Twilight's Land

By Kristen J. Schmidt

From glittering ballrooms in London to the high seas life lived by Henry Morgan and other pirate greats, Maureen Mckee, with her aunt, faces lavish lifestyles and unbelievable danger. Maureen must look beneath the façade her fiancé Thomas exudes to the man beneath. Is he what he seems, or is there a darker side? And what of Lt. Chance? Why does he bring out the shrew in her even as he rescues her and shows only bravery in the face of unspeakable odds?

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: Dec 31, 2013
• ISBN: 9781483516868

Book preview

Twilight’s Land

Kristen J. Schmidt

Cover work done by David Brandon

Models: Marc Schmidt and Rachel Flint

For the students of Mt. SAC’s Writing Center 2010 (and Nicole Blean),

my grandparents who instilled in me a love of swashbucklers, my mother who gave me my love for history,

my father whose humor confounds and entertains me,

and J.C.—the love of my life.

Chapter One

London during the season—April 1665

Lt. Ezra Chance bowed his head with a crooked smile to the dark red haired debutant as he caught her eye; he held her gaze, even winking one of his thickly lashed eyes, until she dropped her stare as a heated blush stained her fair cheeks. As the flush spread down to her demure décolletage, he chuckled and sauntered up to her. She glanced up twice as he moved then looked about.  He couldn’t tell if she wanted to abandon her place and retreat or stay there to meet him, and he’d wager she didn’t know either.

His scarlet dress regimentals stretched tautly across the width of his shoulders, remaining fitted to his trim waist.  His boots gleamed in the chandeliered candlelight and his buff pantaloons revealed his lean muscled legs.  The eyes of many a maiden, and many a matchmaking mama, followed him as he approached the daringly colored white and emerald gowned young lady but a twitch at the side of his upward curving lips showed he didn’t mind.

He arched a dark, well-defined eyebrow at her and drawled, "If you dance the la bonne amitie as lovely as you blush, you may have just stolen the march on all of your fellow debutants."

As he led her to where the formations were beginning for the next dance, the flush on her cheeks deepened, but the quiet steel of her voice proved it was from anger: Oh. I suppose you must be the season’s greatest catch that I might be gratified by such a comment?

And she speaks too—perfection.

Ignoring the charming silk of his deep voice, she stiffened and took her place, adding, Did you think me too dumb to speak or simply silenced by your faultlessness? I am not a simpering miss to fall for a red coat or military carriage as the movements of the dance brought them together. The sparkle in his dark blue, almost black, eyes made her ache to scratch him.

Dumb? Never. He caressed her hand scandalously when the dance gave him the opportunity. Though you must admit my dear that you were entranced by me—

"I am not your dear or your anything."

He smiled warmly, the way you stared, I half expected to find I’d forgotten my coat.

Entranced? she choked and then took the time they were separated while other couples danced the steps together to recover so she could snap in a sweet voice: Baffled, if anything, that the leaders of the haut ton would deign to allow someone as disreputable and lacking in social nicety as you access to their balls. She shivered, There’s no way you’re actually a gentleman after the way you leered at me so disgustingly and I’ve heard other whispers too, rake!

As the dance came to an end, he bowed over her hand, daring to actually kiss it and whispered, "You are a refreshing treat my dear, and I do look forward to finishing this discussion, he straightened but retained her hand, placing it on his arm, during the supper dance and then with a delicious meal and company."

If you think your reputation with the women—

Ladies—

That is not the word I’d use for those women.

A blond sportsman approached them, Maureen— cutting himself off and directing a slight smile at Ezra, he corrected himself to a socially acceptable term of address, Miss McKee, the supper dance, I believe, is mine. The newcomer’s hazel eyes sparked warningly at the dark haired, virile officer who had danced with her, You understand Lt.

"I understand you would abuse the lovely lady by forcing her to endure your roving eyes as well as hands for the longest time possible, Grovel— Ezra penned the blond sportsman with his penetrating gaze, and as usual found the man, one Viscount Thomas Grovel" Waverly, beneath contempt.

Ah, you still play at childish name calling. Waverly pointed out with a steely voice.

Ezra shrugged, I merely have a good memory of why you were forced to grovel before our commander to be only discharged.

