by Vale, Jennae
“I’d like to invite you and your lady to dine with us this evening,” Captain Forsythe said.
“We’d be happy to join ye,” Rourke answered.
They walked a short distance away from the docks and were met by a beautifully ornate carriage. Rourke helped Lizzie in and then sat beside her. The others joined them. All three squeezed into the bench across from them.
“We’ve not far to go,” Captain Forsythe assured them, and he was true to his word.
In no time at all, they’d arrived at a fine home where they were greeted by the captain’s wife, Caroline. She was a lovely woman with a warm smile who welcomed Lizzie by taking her hand and leading her into their drawing room where they were joined by the men. A servant appeared bearing a tray with glasses of sherry for each of them.
“Our meal will be served shortly, but I thought you might all enjoy a small drink before we eat,” Caroline said.
“This is wonderful,” Lizzie said. “An unexpected surprise.”
“Have you been to Charleston before?” Captain Forsythe directed his question to Rourke and Lizzie.
“I’ve been a time or two,” Rourke answered. “But I doona believe Lizzie has been.”
“I’ve never visited,” Lizzie said.
“Then I hope you’ll enjoy your stay in our charming city,” Caroline said.
“I’m sure I will.” Lizzie glanced at Rourke, and he smiled reassuringly.
He couldn’t begin to imagine how Lizzie might be feeling. Everything that had happened since they’d left Manta Cay was completely out of the ordinary for her. He hoped she was enjoying her first adventure away from home.
The dining room was lit with many candles. The table was set with fine china on a beautiful cream colored, lace cloth. The silverware was polished to a fine luster and placed beside each plate. The servants set a roast pheasant at the center of the table, accompanied by bread, rice, peas, corn, and turnips. Apple cider made by Caroline Forsythe was poured into pewter goblets.
“The meal is delicious,” Rourke said, directing his comment to Caroline.
“Thank you,” she replied.
“Yes. Everything is perfect,” Lizzie added.
“She is the perfect hostess,” Captain Forsythe said, raising a glass in her direction.
The others all followed suit, agreeing wholeheartedly.
Once the meal was done, the men all sat back in their chairs prepared to drink, smoke, and continue their conversation. Caroline motioned for Lizzie to join her in the drawing room.
“You have a beautiful home,” Lizzie noted. “Have you lived here long?”
“We’ve been in Charleston for about five years. It was difficult at first. I left my family home to be with John. I’d never spent any time away from my mother and father.”
“It must have been frightening,” Lizzie said.
“Yes, it was, but John was with me. My love for him gave me the strength to travel here. Now I love it here, and I wouldn’t wish to live anywhere else.”
Lizzie was enjoying Caroline’s company. There were no women like her on Manta Cay.
“Your husband is quite handsome,” Caroline said.
“Captain Mackall isn’t my husband,” Lizzie explained.
“Oh? Then you are to be married soon, I’m sure.”
“He hasn’t spoken of marriage.” Lizzie knew that to be unlikely considering his life as a pirate.
“He will.”
The confidence of Caroline’s statement had Lizzie wondering if it was possible. “How can you be so sure?”
“I see the way he looks at you. It reminds me of my John,” she answered. “Your home is on Manta Cay?”
“Yes. My father was the governor.”
“Was?” Caroline asked.
“He is no longer with us. He has recently passed.” Lizzie wasn’t sure how much she should share with Caroline, so she left it at that.
“I’m so sorry.”
“My brother and I will have to find a new home once the new governor arrives.” This thought had been weighing heavily on her. When they got back to Manta Cay, she would have to start making plans for her and Daniel.
“Captain Mackall would be a fine governor,” Caroline said. “You could marry and then you wouldn’t have to leave.”
“I’m not sure he wishes to give up his life at sea.” Or to marry. She left that unsaid.
“I understand. I’m hoping that someday John will retire from life as a captain. I worry about him from the moment he leaves until he returns.”
