The Sea Maiden
Page 18
“Time to go!” He told her to cover her head with a scarf.
Karina hesitated then the man pulled her to her feet and shoved her out the door they went down the stairs, men whistled and shouted indecent things to her. The men looked filthy and the women were heavily painted and exposed too much flesh. She walked outside, it was a sunny afternoon and the air was warm. A covered carriage waited for her. Karina planned to escape by jumping out of the carriage. The man picked her up and placed her inside the carriage then locked the door. Her plan to escape was thwarted when she saw that inside the carriage sat another man with a pistol who closed the windows so she could not look out. After 20 minutes the carriage came to a stop. The door was opened the man inside ordered her out and the other man helped her off. He pushed her forward toward a large white house with a beautiful garden. He knocked on the door a dark skinned older woman opened the door. The older woman led her to a room, when Karina walked in she gasped in shock, it was Lord Harmon.
“So it was you! You disgust me, how could you attack your own brother’s ship?”
“Half-brother and to be honest with you there is no love lost between us besides he took some things from me that I wanted back.”
“He didn’t know I stowed away on his ship till he discovered me later and you have the ring! I gave it to your cutthroat friends.”
“How convenient for him, unfortunately the ring had to be used as part of the payment to Captain Tate for his troubles. Have you also forgotten that you made a mockery of me back in England…your story about running off with the Scotsman…You had me scouring the countryside looking for you, and the whole time you were with my dear brother, ring and all.”
“I never intended to keep it! I accidentally put it in my cloth purse and forgot it was there till I was on the ship. I planned to give it back to you when I got back to England I swear because… I have no intentions of ever marrying you.”
“That no longer matters, I paid for you, like it or not you’re mine to do with as I please. I suppose you love Eric now, no doubt you probably been intimate with him. At first the thought of it curdled my blood, so I had planned to keep you here as my mistress at my beck and call but I stand to profit more by marrying you, after all your father will be dead soon. Then I will recover the losses you caused me, as well as my dignity. Unfortunately now you will live your days out here, where I can keep an eye on you. Had you not been so stubborn we might have had a good life together back in England. You would have been the envy of English society, well respected, rich, and powerful….but you made a poor choice for yourself and those you love, and now those options are no longer available to you.”
“I will never marry you!”
“Well I thought you might not agree to that so I had to take some necessary steps.” He walked to the door and yelled to his henchman, “Marcus, bring her in!”
The man who had roughly pushed Karina out of the tavern, walked to the back of the house. A few minutes later Karina saw through the window that he had a young woman with him. She was crying, then Karina gasped in shock, it was Lynnette. When Lynnette saw Karina she was just as shocked, the girls embraced, Karina could feel Lynnette trembling.
“LYNNETTE! OH MY GOD! Darling what’s wrong?” She turned toward Lord Harmon. “WHAT DID YOU DO TO HER YOU MONSTER?”
“Nothing…yet. I will leave you two ladies to catch up and then I will be back with my proposition.”
Both girls were extremely happy to see each other, Lynnette began telling Karina that the man who brought her in had held her at gun point back at Pembroke Hall and had made her get into a carriage one evening as she and Gracie were returning from the Market. Then she was blindfolded and put on a ship with some awful men. Karina asked her if they had harmed her. Lynnette was grateful to report that the men on the ship had taunted her and made indecent comments but did not harm her; however she had been living in fear. Then she was brought here and Lord Harmon arrived on another ship a few days later. Lynnette was shocked to learn he was behind it.
“When were you taken?”
“About fifteen days after you left. The man called Marcus was at Harmon Hall. I saw him there, the morning I returned with Clifton he knew who I was. Lord Harmon has ties with pirates you know!” Lynnette told her.
Karina raised her eyebrows. “Yes darling, I think that’s clear now. How was my father when they took you?”
“His health was much better when I left. He was under new treatment by a doctor who has been studying in the orient and recently returned from the Amazon jungle. He is considered a radical in society but the last day I saw your father he was up and walking without pain or labored breathing.”
