Usual disclaimers... pah!
***
Early February
Captain Grenoble was true to his word and L'étoile sailed peacefully across the Atlantic, cutting through the Strait of Florida and onwards towards the Mississippi Delta. Rose and Catherine walked the deck daily, her bare feet and sure stance drawing smiles from some of the crew. Rose had become more relaxed around Frenchmen and they even dined most evenings with the Captain. She had also squealed with delight at the sight of dolphins for the first time - life without George was becoming increasingly attractive to her.
Rose looked in surprise at Catherine who grew more and more excited the nearer they got to New Orleans. She could see the anticipation practically bubbling through her. "Just wait," Catherine grinned. "From New Orleans it will be no more than a fortnight to reach home!"
"Are you sure it will be safe?" Rose worried in spite of Catherine's evident enthusiasm. "We will still be in the French territories?"
Catherine shrugged. "You do not speak French so it will probably be best if you pretend to be deaf... but if I can get some shelter at Le Coq you shouldn't have to talk to anyone and Paul can be trusted. Just say Eh or Pardon if anyone talks to you..."
"You are well practiced at all this deceit it seems," Rose frowned.
"I've had to lie a few times," Catherine admitted, "but I've never stolen anything!"
"The gold from George's office..." Rose suggested gently.
"No... that was given to me by the Mistress of the house..." Catherine smiled. "And it has been used to ensure her safety..."
"Do we have much left?" Rose asked.
"Enough... it might be tight if we have to stay in New Orleans but I can always work ashore a while or work our passage..." She glanced out of the small cabin's window, realising that they were already a short distance up the Mississippi Delta. "Come, we will soon be there and you should see the city from the deck!"
"Ah, Madame Kitty, Madame Rose," Captain Grenoble smiled as he saw them approach, waving them up to the quarterdeck. "You are just in time to enjoy the view of New Orleans!" He frowned for a moment, considering them. "Will you be alright in the city? Thierry did not tell me your business, but if you know him then I know better than to ask. Perhaps one of my men should escort you whilst you are in New Orleans?"
"You are most kind Captain," Catherine replied. "But I have lived in New Orleans for a number of months and have a few contacts I can rely on."
"But you are English!" he protested. "Are you so sure of your safety?"
"Nothing is ever sure Captain, but I assure you we will be fine," she smiled. She turned, looking ahead. "Rose, look - New Orleans!"
L'étoile turned the final bend in the river and the city of New Orleans spread before them. "You ladies must excuse me," Captain Grenoble bowed. "I must see to my ship. If I do not get a chance to speak with you before you depart, it has been a pleasure to have you onboard and I thank you for the chance to practice my English."
"The thanks are all ours Captain," Catherine acknowledged. "We are grateful for your kindness in helping us nearer to our home, but especially so for your discretion."
"Like I said," he grinned. "If Thierry is involved I do not want to know..."
Catherine laughed. "Captain," she nodded and she and Rose climbed down from the quarterdeck and returned to their small cabin. They did not have much to pack, but Catherine wanted to be off the ship as quickly and as quietly as possible.
***
Catherine and Rose slowly worked their way along the docks, carefully heading for Le Coq. Walking around the back, Catherine eased her pistol from her bag and cocked it. Rose looked at her in surprise but held her tongue as she cautiously opened the kitchen door. "Paul?" she called quietly, switching to speak in French. "Paul, are you here?"
"Catherine!" Paul emerged, beaming with surprised delight. He looked cautiously behind the two women before ushering them into the kitchen. "What are you..." he began.
"Trying to get home," she smiled. "Do you have a room for us for a night or so until I can find passage to one of the islands?"
He gestured for them to sit around the table as he put the kettle on. "I am glad you came to me first - it could be dangerous for you to be seen in the city!"
"Why?" she frowned. "Who knows me here?" she frowned.
"Louis Lact and his English slut!" he cautioned.
"They're alive!" she gasped. "We thought - hoped - they were dead!"
"He turned up about July with a different ship and a new crew..." he said worriedly.
"I know - we blew up the Catalyntie..." Catherine grinned.
"No Catherine, this is serious. He has now got a new ship... a bigger ship built with English gold if the rumours are anything to go by..." He looked at her earnestly. "A dark ship with black sails..."
