Chapter Four
Edward blinked again trying to make his mind register to the words written on the paper he was holding. He crumbled the paper in his hand and yelled for Scott, his butler.
"Yes my lord?" Scott asked timidly entering the room.
"Get me Lord Netzel immediately!" his master roared. Scott jumped and hurried out of the room.
About 30 minutes passed before a handsome, auburn haired man entered the room.
"My lord," he said bowing. "You call for me?" Lord Netzel asked.
"Terence, I called you here, because I need your help. That bastard pirate has Joe. They took her. I don't want this to get out. It is only a need to know basis. You're the first person I thought of."
Terence couldn't believe his ears. Joey, his Joey, taken by the very man she would have killed if only she had the chance.
"I'm afraid I don't understand. How could they get her?" he asked.
Edward shook his head and pointed toward a chair. "Sit," he barked. "I don't bloody know! All I know is what is in this letter." he said and threw the paper at Terence.
Terence caught the paper as it slowly floated down on the desk. He read it:
My dear King,
I hope you don't mind, but I have your lovely daughter. She
is quite a catch. Don't worry; she will be safe in my care. I
am taking her on a little trip. She should be returned to you
soon. Unless, I decide to keep her.
Sincerely,
Captain Blood
He read the letter three more times before looking up to see Edwards face buried in his hands.
"It's my fault. I sent her to Italy. Damn it!" he yelled and pounded his fist on the desk.
"No sire, it isn't. And I can assure you that she is ok. It's Joey, you raised her to be brave and have so much courage. I will help in any way I can. In fact, I know somebody who can help us." Terence said.
Edward looked up and nodded for Terence to continue.
"His name Brent Lackey. I went to Oxford with him and he is very skilled at the art of deception and retrieving things, or people in some case."
"Can he be trusted?"
"I would trust him with my life." Terence replied.
"Then I trust him to get Joey, you will bring him to me at once?" Edward asked, but Terence heard it as more of a threat, an order. Terence nodded and rose.
"I will go to him immediately, I shall return as soon as possible." he said and bowed.
Edward watched Terence go and felt a stab of pity for the young man. He remembered the look on his face when he'd told him the news. He looked as if he'd been shot. Joey and he were the best of friends, more like brother and sister. If anyone could get her back it would be him.
"Darling is something the matter? I heard angry voices and made my way down. Is something going on?" Bell asked, leaning against the doorframe.
"She doesn't know. Be gentle" Edward told himself and rose. "Come here Bell. Take a seat." he said and knelt before her when she sat.
"What is going on?" she said with a smile, "You are acting so strangely." she added eying him. When she saw sadness and anger in his eyes she stiffened. "What is it Edward?" she asked, growing worried.
Edward bit his lip, a trait that had passed down to Joey. She bit her lip every time she knew something terrible happened. Joey. "Something happened to Joey..."she broke of, a sob coming to her throat.
When he nodded in response, tears spilled form her eyes. "She was taken by that bloody pirate, but don't worry love, we'll get her back. I promise you." he said and pulled her into his arms.
Bell sobbed for many minutes before sniffing and pulling back. Edward wiped the tear stains from her cheeks and cupped her face. "You have to be strong Bell. You cannot be like this. And you cannot tell a soul. This is a need to know thing. If the servants and townsfolk see you like this, they'll know something is wrong." he explained to his wife.
She nodded and swallowed tears, lifting her chin in the process. She took a deep cleansing breath and smiled. Tried to smile at least.
Edward smiled back and let her go.
"What are you planning?" she asked finally after a few moments of silence.
Edward looked at her uncertainly. "I'm not totally sure yet."
Joey sat silently watching the little piece of land in the distance become larger and larger. She closed her eyes and felt the sea spray hit her face. She felt a hand touch her shoulder and she jumped. Jacob caught her and pulled her against him so she wouldn't go over the rail.
"Let go of me." she ordered, trying to free herself from his embrace.
She felt his arms pick up a stand of hair and rub it between his fingers. "Such an ugly color. But what can you do?" he laughed.
Her eyes widened. And she began to struggle against him. "Bastard! I'm going to kill you!" she yelled.
He laughed harder at her weak attempt, but she was strong, no doubt she could take on a couple of his men, but she wasn't as strong as him.
She opened her mouth to yell something, but instead his lips came crashing down on hers. She froze. Never had a man kissed her with such intensity as he. He let her go and smiled. The smile faded when her hand slapped his cheek. His head snapped back at the force of the blow.
She cursed, articulately and fluently. Many of the sailors had stopped their work and were watching them. Jacob smiled and rubbed his cheek.
