by Louise, Kara
David looked down and began picking at the grass. “That is so true! Melanie even gets restless when her family visits our estate. Even the country with its clean air and open spaces do not suit her.”
He shot Melanie a look that did not escape Elizabeth’s notice. She wondered if this was the reason Melanie would not return his affections. She did not want to live anywhere but here.
When they were walking down the hill, they encountered Mr. Bennet about halfway down. He was sitting on a bench reading.
“Papa! You have found a most pleasing spot to read!” Elizabeth turned to look out at the sea. “Lovely view, is it not?”
Mr. Bennet closed his book and looked out. “Yes, it is, and now I wish even more that we had come here before. I think your mother would have enjoyed it when she was younger.”
Elizabeth looked at him in surprise. “Truly?”
“Well, she would probably not have ventured out on a walk up here, but I daresay she would have enjoyed the weather and a little sea bathing. You know how she always talks about that!”
Elizabeth laughed and kissed him on the cheek. “I believe you are correct, Papa.”
*~*~*
The following morning, when Elizabeth woke up, she gave Melanie a gentle shake to awaken her, and the two met David just before sunrise. They ascended the hill in silence. Melanie walked slower than her cousins and bade them go on ahead, assuring them she would catch up with them at the lookout. Elizabeth knew she was probably tired, but wondered if part of it was to allow Elizabeth some time alone with David. As they walked ahead, he did not offer his arm to Elizabeth, but he did take hers a few times to help her up small inclines.
When they reached the lookout, the first fragments of light and colour were beginning to fill the skies. Elizabeth sat down on the bench, and David sat beside her. They both looked down the trail and could see Melanie slowly making her way up.
“I was actually surprised you were able to wake Melanie this morning. She and I came up here once to see the sunrise.” He let out a laugh. “It was in the autumn so it was not nearly as early as it is now!”
Elizabeth laughed softly. “It took me several attempts to waken her. I fear she does not like the mornings.”
“No. That is the only thing about us that is different. Except, of course, where we live.”
“You care for her deeply; I can tell.”
David nodded. “Since I was very young.” He glanced towards Melanie as she drew a little closer. “But she has made up her mind.” He clasped his hands together and turned back at Elizabeth with a pointed look. “I think I have finally realized we shall always be just friends.”
He called out to Melanie, “You have almost made it! Come! The show is about to begin!”
*~*~*
Elizabeth and her father enjoyed touring the island the next few days. They began by going down to the beach, where Elizabeth bravely removed her shoes and stockings and ran along the shore in her bare feet.
The following day Mr. Bennet wished to visit some of the historical sites. They walked across the ruins of Star Castle, which was built in 1593 during the reign of Queen Elizabeth. They also went to Harry's Walls, the remains of an unfinished artillery castle begun in 1551. It was left unfinished because the site was eventually found to be unsuitable.
Two days before Elizabeth and her father were to leave, Melanie, David, and his mother, Jenny, joined Elizabeth as they visited Hugh Town. This was the main town and port on St. Mary’s which all ships sail in and out of. Now that she was at her leisure, she was able to take pleasure in the amenities of the small town. They walked along the winding streets lined with stone houses, pausing to shop at beckoning stores, and then stopping at an inn near the dock for tea and cake.
At one point in the outing, Elizabeth found herself alone with David’s mother. She came alongside Elizabeth and took her arm.
“I hope you know how much David is enjoying getting to know another cousin,” she said. “He and Melanie have always had a special bond, but she has made it clear to him that she only views him as a friend.”
“Yes,” Elizabeth said. “She informed me of that.”
Jenny patted Elizabeth’s hand. “I can see that you are a lot like Melanie, and David is enjoying your company. I hope that our paths will cross again soon. Perhaps you would consider visiting our estate in Staffordshire? We have wonderful forests and lakes around us. Melanie was never able to truly appreciate it, and I think that has affected how she feels about David.” Jenny let out a sigh. “I know that he cares for her deeply, but she claims her heart belongs to another. I think he is finally ready for another lady to take hold of his heart, but I would not wish for him to be hurt again.”
