Revenge of the Fox
Chapter 33
Gwen's dress was completely beyond repair. Not wanting to wear any of Reynard's clothing, Gwen investigated a chest shoved against a wall. It had the same coat of arms painted on it as was on the wall of the cabin. The previous owner of the ship's perhaps? The chest proved to be filled with clothing, mostly silks and velvets, but Gwen managed to find a pair of plain tan breeches and a linen shirt. She put them on, then tore another shirt into a bandage, which she wound around her wrist. Carrying the pistol, she took a seat at the table, where she could clearly see Reynard lying on the floor. She checked him every few moments, but he showed no signs of coming around.
She jumped as a knock fell on the door. "Gwen? It's Jack. Open the door."
Rising, she rushed over and unlocked the door, throwing it open. "Are we safe? What's happening?"
He nodded. "Yes, we're in control of the ship. All of Reynard's men are either asleep or locked up." He smiled at her with a hint of humor. "How long does that sleeping powder you have last?"
She frowned in puzzlement. "It depends on how strong you make the draught. What on earth have you done?"
He took her hand. "Too much to tell you right now. I need to send to the Pearl for more men. We need to get everyone secured before they wake up, and I can't do it with just three men to help. I want you to go too, as well as Jeannine."
"Who is Jeannine?"
"A girl that was rescued the same time as Annamaria, Elizabeth and Antonia. She came back aboard with Markson. She's the one who dumped your sleeping powder into the morning porridge."
"Annamaria, Elizabeth and Antonia are safe?" Gwen closed her eyes in relief. "Thank heaven!"
"Aye. Ask them how they did it, I'm sure they'd be delighted to give you all the details." He lifted her hand and studied it. "I think Jeannine was raped." He raised his eyes to hers. "Will ye take a look at her, see if she needs any medical attention?"
"Of course." Gwen put her other hand over his. "Jack, I know you're wondering. Reynard never, I mean he never had a chance to..." She broke off and started again. "You stopped him in time, Jack. I'm still only yours."
Jack pulled her into his arms and rested her head on his chest. "I'm glad, love. I'm relieved. I never wanted you to be hurt, Gwen." He kissed her gently. "We've a lot to talk about, but now isn't the time. Come, I'll take you to the boat."
"What are you going to do with him?" Gwen asked, indicating Reynard's motionless body.
"I'm trying to decide whether to flay him alive, or cut him into little pieces, slowly. Why? You didn't want to plead for his life, did you?"
"You don't need to get fancy," Gwen said tiredly. "Just make sure he's dead."
"I think you can count on it."
--
Annamaria was restlessly prowling the decks of the Black Pearl when the boat came through the opening of the rocks and into view. Quickly training her telescope on the approaching craft she saw four people aboard – Will, Markson, Jeannine and Gwen Sparrow. Snapping the telescope closed she shouted, "They're coming!"
The rail was soon filled with every man or woman still aboard the Pearl. As soon as the boat came close enough, Antonia shouted, "Where are James and Jack?"
"Still on the Vixen," Will shouted back. "Jack wants reinforcements to deal with the crew. Anna, who can be spared?"
"Did Jeannine's plan work?" Elizabeth called as the boat bumped up against the Pearl's hull.
"Beautifully," replied Will. He caught the rope ladder that Davy had thrown down and held it steady for the women to climb up. "Richard and I are headed right back. Jack wants Ralf to come too."
Davy helped Jeannine and Gwen aboard, smiling shyly at both, and venturing a quiet, "Welcome back, ma'am" to Gwen, who gave him a quick hug, before being enveloped by Elizabeth.
Annamaria gestured for Davy, Cotton, Pete and Seamus to scramble down the ladder and join the two men in the boat. Tommy, who was keeping an eye on Ralf during Joseph's absence, pushed a reluctant Ralf toward the ladder and followed. They quickly pushed off and headed back toward the Vixen.
Jeannine forced herself to smile and accept congratulations on the success of her plan, but her manner was stilted enough to cause the other women to exchange puzzled glances. Gwen, who knew the reason, took a moment to whisper something in Annamaria's ear that caused the second mate to narrow her eyes and tighten her lips. "Damn," she murmured back. "I'll talk to her. It'll be best coming from me."
"If you think so, Anna," Gwen replied. "Let me know if she needs any sort of medical treatment."
"Let me grab a bottle of Jack's brandy, if that's all right with you?" Annamaria said. "That may be all she needs."
Gwen shrugged. "Fine by me. Jack only keeps it around for guests. He prefers rum himself."
