“But you never made it to the United States. Was Tortola a disappointment?”
Alexis shook her head. “Life in Roadtown was wonderful, but that was more because of George and Francine than anything else. If I ever had the inclination to proudly call myself a citizen of the British crown it ended the moment Captain Travers stepped foot on the island. I’ve thought about it for some time, Cloud. Since I first learned war was imminent between the two countries I knew it was time for me to decide which side I could help. I suppose the English will consider me a traitor, but in light of all I value there is only one side I can choose. So from now on we’ll fly an American flag—no more deceptions. If we have to fight to get to Travers then that is what we’ll do.” She grinned. “There is another factor involved, although it didn’t take part in my decision. The United States also happens to be the winning side.”
“You’re confident.”
“Aren’t you?”
“Not as long as Howe is still doing his worst and I don’t have my ship to command.”
Alexis left her chair and sat on the arm of his. She kissed his forehead. “Then there is nothing to worry about. It won’t be long before Howe is finished and you’ll have theConcord.You probably think you can defeat the entire Royal Navy once you have your ship back.”
“At least the part that’s causing us trouble.” He laughed and shrugged his shoulders carelessly. “You can have what’s left.”
She pulled his arm and led him to the door. “You are very gallant, Captain, and if I get my man I may take up your offer. Now, shall we see about raising that flag?”
Chapter 16
Two days later, at night,Dark Ladydocked in Charleston harbor. There was no celebration at having successfully slipped through the blockade. Everyone on board knew each hour spent in port would allow available Fleet ships to gather, making their departure many times more dangerous than their entry.
While Jordan and Cloud placed the important letters in the hands of David Hastings, Alexis arranged for the sale of her cargo. The silks and linens she had in her hold were eagerly seized by city merchants who were already experiencing the shortage of goods that war brought. But the profit for the material did not compensate for the price Alexis was forced to pay for additional foodstuffs and medicinal items. Finding someone who could supply the ship took four days and there was another day’s delay when it was discovered some of the meat ordered was spoiled.
Reports filtered in from coastal observers that the British were tightening their forces off the Charleston shore as well as around important trade centers farther north.
The day before they were scheduled to leave a Garnet-owned merchant was captured by HMSRaleighonly ten miles from the harbor. The cargo was confiscated, the ship burned, and the members of the crew who survived were allowed to reach land in long boats.
“My God.” Cloud shook his head when he heard the news. “They never had a chance, Alex. Garnet merchants aren’t equipped with arms to match a frigate. I understand confiscating the cargo, and burning the ship makes sense because they didn’t have anywhere to take it. But firing on them before the captain was given an opportunity to surrender—that is unforgivable.”
Alexis massaged the tightly corded muscles in his neck. “I’m sorry,” she said softly, wishing the words were not so inadequate. “Have they been able to determine how many lives were lost?”
He nodded, closing his eyes as bitter tension left him. “I spoke with Hank Winslow, the cargo master. He said theRaleigh’sfirst shot was as unexpected as it was lucky. It struck the mizzenmast which toppled and killed two men. Before they could recover from theRaleigh’stactics they were greeted with a three-minute cannonade. Eight men died then, including the captain. Four more died from wounds on their way back to the harbor and Winslow says there’s one man yet who may die or spend the rest of his life with one arm. Fourteen men, Alex. Fourteen!”
“Are you feeling responsible?”
“My sister and I own the line. Of course I feel—”
“Cloud, you know that if your captain had been given the option he would have surrendered as ordered. You aren’t at fault because someone on theRaleighrefused to allow him that chance.”
He acknowledged her words by placing his hands over hers at the base of his neck. “I do need you, Alex.” She kissed the top of his head then released herself from his hold. Walking to her desk, she smoothed the edges of the map lying on top and studied it for several minutes.
“What are you thinking?” Cloud asked as he joined her.
She sighed ruefully. “It’s nothing you’re going to like.”
“But you do have an idea.”
She nodded, turning on him suddenly. “Wilkes and Peach have been asking questions for me. In order to leave here we’ll have to contend with more than theRaleigh.There are British privateers just waiting to capture a few prize ships. Charleston trade is being cut off by that congestion.”
“And you’re suggesting…”
“I am suggesting we clear the local waters on our way out.”
“You’re mad. You know that, don’t you?”
“Be serious. It can be done.”
“Of course it can,” he agreed gravely. “But theDark Ladycan’t do it alone.”
“And I never suggested she could.”
