“Some of Thomas’s men came in, one of them fired, hitting me in the arm. Benjamin shot one of them and then fought the other two.” He smiled weakly. “The young lad sure can fight, Alaric taught him well.”

  Catherine swallowed the lump forming in her throat. She sniffled and wiped away the fresh tears that began to flow again. Attempting to focus on fixing up Doc’s injuring but her vision blurred from the tears. She felt Lucas put his arm around her shoulders again.

  “What’s wrong?” Doc asked, concern spreading across his face.

  “It’s Benjamin, he…” Lucas sighed, looking away. “He didn’t make it, Doc.”

  Doc shot up from the table, “What do you mean? Where is the lad? I might be able to help. Take me to him.” Doc asked frantically, slightly swaying at the pain and loss of blood.

  “I’m sorry, Doc. There isn’t anything anyone can do. He fell over the railing.” Lucas’s voice was barely a whisper.

  Doc slowly sat back down, staring at the floor, shaking his head. “Alaric?”

  Lucas nodded. “He knows, he has a cut on his arm he needs stitched, but I don’t think he feels that right about now.”

  Doc nodded, “I imagine not. Catherine, you will need to remove the ball from my arm, afterwards, please check over the men again. I will see to Alaric.”

  “No, I can sew myself up.” Alaric’s loud, angry voice filled the cabin. Catherine did not know how long he had been standing there. “Give me a needle and thread.” He said, rummaging through the medical supplies, a bottle of whiskey in his hand.

  Catherine looked at Lucas, he nodded. She walked over to a bowl with bandages and a needle and thread in it. She handed it to Alaric who refused to look at her. He turned and walked out the hatch without another word.

  “He will be alright. He just needs a bit of time. Let’s get the musket shot out of Doc.” Lucas gestured to Doc, who obediently laid down on the table.

  Catherine wiped away the blood gently. Grabbing the hook and scoop from the bowl, she eased them into the wound in his harm. Doc flinched. Catherine bit her lip, trying to find the ball as quickly as possible and get it out.

  “You are doing fine.” Doc breathed out, his eyes closed tight against the pain.

  Catherine felt for the ball and found it. Clapping it between the tools and pulling it out. She dropped it in the bowl and applied more lint to the wound. It had begun seeping blood again, just as Red’s had. After stitching and wrapping it up she slowly assisted Doc in sitting upright.

  “Mighty good job, Miss Catherine. You are a fast learner, good thing too. You will have to be the main surgeon on The Trinity until I am able to use my arm again.” He smiled at her. “Now see to your other patients and then go and get some food and rest.” He ordered her, placing his palm on her cheek.

  “Thank you, Doc.” She blinked back the tears and walked over to Red, checking his leg before moving onto the next sailor. Lucas walked around the room with her, talking to his men and making sure they were comfortable enough.

  “I will be right back; I am going to see if Cook needs anything and see about getting the men some broth.” He gave Catherine a kiss on the forehead and walked out. Catherine busied herself tending to the men, occasionally checking with Doc about different injuries that she was not sure on how to treat.

  One of which was a broken arm. The cannon ball had shattered into the railing, causing a large piece of the wood to fly off and hit one of the sailors. Catherine knew what needed to be done. Doc had showed her several pictures and had gone over the procedure with her. She carefully felt the young man’s arm. He was one of the new recruits on the ship.

  “Alright, Joseph. I am going to feel around a bit. I need to feel exactly where the bone is broke. Then I will ask one of the other men to help me as I realign the bone. Here take a long drink of this.” She handed him a bottle of rum that was being passed around. Joseph did as he was told and took several gulps from the bottle.

  Slowly, she ran her fingers down his arm, starting at the elbow. She was almost to the wrist when she felt a bit of give in the arm. It felt different from that same spot on his other arm. Joseph, who was only a few years older than her, winced. He was also from Ireland, not far from where Lucas and Alaric had grown up. Unlike them, Joseph’s hair was not dark, it was an incredible shade of orange and red. Catherine had never seen hair so bright in her life and had been shocked the first time she saw him on the ship.

