‘Look after your mother, Charlotte, I have to go out.’
‘Out, at a time like this when we need you here,’ cried Sarah.
‘Sarah, I have business to attend …’
‘BUSINESS!’ yelled the two women.
Donald jumped.
‘Yes, Madam, business, and do not shout at me! I am going to see about William King.’
The two women renewed their crying at Donald Nicholson’s rebuke.
Chapter Forty-Two
Wanted
Lady Ann, at anchor off Birkenhead
Late May 1807
‘Captain Shaw, you are now working for me. The Lady Ann is part of my fleet,’ gasped William, trying to breathe without causing any pain.
‘Aye, Sir, Mr Johnston explained everything to me.’
‘You will find that I am a fair man and that I reward those who are loyal.’
William grimaced and tried to make himself a little more comfortable in his bunk. Sang fussed around his captain to ease the strain of movement.
‘Don’t fuss, Sang, I’m not dead yet,’ said William. He closed his eyes in an effort to think. ‘Are we ready to sail, Captain?’
‘Yes, Sir, although we don’t have a cargo as yet, it is my understanding that we are to load an outbound cargo for Ireland.’
‘We are not going to Ireland. I want you to sail in ballast to Lancaster. When we’re there, we will load furniture, sailcloth and candles. We should be able to buy them cheap, as it saves the good people of Lancaster sending their goods to Liverpool. I must leave Liverpool quickly and perhaps, after a few months or so, I will return. We will also obtain fresh water and supplies in Lancaster.’
‘Mr Johnston is due aboard later today. Are we to wait for him?’
‘Yes, but I believe he will not be sailing with us. Just let me know when you see him approach the ship.
‘Aye, aye, Sir.’
‘William, I have a surprise for you.’ Owen’s head appeared around the cabin door.
‘Owen, I need you to find out about my father, never mind a surprise.’
‘That’s the surprise, William. I have brought your father with me.’
As he finished speaking, Owen pushed open the cabin door to reveal George King.
‘Father,’ shouted William, and groaned in pain with the effort.
‘William, my boy, how are you?’
‘I have been better,’ hissed William, pain shooting through his body.
‘Lie down and rest. I have come to let you know that I have ordered the two Rose’s to sea. They will sail on this tide for Boston. I have told the captains to report to Ruth, and to wait for you.’
‘So you haven’t sold them to banker Leyland and his Portuguese friends?’
‘No, I fear I will not be a welcome guest at the Nicholson’s house for a long, long time. Our relationship is over. I have decided to wait for the money from my son.’
‘Thank you, Father, I’ll pay you as quickly as I can. What of Charlotte?’
‘Charlotte is with her family. I doubt that she will be back in Kent Street for many a month. Her time is near, and the upset over her brother may cause complications. I will stay in Liverpool until after the birth. Perhaps Charlotte and I can start anew, with the child.’ There was a long silence as if George was debating with himself about the child. ‘We will see,’ he said, with a forced smile. ‘The main thing now is that you are alive. What are your plans?’
‘Perhaps Owen can aid me in that matter. Owen, how are things ashore?’
‘Many people know of the duel. It is an open secret. Donald Nicholson has sworn out a statement that you murdered Henry. The authorities are making an effort to find you. They are aware of the duel and they don’t believe you murdered Henry. Donald has a lot of influential friends in Liverpool, so the charge has been recorded. I think they know you are going to escape and the rumour is that you have already left for London.’
‘Who put that rumour about?’ smiled William.
‘I have no idea, William. Let us say that I didn’t enlighten anyone as to their mistake.’
‘We will sail for Lancaster, obtain a cargo and make for Boston. I intend to marry in Boston, so it may be some time before I return. I believe that there is an opportunity to create a regular service carrying peppercorns from Asia and trans-ship them over to Boston.’
‘I can handle anything you send, William,’ said Owen quietly.
‘Father, why don’t you come with me to Boston? Leave Liverpool and start again. I am sure Ruth would appreciate your help, and your knowledge would be a great asset.’
