by H. C. Brown
She frowned and ran her fingers over the coins. Traveling alone would be a problem in itself and many coaches fell foul to raids by highwaymen. She tapped her fingers on the side of the box and searched her mind for a solution. If she secured the gold in the hem of her petticoats, the silver coins in Betty’s garments, and placed the rest in a purse inside her pocket, no highwayman would find a penny.
A scratch on the door had her shutting the lid of the chest. Heart pounding she stared at the door afraid Lord Moreau would discover her fortune. “One moment.”
With effort, she struggled to her feet wincing in agony. She composed her features and patted down her hair. “Who’s there?”
A soft Scottish brogue drifted through the door and her stomach clenched in remembrance.
“It is Mackenzie, ma lady. Lord Moreau sent me to assist ye.”
A Mackenzie maybe but that was not Drew’s melodic voice. Dear Lord, the very name made her heart race. She frowned. Lord Moreau had mentioned sending a roughneck to care for her needs. She bristled. His needs more like. Mister Mackenzie would not step one foot inside her cabin without Betty present. She lifted her voice to be heard clearly though the door. “I see, Lord Moreau sent you to do what exactly, Mister Mackenzie?”
“It is a long story, aye and one I will divulge soon enough. For now, all ye need to ken is that Lord Moreau offers me for your convenience. I am your bond servant, ma lady.”
Bond servant? She frowned at his abrupt manner. No servant she had encountered before would dare to speak to her in such a bold manner. To be sure, Mackenzie’s speech with his educated Scottish accent reminded her so much of Drew’s soft brogue. Her stomach gave a little twist of longing and she swallowed hard. “I do not believe Lord Moreau would send you here without first introducing you. Go away.”
“Dinna fash yourself, ma lady. Betty mentioned ye would be worried, but I have not come to do ye harm. I bid you to open the door. I do not desire our conversation to be overheard.”
Uncertain, she wedged one foot against the door and opening it a crack pressed her ear to the gap. “Very well, go on and be quick about it.”
The soft brogue dropped to a conspiratorial whisper.
“I am Ian Mackenzie of Badenoch, ma brother Drew sent me to help ye escape, and in the meantime, I will do ma best to keep ye safe. Ye have ma word and the oath of a Highlander cannot be broken.”
Drew? This must be trickery. “Indeed, and why would he send you in his stead?”
“This vessel is armed for war. Do ye think it would be an easy task to board such a ship let alone steal Baron du Court’s betrothed from under Moreau’s nose?” Ian made a sound of derision. “Drew has a plan, aye to get ye safely away wi’ out Moreau being any the wiser.”
“Well met, Mister Mackenzie, but why have you not shown yourself to me before?”
“I had not expected ma request to join the crew would end up in slavery, ma lady.” He let out a long tired sigh. “Indeed, I would have come to ye sooner if I had been able.”
She opened the door a little wider and peered into the gloom. Disappointment washed over her at the sight of a lad standing before her in the dim corridor. How could one so young assist her in escaping the clutches of Lord Moreau?
Mackenzie bowed and gave her a leg like a man of breeding.
“Your servant, ma lady.”
Charmed by his courteous approach, she flung open the door and offered her hand, then withdrew it. Heavens, had she lost her wits and fallen into a trap? She regarded him with interest. He did not dress in the same manner as the rest of the motley crew on board The Black Turtle. Somewhat flustered, she straightened and squinted at him, trying to make out his features in the gloom. “Let me look at you.” She stepped to one side to allow the light from within to spill over him.
As Mackenzie lifted his chin, the lantern illuminated his face. Her heart raced at his resemblance to Drew. Indeed, he had sent a brother much like him apart from the color of his eyes. This lad’s intelligent royal blue gaze met her examination with a defiant not beaten expression. The lad although big for his age, at closer inspection could be little more than sixteen. His jacket of green velvet was of good quality and fashionably cut. Although his breeches flapped about his legs, the silver buckles on his leather shoes shone from constant polishing. Her heart went out to the forlorn lad and she smiled encouragingly. “If you are Drew’s brother, then tell me, what color are his eyes?”
