A Pirate's Ransom

by Gerri Brousseau

  “That will be all for today. My voice grows tired,” I murmured, much to my audience’s disapproval.

  “You heard the Countess,” Smith chimed. “Besides, it be well past the time ye be gettin’ to work. Move along now, move along.”

  “I shall read more tomorrow, I promise,” I said. But next time I shall find a place out of his line-of-sight.

  “Thank you, Mister Smith.”

  “It weren’t nothin’, me Lady,” he answered, and turned to walk away.

  “Mister Smith?”

  “Aye.”

  “Come, sit with me a moment.”

  The wiry man chanced a quick glance up toward the Captain, but complied with my request and sat upon a crate next to me.

  “Wot can I do for ye?”

  “Mister Smith, I would like to teach you to speak as a gentleman.”

  “A gent, ye say?”

  “Yes, Mister Smith, a gentleman. Now, repeat after me. How do you do?”

  “‘ow doo ye doo?”

  “No, no, no. It’s not ‘oow doo ye doo’ ... it is ‘how do you do?’”

  “Aye, me Lady, that be wot I said.”

  I fought to control the twitch of my lips upward. After all, he was trying.

  “Mister Smith, when you meet another gentleman you must say ‘I am pleased to make your acquaintance.’ Now, you try it.”

  “I be pleased te be makin’ yer acquaintance.”

  “I am. Not I be.”

  “I am pleased te be makin’ yer acquaintance.” He smiled with pride.

  “That’s better, but we must practice.”

  “Aye ... er ... yes, that be true.”

  I frowned.

  “Yes, tis true?” He smiled.

  “Very good, Mister Smith.”

  “Do ye really be thinkin’ ye can teach me to be a proper gent?”

  “It will take some time, but I am sure any man can be taught to be a gentleman. Why, Mister Smith, I can see you now dressed in your finery and attending parties in the grand salons of London.”

  We laughed together, but I noticed Mister Smith’s eyes traveling toward the man standing behind us at the wheel of the ship.

  “Beggin’ yer pardon, me Lady, but I best be gettin’ to me work now. We can practice another day.”

  “Certainly, Mister Smith,” I replied. As much as I wanted to, I refused to allow myself to steal even a glance in Edmund’s direction, though I desperately wanted to. I feared if I looked at him, he would know of my wanton dreams and of the feelings I had for him. Feelings I could not deny.

  “Seems there be lots o’ lessons bein’ given aboard this ship of late,” Mister Smith murmured under his breath as he scurried away.

  Later that day as I sat atop a barrel that rested at the base of a large mast, I gazed out at the sea wondering if there was any truth in the conversation I had overheard between the two pirates that morning. Could Edmund Drake really find me attractive? Surely that must be the case or why would he kiss me so? But if that were the case, how could I be the cause of the Captain’s bad temper? The memory of our encounter of last night played in my mind, and I sighed as a feeling of warmth washed over me. Deep in my thoughts, I failed to hear Edmund’s approach until he rested his warm hand upon my shoulder.

  “Milady,” he said, “I wonder if I might interest you in some company?”

  Perhaps there was some truth to the pirate’s theory after all. I faced him, and a shy smile slipped across my lips. “Certainly, Captain.”

  He took a seat upon the barrel beside mine but seemed to fidget a bit. So out of character. He portrays the rough and confident pirate, and at other times an elegant gentleman, yet he seems unsure of how to carry himself here with me. Then I noticed the book in his hand.

  “What have you there, Captain?

  “Tis a book of sonnets,” he said, handing the small tome to me. “I wish to give it to you, Countess, as a gift.” I couldn’t help but notice how his eyes seemed to grow a lighter shade of green and twinkle with his genuine smile.

  Accepting the small leather-bound volume, still warm from his touch, I felt a lump rise in my throat. No man had ever given me a gift before and my heart swelled with joy.

  “How sweet of you, Captain,” I answered in a voice just above a whisper.

  “It would give me great pleasure if you would call me Edmund.”

  “Edmund, I hardly know what to say.” I said, looking up at him.

