“Nassau was abuzz with news of recent British Naval successes. The new Commodore from London is wasting no time in ridding the Caribbean of the pirate scourge, they say. In the last fortnight they managed to capture three of the Brethren ships. Captains Kidd, Rackham, and Bonnet are all awaiting the gallows.”
“Damn the Royal Navy! Do they dare to think they rule the wild seas?”
“I know of a certain captain that would like to think she could. It seems that she entertained each of the recently captured Captains for an intimate dinner aboard the Ocean’s Whore not long before their fates were sealed.”
“Entertained, you say? I just wager she did,” Liam seethed, an unexpected rage boiling just below the surface.
“I have it on good authority that she intends to put in at Port Royal before another fortnight passes.” She intended to continue, but Liam's man returned with a skinny scrap of a boy in tow.
“You can't be serious, O'Shea,” she hissed. “You propose to put this waif aboard with Captain Cutlass Lizzie? She'd cut him to ribbons and eat the pieces for dinner.”
The poor lad winced and looked up at the escort to see if what she said could possibly be true, but the burly sailor just shoved him onto the seat next to Captain O'Shea. Liam dismissed the man and waited until he was gone before he continued.
“Not all is as it appears, Grace,” he said softly. He turned to the youth seated next to him and said, “Go ahead, show her. You're safe here.”
The lad cleaned the grime that had been obscuring the softness of facial features. Then the cap was removed, allowing soft brown curls to tumble free. With a few slight adjustments made under the loose fitting linen shirt, soft young breasts were unbound. Grace sat in stunned amazement as she realized it was a lithe young lass staring back at her.
“I had no idea until after the Black Dragon had been attacked,” Liam admitted. “She had been serving aboard for months with no hint that she was anything other than the lad she represented herself as.” He turned again to the girl. “Why don't you tell your story to Captain O'Malley, Pip. Sorry, lass, I can't seem to break myself of the habit.”
“No worries at all, sir. I rather like being Pip,” she addressed Captain O'Shea in the thick accent of Wapping. Turning to Grace, she continued, “The name me mum gave me is Constance. But I haven't ever been able to live up to it, or any of my mother's expectations. You see, me mum died when I was very young. And with no Da about, I've had to fend for myself. There aren't many choices for a young girl to care for herself on her own. It always seemed to me that the boys had a much easier time of it. So, one day I decided to see if I could convince folks that I was a boy instead. It worked out so well that, eventually, I decided to put to sea and see how that worked out. I signed onto the books of a merchantman out of London. I had the captain and crew convinced that I was Pip and no other, sure enough. But the captain was a very cruel man, and I quickly discovered that there are very few places to escape your shipmates while at sea. As soon as we made port, I jumped ship and determined never to leave dry land again. I did for myself for a time, but these little Caribbean ports are much smaller than London, and it was hard to find honest work.”
“My luck changed one day when I met the cook of the Black Dragon. He was in the market gathering provisions for his galley. He offered me a shiny new shilling if I would help him get his supplies back aboard. I didn't much like the idea of going aboard another ship again, but a shilling would feed me for a few days. So I agreed to help him tote his goods. Once aboard, the cook offered me another shilling if I'd stick around and help him get everything stowed away. I figured I'd be a fool indeed not to stay a little longer for two shillings. While I was in the galley, I met several of the rest of the crew. These people were much different from the men of the last ship I served on. They were more like a bunch of brothers. I rather liked them. I guess the cook thought all my questions about where the ship was going and how long she'd be at sea was a sign that I might be interested in signing aboard. He told me he could use a good helper in the galley and promised there would always be plenty of food to eat. He had been kinder to me than any man I'd ever met, so I decided to take the chance once more and agreed to join the crew.”
As she talked, she drew her hair back up in her cap and once again adjusted her clothes to hide her girlishness. She was genuinely nervous to be so exposed in a tavern full of men, but being Pip seemed to give her courage, and she continued.
