by Michael Aye
Once in the bedroom the flames of passion were quenched. Sophia kissed Cooper in such a manner that drove him wild with desire. He kissed her mouth, face, eyes, and neck; then their lips found each other again. She unbuttoned his shirt and kissed his chest. When Cooper sat down to remove his boots Sophia tugged them off, giggling as he pushed on her rump. He stood up and they moved away from the chair and toward the bed. She then shoved Cooper back landing him on the bed. She grabbed the legs of his unfastened pants and pulled them from his legs tossing them over his head. Cooper tried to rise but she pushed him back on the bed. He watched in awe as this beautiful creature, his love, his wife undressed. Her body was taut and trim with a flat belly and cream-colored skin. Her breasts were firm and jutted out and upward.
Lying prone on the bed, Cooper watched as his little vixen shook her head and let her hair fall across her shoulders. She leaned over causing her breasts to dangle slightly making him grow with desire. She placed her hands on his thighs and joked, “Your blade is unsheathed. I think it’s ready for action.” She then crawled up and over her husband, lowering her womanhood upon him, and then leaning forward brushing her breasts against his chest and kissing him with all the fiery passion a woman in love could give. Their lovemaking was a frenzy and afterwards they lay exhausted, a contented exhaustion with their hearts beating together as peaceful sleep overcame both of them.
***
It seemed New Orleans entire population of twenty thousand filled the street as Cooper Cain took his new bride shopping in Debbie’s barouche. Cooper had never fully realized the Mississippi River nearly circled the city. As they went from one type of shop to another as recommended by Debbie or Cindy, the river was never far from sight. The streets were narrow and unpaved, though a few private entrances had brick or stone laid down.
Most of the houses were two stories, and had beautiful wrought iron balconies and flat roofs. Must not get any snow, Cooper thought to himself. He soon found that volunteering to accompany his wife shopping was probably a mistake. She looked over everything she saw and couldn’t decide what to buy. She then went somewhere else only to double back and purchase the item in the first store. The last couple of stores he had been content to sit in the barouche and smoke a cigar. When Sophia returned, she wrinkled up her cute little nose but didn’t say anything about the cigar. She just sidled up to Cooper and told him about the cutest little outfit the she really shouldn’t have bought but it was such a bargain. Her face went blank, it was almost like it dawned on her the amount of money Cooper must have spent buying out her contract.
“Oh, Cooper, I really shouldn’t have, should I? Can we afford this? Doesn’t matter, I’m taking it right back.”
He put his finger across her lips to shush her and then gave her a kiss. It was a good thing he’d teamed up with Carolyn Meeks at another whist game. It had not been as high of stakes as the previous game but still at the end of the night, he walked away with two thousand dollars. He’d not looked at the purse when Carolyn had given it to him but after counting the money, he couldn’t help but think that she, knowing about Sophia, had padded his take somewhat. At the tables the recent duel was still the main topic of gossip. It was common knowledge that Cooper had been Beau Cannington’s second. It seem dueling was only done among gentlemen so the conversation was not taboo at such a gathering.
“How long had you known Dr. Cannington?” a gentleman named Kirk asked.
“I’d just met the man.”
“Why did he ask you to be his second if you’d just met,” the lawyer Livingston asked.
“I think he knew I had been insulted as well and being new in town he had no one to ask.”
“How were you insulted?” Kirk asked, not letting the subject drop.
Somewhat warned by a look from Carolyn, Cooper told the truth and then said, “But I must say apologies were made as well as restitution for the damage to my suit.”
Kirk seemed to accept this and his demeanor changed. “You still consented to be the second.”
Cooper took a drink of brandy to collect his thoughts. “Being a gentleman and not knowing the local customs I didn’t know there was an alternative. Besides, Mr. Bordeaux was such a nice man I didn’t see the harm…of course, no one could have predicted the outcome.”
“Do you think there was a foul committed?” Kirk asked.
“In truth, sir, I do not know the full rules of the affair. The referee declared there had been one and I’m told Mr. LeClair was an unbiased man.”
