Michael Aye - The Reaper

“With Commodore Gardner and Captain Harvey’s help, I’ve been able to round up forty-odd hands. With the likelihood that Sir Lawrence will haul down his flag soon, we might pick up a few more sailors who have married and put down roots here. The two schooners are so alike I take them to be sister ships built by the same shipyard. Mr. Earl, you will have command of LeFoxxe . Mr. Anthony will be your second. Mr. Pitts, you will take over the second lieutenant’s duties here on Drakkar .

Pitts couldn’t hide his disappointment. He’d been hoping to get command of one of the schooners. He did manage a “thank you, sir.’’

“The schooner, LeCroix , will be given to Lieutenant Mainard. Sir Lawrence is sending him to us. He was the first lieutenant on one of the brigs that ran around chasing pirates. It was the Admiral’s way of saying that no blame should be directed to the young lieutenant for the brig loss. The captain was killed when the damned pirates came about and poured a broadside into the brig even after she had ran up on the reef. “No mercy, no quarter.” Buck turned to Mr. Markham. “You, young sir, will be Lieutenant Mainard’s second. Each ship will have reliable, seasoned hands from Drakkar dispersed among its crew. Now the schooners have been through the prize court, so they’re waiting on you to go aboard and take charge. However, it’s important that you remember these may only be temporary commands. The admiralty still has to confirm your appointments, but with Commodore Anthony and Sir Lawrence’s recommendations I see no reason the commands will not be confirmed. However, more than one has gone arse hole over tea kettle and lost his command.”

This drew smiles and Earl volunteered, “We won’t embarrass our new commodore or Drakkar , sir. We’re very proud of the trust you’ve placed in us.”

“Here, here,” said the group in unison.

“Now sirs,” Buck started up again, “You have a week to make your ships ready to sail.” Buck noticed a hand go up. “Yes, Mr. Davy?”

“Sir, can I hoist the broad pennant, sir?”

Everyone laughed.

Anthony then spoke up. “Of course you can, Mr. Davy, of course you can.” He then turned his attentions to the rest of the gathered group. “Well that about sums it up, gentlemen. Ours is a difficult task, but I know each of you will do his duty.”

As the group made its way out of Anthony’s quarters, Bart entered. Most spoke a word or two with the wiry cox’n. When Bart had Anthony’s eye, he said, “Gig’s ready, sir. Time for your meeting with Commodore Gardner.”

Anthony nodded to Bart, and then beckoned to Buck.

“I may not he back on board tonight. If I’m delayed as I expect, I’ll send Bart back with instructions as to where I can be reached.”

As Anthony departed, Buck stared at his back, his mouth agape. “Better close your trap before you choke on flies,” the master said jokingly. Buck closed his mouth and swallowed. “What do you think has got into our ‘ere commodore?”

“Well, sir, I ain’t sure. But were I a betting man, I’d lay odds our commodore has been smitten by that new widow woman.”

“Lady Deborah McKean?” Buck asked.

“Aye, sir. That’s the one.”

Anthony was fidgety all during his lunch with the commodore. Anticipating his meeting with Lady Deborah, he kept glancing at his watch. Though time seemed to drag on forever, lunch only lasted one hour. Commodore Gardner had proved a jovial host. However, from the start of their meal it was obvious he was starved for news from England. The commodore quizzed Anthony not only about news from the Admiralty, but he also wanted to hear the latest gossip, rumors and politics. The meeting did get interesting when the subject of the colonies was brought up. He even appeared to sympathize with the colonies and their cause. When Anthony remarked on his comments the commodore explained.

“Out here we’re separated from England. We’ve come to depend on the colonies for half of our supplies. I’m a personal friend with a number of merchants and ship owners. They’ve stayed in my house, and I’ve been a guest in theirs. We’ve discussed the unfair taxes and trade practices our Parliament has placed upon the Colonials. I’ve watched as the crown’s demands have grown. We’ve pushed till their backs are against the wall. Oh, I know my duty all right, but I wish Parliament’s decisions were made in the boardrooms and not the bedrooms. Damn the French and the Dagos. However, fighting the Colonials is like fighting our friends and neighbors. We’ll suffer, Gil. Mark my word… England will suffer.”

Anthony looked up as he came down the steps at Government house. Bart was standing there under some palm trees with two horses. He was waiting, but without any degree of enthusiasm. Anthony and Bart had ridden many times, but neither was comfortable on a horse’s back. The “note” Anthony had been given by the commodore’s wife the previous evening instructed the use of horses rather than a carriage, in that they were less conspicuous. The unsigned note also included a time and a set of directions-nothing further. A signed note could have been damaging and scandalous if it fell into the wrong hands. Nevertheless, Anthony had known the author from the time it was placed in his hand. The anticipated meeting caused both excitement and apprehension.

Anthony had never courted a proper “lady.” He had had his share of women over the years but they were different, much different. As he and Bart made their way, Anthony took in the view and tranquillity of the peaceful island. The sea and the sky seemed to merge. Off in the distance, he could see a small island and Potter’s Cay . A gentle wind blew through the palm trees, and birds floated lazily on the air. Anthony and Bart were upon their destination before either realized it. Each had been content to absorb the sun and take in the sights.

The house was more of a summer cottage. It had a large porch that wrapped around three sides. The front room was a large parlor. A breezeway separated the main part of the house from the kitchen and the servant’s quarters. A small stable and outbuildings were behind the house.

As Anthony dismounted, Lady Deborah stepped out of the cottage onto the porch. “You can put the horses out back,” she said.

Bart took Anthony’s horse and questioned, “Do you want me to wait, sir?”

“No,” Anthony replied. “It may be a long wait.” Bart didn’t fail to notice the twinkle in Anthony’s eyes as he spoke. Anthony took a couple of guineas from his pocket and gave ‘em to the cox’n. “Enjoy a drink or two before you return to the ship. I’d think it amiss if you made it before the last dog watch.”

“Aye, sir. I’ll have a wet and maybe a little something extra.” Then he was gone.

Turning back to Lady Deborah, Anthony realized that as lovely as the countryside was, it dulled in comparison to the beauty of the woman standing before him. She was wearing a simple gown of emerald green made of a lightweight gauze material. A slight wind blew at her hair and molded the gown to her body, giving ample proof of the woman beneath the cloth. The scene reminded Anthony of a sculpture of a Greek goddess. He felt his breath quicken and blurted, “My God, Lady Deborah. You are beautiful.”

Lady Deborah smiled as she reached for his hand and led him into the cottage. “Please,” she said, “There must be no formality between us. Let it be Deborah and Gil.”

As they sat down for refreshments, Anthony realized Deborah was pouring lemonade for the two of them. That meant she had sent the servants away. After finishing their refreshments Deborah came over to