by Michael Aye
When they paused to catch their breath, Faith whispered, “Damn, I have missed you.” And she quickly claimed his mouth with hers again. Desire soared as the two lovers clinched. Faith let go a soft moan as Gabe fondled a breast, feeling the racing beat of her heart in his hand. Near bursting with passion, Gabe scooped up his wife…his lover from the floor and placed her on the bed a few steps away. Clothes were discarded within the blink of an eye. The first coupling was a frenzy of unleashed passion, each unable to prolong the need to satisfy the fires of desire for one another. When the initial fire was quenched, the two bodies convulsed and collapsed together, falling into the contented slumber neither had enjoyed in months. Faith woke up first and began to trace lines on her man’s body with her fingers. She then leaned over his body and moved her head back and forth with her hair just touching Gabe’s skin.
He awoke with a smile and said, “You little vixen.”
“Should I stop?” Faith asked as her hand drifted below his waist.
“Not when you’ve got my cannon primed,” he responded.
“More like a pistol, me thinks,” Faith naughtily replied.
“I’ll show you the difference between a pistol and cannon,” Gabe bragged.
This time their lovemaking was slow, long, and loving.
***
The two lovers had taken a bath and were getting ready for guests that evening for dinner. Gil and Deborah were coming, along with Macayla and Bart. Of course, Dagan and Hex would be there as well. Gabe was amazed at how quickly he felt completely at home ashore. It was due to Faith and his new son, yes, his son. They planned to announce his name that evening.
Thinking back on the afternoon, Gabe was surprised at how quickly the meeting aboard his brother’s flagship had gone. Once in the admiral’s quarters, handshakes, back slaps and even a few hugs were given. They were drinking a toast to the squadron’s safe voyage, when his brother’s flag lieutenant entered.
“Pardon my interruption,” Mahan said and then reported. “Captain Jepson is returning to port with a couple of prizes.” His voyage to the colonies had taken a turn it seemed.
Jepson’s sudden return to port provided the perfect exit for Gabe. Gil understood the need for his brother to be with his wife and meet his son after being away so long.
Admiral Lord Anthony addressed Buck, “With your permission, Admiral, I will put Bart and my barge at Gabe’s disposal for the time being while I greet our victorious Captain Jepson.”
“By all means, my Lord,” Buck readily agreed. After paying his respects to Lord Ragland, the governor of Barbados, he’d planned to renew his acquaintance with the widow, Livi.
Not forgetting his manners, Gabe invited Admiral Buck and Stephen Earl to dine that evening. Both politely declined, understanding this was to be a family night. Gil had undoubtedly sent word home that Gabe’s ship had been sighted. When his barge grounded ashore, Gil’s carriage was waiting. Along with it were Faith, their son, Lady Deborah, Lum, and Nanny. Gabe embraced his wife and Deborah, and then took his son from Nanny’s arms.
So this was his son, a miracle from heaven. He could see some of the Anthony features. But the little turned up nose was Faith’s. The little fellow had a full head of hair and a healthy set of lungs, as he let everyone know it was time to eat. The temper was no doubt Faith’s, Gabe decided, but refrained from saying it.
“He’s sho’ a sight ain’t he, Mistuh Gabe?” Nanny declared. “A handsome little devil he is too, jus’ like his daddy…but he sho’ nuff got his mama’s temper.” Ah…like minds, Gabe thought.
“Amen,” Lum chimed in. For once Faith didn’t protest.
Once back at their cottage Gabe was greeted, more or less, by Sampson. He likely tolerates me for Faith’s sake, Gabe thought, the ungrateful whelp. Had he forgotten it was Gabe and Dagan who had saved his mangy hide? Rubbing the big beast between the ears, Gabe was glad he had. It was Sampson who’d saved Faith from the rogue, Montique.
***
Dagan was holding his great-nephew while Hex looked on. It was hard to recognize the man holding the child as the same one who’d confronted the two villains back in Portsmouth, Hex thought. Would the child inherit some of Dagan’s abilities? Gabe had spoken of it one night while at sea. It appeared Dagan’s uncle who lived in the Colonies had a son who had the gift. Was it a blessing or a curse? A blessing, Hex decided, otherwise he’d probably be dead.
