The Sea Witch

by Ruth Ryan Langan

  Ambrosia shrugged. "We'll do as Papa always did when hiring on his crew. We'll rely on our own instincts. Right now I believe he had a genuine love for Papa and James. Besides, I've heard James speak of him. He held him in the highest regard. "

  "All right. " Bethany relaxed. "Do you think he'll stay?"

  "He's in need of a ship and a crew. We can provide him with both. But only if he's willing to accept the fact that we are part of the offer. "

  "And how will you get him to do that?"

  Ambrosia bit her lip. "I don't know. I haven't thought that far yet. I needed to know that both of you agreed with me first. "

  "I think he'll do it, " Darcy said softly.

  The other two looked at her.

  "Why?" Bethany asked.

  "Because you told us that he loved Father and James. I think, Ambrosia, if you appeal to his goodness and decency and his loyalty to them, he'll have no choice but to agree. "

  Ambrosia frowned. "I'll be taking unfair advantage. "

  "Aye. " Darcy laughed, and after a moment the other two joined in the laughter.

  "Exactly. " Bethany leaned over to kiss her little sister's cheek, before turning to her older sister. "You'll appeal to his seaman's code of honor, Ambrosia. He won't be able to refuse. "

  Her eyes narrowed. "You're both cunning. "

  "Aye. And devious and clever. All the things we'll need if we're to carry on Father's legacy of ruling the seas. "

  "Not to mention duplicitous. " Bethany's laughter suddenly faded as a new thought intruded. "You do realize, don't you, that we'll be forced to lead two lives? For we must not only be pirates by night, but fine, upstanding citizens of Land's End by day. "

  "How can we accomplish that?" Darcy looked from one sister to the other.

  Ambrosia thought a moment. "It's possible. But it will take some doing. We'll each have to take our turn. While one of us goes to sea, the other two will be here at home to carry on as always. "

  "We'll have to take someone into our confidence. " Bethany looked troubled. "It won't be possible to carry out our plans without the help of the servants. "

  "We can trust Newton. "

  "He'll put up a terrible fuss, " Darcy said. "Aye. " Ambrosia smiled. "But in the end, he'll stand with us. The old pirate's never lost his love of the sea. And Grandpapa. We are his only hope of carrying on the family tradition. Now Libby... "

  Darcy shook her head. "She's too much of a chatterbox. The first time she runs out of gossip down at the wharf, she's apt to tell everyone. "

  Ambrosia and Bethany nodded agreement.

  "But what of Winnie and Mistress Coffey? I don't see how we can manage this without their assistance. "

  "Winnie's as timid as a mouse. " Bethany shook her head. "She'll either faint or take her leave of us, telling all who'll listen that we've lost our sanity. "

  "And Mistress Coffey will strongly disapprove. It goes against everything she's ever believed a lady should be. " Darcy looked from one sister to the other.

  "You may be right. " Ambrosia slid off the bed and started toward the door. "For now, we'll keep Winnie and Mistress Coffey in the dark, and bring them into our confidence only if necessary. I'll tell Newton my plans after we return from the vicarage this afternoon. " She straightened her shoulders and drew in a deep breath. "Let's get some rest now before we meet with the vicar and deacon, and plan a proper seaman's ceremony for Father and James. "

  "What about Captain Spencer?" Darcy asked.

  Ambrosia shrugged. "I'll just have to wait and see. And when the time is right, I'll present our offer. "

  As she stepped out of Darcy's room, she came face-to-face with the man they'd just been discussing.

  "Good morrow, Ambrosia. " Riordan paused to stare in surprise. Bare toes peeked from beneath the hem of her nightshift. The shawl she'd carelessly tossed over her shoulders couldn't hide the lithe young body clearly outlined through the sheer fabric. Dark hair spilled in a glorious tangle to below her waist.

