Disclaimer: Twilight belongs to Stephanie. All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.
A/N: I changed Edward's invitation from luncheon to dinner after I discovered that, in the 18th Century, people of leisure ate breakfast around 10 AM and dinner around 3 PM.
After primping for what felt like hours, Mama deemed us ready to leave for our dinner with Edward. I was wearing a light blue taffeta dress decorated with white lace. The stomacher was adorned with bows of decreasing size above the waistline. Under this an elaborately embroidered and trimmed petticoat. Normally I would have worn hoops, but on board, our clothes were more casual. More like clothes we would wear in the country or at the beach, so instead of hoops I wore a frilly petticoat and I was forced into a corset. My shift had elbow length sleeves adorned with a froth of lace which stuck out of the sleeves of my dress. My stockings were tied with light blue ribbons, then Mary slipped heeled shoes, covered with the same material as my gown, unto my feet. Mary had curled my hair which was gathered on top my head with curls cascading down. The curls were held in place with jeweled pins and ribbons. A small flat hat balanced on top of my curls, tilted to the side. My outfit was completed with a a pearl choker and an embroidered reticule which held a lace handkerchief and a fan.
Mama's dress was burgundy, but her stomacher had crisscrossed ribbons and didn't have any lace. Papa wore a dark blue long and flared coat and a waistcoat. Both were decorated with gold braid and embroidery. His white shirt was adorned with lace ruffles at the wrists, a cravat made from the same fabric as mother's dress, and knee breeches. His outfit was completed with stockings which were embroidered at the ankles and black heeled shoes with jeweled buckles. Jasper wore a similar suit made in a light blue as my dress, but his coat had silver decorations. He didn't wear a cravat, instead, the ruffled lace from the collar of his shirt was pulled over the neck of his waistcoat. Their hair was tied back with black ribbons.
One of the officers was waiting out in the passage.
"Emmett. What are you doing here?" Jasper asked.
"Captain Masen sent me to escort you to his quarters," he said.
"Papa, this is Emmett McCarty. He has been helping me with my fencing. Emmett, these is my parents, Mr. and Mrs. Swan and my sister Isabella." We had seen Mr. McCarty around, but we had not been formally introduced. He shook Papa's hand, bowed to Mama and then brought my fingers to his lips. Thankfully he didn't actually kiss them.
"Are you flirting with my sister McCarty?"
"I wouldn't dare. I value my life too much." He said, but he winked at me. I covered my mouth to hide my smile. Did he know about Edward and me or did he think Jasper would call him out if he tried anything inappropriate?
We took the passageway to an outside door, then walked up a flight of stairs to the bow of the boat. Here was yet another way to get to the Captain's quarters. He left us at the opened door and did us good afternoon.
Edward had dressed for the occasion also. Instead of his usual trousers, he was wearing a suit like Papa and Jasper in brown, with a beige waistcoat and black buckled shoes.
"Mr. and Mrs. Swan, Jasper and Isabella. Welcome." Greetings were exchanged all around. I tried hard to keep from blushing when I thought of what Edward and I had been doing in his sleeping chamber just feet away. I heard the clink of dishes and the mouthwatering aromas coming from the dining area made it had to resist peeking into that room.
"The servers are placing some of the first course dishes on the table. By the time, I show you around; they should be finished."
"Will Captain Newton be joining us?" Mama asked.
"No, he will be dining with another family in the main dining cabin, but I've invited the daughter of Dr. Cullen to join us."
As if on cue, a dainty beauty with black hair joined us. She was dressed in a beautiful peach satin dress. The overlay was embroidered with gold thread, and her stomacher was designed with an intricate design that incorporated tiny pearls. It looked as if she was wearing small hoops under her dress and she carried a matching lace parasol. She was shorter than I was. In fact, she looked like a fashion doll. Edward kissed her cheeks in greeting then introduced her to us. As Mr. McCarty, we had seen her around, but we had not been introduced. She hugged me as if we were long lost friends.
"It's a tragedy we had not been introduced before, but from now on, we'll be inseparable."
"A tragedy Alice." Edward teased her.
"Yes, a tragedy." She insisted. Then she linked her arm with mine.
"We'll have so much fun for the rest of the voyage and I'll show you my favorite shops and haunts when we get to New York." She gushed. Mother looked at us and smiled indulgently. It was hard to resist Alice's infectious good humor.
