The Raven and the Mermaid

By Jan Bullen

Nicholas St. James, Duke of Chesterfield, Captain of the Raven stands over six feet tall, athletic grace evident in his every move. Known only as the ‘Black Raven’ he instills fear into the hearts of brave men. His chin beneath the mask was square and strong, when he smiles his sensual lips parted to show even white teeth. Sapphire eyes glint through the slits of the mask.


Danielle, Nicholas’ wife is tired of waiting for his return from the Port Royal. When she overhears a conversation that Nicholas has installed his mistress in his house on Port Royal, Danielle is determined to bring him home.

Taking on the guise of a lady pirate, Danielle sets hearts racing as she becomes known as the ‘Mermaid’ and sails the Caribbean in search of her husband.

But captured by the Spanish ‘the Mermaid’ finds herself in the clutches of the Inquisition.

The ‘Black Raven’ must rescue her before the torture begins.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jan Bullen
• Release date: Mar 6, 2012
• ISBN: 9780957746015

Book preview

Chapter One

"S he’s low in the water cap’n." The first mates voice rumbled over the deck of the sleek schooner as the ship dipped and reared as it plowed its way through the waves of the azure blue sea.

Then prepare to relieve her of some of the load, William. The Black Raven grinned wolfishly showing a flash of white teeth as he turned and handed the glass back to his first mate.

Aye sir. William Marsden rumbled; he sported a wicked grin on his weathered face. His once long dark brown hair was now streaked with gray and even with his hair tied back in a long pony-tail it was hard to determine William’s age especially when his rough craggy features softened with amusement. William was not as tall as the captain but he was equally as broad.

William felt a surge of adrenaline creep into his blood as he watched his captain prepare the ship to defeat and board the approaching vessel. The thought that they might lose a battle such as this never crossed any of the crew’s minds, not with the Black Raven as their captain.

As William turned towards the deck, he felt the air crackle with anticipation as the crew waited for the command.

 Well, step lively lads. The order didn’t need to be shouted; it wasn’t necessary, the pattern had been the same for the past two years. The whole crew moved as one, each had his own task to perform and almost before the first mate had finished speaking they were scurrying about the deck like ants after honey, efficiently readying the ship for the battle to come.

The weather off Jamaica had been unseasonably good, now the wind was fair and the sails cracked to catch the breeze, but it still took nearly four hours before the ships tacked close to each other.

The captain stood at the wheel. The deck of the Raven was clear, the sails now blowing full in the fresh winds. A small smile played across the Black Raven’s full sensuous lips as he glanced up at the Portuguese pennant that flapped in the breeze at the top of the mizzen-mast. Again he picked up his glass and put it to his eye. This was going to be easier than he thought. Steady William, as close as you can. His voice was so low it almost whispered across the deck.

Aye capt’n, lower those sails, bring the shroud down lads. With swift precision the order was followed and the Raven slowed immediately. The identical action was being taken aboard the three-decked galleon and the two vessels now glided slowly towards each other.

The sun glinted off the glass as the Spanish captain examined the sleek schooner that approached at a leisurely pace, a few sailors had raised their hands in greeting before turning to continue with the ropes and lines that were being coiled. The Spanish captain’s head nodded imperceptibly as he tipped the glass and studied the flag flapping in the breeze, a small smile played around his lips as he nodded to his crew to continue their course.

The Black Raven could almost taste the anticipation of his crew as they went about their normal duties. Several men kept a close watch on the heavily laden vessel approaching them as they scurried up the lines to the mast where they were hidden from view of the approaching vessel. As the order was given more sails were furled and both ships slowed considerably.

William took the captains place on the poop deck, standing tall and straight. The hidden men of the crew glanced at each other, a glimmer of anticipation sparkling in their eyes. As had been the procedure for many other attacks, the captain would stay out of sight until they were so close to the approaching vessel they were almost ready to board her.

