The Wild Belle (St. John Series)

by Lora Thomas

  When Michael exited the building, Tobias handed him the reins of the horse. “Well?”

  “He departed about an hour ago.”

  Tobias’s eyes grew wide. “What are we goin’ ta do?”

  “Follow me,” Michael instructed. He turned and headed towards the taverns.

  “I can’t go that way,” Tobias said and motioned his hand in the direction they were heading. “It ain’t allowed.”

  “It is tonight,” Michael said with anger in his voice.

  “But—”

  “No one will say anything to you, Tobias, and if they do, they will have to deal with me. Understand?”

  The stockily built man nodded his head. The look Michael gave him made him thankful he didn’t want to fight tonight, for Tobias knew it would be a bout he would lose.

  They approached a small tavern and dismounted. As the men were tying up their horses, a man yelled, “Hey, his kind ain’t allowed in here.”

  Michael turned towards the man. “Excuse me?”

  “Negros. They ain’t allowed.”

  Michael crossed the distance to the man in one quick stride. He had the man pressed to the outside of the building and was holding him off the ground. “This man is my friend. And he is allowed to go wherever he damn well pleases. So, unless you want to find your facial features rearranged, I suggest you get out of our way.”

  The man looked bug-eyed at Michael and opened and closed his mouth several times, resembling a fish, unable to speak. The man’s eyes rolled and he went limp.

  Michael turned towards his companion. “You see? No issues at all.”

  The duo entered the bar. Upon entering, Michael bellowed, “Mr. Armitage!”

  The few patrons in the room looked up and started to protest, but stopped at the sight of Michael’s expression. A few minutes later the captain emerged from a back room pulling on his shirt.

  “What do you want, to disturb me—” the man complained gruffly until he spotted Michael. Upon seeing his employer, he changed his tone. “Mr. St. John, it’s you. What can I help you with?”

  “When will The Emerald Jewell be ready to sail?”

  “Pardon?”

  “Sail? Depart? How long will it take to ready the crew and gather supplies?”

  “Well, sir. Since we weren’t expecting you for another week,” he said and rubbed his white beard. “I can have the crew ready by morning, but it will take until that afternoon to gather the supplies needed to travel to New York.”

  “England.”

  “Pardon?”

  “We will be heading straight to England. How long?”

  “England?!” Mr. Armitage croaked.

  Michael signed in exasperate. “Mr. Armitage! How long?”

  “For a trip that long, about a week to gather supplies.”

  “You have two days. Get to work immediately. We will leave at the first tide after the supplies have been gathered.”

  “Yes, sir,” Mr. Armitage answered, watching Michael and the black man leave. He made a frustrated sound and cursed under his breath. He never would get used to that strange family. Never in all his days of captaining had he ever seen a family who didn’t give a damn about tides and schedules.

  Michael and Tobias left the tavern and mounted their horses. “Let’s get these horses to the livery and then we’ll go to the ship. We’ll rest there for the night and head back to the Double Oasis at first light.”

  “Yes, sir, Mr. Michael,” Tobias said and followed Michael.

  Thankfully, the livery was close to the docks. After a short walk, they made it to the large ship. Tobias nervously followed Michael on board. They were met by the first mate, Mr. Jameson, who was informed of the plan. The two then went below deck. Tobias’s eyes darted left to right taking in the ship. Never had he seen such a grand vessel. Michael showed him to a room that was fit for a king.

  “Please don’t mind the modest accommodations. This was a cargo vessel formerly until it was converted to accommodate travelers about five years ago.” Michael walked to a large dresser and opened the drawer. He pulled out a change of clothing and tossed them to Tobias. “They will be a little long on you, but at least they’re dry. Now follow me and I will show you to your room.”

  They walked across the hall and Tobias was surprised to find his room just as large as the one he had just left. “If you need anything, please find Mr. Jameson or me.”

