The Sea Maiden

by Mary Speer

  The Sea Maiden

  By

  M.I. Martigani Speer

  Text copyright © 2013 Mary I Speer

  All Rights Reserved

  To my family for their love and support son and his family, Billy, Brandi and Phoenix Boone , my daughter Megan Speer, niece Sonia Rocha, parents Rafael and Ana Martigani, and brothers Ralph and George Martigani

  -M.S.

  CHAPTER 1 The Apple Stand

  CHAPTER 2 The Visitor

  CHAPTER 3 Approaching Horseman

  CHAPTER 4 Invitation to Harmon Hall

  CHAPTER 5 Sunset Encounter

  CHAPTER 6 Charles Secret

  CHAPTER 7 The Letter

  CHAPTER 8 Journey to Harmon Hall

  CHAPTER 9 Harmon Hall

  CHAPTER 10 The Red Dawn

  CHAPTER 11 The Engagement Ring

  CHAPTER 12 Breakfast aboard the Sea Maiden

  CHAPTER 13 Out On the Town

  CHAPTER 14 I’m Not Going to Marry Lord Harmon

  CHAPTER 15 Engagement Announcement

  CHAPTER 16 Karina Becomes Aaron

  CHAPTER 17 Aaron the Cabin Boy

  CHAPTER 18 Angus the Scotsman

  CHAPTER 19 Aaron you can stay

  CHAPTER 20 Return to Pembrook Hall

  CHAPTER 21 Florida

  CHAPTER 22 Discovered

  CHAPTER 23 Deidra’s Visit

  CHAPTER 24 Skull and Cross Bones

  CHAPTER 25 New Providence

  CHAPTER 26 Back on the Sea Maiden

  CHAPTER 27 Seaboard Vows

  CHAPTER 28 Lady or Buccaneer

  CHAPTER 29 Sea, Wind & Fire

  CHAPTER 30 The Morning After

  CHAPTER 31 Back from the Dead

  CHAPTER 32 Rest Stop

  CHAPTER 33 A New Beginning

  CHAPTER 34 Shipboard Announcement

  CHAPTER 35 New England, New Plan

  CHAPTER 36 Yucatan

  CHAPTER 37 Karina Arrives to New England

  CHAPTER 38 A Message from Lord Pembroke

  CHAPTER 39 The Note

  CHAPTER 40 Captain Drake Arrested

  CHAPTER 41 Case against Lord Harmon

  CHAPTER 42 Nate

  CHAPTER 43 Rescue in the Woods

  CHAPTER 44 Message for the Captain

  CHAPTER 45 River Oaks Court

  CHAPTER 46 Sherman Craft

  England, spring of 1790

  CHAPTER 1

  The Apple Stand

  The Sea Maiden, one of the largest trade ships available pulled into a small English harbor, Peter De Marco of Massachusetts, a mate aboard the great ship is among the first to leave after being on all night watch and is ready to explore the small English harbor town when he runs into his former shipmate, Ed Long, who also arrived aboard another trade ship the Lark the day before and is ready to go visit his parents out in the country. After giving each other a rowdy greeting and sharing some high sea stories and a few pints of wine, Ed invites Peter to join him for a visit at his parent’s home in the country two days away; tempting Peter to come along by claiming that in the English countryside live beautiful maidens doomed to be married off to old rich lords. Peter smiles and hastily agrees.

  Ed’s family friend agreed to lend Peter another horse to accompany Ed, and their journey soon begins. Both young men enjoy and refresh their eyes with the rich green beauty of the land after spending months at sea, recounting all their mischief’s and adventures at visiting ports. It was a welcome getaway. After riding nearly 2 days they arrived at Ed’s home late in the afternoon and receive a warm welcome from Ed’s parents, Joseph and Marie Long, who were anticipating their son’s arrival and welcomed his friend Peter into their home as well. The young men bathed, ate to their hearts content and shared their adventures at the dinner table. After much conversation and laughter, Marie, bid the boys good night and went to bed but Joseph and the boys continued their camaraderie by the fireplace late into the night till they could no longer keep their eyes open. Raised as an orphan Peter felt a deep longing to be part of such a family, Ed was blessed he thought; someday he promised himself he would have such a warm family of his own, but for now he would simply enjoy the good company. Saturday morning he helped feed the horses and milk the cows along with his friend then had a hearty breakfast and after the boys went for a short horse back ride in the country. On the way back to Ed’s home Peter commented,

  “This is a beautiful place Ed I’m glad you invited me and your parents are wonderful, you’re a lucky man.”

