Twelfth Night at Eyre Hall

by Luccia Gray

  “What happened to the HMS Helena?” Mrs. Mason asked.

  “It was badly damaged, in a storm, and wrecked near Montego Bay. There were few survivors. Lieutenant Kirkpatrick was one of them. He had your chain around his neck when we captured him, and I presumed that the lady who wrote such lovely words would like to have him back, safe and sound.”

  “How did you find out my name and where I live?”

  “That was more difficult. He would not tell me, of course, so I had to torture the captain. Carrington, I believe his name was.”

  “Was?”

  “He died soon after the accident, but not before telling me how the lieutenant’s bride–to–be would pay any price to have him back. It is fortunate for him that I found you.”

  “You still haven’t told me where he is,” she said calmly, as I pressed my hand over my trembling knee.

  “Near Montego Bay, there is a house. Once it was a great and beautiful house, but now it is abandoned. Nobody wants to live there anymore. It was partly burnt during the rebellions when I was a child, and its owners left the island. It is too big to repair, too expensive to keep, and they say there are ghosts who feast on children at night, but my family have made it comfortable enough to live. Its stone walls are strong and defensive. We are safe, but we cannot plant sugar because we have no slaves to work on the land.”

  “Lieutenant Kirkpatrick is in this house? What is it called?”

  “Rosewood Castle has three stories with many ample rooms and a basement. The basement is damp, sometimes water seeps in…”

  She sprung from her chair and grabbed the stoker, shaking it at the dumbfounded pirate.

  “Very well, you miserable fool. Just remember one thing. If Michael is not alive when we arrive, I will personally cut you up into tiny pieces, a few inches every day, so that the fish on Montego Bay will be feasting for weeks on your flesh.”

  “Mrs. Mason, please,” I said, wondering how she could have summoned such strength and violence so abruptly.

  “He will be alive,” Rey replied, “if we leave immediately. However, I do not know if he will be well. My family has barely enough to eat for themselves. We cannot feed guests.”

  “He had better be well, or you will be a very rich cripple, Mr. Rey,” she warned, poking his chest with the stoker, which burnt holes in his overcoat.

  “Mrs. Mason…” I started in protest, worried that if he retaliated I would have to fight, and I was no match for the pirate.

  “Call Simon and Philip, Mr. Smythe. They will be taking Mr. King back to the ice house.”

  I ran out faster than my legs could carry me, bumping into the doorframe first, and Miss Annette and Dr. Carter next, on my way out.

  “Mrs. Mason wants Simon and Philip to take him back to the ice house,” I told them as they rushed in.

  During dinner, later that evening, Mrs. Mason told Miss Annette and Dr. Carter how we had discovered where Lieutenant Kirkpatrick was held. She asked them both to accompany her on her trip to retrieve her betrothed. The doctor was needed because the lieutenant would no doubt need medical attention, and Miss Annette had lived on the island for many years, so she would be a great asset on their arrival. Mrs. Mason planned to travel to Morton the next day and inform her cousin, Admiral Fitzjames, who would help them charter a ship and inform the British authorities on the island of their arrival.

  She thanked me profusely for being so helpful in the success of her ploy, and promised me a financial reward on her return. She asked me to prepare a marriage contract because she would be marrying the lieutenant at Christmas. She finally instructed me to visit Mr. Jackson in Millcote for the sale of certain lands for an extension of his mill. When she reminded me not to reveal what had happened at Eyre Hall, I said, “Who would believe me, Mrs. Mason?”

  I had heard many rumours about the Mistress of Eyre Hall, but none of them came close to describing her tenacity and character. I had not yet met her betrothed, but I wondered how any man could handle such a determined woman.

  ***

  Chapter XXIX – The Voyage Out

  Our carriage stood at the gates of Thorpe Hall laden with our trunks. We instructed the surprised driver not to unload and to watch the pirate. Rey was sitting by the door, his feet chained, and his fingers busy counting the deeds to the gold mine. I didn’t trust him to flee with the ransom, and I wanted him with us in case we needed to exchange him for Michael. Annette and Dr. Carter kept Diana busy while I spoke to her husband about my plans.

