by Vikki Vaught
Harry scrambled out of his bunk and bounced on the balls of his stocking-clad feet, clamoring to go up on deck since he had to stay cooped up during the storm the day before. The last thing Anissa wanted was to see Alex, but there would be no way to avoid him.
Once Harry had eaten his breakfast, Anissa took him topside. She cautiously glanced at the bridge and saw Lawson at the helm. Breathing a sigh of relief at this reprieve, she watched Harry’s antics as he attempted to swab the deck with a mop bigger than he was. Martin came over and challenged Harry to a race and soon they were tearing across the deck one side of the ship to the other. While she smiled serenely and nodded to the deck hands as they toiled, she had her hands clasped behind her in a viselike grip. She looked at the spot where she had come so close to giving away her virtue the previous night and guilt ate at her soul.
Once Harry had run off most of his excessive energy, Anissa took him back to their cabin. When they entered, three bolts of cloth lay on the lower berth, a gorgeous silver-blue, watered silk, another one of lavender muslin, and the third bolt, a dove gray bombazine. Over on the chair lay another bolt of brown, worsted wool. When she picked up the fabrics, a piece of foolscap fell to the bed. She picked it up and read—
Dear Anissa,
Please accept my apology for my abominable behavior last night. I have no excuse for my ungentlemanly conduct. I promise it will not happen again. Here is the fabric I told you about last night. I hope you will accept it as a peace offering. If you will trust me to NOT make any unwanted advances, I would deem it an honor if you would dine with me at eight o’clock tonight.
Your servant,
Alex
Though the note did not negate her own abhorrent behavior, nothing could do that, to refuse his invitation would be unkind and show a lack of trust after his sincere apology. Anissa still trusted Alex and knew he would never intentionally harm her. Opening her reticule, she pulled out a pencil, turned over the piece of foolscap, and wrote—
Dear Alex,
I was as much at fault as you were. Of course, I forgive you. I will be happy to dine with you this evening. Thank you for the beautiful cloth.
Respectfully yours,
Anissa
Her spirits lifted. Alex did not see her behavior as wanton. Looking back on what happened the night before, she realized nothing bad had really happened. They had kissed and gotten a bit carried away. However, they both realized it had been a mistake, and that they could not let it happen again.
At the midday meal, Anissa gave her missive to Martin so he could deliver it to the captain. That afternoon, she worked with Harry on his alphabet and numbers, and the time passed quickly. While her son practiced writing his name on a slate, she worked on a new gown, using the gray bombazine. It felt good to have something to do with her hands.
When Harry finished his dinner, she told him one of his favorite stories, and then he fell asleep. At eight o’clock, she heard a knock on her door.
She opened the door and slipped out into the corridor. “Good evening, Alex.”
Offering her his arm, he murmured, “A good evening to you as well. Thank you for accepting my invitation. Shall we go to my cabin?”
When they entered his quarters, Alex helped her take her seat before taking his, then poured her a glass of white wine.
Anissa took a sip, then set the glass down. “I enjoyed the beautiful day. The wind helped relieve the heat of the sun. I imagine we are still making good time.”
“We are. The winds are definitely in our favor. I grow more confident each day that we will reach Baltimore well ahead of schedule. Did you have a chance to do anything with the cloth?”
Anissa smiled; it had been so thoughtful of him to offer her the beautiful fabric. “I did. I started on a dress out of the gray bombazine. Thank you for remembering to include the wool for Harry. We had to leave in such a hurry I did not bring many clothes for either of us. I should have time to make a couple of new garments before we dock.”
“I’ve been thinking. We should have at least a two to three-week lead over Lord Howard. Even if he found a ship going to America right away, it would probably be going to New York or Boston. Then he will have to travel by land to reach Baltimore.”
Some of the tension she had felt since her mad dash to the coast eased. “I’m sure you are right. Uncle Howard would have to set things to rights before he could leave England. We might have more than a few weeks.”