“They are green, my lady, but he has hair the same color as my own, and we share my father’s dimple on our chins.”
She inclined her head. “Yet you are a bond servant?”
His cheeks pinked and he lowered long lashes.
“So it would seem. Although, these papers imply I am a slave.” He held out a folded document. “Lord Moreau instructed me to give ye ma bill of sale, ma lady.”
“Very well, but I will take it with the greatest reluctance. I cannot imagine what your brother will make of me being involved in your misfortune.” She unfolded the paper and moved closer to the lamp to read the flowery handwriting. Indeed, Captain Jacques had forced this young lad into servitude against his will and she hated slavers with every part of her being. She swallowed hard at the nausea roiling her stomach. I own a human being. Dear God forgive me.
She lifted her attention back to him. He had suffered and put his life at risk to save her. “Come inside.” She sat down gingerly on the lid of the trunk and took out her fan. “You appear to be telling the truth and I do indeed see a resemblance. “I abhor any form of slavery, Mister Mackenzie. I assure you the moment I am on Scottish soil I will tear up this appalling document and return your freedom. I would do so at once but as my servant you come under my protection whatever that is worth aboard this ship.”
“I thank ye for your generosity, but first I must discuss Drew’s plans for our escape. It will not be easy and ye will be in constant danger.”
Mackenzie gripped his hands under his coattails and stared at the floor. He slowly lifted his gaze and his expression displayed a lad with experience older than his years.
“Nay matter what happens from this time forward, I will need your word ye will follow ma orders and do what is necessary to get safely to shore.”
Her heart squeezed. She could only imagine the hardships he had endured under Captain Jacques’s whip. “You have my word. I will do as you ask.”
“I thank ye.” He glanced nervously into the dark hallway. “May I close the door, I dinna want Lord Moreau overhearing our conversation.”
“Please do.” She stood and moved to sit on the edge of the bunk. “Do sit down and tell me everything. Is Drew well and your father, has he recovered?”
“Nay, Pa died by poisoning. This is why Drew could not return to England, but he is well enough. Ye ken as laird, he has nay choice but to place his clan above matters of the heart.”
The tight band around her heart relaxed. She smiled at him in an attempt to offer comfort. “Yes, I do understand. Drew is an honorable man and his duty to his people will always come first.”
“Many of our clan have perished.” Ian sat and rubbed both hands over his face. He lifted a mournful expression to her. “That is not the least of our worries. The neighboring clan also raided our stock and burned our fields. It was only by the grace of God ma brother, Jamie had the good sense to bring the tenants into the castle or we would all be dead.” He sighed. “By the time, Drew returned we were near starving. Then he received a missive from Rupert and sent me straight away to meet The Black Turtle.”
Excitement sent shivers walking up her spine and she leaned toward him. “What plans does Drew have for my rescue?”
“It is fortunate Drew has had recent business dealings with Captain Jacques. The moment he heard ye were bound for France aboard The Black Turtle, he sent a messenger at once to organize a meeting.” Ian stood, rolled his shoulders, and moved to the window. “He plans to meet with Captain Jacques in a secluded cove near Inverness, but I din
na ken where precisely. I left afore the meeting was set.”
Drew is risking his life for me. She pushed the words over the lump in her throat. He was her knight in shining armor. “What excuse will he give for boarding a pirate ship?”
“Ah, ye see, the clan needs food for the winter and he has agreed to trade our whisky for goods we can sell in Inverness.” He flicked a concerned gaze back to her. “Ye see, if we try to sell the whisky in Scotland wi’ out paying the taxes, the excise men will confiscate the entire load. It takes ten years to cure a good whisky and we have barrels fifty years old.”
She stared at him dumbfounded refusing to believe her distinguished Scottish gentleman would do anything underhand. There had to be a reasonable explanation for his behavior and she chose not to ask the lad. “Will he offer payment for my release? I am sure a pirate is bribed easily enough.”