  “Admiral Fitzjames, I have come because I need your help. Please forgive me for not giving you all the information at this moment. I must ask you to trust me, because I have a very serious problem. It is so serious that I wished to speak to you alone first.”

  The admiral, who had never been a patient man, raised an eyebrow and twirled his moustache warily. “Proceed, my dear.”

  There was no time for civilities or lengthy explanations. “I need to go to Jamaica, at once, and I need a ship to take me there.”

  He repeated my words slowly, staring at the carpet, as if he were speaking to himself. “A sail ship to the West Indies, indeed.”

  “I cannot turn to anyone else. You must help me, cousin, if you value my life.”

  “Jane, speak no more. I do not want you to beg, but I do want you to be sure of what you are planning to do.”

  “I have no choice. They have kidnapped Michael and I am going to get him back.”

  Another long moment passed while he nodded and thought about my words. “I presume you are going to pay a ransom?”

  “That has been taken care of.”

  “Why do you not deposit the money and wait for his return?”

  “Because I cannot trust a pirate to keep his word, and I want Michael back alive.”

  “I see.” He walked around the room, hands held behind his back, examining the carpet yet again. “Diana will be so upset, and I cannot imagine what Mr. and Mrs. Wharton will think about your plans.”

  The tears rushed down my cheeks and I threw my arms around him. “Please help me.”

  “I will help you, but it is madness, and you know it, Jane. Diana will hold me responsible if anything happens to you.”

  “Thank you, cousin. I assure you, nothing will happen to us.”

  “What do you know of Captain Carrington?”

  “I fear it is not good news. According to Rey, the pirate, he died.”

  “Another good man claimed by the sea.” He raised his eyes to the ceiling, mumbled a short prayer, and turned back to me. “Now, tell me what has happened.”

  “It is not clear, but from what I gather from Rey, it seems their frigate was caught in a storm near the northern coast of Jamaica while the island was overcome by an internal rebellion, and instead of saving the crew, they were captured. Many died, a few escaped, others were killed, and Michael and Captain Carrington were taken as prisoners. Cousin, I am greatly distressed. Will you help me, please?” I threw my arms around him once more.

  “Only if you stop crying and hugging me. It is most inappropriate.”

  “What am I to do?”

  “Sit down, my dear. Let us plan your journey.”

  I was far too anxious to sit, but I thought it best to humour him.

  “I will travel with you to Southampton. You could charter a sailing ship to take you from there to the West Indies. I have heard that some of the older Royal Mail Ships, like the RMS Harvey, are on sale as they are renewing the fleet with ships with steam engines and iron hulls.”

  “Will it be safe?”

  “It will be safe, my dear. The wind has been sailing ships for centuries.”

  “But an old sailing ship?”

  “The RMS Harvey has been travelling from Southampton to Jamaica for years. The Royal Mail has money to burn, so they’re having new ships built, that’s all, but the Harvey, or another one like her, is perfectly adequate.”

  “I must admit, I am rather terrified of the journey. I have never trave
lled across the ocean.”

  “Not to worry. I will make sure you employ an experienced captain and a strong, loyal crew.”

  “How many sailors will we need?”

  “You’ll need two sailors per four hour watch and two to help maintain the ship. The rigging has to be repaired, and the masts have to be oiled. Then they need to scrub the decks and help the cook. The ship will almost certainly have leaks, so they will have to be pumped every day. They will be alternating four hour on and four hours off, so you will need at least eight, and hope they do not get ill or sleep on the job. You’ll need a cook and kitchen help, a captain, a mate to help him, and a cabin boy, at least.”

  “Annette and Dr. Carter will be coming, too.”

  “Annette knows the island, so she will be an asset, and the doctor will be no doubt be useful. That makes sixteen of you. I am sure you’ll manage very well.”

  “Rey is coming with us.”

  “You are taking a pirate with you?”

  “We may have to exchange him for Michael.”

