Rescued (Flowers of the Bayou)

by Arlene Lam

  Amelia eyed Jordan knowingly as he gave her the glass. “I promise to stay within sight.”

  “That’s not the problem.” Jordan began.

  “Then what is? I just want to be outside. I will stay close.” She begged.

  “I do not trust everyone on this ship don’t you understand?”

  “I understand perfectly.” Amelia frowned up. “But I did not ask to be on this ship, but I am here, however I refuse to be a prisoner of it, a slave.” Taking a deep breath she slipped on her shoes in determination. “What can they do but call a few names. I’ve heard every one by now anyways.”

  “No, I don’t need you distracting my mind along with everything else. Stay below and rest, at noon ill have the cook send you down some lunch.”

  “I don’t want the cook to send me anything. I want to go above deck and I am.” With more determination than ever, Amelia pushed past him quickly to the door pulling the heavy wood back, she turned to him. “I will see you later.”

  Jordan really didn’t have time for this. Why didn’t she just understand he only had her best interests in mind? He was after her in a flash, but when he turned to the stairway all he could see was the hem of her skirt as it disappeared above.

  Taking the stairs two at a time Jordan peaked out above deck soon after and a pain hit him when she was not in sight. Straining his eyes against the sudden bright sun Jordan took heavy steps on deck. His wife was winning him a headache fast.

  Amelia crouched down low behind a large cargo box and couldn’t help but smile at Jordan’s distraught pout. Poor man would just have to learn to trust her good judgment. She had said she would be safe and she would. Waiting until he had walked clear out of sight in the opposite way, she finally straightened her spine and for the first time in days stretched and took a deep breath of fresh air. Smoothing back her unruly pony tail Amelia smiled from deep down inside. It was a beautiful day. The sun was bright and it felt delightful on her skin.

  Walking toward the edge of the ship Amelia lay her hands on the banister and looked over at the ocean below. She had never seen so much water in her life. No shore, no islands nothing.

  “Pretty ain’t it.?”

  Amelia turned with a start into the chest of a tall, dark and very handsome black man. “Excuse me.” Taking a deep breath she regained her wits and gave him a bright smile.

  “I said its pretty, the ocean I mean.”

  “Oh yes, very much so.” Amelia watched the man all of a sudden fumble for the hat atop his head to yank it off and say. “I’m Miles Grady, you must be the one everybody been gossiping about. Nobody ever heard the likes of a high born white man marrying a black girl.”

  “No I suppose no one has.” Amelia began.

  “Oh but I mean no disrespect Miss, none at all.”

  “I didn’t think you did.” Smiling at him again Amelia couldn’t help but think he was a fine looking man, not as tall as Jordan but close with deep chocolate skin and a bright smile. “My name is Amelia, I don’t ever come up, I didn’t even know there were other black people on this ship.”

  “Oh there are three more Miss.”

  “Call me Amelia, everyone I know does.” Taking a peak around the corner Amelia soon turned her attention back to Miles as he once again began to speak.

  “A pretty name for a pretty gal.” Miles took in for the first time the appearance of his Cap’n’s wife—dark wavy hair, light gold eyes, thick lashes, full lips and surprisingly a growing belly. It had been rumored she was pregnant but no one had been sure. Still that aside she was a very attractive woman indeed.

  He couldn’t help but wonder about the circumstances in which she and the Captain had met and married. In fact everyone did. White folks on board figured she was some type of voodoo woman who had put him under a spell—just didn’t make sense any other way. The few blacks including him were still scratching their heads.

  Miles looked down at the woman and knew without a doubt voodoo priestess would have to now be ruled out. No there had to be some other excuse, and his curiosity was about to get the best of him because he sure was going to ask. “How you and the white Captain end up hitched?”

  Amelia laughed out loud at that. He surely was not shy, and quick to get to the point. “I should probably get used to people asking that shouldn’t I?”

  Miles gave her a wide smile. “I’m think it’s bound to come up from time to time.”

