Part 8 of 9

As the Vida Nova passes the in-bound Freedom, the two captains doff hats to one another. Arch then turns an inquisitive eye to the small blonde person at his side and asks, "How did you know about that sandbar, George… er… Miss Westmorland?"

The woman laughs, tossing her curls to the sweeping winds. "It's Georgette, sir, but my friends call me Georgie. I was raised on this part of the river, worked on my father's mercantile ferry plying goods up and down the Pará. The sandbars shift around a bit but they're always there. I was sure this fine vessel would only need half the water the Harvester drew. We could slide by near the bar and he'd run onto it. T'were simple maths, captain." The young woman sighs, "I remember it being a good place to swim on a hot day with my brothers."

Arch thinks about this then asks, "And Dr. Rey, did he not suspect?" At Georgie's amused look, Arch harrumphs and clarifies, "About your, um, identity, not the sandbar."

Georgie nods. "Yes, he knew. He shielded me and coached me on how to hide in plain sight. He's a very brave man." She thinks for a moment. "And Harry likes him."

Arch smiles at this. "Oh, well then, dogs are seldom wrong."

Next day on a calm sea

The Vida Nova is passing Ilha das Cabras when the Freedom is sighted off their starboard. Archie is engaged in putting his crew through drills, thus delaying their return slightly, as he hopes fervently something will turn up to prevent a shipload – his shipload – of comely females anchoring in Cidade de Baía under the vexed eyes of his wife. As the ships near to parlay, Arch asks his guests to come to the quarterdeck. As all seven troop up to stand before him, he gestures to the approaching ship. "Here is your chance for freedom and home. What say you?" He waits very patiently as some serious muttering starts up.

Finally, Georgie steps forward. "I have no home, no family, only Harry, but he's not much for conversation. I respectfully request throwing our lot in with you, sir, if you'll have us."

Arch nods. "After witnessing your efforts yesterday, I am happy to have you." Since Arch is the husband of an accomplished entertainer, spy, and now educator, he sees nothing odd about a woman being crew aboard a merchant vessel. Without another word he removes his hat, unwinds the long red silk ribbon and holds it out to Dani who cuts a two-foot piece off the end. This Arch knots most solemnly around Georgie's upper arm then says, "Welcome aboard, Navigator Westmorland." Dani claps her on the shoulder and steps aside to make room for the newest crew member. Well…

Dani looks down at the grinning Harry, then up to Arch and clears his throat. Arch blinks then unwinds another two feet of silk which Dani cuts free and hands to Georgie. She ties it around Harry's neck. Harry's tail wags faster.

Arch next casts a questioning look to Dr. Rey but Dr. Rey is looking only at Georgie. Ah, Arch thinks, so that's the way of it. Well, I can't fault the man since I see that look often enough in my own mirror. Arch and the doctor's eyes meet briefly; nothing is said but both men nod. Time enough for major decision-making over the next few days.

Now Arch turns to look at Felizia and notices something new. Gone is the spoiled entitlement, the sneery look, the tempestuous attitude of a daughter of a foreign noble family. Here stands a woman uncertain and lost and she looks stricken to appear so in front of witnesses. Arch instinctively wants to ease her anxiety – as all fathers of daughters do. His own daughters are estranged now forever but he still feels protective stirrings.

He steps to her side and asks quietly, "Do you wish to continue on to Brazil in order to fulfill your obligations of house and home?" Translation: Will you marry a complete stranger and live out the rest of your life there?

Felizia's eyes flare in alarm as she mutters, "He is twice my age and unknown to me."

"I see," Arch murmurs. "Do you wish then to return to your family in Spain?"

This time her eyes flash with anger as she stamps a booted foot. "I would rather go to the bottom of the sea than to the convent they threatened to immure me in!"

Arch shudders, "Can't say as I blame you." He crosses his arms and huffs, "Well then, what am I to do with you?"

Her hand steals into the crook of his arm as she whispers so no one else can hear, "Can I not go with you? Can you not take pity upon one so helpless and homeless as I? Can you not make room in your heart for me?"

Her words take him completely by surprise. The vision of a glinting knife swims up in his mind... and it's not Felizia's! He's not sure who the knife is meant for but whoever it is won't be happy! He gulps and removes her hand surreptitiously, hoping like hell Dani hasn't noticed, before stepping away and answering, "No, minha dama, my heart is already full of all the wife I can handle. She is anything but helpless and I was the homeless one that was saved. I'm very sorry if you formed a wrongful impression during our adventures but your future cannot lie with me."

He speaks up now so the other ladies are included. "None of you will be homeless if you wish to settle on our island and become useful members of our society. You all have skills we lack and there aren't enough single women to suit our single men, so I'm certain you will be most welcome." The ladies look intrigued by this mention of 'single men' and look to the crew with new eyes, Isabella in particular eyeing Danilo. Even Pierre is getting smiles.

Arch turns back to the forlorn Felizia and murmurs, "You could always go to Manaus City, take rooms, meet your intended, get to know him, then make an informed decision. Failing that, you could talk to my wife about making your own way in a new life. We have several islands that could be settled if only we could find a suitably brave, ambitious, honest leader."

Felizia turns surprised eyes to Arch and he can see the hope of a positive future dawning on her face. He nods and murmurs, "You're young and you have time; think carefully and choose well." She nods slowly and turns to her ladies for a hushed conference.

Just then Dani hustles up and grumbles, "That Isabella, how bold! I had t' be quite stern with her… otherwise Yvette would do fer us both. I like my head on my shoulders, thank you!"

"Well," Arch mutters as he surveys his passengers, everyone busy planning something, "I'm glad that's all settled," before turning to face Captain Foster across the intervening waters.

Foster calls out, "I hear you had a spot of trouble back in Belém… but all is well now?"

Arch tosses a nonchalant hand, "Some unwanted guests left a thunderous mess below decks… but nothing we couldn't handle. Everything is ship-shape once more. And what of the pirates?"

Foster raises an eyebrow, "Awaiting justice. I see you also have some extra passengers?"

Arch shrugs, "Just the latest visitors bound for our happy island. Word gets around, you know."

"Aye," Foster says with a grin, "I sampled your wares back in port and I should like to visit your island myself now. I hope to be out your way in a few months' time."

"I look forward to it," Arch shouts as the ships pull away. He waves to the departing Freedom and returns to his lessons as the Vida Nova heads for home waters.

END – part 8

Notes:

Ilha das Cabras = Goat Island

Chandler = an archaic term for a dealer in supplies and equipment for ships, most particularly candles