Rogue Wave (The Rogue Wave Series Book 1), page 21
“Father, I am sorry that I frightened you. I know our butler must have sent you a letter by now explaining my disappearance.” She sighed, turning from the window, and watching her father’s reaction. He sat back in the chair, opposite of Lucas who sat quietly, allowing her to begin her story.
“I left some letters in my room, I knew Emma would see them. I wanted all of you to know the reasons I left and that I have had all intentions of returning.” She stepped around the desk and walked to the middle of the cabin, unsure of how to begin.
“I was desperate to get out, Father. To see more of the world. I had asked you if I could join you on your voyages many times and I was never allowed to accompany you.” Emotions stirred in her. “Then you promised me to Lord Anderson and I got very upset and knew if I was going to have a chance of seeing other places like the ones in my books, then I had to leave before my marriage to Lord Anderson. I needed a chance to find myself. I dressed as Allen, our stable boy so I would not be recognized and made my way down to the docks where I intended to board a passenger ship.”
She let out a small laugh, “I wanted an adventure, father and a chance to find out who I really am. Mistakenly boarding The Trinity was the best thing that could have happened. I have met incredible people and made friends that I will never forget,” She said, meeting Lucas’s eyes for the first time. “I have learned more about sailing then I thought I ever would, I was splashed by whales, seen breathtaking islands and waterfalls. I helped sail through a storm, and ate iguana on the beach,” she did make sure to leave out a few details, unsure of how her father would take them at the moment.
“I learned a lot of new skills from Cook and Doc. Father, I learned how to mend injures and take care of people that are wounded. Think of how many times one of the plantation workers cut themselves or came down with fever, I could help them now, Father.” She knelt beside him, her hands resting on his arm. “All of this that I have learned, discovered and seen was all because of Captain Harding and the rest of the crew on The Trinity.” Exhaling, she awaited her father’s response, which turned from shock to anger, disbelief, fear and even a glimmer of pride.
He looked down and his hands, shaking his head. “I never received a letter. I sent a few though, letting the household and you,” he pointed to her, “know that I was alright.” He ran a hand over his face. “But I did not know where I was headed to next. I have had a lot of business to attend to this trip, far more than previous times.” Suddenly, he stood up, the color in his face rising slightly. “How dare you disobey me? How dare you go behind me, lying to me. Promising me you would be at the estate, planning your wedding when you were really planning your escape.” His voice rose with each word.
Tears slipped down Catherine’s cheeks, shaking with anger, frustration, and hurt. “How dare I? How dare I? Father! I am not the only one here who has been hiding the truth or who has been pretending. Even now you won’t speak the truth. You say you are here on business. Does that business have anything to do with you finding a partner for the plantation? You lied to me and pretended everything was fine, for years.” She dropped her shoulders, “so how dare I.” She turned away for a moment, attempting to compose herself.
She turned to face her father again who was staring accusingly at Lucas. Lucas stood, his fists resting on the top of his desk. His eyes were grey and no longer the stunning blue that they had been earlier. He held the Baron’s hard gaze. “Do not forget who’s ship you are on, Sir.” He hesitated, “As for the information about your plantation, I did not say a word to her. She found out on her own. She was dressed as a young lad while she was aboard my ship. Do you recall a cabin boy, pouring our drinks and serving our food that night you dined on my ship?”
Her father took a step back as if he had been struck. His brow furrowed and he looked from Lucas to Catherine. “I did not even recognize my own daughter.” He scratched his face, pain and confusion clear in his eyes.
Catherine took a step closer to him, resting a hand on his shoulder. “You did not expect I would be dressed as a lad and on board a privateer ship. So you did not think to look for me, therefore did not truly see me.”
Her voice was softer now, “The Captain is right, I heard you speaking of the plantation that night. Sometime later the Captain found out I was indeed a woman and not a small lad and sometime still after that, he found out who my father is. Father, please,” She urged. “There is more we need to discuss and so much more I need to tell you but we need to make it quick.” Her father and Lucas both looked at her taken aback. “The Captain and I are due at a dinner party tonight and I do not wish to be late.” She said, shrugging her shoulders slightly.