  “Yes, sir,” Tobias said as Michael left. He stared in disbelief at the room he was staying in. No, he was allowed to stay in. He ran his rough callused hands over the silk comforter on the bed. After he changed into the dry clothing, he sat down on the bed and bounced several times, enjoying the feel of the softness of the mattress. A small chuckle escaped his chest. Young Amos was never going to believe this, and he was going to enjoy rubbing it in his face. If it hadn’t been for the fact that Young Amos was afraid of horses, Tobias never would have been here.

  He walked over to the desk and hung his wet clothes over the desk chair. He pulled back the covers and lay down in the soft bed. As he lay there, he began to feel the slow sway of the ship and started to get sick. He sat up until the nausea subsided and then lay back down. This time the nausea did not come. Before long he was asleep.

  He was awoken the next morning by a knock on the door.

  “It’s time to get up,” he heard Michael say from the other side of the door. Tobias got out of the bed and met Michael in the hall.

  They ate a light breakfast of hard tack and biscuits. As they ate, Tobias was thankful he was not forced to work at sea if this was the usual fare. Sally made sure the foods prepared at the Double Oasis were fit for kings and queens. When they emerged from below deck, Tobias could see the blue sky peering from behind the fluffy white clouds.

  “Looks like the storm’s over,” Tobias commented and followed Michael.

  “Good. We can make better time without the rain beating us. We better hurry. I have to get back, retrieve my belongings and be back here by dark.”

  The men took the road back to the plantation, deciding not to risk the horses again in the dangers of the lowland riverbanks. It took almost an hour to make the trip back to the Double Oasis on the muddy roads. When they arrived at the plantation, the sun was completely up and the steamy heat was making itself known.

  Michael dismounted in front of the house. Tobias took the reins of his horse and led both mounts towards the barn. Before Michael could reach the first step, Ott and Amanda met him. They could see the answer to their question in his eyes. Amanda dropped to her knees and placed her face in her hands as she began to cry.

  When Michael reached the top step, he knelt down to her. “I will bring Alyssa back from England. My ship is making ready to sail as we speak. I have come to collect my belongings and then I will be gone. I will send word just as soon as I reach London.”

  Ott placed his hand on Michael’s shoulder. “Put a bullet between that man’s eyes for the pain he has caused this family.”

  “I will do my best,” Michael said. He stood and entered the home.

  When he reached his room, he found Andi sitting on the bed. She jumped up and raced over to him. “I’m going with you.”

  “I’m going to England.”

  “I don’t care. She is my sister! I am going with you.”

  He looked down into her eyes. “We’ll be gone for several months.”

  “I don’t care,” she said, her eyes brimming with tears.

  He pressed his lips together and looked at her. What would he do if he were in her position? He would do whatever it took to go find his brothers. If he had been at Governor’s Harbour when The Armada had gone after the pirate who kidnapped his sister, he would have been on it with his brothers. “Very well. Pack lightly. Take only what is needed and be quick.”

  She jumped to her feet and headed towards the door. “Andi.”

  She turned towards him. “Yes.”

  “Pack your male togs. You will find them necess
ary on a ship.”

  She nodded and raced to her old room to gather her trunk and male clothing. She had her trunk packed within the hour. Since Michael’s trunk was currently occupied by Pepper and her litter, Oscar searched the attic and quickly found an extra trunk for Michael. Michael packed all his belongings and headed out to the coach.

  Old and Young Amos loaded the carriage with the trunks. Michael was waiting impatiently on Andi. She emerged from the home followed by Ruth Ann. Michael drew his brow together. “Why is she going?”

  “Because—” Andi began, but was interrupted by Ruth Ann.

  “Cause it’s my fault Miss Alyssa was taken. So I have ta go ta make things right.”

  “It wasn’t your fault, Ruth Ann,” Michael said.

  “She was my responsibility.”

  Andi placed a hand on Ruth Ann’s shoulder. “She’s going. I will need her to assist me at times.”

  Michael sighed with annoyance. “Fine. Now let’s go.”

  Andrea’s parents and sisters came to the carriage and said their good-byes. Even the insensitive Ashton was crying. She turned towards Michael. “Please find Alyssa.”

