The Sea Maiden

by Mary Speer

  “What happen to Roy?”

  “He got shot.”

  “Oh-no! Is he dead?”

  “No since he was former member of that Captain Tate’s crew he’s considered a key witness in trying him for piracy. The military promised him immunity if he testified against him.

  “I see.”

  “By the way you and Lynnette will be staying in his quarters. It’s bigger also the guest quarters’ door is currently broken.”

  “Oh yes I remember. Well, thank you doctor for all your help, I think I will take your advice I could really use some rest after the last couple of days. Good night Dr. Tibbs.”

  “Good night my dear, what is left of it anyway.”

  Karina left. Lynnette had her head against Peter’s chest she looked a little sea sick. She told Peter she wanted to lie down. Peter reluctantly let her go and kissed her forehead.

  “I will be alright.” Lynnette told him.

  Karina came upon them,

  “I hope you’re feeling better Karina?”

  “Yes Peter, thank you.”

  “Good, I know both of you ladies need some rest, so I will let you both go to bed, I have to go and speak with the Captain.”

  “Good night Peter…oh and Peter? He looked at her, “Thank you.” Karina said

  Peter smiled at her and walked away and headed to the bridge, in search of the Captain. As he walked by he heard some of the crew talking, saying:

  “It’s a miracle they all came back alive.”

  “Ay, but it be very bad luck to have a woman aboard a ship and now there be two of ‘em.”

  “I don’t believe Peter or the Captain share your opinion mate, can’t blame em, they’re mighty pretty ladies.”

  Peter smiled at their comments; they had been very lucky, lucky to have the militia with them and even luckier to have Lynnette with him now. Was it fate or coincidence what were the chances? He heard a clergy once say, “There are no coincidences.” Perhaps he was right…this was no coincidence more like a miracle.

  The guest quarter’s door had not been repaired yet so Karina and Lynnette took Roy Skinner’s quarters in his absence. It was slightly larger too.

  “I know how you feel Lynnette my first few days at sea were wretched too, I was throwing up and feeling miserable. Peter even joked about me looking green.”

  “Karina I have something to tell you.”

  “What?”

  “I do not believe I am sea sick.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Well I’ve been feeling this way for a few weeks now.”

  “What’s wrong Lynnette?”

  Not wanting to face her, Lynnette turned away, and then began to explain.

  “Back on the night of the dinner party, after Peter came, I brought him some food, we sat on the grass and shared some glasses of wine and we talked about family and how he never had one, later I heard him tell Captain Drake he would marry me when he returned.”

  “Yes, Peter told me, I’m very happy for you Lynnette.”

  “Well there’s more, see I was quite overjoyed to see him and feeling so in love and close and just a little dizzy from the drinks. Then we heard voices coming toward us. Some of the guest were coming out back to smoke cigars and talk, so I took Peter around the corner to the side of the house by the balcony and told him to climb up the vine and I would let him in from the inside just until the guest went back in the house. I quietly went upstairs to my sleeping quarters unnoticed while everyone was engaged in conversation and let him in through the balcony. It was of course more private and everything…. and we kissed and….and well we were intimate,”

  “Oh Lynnette…”

  “…after-wards I panicked thinking I had been gone too long and someone might come looking for me so I came downstairs. Peter climbed down the vine and I joined him. Not a minute to soon Captain Drake came looking for me to say goodbye. He sensed that Peter was with me.” Lynnette put her head down feeling ashamed. “I think I’m with child.” Karina gasped.

  “Lynnette!! Oh my God…are you sure?”

  “I believe so, I remember mother getting sick like this when she was expecting my twin brothers.”

  “Does Peter know?”

  “I just told him.”

  Peter arrived on the bridge looking for the Captain.

  “Captain Drake, can we talk….privately?”

  The Captain was discussing the events on the island with the officers.

  “Privately? Very well Peter we can go to my cabin. Excuse me gentlemen.”

  Peter and Captain Drake engaged in light conversation as they walked toward his cabin. Once inside, Peter waited till the Captain sat behind his desk.

