Chapter Seven: Estrangement
Dr. Maturin carried India to sickbay with Higgins' help, leaving Barrett to face the wrath of Lucky Jack Aubrey. It had been a still, sunny day, but suddenly angry storm clouds filled the sky and a cold wind whipped through Barrett's hair making him shiver.
"Mr. Bonden," Aubrey began with forced calm. "Mr. Hollom has just informed me that you deserted your post. Is this true?"
The ineffectual midshipman glanced at Barrett apologetically and skulked back to his watch .
Barrett stood at attention. "It is, sir."
Aubrey grunted his displeasure. "And does this uncharacteristic behavior have anything to do with the mystery of Miss Sheppard?"
Barrett nodded and looked down at his feet. "It does indeed, sir."
"I thought it might," Aubrey said coldly. "Come with me, Bonden."
Maturin ordered Higgins to string up a blanket as a makeshift curtain to provide privacy for Miss Sheppard, then shooed his Mate out of sick-bay. Stephen then helped her undress, averting his eyes as best he could. He inspected her for any signs of broken bones and found her fit. He helped her to clean the blood from her privates and legs and settled her into a hammock.
Stephen gazed down on her kindly. "How long have you been pregnant, Miss Sheppard?"
She turned away from him and remained silent.
A slight, sad smile played on Stephen's lips. "What's your given name, dear?"
"India," she said softly.
"Well, India, the jig is up, as they say," Stephen said gently. "You must tell me the truth so I can help you."
India nodded. "Two and a half monthsthat's how long..." Tears began welling in her eyes. "I'm not anymore am I?"
Stephen stroked her forehead tenderly. "I'm so sorry."
Captain Aubrey paced his cabin angrily, every so often shooting Bonden an evil look. This wasn't just any sailor. Aubrey had known the coxswain for more years than he cared to recall and considered the man a friend. It was never wise for a captain to become too chummy with his petty officers; it made dealing with situations like this that much harder. Aubrey stopped in front of Bonden and met his eyes. "Did you bring this Sheppard woman aboard?"
Barrett shook his head vigorously. "No, Captain, I swear it. I didn't even know she was a woman until about four months ago when she revealed herself to me."
Aubrey raised an eyebrow. "And you didn't think such a shocking revelation warranted my attention?"
Shamefaced, Barrett looked down at the floor. "It's not that sir"
"I see, you found it far too convenient to have your lover so close at hand to spoil it by telling me?"
Barrett sighed. "Something like that, sir."
"I am sorely disappointed in you, Bonden. I might have expected such behavior from a one of the younger crewmen, but not from you!" Aubrey turned and bellowed, "Master-at-arms!"
Instead of the Master, Dr. Maturin poked his head in. "My apologies for interrupting, but may I borrow Mr. Bonden for a moment?" His tone was so subdued and serious, it alarmed both men.
Barrett took a step forward. "Is India?"
"She'll be fine," Stephen replied, "but she'd like to speak with you."
"Doctor," Aubrey snapped, "I hardly think this is appropriate under the circumstances"
"Please, Jack," Stephen begged. "It will just take a moment."
With another displeased grunt, Aubrey inclined his head in ascent. Maturin led them to sick-bay with the Master-at-arms trailing behind.
As soon as Dr. Maturin pulled back the makeshift curtain, Barrett rushed forward and took India's outstretched hand.
"Why did you speak out, Barrett?" she asked. "I told you I wouldn't breathe your name."
He squeezed her hand and smiled. "And I told you I wouldn't abandon you."
Aubrey sighed impatiently. "Miss Sheppard, if you have something to say…"
"I do." India took a deep breath and met Barrett's eyes. "Please forgive me."
Barrett stroked her cheek. "For what, my love?"
"For not telling you…"
"For not telling me what?"
India turned away from him. "The blood…II had a miscarriage."
Barrett went pale. "You were pregnant?"
She nodded miserably. "I was afraid to tell you."
"Because you knew I'd tell the captain and put an end to this madness." His loving green eyes seemed to freeze suddenly as he regarded her. "Our child is dead and it's all your fault."
"It was an accident, Barrett," said Stephen.
Bonden shook his head. "No! It's because she won't act like a proper woman! I told you if this happened we would manage! How could you keep it from me?"
India started to sob. "I sorry…please, Barrett, please forgive me."
"That's enough," Aubrey said curtly. "Master-at-arms, take Mr. Bonden below and clap him in irons while I figure out what to do with the both of them."
Barrett turned away from India and let the Master lead him out. Captain Aubrey started to follow.
"Captain," India called, wiping the tears from her eyes.
Aubrey turned and looked down upon her grimly. "What is it?"
"I never meant any disrespect, sir," she said sincerely. "You're the finest captain I've ever served under."
"You've done this before?" Aubrey asked with surprise.
"Since I was seven," India replied. "My father, the true William Sheppard, wanted to keep me by his side after my mother died. He made my dressing up and acting like a boy a sort of game until it became second nature." She paused, tears springing to her eyes anew. "I know I have no right to ask for favors, but if you must punish Mr. Bonden, I wish you'd punish me in kind."
"As a woman and civilian all I can do is put you on a ship bound for England, which I plan to do at the earliest opportunity," Aubrey told her. "I'm afraid Mr. Bonden will have to answer for the actions of both of you."
Soon after the captain left sick-bay, Miss Sheppard fell into to a deep melancholy, staring vacantly ahead, unable to ease her anguish by shedding more tears. She refused to eat, but at least drank with vigor, no doubt to dull her pain. The doctor gave her a dose of laudanum to help her sleep, then charged Higgins with her care. "I want her watched constantly. If she escapes you and manages to throw herself overboard, I will personally throw you in after her."
Stephen then made for the captain's cabin, determined to express his opinion on the matter of Miss Sheppard and Mr. Bonden whether Jack wanted to hear it or not.
To be continued…