  Michael pulled Ashton to him and gave her a gentle hug. “I will.”

  She smiled weakly at him and walked to her mother. Michael looked to Ott and Amanda. “I will bring Alyssa home.”

  “You better or I’ll have my pistols waiting on you,” Amanda said as she wrapped herself around Ott’s arm.

  The trio entered the carriage and left. Andrea sat beside Michael looking out the window, chewing her lower lip with worry. Ruth Ann sat opposite of Andi, working her hands. Michael leaned back into the carriage seat. This would be a treat, convincing Mr. Armitage, the overly superstitious sea captain, into crossing an ocean with two women on board.

  Chapter Eighteen

  Thanks to the storms, the travel time to Beaufort was doubled. The rain had subsided, but the carriage was slowed by the muddy roads. The nearer they approached Beaufort, the more often the sun peeked from behind the clouds. The sun’s heat warmed the marshes and the pungent smell was carried throughout the town by a gentle breeze.

  When they arrived at the ship, Michael assisted Andi and Ruth Ann out of the carriage. Andi stared awestruck at the ship.

  “Is that your ship?” Andi asked in wonder as she walked closer to get a better view.

  “Yes. This is the Emerald Jewell. She is the crown jewel of Emerald Shipping. She was a cargo ship, but was converted to accommodate passengers several years ago.” Michael gave a small laugh. “My mother hated traveling to England in a—how did she put it—a cramped hole. So she put my father and brothers to work making suitable quarters for passengers.”

  Michael turned towards Young Amos. He pointed to a short, balding man. “That is Lester. He will assist you in unloading the baggage.”

  Young Amos nodded his head and picked up a carpet-covered satchel, straining under its weight. “Miss Andi, what do you have in here? Did ya pack a sack of rocks?”

  Andi looked nervously at Young Amos. “No . . . I . . . uh . . . it’s full of necessary items.”

  Young Amos looked suspiciously at Andi. “So, do I need ta give this bag ta him,” he said and pointed to Lester, “or you?”

  “I’ll take it.” Andi walked over and attempted to pick up the carpetbag. She strained under the weight, but was unable to lift it.

  Michael watched his wife for several minutes trying to move her luggage. As she attempted to lift the bag, she let out a strained grunt. She twisted her lips side-to-side and attempted to pick it up again, her face turning red under the weight. He walked over to her and picked up the satchel.

  “What do you have in here?”

  “Nothing,” Andi replied, refusing to answer the question.

  Michael shook his head at his wife. “Follow me then, Mrs. St. John.”

  Andrea and Ruth Ann followed Michael up the gangplank onto the ship. Her eyes took in every activity occurring around her. There were so many men on this ship, each diligently working—like ants preparing their home for winter. There were several men placing supplies into the hull, some were climbing the rigging inspecting the ropes, and others were polishing the railing of the ship. Walking around a man on his knees using a prayer book, she ran right into a large, barrel-chested man.

  “Oh, pardon me,” Andi said as she stepped back and looked at the man.

  He had a sour expression on his bearded face, resembling someone who had just eaten an unripe persimmon. She watched as he worked his pipe back and forth in his mouth, biting the tip occasionally with his teeth. The man’s eyes never left her as he spoke. “Mr. St. John?”

  Michael turned to find Mr. Armitage examining Andrea. A humorous expression crossed his face. “Yes, Captain Armitage?”

  “Why is there a woman on board my ship?”

  “Your ship?” Andrea questioned and peered around the man towards her husband.

  “He is the captain, Andi. And to your question, Mr. Armitage, this is my wife and her servant. They will be making the journey with us to England.”

  “Your wife?!” Mr. Armitage yelled across the ship in disbelief. As he spoke the words, the pipe he so carefully guarded fell to the deck by his feet. His jaw opened and closed several times, as if he wanted to speak but the shock kept the words from coming out.

  “Is there a problem, Captain?” Michael asked as he walked over and put a protective arm around Andrea.