The next hour was spent filling her father in on their plans with the Marquis and all that they knew as well as most everything that had happened while she was aboard The Trinity.
They left the ship and headed for the coach, “Lord Benedict, if it is alright with you, I will come and see you early in the morning. If all goes right this evening, I hope to be sailing back to the West Indies tomorrow, but before I do, I would like to speak with you and let you know what happens with the Marquis.” Catherine watched Lucas bow to her father, then wait for her at the edge of the coach.
“I am overjoyed seeing you again, Father. I have missed you very much. I am sorry I lied to you and I am glad I have been able to explain everything to you. We will see you in the morning.” She placed a kiss on her father’s cheek and wrapped her arms around him.
“I am too, my dear. You go, enjoy your evening and let us pray the Captain can talk some sense into Monsieur Dupont.” Her father allowed her to climb into the coach. Catherine was relieved that her father had not disagreed with her going with Lucas to the dinner that evening. She had desperately worried that he would have been so furious at her actions that he would have immediately taken her back to Barbados. At some point in their discussion, he must have realized that Lucas and her going to the dinner party was his last hope for saving the plantation. Though it would not save it completely, it would only buy him time to try and find a partner.
Catherine and Louise walked down the long staircase together. Despite it being such an important night, Catherine could hardly control her excitement at going to another dinner party. She thought it funny how she had grown so tired of the ones back home, but now looked forward to going to another.
“We will meet you there, Catherine.” Louise said cheerfully as she climbed into one of the coaches as Catherine climbed into the other, with Lucas and Alaric.
They arrived at Monsieur Fontaine’s estate. It was not quite as large as Duc de Choiseul’s, though there was no doubting it’s grandeur. Lucas squeezed Catherine’s hand as he helped her out of the coach. She looked up at him, the importance of the evening suddenly weighing heavily on her nerves.
“Try not to worry. We have it all in hand.” Lucas whispered in her ear. “And in the morning, with luck, we will be sailing back to Barbados.” He smiled at her, causing her heart to do a little turn.
They followed a line of people into a room that was already near full. A man stood smartly at the entrance, announcing each new person or couple that arrived. “Ah, see that man over there?” The Duke pointed to a man standing in a circle of guests. He was drinking a glass of wine while he nodded along with something one of the other guests was saying. “That is Monsieur Dupont,” the Duke nodded in the man’s direction.
Catherine saw Lucas and Alaric exchange glances before the Duke took them over to be introduced. Louise guided Catherine over to meet a few women she had not had the opportunity of meeting the evening before. She curtsied as she was introduced to them. She glanced over her shoulder to see what Monsieur Dupont’s reaction was upon meeting Lucas, but she could no longer see the men through the crowd of guests. She returned her attention to the Ladies until it was time to be seated. When she sat in her assigned seat, she was directly opposite of Lucas, which made her feel a bit more comfortable. One of the men that sat next to her was a Monsieur Clery.
“It is Lady Treadfast, is it not?” Catherine looked over to the man who sat to her right. He leaned in closer to her. “It is an honor to make your acquaintance, Lady Treadfast. Unfortunately, I was unable to attend the dinner last evening. I am sorry I missed it. I have heard tell that you became quite the sailor on your voyage to France. Is this true? If so, I would love to hear more about these adventures you have had.” He eyed her with a look that made Catherine feel incredibly exposed.
“That is correct, Monsieur Miller. Lady Treadfast showed great courage and intelligence while aboard my ship.” Lucas spoke up firmly, holding the gaze of the man. “She proved that she is no simpleton and a more capable sailor then many men.”
“Not to mention she saved my life, as well as many others on board.” Alaric added, from further down the table.