"Good. Send Elizabeth or Antonia down to the galley and have the cook heat up a bucket of water and bring it Jeannine's cabin."
"I will." Gwen smiled suddenly. "It's so good to see you again, Anna. I've been so worried about you."
Annamaria smiled broadly and embraced her friend. "Likewise, Gwen." Turning away quickly jogged to the Captain's cabin, emerging a moment later with a bottle and two glasses. Returning to the group of women, she said, "Jeannine, you look exhausted! Come on, I'll walk you to your cabin." Anna draped an arm over Jeannine's shoulders and turned her toward the stairs. Jeannine looked startled, but did not protest. Antonia and Elizabeth also looked surprised, but Gwen touched each on the arm and nodded toward the Captain's cabin. With a backward look and an exchange of puzzled glances, they went with Gwen.
--
The two women entered the cabin and Anna shut the door behind them. "Thank you for walking me down, Miss Simone," said Jeannine, sitting down on the bunk, "but I think I'd best off alone just now. I haven't slept all night."
Annamaria poured brandy into two glasses and held one out to Jeannine, who took it reluctantly. "My friends call me Annamaria. I'd be pleased if you would do the same." Jeannine took a sip of the brandy and wrinkled her nose. "Drink it," Anna said. "It will relax you. You're wound tighter than a harp string." There was a pause while both women drank. "So," Anna began, resting one hip on a cupboard and leaning against the wall, "tell me about what happened on the Vixen."
Jeannine shot her a nervous glance and said, "I talked the first mate into giving me a tour of the ship and I was able to dump the powder into the morning porridge."
Anna said, "That's not what I'm talking about and you know it."
Jeannine shifted restlessly, "I don't know what you mean."
Annamaria smiled. "Let me tell you something about me." Anna then told her about her life in the Carolinas and what she'd endured as a slave.
"My God," said Jeannine, "No wonder you ran away."
Annamaria shrugged and refilled their glasses. "It was either that or kill myself. Not that everything was rosy afterward. A woman in a pirate's life risks many things, Jeannine, and not just her life. Most men will take 'no' for an answer if it's said forcefully enough. Some won't. Once I was able to fight I was usually able to keep myself safe. Usually, Jeannine. Not always. Some men see a strong woman as a challenge and they want to bring her down. 'Teach her her place' as it were. So you see, I understand. It's happened to me more than once. So tell me about it. You'll feel better for having done so."
Jeannine said slowly, "I don't know if I can. I'm not sure I can make myself say it."
"Try."
In a halting voice Jeannine told the whole story, sparing no details. Anna listened quietly without interrupting. When she finished, Jeannine added. "I think one of the worst parts was that he hardly seemed aware of me as a person, just a thing he could use to satisfy an urge."
Annamaria took a long swallow of her brandy. "In some ways that makes it easier. It wasn't personal. He wasn't trying to hurt you. He didn't care if he did," she amended quickly, "but he wasn't trying to make it worse. He wanted to get laid, and you were there."
"He said I was asking for it."
Anna nodded. "I'm sure he thought you were. Though it might not have mattered one way or the other. If he thought you were available to him, he'd have acted that way if you were flirting with him or not." Anna paused and looked steadily at Jeannine. "Would you have acted differently if you'd known what was going to happen? Would you even have gone to the Vixen?"
Jeannine thought for a moment. "I knew that there were very few men aboard, not enough to fight. I knew that the Captain of the Vixen wanted to kill Captain Sparrow, Commodore Norrington and Mr. Turner. I knew that if we waited for the rest of the men to arrive, it might be too late." She looked up at Anna. "Yes, I'd have done the same thing."
Annamaria smiled. "We are greatly in your debt, Jeannine. All of us."
Jeannine smiled tiredly. "Lt. Markson said you were loyal, practical and realistic, but not very compassionate. I'd say he was mistaken."
Annamaria dismissed that with a wave of her hand. "He's a man after all. They're pitiful creatures, really."
At that point a knock sounded on Jeannine's door. Anna opened it to find the cook, carrying a large bucket filled with gently steaming water. "Ah, Gerry, thank you," she said, taking the bucket from him. He touched his forelock and disappeared. Anna set the bucket on the floor. "You'll want to wash, I'm sure."
Jeannine plucked the front of her borrowed gown. "It seems so silly, but I don't want to wear this anymore."
Annamaria raised her brows. "Why would you? I'll borrow you another one."
"I don't want to be a bother to Mrs. Sparrow."
"You just saved her husband's life. I think she'll consider that worth a few gowns."
