captain of this ship, Susanna and he is correct, I must see to the men."
"But… how can that be?"
"It is a long story and I will explain everything once we are safe on English soil." Danielle assured her friend, her voice once again taking on the power of command.
"Please get us away from here," Susanna implored. "I could not bear going back. I never want to see France again." Her body shook with abhorrence of her memories. She looked pleadingly into dark brown eyes, before she started to walk toward the galley. "Goodnight, Danielle." Then nodding at David she left to join the others.
Danielle swung around to confront her first mate as soon as all the passengers were out of sight.
"You were very rude to her, David, and as soon as we are in safe waters, I shall demand an explanation. There is much about Susanna that you do not know, and if I were you, I would not place judgment upon her.
"Danielle, there are things about your friend you do not know.
"Enough! I will speak to you later!" Danielle cut off his derogatory remarks with a flip of her hand. "Now get the men moving and head the ship home! As soon as everything is in order report to my cabin immediately!" With deliberate steps she left him staring in bewilderment at her receding back.
In a furious temper, Danielle paced the length of her cabin, the sounds of her angry strides declaring the extent of her ire. A light tap on the door brought her to a stop.
"Yes!" Her tone was more command than question.
David stepped inside and closed the door, leaning against it. He took a deep breath, preparing himself for the ensuing battle. The damnable woman would give no quarter! "Now Danielle, about your friend. One of the men told me that before she got on board, she struck a bargain with him that in order to get out of France she was willing to… ah… willing to, don’t you see, Danielle? Do I have to spell it out for you?"
She spun around to face him, cutting off his placating tone.
"How arrogant! Do you mean to tell me that in order to get to England, Susana was willing to have sex with someone? Don’t be shy, spit it out! That is what you were trying to say, wasn’t it, David?" Her voice kept getting louder with her rage. "How dare you condemn her! You have probably never lacked for a bed or food in your stomach or a shilling in your pocket! She has gone through hell! Yes, damn it, hell! In France, Susanna saw her parents brutally murdered and she herself was taken captive by the soldiers for no good reason, you can be sure. And you insinuate she would be willing to do something low-down in the gutter like give herself to someone to get out of there? You’re damn right she would! And so would I and so would most females to get away from the living hell she was having to face in France. Even you, David might have to come off your high horse a little in order to escape! And that would be something to see. Don’t you ever… and I mean ever, say one bad word against Susanna Micheaux in my presence again! Or so help me I’ll have you tied to the yardarm for the rest of the journey to England! Now get out of my sight!"
"Danielle… I didn’t know."
"And you still don’t! One other thing, David. If I hear of any man on this ship taking advantage of Susanna’s offer, there will be no meat left on their backs from the whipping I shall enforce. Be sure to understand this!" With that she pivoted on her heel and stormed past him, then left her cabin, slamming the door behind her. The sooner she reached the cove in England the better she would like it.
When the passengers were allowed to stroll around the deck, Danielle noticed that David and Susanna would exchange bitter glances, making their dislike for each other obvious. She had little time to converse with Susanna, but had promised herself this would all be changed when they arrived ashore.
<
br /> One the last leg of their journey, Danielle stood aft, the sun shining warmly against her skin, watching through her glass as the shoreline of England drew closer in her sights. The wind was almost at a calm and made the voyage extra long.
Danielle found herself looking away from the approaching land, for if she stared at it very long, she began to get dizzy and her stomach felt queasy. How long would this last? She wondered. Since everything on board was under control, she went to her cabin to lie down and close her eyes.
Unfortunately the motion of the ship only served to make her worse. She gained control of herself and arose to sponge her face with some cool water, making her feel a little better.
She arrived back on deck just in time to hear David shout the orders for the sails to be reefed, bringing the ship into the wind. A short time later, the anchor dropped into the bay, its clanking chain announcing the end of their journey. They were safely home once more.
Quickly she abandoned her earlier discomfort when she saw coming up the beach, the familiar figure of Jenny Dominion. Standing beside the woman at the water’s edge was a man that looked vaguely familiar to Danielle. As the longboat pulled closer to shore, Danielle recognized the gentleman as Sir Francis Dolphin.
When she finally stepped onto the shore, Jenny gave her an affectionate hug, welcoming her home and Sir Francis clasped her in his arms, giving her a fatherly peck on each cheek.
"Another successful voyage, Danielle. I have been hearing from Jenny how well you have played your new role of captain. I’m afraid my men will never be happy with me again," he chuckled, looking down into the peaked face of the young woman standing before him.
"You look a little pale, my dear. Have you been ill?"
"It is nothing, Sir Francis. I guess the sea was a little rougher than usual this trip. But as soon as I have a cup of Jenny’s delicious chocolate everything will be fine."
Sir Francis looked at the calm water of the sea and wondered what else could be making her look this way.
Jenny gazed at Danielle and said. "I have another surprise for you as soon as we get back to the house. There is an old friend waiting to see you." She didn’t know how Danielle was going to take the news that Ricardo and she were married, but hoped it would not be too upsetting.
The Gypsy Witch Page 17