Lizzie imagined she would have a lifetime of worrying about Rourke, who would undoubtedly leave her once he took her home. The thought saddened her. Now that she’d gotten to know the man he truly was, she wanted him in her life and couldn’t imagine what it would be like without him. Would she have to settle for an occasional visit when The Dagger made port in Manta Cay?
Rourke and the men sat around the dining room table smoking and savoring their wine. He was enjoying the company of these gentlemen much more than he’d anticipated.
“You are welcome to stay here tonight, Mackall,” John Forsythe offered.
“We’ll return to the ship, but thank ye,” Rourke said.
“I’m curious about something,” John said.
Rourke waited to see what it was he would want to know. As a pirate, he was risking arrest being here in Charleston. He hoped by saving The Rebecca, he would be in the good graces of those he now sat with.
“Why did you go out of your way to save us? Surely it would have been a simple matter for you to take my ship and the French vessel you were after. Wouldn’t it have been more beneficial?”
“The French vessel was a personal vendetta for Pargo and for me. While it would have been easy work to take yer ship, it was not what we were after.”
“And yet, you also escorted us to our home port.” The sweet aroma of tobacco wafted from Forsythe’s pipe as he puffed.
“I wished to see ye safely home considering ye helped us trap our prey.” He took another sip of his wine.
“Just what did they do to deserve your wrath?”
“One of the men we sought killed Lizzie’s father. He also stole Pargo’s treasure.”
“You weren’t concerned with the treasure?” The two emissaries exchanged surprised glances.
“I only wished to avenge Governor Wickham’s murder.”
“Governor?”
“Yes. Lizzie’s father was the governor of Manta Cay.”
“They’ll be in need of a new governor then.”
“I imagine so,” Rourke said. And Lizzie would be without a home.
Rourke had an unexpected surprise for Lizzie. She thought they’d be leaving Charleston this morning after just one night, but Rourke had different plans.
“It’s time to get up.” Rourke kissed Lizzie’s forehead before she had a chance to roll away from him.
“I wish to sleep,” Lizzie replied. “We were up late last night.” She rolled back to face him.
“I remember,” he replied.
She propped herself on his shoulder, staring up into his face. “Must we?”
“If ye wish to see more of Charleston, then we must.” An involuntary oof erupted from Rourke’s throat as Lizzie elbowed him in the gut on her way out of bed.
He attempted to protect the more sensitive places on his person from Lizzie’s hands and feet. She was in such a hurry that she took little notice of where they were landing. He’d unleashed a whirlwind.
Lizzie was at the wash basin splashing cold water on her face, and then, just as quickly, slipping into her clothes. Before he knew it, she was standing beside the bed gazing down at him. “Get out of bed,” Lizzie ordered. I wish to see all of Charleston today.”
The excitement he saw in her eyes brought him great joy and he wondered what it might be like to have that kind of happiness every day. He had no time to dwell on his thoughts, though.
Lizzie pulled the blankets off of him and tossed hi
s clothes onto the bed. She then paced back and forth across the room. “Where will we go first? Should we break our fast? How long will we be here?” She fired off questions in rapid succession.
He couldn’t hold back his laughter. Lizzie’s delirium was contagious. So with great haste, he made himself presentable before taking her in his arms and gazing down into eyes filled with eagerness.
“I think I’ve changed my mind. I’d rather stay here in my bed with ye,” he teased.
“You wicked man. You know what my choice would be.” Her lips turned up in a beguiling smile.
“Do I?”
She wrapped her arms around his waist. “You do.”
“Charleston it is then.” He did his best to maintain a stern demeanor.
Lizzie laughed, and his heart sang. He wondered when the treacherous pirate had been replaced by this lovesick fool.
He’d been to Charleston over the years, but it seemed he would be seeing it for the first time today through the eyes of Lizzie Wickham. She was fascinated by everything. They broke their fast at a small inn and then walked along Broad Street where they explored many shops.
