by Anne Herries
‘It is always best to be prepared,’ he told her coolly. ‘Higgins will help to row us to the shore, but he will remain with the boat while we explore.’
‘Is Anna to come with us?’
‘Would you like her to?’
‘She would be company for Higgins while he waits for us.’
‘Very well, she may come.’ Justin’s eyes were on her face. ‘You are certain you wish for this outing?’
‘Yes, of course. I am looking forward to seeing what Paradise looks like.’ She did not add that the best part for her would be that she would be alone with him for a while, that perhaps she might find the courage to tell him what was in her heart.
‘We should leave at once,’ Justin told her, leading the way outside. ‘The day looks fair, but the air is heavy. It is possible that there may be a storm before nightfall.’
‘Surely not?’ Maribel looked up at the cloudless blue sky and then out to sea. Several ships were anchored in the bay, though she could see no sign of the Defiance. It looked as if the Maria and Captain Hendry had already sailed, though Justin’s third ship, the Siren Eater, which had joined them a few days before the feast, was still in port. ‘Did you finish your business with Captain Hendry yesterday? I do not see his ship in port?’
‘He told me that he had decided to become a merchant adventurer. I wished him well and we parted on good terms. I shall tell you more later, but the news he brought is good, Maribel. Your father seems to have accepted your decision not to return, though he has doubled his offer for the map. He sent you a letter. I intended to give it to you last night, but—’ He broke off abruptly. ‘You shall have it later.’
‘Do not talk about it now,’ she begged, suddenly wanting to delay talking of the future. ‘It is a beautiful day and I see no sign of a storm.’
‘They come suddenly at times. I would not be at sea in a small boat if a storm should strike. If that happens, we may have to stay at the other side of the island until the morning.’
Maribel’s stomach caught. If they were stranded alone with no house or walls to separate them, who knew what might happen…?
‘I do not think there will be a storm,’ she said and smiled at him. ‘But if there is we must make the best of it.’
* * *
Maribel watched as the two men pulled on the oars. It was a small boat and the blades cut through the water effortlessly as they rounded the point coming at last to a large, deserted cove. Here the beach was entirely fringed with trees that seemed to be thick for some distance inland; the sand was soft, unsullied by human habitation and beautiful as a glistening sea lapped against it. A few strokes more and the boat was beached. Higgins and Justin jumped out and hauled it into shallow water so that the hull scraped against the bottom.
Justin came to take Maribel’s hand, then swept her up in his arms, carrying her through the water to where the sand was dry and silvery-soft beneath her feet. Her heart raced as she inhaled the spicy scent of him and felt her stomach spasm with desire. He was more to her than all the world and she must find the courage to tell him.
She looked about her. The sea was a deep turquoise, white crested with foam where the waves broke against the shore, sparkling in the sunshine like precious jewels. To each side of her was a wide expanse of sand, and behind her the dense woods that looked as if they might be difficult to penetrate.
‘Why is this part of the island uninhabited?’
‘There are dangerous rocks beneath the water and the ships would have to anchor further out. Until a harbour and a pier are built the only way to approach is in small boats, as we came today. In time I dare say the trees may be cut back and the harbour built—but the other side of the island was easier to settle—the water is deeper and the ships can unload much nearer to the beach if need be. As you know, we have built a harbour of sorts, though as yet it is primitive.’
Maribel nodded. She looked towards the trees, hearing the call of a bird and catching sight of its bright colours as it flitted between branches.
‘It will be a pity if the woods are cut down to build houses.’
‘Yes, perhaps, but men must have somewhere to shelter. If the island is to become a permanent settlement and not just somewhere for pirates to replenish their ships and enjoy some leisure on shore there must be some clearance in time.’
‘Yes, I suppose it must happen. I think it would be pleasant to live where there is plenty of land and you could ride for a day and not find another settlement.’
‘Would you not miss the company of others?’
‘Yes, perhaps,’ Maribel said and laughed. ‘I am foolish. As you say, land must be settled and trees cut for wood if people are to live here—but I am glad that this place is unspoiled for the moment.’
Justin hesitated, then offered his hand. ‘Come, I shall show you a place I discovered some months ago when I first visited this side of the island. I think you will like it. You may find the walk a little arduous but it will be worthwhile when we get there.’
Maribel took his hand. He did not look at her and she knew he was keeping a barrier between them, but her heart beat very fast. She had thought he might be angry after the previous night, but he seemed to have put it from his mind. Glancing back at Anna and Higgins, she saw they appeared engrossed in each other and envied them the uncomplicated nature of their relationship.
* * *
It was darker in the trees, but very warm despite the shade. The heat made the sweat run between Maribel’s breasts, and her gown felt as if it were sticking to her. She had worn one of her best gowns for Justin’s approval, but wished that she had a simple shift and skirt, as Anna was wearing. Long branches brushed against her face and hair. There were insects on the greenery and in the air, some of them settling on her arms and face. She brushed them away, feeling that the density of the trees was overpowering and unpleasant, and wishing they were still on the beautiful beach. Feeling hot and sticky, Maribel was on the point of asking if they could turn back when she heard the sound of water and her curiosity was aroused. In another moment the trees thinned out and then they were in a clearing.
