Читать книгу In the Tudor Court Collection - Amanda McCabe - Страница 28

That morning was as warm as the one before it. Maribel rose early, dressed in one of her simpler gowns and went out to draw water from the well. She had carried both buckets to the house when Anna came sleepily into the kitchen. Hair was straggling down her back and it was obvious that she found it difficult to rouse herself.

‘I stayed out drinking with Higgins after you retired last night,’ she told Maribel, her cheeks flushed. ‘I did not expect you to wake so early.’

‘I was excited by the thought of the visit to the other side of the island.’ Maribel smiled. ‘It was no trouble to me to fetch the water.’

‘I am still your maid—until you dismiss me.’

‘I would never dismiss you, but I should like us to be friends, Anna. Now, I must change into one of the gowns Captain Sylvester bought for me.’

‘I shall help you,’ Anna did not meet her eyes.

Maribel sighed. She knew that Anna could not think of her as a friend, perhaps she never would. They had been mistress and servant and they would be parted when Maribel travelled to her mother’s home.

Maribel was trying not to think of the moment when Justin had kissed her the previous night, the moment when her foolish tears had sent him away. What would have happened if she had not allowed herself to think of love? Would he have made love to her? Would he have accepted her as his woman? Did he care for her at all or was it just the sight of her in her shift that had made him take her in his arms?

When Maribel came from her room dressed in one of her best gowns, Justin was waiting for her. He greeted her with a nod, but gave no sign that anything had happened the previous night. She smiled at him shyly, her eyes going over him. He was so handsome clothed in black hose and long leather boots that reached to his thighs, his thin linen shirt open at the neck, revealing a sprinkling of dark hair on his tanned chest. His long hair had been caught back by a ribbon at his nape; he was wearing his sword and a leather belt across his body into which was thrust a long-barrelled pistol and a heavy knife.

‘You look prepared for trouble,’ she said, because she needed to say something or the silence between them would be unbearable.

‘It is always best to be prepared,’ he told her coolly. ‘Higgins will help to row us to the shore, but he will remain with the boat while we explore.’

‘Is Anna to come with us?’

‘Would you like her to?’

‘She would be company for Higgins while he waits for us.’

‘Very well, she may come.’ Justin’s eyes were on her face. ‘You are certain you wish for this outing?’

‘Yes, of course. I am looking forward to seeing what Paradise looks like.’ She did not add that the best part for her would be that she would be alone with him for a while, that perhaps she might find the courage to tell him what was in her heart.

‘We should leave at once,’ Justin told her, leading the way outside. ‘The day looks fair, but the air is heavy. It is possible that there may be a storm before nightfall.’

‘Surely not?’ Maribel looked up at the cloudless blue sky and then out to sea. Several ships were anchored in the bay, though she could see no sign of the Defiance. It looked as if the Maria and Captain Hendry had already sailed, though Justin’s third ship, the Siren Eater, which had joined them a few days before the feast, was still in port. ‘Did you finish your business with Captain Hendry yesterday? I do not see his ship in port?’

‘He told me that he had decided to become a merchant adventurer. I wished him well and we parted on good terms. I shall tell you more later, but the news he brought is good, Maribel. Your father seems to have accepted your decision not to return, though he has doubled his offer for the map. He sent you a letter. I intended to give it to you last night, but—’ He broke off abruptly. ‘You shall have it later.’

‘Do not talk about it now,’ she begged, suddenly wanting to delay talking of the future. ‘It is a beautiful day and I see no sign of a storm.’

‘They come suddenly at times. I would not be at sea in a small boat if a storm should strike. If that happens, we may have to stay at the other side of the island until the morning.’

Maribel’s stomach caught. If they were stranded alone with no house or walls to separate them, who knew what might happen…?

‘I do not think there will be a storm,’ she said and smiled at him. ‘But if there is we must make the best of it.’