--
Chapter 33
Gwen's dress was completely beyond repair. Not wanting to wear any of Reynard's clothing, Gwen investigated a chest shoved against a wall. It had the same coat of arms painted on it as was on the wall of the cabin. The previous owner of the ship's perhaps? The chest proved to be filled with clothing, mostly silks and velvets, but Gwen managed to find a pair of plain tan breeches and a linen shirt. She put them on, then tore another shirt into a bandage, which she wound around her wrist. Carrying the pistol, she took a seat at the table, where she could clearly see Reynard lying on the floor. She checked him every few moments, but he showed no signs of coming around.
She jumped as a knock fell on the door. "Gwen? It's Jack. Open the door."
Rising, she rushed over and unlocked the door, throwing it open. "Are we safe? What's happening?"
He nodded. "Yes, we're in control of the ship. All of Reynard's men are either asleep or locked up." He smiled at her with a hint of humor. "How long does that sleeping powder you have last?"
She frowned in puzzlement. "It depends on how strong you make the draught. What on earth have you done?"
He took her hand. "Too much to tell you right now. I need to send to the Pearl for more men. We need to get everyone secured before they wake up, and I can't do it with just three men to help. I want you to go too, as well as Jeannine."
"Who is Jeannine?"
"A girl that was rescued the same time as Annamaria, Elizabeth and Antonia. She came back aboard with Markson. She's the one who dumped your sleeping powder into the morning porridge."
"Annamaria, Elizabeth and Antonia are safe?" Gwen closed her eyes in relief. "Thank heaven!"
"Aye. Ask them how they did it, I'm sure they'd be delighted to give you all the details." He lifted her hand and studied it. "I think Jeannine was raped." He raised his eyes to hers. "Will ye take a look at her, see if she needs any medical attention?"
"Of course." Gwen put her other hand over his. "Jack, I know you're wondering. Reynard never, I mean he never had a chance to..." She broke off and started again. "You stopped him in time, Jack. I'm still only yours."
Jack pulled her into his arms and rested her head on his chest. "I'm glad, love. I'm relieved. I never wanted you to be hurt, Gwen." He kissed her gently. "We've a lot to talk about, but now isn't the time. Come, I'll take you to the boat."
"What are you going to do with him?" Gwen asked, indicating Reynard's motionless body.
"I'm trying to decide whether to flay him alive, or cut him into little pieces, slowly. Why? You didn't want to plead for his life, did you?"
"You don't need to get fancy," Gwen said tiredly. "Just make sure he's dead."
"I think you can count on it."
--
Annamaria was restlessly prowling the decks of the Black Pearl when the boat came through the opening of the rocks and into view. Quickly training her telescope on the approaching craft she saw four people aboard – Will, Markson, Jeannine and Gwen Sparrow. Snapping the telescope closed she shouted, "They're coming!"
The rail was soon filled with every man or woman still aboard the Pearl. As soon as the boat came close enough, Antonia shouted, "Where are James and Jack?"
"Still on the Vixen," Will shouted back. "Jack wants reinforcements to deal with the crew. Anna, who can be spared?"
"Did Jeannine's plan work?" Elizabeth called as the boat bumped up against the Pearl's hull.
"Beautifully," replied Will. He caught the rope ladder that Davy had thrown down and held it steady for the women to climb up. "Richard and I are headed right back. Jack wants Ralf to come too."
Davy helped Jeannine and Gwen aboard, smiling shyly at both, and venturing a quiet, "Welcome back, ma'am" to Gwen, who gave him a quick hug, before being enveloped by Elizabeth.
Annamaria gestured for Davy, Cotton, Pete and Seamus to scramble down the ladder and join the two men in the boat. Tommy, who was keeping an eye on Ralf during Joseph's absence, pushed a reluctant Ralf toward the ladder and followed. They quickly pushed off and headed back toward the Vixen.
Jeannine forced herself to smile and accept congratulations on the success of her plan, but her manner was stilted enough to cause the other women to exchange puzzled glances. Gwen, who knew the reason, took a moment to whisper something in Annamaria's ear that caused the second mate to narrow her eyes and tighten her lips. "Damn," she murmured back. "I'll talk to her. It'll be best coming from me."
"If you think so, Anna," Gwen replied. "Let me know if she needs any sort of medical treatment."
"Let me grab a bottle of Jack's brandy, if that's all right with you?" Annamaria said. "That may be all she needs."
Gwen shrugged. "Fine by me. Jack only keeps it around for guests. He prefers rum himself."