  “No, sir,” the captain said, his eyes never leaving Andrea. “But did you say your wife?”

  “Yes. Please put the word out that the lady on board is my wife and I will personally disburse any punishment myself to those who disrespect her or her servant.”

  Mr. Armitage looked at Michael then, and could tell by the younger man’s expression that he was serious and apparently very protective of this dainty creature by his side. Mr. Armitage nodded his head. Barely above a whisper, he said, “Yes, sir, Mr. St. John.”

  “Good. Now, when will we be leaving?”

  The burly captain regained his composure. “With the afternoon tide tomorrow. We have most of the supplies needed for five weeks, but I always like to have extra just in case there is an unforeseen incident.”

  “Very well. I will let you attend to your business to ready us for the journey.” Michael turned to Andrea and extended his arm out to her. She placed her hand in the bend of his elbow. “This way, Pixie.”

  She walked with her husband below deck. It took several minutes for her eyes to adjust to the dim light, but once it did she was in awe of her surroundings. The passageway was of highly polished oak. Small ornate oil lanterns lined the hall and lighted the passageway. Michael opened a door.

  He turned towards Ruth Ann. “This is where you will be staying.”

  The slave looked at him. “I have my own room?” At Michael’s nod, she questioned, “Are you sure? This room is too good for a slave.”

  “Absolutely. You will stay here. My room is just across the hall. You will be within shouting distance should Andrea need you. But if it makes you feel any better, this is the smallest room on the ship.”

  Ruth Ann’s eyes stayed focused on the elegantly furnished room. “This is small?”

  Michael smiled. “I will leave you to get settled. If you should need anything, just knock on my door.”

  “Yes, sir,” Ruth Ann said, closing the door. She walked to the bed and mimicked Tobias’s motions from the previous night.

  Michael crossed the hall to his quarters. He opened the door and motioned for Andi to enter. She was nervous. She was actually going to have to reside in the same room as him. Granted after their wedding they had shared a room, but she made sure she was in bed and pretended to be asleep whenever he retired. He never attempted to join her in the bed and would sleep on a pallet on the floor. And she also had the security of being in her own home, around her family. Here she had only Ruth Ann and her husband—no parents to run to, no sisters to rely on.


  Michael dropped the heavy carpetbag on the floor by the bed and it made a jingling noise. He looked at Andi as one of his dark brows shot upward. “You didn’t?” he asked as he knelt down and opened the bag.

  “Don’t,” Andi protested and headed across the room, but her steps were too slow. As soon as Michael opened the bag she heard him curse.

  “Why did you bring this onboard?” he asked, pointing towards the bag filled with the treasure she had found in the cave.

  “Well, you said that Peterson was only interested in money. I figured I could trade Alyssa for the treasure.”

  Michael shook his head in frustration. “Judas, Andi,” he began with notable irritation. He took his hand and rubbed his fingers through his hair. “If anyone gets wind of this amount of gold on board, we will be attacked. I’m just thankful we are traveling thousands of miles across the Atlantic and not in the Caribbean or we would be a wonderful treat for pirates.”

  Michael looked at Andi and could see she was getting angry at his scolding. He closed the bag and stood up. Walking to the far wall, he took his foot and tapped the wooden floorboards in his quarters. After several taps he bent over and slid a board back. Walking to the bed, he picked up the satchel and placed the heavy bag inside the secret compartment. He then slid the board back. As he turned to Andi, he could see the surprise and question in her eyes.

  “Like I said, the West Indies are full of pirates looking for bounty. Secret hiding spots are a must.”

  Andi said nothing. She walked over to the bed, sat down and nervously worked her hands.

  “What’s on your mind, Andi?”

  She looked up at Michael. “What if he hurts her?”

  Michael sat down beside her and took her into his arms. “She will be fine. She is smart and resourceful. I know she knows how to defend herself. I have witnessed her and Ashton a time or two. Besides, he needs her alive to get her dowry. It will take some time to find someone who will be willing to perform a marriage ceremony with an unwilling participant.”