Children had always gotten along well with him.
He had always adored children.
This little one was so loving and defenseless. Gage felt a need to care for her as if she were his own. He glanced over at Lady Shaw. Their own. From what he had seen, the lady felt a much similar bond to the baby as he did.
But he had no prospects at finding a wife anytime soon, so there was no reason to hope or wish such a thing that would take Emma from Ivy. He had to get his head out of the clouds before he got his hopes crushed.
Emma bounced up and down in his arms. Gage beamed and bounced her harder, throwing her up into the air but keeping a good grip on her so she didn’t plummet to the deck. Ivy rose and moved closer to him.
“Now, that is enough excitement for her. She was awake for so long during the storm that she really should be taking a nap now, Captain.” The lady stood with her hands on her slender hips.
“Nay, milady. If she is tired, she will be tired. Right now she seems excited. Let her have some fun. Heaven knows, she has not had enough during her short life.”
Lady Shaw crossed her arms across her chest but made no further objections. Instead, she stood and observed him and the baby.
He felt bad for the woman; he truly did. It seemed as if every turn of events conspired to keep her in the Caribbean and never let her return to London. There was nothing he could do, though. The ship needed to be careened for a safe voyage. In fact, he was a bit worried about their ability to even safely make it to the inlet in the island he knew. In these waters, they faced the threat of pirates popping up at any moment without notice. His heart sickened at the thought of those animals getting a hold of Lady Shaw or Emma.
Emma rested her head on Gage’s shoulder and he held the baby tighter in his arms at the thought, and peeked at the lady. She was staring straight ahead, but when he made eye contact with her she did not seem to notice.
He rocked the little girl in his arms. Really, he needed to make these ladies’ time at sea more enjoyable. Maybe he should invite Lady Shaw to dinner with him this evening before they made land. He could invite his crew, as well, and they could develop some more respect for him as a captain if they knew him better. Yes, that might be a good choice.
Suddenly, the woman sniffled. He leaned in to get a better look. Her eyes were red and a sheen of wetness covered her pale cheeks. She was crying.
“Oh, no, miss, no. Lady Shaw, please don’t cry. Shhh, please.” He rocked Emma in his arms and walked towards Lady Shaw, who had sunk back down onto the cot, her face in her hands.
“Please, Lady Shaw, everything’s all right. There’s no need to cry.”
She let out an even louder sob.
He sank down onto the cot next to her.
What else was he to do? He released Emma from his arms and rested her between them before wrapping his arms around Lady Shaw. At first she pulled away, but he held tight, and after a moment she fell against his chest with a light sigh. She continued to cry, and Gage realized there was no point in begging her to stop. He was not certain she could.
Instead, Gage patted her on the back and ran a hand through her tangled copper hair. Some pins fell loose onto the coverlet. She twined her arms around his waist and moaned. After a few minutes, the sobs slowed. Gage felt it was safe to talk, hopefully without triggering another river of tears. “Lady Shaw, what is wrong? Are you really that upset about your little brother?”
She sucked in a deep breath. “It-it is that, Captain, but not only that. I mean, I am so worried about him, and I fear I will not return in time to save him from some terrible tragedy. I know my fears sound irrational. However, I have these terrible nightmares about my poor little William. It seems like everything that happens prevents me from returning to him. It’s almost like…God doesn’t care if I get back to my baby brother. First, we could not find Eden, and when we finally did find her, Captain Emery told me he would have to careen his ship. I thought I would never get back in time, but then you offered to help me. Then, I found out about your sister and the extra trip we would need to make before I got home. And now, this storm, which made me doubt I would ever see William again in this life.” The woman let out another sob, but composed herself after a moment. “And yet another obstacle gets in my way because we have to stop to fix the boat.”
Gage cringed at her repeated use of the word boat. He owned a ship, thank you very much. But nonetheless, he understood Lady Shaw. He feared for his little sister’s safety each and every day, and he would until he saw her safely under his own care.