Alex leaned forward. “It will take me a few days to bring my partner up to date. Then we can leave for Alexandria. Before we go, you will have time to purchase a few things for you and Harry. My mother will be happy to help you.”
“I look forward to meeting her, but I do not want to impose on her.”
He gave her a reassuring smile. “It would be no imposition at all. She loves to shop and would enjoy showing you around our fair city as well.”
“As long as you are sure it will not be a burden, I would love to. You have mentioned your brother, John. Do you have any sisters?”
Alex nodded. “I have a younger sister, Kathleen. She’s seventeen. You will have the chance to meet her before I take you to Alexandria. I know you mentioned a brother, were you close?”
“Very close. Cortland is a captain in the army. He went to France two years ago. While out on a mission this past winter, his battalion came under attack. Only a few of his men made it back to camp. His lieutenant looked for him, but could not find him anywhere. I received a letter from his commanding officer. He believes the French may have captured my brother and his men. Since England has signed the Treaty of Amiens now, I pray he will return soon.”
Alex reached over and touched her hand lightly. “I hope, for your sake, he’s released soon. Even though the dignitaries signed the treaty in March, it can take time for word to spread. My brother left over six years ago, and we have never heard a word from him. When he ran off, he left a letter for my mother. He wrote that he planned to go west and seek his fortune, telling her not to worry. My mother still doesn’t know why he left.”
“It must be difficult for you, knowing why he left, and not feeling you can tell her.” Not wanting to continue bringing up painful memories for Alex, she redirected their conversation. “So, tell me more about Baltimore.”
Alex spent the rest of the evening talking of his home and gave her more information about America. At ten o’clock, he escorted her back to her cabin. It had been a pleasant evening, and while they were a bit stiff with each other at the beginning, by the end of the night they were back on a firm foundation.
Chapter Six
June 1802
The next ten days passed quickly. Each morning, Anissa took Harry up on deck so he could run and play. In the afternoon, she worked on the clothes for them, while he practiced his penmanship. After he went to bed, she and Alex ate dinner together and then took a stroll around deck. It still bothered her that she would have to depend on him to help her, but without his assistance, she would be lost.
On the evening of the eleventh, during their nightly promenade, Alex told her, “We will arrive in Baltimore Harbor tomorrow morning. If it were light, you could see land off in the distance.”
She glanced up at him. “I cannot believe we are actually here already. We made excellent time, did we not? When we first started the voyage, you told me it would take at least six weeks, if not longer, and we have made it in well under that.”
Looking out over the water, he grinned as he replied with pride glowing on his face, “This is the fastest I’ve ever made the trip. In fact, I don’t believe anyone has ever made the crossing in less than six weeks. Bridges will be amazed to see the ship sailing into the harbor tomorrow. My mother and sister are not expecting me for at least another week, so we can surprise them.”
“I’m sure you look forward to seeing them, especially Melanie. I remember you telling me your home is on the outskirts of Baltimore. How far away is it?”
“It’s around three
miles south of town. The house looks out to the Chesapeake Bay, and a balcony runs the length of the house. I watch the sun come up each morning when I’m at home. It’s truly a glorious sight.”
Alex’s face glowed with an inner peace as he described his home, making him even more devastatingly handsome. She pushed her desire away. Even if she wanted to have a romantic affaire de coeur with him, nothing could ever come of it. After all, they were from different continents and worlds apart socially. Although that did not matter to her, it would to the ton, and that could affect her son. Her life must be lived for him, at least until he was safe.
“Your home sounds lovely. Overton Park is in Devonshire, two hours east of Plymouth. There is a lovely view of the ocean from the house. I’m originally from Oxfordshire, so I had never seen the coast until I married Kendall. I fell in love with the sea as soon as I saw it for the first time.”
Alex reached over and touched her hand. Sparks shot through her. “I’m sure you miss your home. I promise, this situation with Lord Howard will be resolved, and you will be able to return Harry to his birthright. I will not rest until that happens.”