Maribel watched as the two men pulled on the oars. It was a small boat and the blades cut through the water effortlessly as they rounded the point coming at last to a large, deserted cove. Here the beach was entirely fringed with trees that seemed to be thick for some distance inland; the sand was soft, unsullied by human habitation and beautiful as a glistening sea lapped against it. A few strokes more and the boat was beached. Higgins and Justin jumped out and hauled it into shallow water so that the hull scraped against the bottom.

Justin came to take Maribel’s hand, then swept her up in his arms, carrying her through the water to where the sand was dry and silvery-soft beneath her feet. Her heart raced as she inhaled the spicy scent of him and felt her stomach spasm with desire. He was more to her than all the world and she must find the courage to tell him.

She looked about her. The sea was a deep turquoise, white crested with foam where the waves broke against the shore, sparkling in the sunshine like precious jewels. To each side of her was a wide expanse of sand, and behind her the dense woods that looked as if they might be difficult to penetrate.

‘Why is this part of the island uninhabited?’

‘There are dangerous rocks beneath the water and the ships would have to anchor further out. Until a harbour and a pier are built the only way to approach is in small boats, as we came today. In time I dare say the trees may be cut back and the harbour built—but the other side of the island was easier to settle—the water is deeper and the ships can unload much nearer to the beach if need be. As you know, we have built a harbour of sorts, though as yet it is primitive.’

Maribel nodded. She looked towards the trees, hearing the call of a bird and catching sight of its bright colours as it flitted between branches.

‘It will be a pity if the woods are cut down to build houses.’

‘Yes, perhaps, but men must have somewhere to shelter. If the island is to become a permanent settlement and not just somewhere for pirates to replenish their ships and enjoy some leisure on shore there must be some clearance in time.’

‘Yes, I suppose it must happen. I think it would be pleasant to live where there is plenty of land and you could ride for a day and not find another settlement.’

‘Would you not miss the company of others?’

‘Yes, perhaps,’ Maribel said and laughed. ‘I am foolish. As you say, land must be settled and trees cut for wood if people are to live here—but I am glad that this place is unspoiled for the moment.’

Justin hesitated, then offered his hand. ‘Come, I shall show you a place I discovered some months ago when I first visited this side of the island. I think you will like it. You may find the walk a little arduous but it will be worthwhile when we get there.’

Maribel took his hand. He did not look at her and she knew he was keeping a barrier between them, but her heart beat very fast. She had thought he might be angry after the previous night, but he seemed to have put it from his mind. Glancing back at Anna and Higgins, she saw they appeared engrossed in each other and envied them the uncomplicated nature of their relationship.

It was darker in the trees, but very warm despite the shade. The heat made the sweat run between Maribel’s breasts, and her gown felt as if it were sticking to her. She had worn one of her best gowns for Justin’s approval, but wished that she had a simple shift and skirt, as Anna was wearing. Long branches brushed against her face and hair. There were insects on the greenery and in the air, some of them settling on her arms and face. She brushed them away, feeling that the density of the trees was overpowering and unpleasant, and wishing they were still on the beautiful beach. Feeling hot and sticky, Maribel was on the point of asking if they could turn back when she heard the sound of water and her curiosity was aroused. In another moment the trees thinned out and then they were in a clearing.

The sound of water came from a little waterfall. It cascaded down over rocks, making a rushing noise. Clear and cool, it looked inviting and Maribel ran towards it, bending down to scoop water from the tiny pool at the base of the fall and splashing it on her face and neck. A stream wound away from the falls, and without thinking what she did, she sat on the bank, slipped off her shoes and dipped her feet into the stream, relishing the coolness on her flesh.

‘This feels so good…’ she said, arching back so that the sun was on her face while her feet dabbled in the water. ‘This is a beautiful place, Justin. What are those flowers over there? They look like hibiscus but, I am not sure.’

‘They are probably a different variety to those you have at home,’ he said from just behind her. He sat down on the ground and hunched his knees in front of him. ‘Was it worth the walk?’

