The Sea Maiden

by Mary Speer

  “My name is Karina, Karina Pembroke a pleasure to meet you ma’am. Is your husband in Panama?”

  “Yes. He left before he found out I was with child we are missionaries and he left several months ago.”

  “Does he know you’re coming?”

  “Yes, it was pre-planned but he will be expecting us aboard the Mist. Dr. Tibbs tells me you’re traveling to Yucatan. Are you and the other young lady…passengers?”

  “Yes.”

  Karina hesitated and smiled hoping she wouldn’t ask any more questions. Knowing she was talking to a Christian missionary, Karina suddenly felt ashamed. Captain Drake knocked on the door, Dr. Tibbs let him in.

  “Captain Drake this is Mrs. Gail Barrett.” Dr. Tibbs introduced the Captain to his patient.

  Karina put her head down when Captain Drake stepped inside the infirmary.

  “Mrs. Barrett I’m only too happy to know you and your children are aboard my ship and that we were able to provide assistance. Dr. Tibbs tells me you and your husband are missionaries but your husband is waiting for you in Panama.”

  “Yes Captain that’s correct and I cannot thank you enough for all your help the Lord has favored us by placing us within your reach.” Captain Drake turned and looked at Karina who kept her eyes down. Gail noted the Captain’s sweeping gaze of Karina. “My husband will only be expecting my daughter and I on the Mist. He was not aware of my condition. He left before I found out I was with child. I was to join him once he notified me he had located the village we are to live in.”

  “We will do everything possible to get word to him and assist you in traveling to Panama once we arrive in Yucatan.”

  “Thank you Captain, I truly appreciate all your help, may the Lord bless you.”

  “Thank you madam and welcome, I will leave you now in the care of Dr. Tibbs and…Miss Pembroke. She and the other young lady are my passengers.”

  Captain Drake hesitated momentarily, not wanting to sound too familiar by using her first name only. But to Karina his introduction of her as a mere passenger was disturbing and disconnecting. A confirmation that his familiarity with her was no more than pass time…except now the familiarity was by more than a kiss. To add insult to injury, she would now be staying in his cabin. She tightened her fists in anger, and avoided looking at him. Captain Drake glanced at Karina once more before walking out.

  “Miss Pembroke?” Karina momentarily lost in her own thoughts didn’t hear her. “Miss Pembroke!”

  “Oh I’m sorry Mrs. Barrett…this voyage has been so eventful, but please call me Karina.”

  Gail did not miss the Captains’ heated glances at Karina.

  “Thank you Karina…you and the Captain are….romantic? Am I right?”

  Karina blushed and lowered her head was it that obvious she thought.

  “Oh I’ve made you uncomfortable, my apologies dear, I didn’t mean to pry.”

  Dr. Tibbs came back in. Karina was thankful.

  “Karina my dear can you step outside for a minute?”

  “Yes Dr. Tibbs, if you will excuse me a moment Mrs. Barrett.”

  “Yes of course dear.”

  Gail sensed Karina’s distress when the Captain introduced her. Once outside Dr. Tibbs asked her,

  “Karina can I trouble you by asking you to prepare the guest quarters for Mrs. Barrett and her newborn straight away. I believe the mattress is dry and I’m so glad you fixed the door yesterday.”

  “Yes that was a good thing wasn’t it? And yes of course I will Dr. Tibbs.”

  “Thank you my dear.”

  Karina hesitantly stepped back in the room.

  “I must go and prepare the guest quarters Mrs. Barrett, where you will be staying, can we talk after?”

  “Yes of course dear, thank you for your kindness Karina and please call me Gail.”

  Karina nodded and smiled then left. Dr. Tibbs told Gail she would be transported to the guest quarters where she would be more comfortable with her baby. Karina walked out and saw that Lynnette and Peter were fondly embracing each other by the side of the ship. She closed her eyes and smiled happy to see them in peace. She walked over to get the mattress, which was rather small and not very thick and carried it off to the guest quarters.

