by Danni Roan
Danni Roan
The Sailor and the School Teacher
Sailors and Saints
Danni Roan
Contents
Prologue
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Epilogue
Copyright © 2019 by Danni Roan
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or used in any manner without written permission of the copyright owner except for the use of quotations in a book review.
FIRST EDITION
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Prologue
“Xenia, you have to listen,” Wendi said her voice growing rough with frustration. “How many times do we have to tell you that the streets of New York are not safe after dark?”
Xenia smiled at her friend; she knew that what Wendi said was true and had been chastised by both Wendalynn and Vera Mae many times for being out after dark, but she couldn’t leave things undone.
“Xenia, we know you have the best intentions,” her roommate, Vera, pitched in, “but you can’t fix every problem. You need to remember to take care of yourself if you want to be able to take care of others.”
“I’m sorry Vera. I really am,” Xenia said turning sincere green eyes to Vera. “I’m not trying to be vexing, but when I see something that needs to be done, I have to do it. I promise I’ll try harder to make sure I’m back before dark. I don’t want to worry you.”
Rising and brushing her pitch black hair over a shoulder Xenia walked to her two friends. Wendi and Vera had been her constant companions and greatest supporters over the years at the Wigg School and Foundling Home.
All three of the women were orphans who had been taken in by Madam Wigg, one of the wealthiest and most philanthropic women in New York. One shuddered to think of what their fate might have been if not for the woman they knew and loved as Wiggie.
Not only had Wiggie taken in foundlings throughout the crowded city, she had worked to train each of them as teachers so that her work and school would continue on long after she was gone.
“You promise you’ll be home early tonight?” Wendi said wrapping her arms around Xenia, Wendi’s russet braid falling over her shoulder like a life line.
“I promise,” Xenia assured reaching for Vera.
“And don’t think we won’t know if you’re late,” Vera chided hugging her friend, her blonde hair a pale contrast to Xenia’s inky tresses.
Xenia laughed. “Just like we know about your little problem,” she teased. “Moving in with you and Wendi when Abigail returned to the teacher’s hall certainly was an eye opener, at least for some of us.”
Vera blushed shaking her head. Xenia seemed to be able to make light of anything and never got upset or annoyed with going in search of Vera along the corridors of the school to escort her back to bed.
“It’s not my fault,” Vera said straightening and ending the embrace. She had tried everything short of tying herself to the bed to break the habit of sleep walking, but no matter how she applied herself, it wouldn’t go away.
“No, it’s not your fault,” Xenia agreed. “You’re perfect just the way you are Vera. I wish you’d believe us.”
Wendi nodded emphatically. “You’re so wonderful and kind,” she agreed. “If only you’d believe us perhaps your little problem would go away all by itself.”
Vera shook her head. She knew she had a great deal of work to complete in adjusting her character. She needed to be perfect to be loved.
Together Wendi and Xenia embraced Vera again laughing in shared comradery.
“All right, all right,” Vera finally chided brushing Wendi and Xenia off. “I have work to do. I only have two lessons planned for next week and need to get everything organized.”
Xenia smiled looking at Wendi. All of the teachers at the Wigg School were always willing to share lesson plans and often coordinated lessons so that they complimented each other, but Vera had to add an extra polish each week.
“I’m going out to see old Mrs. Harper today,” Xenia said. “I’m taking some things from the kitchen and an extra loaf of bread that Olivia made.”
“Check in with Yetta and Zara as well,” Vera said looking up from her desk where she was already working. “They may have something to contribute.”
“And make sure Wiggie knows where you’re going,” Wendi added. “She’s too old for you to be worrying her unnecessarily.” Wendi had always been upfront and outspoken never leaving Xenia guessing what she was thinking.
“I’ll head down to the kitchen now,” Xenia said rising and smoothing her dress. “I love you both,” she added flippantly as she sashayed from the room.
Chapter 1
Xenia closed the door behind her quietly. Mrs. Harper was resting comfortably after a hearty meal, and she didn’t want to disturb her.
The elderly woman had pleaded with her visitor to read just one more chapter from the newest Alcott novel Little Women. It had been a pleasant evening, but Xenia finally had to insist on leaving.
Already the merest hint of sun was dropping beneath the horizon. Wrapping her heavy shawl around her shoulders, she hurried toward home dreading yet another lecture from Wendi and Vera.
Xenia knew her two sisters at heart where only concerned for her wellbeing, but she was more than able to look after herself, and she knew she couldn’t stop doing the things she loved.
For as long as she had been allowed to go out on her own, Xenia had spent every weekend helping others who were in need. Tonight it was Mrs. Hamilton who was lonely, other times it was a mother whose many children were simply wearing her out. Xenia’s big heart and sense of right would always demand she do more to help others.
Making the turn along the alley near the docks, the shortest possible path home, Xenia heard someone cry out and rushed forward.
