Savage Heart

By Dellani Oakes

It's the summer of 1740 and rumors of war haunt the small community of St. Augustine, Florida. Already, Oglethorpe's troops are on the move. Scouting parties of Creek Indians have moved south, skirting the town, attacking outlying farms. Meli Chasseur's home came under attack and she is the only one to escape. Injured and afraid, she stumbles into Sailfish's camp. Could this be his next chance at true love?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Dellani Oakes
• Release date: Aug 19, 2019
• ISBN: 9781393985686

Dellani Oakes

Dellani is a happily married mother of four—three boys and a girl. She also has one beautiful, golden haired granddaughter. She lives in the sunny, hot climes of Florida's east coast, not far from World Famous Daytona Beach. Dellani once told her publisher that she had enough books, finished & unfinished, to keep him busy for the next 10 years. He didn't believe her, but he should have. A few years later, she's upped that number. She has 53 finished novels, Conduct Unbecoming is her sixth published novel. Dellani hosts two shows a month on Blog Talk Radio – Dellani's Tea Time and What's Write for Me, which air on the Red River Radio Network. Look for Dellani's shows the second Monday of the month and the fourth Wednesday. Both shows air at 4:00 PM Eastern time.

Book preview

Pennywise Press

Edgewater, Florida

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, locations and events are either a product of the author’s imagination, fictitious or used fictitiously. Any resemblance to any event, locale or person, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

Copyright 2017 by Dellani Oakes

All rights reserved, including the right of reproduction in whole or part in any format.

First Pennywise Press Edition published 2017

COVER DESIGN

and

COVER PHOTO BY

Dellani Oakes

Manufactured in the United States of America

This book is loving dedicated to my husband, who may not understand the creative process,

but at least he tries to, and appreciates the results.

To my boys, who don't understand it either, but at least they don't try to lock me up.

To my daughter who provided me with the inspiration for Gabriella

and has given me two beautiful granddaughters.

To Audrey and Amberly, because you are Nana's precious angels.

May you grow up to be as strong, intelligent and courageous as Gabriella.

~Dellani Oakes

Preface – The War of Jenkins' Ear

THE WAR OF JENKINS' Ear was a conflict between Great Britain and Spain that spanned nearly a decade between 1739 and 1748. It was spawned by an event that happened in 1731. The Rebecca, a British merchant ship, was stopped by La Isabela, a Spanish coast guard. Captain Julio Fandiño accused Rebecca's captain, Robert Jenkins, of piracy. As punishment, he cut off Jenkins' ear, telling him, Take this to your king and tell him if he were here, I would do the same.

Jenkins spoke to parliament, displaying his preserved ear as a token of Spain's aggression. Eventually, this and other incidents, drove England to declare war on Spain. Therefore, in 1740, General James Oglethorpe of Savannah, used this war as an excuse to invade Spanish territory and attack St. Augustine.

When Governor Deza speaks of Jenkins' ear, he's referring to this incident.

Encyclopedia of American History: Colonization and Settlement, 1608 to 1760, vol. 2

Also, please note, that though Fort Diego was a real place, and its owner, Don Diego de Espinosa, real person, I have taken liberties with the action and people there. Little is written about what happened at Fort Diego, though it is known that the people were released and the fort occupied by the British.

~ Dellani Oakes

CHAPTER ONE

GENTLE, WARM BREEZES rustled in the palm trees. Pelicans dove into the water, fishing for their evening meal as the multicolored land birds found their cozy roosts. The sun set the sky and waves on fire, casting a long shadow in front of him, rimming him with gold. Sailfish sat on the turtle shaped mound, gazing out at the sapphire surf. He didn't see any of the glorious view, for his thoughts dwelt only on Gabriella. Nearly a year had passed since she stumbled into his life. He couldn't set the warmth of her smile nor the sound of her voice aside.

A soft step on the turf made him turn to his right. His younger sister, Dolphin, joined him, sitting on a tuft of grass. She offered him a bannock and water from a skin. You didn't stay for the evening meal, she spoke gently. Our mother worries about you.

She needn't. He frowned, taking the food with a nod of thanks. I'm fine.

Dolphin snorted derisively. Oh, yes. You're perfect. Which is why you sit up here alone. When you aren't up here, you're hunting.

The tribe needs food.

You don't have to provide for us single handed.

"I'm fine, little sister." Sailfish rose abruptly, tossing his waist length hair over his shoulder. Bits of metal, beads and shells clicked and clattered as the black wave swung around him. Bare, tattooed arms and legs glittered with a light sweat that soon dried in the ocean breeze.