Dagan had already been told the name of the little one. He had been present when Gabe told his mother she had a grandson and he was going to be named after his grandfather and brother. Holding the child, Dagan so wished Maria could see her grandson.
He favored Gabe…and yes he had Faith’s nose, but he was Admiral James all over again. Feeling melancholy, Dagan wondered why his sister, Gabe’s mother, wouldn’t visit for a few months; thinking if she’d come she would never want to go back. But her home was in Portsmouth. That’s where she had lived with and loved her man. Most likely that’s where she’d die. Well, maybe Gabe could take the little one to Portsmouth before that happened.
***
It was time for dinner and everyone had seated themselves around the table. Nanny had promised one of her southern dinners to Gabe before he left, and she more than delivered. Baked ham with raisins and a sweet glaze, yams with a buttery sweet sauce, green beans, creamed yellow corn, and both hot biscuits and cornbread cooked until it had a golden brown crust. Fresh butter was on the table for the bread. Nanny had baked an apple pie, which Dagan loved, and a blackberry pie for Gabe. The family devoured the meal and Gabe swore with cooking like this it’d be hard to put to sea again.
Bart declared, “If we don’t put to sea fairly soon ’is lordship won’t be able to pass through the entry port. He will soon need a bosun’s chair as it is.”
“You’re looking a little portly yourself,” Lord Anthony declared.
“I’m just thick,” Bart said defensively. “The women say I’m thick like a real man…not fat, like some.”
“I ought to have you flogged, you ungrateful old sea dog,” Lord Anthony snarled.
Hex was amazed at the banter. The admiral’s cox’n still looked fit enough to bust a head or two should the need arise. He could see a touch of gray in Lord Anthony’s hair but while he’d developed a little belly, Hex had no doubt he could still take care of himself. The two together would be a force.
After dessert the group retired to the small setting area. Almost on cue, Nanny got the baby and handed him to Faith while Gabe poured glasses of wine for everyone. Seeing he was short, he excused himself and came back with two more. He handed out the glasses and then taking the last two, he gave one each to Nanny and Lum.
“Tonight,” Gabe said, feeling emotion build up and tears come to his eyes. He wiped his eyes with a linen napkin that Nanny handed him, then he continued, “We are here tonight, family and friends…nay family, a big loving family to celebrate the birth of our son.” Pulling Faith close, Gabe put his arm around her and said, “A toast to James Gilbert Anthony. I pray he will continue to bring honour to the family name as his grandfather and uncle have.”
Deborah reached over and took the napkin from Gabe and handed it to Gil. “You honour me, brother,” Gil said humbly. “I’m so proud we have shared our lives for these last few years. I just wish I’d known you long before I did.”
After a while, Nanny took the baby to change him. Faith excused herself shortly after, stating it was time to feed the baby and put him to bed. Deborah joined her, leaving the men to cigars, pipes, and brandy.
“You still have your lotz?” Gabe asked Lum.
“Yes suh, I still pick it up from time to time. The little man likes a tune now and then.”
“Well, get it and let’s have one of your tunes.”
Lum’s ability with the lotz impressed Hex.
“Hex plays several stringed instruments,” Gabe told the group. “Hopefully we can all get together and play a few tunes.”
“Sounds
good,” Bart volunteered, “as long as some don’t try to sing.” He didn’t mention any names but cut his eyes toward Lord Anthony.
“Well, I don’t sound like a cat with his tail under a rocker like some,” Anthony responded, not mentioning any names either.
***
Dagan had a room at the cottage, but as the night wound down he decided he’d sleep on Trident. Before he went back, he, Bart, and Jake made for Bart’s favorite tavern for a few tankards and a hand or two of cards. As they sat down at a table, the tavern wench, seeing Bart, automatically brought a deck of cards and rum for the three. Her reward was a coin between her breasts and a slap across her rump.
“I caution you,” Dagan said to Jake, “we are friends, but expect no quarter from Bart when it comes to cards.”
