Buccaneers Series

by Linda Lee Chaikin

  Emerald could not weep, though her heart swelled with hot pain. Her beloved father was dead. The words echoed and reechoed. Gone. Gone.

  She sidled past Pitt and went slowly down the steps on legs that wanted to buckle. She took the pistol from Minette’s hands. Their eyes met, frightened, dazed. Emerald looked back at the overseer. A rivulet of blood stained his faded shirt. She must save his life—for Minette’s sake.

  And then footsteps sounded from outside, slow, cautious.

  Emerald turned and stared at the gaping darkness beyond the door. Zeddie?

  Sir Jasper emerged from the darkness and stood in the doorway. His fine velvet jacket shimmered with jewels. His trousers were bloused inside his Spanish leather boots, and a wide-brimmed hat shadowed his swarthy, bearded face. His thick black hair was waved Cavalier-style above his shoulders.

  He eyed the sprawling Pitt, then the pistol in Emerald’s hand. Like a fox quick to survey the unguarded henhouse, he appeared to reach a conclusion befitting himself. With a gleam in his eyes, he doffed his hat.

  “Well, now, darlin’, it appears you’re in trouble up to your pretty neck. Port Royal officials are wanting you to testify against that pirate Foxworth. Now you’ve gone and shot the honorable overseer of Lord Felix, a judge on the High Admiralty Court. ‘Tis in your favor I came to check out the pistol shot instead of the governor’s militia.”

  The suggestion that he could do something to help her brought a flicker of light into Emerald’s darkened mind. On the other hand, the man was as troubling as Mr. Pitt.

  Militiamen seldom came to check out pistol shots in Port Royal at this time of night. What was Sir Jasper doing so nearby that he could arrive at the opportune moment? Had he been returning from the wharf where Zeddie had seen him with Lord Felix just before her father was shot?

  Minette was now on her feet but was trembling with shock. “Mr. Pitt broke in and threatened me, then Emerald. He hit Zeddie too—and might have killed him, he struck his head so hard. Go and see if you represent decent authority!”

  “Zeddie?” he inquired with mock disbelief, glancing about the room. “Then where is he?”

  “Mr. Pitt carried him away. Please—won’t you look for him? He will need help.”

  “Sure, we’ll look for him, but it’s Foxemoore’s overseer you best worry about. If he dies, Miss Emerald will face charges of murder.”

  Emerald’s eyes met his satisfied gaze.

  Minette gasped. “It was me who fired the pistol, not Emerald.”

  Sir Jasper lifted a hand, his wrist sprinkled with lace, as though her words were only an annoyance. “Is that your pistol, Minette?”

  “No…but…”

  “Whose pistol is it?”

  “It’s mine,” stated Emerald, and her voice sounded steady. “You know it’s mine. Viscount Baret Buckington gave it to me.”

  “You mean the pirate Foxworth,” he corrected. “That is the name under which he’ll be tried and hanged, darlin’.”

  Mr. Pitt stirred from his stupor. His eyes were glazed, and a look of hatred mottled his face as he looked down the stairs at Emerald.

  “She did it all right. Karlton’s brat tried to kill me!”

  Emerald’s head jerked toward him. Though weak, pale, and holding a hand to his wound, he leered, apparently satisfied at the trouble he was bringing upon her.

  “You’re lying,” Emerald said.

  “I’ll swear to it,” he rasped.

  “I’ll tell the truth!” cried Minette.

  Sir Jasper remained unmoved. “A woman who deliberately shoots the overseer of Lord Felix is called a murderess.”

  Pitt pointed a shaking finger toward Emerald. “Arrest the pirate’s strumpet, Sir Jasper. I demand it.”

  Emerald looked helplessly from Mr. Pitt to Sir Jasper, and what she saw in Jasper’s swarthy face added to her despair. He wanted this!

  “Say now, darlin’, this is a serious matter,” Sir Jasper drawled. “With Karlton arrested for sailing with that blackguard Foxworth—”

  “No,” cried Emerald, “that isn’t true, and you know it. My father was released. And now—”

  “Whoever told you so, darlin’? Why, some equally black-hearted pirate helped him escape the island. The governor’s looking for him even now. Lord Felix will need tell him the dark news of his death. He was shot trying to get away to the Madeleine.”