Nicholas St. James, Duke of Chesterfield, Captain of the Raven stood over six feet tall, athletic grace was evident in his every movement. As with many other privateers he wore a mask to hide his true identity. Known only as the Black Raven he instilled fear into the hearts of brave men. His chin beneath the mask was square and strong, when he smiled his sensual lips parted to show even white teeth. Sapphire eyes glinted as he watched the vessels glide closer together.

His broad shoulders were relaxed under his full white shirt. Slabs of firm muscle covered his tanned chest. A chest that tapered to a narrow waist and hips, his long legs were encased in tight leather breeches and showed clearly the hard muscles that had been toned by long hours braced on the deck of a ship. He was such a tall and imposing figure that one glimpse of him sent the enemy scurrying for the cannon. With his mask in place, he stood waiting patiently.

The Black Raven heard the hiss of the ocean as the two ships came within meters of each other, his head turned slightly and his eyes connected with Williams’s. With a feral grin Nicholas bounded up to the deck; this was the signal the crew had been waiting for. With a blood-curdling cry the crew jumped from their hiding places and made for the rail.

Men flew from the topmasts as ropes were let loose. Knives glinted in the sun as the pirates held them between their teeth until they had landed on the deck of the galleon. The lines were thrown and the grappling hooks anchored into the timber rails of the galleon. The crew of the Raven swarmed onto the decks before the Spanish captain could draw breath to call the order to repel boarders.

Still more of the pirates climbed up and over the railing and swung from lines lashed to the Raven’s masts. William had maneuvered the Raven close enough for the remainder of the crew to jump across, lines were secured and the two vessels rode the seas attached to one another. It didn’t take long for the Spanish to gather their wits and the fight became fast and furious. The clash of heavy swords mingled with the blood curdling cry of the pirates and the agonized screams of the maimed and injured men.

The surprise and swiftness of the attack had caught the Spanish completely off guard and although they valiantly rallied to quell the attack the fight was over quickly. Several of the Spanish crew lay dead on the bloodied deck, but the remainder of them was quickly overpowered and now an eerie silence descended over both vessels. The Spanish captain was held in the center of the deck. The remainder of his crew on their knees around him many with their heads bowed, some with bleeding cuts others with more serious wounds, but valiantly fighting to stay conscious beside their captain.

The Black Raven was standing on the rail of the captured ship. His gaze took in the captured men then traveled the length of the deck, taking in the fine lines of the ship.

Finally his eyes came to rest on the Spanish captain who at that moment looked up and recoiled in horror at the sight before him, recovering quickly he gave no more than an involuntary shrug causing his captures to clamp huge fists around his arms even tighter.

The Black Raven loomed over the captain looking every bit the huge bird of prey that his name portrayed. His deep blue eyes glittered through the slits of his mask and his white teeth flashed in the wicked smile that played about his lips. He stood with his hands on his narrow hips, the sword in his hand still dripped blood and a pistol and lethal looking knife were tucked into his knee length black boots.

Nicholas jumped down onto the deck and reached the captain in two long strides. Pulling himself up straight against the steel grip that held him the Spanish captain tried to hide his fear. His chin lifted slightly but he could not bring himself to look at the awesome sight now directly in front of him. His eyes were focused on a point on the horizon just over Nicholas’ shoulder.

What is your name? Nicholas’ Spanish was perfect, bringing the Captain’s glittering black eyes swinging up to the masked face.

"I am Don Cortez, Captain of the Madelaine. The man answered in heavily accented English, And you are?" His lip turned up in a slight sneer as he faced this awesome specter. Nicholas brow rose slightly at Don Cortez’ flare of insolence, his eyes wandered over the restrained Spanish captain. He was a handsome man; dark olive skin and long black shiny hair showed clearly his Mediterranean ancestry. He was tall and imposing but still only came to the Black Raven’s shoulder.

The Black Raven, at your service Captain Cortez. Nicholas bowed elegantly as he spoke.

Jesu ...... The captain gasped as the dreaded words sank into his befuddled brain.

Nicholas smiled slightly as he watched the color drain from the captain’s face. He had seen the same shock registered on many faces since his return to the Caribbean.

What is your cargo, that you ride so low in the water? The Black Raven’s voice was low and menacing.

