Chapter VII: Rescue

Ocean-Born Amelia

The sun broke into the dark morning casting aside the stars. The residents had spent the night dancing, drinking, enjoying whatever kind of merriment that was at their disposal. For a fleeting moment, everyone appeared to be high off the world only to be trampled by the early rays of light. Soft blue hues and gentle mists waved goodbye to the tired guests as they exited the property and gave their farewells to their hosts. The Jones family wished them all well and began preparations to clean the inn and tavern. The employees of both businesses had an early start organizing the wine and rum and collecting any kind of trash that littered about. Even Mr. and Mrs. Jones had a hand as well. However, Grace had something she wished to discuss with her husband and did not want Amelia to listen in. So finding some excuse to send her daughter to do a chore, Grace approached Alfred to tell him what had been troubling her.

"Alfred, did Mr. Montgomery seem...familiar to you? His face, I could have sworn I had seen it somewhere before."

"Well," Alfred began, scratching his head, "Maybe he has one of those faces. I mean, their was something about him that was strange. If we had met before I think he would have mention it."

Grace furrowed her brow, uncertain of her husband's explanation. "Perhaps. Oh, I'm just concern that's all. I mean, didn't you see his interest in Amelia; and Amelia with him."

Alfred paused, thought for a moment, then spoke, "Nope." Grace responded with a slap on his arm.

"You are oblivious to no extent. Anyways, Mr. Montgomery appears to be well-mannered and if Mr. Edelstein is willing to associate with him, he must be a decent man. Amelia must think so, too."

Alfred stared at Grace with surprise. "What makes you say that?"

A sly grin appeared on her face. "Just woman's intuition. But I'm more concern for you, Alfie."

"Why?"

"Amelia is growing up. There's not much time left for her to be your little girl. When the time comes, will you be able to let her go?"

Her husband froze, as if hoping it would stop everything at this present moment. He could feel Grace's eyes rest on him, waiting with all her care glowing within. Alfred never cared much about the future, only keeping in mind how to make the present better. Yet, he seemed to have made a very foolish mistake. He forgot that Amelia was human.

X

The carriage ride for the group of misfits was carried in frustrating silence. Ludwig, Kiku, and Roderick remained uncertain to either speak, ask questions, or even breath; so they opted it was best to have their captain wander in his thoughts on his own. Interfering with Kirkland's mind could result in him ignoring the question or shredding a man with his ammunition of words. Kirkland felt the wavering uncertainty among his men and thought it may be best to explain the situation.

"That girl I was dancing with, the obnoxious man's daughter, she's the little girl I had named 'Amelia' all those years ago." Roderick was stunned, Kiku was hesitant and Ludwig just listened. The captained drew his eyes to the carriage window, resting his elbow on the edge of the sill leaning his chin against the bridge of his knuckles. "For years I wondered what had become of her and her family. I sent people out whenever we made port. Her whereabouts were never known for fifteen years, until now. Now I've seen her, talked with her, and danced with her and have come to a devastating conclusion."

His men were confused. They were troubled. What did he mean by "devastating conclusion"? It was quite unsettling.

"Not just that... I turn my eyes away for a moment to see Bonnefoy take her by the hand and guide her like some possessive mongrel. Damn, annoying frog, leaving his slimy prints any place he can."

"Sir," Ludwig interrupted, "What is your point?"

"That's what I'm trying to figure out," Kirkland replied thoughtfully. "What is my point?"

X

It was the morning of a quiet Saturday. The raucous of the previous night's events faded into oblivion while the markets and shops reopened for a calm day. Slowly, the streets were filled and by the afternoon it was a flood of bodies reduced to their plain colors and work gear. Hands grabbed, picked, and inspected goods and wears. The ears especially picked up on the gossip.

"Did you see the gentlemen that were with Mr. Edelstein last night?" A woman in her early forties asked.

The younger lady accompanying her nodded. "Yes, I did. Quite a peculiar bunch don't you agree?"

Another young girl became engrossed in the same conversation. "Absolutely. There was a Chinaman with him. I wonder where he was bought," she pondered.

The older woman then replied, "It did not seem he was a servant or a slave. He dressed too well."

"That's true. There was another one, the tall, blond stiff with the serious face. He frightened me. He had such an intimidating aura surrounding him. I wouldn't be the least bit surprise if he was a criminal," the lady announced.

"I shudder just thinking about his cold stare," the young girl said. "But those two were nothing compared to the Englishman they were accompanying. What was his name again?"

"Arnold Montgomery. He was so charming compared to those misfits. There was this air about him that was...that was...I can't even put my finger on it," the older woman remarked.

"Enchanting? Graceful? No word's can describe such a mysterious man."

"Apparently the Jones daughter had the pleasure of dancing with him." The girl sneered.

"Really?"

"Yes, not only him but Monsieur Lafayette."

"How fortunate for her seeing as no has made an offer for hand yet." The old woman rolled her eyes. "She's such a peculiar girl. The only reason those men danced with her is probably to please her father. After all, he is very well established."

