by Louise, Kara
Darcy issued the order to tie the men up. He watched as Lockerly struggled for a while, and then he finally threw a rope over.
As much as he was curious about what was in the bag, Darcy hollered out, “Let go of the bag if you want me to pull you up.”
“No!” ’Tis mine! All of it belongs to me!”
Bellows rushed over to the railing. “Then ye ken go down to the bottom of the sea wi’ it!” He let out a laugh. “If ye think we won’t take it from ye, yer men certainly will! They ain’t too happy wi’ ye right now!”
Darcy almost laughed as he watched Lockerly weigh his options, as if he really was considering whether or not to go down to the bottom of the sea just to be in possession of his precious jewels. He went underwater a couple more times, spitting out water each time he came up.
Darcy was grateful that the ship Lockerly had been on was on the other side of the Devil’s Seamaiden. Seeing how Lockerly could barely keep himself above water, even if he considered trying to swim around to his boat, he would not make it.
Finally, in a moment of desperation, he released the bag and watched it sink. He let out a howl before grabbing onto the rope with both hands. Darcy and Bellows pulled him up.
Lockerly coughed and heaved as he came over the railing. Darcy kept a firm grip on him as Bellows quickly bound his hands behind his back with rope. They took him over to the rest of his crew and tied him to one of the masts.
Bellows swiped his hands against each other in a gesture of success. “Ye shall pay this time, Lockerly! An’ ye won’t escape!”
It seemed that Providence knew that evil had been vanquished, for the fog slowly began to burn away. A few rays of sunlight began to shine down upon the ship. Darcy felt a great deal of satisfaction, but he also knew that they were not going anywhere in the condition their boat was in. He was not sure whether Lockerly’s ship was large enough to carry the crew of both ships and his passengers, but that might be their only option.
He glanced up at Webber, who was coming down from the mast, a triumphant smile on his face.
Darcy slapped him on the back as he came up to him. “You did a good job, Webber! You had a capital idea!”
“Where did you find those jewels?” Bellows asked, and then let out a laugh. “And how could you bring yourself to throw them all overboard?”
“The passengers… they found ’em hidden in the hold… oh, we must tell ’em their plan worked!”
“Their plan?”
Webber nodded. “Actually, Miss Bennet came up wi’ the idea. She’s very clever.”
“Too bad those jewels are now at the bottom of the sea, though,” Bellows said.
“Oh, no!” Webber laughed. “That’s the best part! They took out the jewels an’ replaced it wi’ junk they gathered from down in the hold! The jewels are safe!”
“You are to be commended for your bravery, Webber,” Darcy said with a broad grin. “Now, if you will please excuse me, I must go to them!”
Darcy hurried down the two flights of stairs and rushed through the companionway to the hold. He tapped at the door and announced himself as he unlocked the door. As it was opened, he heard a loud sigh of relief.
“All is safe, you may come out. Webber performed admirably, and the pirates are all bound!”
A cheer went up, and they hurriedly gathered at the door.
“Be advised, however, that Lockerly and his pirates are still on deck. They are tied up, but I suggest the ladies either repair to your cabin or the dining hall. I beg you not to come up on deck and be subjected to them.”
Mr. Dillard handed Darcy a bonnet filled with jewels as he walked past. “I hand this over to you, Captain. Every last jewel is there.” He then laughed. “The bonnet belongs to Miss Bennet. She willingly gave it up, and I believe she will gladly receive it back when you find something else in which to store the treasure.”
As Elizabeth walked past him, he touched her arm to stay her. “I thank you, Miss Bennet. I understand you were responsible for coming up with Webber’s scheme.”
Elizabeth shook her head, causing the curls around her face to bounce. “I fear it is likely from reading too many novels.”
Darcy softly laughed. “And a level head, I would suspect, as well.” Darcy took in a quick breath and let it out. “It was a superb plan.”