Senor, I have heard that you are a man who is lenient with the crew of a captured vessel. Don Cortez murmured on a whisper. Any Captain who sailed the Spanish Main knew that a captured vessel could expect no quarter from the pirates who boarded them.

I have no wish to shed more blood, Don Cortez. Shall we? Nicholas indicated the hold that stood open. Don Cortez hesitated for a moment then with an insolent shrug he pulled away from his captors and straightening his jacket he led the way down to the cargo hold.

When the Black Raven had sailed several years before, he became well known for taking the cargo only, indeed because he had spared many lives it made taking that cargo much easier. It was only the most foolhardy that would stand and fight, many of the vessels he attacked would be ready to give up their cargo to save the lives of the crew.

The captain stood by while several of the Raven’s crew inspected the hold. Nicholas and William were searching the Captain’s elegant cabin.

Nicholas sat behind the huge Spanish Oak desk and sifted through the piles of papers that he had taken from the drawers, he looked up and smiled at the sound of a head bashing again something hard and the foul oath that issued from the small closet William had entered several minutes earlier. Still nothing, my friend? Nicholas called as William continued to mumble to himself.

No, some silver plate and a small chest of jewels, but no papers. William’s voice carried through to the cabin.

Come, William it is time we left. We have wasted too much time here already.

I still say that you should have let me have a word with the Captain, he might have given us the information. William emerged from the closet with his arms full of silver plate. He dumped it on the desk and returned for the chest of jewels, I can be very persuasive you know. He said seriously as he tried to juggle his armful of booty.

I know William, I know. Nicholas smiled as his hand shot out to catch a silver goblet that had toppled from William’s arms. We cannot capture every Spanish vessel and we cannot torture every Spanish captain to find the information our King needs. Besides although this is a fine ship I doubt our captain ranks very high in the list of Spanish Kings men and if any information was aboard this vessel I think we would have found it by now.

Several hours later with the cargo safely transferred from the galleon to the Raven, the lines were cut and the sheets released to catch the brisk wind.

The Raven dipped and sliced through the water, leaving the crew of the Madelaine staring in wonder at the beautiful schooner, heavily laden with its newly acquired cargo of tobacco, spices, silks and a sizeable chest of gold and jewels. The whole encounter had taken no more than a few hours. It had been such a smooth operation that had it not been for the fact that it was now the Raven who ran low in the water it would have been hard to believe that an act of piracy had actually taken place.

The Raven encountered no more vessels as they made their way along the Spanish Main towards the island of Jamaica where Nicholas knew that Admiral Sir Henry Morgan awaited him at Port Royal.

Although Morgan was now Lieutenant Governor of Port Royal, he still held a great affection for the pirates and privateers who had been his friends for so long and still came to the island to dispose of their booty.

Morgan had now held the office of Governor for several years. His affection for the pirates stemmed from his own colorful career as a buccaneer. He had enjoyed terrorizing the Spanish and sacking towns and had admitted on several occasions that King Charles had probably only given him a knighthood and his present position to keep him from causing more trouble for England. On several occasions when the Spanish and English had called a tentative truce in their trade war Henry Morgan had totally ignored the dictates of his King and sacked and pillaged at will.

King Charles had an affection for Morgan, the King adored beautiful women, but he also admired brave men, and Morgan was certainly brave; his adventures across the Caribbean were legendary and he was given a hero’s welcome when he visited London. Nicholas suspected this was probably why the King overlooked Morgan’s many indiscretions. Nicholas stood on the deck of the Raven a slight smile curving his mouth as he thought of the way he had met Captain Henry Morgan.

Some years before Nicholas had been forced into privateering to finance the restoration of his estates in England. Danielle had come into his life quite by accident. She had wandered into the inn that he and William had been biding their time before the turn of the tide.

 Seized by the drunken men in the tavern, Danielle had been assaulted and almost raped, but Nicholas had rescued her and taken her aboard the Raven. Forced to flee the King’s men, Nicholas had had no choice but set sail with Danielle as his unwanted and unwilling passenger.

