Wild Lord Taggart: Those Scandalous Taggarts, #2

Prologue

Go away! Reese Taggart buried his head beneath the pillow when the pounding refused to stop. It intensified the drums beating in his head. He turned his head and lifted the pillow just enough to yell again at the would-be intruder. Go! Away!

Taggart, open the bloody door, else we’ll kick it in!

Please gentlemen, stop making such a commotion. Reese heard a man whine from somewhere down the hall.

The sound of metal beating against the wood echoed in his head. Go away! he roared.

You’re late for your appointment. Now, get your sorry arse up and open this bloody door.

You best do as he says, Taggart. A second voice filtered to him through the door. This time, it was one he recognized.

Matthews, what the bloody hell is going on?

You’d best open the door and find out, Carson Matthews, Reese’s best friend, replied boisterously. He had the vaguest hint of a Scottish burr in his voice from spending his childhood in Scotland.

Reese rolled out of bed and cursed loudly when he stumped his toe on something. What it was, he neither knew nor cared. Darkness was still upon them and he had just fallen asleep, with the help of copious amounts of alcohol. He was barefoot, but still wore his breeches and his shirt. The smell of a woman’s perfume assailed his nostrils as he stumbled across the floor.

Open this bloody door, the unfamiliar voice demanded once more.

Reese did, and the dim light from the lamps several men carried pierced his eyes causing what felt like spikes to be pounded in his temples. He groaned and gripped his head in an attempt to make it stop. When he was able to peel an eyelid open, he saw Matthews, along with three other men, one of which was dwarfed by the others. Who the hell are you, and why have you woken me at this godforsaken hour? Reese directed the question at the haughty, little man with the bright copper-colored hair sticking out from beneath his hat.

I am Worthington, Dandridge’s second. He knew you would attempt to get out of the duel, and sent me to make certain you showed up. He’s going to finally do what no other man in London will—he’s going to teach you a lesson.

And what lesson would that be? That I can better please his wife than he can? Go back to your own bed and leave me be. Matthews, I’ll see you in a day or two. Better yet, make it three or four.

Come along, Taggart, or I’ll be obliged to use force.

Reese took a moment and looked the man over. Well, what his blurry eyes would allow him to see. He was definitely not impressed with what he saw. He would have laughed if his head didn’t hurt so damn bad. Instead, he said something truly coarse and turned to go back inside his rented London rooms. Hands gripped his upper arms like iron shackles and dragged him backwards. Bloody hell, what do you think you’re doing?! Unhand me!

I warned you I’d use force, the little man said, holding up the lantern so that Reese could see his face as he was pulled down the hallway.

He did at that, Taggart, Matthews seconded.

Whose side are you on?

Since I’m your second, yours. Go along peacefully. Even with the effects of last night’s libations hanging on you like a shroud, you can still teach Dandridge a thing or two, Matthews said.

Sorry this is disturbing your sleep, gentlemen, Reese said to his fellow tenants as he saw men peeking out of their rooms in various stages of undress.

Put him in the carriage. We’ve wasted enough time with this, the little man said.

Are you even a man, or are you a bloody leprechaun? Reese asked. He chuckled as the man’s face turned a mottled red.

Leprechaun. That’s a good one, Taggart, Matthews said. I wonder if he has a pot of gold he’s hiding somewhere.

Both men chuckled at that and Reese thought he felt the bodies on either side of him tremble a little as if they, too, were laughing. Someone held the door open in front of them and Reese was maneuvered through it, and then pushed into the coach that sat outside. A giant of a man sat on either side of him. The carriage swayed as Carson pulled his large frame inside, but hardly moved as the leprechaun climbed in. Then the coach lurched as the horses strained against their traces.

I don’t even remember being challenged, Reese said with a hint of amusement in his voice.

It was shortly after Dandridge returned home earlier than expected and caught you with your lily white arse in the air, tuppin’ his wife.

Oh, yes. I think I remember now. Then he remembered something else and turned to glare at his best friend. "Weren’t you supposed to be looking out for something like that?"