"Good. Send Elizabeth or Antonia down to the galley and have the cook heat up a bucket of water and bring it Jeannine's cabin."
"I will." Gwen smiled suddenly. "It's so good to see you again, Anna. I've been so worried about you."
Annamaria smiled broadly and embraced her friend. "Likewise, Gwen." Turning away quickly jogged to the Captain's cabin, emerging a moment later with a bottle and two glasses. Returning to the group of women, she said, "Jeannine, you look exhausted! Come on, I'll walk you to your cabin." Anna draped an arm over Jeannine's shoulders and turned her toward the stairs. Jeannine looked startled, but did not protest. Antonia and Elizabeth also looked surprised, but Gwen touched each on the arm and nodded toward the Captain's cabin. With a backward look and an exchange of puzzled glances, they went with Gwen.
--
The two women entered the cabin and Anna shut the door behind them. "Thank you for walking me down, Miss Simone," said Jeannine, sitting down on the bunk, "but I think I'd best off alone just now. I haven't slept all night."
Annamaria poured brandy into two glasses and held one out to Jeannine, who took it reluctantly. "My friends call me Annamaria. I'd be pleased if you would do the same." Jeannine took a sip of the brandy and wrinkled her nose. "Drink it," Anna said. "It will relax you. You're wound tighter than a harp string." There was a pause while both women drank. "So," Anna began, resting one hip on a cupboard and leaning against the wall, "tell me about what happened on the Vixen."
Jeannine shot her a nervous glance and said, "I talked the first mate into giving me a tour of the ship and I was able to dump the powder into the morning porridge."
Anna said, "That's not what I'm talking about and you know it."
Jeannine shifted restlessly, "I don't know what you mean."
Annamaria smiled. "Let me tell you something about me." Anna then told her about her life in the Carolinas and what she'd endured as a slave.
"My God," said Jeannine, "No wonder you ran away."
Annamaria shrugged and refilled their glasses. "It was either that or kill myself. Not that everything was rosy afterward. A woman in a pirate's life risks many things, Jeannine, and not just her life. Most men will take 'no' for an answer if it's said forcefully enough. Some won't. Once I was able to fight I was usually able to keep myself safe. Usually, Jeannine. Not always. Some men see a strong woman as a challenge and they want to bring her down. 'Teach her her place' as it were. So you see, I understand. It's happened to me more than once. So tell me about it. You'll feel better for having done so."
Jeannine said slowly, "I don't know if I can. I'm not sure I can make myself say it."
"Try."
In a halting voice Jeannine told the whole story, sparing no details. Anna listened quietly without interrupting. When she finished, Jeannine added. "I think one of the worst parts was that he hardly seemed aware of me as a person, just a thing he could use to satisfy an urge."
Annamaria took a long swallow of her brandy. "In some ways that makes it easier. It wasn't personal. He wasn't trying to hurt you. He didn't care if he did," she amended quickly, "but he wasn't trying to make it worse. He wanted to get laid, and you were there."
"He said I was asking for it."
Anna nodded. "I'm sure he thought you were. Though it might not have mattered one way or the other. If he thought you were available to him, he'd have acted that way if you were flirting with him or not." Anna paused and looked steadily at Jeannine. "Would you have acted differently if you'd known what was going to happen? Would you even have gone to the Vixen?"
Jeannine thought for a moment. "I knew that there were very few men aboard, not enough to fight. I knew that the Captain of the Vixen wanted to kill Captain Sparrow, Commodore Norrington and Mr. Turner. I knew that if we waited for the rest of the men to arrive, it might be too late." She looked up at Anna. "Yes, I'd have done the same thing."
Annamaria smiled. "We are greatly in your debt, Jeannine. All of us."
Jeannine smiled tiredly. "Lt. Markson said you were loyal, practical and realistic, but not very compassionate. I'd say he was mistaken."
Annamaria dismissed that with a wave of her hand. "He's a man after all. They're pitiful creatures, really."
At that point a knock sounded on Jeannine's door. Anna opened it to find the cook, carrying a large bucket filled with gently steaming water. "Ah, Gerry, thank you," she said, taking the bucket from him. He touched his forelock and disappeared. Anna set the bucket on the floor. "You'll want to wash, I'm sure."
Jeannine plucked the front of her borrowed gown. "It seems so silly, but I don't want to wear this anymore."
Annamaria raised her brows. "Why would you? I'll borrow you another one."
"I don't want to be a bother to Mrs. Sparrow."
"You just saved her husband's life. I think she'll consider that worth a few gowns."
--