“That’s wonderful news Lynnette it’s the best news I’ve heard so far. How was he on the way home from Harmon Hall?”
“He questioned me on our way home regarding your disappearance of course; and he didn’t believe the story about the Scotsman. Nate told him how Lord Harmon tried to sedate you and get in our rooms and your father was outraged so we left promptly Sunday morning. Nate had already prepared everything.”
“I am so glad we have Nate he is just wonderful.”
“Yes he is but Lord Harmon was simply awful, he shook me and yelled at me demanding to know where you were. I was so happy to leave.”
Then Lynnette started giggling covering her mouth with her hands to avoid being heard.
“What is so funny?” Karina asked.
“When he asked me where you where, I told him this tall blond Scotsman named “Angus” had come for you like you told me too, and Nate backed up the story, so he sent men looking for you and Angus all around the countryside. We heard him giving orders about it when we left.”
“Angus? Where did you get such a name?” Karina chuckled
Karina could not contain her merriment after visualizing Lord Harmon and his henchmen running around the countryside looking for her and a tall blond Scotsman nowhere to be found.
“It’s the butcher’s name at the village market, he told Gracie he was from Scotland once.”
Karina told Lynnette everything that happened since leaving Harmon Hall till right before they saw each other, except for the kissing incidents in Florida. Lynnette gasped several times during Karina’s recollection of events including the roadside robbers, being discovered by Captain Drake and the pirate attack. Lynnette was happy to hear that the Captain had warmed up to Karina but was distressed to hear Peter had endured a lashing. Then she said:
“I knew you and the Captain could fall in love given the opportunity, I must confess I was a little worried, that Peter might fall in love with you after having to spend so much time together.”
“I assure you Lynnette you have nothing to worry about; Peter is very much in love with you and he has been a total gentleman and a good friend.”
Lord Harmon came back in the room and requested that they all take seats. He poured a glass of wine for himself then offered them a glass.
“I wouldn’t want to share anything with you.” Karina answered angrily
“As you wish…” He took a sip of wine, “…I gather you both shared your adventures on the high seas so now I shall fill you in on my plans for each of you. Tomorrow morning we will have a visitor who is to conduct our marriage ceremony and provide us with all the necessary paperwork to document your complete assignment and control to, your husband, of all assets and holdings upon your father’s death…which I might add should be very soon I have made all the arrangement.”
“YOU BASTARD!” Karina jumped up, Lynnette held her back.
“I’m afraid that would be your new lover, Captain Drake.” He said calmly, “Now, like I was saying, here is the part that involves your pretty friend Lynnette here. If you should not be cooperative in any way with tomorrow’s marriage proceedings then Lynnette will be shipped off to be part of a harem in Baghdad. I’m certain to get a good price for her; Captain Tate has received several bids already. Don’t worry your father will remain ali
ve until I make sure you have been properly named as his only heir on his will. The three of us will have to make a special trip back to Pembroke Hall for that. You will tell your father that you have changed your mind about us and have decided to marry me in haste due to your pregnancy. Also that you plan to live on my plantation here in New Providence to supervise it but have come back to see him and ask for his forgiveness for running away and also to make sure all legal matters have been addressed since it shall be difficult for you to travel later. There is one other matter, your father’s late first wife Melissa, came from a very wealthy family and as part of her dowry, her father gave her a gold crucifix encrusted with diamonds, rubies and pearls it’s worth a great deal of money. Your father’s the only one who knows its whereabouts and it’s your task to get it. He claimed he had sold it shortly after her death but years later your mother Sera wore it at a noble’s wedding I know because I was there, she was pregnant with you and your sister at the time.”
“My father has never mentioned a crucifix to me.”
“He also never mentioned you had a brother till recently am I right?”
Karina looked away, and then recalled a portrait of Melissa wearing the crucifix.
“And if my father no longer has this crucifix?”
