Tempest of Destiny

By J L Gryphon

Fate's fury challenges Leah's dreams and aspirations of business, adventure, and love. Leah, the daughter of a wealthy shipping company proprietor, struggles to maintain her father's legacy.

Her brother suddenly died in the conflict of the 1812 Blockade, and her father soon followed. In grief, left alone without a male relative to guide her, she passionately and independently embarks on a business trip with her trusted friend to save the family's shipping company. They sail across the Atlantic, endure a tumultuous storm at sea, and evade dangers in foreign lands. Along the way, Leah survives a sandstorm, looks for ancient spiritual guidance, and falls in love.

Leah takes part in a secret initiation and becomes a very astute proprietor despite negotiating with four Egyptian brothers with diverse personal interests. Does she interact with them with kindness, use a touch of romance, or remain meticulously professional? Where does this journey carry her? Only Fate's fury truly knows!

• Language: English
• Publisher: JACQUELYN GRIFFIN
• Release date: May 31, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201076481

Book preview

Chapter- One - The Vines

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Shadows of curling vines darted across the room. The door quietly opened as the new lady of the house moved to the high-back chair and sat down behind the desk. She dressed in black, the proper protocol for mourning the loss of her father and the recent loss of her dear brother during the British Blockade. Her heart was heavy. The mishaps were just too close together. Now she must burden herself with the more responsible title as the head of the family. Her hard-working father left specific instructions in his last testament. She would not have time to mourn or heal the gaping hole in her heart.

The silhouettes from the window played mischievously with her as she moved in and out of the moonlight. A fleeting smile came across her face as she reached for the lamp and lit it with the sparker her father brought back from one of his journeys. As a child, she was fascinated with the way her father magically lit the lamp. Now it only widened the ache in her heart as the light expanded throughout the room. The shadows of the vines did not distract her.

Hesitantly, she reached for her father's business ledger and diligently opened the book to the letter on the seventh page. Her eyes lowered to take in every word. She had to remain keen to comprehend her father's often-parable words. The statements were readable but no more understandable. She breathed deeply and adjusted herself comfortably in the chair.

She reached for the servant pull and gave it a quick tug. The entrance of the servant woman, who once was her nanny, drew her away from the book. Her mind was preoccupied with her father's cipher and trying to grasp what he wanted her to do. The woman smiled, addressed her as Miss Leah, and placed a slight repast on the large leather desk.

Oh, thank you, Amelia. You arrived quickly, and how did you know I was famished? Amelia responded with a look of puzzlement, then spoke, You summoned me? Oh, I was already on my way and did not hear it. Is there anything else you may need, my dear Leah?

Leah smiled softly and shook her head as Amelia stroked her shoulder before leaving the room and quietly shutting the door behind her.

Leah placed the ledger aside and sipped the warm, steaming coffee. She looked at the thick bread crusts, divinely cut cheese slices, and the fresh grapes from her father's orchard. As she reached for them, tears welled in her eyes. They now come from her orchard. Leah’s head spun as she could not remember when she ate. She ate to her fill.

Should she take over this expanding shipping business? Her father had so many worldly trade connections. His astute but honorable and friendly personality brought him many good contacts. Once his colleagues and friends heard of his demise, they should offer some assistance, perhaps give some direction.

How am I to handle all of this? No brother or father to guide me on this tedious journey. What were you thinking, Father?

When the blockade was over, her father aspired to expand into world trade. He wanted to bring wealth and prosperity to his family and his cherished state of North Carolina. However, many tariff proposals were vetoed by the state's political doctrine. This proposal would have allowed expansion without tax losses to the company. Hopefully, the politicians will realize that fewer taxes will make the state a prosperous leader, thus holding more control in the floundering new country.

Her entire family became distraught in this new land by concern about the past warring years. Their ancestral and life connections went back to France and Scotland and were in constant opposition to where they now called home. This discord was the cause of her brother's death. Dear brother, I cannot bear your loss; a brilliant sailor cut before your knot. He helped a second cousin bring a French Vessel into the port under the darkness. It was intercepted and destroyed by more of her British second cousins.

Her sadness needed a distraction, anything that would take away the pain. After eating her sandwich, she put down the intricately designed plate and reluctantly returned to her father's instructions held in the ledger as a tear moistened the watermarked page.

She felt the back of her neck become cold with prickles under her lovely long red hair as her scalp tightened. Her hands shook with invisible tremors. The business must survive through these harsh times. She realized her father's plan to attempt to save his shipping business began in just two days.

