Beyond the Cliffs of Kerry

by Hughes, Amanda

  The answer Jean Michel was looking for, Darcy could not give easily. She did not leave Ireland of her own volition and to say goodbye to it forever was too painful. She looked down while Jean Michel watched her anxiously.

  "You are my home, Jean Michel. Let there be no question about that, but to say that I am banished forever from Ireland is like cutting my heart out. I will never be at peace if I don't return one more time. I told Adrianna before she left that one day I would stand on the abbey bluff, a free woman."

  "And so you shall," he said taking her face in his hands. "You shall return to your home and together we shall stand on the cliffs of Kerry."

  The route along the coast was more time-consuming, but Jean Michel was grateful that he had chosen it. They traveled without incident.

  They were a short distance inland when they stopped by a stream to replenish their water and rest for a while. The day was warm; Darcy dipped a cloth in the stream, and Jean Michel watched her, as she trickled water over her arms and neck.

  The sun had given her skin a rosy glow, but her light complexion never acquired the deep tan of Jean Michel. He loved the dramatic difference between her pale skin and dark hair. As he watched her stretch, a longing come over him to see her with child, and he called her over. She sat down beside him on the bank of the stream and hugged her knees, smiling at him. Jean Michel looked into her green eyes and said, "I want to see you carry our child."

  The smile dropped from Darcy's face. “I believe that the famine came during the years when I should have been developing a suitable womb." Darcy bit her lip and said, "Because of this, one day you will leave me."

  Whatever loss Jean Michel felt, he did not share with Darcy. He did remember the day they had received word that Etienne had been ordained, and his mother had made him promise to carry on the family name. Pushing it from his thoughts, he stroked Darcy's cheek and said, "I found the one I love, and I ask for nothing more."

  He reached over and put his arm around her, easing her back onto the bank. He picked a blade of grass and ran it down her neck and across the tops of her breasts, and leaning down, kissed her gently.

  After they made love in the warm afternoon sun, Jean Michel slept, and Darcy gathered up some clothes, heading upstream to find a suitable place to do laundry.

  She squatted down in the shade, soaking one of her gowns in the water, and just as she was about to put soap on it, she was yanked off her feet and grabbed tightly around her waist. Before she could scream, a hand was clapped over her mouth and a large Indian held a knife to her throat.

  Her heart was racing furiously, and she believed that before Jean Michel ever awakened, she would be scalped mercilessly.

  Darcy gasped for air, but the Indian was holding her so tightly that she could not breathe. Several more Abenaki stepped out from the bushes. One Indian started to search her pack. He was dressed in nothing more than a breechclout, and his head was completely shaved except for one tuft of hair tied with rawhide. He was pulling out clothes, cooking utensils and tools, and when he reached the bottom he pulled out a rosary. He stood up and said something to the others, and they ran their fingers over the wooden beads.

  The Indian who had been holding a knife to Darcy's throat stepped away from her, held up the rosary and asked her something in French, but all she could do was look back helplessly.

  Suddenly, she heard Jean Michel shout, "Qu'y a-t-il!" and the party whirled around as he approached with a rifle in hand. He was frowning and addressing the Indians in French. She could tell by his demeanor that he demanded her release immediately. A tense moment passed as the group sized him up.

  Darcy had never seen Jean Michel like this before. He showed absolutely no fear, acting offended that they had touched his woman. He looked challengingly from one to the other. Although he carried a rifle, she knew that it was his manner, not the firearm, which would win her release. Darcy felt the grip loosen around her waist, and she could now breathe.

  The Indian who had the knife to her neck seemed to be the leader, and he spoke with Jean Michel rapidly in French.

  Because of her limited abilities in the language, Darcy only caught a few words, but when Jean Michel said the name Lupe', the Indians looked at each other. They motioned for him to lift his shirt. He obliged showing them a large jagged scar that ran down his ribs. They looked from the scar to his face, and like magic all hostility dissolved, and they let her go.

  The leader returned Darcy's rosary, but Jean Michel insisted that the Indian take it as a sign of friendship. The brave put the rosary around his neck, and as quickly as they had arrived, the Abenaki party was gone.

  With wobbly legs, Darcy sank onto the grass as Jean Michel scanned the woods for any further threat. There was so much that she did not know or understand about him. He had told her that the Abenaki admired his father's name, but the fear and respect she read on the faces today was for Jean Michel.

  Satisfied that there was no further threat, he held out his hand and pulled Darcy up, clamping his arm around her waist possessively. "Are you all right?" he asked.

  When she nodded, he let her go and said, "We must move quickly, Darcy. Anything can happen now."

  After the encounter with the Abenaki, they moved at a feverish pace. Darcy had hoped to have another day alone with Jean Michel before returning to Fort Lawrence, but he would not hear of it.

  Gone was the passionate lover who could not keep his hands off her, and in his place was a man dragging her through the wilderness with the ferocity of an animal. Not wishing any more encounters with the Indians, they slept without a fire on a high bluff overlooking the ocean that night.