“All was fine for several months. I made friends and was happy for the first time in my life. One of the other younger men, Thomas, had become a very good friend. We talked a lot about home and how we'd lost our parents early on. Anyway, I took sick, very sick, and Thomas took care of me. That's how he found out I was a girl. But he didn't take advantage of it at all. He kept my secret and even helped when I needed a little extra privacy. But knowing all the truth did eventually change things between us. At some point we both fell in love with each other. We were even making plans to leave the ship and try to start a life together and be a real family. But the Ocean’s Whore attacked us,” she paused, trying to control all the violent emotions that began to well up. “I lost my Thomas, ma'am. The only man that every truly loved me. She took him from me. He died in my arms,” she said haltingly, unable to stem the tide of tears. “I vowed over his lifeless body to have my revenge upon the person responsible. And I'll do whatever it may take to keep that vow.”
Grace looked up from the girl to Liam, not sure at all what to say.
“She's been dead set for weeks to do something. I couldn't stop her if I wanted to, Grace. We might as well use it to our advantage and help each other,” Liam shrugged.
“Are you sure you want to go through with this, lass? It could mean your own death,” Grace warned the girl.
“I've been half dead since Thomas died. At least if I die taking me revenge, I will have finished the job well,” Constance responded with steel in her eyes.
“Will you agree to following orders and doing exactly what we need you to do?”
“If it means that the captain of that damned ship never attacks anyone again, aye, I'll do just as ye say.”
“This will not be a quick end to things, Constance. You may have to bear some more pain before it's over.”
“For my Thomas, I'd bear anything for however long it may take.”
“Then I believe we have chosen well. Congratulations, Constance, you have become a spy.”
The girl beamed impishly.
“I think I know just the way to get her aboard the Ocean’s Whore without raising suspicions. Do you mind if I take her aboard the Siren Song with me and prepare her for her duties?”
“Not at all, Captain. I assumed you would.”
“Liam O'Shea, you are a man of great wisdom,” Grace smiled and led the girl out of the Corazon de la Mar. Constance was about to begin the adventure of a lifetime.
Chapter 5
Setting the Trap
The Siren Song had taken her time to make port in Port Royal, Jamaica. Captain O'Shea and the Black Dragon had already concluded their business and sailed on for other ports and vital contacts by the time she arrived. Captain O’Malley had taken the time to ready young Constance, now Pippa to match her girlish persona, for her task aboard the enemy ship.
Pippa flitted about the cabin nervously as the ship carefully made its way into the harbor. Captain O'Malley had ordered the British colors raised and instructed the crew as to their identities while in port. Hawkins donned a fine captain's uniform and stood proudly on deck to greet the harbor pilot. As far as the port authorities knew, the Siren Song was bearing a family of British nobility to their new estate in the New World.
“Tell me again how you plan to place me aboard the Ocean’s Whore,” Pippa asked.
“Captain Shireland needs experienced help in the galley aboard the Whore. She is soon to put into port here, and is sure to seek the recommendation of a trusted friend. No doubt the first person she will s
eek out is old Peter Penn, a fellow American.”
“But I've never met Peter Penn. Why would he tell her about me?”
“Because, my dear Pippa, Peter Penn is hopelessly enamored with one Mademoiselle Lisette, and would do anything she asked without question.”
“But I've never met Mademoiselle Lisette, either!” Pippa wailed in confusion.
“Lisette is an old friend of mine, my dear girl. I was able to help her start a new life here in Jamaica some years ago. She has been a grateful and loyal friend ever since.”
Grace would have continued, but a knock came upon the cabin door. Bartolo entered.
“Begging your pardon, Captain, but the longboat has returned with your guest aboard.”
“Thank you, Bartolo. Bring her here at once,” Grace replied. Turning to Pippa, she smiled. “Now you will meet Mademoiselle Lisette.”
Within moments Bartolo returned, escorting a buxom woman with cascading blonde hair. Pippa was transfixed as she watched the curvaceous figure seem to float into the cabin.
