Rogue Wave (The Rogue Wave Series Book 1), page 22
“I have not spoken to Catherine of it. If the engagement is called off, I will ask her then.” Lucas had no doubt that Catherine did not wish to marry Lord Anderson but he was not entirely sure she would wish to marry him either. The thought caused his stomach to tighten uneasily.
Lucas and Lord Benedict spoke for a few moments longer before Lucas headed out to fetch Alaric and Catherine. They bid farewell to the Duke and his wife who had grown quite close with Catherine. They made their way back to The Trinity where the crew was busy finishing loading the ship up with plenty of supplies to make it to Madeira and then continue until they reached Barbados.
“What of my father? You spoke with him this morning. Did he not insist I sail back with him?” Catherine asked Lucas, clearly seeming confused at why Lucas was leading her on board his ship and not her father’s.
“No, he agreed that you will be far safer aboard my ship where I am more equipped to fend off anyone that might try and take the ship. On his merchant ship, there is little protection.” He explained, guiding her up the plank. He saw the surprise and shock in her face. “And do not worry, you will have a chance to say good-bye to him. He is on board right now, in the surgery, speaking with Doc. He wanted to meet him after hearing all the things you have learned from him.” He allowed her to go below to find her father.
Lucas turned to Ol’ Shorty to see how close they were to sailing. He looked around for Alaric as well, seeing if he had made it on board. Normally he would be overseeing the loading and charting of the sailors and goods but today Eddie and Ol’ Shorty were taking care of it. Alaric stood at the railing, looking out at the ocean. Lucas began to approach his friend but was interrupted by Catherine and her father coming back on deck, closely followed by Doc.
“I have sent a letter, letting the butler know you are safe, and we will be heading back to Barbados. Though we will be on separate ships and may not arrive on the same day.” Her father held her arms gently as he spoke, pulling her into one last embrace before parting. “You take care of yourself, my dear.”
“You as well, father. I will see you again in a couple weeks.” She kissed his cheek and stepped back, standing alongside Lucas.
The two men shook hands. “You take good care of my daughter and bring her home safely, Captain.” The Baron commanded, the emotion clear in his voice.
“Have no worries, I will keep her safe, you can be assured of that, though we both know she is capable of looking after herself.” He smiled down at Catherine, feeling pride swell within him, partly towards Catherine and partly towards being trusted with her safety.
“That she can,” the Baron replied, the pride in his voice matching Lucas’s.
Lucas and Catherine watched as her father stepped onto the dock and the plank was pulled back onto the ship. “Aweigh anchor!” Lucas bellowed, his eyes locking onto Alaric’s who still stood at his spot at the railing. Lucas knew there was not much he could say to his friend just then but wanted him to know he knew what was on his mind.
This voyage back was going to be far different than any other, Benjamin had been a part of the ship, more so than any other sailor ever had. He could feel it in the air amongst the crew, they felt the same and it would take time for everyone to adjust, especially Alaric.
“I suppose I should go and see if Doc or Cook need any assistance.” Catherine said, tearing his mind away from his thoughts.
“I suppose you should, Lass.” He grinned and pulled her closer, his lips locking on hers.
Catherine awoke, rolling over to feel the Captain’s warm body near hers. The rhythm of his chest steadily rising and falling, his breathing even and low. Taking the opportunity, she closely examined the muscles of his chest and arms. His shirt draped open lower than usual, the strings that held the front of the shirt together had come undone while he slept, exposing more of his stomach and chest.
“Enjoying what you see, Lass?” He asked in a low, husky whisper. His eyes were still closed, a grin playing on his lips.
Catherine’s face flamed.” And what if I am?” She replied, unsure of what to say next.
Lucas chuckled and rolled over, propping himself up with his arm. There was a knock on the hatch. “What is it?” Lucas asked, loud enough for the man on the other side to hear.
“Capt’n we are readying to anchor. We have reached the island.” It was Joseph, Catherine recognized his accent being much like Lucas and Alaric’s.
“Island? Which Island?” Catherine asked.
“Well now, this island is a favorite of mine. It has the most delicious iguanas and if I recall correctly, a particularly lovely little pond back in the jungle. With water clearer then you will see anywhere else and a waterfall that will take your breath away.” His grin broadened.
“I did not realize we would be stopping here again.” She squealed in excitement, throwing the covers back and leaping out of the bed.
Lucas laughed, “We need fresh water and could use some fresh meat and fruit. I believe I mentioned last time that even if our ship had not needed repairs, we likely would have stopped.” He watched her brush her hair down. Louise had been kind enough to get her a brush before they left.
After several more weeks at sea, they finally arrived back in Barbados. Catherine was thrilled to be back, but dreaded the moment she was to say good-bye to the ship and the crew. Every time she thought of parting with the Captain, whom she had fallen in love with during the journey, it felt as if she was losing a part of herself. She had grown to love sailing, love everything about being on board the ship and had become closer with the crew then she had ever been with anyone else, except for Emma.
“Alaric, I will meet you at the Rusty Anchor in the morning. There is something I want to talk to you about.” Catherine heard Lucas say as he approached her.
“I expect this Emma that you have spoken about so many times is anxious to see you again.” Lucas said, they both stood at the railing waiting to step off the ship.
“I expect she is and I her.” The sadness was evident in her voice. Several minutes later, the plank was slid down. Catherine with her belongings was ready to set foot back on the island she called home. Inhaling deeply, smelling the familiar sent of the sea, fruit, fish and sand.
