“It’s truly beautiful,” she said as they proceeded down a stone pathway that wove through the tropical paradise. “Who would have thought a pirate would own such an elaborate mansion and lavish gardens.”
“Aye, surprised me as well when he first brought me here.” Charlie drew a deep breath, quieter and more pensive today than usual.
They continued walking past a row of Ackee trees, the sweet fruit dangling from branches. “I’m sorry the captain assigned you to watch over me. No doubt you have better things to do.”
Charlie flashed her a smile. “Not watch. He asked me t’ show you around is all. An’ no, I do not have duties at the moment. I use these visits here t’ rest.”
“Hmm. Am I free to wander about, then?”
Charlie cocked her head. “Well, youareon an island, Miss. With no chance of escape.”
“Call me Emeline, please.” The woman had a point. Unless, of course, Emeline could find a small fishing boat or shallop to steal. She knew how to sail, and her father had taught her to navigate by the sun and stars. Even so, sailing on the open sea was dangerous in so small a craft.
Female giggling tickled the air as they turned another corner to find Maston, one arm on a post, leaning over a comely servant girl who stared up at him adoringly.
Emeline’s stomach soured.
The pirate’s eyes lit with surprise when he saw them, and he gave a mock bow. “Ladies.”
“Don’t youladyus, you witless barracuda,” Charlie spat out, then faced the young girl. “If you know what’s good for you, girl, best get as far away from this puckish princox as you can.”
Emeline frowned. Wasn’t it just last night Maston had fondled her on the dance floor, whispering flatteries in her ears? And here he was already onto his next conquest. Weaving her arm through Charlie’s, she led her away before she and Maston drew swords again.
“Come, let’s go dip our feet in the sea, shall we?” Emeline said. That way she could get the lay of the land, see how big the island was and more importantly, if there was any possible way to escape.
“I’d think you’d be sick o’ the sea, Miss…Em. I’m goin’ t’ call you Em.” She shrugged. “But why not?”
The gardens opened to a narrow path lined by thick jungle and riddled with tree roots and vines. Air, heavy with moisture, grew abuzz with all manner of insects. Colorful birds flitted through the canopy as Charlie navigated the winding trail, Emeline on her heels.
Finally, they emerged from the tangled web of leaves and branches to a narrow strip of sand. A single-masted fishing boat had been pulled up from a tidal pool onto shore and tied to the trunk of a tree.
A boat! The perfect size for a single person skilled in sailing. Why had Charlie brought her here? There was barely enough sand to sit upon, a mere ribbon of water in which to dip their toes, and a thick canopy overhead blocking the sunlight. Emeline stared at Charlie quizzically, while trying to hide her excitement. “Not exactly what I had in mind. Is there not a better beach?”
An impish smile sat upon the master gunner’s lips as she nodded toward the boat.
Emeline raised her brows. “Are we sailing somewhere?”
“Nay, butyoucould if you needed to.” Understanding sparked from her eyes. “See that speck o’ land?” She pointed out to sea where Emeline could barely make out a brown dot upon the blue waters.
She nodded.
“That be Bear Island. Wit’ calm seas, someone wit’ knowledge of sailing could make it. Word is there is a fishing village there an’ a small port.”
Emeline swallowed a lump of emotion at the woman’s kindness. Quickly followed by suspicion, for she well knew that Charlie’s loyalty to the captain could not be questioned. “Even should I dare attempt such a feat and make it to shore, with what shall I book passage?”
A burst of salt-laden wind spun Charlie’s long hair behind her as she offered a sly grin. “Aye, I thought of that, an’ when no one were looking, I put a pouch of coins and a flintlock in the bottom drawer of the dressing bureau in your chamber. You do know how to fire it?”
Confusion joined Emeline’s suspicion. “Of course, but I do not understand. Why…why would you help me?”
“You saved me from Maston at great risk t’ yourself. We women must help each other in this world run by men, eh?” She winked. “An’ also because you didn’t do nothing deserving of your fate.”
Emeline forced back the moisture in her eyes, still unsure whether she should trust the woman. “I don’t know how to thank you.”
“No need.” Pivoting, Charlie headed down the narrow strip of sand.
Mind spinning with both renewed hope and joy at Charlie’s kindness, Emeline followed. Within minutes, they entered the same shore upon which Emeline had first set her feet. ’Twas even more beautiful than she remembered. The perfect bay, deep enough for a brig, yet hidden from passing ships by the embracing arms of a wooded inlet. Turquoise water lapped ashore in glittering waves as Charlie plopped to the sand and began removing her boots.
In the distance, theSummonssat like a regal prince upon the calm waters, and Emeline could make out men on its deck and hear muffled shouts. If the captain was indeed on board, the last thing she wanted was to face him.
