Other Oceans: Book Two of the Hook & Jill Saga (73 page)

Smee’s head jerked up. “Aye.” His grip on the toolbox tightened. “That he will.” Smee collected himself and nodded to the mate. “I’ll be glad to take the job of chaining him, Mr. Yulunga, if you care to be passing it along.” And without further comment, Smee descended the companionway, to shoulder his way through the sailors and hurry below decks. He had orders to follow.

After that, he had an old memory to revive. And, in spite of its interruption, a new one to treasure.

§ § §

From the crow’s nest of the
Roger
, Bill Jukes observed as the rest of the day’s events unfolded below. He kept his tattooed eyelids open, but the doings on deck proved more informative than the leagues of empty sea. He watched to see if his suspicions were correct.

He saw Mr. Yulunga eyeing Mr. Smee as the bo’sun headed toward his quarters. Then, reassuring the waiting sailors, Yulunga shooed them back to work. Hustling to portside, the mate called to
L’Ormonde
, ordering the surgeon home. A few minutes later, Doctor Hanover emerged from below decks with his bag in tow and made a dignified crossing to the
Roger
. He kept his carved back stiff, as if the feel of his coat prickled against it. Once on deck, he looked around and questioned Mr. Yulunga, who answered briefly and sent him on his way before bellowing out the order to sail. The men scrambled to unfurl the canvas, and Mullins grasped the wheel. The doctor then strolled toward the hatch, taking his time to stare at the door to the captain’s quarters before descending.

At this point, Miss Liza materialized on the steps of the quarterdeck. Apparently she’d been hiding behind the ship’s bell, watching, no doubt, as keenly as Jukes in the crow’s nest. Then the sails dropped and Jukes lost sight of her behind the canvas.

Shortly afterward he saw her again. Her new skirt trailed behind her as she dashed for the hatch, but it stopped to swirl around her ankles as Mr. Yulunga turned just in time to catch her wrist. He issued a command, terse, and released her. She stood for a moment as if undecided, then scurried down the steps. Yulunga strode to the base of the companionway and took up his station, lounging against the stair rail.

Jukes picked up the spyglass and scanned the sea. Nothing of note marked the horizon. He inspected
L’Ormonde
, bobbing at an increasing distance. Her captain’s shiny coat was visible as he paced his deck, flourishing his arms and indicating the
Roger
. Her sailing master took the wheel and she, too, got underway, her men climbing like blue-backed spiders into the rigging. LeCorbeau gestured in his flamboyant manner, and soon Nibs in his orange kerchief joined him at the rail. Jukes caught the gleam of Nibs’ knife, near to hand in his belt. LeCorbeau stepped close to him, talking all the time he watched Cecco’s ship hauling ahead. One of his skinny mates sidled up to him, slipping between Nibs and the
commandant
. LeCorbeau turned, threw an arm around the mate, and inspected the bandaged hand the young man held out to him. Jukes smirked and counted the seconds. It didn’t take Nibs long to melt away below decks.

Jukes checked the horizon again before looking down to see Mr. Starkey steaming his way over the boards. He met up with Mr. Yulunga and lowered his head, seeming to confide some news. Jukes saw Starkey’s hand slide from his coat pocket to produce what appeared to be a letter. Yulunga held it up and examined it. But when he lowered it again, he was smiling. He dismissed Starkey, who departed, then he sent a look up the companionway. Tucking the letter in his breeches pocket, he settled back again to stare upon Miss Liza, who inched her way toward him with a pewter cup.

She offered it to him. Yulunga shook his head and pointed at her. Lowering the cup, she took a half step back. But Yulunga moved to tower over her and she obeyed, raising the tankard to her lips. He nodded and she drank. Gesturing with his fingers, he urged her to drink more deeply. She paused to breathe— Jukes grinned to see the curve of her breasts rising and falling above her neckline— and then she lifted the flagon again. Yulunga’s smile was broad enough to show his teeth even at this distance. He snatched the cup from her lips. While she was still off balance, he caught her hips and squeezed her against his body, then he spoke into her ear and shoved her away.

When she turned, she was chalky pale. She raised her hands suddenly to cover her mouth, and rushed to the hatch. Yulunga laughed, moved to starboard, and tossed the rest of the drink in the sea. Jukes didn’t see Miss Liza again that afternoon, but he saw Yulunga make short, repeated forays down the stairs.

