by Jewel Adams
The girl wasn’t only confused, she was downright disorientated. Discovering the cause became a paramount concern for Blaine. The opportunity to question her failed to present itself. It was only this morning that she remained awake more than a few minutes. The journey to White Haven would give him ample time to approach her. Until then, they would both have to be patient; something he felt didn’t come easily to Cassandra Malone. The brief glances she gave him of her personality were like sampling cookie dough before it was truly finished. Blaine’s mouth watered to savor the fully well and competent woman.
~*~
Would the stiffness ever leave her? Walking about the confines of the cabin, Cassie tried to make her limbs feel whole again. Always an active person, these last days in bed were pure torture. And her shoulder! One wrong move told her how far she was from being healed.
Cassie never expected to see a bullet wound and certainly not one inflicted on her own flesh. This morning when Mr. Blackwell came to change the bandage, she’d actually been awake. Chancing a look she nearly lost the hot porridge he brought for her breakfast. A hideous scar marred the white flesh and she feared it would always be there as a reminder of what she went through.
And what she still faced?
Pressing her lips together she didn’t know what to believe, but she instinctively knew something was terribly different. She hoped it only went as far as this antique vessel with everyone on board role playing some fantastic historic recreation. And they did it so well, words and mannerisms, dress…everything! Including their Captain!
The dashing Blaine Sterling dominated all her waking and sleeping thoughts. Never before did she experienced anything close to what he made her feel and she wasn’t sure how to handle the merry-go-round of emotions. There may be a very real possibility that she felt all these crazy things for a certified nut! A gorgeous nut, but a nut all the same.
Chewing her lip she acknowledged that wasn’t exactly true. In fact, in most things he was perfectly…well almost…normal. Eccentric covered a wide range and sounded a whole lot better.
Running her hand through the tangled mess of hair she found no answers, except that Captain Sterling lived in the past. At first, she thought she might be imagining what she saw in him and his ship. When he called her my lady or madam…she liked that. But it went further than his antiquated speech habits. Her concern centered on his attitude over the ship…and her.
For crying out loud he acted like her protector! Not that she really minded. His macho attitude over her felt different and rather nice to think someone cared. These last few days she couldn’t have made a decision, letting him dictate the course of her day didn’t pose a problem.
Cassie started to feel better now and she suspected Blaine’s attitude wouldn’t be going away. In all truthfulness, as much as she liked him, the man’s ideas were archaic, overbearing and domineering…she refused to be treated like one of his crew!
He said they were docking in Williamsburg, Virginia. Cassie became furious that he lied to her. With what little she could see out the cabin window this wasn’t the Chesapeake Bay area. The harbor was full of ships like his, a regatta or something. Cassie decided this must be the largest event of its kind. Maybe he was the type that needed to live the role to pull it off?
Well, it didn’t really matter; once they were ashore she would contact John and take a car or bus home…no planes! God, she hoped John and Mable didn’t think she died. She would call them as soon as she reached a telephone.
Grabbing at the shirt that became her only attire, Cassie wondered what he would say if she asked to borrow a pair of his pants.
“What are you doing out of bed?”
Spinning in surprise she moved too fast wrenching her shoulder.
Cursing over the sharp look of pain she failed to hide Blaine wasted no time in lifting and depositing Miss Malone back where she should have been.
“Hey! I’m fine really.”
Raising a skeptical brow, “I can see you are.”
She gave him a sheepish smile. Any argument she wished to wage seemed lost before it began. Putting on a front for his benefit wasn’t possible when her shoulder started throbbing. Despite everything she believed about him she liked being with this extraordinary man.
“I guess I am just feeling cooped up. When are we going to Williamsburg?”
“We are leaving tomorrow, as soon as the ship is unloaded and the supplies are readied. Are you sure you are up to it?”
“I will be fine.” Would she? Suddenly, the prospect of leaving the basking warmth of his smile didn’t feel very appealing.
~*~
“A coach?” Flatly stated, Cassie’s enthusiasm ran almost as high as her reaction over the dress he brought her this morning.
“Yes, Cassie…a coach. I know you prefer pants to dresses; can I assume you would prefer a horse to the coach?”
“Actually…” Not wanting to sound any more ungrateful than he already made her feel, she held back saying she would prefer a car. “Oh, never mind. And I do like the dress!” She did. He just took her unaware this morning bringing out the pretty pink confection. And right after she asked to wear his pants! The stunned glare of exasperation he’d thrown her made her feel like a complete ‘ingrate’.
Satin and silk, the full-length skirt wasn’t exactly what she normally wore. But darn it, whether he believed her or not, it was the prettiest dress she’d ever worn. It meant even more because he thought enough not to let her be conspicuous.
Everyone on shore seemed to be decked out in the finest gowns and tailored suits she’d ever seen in one place. Giving her full attention to the people and activity surrounding them she nearly squealed when he lifted her into the carriage. Taking the window seat she strained to see the Stargazer out on the water. It was the most beautiful replica in the harbor. The others were good, but none possessed the style and sleek lines of Blaine’s ship.