You're the stubbornest brother any girl could ever have. Look at you! Mooning after another man's wife! You should be ashamed of yourself.

What do you want of me? Anger flashed in his dark eyes.

I want you to smile again. I want to hear your laugh. I want a sister and nieces and nephews to play with. Our mother wants a grandchild.

"Why don't you get married then? Why does it matter if I wed or have children? It's your son who will succeed me."

I hate you when you get like this.

You're in good company. He hurled the rest of his bannock at a flock of hungry seagulls. I hate myself all the time. With that, he slung his bow over his shoulder and descended the mound with long, loping strides.

Dolphin followed him with her eyes, fighting tears. How I wish you had never come, Gabriella. You're like a sister to me, but I wish you'd never made him love you. Dolphin slithered down the hill after her older brother. No longer trying to hide the tears, she ran to her mother's hut, throwing herself onto the sleeping bench.

Her mother looked up, startled, as her daughter wept. What has upset you, little one? I count on smiles, not tears, from my only daughter.

Sailfish.

Her mother's eyes clouded. Gabriella again?

Yes. A messenger came yesterday. He's invited to a party.

Ah yes, her birthday is soon. It's been a troubled time for the people of St. Augustine. It surprises me that they would plan a party now. Though perhaps it's what is needed, something to take their minds off their war with the British.

Doesn't she notice how it tortures him every time he sees her? Dolphin asked.

Perhaps not. It's easy to ignore another person's pain when one is happy.

She broke his heart!

He broke his own, her mother stated firmly. She gave him no encouragement. Bear Woman set aside her mending, brushing her daughter's hair gently. She was promised to another man, his blood brother. He had no right to love her.

How could he not? She turned to him in her time of need. She became a part of our tribe. She saved him from his loneliness....

Precious one, we all love her. Don't blame her for his sorrow. He must get over this himself in his own time.

And if he doesn't?

Then he's not the man I hoped he'd be.

Sailfish crossed the river at low tide, swimming when it was too deep to wade. His bow and arrows hung from his shoulder in an oiled skin bag with his other belongings. The water felt warm, comforting. If he closed his eyes, he could imagine the arms of the woman he loved surrounded him instead. He forced himself to focus on the river bank and swam more quickly.

A herd of manatees swam far to his right, a pod of dolphins to his left. Not even the dolphins could make him smile. He wanted nothing more than to lie down and die, but only cowards gave up. He wasn't a coward, but the thought of seeing Gabriella happy with Manuel, tied his stomach in knots.

Once on land, he headed north along the coast of the tidal river. Traveling on foot from home to St. Augustine would take several days. He wanted time to think. He needed to find his balance before seeing her, or this time he might tip over the edge of madness.

Two years ago, when his wife and son died of small pox, the tribe shunned him. They considered the death of his family punishment for allowing himself to become the blood brother of a white man. Despite how much Manuel had done for the tribe, he was still an outsider. The chief's heir was expected to know better. His uncle should have said no, though it wouldn't have stopped him from making Manuel his brother. Many of the tribal leaders considered him of mixed blood, not a fit man to take over leadership when his uncle died.

In August of last year, he found Gabriella alone in the wild. Driven from her home by a wicked English spy, she was lost, wandering, vulnerable. Sailfish fell in love before knowing who she was, his blood brother's future bride. Even now, he couldn't let go of those feelings of elation when he'd first seen her stumble into the camp. His pulse raced, his body warmed as he thought of her. It was weakness, an embarrassment the way his emotions betrayed him.

Since the death of the British spy last summer, his standing with the tribe had solidified. They knew he and Manuel had worked together to protect them. No longer an outcast, he had his pick of women. Occasionally, he took one to his furs, out of physical need. But because of Gabriella, none of them could win his aching heart.

Sighing heavily, he moved his pack around, balancing its weight more evenly and squared his shoulders, ready to face his ordeal. This birthday party was a true test of his courage. If he could make it through the next two weeks without completely losing his mind, perhaps there was hope for him.

He hadn't marked the time, finding it closer to evening than he'd thought. The setting sun cast dimming rays upon the water. It rippled in the soft amber light. More dolphins followed him as he walked along the shore, chuckling and chirping happily. Although he didn't want to, Sailfish smiled, unable to resist their song. Chirping back, imitating them almost exactly, he watched as the adults jumped out of the water.