  Jean Michel told her that the fort was only a half day's journey up the Windsor River and that they would sleep for only a few hours before setting off again.

  When they lay down to sleep, she hugged his arm and asked, "That scar you showed them today. Why did they want to see it?"

  "They use it to prove my identity. I received that when I was a boy visiting my father's post. I was a bit scrappy in those days, and I got into an argument with one of the young Abenaki braves. As you can see, the outcome was not in my favor."

  Shortly after that, Darcy dropped off to sleep. After a few hours, Jean Michel was shaking her and telling her that it was time to go again. They set out at the same swift pace, and Darcy was exhausted. Judging from the dark circles under Jean Michel's eyes, he too was weary, but what drained his energy was his anxiety about Darcy's safety. If the Abenaki knew she was Colonel Lawrence's mistress, a rosary would not buy her freedom. He could not rest until he reached the fort and bought her indentured service.

  At last Fort Lawrence came into view, and Darcy was surprised at how happy she was to see the timbered walls again. She desperately needed to rest, and she was worried about Jean Michel. Ever since the encounter with the Abenaki, he had lost his peace of mind, and his face looked drawn and tired.

  Darcy had no doubts that Nathan would sell Jean Michel her papers. It was apparent after their last meeting that he had washed his hands of her completely, and after Jean Michel bought her freedom, they could be married.

  They arrived at the fort mid-morning, and Shenanigan practically knocked Darcy over with affection. Jean Michel went straight to his quarters to finish the results of his survey.

  He would be meeting with Lawrence most of the afternoon presenting his findings, so Darcy decided to rest and take a bath.

  It did not feel right being back in Nathan's quarters, but she knew that she would be leaving before the night was over. She collected what few possessions she had and put them on the bed. With the exception of the gown on her back, she elected to return everything else to Nathan.

  Darcy made several trips back and forth for bath water, and by the middle of the afternoon she eased herself down into a deliciously soothing bath. She put her head back and let herself daydream about her new life with Jean Michel when suddenly the door opened, and Nathan Lawrence walked into the room.
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br />   Darcy sat up, grabbed a towel and pulled it over the top of the tub. The gesture was not lost on Lawrence who entered the room, lighting a pipe. Darcy looked very inviting to him and finding her in this compromising position was very erotic.

  "I have been meeting most of the afternoon with Lupe' going over his findings. As usual his work is above reproach, and he said you were a very good assistant." He let out a puff of smoke while Darcy watched him apprehensively. "I trust you were chaste on your journey, my little colleen?"

  Darcy hated it when Nathan called her that name, from his lips it sounded condescending. She said nothing and tried to calm herself. This encounter was not what she had expected and neither was Nathan's behavior.

  "I've sent my wife back to Boston. We had a nice visit, but I found myself preoccupied with thoughts of the private moments you and I have had."

  Darcy swallowed hard, fearing what she was about to hear.

  Nathan's eyes traveled down her neck and shoulders, and he stated, "I'm going to forgive you for the insults you lavished upon me before you left, and I will attribute it to fears that I did not love you. At the time I was angry and ready to sell your papers, but I have since reconsidered."

  Darcy's heart began to pound furiously. How could this be? Surely Jean Michel would convince him otherwise. She could never return to this man's bed.

  Nathan saw the look of dread on Darcy's face and rankled. So she had no desire to bed him again. What had gone on during the expedition? Well, no matter. She was back now.

  Nathan was looking forward to the evening. It seemed to him as if Darcy had been gone for an eternity, and after seeing the heavy, sagging breasts of his wife, he longed to explore her youth again. He walked over and snapped the towel off the top of the tub.

  "Don't you ever forget, you belong to me.”

  Nathan returned to his office where he and Jean Michel worked into the evening. As the room began to darken, there was a knock at the door. Molly entered to light some candles. Nathan looked up and said, "Don't bother with that, Molly. We are just finishing up. Please set another place for dinner. Certainly you will dine with me this evening, Jean Michel?"

  Jean Michel accepted his offer. Nathan held up one of his maps and looked at it carefully. Along the borders Jean Michel had sketched intricate pictures of the plants and flowers indigenous to the survey site, and Nathan said with admiration, "I see you are an artist as well, Lupe'."

  Jean Michel shrugged and said simply, "It adds another dimension to the work, nothing more."

  Before adjourning to dinner, Nathan unlocked a drawer and pulled out a leather bag. He tossed it on the desk and said, "You will find all of it in there, and an additional bonus as well. I will send the results of the survey to Governor Shirley immediately, and I believe he too will show you some form of gratitude."

  Jean Michel picked it up and followed Nathan into dinner. The dining room table was set for two, and Jean Michel was relieved. He did not want Darcy to suffer the humiliation of being discussed as property when he made his proposal to Lawrence tonight.

