EQMM, August 2009

by Dell Magazine Authors

  "And you wish me to provide a defense for the accused?"

  "Exactly."

  Now it was I who hesitated. “Might I meet with the man before I decide?"

  "Of course. I'll send for him straightaway.” He started for the cabin, then turned back, as if for a casual remark. “Cursed if I haven't forgotten my manners. I clean forgot to ask after the health of your good wife."

  From the glint in his eye, I knew that my deception had been discovered, and his previous decision to let me leave the ship unscathed could easily be reversed. He also knew that I knew, so there was no need to speak of the matter further.

  "Upon reflection,” I said, “your belief in the man is more than enough of a recommendation. I would be most happy to defend him against these unwarranted charges."

  "Your trust in me warms my heart,” Parker said with another bow. He went to the door, where he exchanged words with a waiting pirate. A few moments later, a bedraggled gentleman, his wrists chained, was let into the cabin.

  I could only gawk at the man in surprise. For one, he was known to me. For another, he was wearing my coat.

  In retrospect, I realize that I've approached my tale poorly, for truly it began some time before my abduction. Please bear with me, Mother, as I recount those earlier events.

  A fortnight before, I was at a ball Squire Turow was hosting in honor of his wife's birthday. You may remember Turow as my comrade in adversity during my previous stay aboard the Brazen Mermaid. He is still grateful to me for my part in his release, and has provided a welcome entree into Port Royal society.

  The ball was well attended, and I was looking forward to begging the pleasure of a dance from as many ladies as my constitution would allow. But as I surveyed the supply of prospective dance partners, I was disappointed to see a particular lady's attention already claimed by a man with whom I was unacquainted. Miss Gowan is a lovely thing, with glossy hair and flashing eyes, and she is quite the best dancer I have encountered since leaving London. I had been intending to invite her to share the floor with me at least twice before the night was out, but she was gazing at her companion with such deep admiration that I feared my intentions were a lost hope.

  Naturally, I wanted to know how this man had captured her attention, so I took some note of him. At least, I took notice of his attire. He was wearing the same coat I was to encounter later on board the Brazen Mermaid.

  Perhaps you remember it, Mother, the coat Father had made for me before I went to Oxford. It was an unflinchingly sturdy garment of dull, dark brown, guaranteed never to go out of style, because it possessed no style to begin with. Father declared it the perfect garment for a lawyer, and made sure it was in the baggage I brought to Port Royal. Sadly, it was among the items claimed by the pirates who attacked the ship on which Turow and I had traveled, and I'd been forced to abandon it. It was a great loss to me, since the coat had never been worn.

  This was the very coat that the man in front of me had on. I could not help but notice that he filled it out quite admirably. Moreover, the man's jet-black hair and sun-darkened skin gave the color a bit more appeal than it would have had on a man of my fair complexion, and his other garments were similarly austere, other than an obviously costly stickpin and a heavy signet ring. So it seemed to me that Fate had delivered the coat to the right man after all.

  Still, I was curious enough about the route the coat had taken to reach its destination that I determined to find out more about the man. I was also moved to establish whether or not Miss Gowan was still available for dancing.

  Of course, even in the relatively unrefined society of Port Royal, I could not simply ask the first person I encountered, but after paying my respects to various people, I found myself in the company of one Andrew Matlock, who also seemed to be studying the young couple. While not close friends, Andrew and I sometimes move in the same circles. He is considerably more given to expensive clothing, drink, and games of chance than Father would appreciate, but can be an agreeable companion if another man is footing the bill.

  We exchanged pleasantries about the weather, then moved on to the ball and the beauty of the ladies present. I commented particularly on Miss Gowan's charms, and it was with a touch of malice that Andrew remarked, “She is a comely lass, but I fear you have missed your opportunity to secure her hand."

  "Have I?” I said, affecting unconcern. “Then that is not a kinsman of hers?"

