The Emerald Tartan

by Patricia McGrew

  CHAPTER 9

  Embarrassment and shame engulfed Lydia. Unsure of what else to do, she complied with Ian’s order and returned to bed. There she fell into a restless sleep. Hours later, she opened her eyes to the dark sky of early morning.

  She stirred beneath the linen sheet and soft woolen blanket. The air in the cabin had a decisive nip to it. The small fire in the stove had burned down to a few stubborn, glowing coals. She stretched her arms and yawned, then pulled her legs in closer to her body and snuggled against the pillow.

  There was a hesitant knock at the cabin door.

  “Just a minute, please.” Lydia tumbled out of bed and reached for the worn trousers and shirt she had worn yesterday. Tying a handkerchief belt around her waist, she said, “Come in.”

  It was the pudgy cabin boy, Master Billy. In addition to acting occasionally as Captain Ian’s valet, Master Billy obviously spent a great deal of time in the galley sampling the cooks daily preparations. As he walked into the cabin, he balanced a tray on the palm of his right hand. On the tray was a chunk of bread, a pot of steaming hot tea, and a small brick of yellow cheese.

  The words all poured out in one rapid-fire sentence after another. “Good morning, ma’am. The captain asked me to bring you breakfast. I hope you’re feeling better now. You had us all worried… and surprised. Didn’t know what to think when the captain and the doctor brought back a woman from the shore a few days ago. Not exactly what one expects to find when looking for chunks of wood along the shoreline. Dangerous place for a woman, it is.”

  With that said, the young man with sandy brown hair and freckles across his nose, put down the tray of food at the captain’s desk, turned and walked out of the room without waiting for a word from Lydia.

  Lydia laughed. What strange people these seamen are, or should I say, sea–boys, she thought to herself. Lydia eagerly looked over the repast and found once again she was hungry. Her mouth watered as she lifted the lid to the teapot to stir the tea leaves. The bread was a little dry, as was the cheese. It didn’t matter. She was so famished, she barely noticed. Having eaten her fill, she poured the icy water from the pitcher into the wash basin. She took off the shirt and washed her arms and face.

  “Brr. What I would give for a hot bath!”

  Into the room walked the Captain. “A hot bath! What do you think this is, a hotel?” he laughed. “The best I can do is to have the cook boil water for you and bring it to you in a bucket for right now. Later tonight, after the cook is through with meals, you can have a bath in my small wooden tub. Will that do?”

  “Good morning to you, too, Captain. It’s so pleasant to see you in such a good humor this morning!” Lydia pasted her best smile on her face. Mixed emotions trickled through her. Uncertainty and embarrassment about last night – and yet, joy at seeing him. He certainly looked handsome in his knee-high boots, tight trousers, and heavy pea jacket. His hazel eyes flashed a warning signal to Lydia, even as she pondered kissing his warm and inviting lips.

  The captain stared at her and although his manner was brusque, his eyes betrayed tenderness as they swept over Lydia. His only response to her was a “humph,” as he turned away and began leafing through papers on his desk.

  “What is wrong? You might as well tell me what it is. You are displeased about something, sir?”

  His bushy eyebrows popped up in surprise.

  Lydia turned away from the captain, in embarrassment, and continued. “I realize I have no experience, and for that reason, I understand I am lacking. However, men of your ilk negotiate for what you want in the world. As you can see, at this point I am completely destitute, but offering myself to you was the only way I could think of bartering, in exchange for you to deliver me to San Francisco before you go to Hawaii. No, I am not a whore, but I have nothing else of value to barter with. Is it so wrong of me to try my best to get to San Francisco on time?”

  “Nay, lass. I understand your situation. On the other hand, you need to understand my situation. I’ve a ship full of men, my ship’s been damaged, and we’re having a hell of a time trying to repair her. I’m falling behind on my own schedule, and we’ve close about seven or eight weeks at sea yet before we reach our destination. There is a lot riding on this ship arriving in Honolulu by the deadline.”

  The Captain finally glanced up from his paperwork. Her small body was trembling. “Stop your crying. I haven’t been able to keep my mind from you all day long.”

  Lydia continued to sniffle.