I was distracted by this pretty little maid…

Ah, well as long as you enjoyed yourself.

Aye, I did at that, Carson agreed with a grin and rubbed his hands together excitedly.

The coach rolled through the entrance of Hyde Park. What should have been a bright moon setting was muted in the early morning sky by a thick fog coming in off the Thames. One could only catch glimpses of the moon through the occasional patchiness of the low clouds. The carriage came to a stop, and Reese was forced out of the conveyance. A giant stood on each side of him, retaining a firm grasp of each arm to make certain he didn’t run off. Reese felt the cool, damp grass beneath the soles of his bare feet as the giants marched him across London’s unofficial dueling ground. A group of men materialized out of the fog, and Worthington practically ran to reach the side of Reese’s opponent.

Ah, Taggart, so glad you could join us, Dandridge said.

I wouldn’t have missed it for anything, Reese replied mockingly.

Taggart, if it had been merely a rumor, I would have gladly ignored the entire situation, because you know that us men like a good tale just as much as the most gossipy old crone. I so dislike duels and the attraction they bring. He waved his hand to encompass the men that had gathered to witness the outcome of the duel with Wild Lord Taggart. "Instead, I had to walk in and find you and my beloved in flagrante delicto," Dandridge said as the leprechaun carried the pistols to them.

Yes, well, I do have a reputation to live up to. I happened to bump into your wife, who was very much alone I might add, at a soiree. One thing led to another and well… he shrugged. But it was an accident that you found us.

An accident, you say? In my own home? How do you determine that, Taggart?

Well, you see, it was an accident that you came home earlier than expected. Otherwise—

Otherwise you would have escaped from my wife’s bedchamber window with your pants down around your ankles and your lily white arse exposed to the entire world instead of just me. Is that it?

I’m going to have to do something about it if everyone keeps comparing it to a flower, but it is rather toned from all the time I spend riding, don’t you think? Reese replied laughing at his double entendre, and soon most of the men in the crowd joined in with full-bellied laughter. Streaks of pink, orange, and blue started lightening the dawn sky.

How dare you heap more insults upon Lord Dandridge? the leprechaun demanded moving protectively in front of Dandridge.

Don’t you think it’s time you quit hiding behind those two giants you brought along on the ride? Reese asked, looming over the little man.

You have more to worry about than who I’m hiding behind. Mr. Matthews, pick Lord Taggart’s weapon so that we can get this ghastly affair over with and return home, Worthington instructed impatiently.

"I believe it was my weapon that brought us to this event in the first place," Reese said, causing more guffaws from the crowd of spectators.

I just might enjoy killing you, Taggart, Dandridge mused.

You won’t kill me. You couldn’t stand the blotch on your supposedly spotless reputation. You know who you remind me of Dandridge? Reese did not give him the opportunity to answer before he continued, A spoiled child who has too many toys and refuses to let anyone else play with them.

What in bloody hell are you talking about?

"You have a wife and a mistress both and yet I’ve witnessed you flirting and disappearing with other men’s wives. It sounds to me like you will be the one killed in a duel someday. So tell me, when you came home so late, where had you been, at your mistress’ or perhaps with somebody else’s wife and had to leave before her husband arrived?"

Don’t you dare speak to Lord Dandridge that way! the leprechaun yelled.

I don’t understand why you would need to have a mistress. Your wife is quite comely, intelligent, and, well, the rest goes without saying, Reese snickered. But perhaps that’s why you don’t want her, because she is intellectual.

Joseph likes people with intellect!

Shut up, Worthington, Dandridge growled, spittle flying from his lips.

Joseph was with m—

Keep your bloody mouth shut, Worthington, he snarled at the leprechaun. By observing the look the leprechaun gave him, you would think Dandridge had kicked his pet dog or some such thing.

Ah, I think the man protesteth too much. Matthews, what do you think?

I think you’re right, Matthews agreed.