The one nearest shore jumped high, doing an intricate pirouette in the air before flipping on its back. A huge splash followed, drenching Sailfish, who laughed uproariously. Applauding the show, he did a leap of his own, landing lightly on his feet. The dolphins chuckled and swam away.

The feelings of elation left as soon as the last fin disappeared. Since it was getting dark, he decided to make camp. He prepared a pit, building a fire in the center and took a small tin pot out of his pack, filling it with water. When it was hot, he added tea leaves, lifting it carefully from the flames with the corner of his matchcoat. The singed edge bore witness to the fact he'd done this many times before.

As his tea steeped and cooled, he took out travel rations of jerked meat and sun-dried berries. Dipping these in the tea to soften them, he settled back, using his pack as a pillow, and gazed at the stars as he ate. It seemed to him the heavenly orbs formed the outline of Gabriella's face, the two brightest stars, her eyes. Wistfully, he finished his meal, banked the flames, curled in his matchcoat and fell asleep.

In the Governor's house in St. Augustine, Gabriella Enriques danced around the sitting room, holding the indigo colored dress her grandmother had brought her from Jamaica. The family had gathered for this delightful event. Happy faces ringed her, laughing at Gabriella's girlish antics.

Grand-mère, it's identical to the other! Thank you! She kissed the older woman's cheek.

Let us hope this one does not meet such a tragic end, the old lady replied with a sly smile.

The first one had been torn to shreds when Gabriella was kidnapped the prior August.

Gabriella giggled, blushing. I have no plans to escape in a runaway carriage again. Once was quite enough, thank you.

"From whom would you run in any case, mi cariña? Not me, I hope?" Her husband, Manuel, laughed, taking her hand.

Never, my love! Standing on tiptoe, she kissed his cheek.

You won't escape so easily, my pet. He held her close, kissing her properly.

Gabriella pretended to push away, cleverly managing to stay in his arms. He kissed her again, more deeply.

Ugh, disgusting! her six year old brother, Marcos, covered his eyes. Why must everyone always be kissing?

Just wait, little man, Manuel told him as he tickled his young wife. "Soon enough, you'll find someone to kiss and it won't seem so disgusting. In fact, it will make you very happy." He snuggled with his wife, nibbling her neck as she blushed and giggled.

Oh, ugh! Marcos feigned a gag.

I believe it's nearly time for dinner, Clara announced. Marcos, bedtime. Mamá let you stay up to visit with Grand-mère, but it's time for bed.

Yes, Mamá.

He made his rounds, giving reluctant kisses to the ladies. When he came to his father and brothers-in-law, he shook their hands solemnly. His nurse collected him, taking him to his room.

It's such a delight to be with you all once again, and under much better circumstances, Grand-mère said.

The time of your last visit, surely was not among our best moments, Governor Deza replied.

Despite everything, at least we are together, Clara said with a delighted smile. And our family has grown by leaps and bounds!

Not only had Gabriella married Manuel, but her two sisters had wed as well. Each of them held a sleeping baby in her arms. Born within three weeks of one another, Irena's son and Maria's daughter were the newest members of their growing family.

Perhaps soon, Manuel and I will also add to the fold. Gabriella's eyes were downcast, her voice soft.

Though she too had been with child, her body rejected the infant early on. As yet, she had been unable to conceive again, a fact which saddened them both.

Our time will come soon enough, my love. Don't fret. Manuel kissed her hair. We will just have to keep trying, eh, Bella? he murmured in her ear.

Gabriella blushed at his somewhat improper suggestion. Though she didn't mind the implication in the least, it was in front of her family.

Manuel Enriques, don't be saying scandalous things to my baby sister, Maria scolded playfully.

Would I do such a dreadful thing, Maria DuPont?

Not if you know what's good for you, her husband, Charles, mused dryly. Or Ri's liable to skin you alive.

Manuel winked, pinching his wife's ribs. I said nothing scandalous to your sister. Did I, my sweet?

No, nothing! she squeaked.

Maria's daughter, Elayne, whimpered, becoming restless. Maria's frown made Manuel conceal a smile, lowering one long-lashed eyelid in a slow wink at his favorite sister-in-law.

Oh, you wicked man! she giggled, trying hard not to wake her infant.

You should put the babes to bed, Clara suggested. They can sleep in with their little Auntie Isabelle.

Thank you, Mamá, they chorused.

I'm going to say good night to Marcos, Clara excused herself.

The room seemed quite empty once the three ladies left. A short silence followed. The men gazed around the room. It seemed that someone wanted to speak, but Charles and Jason were unsure what they could say in front of the two remaining ladies.