Sounding hurt, Bart responded, “Pay no mind to ’im, Jake. ’E’s a poor loser is all it is. Now tell me, lad, how much did yew bring with yews tonight?”
“Hummph,” Jake grunted. “I’ve little enough.”
“ Well, no worries,” Bart replied. “Iffen yew lose it all, I’ll take a marker on yew’s prize money.”
“Not while I’m sober you won’t.”
Looking at Dagan, Bart said, “Smart lad yew ’ave ’ere, Dagan.” And then he called to the tavern girl, “Dottie, be a good little doxy will yew and fill my friends’ tankards. They’ve been at sea for months and ‘ave a powerful thirst. Aye, a powerful thirst.”
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
The sun was already high in the Caribbean sky as the hands went about the last of their duties on board HMS SeaHorse, flagship for Vice Admiral Lord Anthony, commander in chief for his Majesty’s ships in the West Indies. The ship’s bell had just rung seven times. Only one hour left in the forenoon watch.
Silas, Lord Anthony’s servant, along with help from a couple of the wardroom servants, was busy putting the finishing touches to his lordship’s dining area. A meeting was to be held with some of his lordship’s officers, including Admiral Buck, his lordship’s brother Captain Sir Gabriel Anthony, Lord Skalla, and even Lord Ragland, the governor of Barbados. Such meetings were not uncommon. His lordship liked his captains to be well informed, to know what he was thinking, and was open to suggestions when a captain had a particular thought or idea.
If it all went as expected, his lordship would offer cold refreshments, usually sweetened lime juice, or even tea during the meal. There would be a glass of wine after the meal, along with cigars and pipes being lit. Lord Anthony usually called for his pipe and that was the signal for the others to smoke if they pleased.
After the meal, and after most of the captains and guests had departed, the bourbon would be offered. This was only for a limited few, as the Kentucky bourbon was a precious commodity. A case, in the way of a gift, was occasionally brought to his lordship by some captain from a neutral country. There was little doubt that such ‘gifts’ had been sent by General Manning in the Colonies or some member of Dagan’s family. However, no one spoke of it and if any type of gift was returned it was a secret…to most.
Silas was more than aware of the amount of good English tea that went missing on occasion, not that it mattered to him. The frequent taste of leftover liquor was more than enough for him to send a ship full of tea for a few cases of the fiery brown liquid called bourbon.
Lieutenant Mahan entered the cabin and waved as he walked past Silas and made his way to where his lordship was sprawled out on the cushions below the stern windows. Bart was polishing Lord Anthony’s sword and cussing the damned humidity that created the damn rust that made him have to oil and polish his lordship’s swords and pistols every damn day or so.
Looking up at his visitor, Lord Anthony welcomed his flag lieutenant. “Patrick, come in and have a seat.” Even with the stern windows open there was little in the way of a cooling breeze.
“Captain Earl has informed me, sir, that Admiral Buck and Sir Gabe are approaching.”
Anthony nodded; he’d ask them to come a few minutes early to give them a heads up on the news Jepson had brought back and the recommendations made by Lord Skalla. They were sound recommendations…but not ones that would make Gabe or Faith happy. Still, this was war. War made worse by the Frogs taking a hand in it. Better to inform Gabe ahead of time so he wouldn’t feel blindsided. God only knew how Faith would take the news.
The shrill of pipes and roll of drums alerted his lordship that Buck and Gabe had arrived. “Patrick, you and Bart go welcome our guests.”
“Aye, my Lord,” Mahan responded and made his way out of the cabin.
“Yew wants me to tell Dagan?” Bart asked.
Anthony shook his head. Bart slid the sword back into the scabbard. Damn this rust and damn this war.
***
Lieutenant Jepson arrived while Buck and Gabe were in Lord Anthony’s cabin. Stephen Earl greeted Jepson and the two killed some time talking until Mahan stepped through the companionway and onto the deck.
“His lordship will be glad to see you now,” the flag lieutenant informed the two.
It was a solemn cabin that Earl and Jepson entered. No doubt, Gabe had been informed of the pending assignment. It dawned on Jepson as he entered the cabin how everyone addressed Gabe as Gabe. Not Sir Gabe or Captain Anthony…just Gabe. Well, anyone of equal rank or seniority, that is.