Catherine went white, instantly realising the implications of what he meant. "But that would..."
"Catherine?" Rose asked, frowning, clearly wondering what was happening.
"Excuse me Paul. My Aunt does not speak French..." She quickly explained to Rose what he had said whilst he made them all some tea. "I've got to get home Paul," she said anxiously. "Now!"
"You could leave tonight... the fishermen leave their dories unattended on the beach," he suggested. "Any attempt to buy passage will bring you to his attention and he will denounce you to the authorities as both English and a pirate..."
"Mary too, the bitch!" Catherine hissed, glad that this time Rose could not understand her. "Have you somewhere we can lie low until tonight? Jack and Jean Claude will need to know about this!"
"Jean Claude?" Paul gasped. "He is alive?"
"Oui," Catherine smiled. "He is serving as Quartermaster on the Black Pearl and is one of our most trusted crew!"
"He always had honour - far more than that brother of his. I heard about the mutiny and barred Louis from here. Jean Claude was my friend and I grieved to think him dead." He grinned. "Guess Louis is in for a shock one day..."
"Indeed..." Catherine matched his grin.
"You can stay in the room upstairs until I close tonight," he offered. "I'll bring you up some food and drink before opening... and see about getting supplies. You will need food and water for the journey"
"Merci Paul," she smiled, kissing him on the cheek. "You are my saviour!"
***
Rose looked around the room cautiously. Paul had not kept it as clean as Catherine had and it had the dusty smell of misuse again. "Bash the mattress Rose and it should be okay to lie on," Catherine smiled. "And I'll let some fresh air in."
"How do you know this Paul?" Rose asked.
"I worked here for a number of months while trying to find Jack. You know you will have to start calling him that for it will look strange if you call him John. People will wonder and that will be dangerous - for him and for you," she cautioned.
Rose nodded. "Why were you looking for Joh.. Jack," she corrected.
"Jean Claude had snatched him as we had foiled his attempt at McBride's gold. He was Captain of his own ship then and he'd sent him upriver to the family coal mine. It took Oran and me a number of months to find out where he was being held..."
"Oran?" Rose frowned.
"Oran Booth, our helm. He was the only one of the crew that could speak French, so we came here together. Took us nearly a year to find Jack and get back home - we had to ride half-way across the Americas to the east coast before we could find a ship..."
"Across the Americas!" Rose gasped. "Is there anything you have not done?"
Catherine sighed, "Well, tonight I am going to have to do something I have never done before - steal a boat!" She looked at Rose. "And it is all Jack's fault!"
"Why is it all suddenly so urgent?" Rose asked uncertainly. "I don't really understand about this ship."
"The Black Pearl is the only black ship around - a black ship with black sails. If Louis has had a ship made like this then there is only one reason... to pretend to be us!" She looked earnestly at Mary. "When I was in jail, the whole town of Port Royal rioted in order to rescue me... it was kind of our home port before Spense got involved. We were classed as privateers although he was determined to hang us. The Black Pearl does not strike English ships ever and the locals respect us for that. If my fears are right, you can bet that Louis is doing his best to dirty our reputation... and if the locals turn against us then we are in serious trouble!"
"Who is Spense?" Rose frowned.
"The Governor," Catherine said darkly, "and father to my sister-in-law..."
"You are related to..." she gasped.
"Indirectly, by my brother's marriage - but it didn't stop the bastard trying to hang me!" she spat. Rose held her tongue. "He hanged four innocent crew and made me watch. I was only saved by my broken leg..."
"You broke your leg?" Rose asked. She had noticed Catherine limping slightly in the snow but had thought nothing of it.
"It was broken for me with a well-aimed riflebutt when the marines took us..." Catherine explained. "But I will get my revenge with his death."
"You'd kill a man?" Rose inhaled sharply in shock.
"I've killed many men," Catherine wryly admitted, "but always in self- defence..." She stopped, drawing her pistol as she heard footsteps on the stairs. A quick knock and the door opened to reveal Paul balancing a tray of food and drink.
"I have everything sorted," he assured them. "Rest now and I will wake you when I close the bar."
"Merci Paul," Catherine smiled, eagerly tucking into the food on the tray. "We'll be ready."