Hurrying toward the ruckus she peered into a dark alley just as two men struck a well dressed man over the head with a cudgel and began dragging him away.
Dropping her basket on the cobbled stones, Xenia tiptoed along behind them, stopping and dodging behind a building or hand cart whenever they would stop to adjust their hold on their victim.
Biting her lip with determination Xenia studied the limp form of the man wondering if perhaps he was some criminal or ne’re-do-well. He didn’t look like a vagabond. As a matter of fact he was well dressed and his heeled boots were polished.
“’ere, go through ‘is pockets afore we drop him in,” one of the men said approaching a dock ramp.
“Right, right,” the other one said turning out coins and bills from the unconscious man’s trousers and dress coat.
“He’s a big un at least, cap’tain should be ‘appy wiff ‘im. Get lots of good work out of one like this.”
The other man chuckled. “As long as he don’t ask no questions, everyone will be ‘appy.”
Xenia covered her mouth stifling a gasp. She had read about men like this who shanghaied unsuspecting travelers and made them work on a ship.
Adjusting her skirts to keep them from rustling she waited on the men to do whatever th
ey were going to do then when they walked away she could rescue the handsome man in the well-made suit.
Xenia stood in the chill air for what seemed hours waiting until the two miscreants had gone through the pockets of their victim.
Then watching carefully she tracked their movements as they dragged the man up the gangplank of a schooner carrying him below.
Taking a steadying breath as her heart raced Xenia looked both ways then dashed lightly up the planks and listened for the sound of dragging feet. Catching the sound she followed it deep into the depths of the ships dark underbelly, slithering along like a sneak thief until she caught one final glimpse of the men unlocking a door and tossing the their victim inside with a harsh cackle.
“We’ll prob’ly get a bonus tonight,” the darker of the two men laughed.
“Business been good for sure,” the other agreed. “Easiest pickin’s I seen.”
Together they clapped each other on the back and headed toward the stairs to the deck.
Xenia pressed herself tight against a bulkhead under the stairs, not even breathing for fear of drawing attention to herself, as she watched the men disappear through the hold.
Counting carefully to ten as she listened for any sound of the scoundrel’s return Xenia eased out of her hiding place and scurried to the door desperately trying to work the lock open silently. The heavy iron deadbolt and latch was well oiled and moved noiselessly as she eased it back then pulled the door too.
The stench of unwashed bodies and human refuse nearly choked her as Xenia peered inside, but putting the smell out of her mind, she boldly picked up her skirts and pulled the door closed.
“Mister, mister,” she called into the darkness trying to find the prostrate form of the man who’d been tossed unfeelingly into the dank room.
“Is anyone here?” Xenia tried again.
A ragged cough met her ears, and she turned shuffling her feet trying to feel her way across the straw strewn floor.
She’d only made it a few steps before her toe caught on something solid and she tumbled over the prostrate form of the unconscious man with a woof.
Righting herself Xenia felt around her until her hands came into contact with a warm strong jawed face. “Mister, wake up,” she urged patting him softly. “Wake up,” she hissed a little louder.
“’Who’s there,” another voice made her jump looking about to see where the voice had come from. “I know you’re there,” the disembodied voice continued. “I heard you for sure.”
“Hush,” Xenia barked in a low growl. “Do you want us to get caught?”
“A woman!” the voice was a raspy whisper. “Lady you best get out ‘a here right fast a’fore they find you.”
“Help me get him up,” Xenia said firmly. “I’ll get you both out of here. Just help me.”
A gurgle of a laugh rolled through the room. “Ain’t no one getting’ out’a here,” the voice said. “No one ever do.”
“You could at least try,” Xenia chided shaking the man in front of her again. “Wake up,” she urged shaking him by the lapels roughly. “If you aren’t going to help just be quiet,” she shot back at the man hidden in the darkness. “As for me, I’m rescuing this fellow one way or another.”
Bracing her knees beneath her Xenia pulled the prostrate man’s arm over her shoulders and began to stand dragging him up her back with each turn of her straining spine.
A hot laugh in her ear made her jump almost dropping her burden.
“You got spunk, I’ll give ya that,” the man hissed into her ear as he slung the unconscious man’s arm over his shoulder and turned toward the door.
“What, help!” Xenia’s rescuee bellowed scrambling away from Xenia. “Help, police!” he shouted again.
“Hush!” Xenia demanded placing a hand over his mouth. “I’m saving you. Be quiet or you’ll bring those criminals back and we’ll all be in trouble.”
The sound of feet shuffling on the deck above made all three go still.
“You’ve been shanghaied,” Xenia said. “I’m rescuing you.”
A slight laugh reminded them that they weren’t alone and Xenia turned finally able to make out the form of the other man.
“Who are you?” the tall man, now fully aware, asked rubbing the back of his head.
