Buccaneer Wife

By Alex Crow

Robert Morgan, descendant of renowned pirate Henry Morgan, and several of his friends are drawn into a clandestine plot to end piracy on the high seas. Along the sea voyage that starts this journey, Robert becomes enamored of beautiful and feisty Luann Higgs; however, they are separated by his adventure and her planned trip to visit family with two of her friends. Unbeknownst to Robert, while he and the men launch what will become their attack on the pirates' lair, the great pirate Captain Scar captures the women forcing them to choose between being sold as slaves on the Ivory Coast or as buccaneer wives.

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: Nov 30, 2013
• ISBN: 9781483516844

Book preview

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Chapter One:

The Mission

Early in the summer of 1780, Robert Morgan sat peaceably on his front porch in Morgan, on Galveston Island, a town named for his father because of his help in settling the island.  His black boots shined in the midday sun as they rested on the porch banister.  From his laid back position in his rocker, his light blue eyes stared out enjoying the panorama of the bay and the road leading from town. Life had been good to Robert as well as financially rewarding.

With a mug of rum in one hand and a fan in the other, he rocked slowly in his chair.  As he watched the lane leading from the main road his thoughts wandered back to his buccaneer days.  Though he had started serving as a cabin boy under Captain John T. Higgs, a man from a wealthy family which had holdings on the Island of Barbados in the lower West Indies, he became the Captain of his own ship by 1770.  At age twenty he and a number of scalawags, from the island of Barbados, had boarded an English privateer and spirited it away while the crew lay drunk in their bunks. 

He was jarred back to reality by two horsemen approaching his access road.  When they reached his dirt drive they paused to talk, and then headed up toward the house.  Robert immediately recognized Captain Higgs, whose ship (the Seagull) had anchored only hours earlier in Morgan Bay, which had probably caused him to reminisce.  Upon arriving, he found a message requesting a meeting from his old captain and friend.

Robert, a suspicious man by nature, figured his old friend Higgs must have an adventure brewing. Patiently, he had waited for the arrival of his old comrade. And now Higgs was arrived, yet Robert was surprised by the young girl that rode beside him.  They almost disappeared in the shade of the trees as they made their way toward the dwelling.

They rode up to the porch and reigned in. Higgs’ face lightened as he looked down at his old friend and a smile parted his lips as he asked, How goes it mate?

You old sea dog, chuckled Robert, What brings you so far out of the shipping lanes this time of year?  He stood up, a full six feet tall, as he set his mug on the flower box beneath the window. Come on man…out with it! he snorted.  His dark brown hair was trimmed neatly just above his shoulders and his whole appearance suggested the ruling class.

Captain Higgs raised both brows, paused, and dismounted. When this war is over you will need a friend, he surmised. Turning from his mount he walked up onto the porch. As he leaned against the rail, Robert smiled and extended a hand of welcome.  Higgs’ lips curved upward as he acknowledged Robert’s firm grip.  With a twinkle in his eye, he continued, The British navy needs your help and is prepared to pay a king’s ransom for your services. 

The young woman still sitting astride her horse cleared her throat. Robert turned in her direction and stood firm. And who is this attractive young lady? he inquired.

Higgs looked surprised. You know my daughter Luann; she’s the one who used to throw water on you from her upstairs window.

I knew a pesky eight year old girl… Robert hesitated, and then added, But I don’t know this attractive young lady. Higgs’ daughter had often sailed with him, Robert recalled, and was frequently getting into some form of mischief or another.

Luann just rolled her eyes, and snapped, Most gentlemen would help a lady down—or isn’t that the custom here? Luann swung her leg over the saddle horn of her mount and came to a sidesaddle position.

I’m sorry ma’am. Robert jumped over the porch rail and walked over to her.  It must be the pants, he smiled devilishly.

Luann held out her arms and leaned in his direction. Well!  She shot a look of exasperation into his eyes as she barked, Are you going to help me or not?

Until that moment he had not realized the natural beauty that hid beneath her riding clothes. He placed his hands under her armpits and lifted her gently from her horse. In my eagerness to acquire riches, he paused, I may have overlooked a diamond in the rough.

Luann, eased by his attention, smiled coyly.  Sir, you are forgiven this time.  She turned toward the large shade tree, walked over to a table and sat down.  She watched Robert as he turned his attention back to Captain Higgs. While she watched the two men talk, she couldn’t help admiring the six foot muscular man that spoke with her father.