“Most unbiased,” Livingston said.
“Tell me, sir,” this was from Kirk, “do you think Cannington meant to kill his foe?”
This time Cooper was very direct. “I do not, sir. I doubt the man could hit a man-size target at twenty feet. While I do not know enough of the rules to make a statement one way or another about a foul being committed; I do not believe the man meant to kill his opponent. In fact, he seemed most nervous to even hold a pistol and I personally saw him move the gun out as such,” Cooper said, demonstrating with his arm. “I did not think he was doing anything but pulling the trigger to say honor had been settled. Mr. LeClair said as much the same at the oaks. A most unfortunate accident if you ask me.” Meeks and Livingston both nodded their agreement.
“Well, it’s too bad for the young doctor,” Kirk said. “His reputation ruined before he was settled.”
As the crowd drifted away, Carolyn had a moment to whisper, “A very smooth and wise rendition of the events. I see you did not say anything about the good doctor being a part of your ship’s company.”
Cooper grinned, “Aye, some things are better left unsaid.”
***
Over the next few months, Cooper applied himself to the running of the ship when at sea and loving Sophia while in port. Sophia did not desire to go to the house she’d shared with d’Arcy, especially since brother had killed brother there. Otis did like the house and it was just a brisk walk to the hotel so he agreed to purchase it, which resolved some of Cooper’s debt. Cindy had not wanted any rent money from Cooper and Sophia but accepted a small monthly rent to make the couple happy.
The Raven’s cruises had not been particularly profitable. Captain Taylor and Dominique Youx decided to sail together toward Africa and see if they could pick up a few prizes. It was Cooper’s first time to get the ship underway as the officer of the watch. He managed with only a couple of hints from Diamond, who made the hints with gestures. Mac said he was not sure who was the most nervous, Captain Taylor or Cooper.
Cooper now had the noon sightings down to where they were almost identical to Mac’s. After three months, the Raven and Tigre returned with fifty slaves and a shipload of furniture taken from a Dutch trader. A coastal trader was taken off the coast of Tobago that had several cases of good French wine that was being shipped from Martinique.
“LaFitte will buy this for his own stock,” Youx swore.
They kept the coastal trader, as Taylor was sure the Rolands would buy it and use its shallow draught as a fishing vessel in the bay. Tired of empty seas and growing short on supplies they headed home. They were midway between Aruba and Hispaniola when British warships were sighted. The sun was hanging low in the sky but it’d still be an hour before it grew dark.
“Run up the Spanish flag,” Taylor ordered.
Mac was on the little coastal trader and seeing what Raven and Tigre had done, he searched and finally found a ragged Spanish flag.
Taylor called Cooper over and asked, “What do you think yonder captain sees when he looks our way?”
“I hope he sees three Spanish traders,” Cooper answered and added, “however; if he has any eye at all he’ll know Raven and Tigre are not Spanish made but American. Regardless, I would expect him to be curious and decide to see for himself. He may even decide to search for British tars.”
“Aye, you are thinking right. Now what type of ships are those?” Taylor asked.
Cooper answered without looking since he had done th
at once the ships were sighted. “The larger ship is a frigate, a thirty-six if I counted right. The smallest one is a brig and I believe the one between those two is a ship-rigged sloop. It has three masts and looks like a frigate, only smaller.” Before Taylor could ask, Cooper added, “The brig has fourteen guns and I couldn’t see but would guess the sloop to have eighteen, maybe twenty.”
“And what do we do if they alter course?” Taylor inquired.
“We haul arse,” Cooper said matter-of-factly. “What about Mac and his mates?”
“We pull alongside and let them board and leave the prize,” Taylor replied. “What course would you lay?”
“We have the weather gauge and it will be dark soon. We could probably make it through the Yucatan Channel and into the Gulf of Mexico if we cast the prize adrift,” Cooper said.
“They could possibly overhaul us and we’d have to fight,” Taylor responded.
“We could run for it until dark and then change course. We could even pull into some port,” Cooper replied.