  "Not of hers, but of mine,” Andrew said. “He is my elder brother, Benjamin."

  "Indeed?” They did not greatly resemble one another. Though they were of similar heights, Andrew has a slight figure and his hair and eyes are a medium shade of brown.

  "They make a pretty picture, do they not?” Andrew said. “I expect the banns to be posted before the year is out."

  "I would like to make his acquaintance, if you would be willing to do the honors."

  Andrew cast me a sideways glance. “Certainly, but be warned that if he has already set his sights upon Miss Gowan, the battle is lost."

  "No such battle can be declared over until I've weighed in,” I said. “Will you or will you not introduce me?"

  He shrugged, implying it was a waste of his time, but we made our way over to where Benjamin Matlock was regaling Miss Gowan with a fascinating story, if the shine in her eyes was any measure.

  "Benjamin,” Andrew said cheerfully, “forgive the intrusion, but my friend here wishes to meet you."

  I bowed. “William Cunningham Ward, at your service, Mr. Matlock."

  "Captain Benjamin Matlock, at yours."

  "Captain? I had not realized.” No wonder Miss Gowan was captivated—there is something unduly attractive about a man who commands a ship. Moreover, I saw that Captain Matlock was even more impressive upon closer examination. He was well built, with extraordinarily clear blue eyes and an honest face.

  Still, I consoled myself, his attire left much to be desired, and that thought reminded me of why I'd wished to meet him. We made polite conversation, again touching on the weather, the pleasures of the evening, and the lovely ladies present, particularly Miss Gowan. Miss Gowan colored quite prettily at the compliments, which only added to her appeal.

  It was then that, as if in an attempt to change the subject in order to ease her embarrassment, I said, “That is a striking coat you wear, Captain. Might I ask where you had it made?"

  "It was a birthday gift from my brother,” he said, “so I cannot speak as to its maker."

  "And a handsome gift it was,” Miss Gowan said admiringly.

  The musicians began a new song at that point, and I turned to the lady to ask her to honor me. Unfortunately, she had already promised the next several dances to the good captain, and the two of them left with every indication of growing attachment.

  Once they were beyond earshot, Andrew said, “William, you cannot possibly admire that coat."

  "Indeed? When a man of your infinite taste purchased it?"

  "But not for myself.” He shuddered. “Sadly, that coat is the most fashionable one my brother owns. Surely you'd never buy such a thing."

  "Perhaps not, but I was hoping to find out his tailor. What better way to ensure that I never go to that shop for so much as a pair of stockings?"

  Andrew laughed and clapped me on the back. I admit it was not a particularly kind remark, but I offer in my defense the fact that I feared Andrew was right about his brother's intentions toward Miss Gowan.

  "Where did you purchase it?” I asked.

  "I bought it in the marketplace from a ruffian who'd almost certainly stolen it, and finding it was a fortunate happenstance for me. Benjamin's birthday comes near the end of the quarter, and due to a run of accursed bad luck at the tables, I'd already exhausted the greatest part of my stipend. This left me in the unenviable position of needing a notable gift to prove my devotion and perhaps convince Benjamin to raise my allowance, at the very time when my funds were most limited."

  "Then your brother controls the family fortune?
Might he be willing to set you up in a position where funds would be more attainable?” Yes, Mother, I realize the irony of my dispensing such advice. Please refrain from mentioning this exchange to Father.

  At any rate, my words fell on deaf ears, as Andrew made a face of extreme displeasure. “You sound like my late father,” he said, “and Benjamin is no better. He never leaves off trying to convince me to go to sea with him to learn the family business. Ridiculous!"

  "Then you have no head for business?"

  "I have no stomach for the sea. Even boarding a ship at anchor causes me the greatest distress."

  I nodded sympathetically. Mal de mer is a serious malady, all the more so in a port town.

  Returning to the subject of the coat, I said, “Did your gift have the desired effect?"