"It's sad, but true. Her face is quite pretty but that will only help her so far. Once anyone talks to her they realize how odd she is. I pity her."

"Excuse me, ladies." A new voice entered. They women turned to the direction of the feminine tone. "I believe you dropped something." To their horror it was Amelia.

They searched the ground. "What did we drop?" The old woman forcing a polite smile.

"Your shame." Amelia smiled. The ladies were appalled. "Have a good day." Amelia gave a slight bow and made her way away from the treacherous females.

"Ugh, what an impudent child. Never have I seen a more ill-mannered girl." The old woman scoffed.

Though Amelia swayed with confidence and pride, inside she had to find the will power to fight back her tears. She would not show anyone the satisfaction of her hurt. Amelia was all too aware of how people viewed her. Too headstrong, too bold, too wild for her own good. She knew that her father held a good fortune and as she became older was quite aware how men had an eye for things that shine; and she did not know herself as anything shiny. Instead of gold, Amelia was a bronze coin, a simple trinket who's value came from the chest she resided in. She knew from the depths of her soul her hope was crumbling. Hope that she would be loved someday for being her bronze self instead of the glittering chest.

Amelia, being blinded by her own thoughts, made an impact into a much taller being. She looked up. "My apologies, Sir."

"Oh, it's you Amelia!" Matthias Kohler responded enthusiastically. The ocean-born girl shrunk a little inside herself and was suddenly without words. Though Amelia was not one to shy away, she was rather intimidated by the black coat and cane that was always on his person. "I apologize for not being there for your birthday. You see, I had some business to attend to." He smiled.

Amelia knew that was a lie. He did not come because her father did not want him near her. She remembered the conversation her parents had and suddenly felt ill from reminding herself of Mr. Kohler's intentions. "Oh, don't worry about it, it's fine. Sorry for bumping into you, again, but I really must be going. I have a few more errands to run for my mother, so if you'll excuse me." Amelia tried to smile politely as she turn to walk away. However, she felt a tight grip on her upper arm pull her back.

"Wait a second, Amelia," Mr. Kohler replied. She felt a slight panic rush through her. "Let me make it up to you for missing the party. I'll buy you anything you want."

"That's very kind of you but there's no need and I really must go-" His grip on her tightened and she bit back any sound that would give away her discomfort.

"Now that's very rude, Amelia. Don't you know that when someone offers you a gift, you're suppose to take it."

"Well yes, I...I..." Amelia stuttered feeling her body cower under the man's tall form.

"You should learn not to be so disrespectful to a man. How will you ever expect to get married? For that rude decline, I think you need to do something in return."

If Amelia did not feel as sick as before, she felt it twice as much now. 'Dad, where are you?' she thought. 'Please someone help me!' Everyone was too busy to notice what was happening or did not care, only consumed by their own thoughts and needs. Amelia was utterly alone. Without warning, she felt her arm free from Mr. Kohler's grasp. She looked up in shock, as well as her aggressor at who intervened.

X

Kirkland was walking among the dirt pavements of Londonderry, surrounded by the crowds of shouts and whispers with the occasional wagon passing by. The pirate man shoved his hands in his brown pockets. He was less fashionable that day than the previous night. He wore an unbuttoned brown coat with gold buttons. He wore a loose puffy shirt, slightly exposing the top of his chest. His hair was roughed up and bounced along with each step. Kirkland kept his eyes casted onto the ground reflecting on last night and this morning. He ended the previous night locking himself in his room thinking about Bonnefoy and Amelia. This morning, Roderick threw a fit over the captain leaving dressed as he was. After exposing himself at the party it would seem "highly inappropriate" for a gentleman of such status to dress like a peasant. Of course Kirkland did not give a damn at the moment, he had more important things to worry about besides presentation. He had his greatest enemy here and a girl he was curious to know better.

'Knock it off, Kirkland... You need to stop thinking about her. You need to keep focus on Bonnefoy and pay him back for everything he cost you," he thought. He paused and faced the sky. It was a light blue, warm and inviting with the thin fingers of clouds clutching towards the sun. 'Reminds me of the dress she wore.' He grinned, falling back to earth.

Kirkland continued his walk until he noticed a darkly clad figure amongst the bustle of the crowd clutching onto someone wearing a light brown simple dress. It was a man with a dark look in his eye while the girl's back was towards him with her messy blonde hair falling out of its bun. The girl was clutching a basket of goods. The pirate wondered what in the world that figure was trying to do and why no one was stepping in. He could tell that the girl was in distress. His eyes widened and with new energy pushed everyone out of the way. He forced his way to the center of the market place to reach the two. "For that rude decline, I think you need to do something in return," was the last sentence spoken when Kirkland shoved the man away with his right hand at the torso while the other held the man's wrist in the air.

"Ey' punk I suggest you bugger off before you do something really stupid." He grinned as his grip tightened on the black clad gentleman's wrist.