  Remembering the softness of that hair caused him to clench a hand at his side to keep from reaching out to it. "You're up early. "

  "I might say the same of you, Captain. "

  "Riordan. " He flashed her a smile, then had to tear his gaze from the dark cleft visible at the neckline of her gown. "Aboard ship, I'm used to rising at dawn. I thought I'd go down to the shore and row out to the Undaunted. "

  "I'd like to go with you. "

  He was surprised. And more pleased than he cared to admit. "I'll be below stairs. I thought, since the servants aren't awake yet, I'd fix something to take with me to eat aboard ship. "

  "Make enough for two. I'll be dressed in no time. " Ambrosia turned away, aware as she did that he was standing very still, watching her by the light of the flickering sconces along the walls. As she hurried to her room she could feel the tingle of nerves along her spine.

  Once inside her room she let out the breath she'd been unconsciously holding. She was going to have to get over these strange feelings she experienced whenever she got too close to Riordan Spencer. After all, if he accepted her plan, they would be forced to work in very close quarters. Work that would require each to trust the other completely. There would be no room for doubt, awkwardness or tension. Their very lives would depend upon absolute trust.

  She dressed quickly in an ivory chemise. After a few moments of hesitation she decided to discard the layers of petticoats. Mistress Coffey would be shocked, of course, but they were simply too bulky. She pulled on a cotton shirtwaist and long navy skirt, then laced up leather boots. Finally she twisted her hair into a knot at her nape. Instead of a shawl, she decided to fetch her father's hooded cloak. It was warmer and much more practical.

  When she stepped from her father's study, Riordan was waiting, with a basket over his arm. "You're as good as your word. I've only just finished with the food. " He

  cast her an admiring glance before opening the door. "The cloak was a good choice. The wind may be brisk this morrow. "

  He led the way across the rock-strewed beach to where the big wooden skiff lay waiting—the same skiff that had carried the sailors from the Undaunted to shore.

  "Careful. " Riordan offered his hand, and Ambrosia felt a quick thrill as he helped her aboard.

  She settled herself in the prow and watched as he discarded his jacket, then picked up the oars and began rowing. His shirt couldn't hide the ripple of muscle along his back and shoulders with each movement. She couldn't tear her gaze from him as he moved the oars through the water with effortless grace.

  With each pull of those oars, they drew closer to the Undaunted, which lay several hundred yards offshore. Because of the excessive water in the hold, it rode low in the water.

  Riordan dropped anchor, then took hold of the rope ladder that dangled over the side. "Shall I carry you up, Ambrosia?"

  She couldn't hide her little prickle of annoyance. "I can take myself up, thank you. I've been climbing aboard the Undaunted since I was able to walk. "

  He bit back a smile. "Suit yourself. I'll hold the ladder steady while you climb. "

  She set her foot on the first rung, silently cursing the long skirt that impeded her movements. She noted that Riordan Spencer seemed to be enjoying the view of her foot and ankle, as well as a good bit of leg.

  Despite her clothing, she climbed quickly, and pulled herself over the rail. When she looked down, Riordan was right behind her, carrying the basket of food over his arm.

  He stepped aboard the ship, then held back while Ambrosia began to walk around the deck. On her face was a look of sorrow mixed with pain. He watched her pause to run a hand over the wheel, before moving on to test the lines that held the sails. Then without a word she went below, and he knew she was headed for the captain's cabin.

  Silently he set down the basket, then decided to busy himself elsewhere, so that Ambrosia could have some time alone.

  In her father's cabin, Ambrosia stood very still, filling herself with the fam
iliar sights, sounds and smells. The creaking of timbers as the ship pitched and rolled in the ocean swells. The sound of water lapping against the hull. From a table anchored to the floor she picked up her father's pipe, inhaling the sweet smell of tobacco. She sat down in her father's chair. After all these years, it bore the imprint of his body. In a series of small cubbyholes on the wall were the neatly rolled maps that her father had often consulted on his voyages. Across the room was the small bunk, secured to the floor and wall. Above it, the small round porthole.

  Ambrosia closed her eyes, imagining her father just waking, and peering out that window to see the progress his ship had made in the night.

  Suddenly, without warning, she found herself weeping. All the grief that she'd kept locked up inside her came rushing out. She rushed across the room and curled up on her father's bunk, allowing the tears to flow until there were none left.