  “Please say you will accept this small gift and allow me to read to you from it.”

  “Thank you, Edmund. I accept this wonderful gift and would be delighted to listen to you read,” I replied, handing the book back to him.

  His fingers brushed against mine, and it seemed he allowed his touch to linger there for a long moment as he took the volume from my hand. Our eyes met for the briefest of moments, and I looked away as my heart fluttered.

  Opening the book, he began to read. His deep voice took on a tender tone. He spoke softly, privately, only for my ears. The words of the sonnet were those of a man speaking to his lover, and my pulse quickened. Closing my eyes, I imagined being in his arms again, the taste of his kiss fresh in my memory. We sat so close that our shoulders touched, and I did not realize I had come to rest my head upon his shoulder while I listened to the deep timber of his voice softly uttering the sweet words of love. Butterflies fluttered in my stomach at the nearness of him and the scent of his warm skin made me lightheaded. A feeling of total contentment took hold of me, and a deep sigh slipped from my lips.

  The sound of his voice combined with that of the sea and wind lulled me into a dream like trance. I could listen to him reciting words of love for the remainder of my days, if only I dared to believe for one moment there was any meaning behind them.

  The melody of his strong, deep voice was interrupted by the pulsing sound of running feet rushing toward us. I lifted my head from Edmund’s shoulder with a start.

  “Captain, Captain, might I have a word?” Smith said breathlessly as he approached. “Beggin’ yer pardon, Captain, me Lady.” He paused to catch a breath. “Sorry to interrupt, but-”

  “Lady Catherine, if you would kindly excuse me,” Edmund said and handed the book to me. “Perhaps we shall be able to find a moment to continue this at another time.”

  He glanced at his Quartermaster and a frown furrowed his brow, but he softened when his gaze came back to me.

  Taking the book from him, I said, “Yes, of course. I shall look forward to it.”

  “As will I.” Turning back toward Mister Smith, he murmured, “Smith, this matter best be of grave importance.”

  “Aye, Captain, it be,” the wiry man replied as the two walked away, their voices low in muffled conversation.

  I held the book close to my heart. Drunk with the words of love he had read swirling in my head, I leaned back against the mast and closed my eyes.

  Chapter 12

  Edmund

  “Mister Smith, I find we shall have to change course. We have need to make port. Cook tells me the larder is running low,” Edmund said as he stood before the great wooden wheel.

  “Aye, Captain,” the wiry Quartermaster replied.

  “I fear we shall be forced to dine on hard cheese and dried bread for supper tonight.”

  “Nay, Sir. Cook says we be havin’ an island meal tonight.”

  “An island meal?”

  “Aye, Captain. The Lady Catherine be makin’ our supper. She be claimin’ to have fashioned meals o’ far less.”

  “Mister Smith, do you mean to tell me the Countess is down in the galley cooking?”

  “Aye.”

  “Take the wheel. This is a sight I simply must see.”

  “Captain, beggin’ yer pardon, Sir, but her Ladyship, she don’t be wantin’ no one to be knowin’ she ever been in dire circumstances.”

  “Very well then, I shall wait and see what sumptuous feast awaits us this night.”

  Lady Catherine

  Cook h
ad lent me one of his aprons, which would fit around me at least twice. I stood in the galley, cleaning and cutting up fish in preparation of our evening meal.

  I hope these men like my version of Callaloo. Cooking the meal I often made for my father drew my thoughts to him. I couldn’t help but wonder how he had fared. Memories of our island home filled me with such a melancholy sadness and brought to mind songs the island children sang. I smiled as I began to hum one of them. It made the time pass and suddenly I no longer gave a care to the smell of fish.

  The meal was ready just in time for dinner. I was anxious for the crew to arrive and sample my creation.

  Skepticism was written upon the faces of the men when they entered the galley, yet their hunger won out and soon everyone was seated around the table.

  The hearty aroma of the meal arrived moments before Cook appeared with the tureen. Bowls full of the delicious concoction of rice, fish, and beans were laid upon the table. The men were eager to taste what was set before them and were quick to scoop up heaping spoonfuls to sample the fare. I sat in silence, suppressing a smile, awaiting their comments.