  Andrew shrugged. “He allowed a slight increase, but hardly enough to be worth my efforts. Had I paid full price for the coat, I'd have been sorely vexed. As it was, I got it for a pittance, and Benjamin thought it a fine gift. It is made of good cloth, but the style...” He shook his head in dismay. “Can you imagine owning such a garment, let alone wearing it in public?"

  "Never,” I said, and we went in search of refreshment.

  As for the coat, once Andrew mentioned Port Royal's market, I could be reasonably sure that I knew what had happened. One of the pirates from the Brazen Mermaid must have sold it to the younger Matlock brother.

  You may well be shocked at this sort of commerce, Mother, but it is not uncommon in Port Royal. Many of our most respectable citizens have their fingers in somewhat unseemly business affairs. It's part of what makes life for a lawyer like myself so interesting.

  Though I must admit that I would have appreciated a life somewhat less interesting when, two weeks later, poor Benjamin Matlock was brought before me, looking quite unlike the upstanding merchant captain who'd been paying court to Miss Gowan.

  He looked at me dully, the air of defeat heavy upon him. “Mr. Ward."

  "You already know each other?” Captain Parker said cheerfully. “Then I'll leave you two to discuss the case while we arrange the proceedings. I think an hour should be sufficient, don't you?” He left without waiting for a reply.

  "Proceedings?” Matlock said. “Is that what they call it when they murder a man?"

  Instead of answering him, I refilled my tankard with more of Captain Parker's wine and handed it to him. He gulped it thirstily.

  "Captain Matlock, please be seated,” I said, taking Parker's chair and waving Matlock to the other in the cabin.

  "Not captain any longer,” he said dismally. “These villains have taken my finest ship."

  "A tragedy, to be sure, but not our most urgent concern. According to Captain Parker, one of his crew states that he served under you and was mistreated at that time. Therefore, by their laws, they are within their rights to similarly mistreat you."

  "Laws? Captain Parker? Don't you understand, Mr. Ward? These men are pirates! Murdering, thieving pirates. What do they know of the law?"

  I sighed inwardly, already counting the minutes that remained until Matlock's trial was to begin. “It is difficult for respectable men such as ourselves to comprehend, but a pirate ship is governed by a set of articles, rules set down in writing and agreed to by each member of the crew."

  "Meaning that they were forced to sign!"

  "Some are less willing than others,” I admitted, “but nonetheless, once they join the crew, they have the same rights and responsibilities as all other men on board. In this case, a crewman has identified you as an abusive captain, and Captain Parker is bound by the articles to punish you."

  "To kill me, you mean."

  There was no gentle way around that, so I avoided the issue. “However, you are in luck. Apparently your father did Captain Parker a service in the past, and he feels it incumbent to repay that debt by sparing you, if he can."

  "He wants to set me free, but can't? What manner of captain is he?"

  "Again, this may be difficult for you to understand, but a pirate captain is not the absolute ruler that a naval or merchant captain would be. He is voted in, and should his actions displease the crew, can as easily be voted out. Captain Parker is working around the crew's wishes by allowing me to defend you before a judge, in hopes of saving your life."

  He held out the tankard, which I filled with wine once more. He drank this draught more slowly, then said, “How do you know so much of them, Mr. Ward?"

  I'd been expecting the veiled accusation. “I, too, have been a captive aboard this ship and in order to escape their clutches was forced to become conversant with their ways.” I added modestly, “I was able to rescue Squire Turow at the same time."

  "I had heard an account of that,” he admitted. He sat up straighter. “What then, Lawyer Ward, can we do to effect my rescue?"

  "Tell me your story."

  "My ship Prosperity was but two days out of Port Royal when we were attacked, and we were quickly overcome. At the time, I felt relief that it was the Brazen Mermaid that had taken us, since Parker is known for his mercy toward captives. Once the battle was over, we were sorted and several members of my crew were made to join the pirate crew. Parker promised to let the rest of us go, but one of the pirates, a man called Winslow, made the most vile accusations against me."