After Nicholas had secured passage back to England for Danielle, her ship had been captured by the notorious Henry Morgan.

 Nicholas’ eyes glinted with amusement at the merry dance Danielle had given Morgan. Nicholas had long ago forgiven Morgan for trying to sell Danielle at auction because he knew that Henry Morgan was hopelessly in love with Danielle and had been since the fateful day of her capture.

As his thoughts drifted to his beautiful wife Nicholas’ heart twisted with a deep yearning, he ached to see Danielle again. He missed her and his son more with each passing day, they were never far from his thoughts. It had been too long since he had held her in his arms, kissed her, made love to her. With a deep sigh he turned and made his way to his lonely cabin.

Chapter Two

B ut Linette, it has been nearly two years since Nicholas went away and I have heard nothing. Danielle paced around the elegant drawing room of Chesterfield House, and if you say that I must be patient one more time, I will scream. Her polished amber eyes snapped fire, her cheeks were pink from her exertions and several pins had fallen from her beautiful coiffeur causing several strands of honey gold hair to fall about her shoulders. Danielle was not used to inactivity and patience was definitely not one of her virtues.

Danielle, please. I don’t know what else to say. Perhaps you could go to the King. He may know when your husband will be returning. Linette put down her embroidery as she spoke and looked up at her friend. She knew that it was hard for Danielle to be separated from her husband for so long and they had had this same conversation many times over the past few months.

Ha! The King is probably happy that Nicholas is away so long, he is after all filling his majesty’s coffers quite nicely I would imagine. His treasury must be fairly bulging. Danielle snapped very ungraciously as she gazed out of the window across the rolling lawns and magnificent gardens of her home.

That is not the only reason that Nicholas is in the Caribbean. His mission is very important to the King. Linette said quietly as she again picked up her embroidery.

Yes, I know Linette, I just miss him so much. Danielle turned to the table and picked up the ornate teapot.

Still with her head bent over the tangle of colorful silks Linette asked innocentlty How long does it take to get to Jamaica?

About three months. Less if the weather is good. Danielle turned and handed a dainty china cup to her friend. Why? her brow creased as she gazed at Linette.

Oh, I was just curious. Linette smiled and sipped her tea. She was elegantly dressed in a day gown of sapphire blue. Her dark hair was immaculately coifed on top of her head, with fat ringlets framing her face.

Linette was a study in patience. This scene had been played out many times. For weeks Danielle had fretted like this. She missed her husband dreadfully and each day only intensified her loss.

Danielle sat in the chair by the window with her head resting back on the cushions. She gazed up at the soft puffy clouds and let her thoughts wander. Just three months, maybe less and she could be with Nicholas again.

Would you like some more tea? Linette asked after a long silence, Danielle? She inquired when her friend did not answer. Danielle have you fallen asleep with exhaustion? Linette finally laughed. Danielle are you listening to me?

Oh, Linette, I do apologize, what did you say? Danielle emerged from her daydreams with an abrupt start.

I said would you like some more tea? Linette smiled.

Oh, yes that would be nice. Thank you. Danielle handed over her cup. As Linette began to pour the tea Danielle continued to gaze out of the window.

Perhaps we should then prepare for the Forster’s soiree. That will take your mind off things.

Yes I suppose it will. Danielle rallied herself enough to drink her tea, but once her plans started to take shape she found she could think of nothing else.

Danielle dressed in an elegant gown of rose silk that shimmered when she moved. The bodice was cut low as was the fashion and encrusted with tiny beads in the shape of small birds. The center of the skirt was cut to reveal a froth of cream lace petticoats.

Her honey gold hair was piled on top of her head with soft curls artfully framing her beautiful face and curling around her neck. As she stepped into the nursery to kiss her son goodnight, Philip squealed in delight and launched himself at his mother.

Come on young master, you will crease your mama’s beautiful gown. The nurse tried to prize Philip’s hands from around his mother’s legs.

He’s alright Rebecca. Danielle said softly as she knelt down to hug her son. He was a small replica of his father, with huge sapphire blue eyes and a heart-stopping smile. At four years of age he had already won the hearts of all the servants in the household. Mama, when is papa coming home? I miss him. Philip whispered into her shoulder, his small fingers playing idly with the curls at his mother’s nape.