  Catherine went over to Doc and clarified with him what needed to be done. Doc got up and walked over to Joseph. “Henry, go on and hold him steady, if you can.” Doc instructed. Henry had been one of the more fortunate sailors that had been knocked unconscious during the battle and other than a nasty bump on his head. He was just about ready to get up and go about fixing the ship.

  “Aye, Doc.” He strode over to Joseph, wrapping his arms around the younger man. He nodded when he was ready.

  “Mind you, you need to keep him as steady as possible. Miss Catherine is going to steadily pull the arm until the pieces are back in place.” Through his spectacles, he peered down at the two men in front of them. “Miss Catherine, grab hold of his arm and slowly pull, you will likely need to pull rather hard in order to reposition the bones.”

  Sweat forming on her forehead and lips, Catherine did as she was told. The sailor let out a low moan. The moment the bones lined up, she stood up straight and firmly wrapped the bandage around the arm and the wood that Doc said would assist in keeping the arm straight while the bone mended.

  “There you go. you will be as good as new before you know it.” Catherine smiled at Joseph who was slowly regaining color. He took another drink of rum and thanked Catherine.

  “Well, I think that does it. I will go and see how the Captain is doing and where that broth is.” She told Doc, untying the big apron and laying it in a bucket to be washed later.

  Catherine entered the galley and looked about the room. “Cook, where is the Captain? He mentioned the crew might like some broth. Would you like me to make it?” Exhaustion was creeping over Catherine but she was not ready to sit and think about all that had happened. She wanted to keep her hands and her mind busy.

  “No, Miss Catherine. I have the broth all done and steaming over in the pot.” He pointed to a large pot on the other side of the room. “The Captain came in, asked for the broth, but I have no seen him since.” He turned from what he was doing and looked at her. “Are you doing alright, Mademoiselle? Today must have been quite a shock.” His voice was gentle. He went and ladled a large helping from the pot into a bowl. He handed it to her and gestured for her to sit.

  She let out a breath and reluctantly sat. “Yes, it was. Though, I am not sure it has all quite sunk in yet.”

  “That is to be expected. From what I hear, you did a mighty fine job and many of the crew owe you their lives.” He turned his back to her again and continued doing his usual Cook duties.

  Silently, she quietly sipped the broth. The warm liquid filling her empty stomach, warming her entire body and relaxing the muscles that ached from bending over patient after patient. Draining the last of the broth in her bowl, she rested her head against the wall behind her, still holding onto the wooden bowl. Her mind slowly began replaying the events of the last few days. Her arms and legs now felt as heavy as the cannon balls that had ripped unforgivingly through the ship. Her face felt swollen from crying and she knew she must look an absolute mess.

  At some point she had found a string that she had used to tie her hair back with so it would not continue to spill in her face while she fixed up the patients, but it had come loose when Thomas had grabbed her. She shuttered at the thought of the man. Her heart ached at the memory of Benjamin looking at her in shock and confusion before he fell over the railing.

  “Catherine. Catherine, it’s alright. It’s over.” She woke slightly, feeling a strong body next to her. She rolled over and laid her head on Lucas’s chest, he pulled her closer. “Try to get some more sleep. The Trinity is repaired enough for us to continue to France. It will be a while still before we arrive.” His voice was low and gentle. Catherine felt her eyes closing again as her breathing relaxed once more.

  Catherine rolled over, her arm feeling the bed next to her for the Captain. Opening her eyes, the spot next to her was empty. The Captain was gone. The light streamed in through the small window behind the Captain’s desk, she was not sure how long she had slept. She slid the covers of the bed back and stood. The last thing she had remembered was sipping the broth in the galley, then waking and feeling Lucas next to her in the bed. Had she imagined it?