“Then you will be inheriting your father’s estate much quicker.”
Karina raised her hand to her lips.
“What if my father determines that something’s wrong?”
“Then Marcus will deal with him.”
He was mad with greed, Karina thought.
“What if I’m able to get this crucifix? Will you let us go?”
“No, but you will save Lynnette from her fate as a concubine in a Baghdad Harem.”
“You’re a despicable cad!”
“Oh I nearly forgot, if your hero comes looking for you I have plans for him too. Sadly the arrangements to kill him during the attack failed but I have fate that he will come looking for you again, he is very tenacious. More than likely he will anchor off shore somewhere but I have my men now posted around the plantation waiting for him.”
The Sea Maiden attempted to pursue the enemy ship but her heavy cargo slowed her down. They had the general direction; likely headed to New Providence. Later in the distance another ship was seen approaching, a military ship. James Caleb the first mate previously served as an officer for the Royal Navy, and recognized the ship. He was familiar with Captain Spencer Andrews. As the other ship came parallel to the Sea Maiden, Captain Andrews at once recognized James Caleb, they had served together close to 12 years, and he gave him and Captain Drake permission to board. They brought along a third man, Roy Skinner, the Sea Maiden’s, quartermaster who had his own story to tell.
Roy had been a crew member aboard the merchant ship the Raven. He recalled that once out to sea, he was forced to participate in the raid of another merchant vessel, the Wanderer. He escaped when they pulled into a port in Panama where he hid in the jungle until he secured his passage aboard another ship back to England.
Captain Andrews had been searching for the merchant vessel engaging in acts of piracy against other merchant vessels, they had never caught the ship that raided the Wanderer; the possibility of having an eyewitness was of immediate interest. Captain Harold Tate had been suspected of piracy but due to lack of evidence had never been convicted. If the Raven were responsible then they would likely have booty on board due to a recent attack reported upon another merchant vessel. Captain Andrews, Captain Drake, James Caleb and several other Navy officers sat down to make their plans which included waiting for another military ship due in the area, as back up.
In the meantime Karina and Lynnette were allowed to spend the night in the same room. Lord Harmon had thought to take Karina to his bedroom later but changed his mind thinking she would be more cooperative the next day if left alone. There was the ceremony and several documents to sign. He warned Karina that any sign of un-cooperation enough to tip off the magistrate would condemn Lynnette’s fate aboard a ship to the Baghdad.
The next morning, Marcus, the unfriendly henchman guarding the girls, took Lynnette away. Karina had to wear a heavy veil over her face to conceal any sign of disapproval. The magistrate arrived; several members of the staff were dressed to appear as invited guest. The magistrate requested to know the reason for the hasty ceremony. Lord Harmon informed him that Karina was with child. The magistrate simply raised his eyebrows and proceeded.
It was difficult enough for Karina to voice a loving, “I do,” without the veil, she would have fooled no one, but to endure Lord Harmon’s lingering kiss, was only possible by keeping in mind that she was saving Lynnette from being sent off to a harem. In an effort to put on a good show for the magistrate, several of the attendants, all staff, came up to the newlyweds to wish them well. Karina even received flower and small gifts. She was now legally married to Lord Harmon. Next they went to Lord Harmon’s office so Karina could sign documents to empower her new husband total control over her dowry and inheritance upon her father’s death.
After signing off on the documents, a celebratory dinner meal was served to continue the farce of a happy union. Karina barely ate. It was early evening when the magistrate left, after he left the house emptied out except for a few servants. Karina demanded to see Lynnette. Lord Harmon assured her Lynnette was safe in the back of the property. He approached Karina to force her to accept his attentions but she pushed him away then he thought of something, why fight her when he could simply sedate her, he still had the medications he had filled for Lord Pembroke back in England. Smoothly he said to her:
“I see you’re not in the mood yet at least join me for a glass of wine?”