***
Rose and Catherine ate quietly before Rose lay down on the bed. "Will you settle my dear," she sighed as she watched Catherine pacing to and fro like a caged animal.
Catherine shrugged. "Eventually. Will you unlace me Rose - I need to get changed. I cannot sail in this dress..." Rose untied them for her and she wriggled out of the dress, sliding her trousers on before pulling her undershift off. The shirt was a little large so she tied the front in a knot, ripping yet more of her undershift in order to make a sash. Taking one of the last bits of remaining fabric she sat next to the window, looking out over the harbour as she cleaned her pistol.
Rose drifted to sleep, the balmy heat making her drowsy, but she woke with a jolt on hearing a chair clatter to the floor.
"Jesus!" Catherine hissed, her face so pale that Rose feared for a moment she would faint. Her hand on the windowsill was probably the only thing that kept her upright.
"Catherine?" she queried, rising and walking across to stand next to her. "What is it?"
Catherine could not speak, but pointed out across the harbour to a dark ship, it's anchors splashing as they lowered. The sails were furled but were clearly dark. "Is that your ship?" Rose asked hopefully. "The Black Pearl?"
Catherine shook her head. "Jack couldn't come here," she whispered in shock. "But people are obviously meant to think it is the Pearl." She sighed heavily, but then gasped. "Bloody hell! Mary!"
"Catherine!" Rose scolded, but said no more as Catherine ducked down, peering round the window frame, fearful of being seen. "What is it?"
"Mary!" she hissed, although she knew she could not be heard. "My brother's wife parading her shame for the entire world to see!"
Rose looked out of the window, secure in the knowledge that she was not known to anyone here. "Who do you mean?" she frowned. "The woman in the red dress by the docks?"
"Yes!" Catherine replied. "And the child she carries is most definitely not my brothers!" She dragged her eyes away from the woman and stared intently at the ship. She could not judge the cannons for the ports were closed, but she counted them regardless. "Same cannons, rigging similar..." she muttered. "Can't see the figurehead..." She peeked again, spotting a name painted on the stern... The Black Pearl. Catherine turned from the window, pacing up and down the room muttering swear words to herself in anger. She realised that if Louis was pretending to be them that she had to get home as quickly as possible and that she would not be able to rely on anyone helping her that might normally have done so. "The bastard!" she hissed. "The bloody bastard!"
***
Paul shut the door behind the last customer, deciding to leave the cleaning of the bar until the mroning. He borrowed a small hand cart to carry the items he had bought for Catherine and her Aunt Rose and now that Louis had returned to port it was more important than ever to get her free of the city.
He quickly climbed the stairs, knocking before entering. He was not surprised to find Catherine awake, her pistol aimed and cocked as he entered. She smiled on seeing him, making it safe. "Are you ready?" he asked. "We should make haste, the streets will be quiet soon."
Catherine and Rose followed him silently down the stairs. She was surprised to find a small meal laid out on the table in the kitchen. "You will not get a chance to eat properly for a while," he explained. "Eat and then we leave!"
They ate, conversation muted in the dimly lit room, each lost in their own thoughts. Paul just wanted to get them safely away, Rose wondering about the change in her life and Catherine frantically hoping she was up to sailing all the way to Tortuga on her own. She had no charts, no compass, nothing but the wind and the stars to guide her and she prayed desperately that nothing would go wrong. She not only was responsible for the safety of Jack's mother, but the information about Mary, Louis and the false Black Pearl could be potentially vital. Eventually she pushed her plate away from her. "Okay, let's go!" she announced. "If I stay here any longer I'll lose my nerve!"
Rose look at her in surprise but followed her with Paul out of the kitchen. He took up the hand cart and led them along the dockside to where the fishing dories sat unattended. They quickly loaded the boat with supplies and she helped Rose into the boat.
"Take care Catherine," he cautioned. "Safe journey!"
"Thank you Paul," she whispered back, casting off and raising the small square sail. "You will know we are successful if Louis does not come back!"
He grinned, waving from the dockside as they disappeared into the darkness, heading down the Mississippi River. Sailing south-eastwards should bring them to the coast of Cuba and she could follow then cross the Windward Passage before reaching Tortuga... home and more importantly to her - Jack!