  “No,” she breathed and now feared that somehow his release had been a trap. “Earl Nigel arranged his release.”

  “I’m afraid not, sweetheart. And you, too, are wanted to answer to the Admiralty officials. Now, trying to murder Mr. Pitt will see you arrested for sure. Lord Felix knows well enough how you ran away with Bradford, a man wanted along with your cousin for starting a slave rebellion. You blamed Mr. Pitt for what happened to Ty and shot him.”

  She could see where his suggestions were leading.

  He smiled. “You’d best cooperate with us, unless you want to be sent to Brideswell tonight. I can’t say how long you’d be there until Lord Felix arranges for your trial. Maybe months. A dreadful place, darlin’.”

  Her cold hands gripped the banister. “You were with Mr. Pitt tonight when you murdered my father. You won’t get by with it. You’ll answer, if it’s the last thing I do.”

  “I killed Karlton? Absurd, indeed. For what cause? I’m a sugar planter, a respected member of Governor Modyford’s council.”

  “Smugglers, that’s what you all are—and he secretly works for you,” she said, pointing at Pitt. “You’re both evil slavers. I’ll send word to Captain Buckington. He’ll see you pay for this.”

  “Suppose you call him, darlin’. The Admiralty officials are just waiting for him to enter Jamaican waters. And as soon as he does, he’ll be clamped into irons and sent to England, where he’ll hang in keeping with the piracy charges of his father, that scoundrel Royce Buckington.”

  Her breath came rapidly. Zeddie had been right. He had feared she was bait to lure Baret back to Port Royal. With her father dead and her arrested, they were certain they could entice him to return.

  Then all her father’s words about a legal expedition with Morgan—and the governor’s recalling Baret to meet with him about service to King Charles—had been a lie? Had he been deliberately set free without the governor’s knowledge? Why then had he been killed before he could lure Baret back?

  Something had gone wrong. Had her father learned the truth and perhaps refused to cooperate with Felix and Jasper? So they had killed him?

  Then the governor would go on believing that her father had broken out of gaol and was seeking to escape to the buccaneers on Tortuga when someone in the militia shot him in the line of duty. And what of her? This meant the governor or the Admiralty officials were still intent upon hauling her up for questioning about Maracaibo.

  “Brideswell’s no place for a pretty woman without a father. The news will soon spread you’re alone,” said Sir Jasper. “If you cooperate with me, sweetheart, I’m sure I can smooth matters over. Isn’t that right, Pitt?”

  Pitt’s pale face dripped sweat. “Sure,” he breathed, “as long as I get the African wench.”

  Minette backed away. “I won’t go anywhere with you.”

  Emerald’s throat was dry, and her heart thudded in her chest. “I’m not alone. Neither is my cousin. I’ve seen Lady Geneva. And the Earl Nigel Buckington met with me too. I’m the betrothed of Viscount Baret Buckington.”

  Sir Jasper smiled an unbelieving smile. “Sure, sweetheart, have your dreams. But before either Geneva or the earl finds out where you are—should they care—months will have passed. Brideswell is the last place they’ll look for you. And if I inform Lord Felix that you ran away again—this time to Foxworth in Tortuga—do you think the Harwicks or Buckingtons will doubt it? No need to look so despairing. There’s always me.”

  Minette came forward, trembling. “You can’t arrest her! It wasn’t her,” she repeated. “It was me.”

  “She
’s lying,” growled Pitt. “It was Emerald all right. She’s hated me ever since the branding. Back then, she threatened to get even with me. Running away with Jamie tells you what kind of wench she is. I tell you, Sir Jasper, she belongs in Brideswell with the rest of the murderous women. Was only God’s mercy spared me to live.”

  Emerald could see that, between Mr. Pitt and Sir Jasper, she didn’t have a chance to convince anyone of the truth until either Geneva or the earl came to her rescue. She must get word to them.

  Sir Jasper looked at the empty pistol. “Now, don’t be lying to save your cousin,” he told Minette. “The pistol’s in her hand. An’ despite the pretty words coming from both of you, I saw what happened.”

  Emerald’s eyes met his.

  “You shot him, darlin’.”

  “I’ll tell ’em the truth!” choked Minette.