“What is it, Cassie?”
“The Stargazer…she is beautiful.”
“Yes, she is…” His gaze fell upon only one female.
“You still owe me that tour Captain and I intend to collect it, soon.”
Grinding his back teeth he held back his impatience. All morning she’d been implying that they were spending their last day together. At first, he thought maybe he gave her the wrong impression and she thought he would just leave her to her own devices…and in her condition. Why she must think him an unworthy oaf. Blaine thought it odd, but he didn’t think that was it at all. She seemed too anxious--almost as if she wanted to run. The only thing he needed to determine is if she were running away or to…someone?
Why did he have to look at her that way? Heavens, leaving his company proved difficult enough. Telling herself it shouldn’t didn’t help.
Last night she managed not to think about the future. She lingered over every moment spent in his company. Docked in the harbor the ship remained quiet, he announced they would be having dinner together. She would always cherish their evening together.
At ease, the Captain became full of humor filling the evening with his strange, highly amusing antidotes and jokes. Mesmerized by his sailing tales she could almost believe he truly lived all those dangerous adventures. To him, she would never voice her doubts. For Blaine, his thrilling world was real and he loved it. His deep green eyes glowed like fiery emeralds when he spoke of the memories. It didn’t matter where they derived from, all that mattered is what she felt and saw in his eyes.
After he left her in the cabin, as he did every night, Cassie sat on the bed staring out at the stars. Her tears dampened the pillow clutched to her cheek--she would miss her Captain.
“Cassie?”
She would never forget him. “Yes, what is it?”
“You’d best sit back the roads are bumpy.”
Taking one last look she finally relented, scooting back against the high, velvet tooled seat. The first bump made her teeth crash down in order not to cry out over the jarrin
g to her shoulder. By the time they started moving away from the harbor Cassie wanted to insist on a car. First the dress, now this infernal carriage. Regardless of the festivities, this was taking things too far.
They certainly were into this colonial enactment thing. Why there wasn’t anything slightly resembling the modern age or any sign of a motor vehicle. She craned her neck to see down the alleys. Nope, not a one. Whoever coordinated this should receive an Oscar! The people’s costumes were superb and the shop fronts…every window displayed like a museum piece. She could have spent a week just looking at everything.
“I can’t believe all this.”
“What Cassie?” Something pricked at his senses telling him to go cautiously.
“This…” waving her hand, “…it’s marvelous. What is the name of the festival? I can’t understand why I never heard of anything this remarkable going on around Williamsburg. I mean, I knew about the restoration of the town, but I never imagined it to be anything of this magnitude.”
Captured by the activity on the streets it took a moment before she realized he hadn’t answered. Returning her attention to him, her excited smile faded over the dark frown of concern she saw in his expression. An eerie sensation traveled up her spine. She suddenly felt afraid to ask, “What’s wrong Blaine?”
He started to answer then stopped, sending a rush of shivers over her. Trying to ease the tension between them she rushed on before he could recover. “When do we reach Williamsburg?”
His words came in deliberate slowness. “This is Williamsburg, Cassie.”
“But…” Looking from him to the window, “Williamsburg…you say…” The statement came out in a frightened whisper. Shaking her head, she wanted to pull her eyes away, but fascination or fear held her sight…it couldn’t be!
“Cassie?” He didn’t miss the strange reaction dulling her bright eyes. “I’ll take you back to the ship.”
“No!”
“You’re ill. I should never have moved you this soon!”
“Blaine…Stop it!” Leaning forward over the weird feelings snaking around her, Cassie wasn’t prepared for the sudden shift in the coach. Forgetting, she reached out with her injured arm and sent a stabbing fire into her shoulder that doubled her over in shock. Blaine’s arms gathered her back into the seat.
“Oh Cassie, I am sorry.” Too shaken to care she let him hold her, but her eyes never left the scene past his shoulder.
“It can’t be…”
~*~
Bursting through the door with the girl in his arms, Blaine hoped no one tried to prevent his entrance.
“Blaine? My God, what is wrong?”
“Alisa…fetch the doctor.”
“Yes, of course.”
Reaching the stairs, he didn’t stop when Gallagher advanced.
“Where the hell do you think you are going?”
“To my room!”
“You get out of here with your…”
Turning on the stairs, “Don’t test my patience old man.” The threat became as real as the deathly stare he threw at the man. “I detest the sight of you. Our stay will only be for as long as necessary to ensure the lady’s welfare. If I were you I would crawl back into the cave you came out of until I am gone.” Blaine didn’t care what the man did. He would relish any confrontation Gallagher wanted. Venting his rage would feel better than his apprehension over Cassie’s condition.
“The paper…no…it can’t be true…”
“Hush Cassie, it’s all right, the doctor is coming.”
“No, please, I must call…”
“Who Cassie? Whom should I send for?”
But she didn’t answer, only mumbled incoherently into his shoulder.
In half-awareness she didn’t understand the comings and goings around her. Strangers all! Frightened, she called out to the only one she felt safe with, “Blaine!”