He will be home soon darling, even if I have to fetch him myself. Danielle smiled down and placed a kiss on her son’s head.

Really, mama, can I come with you? Philip’s eyes lit with his eagerness at such an adventure.

Perhaps, but you must go to bed now, we will talk about it again in the morning.

Before she had finished speaking, Philip had made a dash for his bed and in one leap he was under the covers and pulling them up to his chin; he held his cheek out expectantly. Smiling Danielle walked over to the bed and dutifully kissed the proffered cheek. Goodnight my love.

Goodnight mama, I love you. Philip whispered as his eyes closed.

I love you too darling, I love you too. Danielle kissed his smooth cheek once more before turning and making her way down to the waiting carriage.

The elegant black carriage waited under the large portico, the gold Chesterfield coat of arms glinted clearly in the light from the large lanterns. The footman opened the carriage door for Danielle and she smiled at Linette who was already sitting waiting. Linette’s husband, Pierre, stepped up and took Danielle’s hand as she leaned forward and kissed him on the cheek before turning and allowing him to hand her into the carriage. When Danielle was seated and Pierre had settled himself next to his wife the carriage moved off. Once outside the well-lit portico, the carriage was engulfed in darkness, only the full moon caste a light across the faces of the occupants.

Danielle took a deep satisfying breath. She had made her decision.

I am going to the Caribbean. She announced matter-of-factly.

What? Both Pierre and Linette almost jumped out of their seats in shock.

I cannot just wait for Nicholas to return, I am going after him.

But what about Philip? Linette almost shouted.

You don’t even know where Nicholas is. Pierre said at the same time.

You know I do not want to leave Philip, and I would not trust him with anyone else so I thought that maybe you could take care of Philip ..... or I could send him to his grandfather, and I will go to Henry, he will know where Nicholas is. Danielle said answering both their questions.

But Danielle it is far too dangerous. I cannot let you go. Pierre’s heart lurched painfully for he knew even as he spoke and looked into her sparkling eyes that nothing was going to stop her.

Pierre, Linette you have both been very kind since Nicholas went away, but I really need to be with him, each day he is gone I wilt a little bit more. It will not take long to find passage on a safe ship and get to the Caribbean. I promise I will be quite all right. Danielle leaned forward and patted both their hands, then leaned back and stared out of the carriage window as it bowled along toward the Forster’s estates, a small thoughtful smile playing around her lips. Pierre and Linette exchanged worried glances but said no more.

And where is that rakishly handsome husband of yours, your grace?

Good evening Angela. My husband is still away on the King’s business. Danielle’s smile did not quite reach her eyes as she gazed at this attractive, if rather over blown woman. Lady Angela Townsend, Countess of Coulfied was not much older than Danielle. Although beautiful, Angela tried to enhance her beauty by the use of too much powder and paint and a too flamboyant taste in gowns. Angela had beautiful green eyes, that could sparkle attractively in mischief or could change in an instant to flash venom.

Such a pity, I imagine you miss him very much. Angela purred.

Danielle flicked one elegant eyebrow at Angela’s comment, she was well aware that whenever Nicholas and she had attended a ball or a party Angela had tried her very best to get him alone. A small smile played around Danielle’s lips as she thought of her devastatingly handsome husband, politely but positively evading Angela’s advances.

Danielle did not feel the need to answer Angela so with a polite nod she whispered If you will excuse me. and turned away leaving Lady Townsend to glare at her retreating back.

Pierre led the ladies to a quiet corner, but it was not long before Danielle was swept into the first dance, and very soon one dance led to another until she was exhausted. She excused herself from a rather handsome young King’s officer and made her way to the side of the dance floor.

Grateful for the respite she leaned against one of the ornate marble pillars and watched the graceful dancers glide around the elegant ballroom.

Yes, just returned ..... awfully good voyage .... duced worrying at times .... Pirates. Danielle caught snatches of Lord Westchester’s conversation as she accepted a glass of cool wine from a footman, but one word caught her attention and stopped the glass half way to her lips, "Raven ....."