  “Thank you Peter, yes I am blessed in that regard and that they are both in good health.”

  “Cheers to that! Too bad you have no sisters. So where are these beautiful maidens you talked about?”

  “Well they live in surrounding countryside most are hidden away till they accompany their chaperon’s or mothers to the village market. Mother will be going soon perhaps we should tag along?”

  “Absolutely, when will she go?”

  “See the horse and cart father is bringing around, she’s about to leave. I’ll tell father I’ll drive the cart for him instead so he can tend to his black smith business.”

  The boys accompanied Mrs. Long on her trip to the village market. Ed took his father’s place and drove his mother on the horse and cart but Peter preferred to ride on horseback.

  After leaving the horses at the watering hole, they made their way through the village market crowded with tents, villagers and merchants, buying and selling their wares and produce. Mrs. Long went from stand to stand filling her basket while both young men went off on their own joking and jesting with one another and flirting with every pretty girl they encountered. At 24, Peter was tall and handsome with hazel eyes, olive skin and sun burnished curly hair that fell over straight dark brows. His striking good looks and dazzling smile drew a fair share of glances from more than one pretty girl. Ed was shorter with a stocky build, blond hair, brilliant blue eyes and a kind face. They continued their merriment and at times endured menacing glares from annoyed chaperones. At one point, after spotting an older heavyset woman chatting away with a vendor, Ed joked with Peter and whispered in his ear,

  “Oh Peter I see the perfect bride for you my friend… I do believe you were made for each other, over by the apple stand.” Ed chuckled.

  While Ed laughed Peter turned in the direction Ed pointed, the older heavyset woman moved away from the stand revealing the young beauty she was blocking; Peter’s eyes widened and was immediately drawn to the young woman’s magnetic charm.

  “I must agree with you my friend; I think I will take a closer look.” Peter smiled and patted his friend on the shoulder. Ed crinkled his brow in momentary confusion and turned to get another look at the large woman, then his mouth dropped open upon seeing the reason Peter was on the move.

  Lynnette stood with her basket picking apples at the stand while Gracie, the Pembroke cook, made her way to the butchers. Dark silky tresses parted on the side hid half her beautiful face the rest fell mid back in thick layers. Green eyes and thick sooty lashes, complimented her vanilla skin and rosy full lips. Her partially opened cape revealed simple attire and outlined an appealing slender figure and modest bosom. Peter glimpsed a hint of cleavage under a white peasant frock worn under a fitted black vest that tied just under her bosom, and a flowing brown skirt, he smiled to himself as he admired her loveliness.

  Peter moved through the crowd and as he approached her, another woman holding a child got in his way. Lynnette moved slightly and then Peter squeezed in between her and the woman and child. As Lynnette reached for an apple, Peter also reached for the same one, covering her hand with his.

  “Hello.” Peter greeted.

  Lynnette instantly turned toward the voice seeing first an open wh
ite shirt at the neck then looked up at Peter’s handsome smiling face and playful hazel eyes. Embarrassed, she immediately turned away and withdrew her hand.

  “Excuse me, I didn’t mean to startle you, I was just wondering if these apples are as delicious as they appear?” Peter asked smiling ear to ear.

  Thinking Gracie might see him talking to her she tried to move away but another customer blocked her.

  “I don’t know, excuse me.”

  “Leaving so soon? I was hoping I could help you pick apples.”

  Peter said leaning over flirtatiously, Lynnette gasped at his forwardness and moved away; worried that Gracie might be watching.

  “I’m sorry I have enough apples, thank you.”

  “Well than can you help me pick some?”

  “No I can’t, I’m sorry, I have to go.”

  “Wait! At least tell me your name.”

  She got so nervous she forgot to pay for her apples and started moving away.