  Ambrosia had no idea how much time had passed since they'd first boarded ship. She'd been locked in grief, unaware of anything except the deep, bone-jarring pain around her heart. Now, feeling more composed, she made her way across the deck in search of Riordan. She found his boots and shirt in a heap beside the ladder that led down into the hold.

  Peering down, she cupped her hands to her mouth. "Hello down there. "

  When there was no answer, she felt a moment of panic. Had he drowned? Fallen overboard?

  "Riordan. " Without thinking she hiked up her skirts and started down the ladder.

  It was dark down here and she could barely make out the shape of objects floating on the blackened water. The rancid odor of death and decay was all around. She couldn't control the shivers that raced through her as something brushed past her ankle.

  Just as she was about to step lower something bobbed to the surface, sending up a spray of water. For a moment she froze. Then she let out a long, slow breath. "Riordan. "

  "Ambrosia. You shouldn't be down here. "

  "I... was worried about you. I called out, and when you didn't answer, I came looking for you. "

  "I'm fine. I just wanted to check the hull. Go above. "

  He swam toward the ladder and watched as she scooted up and out of the way. Minutes later he followed her. When he was once more on deck, she couldn't help but stare.

  He was naked to the waist. His black breeches were soaked, and molded to him like a second skin. Water sheeted from his torso. He tossed his head, sending a spray of water around him.

  For the space of a moment Ambrosia couldn't seem to catch her breath. He was the most magnificent man she'd

  ever seen, all powerful sculpted muscle and sleek sinew. Like some ancient Greek god rising from the sea.

  "Here. " Seeing the gooseflesh on his arms, she removed her father's cloak and handed it to him.

  "Thanks. " He slipped it on, grateful for its warmth. Then he bent and rolled up his wet pants before sliding his feet into his boots.

  "Have you eaten anything yet, Riordan?"

  He shook his head. "I was waiting for you. "

  "Then we'll eat. It'll help warm you. "

  While she retrieved the basket, he started a fire in a small cooking brazier. Within minutes they were seated on either side of it, warm, snug and eating their fill of thin slices of roast beef and thick slabs of bread spread with some of Mistress Coffey's gooseberry preserves.

  Ambrosia looked up. "Now that you've had time to assess the damage, what do you think? Can the Undaunted be repaired quickly?"

  "Aye. I think so. I checked the hull. There don't appear to be any leaks. What water there is in the hold was the result of the waves from the storm. "

  Ambrosia glanced around. "The deck seems to have taken a beating. What's that?" She stood and examined the charred wood of the rail. "Was there a fire aboard the Undaunted?"

  He ducked his head. "Probably the result of an overturned brazier during the storm. "

  "It looks more like... " She peered over the side. Glanced back at him. "Is that a hole?"

  He walked over to stand beside her. "We may have hit some... shoals in the fog. "

  "Shoals? A brazier fire?" She glanced beyond him. "And over there at the bow. More charred wood. What do you suppose caused that?"

  When he said nothing she put her hands on her hips. "Now, Riordan, I think it's time you told me the truth. "

  "I don't know what you mean. "

  "You know exactly what I mean. The damage in the hold may have been caused by a storm. But this damage was caused by something far different. " Her voice lowered. "Could this be the result of cannon fire?"

  "Why would you even consider such a thing?"

  "Because of a missive I found inside the cover of the ship's log. A missive from the king, thanking my father for his service to England as a privateer. Now you'll tell me, Riordan. I need to know the truth. Was the Undaunted struck by cannon fire?"

  Instead of answering, he posed a question of his own. "Would it make any difference to you and your sisters how your father and brother died?"

  Ambrosia took a deep breath, preparing herself for what was to come. "I must know the truth. No matter how painful. Now that I know my father was engaged in a dangerous task for his country, I must surmise, from this damage, that the Undaunted was engaged in a battle. "

  Riordan paused for just a moment. What an amazing young woman she was. Even in her grief, her mind was sharp, overlooking nothing. He realized at once that, however reluctant he might be, he had no choice but to trust her with the truth, for he owed her that much.