Reese watched as the scrawny little man puffed up as if he had been physically struck by Dandridge. The leprechaun’s bottom lip poked out in a pout, similar to those of women he’d seen trying to manipulate their lovers to their way of thinking. Reese studied the two men carefully and saw little nuances in their mannerisms that had warning bells clanging in his mind. He considered the little things Worthington had let slip in a fit of pique, and Reese knew his speculations were true.

He now understood why Lady Dandridge was starved for attention. He idly wondered what went on with those women that Dandridge disappeared with at parties and balls, but he very much doubted it was what he, and so many others suspected. And the mistress could be anything to him as long as he gave her what she most longed for—money and gifts. No, Reese was fairly certain that the lover Dandridge had left early to return home was now serving as his second in this duel. Reese met Dandridge’s eyes through the intense fog and read the answer in their depths, and now he knew that Reese knew his secret.

Choose a bloody weapon, already, the leprechaun ordered again, managing to sound both surly and petulant. It’s a good thing you brought your own physician with you. You will be needing his services when all of this is done and Joseph is finished with you.

I doubt that, Leprechaun. The man looked as if his head might explode. Reese watched Matthews inspect each gun before choosing one and handing it over to him. He felt the weight of the weapon in his hand. He looked down at it in the hazy light of dawn.

Dandridge, do you really want to go through with this? he asked softly so only the other man could hear.

Yes.

I know your secret.

I don’t know what you’re talking about, the other man blustered.

Are you really going to make me say it? Reese pulled back and studied the other man who remained stoic and mute. "All right, have it your way. It only took a bit of deductive reasoning after your friend there said a little more than he should. Then he looked at you in that special way reserved only for lovers. I don’t know what you pay your mistress for, but it certainly isn’t for her sexual prowess, not when Worthington is nearby."

What do you want to keep silent? Money?

I will walk away from this duel. Do you understand? If I don’t, the last words I utter will be about you, for all to hear. That is my price.

Gentlemen, stand back to back. I’ll count out twenty paces. Then—

I really wish you’d shut the hell up, Leprechaun. I do believe we all know how a bloody duel works, Reese said, impatient now for this to be over. Do we have an agreement? he stared pointedly at Dandridge as he asked the question.

Yes, Dandridge muttered.

Fine. One. Two. Three…

Reese tuned out the leprechaun’s nasally voice. He felt confident he would walk away from this, just how unscathed remained to be seen. He knew Dandridge would have to attempt to save face among his friends that had gathered to watch. I do think you should know something else Dandridge, Reese projected his voice to be heard by the other man over the drone of Worthington’s counting.

What’s that? Speak up! I can’t hear you! Dandridge’s words came to Reese, muffled by the fog.

I didn’t know she was your wife until you barged in. I thought she was a widow.

And that’s supposed to make me feel better?

No. Just thought you should know. I don’t make it a habit of tupping other men’s wives.

Oh, really? And if I asked your brother about that, would he agree with you?

There was so much Reese could have said at that moment. So much he longed to say, but instead he remained silent, his jaw clenched until it ached. A burning rage raced through his blood.

Twenty. Gentlemen, turn and face one another.

Dandridge, I made a discovery in the last few years and I am going to share my knowledge with you, Reese yelled to be heard through the dense fog.

Oh? And what would that be?

"Lovers are not to be trusted, and they certainly aren’t worth taking another man’s life over." He punctuated his statement by pointing his right arm at the ground and squeezing the trigger on the pistol. The sound was mostly absorbed by the fog, but several birds squawked and flew off into the morning sky.

"That we can both agree on," Dandridge called out.

Good to hear you say so. No hard feelings?

No hard feelings.

The words were repeated back to him, but Reese almost detected a sinisterness to them. Shaking his head, Reese turned to leave when he heard the loud pop of Dandridge’s pistol firing and seconds later felt the impact of the bullet.

*     *     *

I’m sorry, but this is too funny, Matthews said, laughing heartily.

Can you shut up, leave, or preferably both? And can you not be so ham fisted? he looked over his shoulder as he directed his questions at his best friend.