“Captain O'Malley, so good to see you again,” the woman exclaimed and kissed Grace on both cheeks. “I was so delighted to accept your invitation to come aboard. It has been far too long since I have had the opportunity to dress someone as comely as you are,” she chattered on, the words dripping softly from her lips in the manner of the French.
“Lisette, to be dressed by someone as skilled as you is a great pleasure indeed.”
Bartolo and two other crewmen entered, each carrying a small leather trunk. They set them before Mademoiselle Lisette and departed once more.
As suddenly as a change in the wind, Lisette's countenance shifted from light and airy to serious and intense. “Now that we shall be left alone, tell me about our young companion.” It seemed to Pippa as though Lisette was looking right through her.
“Lisette, this is Pippa, the young lady Captain O'Shea mentioned to you.”
Lisette walked toward the lass and drew her out into the light from the cabin windows. She walked around the girl, examining her carefully. Pippa felt as though she could feel the weight of Lisette's discerning gaze.
“She's unassuming enough, but does she have the backbone to see it through?”
As quick as lightning, a small blade flashed from the folds of Pippa's skirts and halted threateningly at the hollow of Lisette's throat. The shocked expression upon Lisette's face lasted only a moment before melting into a wicked smile.
“She is volatile. That will amuse Lizzie. Monsieur Penn is desirous of my company later this evening. I will be sure to mention my cousin's need of escape and her excellent galley skills.”
Pippa slowly relaxed and replaced her blade.
“Merci, my friend,” Grace smiled.
“Trust me, it is a pleasure to give that rotten little sea witch a taste of her own medicine.”
“What did Captain Shireland do to you?” Pippa asked.
“Captain Elizabeth Shireland,” Lisette spat out her name with great distain, “is nothing but a spoiled child who will throw tantrums when she does not get her way. She and that ruffian crew of hers have vandalized my shop on more than one occasion, all because I refused to sell her a gown she fancied.”
“Ah yes, I remember that,” Grace chimed in. “That was the custom order from the Governor's wife, very specific and detailed as I recall.”
“Indeed,” Lisette continued, “it took me weeks to get it just right. I had it on the dress form finishing up the last details when she saw it. The Governor's family is key to my continued success. If I fall out of favor with them, I will lose the business of everyone of note in this medieval backwater. Not to mention, I had already been paid for the gown. And even if I had been free to sell it to her, it would never fit her. The alterations to make it fit her tiny frame would have drastically changed the way it looked. But she would have none of it and stormed out of my shop, spewing curses all the way.”
As she spoke, Lisette had opened the trunks and begun laying out several fine dresses. Pippa certainly understood why Captain Shireland would make such a fuss about garments like those. They were a rival to anything produced in the best shops in London. Grace went through Lisette's offerings and selected two fine gowns as Lisette continued to tell Pippa her story.
“The next morning I found my shop nearly destroyed. Mind you, this was not some drunken rampage through the town. My shop alone was the only one touched. If anyone saw who did it, they never spoke up. The store had been torn apart, all of my stock ruined, and the only thing that was missing was the gown for the Governor's wife. I have no doubt it was Shireland's crew. Now any time they are in port, they vandalize my shop just for spite.”
“You have good reason to see Captain Shireland get the justice she deserves,” Pippa commented.
“Indeed I do, my young friend, but for now it is time for business, and you are going to assist me.”
Under Lisette's direction, Pippa quickly learned the finer points of helping a lady dress in her finery. In no time at all, Captain O'Malley was transformed from a practical sea captain into a well-heeled noblewoman capable of turning heads at court.
Just as they were assessing the quality of their work, a soft rap came upon the cabin door, and Bartolo stepped inside. He opened his mouth to report, but quickly shut it upon seeing Captain O'Malley all turned out.
“My lady,” he said, making a deep bow.
“What news have you, Bartolo?” Grace asked.
