by Mary Speer
Officer Fogerty came into view along with Courtney Wheeler, whose hands were tied behind his back.
“You must be Captain Drake?”
“Yes I am, thank you both for all your help. I feared coming home to find someone hurt on my account.”
“Well the hired hit man is dead at the hands of Officer Glover, who unfortunately did sustain an injury to his left arm during the disturbance caused by these individuals on your property.”
“I’m truly sorry to hear that you’re hurt officer. Please come back to the house so that we can tend to your wound, it will be at least an hour before you can get medical help. I’m at your service.”
“Thank you Captain, it would be greatly appreciated if you could provide us with a carriage to transport the dead man and this individual.” Glover requested
“Absolutely officer, let’s head back to the house.” Captain Drake said.
Captain Drake was glad to help. Then he turned to Lynnette who was still mounted on her assailant’s horse.
“Captain Drake where is Peter?” Lynnette asked again.
Captain Drake dreaded telling her Peter was shot. He told the officer he needed to speak to Lynnette, the officers along with their prisoner, Courtney Wheeler headed toward the main house, both questioned Wheeler regarding the attempt on Captain Drake.
“Lynnette, you should not be riding a horse in your condition, come let me help you off it’s only a short walk to the house.”
He dismounted and helped Lynnette to dismount as well. Lynnette began to get tense, sensing some bad news.
“Captain Drake this disturbance has been a real nightmare? Why is Peter not with you? Is something wrong with him? What is wrong with Peter?” She asked with increasing agitation. She was obviously terrified. He took her hands and asked her to calm down.
“Lynnette, dear relax, take a deep breath for me first.” He hesitated for a moment searching for the softest words. “Yes Peter was hurt….”
“Oh my God! Oh my God! Is he dead?” She interrupted and started crying.
“No! Nooo…Lynnette! Look at me! He’s not dead! But…he’s hurt.” Captain Drake said in a low voice trying to calm her. “He’s strong young man he will do better once he sees you. So you need to come back with me. I want you to be strong and a little more positive alright?”
Lynnette nodded her agreement.
“What happened?” Lynnette asked.
After a brief pause he said, “He got shot.”
Her eyes went wide than she went limp. Captain Drake caught her before she hit the ground. He scolded himself for being so blunt…she had been through so much trauma already. Pregnant but still light, he mounted his horse with her and rode back to the house with her. Once back at the house Officer Fogerty had some smelling salts with him and woke her. Lynnette came to. She saw Captain Drake, she remembered.
“Captain Drake, please tell me the truth is he hurt or is he dead?”
“No dear you have to believe me, he’s not dead but he’s hurt.” He lifted her chin with his hand. “He needs to see you and needs a change of clothes too. I need to get some clothes for Karina as well.”
“You found Karina? Is she alright?”
“They are both in the hospital…tragically Karina lost the baby.” Lynnette put her head down and wept.
“Lynnette honey, we need to leave soon...so please go and get clothes for Peter so we can go.” She nodded. “Helen please accompany Mrs. De Marco to the cottage and help her get some things for her husband.” He told one of the staff. The elder lady quickly put her arm around Lynnette in motherly way to help her gather the things she needed to take.
“Come now dear everything is going to be fine.”
While Lynnette went to get clothes for Peter, Captain Drake helped officer Alan Fogerty get Barnabas Cox’s’ body into the carriage.
Lynnette returned promptly with a change of clothes for Peter. Captain Drake also got Karina’s long sleeved burgundy dress, perfect for the chill in the air. It was the dress Karina had originally left Pembroke Hall with so many months ago and now the only other dress she owned beside the faded red garment she had on when she left and some peasant frocks she purchased in Yucatan, which were not suitable to wear in New England. They all set off in two carriages, Lynnette and Captain Drake in one and the officers and the assailants in the other.
CHAPTER 45
River Oaks Court
Once in town, they separated; Alan Fogerty took Courtney Wheeler, who was unhurt, to the police station. Captain Drake, Lynnette and Joseph Glover who himself needed medical attention as well as the dead man headed to the hospital. The Captain and Lynnette requested to see Peter and Karina. Dr. Ross who was the attending physician greeted them. He gave them a brief overview of Peter and Karina’s condition. Both would need time to recover. It was difficult for Lynnette to decide who to see first, she had been so worried over Karina, she was thankful that they were both alive. Dutifully, she went to see her husband first who was semi-conscious. As Lynnette approached his bed Peter lifted his hand toward her and gave her a weak smile. Lynnette took his hand and leaned over and kissed him. His heart quickened, her visit was obviously of great benefited to him.
Captain Drake went to Karina’s bedside, who had been crying. He took her hand in both of his and kissed it then sat on the edge of her bed. Upon seeing Eric’s face, her spirit lifted as well.
“Eric is it true I lost our baby?” She asked teary eyed.
Eric looked at her and hesitantly nodded. Karina turned her head away, tears streaming down her face. She had become so attached to her impending motherhood, now suddenly and cruelly taken from her, ‘Was losing her baby a punishment or a consequence of her behavior she wondered?’ In her limited understanding of a loving God she could not accept this as punishment more likely a consequence of her own behavior she concluded. God’s principles made so much sense to her now. Her talks with Gail told her His wisdom and logic were for our protection…but it was up to us to use it or not.
