by Mary Speer
“You assaulted his lady companion and he defended her, I would have done the same! As of this moment you’re no longer a part of my crew, I will not tolerate murderers aboard my ship, now put the weapon down and get out!”
Remus hesitated. The room went silent.
“Get out or be carried out.” He repeated in a low menacing voice.
Rebelliously Remus didn’t put down the pistol. Captain Drake fired his pistol just past Remus’s head; Remus jumped up and ran out the door dropping his pistol. Lynnette and the other women screamed at the gun fire. Captain Drake picked up the pistol and looked up, all eyes on him and the gun powder lingering in the air.
“My apologies to everyone for the disturbance you can all go back to your drinks now.” He told the crowd.
Frustrated at the unwanted attention he shouted,
“I said get back to your drinks! Melanie! Pass a round of spirits for everyone…on me!”
Cheering, clapping and crashing glass sounded through the tavern. “To the Captain!” They cheered. While the crowd cheered and lifted their mugs in the air in appreciation, Captain Drake turned his attention to Lynnette who was still visibly shaken.
“My apologies Miss are you alright?”
“Y-yes I’m fine thank you.” Lynnette stuttered.
The truth was she was as stunned by what just happened as she was at the unexpected encounter with the Captain of the Sea Maiden who was also Lord Harmon’s half-brother and Peter’s employer, all the same man. Then Captain Drake turned to Clifton.
“Clifton what the devil are you doing here so late with this young woman?”
“Looking for you Captain.”
“What the hell for?”
“The documents sir.”
“The documents? Good Lord Clifton I told Gunther I was delivering them tomorrow!” Captain Drake shook his head in dismay and turned to a nearby serving girl. “Melanie bring us wine and some tea and biscuits for the young lady over to the back booth.” The serving girl escorted them to a booth at the back of the tavern. Once seated Captain Drake began to question Clifton, “Now why would Gunther send you for documents he knows I will not entrust to anyone, especially when he knows I planned on bringing them to him on Saturday? And what possessed you to bring this young woman along at this hour?”
Before Clifton could answer, Captain Drake realized he was ignoring the young woman, and turned to Lynnette.
“Please forgive me Miss I didn’t mean to go on as if you weren’t present.” He extended his hand to her. “I’m Eric Drake, Captain of the Sea Maiden, at your service and who might you be?”
“She’s Lord Harmon’s guest.” Clifton answered.
“I asked her not you!” Captain Drake snapped.
“Pardon me Captain, I meant no disrespect and thank you for your intervention, my apologies for interrupting your dinner.”
Captain Drake turned back to Lynnette.
“My name is Lynnette Attoms, I am a friend and companion of Karina Pembroke, Lord Harmon’s betrothed. I am so grateful for your assistance tonight Captain, thank you so much.” Lynnette said still sounding a bit shaken.
The serving girl brought them their drinks and biscuits.
“Pleasure to meet you Miss Attoms, glad I could help. I did hear about the engagement...I was rather surprised. However this is a dangerous place for a young lady like yourself I suggest you not come here with Clifton or anyone else again, understood?”
“Yes Captain I will never come back here again.”
“Good.”
Captain Drake raised his mug to her and nodded then sat back and took a drink. He wondered if Clifton and Lynnette were romantic but didn’t want to pry. If this was Clifton’s idea of a courting her he was out of his mind bringing her on one of his late night errands. He turned to Clifton.
“Well after what just happened I cannot in good conscious let the two of you travel back to Harmon Hall at this hour. All my men are scattered or drunk; you will have to spend the night aboard the ship. In the future I suggest you travel lighter. If you were part of my crew I would throw you in the hold for endangering your lives like that.”
“Thank you Captain, my apologies for the inconvenience, I-”
“Stop with the apologies Clifton it’s a sign of weakness.” Captain Drake interrupted
“Excuse me Captain, but it was Lord Harmon who sent us, I believe his true intention was to be alone with my friend, Karina, his betroth. Clifton did warn me not to come but I insisted.”
