Rogue Wave (The Rogue Wave Series Book 1), page 19
Stepping out of the tub, she reached for a thin cloth that lay neatly folded on a stool. Catherine patted herself dry and undid the bag she made out of old sails which held the dress, brooch, and undergarments that Lucas had purchased her. She pulled out the soft, white shift. As much as she had enjoyed the freedom of the scratchy breeches and the loose white shirt, she found herself excited to be able to wear a soft and delicate shift again.
Grabbing the brush off the table with a mirror on it, she tried to loosen the horrid knots that had developed from the ever going breeze on the ship. Robin had to have put them there for her and she made a note in her head to thank the kind woman.
Catherine sat the brush down, it had taken far longer than it had in the past to brush out her hair. There were more tangles and knots then she had realized. There was a knock on the door. She quickly ran over to the bed and grabbed the small quilt off of it and draped it across her shoulders like a shawl.
“It’s me, Catherine.” Lucas said quietly from the other side.
She opened the door, bidding him entrance before someone could see her in her shift. She had grown used to the thick breeches and now felt far more vulnerable in the thin material.
“I am sorry to disturb you,” He said, running a hand over his face. “I just wanted to check on you and make sure you were alright. I know you should be quite safe in here, but I was uneasy about the men that are coming in, now that it is growing late.” He stepped closer, putting a hand under her arm. “Are you doing alright?”
Catherine swallowed, “Yes, thank you. I will be just fine.” She was sure he could hear her pounding heart. She looked down at her hands, they were pulling at the fabric of the quilt. She looked back up at him, her eyes pausing briefly on his lips.
“I will be next door if you need anything.” He said, lifting his hand and gently touching her face. “I’ll see you in the morning.”
Mutely, she simply nodded, unable to take her eyes from him as he exited her room. Trying to calm her nerves, she let out a slow breath and put her hand to her stomach. The open window beckoned her, so she sat, looking out on the street and surroundings. Occasionally someone would pass by or stumble out of the inn roaring with laugher and hobble down the street trying to keep their footing.
It reminded her of the night the crew had enjoyed themselves when her father and Captain Lester dined on The Trinity. As she watched people pass by, enjoying the cool night air, she could hardly believe all that had happened thus far and that she was standing at the window of an inn in France.
Sunlight streamed lazily through the window waking her up. She threw the covers back and got out of bed just as there was a small tap on the door, “Miss Catherine, are you up?” Madame Merle’s cheerful voice filtered through the wooden door.
“Oh, yes, please come in.” Catherine said, glad to see the lively woman again.
“I thought you might need a bit of help with your dress and hair. Would you mind if I assisted you?” She asked guiding Catherine to the stool in front of the small table that held the brush, mirror and a few pins.
“Not at all. I would be glad of the help,” Catherine beamed.
Catherine and Madame Robin chatted as she skillfully did Catherine’s long hair, pinning it up in the proper French fashion. Catherine slid into the dress and was surprised at just how well it fit her. She ran her hands over the delicate material.
“Belle!” Madame Robin exclaimed, “You will have all the heads turning. Captain Harding might just find himself in another duel or two.” The woman laughed, “If you are all set, my dear, let us go downstairs and I will get you a bite to eat.”
“Just one last thing,” Catherine quickly pinned the brooch to her dress. “There,” beaming, Catherine followed Madame Robin down the stairs. Lucas and Alaric stood when they saw her. Alaric grinned and slapped Lucas on back, before sitting back down to watch the scene unfold in front of him. Catherine was suddenly feeling far more self-conscious then she ever had before. She touched her hair then dropped her hand back down. Alaric coughed loudly, bringing Lucas back to his senses.
“Catherine, I, uh, you,” he stepped over to her. “You look breathtaking,” he whispered, his voice low and deep. “I am glad to see that it fits you,” His eyes caught site of the pendant, a pleased look on his face, “You wore the brooch.” He said, his voice holding something Catherine could not quite explain.
“Of course I did,” She said, running her fingers gently over it.