Earlier, while Officer Jacob Moore was making his report at the station regarding the incident at the cabin in the woods, Jonathan and Nate arrived to make a statement regarding Lord Harmon’s involvement in the kidnapping of Lord Pembroke and the possible involvement in Karina’s and Lynnette’s kidnapping as well. Upon hearing Lord Harmon’s name, Officer Moore related the events involving Lord Harmon and the young woman they mentioned as Karina now in the hospital. Alarmed Nate finished making his statement then he and Jonathan headed to the hospital.
Once at the hospital they were informed of both Karina and her father. Lord Pembroke was resting in one room and Karina was with a male visitor in another so they were instructed to wait outside. The nurse informed Captain Drake and Karina of the two gentlemen. Eric promptly went to greet the two visitors in the waiting room. He recognized Jonathan and remembered Nate, who assisted Lord Pembroke’s at the dinner party. Captain Drake went over the events leading up to Karina’s hospitalization. He held back the fact that Karina was with child and had lost it. Jonathan and Nate visited Karina, she was happy to see them both especially after believing Nate to be dead.
Both Karina and Peter remained in the hospital several days. Eric, Lynnette, Nate and Jonathan, who had become good friends, made regular visits. Karina regained a more positive mental state. Lord Pembroke’s heavily sedated state was an actual blessing because he missed the traumatic events that might have interrupted his healing and recovery, and was greatly relieved to see Nate again.
When Charles saw his daughter Karina she was much more composed. Back at the cabin she had not been able to tell him about Eric. So she immediately told her father of her feelings for Eric and how he had now rescued her twice with the help of her friend Peter who had sustained a serious injury. Charles became enraged upon learning that Karina had conceived a child by Captain Drake until Karina refreshed his memory of his own past with Lavinia and Jonathan. After that Charles had to make an attitude adjustment. Jonath
an and his father were unprepared for their reunion so it was awkward at first but with Karina’s intervention both soon began warming up to one another.
Charles also warmed up to Eric once Eric apologized to him for his own behavior with Karina and officially asked him for her hand in marriage as well as suggest the merging of their shipping business. Charles insisted on immediate wedding plans to which Eric agreed but was even more intrigued at the idea of merging their business, and saw Eric in a different light it would be good to have him at the helm of the business now that he needed to retire.
Karina and Peter were both released from their hospital stay a few days later; they had survived their ordeal. They exchanged a friendly embrace with one another then headed to their new homes accompanied by their mates, Eric and Lynnette.
Lord Pembroke and Nate awaited them at River Oaks Court. Wedding plans were in the works, the true engagement party would be taking place that weekend. Karina pinched herself, she was about to marry a man she adored and both her father and brother Jonathan would be in attendance. She counted her blessings; her father’s improved health alone was short of miraculous. Nate was still with them watching over her father, who she regarded more as a member of the family, and then of course her two dearest friends Peter and Lynnette. Her daring and risky venture had worked. Regretfully there was the heartbreak of losing her baby but thankful for the opportunity to try again, this time with everyone’s blessing. The doctor had assured her she would have no problem conceiving again and that it was best to start her married life with Eric this way, with no room for gossip.
The day of the engagement party the house was buzzing with activity Eric had sent for his Aunt Dorothea and Uncle Mathias, while in Yucatan through a fellow trade ship returning to England. According to a message received on a newly arrived ship they would be arriving in time for the christening of the Lady Dorothea, the ship on which Peter would be 1st mate. Dorothea and Mathias were overjoyed upon hearing that Eric and Karina were to be married soon. Lynnette’s own mother and twin brothers were expected to visit New England in the coming months as arranged by Karina.
Guest began to arrive, Jonathan and his family arrived and they brought with them Jonathan’s mother Lavinia still a gracious lady at 70. Charles had not expected to see his old flame again so many years later. It was a pleasant surprise; soon they were both laughing and talking with each other once again. Life was about second chances Karina thought and smiled to herself.
Jonathan’s siblings by his mother, as well as Eric’s business associates and friends continued to fill the house. After growing up in seclusion with only staff surrounding her, Karina was now happily surrounded and embrace by her newly found extended family. She was now also known as Aunt Karina, as she was called by Jonathan’s children. Eric and Karina happily greeted their guest.
CHAPTER 46
Sherman Craft
One more visitor was announced that evening. Mr. Sherman Craft, a peculiar little man, who was not among the invited guest. He identified himself as an official representing Lord Gunther Harmon’s Estate. He urgently asked to meet with Lord Harmon’s widow, Lady Karina Harmon.