  “So, what’s on your mind Peter?”

  Peter hesitated knowing that the Captain had taken a brotherly liking toward Lynnette…and he had already endured a lashing.

  “Captain, I would like to know if you could marry us! Lynnette and I?”

  Surprised at his request, Captain Drake tensed.

  “Marry you? Well we should be pulling into port-”

  “No. Now, as soon as possible.” Peter interrupted

  “What’s the urgency? I hope Lynnette’s alright?” His tone sounded like a threat.

  Peter recalled his own reaction when he thought the Captain had taken advantage of Karina. He feared he might not take the news well but he would find out sooner or later. Thankful for the desk between them he began.

  “Well…she’s not totally well.”

  “What do you mean, not totally well?”

  “She’s…um… with…child, my child.”

  Like a knee jerk reaction, Captain Drake shot up leaning forward,

  “WHAT! YOU IDIOT! YOU RUINED HER! I KNEW YOU COULDN’T BE LEFT ALONE WITH HER!”

  Peter put his hands up in self-defense.

  “HOLD-ON CAPTAIN! That’s why I’m here to make it right! I love her!”

  Captain Drake stood rigid and tense as if ready to strike.

  “What the hell were you thinking Peter? Lynnette’s practically a child herself and has no resources!”

  “It was wrong Captain I admit it, but I fell in love with her and I want to do what’s right. She just finished telling me and that’s why I’m here to ask if you’ll marry us?”

  After a moment Captain Drake sighed and backed off. The tables had turned he thought. The only thing that kept him from reaching out to him, beside the desk, was the fact that Peter was willing to marry her right away.

  “I know what you’re thinking, that I’m a cad, for taking advantage of Lynnette after you warned me but it had already happened, it was a moment of weakness and it was wrong.” He shrugged, “Nature can be such an unstoppable force sometimes, sooner or later it takes its course. I know you’re angry with me and probably want to hit me, justly so, but here me out first. I felt as much when I thought you had taken advantage of Karina. I’m not proud of myself, I assure you. The only thing I can do now is make things right so I ask you again Captain, will you marry us?”

  Captain Drake was about to say something, but he stopped himself, with his strong attraction to Karina and their ship bound proximity, he didn’t want to eat his words later. He knew Peter’s words were logical. Nature was a compelling force and sooner or later it does take its course. He nodded his approval.

  “Tomorrow Peter I will perform the ceremony.” The Captain finally answered.

  “Thank you Captain.” Peter sighed; thankful it was over and thankful he didn’t get another fist in his jaw then he turned and left, eager to go tell Lynnette.

  CHAPTER 27

  Seaboard Vows

  Karina felt much better after taking the medication Dr. Tibbs gave her and she and Lynnette were talking when Peter knocked on the door. Peter came in and told Lynnette that tomorrow the Captain would perform the ceremony. They kissed, Karina hugged both of them and was about to leave but it was Lynnette and Peter who stepped out of the room, Lynnette wanted some fresh air.
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  Alone in the room, Karina thought about Peter not having a ring for Lynnette; she brought out her small cloth purse from under the dress given to her by Captain Tate she still wore and looked through several rings. There was a ring with three small diamonds that would be perfect. She would give it to Peter tomorrow to present to Lynnette; he had earned it she thought. It also occurred to her that in addition, Lynnette would need a wedding dress. Lynnette was abducted so she had no clothes to wear but the one’s she had on, however they were not suitable to wed in she thought. Then she thought of her simple white dress that she brought with her, it seemed to be the most appropriate dress for the occasion. The white dress Karina wore, given to her by that pirate-captain, was pretty; but it was stained with her blood from the head wound she had sustained after being struck by that barbarian Marcus so she dismissed it.

  While alone in the room, she rummaged through her things; she noticed a package on the side of Roy’s desk. She opened it; it was a pair of male boots perhaps for a young boy. She realized they were probably intended for Roy’s son but she had become accustomed to male clothing and needed boots, so she decided to take them. She scolded herself mentally for going through Roy’s things but she also needed another pair of breeches and shirt.