The sea continued clear and the sailors went about their business, but the door to the captain’s quarters remained shut tight until suppertime. Mr. Noodler surfaced from the galley with a covered tray that he delivered to Mr. Yulunga. The mate pulled the letter from his pocket and tucked it under a dish. Stepping up to the captain’s door, he bent his head and put his ear to it. After listening a few moments, he rapped and entered. Jukes was waiting to watch Yulunga reemerge when Mason’s head appeared over the rail of the crow’s nest. “Shift’s up, mate. Get some supper.”

“I will. Any idea where we’re headed?”

“The order was to sheer off from the Frenchies.”

“Did you get a look at the lady?”

“Who didn’t? Mr. Smee’s confined to quarters.”

Jukes’ tattoos crinkled as he sniggered. “Aye, that Irishman. He’s a way with the women, and no mistake.”

“I’d say it was a
big
mistake. He’d no business being in there with her.”

“Ah, Alf, he was only following orders. Who can blame her for calling on Smee instead of the doctor?”

“Aye. It’s as much as Hanover’s life’s worth to look at her. And anyone can see the lady’s not well.”

“And about time, too.”

“What?”

“Come on man, you know the way of it. I’ll lay you a wager— she’s breeding.”

Mason opened his mouth and blew a breath. “Well. I guess we’ll be spending some time on the Island, then.”

“Aye, I’ve a hankering to get back there. And you can be sure the captain will prefer that those Indian women tend to her needs when her time comes. Meantime, we’ll tend to theirs!”

“Trust you to mention those women, Bill, when they’re not in reach. Now keep your mouth shut and don’t remind me about females again until we’re sailing into the bay.”

“I’ll do that.” Jukes grabbed the shrouds and hopped over the rail. “Keep an eye on the Frenchman, Alf. My money’s on Mr. Nibs.”

§ § §

“Captain, you needn’t worry any longer. I am very hungry, but I feel fine.” Jill did feel fine, wrapped in Cecco’s concern as he draped her dressing gown around her. He had demonstrated his love for her all afternoon, easing her cravings, gratifying her demands until at last, she was able to lie at peace in his arms. They had risen as the sun set, to prepare for the evening.

“When I saw the rubies at your throat, I went mad with worry. I thought I saw blood.”

“Oh. Yes.” Jill touched the jewels, then raised her hands to remove the necklace. “I remember how I came to wear them. But not much else.”

“Our fine physician ordered his daughter to serve his famous drug. With your tea.”

“And you found me?” Listening closely for Cecco’s answer, she slid the rubies into her pocket. His eyes followed them.

“Yes. I found you. In the arms of Mr. Smee.”

Her fears confirmed, Jill tensed.

“I know that you sent for him. Because you were unwell.”

“Sir, I apologize—”

“Mr. Yulunga saved his life. He assured me Mr. Smee acted properly. It was Smee who insisted I be called back from
L’Ormonde
.”

“Then you won’t punish him?”

“He is confined to his quarters. This way, the doctor will believe his ploy was successful. I am certain Hanover wished to stir the trouble between you and me. Most likely he desired to make an end of Smee as well.”

“And he nearly succeeded.”

“Yes. In several schemes. Had Mr. Yulunga watched me act on my impulse, the entire ship would have been in uproar.”

“A clever attempt to eliminate Smee— and weaken your authority.”

“The doctor remembers how close the men came to electing Smee captain. He knows my crew respect him.”

“How fortunate that Mr. Yulunga intervened. And that you are wise enough to see beyond your passions.”

“Nor are you foolish. I realize you would not seduce a man in my own bed.”

Jill looked down. “No. Never.” She had seduced the man, in her story. On paper.

Cecco touched her chin and raised it. “Lovely one. We have to trust one another now. We are bound.”

“Yes, Captain. In more ways than one.”

“It would appear that even ‘our’ Mr. Smee understands this.”

“And so, at last, you will rid the
Roger
of Hanover?”

“If he was not a member of ship’s company, he would now be a corpse.”

Jill’s heart filled with relief, for the lives of one man she cherished, and one man she couldn’t afford to lose. Laying her hand on Cecco’s arm, she raised up on tiptoe to kiss him, another man she prized. Yulunga’s knock sounded, and the captain broke away to answer.

“Enter.”

“Cook sent up your dinner, Sir.” Yulunga closed the door behind him and moved to the dining table. He set down the tray and removed the cloth, releasing the aroma of a savory stew. He presented the parchment to the captain. “And Mr. Starkey has delivered a letter from
L’Ormonde
.”