“Oh, Rourke, thank you. This has been so wonderful,” Lizzie gushed.
“The day’s not at an end yet,” he replied, taking her hand and leading her into a small dress shop.
“Good day.” The shopkeeper appeared from behind a stack of colorful fabrics.
“Good day,” Rourke said. “I wish to purchase the lady some pretty dresses. What do ye have that would suit her?”
Lizzie’s mouth fell open in surprise. “Rourke! You shouldn’t.”
“I should, and I will.”
“Come with me, Miss.” The shopkeeper led her to a curtained doorway. “Mary!”
“Yes, Samuel,” A woman appeared from behind the curtain.
“This is my wife, Mary. She’ll take your measurements.”
Lizzie glanced back at Rourke. He gave her an encouraging smile as she passed through the curtain.
“Sir, perhaps you’d like to choose something for your wife.”
Rourke didn’t bother to correct him. It would cause less embarrassment for all if he let the shopkeepers think they were wed. “Where will we start?”
“Color. What would you like?”
“I think a blue, like the sky and her eyes,” Rourke answered.
Lizzie emerged and joined him.
The man pulled out a dress of the most dazzling powder blue. “This is a beauty,” he said.
“It surely is,” Rourke answered. “What do ye think, Lizzie? It matches yer eyes.”
“I don’t know what to say. I don’t believe I’ve ever owned anything quite so fine.”
“We’ll take it and another,” Rourke said. “Choose one, love.”
The man pulled out a beautiful rose-pink dress, and Lizzie nodded. “Do you like this one?” she asked Rourke.
“I do. Ye’ve chosen well. We’ve a blue for yer eyes and now rose for yer lips.”
“Ye must be newly wed,” Mary said. “’Tis not often you hear a man say such lovely things to his wife.” She gave a pointed stare to her husband, who didn’t seem to hear her.
“Yes, we are,” Rourke answered.
Lizzie darted a glance in his direction. There was question in her eyes.
“’Tis best if they think we’re wed,” Rourke leaned in to whisper in her ear.
Lizzie nodded in understanding.
“Will they be ready tomorrow?” Rourke asked. “We’re only here for another day.”
“Yes. Around the noon hour,” Mary said.
“I’ll send one of my men to retrieve them.” He settled his bill with the shopkeeper and then escorted Lizzie back out onto the street.
He’d told them they were wed, if only it were true. Lizzie’s heart was so full of love for this man she thought it might burst. She turned to face him, wishing she could kiss him, but knowing that wouldn’t be proper. “Thank you, Rourke. You’re too kind and generous.”
“Not at all. It was a selfish pleasure I sought. To see ye happy does my heart good.” He placed his hand at the small of her back and guided her back to the skiff where Hawes and Jamie waited.
“Where are the rest of the men?” Rourke asked.
“Back aboard ship,” Hawes said.
“No trouble, I hope.”
“Not a bit, Cap’n.”
Rourke helped Lizzie into the skiff and joined her, followed by Hawes and Jamie. The men, including Rourke, rowed back out into the harbor to the waiting Dagger.
Once aboard, Lizzie retired to the captain’s quarters to rest. It had been a day she would never forget. Rourke would join her when he was done on deck, but until then, she was left alone with her thoughts. She’d spent the day with the man she loved. She hadn’t told him yet, and she wasn’t sure she should. From the beginning, it had always been clear he would be leaving. His life had no room for a wife, so despite the fact she’d been overjoyed to play at being Lizzie Mackall for this one day, it would end as soon as they returned to Manta Cay.
Despite that fact, Lizzie was enjoying her pretend marriage. If this was what married life was like, she was sorry there would be no husband in her life. How could she possibly marry after she’d known Rourke Mackall?
“Lizzie,” the door opened and Rourke entered. ’Tis a beautiful night. Would ye care to sit with me on the quarter deck? There’s not a cloud in the sky. The stars will shine bright.”
“I’d love to,” she replied.