  He took two giant steps to Lydia and folded her in his arms.

  “Don’t you ken what I’m saying, lass? I’m saying I’ve thought of nothing all day long but taking you in my arms, tearing off your clothes, and making love to you for the rest of the day! No woman has ever affected me the way you have. But, I have heavy responsibilities. Not only are the men on my ship depending on me,” Ian hesitated, “but Queen Victoria has entrusted me with a special mission. I cannot fail her. When my mission is done, I’ll take you to San Francisco. I’ll take you wherever you want.”

  Lydia looked up into his hazel eyes. She knew he was telling her the truth. The mission he was on, whatever it was, was very important. “Does your mission have anything to do with the armoire?”

  He frowned. Looking over at the armoire, he asked, “What do you recall?”

  “I don’t know. I just keep having this feeling there is something unique about the armoire. It’s as though I remember a haunting feeling, but I don’t know exactly what it is. Ian … may I call you that?” He nodded in the affirmative.

  “What is it? Have I seen something?”

  He stared off into space and fidgeted with his hands. He appeared to be indecisive, and he didn’t respond immediately. Finally, he said, “Lydia, if I tell you, I may be putting your life in danger. Do you ken? I cannot do that.”

  “Ian, if you don’t tell me, I’ll find out anyway. I already know there is something special about the armoire. When you leave, I’ll inspect every inch of it. So you might as well tell me. Besides, how can my knowledge put me in danger? I’ve been living in this cabin for the last four or five weeks, and aside from fighting pneumonia, there has been no danger to my life.”

  Her green eyes stared at him. “I know you are right. But telling you would mean it would not be just me and Doctor Miller who know this secret. I am already suspicious of a few of my crew members. If any of them had an idea as to the true value and nature of the cargo I carry, neither my life nor yours would be worth a farthing. If you tear the armoire apart, or talk to anyone but me about your suspicions, you could inadvertently reveal my secret. I have to trust you. We have so much time left at sea. I cannot keep my mission from you for that long.

  “Oh goodness! This is more serious than I could have imagined. If it distresses you, do not tell me,” she said.

  “You don’t understand,” he said. “I don’t trust anyone. You are different. Instinctively, I trust you with my life. Even though you have not really done anything to make me feel so secure; it is just a feeling. I will go with my instincts. Have you ever heard of Hawaii?”

  “Yes. You forget I am a schoolteacher. I have read a great deal about Hawaii.”

  “Then, you ken already the islands are located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. As I have told you, it is there I am headed. My crew believes we are going to deliver a load of tea. And that is, in fact, the truth. However, the more valuable part of the cargo is not located in the hold with the tea. It is in the armoire. You found it when you were delirious with fever. You must have climbed into the armoire and fallen asleep, but not before you located the secret compartment in the bottom of the armoire. When I found you, you had a red velvet package your arms. Do you remember that?”

  “Vaguely. I seem to recall flowers and red color. But that is all.”

  “That’s close enough. The red and green you remember, are a very special crown Queen Victoria commissioned for her friend, King Kamehameha the Fourth, to give to his wife, Queen Em
ma, on their first wedding anniversary at the end of June. Red rubies make up the hibiscus flower in the crown, and green emeralds are for the hibiscus leaves which twist around the crown. King Kamehameha, also known as Alexander Liholiho, and Queen Emma, are very dear friends of Queen Victoria.

  “At any rate, Queen Victoria was unable to attend their wedding last year. She wanted to do something distinctive for the young couple. Needless to say, the value of the crown is substantial to anyone who merely wants to separate the jewels from the gold and sell it piecemeal. However, as a gift of sentiment and fondness between rulers of different countries in the world, no price can be put on the crown. I have sworn to the Queen I will protect the crown with my own life, and I will deliver it to the King for presentation to the Queen on their anniversary. That is why I cannot take you to San Francisco. If it were only my cargo of tea, I’d take you in a minute. But I’ve given my word to the Her Majesty and that is the way of it.”

