The Seahorse

by Michael Aye

  Politics, his father would say, will ruin this country. It’s politics that’ll beach a good seaman and yet put the likes o’ Lord North in power. Damn politics and politicians. Damn them all to hell, his father would say with vehemence.

  Well, I can’t disagree, Gabe thought, his mind now on the war with the Colonies. They’ve buggered that up, he thought. But if not for the war, he wouldn’t be a captain and he’d not met Faith. That was the silver lining to the clouds of war. God had shown his kindness when he brought Faith into his life.

  She and his mom were out shopping for a wedding dress along with Lady Deborah. When they returned, he and Gil would go to the tailor’s shop for a uniform, the uniform of a British Naval captain. Gil denied it, but Gabe knew his brother had a lot to do with his rapid promotion. Not that he hadn’t earned every bit of it, but Admiral Lord Gilbert Anthony had made sure Gabe’s deeds were recognized, not above other officers and seaman but equally. He had not been the type of officer who took all the credit for success. No—Gil passed it around. Something Gabe wanted to do also.

  “Look, Cap’n,” Lum called, pointing toward the street. “Ain’t that Mr Davy?”

  Looking down, Gabe recognized Davy. “That’s him, Lum. Go show him up.”

  “Aye, Cap’n,” Lum replied then, headed down the steps.

  It amazed Gabe how much Lum had changed over the last year or so. He still had the southern accent, so prominent in the Southern Colonies, but his speech had changed to that of a jack tar. Gone was the naw suh and yas suh.

  Lum continued as Gabe’s servant more out of commitment to Faith than anything, Gabe thought. He knew he was a free man now and as such could choose his life. Gabe would miss the man were he to leave but would never attempt to keep him against his will.

  Lieutenant Davy was out of breath when he climbed the last step and walked onto the observation deck. Gabe had encouraged his officers to stop by and visit while Merlin was in the dockyard for refit. He visited the ship daily but while the crew was housed at the yard Merlin’s officers had to find private lodging. While Gabe had welcomed his officers to visit, he could tell Davy’s presence today was not just to socialize.

  “Mr Jackson’s respects, Captain. He feels we have a situation and you’re needed aboard Merlin.”

  Damn, Gabe thought as he rose. Can’t the dockworkers do anything without my presence?

  ***

  “Shipworm?”

  “Aye, Captain. The hull is full o’ ’em. Wormy through-’n-through she be.” Dover, the carpenter, was informing Gabe. “It’s not uncommon for a hull to get infested with them when a ship has been in the tropics long as Merlin’s been. Teredos loves the warm waters, they does.”

  Gabe had the pumps manned every morning on the cruise back to England but had thought the seams needed fixing after all the combat action Merlin had seen. Not some damn worm, he thought.

  “Lucky we made it home with the bottom still in her,” Dover volunteered. “Heard o’ a ship one time, hull so wormy it’s bottom fell out right side the dock. Woulda lost every soul aboard had they been at sea. Lost half of the crew as it was.”

  Damme it he don’t almost sound sorry we made it, Gabe thought.

  “Can she be repaired?” Gabe asked hopefully.

  “Nay, Cap’n, old Merlin has done seen her day. Kindling, that’s all she’s good for now.”

  Gabe felt sick at his stomach. It was one thing to lose a ship to the elements or in battle—but to lose a ship to worms! He’d heard of shipworm but never thought it would happen to his ship. He hadn’t even got his captain’s uniform yet. Would he get another ship? Would he be beached? If so for how long? So deep in misery, it took Gabe a minute before he realized Dover had spoken again.

  “What was that Dover?”

  “I was just saying Cap’n that I’d demand they copper the bottom o’ the next ship ye gits. That way ye ain’t got to worry about worms.”

  Blast you, Gabe thought. Any fool knew you didn’t demand anything from the Admiralty. You begged for it and if enough guineas passed through enough hands you might…you just might get what you were after. Next ship…humph…next ship. I’m at the bottom of the Navy’s list of captains…if I’ve even made it on a list yet and here’s Dover saying your next ship. Hell’s fire! The war would likely be over before my name comes up for a ship.