“Come now, your food will not last long if you just stand there gaping at her.” Madame Robin exclaimed as she strode through the back door with another plate of food. Lucas smiled politely and gestured for Catherine to take the seat next to him. “Ah, I almost forgot. This came for you this morning, Captain.” Madame Robin said, digging into the folds of her gown and pulling out a small white paper with a red seal on it.
“Thank you,” he took it from her and glanced at Alaric. “It’s from the Duke,” he bent the letter ever so slightly, causing the seal to break in half and allowing the letter to be opened. Lucas scanned the paper and grinned. “Fantastic, he is at his estate and asks that we join him and his wife at their place, the Hôtel Delaunay, for the remainder of our time in France.”
“I will ask to have our things taken over there,” Alaric said, wiping his face with a soft, orange napkin. He placed it back on the table and stood. “I have some things I would like to do, afterwards I will meet you at the Duke’s,” he told Lucas. Turning to Catherine, he grinned, “you look absolutely stunning.” Catherine’s face flamed at the compliment. They watched him walk over to Madame Robin, no doubt saying his good-byes and asking her to have their things sent over to the Duke’s estate.
“We best get going as well, we have a few things to do ourselves today.” Lucas stood, pulling her chair out for her. He led her over to Madame Merle. Though they had only just met, Catherine liked the friendly woman a great deal. She hugged Catherine and sniffled.
“I would greatly enjoy hearing from you. Please write me.” Madame Robin dabbed her eyes and sniffed again. “You make sure that rogue of a Captain takes good care of you.” She said, shifting her gaze to Lucas and patting his cheek.
“Thank you for all you have done. I would be honored to send you a letter as soon as I reach Barbados again.” Catherine smiled, squeezing Madame Robin’s hand.
“It was very good to see you again. Thank you, you take care,” Lucas gave the woman a quick hug.
Catherine and Lucas wound their way between buildings and through the city. Catherine could not get over the huge structures and numerous, colorful shops. People weaved in and out of the shops, women dressed in silks and satin gowns with various styles of hats, chatting as they strolled down the stone streets. Others tended to stalls that sold baskets, food, and less expensive cloth.
“Madame Merle speaks very good English. Has she lived in France all her life?” She asked, looking up at Lucas. Her hand resting snuggly in his arm.
“Very observant of you, Miss Catherine,” Lucas held in a laugh. “Her father was French but her mother was from Scotland. As far as I know, she did grow up in France, but she was close with her mother. They ran the inn for many years together.”
“I see,” Catherine replied. “I enjoyed her company. I believe she is one of the friendliest people I have ever met.”
Lucas laughed, “That she is. I think you will enjoy our friend, the Duke of Choiseul. I am sure you will get along with his wife as well. She is a kind woman. They will most likely be having a dinner party tonight and after talking to the Duke we will see where to find Monsieur Dupont.” He explained, steering her into a dress shop with a lavish gown of reds and golds in the window.
Catherine looked about the shop, she had never been in a place like it before. There were a few dress makers in the West Indies, but nothing quite so stunning. Fabrics of all kinds and colors were stacked on the back wall. An open book stood on a tall table, showing various designs and cuts.
“Comment puis-je t’aider, Madame?” A lady came forward from behind the long counter. She had been hidden behind a stack of velvet material.
Before Catherine could speak a word, Lucas spoke up, “Good morning, this is Lady Treadfast,” the corner of his mouth twitched. “She is here to purchase a couple new gowns.” Catherine began to speak up to protest but Lucas continued, “Please have the gowns ready as soon as you can and have them and the bill sent to Hôtel Delaunay, we will be staying there.” Lucas looked down at Catherine and winked, “I will explain later. In the meantime, choose anything you like,” he whispered. “I will be just outside. Take your time.”