In all the years he’d known Lord Anthony, he’d only been called Gil by a very few people. It was lieutenant or captain, then admiral, and now Lord Anthony. But all who knew Gabe called him Gabe and no one seemed to mind, least of all Gabe. If Jepson had thought further, most of his friends and fellow officers addressed him as Jep.
One by one, the captains and their first lieutenants in Admiral Buck’s squadron arrived, followed at last by Lord Ragland and Lord Skalla.
“I’ve asked Silas to serve cold meats, fruit, and a cobbler for lunch, gentlemen. In view of the heat, I felt it would be better for digestion. I hear our First Lord of the Admiralty, Lord Sandwich, frequently dines thus.”
Several of the officers had also heard of the first lord’s custom and laid waste to all Silas had put out.
After the meal, Lord Anthony stood. When the noise died down he said, “I’m glad to have Admiral Buck, my old and dear friend, back from England. It is always a pleasure to share your company.” Raising his glass, Anthony said, “A toast to Admiral Buck.”
Once the toast had been completed, Anthony said, “To Captain Sir Gabriel Anthony, Knight of the Bath. I’m very proud to have Sir Gabe as a brother, and even prouder that he has not only chosen to name his new son after our father but also include me in the name as well. Gentlemen, a toast to a future naval officer, little James Gilbert Anthony.”
Hearing the toast, Gabe grimaced. Once Faith learned what was in the wind, his son might never set foot on a ship.
“Gentlemen….” Lord Anthony spoke again. “I believe at least a few of you qualify for the title.”
This brought a laugh, as Lord Anthony knew it would. Once the laughter died down, Anthony continued, “We all have heard of exploits by brave captains who have beaten the odds and won victories over our enemies. Our brave Sir Gabe recently won a battle under Admiral Buck’s flag over superior enemy forces. He was given a knighthood for his victory. Captain Jepson was one of the ship captains in that battle. Well, Captain Jepson on his brig, Pegasus, took on and defeated a twenty-four gun French corvette, Revenant, which was also in company with an armed cutter. Lord Skalla has informed me that Revenant is French for ‘ghost’. The ship is sound and seaworthy. Therefore, I have decided to buy the ship in and Lord Ragland has assured me she is making her way through the prize court in an expedient manner.” This brought more applause and back-pounding from those closest to Jepson.
Clearing his throat Anthony continued, “Revenant is a post ship and cannot have a lieutenant command her. Therefore, I have decided to promote the man who captured her to captain. I also wish to say this decision was highly recommended by Lord Skalla, who was present durin
g the battle. Gentlemen…Captain George Jepson.”
When the congratulations subsided Anthony said, “I will now turn the meeting over to Lord Skalla.”
Thanking his lordship, Skalla addressed the officers before him. “We recently lost the payroll for the army in the southern colonies. Most of it was a result of poor judgment and neglect on the part of a ship’s captain. Not only was the payroll lost, but the ship was taken without a shot being fired. In fact, the only fatality was the ship’s captain. Rumor is he was killed by one of his own men. If what we are being told is true, it’s probably good that he was killed. Otherwise, he would have been an embarrassment for the country. As most of you know, with the French joining the Americans the war has not gone well. But that’s a different topic. When our ship was taken, a good amount of the crew went over to the American side. I understand the captain was a tartar given to flogging a man to death.”
Skalla paused, letting the men digest his comments, then he continued, “Several of the ship’s officers were allowed to go free. They had been given passage back to England on a transport, but as luck would have it this ship also was taken. One of the ship’s boys on the Revenant, which had a mixed crew of Americans and French, says our ship and our people are being held captive in a dungeon at the Danes Fort in the Port of Christiansted on St. Croix. The Danes are supposedly neutral but they allow the Americans to come and go as they please. We know they supply the American ships and provide a ready market for the plunder brought to the island by American privateers. I have asked Lord Anthony to assign a squadron to attack St. Croix, free our people, and burn or take back our ship.”
This brought forth another round of applause.
“Bloodthirsty lot, I declare,” Lord Skalla said jokingly to Lord Anthony.