“Oh, nay, ma lady.” Ian swallowed, his eyes shifted around the cabin and his Adam’s apple moved up and down. “He intends to distract Captain Jacques and his crew to give us time to escape. We will take one of the boats lowered to carry the goods ashore. Under cover of darkness, nayone will see us, and Angus will come aboard to help row us to shore.” Ian grinned. “Dinna fash, Angus is a man of honor and will see us safe. Ye will not have to endure Lord Moreau’s company much longer. Drew plans to meet The Black Turtle on the dark o’ the moon.” He met her gaze and raised one dark eyebrow in question. “Are ye willing to go ahead wi’ the plan, my lady?”
Drew is coming to save me. She grinned. “Yes, I agree. That is a very sound plan, Mister Mackenzie.”
“Aye, it would be if I had any notion when the dark o’ the moon is expected. I spent some time in the hold and lost track of the days.” He sighed. “I will need to get topside tonight to see the phase of the moon to ken when the meeting will take place. As I am your servant, I should have a wee bit more freedom to move about the ship.”
She gave him an encouraging smile. “Splendid.”
“Although, wi’ all the storms, I dinna ken where we are either.” Ian peered out the window and shrugged. “I canna see any land and we should be nearing the rendezvous by now but maybe the captain has avoided the coast because of the storms.” He rubbed his chin thoughtfully. “I will flap my ears in the galley and see if I can find out our direction.”
She smiled. “Fortunately, the last time I dined with Captain Jacques I overheard his conversation with Lord Moreau and I am privy to that information. The ship is heading to for a rendezvous at Burghead, a remote cove not far from Inverness, however, I did not hear mention of your brother’s name. To be sure, Captain Jacques is set to meet the notorious French smuggler Le Diable Noir. I am afraid this band of good-for-nothings may place Drew and Angus in danger.”
A deep blush ran up the lad’s neck to flood his face. He shuffled his feet then as if making a decision, cleared his throat, and regarded her with a sweet guileless expression.
“Aye, well, as it happens Drew is Le Diable Noir. I gather ye dinna ken Drew was a smuggler? Afore the trouble wi’ our clan, he worked wi’ pirates along the French coast.”
A smuggler? She blinked at him unable to grasp his meaning. Her handsome, modish Scottish gentleman was the notorious French smuggler, The Black Devil. Suddenly faint, she lifted her fan eyeing Ian over the frilled edge. Dear God, had she moved from one misfortune to another? Although, being in the company of a handsome smuggler was more comforting than enduring a forced marriage to a murderer. Hoping her voice remained at a calm even tone, she met his embarrassed gaze. “I was of the impression he traded in the finest of horseflesh.”
“Aye well, he does but he did not make his fortune from horse trading but he will when his stables are established.” He sighed. “Only three people outside our clan ken Drew is Le Diable Noir. Smuggling is a hanging offense ye ken?”
“Yes, I am aware.” She snapped her fan shut. “I have to admit for a notorious smuggler he is indeed a gentleman.”
“Aye, a fine gentleman, to be sure. Dinna allow his smuggling to sway your impression of him. He is honest in his dealings, smuggler or no.” Ian lifted one dark eyebrow. “Now ye ken the truth about Drew are ye still willing to escape wi’ me?”
Her knight in shining armor, the deliciously handsome Drew Mackenzie was on his way to save her and no, she did not give a fig about his escapades. Indeed, her heart raced with the anticipation of being in his strong arms once more. She gave Ian an encouraging smile and the tension in the lad drained away. “Thank you, Mister Mackenzie. I assure you, his secret is safe with me.” She chewed her bottom lip deep in thought. “Why do they meet in the middle of the night?”
“Privateers usually weigh anchor some ways out and meet smugglers at night to avoid the excise men. Captain Jacques lowers boats to transfer his contraband to one of the coves. Rest assured, Drew and Angus will be coming aboard. Ma brother is taking a mighty risk of Lord Moreau recognizing him. He kens the man from King Louis’ Court.”
An icy chill shivered up her spine. If discovered, Lord Moreau would not hesitate to expose Drew. “How does he usually conduct such business?”