‘Oh, yes…’ She looked round at him, her eyes alight, mouth slightly parted, an expression of such delight in her eyes that he caught his breath. ‘Thank you so much for bringing me here. I think it is Paradise, though while we were in the trees I almost asked to go back. I was so hot and sticky.’ She bent down to scoop water from the pool and splashed it once more over her face and neck. It trickled down her throat and disappeared under her bodice. The thin material clung to her, caressing the softness of her breasts where the water had soaked through. ‘I did not think anywhere could be this beautiful…’ Her eyes followed one of the birds that called from branches high above her. In the distance she could hear a faint booming sound, which she took to be the sound of the sea crashing against the rocky coasts further round the island. She turned her head to look at him and saw that he watched her.

‘Last night…’ Maribel sought and found the courage to say what must be said. ‘I wept because I am a foolish woman, but after you had gone I wanted you to stay. I know you cannot love me, for you told me, but I…’ The words caught in her throat as she saw the heat in his eyes.

‘You are beautiful,’ Justin said huskily. He reached out, taking her hand, pulling her to her feet. For a moment he hesitated, then his arms went round her, crushing her hard against him. His mouth sought hers, hungry and demanding, yet tender. ‘You inflame my senses, Maribel. I vowed I would not do this, but you tempt me beyond bearing. Last night you wept and I thought—’

‘Do not talk, kiss me,’ she whispered and placed her finger against his lips. ‘I want you to kiss me.’

‘You know what it means if I kiss you?’ His gaze was dark, intense as his eyes drank her in. ‘I want more than a few kisses. I want…everything…you, your body, your mind, your heart.’

Maribel swayed towards him, her body melting into him as he kissed her, her mouth opening to his inquiring tongue, giving of her sweetness as she felt the desire race through her. This was what she had longed for. What she wanted more than anything else in the world. His hand found and cupped her breast, his thumb caressing her through the thin material. She whimpered with need and pressed against him, feeling the hot desire curl inside her. As he bent his head and kissed her, sliding her bodice down over her shoulder, his tongue caressing the dark rose nipple, she moaned with need.

‘Justin, I want…’

‘What do you want, my darling? Say it is everything…say it is me you want, as I want you.’

‘Take me, make me yours. Justin, I…’

Her words were lost as they heard the shot. She looked up at him, eyes wide and startled. Higgins had arranged that he would fire one shot if he needed them to return.

‘Damn!’ Justin let her go immediately. He looked back towards the shore, a pulse throbbing at his temple. ‘Higgins would not summon me unless it was important. I am sorry, Maribel. We must go back.’

Maribel inclined her head. She wished that they could stay longer in this beautiful place, but Higgins would not have given the signal had it not been urgent. Taking Justin’s hand, she let him hurry her back through the path they had cleared on their way here.

What could possibly be happening? Why had Higgins given the signal? As they heard a second shot, her heart started to pound. Something must be terribly wrong…

As they neared the beach Justin was ahead of her. He glanced back, signalling to her to slow down.

‘Wait in the trees until I call you,’ he warned. ‘Just in case there is trouble.’

Maribel would have argued, but she could not catch up to him as he ran out on to the beach. She hovered at the edge of the trees, watching as Justin spoke to Higgins. The sailor appeared to be pointing agitatedly towards the other side of the island. Maribel turned her head and saw the smoke rising into what had been a cloudless sky. A cry from Justin alerted her and she left the shelter of the trees to join him.

‘What is it?’ she asked. ‘What is happening?’

‘Something is on fire in the port. We think there has been an attack of some kind.’ Justin frowned. ‘We must get back to the settlement, but you and Anna should stay here until someone comes to tell you that it is safe to return.’

‘No!’ Anna and Maribel spoke together.

‘I would rather be with you whatever happens,’ Maribel insisted. ‘If we stayed here and you did not return, we might never reach the other side of the island. No matter what is happening, I shall come with you.’

‘I’m not staying here without Higgins.’ Anna said, her mouth set stubbornly.