  ***

  “Well I guess I don’t have to worry about sailing orders interfering with the wedding plans,” Gabe said, trying to put a positive spin on the situation.

  Lord Anthony could hear the dejection in his brother’s voice as he spoke. “Aye, that’s true but you’ll want to be ready if a ship comes up.”

  Seeing the quizzical look on Gabe’s face, Anthony explained, “Your record’s too good to not get a ship, and with the war going on it will likely be sooner than later. Therefore, you need to keep in touch with key officers and warrants. Having a few trusted, good seamen at hand wouldn’t hurt either. I’m sure they’ll all be granted leave after they’ve been paid off. When they’ve spent all their prize money and back pay, have them check in with Dawkins. I know you’ll keep Lum here but Alejandro, Paco, and Hawks can be put up at Deerfield. Bart and Silas are there so they can see to it they’re settled in for the time being.”

  This took a load off Gabe’s mind, as he’d been concerned about the two midshipmen and his new cox’n finding quarters. Mother’s house was overcrowded with Faith, Lum, and Nanny.

  “Thanks,” Gabe said. “Only don’t let Bart teach them too many bad habits. I don’t want them completely ruined should we get back to sea.”

  This brought a smile to Anthony’s face and with Bart’s name being mentioned, he couldn’t help but retell the story of Bart and Macayla’s diaper. Gabe laughed until he had tears in his eyes. Good, Anthony thought. The boy needs a laugh and after the wedding a ship…not too soon after but soon enough.

  The sound of a baby crying brought the men to alertness only to be relieved as Nanny rushed past them.

  “Lawd, suh, that girl child of yourn sho nuff got a set of lungs. Reminds me of Missy Faith when she was jus a child. My, my where has the time done went? She’s all growed up now my little child is and gonna be married. I bet dat mean old Sarah back in Beaufort would be jealous if she knowed. Well, let me hush, dat child done woke up and probably needs changing.” Nanny looked directly at Lord Anthony when she said it.

  Lum came to Lord Anthony’s rescue seeing the worried look come across his face. “Go on with your devilment, woman. You wouldn’t want it said you didn’t do yo duty after Missy Faith done put confidence in you.”

  Nanny gave Lum a look, and then went to tend the baby but not before he gave her a slap across the rump.

  “You heathen,” Nanny hissed but smiled when she saw Lum turn. It was good to be with the old coot, she thought, knowing how much she’d missed him when they were separated.

  As Nanny went to tend to Macayla, Anthony said, “Have you considered how your marriage will be received back in Georgia after the war?”

  “Faith and I have discussed this at length. If we’re accepted we will take over her plantation. If not we…she will sell it and settle elsewhere.”

  “Deborah and I have talked,” Anthony said. “Unless you desire a portion of Deerfield I plan to turn it over to Becky and Hugh.”

  “Squire Hugh,” Gabe said smiling.

  “Aye, Squire Hugh.”

  “I have no desire for a portion of Deerfield,” Gabe said, looking down at the space between his feet. “Once before Father died, I went to see Deerfield. I stopped at a tavern in Walmer, The Dolphin, and talked to the keeper. I made like I was on my way to Deal and had heard a famous admiral lived close by. The old keeper had his boy give me a tour of Deerfield. To make it look legitimate I had the boy even show me Walmer Castle. I wanted to be part of it then, to live in the big house, to be gentry and to be part of the family. When I got back to the tavern I gave the boy a few shillings and thanked the keeper for
his time. As I was leaving he said, ‘tell Lord Anthony old Wint said hello.’ He knew who I was, that I was the bastard son. I made up my mind right then I wanted no part of Deerfield.”

  Trying to find words Anthony laid his hand across Gabe’s shoulder and simply said, “We’re brothers.”

  Chapter Three

  The skies were dark and gray as the rain poured down. To most people the general feeling would be it was here to stay.

  “It will clear up by mid-afternoon,” Gabe assured Faith.

  “I don’t know how you can be so sure,” she replied, wringing her hands. “I wanted it to be a beautiful day.”

  “It will be,” Gabe said again, trying to calm down his soon-to-be bride. “I talked to Gunnells, Merlin’s master, and he said, ‘fast as the clouds are moving this should blow over by midday’. The wedding is not till four so there is plenty of time.”