As the two men drew closer, their eyes locked, Maureen noted the deadly glint in Thomas’ eyes and the challenging one in the Lt.’s, Gentlemen, she began only to be unusually ignored, and so she added, I do use that term loosely just now. She placed a hand on Thomas’ shoulder and tried to push between them, Viscount Waverly, please. You did promise—

The golden haired rock of a man, whipped her away from him as he snarled, You’ll meet me for that slur to my name Chance, Maureen gasped while Lt. Chance reached out an arm to catch and steady her before she could fall and Waverly continued his taunt, if you’re man enough.

If I’m man enough? Ezra challenged with an arched eyebrow, Are you man enough for anything but slinging about a gently bred lady?

Viscount Thomas Waverly grabbed her arm and pulled her away from Ezra, pushing her behind him, You’ll keep your hands off of my betrothed if you know what’s good for you.

Just as you’ll remember to keep from demanding satisfaction from me for the same reason: self-preservation.

A duel? Maureen whispered, then turned to Waverly, Thomas, please! The other guests were all staring at them now.  She saw her aunt hurrying up to them then.

These are ladies, Chance, and you would sully their ears as if they were your tavern wenches…

Ezra shrugged, I would dance with them, he turned to go, after winking to Maureen and her aunt, I’ll leave the sullying to your experienced hands. He left the ballroom.

Thomas what did he mean by—

Hush my sweet, Her Aunt Rose said as she looked around, This is not the place. Viscount Waverly, if you please I think I feel a megrim coming on. Please be a dear and call for our coach.

Within the coach, Waverly renewed a request he’d been making of Lady Rose Wroxleigh nightly for the last week: for her to agree to take her niece and leave the country with him.  And, as per her usual response, she refused gracefully.  He sighed and pled, Please my lady, they say the King is leaving with his entire household.  It has been acknowledged that a Rebecca Andrews died of the plague.

Poor woman. Maureen breathed even as her aunt gasped:

I haven’t heard this, Waverly. You’re sure?

He nodded, I am.  I’ve decided it’s the perfect time to check on family holdings in the colonies.  And of course, you can now see you both must come with me. I would never forgive myself were it to break out fully—as I believe it will—while I’m away and you two here in danger.

No, of course not.

How can you be so sure it will break out fully again Thomas? Maureen demanded, still angry with her betrothed over the scene he’d just helped to cause. He had ever, until then, been a man of such dignity and charm that she could scarce credit what she’d seen; since Thomas wasn’t the type of man to create such scandal she was sure the true blame laid with that arrogant Lt. Chance.

Do you really think it won’t?

She was thinking just then about how much she prayed to never have to deal with the repugnant Lieutenantagain, the man was unsettling, too assure, and he made her feel like a fox in the hunter’s sites.

Rose shook her head at the two of them, noting Maureen’s distraction and Thomas’ obliviousness to the fact, and then she interjected, When did Rebecca Andrews die?

Yesterday, my lady. The twelfth.

Rose nodded, Very well, I’ll consider it.  You being Maureen’s betrothed and with me along as a chaperone—it is quite proper… She glanced up at the handsome blond Viscount.

Of course it’s proper with you along Aunt. Even if I wanted to do something scandalous you’d never countenance it, let alone give me a chance to consider doing anything improper.  She and Thomas had not even stolen more than a chaste kiss since their betrothal and she did believe society’s strictures about this being proper and right.

Flattery is not needed, Maureen. Rose waved her niece to silence and then nodded to Waverly asking, When do you sail?

I’m taking my coach down to Brighton tomorrow and my ship from there. He gave a hesitant smile, swallowing, I had meant to leave in a week but you can understand why Rebecca’s death changes my plans.

It demands such a change. Very well… She nodded, and Maureen patted her hand, Very well… we’ll be ready tomorrow.

Good. He bowed over her hand, The sooner we’re out of England, the safer you will feel.

I suppose you won’t come in for tea then Thomas, with an early departure to prepare for?

Waverly consulted his pocket watch, I think I can spare enough time for tea… it is still early thanks to the interruption this evening.

London fog coiled and billowed about him, welcoming his exit from the grand town house and ball. The cold stung his cheeks as he turned his steps toward his club and a game of his surname: Chance. Keeping a brisk pace, Ezra whistled the tune of the dance he had shared with Waverly’s betrothed. And when he arrived at the Gentleman’s club, sitting down to play cards, he still wasn’t sure if he felt more pity because Waverly’s betrothed had no idea what she was marrying or the thirst of challenge by her attempts to rebuff him.

The blue-gray haze of the room, smell of fine liquor, and sounds of a good time invited him in. He found a table with a close friend, Captain Benjamin Lloyd, and a few other men about town who he was acquainted with.

