He hesitated. “Yes. Your name was there and written in beside it was the name of Sheik Emir Osana and a price of five thousand dollars.”
“Oh,” said Lydia in a very soft voice. “I came very close to being a slave and lost to you forever, didn’t I?”
“Nay, Lass. I’d never let you be taken away from me. One way or another I would have found you and brought you home with me.”
“Forgive me for being so much trouble. I was so eager to prove my worth as a human, after years of being made to feel useless by my father, that my enthusiasm took over when I should have been thinking before acting.”
“Forgive you? Lass, that is part of who you are! In spite of everything, I would not ask you to be any different. You have had very little experience in life, and you have to learn, which you are doing. From now on though, I will be by your side to help out – or to rescue you from yourself.”
He laughed lightly as Lydia jokingly punched him in the arm. “I love you with my entire heart and soul, Lydia.” He looked down and captured her lips in his.
Lydia retreated slightly as he deepened the kiss. She was flustered and blushing. “Ian. If you start that now in this house, neither of us will be able to go down to dinner without drawing attention to ourselves.” Lydia smiled and looked pointedly at Ian’s groin, again. He looked down, too.
“You are right, my love.” Ian stepped away and tried to rearrange himself.
“You’ve not yet answered my question. What will happen to Percy?”
“I am not sure. William tried to talk reason with the members of the Committee, but he couldn’t promise anything. We also discovered that Percy has an extremely healthy bank account as a result of his line of work.”
“Did he say anything about your sisters?”
“Only that they were doing well, and he had taken care of them financially. No matter what happens, he won’t be going back to Scotland for many, many years, if ever.”
“Perhaps that is for the best. At any rate, we should head back to the parlor, so our hosts will not worry about us. Apparently, we have other people to meet at this dinner.”
Just as Ian and Lydia re-entered the parlor to meet the other dinner guests, a noisy ruckus erupted from the main hallway. Angry voices from a group of men echoed with words of indignation and righteousness.
“Now, now, men. What is this all about?” asked the William. Then he saw several men in the group who were elevated members of the Committee, as well as other men who were arguing with them.
Lydia stood transfixed in awe of the noisy, chaotic movement of only six men.
Finally, one of the men stepped forward, doffed his hat, and pulled him aside. “I am sorry, William.”
“What do you mean that you are sorry, Miles? Sorry about what?” he asked.
“I could not stop them.”
“Stop who?” “The other members of the Committee for Vigilance.”
“Miles, what are you talking about? You could not stop the Committee from doing what?”
Miles slowed down, a lot. He twirled his hat brim in his hand. “They hung him.”
“Hung who?”
“Lord Darke.”
“What? I thought the Committee members agreed to wait for the trial!”
“He got one. Just like the trial they gave to those guys Casey and Cora. The Committee appointed attorneys, and they held a trial – out in the street. That book he kept of all his transactions in made the jury pretty upset. What put them over the edge was the testimony of the boy you found locked in his apartment. Jurors said they did not want to hear any more evidence and to get on with the defense.”
“What was the defense?” asked William.
“Well, Lord Darke said the black book did not belong to him. Then the owner of the apartment building showed Lord Dark’s signature on the lease, and it matched the writing in the black book.”
“And Darke’s response to that was …” interrupted Ian.
“He did not have one, sir,” said Miles.
“How did he respond to the testimony of the boy shackled and locked in the apartment,” he asked.
“He tried to argue he had lost his apartment key several days ago, and he had not been in the apartment for two days. But then, the boy identified him and described what Lord Darke had done to him. At that point the jury said they were ready to go into deliberations. They huddled together for about ten minutes and then pronounced Lord Darke guilty of slavery, torture, and crimes against God. Once they announced his crimes and his guilt, the rest of the crowd went wild. Fifteen minutes later they hung him. I could not get here any sooner because the crowds of people blocked they roads denouncing the likes of Lord Darke.”
Ian wrapped his arms around Lydia and pulled her to him.
“What do we do now, Ian?” she asked.
“I am not certain. I know I should feel some sort of grief for Percy, but he was such an evil man. I feel nothing for him.
“We need to get all these events documented for the courts in Scotland, so Belinda can be a free woman. For all practical purposes, he abandoned her – which will be good in a sense – for her reputation, if anything leaks out.”
He sat down and wiped his face. “I truly don’t know how to undo all the evil this man has done. We will have to find a good barrister or lawyer both here and in Scotland to do all we can to protect Belinda’s name, her daughter’s name, and any monies that may be legitimate.”
“Don’t worry, sweetheart. We will get everything taken care of both on this end and in Scotland. How soon can we get things set up so we can ship out?”
“Well, as it turns out, so far the best and most likely offer for the ship on short notice is my First Mate. Some of the William’s friends are interested, but as I mentioned, provided Briggs is able to come up with some money up front, he gets the first option. I was going to wait and talk the matter over with the Lord Saxonby and his friends in the next couple of days. But, second thought, I think I will simply offer it to Andy. He has already located a cargo that is waiting for shipment to Hawaii, so he and I could work out the details in the next few days. Then we could leave on the Great Republic next week.