***
***
Early February
Captain Grenoble was true to his word and L'étoile sailed peacefully across the Atlantic, cutting through the Strait of Florida and onwards towards the Mississippi Delta. Rose and Catherine walked the deck daily, her bare feet and sure stance drawing smiles from some of the crew. Rose had become more relaxed around Frenchmen and they even dined most evenings with the Captain. She had also squealed with delight at the sight of dolphins for the first time - life without George was becoming increasingly attractive to her.
Rose looked in surprise at Catherine who grew more and more excited the nearer they got to New Orleans. She could see the anticipation practically bubbling through her. "Just wait," Catherine grinned. "From New Orleans it will be no more than a fortnight to reach home!"
"Are you sure it will be safe?" Rose worried in spite of Catherine's evident enthusiasm. "We will still be in the French territories?"
Catherine shrugged. "You do not speak French so it will probably be best if you pretend to be deaf... but if I can get some shelter at Le Coq you shouldn't have to talk to anyone and Paul can be trusted. Just say Eh or Pardon if anyone talks to you..."
"You are well practiced at all this deceit it seems," Rose frowned.
"I've had to lie a few times," Catherine admitted, "but I've never stolen anything!"
"The gold from George's office..." Rose suggested gently.
"No... that was given to me by the Mistress of the house..." Catherine smiled. "And it has been used to ensure her safety..."
"Do we have much left?" Rose asked.
"Enough... it might be tight if we have to stay in New Orleans but I can always work ashore a while or work our passage..." She glanced out of the small cabin's window, realising that they were already a short distance up the Mississippi Delta. "Come, we will soon be there and you should see the city from the deck!"
"Ah, Madame Kitty, Madame Rose," Captain Grenoble smiled as he saw them approach, waving them up to the quarterdeck. "You are just in time to enjoy the view of New Orleans!" He frowned for a moment, considering them. "Will you be alright in the city? Thierry did not tell me your business, but if you know him then I know better than to ask. Perhaps one of my men should escort you whilst you are in New Orleans?"
"You are most kind Captain," Catherine replied. "But I have lived in New Orleans for a number of months and have a few contacts I can rely on."
"But you are English!" he protested. "Are you so sure of your safety?"
"Nothing is ever sure Captain, but I assure you we will be fine," she smiled. She turned, looking ahead. "Rose, look - New Orleans!"
L'étoile turned the final bend in the river and the city of New Orleans spread before them. "You ladies must excuse me," Captain Grenoble bowed. "I must see to my ship. If I do not get a chance to speak with you before you depart, it has been a pleasure to have you onboard and I thank you for the chance to practice my English."
"The thanks are all ours Captain," Catherine acknowledged. "We are grateful for your kindness in helping us nearer to our home, but especially so for your discretion."
"Like I said," he grinned. "If Thierry is involved I do not want to know..."
Catherine laughed. "Captain," she nodded and she and Rose climbed down from the quarterdeck and returned to their small cabin. They did not have much to pack, but Catherine wanted to be off the ship as quickly and as quietly as possible.
***
Catherine and Rose slowly worked their way along the docks, carefully heading for Le Coq. Walking around the back, Catherine eased her pistol from her bag and cocked it. Rose looked at her in surprise but held her tongue as she cautiously opened the kitchen door. "Paul?" she called quietly, switching to speak in French. "Paul, are you here?"
"Catherine!" Paul emerged, beaming with surprised delight. He looked cautiously behind the two women before ushering them into the kitchen. "What are you..." he began.
"Trying to get home," she smiled. "Do you have a room for us for a night or so until I can find passage to one of the islands?"
He gestured for them to sit around the table as he put the kettle on. "I am glad you came to me first - it could be dangerous for you to be seen in the city!"
"Why?" she frowned. "Who knows me here?" she frowned.
"Louis Lact and his English slut!" he cautioned.
"They're alive!" she gasped. "We thought - hoped - they were dead!"
"He turned up about July with a different ship and a new crew..." he said worriedly.
"I know - we blew up the Catalyntie..." Catherine grinned.
"No Catherine, this is serious. He has now got a new ship... a bigger ship built with English gold if the rumours are anything to go by..." He looked at her earnestly. "A dark ship with black sails..."