  She rummaged through her bag of jewelry and left him what she believed to be more than adequate compensation for the things she took in addition to a note addressed to Roy Skinner. She took the male clothes and boots and decided not to mix them with her dresses in the bag so she took them to the guest room and placed them inside the small crate, for now she wouldn’t need them then she placed the door as best she could against the door way. She needed to get the hinges fixed and soon. Roy’s cabin was about to become Lynnette and Peter’s honeymoon suite. She returned to Roy’s quarters. Tomorrow she would prepare baths for herself and Lynnette.

  After Lynnette came back in they went to bed. Lynnette was feeling better and thrilled about her impending wedding to Peter. Before going to sleep, Lynnette said to Karina,

  “Karina I meant to thank you, Captain Drake and Peter for your combined efforts to rescue me over on that island.”

  “Lynnette I didn’t rescue you, Captain Drake and Peter did. I just got myself clubbed by that villain Marcus.”

  “But you tried, you put yourself in danger to rescue me, you all did and to me that’s heroic and I’m grateful.” Karina sat up then Lynnette sat up they gave each other a sisterly embrace. Karina moved a strand of hair off Lynnette’s face,

  “You’re going to be a beautiful bride tomorrow and a wonderful mother.”

  Lynnette touched her stomach and smiled.

  “Thank you Karina.”

  They shared a smile then lied back down it had been a hectic day and sleep came easy.

  Karina woke up to Lynnette jumping out of bed and running out the door to get to the side of the ship. Karina felt bad for her, not being able to help her with her present condition. She got up and dressed then pulled the tub to the center of the room and left the room to begin the process of filling the tub. Karina helped Lynnette with her bath and repeated the procedure for herself.

  “Is this what you have been doing for all the officers?”

  “Yes. It’s a real nuisance but that’s how I earned my way around here, then after-wards I would meet with Peter so he could teach me everything about sailing and ships. He was even teaching me to fight. Peter has been great the only thing I hate about him is his dam…oh pardon me I’m afraid I have picked up some rather crude speech habits here. What I meant to say was that I hate his annoying habit of licking his finger and putting it in my ear! I have boxed his ears more than once for that too! But aside from that he’s been totally great, and now I find sailing really interesting. I’ll be right back I have to get more water.”

  Karina returned to the room with two buckets and looked at Lynnette.

  “Looks like you’re feeling better. Well you should since today is your wedding day.” Lynnette was all smiles and surprised Karina with an unexpected hug.

  “I’m so happy Karina, I hate to say this but I’m actually glad I got kidnapped even though I was terrified at first but now I am so glad I’m here with Peter and you and the Captain…I can’t believe I’m about to get married, it’s surreal. I just wish my mum; Tommy and Danny were here too. They must be so worried about me.”

  Karina smiled seeing how happy she was.

  “Well it would have been better if you had arrived here differently of course; things could have gone horribly wrong, but you are very fortunate, we all are. I was shocked when you told me you were with child, but to be honest I cannot be mad at Peter, he has helped me so much on this trip, I wouldn’t have made it without him. I feel I can tell you both anything, you’re my two best friends in the world.”

  “What about Captain Drake?”

  “That’s very different, I’m nervous around him and each time he kisses me I feel things I shouldn’t feel, I scold myself and tell myself I won’t let it happen again and each time I fail.”

  “You better be careful then because that’s exactly what I was feeling and look what happen to me.”

  “Yes, but it could not of happen with a better man. You’re truly lucky Lynnette and I’m going to make sure Peter gets to be 1st mate and some day he will be captain of his own ship.” Lynnette smiled.

  “Now let’s get you ready for your wedding.”

  Karina helped Lynnette into the white summer dress she had given her and Karina put on the pale blue one. She told Lynnette that she could have it after the wedding since she planned to wear men’s clothes on the ship.