“Those are all options,” Taylor agreed. “What do you think the British captain will do?”
“I think he believes we’ll run for it and change course in the dark.”
“What are your plans then, Captain Cain?” Taylor asked.
“Run for the Yucatan Channel and keep running. If I guess wrong, then we fight if we must. That’s not to say if some other opportunity presents itself I won’t take it,” Cooper said.
“Deck thar, British ships have changed course to intercept.”
Cooper took the speaking trumpet, “All hands, prepare to make more sail.”
CHAPTER TWENTY
Luck was with the Raven, Tigre, and the prize. When the sun came up the British ships were gone from the horizon. Turner had the watch when Barataria Bay was sighted. Calling Cooper over, Captain Taylor gave his quartermaster a wink and said, “I believe you’ve stood your watch, Mr. Turner. I believe Mr. Cain is anxious to bring us in.”
Turner, who was usually very stoic and no nonsense, replied, “Aye, Captain. He’s so anxious; I do think he’s slobbering.”
Cooper had just gulped down a swallow of lukewarm coffee when his name was called. He spilled some of the coffee and then missed a spot when he wiped his face with his sleeve. A drop was still on his sleeve.
“Wipe your chin, Mr. Cain, and relieve Mr. Turner,” the captain ordered.
Once he assumed the watch, Cooper took the speaking trumpet and bellowed, “All hands to shorten sail and prepare to bring the ship to anchor.”
Taylor stood back; arms crossed and watched his young protégé go through the drill. Not as smooth as Mac or Turner but done nevertheless. By the time Cain ordered, “Helm a lee,” even he had gotten over his jitters. The order ‘stand clear of the larboard cable’ was given in a clear, crisp voice with no hesitation or tremble to it.
“Let go the anchor,” Cooper ordered. A splash was heard and as the slack was taken up the ship swung slowly on her cable. Smiling, Cooper turned to his captain, “Ships at anchor, sir.”
“Passable,” Taylor replied. “You’ll get better in time.”
Well, damme, Cooper thought. Seeing the flush on his friend’s face and having heard Taylor’s comments, Mac spoke, “What were you expecting, Coop? You brought us to anchor safely. It was not the best I’ve seen. It was certainly not man-ò-war fashion, but it was as good as, if not better than some grocery merchant.”
Cooper started to get control of his sudden anger. “Think I’ll ever get it, man-ò-war fashion?”
“We’ll see,” Mac joked.
On the bow several men were pointing and talking about a new ship in port. The ship had swung on its cable so the stern was not visible. However, most any sailor worth his salt could recognize a ship without reading the name across the stern.
“That’s the Floridablanca,” Banty was swearing. “That’s Gasper’s ship. I’ll lay ya odds on it.”
“Looks like her right enough,” Johannes agreed.
“I didn’t say it wasn’t,” Moree retorted. “All I said was it looked like a Don’s ship. Now, what is Gaspar, if he ain’t a Don?”
Quang was next to Cooper, “That’s Gaspar, him bad man. Put the ax to men’s head, ransom or make whores of the women.”
“I heard he was a friend of the captain,” Cooper replied.
“Friendly, no friends,” this was from Captain Taylor. “We get along and trust each other to keep his word. We are pirates.”
“How can you be really good friends with a pirate?” Thinking after the fact, he should have kept his mouth shut, Cooper asked, “What about LaFitte and Dominique Youx?”
“Different all together…and if you can’t see the difference I’ve wasted a lot of time and effort,” Taylor said.
“My apologies, Captain,” Cooper responded.
Taylor merely nodded his head and then said, “Come on back to my cabin once the ship is secure and I’ll tell you about yonder pirate.”