After a half hour or so they walked out to where Luann was sitting.  Robert sat down across from her.  As their eyes met her cheeks flushed lightly.  For the first time he noticed the depth of her light blue eyes. Her long black hair teased Robert’s senses as it moved softly in the afternoon breeze. 

His thick brown eyebrows arched upward as his eyes widened, Well, your father has convinced me that England needs my services,  He chuckled in amusement at the thought.  Soon as I get my things together, I’ll meet you down at the Seagull.  His eyes took command of hers as he cautioned, You should not hide your beauty in a pair of pants.  Robert gave her a quick wink of his eye as he stood up.

Luann struggled not to appear ruffled by his brashness. She raised her chin a notch, as she beamed, The gentleman need not be concerned.   

Robert pulled his eyes from her gaze.  He turned and walked over to the hitching rail where he retrieved her horse.  Returning to her he held out his hand in a friendly gesture of support.  When she stood Robert placed his hands around her waist and lifted her into the saddle.

She looked down into his soft blue eyes and questioned, You will have dinner with us tonight, wont you?

Their eyes locked together as he replied, If it pleases my lady?  He paused to send her father a questioning glance before continuing.  Maybe the Captain has other plans? 

Higgs interrupted as his voice took on a warning tone, Tonight, and for the next two weeks.  He placed his foot in the stirrup and swung up into the saddle.  If we don’t catch the evening tide, we’ll lose a day.  Turning his horse in a tight circle he galloped toward the road. 

Luann smiled into Robert’s eyes, Dinner at six? Then with a sudden thrust of her heels into the soft underside of her mount’s belly, she pursued her father down the drive. 

Robert watched with amusement as they rode down the drive and disappeared into the trees along the lane. For a moment, he stood silently contemplating the intentions of Ms. Higgs.  Then, turning abruptly toward the house, he proceeded through the door and up the stairs to his room.  He packed a trunk, put on his sword and placed two pistols in his sash.

His thoughts centered on trying to decide just why it had been so easy for Captain Higgs to coax him into leaving his settled life to return to the wilder one of his youth. Having the distinction of being the great grandson of the pirate Henry Morgan, the famous Buccaneer who had sailed the old Spanish Main, Robert had accumulated considerable wealth from being a privateer himself, and now lived a relaxed southern-style life. Though occasionally his lust for life beckoned him back into his old pirate ways, there was still something that warned him it was more than that summoning him out on this journey. Since 1776, when he switched to gun running for the continental army, only the British still called him pirate and yet he was about to work with them.

Over the years he had replaced his motley crew with men of valor and courage. His transition from pirate to patriot had required very little pressure from the new American Government.

Robert had found sanctuary in the town of Morgan. The harbor gun emplacements afforded protection from the marauding British privateers who preyed upon the surrounding area.  But that didn’t matter just then, no, adventure and perhaps something more had drawn him out.  Within the hour he was standing on the dock along side his ship, the Windjammer. 

Luke Rogers, his first mate, met him at the head of the gangway. After ducking a playful cuff Robert directed at him, he quipped, Captain! Did that woman find you?  He winked, and added, Tis rumored on the wharf that you’ll sail with her on the evening tide.

I tell you Luke, He smirked, you know more about my business than I do.  Robert took a step closer.  Who knows what this night will bring.  His face lightened into a grin, as he ordered, "Prepare the Wind Jammer for sea.  I want you at Cat Island no later than a day after me.

Luke stroked his chin and then confessed, Sir, after hearing the scuttlebutt from the Seagull…I just assumed you’d need the old Windjammer. She will be provisioned and ready for sea by the morning tide. After finalizing his instruction to Luke, Robert returned to the dock and crossed over to the Seagull’s boarding ramp.   

Luann was standing onboard next to the gangway. Her black hair glistened in the afternoon sun as she peered down at the lean figure preparing to board. She smiled as their eyes met. You’re just in time for dinner! she shouted. Hope you like roast beef.

Flooded in the warmth of her blue eyes, Robert walked up the gangplank.  He felt an attraction stronger than he understood.  She was no longer in her riding cloths, but now dressed in a blue gown that matched her eyes.  A white bonnet, tilted to offer shade from the sun, caused her long black hair to magnify the gentle smile radiating from her lips. As he looked into her bright eyes, he felt an urge to escape.

What he saw was a fine well-bred young woman with the look of youth in her face. Although she must have been ten years his junior, he felt an animal urge to possess her. And if it were not for the respect he held for her father, a seduction would have been the order of the day.