“We will head directly for Scotland?” asked Lydia.
“Actually, not many ships sail directly to Scotland, they usually stop in London first. London is easier and a larger city. That way, we can visit with your mother and father before we head up to Scotland. It will be easy to catch a cargo ship between London and Scotland. That would be all right with you, would it not?”
Lydia’s face lit up. “Oh, Ian! That would be wonderful! I so miss my mother. I just hope that my father was not too hard on her when she returned.”
“Well, be patient, my love. We have a number of months of travel ahead of us, and a lot of arrangements to make before we can leave.”
William coughed lightly to interrupt their conversation. “Captain, you and your friends are more than welcome to stay with us until you have made all your arrangements. You will be back on a ship soon enough and in cramped quarters. Besides, we truly enjoy your company!”
Lydia looked up at Ian. He smiled and answered for them both. “We would be happy to take you up on your offer, William. We have really enjoyed ourselves while visiting with you. We thank you kindly for your hospitality.”
“Not at all, Captain. It is our pleasure. Sacha and I do not recall having such delightful house guests, ever! She will be so pleased you will be staying with us. By the way, that offer goes for you friends Pakelekia, Dr. Miller, and Sing Hee.”
CHAPTER 33
So much had happened in such a short period of time. Lydia paced in their room at the Williams’ home. A sick feeling rattled her stomach. We must take care of Pakelekia and Sing Hee! Without the two of them, I might never have seen Ian again. Their friendship is too valuable to just throw away.
Ian sat at the small desk in their guest room working on some paperwork.
Concern overwhelmed her. She turned
to Ian and said, “What about Pakelekia and Sing Hee? We have to return them to their families, if that is what they want. I will not rest easy until I know they are well-cared for. They have become very good friends, and we owe them.”
Ian nodded in agreement, but waited a short time time before saying anything. “Hmm. Maybe that is a way we can help to undo some of the wrong done by Percy. We could try to return those who can be located to their families, and set up a fund with his remaining ill-gotten assets for those who may be found in due time. Some remuneration could be given to the families of those who canna be found. I think we should discuss this with Pakelekia and Sing Hee, don’t you?”
“Yes! After dinner this evening might be a good time. I will find them and let them know we would like to have a talk with them.”
***
Just before entering the parlor for introductions, Lydia pulled Ian into the library, “I am dreadfully sorry about this mess of a situation with Percy and your family. I feel so badly for your sisters and very frustrated that we cannot contact them immediately.”
“There is nothing to be done right this minute. I have decided to follow the William’s suggestion about sending a telegram via Western Union to both my sisters and the old family lawyer, Mr. Jarrow. I am also arranging for some money to be deposited to the family account from my account in Scotland. Hopefully, that will help out my sisters in the meantime. We have already sent a telegram to your mother. At this point we just have to be patient.
“Additionally, it is important that you know that none of this is your fault. In fact, if you had not been kidnapped, I may never have learned about Percy and my sisters. A strange coincidence to be sure, but, at least we now know about their plight, and I can get some money to them. I will talk with both Mr. Simpson and William on the morrow to see what we can do to get some type of foundation organized with Percy’s assets to fund the return of victims to their families, where possible. However, there was over a million American dollars listed in Percy’s black book. If there is anywhere near that amount in his personal banking account, the money will more than cover those costs. Any idea as to what we should do with the rest of the money, if there is any left over?”
Lydia paced back and forth for a few moments. “I do have an idea, but I am not sure it is a good one.”
“What is it?”
“Could we set up a house where some of those women, ‘soiled doves’ is one of the words I have heard used to describe them, could go for safety if they are able to escape the men they work for?”
“Safety?”
“Yes. I mean, for any woman who suddenly finds herself reduced to selling her body to feed herself or her children. The men who … who … I guess the word is ‘own’ them, do not let those women go easily. From what I have heard, these men, and sometimes their co-workers, beat these ‘soiled doves’ to keep them working in terrible conditions. As a result, women who find themselves in such a terrible situation, fear they cannot start life anew. They most likely have no family who would be willing to assist them or even acknowledge their existence after they have been so-called professional women. Perhaps William and Sacha would have some good ideas on how to set it up. What do you think?”
“Lydia, you never cease to amaze me. How do you come up with these ideas?” “You forget. I am the daughter of a church rector.”
“Ah yes. That would be it.”
She laughed. “What about my idea?”
Ian chuckled. “All right. I will speak with William later this evening.”
“Thank you, Ian.”
Two hours later, the men retired to the library for their port and cigars, as had become their custom, while the ladies and Sing Hee went into the parlor.
“Sing Hee,” began Sacha, “you are certainly welcome to join the men in the library.”
“No, but thanks. No like cigar smoke. Port make face turn red. They come back soon, so I wait with you.”
Now was the time decided Lydia. She broached the subject to Pakelekia and Sing Hee about returning to their families. Instead of being excited about going home, each was rather quiet and non-decisive. Within a few minutes, Sing Hee excused himself and departed for the library.
“Did I say something wrong?” asked Lydia. No one said anything.
