by Anne B. Cole
“Come, my love. We don’t have the manpower to stay and fight them off. I promise to take you to a new home where it is safe and far from the evils of war.” He placed his hand against her back and urged her forward.
“Promise to never leave me.” Her words flowed from her mouth in a rush of tangled fear.
He cupped the back of her head and pulled her to his chest. “I promise.”
The words rang true in her heart. But neither her request nor his response made sense. Being a Captain in the Greek Navy, he led the revolutionary efforts. Of course he would leave her to set sail and command the rebellion. All of his life he had trained in preparation to fight for the freedom of his country.
His father belonged to the secret Filiki Eteria society which planned and funded the Greek revolution against the Ottoman Empire. James’ parents had met in London when he traveled to England to raise money for the war. For over twenty years his parents raised funds to provide supplies and ships to defeat the Ottoman at sea. Their success enabled James to travel to Germany to secure more support.
Not only did he return with enough money to buy three ships, he brought back a woman who embraced her duty and role as Captain James Longworthy’s wife.
Gretchen drew back slightly and studied his face. Beneath the smears of soot and a superficial cut above the dimple in his chin stood the man she adored. Hazel eyes from his mother and dark olive skin from his father had attracted her from the moment she first met him. His kindness and loyalty had won her heart.
Despite his family’s proud Greek heritage, he took his mother’s maiden name, Longworthy, to protect his father’s identity within the Filiki Eteria. Greek freedom had been first and foremost in James’ life from the very start. Gretchen knew this, accepted it, and embraced it. She would never put herself in front of the needs of revolution.
Why did I demand for him to never leave me? And how could he agree to such a request?
Angry voices from outside jerked their attention to the front door. James placed a hand over her mouth and motioned to their bedroom. Once inside, he locked the door and barricaded it with a chair. He ran to the window and peered out before crawling through. She had stepped one foot through before her eyes landed on the edge of a green silk scarf tucked halfway under her pillow.
“Wait,” she called to James. She hurried to the bed, snatched the black book she had tied the scarf around for this special night, and fled to the window.
James poked his head and one arm through while the intruders began beating on the bedroom door. She grabbed his hand and jumped through the window to the ground.
Together, they ran to the ship without a backward glance.
Chapter 11
Thief In The Night
Gretta Entwined Within Gretchen
James untied the green silk scarf and touched the gold lettering on the front of the black book. “Children’s and Household Tales,” he stated in English even though the printed language was German. Flipping through the first pages, his face lit in amusement. “My mother used to tell me the story of The Frog Prince.”
Gretchen sat on the bunk next to him and nervously touched his knee. The cramped captain’s quarters of the ship had been their sole place of privacy during their flight from Kalamata. After two days at sea, she decided to make her announcement.
“Which tale is your favorite? There are so many listed.” He marveled over the book and she was pleased he liked her gift, but at the same time disappointed he didn’t comprehend the significance.
“Little Briar Rose.” She leaned close and pointed to the title.
“Ah, Sleeping Beauty. My favorite is Cinderella, but I don’t see it listed.” His forehead crinkled while he continued to scan the titles.
“Here,” she tapped the page. “In German we say, Aschenputtel.” When he continued to pore over the book, a frustrated sigh passed her lips. “James, even though I know you love to read, the book is not really for you. The scarf is your gift.”
She tied it around his neck and admired how the color matched his eyes. “The book is for us, to read to our child.”
She watched him momentarily freeze and lift his gaze from the pages.
“A child?” his eyes widened, lowered to her flat stomach, and rose to her face in astonishment.
She nodded and waited for his reaction to the news.
He placed the book on the bunk behind him and took her hands within his. “Our child has the most beautiful mother in the world.” A grin spread across his face. “When will I become a father?”
She blew out a relived breath. “September.”
“September,” he repeated. A wrinkle creased his brow. “We must build a new home for you and the child, one where you will both be safe from the war and pirates.”
“My home is on this ship with you, James. I don’t want to leave you.” Her need to remain with him increased even though the sway of the ship made her perpetually nauseous.
He took her in his arms. “Your safety comes first. A war ship is no place for a woman, let alone a child.” A long silence grew between them and she knew not to argue. “When we reach Kimolos, I will find a room for you in the village. Nikolas will keep watch over you until my return.”
She shook her head stubbornly even as James rushed on. “He might be wounded now, but he will heal quickly and ensure your safety in my absence. I must travel to Mykonos to acquire funds from Manto Mavrogenous so we can continue the war effort.” His arms tightened around her, soothing her fears of being left behind.
She allowed him to settle her into the pillows, his gentle touch sliding from her shoulders to where their child grew. “I will return in less than two months’ time. We shall decide then if we will stay in Kimolos or travel to another island prior to the baby’s birth. For now, Kimolos is the safest place for you.”
The baby had yet to stir inside her womb. In two months she would be able to feel the kicks and movements of their child, and so would he.