  Giving a slight giggle Amelia once again leaned over the railing letting the sea breeze float across her face and through her hair. “Would you walk with me?” She asked, needing desperately some human company. Starting down the swaying vessel Amelia waited for him to hesitantly fall in line beside her. “Would you believe me if I told you I was forced.”

  Miles shook his head in confusion. “Miss?”

  “Forced, I was forced to marry the one man every eligible white beauty in New Orleans had set her bonnet off for. That’s how I became Jordan’s wife to answer your question but for you make any sense of it you’d have to know a little more and that I don’t think I’m ready to divulge just yet.”

  “Understood Miss, I mean Amelia.”

  “So what do you do Miles?” Amelia said while continuing walking. “I was sort of a nanny, cook, and maid before I became Mrs. Jordan Bradford.” Rolling her eyes skyward at the new title, she continued. “Mr. Grady do you have any family?”

  Miles gave a toothy smile, admiring the way the sun lit up her gold flecked eyes. “To answer yo’ first question. I’m a deckhand I handle the cargo. Then fo’ your next, I aint got no family. Guess that’s why it’s so easy to stay on this here boat for so long.”

  “I see, have you ever been to England? I’ve hardly ever left my home.”

  “Yes ma’me more times den I can count, you’ll like it there, more white folks than not can be pretty decent.”

  Amelia had been about to ask her new friend about himself when a jolt when through her at the sound of Jordan’s voice. It had come from afar but still was just as jarring. Looking far behind her she spotted him standing tall and looking very stern, Jasper at his side laughing uncontrollably it would appear at whatever had just transpired.

  “I think they talking about you?” Miles offered.

  “No doubt they most likely are. Jordan doesn’t think it’s safe for me up here.” Sighing she gave Miles a warm smile. “It was nice to meet you, Mr. Miles Grady”

  “Grady that’s all, everybody calls me plain old Grady.” Clearing his throat he continued. “Cap’n probably right, cargo ship aint the place for a woman no how, and with feelings towards you being the way they are, it would make it even worse.”

  With a heavy sigh, Amelia nodded in acknowledgement. “They don’t even know me, yet they hate me, people can be so silly. I’ve not done a one of them harm…”

  “You aint got to, you black they white, that all they know, all they see. You know they way’s. You making them boil even more thinkin bout you and the white cap’n and all dat money you must got.”

  “I’ve no money Grady you can let them know that all that is his still is. I don’t want anything from Jordan that he’s willing to give.” With a sigh she continued. “And yes I know the ways” Amelia said in a huff. “Stupid ways that they are.” Rolling her eyes skyward Amelia let her anger subside but only a little. “It doesn’t matter what they think. We are who we are, no need to try and hide it. I like who I am and they can all go to hell!” Amelia let her hands fly to her mouth shocked at herself. “I’m sorry, excuse me.”

  “No need, like to see fire in a woman, specially one as pretty as you.”

  Amelia felt her cheeks catch flame. “You don’t have to say that.”

  “Now I know I aint got to.” Grady gave her a cheeky smile. “Girl you sho are pretty” He couldn’t help himself

  “She is.”

  Grady turned around to locate the mystery voice.

  The mystery voice in fact was no mystery and Amelia found herself turning to l
ook behind herself before she could stop the action.

  “Why Mrs. Bradford” Jordan boomed. “Whatever are you doing?”

  “She was jus introducing herself.” Grady spoke up.

  “I bet she was Grady. Would you mind terribly if I steal my beautiful wife.”

  “Not a’tal” Grady knew there was no room for argument, no room for objections, he was the Captain, she was his wife, but once in England things of course would be different, they could change. Stepping back Grady gave her a grand if not comedic bow followed be a daring wink.

  “Be seein you.”

  The foul words that almost escaped his lips were caught but Jordan had to clench his fist to keep them at bay, looking to Grady Jordan scowled. “I doubt it.” Jordan did not hold back the fire in his eyes or the fury in his voice at Grady’s obvious display.

