CHAPTER 11

JAMES

"All these chemicals I ingest chase lines of Shakespeare out of me sometimes unbidden." Said Cholmondeley as I entered the barn. He was stirring the liquid to make gunpowder as we discussed. "Which brings me to a rather delightful woman I've met." He continued glancing at me. "Your sister, if I'm correct." He added answering my untold question. "Is she really yours or could a chemist call upon her? For tea or something?" He suggested innocently as clenched my fist involuntary. For tea, my arse!

"Show me the cargo." I loosened my grip not wanting to show him my disturbance yet my cold tone made him sigh.

"I've asked the Weasel for some sailcloth to cover it against the rain." He continued picking up on the vibes quickly as I opened up a sack of saltpetre, tasting it. "I've already breakfasted on a little of it. The quality's exceptional. Almost as good as the bat shit distillations of Burma." He chatted continuously.

"Why don't you just fix the roof?" I asked checking the wooden beams.

"Because a canvas sheet would protect the powder perfectly well and be much cheaper." He shrugged as I fixed my gaze back on the roof.

"And you think she's beautiful?" I asked eventually surprising myself too, but I just couldn't let go of his comment.

"Who?" Cholmondeley questioned, being a bit lost of my sudden change.

"My sister" I said. "Adelina" I added just in case, though I was pretty sure he hasn't meant Zilpha.

"Not only is she among the large number of women I would sleep with, she's also among the much smaller group of women I would masturbate over." He confessed honestly as I closed my eyes, shaking in rage inside, while I desperately tried to regain control over my hectic breathing. How dare he even think of her?! If I haven't needed that damn gunpowder so much, I would've gutted him right there. "Well, this is fun, isn't it?" He broke the silence nervously. "So, can I call on her or not?"

"No." I declared it firmly finally turning back to him.

"So she is yours?" He asked but it was more like a statement. I looked him in the eye for a moment as the tension became palpable.

"Given the quality of the saltpetre, how long will it take to make gunpowder?" I asked instead. I knew what people were saying behind our back, and honestly I was getting tired of it, yet no matter how much I wanted to admit, I just couldn't destroy Lina's remaining decency.

"Four weeks, and I'll need an assistant." He told me as I nodded, leaving the barn. I needed fresh air.

DDDD

After finding an assistant I headed back to the city. I had to pay a visit to Atticus and Helga since the Company put bounty on the people who stole from them.

"Now, gentlemen, before I go on the subject of confidence and betrayal" I started as I walked up to Atticus's men leisurely. "I hear that the Company are offering ten for any information. Hm?" I stopped looking over them. "I also know that one of you has already considered collecting. Let me be very clear. I know which one of you it is." I told them, pausing for a moment. Some fidgeted nervously, some avoided my gaze and some seemed curious. "And I want you to know that there will be no place for that man on my ship when we sail to the New World. Because he will be of no use to me. He will be of no use." I emphasised it seriously. "For he will have no thumb." I added turning to the man fast and chopping off of his finger. He yelled in pain as I continued. "Hm? I am inside your heads, gentlemen. Always." I said for last before leaving.

I intended to stay alive if for no one else then for my little Lina, and it was only possible if everyone who was involved in the robbery could keep their mouths shut.

"Two for broken doors and smashed windows." Helga greeted me as soon as she spotted me approaching. I knew I owed her a lot, yet I just marched through the door, right in the brothel.

"Damn soldiers! You owe me Delaney!" She raised her voice following me.

We quickly gathered everyone around. I passed a few coins over the table to Helga.

"Now. They have reports that say that some of the robbers were women." I started with them too. "But only the Company are aggrieved, so no-one can take you to the clink or to the poultry tower. So, if a Company man comes calling, they have no legal jurisdiction." I ensured them. "So you get word to me. And I will deal with it. In my way." I told them placing the thumb and a diamond on the desk. "And in return you choose." I explained letting the info sink in before leaving them.

DDDD

ADELINA

I woke up in the middle of the night, panting, in cold sweat. I had a horrible nightmare. They found out about the gunpowder and James was hanged.