"You're stronger than I thought. But you're going to pay for that." he replied and grinned wickedly.
Joey's chest heaved and she began to back up. She turned to run, but was caught and thrown over his shoulder. She struggled more and he stopped.
'He wouldn't dare hit me out here' she thought to herself. But she was wrong. He took a seat on a step and put her over his knee and whacked her bottom.
Her face flushed with anger, but mostly embarrassment. When he was finished, he dumped her onto the deck. She heard hooting and laughing from all his men. She stood up and held herself rigid. She forgot about the pain in her bottom and stared at him.
'Be nice...what a lot of good that did.' She thought to herself.
"Well princess? What do you have to say for yourself?" Jacob asked.
He expected either silence, or a crude remark, but he didn't get either of those. She smiled. Jacob looked at her confused. So did some of the men.
She also began to giggle. He watched her closely and grabbed her arm, and pulled her downstairs and into his cabin. He threw her inside and slammed the door.
"What the hell was that?" he asked. He was furious. This little scrap of girl was trying to beat him at his own game, but he wouldn't have it.
She stopped her giggling and smiled at him. "What was what? I'm ever so sure I don't know what your talking about." she replied sweetly. He even saw her bat her eyes.
"So you have finally grown to like me?" he asked. He would play along, never would he lose to a snot nosed little girl.
She looked thoughtful the cocked her head to the side. "Yes I suppose I have." she replied.
He grinned and stepped toward her, "Then you won't mind me doing this." he said and pulled her mouth to his. He kissed her hard and good, even while she was banging her fists against his chest.
He pulled away and Joey saw red. She raised her hand to slap him, but he caught it. So instead, she kicked him hard in the shin. Jacob didn't even flinch, just began laughing and grabbed her hands.
When she tired of trying to escape his grasp he pushed her down onto the floor. He picked up a washbasin off his table and poured the water over her head.
"You need to cool off." he said laughing, and walked out the door. He locked it and slipped the key into his pocket.
He still had a grin on his face when he came onto the deck.
"You enjoy embarrassing her don't you?" Logan asked, leaning against the railing of the ship.
"I can't really help it. She deserves it, and it isn't over. When we get home she is going to have to control herself." Jacob replied with a smug grin still in place.
"What do you plan to do to here when we reach Burbank? Surely you won't treat her too harshly." Logan asked. When Jacob didn't reply Logan couldn't help but laugh and say, "You are going to make her life a living hell aren't you?"
"Possibly, I haven't quite decided what I'll do with the little princess." he replied, still smiling.
The sun was setting as they pulled into Burbank harbor. Joey walked out on deck and surveyed the situation.
"Don't try to run my dear." he whispered in her ear and clasped his hand about her arm. "Come we have a short ride until we reach my property." he added as they walked down the ramp and onto the wooden dock.
Joey was to tired and weak to respond. All she wanted was a bath, and a bed.
Jacob climbed onto a horse as Logan lifted Joey up, and tossed her in front of him. He put an arm around her waist, and held onto the reins with the other. Joey felt a strange tingling sensation in her stomach, but quickly dismissed it.
Logan climbed onto his horse, and rode beside Jacob. After about 10 minutes of riding, they turned onto a gravel drive lined with Boxwood and Bradford Pear trees. The moonlight cascaded down and Joey saw one of the most beautiful mansions, she'd ever seen.
She couldn't see everything, but she could make out the four large columns that held up a canopy over the porch. It was a three story mansion, with many windows that were lit up by candles.
"Quite breathtaking isn't it?" he whispered into her ear. His breath tickling her cheek.
"Yes it is." she said without thinking. "It's tolerable I suppose." she corrected in a clipped tone.
Jacob smiled and tightened his grip on her as the cantered up the drive. They stopped in front of the house and he jumped off his horse. He grabbed Joey around the waist and set her down in front of him. He smiled wickedly at her and let his hands fall down the rest of her.
Joey jumped and pushed him away. He heard her call him a bastard and laughed lightly.
The front door flew open and a plump old lady, and a bald old man came bustling out.
"The young master is home! Oh Master Jacob I'm so glad you've come. We missed you terribly." The old lady said, and smoothed her apron. She looked at Logan and nodded her hello then saw a small figure behind Jacob. She leaned over to get a better look, but Jacob stood in her way.
"Mrs. Bradley, Mr. Bradley, this is Josephine Fairfield. She is a special guest, and I would like her to feel welcome. How is everything here?" Jacob said as they made their way into the house.
Mrs. Bradley smiled at the young girl and looked back toward Jacob. "Everything is fine, everyone is in perfect health and it is just the way you left it. Shall I fetch you three some dinner?" she asked.