Mr. Køhler glared at the poorly dressed man with the audacity to interfere. He ripped himself out of Kirkland's clutches, replying, "Mind your own business, this doesn't concern you."

Kirkland scoffed. "So what? Just leave and go wank yourself somewhere else. I don't think the lady's interested, mate." He smiled slyly raising an eyebrow. Køhler's face was wildly red, out of anger and embarrassment. He refused to let a stranger humiliate him so easily, especially in front of Amelia.

"Listen, scum, I don't know what pub or brothel you were born in but have the decency to watch your mouth. We're civilized here."

"It didn't look that way a few seconds ago, mate." Kirkland noticed a small crowd had started to form around them. He did not want to draw anymore attention or else Roderick would have his head. "Just apologize to the girl and be on your way."

Køhler tighten his jaw. This man is making a fool of him. If he apologizes then his pride crumbles. If he does not, then Amelia may distance herself. He would not risk that. "Amelia, please forgive me. My actions are inexcusable." Kirkland's eyes sparked. Amelia? He did not turn around for fear of disappointment.

A familiar voice ringed behind him. "Thank you for your apology, Mr. Køhler," Amelia responded. Just as she did, the Dane nodded, wished her well, and left as quickly as he came, leaving the two alone.

Alone. Kirkland felt uncomfortable about the thought. Soon, he was conscious of himself, of his appearance. What will she think? Maybe he should have taken Roderick's advice and worn something different. He did not turn still, out of worry, fear? Realizing the gravity of the situation, Kirkland waited for Amelia to make the first move.

"Thank you very much, sir. I was afraid that something terrible was going to happen." She smiled.

Kirkland's back stiffs, his shoulders begin to clench, his chest chokes. He forcibly moves his tongue to utter without turning his head. "No need to thank me. After all, it's what a person should after all."

Amelia thought the man was avoiding her face. She found it slightly offensive. "Excuse me, sir, may you please turn. I want to see your face to thank you properly." The stranger do not budge, not even for a moment. Placing her hands on her hips, Amelia continued. "Hey! I know you're not a deaf man, so I know you heard me. My face ain't ugly, so it won't kill ya see it!" The man slightly cringes and let's out a breath. Amelia's heart begins to blush at the sight of her rescuer. "Mr. Montgomery?!" She drops the basket letting all her wares fall onto the cold dirt. He appears nervous, with his smile slightly lopsided with his eyebrows tighten.

"Miss Jones, it's lovely to see you again." He forced a smile.

"Yes, it's nice to see you, too. I'm surprised to see you out here. Especially without a fancy hat."

"I suppose my dress today is quite deplorable compared to yesterday." Kirkland replaced himself with aristocrat, hoping to play off the event that happened.

Amelia eyes fell over him, staring him up and down. He was naked under her eyes as she studied the details of his peculiar self. Clothes fell off, exposing his sins. "On the contrary," she spoke, "I like you dressed this way. You don't look stuffy and high maintenance."

"What's that suppose to mean?!"

Amelia giggled loudly. "Don't think to much about it. It'll give you worry lines. And we can't allow that with a face like yours." She smiled.

Kirkland rose his brow. "Is my face that bad?"

"Quite the opposite. It's rather enjoyable. Just like your accent and the way you talk. It's, I don't know, pleasant to the ears." Kirkland's body temperature burned. It burns from his fingertips, burns from his ears, burns his feet, chest tightening from the release of smoke. The tongue is overwhelmed with thirst and wants to be satisfied.

"I'm sorry, but I'm too blunt for my own good. My mother tells me it will bring me trouble someday." Amelia played with her lopsided bun, letting her hair fall down in a waterfall fashion.

Fingertips itched for the strands to lace in the crevices of the palm, yearning to know the texture. It was painful for Kirkland to stand for his feet was without feeling. "Honesty is a good quality, Miss Amelia. Do not lose that, I mean it." She blushed. He was sure to die of a stroke.

"Thanks! Well, I guess I best continue with the market shopping or else we won't have dinner." Amelia bent down to gather the spoiled food back into the basket. Kirkland also went to gather the wares. He flusters picking up an apple.

"There you are," he said passing the apple to her. Amelia held out her palm. For a brief second, a minuscule of time, the hands of the two touch. The pirate is use to taking what he wants, and he wants is to feel her hand wrapped between his. His bloody, sinful, lying hands. He scurries his himself to stand straight as the young girl did.

Tossing her hair over her to her left shoulder, Amelia held the basket in the hand the fake aristocrat ached for. Damn lucky basket. "Goodbye, Mr. Montgomery. Have a good day."

"You as well, Miss Amelia." He smiled. Amelia smiled back and began to walk away. "Remember, I told you to call me 'Arthur'!"

"I know." She grinned as she looked back. "But I don't want to." She disperses into the crowd.

Kirkland forgets his body as he stares after her. What am I feeling?

...