The Pirate and His Lady by Linda Chaikin

Author:Linda Chaikin [Chaikin, Linda]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 978-0-8024-8346-1
Publisher: Moody Publishers
Published: 1997-01-15T00:00:00+00:00

14

A CALL FOR THE BUCCANEERS

Expecting the arrival of her father with Zeddie, Emerald felt her taut nerves become more unsettled as the hours dragged on. From far away, a low, dull booming might have passed for thunder.

“Cannon from Fort Charles?” she wondered aloud to Minette.

Minette joined her on the porch of the lookout house. “Maybe Zeddie was wrong about that Dutch ship not shooting at us.”

Emerald shaded her eyes against the afternoon sunshine and gazed down Fishers Row, hoping to glimpse the buggy bringing her father. The booming grew louder, followed by shouting voices.

“Why, the sound we hear is beating drums,” Minette said.

“And look—way down the street. Those are Governor Modyford’s criers. I wonder what’s happening?”

“Maybe Zeddie knows. He’s coming now.”

Emerald peered anxiously to see Zeddie turning onto the crowded street.

“Uncle Karlton’s not with him,” said Minette worriedly.

Emerald hurried to wait for him on the steps. As soon as he was within earshot, she called, “Zeddie, what happened? Is he still being held by the governor?”

“He’s released him,” he called up. “I’ve other news.”

That her father had not been held was enough to restore hope. “Where is he now? Is he coming?” she asked as Zeddie climbed the steps.

“Aye, he’s coming. He’s out to buy your passage to England—if there’s any ship.”

Minette let out an excited squeal. “Then we’re leaving soon, Emerald! All our worst fears were for nothing.”

Remembering the words of Earl Nigel Buckington, she wondered if matters were that easy to unravel. Beside trying to sail during war time, had he not said the betrothal must take place first?

Zeddie did not look as optimistic as Minette. “Ye’ll both sail, to be sure, just as soon as Emerald meets with the governor and answers his questions. I heard say the Admiralty official will be there too—some dour-faced Earl Cunningham, an acquaintance of Lord Felix.”

The reminder of the ordeal ahead sobered any enthusiasm Emerald had over her father’s release. And just what sort of fellow was Earl Cunningham? She shuddered. How could she possibly tell all the truth as she knew it and at the same time protect Baret and her father?

“When do I appear?” she asked cautiously.

“I’m not knowin’, m’gal, but Sir Karlton will explain when he comes. He’ll be havin’ supper here. I wouldn’t worry none, seein’ as how he parted on friendly terms with Modyford. Seems a few pearls baited the governor’s generous mood. An’ I didn’t see his lordship Felix anywheres about.”

She turned her attention to what the approaching drums might mean.

“They be the governor’s criers making an announcement.”

“About the Dutch ship?”

“Sink me, not the ship—the war!”

Yes, the war. And how would this complication add to their difficulties? Would Baret yet decide to fight for Holland?

Zeddie told them the governor’s criers were spreading throughout the streets of Port Royal, St. Jago, and Passage Fort, calling any and all privateers to gather for the reading of an important announcement from Governor Modyford and the Jamaican Council.

“I listened to ’em. As soon as the drummers finished their ruffles, the crier clambered on top of stacked rum barrels announcin’ how England’s at war with Holland.

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