  "Aye. A fierce battle. It was with a rogue ship. As you may know, there are ships that lie in wait for cargo ships. They're called rogues because their allegiance is not to any king or country, but only to themselves. They take what they want by any means necessary. "

  He waited for her reaction.

  When she merely nodded, he said, "They came out of a fog bank, flying the flag of England. But it was a disguise. They were prepared for us. "

  "Us?" She held up a hand to halt his narrative. "You were sailing with my father and brother?"

  "Aye. We had left the port in Wales together, for the voyage home. Then my ship, the Warrior, encountered the rogue and faced an attack. What I didn't know was that they had cannons undercover, and more than a hundred soldiers, all armed. I had less than two score men. When my vessel was hit with fire, and beginning to sink, your father brought his ship around and rescued us. "

  Riordan paused to stare into the distance, seeing in his mind's eye the ferocious fighting that ensued. "At first the tide of battle was in our favor. We launched some cannon fire of our own. From our decks we could see that the rogue ship couldn't put out the flames. She was listing badly. That's when we came around her stern and boarded her, expecting to make quick work of her. Your father and brother, rest their souls, fought bravely. But they were surprised by a contingent of more soldiers concealed belowdecks. We finally managed to subdue the lot of them. But by then the storm struck and we feared that the Undaunted would break in two unless we cut her loose. We took our dead and wounded and fled, setting sail for home. "

  "Were my father and brother already... dead when the storm struck?"

  He nodded. "They'd put up a courageous fight. I ordered their bodies carried aboard their ship. But when the storm grew too fierce, the bodies were swept overboard. There was no way to retrieve them. They had to be abandoned to the sea. "

  She closed her eyes, fighting tears.

  "I know you wanted to see them. I tried my best to

  bring them home to you. If it's any comfort to you, they died heroes, Ambrosia. "

  She looked away. "All who fight for England are heroes. "

  "Aye. But you don't understand. " He put a hand under her chin, forcing her to look at him. His eyes were bleak. "If they hadn't come back for me and my men, they'd have been home with you and your sisters days ago. The fight wasn't theirs. It was mine. And because of me, they're now dead. " His voice was filled with despair. "And I'm the one who must
go on, knowing I cost the lives of my two dearest friends. "

  Ambrosia wanted to comfort him. But the pain around her own heart was too deep. She forced herself to speak over the lump in her throat that was threatening to choke her. "What was the name of the rogue ship and its captain?"

  "The Skull. Captain Eli Sledge. Why do you ask?"

  She sucked in a breath. It was time to state her position and force Riordan Spencer's hand. And he had just given her the weapon. She dared not think of his pain now. She must, instead, consider the task that lay ahead for her and her sisters. "Then I swear this vow. As soon as you have made your repairs to the Undaunted, she will not rest in port until the Skull and its captain and crew have gone to a watery grave. "

  He regarded her with an air of suspicion. "You've changed your mind? You'll sell the Undaunted to me?"

  "Nay, Riordan. You misunderstand. With you as captain, my sisters and I will avenge the death of our father and brother. We have agreed to carry on our family's proud tradition. "

  "As sailors?"

  "Aye. As sailors of the cargo ship the Undaunted. And more. As privateers, in service to our king. "

  Riordan gave Ambrosia a look of complete disbelief. "What is this foolishness?"

  "Call it what you will. " At the look in his eyes she turned and flounced away, putting as much distance between them as possible. "My sisters and I have already agreed. We send a missive to King Charles in London this very day. " She ignored the little flutter in the pit of her stomach and decided to quell her nerves with a bluff. "If you refuse our offer to captain the Undaunted, we'll find someone who will. "

  "No sailor would be foolish enough to trust his life to three empty-headed females. "

  She whirled, eyes blazing. "Do you suggest that our gender determines our brains?"

  "Of course not, but—"

  "Or that, because we are female, we cannot wield a weapon with the same skill as a man?"

  "Skill, perhaps. But your size—"

  "I'm as tall as many men, Riordan. And a sword in my hand makes up for whatever I may lack in physical strength. Would you care to test me?"

  "Test you?" For a moment he was taken aback. Then he began to laugh. "There aren't many men who could best me in a swordfight. I doubt the woman lives who could. "