The sound of water came from a little waterfall. It cascaded down over rocks, making a rushing noise. Clear and cool, it looked inviting and Maribel ran towards it, bending down to scoop water from the tiny pool at the base of the fall and splashing it on her face and neck. A stream wound away from the falls, and without thinking what she did, she sat on the bank, slipped off her shoes and dipped her feet into the stream, relishing the coolness on her flesh.
‘This feels so good…’ she said, arching back so that the sun was on her face while her feet dabbled in the water. ‘This is a beautiful place, Justin. What are those flowers over there? They look like hibiscus but, I am not sure.’
‘They are probably a different variety to those you have at home,’ he said from just behind her. He sat down on the ground and hunched his knees in front of him. ‘Was it worth the walk?’
‘Oh, yes…’ She looked round at him, her eyes alight, mouth slightly parted, an expression of such delight in her eyes that he caught his breath. ‘Thank you so much for bringing me here. I think it is Paradise, though while we were in the trees I almost asked to go back. I was so hot and sticky.’ She bent down to scoop water from the pool and splashed it once more over her face and neck. It trickled down her throat and disappeared under her bodice. The thin material clung to her, caressing the softness of her breasts where the water had soaked through. ‘I did not think anywhere could be this beautiful…’ Her eyes followed one of the birds that called from branches high above her. In the distance she could hear a faint booming sound, which she took to be the sound of the sea crashing against the rocky coasts further round the island. She turned her head to look at him and saw that he watched her.
‘Last night…’ Maribel sought and found the courage to say what must be said. ‘I wept because I am a foolish woman, but after you had gone I wanted you to stay. I know you cannot love me, for y
ou told me, but I…’ The words caught in her throat as she saw the heat in his eyes.
‘You are beautiful,’ Justin said huskily. He reached out, taking her hand, pulling her to her feet. For a moment he hesitated, then his arms went round her, crushing her hard against him. His mouth sought hers, hungry and demanding, yet tender. ‘You inflame my senses, Maribel. I vowed I would not do this, but you tempt me beyond bearing. Last night you wept and I thought—’
‘Do not talk, kiss me,’ she whispered and placed her finger against his lips. ‘I want you to kiss me.’
‘You know what it means if I kiss you?’ His gaze was dark, intense as his eyes drank her in. ‘I want more than a few kisses. I want…everything…you, your body, your mind, your heart.’
Maribel swayed towards him, her body melting into him as he kissed her, her mouth opening to his inquiring tongue, giving of her sweetness as she felt the desire race through her. This was what she had longed for. What she wanted more than anything else in the world. His hand found and cupped her breast, his thumb caressing her through the thin material. She whimpered with need and pressed against him, feeling the hot desire curl inside her. As he bent his head and kissed her, sliding her bodice down over her shoulder, his tongue caressing the dark rose nipple, she moaned with need.
‘Justin, I want…’
‘What do you want, my darling? Say it is everything…say it is me you want, as I want you.’
‘Take me, make me yours. Justin, I…’
Her words were lost as they heard the shot. She looked up at him, eyes wide and startled. Higgins had arranged that he would fire one shot if he needed them to return.
‘Damn!’ Justin let her go immediately. He looked back towards the shore, a pulse throbbing at his temple. ‘Higgins would not summon me unless it was important. I am sorry, Maribel. We must go back.’
Maribel inclined her head. She wished that they could stay longer in this beautiful place, but Higgins would not have given the signal had it not been urgent. Taking Justin’s hand, she let him hurry her back through the path they had cleared on their way here.
What could possibly be happening? Why had Higgins given the signal? As they heard a second shot, her heart started to pound. Something must be terribly wrong…
* * *
As they neared the beach Justin was ahead of her. He glanced back, signalling to her to slow down.
‘Wait in the trees until I call you,’ he warned. ‘Just in case there is trouble.’
Maribel would have argued, but she could not catch up to him as he ran out on to the beach. She hovered at the edge of the trees, watching as Justin spoke to Higgins. The sailor appeared to be pointing agitatedly towards the other side of the island. Maribel turned her head and saw the smoke rising into what had been a cloudless sky. A cry from Justin alerted her and she left the shelter of the trees to join him.
‘What is it?’ she asked. ‘What is happening?’
‘Something is on fire in the port. We think there has been an attack of some kind.’ Justin frowned. ‘We must get back to the settlement, but you and Anna should stay here until someone comes to tell you that it is safe to return.’
‘No!’ Anna and Maribel spoke together.
‘I would rather be with you whatever happens,’ Maribel insisted. ‘If we stayed here and you did not return, we might never reach the other side of the island. No matter what is happening, I shall come with you.’
‘I’m not staying here without Higgins.’ Anna said, her mouth set stubbornly.
Justin inclined his head. ‘Very well. I have no time to argue. Into the boat with you.’
He was frowning as he assisted Higgins to push the boat into deeper water and then helped Maribel to climb in. She sensed that he was anxious for the crew and friends he had left behind. There were no words of comfort to offer for the smoke did not lie. Something terrible must have happened and she could sense the urgency and frustration in the two men as they pulled on the oars. They must be wondering what they were doing on a pleasure trip when their comrades were in trouble.