  “Think they’ll take the word of an African slave against mine? A member of the council? One of the biggest sugar planters in Jamaica? You be a good girl, Minette, and take care of your new master, Mr. Pitt. Me and Miss Emerald have a few things to discuss.”

  Emerald stood transfixed. She saw him focus on the useless pistol in her hand. “Get out,” she whispered. “And take him with you.”

  Jasper hesitated. “You wouldn’t shoot me, darlin’, if you could. I’m the one hope you have left. I can save you from Brideswell, or I can call for the authorities and have them take you away tonight. Instead, I’ll take you to Jasper Hall,” he said. “There is much there to amuse you, including trunks of silks and boxes of gems and pearls, all just waiting for you.”

  This could not be happening to her.

  “When Captain Baret Buckington learns of this, he’ll be calling on you at Jasper Hall.”

  “And until the pirate shows up for his lady, I’ll take my chances. I’ve heard about your sharing his cabin on the Regale. And how Karlton wanted to kill him if he didn’t marry you. Well, now! I always knew you weren’t the angel you pretended, so there’s no use putting on airs for me. Cooperate, darlin’, and you won’t need to worry about anything. Isn’t that right, Pitt?”

  “As long as I get my share, Sir Jasper. There’s the matter of the jewels she stole from Levasseur’s cabin two months ago. I want the acres you promised me, and some of those slaves from the Dutch ship.”

  “Your mouth, Pitt, will one day see your own neck stretch. You’ll get your acres—and a few slaves. That Jew will pose no problem. He can’t do much but complain to Modyford. When you’ve served your remaining year at Foxemoore, you can ride out and claim Hoffman’s acres. By then he’ll have worked the land for you and improved the cottage.”

  Even in Emerald’s own anguish she was furious over this calmly proposed injustice. “Get out. And may God reward you for your cruelty to the man! And I’ll go to Brideswell before I have anything to do with you!” She whirled on Pitt. “That goes for you too. Minette is no one’s slave, do you hear? She’s my cousin!”

  “Like Ty,” he slurred. He leaned forward, coughing, hand pressed to his wound. “I’m still trackin’ him with hounds, m’lady. Almost had him once. I’ll find him yet. He’s not in the Blue Mountains. Has plans to take to sea with pirates. But Lord Felix is watching the water too. We’ll get him yet, an’ when we do, I’ll see him skinned alive. Better yet, I’ll take him as my slave.”

  Sir Jasper walked to Emerald and removed the pistol from her hand. “Shall we go, m’dear? ‘Tis a long but pleasant ride in my carriage to Jasper Hall. All you need do is write a letter telling Governor Modyford about Foxworth’s voyage into Maracaibo. Two of his crew were murdered. Levasseur’s already sworn to Foxworth’s guilt. If you back him up, there’ll be no more trouble for either you or Minette.”

  “Now wait a minute,” began Pitt. “I’m not through with the African wench yet. And the jewels—”

  Emerald jerked free of Jasper’s hand, watching him with loathing. “Baret had nothing to do with the death of Jamie or the pirate Sloane either. Levasseur knows that. It was he who killed them both. And I won’t betray Captain Buckington with a letter of lies to satisfy either you or Lord Felix. If the earl knew you were trying to get his grandson hanged, you’d soon be swinging from Gallows Point yourself.”

  His eyes hardened. “Foxworth will be arrested and tried for piracy whether you cooperate or not, darlin’. He’ll show himself to the governor when he hears Karlton’s dead and you’ve been arrested. By offering to bring you to the comforts of Jasper Hall instead of the horrors of Brideswell, I was trying to make matters easier on you.”

  “On me or yourself?”

  “His lordship Felix is adamant about your writing that letter. He will let you sit in Brideswell for as long as it takes to convince you. Foxworth will not learn where you are until Felix is prepared with evidence to make sure the piracy charges will stand.”

  She drew in a breath. “Well, he won’t get what he wants from me.”

  “You speak bravely, but unwisely. You’re in no situation to stand against Felix Buckington. At least at Jasper Hall you’ll be treated kindly.” He smiled. “Come now, sweetheart, what’s a wee letter agreein’ to being abducted by Foxworth and forced to sail to Maracaibo? He tried to rescue Lucca, didn’t he?”

  “You mean you don’t know?” she taunted. “You and Felix who’ve planned his downfall so well? And my father’s death?”

