“Aye, there’s a basket of mending in the slop chest that I haven’t gotten around to,” Willy said. “I’m the only one that can hold a needle, and I’m not very good.”
“Lots of work today, boys,” the Captain said as he stood up. His eyes shifted to me. “And miss.”
The men all laughed uproariously, which struck me as interesting. They didn’t quite behave like servants obeying their master, or employees obeying their boss. The Captain was clearly the leader, but the group acted like brothers who got along quite well.
Everyone but Cookie and I went above deck, as we finished our tea.
“One of the good things about being a cook is that we get these rare quiet moments of peace,” he said, flashing me a wink.
I began scraping the plates, and scrubbing dishes, a strange sense of calm washed over me. And yet, excitement.
As I learned to keep my knees soft to temper the effects of the slightly moving floor, I was never able to forget that I was at sea. I was starting an entirely new chapter of my life.
Out here, I was free to do anything I wished. Even keep a little secret about where I actually slept last night. And where I’d hopefully be sleeping every night for quite some time.
~ Ch apter 6 ~ The Captain ~
* A Plan *
I had woken a few times in the night to feel Maggie inching closer, finally curling right into my shoulder.
A lesser man may have taken advantage of her soft, sweet skin against his. I had to admit, it had been extremely difficult to keep myself from caressing those lovely curves.
But I wanted more than Maggie’s body. Her sweetness and light were touching my mind in a way I’d never felt before. Like the two of us being together would actually mean something.
Until she slapped me, I had never considered taking a wife. Now…anything was possible.
It was impossible to stop staring at her beautiful, gentle face at every opportunity. I’d heard of men becoming daft from love before, and thought that they must be weak minded. Was it possible that the touch of a woman could truly addle a man’s brain?
There were stranger things than I’d ever dreamt of, out on the open sea. But a rough man like me losing his heart and his head to a wee lass we’d accidentally taken from a pier was madness. Even if it was becoming truth.
I felt a deep pull toward her every time she smiled, or asked one of her innocent questions. I had to find a way to make her comfortable on the ship, and with me, before I tried to remember how a man was supposed to court a woman p
roperly. I knew that it wasn’t by having her sleep in his bed the same night they met.
I admired that she went directly to the galley and got to work. It showed a spark of gumption. There was no room here for anyone who was truly timid at all times.
As I left the galley, I could hear Maggie still speaking with Cookie, and knew that he would begin educating her about ship life.
Dobbs and Dwyer went straight to work, oiling the ropes, and scrubbing the rail until it gleamed in the sun. Removing the salt spray was an important task to keep the wood from rotting too quickly.
It was a great relief that I had finally gathered a crew I could trust. I wouldn’t have to fight for Maggie’s honor, or protect her from less than reputable men. At least, not while aboard the Midnight Treasure . When we got into town, that was going to be another story and an interesting challenge.
I went back to the chart-room, as Willy followed. “What are we going to do about Maggie during tomorrow’s job?” he asked, drumming his fingers over the map of Parrinport spread out on the table.
“Nothing,” I said quickly. “Let her think we’re just trading goods. Maybe we can send her to the bakery while we take care of the barrels.”
“Forgive me for saying so, Captain, but it’s obvious that you’re sweet on her already.”
I remained silent, which forced him to keep speaking.
“Surely you wouldn’t want an unescorted young lady walking around a town where she’s never been before?”
I slumped into a chair, scowling. “You’re right.”
“The problem is, taking all of those barrels will be a five man job.”
“Dammit.”