“Word has reached the Governor's ears that a noble English family has just arrived in port and he extends an invitation for you to dine with him and his company tonight, milady.”
“Excellent. Please communicate my acceptance of his Excellency's invitation.”
Bartolo went bowing his way back out of the cabin to immediately follow her orders.
Grace turned beaming at Lisette. “Well done, my friend.”
“It is always a great pleasure to provide for such a lady as yourself,” she responded and kissed each cheek her goodbye.
“Pippa, please help Mademoiselle Lisette repack and accompany her back to her shop. You will be staying with her until you can get aboard the Ocean’s Whore.”
“Aye, Captain,” she agreed and began to carefully replace the rest of the garments back into the trunks.
Later that evening a fine carriage arrived at the dock to carry Captain O'Malley to the governor's mansion. There she was presented as Lady Grace Whitmore, wife of Sir Charles Whitmore. The governor and all his guests found Lady Whitmore to be a delightful and charming dinner guest, but none was more impressed than the governor's secretary, Mr. John Stapleton. So enamored was he, that he begged the lady's indulgence to escort her about the Governor's city and acquaint her with all its notable places. Lady Whitmore graciously condescended to accept his invitation.
Within a few days, Mr. Stapleton was intimately involved with the delightful Lady Whitmore, who was in no great hurry to arrive at her husband's plantation deep in the Jamaican interior. Grace found Stapleton's company pleasing enough and his position with the governor was most useful. She determined that the connection was so valuable that she stayed behind in Port Royal while the Siren Song set sail for a raiding opportunity.
By the time the Siren Song returned to her secret cove, Captain O'Shea and the Black Dragon were already there waiting. Hawkins dutifully delivered the news of Captain O'Malley's whereabouts and of Pippa's success of joining the crew of the Ocean’s Whore. But Liam was not satisfied with Captain O'Malley's reasons for staying in Port Royal, and waiting for her in isolation was untenable. On the pretext of keeping his crew from growing restless, Captain O'Shea once again set sail for Jamaica.
Chapter 6
Interlude
It had been raining heavily and without stop for two days. The rains had given Port Royal a blessed relief from the oppressive tropical heat and even seemed to be washing away some of the stench and filth of the town. John Stapleton, the governor's secretary, lay stretche
d across the bed as he watched Grace open the window to the rain and morning breeze.
John had indulged himself with a fair share of consorts over the years. All were fine ladies of rank and standing. Most were bored, lonely, and neglected, a combination that usually led to an eagerness for adventure on the part of the ladies. Most also had a common factor of plainness. Decked out in their silks and jewels, they could be quite charming in appearance, but stripped of their noble trappings, they could not be distinguished from any of the overfed scullery maids of London.
Lady Grace Whitmore was the grand exception. She stood at the window in nothing more than a simple cotton night dress. Her hair hung loose, free of all the customary pins and curls. She was the most stunning creature he ever beheld. He grew hard again just looking at the silhouette of her luscious curves beneath the gauzy cotton.
“Grace,” he called wantonly, “come back to me.”
Grace looked over her shoulder and gave him a coy smile before returning her gaze to the window. There was no sense in making things too easy for him. If he wanted more she would make him cross the room to get it.
Not that she minded John's attentions. On the contrary, he made passing the time in Jamaica a pleasant interlude, but Grace was growing very tired of waiting. Even through the pouring rain, she could hear the constant whisper of the sea calling her back.
John came up behind her and gently drew her hair over her shoulder to expose the back of her neck. He trailed soft kisses down her neck and onto her shoulder. Grace sighed at the sensual pleasure of it. He reached around and cupped a breast in his palm, and she settled back easily into his embrace.
John began to slip the night dress from her shoulders when a knock came upon the door. They answered it with nothing but silence.
When his knock went unanswered, a muffled voice called from the other side of the door, “A message for you, sir.”
Revenge of the Siren Song (Rogues of Sea and Sky Book 1) Page 3
