by Dana Roquet
Desiree began to think it had been foolhardy to come here on her own to book passage. The proprietor of the inn had offered to make the arrangements, but she had seen it as a chance to make a decision on her own, to be responsible for her own destiny.
Bridgett sensed the tenseness of her young mistress and that she was very uneasy with this new experience but Bridgett herself having been around this sort almost all of her growing up years along the coast of England, knew that for the most part, they were in no danger. True—some of the crass sort that lived and worked around the waterfront were a dangerous lot. Some would just as soon kill you as look at you. But during the day it was relatively safe, except, of course, for the catcalls, which had to be endured. She glanced at Desiree’s face and felt she must try and ease her fear.
“Most of these men are harmless dear.” She assured with a bright smile. “They enjoy making women uneasy but to them it is merely a way to amuse themselves. They mean you no harm—some are most honorable.” Desiree rolled her eyes in disbelief and Bridgett grasped and then patted her hand, “Trust me.” She laughed.
As they walked past seedy vessels, Desiree was almost set to give up, when ahead she saw not one but two fine ships. The first was a British East Indiaman, very commonplace and yet this one held the distinction that it had no visible large cannons but small falconets mounted at the rail and the forecastle had been modified, obviously revamped for speed.
The second, a Caravel, was small and two-masted; built for speed and light loads. Either would be very comfortable for a long voyage and as Desiree scanned on down the docks, she could see no others worth looking into, mostly whalers and French military ships. These looked to be her only hope.
Stopping before the first ship she noted the sparkling brass fittings gleaming in the midday sun. The mainsail, which seemed to be under repair, was flawlessly white. Sailors stood precariously upon the crosstree of the mainmast and a man’s deep rich voice could be heard over the hustle of the dockworkers, giving orders to the men up above.
“Davison! Watch those lines. We don’t need that main knotted up!” he shouted.
“Aye sir.” Came the reply.
Desiree could see just the top of the man’s head from down on the dock. Light blond curls blew in the breeze, gleaming like spun gold in the bright sunlight.
“Well Bridgett? What do you think?” Desiree asked, lifting her brows excitedly.
“I think this is what we have been searching for.” Bridgett nodded.
“I agree. I shall go and see if the captain will give us passage. If not, then that smaller one there will do just as nicely.” Desiree inclined her head toward the next ship and started away.
“Missy don’t you want me to accompany you?”
“Bridgett! You said yourself there is no danger and these men seem decent enough.” Desiree decided as she walked up the plank, “Besides I must begin learning to do things for myself.”
Desiree alighted on the main deck and started toward the bow, where she had seen the blond man. Sailors stopped their activities to watch her pass, smiling in appreciation at the feminine swing of her slim hips. Desiree was oblivious to this; her eyes were turned upward to the men walking agilely upon the mast above. The height was dizzying and she marveled at their balance and daring.
“And just what do you think you are doing, may I ask?”
“Oh!” Desiree chirped, as she was nearly knocked off her feet after slamming full force into the blond headed man. Unshaken by the collision, he stood with feet wide-set and hands on hips, glaring down at her. Desiree pulled back, lifting her hands to straighten her hat and looked up at him with embarrassment and a self conscious smile; which faded when she saw the dark brown eyes boring into her.
“I…I wish to speak with the Capitaine’—would that be you?” she asked softly, feeling the heat of a blush come up on her face.
“I neither speak nor understand French! If we are to talk, it will have to be English.” He stated gruffly, crossing his arms over his chest with an amused, mocking expression.
“Are—are you the Captain?” Desiree stammered hesitantly, although her English was usually flawless and fluent having studied it for several years and spoken it quite often with Bridgett and Mary.
“That I am. How may I be of service to you my sweet?” As he asked this, his eyes took in the whole length of her body; lingering on the modestly cut bodice of her gown where he could see just a hint of soft white flesh and the outline of the voluptuous assets beneath. Her lovely face gave away her youth and he guessed she must be at least two or three years short of a score. But her trim, shapely figure looked made for love.
His gaze came slowly back up her body and his eyes met hers once more. His close scrutiny had now caused her face to flush bright crimson, Desiree felt sure. She could feel the heat coming from her cheeks. Her knees felt as though they might buckle at any moment and it took much control on her part to keep from racing to the rail and screaming for Bridgett to rescue her.
“I—I was hoping to inquire about—sailing…” she wrung her hands nervously, as he continued his raking of her form with his eyes, “Booking passage—to the colonies. Would you be able to accommodate my maid and myself…?” she found her voice trailing off softly at the end. She was completely unraveled and unnerved.
“Well—I’m not in the habit of taking passengers on.” He began as he took a step toward her with a devilish dimpled grin on his clean-shaven face. The grin widened as she stepped back from him, “I find it usually makes for trouble.”
Desiree could not believe it but he took another step toward her. She took another step back and found that she had inadvertently backed herself into a stack of wooden crates. She was hemmed in on all sides. She leaned against the rough wood, putting as much distance between them as she possibly could. He was only a pace away, his eyes full of menace; at least to her meager knowledge of men they appeared menacing. She dropped her gaze from his but then her vision was filled with his broad bronzed chest. His shirt was open, showing the muscled and bulging expanse beneath a light furring of dark hair and she lifted her eyes to his once more.