“You’re right. It’s your duty to provide for the navy, and mine to support you and your efforts. I’ll stay with Nikolas.” She heard herself state the words, but knew she didn’t mean them.
Sadness washed over his face. “My first duty is to protect you, at all costs. After I acquire funds to buy another ship, I’ll return and stay with you until after the baby is a month old. Hopefully, by then the war will have been won.”
He fussed with the blanket, tucking her in gently before kissing her cheek. They both understood the war raged on, far from its end. “You need your rest, my love. I’ll return in a few minutes.”
She closed her eyes, knowing minutes could turn into an hour or more. When the door clicked shut, she stole out of bed and hurried to the door. James’ footfalls sounded up the narrow stairs and faded overhead across the ship’s deck. Opening the door a crack, she peeked into the dark, empty corridor.
Without a candle to light her way, she ran her hand along the wall until she reached the door to where the crew and their families slept.
She boldly entered and allowed her eyes to adjust to the dim light. No one would think twice over her presence since she had tended the wounded crewmen and conversed often with the wives and children from Kalamata. Several hammocks hung with sleeping occupants. Others dangled empty. Timing her steps with the listing of the ship, she made her way to a few items of clothing draped across barrels of drinking water.
She snatched a pair of tan colored trousers, a white shirt with one tattered sleeve, and a gray coat. She frowned at how the damp trousers chilled her fingers. An unpleasant odor of smoke rose from the coat. Nervous fear filled her since she had never borrowed things from another without permission. Digging in the folds of her skirt, she pulled out two coins and stuck them into the pocket of the coat, placing the smelly item over a barrel.
Tiptoeing her way to the captain’s quarters, she formulated a plan to ensure she would never be separated from her husband again.
Chapter 12
Lubber
Gretta Entwined Within Gretchen
Keeping her head low, Gretchen left Kimolos and filed onto James’ ship with several young men. Once on board, she stole a glance at her husband who bellowed instructions to his new first mate. Giving Nikolas an extra dose of laudanum so she could slip into her disguise and board the ship had been simple. Keeping her identity a secret would be tricky.
Twenty men from Kimolos lined the ship’s rail to join James in his revolution endeavors. Nineteen men and one woman. Most of the new sailors were teens, so her small frame blended in well.
“Peter, take the recruits below and show them where they will bunk,” James ordered.
She had overheard James promote Peter during their brief stay in Kimolos. Peter had sailed with James for the first time during their last tour. His courage and bravery during the attack in Kalamata established him in high regards with her husband. Peter’s wife, holding their young son, stood on shore waving farewell.
Gretchen’s attention snapped to James. He stood at the rail, scanning the shore. She watched his forehead wrinkle. He is looking for me. Disappointed I’m not there to see him leave. Determined to contain her need to run to her husband and reveal herself, she followed Peter and the rest of the men into the hold of the ship.
Two weeks and three days of rough seas broke Gretchen’s will. She hung her head and shoulders over the rail in the gloomy hours before dawn. Unable to keep food down, her body screamed to give up. Five days into their voyage Peter had stopped giving her duties and reassigned her tasks to other men. He had ordered her to mend sails on deck and kept other sailors from her, saying she had fallen sick with some type of dreadful disease she had never heard of.
Another round of heaving left her wondering if it was possible her stomach could turn inside out and be expelled. With dawn, the deck would soon be crowded with men and she’d need to gather her strength to continue her charade.
A hand touched her back. James?
“Still sick, eh?” Peter barked into her ear.
Relieved and disappointed, she dropped her guard and sat on the deck, leaning her head against the side. She felt a tickle behind her ear and quickly tucked a lock of hair into her cap.
“I remember my Leesa being sick every morning for four months. It passed. It will for you too, and you’ll give Captain James a fine son.” He kept his voice low and sat beside her. “Or daughter.”
Peter has known for some time and kept my secret?
Her head tipped to his shoulder in exhaustion.
A friend I can confide in.
He patted her knee and abruptly stood when two sailors approached.
“Ready the ship for landing.” Peter’s commands sent sailors running to their positions and lifted Gretchen’s spirits. He offered a hand to help her stand and she accepted. “I’ve arranged for you to accompany Captain James on shore. You’ll see for yourself he desires only money from Mantos despite her reputation and beauty.”
Peter’s words stung. She had never doubted James’ faithfulness. The thought of him with the famous Mantos Mavrogenous hadn’t crossed her mind, until now. Her compelling need to stay near James had nothing to do with him possibly being unfaithful.
Or did it?
“I don’t blame you for doubting. Mantos is not only beautiful and rich, she is manipulative and powerful. Many men have succumbed to her—”
“Enough. I’ll not have you carrying on about Mantos. She has supported the cause her entire life.”
“And will continue to do so. My apologies. Would you prefer me to keep you on the ship while Captain goes ashore?” He cocked a brow.
“No, I will accompany the landing party. Thank you for making the arrangements and for keeping my identity a secret.” A sailor passed so she lowered her voice. “For your efforts, I will see to it your wife and son are well provided for upon my return to Kimolos. Does James suspect anything?”