* * *
Maribel caught her breath as they rounded the point and she saw the ships blazing in the harbour. At least three were on fire and the smoke was thick, blowing across the sea towards the land.
‘Damn it!’ Justin cried. ‘One of the ships burning is the Sea Siren! By the look of her she is finished.’
‘What of the Defiance?’ Maribel asked. ‘I did not notice it in harbour as we left this morning.’
‘Yesterday, I sent Defiance and a crew to fetch supplies from another island. We were running short of essentials like meat and milk and I bargained for livestock that can be reared here.’
‘Then she is safe?’ Maribel said, thinking that if he had not sent his best ship for supplies that too might have been destroyed. It was bad enough that he should have lost the Sea Siren, because he had given his third ship to Captain Hendry as a reward for bringing the information about her family. Maribel felt relieved for his sake, but he misunderstood her question.
‘You need not be concerned. A ship would be found to take you to England even if my ships were all destroyed. ’ His tone sounded scornful and she knew he believed she had been thinking of herself.
‘I did not mean…’ Maribel began but her words were lost as Anna cried out and pointed to the island and they saw that some of the houses had been damaged by what could only be cannon fire. ‘Who has done this terrible thing?’
The attack was clearly over; people were working frantically on shore to stop the fires spreading. The burning ships seemed to be done for, blazing too fiercely to be saved, but on land the people seemed to be winning their battle. Maribel’s expression was puzzled as she looked at Justin.
‘Why have these people been attacked?’
‘We are pirates, hunted and hated by many,’ Justin told her, white-lipped. ‘The attack could have come from anyone. We may discover more when we go ashore. Whoever made the attack did as much damage as possible from the sea and then fled before they could be attacked in return—the cowards! May they rot in hell!’
Maribel flinched. Something in his tone made her feel that he blamed her for what had been done. She could hardly wait to be on shore. Terrible damage had been inflicted and people would be hurt. She wanted to help wherever she could, dousing the fires or tending injured people.
Everywhere was confusion and chaos. Maribel joined a chain passing buckets of water, asking the woman next to her what had happened as she took the bucket and gave it to the next in line.
‘Three ships sailed into harbour. At first we took no notice, then we saw that some of our ships were on fire. The intruders worked swiftly and secretly, inflicting the most damage they could. When it was seen, the men manned the cannon that protect the harbour and started firing on the strange ships. That is when they fired on the buildings. Some of the men tried to swim out with pistols and swords, but the strangers fired on them. Then, sensing that the fires they had started might spread to their own ships, they sailed off.’
‘I was on the other side of the island. Once or twice I thought I heard a muffled boom, but I thought it was just the sea,’ Maribel said. ‘Are there many hurt?’
‘Several injured and some dead, those that were caught in the first blast—also men who tried to reach the swine that attacked us.’
‘Where are the injured housed?’
‘In the taproom of the Nag’s Head, I heard.’
Maribel saw that the fire was almost out. She left the line and ran towards the inn where she had been told the wounded were housed. As she went into the taproom, she saw men and women lying on the floor. Some had been attended, others were moaning, begging for help. One man seemed to be in charge; by his instruments she guessed that he was a ship’s surgeon. He was binding a man’s head when she went up to him and asked if she could help.
‘Have you treated wounds before?’ Maribel shook her head. ‘Give water to those that ask for it—and get out of
my way.’
Feeling rejected, Maribel moved away. She found a barrel of water and a jug. Filling it, she took a pewter cup from the bar and began to move between the injured men and women, giving those that asked a few sips of water. Never in her life had she felt so useless, especially when she saw that Anna was washing away blood and binding wounds at the surgeon’s direction. Why could she not have done that?
Maribel noticed that Anna was having some trouble holding a patient and trying to bandage his arm at the same time. She went to her and asked what she could do and was rewarded by a fleeting smile.
‘Hold him for me. He keeps flopping over and I cannot bind him and hold him.’
‘Like this?’ Maribel put her arm about the injured man, supporting him while Anna bound his shoulder with clean linen. ‘Let me help you with the others—please? I feel so useless.’
Anna looked at her for a moment, then nodded. ‘You can give him a little of this mixture to ease his pain. Support him on your lap and spoon a few drops into his mouth, and then come to me. We need all the help we can get.’
‘Yes, whatever you say. You are the mistress here, Anna.’
Maribel managed to spoon a little mixture into the man’s mouth, then laid him gently down and made sure he was comfortable before moving on to help Anna with the next injury. She waited for Anna’s directions and obeyed them implicitly, never asking why or deviating from her instructions. They worked together quietly and efficiently until all the wounded had been treated.
Maribel did not care that her beautiful gown had bloodstains on the skirt or that her face was smeared with it. She was moved to tears by the suffering of men, women and even one child who had received burns, but she held them back, knowing that she could not give way to sentiment.
At last Anna stood up and looked about her. ‘We have done all we can here for the moment,’ she said. ‘We should go back to the house. I shall come back later to see what else may be done for them.’
‘Then I shall come with you.’