Make yourself at home, Ez. Captain Lloyd said, nodding to a chair.

A half hour later, a commotion rose from the entryway that drew both Benjamin and Ezra, as well as some of the other Corinthians, to see what was going on. Within, they spotted a young strawberry haired youth of about nineteen arguing with the Earl of Lonsbury.

What’s this about, Daniel? Ezra demanded as he stepped into the center of the gathering beside the young man: his cousin.

Stay out of it Ezra. His cousin yelped, then went back to pointing his finger at Lonsbury, This man cheated me out of a monkey. Lt. Chance shook his head, the lad could scarce afford to lose a brass farthing let alone a monkey.

You dare besmirch my honor, yon callow youth? The Earl bellowed.

Now, wait just a minute, Ezra said, moving between the two with a hand on either man’s chest as they charged. How did he cheat you Dan?

The most common way, and him an Earl. The lean youth tried to charge around his slim, well built cousin to no avail, You rum touch—

There he goes again, the Earl announced, Now, let me pass Chance, I’ve business to settle with this blackguard.

He’s little more than a boy, Lonsbury. Ezra said, and directed a steely gaze at the larger, portly man. Staying between the two, Ezra faced his cousin and pressed him, Would you care to explain your accusations before the Earl demands satisfaction?

And little he’d get by having a hole put through him. Daniel retorted. And when his six foot cousin glared up the two inch difference at him, he gulped and elucidated, He hides cards up his sleeves.

How very original. Captain Benjamin Lloyd drawled as he drew closer to the men in the center of the entryway.

Ezra turned and arched an eyebrow at the Earl: What say you Lonsbury?

The dastard’s lying! he snarled.

Daniel lunged for him again. Ezra pushed him back and spoke once more to the lord, I figured that would be your response, but it’s easy enough to clear up I should think and avoid more scandalous rumors.

You would say that to spare your wild kin.

Yes, he would, wouldn’t he? Benjamin chuckled, crossing his arms.

Ezra lifted an eyebrow imperiously, Well, you wouldn’t have any objections to showing us that there’s nothing up your sleeves now would you?

I’ll not be subject to your commands, nor will I stay here a moment longer, he turned to go, but looked back over his shoulder to glare at Daniel.

Before he could voice the threat on his tongue, however, Benjamin caught him up and held him, allowing Ezra to search him. He had two cards hidden away.

As the crowd responded, Lonsbury’s face flushed, and Daniel snickered a ‘I told you so,’ a still slim, well built, older man stepped out of the crowd and put a hand on Ezra’s shoulder.  Thank you for taking charge here Ezra, I wasn’t sure our young hot head would escape making his accusation—

I can take care of myself Uncle Amos. Daniel snapped, I don’t need a wet nurse or overly full of himself cousin to step in and run roughshod over everything I do.

No, only the unwise actions. Ezra answered.

To which Amos nodded his head, Which covers most of your starts you young cocker.

The prospect of the cards having lost their appeal to both Ezra and Benjamin, they waited the few more minutes it took for things to settle down as much as they would under the excitement of Lonsbury being proven a cheat, and then left the club.  There were whispers circulating about a new outbreak of the Black Death, but whispers had long since circulated more often than not about the plague with the littlest prodding and so they were often as not discounted.

Enjoying the night chill, Benjamin stopped Ezra when he would have waved down a hackney, I’ve a mind to walk home tonight, I think.

And you suggest I join you? Is that it? Ezra asked, a sparkle in his nearly black eyes, he slapped Benjamin on the back and nodded, Very well, I’ll see you safe to your house, old lady, but off with you now before I change my mind.

Oh ho, my tulip, Benjamin teased, how will you make it home on your own afterwards, without my trusty escort?

Walking down the cobbles toward the fashionable residences on Bloomsbury where Benjamin stayed with his Great Grandfather, Ezra drawled, Why, I’ll take a hackney of course… only the veriest of fools would choose to walk home when he could ride.

But of course.

As they walked the temperature dropped, the fog grew thicker, and their breath came out in white puffs of air.  They hadn’t gone far when they were hailed by a sprightly, feminine voice. Turning, they saw a beautifully turned out carriage with a team of matched whites both would pay a small fortune to gain.  The carriage stopped nearby and a blond woman with the figure of a pocket Venus and the most dazzling violet eyes leaned out the window with a strange mix of boldness and innocence. Lose both of your horses in a turn of the cards?