One of my favorite meals my lady, he said with a flicker of amusement in his demeanor. Reaching the ship’s deck he took her hand in his, bowed, and kissed her fingertips softly.

Luann’s blue eyes narrowed, as she quipped, A gentleman in pirate’s clothing? She eyed him suspiciously before venturing further, To say the least…this should be an interesting voyage.

Robert took a step closer, and with a hint of laughter in his voice, he mused, Never judge a wine by the bottle it’s in.

The rest of the afternoon passed quickly in the company of Luann. About six o’clock the dinner bell was sounded. Robert, Luann, and Captain Higgs went below deck to the crew’s mess hall.  Robert steadied a chair for Luann as she sat down at the crew’s table.  He positioned himself beside her while Captain Higgs sat down across the table from them.

Okay! Captain, snorted Robert, Why are you so far from your home port? Then he concluded in a low voice, How about sharing the mystery with me?

Captain Higgs frowned, It’s no mystery. Higgs cleared his throat, and then explained, Matthew Cord, Governor of Cat Island has a deal for you. He winked at Robert and added, But he’ll tell you all about that himself.

  Very well, responded Robert, But you still haven’t told me what brings you this far out of your way?  He paused while Luann passed a platter of roast beef.  After taking a fair helping for Luann and himself, he continued, Don’t try to tell me you’re part of the king’s messenger service.

No... Actually I’m here on a gold bullion run, he said with an inkling of laughter in his voice.

Robert glared into his eyes, and challenged: Now that’s more like it.  Higgs fidgeted and averted his eyes.  After a period of no reply, Robert muttered, Come Captain, you’re among friends.

Well Robert, replied Higgs, The war for independence, as you know, isn’t going well in the South.  He paused to take a gulp of ale.  The good people of New Orleans are hedging their bets.  He bent toward him and under his breath, he enlightened, Those good people of New Orleans are paying me a fare some for my collusion with them.

I’m aware that the South is a trouble spot for Jackson’s poorly equipped army, replied Robert, But that is only a temporary setback.

Higgs leaned forward and cut himself a slice of bread.  Maybe so, but those good patriots have entrusted me with over a hundred bars of fine gold. As he buttered his bread, he continued, The bars are in the hold of this ship right now.  Once we reach the islands they will be transferred to a French Man-of War.

Robert thought a moment, and then warned, The local pirates have spies in all the ports of call. Then with a frown crossing his brow, he added, I’m sure they will try to take your ship. He flicked a glance at Luann and cautioned, Your daughter isn’t safe on this voyage.

Luann turned in her chair, knocking over her glass of milk.  Robert placed his napkin in front of the liquid as it threatened to cascade into his lap.  He smiled tolerantly while her blush of clumsiness turned into a glare of anger.

I’m going to see my Grandfather on Barbados and my Aunt on Cat Island before that, she blurted. Luann calmed, fastened her eyes on her plate, and snorted, Neither you, Mister Morgan, or pirates are going to change that.  After Luann’s sudden outburst the conversation took a lighter turn.  For the remainder of the dinner Robert avoided any further proclamations regarding his dining partners.

At seven bells the wind was contrary to the Seagull’s departure, but the tide was with them.  Captain Higgs lowered a long boat and took the Seagull in tow.  With twelve men at the oars, they made way for the West Bay entrance.  Once clear of the strait he ordered the longboat returned to its mooring on deck.  A westerly wind moved the Seagull through the West Bay and out into the Gulf of Mexico.  The itinerary would embroil their destinies.

Over the next fourteen days Robert and Luann became great friends.  Luann never let on that she was falling in love with him.  Robert’s attraction for his friend’s daughter grew with each day that passed.

The voyage had been mild and pleasant.  The blue of the gulf sky was interrupted only by patches of silver lined clouds that drifted from horizon to horizon.  A steady west wind filled the sails as it blew the Seagull on its way toward the tip of Florida.  About nine days out of Galveston, Robert and Luann were standing on the forecastle visiting.  A cool spray filled the air as the Seagull dove into the hollow between the ocean swells.

Age was no longer a consideration as Robert looked into her eyes.  He was captivated by her charm, and he didn’t care who knew.  As the bowsprit dove again into the sea, Luann allowed her balance to be lost.  When she fell against his chest, Robert caught her with his arms.  She looked up into his eyes causing confusion in his mind.  He started to apologize, but kissed her instead.  To add further to his confusion she pushed her arms up and around his neck and returned his embrace.  She held on until Robert was sure one of the crew would notice their display of affection.

