A Pirate's Ransom (11 page)

Edmund

“Mister Smith, the charts indicate we will soon approach the isle of St. Thomas. I suggest we make port,” I said. I stood with my hands upon the wheel while Tobias checked the compass and the map.

“But Captain, Sir, I be of the mind ye was in a hurry to get to Ocracoke Island.”

“Aye, that I am.”

“That blighter Blackbeard already gots a good amount of a head start on us. Be ye sure ye wants to stop n’ lets him increase that lead?”

“Mister Smith, you forget that Blackbeard also has a fortress on St. Thomas. We shall go ashore and mingle with the locals. Let us see if we might glean some information as to his whereabouts and the plans of that black-hearted swine. We shan’t spend more than a few hours time, and the delay may be worth it to us if we can gain some idea of his intentions.”

“Aye, that be a right fine idea, and while we be there, we can stock our larders.”

“Good thinking, Smith.”

That afternoon, walking with a few men, I ventured into a tavern rumored to be frequented by Blackbeard and his crew. Making my way to the back of the crowded tap-room, I took a seat in the darkest corner. Tobias Smith dropped into the seat beside me.

“Wot can I get for ye?” the barkeep asked. As he ambled toward the table, I noticed he limped upon a wooden peg leg.

“Ale and information,” I answered.

“Ale we got, information ... well, that depends wot ye be wantin’ to know and how much coin ye be willin’ to part with.”

Tossing a coin upon the table, I said, “Buy yourself a drink and come join us, my good man.”

The barkeep quickly snatched up the coin and cast me a wary glance.

“Where ye hail from? Sure by your fine speech and your accent, ye ain’t be from o’round these parts.”

“London, originally, but now the colonies, Virginia to be exact,” I offered. “But we will speak more of these things over a drink.” I glanced at the empty chair beside me.

Putting the coin in his pocket, he ambled away.

“Captain, don’t ye be thinking ye might ‘ave said a bit too much?” Smith whispered.

“Nay, I wish him to think me dim-witted. You see Mister Beckett standing there at the bar?”

“Aye. How could I miss yer First Mate?”

“His mission is to listen. Mine is to talk.”

“I should have known ye had a plan.”

“Always, Mister Smith, always.”

The afternoon went exactly as expected. When we returned to
The Lady,
our larders were full and Mister Beckett had some valuable information. The barkeep openly complained to him of my idiocy and bragged of how he’d duped me out of my coin and managed to give me no information of importance. He did, however, impart to Mister Beckett the news he so proudly kept from me; that in two days time the notorious Blackbeard himself was planning a grand party in his fortress here on the island, a party where he would introduce his latest acquisition and newest Courtesan, for sale at auction to the highest bidder.

Upon hearing the news, I found I could barely breathe. My chest constricted and I found it difficult to force the air through my windpipe into my lungs. My heart pounded so loudly I thought surely Mr. Beckett could hear my body’s protest to the news. It had to be Catherine. I needed to get into that party and make sure I placed the highest bid. Since the party was to be held in two days, we had a bit of time, so the three of us sat up into the night devising our plan.

When I finally made my way to my cabin, I sat at the desk reviewing the maps and running the plan over in my mind. It was useless for me to try to sleep, yet I would try, as I did each night. And each night turned into the same torture for me as I lay awake tossing and turning until sleep finally took me, only to then be tormented there by visions of Catherine’s crystal blue eyes smiling up into mine, of her luscious pink lips, her smile, of her lying naked in my tub and in my arms, memories of the abandon in her kisses. Memories that drove me mad with a need I could hardly contain. Even a dousing of cold water each morning could not cool the desire that burned in my blood only for her.

Rather than lay there in sheets soaked with sweat, I decided to get up and further formulate my plan. Surely Blackbeard’s crew would recognize
The Lady Victoria
should it be seen in port. For any hope of success, we best move the ship well out of these waters.
How many among my crew would need to remain behind to carry out our plan?
While sitting at the desk in my cabin, I gazed at Catherine’s things scattered about the room and as I watched the morning light filter through the window I vowed to myself that this time I would not be too late.

Fearing I would be recognized, it was agreed Beckett and I would switch places. We were nearly the same size, although my shoulders were broader than his so it would be simple to swap clothes. He would dress as a Lord of the Court, and I as one of his servants. We were put ashore, together with Smith, Taylor, and a few others, six of us in all. Uncertainty rattled me and knotted in my gut as we stood together on the dock in this busy port and watched
The Lady Victoria
sail away from the island.