At those words, Elizabeth’s heart began to pound. Her mouth suddenly felt dry, and no words would come. After a few moments she was finally able to mutter, “I would… I would welcome his attentions if he so desired it.”
Jenny smiled. “That would make me so happy!”
They walked a little farther and found David eyeing a sign that had been posted in the window of one of the small shops.
“Now, you ladies have no need to fear, for I shall protect you with my life!”
Elizabeth laughed and asked, “From what?”
He pointed to the sign. “From pirates!”
Elizabeth leaned in to read the sign. Ships have been sighted in the vicinity of the Isles of Scilly engaging in the illegal act of piracy. Whoever can provide information leading to the capture of these ships or the crew will receive a reward of £500.
She shuddered. “The reward would certainly be most welcome, but I think I shall pass on the opportunity of encountering – let alone capturing – a pirate!”
“You must leave this sort of gallantry to me, then!” David pushed his chest out proudly in a display of bravado.
Melanie gave David a friendly push. “I have lived here all my life and have yet to see even one pirate!” Laughingly, she turned to Elizabeth. “We see these signs all the time. While we hear occasionally that there are pirates, they do not come to the big islands, but hide out in the rocks and caves of the smaller uninhabited ones.” She directed a wink at Elizabeth. “But if David wishes to be gallant, we shall not dissuade him.”
Later that day, Elizabeth and David were enjoying a stroll in the garden. He extended his arm, and Elizabeth slipped her fingers around it.
“Elizabeth, I cannot tell you how much I have enjoyed getting to know you, and it grieves me to think that you and your father will be leaving in just two days.” He looked up to the sky and let out a puff of air. “Would you mind terribly if I were to go to London with you on the ship? I need to return to the estate shortly.” He turned and took Elizabeth’s hands in his. “If I may be so bold to say, I should very much like to further our acquaintance.”
“Oh!” Elizabeth said, biting her lip. “I am flattered.” Her heart began to pound, and her cheeks flooded with warmth. Looking straight ahead, she said, “If it is acceptable to my father, I should enjoy it very much!”
“I will speak with him immediately upon our return, and if he is agreeable to it, we shall see if arrangements can be made to accommodate me on the ship.”
Later that evening, David approached Elizabeth with a broad smile on his face. “Your father has agreed! As long as passage can be obtained, I will be sailing back to London with the two of you!”
Chapter 8
Darcy was a natural leader, having the ability to inspire loyalty among his crew which readily earned him their good opinion. He gave orders to the men in a quiet, yet commanding voice that brooked no opposition, but still treated them with the utmost respect, prompting them to obey willingly. Darcy was surprised to discover that he enjoyed this role and almost wished they could take the ship out to sea. He realized, however, that it might prove too risky.
As first mate, Lindel knew precisely what needed to be done in regards to the ship, but he tended to be harsher with the crew when Dar
cy relinquished control of the men to him. Not surprisingly, the men did not hold him in as high esteem as they did their captain.
Darcy watched him closely not only to learn the ship’s routines, but also to patch up the many grievances his first mate instigated from within the ranks of the men.
By the end of the fifth day, six more men came by, bringing the total to twenty crewmen. But still there was no sign of Lockerly.
Early in the morning of the sixth day, Foster returned. He gathered Darcy, Evans, and Lindel in the captain’s quarters and gave them some discouraging news. In the privacy of the room, the men dropped their accents. “I have come upon information that Lockerly is not anywhere near here but is across the Channel on the Isles of Scilly.”
“The Isles of Scilly?” Darcy asked.
“Do you know of it?” Foster asked.
“Yes, but only slightly. I have read a little about it and have seen it on the maps of England.”
“It is known to be a haven for pirates and smugglers who often hide out in its rocks and caves, is it not?” Lindel asked.
Foster nodded his head slowly. “A perfect place to hide out.” He turned to Darcy. With a slight laugh he asked, “You would not want to go on a real adventure and set sail, would you?”