  She walked over to the bowl, pouring some water into it from the pitcher. The water was cool and refreshing against her skin. She was finishing up when the hatch opened. Lucas came in carrying a tray of food, her stomach gave an unbecoming growl. She put her hand over her belly to quiet it.

  Lucas chuckled and beckoned her. “Did you sleep well?” He asked, his eyes twinkling as the flush spread across her face at the memory of laying in bed with him.

  “Yes, thank you.” She looked down at the food, picking up a bit of cheese and popping it in her mouth. “How long was I asleep for?”

  “Almost two days.” He chuckled. “Don’t worry, you needed the rest and you certainly deserved it. The crew says you are just as good as Doc, only far easier on the eyes.” He winked at her, causing the color to rise in her cheeks again.

  Catherine ate. “Are we near France, now?” She asked, trying to steer the conversation in a different direction.

  Lucas’ grin broadened. “Aye, the wind is with us and we are making good time. It won’t be too long now.”

  “That’s good.” She looked up at him, her fingers picking at a biscuit. “What will happen with Monsieur Dupont? We can’t very well attempt the same trick we tried with Thomas.”

  “I agree,” he nodded, taking a bite of fruit. He sat forward, resting his arms on the desk. “We will figure something out.” Catherine could not hide the smile forming on her lips. “What is it?” He asked.

  “You said, we, will figure it out.” Catherine felt her heart swell.

  “Well, you have already proven you can come up with a fair plan. Besides, I could use your help and I quite enjoy your company.” He stood and walked around the table. He reached for her hand and she stood, looking up at him. He bent his head down, pausing before touching his lips to hers.

  “You had best finish your meal,” he nodded to the tray on the table. His hands still on her back. “The men will need help changing their bandages and Doc can’t do much of any of it yet.” He ran a finger along her cheek, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. “I need to go on deck and make sure we are staying on course. I will come to the surgery after a while and see how you are fairing.”

  “Alright,” She was actually looking forward to working in the surgery again and helping Doc. She was also excited about finally reaching France and hoped they would be able to convince Monsieur Dupont to not take the plantation. As Lucas headed for the Quarter deck, she took a few more quick bites before picking the tray up and taking it to the galley.

  “Cook, I wanted to thank you for the broth the other day and apologize for falling asleep in the galley.” She still could not believe she had allowed herself to drift off like that.

  “No need to apologize, Miss Catherine. I hope you were able to get a bit of rest. You will need all your energy to be able to tend to the crew and will want to be well rested for when we reach France.” He took the tray from her and sat it on the table.

  “Thank you,” She smiled at him and headed for the surgery.

  It did not take her long to change the bandages and check the injuries. All looked good and only one or two of the men had slight fevers, nothing too concerning. When she had finished, she realized she had not seen Alaric. She had forgotten to ask Lucas how he was doing. “Doc, have you seen Alaric today? I meant to talk to Lucas about him and see how he was holding up and if his arm is alright but I forgot to ask.”

  “No, I have not seen him. I am worried about him too. The lad meant a great deal to him, to all of us.” Doc’s voice cracked. “Alaric was the only father the lad truly knew.”

  “I know, Benjamin had told me his story.” She replied softly. “I will go see if I can find him and see if he needs anything. Alaric helped me when the Captain was taken. He included me in the plans and did what he could to make me feel better about the situation. I owe it to him to help him now.” Catherine said, grabbing fresh bandages and vinegar water to rinse Alaric’s cut.

  Catherine walked through the companionways, looking for any sign of Alaric. She had gone above deck to see if he was up there, but no one had seemed to have seen him since the other day. Catherine continued weaving through the different cabins and storage areas.

  There was a shuffle in the corner of one of the cabins that held netting and other items. Catherine had passed it but had not seen anyone in it. She went back to the small cabin and peered in. It was dark and she could barely make out the figure that lay on a bunched-up pile of nets. Catherine slowly walked in, “Alaric, is that you?” She asked quietly. “I brought some things to clean your arm up with.”

  “I don’t need it.” He replied gruffly. “I can tend to my own injuries.”