She blinked and looked again to the last date inscribed to confirm that it was two days until the dawn of the second day. Overwhelmed, she collapsed back into the plush leather chair and sobbed from the bottom of her soul. What am I expected to do in all this? My father groomed my brother for this, not me. Where to begin is anyone's guess.

Dark clouds emerged from behind the moon and shifted the vines' shadows. Her weeping escaped the opened window and caressed the ivy leaves on the wall. She heard the soft rustle outside and glanced toward the quivering vines, hoping to find some solace in their silver shadowed beauty. Now was her chance to compose herself and call for Amelia once again.

A slight breeze brushed against her cheek as she watched the leaves dancing with the wind and moon. A revelation stirred her thoughts that it was indeed a message from her father. Leah softly smiled as she remembered how her father would look to the vines when he needed an action plan.

Thank you, Father. I know that I am not alone. She released a deep sigh, wiped her eyes, and called again for her companion servant.

As she awaited Amelia, she wrote down the time and name of the ship that would sail in two days and the name of two contacts associated with her father's affiliations. My contacts in this mad adventure are Mr. Henry Salt, the British Consul in Cairo, and a Mr. Giovanni Belzoni, an explorer of antiquities. Unfortunately, this ledger does not indicate their function.

Amelia presented herself at the door as Leah closed the book and locked it in the side desk drawer. Attentively, she placed the key in her hanky pocket.

Thinking aloud, she asked Amelia, Do you believe that my father has instructed me to carry his business to Egypt? I don't know any of these negotiations, nor do I know the businessmen he was planning to consult. He infers to an affiliation, not to a business. What was my father's notion in all of this?

Amelia looked toward her with compassion and let her speak all the words held in her chest. Amelia gently took her hand when she finished speaking. You had too many shocks these days and have had to bear much. I was with you as a child, and I will stay with you as you grow into a fine businesswoman. You are a dear friend, and I will help you through all of this. Now, what needs completion? Have you started a list?

Her companion's words did not surprise Leah. Since she was a child, they shared many thoughts, and she had Amelia's support in all her dreams and aspirations. Leah gently placed her hand over Amelia's resting hand and smiled, saying,

"You truly are a good and loyal friend, as close to me as my family.

We, dear Amelia, are on an adventure. As my father would have said, our whole purpose and success depend on many uncharted seas. So, yes, we need a list of things to do and get as we sail on the morrow's sunrise. A giggle emerged as she further stated, Please close your dropped jaw and let us get underway.

Amelia, please ask Benjamin to come to this room. Turning to her she asked, Will you please gather our necessities? Pack them lightly as we will most assuredly carry our own once we arrive in Egypt! Of course, Leah," replied Amelia as she left the room.

Immediately Leah wrote a letter to Mister John Banner, Esquire, the long-standing family lawyer. She described her intentions that he oversee the proper actions of the Jarrett Shipping Company's paymaster, Mister Starr, and Benjamin, our trusted head butler. Her deceased father's business instructions gave specific endowments to them. No other authorizations will be granted while Leah is away. She awaited Mr. Banner's visit this afternoon to confirm these instructions.

It seems I can raise my father's forceful attitude when needed. She reached for an envelope. A rhythmic cadence sounded from outside the door before she placed the quill on the desk. His footsteps made her aware that Benjamin had arrived, and she greeted him with a warm smile.

Thank you, Benjamin, for coming so quickly. I have an important request for you to follow if you agree. Then more candidly, Benjamin, you are the trusted Butler. Mother thought very highly of you when you assisted her while my father was away and during her illness before she went to a more peaceful place. At least, I hoped she did. Leah realized her words were rambling. As Benjamin thought about her words, his eyes brimmed with tears, and he looked off for a few long seconds.

Finding the growing lump in his throat made it difficult to speak. Finally, he struggled to get out. Yes, Miss Leah, I will help you and this family in any way. What do you need me to do? Amelia spoke of the latest dilemma you must overcome.

Benjamin, please take this letter to Mr. Banner and inform him that I await his visit this afternoon at 3 o’clock. Then please proceed to the Shipping office and ask Mr. Starr to accompany you back here to meet with me. After the meeting, will you please carry Mr. Starr back to wherever he wishes to go?