“Beckett, we must hire a coach and secure lodging. You are playing the part of an emissary of the Duke and must act accordingly. Lady Catherine’s life is in your hands, and I’m counting on you.”

“Aye, Captain. My nerves are rattled enough without your constant reminders of the importance of my part in this.”

“Sorry, Beckett, I know you realize how much this means to me, how much
she
means to me.”

“Captain, might I suggest ye be sendin’ Taylor and a few of the others ‘round to the other side of the island to secure other escape routes? This way should the need arise at least we won’t be runnin’ blind,” Smith suggested.

“Excellent idea, Mister Smith. Taylor, take a few men and head around toward the pirate fortress. Keep your mouths shut and your eyes and ears opened and above all, be discreet.”

“Aye, Captain. We be meetin’ up with ye later at the Inn then?”

“Aye, and gentlemen, remain unseen and keep to the plan. Remember, Lady Catherine’s safety comes first.”

We had hours until the party, but time seemed to stop as I stood at the window in my room watching the docks. When would
The
Queen Ann’s Revenge
make port?

Just as day slipped into dusk, the great dark ship sailed into the waters of the sparkling blue bay. I watched eagerly as the men disembarked, yet there was no sign of the black-hearted pirate lord I had chased for so long. But my heart nearly stopped in my chest at the sight of the two beautiful women who were guided from the ship.

One of them seemed older, yet her beauty clung to her like morning dew upon a rose. Her dark hair was swept up into an intricate coiffeur and her dark eyes scanned the area. Her brilliant yellow-colored gown accented her voluptuous figure, and she carried herself with an air of confidence as she led her companion away from the dock.

My eyes rested then upon the beauty that walked beside the lush and flamboyant woman. She was far lovelier than I remembered. Catherine’s dark hair was also pulled up into an intricate style and held in place by combs adorned with gems that gleamed in the late day sun. Her gown was a pale blue and fit close to her body, accenting her slim waist and ample bosom. The skirt fell full and seemed to swirl around her like a cloud as she walked in the same confident manner as her companion. Seeming to gain confidence from the stares of the men around her, she smiled at them and nodded in acknowledgment, but when she lifted her head and her eyes fell upon the Inn, I felt like I’d been punched in the gut. It seemed she was looking and smiling directly at me. My heart hammered against my chest. As my hungry gaze swept over her, I was taken with a bolt of desire so strong I couldn’t breathe.

I watched as her companion whispered something to her and she laughed, and then turned her attention elsewhere. My heart held a heaviness I had never known. My arms ached to hold her. I yearned to tell her how I felt, to whisper sweet words in her ear as I made love to her. I closed my eyes, and my hand rested upon the coolness of the glass.
She must never know how you feel. You can never tell her. You will ultimately have to let her go, for her own happiness.
I swallowed hard, forcing down the lump of emotion that threatened to choke me.

The Party

Edmund

Smith and I dressed in the modest clothing of a servant, but Beckett was adorned in my most expensive attire as we made our way to the party. Our coach pulled up to the pirate’s castle. The stone turret rose up into the blackness of the night sky, and the hair rose on the back of my neck as I prepared to walk into the lair of my sworn enemy. Struggling with the notion of keeping my eyes toward the floor, I reminded myself a servant must never meet the eyes of his betters. We were stopped at the entrance of the great hall where we were searched for weapons. When it was found he carried none, we were ushered inside. Squashing down my need to survey the fortress, I forced my mind on keeping to the plan.

The great hall of the castle bustled with people, both men and women, all of whom were dressed in exquisite and expensive attire. Musicians played soft strains of a waltz, which could hardly be heard over the buzz of conversation.

Negroes wearing white gloves and matching uniforms carried silver serving trays laden with drinks and delectable nibbles. They moved among the throng of revelers offering refreshments to the guests. Looking around the room, one would have thought we were at a party at one of the grand salons in London. But that thought was quick to leave my mind when Smith came to stand beside me.

“‘Leave yer weapons at the door.’ Do ye suppose that means the black-hearted buzzard will be here after all?” he whispered.

“That matters not. If we are to get out of here with our lives and Lady Catherine, we must not deviate from the plan.”

“Aye, the plan. The quicker this be over, the better. This place gives me the willies,” he said, his eyes darting around the crowd.

Beckett moved about the room and although he was dressed in the rich clothing befitting an emissary of the Duke, he seemed as skittish as a mouse in a room full of hungry cats. Standing directly behind him, I leaned closer to whisper in his ear.

“Beckett, calm yourself and stick to the plan. You must not be outbid. I have handed in a sealed bid which hopefully will guarantee our success. But no matter, you must play your part and no matter how high the bidding goes, you must surpass it.”