When the group came up the stairs to the galley, they were met by Bellows. “Come, Captain Smith, you must see this!”
Darcy and Bellows took the stairs up to the deck, followed by the passengers who wanted to see what was happening.
At the top of the stairs, the most beautiful sight awaited them. The fog had dissipated, the sun was shining down on them, and a ship was slowly approaching.
“Please tell me it is someone who has come to rescue us and not fight us,” Darcy said to Bellows.
Bellows nodded. “From the signal flags, it appears to be a small ship belongin’ to the British Navy.” He smiled triumphantly. “I believe, Cap’n, that our adventure is finally over an’ has met wi’ success!”
Darcy lifted Elizabeth’s bonnet filled with the jewels. “And I shall be most grateful to hand this precious cargo over to someone else!” He stole a glance at Lockerly, who obviously did not realize his jewels now resided in a green bonnet.
The first mate’s eyes widened. “Ye best not git anywhere near Lockerly wi’ that!” He leaned over and peeked in. “I ’ave never seen anythin’ like that before!”
Darcy shook his head. “I can honestly say, neither have I!”
*~*~*
The passengers watched the naval ship as it drew close to the Devil’s Seamaiden. Their excitement rose as she came alongside the port side of the ship, opposite from the ship Lockerly now had. They threw over a grappling hook, and the ships were pulled close together.
Men began to make the easy swing from the naval ship to the Devil’s Seamaiden. As men continued to board, they watched as a small boat was extended out over the bows of both ships and lowered. It was carrying an officer and two other sailors.
“My!” exclaimed Mrs. Keller, “that shall be so much easier than carrying us across on a rope!”
Elizabeth smiled. Yes, but not as much fun, she said to herself.
The officer walked over to Darcy and Bellows. They soon were engaged in a rather intense conversation. Both men were pointing to Lockerly, but the officer shook his head.
Darcy glanced over at the passengers who were drawing near. He let out a huff and shook his tousle of hair. “I most certainly will not!”
“I wonder what they are talking about,” Elizabeth said. “I wonder what he does not wish to do!”
“I am curious about that, too!” David replied. “I am going to go over and see what I can hear.”
Darcy, Bellows, and the officer walked over to Lockerly, followed by David, who drew close to listen. After a few minutes, David came back chuckling.
“What is it?” everyone asked.
“It seems that they have orders to verify that they actually have the right Lockerly as their prisoner. Apparently he has a scar that runs from his shoulder to the centre of his chest. Both men are being asked to open their shirts, but it seems our captain does not see the need to do so, as everyone on the ship knows it is Lockerly who is tied up.”
Elizabeth checked her smile. The poor man most likely considered this to be humiliating, baring his chest before everyone on the ship.
“If you would, Captain,” the naval officer said.
Darcy turned to see the passengers watching. All eyes were on him as he slowly unbuttoned his shirt. When he pulled it opened, the officer nodded his head.
“My!” whispered Mrs. Keller, who stood behind Elizabeth. “He certainly is a nice specimen of a man!”
Elizabeth’s eyes widened, and she brought her hand up to cover her mouth, but not in time to hide the mischievous smile that appeared. Mr. Darcy glanced over at her and scowled, quickly buttoning his shirt again.
The passengers were told
to pack up their belongings and then return to the dining hall. They were to wait to be summoned, for the prisoners were to be taken over first and securely locked up.
At length, the passengers returned to the deck. Some of the crew helped carry their belongings up. As Elizabeth stepped out into the warm sunshine, which now glistened across the waters, she looked about for Mr. Darcy, but did not see him.
They were more than ready to climb into the small boat that was swung across for them. Mrs. Joyner actually laughed as they were swung over to the naval ship. Elizabeth could only suppose that she had been through so much already, this was nothing to fret about at all!
Once on board the naval vessel, the passengers were hurried off to some cabins that had been prepared for them. They were assured they would enjoy every comfort and to let the crew know if there was anything they needed. From what the captain said, they were just an hour from docking at St. Mary’s port.