After what seemed like minutes she relaxed her embrace and pulled back. Robert was at a loss for words as he gazed at her angel face. He blinked away his thoughts and cleared his throat. I’m sorry, he muttered.

She just looked at him for a few seconds, and then said flatly, I’m not! Why should you be? She smiled an impish smirk as she turned and walked down the steps to the main deck.  Robert watched with amusement as she disappeared into her cabin.

Sometime after passing the tip of Florida a ship with red sails appeared from over the horizon. Captain Higgs called the ship to alert as the seaman in the crow’s nest identified her as the Blue Gill, captained by the pirate Gene Laffite.

      The next three days were crucial as the two ships dueled for advantage in the calm tropical seas.  Captain Laffite had made the mistake of showing himself before he had the advantage.  With the Blue Gill a mile and a half astern of the Seagull, Captain Higgs’ only worry was a failure in his rigging or helm. 

With a cutthroat band of marauders intent on capturing its prey, Robert volunteered his services to the Captain.  Higgs promptly put him in charge of the gun crews.  For the remainder of the trip Robert vowed to act properly when in Luann’s company.  She gave no indication that they were more than friends—in fact her aloofness was a puzzlement to him.  Nevertheless, when he was occupied by other responsibilities, he would catch her studying him from a distance.

The weather held fair as the Seagull swung southeast toward Cat Island. The West Indies being in the main shipping lanes provided a hot bed for piracy.  Little did Robert know how much this would affect his life and his future relationship with Luann.  As the voyage grew nearer its end, their time together became more precious.   

Chapter Two:

Destination Fort David

The Bahamas, though always beautiful, were particularly beautiful this summer. The year of their escapade was 1780.  Fate is a fickle partner, had they waited another day their destinies might have been quite different.

The Seagull was under full sail as she rounded the point of Saint Ann’s. For days the pirate Gene Laffite had pursued them relentlessly for the treasure—a hundred gold bars—that lay beneath in the ship’s hold. 

Captain Higgs had successfully evaded capture by the pirates due to his experience and good judgment and Robert had reason to hope he would do so again.  Thus, Robert Morgan enjoyed his leisure time as a working passenger in transit to Cat Island.  Though he was being summoned by the Governor of the islands for special service to his majesty the King of England, he pushed that from his mind, focusing instead on a certain woman who had somehow bound his thoughts to her. So charming, sassy, and full of life, Luann had completely captivated Robert Morgan and if truth were known, every day in her company made his desire to possess her physically that much stronger.  He took some comfort in the thought that he could see she was attracted to him as well, but the reality was that having fallen under her spell Robert was at her mercy.

Then too, it was generally in the moments he most wanted to focus only on Luann or taking his leisure that he would catch sight of the other ship and he’d be reminded of the very real danger pursuing their ship to the Captain, crew, and himself, but also to Luann. Although he was very skilled with the sword, Robert did not look forward to defending himself against the likes of Captain Laffite and his cutthroats; however, if they made it aboard he would do whatever he had to in order to repel the pirates and protect this intriguing woman he felt so drawn to. 

It was late in the afternoon as Fort David came into view causing Captain Laffite to brake off the pursuit. He was well aware that his ship’s cannons were no match for the fort’s guns.

As the tension eased on board Robert became aware of the beauty of his surroundings and in tune with the inevitable conclusion that Luann was the type of woman which most men only fantasize over.  Robert’s attention was turned from the fresh salty smell of the sea to a most pleasant aroma which only a lady could produce. 

Luann had just come out of the captain’s cabin and commenced her afternoon stroll. As she crossed the deck, Robert caught her eye.  Robert, she exclaimed, father says we are safe and can go ashore within the hour.

As Luann continued in Robert’s direction their eyes locked and he replied, Would you consider me forward if I were to ask you to have dinner with me this evening.

If you were to ask, I probably would accept, she confessed, displaying an impish smile across her lovely face.   

He fidgeted as he averted from her gaze. Very well, raising his eyes to meet hers, Ms. Higgs will you do me the pleasure of having dinner with me tonight?

After a moment of thought, she replied, Yes if you will escort me to the Horned Lobster. A tiny smile coursed her lips once again, as she said on a lilting laugh, You know what they say about that place? She paused to contemplate before continuing, providing an answer to her teasing question:  Yes…I think that would be such fun.     