He went to a cabinet behind his desk and removed a bottle of wine. “Pargo left me with this. It’s from his own harvest. He gave me a bottle of brandy, as well.”
“Are the two of you friends now?”
“There are few friends on the high seas, but it’s possible if we meet again, things will be different between us.” He took her hand and brought her outside. The sun was just starting to set and the sky was awash in the most beautiful shades of orange and yellow.
They sat on a small bench that looked out over the main deck. Rourke poured them both some wine, re-corked the bottle, and set it at his feet. Warm and gentle sea breezes caressed them.
Lizzie sipped her wine. “Mmm…”
“You like it,” Rourke said. He then sipped his own. “Verra nice.”
He considered himself a very lucky man to be here with Lizzie. They’d spent the night in each other’s arms and would continue to do so. At least until they reached Manta Cay, and then some decisions would need to be made. He put that thought immediately out of his mind. He didn’t want it to ruin their night.
Lizzie was gazing at him with what appeared to be love in her eyes. Or was he imagining things? It thrilled him to think that she did, but it would be best if she didn’t. He knew he loved her, but he wouldn’t tell her. It would only make things more difficult when he had to leave her.
The last colorful streaks of the sunset were fading and the first stars were visible overhead.
“When you were a little boy and you dreamed of adventure, did you think it would be like this?” Her voice was filled with wonder as she gazed up into the night sky.
He thought about her question. “This has been perhaps the greatest adventure I could have wished for, but it is not the adventure I sought.”
Did she know he was speaking of her? That she was his greatest adventure? He hoped not. That knowledge was meant only for him. He placed an arm around her shoulders, and she snuggled in closer. The men on deck pretended not to notice them as they went about their duties. Jordy was on watch in the crow’s nest. Hawes was speaking with Lynk, and Jamie was asleep on the main deck just below where they sat.
It was one of those rare peaceful nights that was special. Rourke wished he could sit here forever with Lizzie. Perhaps if he wished upon a star it would happen. He looked up at the brightest one in the night sky, Sirius, and made his silent plea. For better or for worse, he wanted this woman who fit so perfectly at his side. He wanted more time with her. But how?
That was a question he had no answer for.
Lizzie was happy to be home. It had been quite the adventure being away with Rourke. She had never spent any time off of the island and wasn’t sure she would again. Her hand rested on the lustrous silver locket Rourke had given her when they were entering Manta Cay’s harbor. He’d purchased it the day they’d spent on Broad Street, and she hadn’t even known it. A lock of his hair was nestled inside. She would wear it close to her heart for all of her days.
“Lizzie, where did you go?” Daniel asked. He’d run into her arms the moment he saw her and hadn’t left her side since.
“We went to Charleston,” she replied.
His eyes shone with excitement. “What was it like? Was it beautiful?”
“Very, but not as beautiful as Manta Cay,” she replied.
“I want to see it someday. Do you think I will?”
“I’m sure you will have many adventures when you are older.”
“I can hardly wait. Where is Rourke?” he asked.
“He is coming soon. He had some business to see to first, but he asked me to give you this.” She handed him a rolled up piece of parchment that was tied with a red ribbon.
“What is it?” he asked, looking up at her.
“I don’t know. You should open it.”
Daniel carefully untied the ribbon and unrolled the parchment. His eyes grew wide as its content was revealed.
“What is it?” Lizzie asked.
“It’s a map.”
“Let me see.” She peeked over his shoulder. “It’s a map of Charleston and the coast of the colonies.”
Daniel couldn’t seem to take his eyes from the map. His finger traced the lines of the coast and then stopped on Charleston Harbor. “This is where you were,” he said.
“Yes. Right there.” It was such a thoughtful gift, coming from a man who’d once craved adventure when he was Daniel’s age.
“Lizzie, are you going to marry Rourke?” Daniel asked.
“Oh, I don’t think so. He hasn’t asked me to be his wife.”
He seemed disappointed by her answer.