Elizabeth took time to freshen up, and then went up on deck with her father and cousin. She desperately wanted one more opportunity to see Mr. Darcy. As they walked about and greeted the crew, enjoying the warmth of the sun on their backs, Elizabeth grew concerned that she did not see him.
She did not see Bellows, either, and finally asked Webber about them. “Oh, they’ve been taken in to be questioned by the naval captain. They prob’ly won’t be long.”
Elizabeth hoped they wouldn’t be long. She did not wish to disembark the ship without first expressing her appreciation to Mr. Darcy. In truth, she wished to express more, but knew she could not.
Chapter 21
Darcy and Bellows were whisked away to the officers’ quarters by Captain Newton. He asked the two men question after question and took detailed notes about what had transpired with Lockerly that would be used as evidence against him. Lockerly had been a daunting nemesis to the navy and the ships sailing in British waters, and Newton was pleased to finally have him in custody.
As the men were questioned, Darcy grew more impatient for the interrogation to end. When the ship finally came into the harbour at St. Mary’s, the captain assured them that they would not be much longer. The questions, however, continued unabated, and Darcy grew more anxious to depart, knowing the passengers and his crew were likely going ashore.
There was a knock at the door, and at the captain’s acknowledgement, Foster burst in. He nodded at the men in the cabin and sat down. Looking at the captain, he said, “I hear we have Lockerly in custody.”
Newton nodded and smiled. “The seas will be safer now. He shall hang, as he should have before.”
Foster turned to Bellows. “I have arranged for you and your crew to sail to London on the naval ship in the next berth. It is set to sail at four o’clock. You and your crew may go gather your things and report to the captain on board that ship.” Foster then turned to Darcy. “Unfortunately, I need you to remain with me a little longer.”
Darcy looked at Bellows, who stood and was about to take his leave. “Tell the crew to gather on deck once they have their belongings and wait for me before leaving. I shall not be much longer.” He said the latter as much to Foster as to Bellows, his voice and expression indicating he would brook no opposition. “I would like to express my thanks to them before they return to London.”
“Aye, Cap’n.” Bellows nodded at the men and walked out.
Foster turned to Darcy, looking at him pointedly. “I know you are angry at me for what I did, and I confess I had no idea all that would transpire as a result. I do apologize for deceiving you and getting you out to sea through such trickery. It was wrong of me.”
Darcy raised a brow. “But you do not seem at all repentant. In fact, I believe you are quite pleased!”
“How could I not be? Lockerly was captured!” He leaned back in the chair and folded his arms across his chest. He looked at Newton. “I trust that you will transport the pirates to London and ensure they do not escape this time.”
“I will.”
He turned back to Darcy. “I thought you should know that there is substantial prize money for capturing Lockerly. It will be divided up amongst you and your crew as you see fit.”
Darcy’s eyes widened in surprise, and he felt his anger lessen... just a little. “I had no idea. I am pleased to hear that, but I will decline any for myself. I would like to have a say, however, in how it is distributed amongst the crew.”
“There is also this!” Captain Newton interjected, placing a leather pouch on the table in front of Foster. “It was found on the ship and is filled with jewels. I assume there will be a reward for this?”
Foster’s eyes widened as he looked at the immense treasure before him. “I would imagine there will be a fairly good sized reward for this, as well!” He looked at Darcy. “Where did you find this?”
“In the hold.”
“We will add the reward to the prize money.”
“Foster, it was the passengers who actually found this. If I can have a say in this matter, as well, I should like the reward to be divided up amongst the passengers, with a greater portion awarded to Mr. Bennet and Miss Elizabeth Bennet. It was she who actually found the jewels and devised the plan that stopped Lockerly.”
Foster nodded, cradling his chin. “We can do that. I am not certain what the reward might be, but let us talk theoretically and decide how you want the reward and the prize money divided up.”