Not wanting to appear rude and interrupt the gentlemen’s conversation, Danielle moved as close as she dared and stood by a marble column to one side of the group. She sipped her wine while gazing around the crowded ballroom, but her mind was riveted on the conversation behind her.

Did you actually see him then? One of the young men asked eagerly.

Oh, well ..... my oath I did. Lord Westchester boasted loudly, his florid face growing even redder in his enthusiasm. He was enjoying the attention immensely. He wore a black brocade jacket with black velvet breeches, his gold brocade waistcoat was stretched to its limits across his ample girth, his thumb was comfortably hooked into a pocket of the waistcoat, which added more strain on the already overstrained buttons

But what does he look like? Another young lord questioned. Is he as fearsome as they say?

Yes and more. He wears that mask all the time of course, but one cannot mistake the power of the man. He has a certain ..er... command about him. Danielle’s heart skipped a beat as she remembered that power when Nicholas had held her in his arms.

Fearsome? I’ll say. He fights like the very devil. Lord Westchester answered another question.

But I thought the legend goes that he is lenient against the crew of a captured vessel.

Oh, he is. When I say fight, I only mean when provoked. Lord Westchester corrected himself quickly, he was thoroughly enjoying the attention he was getting. As he glanced around he noticed with pleasure that quite a crowd had gathered around him, all eager to hear his tale.

Are you alright Danielle? Pierre smiled as he approached her. He looked rakishly handsome tonight. His burgundy jacket fit snuggly over his broad chest. The white shirt and cravat, a stark contrast to his sun darkened skin. Pierre was the son of a French Comte, his English estates bordered the Chesterfield estates and he had been a firm friend of Nicholas for many years.

Oh, yes thank you Pierre, I am fine. She smiled up at him, but Pierre noticed that the she looked very pale.

Would you like to dance? Pierre gave her a slight bow and an exaggerated flourish as he spoke.

No thank you. I fear I am all danced out. Danielle laughed at his playful antics.

Perhaps later then. Pierre smiled down at her as he sipped his own wine. A smile creased his features as he watched his beautiful wife glide past in the arms of a handsome young earl.

Danielle did not hear Pierre’s words as she strained to hear more of Lord Westchester’s conversation. … he is tall and broad and has the ladies swooning at his feet. Danielle’s back stiffened at these words. At her sudden movement Pierre glanced at her and it was then that he became aware of the conversation going on behind them.

The ladies do not fear him then. One of the young men joked and with a lecherous grin he dug his elbow into his companion’s ribs. Handy with the saber I wager. This comment brought a bout of riotous laughter from the group.

Er …I think perhaps a turn around the garden ... but Danielle had not heard Pierre, nor did she feel his hand at her elbow, her eyes shone like warm amber as she waited for their next comments.

Anyone in particular? Lord Rygate drawled after a particular bawdy remark.

He is a stallion much sought after, and the females are all very willing, but there is one er ... lady shall we say, that he returns to after each voyage. Lady Jasmine. A real exotic beauty. Not only does he show his mastery and prowess on the seas, but his mastery and prowess in the bed chamber is just as renowned, if you know what I mean. The gesture that Lord Westchester made and the vile smirk on his ruddy face brought another shout of raucous laughter.

Danielle stood frozen for some seconds, she had not realized that she had held her breath until it came out in a strangled sob and her glass crashed to the floor. She did not hear Pierre shout in alarm as she ran, heedless of any she bumped into. She ran until her lungs hurt and she found herself in the gardens. Slowly she sank down onto the bench under a large tree but in the next instant she was on her feet and pacing back and forth.

Danielle, you should not upset yourself so. Pierre’s gentle voice and tender hands tried to comfort her. He put his arms around her but she resisted him and pushed him away. Again he tried, this time a little more forcefully. Come Danielle, stop this and think about it reasonably. But his words only brought a most unladylike oath from her.