  Using Gunnell’s name seemed to settle Faith somewhat. However, she was still as nervous as anyone Gabe had seen.

  “Don’t you worry none, honey, I’ll have dat girl child settled down soon nuff.” This from Nanny who strutted around the house. “I sho wish her mama was heah to see dat girl. Her daddy too. She’s da spittin image of her mama ain’t she, Lum? God rest her poor soul.” Lum never had a chance to answer before Nanny left the room.

  “Faith ain’t the only one what got nerves,” Lum said. This brought a smile from Gabe.

  Gunnells’s predictions were on time as usual. By noon the sky had mostly cleared with only a few remaining clouds. A coach pulled up in front of the house.

  Lum, standing close to the window, looked out and informed Gabe, “Lord Anthony and Lady Deborah.”

  Lady Deborah and Gabe’s mother, Maria, had taken over as a pair of doting stepmothers. They had teamed up and planned the entire wedding. Gabe had thought about a small wedding and a fast getaway. This was not to be. Faith would have a wedding to fit every bride’s dream. Maria and Lady Deborah was firm on this.

  “She’s the only daughter I’m likely to have,” Maria stated in a matter of fact manner. “And it’s going to be done right.” Knowing when to surrender Gabe let the women have their way…which they would have anyway.

  When the wedding party arrived at St. Thomas a’ Becket Catholic Church, a crowd had already gathered. A footman opened the coach’s door and helped the ladies out. Captain Buck had been chosen to act on behalf of Faith’s father and had the privilege of giving the bride away. Lord Anthony was to be Gabe’s best man. Once the ladies had gone inside the church, another footman opened Lord Anthony’s coach door. Stepping out Gabe was amazed at the number of coaches that were waiting in line to pull up to the entry.

  Seeing Gabe fiddle with his hat, Lord Anthony couldn’t help but aggravate his brother. “So now it’s you with a case of nerves, is it? Well, it’s not too late. The coach is there and you can haul your colors and make a clean getaway.”

  Gabe just glared at his brother and hissed, “Go to hell.”

  This brought a chuckle from Anthony. As the two made their way into the church, Gabe was surprised to see all of Merlin’s officers, warrants, and most of her crew in attendance. So was most of Warrior’s crew. He was further surprised to see a group of admirals. Are they here for me, Gil, or out of respect for father? Gabe wondered.

  One of Warrior’s lieutenants ushered Gabe to a private room. Anthony stopped and chatted with the admirals and as they turned Gabe recognized one as Dutch Moffett, former flag captain on Warrior.

  Sitting in the private room waiting on his brother, Gabe wondered if he’d be a good husband. How would being married affect his naval career? How would Faith do with the long months, perhaps years, of separation? So many questions…no real answers. Just Faith.

  The ceremony went well. All of Merlin’s officers and midshipmen were lined up in front of the coach and formed an arch with crossed swords. This impressed Faith, and while it pleased Gabe to be so honoured, he had to duck to keep from being pierced. Won’t do to be bloodied before I’ve even had a honeymoon, he thought.

  The wedding reception took place at the George Inn, the only place large enough to accommodate the wedding party. Across from it was the Blue Post Inn. How many times as a midshipman had he enjoyed a wet as well as sample of some wench’s charms there? Well that was all in the past, Gabe thought. The vicar’s words were still echoing through his head: “What God has joined together, let no man put asunder.”

  The reception was over by midnight, which was about three hours longer than Gabe had wished it to be. Watching Faith, dancing with her, thinking of what was to be once they reached…finally reached their room and were behind closed doors caused a rush to come over Gabe.

  Once when no one was close, Faith nibbled at Gabe’s ear, and letting her hand slide down his front, gave a feigned look of dismay. “My aren’t we a randy boy tonight?” she whispered.

  “And getting more so with every minute that passes. If this thing lasts much longer we are going to slip over to the Blue Post.”

  “What would your mother and Lady Deborah think if we were to pull such a shenanigan?”

  “Who cares?”

  “I do, you lecherous heathen.”