Ferdinand, Manuel broke the silence. Tell us of the news the dispatch brought today.

Governor Deza frowned, turning to the fireplace. Though it was unlit, he studied it before continuing. His prolonged pause made the others uncomfortable. After another moment, he spoke softly.

The news is bad. It seems General Oglethorpe has chosen to use the excuse of Jenkins' Ear to attack us once more. That bloody pirate, Robert Jenkins, got himself in a tight fix and used the customs officer's actions, as his excuse to cause trouble. It was a mistake just to cut his ear off. Better he'd lost his head, for a dead man can't spread lies. There are rumors that the English are gathering their men for an attack. I've sent word to Cuba. They will bring us supplies and, with luck, reinforcements.

I heard from an Indian scout that those rumors are true, Manuel said flatly. He said that his party had spotted the British preparing to set sail.

That confirms other rumors I've heard, Jason added. It looks grim, Governor. Perhaps we should evacuate.

It has entered my mind, Governor Deza replied. But I hate the idea of my fort falling into British hands.

I will take the family home with me, Grand-mère added firmly. The girls, Clara and the children could come for a visit.

And what about my party? Gabriella was heartsick.

A glare from her father caused her to rethink her outburst.

I'm sorry, Papa. Of course we must consider the safety of the family. A party is nothing in comparison. She looked at her lap, blinking rapidly to brush away the tears before they could fall. You must, of course, send Clara and the others away.

You're going too, her father commanded.

No, Papa! I can't! I won't leave Manuel. I swore if we lived through our trials last summer, I would never be separated from him again.

Gabriella, if I tell you to do this, you will. I can't have my greatest asset distracted because he's worried about his wife.

I helped, too, she replied, sticking out her chin defiantly. If it weren't for me, you'd never have known about James.

Manuel took her hand. This need not be settled right now, he said quietly, squeezing her fingers. Lifting his head, he listened. I hear the ladies in the hall.

Clara burst through the door, laughing happily. One look at their solemn faces told her more than she wanted to know. You've been talking about that awful war, haven't you?

It's unavoidable, my dear, Ferdinand replied.

I refuse to listen, Clara said angrily. I won't have this evening ruined, nor will I have our family uprooted like we were last summer! Not knowing for over a month whether Gabriella lived or died! I cannot go through that again, Ferdinand. I simply cannot!

As she neared hysterics, her husband left his spot near the fireplace, putting his arms around his young wife.

I'm sorry, my love. We won't discuss it again tonight. Ferdinand exchanged a meaningful look with his sons-in-law.

Clara, her mother spoke in a bright, happy voice. Do you know who I ran into just before I got on the ship?

Her daughter shook her head, weeping softly into her husband's chest.

That fellow you used to see. What was his name? Pierre something. The one with the squint. She did an exaggerated frown.

Mamá, you know perfectly well that is Pierre Mouton.

Oh, so it is. Well, he's married that girl. Oh, where did we know her from? Ah, yes. Paulette's sister. The younger one.

Paulette Gautier's sister, Fleur?

Yes, the very one. Funny looking little thing, but they seem devoted to one another. She confided in me that she has missed you all these years. Pierre still speaks of you fondly, though you'd think he'd be more careful around his little wife, don't you?

Grand-mère continued in this gossipy way, most likely fabricating a great deal of it. Successfully bringing her daughter out of her sullen mood, she led the family to the table.

I know your father would love to see all of you, Clara. It's been so difficult for him to travel. We simply must bring the girls and those beautiful babies with us, Grand-mère said with a sly wink to her son-in-law when Clara's back was turned.

Governor Deza thanked her with an inclination of his head.

Conversation over dinner was carefully light, avoiding all talk of war. By the end of it, Clara had invited herself for a visit to Jamaica, her daughters, son and grandchildren in tow.

After dinner, the men took their brandy and cigars into the Governor's study. Gabriella felt nearly stifled by the closeness of the sitting room and walked outside onto the loggia. Clara and the others were so wrapped up in plans to sail to Jamaica, they didn't notice that she'd left.

Unlike her step-mother and sisters, Gabriella longed for news of the war. From the loggia, she could eavesdrop on the men, perhaps finding out more information. She moved quietly toward the outer door of the study when it flew open. Her husband stood there with a smirking scowl.

I told you she'd be here, Ferdinand. You must break this nasty habit of lurking in shadows, my sweet. It's not polite, nor safe, for a lady of stature to engage in such chicanery. Manuel led her into the study, shutting the door behind her with a sharp click.