Think about what? I have been waiting for his return for months and all the time he has been taking his pleasure with every doxy on the Caribbean. With one in particular, is this why he does not come home? Danielle’s anger was palpable.

I don’t think that is quite right. I would be surprised ... but Pierre didn’t get to finish his words

I hate him ... I hate him. She walked past him then turned and walked back as she stood in front of him. Not a word. Not a word in two bloody years. Now I find that he is too busy with his mistress to send word to his WIFE. Each of her heated words was punctuated with a stab to Pierre’s chest with a long tapered fingernail. He tried to catch her hands before she drew blood, but she was almost hysterical.

Eventually with great effort Pierre was able to catch both her wrists and stop the beating he was taking. Danielle stop this and listen to me. His voice took on a hard edge, which seemed to penetrate into Danielle’s brain. Come now sweetheart, you and Nicholas mean too much to each other to believe what a boring old man, in his efforts to draw attention, has to say.

But Pierre, I heard him, I heard it all.

And it was probably all fabricated for his audience.

What is wrong. Linette demanded as she raced down the path towards them. Seeing Danielle’s angry stance Linette blanched. Danielle, what is wrong?

As Danielle related the story through gritted teeth, Pierre went to fetch the carriage. All the while cursing Lord Westchester and his big mouth.

And you believe the ramblings of a drunken sot like Lord Westchester. Linette’s voice showed her dismay as Danielle’s diatribe came to an end.

What else am I to believe. Nicholas should have been home long ago, now I know the reason he is not. Danielle whispered heatedly.

Danielle turned on her heel and strode across the lawns towards the waiting carriage. Clearly shaken Linette was left to follow in her wake.

Alone in their own house later that evening, Pierre helped his wife with the buttons at the back of her gown, having dismissed her maid, I could kill Westchester for his foul words. He said through gritted teeth as he concentrated on the long row of tiny pearl buttons.

I have never seen Danielle so upset. Where do you think Westchester heard such tales. Linette smiled over her shoulder at the whispered oath that drifted from where her husband was fumbling with the row of buttons at her back.

Tales of the high seas carry far and wide my love, whether they are true or not.

They are definitely not true. Linette spun around and glared at Pierre.

Slowly and patiently Pierre turned her back to him again, I did not say that I believed them. I don’t believe for one moment that Nicholas would do such a thing, he adores his wife. There at last. He cried triumphantly as the last of the buttons slipped through its small loop. Linette stepped out of her gown and placed it over a chair then slipped on a sheer nightgown and slid under the cool sheets of the huge bed. With her chin resting on her bent knee she watched her husband untie his cravat and then begin on his shirt. Pierre, I cannot begin to imagine what Danielle feels right now. It would break my heart to hear that kind of talk about you.

Pierre turned to her and stopped his undressing, seeing the stricken look on his wife’s lovely face he went over to the bed and took her chin in his hand and lifted her face for a warm and gentle kiss. Never fear my love, I only want to be with you. Always.

I am sure that Nicholas has said those very words to Danielle, but he has been away for so long ... perhaps ...

Hush, I do not believe that he has compromised himself now, after all he was away from her for much longer before and never took another woman. No, I think that we should all be patient until the duke returns and explains these tales himself. All will be well, you will see. He tenderly kissed Linette on the forehead and laid her down on the pillows while he continued undressing.

"You don’t think Danielle was serious about going to the Caribbean do you?

No of course not. Pierre laughed over his shoulder.

Chapter Three

Pierre and Linette sat in the comfortable parlor of Chesterfield House the next morning watching Danielle pace like a caged tiger both recalling their words of the night before.

But surely you cannot be serious? Pierre demanded sharply as he paced back and forth in front of the great fireplace.

Why not, I still want to find him, but perhaps when I do I will just run him through. Danielle stopped her own pacing long enough to snap the words out. Fearsome pirate, ha! I’ll show him what fearsome really means. He will be sorry he ever set eyes on that woman.

Please Danielle, you cannot mean this, we must wait for his return. Perhaps by then you will have thought about this absurd conversation that we overheard last night and realize that it was all a terrible mistake. It was just a drunken sot making more of an innocent story to keep the attention of the group around him.