He thought that the girl looked as if she were ready to burst into tears. Her gorgeous violet blue eyes framed by sooty black lashes were wide and fearful. He couldn’t resist teasing her further, “Especially female passengers…” he rasped, raising his brows and stepping closer still until he was against her. So close to her, in fact, that he could feel her thighs pressed against his own. He paused, pulling back and tilting his head, letting his lips hover close to hers and reached out letting his hands slip about her along her ribcage and his thumbs lightly brushed the sides of her breasts. “But if you would care to—come below to my cabin for a time—I will make it well worth your while.”
Desiree gasped in shock, turning her face away from his; his breath was warm and clean against her cheek. He made an almost animal growling noise in his throat. “He thinks I’m a trollop!” she screamed silently within her mind.
“Name you price my dear. I am a very generous man when it comes to such fine quality.” His lips moved to the side of her neck and his thumbs moved over the bodice of her gown lightly.
Desiree came to life—outraged by his familiarity. His arrogance made her quake with anger, “You swine!” she spat, finding her voice, “How dare you!” With a shriek, her tiny foot found his large one and she stamped on his instep with all her might.
“Damn!” he yelped, picking up his foot and falling back a pace.
The shocked expression on his outrageously handsome face told Desiree that he was not accustomed to being denied and before he could resume his assault, she struck out with all her strength. The slap could easily be heard at all parts of the vessel.
“How dare you—you slimy rogue. The likes of you—trifling with me! You—you blackguard!” Desiree spat then with both hands, heaved against the stunned man, catching him off balance as he favored his aching foot and he fell back from he
r, tripping on a coil of rope and landing with a thud in the midst of the coil. Desiree ran around him, then along the ship to the plank and down to the dock, as the sound of riotous laughter followed in her wake.
The surprised captain lifted his tall, frame from the deck and rubbed the sting from his cheek. A smile played about his lips and he chuckled to himself. He hadn’t expected that from the lady.
Laughter sounded around him and he looked up at the two men on the crosstree of the mainsail. In a fit of glee both men held weakly onto the sheet, bracing themselves against the mast. He outstretched his arms, shrugging his shoulders with a wide grin, which brought renewed chuckles from up and down the ship.
“All right—shows over gents!” he laughed, “Let’s get this tub loaded. We sail on the morning tide or had all of you forgotten that?”
As the men resumed their duties, he made his way to the rail and watched the young lady grasp another woman by the arm and walk briskly down the waterfront. He clicked his tongue in appreciation, then chuckling to himself, went back to his work.
***
Desiree raced down the gangplank with her gown lifted in one hand so as not to impede her departure, head held high and back straight as a board. Her mouth was set in a grim, hard line as she snatched Bridgett firmly by the elbow, heading off down the docks.
“That lecherous swine—how dare…” Desiree fumed under her breath, “Come below—eh? Well…”
“My dear you are red as a beet! Tell me what is wrong. What happened?” Bridgett fretted, taking quick, short steps to keep up with Desiree and prevent her arm from being torn from its socket.
“That beast took me for—he tried to—Oh never mind!” Desiree shook her head, trying to rid herself of the distasteful scene, “Let’s inquire at the next ship. This time, you accompany me!” She managed a strained smile and arm in arm; the two climbed the plank to the deck of the Caravel.
An older man dressed with tailored perfection in a forest green suit approached, with hands loosely held behind his back. His nose was rather hooked and a mustache disguised a thin upper lip. He smiled good-naturedly at them with a slight bow.
“Good day ladies. Welcome aboard the Dalton. I am Captain Anderson. May I be of some service to you?”
“Sir my companion and I were in hopes we might book passage to the colonies. Would you be able to accommodate?” Desiree asked, looking up into the eyes of the tall man. He was well above the average height and so slim, almost painfully so.
“Unfortunately I am afraid I will not be able Mademoiselle. My plans have been changed this very day. I will be going to the East before making a voyage to that part of the world.” He shook his head, taking in the dejected expression of the young beautiful girl, “But look here—you needn’t worry. Stephen Colter will be leaving on the morning tide, bound for the colonies. I know space enough would be easily attainable.” He smiled broadly as the girl’s face lit up with a stunning smile.
“Oh Captain, where might we find this Captain Colter?” she asked with a sigh of relief.
The captain pointed over the rail toward the stern, to the ship docked directly behind and Desiree followed with her eyes, to where his finger rested. The East Indiaman—and the barbarian who thought to purchase her favors. She bit her lower lip, holding back a shriek. Her hopeful face sagged into anger.
“No thank you Captain! I would rather swim!” she spat, dismissing the ludicrous idea and turning her attention elsewhere.
Anderson watched the young woman as she looked from one ship to another for some other means to journey. After surveying the docks himself, he turned to her companion, “I am afraid that other than Colter and his Windward, your choices are none too pleasant. Not vessels suited for ladies.”