Catherine went white, instantly realising the implications of what he meant. "But that would..."
"Catherine?" Rose asked, frowning, clearly wondering what was happening.
"Excuse me Paul. My Aunt does not speak French..." She quickly explained to Rose what he had said whilst he made them all some tea. "I've got to get home Paul," she said anxiously. "Now!"
"You could leave tonight... the fishermen leave their dories unattended on the beach," he suggested. "Any attempt to buy passage will bring you to his attention and he will denounce you to the authorities as both English and a pirate..."
"Mary too, the bitch!" Catherine hissed, glad that this time Rose could not understand her. "Have you somewhere we can lie low until tonight? Jack and Jean Claude will need to know about this!"
"Jean Claude?" Paul gasped. "He is alive?"
"Oui," Catherine smiled. "He is serving as Quartermaster on the Black Pearl and is one of our most trusted crew!"
"He always had honour - far more than that brother of his. I heard about the mutiny and barred Louis from here. Jean Claude was my friend and I grieved to think him dead." He grinned. "Guess Louis is in for a shock one day..."
"Indeed..." Catherine matched his grin.
"You can stay in the room upstairs until I close tonight," he offered. "I'll bring you up some food and drink before opening... and see about getting supplies. You will need food and water for the journey"
"Merci Paul," she smiled, kissing him on the cheek. "You are my saviour!"
***
Rose looked around the room cautiously. Paul had not kept it as clean as Catherine had and it had the dusty smell of misuse again. "Bash the mattress Rose and it should be okay to lie on," Catherine smiled. "And I'll let some fresh air in."
"How do you know this Paul?" Rose asked.
"I worked here for a number of months while trying to find Jack. You know you will have to start calling him that for it will look strange if you call him John. People will wonder and that will be dangerous - for him and for you," she cautioned.
Rose nodded. "Why were you looking for Joh.. Jack," she corrected.
"Jean Claude had snatched him as we had foiled his attempt at McBride's gold. He was Captain of his own ship then and he'd sent him upriver to the family coal mine. It took Oran and me a number of months to find out where he was being held..."
"Oran?" Rose frowned.
"Oran Booth, our helm. He was the only one of the crew that could speak French, so we came here together. Took us nearly a year to find Jack and get back home - we had to ride half-way across the Americas to the east coast before we could find a ship..."
"Across the Americas!" Rose gasped. "Is there anything you have not done?"
Catherine sighed, "Well, tonight I am going to have to do something I have never done before - steal a boat!" She looked at Rose. "And it is all Jack's fault!"
"Why is it all suddenly so urgent?" Rose asked uncertainly. "I don't really understand about this ship."
"The Black Pearl is the only black ship around - a black ship with black sails. If Louis has had a ship made like this then there is only one reason... to pretend to be us!" She looked earnestly at Mary. "When I was in jail, the whole town of Port Royal rioted in order to rescue me... it was kind of our home port before Spense got involved. We were classed as privateers although he was determined to hang us. The Black Pearl does not strike English ships ever and the locals respect us for that. If my fears are right, you can bet that Louis is doing his best to dirty our reputation... and if the locals turn against us then we are in serious trouble!"
"Who is Spense?" Rose frowned.
"The Governor," Catherine said darkly, "and father to my sister-in-law..."
"You are related to..." she gasped.
"Indirectly, by my brother's marriage - but it didn't stop the bastard trying to hang me!" she spat. Rose held her tongue. "He hanged four innocent crew and made me watch. I was only saved by my broken leg..."
"You broke your leg?" Rose asked. She had noticed Catherine limping slightly in the snow but had thought nothing of it.
"It was broken for me with a well-aimed riflebutt when the marines took us..." Catherine explained. "But I will get my revenge with his death."
"You'd kill a man?" Rose inhaled sharply in shock.
"I've killed many men," Catherine wryly admitted, "but always in self- defence..." She stopped, drawing her pistol as she heard footsteps on the stairs. A quick knock and the door opened to reveal Paul balancing a tray of food and drink.
"I have everything sorted," he assured them. "Rest now and I will wake you when I close the bar."
"Merci Paul," Catherine smiled, eagerly tucking into the food on the tray. "We'll be ready."