“And Pakelekia, I thought you would be thrilled to go back to Hawaii. “What is wrong?”
“Oh, nothing is wrong Lydia. I find in listening to your idea about a house of reprieve for fallen women, I would be more excited and involved in life by being able to help others, than I was in Hawaii. Even though I was a princess in Hawaii, my daily routine was … boring. In fact, because I was a princess, my life revolved more around traditions and formalities, than a feeling my life had meaning. I would truly like to hear more about this possible foundation.”
“At this point there is not much to know, because it has not yet been set up. Earlier this evening was the first time I ever discussed it with Ian and then a few minutes ago with you. As soon as we know if it is financially feasible, then we will have to look for someone to run it. Now that I think about it, I feel a little overwhelmed. There is so much to do, and Ian is hoping we can sail to Panama next week on the Great Republic.”
It was now Pakelekia’s turn to pace the room. Her statuesque body and long shining hair in a single braid down her back, accentuated her height and elegance. Her skin, lightly browned by the Hawaiian sun, was smooth and shiny. She exemplified the strength and regal demeanor of so many Hawaiian women.
“Pakelekia,” began Lydia, “what are you thinking about?”
“The seed of an idea,” came Pakelekia’s reply.
“Which is …?” queried Lydia.
“I am not sure if I am qualified, but I would love to help with this house of reprieve for the soiled doves. It is a long story, which I will shorten considerably for all of you. I am twenty-six years old, and the missionaries gave me an outstanding education. I have never wanted to marry, but I have never known what other options existed for me. Life does not happen in a vacuum. And, by that I mean there was a reason I was kidnapped, brought to San Francisco and met all of you. I believe I am destined to help out with these unfortunate women, if you and Ian would allow me to work with you to set it up.”
“I am almost speechless! You are the answer to my prayers. Not only would Ian and I love for you to work with the foundation, but would you also consider being in charge of it?”
Pakelekia’s face paled.
“Oh, I do not mean all by yourself, Pakelekia. There would be a board of trustees governing the funds and disbursements, but you would actually run the house for the Foundation and help the women get a start on their new lives. Additionally, I would like you to be on the Board of Trustees, so that you have a meaningful voice in how the House is run.”
All six feet of Pakelekia began to quiver. It was a sight to behold. “Yes, Lydia. That is precisely what I would love to do. All my life I have felt like a coconut trying to be a papaya. But here, in this city, I feel as though I belong, and San Francisco is to be my new home. I can send word to my family via one of the next ships out of San Francisco to Hawaii. They will be happy to know I am all right. I hope they will not be too disappointed I am not coming home to them.”
Pakelekia and Lydia hugged one another. Sacha, on the other hand, now appeared to be in deep thought. Finally, she looked up at Pakelekia and Lydia and announced, “This is wonderful Pakelekia! Now before you start saying ‘no’, I want you to listen to my plan. It will be a while before Lord Darke’s house can be renovated for use as a refuge for these women, and you will need a place to stay. You will stay with us until that time. I have a lot of women friends who will be delighted to donate clothing, furniture and whatever else may be needed. The degradation of women going on in the Barbary Coast is horrifying. We women always talk about how dangerous the area is, and it is a shame so many young women are trapped into such an unseemly and unhealthy way of life. Now is our chance to put our de
eds where our words are to help them out. Oh, there will be some women who may not want ‘to get their hands dirty’, but we can do without them anyway. This is such a grand idea!”
Sacha’s excitement and enthusiasm was palpable.
Lydia eased herself back down into the wingback chair. Her life had undergone such extraordinary changes in the last year. How had all these events come about? What force of nature compelled Lydia to leave her quiet, safe little town of Chatham, England to travel around the world, to encounter new countries and peoples, to go through unplanned adventures and horrifying experiences? Most of her life had been sedate and demure – exactly what the man her supposed father demanded she be. Somewhere in her personality existed a hidden and yet natural inclination toward impetuous behavior. On the other hand, thank goodness she gave in to that trait. Had she not made the choices she had made in the last year, she probably would not have survived. Ian would not have become her husband. Yet, at this point, she could not begin to imagine her life without Ian by her side. Such peace and contentment she had never experienced in her life.
Male voices interrupted her reverie. The men had finished their port and cigars and prepared to sit down with the ladies for a while. Ian sat in the wingback chair next to Lydia’s and took her hand in his own.
“Lydia, I believe I have some good news that concerns everyone here. I know I have not consulted with you on any of this, but if you will trust me, I believe you are going to be very happy.”
“I trust you to make wise decisions, so please go ahead.”
“Doc and I spoke at length about his plans upon our return to England and Scotland. When our conversation started, he had no set plans, but I think he will probably be moving to Fallkirk, where he will become the town doctor, as well as the doctor for our estate. The estate owns a building in Fallkirk, which Percy could not sell. It has offices downstairs and a two-bedroom flat upstairs. There is no way Dr. Miller could afford to buy a place, so I have decided to give it to him as a retirement gift from us to thank him for his years of loyal service. He will now have the opportunity to fulfill his dream of becoming a family doctor in a small town.”
The Emerald Tartan Page 27