“To Scilly? Certainly not. If you wish to proceed there on your own, you have my utmost wish for success, but I shall not accompany you!”
Foster let out a long sigh. “I cannot change your mind?”
Darcy shook his head.
“I did not think so.” Foster put out his hand to Darcy. “I appreciate all you have done, Darcy. Enjoy your last night as Pirate Lockerly. I know the men have a great deal of respect for you.”
“I am sorry it did not turn out as you wished.”
Foster nodded. “As am I.” He clasped his hands together and returned to his common way of speaking. “Well, I came only to briefly check on things an’ see if ye might reconsider stayin’ with us a wee bit longer. I need to see if I ken pinpoint exactly where Lockerly is holdin’ up. I’ll come back ’ere in a day or two. Darcy, I imagine you’ll be gone when I return, so let me say again, I thank ye for bein’ willin’ to humour me an’ me scheme.”
“And I am grateful to you, Foster, for believing in me when I was in that cell.”
“Aye. Once ye are gone, we’ll tell the men what we ’ad ’oped to accomplish. There’s no need for ye to do that, and I’ll pay the men their wages.”
“I hope the men prove useful to you. They are all fine men and lack only some good direction.”
“Which you have provided well, Darcy.” Foster smiled. “But take care to watch yer tongue fer the rest o’ the day. Ye still ’ave a bit more time left.”
Darcy chuckled. “Aye! I will!”
The men talked a bit more, and then Foster left.
Later that day, Darcy, Evans, and Lindel watched as a man slowly approached them. His sandy blond hair brushed his shoulders, and he had a beard just as long. He was taller and broader than Darcy, and his steely blue eyes peered out from a grimy, weather-beaten face. He appeared to be in his forties.
Darcy kept a cautious eye on him as he drew closer.
“Needin’ some help?” Darcy asked.
The man dropped the knapsack that he had been carrying. “You Lockerly?”
Darcy tilted his head as he addressed the man. “Who’s askin’?”
“Name is George Bellows. Heard Lockerly is hirin’ a new crew for ’is ship. I should like to be considered.”
Darcy did not like the looks of the man. He had a bad feeling about him. “Won’t be needin’ ya. We ’ave all we need,” he replied.
Bellows looked out over the crew and let out a laugh. “From the looks of things, ye only ’ave a bunch of scrawny kids. None of ’em would fare well if they was in a skirmish. A trio of old ladies would ’ave no problem bringin’ ’em to their knees.” His eyes shifted to look at Darcy. “Ye need someone like me.”
“Do ye ’ave any sailin’ experience?” Lindel asked.
Bellows nodded. “I ’ave worked on a merchant ship fer a few years.”
“Why are ye no longer wi’ them?” Darcy asked.
Bellows laughed and slowly turned his face to Darcy. “Me an’ the cap’n didn’t quite see things eye to eye. Me thinks this arrangement would suit me much better.”
Darcy shook his head. “No, we…”
Evans put up his hand, halting Darcy’s speech.
“Me name is Ellis, an’ this here is Lansing. As Lockerly says, we do ’ave a full crew, but if he does not mind, ken I ask ye a question?”
“Go ahead.”
“Ever sail to the Isles of Scilly?”
“One of our regular shipments was to St. Mary’s. Did it ’bout every other month fer a few years.”
Evans and Lindel looked at each other and then to Darcy, who just realized what they were thinking. If Foster wanted to take the ship to the Isles of Scilly to search for the real Lockerly, it would help to have someone on board who had sailed there before.
Darcy sat with his hand rubbing his chin and then suddenly said, “Ye’ll do, Bellows. Lansing will show ye to yer quarters.”
As Lansing took the man to the ship, Darcy turned to Evans. “I don’t like ’em, but I knew what ye were thinkin’. I’ll be leavin’ tomorrow, and you, Lindel, and Foster can deal with ’im if he causes trouble. I shall be long gone.”