  “Lynnette Dear! Are you forgetting something?” Sally the lady from the fruit stand called out.

  Lynnette gasped in embarrassment.

  “Oh, Sally! Please forgive me.” Lynnette exclaimed, feeling embarrassed and paid the woman for the apples.

  “Aw, Lynnette, what a pretty name, do you come here often?” Peter teased.

  ‘Curses he knew her name now.’ Lynnette thought and looked around nervously for Gracie. “No I’m sorry and I’m done buying apples, I must go Gracie, the lady I came with will come looking for me soon and I don’t want her to see us talking.”

  “Why?”

  “Because…you’re a stranger…and a man!”

  “Can’t help being a man love, but let me introduce myself, my name is Peter De Marco at your service,” He took a bow, “and now that I know your name is Lynnette, we are no longer strangers.” Peter said smiling down at her.

  “Nonsense, I know nothing else about you nor have I ever seen you around here before. Therefore, you are a stranger and I’m not supposed to speak to strange men.”

  “I assure you my lady; I am not strange, ‘Love-struck’ perhaps but not strange.” He chuckled

  “Please go away…if Gracie, comes and sees me talking to you she will tell my mother.”

  “Well when can I see you again without Gracie?”

  “Never!”

  “Never is a long time.”

  “Please go away, Gracie may not be able to hear but she has eyes like a hawk.” Lynnette said.

  “So do I...that’s how I spotted you. There is nothing wrong with just talking Lynnette, would it be better if Gracie were not present? Would you speak to me then?”

  “No!”

  “Am I so unpleasant to talk to?” Lynnette faced away from him. “You’re going to break my heart but if I’m bothering you look me straight in the eye and I will go away at once!”

  In defiance, Lynnette turned and stared him straight in the eye then Peter started moving away. ‘Curses, why is he so handsome’ she thought?

  “Wait!” She blurted, instantly regretting it. “I meant LATE! It’s late!” She turned away, closed her eyes and bit her lower lip, why did she do that? Peter smiled to himself; after all he had always charmed the ladies in the past. He started coming toward her again. “No! Stay where you are! Do you not understand! You will get me in trouble.”

  “With who Gracie? Well introduce me to her as an old friend.”

  “No, Gracie is not someone I confide with. I simply accompany her to the market and she is aware I have no male friends. She would simply tell my mother and then I will not be allowed to come again.”

  “Well there must be a friend you can confide with?”

  “Yes but she’s not here.”

  “Come with her tomorrow.”

  “No, she cannot come.”

  “Why not?”

  “Because she’s not allowed.”

  “Well bring a friend who is allowed.”

  “My friend Karina is the only one I confide with and she is not allowed outside of Pembroke Hall.”

  Lynnette instantly covered her mouth with her fingers after mentioning the name of the estate she lived at. “I must go now it’s been interesting meeting you Peter De Marco, have a good day.”

  “Wait!” Peter said.

  Lynnette walked away he continued to trail behind her at a distance then she stopped,

  “Seriously, you must stop following me!”

  “One question, where is Pembroke Hall? Is it far?

  “That’s two questions, yes, it’s a large property quite a long way past the woods; so have a nice day and goodbye.”

  “I can follow behind then why don’t you sneak out and meet me later tonight…alone!”

  “Certainly not, have good day!” Lynnette gasped, annoyed at his impudence.

  Peter smiled to himself, Lynnette obviously liked him she practically gave him directions. Lynnette met the older woman she called Gracie. They placed their baskets into a small horse drawn carriage and climbed aboard. Peter met with Ed for a moment and patted his friend on the back.

  “She likes me; I will meet you at your house later.”

  Peter gave him a conspiratorial wink. Ed gave him a playful shove. Peter followed Lynnette and Gracie at a distance until they arrived at the estate. He watched them from behind the trees unload the baskets and go inside. Satisfied of knowing her whereabouts he mounted his friend’s horse and headed back to Ed’s home.