“Why?”
“I was hoping to see a friend of mine, Peter De Marco who is a member of your crew.”
Captain Drake sat back in thought for a moment. How like Gunther to send them both out at this hour.
“Peter? Ah yes…. he did mention meeting a young woman fitting your description. I must say I’m impressed. As a matter of fact he’s on board right now. Today was his turn to be on night watch. I believe he will be pleasantly surprised. As for my dear brother Gunther, I will be sure to thank him for a delightful evening.” Captain Drake stood up ready to leave. “Melanie!”
Lynnette was smiling from ear to ear after that bit of information until she heard a woman say to the Captain,
“Good night Captain Drake, give my regards to Peter.” Said a passing serving girl.
Lynnette looked down in distress, of course she could not be the only girl interested in Peter; he was after all quite charming, as well. Captain Drake sensed her anxiety.
“Don’t be troubled over that, I assure you, Peter is quite taken with you.”
As the three walked out of the tavern another woman accosted the Captain, Lynnette kept her head down and continued walking with Clifton. The Captain was indeed popular with the ladies just like Clifton said, even with all the excitement she had not missed the details, tall, muscular build, light brown eyes, dark brown hair tied at the nape, and a smooth tanned jaw line, that contrasted with his white collar. The light colored breaches he wore fit like a glove over muscular thigh and black boots. Handsome indeed she thought but found no resemblance what so ever to his half-brother Gunther. Lord Harmon was older and heavier, although not necessarily fat, with less gray hair on his head than on his face. According to Clifton, Captain Drake resembled his biological father, Lord Edward Harmon now long gone. Then she remembered poor Karina alone with Lord Gunther and wondered how she was fairing.
“I’m terribly sorry I brought you here Lynnette, you could have been hurt…please accept my apologies.”
“Clifton I’m truly grateful for your assistance tonight as well but you really must stop apologizing, I insisted on coming remember?”
Clifton sighed in defeat and paid the night watchman to watch over his horse and carriage and the three boarded the small boat and were rowed over to the Sea Maiden by the boatman. Lynnette was amazed at how huge the ship appeared, as they got closer. With the chilly night air, Lynnette pulled her hood over her head and crossed her arms.
From the deck Peter could see the boat with four people aboard, one he recognized as the Captain, the other was the boatman and he didn’t recognize the third man but the fourth was obviously a female. It was not uncommon for the Captain to bring females on board. As the boat got closer to the Sea Maiden, the Captain called out,
“Peter we have guests this evening.”
As Lynnette started to climb up the ladder her hood fell back. She wondered what Peter would think, when he recognized her. She was almost afraid to look up. Lynnette’s dark hair spilled around her as she kept her head down making sure she didn’t lose her footing. Peter called out as she reached the top, not yet knowing who she was.
“Give me your hand!”
Lynnette looked up and stretched out her hand. Peter blinked and squinted as if he was seeing a ghost. Lynnette smiled her heart racing.
“Lynnette?” Shocked to see her he pulled her straight into his arms and over the deck and greeted her with a hug and kiss. “I can’t believe this! What are you doing here? How
did you know where to find me? How do you know Captain Drake?”
He had so many questions. Clifton came on board behind her and Peter tensed wondering why she was with him and the Captain. Clifton could not help feeling a sense of loss after seeing Peter embrace Lynnette.
“I have a friendly crew,” Captain Drake chuckled. “Peter you can spare us the hugs and kisses…this is Clifton, he and Miss Attoms are our guests this evening.”
“Yes sir….but I am a little confused about…”
“I know you are Peter, I’ll explain later…I am tired and so are our guest so please take care of them first.” Please take him down to the crew’s quarters let him find an empty bunk or hammock. And show our pretty lady guest to the guest quarters.”
“Right away Captain.”
“Peter! Don’t forget you’re on watch tonight!”
“No Sir.”
