XXI. Danny Boy

For quite some time, Sicklemore's whereabouts have been uncertain. Many believe he drowned. Others believe he became a Prisoner of War on the Azores. Regardless of the explanation, Sicklemore disappeared, and was never heard from again.

When Martin and Archer were reinstated, Archer resumed his role as Boatswain and Third Mate, while Martin became the Quartermaster. Instead of the Quartermaster managing all the treasure, the Captain and First Mate also verified the rations were correct.

Archer had decidedly become more assertive, in hopes he would be able to receive a promotion. Martin, seeing how well the changes seemed to balance things, helped mentor Archer and came to respect the Captain. In turn, Bart shared his plans with the officers of traveling to the New World one day.

Autumn, 1597

After managing around the Azores, we gradually made our way back to England, where more cheerful faces were waiting for us. Among those was none other than Captain Newport himself. He bid the crew well, while we both spent some time talking amongst each other.

"I miss 'avin' ano'er man at 'ome. Do come visit. I would come back out to sea with you all, but I've given Mrs. Newport me word 'bout takin' some time away from it all. As one often says, 'appy wife, 'appy life.'" He sighed.

"Is that so?"

"'Tis merely a figure o' speech—not to be taken literally, methinks. I'd say it means 'be content if she's content...or at least pretend to be.' Between you an' I, I missed me girls a bit. Not a word to the men, lest they think I've grown a bit 'soft.'"

"But you are, when you're drunk or angry, otherwise—"

"Shut your bloody hole!" I did as I was told, but grinned slightly, because I knew he was joking—at least partially. "Mum's the word," he reiterated with a wink and chuckle.

Meanwhile, I noted from afar off, my comrade appeared to be finishing a conversation with a certain woman, and hopped into a carriage with her. I decided to turn away, thinking it best not to interfere, while Kenny, Arch, and I headed to the Boar's Head for a few pints.

I gradually headed to my flat for the night. Later on, however, I heard a knock at my door, and opened it to see a familiar face.

"Good even, John. I hope I'm not disturbing you, but would you mind if I spent the night?"

"Not at all." I ushered the man in. I sensed he wanted to ease himself. As we settled near the fireplace, we shared a pipe as we chatted.

"Pray tell, whatever is the matter?"

"I met Cate in town. She wanted to make amends. Apparently, she miscarried, and my brother, Anthony decidedly went back to his fiancée. She mentioned I could stop by whenever 'tis convenient... . When I went back to 'her' place, I discovered I had much to think about... ." He sighed, speaking quietly as if thinking aloud. "Not a day going by without thinking of her...missing her...desiring to see her again, after not seeing her for several months...how much she's changed in the time I was absent—time I had missed...curious about her health, and if she's still well... . In any such matter, I came here, because 'twould be rather late to make the journey home at this hour. However, I fully intend to leave early on the morrow." He added, thoughtfully, "You're more than welcome to accompany me. I don't believe you've met Martha, nor seen our new place yet... ."

"Martha?" I scratched my head to remember who he was referring to.

"Yes, Martha, my daughter, of course." How could I have forgotten?! He was a father, now. He soon after returned the pipe to me after a final puff or two. "That will be enough for now. I must relinquish the habit once I'm home, after all."

We came to a stately home, in Bury St. Edmunds, greeted by a familiar woman and a curious infant, which perhaps bared more resemblance to her fair-skinned, dark-haired, mother. My comrade and his wife shared a polite kiss, before he eagerly picked up his daughter to kiss her little mouth and nose, as she giggled.

"I see someone is quite pleased to see you," I mused.

I never imagined him as a father, let alone a husband; yet at this moment, he seemed so natural, and as happy I'd seen him during our victories at sea. In the moment, I hardly recognized him as that same adventurous captain. A year ago he would toy with other women, carouse in the company of other mates with little regard for any family life. I began to wonder how much our relationship would change with his new priorities... . Who knows how much time we'd share now? I almost preferred him then, as selfish as that seemed.

"John, this is Martha." She must have been perhaps between seven and eight months. I noticed he was wrapped in the quilt I gave her. "Of all the ones she was given, she plays with yours the most." He told his wife, "John will be visiting for a few days."

"I see... .We'll be down the lane at mother's. You men can enjoy each other's company without a wailing child." I had later received the impression from Bart, that she wouldn't have agreed to this with all his friends, and I was one she actually approved of.

I also decided to invite him to my old homestead, as he mentioned he was interested in seeing the north country. While we raced horses in the meadow, I could see the neighbor's farm from afar off. I paused and wondered if I we should turn towards town.

"You still haven't spoken, I presume?" I had told him about my quarrel with Danny.

"I have written a letter, but I have yet to hear a response."

"Are you still angry with him?"

"I suppose not."

"I can imagine if he's still with her, he must love her. Perhaps he deserves more credit on your part."

I had to think about that. I didn't truly care for Sarah when I had her. I merely took her for granted. I couldn't understand why Bart would continue to befriend me after my foolish mistake.

"I do wonder at times why you're even willing to speak with me again?"

"'Tis futile not to, I suppose. If 'twere not you, 'twould be someone else. I have no control over her. We are much too similar in that respect: restless and free-spirited. I both resent and love her for that, which is perhaps why we come back to each other, eventually. Besides, I can't discuss with her the epic details of bloodshed as easily as I could with another mate." We both chuckled at that.

After Bart headed for home, I decidedly made my way to the neighbor's whom I would often sneak over to in between morning chores. A familiar lad was walking from the barn, perhaps with pails of milk. He nearly dropped them when he spotted me from a distance.

"I had not anticipated seeing you here."

"I came to make amends, Danny."

"Well, I'm much too preoccupied at the moment."

"I'll lend a hand." I grabbed another set of pails.

"Are you not concerned about ruining your good clothes from your gentlemen friends?"

"Now, when have I ever had an aversion to mud and cow dung?"

He had to laugh at this. "Welcome home, Johnny Boy."

"'Tis good to be back, Danny Boy."

Spring, 1601

Several years ago, I ventured back to the old country for a special occasion. It had took me some time to heal, but Danny and I managed to be on better terms. I was the best man at his wedding.

I hardly recognized Adam Brown. In the past few years since I last seen him, he had gotten quite a potbelly and was now a bit shorter than I. He was fearful to bother me now as I acquired more muscle than him.

After the festivities died down, Sarah later spoke to me. She was a bit older, more mature perhaps, and still beautiful. It was awkward seeing her again after so many years, and her nervous approach indicated the same.

"Good day, John—ahem—Captain John Smith. I see you accomplished a lot for yourself."

"And I hope you are well.

"I am most content." I wasn't certain she believed that herself. She paused, then added. "John, I once hoped this could've been our day—"

"And that ship has sailed." She seemed hurt by those words. "I bid you two well together. Good day to you." I kissed her hand and politely left. A few years later, I'd find out Danny already knew... .