Edward walked us around his quarters. I was familiar with the layout, but I pretended I was seeing it for the first time. Father commented on the woodwork, and the appointments. Remarking that this ship was vastly different from when he had sailed.
As the servers were headed out. One man stopped to speak to Edward. "Captain, everything is ready. Ring when you want us to bring the remaining dishes."
"Thank you James," Edward said.
"Shall we." Edward offered his arm to Mama while the rest of us followed.
My jaw dropped when we got to the dining area. I had admired the large table, but now that it was set for dinner, it was a sight to behold. The table had been shortened. It was covered with a starched white tablecloth and set with porcelain plates in front of each seat with a napkin stood folded on top of the dinner plates. There were slices of bread on bread and butter plates. Knives and forks and spoons were perfectly placed beside the plates and at the top of each setting were three clear lead crystal drinking glasses. A crystal decanter with wine was placed next to Edward. Covered tureens and uncovered serving dishes were placed around the table. There were pewter candle sticks with white tapers in a line down the center of the table, but they were not lit yet. All the drapes were drawn to bring in the natural daylight. One of the trunks I had noticed the first night was opened, and placed on top of a side table displaying an array of glass bottles with what looked like brandy and other hard spirits.
"Mrs. Swan, I hope you don't think it presumptuous of me, but I thought we could serve ourselves."
"Like a quiet family dinner," Mama said.
"Yes, madam."
Edward took his place at the foot of the table. Mama was seated to his left and Papa sat at his right. Jasper sat next to Mama. I was about to sit next to Papa, but Alice insisted I sit at the other end of the table in the place usually reserved for the hostess, while she sat next to Papa and opposite Jasper.
The dishes were uncovered. On the top left corner of the table was a dish of sliced carrots, at the top right corner was a plate of meat patties. In the center of the table was sliced ham with a circle of glazed peaches. On either side of that were a platter of white chicken fricassee and a carved beef roast which was surrounded by pickled green beans. On the bottom edge was a dish containing asparagus. On the other side, to Edward's right, was a soup tureen with small bowls next to it. Edward served the soup, passing the bowls around until we were all served. It tasted like a fish broth. After the soup, wine was poured, and we toasted each other's health. Since the roast was already carved, each dish was passed around. I tried a little of each dish.
Alice chatted nonstop, asking Papa about the places he had travelled to. She spoke to mama about fashion. She inquired about Jasper's time away at school and asked if I had gone away to school too. She talked about being at court. I told her I had been at court, but I had not enjoyed it. She laughed. She had not enjoyed it either. I was relieved because I had thought that I was the only girl who had not enjoyed being at court. She even made fun of the way the courtiers dressed and acted. Although it was only six of us, it was a lively dinner. Conversations flowed freely. Several times I looked across the table to see Edward looking at me. I tried not to watch him too often because every time I looked at him he seemed to be looking at me, and I'd feel my face getting warm.
Edward rang for the remaining dishes. The servers took everything off the table, including our dirty dishes and used flatware.
"Our first course continues. These dishes are best served hot, so they were kept by the fire as long as possible. The cook on my ship prepared them. James grew up on the island of Jamaica. His foods are often a fusion of West Indian, East Indian and Spanish flavors. When I told him I had invited guests for dinner, he insisted on preparing a few of his specialties. I should warn you that some of his foods are spicy."
As the dishes were placed on the table, Edward identified them. "Fish with escabeche sauce, cooked dried beans, shredded beef in a tomato based sauce, jerk chicken, rice with green peas cooked in coconut milk, a pork stew, chopped cabbage and carrots steamed then tossed in a vinegar dressing and fried plantains."
"What's coconut milk?" I asked.
"Coconut grows on a tall palm tree. When it's green, the locals drink the water inside. It's extremely refreshing. When the coconut dries, they scoop out the white flesh inside, pound or grate it, then they add water. When the water mixes with the pulp, it turns white as milk. Then that liquid is squeezed through a cloth to separate the milky water from the husk."
"It sounds complicated."
"But it's worth it. The islanders make many dishes with coconut milk—both sweet and savory."
The only thing I recognized was the cabbage and even that was cooked differently, but he had told me how the locals from the islands cooked delicious foods, so I wanted to try some. I wanted him to see that I could be adventurous. The fish was delicious. The sauce was spicy, so I pushed most of it to the side and ate the fish plain. The rice dish was a little sweet—I guess it was from the coconut milk. The shredded beef was moist and tasty. I tried a piece of the chicken, but it was too spicy for me. Even after I took the skin off, I was only able to eat a small piece. The cabbage dish didn't taste bad, but my favorite was the fried plantain circles, which were soft and sweet.