  CHAPTER 2

  The Visitor

  Two days later Lord Charles Pembroke sat near the fireplace in his study, trying to keep warm on a chilly spring morning. He contemplated the day as he looked out the gloomy room’s only focal point, the large window dressed in heavy burgundy curtains from which miles of green grass, white clouds and blue skies could be seen. He enjoyed how the light cheered up the gloomy room. Charles reached for his tea with a trembling hand. The steamy drink warmed and soothed his achy bones.

  Pembroke Hall was surrounded by miles of green countryside. A tree lined winding road lead up to the entrance gates of the estate. The wind swayed the branches of the trees along the road. Such an amazing view he thought. Charles spent most of his years running his shipping business and was always too busy to look past his endeavors, but now at the age of 76, time was a commodity, at last he appreciated the natural beauty outside.

  A carriage approached in the distance; Lord Gunther Harmon, his lifelong adversary, who he had urgently summoned was about to arrive. Charles’ illness had drained him both financially and physically, realizing he was now close to death and ruin he needed to take care of one last pressing concern, the future of his only daughter Karina who would be left in debt, with a failing shipping business. Lord Pembroke could not let this happen and he knew he had to move quickly.

  Karina, his only daughter, had bloomed into a beautiful young woman. Charles remembered how he unjustly alienated himself from her the first few months of her life, blaming her for his wife Sera’s early demise. Seraphina, his 2nd wife, had bore twin girls, and Karina, was the surviving twin. Both Sera and Karina’s twin sister died, shortly after delivery. The loss of his beloved wife Sera had taken a toll on Charles, causing him to fall into a deep depression wishing Sera had never bore children and still be alive. Too escape the pain he immersed himself into his business, leaving Karina to be attended by her nannies. As time passed by Karina’s innocent warmth melted Charles icy disposition and his resentment was replaced with love for his young daughter as he began to see her as his wife’s final gift and legacy to him.

  He recalled Sera’s intense happiness upon finding out she was with child. Sadly Sera only bonded a short time with Karina before she passed. The years passed and Karina took on more of her mother’s features, she was a beautiful child; wavy blond hair and sparkling blue eyes like her mother. Each day she looked more like her. Charles smiled at the memories of Karina making the biggest fuss over him when he came home, how he missed those days, how quickly time went b
y. He delighted in spoiling his little daughter as she grew with gifts and treats from faraway places and she became the center of his universe. After the kidnapping for ransom and murder of a business associate’s daughter, Charles feared Karina might also be targeted for kidnapping and ransom. He became overprotective and hid her from the public eye. Few knew he even had a daughter he rarely traveled with her or mentioned her.

  As Karina grew older and restless Charles arranged for her to take piano lessons but after attending a fencing tournament Karina became intrigued with fencing and insisted on taking fencing lessons instead. After much pleading Karina was granted her fencing lessons and took to it like a fish to water. Her true passion, however were horses; so on her thirteenth birthday her father presented her with a shiny black horse she named Thunder, after the thundering sound of their hooves as they connected with the ground. Alongside her father she learned to ride like the wind. Like a worried mother, Charles consistently warned her not to ride so fast when she took Thunder out to ride.

  One winter an assistant cook came to work at Pembroke Hall, Elaine Attoms, a young widow with three children. A daughter Lynnette; close in age to Karina and twin three-year-old boys’ named Tommy and Danny. Lord Pembroke didn’t need to fill any new positions at Pembroke Hall, but took pity on the widow after hearing her story and decided to help Elaine by hiring her as a kitchen helper. Karina was thrilled to have a new playmate. Twelve year old Lynnette was a lively pretty girl with long dark hair, green eyes, fair skin and freckles. They became immediate friends. Initially Lord Pembroke frowned at Karina and Lynnette spending time together because of girl’s different stature in life, and tried to separate them but Karina resented this and grew angry and withdrawn. Seeing how this affected his daughter Lord Pembroke had no choice but to concede to their friendship. Soon Karina and Lynnette grew close and spent most of their time together. On Lynnette’s 13th birthday, upon Karina’s urging of her father for a riding companion when he was away, Charles and Karina presented Lynette with a horse of her own. A stream of tears followed as Lynnette was overcome with joy. She named her new beautiful white mare, Storm, in connection to Karina’s horse, Thunder. Lord Pembroke had agreed to it to ease his guilt of constant travel and unavailability.