As the time of the presentation and the bidding grew closer, the excitement and anticipation that filled the room was nearly unbearable.

“Beckett, take these papers,” I whispered.

“What papers?” he asked as I shoved the folded parchment into his hand.

“I have secured passage for Lady Catherine on
The Lady of The Sea
leaving for London on the morning tide. See that she is on it.”

“London? But Captain, I thought-”

“Don’t think, just stick to your part of the plan and do as I ask.”

“Aye.” He tucked the papers into his jacket.

“I apologize for adding to your anxiety, Mister Beckett. In the event you should happen to be outbid, do not fret. Remember, I have submitted a sealed bid, which I hope will entice that greedy, black-hearted bastard. Now, get in there and win the prize.”

The Party

Lady Catherine

I stood in the room high up in the turret of the castle. The sound of a waltz being played echoed up from below, but was nearly drowned out by the sound of the crowd.
How many people were down there waiting to buy me, like a slave
? My stomach churned and it was all I could do to choke down the vomit that rose to my throat.

The beautiful sea-blue gown hung in the wardrobe. I stared at it, knowing the time was nearly upon me and I should get dressed, yet I couldn’t move.

“Why you no dressed?” the Contessa said as she floated into the room.

“I was just admiring this lovely gown before putting it on.”

“Come, I help you.”

“Contessa?”

“
Si
?”

“I’m afraid.”

“Why you afraid, my little a’stick?”

“I’m afraid of what my future will bring, of being mistreated, of having to be intimate with a stranger.”

“You no worry. The man who bid to get you, he get a princess. If’a he spend that much money, he treat you like a queen.”

“I know you have taught me what to expect and what to do, but I don’t think I will be able to do it.”

“Why no?”

“I couldn’t abide the touch of a man I didn’t love.”

“After a while, you will.”

It was all I could do to smile and hold back the tears that threatened to spill. In all the time I had been held captive by Edmund and then by Blackbeard, this was the first time the thought of escape had seriously entered my mind.

She helped me into the gown and made some last minute adjustments to my hair. Then she handed me a large black velvet box.

“Edwardo, he give this to me when he first capture me, but I give it to you now. It my gift and I hope it bring you good luck, like it bring to me.”

I lifted the lid to find a necklace of diamonds and sapphires, with matching earrings.

“Oh, Contessa, they are beautiful, but I couldn’t-”

“Si. I insist.” She picked up the necklace and placed it around my neck. After fastening it securely she stepped back.

“Perfecto. It just what you needed. Put the earrings on.”

I did as she asked and stepped back for her appraisal.

Her gaze ran over me from head to toe and a frown creased her flawless brow.

“Why you wear that bracelet? It no go with you gown.”

“Please don’t ask me to remove it, Contessa. It is precious to me.”

“It from him, no?”

“Si.” I replied in my imitation of her native tongue.

“Ok then, for now, you keep. Maybe no one notice.”

I hugged her then. “Thank you Contessa, for everything. For helping me, for protecting me, and for understanding. You’re like the mother I never had.”

She drew away from me. “If’a I had a daughter, I hope she be like you.”

Tears pooled in her dark brown eyes, but she waved her hand and seemed to whisk them away and with a sniffle she said, “Andiamo. Let’s go. Edwardo, he waiting.” She took my hand and led me to the top of a grand staircase where Captain Teach stood. The buzz of the crowd was overpowering and the smell of food made my stomach lurch.

“Contessa, this is your greatest accomplishment,” he said to the woman standing beside him. “And, Catherine, you look more beautiful than I could have imagined. Tonight you will become the Contessa of the Sea.”

The Contessa smiled with pride as I was her greatest achievement.

“And now, ladies, the time is upon us.” Captain Teach said. He nodded to a man in dark clothing. I watched as the man slipped down the stairs ahead of us. I felt like I was in a dream, a nightmare. Then taking the Contessa’s hand Captain Teach led her away.

I stood there, alone at the top of the stairs, just out of sight of the crowd below. I was so scared. My knees shook, my mouth went dry and I was gasping for breath. At that moment my life flashed before me, and just when I thought I couldn’t possibly be any more afraid, the music stopped. A man’s voice bellowed from right below me.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, may I have your attention. I would like to welcome you to Teach Castle. I ask you to join with me in giving a warm welcome to our host this evening, Captain Edward Teach, escorting the lovely Contessa Theodora de Lorenzo.”

The uproar of applause became deafening and terror gripped my soul.