I’m sorry, but there is quite a bit of debris embedded in the wound. It must come out or you risk infection.

Just hurry it up, Reese grumbled, gripping the pillow beneath his face. And you don’t sound very apologetic.

Relax your buttocks. You’re making it much more difficult to work on the wound.

Reese snarled when he heard Matthews sniggering. Shut it, Matthews.

I can’t help it. He shot you in the arse!

And if I hadn’t turned my back on him when I did, he would have shot off something much more valuable! Matthews paused what he was doing and doubled over in laughter as Reese shot him a withering glare. I can’t believe you would consider that remotely funny.

It’s hilarious, Carson Matthews replied, chuckling.

Do I need to send for another physician, or are you going to be able to finish this?

I’ll finish.

Hurry it up, Reese growled.

He tried to ignore the physician’s ministrations. He still had difficulty believing that Dandridge had shot him in the arse, but knew he should be thankful that it had only been his arse. If he hadn’t turned around to walk off, he would be a eunuch now. A fine sheen of sweat broke out over his body at that thought. Reese perched his chin on his folded forearms and stared out the window. The sun had completely risen, and the fog had burned off, a typical London day.

He winced when he felt a tug as Matthews began the slow process of stitching the wound. I should write-off the female population all together, he thought somberly. It would save me so many issues.

I should, but I won’t.

Pardon? Matthews asked.

Nothing, just thinking out loud.

Oh.

No, I definitely won’t. His grin quickly turned to a grimace when Carson pulled the thread tight. But perhaps I will wait a bit, he conceded.

There, Carson said when he was finished. Change the bandage every day. Do not put any pressure on it. If it feels feverish or overly sore, send for me immediately. Otherwise, I’ll be back in a few days to check on you. Oh, and laudanum for pain, as needed.

Thank you, Reese muttered.

Of course. Oh, and stay away from the ladies for a while.

Go away.

Carson’s laughter could be heard until he left the building where Reese currently rented a room.

Reese lay on his stomach, underneath a sheet, thinking about the path his life had taken the last few years. He wasn’t proud of everything he had done. He regretted what he had done to his brother, but in the end, Duncan had found a happiness with Penelope that he never had with Isabelle. Even now, they were rusticating in Yorkshire, awaiting the birth of their first child. Reese felt a sadness that he wasn’t there, but it was for the best. Mayhap in the future he would once again be able to join his extended family without feeling like an outcast and a failure.

A piece of paper wedged in the bottom right corner of the mirror over the washstand caught his eye. It had been there for years, mocking him. He struggled to his feet and hobbled across the room to retrieve it, wincing with every step. He removed it, opened it up, and read it. With a smirk on his face, he refolded the piece of paper deciding he held his future in his hands and perhaps the fresh start he was looking for.

Chapter 1

Circe Marie Hayhurst and her chaperone, Elizabeth Tunnell, boarded the ship, the Mary Anne, with anticipation. Well, perhaps Circe was excited. Elizabeth, on the other hand, was unsure and anxious.

Miss Hayhurst, are you certain you wish to continue on with this trip? Barbados is a very long way away.

Circe looked at the woman scrunching her nose. Elizabeth, I’ve told you over and over that you do not have to go on this trip.

Your father has already paid me for my services. Of course I must go, she said, sounding offended.

I did not mean to offend. It is just that I am aware a long sea voyage, such as this one, is more than most people are willing to face. Even I am a bit leery and sorely wish my uncle lived somewhere closer. She began to replay the tearful goodbye she had shared with her parents but cut herself off for fear of bursting into tears once more. Circe had insisted her parents not stay to watch her departure, declaring that it would be that much harder for all of them. She already ached with homesickness but still believed that this was something she had to do. Elizabeth had followed suit sending her family on their way as well, but she seemed melancholy in a way that was due to more than just missing her family. Elizabeth, you never told me why you were leaving England.

The women followed a sailor across the ship’s deck to a hatch that led below. They then walked down a very steep and narrow flight of stairs.