Justin inclined his head. ‘Very well. I have no time to argue. Into the boat with you.’

He was frowning as he assisted Higgins to push the boat into deeper water and then helped Maribel to climb in. She sensed that he was anxious for the crew and friends he had left behind. There were no words of comfort to offer for the smoke did not lie. Something terrible must have happened and she could sense the urgency and frustration in the two men as they pulled on the oars. They must be wondering what they were doing on a pleasure trip when their comrades were in trouble.

Maribel caught her breath as they rounded the point and she saw the ships blazing in the harbour. At least three were on fire and the smoke was thick, blowing across the sea towards the land.

‘Damn it!’ Justin cried. ‘One of the ships burning is the Sea Siren! By the look of her she is finished.’

‘What of the Defiance?’ Maribel asked. ‘I did not notice it in harbour as we left this morning.’

‘Yesterday, I sent Defiance and a crew to fetch supplies from another island. We were running short of essentials like meat and milk and I bargained for livestock that can be reared here.’

‘Then she is safe?’ Maribel said, thinking that if he had not sent his best ship for supplies that too might have been destroyed. It was bad enough that he should have lost the Sea Siren, because he had given his third ship to Captain Hendry as a reward for bringing the information about her family. Maribel felt relieved for his sake, but he misunderstood her question.

‘You need not be concerned. A ship would be found to take you to England even if my ships were all destroyed. ’ His tone sounded scornful and she knew he believed she had been thinking of herself.

‘I did not mean…’ Maribel began but her words were lost as Anna cried out and pointed to the island and they saw that some of the houses had been damaged by what could only be cannon fire. ‘Who has done this terrible thing?’

The attack was clearly over; people were working frantically on shore to stop the fires spreading. The burning ships seemed to be done for, blazing too fiercely to be saved, but on land the people seemed to be winning their battle. Maribel’s expression was puzzled as she looked at Justin.

‘Why have these people been attacked?’

‘We are pirates, hunted and hated by many,’ Justin told her, white-lipped. ‘The attack could have come from anyone. We may discover more when we go ashore. Whoever made the attack did as much damage as possible from the sea and then fled before they could be attacked in return—the cowards! May they rot in hell!’

Maribel flinched. Something in his tone made her feel that he blamed her for what had been done. She could hardly wait to be on shore. Terrible damage had been inflicted and people would be hurt. She wanted to help wherever she could, dousing the fires or tending injured people.

Everywhere was confusion and chaos. Maribel joined a chain passing buckets of water, asking the woman next to her what had happened as she took the bucket and gave it to the next in line.

‘Three ships sailed into harbour. At first we took no notice, then we saw that some of our ships were on fire. The intruders worked swiftly and secretly, inflicting the most damage they could. When it was seen, the men manned the cannon that protect the harbour and started firing on the strange ships. That is when they fired on the buildings. Some of the men tried to swim out with pistols and swords, but the strangers fired on them. Then, sensing that the fires they had started might spread to their own ships, they sailed off.’

‘I was on the other side of the island. Once or twice I thought I heard a muffled boom, but I thought it was just the sea,’ Maribel said. ‘Are there many hurt?’

‘Several injured and some dead, those that were caught in the first blast—also men who tried to reach the swine that attacked us.’

‘Where are the injured housed?’

‘In the taproom of the Nag’s Head, I heard.’

Maribel saw that the fire was almost out. She left the line and ran towards the inn where she had been told the wounded were housed. As she went into the taproom, she saw men and women lying on the floor. Some had been attended, others were moaning, begging for help. One man seemed to be in charge; by his instruments she guessed that he was a ship’s surgeon. He was binding a man’s head when she went up to him and asked if she could help.

‘Have you treated wounds before?’ Maribel shook her head. ‘Give water to those that ask for it—and get out of my way.’