“I am Madame Bette, please come in and tell me what style of gown you like. Then we will have a look at the fabrics.” The woman wore a pale green gown with a bright yellow ribbon laced around her slender neck. She curtsied to Catherine and quickly led her to the open book. Catherine felt bad about Lucas buying her new gowns but also knew that if they were to be in company of the Duke and his wife as well as Monsieur Dupont then she needed a new gown or two.
The next couple hours Catherine and Madame Bette went over several styles, designs and colors of the latest fashion. They eventually decided on two new dresses. “I will have them to you by tomorrow morning, Lady Treadfast.” She curtsied again and rushed into the back room with a bundle of fabrics in her arms.
“I do not know how to thank you. You have been so kind to me, and I have given you nothing in return.” She had walked out the store to find Lucas standing against the wall of the store. He had his knife out and was chipping away at a stick. “I came on board your ship and lied to you from the start, pretending to be a young boy, instead of a Baron’s daughter.” Catherine spoke faster, letting the words spill from her lips. She stared down at her feet.
“Catherine,” he began, putting his knife away and tossing the stick to the ground. He stood on a small space of grass. Catherine noticed that many of the stores on the street had patches of grass or trees around them. “I will be the first to admit, you have been far different than any sailor I have ever had sign onto my ship. You disobeyed my orders during the storm and not only could it have cost you your very life but the life of others that might have tried to save you.” He drew her closer to him.
“You have also saved the lives of my crew, including my best friend, not to mention my own. You came up with the plan and rescued me from Thomas’s brig and gave my crew the time we needed to defeat him. Catherine, you are worth far more than a couple new gowns.” He wiped the tear away that began to roll down her face. “We need to head over to the Duke’s. I will hire us a carriage.” He said, guiding her into a street and over to an awaiting carriage.
The man jumped down from his place behind the carriage and quickly opened the door for them. “To the Hôtel Delaunay, please.” Lucas told the driver as they were seated.
“I almost forgot. Why did you say my name was Treadfast?” She asked.
“Ah. It is to protect your reputation as best I can.” He grinned, “I do not want word getting out that you are the daughter of the Baron who owns the land Monsieur Dupont is trying to take. If he were to find out that you are not only here with me but will also be attending the parties where I will speak with him about your father’s plantation, it will appear that your father hired me to convince the Marquis not to purchase the plantation. It could also cause quite a stir for your father. So, while we are among the Lords and Ladies of France, you will be Lady Treadfast from England.” He smiled and rested his head against the red velvet seat.
“Alright, I can do that. After all I was a Treadfast for several weeks before. It could be exciting being Lady Treadfast this time.” Lucas chuckled. Catherine’s eyes filled with excitement. “Why did you tell Madame Merle who I was but not Madame Bette, neither of them are French royalty?”
“Because I know your name is quite safe with Madame Robin. She will not say a word. The French Lords and Ladies have not been known to frequent inns and will not suspect we stayed there. Madame Bette, on the other hand is a well-known and much liked dress maker of the Ladies here. The chance she might say something to one of them, if asked, is far greater.” Lucas said.
“I see. You have thought of everything,” Catherine marveled. The carriage slowly came to a stop in a large courtyard. Catherine looked out the small window and up at a large and grand estate. The door opened and a footman grabbed a small block from below the seat, placing it on the ground before holding out a hand to assist Catherine down from the carriage.
“Captain Harding, it is good to see you again. When I received your letter that you were in France I was overjoyed.” A slender man with a round face and a friendly smile came out of the door of the estate. He wore the typical wig that most of the Lords wore. Her father wore one on occasion but had said that they were never that comfortable and preferred not to wear one if he did not have to.
“Monsieur Choiseul,” Lucas said, stepping out of the carriage, his arms open wide. “It is great to be here again.” He looked at the woman that stood behind the Duke. “Madame Choiseul,” he bowed and kissed her hand gently. “Thank you for hosting us for the time we will be in France. I would like you to meet a friend of mine, Lady Treatfast.” Lucas said, turning slightly away from Madame Choiseul and holding a handout to Catherine.
She smiled politely and stepped up to Lucas. She curtsied, “It is a pleasure to meet you, Madame Choiseul.”
