Undisguised Passions

"So what did Tom have to say?" Stephen asked as he settled into a chair.

"Nothing, really. Poor man still seemed a bit shaken." Jack rubbed his hands over his face. "I should never have asked him to do it, it was my responsibility. My God, what if he hadn't caught her?"

Stephen's eyes narrowed. "Caught her?"

"Up there, when she lost her balance. You were watching, Stephen."

The doctor considered it but made no reply. Instead, he said, "I think it would be unwise to question her further today. Truth be told, I don't know how much more she may tell us before we arrive at our destination."

Jack picked up the unfinished glass of Madeira and tossed back the contents in one gulp. "What a story! It's all too fantastic to credit!"

"She certainly knows more than she lets on," said Stephen. "And has no ability whatsoever to hide her passions."

It was an odd word for him to use though by no means incorrect in the circumstances. A little smile passed over Jack's face as he thought of the attractive Mrs. Stirling, her pretty bosom, and her undisguised passions. Then, he forced his mind back to the topic at hand. Unable though he might be to control whatever dreams came to him at night, he could – and would! – control his thoughts during his waking hours.

"What of these murderers in the dark of night? I can imagine a woman doing anything to protect her children, but killing four men? And those little boys helping her?"

"But why invent something so wholly unbelievable?" Stephen countered. "The bit about the dogs rings true."

"What sort of papers could Flint have kept?" Jack poured more Madeira for himself and got a fresh glass for Stephen. "Papers that would interest Admiral Bellows?"

"A treasure map, perhaps?"

Jack snorted with laughter. "I should enjoy that cruise!" he laughed.

"I'd stake my wig that she knows exactly what the papers are. I also think she knows who attempted the assassination.'

Jack sprawled in his chair and frowned at him. "Why then will she not speak of it?"

"Perhaps she doesn't know whom to trust. A woman alone in the world with children to take care of, men trying to kill her, a pirate ship following. Does one pirate deliver up his brothers on his deathbed to the magistrates and execution dock?"

"Brothers! Ha! There is no such honor among pirates."

"Well, have you talked with her yet of what she intends to do in Savannah?"

"Only in passing. I suppose I need to sit her down for a chat sooner rather than later."

Stephen mulled it over as he sipped his Madeira. "I have told her to take her dinner in her cabin and to rest herself this evening. Tomorrow you dine in the gunroom, and I assume she will attend."

"Yes, but why?"

"Afterwards speak to her. After the meal and the wine and the flirtation, I wager she will be less able to keep her secrets."

"I? But it is you who seem best able to inspire her to speak."

"No. I shall be far more likely to gain her confidence during a quiet afternoon talking together. Any matter, it is not for me to determine the landing point or any other such thing that you need to see about. No, Jack, you talk with her tomorrow. I shall bide until the time is right."

The weather had been growing progressively warmer, and when Mrs. Stirling came on deck the next day during the forenoon watch, she had put on a simple cotton frock of lavender. This dress had a modest square neckline that revealed her neck and collarbone, and she also wore a straw hat to protect her from the sun. Already, she was a little tan and some of the crew called good day to her. Mr. Allen told her that she was looking remarkably well, and she beamed at him in gratitude and talked with him a good long time before going to stand by herself, for Dr. Maturin was not present.

When the captain first saw her, she was standing in the same place but was flanked by the lieutenants, Mowett on her left and Pullings on her right. All three were standing with their backs to him and looking out to sea. Mowett was speaking in an exaggerated voice and the other two were laughing in delight. It seemed to Jack that the two were taking advantage of the doctor's absence. After Mr. Mowett was called away, Jack observed that Tom Pullings remained, talking and laughing at an uncharacteristic rate. What he could possibly be saying escaped Jack, for in all the years he had known Pullings, he had never seen him rattle on in this way. On the other hand, the lady was standing close to him, and her face was turned up with a sweet smile. Listening with all her heart, he saw. It was a great talent that Mrs. Stirling had, and in that moment, Jack knew that it did not matter what Tom was saying. Having been in a similar situation many times, with a pretty woman looking at him and listening so intently, it really didn't matter. He grinned at his memories.

When the doctor appeared and moved to take a seat on the other side of the quarterdeck with his book, they both turned and wished him a good morning before turning back to their chat. It made Jack chuckle to himself. Of all the men aboard down to the ship's boys, only Stephen took no notice of Mrs. Stirling's flattering new frock and hat. Typical, Jack thought with a chuckle before going forward to speak with Lamb, the master carpenter.