These be yer two cabins, the man said.

Thank you, sir, Circe said, as she passed him a few coins.

Let me know if ye need anythin’ else. Yer trunks’ll be loaded soon.

Thank you, again, Circe nodded her head as he left them alone in the narrow hallway. In its protective dock, it was difficult to tell you were no longer on dry land. She gave a winsome smile as she thought about the adventure ahead of her. Come, sit, and tell me why you want to go on this adventure with me. Circe moved to the small table in the middle of her cabin. She tried to pull the small stool out, but found it would not budge. That’s odd.

What?

This stool is attached to the floor.

What? Elizabeth asked, a hint of disbelief in her voice.

Watch. Circe attempted to lift one of the stools. It is stuck.

That’s for your safety, an older gentleman said from the door. I’m Captain Adams.

I am Circe Hayhurst and this is my companion, Elizabeth Tunnell.

It is a pleasure to meet you both. I would like to speak with the both of you about this ship and what to expect during our journey.

Of course. Would you care to sit? Circe asked, indicating one of the two stools.

No, the two of you should sit. He waited until they had done so before he continued. This is not a passenger ship, but rather a working vessel that takes on the occasional passenger. I ask that you stay below deck as much as you possibly can. This will both keep my men from being distracted from their jobs and the two of you safe.

I had no idea, Circe said. Perhaps I should find another ship.

Miss Hayhurst, you will be hard pressed to find another captain willing to take on two single women, even though you are properly chaperoned. Sailors are superstitious and tend to think women aboard a ship is bad luck.

Bad luck? That’s just silly, Circe said.

Silly or not, I could not sail this ship without those men, so I will do everything in my power to keep them happy.

I understand, Circe replied stiffly.

Good.

I do have a question, though. You said this is a working ship. Is there not a passenger ship that is sailing to Barbados?

Miss Hayhurst, we are in the midst of two wars. You would be hard pressed…

I know, to find a ship not serving in His Majesty’s Royal Navy or as a privateer. Am I correct?

Yes. Your meals will be plain but hearty fare. They will be served to you here. As I said before, I would prefer you stay confined to your cabins for as long as you possibly can. Should you need to go on deck for some reason, please seek me out so that I can make certain you have some sort of protection.

You make it sound dangerous, Captain Adams, Elizabeth said.

It is. I don’t normally take on two single women, but your father offered me a handsome sum, and this year has been a hard one. The money he paid me to keep you safe will go far.

I see, Circe said. "Well, I do thank you for your sacrifice. She was pleased to see the man actually looked uncomfortable at her barb. We will do all you have asked of us. Is there anything else my companion and I should do to make the trip more acceptable for you and your crew?" She watched as he paused to consider.

I believe that’s all.

May we at least say goodbye to England?

Of course, Miss Hayhurst. I hope you don’t consider me an ogre. I’m merely concerned for your welfare.

I realize that, Captain Adams, she grudgingly said. You are interested in running a harmonious ship, and I can’t blame you for that. When do you expect us to arrive in Barbados?

In about six weeks time. If we encounter bad weather it’s anyone’s guess.

Thank you, and thank you for being concerned for our safety.

I hope you find your trip enjoyable.

Circe waited for the Captain to leave her cabin then she turned to Elizabeth and said, Shall we go above and wish England farewell?

Of course, Elizabeth agreed.

There was something in her companion’s voice that had Circe looking at her curiously. Elizabeth, do you not wish to go on this trip? Circe saw the hesitation in the other woman’s face. You must tell me the truth, she urged.

I’m escaping England.

Whatever for? You haven’t committed some heinous crime, have you?

No, nothing like that.

What is it, then?

The man I love is set to marry another today.

What?

It’s true. I simply could not bear possibly seeing him with his new wife. My heart is not strong enough.

The two women walked to the rail. Perhaps you will find someone else to love.

Not like my Franklin, Elizabeth pledged. We’ve loved one another for what seems like forever, but his parents pledged him to this woman when they were mere babes.