  She replaced the mattress on the bunk and covered it with fresh sheets and pillow. Then took out all her belongings and the fresh laundry she had. Through moral obligation she was now bound to the Captain’s cabin. She was thankful he was not there and didn’t have to face him. She was about to walk out when he came into the cabin. She took a step back, reminded of their intimacy. What she feared most was now reality, her fate as the Captain’s mistress was sealed with the new sleeping arrangements and disappointing introduction of her as simply his passenger. She had no more cards to play or a place to go. The worse part was that she sinfully enjoyed the intimacy…she had become a wanton woman. She felt so much shame especially with the presence of a Christian missionary. She was about to side step around him.

  “Karina wait!”

  He took hold of her arm.

  “I think you got what you wanted from me last night.”

  “I wanted to apologize for-” Karina looked down feeling used and ashamed.

  “I have to finish bringing my things I hope I can put them in this empty create here.”

  “Look Karina I know you think I’m a rogue using you as entertainment…and I know I used words that were not fair in describing you yesterday. I was angry and jealous, please forgive me. It was wrong of me to take advantage of you in your situation.” He pulled her close again. “I don’t blame you for being mad at me, but I want you to know that I didn’t just take your maidenhood for sport! I made love to you last night! I was upset because I cannot stand the thought of any other man being with you. I’m selfish about you and I was concerned you and Peter had been intimate before but now I know that’s not so.” He pulled her gently into an embrace. “Please forgive me….but I have never been with a woman that makes my blood boil so easily.” He kissed her neck. Karina could not help feeling the desire he stirred in her; she allowed his caresses to continue. Then she pulled away. “I confess that after making love to you yesterday I can think of little else and I desire to be with you again…soon, but after everything that took place with Mrs. Barrett and her children, it made me appreciate life more deeply, and less wantonly. I realized I need you in my life in every way a man could need a woman.

  I cannot tolerate the thought of you getting off this ship in New England and not see you again nor do I want to bring any children into this world in the same manner I was born, outside of marriage. I came to tell you that I love you Karina…marry me!”

  Karina was stunned at his words and looked at him in disbelief; she was expecting more seductive talk but not a marriage proposal. Her eyes grew moist with tears….she smiled ear to ear. After a long pause.

  “Is that a question or an order?

  “Both.” He said smiling.

  Karina wept silently for a moment than said,

  “Yes, of course!” She put her arms around him, they kissed. “After last night I thought I would never hear this from you.”

  Eric embraced her and breathed deeply. “Why would you ever think that? Can’t you see you drive me crazy? Unfortunately there is nobody on this ship that could perform a marriage ceremony besides me, but as soon as we touch land I want you become my wife, and be with me always as my wife, lover and mother of my children.”

  Karina couldn’t believe her ears “Are you being honest? Do you really mean it?”

  “With all my heart,”

  They kissed passionately again.

  “I believe the lady approves.” Eric smiled.

  “Yes very much.” Karina couldn’t stop smiling either.

  They started moving toward his bed, the laundry she had with her fell on the floor, their clothes soon joined them and they made love in the middle of the afternoon, this time Karina was a joyful participant.

 
CHAPTER 34

  Shipboard Announcement

  After making love they heard the door to the guest quarters being opened. They were bringing in Mrs. Barrett and her children. Karina and Captain Drake dressed and walked out one at a time hoping to mask their intimate encounter. Karina went to see if she could be of assistance. She saw Lynnette holding the baby. Amelia came toward Karina and stood next to her, then took Karina’s hand. Dr. Tibbs approached Karina.

  “There you are I told this young lady,” Referring to Amelia, “she would be sleeping with you in the Captains quarters, so that her mum and baby brother could be more comfortable in the guest quarters.”

  “I would be delighted.” Karina turned to Amelia. “Amelia, would you like to keep me company tonight?” Karina asked.

  Karina was exhilarated after Captain Drake’s proposal. Amelia sucked her thumb and nodded. Captain Drake approached.

  “I expect the Captain will be a gentleman and leave his bed to these two young ladies.” Dr. Tibbs said.

