Fortune's Flames

by Janelle Taylor

  He came forward and halted her movements. “You read me like a map, my apt student. Let me do it,” he coaxed huskily, for he enjoyed this disrobing task which enflamed them both.

  Maren relaxed as Jared lifted her dress over her head and tossed it aside. After untying her petticoat, wriggling it over her hips, and slipping it past her ankles, he knelt to remove her slippers. He stroked her silky thighs and calves as he playfully rolled her stockings down her legs. He then kissed her knees, trailed his lips down her left leg, and nuzzled her dainty foot against his cheek. To balance herself, Maren rested her fingertips on his shoulders. But when his hands traveled up her body slowly and sensuously as he rose, hers slid down to his chest.

  Jared deftly unlaced her chemise and removed it. His smoldering gaze roaming her flawless face, now flushed with passion and need, before it seared over her naked shoulders and came to rest on those enticing mounds which had risen with desire. He fondled her breasts lightly, leisurely, lovingly, his thumbs and forefingers trapping the two buds between them and gently kneading them until they grew larger and harder. Then his lips and tongue moistened the peaks, tantalized them, made them plead for more attention.

  As Jared’s mouth worked stirringly at her breasts, his hands artfully caressed her shoulders, arms, and back. Maren was now as sultry as a summer day, but her fragrance was as fresh as that of early morn. Even the cotton which grew on his plantation was not as soft as her body, nor were the horses he reared as sleek. She was splendid, she was temptation, she was perfection. His strong fingers roved her satiny texture, causing her to tingle all over. Then Jared briefly halted his provocative behavior to remove her remaining garment. As he cast it aside, his eyes took in the woman he loved, from her toes to the tip of her dark brown head. His tawny gaze fused with her golden brown one as his hands moved around her softly rounded hips to capture her firm buttocks. He pressed her bare groin against his clothed one and fondled her derrière, then his lips sought hers.

  Maren felt the heat radiating from his manly region to her feminine one, and she was highly aroused. She wanted to titillate him to an even higher level of desire, so she pulled his shirt over his head and tossed it onto a nearby table. Then her fingernails carefully grazed his golden flesh and she spread kisses over Jared’s torso as she sank to the floor. She grinned wickedly as she carefully removed his ebony boots, but comically flung his stockings away. Then, rising to her knees, she unbuckled his belt and drew it from his waist before urging his breeches down over narrow hips and muscled thighs. When he stepped out of them, she tossed them upon the table as well.

  For a moment she greedily took in his magnificent physique before she bent forward and pressed kisses to his most sensitive region. As her lips covered it, she gave him a blissful pleasure much like the pleasure he had given her on several occasions since this voyage had begun. She felt him stiffen and heard his loud inhalation. When he shuddered and moaned, she knew he was both surprised and pleased. His response was gratifying and stimulating. She massaged his firm buttocks with her fingers before slipping them around to caress his moist and fiery shaft.

  For a time, reality fled them. Then Jared lifted her and placed her on the bed. Their mouths fused greedily, their hands explored eagerly. With both appetites fully whetted, their bodies joined and they made love urgently and rapturously.

  On the following Wednesday, the twenty-fourth of August, the British stormed Washington and burned many buildings, including the Capitol and the White House. The second stage of their threepronged attack on the United States was also underway: invasion via Chesapeake Bay, Lake Champlain, and the Mississippi River. The British would claim that the burning of Washington was in retaliation for the American assault on York in July. Barracks had been burned there as had storehouses and eleven ships. But the Americans had not been trying to conquer Canada, only to hold the Niagara line. Now more trouble was brewing because the end of the European conflict would allow more and more British to pour into that area and into others. And in Belgium peace was being discussed, although the British were stalling the talks to gain an advantage.

  The following Friday, on the eastern shore of the Gulf of Lions, the Sea Mist docked at the chief Mediterranean seaport of France. Marseilles was a city of many businesses: soap making, metal foundries, tile and brick works, shipyards, glass factories, and much more. They had sailed past several islands which were fortified to protect the harbor. Marseilles was the oldest city in France, rich in history and almost as large as Paris.