A grin played on his round face. “My dear, Captain James is working us to death in order to return to Kimolos before the end of next month. He hasn’t a clue.”
Relief swept through her and her nausea eased. Peter left her side and continued barking orders to the men. She watched him approach James at the wheel and grew confident her secret would remain.
A crew of six readied to board the dingy with James. Peter assigned the strongest two sailors to protect James during their stay on Mykonos. Three others would man the boat and remain with it at the dock. Peter handed Gretchen James’ personal belongings.
“Captain James, young Grady will accompany you in Mykonos. Although mute, he’s a fine sailor, fully capable of tending your every need.” He winked at her before slapping her back to suppress the giggle escaping her lips.
Without a glance in her direction, James nodded approval and left Peter in charge of the ship. The crew lowered the dingy to the water. The jerky movements ended with a splash along with the odor of seaweed and dead fish. Taking a quick breath away from the water, she caught a whiff of her husband’s pipe tobacco. The comforting scent caused her to instinctively reach out and graze his sleeve with her fingertips. Her need for his touch overruled any thought.
He flinched and stared at her hand. With a tilt of his head, his gaze moved to her face.
Their eyes locked.
Gretchen stared into his dark brown orbs, silently conveying her refusal to be left behind.
Thinking he would send her back to the ship at once, she grabbed the boat’s side and faced another vessel docked in the harbor.
“Good eye, Grady. It appears we may have company.” James leaned closer to her and placed a warm hand over her white-knuckles. “I need your help.”
Relieved and ready to assist, Gretchen studied the ship. Its flag bore the mark of British privateers, a rectangular red flag with the Union Jack positioned in the top left corner. Cold metal touched the back of her hand. Her eyes reconnected with his, then darted to the pistol he had slipped to her.
She shook her head, refusing to accept the weapon.
“I insist. It’s easy to fire and I need you to cover me from behind.” James handed her a small sack of bullets and demonstrated how to load and fire.
With a nod, she pocketed the gun and bullets. They landed and quickly departed the boat. The dock master shook hands with James and directed him to the residence of Manto Mavrogenous. Within the hour they arrived and entered the common area of what appeared to be a dilapidated inn.
Several men and a few scantily dressed women mingled throughout the room. A sweet floral scent of poppies intermixed with rum filled the air. James motioned to one of his two guards while scanning the room.
“Watch the door with Grady. I’ll speak with Mantos and return.” He disappeared into the crowd with the other guard.
Gretchen took two steps to follow before a hand gripped her arm, forcing her back.
“You’ll follow Captain’s orders,” the guard grunted and shoved her against the wall next to the door.
Her back hit hard, knocking the wind out of her. She nodded acknowledgement and used the wall for support until she caught her breath. Loud voices erupted from an alcove in the direction James had taken. She outran the guard, who followed with a sabre drawn.
Gretchen pushed her way through a gathering of several men and woman, encircling a group of three. A pirate, his hair tied with a scarf as black as his stringy locks, held a blade to the throat of a woman. She appeared to be the lady of the house.
James pointed his sword at the pirate’s chest. “Let her go.”
Her husband’s command rang in Gretchen’s ears. His guards backed him with an array of weapons
.
“Man-tos owes me m-money,” the pirate slurred.
Gretchen covered her nose from the putrid smell of rum, foul breath, and cheap perfume, but boldly stepped to the pirate’s elbow, wanting to get a better view of the woman James defended.
A youthful face and unblemished skin revealed a woman far too young to be the famous Mantos Mavrogenous.
“She is not Mantos. Release her at once.” James stepped closer, digging the tip of his sword into the folds of the pirate’s coat.
The pirate squinted at the woman, sniffed her, and then leaned back to scrutinize. His eyes wandered over her body, lingering on ample breasts and a narrow waist. With a sigh of resignation, he released her arm. When he lowered the knife, the woman slapped his cheek before sidestepping to James.
“Pardon my error, you are far more beautiful than the lovely Mantos. Perhaps we can work out a payment schedule for her debt.” His apology lightened the mood of the room and the crowd began to disperse.
“I owe you nothing. Mantos left weeks ago for Nafplio, to aid in the war against the Ottoman,” the woman hissed. Her courage appeared to heighten and she clutched James’ arm. “Payment first, then one of my girls may tend to you.” Facing James, her voice melted into softness. “I will personally see you’re compensated for defending my honor.”
Over my dead body you will.
Unwilling to reveal herself, but needing to keep the whore away from her husband, Gretchen snuck forward. With her head low, she intentionally tripped, crashing into the woman’s side. She grabbed a fistful of the woman’s skirt and yanked with all her might. A crackle of torn fabric filled the air and they tumbled to the dirty floor.
James hovered, sword drawn.
“Grady, what is the meaning of this?” he snapped, before placing his weapon into his hilt. He helped the wench to her feet and apologized when she whimpered over her dress.