“Miss, I can assure you God does care about your worries, and the safety of your baby brother. But you know something else? He instructs us not to worry about those matters. He wants you to trust in Him when you fear the worst and be confident in his care for William. That is all I can tell you, miss.”
She looked up for a moment and a frown creased her forehead. Finally, she shrugged and untangled herself from him. “I suppose you are correct, sir.” She brushed dust off her skirt. “I understand what you are staying, but I am afraid I will still struggle with my fears every day until I see William again.”
Chapter Ten
Addie Thompson exited the church with a smile on her face. She had met a kind lady, the minister’s wife, who had taken her under her wing and fed her and given her fresh clothing. It was the first time in weeks she had walked away from anywhere with her belly full. The nice woman had offered for Addie to spend the night there with her and the minister, but Addie had refused. She had already received far too much charity, and she could not rightly accept an ounce more. She would need to find someplace to live and some way to make an honest living for herself. But where should she go?
She prayed Gage had received her letter and was coming to her aid. She did not enjoy accepting the help of men, since many of those who she had encountered in her lifetime had turned out to be rather useless, but Gage was her brother.
As she walked down the street, she bumped into a young man who growled at her with a twisted look of anger on his face. His wealthy frippery gave away that perhaps he was from the same area of town where her late husband had moved her. A moment after his gaze took her in, the anger changed to lust. She shivered. He grabbed her arm as if to steady her but kept his hand there for far longer than he needed.
Addie jerked her body away from him and continued on her way. The look he had sent her made her think of the only profession in which she had a good chance at making money. The meal she had just dined on disagreed with her stomach now and threatened to spill all over the sidewalk. She would never resort to something like that. She would die first.
Addie continued on her way, past all the shops lining Main Street. Which alleyway would be her home for the night? On her walk, she noted a sign in the window of one of the shops: “Hiring Seamstresses.”
Now, this may be exactly what she needed.
****
Adam Douglas braced himself as the Siren’s Call plunged over a swell. He glanced across the ship. Goodness, she looked completely and utterly broken. He had never seen such a thing—missing the mizzenmast, the sails tattered, rubble cluttering the decks.
His legs were restless and his body exhausted, but he thanked God they had survived the hurricane without losing any men. A few had been injured, but all were alive and recovering. Perhaps his nightmares would cease now that he had lived through this storm without losing another crewmate.
Captain Thompson caught his attention and moved over to him. “Hello, my good man. I would appreciate it if you could do me a favor.”
Adam blinked. “Yes, sir. Anything you would like.”
The captain’s hands fidgeted in front of him. “Would you please visit Lady Shaw’s cabin, Mr. Douglas? I would like you to invite her to dinner with us in my cabin, if you please.”
“Yes, Captain, of course.”
Adam spun on his heel and made his way towards the cabin. It would be pleasant to have the woman join their motle
y group for dinner. Although he hated life in England, he did miss the refinement of the ladies there, and Lady Shaw was like a taste of home to him.
****
Ivy rested her head against the pillow on her cot. She had finally gotten Emma back to sleep after Captain Thompson had woken her, and now she was simply exhausted.
Just as her eyes slid closed, a knock jarred her from her longed-for rest. Ivy suppressed a groan. “Who is it?”
“Mr. Douglas, milady. Grant me entrance, I beg of you. I am delivering a message from Captain Thompson.”
Ivy’s heart fluttered. A message from Captain Thompson? She scolded herself for getting so excited about a chance of a word from that man. For heaven’s sake, she had recently gotten into an argument with him! But then, she had just been in his arms, as well…
She needed to stop thinking about such things. What she needed to do was concentrate on Emma and getting back to her brother. Otherwise, she would lose focus and not care as much or pray as hard for their safety.
Ivy rose from her position on the bed, careful not to disturb Emma, and opened the door. Mr. Douglas nodded to her and moved inside the doorway.