Leah waited a moment to give the following statement more importance, I also expect you to attend. Benjamin hesitated to ponder Leah's words and thought of a few reasons for calling the meeting before responding, Yes, Miss Leah.

Before Leah took her next breath, Benjamin took the letter and spoke softly, I will be back shortly. He briskly left the room.

Leah stood slowly, as her legs were a bit numb from sitting the entire time, and began to tidy the office. She locked up any documents not needed for the trip or her discussion with the lawyer and staff.

****

She wondered how Amelia was getting along. She extinguished the unnecessary light and advanced down the hall to the private area of the house. She knew her dear friend would be busy packing for their trip. She thought out loud, I hope that there is still a choice of clothing, as dear Amelia and I do not have the same understanding of prim and proper, much less businesswoman attire.

Leah approached from behind and immediately acknowledged Amelia to avoid startling her. Amelia looked deep in thought, trying to accommodate their differences in styles and accessories.

Amelia, do you need any help? They both smiled at each other and decided that they did not need a wardrobe discussion at this time. Leah spoke first, You have done quite a bit of packing, seven official outfits each. I do not have anything to do. Amelia said with a look of satisfaction, I have packed the best I could, considering our different preferences and the immediate need to have all packing completed.

Leah replied, I will inform you of the latest activities, then freshen up for a meeting in a few hours. Amelia nodded with a puzzled expression awaiting Leah's explanation. Benjamin is the caring man whom my mother always looked to in her times of need. Now he is off delivering letters requesting the presences of the lawyer, paymaster, and the Butler, ensuring that they all arrive here at the same hour."

Amelia spoke under her breath, But Benjamin is the Butler! Why is he attending the meeting and not me? Leah leaned out from the closet where she was looking for something both feminine and professional to wear the sailing day, chuckled for the first time in days, Why, of course, he is, but he is the Entrusted Butler. "I forgot two crucial things. First, the will and well, you shall attend this meeting, won't you?

Amelia, feeling relief, chuckled along with her, I am also entrusted. She considered the possibility that position changes were in the breeze.

Both women sat in the sitting room and sipped chamomile tea. The wardrobe and meeting issues were resolved. The sound of stirring spoons engulfed the room.

****

Leah stood to go back to the business room, but hesitated to look at Amelia. Please bring the guests to the business room when they arrive. Another quick nod sent both ladies about their designated functions.

Leah had to draw up a will to protect Benjamin, Amelia, and Mr. Starr if God forbid something happened to her. "After all, it is my responsibility to assure protection and abundance to my long-standing devoted staff." While she tapped her soft lips in a rapid tempo, thoughts soon took the form of the written word.

"Yes, this is the best plan. Mr. Starr is to have fifty percent of the Shipping Company. Amelia and Benjamin will each have nineteen percent of the business. Mr. Banner would have twelve percent plus his standard yearly stipend, and the heirs will agree on any further changes. Benjamin and Amelia will share equally in the house, household belonging, and the private funds, excluding Mr. Banner's fees. He gets a fair settlement.

They are provided for on my passing. I would not have thought along these lines a few months ago. That is much weight released from my heart, now have  Mr. Banner authorize it and then lock it in the safe. Benjamin will have the other key; I have no worries." She patted his key in her pocket. The primary key attached to her camisole was safe.

****

That afternoon, the meeting went nicely; all received their explicit instructions and expectations. They soon went about their usual business. With the household staff excused, Mister Banner slightly raised an eyebrow. Clearing his throat, giving away his thoughts, he said,

You are giving away your father's property to your staff. The commanding expression Leah gave him caused him to reconsider his words. I know that Laird Jarrett's daughter, like her father, will not be dissuaded from any plan or conviction. I do not believe in giving large amounts of property to one's staff. However, I reticently agree, so consider this issue closed. He authenticated Leah's signature, shook her hand, and politely said goodbye.

Leah placed the authenticated testament into the secret vault, locked it, and popped the key back into her pocket. When Benjamin returns from his mission, I'll give the spare key to him.

She retired to her fluffy four-poster bed for the last time for the coming year.

Chapter-Two - The Voyage

The whirr of activity around the ship's dock, transferring of funds, official protocols, and moist goodbyes passed through the early morning darkness before the weighing of the anchor. Leah's memories of the interactions with the Captain and the First Officer blended into a soft blur.

She could hardly recall any words passed. All she wanted was to rest and let her mind escape the abysmal recent events.