Feeling rejected, Maribel moved away. She found a barrel of water and a jug. Filling it, she took a pewter cup from the bar and began to move between the injured men and women, giving those that asked a few sips of water. Never in her life had she felt so useless, especially when she saw that Anna was washing away blood and binding wounds at the surgeon’s direction. Why could she not have done that?

Maribel noticed that Anna was having some trouble holding a patient and trying to bandage his arm at the same time. She went to her and asked what she could do and was rewarded by a fleeting smile.

‘Hold him for me. He keeps flopping over and I cannot bind him and hold him.’

‘Like this?’ Maribel put her arm about the injured man, supporting him while Anna bound his shoulder with clean linen. ‘Let me help you with the others—please? I feel so useless.’

Anna looked at her for a moment, then nodded. ‘You can give him a little of this mixture to ease his pain. Support him on your lap and spoon a few drops into his mouth, and then come to me. We need all the help we can get.’

‘Yes, whatever you say. You are the mistress here, Anna.’

Maribel managed to spoon a little mixture into the man’s mouth, then laid him gently down and made sure he was comfortable before moving on to help Anna with the next injury. She waited for Anna’s directions and obeyed them implicitly, never asking why or deviating from her instructions. They worked together quietly and efficiently until all the wounded had been treated.

Maribel did not care that her beautiful gown had bloodstains on the skirt or that her face was smeared with it. She was moved to tears by the suffering of men, women and even one child who had received burns, but she held them back, knowing that she could not give way to sentiment.

At last Anna stood up and looked about her. ‘We have done all we can here for the moment,’ she said. ‘We should go back to the house. I shall come back later to see what else may be done for them.’

‘Then I shall come with you.’

‘You are tired and hungry. We must prepare food for the men when they come back.’

Maribel followed Anna from the inn. She could see that the fires were out, but two buildings were burned to a shell and others were blackened and badly damaged by the fire. The stink of burning and thick smoke was in the air, as the two women left the waterfront and walked through the row of houses behind.

Maribel was too tired to notice the way people looked at them. She was thirsty and anxious now to be at home so that she could help prepare the food for Justin and Higgins when they had time to eat.

It was an hour or so later that Justin and his first mate came back to the house. Maribel had washed her face and hands, changing into one of her simple gowns before helping Anna to prepare food. The men were grim-faced and silent as they came in, both of them drinking water before seating themselves at the table.

‘How bad is it?’ Maribel asked. ‘I know several were hurt—were many killed?’

‘Three men and two women,’ Justin replied. ‘Two ships were lost, another damaged but not beyond repair. It might have been worse.’

‘Was one of the ships lost yours?’

‘Yes. Pike’s was damaged, but it will sail again.’

‘So you have only the Defiance?’

‘I am fortunate to have that.’ A nerve flicked in his cheek. ‘It seems that my ships were what they were after. Pike’s vessel and another caught the flames, but the fires were meant for us.’

‘Meant for us?’ Maribel’s eyes widened. For a moment she did not understand, then the colour drained from her face. ‘Are you saying…no, how could it be?’

‘The ships that attacked us were Spanish. Pike saw the attack. He says that the pennant belonged to Sabatini…your father…’

‘No! How could my father know where to find you?’

‘Word of this place may have spread. I do not know that they came looking for us, but it was not mere chance that made them attack my ship.’

Her throat tightened. ‘You think…you blame my father…and me?’

‘No, I do not blame you,’ he said, his voice hoarse. ‘But I fear others will, Maribel. They will blame you—and me for bringing you here.’ He frowned. ‘It may be that I am to blame…’

‘Why? I do not know what you mean.’

‘If it was your father’s ships, then I may have brought them here.’

‘Surely not? My father could not have known you would come here—he could not!’

‘You forget Mr Hendry. He had knowledge of our plans. It may be that he passed on his knowledge.’

‘You think he betrayed the location of the island?’ Her eyes widened. ‘He sailed away before the attack. You think that he brought them here? Why would he do that? He took your message to my father and you gave him the ship, as you promised. Why would he betray you—all of you?’