  “Very well, but you must be careful. You’ll have to keep him tied up in the ship’s hold. A man like that could cause havoc on board. The crew will have to take turns to watch him. Where is he now?”

  “Chained in our carriage.”

  “Jane, Jane,” he shook his head as he spoke. “I hope you know what you’re doing.”

  “Michael means a great deal to me.”

  “So it seems.”

  He stood and strolled to the window where our carriage stood.

  “You’ll be seventeen, then.”

  “Will you not be coming?”

  “Out of the question. I am afraid I have retired, my dear. I am in no shape to make a sea voyage. Aches and pains all over, swelling joints, incontinence. I am as useless as a baby.” He forced a wistful smile. “And I am afraid Mrs. Fitzjames would never allow it.”

  I told him I understood, realising that Diana would never forgive me for persuading him to embark once again.

  “You’ll need provisions. Make sure you all have everything you need in your trunks. It is not a pretty ship for passengers to travel. It is a mail ship. Functional. No luxuries. You will have to bring towels, sheets, mirrors, soap, even pillows and cushions, not to mention food. We will get everything we require at Southampton, there are plenty of suppliers.”

  “How long will the journey take?”

  “Twenty–five to thirty days if you’re lucky. It is a merchant sail ship, not a clipper.”

  “Twenty–five days! That is an eternity. How lucky do we have to be?”

  “If you don’t traverse too many storms or get waylaid, or lost, then you are lucky! But don’t worry, that is unlikely with a good crew.”

  “Can’t we get a clipper?”

  “I wouldn’t recommend it. They are faster but more dangerous in the West Indian waters.”

  “Michael will have been held prisoner for more than three months by the time we arrive. It is such a long time. I am so distressed.”

  “Michael is a strong boy. He is a foolish boy, a very foolish boy.” He stared at me sternly. “But he will survive the torture and imprisonment.”

  “Torture? Why would they torture him if they will be earning an enormous ransom?” I wondered what they would do if they suspected I had tricked them. I dared not tell my cousin that I had bought Michael’s freedom with a non–existent gold mine.

  “Well, I do not imagine he will be staying as a guest at an inn, will he?” He looked at me gravely. “But I know him well, and I knew his father. He will survive.”

  I cried and hugged him again.

  “Nevertheless, he may not survive the gossip or my scolding when he gets back, not to mention your sisters’ reprimands.”

  “Please do not remind me. I will think about that when I return. At present, I can only think of bringing him back.” I dared not even mention the word ‘alive’.

  “There, there.” He patted my hand gently. “Not to worry. You will need to keep your spirits up. It will be a long journey.”

  “Could we leave right away?”

  “As soon as Diana packs my bags.”

  He called to his wife, and Diana, Annette and Dr. Carter appeared instantly.

  “Annette has told me you are going to Jamaica, Jane. Are you sure?” asked Diana.

  “Sister, I beg you, do not try to dissuade me. I am distraught enough as it is.”

  She approached me and kissed my cheek. “Under the circumstances, and if you leave on such a long journey, I believe I have something for you, but I am not sure.”

  “Diana, I am most distressed, have you or have you not something for me?”

  “Michael gave me something before he left.”

  “Michael?”

  “He stopped on his way to Liverpool, before embarking. He said that if anything should ever happen to him, that I should give you something, but only if he did not return. What am I to do, sister?”

  “Keep it. He will return and give it to me himself if he so wishes.”

  “Sea voyages are long, cruel, and unpredictable. Maybe you should take it now. Read it when you see fit. He will understand.” She was close to tears. I had not considered the possibility of not surviving the journey. Perhaps I should carry it with me. In any case, it would remind me of him.

  “You are right, sister. Give it to me, please. I have no doubt that Michael will return with me, and I shall give it to him myself, so he can decide what to do with it. Will that be acceptable to you?”

  She nodded and handed me the letter. I recognised his handwriting on the envelope and just one word: Helen.

  “May I ask who Helen is, Jane?” asked Diana, her voice unsteady, suspecting there was another dark secret behind the name.

