Chapter 33

 

Something warm and soft rubbed against Reena. Wait. She always slept alone! Ever since Freddy had left her. It had taken months to get used to sleeping without his arms around her. But now? Was she dreaming? The person moved again and uttered a little moan. And Reena jerked her eyes open, reaching for the knife that was no longer at her side. Instead, a tangled mass of black curls tickled her chin, and she looked down to see Evie fast asleep in her arms. Reena's heart melted as, against her will, tears flooded her eyes. What would it be like to have a child such as this? To have someone to love and care for, someone who would snuggle up with her at night? Someone to mold and shape—Nay! She was in no position to mold and shape any young mind or heart. Nor did she wish her body to swell as big as a whale and become scarred and flabby.

Still…the sweet smell of innocence wafted up to her as a breeze blew through the window, fluttering gauze curtains that were stained and torn.

Outside, the golden hues of dawn crept over the brightening sky. The spicy scent of rain, damp earth, and flowers flooded the room, and Reena drew a deep breath, suddenly wishing she could stay in this church—this place of beauty and holiness—where she felt safe, where she didn't have to worry about ancient maps and Fountains of Youth and pirates trying to kill her. Where she didn’t have to chase merchant ships loaded with goods or captain a crew that might stab her in the back while she slept. At least for a little while. With Freddy by her side, and this precious child in her arms, she could be happy. Couldn’t she? If she and Freddy married, would they be happy like the Radcliffs? Would he love her even when she grew old and ugly?

Probably not. Most men were not like Mr. Radcliff. Most men looked at women with their fleshly eyes.

Soon, most of the young girls were awake, stretching and yawning, and Reena rose to help Mrs. Radcliff get them washed, dressed, and their hair brushed. Her back still pained her a great deal, and though she could put some weight on her ankle now, it hurt as well, so she settled for merely brushing the girls’ hair, which she could do sitting down. What charming, sweet girls. So full of life and joy. Though Reena was anxious to be on her way, she had to admit she enjoyed every moment with them—the way they smiled at her, their silly songs, bubbling giggles, and how much they appreciated every touch, every hug, every gesture of affection.

When they were ready, Mrs. Radcliff lined up the girls and together they descended the stairs. Reena took up the rear, gripping the railing as she staggered down each step, thankful when Abraham met her halfway and helped her to a chair. She scanned the room and found Freddy, his eyes still crinkled with sleep and his hair askew, but handsome as always when he smiled her way. He and Mr. Radcliff assembled the children around the table, said grace, and then helped Mrs. Radcliff pass out pieces of stale bread with fresh bananas and mangoes. And water—my goodness, water that tasted fresher than Reena could remember—a rarity on board a ship.

After the meal, the children helped clean up, put away their mattresses, and then sat about the room singing, reading books, or playing with the few toys available. Reena sent Abraham out to make sure all was well in town and that the Reckless was still anchored in the bay. Not that she expected otherwise, but in this business, one never knew.

Freddy, looking less sleepy and with his hair raked back, finally joined her. “Sleep well?” He flipped a piece of mango in his mouth.

“I did, actually. Had a guest crawl into bed with me.” She glanced at Evie, and he followed her gaze and smiled.

“They are wonderful children, aren’t they?” His eyes searched hers the way he was prone to do, as if he plumbed the depths of her soul. But ’twas the way he looked at her—with intensity, not desire. But with something far deeper as if … She shook her head and broke his gaze. She was dreaming again.

Clearing his throat, he gestured toward her foot. “How is your ankle?”

“Better. I can walk on it a bit.” She held out her hand.

Taking it, he helped her to her feet. “Then I suppose you are in a hurry to leave.”

She wanted to say no, she wasn’t, that she felt something here in this place, something true and beautiful. But instead, she nodded.

Mrs. Radcliff approached. “I guess you'll be leavin’ us now that you found your relic…paper?”

“Aye. We must.” Reena wondered why she suddenly felt sad. “However, we are so grateful for your hospitality.”

“And for allowing us to search through your things,” Freddy added.

“Hospitality?” Mrs. Radcliff chortled. “We love the company, and the kids adore you both.” She reached out and squeezed Reena’s hand. “Please know you're welcome back anytime.”

Reena warmed at the woman’s sincere tone.

“Miss Reena, Miss Reena!” A little body crashed into Reena’s legs, nearly toppling her.

“Evie, be careful,” Mrs. Radcliff scolded. “Miss Hyde is injured.”