  Peter bathed and prepared himself as well wearing his nicest pair of black breeches and black shirt and boots. He combed his damp hair off his face and looked in the mirror and nodded to himself then went looking for Captain Drake.

  After Karina and Lynnette finished dressing Karina went looking for Peter to give him the ring. She saw him walking toward the bridge and called him.

  “Peter, wait! My you look handsome today!”

  “What? Just today?” Peter joked.

  “Especially today, might you be getting married today by any chance?” Karina joked.

  Peter smiled, “As a matter of fact, I am my lady.”

  “Well then I have something for you, give me your hand.” Karina took out the ring and put in his palm. “This is for you to put on Lynnette’s finger and seal your vows, it was one of my mother’s rings but I want you to have it Peter, you earned it.”

  “Oh my God Karina, it’s beautiful, I was just thinking that I didn’t have a ring for Lynnette, are you sure I can have this?”

  “Yes, of course I am.”

  “You’re awesome Karina!”

  Peter gave Karina a playful hug and swung her around the deck, she screamed.

  “Aah…Peter! You’re making me dizzy!

  “Alright, alright sorry! I’m just so happy, I can’t wait to see the look on Lynnette’s face she’ll be amazed. Thank you Karina! You’re the best!”

  “You’re welcome Peter…make my friend very happy!”

  “Yes ma’am.”

  Peter looked at the ring he could not wait to put it on Lynnette’s finger. Karina walked back to get Lynnette, feeling proud of herself. It was a beautiful day for a wedding and Peter and Lynnette made a handsome pair. Who would have thought Lynnette would be married on a ship.

  Karina wondered if she would ever experience such a day with the man of her dreams, with Captain Drake, but he was not the marrying kind…yet, and the more liberties she allowed, the less likely the chance of it. With their proximity on the ship the only thing she could do is be more aloof. He had rescued her off that island and she would always be grateful but she needed to create some tension and some emotional distance to keep him from believing she would be so easily conquered with his suave seductive caresses.

  Peter headed toward the bridge. On the bridge Peter approached Captain Drake and greeted the other office
rs. The officers greeted him back and congratulated him for his wedding.

  “Good morning gentlemen, thank you very much! Good morning Captain Drake!” Peter said.

  “Well-well if it isn’t the groom? All ready for his wedding vows and I didn’t even need to point my pistol or sword at you.” the Captain chuckled

  “No sir, I’m ready Captain.” Peter smiled brightly.

  “Good, let’s go meet the bride and her maid of honor then.”

  Both men and other officers made their way to the front of the ship. A few minutes later Karina led the way, with her hands folded in front of her. A few delicate wavy strands fell around her crown and two softly twisted golden strands of hair tied in the back, the rest fell in long waves to her waist. Karina looked beautiful in the figure flattering blue pastel summer dress. It had a square neckline with white lace trim and elbow length sleeves also trimmed with white lace around the elbows. Captain Drake took a deep breath; even in such simplicity Karina looked stunning.

  Peter stood next to Captain Drake then Lynnette came out wearing the white dress Karina gave her. It was light thin material worn off the shoulders with small puffy sleeves, a body hugging bodice and a pleated skirt with a ruffle at the bottom. Her green eyes complemented her silky dark hair delicately worn on the side and falling to her waist with one of Karina’s hair ornaments and pearl earrings. Around her neck Lynnette chose to wear the sterling silver locket her mother gave her. Peter for the first time was not smiling but seemed intensely serious he was actually counting his blessing at finding such a sweet and delicate beauty like Lynnette.

  The crew gathered around as the Captain began the wedding ceremony. Peter and Lynnette stood face-to-face as they took their vows. Then Lynnette gasped when Peter placed the ring on her finger; she had not expected a ring, it fit her perfectly. A tear streamed down her cheek as the Captain concluded the ceremony

  “You may kiss the bride.”

  Peter and Lynnette kissed and everyone clapped, cheered and congratulated the happy couple. Since the wedding was a total surprise nobody really had gifts for them but they contributed with money or whatever special items they could offer.