Chapter Seven.

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- Summary: A.U.- Rizzoli & Isles on the High Seas; set in the age of wooden ships, privateers, pirates, and buccaneers.

A/N: Vincenzo is Italian for Vincent or Vince, Giovanna is Italian for Jane, Zio is Italian for Uncle, Tomas is Italian for Thomas, Francesco is Italian for Frank and Angelina is the name of the Brigantine ship.

Disclaimer: I own nothing but the words, a few original ideas, .Characters belong to TNT, Tess G,and Janet T.

Written for enjoyment. No copyright infringement intended.

RIRIRI

Dover, England North Street Coffeehouse - Dover Salon

Pushing open the coffee house door, Maura heard laughter erupting from the lanky brunette.

Jane sputtered "What a sight? Did you see your house servants' faces?"

"Yes, I thought the marrowfat peas might spill out from their open jaws." Maura giggled.
It took me a moment to recall your boat is christened Angelina. You are very quick-witted Miss."

The Italian cautioned "Our ship's company might take offense at Angelina being called a simple boat."

"Please forgive my erroneous assertion. Your Angelina will convey my father's ambitions to New Spain unimpaired." The blond soothed.

Jane began to walk down the street "She is not large, but size is not the true measure of a vessel. She can ride with the wax and waning tide, trim and true. She can bring all to port safe and hardy. M'lady she is a rare, and fine mistress of the seas, a true daughter of Neptune and Salacia. She has brought me and mine health, happiness and soon a little wealth." Jane asserted with a broad smile.

Maura appraised the dark beauty. The angular features; pronounced check-bones, aquiline nose,
thin, yet sensual lips. A woman embodying authentic charm. Dark eyes flashing with humor. She moved with fluid grace. Jane transversed the road with a confident swagger.
Her walking boots made a rapping sound on the cobblestones. Maura clip-clopped along her riding boots ill suited for city streets.

"Do you intend to walk to the harbor?" Maura panted out.

"Er no. I rush ahead to the next thing I must do. I am like my father and my mother hurrying on without concern for the present. Papà was bold. My mother was impatient. My family will tell you I am bold with my impatience. My younger brother reminds me to slow down and see what needs to be done now."

"Would that be Francesco or Tomas?"

"Tomas, he lives one day at a time. He is a dreamer. Francesco, always agrees, but he is less reckless. He is a thinker, but once set on course, nothing will stop him."

"I can take a carriage home. We can resume our game on another night." the smaller woman offered.

Jane quavered "Do you prefer Charles Hoyt's company? Is he a warm and inviting alternative to me? Does not my collection still intrigue you?

"Please. Slow. Down. No. No. and Yes, but more than your collection, I find you both thought-provoking and beguiling." Maura placated with a mischievous smile. "You are mercantile trader, a thinker and a bold dreamer. I am in awe of your cleaver mind."

Stunned momentarily by the other women's assessment, Jane stopped walking. "Grazie Signora di Fairfield, you are too kind."

A horse drawn carriage meandering down the lane caught Maura's attention before she could frame a response.

"We can dispense with our stroll, see a carriage for hire is coming towards us. I will have to remember these boots are made for riding not walking."

"Would it be acceptable to you if we detour to the Cooper's Arm. I would like to get a few things from my room."

"Yes. Please help me flag down the carriage. My poor feet cannot bear my weight much longer." the blond groaned.

"Hello, Hello ladies, where can Llamrei and Drew take you."

"Your filly is noble indeed, white and full as the moon. Good Sir, can take us to Cooper's Arm?, then to the Windward side of the pier?" Jane boomed.

"Before you weigh anchor can you show me a bit o coin good woman?" Drew asked.

Maura stepped out from the shadow, "Drew Malory do you not recognize me? My friend and I do not wish to stand about. If she doe not have sufficient coin, then I do."

Drew stammered "Lady Fairfield, please let me help you. I ment no disrespect, this is a port town after all.."

"None taken Master Malory," Jane said as she pulled herself into after Maura.

Once settled into the carriage the two ladies sighed, and relaxed into a companionably silence.

End Notes:

%% Grazie Signora translates to Thank you Madam, according to Google Translate.
%

Thank you to all who have read and commented. Once again any mistakes are my own.
Thanks to Colleen Thomas:although no longer with us, her stories are a joy to read.
Her guide on how to write a period piece inestimable.