While his touch warmed her skin, she was not ready for those feelings, and she took her hand off the railing, breaking the contact. “I hate to be such a bother to you, but no matter how long it takes, you shall be rewarded for helping us. Even if it has to wait until Harry is grown and can fight his uncle as a man.”
“I promise it will be long before that. I have a very powerful friend in England. We have business dealings, and we’ve become good friends in the last couple of years. A duke is even more powerful than a marquess. I will write Barrington and enlist his help.”
Taken aback by this startling coincidence, she gasped. “Oh, my goodness! My husband and His Grace were very good friends. In fact, he is Harry’s godfather. I never thought to go to him. I guess I panicked when I overheard Lord Howard. At the time, I wanted to get us safely away. I’m sure His Grace would have helped. Oh, Alex, I am sorry. If I had not let my fears run away with me, you would not have to be involved.”
He gave her a reassuring smile. “I’m glad you panicked. If you hadn’t, we wouldn’t have met, and I wouldn’t have had the chance to play the hero. Once I get you settled in Virginia, I will return to Baltimore. When your uncle shows up, I shall tell him we parted company as soon as you arrived, and not on good terms. I’ll mention you told me you had family in Boston.”
“Do you think that will work?” she asked. “How long do you think it will take for you to hear from Barrington?”
His brows drew together as he contemplated her question. “At least several months. I won’t be able to take you and Harry back to England much before next April, due to the weather. However, as long as my plan works to send Lord Howard off on a wild goose chase, you should be safe.”
“I pray you are correct, but I shall remain vigilant. Thank you for doing all this for us. It means a great deal.”
He offered her his arm, and when she slid her hand through it, he patted it. “I’m honored to be of assistance. Well, it’s getting late, and we have a busy day tomorrow. Let me escort you back to your cabin.”
While Anissa prepared for bed, she thought about their conversation. She felt like such a fool for not thinking of Barrington. What a strange coincidence, Alex knowing the duke. However, even knowing Barrington could have helped her, she did not regret coming to America and meeting Alex. She would value his friendship for the rest of her life. As she snuggled under the covers, she drifted off to sleep, feeling much better about what the future held for her and her son.
Anissa awoke early the next morning and quickly donned her new dove gray gown. Although she’d had no ribbons or lace to adorn it, from what she could see of it, the gown fit well, and she looked presentable. She actually felt pride in her accomplishment, since she had not tried to make a dress in many years. Laying out Harry’s clothes, she quickly packed all their belongings. Hearing him stir, she turned around as he sat up, rubbing his sleep-filled eyes.
“Good morning, sleepyhead.” Anissa laughed down at him. “Did you sleep well?”
“Yes, Mama.” Then looking around the cabin, he asked, “Where are our belongings?” Noticing his new clothes, he jumped out of bed and picked up the jacket. “Are these for me, Mama?”
“They are, darling. I made them. Hurry and get dressed. We shall be arriving in Baltimore harbor today.”
“Really, Mama?” Harry climbed on the chair and looked out of the porthole. “I can see land. I thought we would be on this ship forever. It will be good to feel land beneath my feet again. Where will we stay?”
Moving over beside him, she gave him a hug. “We will stay at Captain Hawks’ home for a few days. Shortly after that, we are going to a place called Alexandria, Virginia.”
“But, Mama, why can’t we stay at the captain’s house?” he asked. “I want to stay close to Martin. He is the bestest friend ever. How far is Alexandria from Baltimore?”
After straightening and buttoning Harry’s new jacket, Anissa looked at her son and admired her handiwork. “I’m not sure how far it is. From what the captain said, we should be able to make it there in a day. I know you will miss Martin, but I’m sure you shall make new friends in Virginia.”
His adorable little mouth turned down, and he furrowed his brow, then folded his arms over his thin chest. “I do not want to go. I want to stay here with the captain and Martin. I can’t learn about being a sailor if we go away. It’s not fair!”