“Oh my! That does sound rather heroic and brave. I do not think I could stand being on a ship long at all, certainly not when so many dreadful things can happen.” A woman commented from somewhere along the table.
“There is no doubting Lady Treadfast’s bravery, I heard stories of her adventures while dining at the Duc de Choiseul’s estate yesterday evening.” Added one of the Lords that had sat next to her the previous evening. “Captain Harding, I believe you spend most of your time near and around the West Indies. Would you mind sharing with us what it is like there?” He asked.
“Ah, not much to tell that you have not already heard.” Lucas lifted a hand briefly before setting it down again on the table. “It is very green, the brightest colored flowers and birds you will see anywhere, but it is also hot and the air is often times wet.”
“And what of the sugar plantations? What of the plantation I have been offered by the Governor?” Monsieur Dupont asked, leisurely taking a bite of his food and watching Lucas curiously. Catherine sat up a bit straighter. This was the moment. She switched her gaze to Lucas, unsure of what to do next.
“There are many of them throughout the islands.” He paused, taking a bite of his meal then looking back up the table at the Marquis. “Most of them provide a splendid crop each year. I have visited several of them and am aware of how the best ones are run,” he explained. “As for the one the Governor is offering you, I would not be so sure the fair price he is offering you is worth it.”
“Is that so? Why is that?” The Marquis waved his fork in the air. His grey wig making him look paler and older.
“Simple,” Lucas sat forward in his chair. “It has not produced much of a crop, if any, the last few years. It may be one of the largest plantations on the islands, but it brings in the least amount of profit.” Lucas shrugged, finishing off the last of his meal.
Monsieur Clery scoffed, “You could do far better than an old and useless sugar plantation, Monsieur Dupont. Leave that to the English Lords.” His comment causing a ripple of laughter and agreements along the length of the table.
“I take it, Captain Harding, that you brought the deed with you?” The Marquis asked.
“Yes, I most certainly did.” Lucas replied, not seeming the least bit worried. Catherine felt her stomach turning. She grimaced when she looked at the plate of food. She had hardly been able to taste any of it because of her nerves, but now she had completely lost her appetite.
After dinner, they flowed into a nearby sitting area, though, most of the guests seemed to prefer to stand. Catherine one of them, she did not feel much like sitting still. She had watched Lucas, Alaric and the Marquis go into a separate room. It had nearly been an hour since they went in and she had no idea if the conversation was going in their favor.
“You know for a fact that this plantation has not been proving profitable, then?” The Marquis asked, looking over the deed.
“I do indeed. Many of the English Lords that own sugar plantations in the West Indies do not actually stay at their plantation or even visit. They depend on a manager or a foreman that they trust and know will keep the plantation running as it should. However,” he continued, “these plantations are providing a decent crop, the manager is easily able to keep the plantation running smoothly. With a sugar plantation that is producing little to no crop though, you will have a hard time finding a man that will be willing to take on such a task.” Lucas turned, taking a few steps, looking around the room. “Not to mention, you will be getting nothing in return, you will not likely see any profit for a few more years, if any at all.” Annoyance flickered in the Marquis’ eyes. “The price the Governor is offering the plantation for is not that fair after all. He wants a powerful and rich French Lord on his side, and he is hoping you will be none the wiser when it comes to the plantation. Will you let him play you for a fool? If you purchase this plantation that is exactly what will be happening.” Lucas challenged him.
The Marquis rolled the deed up and handed it back to Lucas. “I will certainly not be played a fool, as you say it, and most certainly not by some measly Governor. He can keep his worthless plantation. Now if you will excuse me.” The Marquis responded, nodding to the two men before turning and leaving them in silence.
“I’d say that went remarkably well.” Alaric said, staring at the door.
“Aye, I’d have to agree.” Lucas tucked the deed safely in the inside pocket of his coat.