  Without thought Jordan let his hand curl around his wife’s arm in a firm grip. “Princess, a moment.” Directing her toward the upper deck Jordan waited until she was out of earshot.

  “Have you ever been married Grady?”

  “No sir but I can sure see why a person would go the route.” Grady provoked. He couldn’t help himself. White folks always were trying to throw their weight around. Intimidate colored folk and he just wasn’t the one to go for it. His pride wouldn’t allow it. “You sho is lucky. Where you find a gal like that?”

  Jordan held his wrath in check. Grady was goading him. “I’d give all I had, this job for a woman like that.” He was crossing the line, but he often did, a trait that got him in more trouble than he wanted to remember. He had scars because of his mouth, inside and out and Grady regretted his words once they were out but wouldn’t take them back.

  “Watch yourself Miles, my wife can cost you more than a job.” Jordan warned.

  Grady never one to lose his head gave a wide smile. “No need fo that Sir, she yours ain’t no doubt, but you can only make a pretty gal frown for so long, til she belong to someone else. Just a word of advice.” Tipping his hat Miles Grady started to walk away.

  Jordan caught Grady by the arm. “A bit of advice for you as well, my wife is my life, try and take away my wife, you will lose your life.”

  With a stunning smile that did not reach his face Jordan met the other man’s eyes with his own filled with fire, before patting the other man roughly on the back and in a deadly whisper saying, “You understand?”

  Grady just tipped his hat once more and walked away, he knew now was not the time. He was surprised however at the reaction of the Captain, no one was going to believe him when he told them but the truth was, the Captain didn’t marry that woman because of voodoo, or any other crazy thing that could come to mind. The Captain married that woman for love.

  Watching from a few feet away Amelia could feel the tension but did not know why. Soon enough however she could see Jordan giving him a friendly pat before coming back to her. “How is your day dear.” She figured she’d try for humor.

  “You are not to see Miles Grady ever again.”

  Amelia shook her head in annoyance. “Please don’t start that so early in the day. I can certainly see or talk to whomever I please.” Reaching up her hand to his face Amelia forced him to look at her, he was always so serious, so stressed, so stern. “No harm has come to me I promise.” She said hoping to ease away some of his irritation.

  “That’s yet to be determined.” Jordan growled. “I don’t want you around that man.”

  “You don’t want me around anyone.” Amelia got in before Jasper who had been walking toward them with intention finally got to his destination.

  He knew they’d been arguing before he even saw their faces and sent a silent prayer up for the day to go a little easier for the two warring love birds.

  Jasper clapped Jordan on the back and then extending a hand to Amelia, helped her up the few steps there were to reach their position at the port vale. “How are you today my sweet?”

  “Tickled pink to be out of prison.” Turning to Jordan she gave him a brilliant smile.

  Jasper moved his hand to her swelling belly and smiled. “Before you know it you’ll be waddling about instead of making daring escapes from the depths below.” Grinning all the more Jasper stepped to the side so that the newlyweds could stand beside one another. “You had him running frantic; it was quite the scene I hope you’ll do it more often.”

  Jordan shook his head. “You could have been hurt; the baby could have been hurt did you even think of that?”

  “Of course I did which is why I’m standing here before you perfectly fine. I’m a big girl, you know I can fend for myself.”

  Jasper could see an argument brewing. “Jordan is right however Amelia, it can be dangerous on a ship for anyone, and given your present predicament even more so for you. Now I don’t condone you being shackled to the bed but I do think it would be in our best interest if you didn’t come above deck alone.”

  Rolling her eyes skyward Amelia gave a loud huff. “I cannot wait until we reach land.” Filling her lungs deeply with the fresh sea air she turned to Jordan. “Back to the depths I go.”

  The look on her face was one of defiance even though she had been somewhat defeated. Jordan couldn’t help but feel sorry for her. It had to be maddening down in their chamber all day almost every day waiting on someone to knock on the door. Taking her hand in his he led her down the few steps.

  “You can stay up here with me. Wherever you want to go I’ll follow.”

  Amelia couldn’t help but light up. “You will come with me?” she had to confirm it.