Darcy spoke with Foster on how to distribute the rather substantial sums of money. He hoped to help out not only his crew, but the Bennet family, particularly Elizabeth, as well.
When they finished, Darcy requested a reprieve so he could express his thanks to the passengers and his crew for their bravery in the midst of several dire situations. He hoped to see them again before they went their separate ways.
Foster reluctantly agreed, but added, “You may do so, but there is one more thing we need to discuss. You may go now to say what you will.”
Darcy glared at Foster before rushing up on deck. He looked about him and saw his crew standing just off the ship on the dock with their belongings. When they noticed him, they rushed towards him.
Darcy met them half way. “I am glad you are still here. Where are the passengers?” he asked, looking around him. “They have not left the ship yet, have they?”
One of the men nodded. “Aye! Some are gittin’ right back on another ship to take ’em back to London, an’ others are spendin’ the night an’ will leave at a later date.”
Darcy’s brows lowered as he looked out at all the people walking about the harbour. “And what of Mr. Bennet and his daughter and the young man? Do you know what has become of them?”
One of his men nodded. “That’s them in that carriage, there. They is settin’ off to spend a couple days wi’ family before they return to London.”
Darcy watched as the carriage disappeared around a bend. He let out a huff.
“Cap’n?” Another of his crew looked at him with a worried expression. “What’s to become of us when we git back to London?”
At this, Darcy was able to smile. “You are all to receive prize money for capturing Lockerly. It will be divided up amongst all of you, with each receiving a fair share.”
“That’s mighty good to hear, Cap’n. Are ye goin’ to sail back to London wi’ us?”
Darcy shook his head. “I regret that I am not. But I want you all to know how grateful I am that you trusted me and were willing to do all we asked. You are, all of you, good men!” He turned to Bellows. “Take care of them, Bellows!”
“I will, Cap’n.”
Bellows held out his hand, and Darcy took it in a firm grip. “And you take care, my good friend. I owe you a lot!”
Bellows shook his head. “No, ye were the hero – to me, the crew, an’ to the passengers.”
“Well, we shall just have to agree that we disagree on that point. God speed, Bellows!”
“Thank ye! An’ God bless ye!”
As Darcy turned to leave, another man
called out to him.
“Cap’n? Do ye mind if I asks ye a question?””
“No, go right ahead.”
“Why is it that ye suddenly started talkin’ all good an’ proper like?’
Darcy took in a deep breath and gave them a half-hearted smile. “’Tis a rather long, complicated story, me mate. I’ll let me good friend Bellows tell ye what ’e knows. Me thinks ye’ll be together for some time.”
The men parted, and Darcy returned to the officers’ quarters, disappointed that he had not been able to see Elizabeth before she left, but grateful to have shared with the men what would be theirs as a result of their service. He sat down and met Foster’s stare.
“In addition to the prize money, I also want me men… my men to receive a high commendation. I am resolute on this matter.”
Foster nodded. “I can do that.”
“They deserve it. They deserve an exceptionally high commendation.”
Foster was silent for a moment, chewing his bottom lip.
It gave Darcy the opportunity to ask Captain Newton a question. “Would it be possible for me to reclaim the bonnet that held the jewels when we turned them over to you? I should like to return it to the young lady who owns it.”
“Certainly!” The captain retrieved the bonnet and handed the neatly folded bundle to Darcy.
“Thank you.” Darcy looked down at the pale green bonnet. He could not help but run his fingers over it and down the length of the ribbons. He smiled as he considered how Elizabeth’s bonnet, when holding the jewels, had contained a vast treasure. His smile was bittersweet, however, as he considered how the bonnet belonged to an even greater treasure, in the person of Miss Elizabeth Bennet.
Foster nervously rubbed his hands together as he watched Darcy finger the bonnet. Finally, he said, “Mr. Darcy, you may be wondering why you are not sailing back with the men.”