I looked around in panic then I slowly realized I'm in my room. I released a deep sigh when suddenly I've became aware of the strange noises coming from James's room. What is he doing still up? I frowned getting out of the bed.

I quietly reached his door which was ajar providing me a glimpse of him sitting in front of the fireplace, throwing some papers in it, numbly.

I carefully stepped in but he hasn't noticed me or just ignored my presence, either way, the sight broke my heart. He was zoned out, his face wet from the silent tears as his eyes burnt red. I said nothing just walked up to him slowly, then sat down right next to him.

For a moment I looked at him in awe. His shirt was half-undone showing his muscularly toned chest and his tattoos, at least some, while I couldn't help but wondered where else he has them on his body.

"I am looking for a particular document." He spoke, breaking the silence which made me jump. I was afraid I got caught red-handed, but he wasn't paying much attention. "A treaty." He continued without looking at me. "That is all. A treaty between my father and the Nootka Indian tribe." He mumbled gazing the fire being lost. "A treaty in which Nootka land was bought for gunpowder and lies. Along with mother." He told me throwing some more papers into the flames. "His first wife. Who he bought for beads. And when his wife would not play the Spanish princess or the Italian countess, whatever it was she refused to play he had her sent to Bedlam Insane Asylum." He finished with so much anguish that my stomach twitched.

"James" I whispered his name placing my hand on his shoulder as he finally looked at me. The pain in his eyes tore into my soul leaving it just as much wounded as his.

His expression softened a bit as he stroked my cheek gently wiping away an escaped tear. His palm was warm on my skin as he pulled me closer to rest his forehead on mine.

"My sweet Lina" His voice cracked, failing him.

I took a deep breath closing my eyes, relishing his closeness. He smelled secret and earth, like the forest at night and startlingly, this scent which usually calmed me down, now ignited a wild heat inside me.

His hand still cradled my face as our nose slightly brushed to each other. I gasped silently as I felt his warm breath on my skin, sending thrilling shivers down on my spine. All my senses were heightened making me achingly aware of him. My fingers yearned to touch him, my mouth to taste him again as I leaned an inch closer, instinctively. His breathing rhythm became erratic and rugged as our lips almost touched yet he hasn't dared to move. I couldn't blame him, I was the one who told him not to kiss me ever again. And also I was the one now dying of the sharp need of him.

I was helpless, closing the gap between us, softly pressing my lips on his a bit hesitantly. It was a bold move, but I wasn't thinking clear. He was all I wanted, all I could think of right now. I knew it wasn't right, I knew perfectly I wasn't supposed to feel this way, but there was nothing on earth I wanted more than soothing his agony.

For a moment he remained still, even frozen then he pulled me closer, deepening the kiss.

Shame and desire mingled hot in my throat as I let out a quiet moan under his passionate rawness, opening my mouth for him. Our tongue entwined, finding the perfect sync right away. His hand traced the contours of my body, caressing my curves eagerly. My heartbeat quickened in the forbidden desire as I craved a man for the first time after the incident with Thorne and his party. I never thought it was possible but as his skilful fingers found their way under my nightgown all my cells screamed for more.

His mouth travelled down on my neck, trailing adoring kisses along the way. I bit back a whimper which seemed only fuelling his hunger as he teasingly sucked on the soft spot right above my collar bone. I tilted my head to leave him more space while a satisfied hum escaped my lips, but he pulled back abruptly.

"You should leave" He told me still panting yet his gaze was fixed on the fire. His sudden coldness left me speechless. "Leave, Adelina" He repeated himself irritated as I sat there utterly confused. What is happening? "I said leave!" He raised his voice finally snapping me back to reality.

I stood up adjusting my clothes intending to do as he said with as much dignity as was possible. I had no idea what's gotten into him, but there was no way I start begging.

I walked to the door with confidant steps though tears were gathering in my eyes. A part of me hoped he's stop me, pulling me in and apologize, but he hasn't even glanced at my way. I almost left when I changed my mind.