He doesn’t love her?

No.

Why doesn’t he stand up to his family?

"Miss Hayhurst, you may come from a family where that is acceptable, but for the majority of the beau monde that ideology is considered barbaric in the extreme. One does what is required by one’s family because it is expected."

You are right. This juncture I find myself in is rather difficult, Elizabeth. I want the normalcy of marriage and a family, yet I find myself fighting against some of society’s rules and dictates. Why can’t there just be a nice balance of the two?

The two women stood in silence because neither one had an answer to the question.

*     *     *

Sometime later, what felt to be hours, the ship’s moorings were removed and it was being maneuvered away from the docks. Elizabeth had long since gone below, but Circe had remained above to look ahead at what was to be her future. Excitement coursed through her body as she wondered what Barbados would look like in person. How would the tropical climate feel compared to England? Her uncle had written that there were slaves from both Africa and Ireland that worked the sugarcane plantations. She understood the need to have workers, but felt it wrong to own another person in that manner. Perhaps this was something she could discuss with Uncle Robert once she arrived and settled in.

It had been so long since she had seen Robert, that she wondered if he had changed a great deal. He had always been great fun when she was growing up, and then several years back he decided to try his hand at running a plantation. He left on a great adventure, but Circe had missed him so much and wrote to him often. It seemed he had found great success. The most surprising letter they had received from the confirmed bachelor was the one stating that he had fallen madly in love with a woman named Dorothea Flowers and had made her his wife. He had written that he affectionately called her Dot and could not wait for the family to meet her. There was so much about her new aunt that Circe found fascinating, including how she had convinced Uncle Robert to give up his bachelor’s life and marry her. She was certain Dorothea would be a wealth of knowledge on how to lure a man into marriage without using trickery.

Lizzie! a man yelled from the docks, waving his arms madly.

Are you Franklin? Circe called back.

Yes. Is my Lizzie with you?

Yes. I’ll be but a moment. Circe picked up her skirts and raced across the deck to the hatch that would lead below deck. Elizabeth, gather your things and come up here right this moment, she ordered

What are you talking about?

Do as I say. Circe heard mumbling, but smiled imagining the reaction of the other woman when she saw her beloved. Do you have everything? Circe asked when she saw her.

Yes.

Your reticule? Your small bag?

What is this about? Elizabeth demanded, her hands planted on her hips.

If you don’t go back to your room and get them, I will.

Hmph, Elizabeth muttered as she spun around and flounced into the room once more.

Is that everything? Circe asked a few minutes later.

Yes, but I do not understand. What is going on? Why do I need to bring this?

Because you are leaving the ship.

What?

Come see. Circe took her by the arm and dragged her across the deck to the rail. Look, she said, pointing to the dock that was growing farther away.

Franklin? What are you doing here?

Circe looked amusedly between the couple.

Lizzie, don’t leave me! When I tried to imagine the rest of my life without you in it, I couldn’t go through with it! I couldn’t marry Louise when I’m in love with you! She’s a dear friend, but nothing more. I raced to your house, but your butler told me you had already left. Please tell me it isn’t too late, that you’ll marry me, even if we have to run away to Gretna Green!

I have a better idea, Captain Adams said from behind the two women.

What is that? Circe asked.

What if I marry the happy couple?

A shipboard wedding! Circe exclaimed, clasping her hands to her chest. How romantic.

But how? Elizabeth asked.

We’ll get your young man up here, marry you, and then remove the both of you, if you do not wish to make the trip.

You would truly do that, Captain? Elizabeth asked, her voice full of hope.

My wife and I have been married over twenty years. I may often be on this ship, but I still remember what it is like to be held in her arms every time I return home.

You are a romantic, Captain, Circe chided.

Don’t let it get out, he whispered and gave her a wink. Men, get that young man on this ship! he yelled the orders.

Aye, Cap’n, sounded from several different directions.

Elizabeth turned to Circe with excitement, love, and just a hint of uncertainty dancing in her eyes. Miss Hayhurst, I do not know what to say.