Cecco took it. “It is addressed to my lady. Sit down, lovely one.” He assisted Jill to her place at the table and seated himself next to her. The parchment lay where he tossed it, on the polished wood between them. Jill stared at it, reluctant to unsettle the serenity she had only just achieved. Cecco pushed it toward her. “Read it, my Jill. I know you are eager for news of your sons.”

“Thank you, Sir.” She picked it up and unfolded it. Scanning the contents, she didn’t know whether to laugh or to cry. She managed to do neither. Cecco read over her shoulder.

“So our spies are settling in to their duties. But they have found nothing. No evidence of our missing master.” Cecco’s hand stroked Jill’s knee, comforting. “
Bellezza
, I am sorry. It is even as I predicted.”

Jill set the letter on the table, carefully, as if it might shatter at the least jarring, and nudged it as far away as she could reach. “Yes. It is unfortunate. But not unexpected.” Hungry as she was, she sat staring at her plate. Another faint, irrational hope was dying. Hope of Hook.

“Eat now. You must regain your strength.”

“As you say. Sir.”

“And Mr. Yulunga, how did the afternoon pass?”

“All in order, Sir. The Frenchman sails behind us. Neither the Hanovers nor Mr. Smee have left their quarters. But the men are talking.”

Cecco looked up from his meal. “Yes?”

“They are concerned for the lady, Sir. They all saw her. They all know Smee tended to her.”

“Then they know the truth.”

“Aye, Sir.”

Yulunga’s look questioned the lady, but she held her head high as she said, “I see I must make a point of appearing on deck this evening. I am quite well, thanks to your attention, Captain.”

“If this is what it means to minister to patients, I should have become a physician myself.”

Jill smiled, and Yulunga’s laugh rumbled. Cecco’s mood was light. He had been crossed this morning, and nearly tricked into murder. But he’d enjoyed a long afternoon of vigorous love-making, thanks to the doctor’s medicine, and to sweeten even that, his retribution was near. “Tomorrow I will convene my officers to discuss LeCorbeau’s proposal. We will soon be searching for a new surgeon. One who, I am hopeful, will prescribe more conventional treatments.”

Jill brightened, anticipating. “And the exchange, Sir? Tomorrow?”

“We will come to terms tomorrow. But no doubt our doctor will keep hold of his treasure until the very last moment.” Jill’s eyes met Cecco’s. Clearly, they both remembered his threat.
The very last moment
. But Jill read only assurance in Cecco’s gaze. She wondered what he read in her own.

“Jill, my lovely. I see you anticipate his diamonds already. I will settle a high price on the doctor’s freedom. And a higher price on yours.” He smiled, and then he circled his hand around her neck. With his thumb, he massaged her scar. “Do not forget. In the eyes of the surgeon, I must be angry at your supposed betrayal. Ready to be harsh with you.”

“Yes, Sir. And I will do—” Jill heard her voice catch, “my duty.”

Cecco observed her pale features. “You are certain that after the marriage ceremony, you will be able to escape?”

“Yes. I will fly as soon as I have everything I want from the surgeon.”

“Everything. Including your revenge. But I do not like you to wait until
L’Ormonde
is under sail.”

Jill said, “Doctor Hanover will feel at ease by then. He must be completely unprepared when I make my move.”

“I wish I could be there. Not only to protect you, but to witness his devastation. But are you sure you can fly?”

“Yes, Sir. I know I can.” She smiled, and her heart warmed again at his care for her. “I have only to think of you, and of the life we have created together.”

Cecco caught her confidence. “It is good. A surprise Doctor Hanover will never forget! His wife, his angel, winging away.”

“Captain Cecco….Is it too much to ask…?”

His earrings swung as he tilted his head.

“Sir, may I encourage my sons to return to the
Roger?”

Cecco’s gaze cooled.

She said, “They have accomplished what they set out to do.”

“But have they learned their lesson?”

Jill looked away, toward the letter.

“If they approach me, I will listen. Further than this, I will make no promise.”

Yulunga asked, “And what is the plan, Sir, after the lady rejoins us?”

“The lady’s scheme is a wise one. If she delays her departure, we, too, will be well underway, in the opposite direction from LeCorbeau. By the time
L’Ormonde
can come about to chase us, we will be beyond his reach.”