"Yes please, and inform the maids that we need to have the blue room, and the countesses room readied." he replied.
The plump lady opened her mouth to reply, but she closed it, and thought it best not to interfere with the masters business. She nodded and went through the door to the kitchen to give out orders.
Jacob showed them into the dining room and pulled out Joey's chair. She eyed him curiously and sat down. Logan and Jacob began a steady conversation, and continued it, even when the food was brought out. Joey was starving; she realized when the aroma of the vegetable soup reached her nostrils. She downed 3 bowls of soup and sat back, totally sated.
Jacob smiled at her and rose. "Logan, you know where you are going, but my lady here doesn't. Come Joey, I shall take you to your room." he said and led her from the dining room. She followed him up the ornately carved staircase and gazed with wide eyes at the walls that were covered with portraits of the previous lords and their wives.
Jacob paused in front of a large oak door and turned to her. "This will be your room for the duration of your stay. I wouldn't suggest trying to escape, because I am a very light sleeper, and could hear you." He said and opened the door.
Joey stood in awe at the beautiful room in front of her. The walls were covered with a peach blossom type wall paper, and the drapes were a soft pink. There was a large canopy bed with white chiffon curtains draping around it. There was an oak armoire and vanity, along with a fireplace, a settee' and a table. There was a white rug beneath her feet and two large windows that opened up to a balcony.
She let out the breath she'd been holding, and blinked. Jacob smiled at her reaction. "I hope that you would enjoy this room. There are garments in your armoire. Also, if you feel like coming to me the adjoining door leads to my room. Goodnight my princess." he said and shut the door.
"Insufferable Bastard." she cursed softly at the closed door.
She turned back to the bed and sighed. She walked to the armoire and pulled open some of the drawers. He had gotten everything she needed. But how did he know her size? She'd think about it tomorrow she told her self and pulled out a silk nightgown. She deposited her clothes on the floor in a neat little pile and pulled the nightgown over her head. She climbed into the soft bed and fell asleep as soon as her head hit the pillow.
Jacob, however, lay on his back awake and staring up at the ceiling of his very manly, chamber. Why did he treat her nice? She didn't deserve any of the things he's giving to her. He couldn't do anything about it now. Hell! His thoughts still raced even as he fell asleep.
Edward blinked again trying to make his mind register to the words written on the paper he was holding. He crumbled the paper in his hand and yelled for Scott, his butler.
"Yes my lord?" Scott asked timidly entering the room.
"Get me Lord Netzel immediately!" his master roared. Scott jumped and hurried out of the room.
About 30 minutes passed before a handsome, auburn haired man entered the room.
"My lord," he said bowing. "You call for me?" Lord Netzel asked.
"Terence, I called you here, because I need your help. That bastard pirate has Joe. They took her. I don't want this to get out. It is only a need to know basis. You're the first person I thought of."
Terence couldn't believe his ears. Joey, his Joey, taken by the very man she would have killed if only she had the chance.
"I'm afraid I don't understand. How could they get her?" he asked.
Edward shook his head and pointed toward a chair. "Sit," he barked. "I don't bloody know! All I know is what is in this letter." he said and threw the paper at Terence.
Terence caught the paper as it slowly floated down on the desk. He read it:
My dear King,
I hope you don't mind, but I have your lovely daughter. She
is quite a catch. Don't worry; she will be safe in my care. I
am taking her on a little trip. She should be returned to you
soon. Unless, I decide to keep her.
Sincerely,
Captain Blood
He read the letter three more times before looking up to see Edwards face buried in his hands.
"It's my fault. I sent her to Italy. Damn it!" he yelled and pounded his fist on the desk.
"No sire, it isn't. And I can assure you that she is ok. It's Joey, you raised her to be brave and have so much courage. I will help in any way I can. In fact, I know somebody who can help us." Terence said.
Edward looked up and nodded for Terence to continue.
"His name Brent Lackey. I went to Oxford with him and he is very skilled at the art of deception and retrieving things, or people in some case."
"Can he be trusted?"
"I would trust him with my life." Terence replied.
"Then I trust him to get Joey, you will bring him to me at once?" Edward asked, but Terence heard it as more of a threat, an order. Terence nodded and rose.
"I will go to him immediately, I shall return as soon as possible." he said and bowed.
Edward watched Terence go and felt a stab of pity for the young man. He remembered the look on his face when he'd told him the news. He looked as if he'd been shot. Joey and he were the best of friends, more like brother and sister. If anyone could get her back it would be him.