  “I am afraid I cannot answer that question at this moment, sister, but I can tell you that it is good news.”

  “Then I am satisfied that you have it.” I rubbed my fingers across the word Michael had written, ‘Helen’, and his words came to my mind like a jolt. “We must return to Eyre Hall before we go to Southampton!”

  “Very well, Jane,” said the admiral, “but we must not lose any more time.” He turned to his wife, “Diana, will you have my luggage prepared at once please, dear?”

  “What is the matter, Jane?” asked Annette. “Why are we returning to Eyre Hall?”

  “I promised Michael I would never abandon Nell. She must come with us. I cannot leave her behind.”

  “A child on a boat? Are you sure, Jane?” asked Diana.

  “She’s almost eleven. She must come. She shall come.”

  I folded the letter and slipped it into my satin drawstring bag, tying the knot carefully.

  ***

  The first week had been the worst. Nell and I had been seasick all day every day, and Dr. Carter observed us with growing concern, forcing us to drink more liquid, which we promptly vomited until our sides ached and our throats burned. Gradually our health improved and we were able to take walks along the deck.

  I asked the captain about our prisoner, who had been safely stowed away in the ship’s hold.

  “Dead,” he said.

  “Dead? What happened, captain?”

  “He tried to escape. Attacked one of the crew.”

  “Where is he?”

  “Food for the sharks.”

  “Couldn’t the doctor do anything?”

  “The pirate was killed during the fight. He wouldn’t surrender. Said he preferred to die than return a prisoner.”

  “Oh dear,” I said, worried that we no longer had anything with which to bargain.

  “It could have been worse. He could have attacked any of you if he’d escaped. It’s a blessing in disguise. The admiral told me to take no chances with the criminal to ensure your safety, so we didn’t. We had to kill him. It was for the better, madam.”

  I had no choice but to believe the captain’s account of the pirate’s death. I hoped his family wouldn’t demand his exchange.
>
  “Don’t worry, madam. The Governor of Jamaica will have been informed by the time we arrive. There will be reinforcements waiting for us, and we know where Lieutenant Kirkpatrick is being held prisoner. We’ll bring him back safe and sound.”

  I hoped he was right.

  The following twenty days passed uneventfully. Dr. Carter spent much time with the captain and the mate, inquiring about the workings of the ship, and Nell and I read the Bible and a book by a recently deceased American author, James Fenimore Cooper, called The Last of the Mohicans, which Nell was thoroughly enjoying.

  Annette had taken to writing a detailed diary of our journey, as her mother had done of her early years as a young girl in Jamaica. I asked Annette if she had brought her mother’s diary.

  “I always carry it with me, Jane. It is the only thing I have that belonged to my mother. It is pleasant to read. She speaks mostly of carefree youthful times. That is how I like to think of her, as a happy young girl growing up almost on her own in a difficult time for her family. I do not wish to remember her as an imprisoned and abused madwoman who took her life at Thornfield Hall.”

  I asked her if I could read it, and it moved me greatly to learn more about Jamaica and the naïve and troubled woman Edward had married and destroyed. I had played my part in her tragedy, unknowingly. If I had not met Edward, if I had never been to Thornfield Hall, she might have lived and perhaps even recovered. Annette smiled when I confessed my feelings of guilt.

  “Jane, believe me, I have thought about this long and hard since I arrived at Eyre Hall. I used to think you were responsible for my mother’s unfortunate fate, but now I am sure that you are not to blame. My mother was condemned long before you arrived at Thornfield Hall. I would have been removed from her side in any case, and she would never have recovered from her madness, which was no doubt increased by her cruel captivity. Do not torture yourself with those thoughts. Her fate was sealed long before you met Mr. Rochester. She should never have married Edward or left Jamaica, and you had no hand in those events.”

  I was impatiently looking forward to our arrival in Jamaica, because I would recover Michael at last, and because I had conjured in my mind an idealised picture of warm, sunny days and cheerful, happy islanders.