Karina and Eric met with the little man in the study away from the multitude of guests. The official apologized for his intrusion during an obvious family event but there were documents she needed to sign. Mr. Craft went on elaborating the trouble it took to find her. Then he went on to explain that as Lord Harmon’s widow with no other heirs she was now awarded his entire estate. Karina’s mouth dropped open in amazement; Eric raised his eyebrows and smiled at her. The official went on detailing the estate and assets which included Harmon Hall, six ships, a hotel in France and country villa with a vineyard Gunther had recently purchased due to his love of French wines. Also included were his property in New Providence, plus a cabin in the New England woods. Gunther was indeed a very wealthy man. His insatiable greed to also acquire all of Karina’s and her father’s wealth and assets had backfired leading to his own demise and instead making Karina’s his very wealthy widow.
“Well it seems your father’s business is no longer in trouble.”
“Eric he was your half-brother, this should all belong to you.”
“Darling, Gunther never saw me that way, but he did make you his wife and put you through plenty of misery to achieve it.”
“I just don’t feel right to receive what should be rightly yours?”
“Then see it as ‘Poetic Justice’. Everything he acquired through force and greed, I now receive through love, do you agree with that?”
“Yes.”
“Then don’t worry about it darling, after all to me, the real prize is the bride.” He winked. Karina threw her arms around him.
“I love you Eric.”
Table of Contents
CHAPTER 1 The Apple Stand
CHAPTER 1 The Apple Stand
CHAPTER 2 The Visitor
CHAPTER 2 The Visitor
CHAPTER 3 Approaching Horseman
CHAPTER 3 Approaching Horseman
CHAPTER 4 Invitation to Harmon Hall
CHAPTER 4 Invitation to Harmon Hall
CHAPTER 5 Sunset Encounter
CHAPTER 5 Sunset Encounter
CHAPTER 6 Charles Secret
CHAPTER 6 Charles Secret
CHAPTER 7 The Letter
CHAPTER 7 The Letter
CHAPTER 8 Journey to Harmon Hall
CHAPTER 8 Journey to Harmon Hall
CHAPTER 9 Harmon Hall
CHAPTER 9 Harmon Hall
CHAPTER 10 The Red Dawn
CHAPTER 10 The Red Dawn
CHAPTER 11 The Engagement Ring
CHAPTER 11 The Engagement Ring
CHAPTER 12 Breakfast aboard the Sea Maiden
CHAPTER 12 Breakfast aboard the Sea Maiden
CHAPTER 13 Out On the Town
CHAPTER 13 Out On the Town
CHAPTER 14 I’m Not Going to Marry Lord Harmon
CHAPTER 14 I’m Not Going to Marry Lord Harmon
CHAPTER 15 Engagement Announcement
CHAPTER 15 Engagement Announcement
CHAPTER 16 Karina Becomes Aaron
CHAPTER 17 Aaron the Cabin Boy
CHAPTER 17 Aaron the Cabin Boy
CHAPTER 18 Angus the Scotsman
CHAPTER 18 Angus the Scotsman
CHAPTER 19 Aaron you can stay
CHAPTER 19 Aaron you can stay
CHAPTER 20 Return to Pembrook Hall
CHAPTER 20 Return to Pembrook Hall
CHAPTER 21 Florida
CHAPTER 21 Florida
CHAPTER 22 Discovered
CHAPTER 22 Discovered
CHAPTER 23 Deidra’s Visit
CHAPTER 23 Deidra’s Visit
CHAPTER 24 Skull and Cross Bones
CHAPTER 24 Skull and Cross Bones
CHAPTER 25 New Providence
CHAPTER 25 New Providence
CHAPTER 26 Back on the Sea Maiden
CHAPTER 26 Back on the Sea Maiden
CHAPTER 27 Seaboard Vows
CHAPTER 27 Seaboard Vows
CHAPTER 28 Lady or Buccaneer
CHAPTER 28 Lady or Buccaneer
CHAPTER 29 Sea, Wind & Fire
CHAPTER 29 Sea, Wind & Fire
CHAPTER 30 The Morning After
CHAPTER 30 The Morning After
CHAPTER 31 Back from the Dead
CHAPTER 31 Back from the Dead
CHAPTER 32 Rest Stop
CHAPTER 32 Rest Stop
CHAPTER 33 A New Beginning
CHAPTER 33 A New Beginning
CHAPTER 34 Shipboard Announcement
CHAPTER 34 Shipboard Announcement
CHAPTER 35 New England, New Plan
CHAPTER 35 New England, New Plan
CHAPTER 36 Yucatan
CHAPTER 36 Yucatan
CHAPTER 37 Karina Arrives to New England
CHAPTER 37 Karina Arrives to New England
CHAPTER 38 A Message from Lord Pembroke
CHAPTER 38 A Message from Lord Pembroke
CHAPTER 39 The Note
CHAPTER 39 The Note
CHAPTER 40 Captain Drake Arrested
CHAPTER 40 Captain Drake Arrested
CHAPTER 41 Case against Lord Harmon
CHAPTER 41 Case against Lord Harmon
CHAPTER 42 Nate
CHAPTER 42 Nate
CHAPTER 43 Rescue in the Woods
CHAPTER 43 Rescue in the Woods
CHAPTER 44 Message for the Captain
CHAPTER 44 Message for the Captain
CHAPTER 45 River Oaks Court
CHAPTER 45 River Oaks Court
CHAPTER 46 Sherman Craft
CHAPTER 46 Sherman Craft