“My name is Xenia Wigg but that doesn’t matter right now. I’ve unlocked the door and we have to go.”
“She’s a scrappy one,” the other man said moving toward the door. “Come on,” he added starting to pull the door open.
The sound of running feet across the deck was the only warning they had of someone coming and Xenia froze terror entering her soul. What would happen to a woman found aboard a ship in the dead of night?
“They’s comin’,” the man at the door said. “You’d best hide yourself.”
Xenia looked around her desperate to find any hiding place. Now that her eyes had adjusted to the darkness she could almost make out the room.
The small dark cell like space contained a bucket, a rucksack and a small wooden crate.
“There’s no place to go,” she said her heart in her throat as she gazed up at the man she’d set out to rescue.
Chapter 2
“Xenia? Xenia?” Birch called to his wife who seemed to be drifting in another time and place.
“Hum?” she finally turned her green eyes on him and he smiled stepping close.
“Where were you honey,” he asked pushing a lock of her shoulder length black hair behind an ear.
“Oh, I’m sorry,” Xenia said. “I got a letter from Vera today, and it took my mind back to the last time I saw her.”
“You mean the night we met,” Birch grinned, his slate gray eyes twinkling.
Xenia smiled. “It seems like ages now,” she said looking up at him. She’d come to know that face so well over the past few years. Every line and scar burned into her memory.
Birch Oakem was a handsome man by any measure, but the slightly shortened ear and small scar along his temple made him beautiful in her eyes.
Birch grinned down at Xenia. He knew her mind would drift back to that fateful night a few years ago when they’d been thrown together for better or worse.
“Have you ever written and told her the whole story?” Birch asked placing his hands on her shoulders. He’d almost lost her too many times already to think of it ever happening again.
“You know I was worried about what might happen to Madam Wigg and the other girls if those men from the ship found out what we were doing?”
“I know but I’m afraid that ship has sailed,” Birch said a wicked gleam in his eye.
Xenia smiled smacking his arm. “You’re terrible.”
“Terribly in love with you,” Birch said leaning in and kissing her softly. “You know ever since you asked Pastor George to help us place sailors from the school, men like the ones that shanghaied me are watching their backs.”
Xenia’s smile widened. “We’re really fighting back aren’t we?” she asked.
“We are honey,” Birch agreed. “We have nine sailors here at the school now, and between you teaching them to read and write, and me teaching them other skills we’re giving them a chance at a better life.”
Xenia snuggled close to her husband resting her head against his chest and hearing the strong steady beat of his heart. He was warm and safe and real. Her whole world had changed the night he’d been dragged aboard that ship. It had been a difficult journey that brought them to where they were now, but it had been worth every trial and sorrow.
“Why were you looking for me?” she said liking the feel of his arms around her.
“You got another letter,” he laughed bending and kissing the top of her head.
Xenia laughed pulling back and snatching the letter from his back pocket.
Birch chuckled stealing another quick kiss. “I’m headed back to the wood shop,” he said. “Stay out of trouble dear wife.”
Xenia hurried to her chair propping her f
eet on a hassock as she ripped open the letter from Wendi. Her sister in love had found out about her work along the California coast when she’d encountered Pastor George and his wife Joan in Nebraska.
Xenia leaned back against her cozy chair scanning the letter. All of the orphans and teachers of the Wigg School had come so far; just like her.
As she scanned the letter catching up on the news of Wendi’s new life she couldn’t help thinking of all of the lectures her friend had given.
They truly had led to bigger trouble than she had known how to handle. Again Xenia’s mind raced back to the hold of the ship she’d been trapped in.
Chapter 3
“What do we do,” Xenia hissed at her two companions, her pulse racing as the sound of running feet drummed in her ears. How had she gotten herself into this mess, and how on earth would she get out?
“Quick get out of that dress,” the tall stranger said turning and tugging at her sleeve.
“I will not!” Xenia cried in shock.
“I’m not trying to get fresh with you, but we have to disguise you.”
“Do what he says Miss,” the other man said. “There’s some britches in that sack, get into them, and we’ll figure out a story.”
Xenia looked between the two men horror struck at their suggestion.
“Hurry,” the tall man said grabbing the bag and spinning her in place to help with the buttons down her back.
Xenia huffed, seeing the sense of what they were saying, but the man’s fingers were making shivers run up her spine.
“Get me the trousers,” she hissed shimming out of her dress, the cold air tingling her bare arms as the fabric fell away.
“Here,” the man behind her growled his voice rough as he thrust a pair of ragged pants and a coarse shirt into her hands.
Xenia looked over her shoulder as she grabbed the items. The sound of men in the outer hall made her hurry as she pulled the trousers over her bloomers.
“My name is Birch Oakem the man behind her said shoving his hat over her head and hiding her hair. “You’re now my little brother…” he hesitated. “What should I call you?”