  Lydia was dumbfounded. She had never heard such a marvelous tale in all her life - delivering such a valuable gift as a golden crown inset with rubies and emeralds for royalty! To think just a couple of months ago, she was doomed by her father to a life of spinsterhood and teaching little girls. She could not even go out to a church social … and here she was on a ship bound for Hawaii with jewels for royal rulers!

  “I’m very sorry, Lydia. I had hoped you would understand the importance of this journey. It is a special favor asked of me by Queen Victoria. I may be Scottish, but still, she is the Queen of England. And I am a man of my word. I’ll not disappoint the Queen.” With that, he stomped to the cabin door to go back on deck.

  Lydia realized Ian missed took her silence for disappointment. As quick as a bolt of lightning, she flew across the room and threw her arms around Ian. “You silly man! You believe I am so dense I cannot appreciate the importance of your mission? Ian, you fool. I was not quiet because I was disappointed about not being able to get to San Francisco. I didn’t say anything because I was so excited I was speechless. I’ve never heard anything so wonderful in all my life! I love it. You are a man of your word. And now I understand the urgency of your trip to Hawaii, I agree with you. You cannot go to San Francisco until after you have first gone to Hawaii. Within a month, Lord and Lady Saxonby family will have probably assumed I’m dead and chosen another person as their nanny anyway.

  “Frankly, my life is so upside down right now, I realize I must simply go with whatever happens. Do you realize I used to spend my days in my attic bedroom daydreaming about adventure and reading novels? I never believed anything exciting would ever happen to me. Of course, I’m disappointed I will not make it to San Francisco on time. Nevertheless, I’ll send a letter to England to Mother and Father as soon as we get to a major port. Hopefully, Mother’s ship made it all right to San Francisco. By the time my Mother is able to sail back to England, the letter will be waiting for her there. I’ll have to work out how to find a job later. Right now, I’m going to help you get your precious cargo to Hawaii!”

  “If you don’t mind, Lydia, I’ll take care of getting us to Hawaii. I would simply appreciate you staying out of the way. I’ve sailed this route several times before, so I ken what I’m doing.

  “This is a cargo ship, a tea clipper if you will. We rarely ever have passengers – and when we do, they are men. Generally, most crews believe having a woman on the ship is bad luck. My crew happens to be one of those who believe that. So, you’ll do me a big favor by staying down below in my cabin until we get to Hawaii. If we manage to encounter some fair weather, I will take you up on deck for fresh air.”

  “You don’t have to worry. I won’t be any trouble. I know a lot about ships, you know. Because I could not do any embroidery on the Wyndom Wydoh due to my wrist, I spent most of my time with the ship’s captain, Captain Adams, learning all about the ship’s rigging and the wind. He was most informative. You’re absolutely right. I doubt I could climb the rigging and work the sails, but I can help with all sorts of things. You’ll see!”

  Lydia paused for about five seconds and then added, “He even began to teach me how to use a sextant. We never quite finished the lessons, but I’m a quick learner. I think you’ll be pleased.” She was determined to prove to herself and to the Captain she was capable of being helpful, and not a burden.

  Ian groaned. “Really, Lydia, I am perfectly able to sail the ship without your assistance. I’ve been sailing for thirteen years now. Believe me, I’m quite good. How are your cooking skills? If you really want to help, perhaps I could convince the cook he needs assistance.”

  “That’s quite funny! You want me to help the cook? I don’t think so. Beyond boiling water for tea, my mother would never let me in the kitchen. Oh, I used to beg her to let me help – and she would let me. I was allowed to baste the chicken or pull it out of the oven. Not much else. So you see, I wouldn’t be much help to the cook.”

  “Lydia. Please stop talking!” bellowed Ian. “I am the Captain of this ship. Me. Nobody else. All of my crew, including Doctor Miller – they do only what I tell them their jobs are – nothing else. So please, be sensible. I sail this ship, and you are my passenger. End of discussion.”

  Lydia grinned. “Whatever you say, Captain. I’ll stay below and be a good passenger. But to help me pass the time, could you teach me how to plot a course? I promise, I won’t tell you what to do. I just want you to know if ever you need me to help you with anything, I’m here for you. Of course, if you want to talk over anything, I’ll be here to listen to you. After all, two heads are better than one. You never know when you might need me to help you figure out something someday! I am a teacher, and I’ve read quite a bit since I never had anything else to do.”