‘He may not have had a choice. Your father may have hoped to trap me. When I did not walk into the trap or send back the map, he decided to take another kind of revenge. I was told that he had doubled his offer, but that may have been just to lull me into a sense of security. Hendry may have agreed to show them the way here to save his own life…and a cowardly attack is something your father might try. He knows that our ships will beat his when we meet at sea, but with the ships anchored and a skeleton crew aboard…’

‘What happened to those men?’

‘Some managed to swim for the shore, some died.’ Justin’s mouth settled into a hard line. ‘I care little for the ships. We began with one and we can rebuild our fleet, but…’ His eyes were flinty. ‘Tom was one of the crew on watch. He did not make it to the shore.’

‘Tom is dead?’ Tears welled in her eyes. ‘No! Oh, no, I cannot bear it. He was so happy to be a part of all this and he was so young.’

‘He knew the risks when he threw in his lot with us.’

‘How can you say that?’ Maribel was too distressed to think clearly or to notice that he was strained and tense. ‘Tom was little more than a child.’

She ran from the room, feeling close to tears. In her own bedchamber she sat on the bed, covering her face with her hands. The tears she had held back as she helped with the wounded fell thick and fast. She had known that the pirates led precarious lives, but the cabin boy’s death was shocking and painful. She looked up as her door opened and saw Justin standing on the threshold.

‘You should not weep for him,’ he said. ‘We all run the risk of a violent death. It could have happened at sea. Ours is a precarious trade and death is common amongst us.’

‘You speak so lightly of death.’ Maribel’s face was white as she stood up. ‘I cannot help but weep for Tom. He was like a young brother to me.’

‘Weep then, but accept it.’ Justin moved towards her, looking down at her face. She believed she saw something like regret in his eyes. ‘I thought perhaps we might have something, you and I—but this is no life for you, Maribel. You do not belong here. The life is too harsh for a woman of your breeding and you would sicken and die of a broken heart. The sooner I get you to England the better for all concerned.’

‘I thought…’ She choked back the words. Earlier that day he had held her in his arms and kissed her until she melted for love, but that was a different man, a man she could love and respect, the man he had been before he became a pirate perhaps. This man with the cold eyes looked at her as if he despised her, thought her weak and useless. ‘Yes, you are right. Yet even if I do not belong, I can do something to help. Anna and I tended the wounded and we shall return to see what more we can do in the morning.’

‘No! You are not to go down to the waterfront. I forbid it.’

‘You forbid it? I do not understand. I am capable of helping to nurse the wounded.’

‘Now that the fires are out there will be plenty to help the wounded. You are not needed—and Anna would do well to stay away too. These people can look after their own.’

His words struck her like the lash of a whip. ‘You are cruel, sir. I wished only to help.’

‘You will do more harm than good. People are blaming you for this attack—and me. They do not want your help. Even I must watch my back when I walk there—you would be too vulnerable.’

Maribel was silenced. He was so harsh and his words were like a knife in her heart. He spoke of others blaming her—but he blamed her too. The ships that had wreaked so much damage on the island and its inhabitants were part of her father’s fleet. She had tried to change, to become like Anna and the others, but she had never belonged here—and now she was hated.

‘I would not have had this happen…’ Her eyes were wide, filled with tears. ‘You know I would not…’

‘What I know is nothing to the point. For your own safety stay away from the waterfront. The Defiance should return in a few days. As soon as it has unloaded its cargo and provisioned we shall leave the island.’

Maribel inclined her head. ‘Very well, I shall be ready. As you said, the sooner I am on my way to England the better.’

Maribel slept little that night. She had wept until there were no more tears, but then she tossed restlessly, going over and over all the events of the past weeks in her mind. What could she have done differently? People believed that she had brought this cruel attack on them, but even if her father’s ships had been responsible it did not mean that she had brought them here. Had they been looking for her they would surely have brought a party ashore and demanded her return? No, she could only think that the ships had come at this time by chance—and seeing so many pirate ships assembled had taken a swift revenge before retreating.