  “I am sure you can but sometimes it is nice to let someone help you.” She coaxed, walking in the cabin. He snorted with impatience. As she neared, he looked flushed and out of sorts. She was not sure how much of it had to do with the drink or his injury. There were several empty bottles laying around him. She knelt beside him and placed a hand to his forehead.

  He jerked away, “Leave me be.”

  “I will do no such thing. You are burning up with fever. I have to get you to the surgery.” She said sternly.

  “I rather stay here, if you don’t mind.” He snarled.

  “Actually, I do mind. I owe it to you to help you and you are making it rather difficult.” She sat back on her heels and let out a slow breath. “Benjamin was my friend, and he saved my life. I know you loved him a great deal. He loved you too. He looked up to you. I imagine you knew him far better than me, but one thing I do know is that he would not want you laying down here and dying of a fever from a measly little cut on your arm.”

  Her voice rose as she spoke, trying to hide the emotion in her voice. “You helped me find my courage once, let me help you now.” She put her hand on his shoulder but he refused to look at her. Gently, she tugged on his elbow and he stood with her. They walked in silence back towards the surgery.

  Once through the hatch she led him to a hammock, which he mutely sat in. His cut was not wrapped and the stitching was done surprising well for him having done it himself. Catherine carefully washed up his arm and wrapped it up. She grabbed a jar with several different herbs that when made into a tea could help fight off the fever. Doc had explained the different herbs, but she could not remember what two of them were called.

  “I am going to have you drink this, it will help with the fever and the pain. It has yarrow and willow bark in it.” She explained, though she was not sure if he was listening. She reached for the metal pot that had heated water in it and poured it into a wooden cup. When she handed it to Alaric, he obediently took a long drink of it.

  “Thank you, Catherine.”

  Catherine was relieved. Lucas would be glad to hear his friend was doing better and was resting. “I will be back. I am going to check on the others.” She went to see to her other patients.

  “Looks like the other two men have been able to fight off the fevers. We will have to watch Alaric closely for the next few days but I think he will pull through.” Catherine whispered to Doc.

  “Yes, I believe he just might. I am not sure what you said to him to get him to listen but well done. The Captain will be very relieved to see him doing well.”

  “I will go tell him now.” She said, turning to leave. She reached for the hatch as Lucas opened it.

  “Where are you off to?” He asked.

  “To find you actually.” Catherine replied, her hands on her hips.

  He chuckled. “Is that so? Why’s that?”

  “I thought you would like to know that Alaric is doing better. I convinced him to let me help him. He’s over there, sleeping in the hammock.” Catherine whispered, not wanting to wake Alaric or the other resting men.

  Lucas looked from her to the hammock and then to Doc who nodded to him. “Thank you, Catherine. For everything you have done, truly.” He reached for her hand and squeezed it.

  A heaviness lifted from Lucas’s chest when Doc and Catherine told him that Alaric was on the mend. Alaric had never been so broken before and he had no idea how to help him. Lucas had gone down and tried to find him, but did not have as much luck as Catherine did.

  It did make him feel better that Alaric had accepted help and not hiding away in the ship somewhere, drinking himself to death. Lucas had a tough time himself, trying to find a way to go back and change what happened. He had been there when Alaric took Benjamin in and had watch as they grew closer. He enjoyed having Benjamin on his ship, watching him grow, learn and become a very skillful sailor. Benjamin had loved sailing and felt completely at ease on the ship. Lucas would never forget the first time Alaric had allowed him to sail with them. The boy’s excitement was evident.

  “Why don’t you come above deck with me. Fresh air will do you good and you will be able to see France.” Lucas coaxed Catherine. A break would do wonders for her. He also was not sure what he would say to Alaric if he woke and was not sure he was prepared to face what had happened yet.

  “Sounds wonderful,” She replied hesitantly, looking back around the room at the resting patients. Many of the sailors had recovered and were already back at work. Even Lucas’s cut from the sword did not cause him much pain anymore.

 

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