  “You’re a tenacious little wench, Lydia. All right. If you’ll promise me you’ll stay below deck, unless I take you to the deck, I’ll show you how to plot a course. We’ve probably another day or two here in the cove before we can complete the repairs to the ship. Then we’ll be on our way. In the meantime, you need to regain your strength. So rest and eat. I’ll check on you throughout the day.”

  He started to leave the cabin, but as he got to the door, he turned around and took a few steps back to Lydia. He pulled her into his arms and kissed her thoroughly before leaving the cabin to oversee the continuing repairs to the ship. Lydia found herself breathing heavily and her stomach making somersaults.

  It was night time before he finally returned to check on Lydia. She had all of his navigation books out on his desk. She was so absorbed in reading, she failed to notice his entrance into the cabin.

  “Ahem. Remember me? Your Captain?”

  “Ian!” Lydia pushed back on the chair and almost knocked it over in her attempt to greet him. She could smell the sea air about his clothing and breathed in deeply. The room seemed to emanate heat. “Change the subject,” she thought to herself.

  “You have the most wonderful books on sailing. And, I found a chapter on the sextant. Although the math looks little difficult, I can hardly wait to finish my lessons on it. I think though, I’m ready for my first lesson. I understand in order to take the altitude of the moon, for example, I must hold the sextant perpendicular and swing the index bar along the arc of the sextant until I see the moon. The moon, or the sun if you choose, is reflected from the mirror on the index bar onto the silvered half of the mirror on the sextant arm. Once I get to that point I can read off the altitude indicated by the position of the index bar on the arc of the sextant. From there we can chart a course and position. Right?”

  He looked speechless. “Where did you get all that information? That is exactly correct. Surely all that didn’t come from the stack of books you are looking at, did it?”

  “I’m certain that I have told you at least twice that the captain on the Wyndom Wydoh taught me to use the sextant. I think you didn’t believe me. It really wasn’t that difficult. But the books were a good review for me, and clarified a few points I wasn’t certain about. Oh, di
d I mention that I have something of an unusual memory? Once I read something, I can see the picture of that page in my mind.”

  Lydia smiled and wrapped her fingers around her chestnut curls. She pulled her hair away from her face with a piece of leather thong. Inwardly, though, she hated not being totally honest with Ian. But she knew she had to prove to him the value of her assistance. What better way to impress him than to memorize the entire page in the navigation book with directions for the sextant? Reciting what she saw on a page did not necessarily mean she understood it all, but he didn’t need to learn that yet.

  “Well, lass. I guess I’ll take you up on deck for the midnight watch. At that point we’ll see how good your skills are, using the sextant. But, remember, I am the Captain of the ship. Don’t go telling me what to do or where to go. Have you had dinner yet?”

  “No. I guess I forgot about the time. Is it too late to get a bite to eat?”

  Ian laughed. “Nay. Remember, not only am I the Captain, I’m the owner of my ship. I eat when I tell the cook I want to eat.” Ian walked over to the stack of books on his desk, and began looking through them absentmindedly. Then, he noticed the small fire in the stove was reduced to only a few embers. He began stoking the coals and adding more wood.

  “Did you have a good day?” he asked.

  He acted nervous, as though something was on his mind. Lydia studied him. This shy, uncertain man before her was not the man she had faced only hours earlier. He kept his back to her while he worked on the stove. Lydia quietly walked around to the other side of the stove and watched him.

  “Ian, are you all right?” Lydia decided to tease him – just for a few minutes.

  “Aye, lass. I’m fine. Just wanted to get this fire going. Perhaps I should send Master Billy to get us dinner. Would you like a bit of sherry before dinner?”

  “Yes, I would enjoy a little.” Lydia moved closer to him. He paid no attention to her and walked over to the cabinet which held a heavy crystal decanter and crystal glasses, all locked into place by small wooden slats. He poured the amber colored liquid into two of the stemmed glasses. He turned to hand one over to Lydia. She reached for the glass and thanked him in a low and husky voice. “Thank you, Ian.”