The men all stood until Gabriella sat hastily on the nearest chair.

Papa, you can't send me to Jamaica. I must stay.

It won't be safe. You will go.

No! She stood, stamping her foot angrily. Stop treating me like a child, Papa! I was woman enough to find the truth about James. I kept your secrets, even though Manuel was away for weeks on end. I managed to escape from James all on my own, as well.

Gabriella, I— Her father sighed heavily, knowing it was hopeless. I'm sorry, my boy, he said to Manuel.

Manuel hung his head. I had hoped she would see reason.

I'm good with patching people up. I would be of some use in the for tending wounded.

Bella, Manuel took her hands, gazing into her eyes tenderly. My love, war wounds are awful things to see. So much blood and pain—

I've helped before. She raised her chin defiantly. As to blood, who helped deliver both those babies, eh? Certainly not you! I was the one who stepped in for the midwife when she was ill.

You're insufferable! Manuel threw up his hands, tugging at his hair. How can I do my job when I'm worried about you?

"And what will your job be? The most unavoidably difficult and dangerous? Why would you choose something easy? You live for the adventure, Manuel. Admit it. You hunger for the active life of a soldier again."

Nothing of the sort, Gabriella, he muttered unconvincingly.

Well, what then? Tell me. I demand to know!

Very well. Manuel rubbed his chin, pursing his lips. I am going to spy on the British soldiers and try to infiltrate the ranks as an Indian compatriot.

Gabriella's blue eyes chilled as she glanced from her husband to her father. I'm not happy with that, she said quietly. I know whatever we learn from them, they can learn from us. What's to prevent them using you against us?

They won't know who I am, he tried to explain.

Manuel! Anguish filled her voice, her heartbreak plain. You can't, you simply can't! Papa, I won't let you send him!

"Me, send him? My girl, this is the first I've heard this wild notion."

Gabriella slapped her husband, bursting into tears. Manuel grasped his cheek, face reddening as he fought his anger. He could understand his young wife's hysteria, but that made it no easier to deal with. A man well known for his temper, he sought to control it.

You promised me, she growled. "You promised after we were wed that you'd never leave! As we came together that first night, you said, Cariña, I'll never leave you again. This I swear. So what of your promise now?"

Her father and brothers-in-law looked extremely embarrassed. This conversation tread on intimate secrets between husband and wife.

"I do this to protect you, Cariña, Manuel said, tight-lipped, his fingers pressed against the red mark on his cheek. I do this for us all."

What if I told you I am with child?

Forgive me, my love, but you're above such manipulations. Even if I thought it were true, I'd still go. It is more than just our love and happiness at stake here. This is for everyone, including any children we may have.

You're impossible! Gabriella raised her hand to strike him again, bursting into angry tears.

Manuel put up his arms to block another strike, but it never came. Her father insinuated himself between them. Manuel stepped back, bowing slightly. Gabriella stamped her foot, crossing her arms angrily.

For the first time in her life, Gabriella wanted to have a temper tantrum. She'd never done it as a child, being mild mannered and quiet by nature. She had come close once or twice last summer, circumstances making her lose control of her emotions, but that was grief, not anger. Never had she wanted more to scream and throw things, than she did at that moment. Turning abruptly, she stalked from the room, back to the loggia, leaving the door open behind her.

You promised, her voice drifted back to them, lingering on the breeze.

Don't just stand there, Jason said, limping toward the door himself. Go after her!

Manuel raced out the door. He found Gabriella wandering in the plaza across from her father's house. Approaching cautiously, he saw that she wasn't crying. Tears streaked her face, but she was calmer now, her sobs had subsided. She slumped to the ground as he approached.

May I sit? Or do you wish to slap me again? He held himself stiffly, his anger still bubbling near the surface.

Sit, damn you. I can't stop you from doing what you want.

Bella, I—

Don't say anything. Don't tell me again how you do this for me and our children. I don't want to hear that. You swore to me, Manuel! You promised!

Tucking the tails of his coat in front of him, he dropped gracefully to the grass. Taking a deep breath, he bent his head ignominiously. A man may say many things in the heat of passion, Bella. It doesn't make them any less true, but it certainly makes them less—accurate. He shrugged, staring across the moonlit water. His long fingers absently tugged at tufts of grass.

Gabriella laughed suddenly, her bright giggle filling the cool night air. How can you wiggle out of something so important by claiming it was said in passion and therefore not binding? Words spoken when you're in my arms should be even more of a firm promise.

"Firm, eh? I'll remember that. A very firm promise, eh Cariña?"