“’Tis quite all right.” Reena reached down and drew the little girl up in her arms, holding back a wince.

“Are you leaving?” Evie’s bottom lip protruded even as her eyes grew moist.

Reena felt like sinking into the floor. “I fear I must, sweet one.”

Evie leaned her head against Reena’s shoulder. “Will you come back?”

Reena looked at Freddy, who arched a condemning brow at her. As if she didn’t feel bad enough already.

She kissed the little girl on the forehead and hugged her. “I will try.” That’s all she could promise for now.

Mr. Radcliff, a little boy in his arms, rushed to them, his eyes bursting with wonder. “Mr. Carlton, have you seen Edwin this morning?”

Freddy turned and smiled at the boy, as Mr. Radcliff placed the lad down and gave him a slight nudge from behind. The boy took several steps, teetering and tottering as he went. But walking! Something he’d not ever done. Stopping, he beamed up at Freddy as if he’d accomplished a great feat.

Freddy gasped and knelt, gripping the boy and laughing. “God healed you!” He glanced up at Mr. Radcliff. “I prayed for him last night.”

Mr. Radcliff clapped his hands and then raised them to the sky. “God be praised! We’ve been praying for him since we found him. But it took a complete stranger to heal him.”

“Not me. Just a prayer of faith.” Freddy embraced the lad. Giggling, he threw his arms around Freddy’s neck.

Reena wasn’t sure what to make of it all, but Freddy was no liar. And neither could she believe that of Mr. Radcliff.

“The Lord is so good.” Mrs. Radcliff wiped a tear from her eye, then clapped her hands and shouted across the sanctuary. “Children, line up to go outside. Let us enjoy this fine mornin’ before our lessons today.” Reena put Evie down, and she and Edwin joined the children screaming in glee and forming a line at the door as if a grand miracle had not just occurred in their midst.

Mr. Radcliff opened the door, releasing a cascade of little ones. Then turning to his wife, he extended his elbow. “Shall we?”

Looping her arm through his, she smiled as he led her outside.

Freddy gripped Reena’s arm, taking much of her weight, and helped her out the door.

Halting at the edge of the meadow, the Radcliffs turned to face them.

“We wish you Godspeed.” Mr. Radcliff extended his hand.

Freddy shook it. “And to you as well.”

Reena offered her hand as well, but Mrs. Radcliff drew her into a warm embrace that stung her back. But Reena didn’t mind. “I pray you find what you seek.”

“Thank you.” Reena swallowed down a burst of emotion.

Then smiling one last time at them, the Radcliffs turned and walked, hand in hand, into the meadow to join the children.

Reena stared after them for a moment, wanting to remember this lovely couple.

A warm breeze fluttered loose strands of her hair into her face. She reached up to brush them aside when the world melted around her. Nay, not melted, exactly. It seemed as if an entirely different world was dropped atop this one, overlapping, yet not erasing. Flowers of every color filled the field that only a moment before was mostly grass. A silver creek laughed and tossed diamond drops in the air. The surrounding trees grew taller, stronger, and glimmered in the most varied and brilliant shades of green she’d ever seen. Plump, ripe fruit hung from each branch. The same precious children darted about, laughing and playing, but in place of rags, they wore clothing that shimmered like royal robes as they danced and frolicked through the flowers.

But Reena’s gaze was locked upon Mr. and Mrs. Radcliff. Long, blond curls tumbled down the old woman’s back, shimmering in the golden sunlight. Gone were the wrinkles, sags, the portly figure, and in their place was smooth skin and curves that would make any woman jealous. Sporting a head of dark hair and a muscled figure, Mr. Radcliff walked straight and tall beside his wife, with nary a stoop or hobble. He kissed her cheek, and she giggled as they grabbed each other’s arms and danced.

Gasping, Reena stumbled backward. What is going on? She rubbed her eyes, hoping she’d not finally succumbed to madness.

“You all right?” Freddy caught her fall and held tight.

“Aye.” She dared to peer around him. The vision was gone, and Mr. and Mrs. Radcliff were old once again.

No doubt she had not gotten as much sleep as she’d thought.

With a heavy sigh, Reena nodded at Freddy, and they skirted around the church and headed out into the street.

She heard the thumping of Abraham’s boots before she saw him rush toward them, hand on the hilt of his sword. “Cap’n, Cap’n.” His breath heaved as eyes, bursting with fear, shifted to Freddy.

“What is it, Abraham?” Reena’s nerves tightened.

“British troops. Ten of dem. Comin’ up de road now.”