“What message did Captain Thompson have for me, sir?” Ivy folded her hands in front of her.
“Well, milady, he is going to serve dinner in his cabin this evening as celebration for surviving the storm, and he wanted me to ask if you would do him the pleasure of attending. I will be there, as well as a few others of the ship’s officers. He said he would come here when everything is ready and escort you if you wish to join him.” Mr. Douglas furrowed his brow as he spoke and observed her.
Ivy fidgeted under his attention and felt her cheeks heat. The captain wanted her to dine with him? Why would he want that, and what would come of it? Surely he just wanted her to join in the festivities and that was all. Another thought occurred to her: would there be drinking? There was nothing Ivy despised more than men drinking recklessly.
But the captain had invited her, and it would be rude to decline his request, so she would attend whether she felt comfortable or not. “Yes, Mr. Douglas, I will join Captain Thompson this evening for dinner. Thank you for coming here to ask me.”
Mr. Douglas smiled slightly and bowed. “My pleasure, milady. I do hope you enjoy your day.”
Once the man left the room, Ivy rushed to the tiny bit of mirror Captain Thompson had left on the desk for her. Oh my, her hair was completely out of place. She frantically shoved strands back into her bun and smoothed her dress down, but her efforts did nothing to soothe the wrinkles.
What was she doing, making sure she looked pleasant for a pirate captain? She had never really cared about such things before, and simply made herself look only just presentable before going out in public. So why was this man any different to her?
Ivy had to admit she enjoyed his company, but that was all it could ever be.
****
Gage ran his fingers through his short-cropped hair, trying to force some smoothness back into it. What he wouldn’t give for a decent comb right now. After shaving his face this afternoon to make himself more presentable, he thought his hair should match up with the rest of him. He wanted to look like a real gentleman tonight, one Lady Shaw could be proud of, one she could…like. Appreciate. Respect.
He told himself that was all he wanted from her, but he knew it was not true. There was no sense in lying to himself, but it might be for the best that he did so anyway. A sophisticated lady like her would never want anything to do with him. In fact, he had no idea how to act around her. She was probably mortified he had extended an invitation to dinner with him. But she had accepted.
Gage pressed his hair down a final time, straightened his waistcoat—one that had seen some better days but was made of a rich chocolate brown silk, so it was his finest—and headed out the door. His bed was pushed aside and replaced with a table, large enough for five or so people to sit comfortably. He had invited Mr. Douglas, Rogers, his master gunner, and two other men from the crew, who held high positions in the group and had previously been in Captain Archer’s crew. They were all seated already.
Hopefully the men he had chosen would behave decently around the lady.
Gage rounded the corner and ran his fingers through his hair once again. Adam bounded up the stairs at the same time and almost rammed into him. He took one look at Gage and chuckled. “Ready for your dinner with the lady tonight, Captain? Nice outfit. I’m sure she’ll appreciate it.”
Gage’s face burned. “Am I that obvious?”
Mr. Douglas shrugged. “She got quite pink in the face at the mention of your name, sir. I suspect you aren’t the only one who feels that way.”
“We shall see about that,” Gage laughed. “I will join you in a few moments then, Mr. Douglas.”
Gage continued a few steps and knocked on the lady’s door. He heard movement in the cabin before her sweet voice called out, “Who is it?”
“’Tis Captain Thompson, miss.”
“Oh! I’ll be there in just a moment.”
Gage felt a grin forming on his face already, despite the nervousness that roiled in his stomach. This woman was so sweet and caring. He admired how she was so protective of her brother and Emma. After a minute, she opened the door and peered up at him. Her copper colored ringlets were pulled back into an elegant coiffure at the top of her head—for once not strained in a confining bun at the nape of her neck. It was rather becoming on her, Gage had to admit. Her gray-blue eyes were accentuated by the fresh blue dress she wore. He had never seen that one on her before. She inhaled a sharp breath as she gazed up at him.