He couldn’t help but wonder what this beauty had against Stephen, “I could accompany you to Colter’s ship and make the arrangements, if you wish. I am sure you would be most welcome and comfortable. Stephen Colter is a close friend of mine. I can vouch for his credentials.”
Desiree turned, shifting her eyes from Bridgett, to the captain and back to Bridgett.
Bridgett raised her eyebrows and slightly shrugged her shoulders, “It is your choice my dear. We could wait another few days for something else.”
“Aye, you might do that Miss. I know for a fact that Colter’s brother is expected a week or so from now.” He nodded. “But then he will be in port another good week or more before he sails.” He mused idly.
Desiree rolled her eyes and turned away, standing at the rail and surveying the bustle of the docks, while considering her options. She could find herself here for days, staying at the less than desirable inn, waiting for suitable passage. She could make the voyage on one of the less than welcoming ships she saw about her, or she could collect her belongings, returning to Rouen and the Roche’s to try once more at a later date. None of her options appealed to her. Desiree turned to face the captain.
“You say you know this man personally?” she questioned and the captain nodded without hesitation, “And you shall accompany us?” Again he nodded. “Then I suppose we must. I have no other choice, at least none I relish.” Her cheeks felt hot with the humiliation. To be forced to return and plead for passage again from the swine she had laid low, just minutes ago.
“You shall not regret it, I assure you.” Anderson said with a smile, anticipating the reaction Stephen would display at the sight of such a beauty.
But Desiree regretted it very much already and she was fuming mad about the entire predicament.
***
“Anderson what brings you…”
Stephen Colter’s words trailed off as just behind Anderson, peeking around him, were those violet eyes. She looked like a small child, hiding behind her father for safety’s sake from some menace.
“Captain Stephen Colter, may I present Miss Desiree Chandelle and her companion Bridgett Spencer. I have assured these ladies that you would be pleased to see them safely to the colonies.”
Anderson grinned and stepped aside to reveal the beautiful young woman, expecting to see the young Captain Colter begin frothing at the mouth, as Stephen was quite a connoisseur of women and this surely, was one of the comeliest to have ever come along. But Stephen acted as though he didn’t notice the lady or her obvious attributes at all. His eyes were twinkling with mischief.
“Aye Captain—I have this very afternoon become—acquainted with the lady. Passage is it?” he questioned as though this were the first he had heard of that proposal, while he meaningfully stroked his cheek where not so long ago he had felt the sting of her hand. His dark eyes caught Desiree’s in silent communication, “Aye!” he grinned, “I’ll be happy to have the ladies aboard. It should make for an interesting voyage.” He chuckled, turning to call down the deck toward the stern.
“Cunningham!”
“Right away Captain!”
An elderly man waved an arm and stuck his head out from behind a stack of crates. He was easily twice the age of his captain, Desiree decided, possibly sixty, with graying hair and a bushy mustache. His eyes were twinkling merrily and he was grinning from ear to ear as he approached, causing her to wonder if he had been witness to the scene earlier. But of course he had, the whole bunch of them had had a hearty laugh at her expense.
“These ladies…” Stephen emphasized his words, grinning at Desiree, “will be accompanying us to the colonies. Please take them below and make them comfortable.” He turned to address Bridgett, “Ham here will see you below. Where might we send for your luggage?” he inquired pleasantly.
“The Le Havre Inn.” Bridgett answered softly. She was completely stunned by the man’s looks—he was extraordinarily handsome.
Stephen nodded curtly and with a gesture ushered them into the care of Ham. The two women followed Ham across the deck moving to the stairs leading below at the stern castle as Stephen stood with arms crossed over his chest, admiring the feminine stride of the dazzling French girl moving fluidly away. He had almost
forgotten Anderson stood beside him.
“So you met with her before? Where might this have been Stephen old boy?” Anderson questioned.
Stephen clapped his friend upon the back, “Could I interest you in a drink? This will take some time in the telling for you to get all the enjoyment out of it that myself and crew did earlier.” He laughed.
“By all means! How can I resist the prospect of one of your tall tales?” Anderson chuckled, giving Stephen’s shoulder a sound pat, “Lead on!”
***
Desiree and Bridgett were escorted down a flight of steps to a narrow corridor that vert to the right, then half again down another cramped passageway.
“Here we are.” Ham announced, opening the door and standing aside, allowing the women to enter, “It certainly lacks style but I am sure you shall be most comfortable.”
The cabin was very cramped to say the least, Desiree observed. Two small berths were built into the wall on either side of the door. A table and chairs, no doubt anchored to prevent overturning on the high seas occupied the space beneath a heavily glassed window between the two berths. An armoire was built into the wall at the end of one bed and the lower half, contained a two drawer chest. A small washstand took the last inch of usable space at the foot of the other bed.
“I’ll leave you ladies to yourselves now. Your luggage will be brought from the Inn right away. I could have a tray sent in if you have not had a noonday meal.” He offered politely.
“Oh yes please.” Desiree nodded, famished from her harrowing morning.
“Right away.” he started out the door and turned back, “As far a meals go, I am afraid we have no dining room. Meals will be served here. I hope this will not put you out.”