Chapter Two

Johnathan alighted from the carriage as nimble as any young kitten and helped another figure down.

"Susanna?" He held a lantern that sent friendly beams to conquer the evil and darkness. Above it all, I saw Johnathan's amiable face. "Susanna, where are you?" he asked again. The lantern swung in another direction, leaving darkness to crowd in on me.

"Oh, Johnathan," I cried, "I'm here." His lantern once again swerved towards me. In two bounds, I was enfolded in his arms, sobbing into his shirt. I didn't care then if I seemed too forward or bold. I was so scared. "Oh, I was so scared, Johnathan," I confessed. I closed my eyes and listened to his pounding heart. His warmth assuaged my worst fears. "I fancied those deer eyes across the road was the dark spirits come to get me. I thought you weren't coming."

"I won't put it against you. 'Tis a night full of shadows and ethereal sounds, but if I may have my say, I'd do anything to meet such a fine young man. I'd fight my way through a thunderstorm just to see him," a voice said.

I looked up long enough to see a hooded creature staring at me. She came up by Johnathan's shoulder and stroked my arm in a maternal manner.

"Susanna, I would like to introduce you to Mary Bradbury," Johnathan said. He pulled me away from him until he held me at an arm's length away. "Your witch on the windlass."
Mary Bradbury pushed back her hood, and smiled at me. The corners of her eyes crinkled when she complimented Johnathan. "Ah Johnathan my dear. I see ye have chosen well." She looked me up and down.

As if we were on a picnic, Johnathan led us all to the hanging tree. We sat there in a circle where the light of the lantern shone in the center. It gave enough light for me to see every inch of Mary Bradbury's face.

"Hello, Susanna English." Her smile was warm and without deceit; her gaze was without artifice just like Johnathan had said. I found a smile tugging on my lips. This woman's smile was infectious. But…at that moment, I finally found myself doubting the odds people had against her. Surely this old woman would not be a witch. I doubted it…but still the questions were still unanswered on my lips.

She answered the question for me. "Johnathan told me how Sam Endicott put the notion into your head about me being a witch, eh? That old goat. If he did not imbibe in so much rum, he'd never see any such witches on his windlass." Her infectious smile broadened. "I met your parent's in Arnold's Jail. Your dear mother gave me such comfort there. Do ye not think she didn't come to hear of the accusations against me? That I was accused of besetting pirates upon the William and Susanna?"

"She knew this?"

"Aye." Mary Bradbury nodded solemnly. "She knew this, but did she pay attention? No. She treated me just as she treated any other prison mate."

"But it was said you would destroy Amiable Tiger as soon as it reached harbor," I protested. "They said you knew already William was on board Amiable Tiger and you were to entice him…" I trailed off, hoping I hadn't said too much to infuriate this woman…or witch. My doubts came back about her purity.

She laughed a high tinkling sound, like that of a bell's. "I've known your brother ever since he was a small lad. Why would I want to destroy him? And how would an old creature like me know his whereabouts?"

"You knew William?"

"Yes," she affirmed. "I've had dealings with your father way back before when you were a tyke."

I found myself warming to her, but said nothing.

"Do ye think me a witch now?" she queried. Her voice was light, but in her eyes I perused a deep, great sadness then.

I said nothing.

"Oh darling." Her hand wormed its way into mine. "I'd tell ye one thing. It was always my secret desire to go out to sea."

I looked up at her. She was convicting herself.

"But do ye think I am the witch on the windlass of Sam Endicott's ship? Nay, my dear. If I were to choose where I could go, I'd choose the crow's nest. I'd watch over the sea and feel the spray bounce against my old curls. If I were indeed that witch Sam Endicott said, he'd find me on the crow's nest."

I smiled for her enthusiasm and vigor evoked such a response.