Robert and Luann arranged their evening together. They agreed to meet in the lobby of Sally’s Port, a short distance from the wharf. The Inn was the best that the township of Cove had to offer, it was located just outside of the garrison of fort David. Had they known the adventure which awaited them later that night, both might have schemed differently.

From the deck they watched as Captain Higgs brought the Seagull along side pier three. Once the ship was secured to the dock Robert excused himself from Luann and returned to his cabin for his luggage. Soon, as he cleared the gangway, his thoughts turned to his own problem, regarding his personal accommodation.  Before considering a room at one of the local inns, Robert decided to see if Ryan Hawkins, his old friend, could put him up for the week.   

The personal business which had brought him to Fort David would only take a few days. The pursuit of Luann was another matter.     

Ryan’s home was only a few blocks from the hotel. While Robert walked he thought about the day’s events and the possible changes that could occur because of his involvement with Luann.  Striding through the cobble stone streets he marveled at the number of ships that it took to bring all these stones from England to the streets of Cove. The English fleet had used them as ballast in place of goods coming from England. On return the ship’s holds were filled with sugar, rum, and commercial goods leaving the streets with cobble stone.

The yelling and shouting that went on in a normal day’s trading was music to Robert’s ears. As he passed the fresh fish market he stepped into the street to avoid a heated argument between one of the customers and a merchant.

Robert always enjoyed a good debate or tussle, but over a fish?  Not hardly.

Approaching Keel Street, he turned left toward Ryan’s dwelling.  To his pleasant surprise Barbara, Ryan’s wife, was watering her vegetables and flowers, which she grew in the small space between the picket fence and the house.  As she turned to set her watering pail down, she recognized Robert.

Although they were best of friends, they had never been lovers. Had it been a different time, a different place, and without Ryan in the picture, they might have fallen in love.  Ryan and Robert were best of friends, having served together on the Bounty, one of the king’s warships. Both were skilled in warfare and had, by necessity, become brothers under arms.

Robert! she exclaimed as she ran to meet him, her face aglow. We heard that your stronghold on Galveston Island had been overrun by privateers and that you were probably killed. Where have you been? she asked. In two short steps her arms were around his neck. Catching her breath, she continued, Ryan took your loss very heavily—he’ll be shocked to see you alive!

Seizing her in his strong arms he loved her like a sister.  Releasing his embrace Robert proceeded to explain how three ships flying the skull and cross bones had attempted to capture his trading post.  Since he had accepted the obligation to protect the small surrounding community, the region being a pirate heaven, he had by necessity placed five captured cannons on the high ground overlooking the small harbor.  Barbara watched the excitement dance in his eyes as he relived the encounter. 

From this advantage point his ship’s crew had raked the attacking vessels with canon fire. The lead ship erupted in fire when one ball from the first volley hit a keg of black power below the first deck. The crew abandoned the ship as the wind blew her into the rocks. The other two ships having taken many hits retreated in defeat.

The irony of the whole escapade was that the lead ship was carrying most of the pirate loot. After the capture of the pirate vessel his wealth had increased beyond his wildest dreams. Robert never considered himself a pauper, he just expected the best out of life—a true optimist.

About that time Ryan appeared at the gate to the cottage, and shouted, You old sea dog, I knew they couldn’t kill you! As he opened the gate he snarled, You’re just to damn ornery to die

Ryan, a lean muscular man with dark brown hair and hazel eyes, had been Barbara’s secret desire since she was a teenager.  She loved him and would stay by his side despite whatever happened to him.  They had worked out a very pleasant life together at fort David.

Robert on the other hand was not only handsome but rumored to be very wealthy.  It was said that he had gotten it in unsavory ways, which only added to his mysterious past.  Even Robert’s blue eyes and dark hair didn’t fit the typical pirate profile of the day. She shook her head, dispelling her musing and spoke to the men.

Come into the house and I’ll fix a snack, suggested Barbara. The boys followed her into the cottage where they sat down at a round oak table, across from each other.  Barbara listened intently to their conversation while she prepared a brunch of bread, cheese, and white ale. 

Well Robert what’s for tonight?  Ryan leaned forward eager to hear what his old friend was about.

Ryan I need a place to stay for a few days. Can you put me up?

Our home is yours, answered Ryan. I’d be offended if you stayed somewhere else.

Barbara smiled as she interrupted, Yes, you must stay with us while you’re here.