  Jordan’s heart caught at that bright smile she had so often shown in the past but as of late had been absent. He had missed that smile very much. “If it pleases you Princess I will.”

  Amelia couldn’t tell if he was being sarcastic or not. She didn’t even care, she only cared that she was outside, she was with Jordan, and at the moment she was very happy. Leaning into him she kissed him sweetly on the mouth stunning all around her, but none more than her husband.

  Linking her fingers with his she pulled him along the deck until she came to the railing. “Tell me about England.” She prodded climbing up the protective railing so that she could lean over the side.

  Wrapping his hands about her waist Jordan gently pulled her back down. “Careful.” He warned, bringing her against his chest to recline. “It’s like no place you’ve ever seen. Tall buildings, busy streets, castles, knights, ladies of court, kings.”

  “Sounds like a fairytale.” Linking her fingers with his Amelia began to walk away taking him with her. “Come on tell me more about England while we walk. There so much I want to know and see.”

  “Jasper will you helm the ship.”

  “Of course, entertain your wife.”

  Jordan nodded his thanks and fell in line behind Amelia who now seemed to be glowing from within. One day wouldn’t hurt and they both deserved a little bit of happiness if not for a little while.

  *

  With a sigh of relief Jordan made his way down to his room. Nightfall had come quickly after Amelia had finally tired herself and him out walking every inch of the ship. After an hour and a half she had sent herself down to bed.

  Jordan had wanted to follow her, wanted to just fall down in bed and wrap his arms around her. He didn’t of course, after all even though she was his wife she was his enemy, wasn’t she?

  Still he couldn’t help taking the stairs that led down to his chamber two at a time. Hastily he turned the key in the lock, happy she had locked it as he had bid her but annoyed now that it barred him from entering. Hearing the soft click Jordan turned the knob and walked in.

  Scanning the room he let his eyes settle on her figure clad only in one of his linen shirts which hung midway down her thigh, busily thumbing through one of his books. “Is it any good?”

  “It’s more than good. I’ve never read such beautiful writing.”

  “You’ll find another book of poetry among my effects if you finish that o
ne anytime soon.”

  Amelia nodded her thanks. Then setting her book aside she turned her attention to Jordan. She watched as he came toward the bed and settled down on the edge of it and wearily started tugging away at his boots. His face was drawn and the shadow of the stubble on his chin made him look very exhausted indeed. Scooting down beside him she stilled his working hands and took his heavy thigh onto her lap.

  Quietly she removed his boot and then picking up the other foot removed the other. Feeling him getting ready to place his feet back onto the floor she stayed his movement and let nimble fingers kneed and massage his tired toes. “How much longer?”

  Jordan was so lost in the sweet feeling of her hands that he’d scarcely heard her. “A while Princess, a long while.” He replied instinctively knowing she meant how long to England. Pulling off his tan tunic Jordan tossed it carelessly to the floor. Then before his mind could tell him no he wrapped his arms around Amelia and pulled her down to the soft bed.

  Amelia couldn’t help but smile. Her day was indeed blessed. It had been a long time coming, being able to just sit with Jordan and relax, no harsh words being exchanged. “Thank you for earlier.”

  “Most welcome sweet.”

  Sighing heavily Amelia lay her head down on his chest. “I have missed this.” She knew he understood as he held her closer and shook her playfully. “You know just because we are married doesn’t mean we can’t be friends.”

  “Married people are not friends most of them hate each other.”

  “Not true.” Amelia began to argue. “I don’t hate you. “

  “So there has been a change in recent events.” Jordan grinned down at his wife deviously.

  Scrunching up her nose funnily Amelia again started to speak. “I don’t hate you—if I ever said I did, I lied. You know as well as I do the truth.”

  “Which is?” Running a hand up her silken thigh Jordan was more than distracted. He hadn’t truly touched Amelia in months.

  “Don’t be silly.” Stilling his hand Amelia crooked her neck about to look up at him. “I love you Jordan. Of that there can be no doubt.”