"Darling is something the matter? I heard angry voices and made my way down. Is something going on?" Bell asked, leaning against the doorframe.
"She doesn't know. Be gentle" Edward told himself and rose. "Come here Bell. Take a seat." he said and knelt before her when she sat.
"What is going on?" she said with a smile, "You are acting so strangely." she added eying him. When she saw sadness and anger in his eyes she stiffened. "What is it Edward?" she asked, growing worried.
Edward bit his lip, a trait that had passed down to Joey. She bit her lip every time she knew something terrible happened. Joey. "Something happened to Joey..."she broke of, a sob coming to her throat.
When he nodded in response, tears spilled form her eyes. "She was taken by that bloody pirate, but don't worry love, we'll get her back. I promise you." he said and pulled her into his arms.
Bell sobbed for many minutes before sniffing and pulling back. Edward wiped the tear stains from her cheeks and cupped her face. "You have to be strong Bell. You cannot be like this. And you cannot tell a soul. This is a need to know thing. If the servants and townsfolk see you like this, they'll know something is wrong." he explained to his wife.
She nodded and swallowed tears, lifting her chin in the process. She took a deep cleansing breath and smiled. Tried to smile at least.
Edward smiled back and let her go.
"What are you planning?" she asked finally after a few moments of silence.
Edward looked at her uncertainly. "I'm not totally sure yet."
Joey sat silently watching the little piece of land in the distance become larger and larger. She closed her eyes and felt the sea spray hit her face. She felt a hand touch her shoulder and she jumped. Jacob caught her and pulled her against him so she wouldn't go over the rail.
"Let go of me." she ordered, trying to free herself from his embrace.
She felt his arms pick up a stand of hair and rub it between his fingers. "Such an ugly color. But what can you do?" he laughed.
Her eyes widened. And she began to struggle against him. "Bastard! I'm going to kill you!" she yelled.
He laughed harder at her weak attempt, but she was strong, no doubt she could take on a couple of his men, but she wasn't as strong as him.
She opened her mouth to yell something, but instead his lips came crashing down on hers. She froze. Never had a man kissed her with such intensity as he. He let her go and smiled. The smile faded when her hand slapped his cheek. His head snapped back at the force of the blow.
She cursed, articulately and fluently. Many of the sailors had stopped their work and were watching them. Jacob smiled and rubbed his cheek.
"You're stronger than I thought. But you're going to pay for that." he replied and grinned wickedly.
Joey's chest heaved and she began to back up. She turned to run, but was caught and thrown over his shoulder. She struggled more and he stopped.
'He wouldn't dare hit me out here' she thought to herself. But she was wrong. He took a seat on a step and put her over his knee and whacked her bottom.
Her face flushed with anger, but mostly embarrassment. When he was finished, he dumped her onto the deck. She heard hooting and laughing from all his men. She stood up and held herself rigid. She forgot about the pain in her bottom and stared at him.
'Be nice...what a lot of good that did.' She thought to herself.
"Well princess? What do you have to say for yourself?" Jacob asked.
He expected either silence, or a crude remark, but he didn't get either of those. She smiled. Jacob looked at her confused. So did some of the men.
She also began to giggle. He watched her closely and grabbed her arm, and pulled her downstairs and into his cabin. He threw her inside and slammed the door.
"What the hell was that?" he asked. He was furious. This little scrap of girl was trying to beat him at his own game, but he wouldn't have it.
She stopped her giggling and smiled at him. "What was what? I'm ever so sure I don't know what your talking about." she replied sweetly. He even saw her bat her eyes.
"So you have finally grown to like me?" he asked. He would play along, never would he lose to a snot nosed little girl.
She looked thoughtful the cocked her head to the side. "Yes I suppose I have." she replied.
He grinned and stepped toward her, "Then you won't mind me doing this." he said and pulled her mouth to his. He kissed her hard and good, even while she was banging her fists against his chest.
He pulled away and Joey saw red. She raised her hand to slap him, but he caught it. So instead, she kicked him hard in the shin. Jacob didn't even flinch, just began laughing and grabbed her hands.
When she tired of trying to escape his grasp he pushed her down onto the floor. He picked up a washbasin off his table and poured the water over her head.
"You need to cool off." he said laughing, and walked out the door. He locked it and slipped the key into his pocket.
He still had a grin on his face when he came onto the deck.
"You enjoy embarrassing her don't you?" Logan asked, leaning against the railing of the ship.
"I can't really help it. She deserves it, and it isn't over. When we get home she is going to have to control herself." Jacob replied with a smug grin still in place.