  “Awh…such words from one who claims to love me, yet shows no concern for the vile, lusty humours that have consumed my very soul and desperately need to be released.”

  Gabe was bidding Lord Anthony farewell and reluctantly agreed to visit Deerfield after the honeymoon when he realized that Faith was not present. Seeing Gabe’s look, Anthony volunteered, “Your bride made her exit after farewells to Maria and Deborah. I imagine she’s waiting for you in your chambers.”

  Anticipation swept over Gabe, at last. After a hasty good-bye that left Anthony chuckling, Gabe fairly flew up the steps, taking them two at a time. When he reached the landing and stepped into the bedchamber, he almost fainted.

  Faith was already in bed. A single candle burning on the nightstand was flickering back and forth. It gave just enough light for Gabe to see that Faith was in a pearl-colored nightgown. The gown was so transparent that as she breathed Gabe could see the rise and fall of her breasts.

  “Are you out of breath because of me or from climbing the steps?”

  “You.”

  “Are you ready for me to work on those evil humours that have attacked you so?”

  “More than ready.”

  “Then come here my randy sailor.”

  ***

  Leaving a cloud of white dust in their wake, two coaches jolted past isolated farms, villages, and small hamlets. A couple of farmers stopped their hoeing and doffed their hats as the small caravan rushed past. At the top of a rise, the drivers of the coaches paused to let the horses blow and regain their breaths.

  Gabe looked behind conscious of the fact that it had to be miserable on the driver’s box of the coach behind them. He was also conscious, of the fact that he and Faith were weary travelers.

  Gabe had wanted Faith to see as much of England as possible. To meet and understand the English people and know the average British subject was no different than those in the low country of South Carolina.

  They had left the morning after the wedding on a tour that started in London, where he’d shown Faith all the sights, including the Admiralty. They had then traveled north along the coast to Edinburgh, Scotland. After that they turned southward to Liverpool then crossed into Wales before turning inland to Hereford. They spent a few days in Bristol before visiting Falmouth and Pendennis Castle, Plymouth, and back to Portsmouth.

  They had spent two days resting at Gabe’s mother’s house. Nanny and Lum who had traveled in the rear coach were glad of the layover as well. Try as they might, Faith and Gabe were not able to talk Maria into visiting Deerfield even with the promise of lodging close by.

  “This home belonged to your father and me,” she said. “Deerfield was another distant part of his life that he tried to break away from, so why would I want to see it?”

  �
�Because of Gil and Deborah, Mother,” Gabe had said.

  “They’ll understand,” she replied and would not discuss it further.

  Now sitting atop of the little rise, the coachman called down, “A couple more small villages and we’ll be there.”

  Faith saw the apprehension cross Gabe’s face. “It will be fine. Lady Deborah told me that Gil wanted you to see what was a part of your legacy before you made up your mind about it all going to Becky’s family. He wanted you to have the chance to see it first hand.”

  The coach started to move again, downhill this time. The horses picked up their pace as if they knew food and rest were near. As the newlyweds looked out the window they could see green pastures, cows, and a dog herding sheep as the shepherd watched from a distance. Farm wagons and carts slowed the progress of the coaches, which caused the driver to shout out curses.

  “Worse than a sailor,” Faith said, and then stopped Gabe from calling down the driver in regards to his language. “Probably half the fun of driving is to curse and shout at the farm workers.”

  “Did you do any cursing when the farmers got in your way?” Gabe asked, remembering the first day he’d met Faith.

  “Damn right, if they wouldn’t move,” Faith exclaimed.

  This caused Gabe to chuckle, then mocking Nanny he huffed up and said, “Lawd child, how you carry on so, I’ll get my soap and wash yo mouth slam out. You ain’t trash to be carrying on such.”

  The driver, hearing the laughter inside the coach thought, Lucky sod. If I had a lamb like that I’d be laughing too…that and more.

  The road soon narrowed into a lane lined on both sides with a gray stone fence. Thick clusters of white and red roses, carnations and various colors of daisies were on either side of the entrance. No sooner had the noise of horse’s hooves clattered on the cobblestone than a servant was there to assist with the horses. Another servant came to help Gabe and Faith from the coach.