Madame Choiseul took her hands. “The pleasure is mine. And please, call me Louise.” She laced her arm around Catherine’s and led her into the large house. Catherine looked over her shoulder to see if Lucas was following. He nodded to her, following with Monsieur Choiseul close behind them.
“I will show you what room you can stay in while you are here, then you can relax for a while before everyone joins us. We are having a dinner party tonight, so you arrived just in time.” She said, patting Catherine’s hand and leading her up the staircase and to a large room, about the size of her own back in Barbados. She spotted a shelf lined with books. “I hope it is to your liking, Lady Treadfast.” Louise said, watching Catherine closely.
“It is absolutely wonderful.” She walked over to the books, running her fingers along them.
“Captain Harding told my husband that you enjoy reading, so I had a few extra books put in the room.” She said, walking over to Catherine and looking at the books on the shelf.
Catherine turned to Louise, curious. “Captain Harding told the Duke that I enjoy reading?”
Louise laughed. “He did, in the letter he wrote to my husband, telling him he was in France and that Mr. Stein and a lady would be accompanying him.”
Catherine wondered just how much Lucas had told his friends and how much she should reveal. “Mr. Stein?” She asked.
“Yes, Captain Harding’s first mate, Alaric Stein.”
Catherine blinked, it occurred to her she had only known the man by his first name. “Oh, of course. I am sorry.” She let out a little laugh. “It was very kind of you to have the books brought in and please, call me Catherine.” She squeezed Louise’s hand.
“Very well, I will let you get some rest. You much be exhausted from such a long and eventful voyage.” She turned to leave, looking over her shoulder, a single long curl swayed on her shoulder. “I will have Madeleine, one of the maids, attend to you. She will see to it that you are ready for the party.” She curtsied as she closed the door behind her.
Catherine had grown so accustomed to the confining spaces of the ship that she hardly knew what to make of the spacious room. The green walls resembled the leaves on the rose bushes her mother had loved so much. A yellow arm bench sat under a window against the back wall. Overwhelmed by Lucas’s thoughtfulness, she grabbed a dark red book from the shelf, clutching it to her chest and went to sit down on the bench.
She missed her father, Emma and their plantation and could not wait to see them again. As much as she wanted to be back at the plantation, she knew that that would mean the end of her voyage. Lucas would leave once again on The Trinity and she would be left to marry Lord Anderson. Once they arrived in the West Indies, she would have to say good-bye to Lucas and the thought of that tore at her.
She wiped away a tear. She had made a promise to her father. She had told him in the letter she had left him, that once she returned she would marry Lord Anderson. It would not be right to break her promise to her father, especially with all that she had put him through these last few months. She guessed that by now he had received a letter from their butler and was likely searching for her.
There was a knock at the door, “Come in,” Catherine said, placing the book on the bench and standing up.
A small young woman came in, probably about the same age as Catherine though a few inches shorter. Her hair was pinned up underneath a white cap and she carried several white boxes. She curtsied, “I am Madeleine, I am here to get you ready for the dinner party. Your new gowns just arrived, I thought perhaps you might like to wear one of them tonight.” She said, her voice soft and thick with a French accent.
“Oh, wonderful,” Catherine exclaimed, going over to the girl, and opening the box on top. “It is lovely. Come, let us lay them out and you can help me decide which one will be best for this evening.”
Catherine examined the two gowns Madeleine obediently laid out. One, a midnight blue and made from the smoothest satin. A large bow of the same color sat just at the edge of the dress where it ran along the chest. The other was of a similar material but a yellow this time. The yellow satin parted as it ran down the dress, exposing a cream skirt decorated with small flowers that had been tediously sewn into the fabric. She could not help but wonder what the Captain would think of the new gowns.
Catherine walked into the room, people were gathered in small groups, engrossed in conversations and sipping on the wine that was being passed around in clear glasses. She searched the room, hoping to find a familiar face. Unsure of herself, she ran her hands along the new, blue dress.