Karina was about to tell him to go to hell when she remembered that she still carried the sedative she forgot to leave with Nate the night of the dinner party. Unfortunately it was in her cloth purse tied around her waist under her dress. She needed a little privacy to raise her dress.
“Very well but I must first attend to a nature call.”
“Perfect…I mean yes of course.”
Lord Harmon happily agreed knowing this gave him the opportunity to place the sedative in her drink while she was away. Karina went to the outhouse just outside the kitchen and pulled up the dress and took out the small vile from inside the cloth bag. While Karina stepped out of the dining room, Lord Harmon went to his office and retrieved a sedative from inside his desk and poured it into Karina’s drink.
After a few minutes Karina returned to the dining room with the vile, like before, hidden in the fold of her dress near her waist. She saw her glass of wine waiting for her on the dining table and decided it would be easier for her to put the sedative in her own drink, create a distraction and switch glasses. She sat and picked up the glass of wine and held it to her nose and smiled. She used the table to hide it from view and took out the vile opened it and poured the contents in the drink while she held the drink in her lap. Now she just needed a distraction. Lord Harmon lifted his glass and stood to make a toast. Karina also stood with her glass in hand.
“To Karina my beautiful new bride and wife.”
They tapped their drinks; Gunther took a drink, Karina only pretended to sip the drink.
“Mm…this is very good.”
“Yes it’s imported from France.” He said proudly
Karina turned toward the window to admire the sunset and place her drink near the edge of the table with her back toward him but keeping an eye on the drink. Lord Harmon approached her from behind and placed his drink next to hers. Karina froze as she felt his nearness behind her and moved her hair aside to kiss her neck. She cringed at having to endure his caresses and allow him to turn her around to kiss her. She was repulsed as the kiss deepened, but she reached for his glass and switched them, then she gently broke away.
“There that wasn’t so bad was it?”
“I think I need another drink, perhaps it will relax me.”
“Indeed.”
“Lord Harmon…”
“Call me Gunther I am now your legitimate husband.”
“Alright…Gunther, I just want to ask you not to force yourself on me and I will cooperate if you treat me gently. Agreed?”
She lifted her glass and motioned they drink
“Fair enough.”
Lord Harmon picked up the tainted drink and raised it in agreement. Karina smiled and pretended to take a sip. Aroused by the notion that she would be a willing bride, he took a large gulp, set the drink down, and pulled Karina toward him and kissed her more ardently. Karina detested having to endure his mouth over hers, but she needed him to finish the rest of the drink. Gently she pushed him away once more.
“Let’s finish this toast, and promise me you will not force me.”
“Yes, yes agreed!”
Both picked up their glasses once more. In his aroused state, Gunther only drank three fourths of the glass; Karina nervously took another sip of hers. Then Gunther put his drink down and swept his arm under her knees, lifting her off the ground and proceeded to carry her upstairs to the bedroom. Karina panicked as she looked at the glass; ‘HE HAD NOT FINISHED THE DRINK!’ Alarmed the drug would not take effect properly, she tensed, he put her down on the bed then straightened up to remove his clothes, she instantly rolled over to the opposite side of the bed and jumped off.
“Wait let us have another toast!” Karina insisted trying to buy time.
“We toasted enough!” Gunther growled.
He came around to the other side of the bed where Karina jumped off but she instinctively climbed back over the bed to the other side and jumped off again and tried to make a dash for the door. Gunther angrily tried to reach for her from across the bed but she slipped out of his reach. He rolled across the bed, and startled her as she started to pull open the door, she screamed as he caught up to her and slammed the door shut before she could fully open it. She screamed again as he encircled his arms around her waist forcing her to sit on his lap as he sat on the bed. Franticly, she struggled to get free. Had he NOT picked up the tainted glass she feared? What was taking so long for the drug to work? Then she felt him start to relax his hold on her, and he sat back on the edge of the bed still clinging to her. She gently removed his hand from her waist and moved away from him as quick as possible. She stood against the door and watched in silence. Even in his drowsy state, Gunther realized she had switched the glasses on him.