“Now, young man, we shall have none of this attitude,” she reprimanded. “We have already discussed you being a sailor, and you know why it is not possible. You must remember to make your papa proud. Now, it is time for breakfast, so we will be ready to leave the ship once we have docked.”
Hanging his pale, blond head—so like his father’s—he muttered, “Yes, Mama. I know I can’t be a sailor, but you said I could still learn about it.” Then with the resilience of a child, he looked up and added, “I’m hungry. Let’s go eat.”
Since supplies were short, they ate a meager breakfast of cheese and stale crackers before making their way up to the deck. Looking at the dock, there were ships of every size all around them, and the stevedores were busy offloading cargo from some of the ships. A bevy of activity went on around them, and Harry leaned against the rail to watch as their ship pulled up beside the pier.
Alex approached and bowed. “Good mornin’, Mrs. Carlson. Our ship is getting ready to tie up to the pier. I’m sending Bennett ahead, so he can procure a carriage and alert Bridges. Although, if I know Bridges, he has already spotted my ship. Do you have all your belongings ready to go ashore?”
Anissa smiled as she nodded. “I do. I appreciate the loan of the trunk. Between our new clothing and the cloth, I could not make everything fit in my valise. When will we leave for your home?”
“I’ll need to go by my shipping office. A carriage will take you to my house. I’m going to tell the driver to head north, and then double back once he’s on the open road. We want it to appear as if you immediately parted company with me. I’ll join you once you’re headed south. Bennett will leave right away, so he can inform my mother of our arrival.”
“Whatever you think is best. I hate to inconvenience your mother.” Then with a shaky voice, she suggested, “Perhaps, I should head north. I am sure if I write to Barrington myself, he will come to my aid. From what I have heard, New York is a huge melting pot, and Harry and I can disappear into the city. His uncle shall not be able to find us. I do not want to be a bother to you.”
A dark cloud descended on his face as he declared, “You are not a bother. Now, darlin’, we’ve been through all this. I want to help. There are a great many criminals in New York. You wouldn’t be safe. I could never live with myself if something happened to you or Harry. You’re coming with me, and that’s all there is to it.”
Relief swept through her, and Anissa allowed herself to breathe again. She had o
ffered him the chance to back out gracefully, yet she was so thankful he had not taken it. She would have been terrified without him. “Well, as long as you are sure. If it were not for Harry, I would not agree to further assistance.”
Alex ran his fingers through his hair as he tucked his tri-corn hat under his arm. “You can be the most stubborn woman in the world. I shall have Martin bring up your belongings. When the carriage arrives, I will get you and Harry on your way.” Alex strode off toward the bridge at a brisk pace.
Although, he seemed a bit frustrated with her, it was because he wanted to protect them. She could find no fault with that. With gratitude in her heart, she placed her arm around Harry’s shoulder as they watched the gangway being set up and Bennett scrambling down the rope ladder to the pier.
* * * *
After Alex helped Anissa and Harry into the coach and watched them drive off, he hurried down the cobblestone street to his shipping office. Bridges rushed out of the door. “Alex, I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw your ship pull into the harbor this morning. How did you make it back so soon? I didn’t expect you for at least another week. Were you able to get all the cargo faster than expected?”
Alex grinned at Bridges and nodded. “Yes, everything went smoothly. We ran into a couple of storms, which blew us in the right direction, that’s how I made it back so fast. It shaved a week off the voyage. Have our other ships arrived?”
“All of them have returned except Captain Murray. He’s bringing in sugar cane, tobacco, and molasses from the West Indies. Were you able to negotiate a partnership with the Duke of Barrington?” Bridges asked.
“Barrington agreed, and he’s locating premises for us. Due to his contacts with the East India Company, we’ll be able to expand our trade routes. Now tell me, do we have the cargo for the return trip to England?”