Captain Drake then turned his attention to Lynnette.
“Welcome to the Sea Maiden Miss Attoms, I know it’s not home but I hope you will find it adequate at least for tonight. Peter will show you to the guest quarters. It is small but clean and accommodates only one person.” He gave Peter a stern look, and walked part of the way with them. “You will find blankets inside, if you need more do let us know. Well Miss Attoms it’s been an unexpected but interesting pleasure. I do wish you a comfortable stay, good night and good night to you Clifton.”
Captain Drake turned to retire toward his own quarters.
“Good night Captain and thank you for everything.”
“You’re welcome, pleasant dreams Miss Attoms.”
Peter and Lynnette walked ahead of Clifton, Peter held Lynnette closely
“Thank you Captain and if there is anything I can do please let me know?
“Actually yes Clifton, keep an eye on them; make sure she’s off to bed in 15 minutes, for her own good.”
“Yes Captain good night.”
“Peter you have 15 minutes to get back to your post.”
“Yes Captain.”
Peter stopped first at the guest quarters to let Lynnette in the small room.
“I will be right back beautiful.”
He kissed her once more before walking away he wanted to get Clifton settled in the crew’s quarters and get back to Lynnette quickly.
“Come with me mate! So how do you know Lynnette?”
“She’s Lord Harmon’s guest.”
“Not tonight, why are you with her? And who is Lord Harmon?”
“He’s the Captains half-brother.”
“Really? I didn’t even know the Captain had a brother.”
“That’s because they’re not close, merely civil toward one another for business purposes. Lord Harmon had me run an errand to the Captain and arranged that she join me so he could be alone with her friend. I suggested she stay but after hearing I was to come to the Sea Maiden she insisted on coming.”
“I see” Peter smiled to himself. “Well this is the crew’s quarters. Most of the crew is gone, some may come back tonight, I suggest you find a bunk or hammock on this side, most seamen have claimed the rear.”
“Where does Wilkes sleep?”
“Remus Wilkes? He sleeps on this hammock, you know him?”
“Um…briefly.”
“He’s a bad tempered drunk I would sleep somewhere else if I were you mate.”
“Captain Drake dismissed him earlier.”
“Why? Never mind tell me tomorrow, never liked the man anyway. Well hope you can get some sleep see you in the morning.”
Peter was curious to know why Remus was dismissed but was anxious to get back to Lynnette. The guest quarter’s was just on the other side from the Captain’s cabin and he would be monitoring his time away from his post. Clifton seemed like a good fellow but he only had a few more minutes left to spend with Lynnette.
Lynnette looked at the tiny room with a small bunk, a table and chair, a lantern, a small crate, perhaps to be used for passenger belongings, above on the wall was a mirror and a small port hole. Peter returned promptly, she was waiting for him by the door holding herself tightly due to the chilly night air, the moon provided most of the light. Peter wrapped his arms around her waist and drew her into a passionate embrace. Lynnette had no experience with suitors and was unsure how to act but the embrace felt warm and inviting, the feelings and sensations radiating through her were addictive. Then she remembered Karina’s warning not to allow him too much familiarity with her and keep some physical distance. Lynnette broke the embrace.
“What…? What’s wrong?”
“We need to discuss something very important.”
“We will later.”
Peter was only half listening to her as he tried to kiss her again but Lynnette stopped him by placing her hand between them.
“No Peter now! We don’t have time later, it’s very important, it’s why I came!”
“Oh so you didn’t just come to see me.” Peter said sounding wounded.
“Yes but I’m also here to ask a favor.”
He looked puzzled and a bit disappointed.
“Peter, please don’t look at me that way. I only have a few people in my life that truly matter to me, my mother, my father, who passed away when I was 10, my twin brothers, Danny and Tommy, and my best friend Karina who is more like a sister. Then I met you just a few days ago, so logically I shouldn’t feel anything…but look,” She took his hand and placed it on her chest over her heart which was beating fast. “Do you feel that? You’re the only person that makes my heart beat so fast. So yes I came to see you but I also came for my friend Karina, who you met, because she’s in trouble and asked me if I could help her find you to ask a favor of you. At first I didn’t want to do this because I was afraid so I tried to change her mind…but the thought of seeing you again gave me the courage to come and that’s why I’m here. So Peter will you help us?”