  Captain Drake smiled at Karina and gave her a sweeping gaze; she blushed and looked away,

  “That will be my pleasure, anything to make the ladies more comfortable.”

  “Thank you Captain.” Said Dr. Tibbs.

  “Eric!” Karina called.

  “Eric?” He questioned, surprised to hear her use his first name for the first time.

  “Yes, Eric, I assume it’s alright for me to use your first name now that we have broken all the rules and boundaries in our relationship and are engaged…is it not?”

  “Of course my Love I’m just not used to hearing you call me by my first name…but I like it.” He winked.

  “Good. Like I was saying Eric, I would very much like it if you made your intentions, known in a public announcement.”

  “Do you not trust me darling?” He smiled.

  “I do but my reputation has suffered greatly and I believe it’s only fair that you at least make your intentions in regards to me known. That is if you truly meant what you said. My father never made his relationship with my brother public and it broke my brother’s heart and embittered my father. I think that if you love and care for someone in the proper manner you should not hide it.” Karina challenged.

  Captain Drake took immediate action.

  “Very well darling, I shall.” Eric motioned for everyone’s attention. “Everyone please gather round, I would like to make an announcement! As you all know,” He took Karina’s hand. “I have fallen madly in love with Karina, my beautiful stowaway and late half-brother’s runaway bride. She boarded the Sea Maiden with the help of Peter as a cabin boy, cleaning our cabins, bringing us our meals, running errands and preparing our baths, and she did an excellent job I might ad, her plans were to simply reach America and find her own half-brother and although she was prepared to pay for her passage, I, as well other circumstances, interrupted her plans, causing her additional grief. So first I want to apologize to her for taking advantage of her vulnerable situation and ruining her reputation. Therefore, I am prepared to make amends to her and want everyone to know that I intend to make her my wife, if she will have me, as soon as we reach land and a minister or a priest.”

  Everyone cheered, clapped and whistled, Eric kissed Karina’s hands then they embraced. Peter and Lynnette embraced each other as well. Karina smiled ear to ear and boldly placed her arms around Eric’s neck and kissed him.

  “Thank you darling for those words...you don’t know how healing it is to feel truly loved and not just lusted over. I Love you Eric.”

  “I love you Karina. To celebrate our engagement, this evening the two of us shall have an intimate dinner.” Eric whispered in her ear.

  “You mean the three of us.” Karina clarified.

  He looked at her and she looked down at Amelia next to her, sucking her thumb. He smiled and said,

  “I think Lynnette can entertain our little friend for one evening.”

  “She will be sleeping with me until we reach Yucatan you know. Actually I think she will make a good chaperone for me in your cabin.” They embraced.

  “We shall see about that....darling we are only a few weeks away from Yucatan, so where would you like to become Mrs. Karina Drake on the beach, at a local church, or on the deck of the Sea Maiden?”

  Karina smiled sweetly, “So many choices…” She looked down and thought about her ailing father who wouldn’t be at her wedding to her true love and most provocative man she ever met. “I think I would like my brother to be there in my father’s absence.”

  Eric pulled away for a brief moment.

  “What are you saying that you want to be married in New England?”

  “Yes.”

  Eric raised an eyebrow in disbelief.

  “Can we be married there?” Karina asked.

  “Very well Madame….your wish is my command.” Eric bowed playfully.

  “Then perhaps you should call me Captain.” Karina joked.

  “Perhaps I should….you have been in command of my heart since I met you.”

  They laughed and kissed once more. Later, Emmett the ships cook prepared a delicious dinner that was delivered to the Captain’s cabin by Heath the ships new cabin boy, happy to have a job again. They toasted to their future plans. Karina told Eric about the dream she had. He raised his eyebrows.

  “Was it of us making love?”

  “No.” She smiled. “I saw a little boy with dark hair you held his hand and he called me mommy and put his arms around me. Father was in it too he was smiling but the funny thing is that a few minutes later Amelia was putting her arms around me after she was rescued. What do you think that means?”