It was unfair for Justin to blame her!

In the morning she rose early and went out to fetch water. Anna came into the kitchen as she was washing some clothes. She looked tired and her hair was hanging down her back, as if she had not bothered with it.

‘Did you not sleep last night either?’

‘I went to the inn to see if I could help but I was told to stay away.’ Anna looked at her sulkily. ‘They are blaming us for bringing the trouble here. Higgins says that we may not be able to return to the island.’

‘I am sorry. I know that you wished to make your home here.’

‘Higgins says we may have to find somewhere else to set up our trading store. Some of the men told me that we are no longer welcome on the island. I think we must be careful, Maribel. There could be trouble.’

‘Surely we are safe enough here?’

‘Perhaps—but we must not go to the waterfront alone.’

‘Captain Sylvester forbade it. Yet you still went last night—why?’

‘I thought the resentment would not be for me, but it seems I am tarred with the same brush as you.’

‘Do not hate me, Anna. Please. You know that I would not have had this happen. Besides, I do not think they came to look for me, because no one came ashore—though it seems they were my father’s ships.’

‘Perhaps they thought you were not here since the Defiance was not in the harbour.’ Anna frowned. ‘Higgins says people are wondering why it was not here.’

‘They cannot think that Sylvester knew the attack would happen? If he had, he would have warned others and sent all his ships away.’

‘When people are hurt and angry they do not think clearly.’

‘This is so foolish,’ Maribel shook her head. ‘We were not even here when the attack happened.’

‘That makes it all the worse…Do you not see what people think?’

‘They believe he deliberately chose to be absent? How foolish can people be? We rushed back as soon as we saw the smoke…we all helped as best we could!’

‘Higgins says someone is stirring them up, making trouble.’

‘Why? Who would do that?’

Anna shook her head. ‘I do not know. I only know that things have changed. We must leave this island and the sooner the better.’

Maribel was about to reply when she heard a noise behind her. Swinging round, she saw Peg watching them.

‘I did not hear you come in?’

‘I wanted to creep up on yer,’ Peg told her, unsmiling. ‘Yer asked me for lessons to defend yerself and yer will need them. Folk are saying yer brought the trouble on us and they want yer gone—one way or the other. Some are fer hanging yer.’

‘Anna has told me what people are saying. I knew nothing of this, Peg. I swear I would not have had it happen for the world.’

Peg looked at her in silence for a moment and then nodded. ‘Aye, I believe yer, but others will not. They won’t listen. Especially with Pike stirring them up. He says Sylvester sent his ship away to save it.’

‘That is nonsense! You know he would not do that, don’t you? He could have sent all his ships if that had been the case—so why didn’t he?’

‘Yer need not try to convince me, lass—but others will listen to Pike. Sylvester has been too successful. Some are jealous of him and need only a grievance to make them turn against him. He brought yer here and that’s good enough for most.’

‘Is he in danger?’ Maribel asked. ‘I have not seen him this morning. I do not know where he is.’

‘It’s yerself they hate most. Come outside now, and I’ll show yer a few of me tricks with a knife so that yer can defend yerself, but it will be best fer yer all if yer leave as soon as yer can.’

‘It is getting late,’ Maribel said as the sun began to dip on the horizon that evening. ‘Sylvester has been gone all day and Higgins with him. I fear that something has happened to them.’

‘Someone would have told us,’ Anna said, but was clearly worried. ‘They are not all against us despite what happened. Sylvester’s crew would stand behind him whatever others thought.’

‘Would they?’ Maribel eyed her uncertainly. ‘Supposing they have been hurt? The crew might be afraid to send for us…Sylvester might forbid it if it meant danger for us.’

‘There is little we can do. They might be anywhere.’ Anna frowned. ‘I do not think they would leave the island without us.’

‘Of course they would not. Captain Sylvester would never desert us.’