"You know I just wish you'd never kissed me" I barked his rejection cutting me deep. Although if my words affected him, he never showed any sign of it.

Finally I left him. I barely reached the corridor as a sob shook my shoulders heavily. I couldn't believe it!

Did I do something wrong?

DDDD

JAMES

I haven't met Lina in the morning, for which I was grateful for once. I knew I was harsh with her and that she's probably still mad at me, but securing her safety came first. They already knew she means a lot to me. There was no reason admitting she's my everything.

Soon we will sail away to the New World and I'll make everything right. Until then she needs to stay away from all the mess. Including me.

"Excuse me, sir. Sir! No-one is allowed in here. There's been an outbreak of cholera." A young boy tried to stop me as I entered the Bartholomew Hospital.

"I am immune." I told him not stopping for a moment. "Tell your doctor I'll be waiting for him downstairs." Dumbarton asked for me and I wanted to get over with as soon as possible.

"Personally, I question the miasmatic theory of cholera, but even so, it's wise to take precautions." He stepped in taking off his mask.

"I'm assuming this disease is of your own making?" I said already being sure of the answer.

"So many soldiers and Company men treading heavily in your footsteps, I thought I'd make this place a little less attractive to them. That's why we've also moved down here." He admitted it nodding. "Is everything alright with Miss Delaney? She seems a bit... zoned out" He added knowingly as I tensed up.

"Why, I believe it's none of your concern" I told him repressing my annoyance. "I'm busy. What do you want?" I questioned rough as we locked eyes.

"You have something I need." He started eventually, trying to read me. "The blockade at Sligo, running short of gunpowder. The Irish are being prevented from running fishing boats. The bellmen and the newspapers tell me there's a new source of prime-grade powder in town. No royal charter required." He explained his point.

"I'm afraid I don't have any powder." I lied blankly.

"You ride the Hendon road three miles. There is a pond called The Source. Beyond that, an area of low land. Hatchett's Ground they call it. A tannery. A windmill. And hidden just behind that, a cattle farm with a water wheel." He gave me the exact location of our hideout. "No organisation is watertight, James. You're just lucky it's our pot the informant pissed in and not the Company's. Though, we do offer better rewards." He added ensuring me. "Our guns will fall silent in ten days. We need powder in eight." He set the terms.

"That's not possible." I said this time more genuinely. Cholmondeley said four weeks.

"Yes, it is. Ask your chemist. Mr. Cholmondeley. Ask him about the French experiment." He noted for last as I left to visit my man.

Turned out that there is a way of quickening the process, adding chlorate to the saltpetre. Cholmondeley wasn't happy about it because of the high chance of explosion, but the threat of hanging for sure in a week could finally convince him.

DDDD

"What's this?" I asked Brace noticing a book on the table when I arrived home.

"It's from Mr. Cholmondeley for Miss Delaney." He said. "It came by post, with a letter. She obviously has an admirer." He noted smirking making me wince. I thought I was clear about my sister. I really should've gutted him…

"We need some more coal for my fireplace. It's freezing!" Adelina came in to the living room as well, searching for Brace. I glimpsed at her. Her expression showed a moment of terror at the sight of me before turning as cold as stone.

"Why would we do that? This is the Delaney household. We have no warmth here." I murmured aggravating, yet Lina didn't even glanced in my way.

"Right away, Miss Delaney" Brace nodded immediately, leaving to fulfil her wish as she intended to follow him fleeing from me. She only stopped to check out the new book she received. "Mr. Cholmondeley is not a suitable man for you." I turned to her seriously, but she just scoffed mockingly.

"Oh, no, no absolutely not." She said finally meeting my eyes. "Yet unfortunately you're in no position of making that decision." She enlightened me bitterly then turned her back on me marching out quickly as I sighed tiredly.

How will I be able to make it up to her?

AN.: Sorry for pausing this story for this long. Hope you'll still find it entertaining. For now on I'm gonna make regular updates weekly or in every two weeks, depending on my free time. Thank you for reading!