Ellie, you’re going to tease the wrong man some day and be sorry, Benjamin said lightly, looking beyond the blond to the young lord inside; the paid chaperone, he noticed, watched them but showed no interest in joining the conversation, Well Hathaway, what entertainment is my young scamp of a cousin forcing you to attend tonight?

Hardly a scamp, Captain Lloyd. The young lord said and to the girl’s credit she didn’t notice the way his nerves made his voice fall weak on the first word.  Why Miss Ellois is quite…quite the lady.

Of course she is Hathaway, Ezra said with laughing eyes, meeting the chaperone’s gaze and shaking his head good-naturedly to her. Her cousin’s the scamp, and he knows it.

Ezra you always say the nicest things, Ellie said sweetly and a little flirtatiously.

Benjamin looked sharply to her then, That’s Lt. Chance to you, he corrected, before reclaiming his customary drawl, think how the society tongues would wag to hear you addressing him so familiarly.

In which case, Ezra met and held her eyes with a warm sparkle in his own, it’s a good thing we’re not in society. Then he glanced about, Get on with you two now before I demand to join you at your entertainment and try to steal this young lady from you, Hathaway.

Well, when you put it like that… the young lord gave office to his driver to move on.

Ellie raised and lowered her shoulders, daring,I think you should just try it Ezra Chance and see what you get yourself into.

Trouble, I make no doubt, he called as they started off, G’night Ellie, try not to kick up a scandal.

She won’t, Hathaway stated surely.

If you’re so sure then I won’t wish you good luck, Ezra teased, to which Benjamin added:

"No, do.  The poor boy will need all the luck he can get to keep that scamp out of trouble."

Good night to you too, Benjamin. Ellie called and then they were gone.

Ezra turned to his friend with a laugh, stating, Your cousin’s still set on her madcap scheme to snare Viscount Hathaway?

Only since you’ve crushed her. Benjamin chuckled, then looked sharply at him, You did crush her, didn’t you?

No, I keep secret assignations with my best friend’s cousin.

Well, if that’s the case, I believe you’ll have to meet me at dawn. Family honor, you know.

Of course it is. And you can go back to the maddening way you call me Tulip, I depressed the girl’s hopes and you won’t be stuck with me in the family.

"Now, that’s a relief, Tulip, Benjamin nodded, My grandfather, the old marquis, keeps breathing threats that he’ll have no grand-daughter of his aligned with the Hathaways. I shutter to think what he’d have to say about you trying to marry Ellie. Perhaps he’d be so worried about you that he’d stop getting at me about setting up a nursery."

Your great grandfather must be nigh a hundred himself.

If he’s a day. Benjamin shook his head, I suppose he wants to be assured there will be an heir when he dies, what with my second cousin gone missing two seasons ago from London…probably stuck on some ship at sea—you know, the press gang?

You speak so sanguinely about Ellie’s brother. Ezra noted.

Benjamin shook his head, If he is, he’s at least free of his responsibilities as heir and m’cousin’s brother, and… he glanced at Ezra as they turned the corner for his home, Heck Ez, grandfather’s ordered me to sell out.

Will you? Ezra nodded, You will. With Ellie’s brother gone I have to say it makes sense, Captain.

Benjamin smirked, I’d much rather have a title I’ve earned than one I’ve inherited.  And where am I to find adventure living here in London?

Understandable.

Being the younger son’s younger son should have brought me some protection or something at least.

Being the heir’s second cousin should have, but you have to admit there’s not a huge population to either branch of your family.

I tell you Ez—

Ezra saw his tall friend’s eyes widen but felt the blow to his shoulder before he could respond to the shock and warning he saw there. Faltering, Ezra went down under the numbing blow of the cudgel and then rolled to the side as best he could to avoid another hit.  When he pulled himself up, Benjamin was down and he was surrounded by the street toughs.  One charged Ezra from the side opposite his hit shoulder and he rolled him off into a nearby gate.  The man’s cry hadn’t died away when two more came at Ezra from different sides, one behind him knocked his feet out from beneath him, and the first man, before him, swung the cudgel into his gut, laying him out.

When he tried to sit up, the man kicked him in the face.  Ezra managed to get to his boot knife while he was down and he ripped open the man on his right as he again attacked him, only taking a blow to the chin that made his head jerk back and his eyes waver at the edges of his vision. The one in the back hauled him to his feet, Ezra slammed his right elbow back into the man’s face, splitting the skin and dropping him; he kept his left fist up to block his face.  Under the next blow, he hit himself in the face with his left forearm, then dropped it as pain shot through the length. The man at his side swept in and caught his remaining arm, twisting it back and up as the first man pummeled him.