“You could have stopped after you placed my hand on your heart. As long as that heart beats for me I will do anything.”
Peter placed a kiss on the back of her hand. Lynnette smiled; they embraced and kissed once again.
“Can you meet Karina and I tomorrow, Clifton will be driving us to some shops in town we should be here at approximately at 2:00 O’clock.”
“Of course, I look forward to helping your friend and seeing you again. I will tell Clifton where we can meet tomorrow.” Peter sighed knowing he had to leave her soon. “It’s almost time for me to go back on watch it will be a long night knowing you’re just a few feet away.”
Peter attempted another kiss but Lynnette stepped in the room.
“Good night Peter, thank you.” She smiled sweetly then closed the door.
Peter leaned his head against the door and bit his lower lip then went to his post. Captain Drake heard Peter walk by, back to his post, and smiled to himself lucky man he thought. Lynnette was smiling to herself as well, she had so much to tell Karina tomorrow, and then again she wondered how Karina’s evening had gone.
CHAPTER 11
The Engagement Ring
After Clifton and Lynnette left Lord Harmon took Karina’s hand and hooked it around his arm. Karina felt awkward at his closeness but tried her best to seem agreeable.
“I have greatly anticipated your visit my dear Karina. There are many things we need to learn about each other. As you know your father would like our marriage ceremony to take place at once, unfortunately the earliest that can be is in 30 days. Since tomorrow you’re going into town to get some alterations I will have Clifton take you to visit Celia, she’s the best seamstress in town, so she can help you with your needs and take your measurements as well. She knows to spare no expense on you bridal gown. She will show you some of the finest fabrics and latest styles; you will be the envy of town. The next few weeks will not go by fast enough for me I’m very much looking forward to making you a very happy…and satisfied bride.” He whispered in her ear and kissed her hand.
Karina tensed, he took the opp
ortunity to try and kiss her, but she instinctively, withdrew from him. She felt even more awkward and wanted to be as far away from him as possible but she didn’t want to create any suspicions in him and merely said,
“Lord Harmon you must remember this is all new to me, you must give me time to adjust.”
“Of course, my apologies my dear, it’s just that I find you irresistible. It will be difficult for me but I will try to be less familiar. I must warn you though I’m not a patient man; however, I do want you to feel comfortable with me.” Gunther said with a smile.
“I appreciate that thank you.”
Karina was getting physically sick and wondered how much more of his company she had to endure.
“Very well you have seen most of the inside of my home…our home, now let me show you the garden in the back. It’s quite beautiful there is a little brook that runs through it. It’s my favorite part of the house; I think it will be yours also.”
After pointing out several features of the back and garden, he led her to a small bench where they sat. Then Gunther reached into his pocket and brought out a small box with a velvet red ribbon and placed it in her hand. Karina was surprised.
“What is it?”
“Open it.” Karina hesitated for a moment then opened it and she gasped, it was a large diamond solitaire engagement ring. Gunther took her left hand and placed it on her finger. “It was expensive but you are worth it my beautiful Karina, I hope you like it?”
Karina was stunned. All she wanted to do was leave and now he was presenting her with an expensive engagement ring.
“Oh my, it’s beautiful.”
“What kind of a groom would I be if my beautiful bride-to-be was not wearing an adequate engagement ring at our engagement dinner tomorrow?” He chuckled.
“Lord Harmon, would it not be better if you held on to the ring until tomorrow?”
“I wanted you to wear it the minute you stepped off the carriage so that everyone would know you are my bride.”
“Thank you I’m very flattered, it’s truly beautiful but I could not possibly-”
