Chapter 6

 

Frederick could not believe he had somehow agreed to participate in a raid. He had promised God he was through with this life—the life of a freebooter and member of the Brethren of the Coast. Just fancy words for “pirate and thief.” But how could he allow Reena to be killed? He would have to answer to her parents, Captain Merrick and Lady Charlisse, as to why he did not accompany her. Besides, the thought of losing her caused his insides to feel like they were being trampled by a herd of pigs.

But now as he helped pull the boat onto the sandy beach and lent a hand to assist Reena from the craft, he wondered if she had done this on purpose, exaggerated the danger in order to get him to join her.

She started to lead them across the beach, but he nudged her behind him and forged ahead. A half-moon flung creamy light over the shadowy scene as he plunged into the dense foliage fringing the edge of the shore. Wind hissed through palm fronds, crickets chirped, and the mad dash of waves filled his ears. Shoving aside branches and leaves, he tried to ignore the throbbing in his boot-clad feet. Pain caused by Reena—both physical and emotional. Only God knew what other pain she intended to cause him this night.

Why had the woman put on such a lovely gown only to traipse through the muddy jungle? Had she lost all reason? Especially when it came to Antoine du Casse! The man would just as soon slit her throat as look at her.

Which was why Frederick had come along.

Footsteps sloshed behind them—the shifty-eyed Sedley, and two other sailors Frederick had not been introduced to yet. All of them armed to the teeth and seemingly excited about their adventure. Abraham had wanted to join them, but Reena insisted he stay with the ship now that Frederick was going. Even so, Frederick could not deny a spike of thrill at the thought of taking a risk again, embarking on some half-cocked adventure as he had done so often in the past with this woman. But ’twas only emotions, and he’d learned over the past year not to allow his emotions to rule him anymore. Instead, he would be ruled by the Spirit of God. That was the sign of a mature man, of a godly man.

At her direction, he made a right turn down another path which finally opened to a dirt street that was busier than he expected at this late hour of night. Intermittent street lamps spread cones of light far into the distance as if the maker of light had left bread crumbs to follow. A group of sailors, laughing and speaking French, entered a pub across the way, while several servants wove around pigs skittering about. A carriage rambled by as a pianoforte entertained them from a distance.

“This way.” Reena wove her arm through his and entered the avenue, sauntering down the street as if they were on a Sunday stroll through the park. Her crew kept slightly behind them.

Frederick only hoped they looked like Frenchmen and didn’t draw too much attention. It had been a while since he’d been in a sword fight, and he didn’t relish engaging in one again. Especially not with a wounded shoulder.

Reena glanced up at him and smiled—one of those pleased-with-herself smiles. He gave her a look that said be careful, but it was lost on her as she sauntered down the street, smiling at passersby and holding her head up so high, you’d think she was the governor’s wife.

Suspicion took over any enjoyment Frederick might have of the evening. What was she up to? His uneasiness only increased as they walked right up to a carriage parked before the tavern, Bonne Chance. Immediately upon arriving, a man in a black livery opened the door and she promptly climbed in.

Frederick could only stand and stare at her as Sedley pushed past him and entered while the two sailors climbed on back.

“Freddy, hurry—get in.” She gestured for him to climb up. “This is our ride.”

“Our ride? To where?”

“To Antoine’s estate, of course.”

Frederick leaned in to whisper, “You are taking a carriage to the man’s house from whom you intend to steal?”

“How else can I carry the treasure away? Get in. We shall be late.”

Frederick felt like laughing, but the situation was far too serious to do so. “Do you have an appointment to pilfer the man’s goods?”

She smiled. “In truth, he invited me to supper.”

 

♥♥♥

 

If Frederick weren’t such a fool, he would not have gotten into that blasted carriage, not listened to the woman’s foolhardy plans, not allowed himself to be driven to the vast estate of Antoine du Casse.

He especially would not have gotten himself involved in something that was completely against everything he believed.

But he was a fool. A fool for Reena, for he could not allow her to get captured—or worse, killed—without at least trying his best to protect her.

So, here he sat in a fancy phaeton with leather seats and blue velvet curtains, being jostled here and there as they ascended a hill over a bumpy road. Peering through the tiny window, he stared out over the landscape, which at the moment was naught but a jungle of gloomy shadows. A moment ago, however, he’d had a good view of the flickering lights of Port-de-Paix and the vast black ocean beyond, its waves laced with silver moonlight.

The scents of wildflowers and loamy forest blasted over him in the cool evening breeze as the carriage bounced around a curve. The slight thud of boots and lift of the carriage told Frederick that Reena’s two men, Baines and Cobb, had leapt off the back as instructed.

Which meant they were close to the estate.

He should be anxious, excited—feel the usual thrill that accompanied such an adventure.

Instead, he felt angry and morose.

Leaning forward, elbows on his knees, he studied the woman sitting across from him, a true lady by all appearances with her posh gown and jewels sparkling around her neck. He’d never seen her look so lovely, and if he admitted it, the sight of her had taken him aback. It still took him aback as she smiled at him, her eyes sparkling with excitement in the lantern light.