  He took her hand, “That someday we are going to have a son and that your father approves.”

  Karina smiled. Then there was a knock, Karina opened the door and looked down at Amelia.

  “Mommy said I should sleep with you.” Karina let Amelia in, who quietly went and sat on the bed. Captain Drake rested his head on his hand and raised his eyebrows.

  “Our chaperone is here Eric.”

  “I can see that.” Karina gave Amelia grapes and in time Amelia fell asleep on the Captains bed.

  “I guess I shall have to sleep on my hammock for a while…perhaps that will keep you from conceiving at least till we are legally wed.” He came from behind the desk they kissed then went outside by the side of the ship. “I love how beautiful you look in the moonlight that’s how I always pictured you after our last encounter back at Harmon hall. Did you think of me after that?” He asked.

  “Yes, but you must remember I had a very active night that evening…it seems you had one too?” Karina said sarcastically.

  “What do you mean?”

  “You know…that serving girl you were with.”

  “How do you know about that?”

  “Never mind…”

  “Did Peter tell you that?”

  “Yes but it was before he knew about us.”

  “Oh yes of course…good, I was about to go wring his neck. Now I understand the comment you made to me about not being ‘one of my serving girl floozies’ the night of Peter and Lynnette’s wedding, after you unfairly slapped me.”

  Karina moved away and asked sarcastically,

  “So how many more serving girls do I need to worry about?”

  “The only thing you need to worry about is how you’re going to keep me from making love to you right here on the deck…c’mere.” He teased as he pulled her gently.

  They kissed, the wind blew softly, and then they went into the cabin. Amelia was sound asleep. Captain Drake drew the curtain to shield Amelia, then he pulled Karina close to him, he was not sleepy yet.

  CHAPTER 35

  New England, New Plan

  Shortly after Karina’s rescue off New Providence, Lord Harmon left for New England with a new plan. On behalf of Karina he sent a message to Lord Pembroke telling him she was in trouble in New England and his presence there was of immediate importance. Charles h
ad been under the treatment of Dr. Gerard Thacker, a physician considered to be a bit of a radical by his peers. He had recently returned from the Amazon jungle where he was studying the healing properties of coconut and certain other fruits and herbs. As a result of his treatment Lord Pembroke’s quality of life had greatly improved and his condition seemed to be in remission. Feeling more able-bodied Charles made immediate arrangement for himself and Nate to travel to New England. They boarded a ship traveling to American Coast. Upon arrival certain individuals promising to take them to Karina greeted them but Charles and Nate later learned they had been set up not knowing who was at the bottom of it.

  CHAPTER 36

  Yucatan

  After weeks at sea the Sea Maiden had arrived in Yucatan to pick up their last shipment and head back to New England. That morning Lynnette, Karina and Gail were anxiously discussing their arrival. Being a missionary, Gail had persuaded Karina to discontinue her intimate contact with the Captain. Karina knew Gail was right; she faulted herself for being a willing participant in the affair but was unsure how long that would last as drawn as she was to Eric’s romantically persuasive nature. He had become accustomed to their sensual union.

  Now that they had arrived in Yucatan the quest to find the Barrett’s a new source of travel to complete their trip to Panama was in order. Soon Captain Drake arranged for locals to accompany Gail and her children to find her missionary husband, who was also the local doctor.

  Although the arrival in Yucatan was exciting for everyone including Karina, who was usually full of energy, today of all days she was feeling tired and noted that her breast were tender, later when she felt a wave of nausea at the smell of food…her eyes flew open…SHE WAS WITH CHILD! She had been around Lynnette and Gail talking about their symptoms for 2 weeks, she was now on expert she thought. How could she keep it a secret, the symptoms would be obvious soon at least to Lynnette…Gail was leaving. She should not be surprised she scolded herself, she was well aware of the consequence of her behavior. It would be another few weeks to arrive to New England. If she became as ill as Lynnette had been she wouldn’t be able to keep her condition a secret from anyone. She would need to tell Eric and talk to Dr. Tibbs, who was probably anticipating this.