She flipped her pillow and tossed about the small bed. Leah is resigned that she will not recoup the lost sleep over the last few nights, nor would she ever find comfort in this creaking, swaying bed. Her only hope will be to steal a few nights' sleep in the Port of Marseilles. The Jarrett's Prize will dock and unload the tobacco to make French cigarettes there. Hand-rolled cigarettes are desired and currently found in most fashionable societies. Tobacco is a considerable asset to the North Carolina tobacco plantations. She released a great sigh, for she knew the unloading and proper sleep was at least a month away.

Leah failed to notify Monsieur Garrard, a French affiliate, of the recent death of her father and her assumption of his responsibilities. She anticipated that the French businessman would welcome her and Amelia during their unannounced arrival since he was aware a shipment of tobacco was pending.

Quietly sleeping with a soft rhythmic breath, Amelia was unaware of her companion's vigilante activities. With too many thoughts running in her sleepless mind, Leah quickly wrote Amelia a note saying she was going on deck to explore the sky and sea.

****

The sea mist enveloped Leah in a calming seductive embrace as the soft listing of the ship lulled her anxieties away with each movement. She attempted to walk gracefully down the deck, but found herself grasping for the rail in a cumbersome fashion with each slide of her satin slippers. Leah noticed the ship's Captain Gryffen, and the Navigator, Mr. Scott, in deep conversation. Captain Gryffen was interrupted by the sounds of her struggling against the winds and ship's rolls. Concerned, he approached her to help, but she passed by him as she insisted on her intention to learn to walk at sea.

Once composing her grace and manners, Leah approached the Captain and stated, Thank you very kindly for your concern, Captain. I must learn to stand on my own feet, no matter how rough the seas. Do you know when we will come into port? I would like to know when I will be able to sleep again.

Captain Gryffen smiled and replied, Miss Leah, your father hated to walk the decks but made himself quite a good deck man after a few years. You will be dancing down the planks as a Ballerina on air.

With a severe but inquisitive frown, she laughed and then asked, What concerns should I have about the superstition of women on ships?

Being very diplomatic, the wise Captain responded, Miss Leah, yes, we sailors do not like women on our ships as we feel it is bad luck. However, we always make exceptions for those who pay our wages and are brave enough to walk the decks alone in early gale conditions. Now, may I escort you down the deck and back to your stateroom? 

She smiled and took his arm for guidance. The stars came from the feathered clouds, and the moon, a silver glint over the horizon, touched her. The deck seemed more balanced and not so awkward to travail, and she knew it would not take her long to walk alone.

The Captain interrupted her thoughts with the logistical question, Will you two ladies be taking your meals in the stateroom or at the Captain's table? Her reply confirmed, It will be the table for conversation and business discussions at the noon meal and the stateroom for breakfast and supper.

****

When they arrived at her cabin door, Captain Gryffen requested, Please do not walk about during the night as the gale increases its tempo. I am concerned for your safety. Without further discussion, she knowingly nodded in agreement.

Once again, she could hear Amelia's familiar soft rhythmic breathing in the darkness. Under the warm down covers, the fresh salt air took over, and she drifted pleasantly off to sleep. Sleep was so profound that she did not even hear the winds or feel the ship's rolls. Time passed during the rest of the stormy night. The cabin boy's muffled knock at the door woke her.

Amelia was bustling about and brought Leah a tray with some fruit, cheese, and bread for breakfast. The two ladies immediately enjoyed the morning's meal, knowing it might not always be as good. They were both familiar with Laird's sea stories that told tales of moldy bread and sloshy meat for meals on long sea voyages. The sea rations would start as the journey lengthened and the fresh food supply dwindled.

The ladies dressed for the day using the plainest drab covering possible, as they would be among the men on the deck. They were not anticipating another funeral, but dressed for mourning.

****

The two women sought out the Captain to discuss the passage through the straights to protect the precious organic cargo during the eminent storms.

He was speaking with Mr. Scott, both deep in contemplation. Mr. Scott, skilled with a sextant and compass, was ready to plot a direct course using the stars that appeared that evening. Amelia sat in the background as Leah moved next to the Captain to see and hear clearly. As a child, she learned how to navigate a ship. She often watched Mr. Scott plot a course before the ship sailed from her father's pier. Today, the experienced sailor's tone was quite concerning as he mentioned squalls and winds from the Pillar area of Hercules. It would be over two weeks until they reached the exact coordinates. This area was well known for shipwrecks and loss