“You,” Gage cleared his throat, “you look absolutely lovely, Lady Shaw.”
“Thank you, Captain Thompson. You look handsome yourself.” Her face flushed to a bright pink.
Gage grinned at her. “Thanks miss. I am touched that you think so. Now, shall I escort you to dinner?”
“Thank you, sir, but what about Emma? Shall I bring her with me?”
Gage stepped back. He had almost forgotten about the sweet little girl. Hmmm…what to do with her? “If it is all right with you, milady, we can bring her with us to my cabin and let her rest on my bed while we dine. She looks rather sleepy, so perhaps she will be happy taking a nap in a few minutes.”
Lady Shaw brightened. “Oh, that sounds wonderful, Captain. She sleeps much more than my little William did when he was her age. Thank you very much.”
“You do not have to thank me, miss. I think the child should be as much of my responsibility as yours. Now, shall we go off to my cabin?” Gage offered her his elbow.
She accepted it without hesitation, much to his delight.
He patted her hand where it rested on his arm. Oh, how delightful it felt to walk arm-in-arm with such a beautiful, kind young lady. Why, if he was back home right now, he would be the envy of New Providence. Then again, if any of the other men on this ship saw him with her, they would be more than jealous. Gage could not hold back a grin.
Chapter Eleven
Ivy’s cheeks heated as Captain Thompson beamed at her. He was ridiculously handsome, and he was acting so gentlemanly. She felt almost as if she were back home in London. Why, from what she had been told by society, it was not possible for men like him to act like he was! And that made him even more intriguing.
Ivy unabashedly soaked in his image. His wavy brown hair curled neatly just below his ears. It was slicked back nicely, rather than bouncing about rampantly as it normally did. The thick stubble on his chin and cheeks was shaved neatly as well, leaving his face smooth and clear. And quite good-looking. He wore a nice waistcoat of rich brown silk—a color that complemented his eyes perfectly. There was no denying it. He was positively handsome.
Captain Thompson caught her gaze and smiled widely at her. The man had a grin that could cause even the sturdiest of women to fall into his arms if she was not careful.
Ivy’s face burned. She should not be staring at the man so. “I-I�
��m very sorry for gawking at you, sir, I simply…forgot my manners. Please forgive me.” Ivy balanced Emma on her hip. The child leaned her head against Ivy’s shoulder, her eyes drooping sleepily.
Captain Thompson winked. “No need to apologize, my dear. If it could be considered polite, I would find myself staring at you too long as well. You are quite…pretty.”
Ivy tried to gently pry herself away from him, but he held tight to her hand and moved her towards his cabin. Was her face bright red now? “You speak too highly of me, sir.”
He opened the door to his cabin and motioned for her to enter first. “Now, you must know that is not true, miss.”
“What isn’t true, Captain?” Adam Douglas rose from where he sat at the table and bowed slightly, offering Ivy a courteous smile.
Captain Thompson grunted.
Ivy blushed.
The captain waited until the rest of the men in the room stood—three men whom Ivy had briefly met earlier in the voyage, all with cuts and bruises on their faces, likely from the storm. Captain Thompson pulled the chair at his right out, and offered for her to sit.
She took the seat, and Captain Thompson pushed it in for her. His hands rested on her shoulders for a fraction of a second, long enough to cause heat to spread through her body, but quick enough so the rest of the men in the room did not notice. Had the man taken a…liking to her? The thought did hold some appeal.
To be honest, it held a lot of appeal. But he was a pirate, a sailor. Society expected her to marry well, to join her life with that of a gentleman, a wealthy man who would provide for her and not go away to sea on a whim. Her family would be shocked if she chose someone like Gage…Captain Thompson. That choice would be out of the question. It would be an embarrassment to her family. It might even hurt little William’s chances of marrying well in the future. And for that reason, nothing could happen between her and the captain. She would not harm her baby brother on her journey to save him.
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