  “How harshly you indict me. I, who had nothing to do with Karlton’s shooting.”

  “Are you so certain Baret breached Spanish territorial waters? Whose word do you have except my cousin Rafael’s, a known pirate! Do you think His Majesty will take his word against the viscount’s?”

  “It’s not what I know Foxworth to have done but what Lord Felix wishes to learn.”

  “I know what his lordship wants. He wishes to see his own blood nephew hang, even as he betrayed his half brother Royce. I know nothing about Maracaibo. And if I did, I wouldn’t tell you.”

  “Then you’ll end up telling Lord Felix himself, darlin’. And he doesn’t have the interest in your case that I do.”

  “I know full well your interest in my case, Sir Jasper. And I should rather sit in Brideswell than become your mistress.”

  “A pity. Perhaps a few months keeping company with rats and lice will convince you of my charming company.”

  Her emotions recoiled, and in a panic she watched as he walked to the outside door and called below, “Wooton, summon the militiamen. Foxworth’s little sweetheart is willing to risk her own neck to save his. She tried to kill the overseer of Lord Felix Buckington. I’m a witness.”

  Emerald tried in vain to keep her alarm under control. Minette rushed to her side, trembling, her eyes wide with helplessness.

  Pitt coughed and choked, still sprawling against the wall. “You wench,” he breathed to Minette. “You best get yourself over here and attend me.”

  Minette looked hopelessly at Emerald. Their gazes held in desperation. Minette’s eyes filled with tears.

  Emerald took firm hold of her arm. “We’ll get out of this, you’ll see,” she whispered as they clutched each other. “You’ll be on Foxemoore. See if you can get a message to the Great House.”

  “He won’t let me out of his sight. I’ve never been so frightened in my life.”

  “You blubbering wench, get your body over here,” snarled Pitt. “Can’t you see I’m bleeding to death?”

  “The Lord is our high tower,” Emerald was able to whisper as loud footsteps sounded up the steps and several militiamen entered.

  As Minette gingerly neared Mr. Pitt, who latched onto her wrist and jerked her down toward his feet, Emerald met the eyes of a big, strapping youth wearing the faded red coat of the Jamaican militia. She searched his sullen face for sanity, but he refused to meet her gaze.

  “Come along, miss.”

  “I’m innocent,” she stated firmly. “You’ve no cause to arrest me. I want to be brought to Lady Geneva’s town house on Queen Street.”

  “Take h
er to Brideswell,” Sir Jasper told him with the wave of a hand. “The strumpet tried to murder this man. ‘Tis a merciful thing for her that he lives.”

  The militiaman remained sullen. “The chief turnkey is asleep,” he said. “He’s in a foul mood. He warned us not to waken him tonight. What’ll I do with her—put her in one of the doxy cages?”

  Emerald fought down her horror. The cages were located near the turtle market and were used to lock up for the night all manner of troublemakers and drunken doxies to wait trial by dunking or whipping at the pillory in the square. In the past she had looked upon the poor wretches in the filthy cages as objects either for her pity or loathing, depending on their crimes. Now she was to be one of them? Suddenly the matter took on an entirely new face. Now she knew what it felt like to be abandoned, held up to ridicule and mistreatment.

  If I ever get out of this, she thought, I’ll remember prisoners as real people who need a friend. O God, help me, and I’ll try to help others. And a Scripture verse flashed to mind: “The God of all comfort; who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort where-with we ourselves are comforted of God.”

  Sir Jasper interrupted her thoughts, staring at her with cocked brow. “Have you reconsidered, m’dear? You can always come to Jasper Hall, where the bed is dressed in satin.”

  “Your nefarious plotting will fall on your own head one day. It’s you who should be arrested and sent to the gallows, not the buccaneers! Even Captain Levasseur, loathsome pirate as he is, would not treat me like this.”

  “No? And where would you be today if Foxworth hadn’t come to your aid? Jamie would be dead, and Rafael would have forced you at pistol point to marry him.”

  “So you do know the truth after all, when it’s not to your advantage to lie about Baret.”

  Sir Jasper sighed. “A pity you hold to your rags of decency. Foxworth would surely forgive you for coming with me a few weeks, seeing as how he’s already had what he wanted.”

  Her eyes flashed, and her palm struck the side of his face.