  Maren Morgan was ready for her role in this impending drama, and exhilarating but perilous one. She had donned a white batiste gown in the Empire style. She was wearing the ruby and gold necklace which belonged to Josephine, wife of Napoleon. Her hair was gathered into an upswept style, but short curls dangled around her face and the nape of her neck.

  As she stepped onto the dock, opened her parasol, and took her husband’s arm, Jared admired her beauty and smiled at her. Maren returned his smile, then silently prayed for success. With luck, Eric had not uncovered their plans, had not beaten them to Marseilles.

  Five men followed them, but not too closely: Harry Epps, Simon Carter, Kerry Osgood, Barton Hughes, and Peter Thomas. Jared had wanted to bring along Davy Douglas because he was quick and alert and a superb fighter, but an expert steersman was too valuable to endanger.

  They made their way to the soap factory which was being used as a meeting place for loyalists and as a storage depot for supplies being gathered for Napoleon’s next strike. In fluent French, Maren asked to see Antoine Gallier, and they were shown to his office. After they were seated, she introduced herself as Maren James, Eric’s first cousin and his substitute. She told the Frenchman that Eric had broken a leg and could not make the journey at this time, taking that story from one of Eric’s lies. She introduced Jared as Captain Hawk and Kip as his firstmate.

  As she fingered the necklace, she spoke the first line of the code, “American blood is running as red as these rubies, Monsieur Gallier. If possible, I would trade them for peace.”

  The Frenchman eyed Maren and Jared intensely, but did not respond correctly. “It is a pleasure to have you here, Miss James, and an honor to meet a real hero, Captain Hawk.”

  Maren translated for Jared and continued in the man’s language, “Peace could be entrusted to no safer hands than Captain Hawk’s. When I was asked to come here, I naturally chose him as my escort.”

  “What product do you seek, Mademoiselle James?” Antoine asked, aware she had given the beginning of the correct code, but he was being cautious because this deed was dangerous and involved high stakes.

  Maren prayed that Peter Thomas’s clues were the right ones. “I have heard of a special soap which is blended and sold only here, Monsieur Gallier. I believe it is called Maiden Fair. Do you have it?”

  Antoine smiled and nodded. “It is crated and ready to be shipped. Have you brought men to help you transport it to your ship?”

  “We have five waiting outside. Is that sufficient?” she inquired.

  Antoine became serious. “Is your crew totally loyal, mademoiselle?”

  “Each one was selected by Captain Hawk for this vital task.”

  Gallier eased into English so Jared could join the conversation. “I will have the crates loaded onto wagons, and your men can deliver them to your ship. My drivers will go along to return the wagons. Would you care to inspect your purchase?”

  Jared smiled and shook his head. “It won’t be necessary. We know how important this shipment is to both sides. As we speak, the British are attacking Washington and other major ports. We need to sail immediately so we can trade the soap for supplies and deliver them.”

  “Sacrebleu!” the slender Frenchman cursed. “These British dogs dare much, Capitaine Hawk. But together we will defeat them.”

  “That’s a promise, Monsieur Gallier.” Jared lied out of necessity.

  The three chatted about their wars with Britain while the loading was being
done, and when Kip returned to the office and said everything was ready, Jared shook hands with Antoine Gallier and thanked him.

  Maren removed the exquisite necklace and held it out to their contact. As she did so, Antoine grasped her hand and curled her fingers over it. “Keep it to wear around your beautiful throat, Mademoiselle James,” he said. “I am sure its past owner would agree that a heroine as ravishing as you must be rewarded. I have also sent along a crate of my very best soap for your use.”

  Maren smiled radiantly and thanked him, but she kept the necklace only because she knew its sale would buy more supplies for her people.

  The Americans then hurriedly returned to the ship and prepared to sail with the late tide. The gold was uncrated and concealed beneath the inner planking of the orlop deck, its weight distributed evenly to allow for the ship’s smooth handling. The crates were stored elsewhere for later use.