Say the two of you will have a happy and full life together.

Of course, we will. Here, she rummaged in her reticule and pulled out a small wad of bank notes.

No, those are yours.

But I did not complete my job.

You absolutely did. You escorted me from England. Circe gave her a warm smile. I suspect it will be difficult to unload your trunk in the middle of the Thames. Use that money for a trousseau, perhaps one that will allow for an expanding waistline within the coming year.

Elizabeth blushed to the roots of her hair. If we are lucky enough to have a daughter, when the time comes I will name her after you.

That is so sweet of you, and let us take a moment to be thankful my name is not Myrtle or Bertha.

My mother’s name is Bertha, Miss Tunnell said.

I’m sorry, I didn’t mean—

I’m only teasing, Elizabeth said with a quick smile.

Oh, good, Circe sighed. I was afraid I had really said the wrong thing this time. The two women hugged one another and awaited Franklin’s arrival.

The whole thing happened surprisingly swiftly and efficiently. Franklin was brought on board the ship, the wedding vows were exchanged, and the happy couple were put ashore, waving to the crew and Circe. Circe watched the couple slowly grow smaller as they walked towards the warehouses, and the ship moved towards the mouth of the Thames.

That was very kind of you, Captain, Circe said when she felt the older man’s presence at her shoulder.

Are you certain you want to continue with this trip, Miss Hayhurst? I mean, you are now without a chaperone.

It is too bad that your wife does not accompany you on these trips.

She tried. She doesn’t have sea legs.

What do you mean?

She gets horribly ill. Isn’t that funny, a sailor and a landlubber? he chuckled and shook his head. But still, she is with me on every trip I make. You see, the ship is named after her.

You are a romantic. Do you have any children?

Five. My oldest son will join me on the ship next year.

If he is not a landlubber, Circe bandied back.

Aye, there is that. Will you be staying in England, Miss Hayhurst?

No, Captain Adams, I feel my future is in Barbados, so it is there I will go. If you will not take me, I will find another ship.

I’ll take you, Miss Hayhurst, but you must obey my every command.

I will, Captain. Thank you.

If you were my daughter, I would send you back to your mother.

"Oh, but you have never met my mother, Captain." Circe smiled at Captain Adams, before turning around and waving goodbye to her homeland once more.

*     *     *

Circe retreated to her cabin and let the tears she had fought all day roll down her cheeks unchecked. She was determined to see this adventure through, but this was the first time she was without her parents.

This will be the most difficult part of the journey, she told herself over and over. She opened her porthole window, sat on her bed, and watched the passing scenery. Gulls dipped and danced on the wind, following the ship. The snapping of the sails reminded her of the popping of bedsheets when one was making a bed.

"Ho, there! Is this the Mary Anne?"

Circe looked out her window again and saw a man being rowed towards the ship. His hands were cupped around his mouth in the shape of a cone in order to project his words. He stood in the small boat with his right foot propped on the bow and his left foot in the belly, balancing as two other men rowed towards the ship.

Aye, one of the sailors called back. What be it to you?

I’d like to purchase passage to Barbados.

At that, Circe got to her knees on the bed and peered out the window so she could get a better look at the man. He was dressed well and his boots had a lovely shine to them. He was not clean shaven but neither did he have a full beard. His hair was wavy and longish, just brushing his shoulders, and the wind had it flying behind him like a flag. Both his hair and beard were dark with light colored highlights like he spent more time in the sun than he should. His voice was deep and rich and sent shivers of excitement down her spine.

Do you have money?

Yes, he answered back.

How much baggage?

Three small bags.

I’ll ask the Cap’n.

She continued to study him as he waited patiently for an answer. Soon Captain Adams reappeared with the sailor.

I understand you want to purchase passage.

Yes.

What’s your name?

Reese Taggart.

I’ll have no trouble from you.

That’s not my plan.

It never is. You were late boarding. Why should I even consider taking you on?

I was attending to business that took longer than expected.

Captain Adams seemed to ponder