"The food was completely different from the food I was accustomed to, but I enjoyed it. Not the chicken so much."
My mother gave me that look.
"Sorry. Don't tell your cook, I said that. It was delicious but too spicy for me. Maybe it's an acquired taste."
He flashed me his gorgeous smile. "James would be happy you were brave enough to try everything. Knowing him, I would have to invite you to dinner every night, so you could taste more of his creations."
I smiled in return. I was happy that I had not offended him with my remark.
The second course consisted of brandied cherries, beetroot pancakes which were served with a sherry sauce and tarts filled with fruit jams, and a sweet coconut mixture, dried pineapple, dates, and a pedestal plate with slices of gingerbread and molasses cake. Mama, Alice and I drank sweet wine, while the men switched to port. By the end of the second course, we were laughing and talking as if we were all old friends, and all the younger folks were using each other's first name. After we had all eaten our fill, Mama got up, and Alice and I followed her to the living area, leaving the men to drink and smoke if they wanted to. Someone had lighted the enclosed candles, which cast a soft glow over the room. The sky was awash in the pastel colors of Twilight. It looked beautiful and tranquil.
Alice regaled us with stories from her travels to India, France and various islands in the West Indies. As she spoke, I realized that, on several occassions, her family had travelled with Edward and Emmett. She also mentioned someone called Rosalie. Are they among the friends he said he had sailed with? Could girls sail around the islands for months at a time? What was Alice's relationship with Edward? I thought of unchaperoned boys and girls travelling together and what Edward and I had been up to in his bed chamber. How did he become such an expert at undressing a lady, and I had no way to compare, but from the things he had done to me, he seem to be well versed in the art of lovemaking. Where did he learn those things? How many women had he taken to his bed?
"Who is Rosalie?" I asked.
"Rosalie is Emmett's wife. We often travel together."
That was a relief. I was tempted to take her aside and question her about Edward, but I knew it would not be right. Still, all the unanswered questions were giving me a headache. More than ever before, I resented the freedom boys and men had. They could do so many things that females could not. A little irrational part of me even resented Edward just because he was a man. I was driving myself crazy with my wayward thoughts; I could feel a headache coming on, but I couldn't stop speculating about the parts of Edwards' life I knew nothing about. Soon after that, Jasper joined us. Then I was worried about what Edward and Papa were talking about.
~~~~~BATP~~~~~
I had thought Isabella was beautiful in her disguise. This morning, she had looked even more beautiful in her rose colored dress. When she walked in, I had to force myself not to stare at her. She looked like a princess. She was exquisite. Any man should be honored to have her as a wife. I would marry her willing, and it was not only her beauty. There was so much inside the packaging. She was intriguing, and I would love to peel back all the layers and discover all her secrets.
I enjoyed having her at the head of my table. If we did marry, I would get to see her there every day and every night we were at home. Alice was intuitive about people and the fact that she took to Isabella made me happy. Not that I care what anyone thought of Isabella if I decided to ask for her hand, but it would be easier for her if my friends and family were as taken with her as I was. During a lull in our after dinner conversation, Sir Swan suggested Jasper check on the ladies, leaving us alone to talk. I knew he had questions, which was why I had invited him to dinner in the first place.
"Well Captain Masen, where should we start?"
"Please call me Edward. I knew you were about to call me Your Grace this morning, so I invited you to dinner, hoping we could speak in private."
"Yes I was, unless I'm mistaken, and you were not named for your father, the Duke of Illinois."
"Where do I begin, Sir Swan?"
"So you know who I am."
"Yes. I recognized your name from the passenger list."
"I thought I would be protecting my family by not using my title. I wonder how many other people know."
"I know because my father had mentioned you frequently over the years. I grew up hearing tales about the two of you in the navy."
"After he retired from service, I was named Lord Admiral. I often wondered why he left the service while he was still in his prime and why I only received a cryptic message from him afterward."