“Oh Lucas, I cannot believe you did it,” Catherine beamed. They were in the carriage, headed back to the Duke’s estate. “How will I ever repay you?” Lucas could tell from the sound of her voice she was trying to hold in the emotions that were spilling forward. He wanted nothing more than to pull her into his arms at that moment.
The next morning Lucas got up before the rest of the household. He wanted to meet with the Baron privately. The carriage took him to a small Inn that sat near the docks. It was not as fine at Le Merle but it was not one of the worst Inns either. Lucas walked in, looking about the room. The tables were filled with sailors, waking early to get ready to load or board different ships.
“Ah, Captain Harding, please come sit. I am eager to hear how the evening went.” The Baron sat at a table near the corner of the room. “Where is my daughter?” He asked.
“She is well. I left before the rest of them awoke. Madame Choiseul will see that she is taken care of until I return.” Lucas assured the Baron, taking a seat at the table with him.
“You have taken great care of her, I cannot thank you enough for all you have done for her,” Lord Benedict said. “From the moment I lost my beloved wife, I have feared losing Catherine. That is why I never allowed her to leave the plantation grounds unless she was accompanied by me. I realize now that was too harsh and insensitive of me.” Lord Benedict confessed. “Pray tell, were you able to convince Dupont to not take the plantation?”
Lucas pulled the deed from his pocket, handing it over to its rightful owner. “Tell me, Lord Benedict, why is the plantation doing so poorly? What will it take to get it back to its original state?” Lucas asked, leaning forward on the table.
“I thank you, deeply.” He replied, placing the deed in his pocket and patting it. “I confess, I did not get much rest last night for fear you would not succeed.” He let out a sigh, patting the deed in his pocket again. “In truth, it will take some work to get the plantation doing well again but the fact is, I cannot seem to keep a foreman on for any amount of time and the ones that I have managed to bring on and keep for more than a month or two, have proved to be incompetent and unknowledgeable. If I was able to find a reliable foreman and one that knew the work needed for the plantation, then it could be restored and fairly quickly.”
Lucas nodded, looking around the room as it became more crowded. He looked back at the Baron. “You will also still need a partner, is that correct?”
“Yes, yes, unfortunately, none of it is possible unless I come into money somehow or find a partner willing to fund the plantation until it can fund itself again. I have spent far too much on it already and cannot afford to spend more. I just do not have anything more to put towards it, that is why I would need a partner.” He explained, defeated all over again.
“I see,” Lucas breathed out. “Lord Benedict, I have given it a considerable amount of thought and I would be interested in not only being your partner for the plantation but also taking on the task of foreman,” He sat up straighter. Ever since he heard the Baron speak of his situation and then even more so once he found out just who exactly Catherine was, the thought had budded in his mind. The more time he spent with her the clearer the decision had become. Then when they were speaking with the Duke and Alaric suggested Choiseul be the Baron’s partner, Lucas had realized that Alaric had not been speaking to the Duke at all but instead he was suggesting Lucas take it.
“I can see that you have, Captain Harding. I would be honored to have you as my partner and foreman.” He smiled and reached his hand out to shake Lucas’s.
“One more thing, please do not mention this to Catherine, I would like to tell her myself,” Lucas added.
Lord Benedict sat back in his chair and studied Lucas, “I see that you care for her and her you.” He finally said. “I will not say a word.”
“I do care for her, a great deal. She did tell me of her engagement to Lord Anderson. What will you tell him? He likely called on her while she was gone, and I reckon he has heard by now of her disappearance. Is it likely he will call the wedding off?” Lucas hoped that he would call the wedding off but Catherine’s father being a Baron and owning a large plantation, Lord Anderson may insist to continue on with their plans.
“When we arrive in Barbados I will speak with Catherine. If she truly does not wish to marry Lord Anderson then I will not force her hand. The engagement was never formally announced and can be passed off as simple rumors.” The Baron searched Lucas’s face. “What about you? If she chooses to no longer be engaged to him, will it be you that will be offering after her?” Lord Benedict asked, folding his hands together, atop the table.