*~*~*
That evening Darcy allowed the men time off from their duties. The young Michael Jenkins pulled out his flute and entertained the men with lively songs. Occasionally, they would dance a reel with each other or sing out a favourite song by the light of a fire. Darcy merely sat and watched. He had grown to care for these men and hoped that each of them would benefit – even if in only some small way – from this week spent with him. He hoped that if they did set sail to go after Lockerly, they all would be kept safe. But most of all, he hoped that their thirst for a pirate’s adventure would not lead them down a criminal or violent path.
The men did not seem to grow tired of their festivities, but soon Darcy excused himself for the night. He debated whether he should just quietly disappear in the morning or announce to the men that he was leaving when they gathered for their morning duties. He determined he would decide in the morning.
He read a little before going to bed. The music, muted though it was, and the soft rolling of the ship in the water, wrought an ethereal peace that pervaded Darcy’s soul. He had done a good thing, even though it had been to no avail. But he felt he had had an even greater triumph in ridding his thoughts – and hopefully his heart – of Miss Elizabeth Bennet, at least for a greater part of the past week.
Darcy drifted into a sound sleep as the music played. It was only in the early hours of the morning that he awakened with a start. The boat was swaying rather forcefully. Powerful waves were splashing against the hull. As he scrambled out of bed, the ship rose suddenly and then crashed back down, flinging him to the floor. The ship seemed to shake down to its keel. He knew immediately they were no longer docked, but were out at sea!
Darcy grabbed his oilskin coat. He struggled to put it on as the ship leaned from one side to the other. He grasped the bedpost to keep from being hurled down again. When the ship settled, he cautiously reached for the door and opened it, not bothering to light a lantern. He felt his way in the dark up the hold to the deck.
Darcy felt the sting of rain and sea water against his face. Between booms of thunder, he could hear Bellows barking orders to the crew. He tightly gripped the top of the stairway as another wave rocked the ship. When it settled, he made his way up the quarterdeck.
“Bellows! Why are we no longer docked? Where are Ellis and Lansing? What is going on?” Despite shouting at the top of his lungs, the wind practically swallowed up his words.
Bellows did not answer, but called out to the crew. “Be quick! Furl the main sails or they’ll be ripped to shreds! Batten down those hatches!” He finall
y turned to Darcy. “Got rid of ’em!”
“You did what?” Darcy asked, his face contorting in a mixture of rage against Bellows and fear for his friends. His hand gripped the hilt of his sword. “I demand to know what has become of them and order you to turn this ship around!”
Bellows wiped the spray of saltwater that splashed over his face. “Ye’ll thank me when I tell ye what ’as ’appened!” He glared at Darcy defiantly. “Ellis and Lansing – they wasn’t who they said they was. They was workin’ with Edward Foster – the man ye know as Forrest – who works wi’ the Thames River Police. I dun’t know what they was doin’ or plannin’ ta do, but I done took care of ’em an’ figured we best escape while we could.”
“What did you do with them?” Darcy demanded, enunciating his words very pointedly. He gripped the railing of the quarterdeck when the ship rose and then made a sharp drop.
“Oh, no need to worry. They’ll be found soon enough. Just wanted to get ’em outta the way until we were out at sea. I didn’t want ta waken ye, Cap’n. I told the men ye had given me the order to set sail. They was more than happy to finally put her to the water!”
Darcy felt a sense of relief that the two men were not harmed, but his anger burned towards Bellows. He had known from the start the man could not be trusted.
“You should have consulted with me before doing anything of the kind!” Darcy said. He inhaled sharply and fisted his hands in frustration. He knew that due to the critical turn of their situation, he had neglected to speak as the lowly pirate Bellows believed him to be. “You… ye was completely out of line!” The ship leaned deeply to one side and then the other, throwing both men off balance for a moment. When they were steady on their feet again, Darcy asked, “Where are we?”
Bellows looked up to the sky. “Can’t say fer sure!” he shouted over the noise of the wind. “Didn’t quite expect the storm. We is pretty much at its mercy.” His hands held tightly onto the helm, attempting to keep the ship moving straight ahead. “Judgin’ by the winds, we may just end up close to the Isles of Scilly.”