‘I am sorry, William, but I must stay here at least until after the birth of the child. If I were to leave, the Nicholsons would make sure that I would never see my child. As it is, I think I will have to fight to gain access to it. I doubt that Charlotte even wants it, but her father can be very vindictive. If I am not here, I may lose all contact with your new brother or sister.’
‘Well, Father, you know that there will always be a place for you in Boston. If things don’t work out for you, please join me in America.’
George King withdrew a large handkerchief from his sleeve and blew his nose loudly, then quietly said, ‘Thank you, William.’
William turned to Owen. ‘In the meantime, Owen, if you wish to accompany us to Lancaster, you are welcome, but if you wish to make the shore today, I suggest you leave the Lady Ann now. We will sail on this tide.’
Owen smiled. ‘I will forego your generous offer of a sea trip and bid you farewell. I will write to you within the week, after I have ascertained further details of the hunt for you. In the meantime, take care, my friend.’
Owen stood, shook William’s hand and left the cabin.
William watched his father return the handkerchief to his jacket sleeve.
‘I am very glad you came to see me, Father. Thank you.’
‘Take care, my son. Perhaps I will see you again in Boston.’ George leaned forward and kissed his son on the forehead. ‘I am glad we are friends again.’
***
William leaned back against the Lady Ann’s taffrail and folded his arms. The clean salt air filled his lungs as he watched the everyday tasks of the sailors at sea. The sound of laughter was a sign of a happy crew. He felt at peace with the world. Six weeks had passed since he collapsed after being struck by the ball from Henry Nicholson. Six weeks of pain and fever. He didn’t have any memory of the ship sailing from Liverpool, nor loading cargo in Lancaster. In his fevered dreams, the one constant face had been Ruth’s.
‘Sur, your medicine.’
‘Thank you, Sang.’ William took the small glass of foul-tasting medicine and tipped the contents down his throat. He handed the empty glass back to Sang and accepted a large glass of green tea. The tea would wash away the taste.
The late June sun warmed him as he began his daily exercise of walking the weather deck of the poop. Although he had only been exercising for a few days, he already felt fitter and healthier.
Walking in the fresh air helped to clear his mind. He still experienced a tightening of his throat when he thought of his father. Would they see each other again? Even as he walked he could feel the strength of his father’s embrace as they said their goodbyes before the duel. Would his father join him in Boston? Perhaps, after the birth of the baby, Charlotte might soften and accompany his father to Boston. William lived in hope.
He turned at the forward part of the poop deck and watched the dark clouds gathering. He glanced around the horizon. They could be in for a blow. His knees bent to compensate for the easy roll of the Lady Ann. William watched a young seaman ring out the end of the watch. The man reminded him of Michael Austin, which brought to mind Michael’s father, James Austin.
Did I do right, thought William, risking everyone’s life to rescue the Boston Negroes? A shiver ran down his spine as he remembered his attempt to save James’s arm on the Albatross. Had he done enough to save his friend? Perhaps he should have removed the arm immedia
tely and not tried to save it. Would this have saved his life?
The Lady Ann heeled a little as the wind freshened. Turning once again at the taffrail, fine spray, carried on the wind, cooled him. The salty taste on his lips was good. He felt clean and refreshed. He was free of the old world, and of Liverpool. Free from the Nicholson family, free of the land. He was heading for a new life, in a new country, with the woman he loved. Their lives, as well as their companies, would be entwined. They hadn’t been apart for a year. Just four months.
The wind strengthened. The Lady Ann, as if in sympathy, increased her speed. Thunderhead clouds, tinted with glowing shafts of sunlight, rolled up from the horizon. As the dense clouds covered their world, the sun fought a losing battle.
Captain Shaw approached William, saluted and said, ‘I intend to reduce sail, Sir.’
‘Thank you, Captain Shaw, you are in command. Do as you think fit.’
‘Aye, aye, Sir.
Further Information
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