  “Is this wot become o’ them fish we netted today?” one of them asked.

  “Aye,” the cook replied as he laid out some dark bread.

  “What is that delightful aroma?” the Captain asked, entering the galley with a smile.

  “Her Ladyship calls it Callaloo, and it be right tasty,” the cook answered.

  Edmund’s eyes met mine. With one eyebrow raised and a crooked half smile he asked, “Am I to believe you made this meal, Countess?”

  “Yes, Captain. I have been known to have made a meal from far less.”

  “Hmm, well, let us hope it tastes as good as it smells.”

  “It do, Captain, it sure do,” the cook replied.

  Edmund took a seat at the table and Cook handed him a bowl full of the stew. He put the first spoonful into his mouth, and I held my breath.

  “Countess, what exactly is this?” he asked.

  Thinking he didn’t care for my cooking, my heart sank to my feet. “It is a dish called Callaloo and is quite common in the islands. I would be pleased if you found it to be adequate.”

  “It is far more than adequate. It’s completely delicious.”

  I felt the sting of a blush at his compliment. “Thank you, Captain.”

  “No, Milady. Thank you.”

  That night, after we had dined, Mary and I took a stroll on deck to get some fresh air before retiring for the evening and to the confines of our cabins. It was rare for me to be on deck at this late hour, but the cool night air and the spray of the sea were so refreshing. As we walked, we came upon the crew and I was amused watching these pirates engaging in relaxing activities. Some played cards, others rolled dice in a betting game of chance, and some danced around while others played fiddles, a pipe, and squeezebox. I found myself drawn to the sound of the lively music. Standing among them, I clapped and laughed watching the activity and before long one of the pirates called Willy grabbed my hand and pulled me along with him into the dance. Willy was a strapping man with a ragged beard. He looked to be quite a ruffian, but in truth I found him to be a gentle giant. I hesitated at first, not wanting to draw unwanted attention, but saw that Mary, too, had been swept up by Mister Smith and crossed the deck, feet flying and giggles floating on the air.

  Although I didn’t know the steps, I found the dance exhilarating and quite enjoyable and grew breathless at being pulled from one set of arms to the other and swirled around to the lively tune until steely arms gripped me in a close embrace. The music stopped. I stared up into sparkling green eyes and my breath caught in my throat.

  “May I have the honor of this dance, Milady?”

  “It is I who would be honored, Captain,” I replied in what was little more than a whisper.

  “What’s ‘e doin’ ‘ere?” Whispers rose among the crew.

  “‘e ain’t never left ‘is post.”

  “Can bet it’s the likes of ‘er.”

  If Edmund heard the grumble rolling among his men, he didn’t let on. He gestured toward the pirate they called Fiddler and said, “Carry on.” With a shrug, Fiddler lifted the well-worn instrument and Jake picked up his squeezebox and together they started playing a tune with a slower pace.

  Edmund held me so close I could barely breathe, or perhaps I could barely breathe because he held me so close. His body was strong and warm and the scent of his skin made my head spin. He moved slowly to the music, leading me across the deck with masterful ease. It became a struggled to hear the strains of the waltz over the sound of my heart thundering in my ears when he nuzzled my hair.

  “You smell delightful, Milady,” he said as he placed a soft kiss upon my temple.

  My legs felt like jelly, and I was thankful he held me so tightly lest I fall.

  “Captain, you have been aboard this ship for far too long if you find the scent of me delightful, yet you flatter me.”

  “I find much about you to be delightful, Milady.”

  “You do not find me to be scrawny and too thin?”

  “No. You are quite beautiful. What makes you think you are too thin?”

  “My father always told me I was scrawny and that because of it, he would never make a suitable match for me.”

  “And you believe him?”

  “Yes, Captain, I do.”

  “Well, let me assure you, you are one of the loveliest women I have ever met, and I believe I have asked you to call me Edmund.”

  “Yes. That you did. Then it is only fitting, Edmund, that you call me Catherine.”

  “Yes, Milady.”