Well, I suppose I would expect you men to stick together. Thank you for your support Pierre. Danielle’s words were heavy with sarcasm.

You have my support, you know you do. I just don’t want you to do anything you might regret. Pierre saw the lethal glint enter Danielle’s flashing eyes and realized that she was fast losing her temper.

Then are you saying that you will not look after Philip while I am gone? Danielle demanded.

Of course we will look after dear Philip, we are just saying that we would rather you not go at all, especially as upset as you are.

I am not upset, Danielle spat forcefully then she took a deep breath and continued more calmly, not anymore. I am just … very disappointed. With a sigh of exhaustion Danielle sank down into a large chair by the window. She had cried all night. She had gone through a myriad of emotions, disbelief, horror, embarrassment but most of all with such a great sense of loss that she felt her heart would break from the terrible pain.

What do you hope to prove, Danielle? You will be going into a pirate’s haven. You no longer know anyone there, any number of diabolical things could happen to you. Anyone would be blind and stupid not to see that you are a lady of quality and do not belong with them. You could be captured and ransomed, it is heard of all the time. It might take you months to even locate Nicholas, and surely if he knew that you were in the Caribbean he would not consort openly with other women, so what would be the good of it, you cannot go off half cocked on Lord Westchester’s careless words. As Pierre sat down Danielle turned to look at him, she seemed to be listening to his words, but her eyes glistened with a light both Pierre and Linette recognized as trouble.

You are perfectly correct Pierre. Danielle smiled radiantly at her friend.

I am? Pierre whispered in astonishment as the skin on the back of his neck prickled.

Yes, of course, I cannot go ...

You are quite right my dear, we can all wait.....

No, no I mean I cannot go as I am .... but, I know enough about the life of a pirate to become one of them.

WHAT!! Pierre and Linette both exploded together as they sprang out of their seats.

I lived with the pirates for some time and know their ways. I can use a sword and a pistol, Nicholas has seen to that, and I am very adept at navigating a ship, even if I do say so myself. Danielle smiled sweetly as she stood and moved towards the door.

But ……

No Pierre, I have quite made up my mind. With that Danielle swept gracefully from the room and spent the rest of the day with her son.

Over the following two days Pierre and Linette tried every means within their power to make Danielle change her mind. After hounding her for almost every waking hour with no satisfactory results Pierre declared that the only alternative was to lend their aid and help her in any way they could to secure her safety.

Eventually after a tearful farewell with her son Danielle was ready to leave.

I do appreciate you accompanying me to the docks Pierre. Danielle smiled at him from the plush seat in the smart carriage as it bowled along the crowded streets towards the docks.

I had little choice, I just cannot let you go off on this hair-brained scheme unprepared. Pierre said looking sternly at her.

I am sorry if you feel you have been put in an awkward position, but you see there is nothing you can say that will dissuade me from this course. Pierre, I must do this, for my own sanity. Danielle reached across and touched his hand.

Then if I must, I will assist you as best I can. He smiled into her glittering eyes, and squeezed her hand gently. I will accompany you to the Caribbean. He stated briskly.

Pierre I cannot let you do that. Danielle gasped in astonishment.

I will hear of nothing less, my lady. As you say I must do this for my own sanity. Pierre smiled thinly as he mimicked her words of a moment before.

But ....

Pierre put up his hand to stop her words. I will hear no more Danielle. You will not, I repeat not, change my mind. As Pierre turned to gaze out of the window he missed the thoughtful look that crossed Danielle’s lovely face. She gazed at her dear friend, the secretive smile that touched her lips would have told him nothing if he had glanced her way.

Pierre had been in her husbands life since they were boys. Nicholas had spent a good deal of his younger years at the French court and the two had become fast friends. Eventually Pierre had married, and as soon as the trouble in England had abated and Charles was back on the throne he and Linette had left France and moved to England.

Very soon they reached the noise and smells of the docks. They had purposefully traveled to the London docks because Pierre was afraid that Danielle would be recognized if they tried to purchase a large vessel