“You can still turn around, Reena, pick up your sailors, and head back to the ship. Forget this reckless plan.”

Beside him, Sedley snorted.

Removing her muddy boots, Reena pulled out a pair of satin slippers from the pocket beneath her skirts and put them on. “I see it shall take a while for you to return to your old self, Freddy. But never fear.” She took one of his hands in hers. “Your zeal will return.”

Pulling away, Frederick leaned back on the seat with a huff. “I have plenty of zeal, Reena. For the right things.”

Before she could respond, the carriage turned onto a gravel pathway. Through the window Frederick spotted the white columns of a large two-story home with circular steps leading to a wide front porch and mullioned windows on either side.

The carriage jerked to a stop. The horses snorted, and Reena arched a brow at him. “I can count on you, right, Freddy? To do as I asked.”

Against everything within him, he clenched his jaw and nodded.

A footman in a white periwig opened the door and situated the steps. A gloved hand appeared, and Reena took it, winked at Frederick, and stepped from the carriage.

Frederick followed her, Sedley behind him. Flickering lantern light shimmered over marble steps and lit a wide French porch bedecked with carved wooden furniture. On either side of the double door stood two men armed with muskets and swords, both barely offering a glance to the newcomers. The front doors swept open to a short, stout man in a butler's livery with red, puffy cheeks, a thin mustache, and a scowl on his face.

“Mademoiselle Hyde. A pleasure to see you again.”

Again? Frederick withheld a growl.

Reena only smiled in return and handed the man her cloak. “Merci, Girad.”

The butler scanned Frederick and Sedley with an uplifted nose that wrinkled as if he smelled something disagreeable. Frederick returned the stare with equal repugnance, wondering yet again why he was even here.

Reena waved a hand toward Frederick. “These are my men, Girad. Can you see them to a sitting room to wait for me until I'm ready to leave?”

Girad cleared his throat. “Mademoiselle, I fear they shall have to wait outside. Monsieur du Casse does not approve of armed men in his house.”

Frederick shifted his stance. Good. Then they all could leave.

Reena didn’t flinch. Didn’t even bat an eye. “Then you may inform your master that I have no intention of traveling through such a dangerous city without protection. Hence, they will stay in the house where I can easily call them, or I will be forced to leave immediately.” She gave a tight smile. “I'm sure you do not want to disappoint Monsieur du Casse. He has been so looking forward to our dinner, I am told.”

Girad shifted his droopy eyes between her and Frederick. His lips twitched as if he had an itch he could not scratch, but finally, he nodded and the snap of his fingers brought another man to his side. “Take these men to the servants’ hall.”

After firing one last angry glance at Reena, Frederick followed the man down the hall to the right, down a set of stairs, and into a room dimly lit by two candles perched on a long wooden table surrounded by chairs. Decks of cards lay about, along with a tattered chess board and several old books. Along one wall, a sideboard stood, housing plates, cups, trays and silverware. The servant retreated out the door and turned before he shut it. “You will remain in here, monsieurs, until your lady is finished.”

Frederick closed his eyes for a moment and attempted to reel in his fury. He wanted to shout, pluck out his sword, grab Reena, and leave this hideous place. Instead he charged to the cold hearth and kicked the bricks. She knew this vile Frenchman…had been here before. No wonder she was so familiar with the layout of the house. How long had she been consorting with the nephew of a pirate? What sort of relationship did they have?

And why did he suddenly feel jealous at the thought? Thunderation! He kicked the bricks again as the chink of glass sounded behind him. Swinging about, his eyes narrowed on Sedley, helping himself to what looked like a bottle of brandy he’d found in the cupboard.

“No more of that.” He ordered the man after Sedley slammed the liquor to the back of his throat.

“Ah, come now, Cap’n. Ye can ’ardly ’xpect me t’ turn down free brandy?”

“I can and will. I need all your wits tonight.”

Sedley stared at him, seemingly debating whether to obey him or not. But Frederick took a step toward him, placing his hand on the hilt of his sword. Sedley smiled.

Strange fellow. Medium height, hair as light as white sand, stained blue neckerchief around his neck. And nervous, always nervous.

“Tell me, Mr. Sedley, how did you come to sail with Ree…Captain Hyde.”

He shrugged. “Found me on a deserted island.”

“Why did your captain leave you there?”

“He were a mean ol’ cur, he were. Didn’t like me face. That’s wha’ he said.”

Frederick studied him with suspicion. “Captain Hyde said it was for stealing more than your share of a prize.”

A flicker of fear appeared on the man’s face, but then it was gone. “That’s wha’ the captain accused me of. But it weren’t so.” The man fidgeted and walked to examine one of the old books, though Frederick doubted he could read.

Moving to the window, Frederick eased back the curtains and stared into the darkness, waiting for the signal.

The signal that once again would make him a thief.