There was a roaring in his ears as a clearly pitched feminine voice called out into the darkness from the nearest residence, Who’s out there? What’s going on?

Through blood dripping into his eye, Ezra saw a curved figure standing in an open doorway, by her voice he was sure she was nobly bred instead of a servant.  He gauged the possibility of his calling out and it being enough time for her to get help or not… that she was at the door in lieu of a servant didn’t bode well for that.

Is anyone there?

Go ahead, the scratchy whisper of the first man came to him, Call out to her and her footmen might arrive in time to save you but I make you my promise you’ll be killing her.

Dark as the streets were, she couldn’t see them and with no other cries from injured men or himself, Ezra watched her stare out into the fog for a time, then shiver and close the door while he sagged there, held by the man at his good arm with blood dripping down his face.

The other man hit him again.  After another series of blows, Ezra felt a chilliness against him as he slipped down away from his captors. Through eyes that were slits, he saw the shadow of the cudgel coming down at him again and knew the man attacking him was far from done.

Something about his laughter hung in Ezra’s memory even as everything else faded from consciousness.

Chapter Two

High Seas the Beginning of July 1665 on the Heron

Stay in the cabin he says. Maureen complained, Well, I tell you Aunt Rose, I don’t know how you can stand it. She plopped down on the bunk.

By remembering that we still have a good three or four months at sea and deciding to make the best of it.

That’s fine for you to say.

But instead of being an old woman, you’re young and adventurous and would rather spend time getting to better know your betrothed than in here reading with me.

Yes. Maureen glanced at her, I mean no.  I don’t think of you as old at all Aunt Rose. She ran her hand down her gown, smoothing it, Only, I wish Thomas had more time for us, if he’s not down with the crew then he’s below deck checking on his cargo.

Aye, he’s a busy man lass.

Pirates! The call echoed about Waverly’s ship, the Heron, and below the deck to the cargo hold.  All hands scurried up to the deck to prepare to defend their ship.

Maureen made eye contact with her aunt and gasped: Pirates? then shot up and over to the window of the cabin to look out and see the pirate ship nearby. Like a majestic monarch of the seas it was baring down on them with sails full, men moving about the deck with purpose, and cannons… great clouds of smoke belched out of the huge black barrels and she felt the air quake.  The first balls splashed near the hull of the Heron, but the next volley would splinter wood and bodies.  Maureen shivered and turned to her aunt, Whatever are we going to do?

Pray m’dear. Rose said as she came up beside her and wrapped her arm about her niece’s quivering shoulders.

She nodded, That’s all we can do, I suppose.

That, Rose smiled, raising a brace of pistols, and help defend ourselves if they try to come into our cabin.

Aunt Rose, you’re a complete hand! Maureen said squeezing her aunt. And then Thomas ran in with drops of blood on his shirt and a look of alarm. Maureen took a step toward him but hesitated with a raised hand.  The blood startled her, though she knew she would likely see much worse before this was over. Still, her mouth felt suddenly dry and she couldn’t force herself to move to golden adonis or say anything.

I just wanted to be sure you knew we’re under attack. It’s the Bane of the Spaniards, so I’m sure we’ll get through since we’re English.

Breathe, Maureen commanded herself and swallowed over the dry spot in her throat.  She knew she had to respond to Thomas.  And so, she said the first thing that struck her:  We’re a little far away from the Caribbean still, aren’t we? Why would he be so far out?

Rose pulled on Maureen’s shoulders and hissed, Is that really the problem you want to worry about? Francois l’Olonnais is a cruel man and quite into torturing.

Don’t fear, my lady, Waverly said, putting his arm around his betrothed and smiling encouragement at Rose—or at least attempting to. Maureen doubted anyone could truly manage to encourage either of them just then. Still, Thomas tried and so as he spoke again she forced a brief smile, I’m mostly sure that we’ll come through it. Here’s a sword, just in case. He handed the blade to Maureen and then moved to leave, Bolt the door behind me.

For all the good it will do. She whispered but nodded. Be careful Thomas.  After she closed the door, bolting it, she turned about and leaned back on it.  They would be okay, wouldn’t they? Should she have kissed him before he left…for luck or something? If he died