“I’m here.”
Holding onto his hand she whispered her plea. “Don’t leave me.”
“Never…my lady.”
She couldn’t keep her eyes open, but rest never came over the startling scenes replaying themselves behind her closed lids.
They stopped for something--her eyes caught sight of a board with notices nailed to it. The dates…1784, everywhere she looked it was the same. She almost laughed over it but on the next block there was a newspaper office, of sorts, and again she faced the same ridiculous date. “1784” Blaine heard her astonishment.
“Yes, July second, nearly eight years since the signing, there may be a celebration started for the fourth, some call it Independence Day.”
Blaine only meant to calm her with his inattentive talking. A grand stage? It wasn’t possible all these people were involved, not to this extent. Was she the crazy one?
Fading in and out, over the shock, Cassie never let go of his hand. When the doctor came, Blaine tried to leave. The fear inside her grew so fierce she could taste it.
“No! You promised…please.” Too desperate to care what the older man or Blaine thought of her, she couldn’t bear the idea of being alone.
“This is highly irregular.”
The old man’s grumbles drew her sharp glance. She bit her lip to stop the angry retort. She didn’t need a doctor, she needed answers! When Blaine started to talk and calm the man, she relaxed…he can take care of it. Even though her mind revolted at her lack of pride and strength, in letting him take over, Cassie couldn’t handle anything more right now.
Asking the man to walk away from her, Blaine disengaged her grasp. “I have to talk to him. We will be over there. All right?”
Swallowing her sob, she knew it would be unreasonable to argue. Nodding, she watched him join the red-faced physician. In silence, she fumed. What right did the doctor have to be upset?
“…You must understand my position, Captain Sterling. I can’t allow you to be present while I examine the…ah…”
Blaine knew he had Gallagher to thank for the doctor’s dilemma. Ranting at the man wouldn’t accomplish anything.
“…lady,” Blaine said the word with a heavy lacing of warning for the doctor. Damn! Being so close to the house, his panic for her safety overruled his instincts.
Looking back at the woman shivering in a helpless heap, while her eyes pleaded with him…he couldn’t imagine what she suffered before he saved her. With eyes as cold as their jaded cousin, he swore she’d not endure any more torment.
“I am afraid my leave is impossible…I have given my word to my fiancé, to break it so early in our relationship would be catastrophic. Don’t you agree?”
Huffing and puffing over the declaration and Blaine’s indisputable stance, “Why yes, I can see your point, Captain.”
Watching them move back to her, she wasn’t sure what Blaine said to bring on such a reversal in the man’s attitude, but she felt grateful not to have to deal with it any longer. Giving in to the examination in silence, after recapturing Blaine’s hand, she tried to make some order out of the chaos.
Blaine’s hard stare prevented the man’s question over the wound. Enough had already been said. The implications were coming at Blaine loud and clear. Tightening his own clasp on her shaking hand he refused to imagine what affect the course he just set in motion would have on her. What were his intentions toward her all along? As the Captain of the Stargazer, he’d done his duty by her…one that should have ended at the docks.
No, Blaine refused to listen to the reasons nor the excuses he used to justify everything to himself. The damage was done. Ruining her reputation never entered his mind. He refused to stand by and let it happen because his own feelings for the woman got out of hand.
Blaine brought his attention back to the doctor.
“Well, the wound looks right enough. Someone did a fine job fixing your fiancé’s injury, Captain.”
He didn’t have to look at her to know her eyes popped open.
The squeeze he maintained on her hand nearly made her winch. Fiancé? Trying to think p
roved too much. Relaxing, Cassie decided he must have used it as an excuse to calm the man down. Why it should even be necessary went beyond her understanding. It allowed him to remain with her and that was all that mattered to Cassie. Again, she took the easy path having more than enough troubles.
“How are you feeling, Miss?”
If she told anyone what she felt and believed they would lock her up. “I am fine, just tired.”
“Yes, well, you get some sleep. I must talk to the Captain again. Do you mind?”
Cassie cringed over how foolish she’d been to display her fear. “Go on, I think I will go to sleep.”
“My sister Alisa will come in and stay with you. I won’t be far.”
She could only nod to him. A blush of embarrassment colored her cheeks. It was too late to wish everything could be taken back. Strange how the thought came that more than her pride might be damaged.
Following their progress to the door with half closed eyes, Cassie fought down the urge to call him back. She needed to be alone and sort everything out. Staring up at the lace canopy, the swirling design would be so easy to give in to. Sadly, losing her thoughts wasn’t possible.
“How? How does someone go back in time?”
The whole idea seemed impossible. But the answer was there…all around her to feel and touch. Moaning, Cassie didn’t have a more sensible explanation to take its place. One frightening question kept intruding--had she died?
No…she wouldn’t--couldn’t think of it. Something unbelievable happened to her on that plane. She forced the last images to come back. Shaking with the effort Cassie didn’t find any answers. Maybe there weren’t any, not really. Maybe she should just accept what happened.