"Father regretted not being able to keep in touch with you, but he believed he was protecting you. You may remember that, around the time he disappeared, the navy and parliament and even some of the noblemen at court were embroiled in a scandal that threatened to destroy the navy. It had been alleged that officers and the other notable men were collaborating with known pirates and sharing in the profits. The people were demanding justice, so an investigation was called for. When the members of parliament did not bring back a satisfactory verdict, the office of the Admiralty knew something had to be done."
"Yes, I remembered that."
"Father was asked to investigate the matter before it got worst. Since he was known among the nobility at court, parliament and by the officers of the navy, no one would trust him if he started asking questions about a cover up, so he had to disappear. He was given the title of Duke of Amsterdam for an obscure county in the North Country."
"Neddie was Duke of Amsterdam?" He laughed. A great belly laugh. It was so contagious I started laughing also. I also laughed at my father being called Neddie. I've never heard anyone call him by that nickname before. "I knew him for years, but I never saw through his disguise. I saw him occasionally at a gentleman's club I frequented when I was in port. He was always helplessly inebriated. He dressed as a popinjay in bright colored clothes, with powered face, and a tall powdered wig more elaborate then some of the women at court. He was considered a libertine, who was only interested in gambling, drinking and womanizing. I don't think anyone who had sailed with him, would have recognized him."
I smiled. When Father had told me about this, I had found it hard to picture him acting as a fob. "According to him, people said things around him because they had no respect for him. He was often called an imbecile. He said he spent his nights gambling, and his days pretending to be drunk. After years of acting the fool, and scouring the books of the Admiralty courts, he got the information he needed. After that, his time was spent helping to convict or force the guilty parties out of the navy. He's still working for the navy, but he's given up his disguise. He's based in Bermuda and is helping to write a Royal Proclamation which would give all pirates a pardon for their crimes if they agree to sign the documents stating they would give up all acts of piracy. Anyone who doesn't agree would be hunted, tried and hung if they're captured alive."
"Hopefully I'd get to meet with him before I return to London."
"He'd like that. I'm headed to see him and Mother after we dock. When he hears you're in New York, I'm sure he'll insist on coming to you."
"Did you decide to become a captain to follow in your father's footsteps?"
"At first it was because of the war. Eventually, I had crossed the line from privateer to pirate, going against everything my father stood for, only I had not known it at the time. I had been making amends by acting as a guide for ships to cross the pirate ridden Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea. When I had decided to quit being a pirate, I was given this assignment. Father finally told me what he had been doing all these years, which had made me glad I had taken this job. Now I've met you; a link from my father's past." Dare I hope that he may also be a link to my future? "Sir, there are thing happening that you are not aware of. All I can tell you is to be on the alert."
"Do you think my family is in danger?"
"I'm not sure, but keep alert and if you have a pistol, keep it on you at all times."
"I have one in my trunk. It's an old service pistol, but it's functional."
"Tell your wife what you must, but please keep as much of this as you can to yourself. My father had planned to contact you himself, but he didn't want to put anything in writing, so it's a happy coincidence that you are on this ship."
"I understand."
"Sir, I have another favor."
"Anything."
"I'd like your permission to court Isabella. From the first time, I saw her I knew she was special. I hope she will accept me."
"My Bella had not been interested in any of the gentlemen who had courted her. I think she wants to be independent. It's unheard of, but I want her to be happy, so I have not accepted any offers for her hand. Maybe you'll change her mind."
"I hope so." Isabella will probably be angry when I tell her about this, but I felt guilty about our trysts. Now we could be seen together without keeping our relationship a secret. If things go well, we'll be betrothed by the time we get to New York, and if she doesn't want a long betrothal, we could be married as soon as she and her mother could plan her wedding.
A/N: Please PM me if you find errors. Like Bella, I'm giving myself a headache, so I'm not rereading this tonight. Hopefully Grammarly cleaned it up.
Ideas for outfits taken from (www.)(erasofelegance.)(com/)(history/georgianlife.)(html), (www.)(bustledress.)com & images from internet searches
Rules of Dining in 18th Century England - (www.)(umich.)(edu/~ece/student)(_projects/food/rules.)htm
Pardon of pirates by Royal Proclamation of 5 September 1717 – (http:)(/)(actionspast.)(com/Portals/0/Documents/KingsPardon_PageSize.)(pdf1717)
Most of the dishes for the first and second courses taken from - Eighteenth Century Dinners at THE MAXWELL HOUSE site.
West Indian dishes taken from Wiki – (wikipedia.)(org/wiki/)(Jamaican_cuisine)