It took the better part of the watch to get the ship satisfactory for Quartermaster Turner. The sun was sinking and the captain had to meet up with Dominique Youx and Jean LaFitte to discuss the prize and contraband that they’d brought home. It was not the best cruise they’d ever had but when all was settled each member of the two crews should have six to eight hundred dollars; all depending upon the market, of course. The slaves that were captured were all aboard Tigre. Cooper was grateful for this. He’d never been fond of slavery but recognized it as part of society and figured it would die out one day. He had been very shocked at the number of free blacks in New Orleans. The Crescent City was like no other place in the world when it came to its racial diversity. Would it last, would people continue to get along? For some sad reason, Cooper didn’t think so. A lot of the newcomers tended to look at the free blacks differently. Many of whom were much like Otis and very well educated. They were also very good businessmen.
“Ahoy! From where do you come?” someone of the watch inquired.
“Captain Youx, with a message for Captain Taylor.” The note was taken by Bridges.
Seeing Cooper, he asked, “Would you be taking this to the captain?”
“Aye,” Cooper replied. He and Mac made their way aft. After a knock, they were told to enter.
Taylor took the offered note and read it. “LaFitte’s at the Temple and not expected back until Thursday or Friday. Well, there’s nothing to do but wait. Dominique will send the slaves ashore. Rooster!” Taylor called. “I know your blasted hide is about. I heard you fart, and then giggle. Pour us a glass of hock, you mangy bilge rat.” Taylor winked at his guests. “Don’t be sampling the wares, Rooster, I can hear the glass clink.”
“Aye, they do that when you charge a glass,” Rooster replied with a snarl.
The wine was good but a bit sweet for Cooper. Mac downed his glass, which Rooster refilled. “Do you want your pipe, Captain?”
“Cigars, I think,” Taylor said and then looked at his guests. They shook their heads indicating yes. “Make that three, Rooster. No make that four,” Taylor looked at his guests and said, “He’ll take no pleasure from a cigar that’s been given. He likes to think he steals them without my knowledge.” Thinking of a time or two when Rooster had offered them a good cigar, Mac and Cooper looked at each other and broke out in a laugh.
Cooper looked at Taylor, who was amused but not sure of the reason for their laughter. “I believe, sir,” Mac said, “we have on occasion been on the receiving end of contraband.”
Taylor pushed back in his chair and laughed, “It means he likes you, others he won’t give a dried dog turd too.” Once the cigars were lit, Taylor cleared his throat and said, “Let me tell you about our pirate from yonder ship. His name is Jose Gaspar but he goes by Gasparilla which I’ve been told means Gaspar, the outlaw. Rumor is that at the young age of twelve he kidnapped a young girl from a wealthy family and demanded ransom. He was quickly captured. The judge felt the boy was just feeling his oats so
he gave Jose a chance…he could enter the Royal Spanish Naval Academy…” Taylor paused, letting his words sink in. “Or he could go to jail. Naturally, the young man took the Naval Academy. This was the right choice…to a point.”
Taylor dipped the tip of his cigar in the wine and took a puff. “Not bad,” he commented, and then dipped the cigar again. “Once in the navy, Jose demonstrated superb skills in weapons and tactics. It’s said his cunning and bravery are second to none. I’ve seen the man in action so I can attest to his skills. Now, sometimes you can be too cunning and it catches up with you. Jose Gaspar rose like a shooting star through the naval ranks. He went from lieutenant to captain to admiral of the Atlantic Fleet. Because he was at sea a great deal of the time, his romantic affairs, and there were many I’m told, did not catch up with our friend. His naval career was so shining, much like your Lord Nelson’s, Mac; that at the young age of twenty-seven or so he was made a naval attaché to the Court of King Charles III.”
“Damme,” Mac responded, “that’s fast. I never thought that I’d have a chance at admiral and here’s some gutter snipe making it pretty as a Saturday night whore. Cooper and Taylor smiled. Mac didn’t usually get so worked up.
“Being at court was Gaspar’s downfall. He became involved with several women at once. They began to catch on and there was no sailing away on the tide. Now, listen closely my boys. Not only did Jose like to dip his wick in numerous holders, one of the holders was the King’s daughter-in-law. Let this be a lesson to you. There’s a lot of women that will tête-à-tête with a married man, but when it’s a court full of them…sooner or later it’s ‘flagrante delicto.’”