  As the moon climbed higher, the Sea Mist sailed through the Mediterranean toward the Strait of Gibraltar. Jared was eager to get back into the Atlantic Ocean where he could maneuver his ship better in case of trouble. He knew the additional weight she carried would slow his progress, and he could not allow the British, or any pirate or privateer, to take it from him. He had to remain on alert, ready to flee if peril approached.

  Until he was certain the British had attacked Washington, he would sail in that direction. If his foes were in that area and he used a British flag, perhaps with cunning and boldness he could slip past the blockade and get the gold to land. After that, he would put Maren ashore in Savannah and then go after his foes.

  The next week, on Saturday, Eric James arrived in Marseilles to make an infuriating discovery. He told the irate Gallier that the woman with Captain Hawk was not his cousin. He said she was a British spy who had stolen the necklace from Maren and had then hired Captain Hawk, who was now working for his own profit, to assist her in the clever theft. He swore to the man he could overtake them and would get back the gold.

  “Make certain his treachery is exposed to your President and he is hanged,” Antoine Gallier insisted.

  “Do not worry, Monsieur Gallier, I will slay them myself,” Eric vowed, and as soon as the tide permitted, he sailed in pursuit, assuming Jared would head first for Savannah to make certain of his wife’s safety.

  The Sea Mist’s luck was challenged on September the seventh. “She keeps coming, Jared,” Kip informed his captain as he eyed the ship behind them. “She may only be heading in the same direction we are, but she’s steadily closing the distance between us.”

  “As soon as you can make out her flag, hoist a matching one.” Jared turned to Davy Douglas, his steersman, and ordered, “Give her a southward head, Davy. Let’s see if our pursuer changes course too.”

  She did, and two hours later the ship was still gaining on them. Jared ordered, “Davy, give me a quarter turn to starboard.” He shouted to his crew to “press more canvas.”

  “Wind be backing us, Cap’n,” Harry Epps shouted as the sails were filled to capacity by nature’s energy.

  For a while, the Sea Mist increased the space between the two ships, until the one in pursuit also turned the helm to starboard and trailed them again.

  “Simon, Harry, get the guns primed and the crew alert. I think she wants to tangle with us. We’ll try to outrun her. If we can’t, we’ll turn and fight.”

  “She’s sleek and swift, Jared,” Kip remarked worriedly.

  “Can you make out her firepower?” Jared inquired.

  Kip stared into the eyeglass and replied, “About the same as us. Damnation,” he swore suddenly. “She’s pulled an old trick, Jared; there’s another ship in her shadow. They’re spreading now to overtake us from both sides. With this weight, we’ll never…” Kip quieted, as there was no need to further outline their plight.

  Both men frowned simultaneously. “Get the crew ready, Kip. I’ll be back in a moment.”

  Kip knew Jared was going below to speak with his wife, and he began to pass along orders to prepare for battle.

  Jared entered the cabin and approached Maren, who was repairing some of his garments. She knew from his expression that there was trouble, and she waited tensely for his explanation.

  He gave it hastily because the attackers were swiftly overtaking them; then he embraced her and said, “Whatever you hear or see, stay in the cabin, love. I’ll try to get us out of this.”

  Maren regretted that he had to be concerned for her at a time such as this, and she did not waste precious preparation time by asking questions. She tried to relax him. “Don’t worry about Captain Hawk’s wench. I know you’ll do your best to save us. I love you.”

  The two ships dogged them until the next morning. But that day the sun did not appear. Dark clouds were piled above them, the winds blew with a mighty force, and turbulent waves beat against the ship’s hull. As the swells rapidly grew in height and power, the ship was carried with them. Up and down and side to side she rolled, until Maren feared she was going to be sick.

  The crew had taken turns catching naps, but Jared had slept little. The ship, the crew, his wife, and the cargo were his responsibilities. He could not bear the thought of those aboard falling into enemy hands, so he kept his eyes on the storm and on his persistent foes. He didn’t know which menace he’d rather battle.