A sly smile coursed Robert’s lips. I met a beautiful girl onboard ship who is having dinner with me tonight. His hand grasped the mug that Barbara had just set before him. Narrowing one eye, he questioned, Would you and Barbara like to join us? He paused, and then asked, You’ll be our guests of course? Downing a swallow of honey flavored rum, Robert leaned back in his chair.

Ryan smiled at the thought of dinner. Of course, stay with us as long as you like.  With a wink of his eye, he continued, Have you ever seen a woman turn down a dinner date?  Barbara thumped his knuckles with a wooden spoon, causing him to chuckle.  Just tell us what time and where, he challenged.

Robert could see that Ryan was pleased by the invitation.  Her name is Luann and I am expected to pick her up at Sally’s Port about seven. He paused for a sip of ale, then proceeding, he explained She desires dinner at the Horned Lobster.

The Horned Lobster, parroted Barbara as she placed her fingertips over her mouth.  She smiled prudishly as she added, That’s no place for a lady!

Abruptly sitting back Ryan exclaimed, No one goes there; it’s a den of thieves and pirates, even the constable avoids the place. Pausing for breath, he continued, It’s rumored that Laffite the pirate frequents that locale, as well as his crew.

Now there is a side to Luann that I was not aware of, replied Robert. Smiling, he informed, Nevertheless it’s what she wants and I am taking her there tonight.         

Barbara was all ears as she listened intently to the conversation. When Robert stopped for a breath, she interrupted, Its sounds like an exciting evening.  Twirling her fingertips in her husband’s dark brown hair, she wined, Please Ryan—you said one day when the time was right you’d take me there. 

Aw…Barbara! snorted Ryan, you’ll be the death of me yet.

Barbara was not about to let this one get away. Besides, she said, It will never be any safer than now. She flirted her eye at Robert as she added, With two strongmen there to protect a lady’s honor—what could possible go wrong?

Seeing the hopelessness of the situation, Ryan relented. It was agreed that they would meet in front of the Horned Lobster about 7:30 PM. With the rendezvous prearranged, Robert set out to extract Luann from under her father’s watchful eye, quite positive he would not approve of a dinner date at the notorious Inn.

Once outside the cottage gate, Robert hailed a carriage to take him back to Sally’s Port where Luann was waiting for him at her lodging. As he rode through the city he was amazed at the new construction that was taking place on all sides.  In less than ten years the town had grown from a fort to a thriving city.  Even with law and order the city still had one foot in its lawless past.

Leaning his head out of the carriage window, Robert observed Luann as she exited from the hotel.  She had only turned eighteen last month, but she was very independent and quite practical for any age.  She had grown her raven hair long and preferred it hung over her breasts, guarding it against the dangers of entanglement.  She had a fondness for jewelry and preferred long full dresses, but was very comfortable rough housing in riding trousers and boots.  She had been brought up by her father, a widower since her birth, and this made any contradictions in Luann between acting a lady and occasionally the hoyden. 

Plowing through thoughts of the Higgs as he was, Robert followed the natural next line of thought and remembered that her father, John A. Higgs, was a direct descendant from one of the governors of Barbados Island in the West Indies.  He had been known as the Crimson Pirate, one of the old buccaneers who had terrorized the shipping along the old Spanish Main.  Her great grandfather had received that honor because of the crimson skull and cross bones that flew above his ship.  The sly old fox had struck a bargain with the English Crown, resulting in his governorship and his character reversal. How much of the Crimson Pirate lingered beneath the surface of his great grand-daughter Robert wondered.

The carriage rolled to a stop, squeaking its wood brake pads against the large rear metal rimed wheels.  Robert unlatched the door and jumped down. 

Once on the ground he lowered the coach step for Luann to enter the cab; turning to face her, he snapped to attention as if mimicking the coachman.

She smiled pleasantly into his eyes, and then before entering the coach,  placed her arms around his neck, kissing him tenderly with the honesty only a young girl can muster.  Robert stayed in character as Luann released her grip, turned, and stepped up into the carriage.  He followed her into the cab and closed the door behind them.  With a shout to the driver the coach jerked into motion and rumbled up the street toward the Horned Lobster.

She placed her hand in his, and confided, I was afraid you might forget our date.  The sunset reflected by the glass in the coach lanterns sparkled in her eyes, as she continued, Do you remember what you promised me? 

Robert replied with concern in his voice, Yes! But a nice girl like you has no business in a place like the Horned Lobster. Releasing her hand, he placed his arm over her shoulder, steadying her against the rocking of the coach. "I have learned from a factual source that at