The Virtues of Vice by Catherine C. Heywood

Author:Catherine C. Heywood
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Marais Media
Published: 2021-01-27T06:33:02+00:00

Marigot

Heady having finally retrieved her gold, Charlotte and Nico move next to Brendan’s and Tom and Madge’s homes. Over the next few weeks, they bargain with the new owners, Nico’s intimidating presence vouching for Charlotte all the while.

At Tom and Madge’s home, Charlotte is allowed to take only some of the gold sailing equipment Tom so prized and a few of the gold clocks and trinkets. Her experience with Jan de Vries taught her how to pawn. So, even though she thought them frivolous at the time, they turn a pretty penny for her now.

At Brendan’s, the new owners are cowed by the dread Baptiste, and after only two visits, Charlotte is granted leave with “just one memento.” Unfortunately for them, that one item is a crate brimming with gold.

When the final ounce of gold is weighed and deposited, Charlotte is thrilled and not a little embarrassed. She’s never forgotten her visit to the O’Mara’s. “It’s more than I have a right to and far more than I’ll ever need,” she says, signing over half of it to Nico with a request. “When I’m well gone, would you please send this to St. Croix? There are some widows and children there who deserve it far more than I.”

“I’m happy to oblige,” Nico says.

But the next day, he urges her to join him for a walk. Into the rolling green hills that surround Marigot, they climb and climb until Charlotte is winded.

“I’m sorry,” Nico says when they stop. He hands her a pouch of water, which she gladly takes. “You’re so hale I forget your delicate condition.”

“I’m not so delicate,” she replies.

“I do know that.” At this, Nico withdraws a sheath housing a dagger and hands it to her. “I hope you shall never need it.”

“But if I should,” Charlotte says, holding it up, “I thank you, Nico. What do I owe you?”

The man waves a hand dismissively, then says, “You owe me nothing for the blade, but I would like an explanation.”

“For what?”

“This foolish plan of yours.”

Charlotte stiffens and starts shaking her head.

“Now, now.” Nico wags a finger. “You know I would help you with anything. You’re a most unusual woman, and I happen to like unusual women. You are canny and deft, but you are not perfect. You know I leave that to the Almighty.” He looks up and kisses his fingers.

“If you know the tale of how I rescued my Luci,” Nico continues, “then you know I am a man who takes quite seriously a woman in peril. This James Blair, did he hurt you? Tell me the truth now.”

“No,” Charlotte says, “I promise you. I swear on the Almighty, he did not.”

“You love him and he you?” he says.

After a pause, Charlotte nods.

“Then you must tell him of his babe.” She opens her mouth to speak, but Nico continues, “I don’t care about that other woman a lifetime ago. People change. Circumstances change. You’re a woman. Perhaps you can’t fathom this, but a babe to a childless man is… Well, it’s a great gift.

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