"What do you plan to do to here when we reach Burbank? Surely you won't treat her too harshly." Logan asked. When Jacob didn't reply Logan couldn't help but laugh and say, "You are going to make her life a living hell aren't you?"
"Possibly, I haven't quite decided what I'll do with the little princess." he replied, still smiling.
The sun was setting as they pulled into Burbank harbor. Joey walked out on deck and surveyed the situation.
"Don't try to run my dear." he whispered in her ear and clasped his hand about her arm. "Come we have a short ride until we reach my property." he added as they walked down the ramp and onto the wooden dock.
Joey was to tired and weak to respond. All she wanted was a bath, and a bed.
Jacob climbed onto a horse as Logan lifted Joey up, and tossed her in front of him. He put an arm around her waist, and held onto the reins with the other. Joey felt a strange tingling sensation in her stomach, but quickly dismissed it.
Logan climbed onto his horse, and rode beside Jacob. After about 10 minutes of riding, they turned onto a gravel drive lined with Boxwood and Bradford Pear trees. The moonlight cascaded down and Joey saw one of the most beautiful mansions, she'd ever seen.
She couldn't see everything, but she could make out the four large columns that held up a canopy over the porch. It was a three story mansion, with many windows that were lit up by candles.
"Quite breathtaking isn't it?" he whispered into her ear. His breath tickling her cheek.
"Yes it is." she said without thinking. "It's tolerable I suppose." she corrected in a clipped tone.
Jacob smiled and tightened his grip on her as the cantered up the drive. They stopped in front of the house and he jumped off his horse. He grabbed Joey around the waist and set her down in front of him. He smiled wickedly at her and let his hands fall down the rest of her.
Joey jumped and pushed him away. He heard her call him a bastard and laughed lightly.
The front door flew open and a plump old lady, and a bald old man came bustling out.
"The young master is home! Oh Master Jacob I'm so glad you've come. We missed you terribly." The old lady said, and smoothed her apron. She looked at Logan and nodded her hello then saw a small figure behind Jacob. She leaned over to get a better look, but Jacob stood in her way.
"Mrs. Bradley, Mr. Bradley, this is Josephine Fairfield. She is a special guest, and I would like her to feel welcome. How is everything here?" Jacob said as they made their way into the house.
Mrs. Bradley smiled at the young girl and looked back toward Jacob. "Everything is fine, everyone is in perfect health and it is just the way you left it. Shall I fetch you three some dinner?" she asked.
"Yes please, and inform the maids that we need to have the blue room, and the countesses room readied." he replied.
The plump lady opened her mouth to reply, but she closed it, and thought it best not to interfere with the masters business. She nodded and went through the door to the kitchen to give out orders.
Jacob showed them into the dining room and pulled out Joey's chair. She eyed him curiously and sat down. Logan and Jacob began a steady conversation, and continued it, even when the food was brought out. Joey was starving; she realized when the aroma of the vegetable soup reached her nostrils. She downed 3 bowls of soup and sat back, totally sated.
Jacob smiled at her and rose. "Logan, you know where you are going, but my lady here doesn't. Come Joey, I shall take you to your room." he said and led her from the dining room. She followed him up the ornately carved staircase and gazed with wide eyes at the walls that were covered with portraits of the previous lords and their wives.
Jacob paused in front of a large oak door and turned to her. "This will be your room for the duration of your stay. I wouldn't suggest trying to escape, because I am a very light sleeper, and could hear you." He said and opened the door.
Joey stood in awe at the beautiful room in front of her. The walls were covered with a peach blossom type wall paper, and the drapes were a soft pink. There was a large canopy bed with white chiffon curtains draping around it. There was an oak armoire and vanity, along with a fireplace, a settee' and a table. There was a white rug beneath her feet and two large windows that opened up to a balcony.
She let out the breath she'd been holding, and blinked. Jacob smiled at her reaction. "I hope that you would enjoy this room. There are garments in your armoire. Also, if you feel like coming to me the adjoining door leads to my room. Goodnight my princess." he said and shut the door.
"Insufferable Bastard." she cursed softly at the closed door.
She turned back to the bed and sighed. She walked to the armoire and pulled open some of the drawers. He had gotten everything she needed. But how did he know her size? She'd think about it tomorrow she told her self and pulled out a silk nightgown. She deposited her clothes on the floor in a neat little pile and pulled the nightgown over her head. She climbed into the soft bed and fell asleep as soon as her head hit the pillow.
Jacob, however, lay on his back awake and staring up at the ceiling of his very manly, chamber. Why did he treat her nice? She didn't deserve any of the things he's giving to her. He couldn't do anything about it now. Hell! His thoughts still raced even as he fell asleep.