  But the choice wasn’t his. With terrible violence, the squall broke before noon. “Batten down!” The command was shouted at the last minute, for the battle with the two ships could not take place in the storm.

  For the remainder of the day, all three ships were at the mercy of the elements. They were tossed to and fro like tiny toys. Jared had ridden out many storms, but this was one of the worst he’d seen. The crew worked diligently and desperately to save the ship and their lives.

  When the storm finally broke, no enemy ship was in sight. No doubt the tempest had driven the vessels in different directions. Until darkness fell, the crew continued to labor beneath lessening winds and pouring rain. Loosened cargo and equipment were secured and repaired, as were breaks in the railings. Sails were checked and mended. Broken rigging was replaced. Decks were scrubbed with freshly fallen water, and companionways were mopped. Men were checked for injuries, and those needing care were tended.

  Jared, who worked with his men, was delighted to find no major damage to the masts. Patrick “Patty” Brennan shifted between cooking and doctoring, and, in rotation, the men took breaks for quick meals. Harry Epps and Simon Carter cleaned, checked, and readied the guns, and when most of the work was completed and night provided some cover, the crew took turns catching some sleep and finishing the chores. Lookouts were posted on all sides of the ship to watch for attackers, or to spot a ship adrift.

  When Jared was relieved by Kip, he went below. Maren was lying on the bed, fully clothed. Her pale face and faint smile said she had weathered the turbulent storm, but not without problems. She was sipping the hot tea which Jacob Tarver had brought to the cabin.

  Jared sat down carefully beside her. He eyed her from head to foot; then his gaze locked with hers. “How are you doing, love?” he asked tenderly, stroking her cheek.

  “Fine now, Captain Hawk, but you have taken me on a tempestuous trip,” she jested. She set the cup aside, then nestled into his arms. She always felt so loved, so protected in his strong embrace.

  “When I came down earlier to change into dry clothes, you were asleep so I didn’t disturb you.” As he stretched out on the bed and drew her into his comforting embrace, he sighed wearily, allowing his tension to subside and his fatigue to take command of him.

  Maren knew he was exhausted. It was very late, and he had been under an enormous strain for the past two days. She lay quietly in his arms, and when she realized he was asleep, she gazed into his compelling face, thankful that they were all alive and still free. She started to rise to put out the lantern, but feared awakening him. Placing her arm across his chest, she closed her eyes and went to sleep.

  A f
ew days later, in New York, Plattsburgh was viciously attacked by the British, who were resoundingly defeated in what would be called one of the greatest battles during the War of 1812. The American fleet, under Commodore Thomas Mac-Donough, sent the British fleeing into Canada after achieving a decisive victory over them. But British warships had left Halifax and had landed forces in Maine at Eastport, Machias, Castine, and Bangor. A large part of the Maine coast was now occupied.

  On September fourteenth, with Washington in partial ruins, the British Army laid siege on Baltimore. Defended by Fort McHenry and numerous American patriots, that city repulsed the invading force, and it was during this battle that Francis Scott Key, a prisoner on a British warship, wrote what was to become the national anthem of the United States.

  During the preceding summer, most of the fighting had taken place on the Great Lakes and along the eastern seacoast. Then it was learned that the British were attempting to lure the New England states back into the empire, and some disgruntled or greedy Americans were favorable to the idea. Indeed, Massachusetts was soon to call for a convention to be held in Connecticut to vote on secession.

  And that fall, American frigates were dispatched to major cities to defend them against the British strategy Barton Hughes had revealed to Jared and Maren.

  The Sea Mist was only a few days off the eastern coast when she made contact with another American ship, an extremely fast and agile sloop of war which was stoutly built and heavily armed. As the vessels rode side by side in the tranquil water, Jared went aboard to gather news. The naval vessel had recently visited several ports, and the commodore was well informed on the progress of the war, so Jared learned what had occurred since he’d been in Washington in June.