“He does not like working the Scottish Coast and in France uses a go-between to arrange the details of his meetings wi’ The Black Turtle and other vessels. He remains on shore and always wears a mask, not even his men ken his identity. He usually has a band of Frenchmen to exchange the cargo. They are safe enough. There is honor amongst thieves ye ken?” He swept a speculative gaze over her and the tips of his ears pinked. “Ye are lucky Drew was able to arrange a meeting wi’ The Black Turtle on this side of the English Channel. He must think verra kindly of ye to place himself in such danger.”
She bit back a smile. “I would say he is my particular friend.”
“Aye, I thought as much but if there is affection between ye, he has not informed the clan so go canny. Some may not appreciate their laird taking a Sassenach to wife.”
Doubt reared its ugly head and her stomach gave a squeeze. He had not informed his family about her. “Oh, I see. Very well, I will keep a good distance between us and not acknowledge our friendship.”
“That would be for the best.” Ian sighed. “Well then, we will need to be waiting above at the appointed time, in readiness for him to cause a distraction. The hardest part will be getting ye on deck, over the edge and into one of the boats wi’ out any of the crew spying ye.” His eyes narrowed and he stared into space for some moments then sighed. “Bide here for a while and I will work out a plan. Ye will need a disguise of sorts.”
Splashes echoed in the hallway and holding a finger to her lips, she moved toward the door, opened it, and peered into the dim corridor. To her relief, Betty came bustling toward her carrying a large tray. She turned to Ian and lowered her voice to a whisper. “It is Betty. She is unaware of my … ah personal acquaintance with your brother but I have confided his name to her.”
Betty flounced into the room, gave Ian a broad smile, and moved inside to set the tray on the small table.
“Ah, I see you have met Ian, milady.”
Adrianna moved to the door and turned the lock. She indicated to Ian to take a seat at the table. “Yes and it would seem he is our answer to this intolerable situation. Do take tea with us, Mister Mackenzie.”
Betty pursed her lips and gave Adrianna a disapproving glance.
“Best you be callin’ him ‘Ian,’ milady. Not many slaves are given the consideration of a title.”
“Very well, but Ian, is not my slave and never will be. He is the son of a Scottish Laird and sent by a dear friend to aid in my removal from this vessel.” She glanced at the indenture in her hand and revulsion roiled her stomach.
Sitting opposite him, she indicated to Betty to serve the tea. Nauseous from the pain in her leg, she waved away the plate of biscuits and turned to Ian. “Has Mister Mackenzie informed you of the reason I am in this predicament?”
“No, milady, he only told me ye needed to be away from this vessel and I was
to protect ye from Lord Moreau.” Ian perched on the edge of the seat as if expecting to flee at any moment. “Although, I must admit, ridding yourself of that flea is reason enough to jump ship.”
“Well, there is a little more to my story and if you are prepared to risk your life for me, you should be informed of the reasons. Although, I will give you the details with the greatest reluctance. Do I have your oath this information will not leave this room?”
“Aye, ye have my oath.” Ian pressed his hand to his heart. “I will never betray your trust, ma lady.”
Relieved, she gathered her thoughts. After divulging an abridged version of her dilemma, leaving her affair with Drew out of the equation, she regarded Ian’s reaction with interest. “Oh do not give me that look of disapproval. I realize I was addle-minded to board this ship, but I had little choice in the matter.”
“That was a big decision, ma lady.” Ian’s brow creased into a frown. “It is no wonder Drew wants you far away from here.”
Not wanting to answer any questions on the distasteful matter, she glanced at Betty. “Do unpack that basket, I am suddenly famished.”
“I am honored ye would trust me with this information, milady.” Ian straightened. “I will get ye ashore or die trying.”
She took in the breadth of his shoulders. Oh yes, he was strong enough to row a boat. The lad would grow to be a fine figure of a man like his brother. “You are very tall and so like Mister Mackenzie. Are all the men in your family of the same stature?”
“Aye, they are indeed. We are Highlanders, milady. We tend to be larger than Outlanders.”
She smiled. “Yes, I have heard tales of Highlanders and their barbarism. Yet you appear to be of genteel upbringing as does your brother, so I imagine this rumor is an untruth.”