  Molly served them ham smothered in gravy and fresh vegetables, and it tasted delectable to Jean Michel. He had not consumed fresh food in weeks, and he ate heartily. As always, Nathan Lawrence was a good host and the wine flowed freely. Their dinner conversation was cordial, and Nathan shared odds and ends of news from Fort Lawrence with Jean Michel. Jean Michel listened politely then said, "I think you should know, Colonel, that we encountered an Abenaki party near the mouth of the Windsor River."

  Nathan nodded and wiped his mouth. "I believe that they are gathering for a large-scale assault."

  After pouring Jean Michel another glass of wine, Nathan sat back in his chair and folded his arms over his chest. "So will you return home now? It is rumored that you have a woman down on the Piscataqua.”

  "That is not what I would like to discuss right now,” said Jean Michel. “But there is a matter of business regarding Miss McBride."

  Nathan stopped chewing and his eyes narrowed. "Whatever could that be?"

  "I would like to purchase her papers," said Jean Michel brusquely.

  Nathan cleared his throat trying to curb the wrath that was building inside him. It was apparent now that they had done more than simply survey, and although it angered him it did not surprise him. He had acted impulsively sending Darcy away with this attractive man. He had taken her for granted, and now, after weeks of being celibate, Lawrence needed to be satisfied again. During her absence he had found himself preoccupied with thoughts of her. He had been looking forward to tonight immensely, but this news stung him.

  "She is not for sale."

  Jean Michel frowned. Before the expedition Lawrence seemed to have lost interest in Darcy, and now this flat refusal shocked him. "Name your price, Lawrence. You know I can pay it."

  "I repeat the woman's indentured service is not for sale."

  Jean Michel's nostrils flared as his breathing quickened. Struggling to maintain control, he clamped his jaw and looked out the window at the torches flickering on the parade ground. Turning back, he said, "Why? Why will you not part with her? She means nothing to you."

  "On the contrary, I care deeply for her."

  Jean Michel slammed his hands on the table and said, "If you cared anything about her, you would set her free!"

  "The woman has committed a crime,” said Lawrence hotly. “I am simply operating within the laws of the Crown. But you are not! You knowingly misused my property!"

  "Your property!" Jean Michel snapped. "Don’t talk to me about property and law. You are a thousand miles from the drawing rooms of London now, Lawrence. You are in the wilderness of the New World, and it's time you had a taste of frontier law. We write our own destinies here, and no British dandy is going to tell me what I can or can not do!"

  Jean Michel stormed out of Lawrence's quarters, slamming the door behind him. He walked briskly across the parade ground, looking for Darcy. He found her waiting for him in front of the officers' quarters. “Darcy, we leave the fort immediately."

  Without asking for an explanation, she followed Jean Michel to his room. Slinging his firearm and powder horn over his back, he grabbed her by the wrist and walked in long strides across the parade ground. He wore a dangerous look on his face, and when they approached the gate the guard was so intimidated, he opened up immediately.

  The black wilderness yawned before them, as they stepped out of the fort into the night. Darcy felt the thrill of freedom wash over her. For the first time in her life, she answered to no one. From here on she would be with a man from choice, not obligation.

  Jean Michel took her hand, and they started for the trees when someone shouted, "Stop in the name of the King!"

  The gate of the fort opened, and a flood of soldiers were upon them. They were dragged back inside the fort, across the parade ground to headquarters where Nathan stood with his arms folded on his chest. He looked at Jean Michel and said, "You dare defy me? You have been a party to helping a convict escape, Lupe', and that is a crime punishable by death. You shall be removed to Boston in the morning where you will stand trial. Take him to the stockade."

  Darcy was stunned. She began to struggle. “Why are you doing this!” she screamed. The soldiers tightened their grip.

  “You will see this is all for the best when you settle down,” Nathan said calmly. Turning to the soldiers, he commanded, “Take her to her room and guard her door.”

  Moments later, they tossed Darcy into her room and slammed the door. She clutched her forehead. Why had Nathan changed his mind? She paced back and forth terrified for Jean Michel. What could she do? How could she free him?

  Gradually, the evening shadows grew long, and Darcy grew hopeless. She wished that the expedition had never happened. By loving her, Jean Michel had inherited all her problems and she may be the cause his death. She would be responsible for the demise of two Lupe' men.

  Prior to the survey, the arrangement with Nathan had been tole
rable, but now, after experiencing love, she could never go back to the degradation with Nathan. She sat down and buried her face in her hands. At that moment, the door opened, and Nathan stepped into the room. She refused to look at him.

  Without saying a word, he took her hand and led her to the front room. He walked over to the cupboard and poured them each a glass of claret. Handing her a glass, he said, "My dear, that man is far too impetuous. He would only hurt you. Believe me, you were only a toy to make the long expedition more tolerable."

  Darcy would hear none of it. Nathan rested his elbow on the mantle and rubbed his forehead as if he was weary, "I didn't want to tell you this, but I know that you are ignorant of this fact. Lupe' is engaged to be married to a woman by the name of Elizabeth Campbell of the Piscataqua Valley. I hear she is a woman of breeding and beauty, suitable for a man of wealth and social standing such as Lupe's."