  "Did you—"

  "I swear that I did not! The things he claimed ... I would never have done such to any man. But though I denied his accusations, the pirates shouted down my words. The rest of the men were allowed to board the longboat in order to be set free, but they clapped me in irons."

  "Do you know their intent?"

  He swallowed visibly. “Deciding my fate took some time, with each suggestion worse than the last. Finally it was decided that I was to be keelhauled.” He looked at me. “Do you know what that means, Mr. Ward?"

  "I'm afraid I do.” Mother, I do not consider this fit for your eyes, but feel I must explain in order for you to understand the peril Captain Matlock was facing. It also occurs to me that the description can be no more shocking than Father's dinnertime descriptions of punishments carried out as a result of his judgments.

  When a man is keelhauled, he is thrown overboard on one side of the ship and, by means of a rope tied round him, dragged along the bottom of the boat until pulled out on the other side. If this were not already dreadful enough, pirates have devised variations on the awful theme. If they pull quickly, the victim's skin is lacerated by the barnacles that encrust most hulls. If they go slowly, the cuts will be less severe, but drowning is more likely. Should the man survive, a determined crew will send him back around for a second treatment.

  Captain Matlock stared away for a moment before continuing, a tremor wracking his body, for which I blamed him not at all. “Having made up their minds, the pirates were ready to carry out their plan, and I thought my life was over. Then Parker stepped in and reminded them of a trial in which you participated. Is it true that you defended a pirate of a charge of murder?"

  "That is a story for another day—our time is too short for such reminiscences."

  "Of course. At any rate, Parker seemed to think that a similar trial for me would provide amusement, and dispatched men to bring you here. In the meantime, I've been confined below decks in the most dreadful conditions imaginable."

  I knew all too well the conditions to which he referred, having been confined there myself.

  Matlock said, “Though I am glad at even a chance to avoid keelhauling, I don't understand why Parker bothered. You say he knew my father?"

  "So he said."

  "I cannot imagine what congress Father would have had with a pirate."

  "This was before Parker became a pirate. He sailed with your father, and must have fond memories of him."

  Matlock laughed. “I find that even less likely. My father was not known for humanity to his crew. In fact, I wondered if Winslow was recalling a voyage under my father, rather than under me, but he insisted I was the one."
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br />   "Again, had we more time,” I said, “I would like nothing better than to discuss the ramifications of Parker's actions, but at this juncture, I think it behooves us merely to be grateful for his intervention and see what kind of defense I can concoct.” I leaned forward. “Captain Matlock, I require your utmost frankness in answering this question."

  "You shall have it."

  "Might you have in some way disciplined Mr. Winslow in a way that he might construe as abuse?” As you must realize, Mother, the perspective of the man meting out punishment may be different from that of the man on the receiving end. “Perhaps he was accused of a crime he denied, or took a harsher punishment than he thought warranted."

  "In all honesty, I know of no circumstance that could explain the matter. I do not even remember seeing Winslow before, and I cannot believe that I could have forgotten him entirely, if he'd been under my command."

  I'm sure I need not explain how cheered I was by this, Mother. If Winslow hadn't sailed with Matlock, then most assuredly Matlock could not have abused him, and therefore would be acquitted posthaste. All I would need to do was to question Winslow about his service, and his lies would be revealed. And as Father often says, once a man lies about one thing, it is simple to convince a jury that he lies about all things.

  We spent the rest of our time establishing details about those of Matlock's voyages on which Winslow claimed to have sailed. By the time we were summoned for the trial, I was quite certain of a swift and successful resolution. Unfortunately, as is often the case, I was incorrect.

  When I walked out on deck, I breathed deeply of the sea air, which was freshened by a breeze that did much to dispel the noxious miasma wafting forth from the crew. It was a glorious day, with a sky of the most vivid blue, and a gently rolling sea to match. I would recommend to Father that all courts be held outdoors, were it not for the reality of English weather.