  “You waltz divinely for a man of the sea.”

  “Now it is you who flatters me, Lady Catherine.”

  He swirled me around with such zest that he lifted me off my feet and held my body pressed tightly against his. His gaze turned dark and smoldering and he stood motionless upon the deck, holding me to him. I clung to his broad shoulders, my heart hammering against his chest. Caught in the spell that seemed to swirl around us, he lowered his head. Just when I thought he was about to kiss me, the music came to an end and drew us from our trance.

  Slowly he released me until I felt my feet upon the deck, then taking my hand he brought it to his lips. Placing a soft kiss upon my fingers, he said, “Thank you for the dance, Milady, it was truly a pleasure.” He turned away and quickly walked into the shadows.

  He left me standing there among his crew with my legs shaking. I was breathless from the closeness of him and from his kiss upon my temple and my fingers. Warmth spread through me, and I felt lightheaded from the feelings this pirate stirred in me.

  The music started up again, but this time not the slow strains of a waltz, but rather much livelier sounds. Standing on trembling legs in the center of the crowd, I watched as men swirled around me, passing Mary among them from arm to arm. Everyone wrapped up in the music once again. My thought lingered with the man whose waltz took my breath away.

  That night as I readied myself for bed, I thought of being in Edmund’s arms, and a warm feeling rushed through me. I couldn’t help but grin. But when I approached the bed and saw a note and small box upon my pillow, the grin turned to a brilliant smile.

  My name was scrawled across the folded paper in his masculine handwriting. I held the note close to my thundering heart for a moment. Butterflies danced in my stomach with the anticipation of what his message would say. I took a deep breath and unfolded the parchment.

  Milady,

  Thank you for the delightful dinner and an even more delightful dance. It is my fervent wish and deepest desire that you accept this gift as a small token of my gratitude. It would give me great pleasure to see it upon your wrist when next we meet.

  Edmund

  Heart skittering in anticipation, I opened the box to find a lovely silver bracelet. Threads of delicate silver were woven together into a band and there, hanging from the lovely and delicate threads of silver, was
a brilliant red gem carved into the perfect shape of a heart and surrounded in silver to secure it.

  Hurriedly I donned the delicate bracelet and fingered the heart-shaped stone. Dare I hope I stir the same feelings in him as he does in me?

  Chapter 13

  Lady Catherine

  The next morning I was eager to get up on deck to see Edmund. I donned my light blue gown as Mary said no man could resist me in it because it matched my eyes. Excitement jumped in my stomach as I rushed up the passageway and out into the sunshine to find the Captain, but he was not there. After talking to Mister Smith, I learned that during the night we had dropped anchor close to an uncharted island and that Edmund and a few of the men had taken a launch and gone to explore.

  A profound sense of sadness flooded me, and I dragged myself to the galley to get something to eat. Sitting there among the crew, I was told more of the Captain’s plan. Should the island prove to be uninhabited and of no danger, a day ashore would be our reward. Delight jumped in my stomach, and I thought my heart would burst with glee. I could not say how long I had been aboard ship, but the thought of going ashore made me giddy.

  The sweet aroma of rich soil, lush greenery and wild tropical flowers drifted toward me as the launch neared the beach. It was nearly noon by the time all the small boats had reached the shore. When the craft I was in approached the island, Edmund waded out into the water and lifted me into his arms.

  “Fear not, Milady, I shall see you safely and dryly to shore.”

  A giggle bubbled out of me, and I buried my face against his chest. When we reached the shore, he allowed my body to slide down the front of his and he held me there for the briefest of moments. My heart fluttered as I looked up into his clear green eyes, which danced with amusement. Others moved around us, yet they melted from my sight.

  To my amazement, he knelt before me. “Allow me to help you remove your shoes, Milady.” He’s so strong, yet with me he’s so gentle.

  It was then I noticed he was barefooted and his dark trousers were rolled up to the knee. His warm fingers lingered upon my ankles as he removed my slippers and then tossed them upon the beach. The sand beneath my feet reminded me of my island home and a feeling of joy filled my heart.