***
Rose and Catherine ate quietly before Rose lay down on the bed. "Will you settle my dear," she sighed as she watched Catherine pacing to and fro like a caged animal.
Catherine shrugged. "Eventually. Will you unlace me Rose - I need to get changed. I cannot sail in this dress..." Rose untied them for her and she wriggled out of the dress, sliding her trousers on before pulling her undershift off. The shirt was a little large so she tied the front in a knot, ripping yet more of her undershift in order to make a sash. Taking one of the last bits of remaining fabric she sat next to the window, looking out over the harbour as she cleaned her pistol.
Rose drifted to sleep, the balmy heat making her drowsy, but she woke with a jolt on hearing a chair clatter to the floor.
"Jesus!" Catherine hissed, her face so pale that Rose feared for a moment she would faint. Her hand on the windowsill was probably the only thing that kept her upright.
"Catherine?" she queried, rising and walking across to stand next to her. "What is it?"
Catherine could not speak, but pointed out across the harbour to a dark ship, it's anchors splashing as they lowered. The sails were furled but were clearly dark. "Is that your ship?" Rose asked hopefully. "The Black Pearl?"
Catherine shook her head. "Jack couldn't come here," she whispered in shock. "But people are obviously meant to think it is the Pearl." She sighed heavily, but then gasped. "Bloody hell! Mary!"
"Catherine!" Rose scolded, but said no more as Catherine ducked down, peering round the window frame, fearful of being seen. "What is it?"
"Mary!" she hissed, although she knew she could not be heard. "My brother's wife parading her shame for the entire world to see!"
Rose looked out of the window, secure in the knowledge that she was not known to anyone here. "Who do you mean?" she frowned. "The woman in the red dress by the docks?"
"Yes!" Catherine replied. "And the child she carries is most definitely not my brothers!" She dragged her eyes away from the woman and stared intently at the ship. She could not judge the cannons for the ports were closed, but she counted them regardless. "Same cannons, rigging similar..." she muttered. "Can't see the figurehead..." She peeked again, spotting a name painted on the stern... The Black Pearl. Catherine turned from the window, pacing up and down the room muttering swear words to herself in anger. She realised that if Louis was pretending to be them that she had to get home as quickly as possible and that she would not be able to rely on anyone helping her that might normally have done so. "The bastard!" she hissed. "The bloody bastard!"
***
Paul shut the door behind the last customer, deciding to leave the cleaning of the bar until the mroning. He borrowed a small hand cart to carry the items he had bought for Catherine and her Aunt Rose and now that Louis had returned to port it was more important than ever to get her free of the city.
He quickly climbed the stairs, knocking before entering. He was not surprised to find Catherine awake, her pistol aimed and cocked as he entered. She smiled on seeing him, making it safe. "Are you ready?" he asked. "We should make haste, the streets will be quiet soon."
Catherine and Rose followed him silently down the stairs. She was surprised to find a small meal laid out on the table in the kitchen. "You will not get a chance to eat properly for a while," he explained. "Eat and then we leave!"
They ate, conversation muted in the dimly lit room, each lost in their own thoughts. Paul just wanted to get them safely away, Rose wondering about the change in her life and Catherine frantically hoping she was up to sailing all the way to Tortuga on her own. She had no charts, no compass, nothing but the wind and the stars to guide her and she prayed desperately that nothing would go wrong. She not only was responsible for the safety of Jack's mother, but the information about Mary, Louis and the false Black Pearl could be potentially vital. Eventually she pushed her plate away from her. "Okay, let's go!" she announced. "If I stay here any longer I'll lose my nerve!"
Rose look at her in surprise but followed her with Paul out of the kitchen. He took up the hand cart and led them along the dockside to where the fishing dories sat unattended. They quickly loaded the boat with supplies and she helped Rose into the boat.
"Take care Catherine," he cautioned. "Safe journey!"
"Thank you Paul," she whispered back, casting off and raising the small square sail. "You will know we are successful if Louis does not come back!"
He grinned, waving from the dockside as they disappeared into the darkness, heading down the Mississippi River. Sailing south-eastwards should bring them to the coast of Cuba and she could follow then cross the Windward Passage before reaching Tortuga... home and more importantly to her - Jack!
***