“Let’s take a carriage to your plantation, after all, I have heard so much about it. Since it nearly cost my crew and myself our lives. I would not miss an opportunity to take a tour of it.” He grinned and helped her into a carriage that sat nearby on the dock. Catherine nodded, she was too afraid to ask how long he would be staying or if she would have a chance to properly say good-bye to the crew.
The carriage jolted and swayed, causing them to bounce around in their seats. She had not realized just how different the carriage rides were on the island, compared to the luxurious ones in France. Eagerly, she waited to see the plantation come into view.
When it finally did, her breath caught, she had never truly looked at it from the gate. It was grand and beautiful and lined with rose bushes. As the carriage turned, pulling up alongside the estate, she wiped away a tear. She felt Lucas watching her and smiled when he gently took her hand and squeezed it. The door of the estate opened and the staff came out to greet her. The door to the carriage opened, Edward, one of the footmen, lowered the stepping block and helped her down. She felt her heart swell at the sight of so many faces she had missed.
“Welcome back Lady Benedict, we all have missed you a great deal.” The butler said, speaking for the entire staff. With all that she had been through she did not see any reason to be formal with the staff. She ran over to the butler and wrapped her arms around him. Tears rolled down her face as she turned to Emma. They embraced, reluctant to let one another go.
“Oh, Miss Catherine, I was so worried. I feared the worst.” Emma whispered, still holding onto Catherine’s hands.
“I am perfectly fine, as you can see.” Catherine sniffed.
“You must be exhausted, come in and let’s get you cleaned up and then I will have some refreshments brought to you,” Emma instructed.
“Thank you,” Catherine smiled. “Has my father arrived yet?” She asked, turning to the butler.
“No Miss, not yet, but I am sure he will arrive in a day or two.” The butler turned to Lucas, “You must be Captain Lucas Harding.” He bowed to Lucas, “It is a pleasure to meet you, Captain.”
“Aye, the pleasure is mine. I have heard great things about all of you and this magnificent plantation.” He replied, gesturing wide with his arms.
“If you do not mind, we will have our refreshments in the garden. It is a lovely day and I have missed the smell of the flowers.” Catherine told Emma as they walked in the house. Catherine looked over her shoulder, making sure that Lucas was following them.
“This plantation is spectacular,” Lucas said, taking a small bite of fruit.
“It is funny, I never knew just how wonderful it is, until I saw it when we first arrived.” Catherine said, looking around at the flowers near the table they sat at.
“Well,” Lucas said, standing, “I would like to freshen up, before it is time to properly dine, especially since the Baron will be arriving any day.” He reached down, running his knuckles softly along the top of her hand. He started walking down the path that led away from house.
Catherine stood up, “Lucas, where are you going?” She asked.
“The Foreman’s house,” Lucas shrugged. He winked at Catherine and chuckled, continuing down the path to the small, white, wooden house which stood just in front of the first rows of sugarcane, sitting against the tall, lush trees.
End of Book 1
Epilogue
Alaric sat at one of the old wooden tables inside The Rusty Anchor. He looked around at the men that sat inside, talking, eating and gambling. Most of the sailors were from merchant ships or other privateer ships, a few of them pirates. Others were fishermen or men that worked on the island, all of them looking about as rough as the man sitting next to them.
Alaric twisted the cup around on the table, watching the last bit of ale swirl inside it. Unable to sleep the night before, his mind would not let him forget all the times he had come into port and had taken Benjamin out to see the sights of the island or let him explore the ship, before he was old enough to be a part of the crew. Once he had been old enough and they would return to the island, Benjamin scarcely left Alaric’s side, afraid he would miss some exciting moment or adventure.
“Here, luv. Have another ale,” One of the women that worked in the tavern sidled up to Alaric and poured more into his nearly empty cup. “No man that is as handsome as you should look so troubled.”
Alaric glanced up at the woman that stood next to him, one hand carrying a large jug of ale the other resting on her hip. “Thank you.”
“You let me know if there is anything else you need,” she said, sliding her hand along his arm as she turned to tend to other customers.
Alaric watched the tavern door; Lucas should be at the tavern soon. The door swung open just as Lucas entered the room. He sat down at the table and waved a hand, asking for a cup of ale as well. “You alright, Mate?”
Alaric knew Lucas understood exactly how he felt. He had no words to express his anguish and frustration. He let out a slow breath, raking his hand through his dark hair.
A half smile formed on Alaric’s face. “I am glad you decided to become the Baron’s partner on the plantation and you will make a fine foreman. I am happy for you, truly.” Alaric’s smile widened. “Have you asked for the Lass’s hand?”
Lucas sat back in his chair. “Not yet, but I will.” He chuckled, “she was quite taken aback when I told her I was going to get cleaned up and started heading for the Foreman’s house.”
Alaric laughed, “I am sure she was surprised. She was afraid of losing you more and more each day as we neared the island.” Alaric looked down into his cup again.
“Alaric, I want you to take The Trinity.” He sat up and leaned his arms on the table. Alaric studied his friend. “I will need to be here for the next several months at least. Getting the plantation going again. I am not sure when I would be able to sail again.” Lucas explained, his expression serious. “You need to go after Thomas. I do not want to hold you back. I am only sorry I will not be there to see you kill the bastard.”
“Lucas, are you sure about this? You are The Trinity’s Captain.” Alaric said, shaking the surprise from his face.
“Not now I’m not,” he shook his head. “We have sailed together for many years and you are just as much that ship’s Captain as I. Take it. Find Thomas, for Benjamin.” Lucas’ voice was steady and hard.
“Alright, mate.” His voice filled with emotion. He raised his cup. “For Benjamin.”
“For Benjamin,” Lucas mimicked.
Heather Hansen, Rogue Wave (The Rogue Wave Series Book 1)
