AKA_fredandgeorge: hey, I wasn't trying to make you feel guilty, just, ok, maybe a little, and yes, I do believe in study breaks, so read on!
TortugaTourGuide: thanks, I hope the fight scene turned out ok, I really suck at them… and I do try to respond to every review I receive. I enjoy getting them and readers' comments and encouragement really means a lot to me.
Starsplash: yes deary, they did. Did you doubt them?
Rushingriver: thank you! Oh, and did I ever mention that I love your screen name?
Cottn candi: I try to take every encouraging or constructive criticism review as a compliment, as I rarely review myself… and I do have to say that the thought of giving up on this story has passed through my mind many many times, but it is faithful people who review that kept me going.
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Sorry, this is later than I had hoped. Scarlet has been out of commission for a while. If you don't want the details, skip the following paragraph. Consider yourself warned.
As it turns out, I got kidney crystals. Not as bad as kidney stones, but still extremely painful. Sunday morning found me lying on the couch, clutching my side, curled into a ball and literally whimpering in pain. I was told to drink a lot of water and cranberry juice, which helped me get better. But just as I was seemingly out of the woods, it came back with a vengeance. Suffice to say, I am very sick of the taste of cranberries. Then I got quite a severe lingering cold, the kind that drains all strength and will to move. And as if that wasn't enough, just as soon as I was starting to get better, I had severe lower abdominal pain. Four late night/early morning hours of IV drips, tests and painkillers found me with a 6.2-centimeter (2.5ish inch) in diameter cyst. Not a very fun time for Scarlet lately, I'm afraid.
That and I have a hard time finishing things, it is sad to see the end of certain things.
Also, I finally got around to fixing that repeated chapter thing in chapter 31!
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"Such as?" Kipp asked, wrapping his arms around Katrina.
"Hmm." Katrina closed her eyes and allowed herself to relax for a moment within the safety of his arms until a notion that had been teasing her formed to coherent thought. "Sera!" she cried and sat up abruptly. She stumbled to her feet, angrily jerking at the skirt that caught at her foot. "I have to find Sera."
"Whoa, Kitten." Kipp stood and grabbed her arms before she could rush off. "It's alright, we have her. We had a little run-in with her down the beach, eh, Taidhgan?" he turned slightly to his first mate.
"Aye, a little hellcat she can be. Hit me right hard when I grabbed her as she tried to pass me after she ran into me." he rubbed his jaw, which was slightly red.
"Where is she?" Katrina scanned the group of men standing before her for a cherubic face surrounded by white-blond curls.
"If Jace actually decided to follow orders, they are both waiting by the boats, ready to run, had anything happened." Kipp explained.
"Jace is alright?" Katrina queried; she worried over the boy since that day Edmund had thrown him overboard.
"A bit sunburned and dehydrated, but otherwise fine." She was assured.
"Can you send someone to get them?"
Kipp nodded. "Alex." He turned to the youngest member of the group.
"Right." The boy was off almost before the word was out of his mouth.
"Captain?" the voice made the group turn towards the captain of the Ojos Verde. "There be the matter of money that we were promised for this venture. And as I see it, you are outnumbered."
Kipp eyed the other Captain with contempt. "Consider your ship payment enough. You were very foolish to leave only two men to guard it." He smirked as the other captain paled. "Leave peacefully and I will hand it back over to you."
The captain's eyes grew for a moment, and then he nodded timorously, his head bent slightly to hide his embarrassment.
"Smart move." Kipp commented, and Taidhgan walked over to one of the fires, grabbed a branch that was burning at one end and waved it over his head, signaling their men. "Your men will be in the brig, other than that, your ship will be just as you left it. Try anything and the men on my ship will blow you out of the water."
"Back to the ship!" the captain called, turning to leave with his men.
"And captain?" Kipp asked, the captain of the Ojos Verde turned back to him. "If I ever hear that you've done anything like this again, I will hunt you down. And if I'm feeling merciful that day, I may turn you over to the law instead of stranding you on some pitiful desert island."
The captain nodded with a gulp and hurried after his men, who were climbing into the boats. Kipp stood with his arms around Katrina as they watched the boats being rowed towards the ship and finally the ship starting to move towards the sea.
A soft moan drew Katrina's attention. "Link!" she cried, dashing to the prostrate man, turning him so that he was on his back. "Link, can you hear me? How are you?"
The young man blinked blearily up at her before a slight grin crept over his lips. "Angel." He said in a voice weaker than Katrina was used to coming from him. She forced a semblance of a smile as Kipp knelt next to her.
Link used one arm to push himself up, the other held his head. He grimaced in pain.
"Easy, man." Kipp said, helping Link into a sitting position. "How are you feeling?"
"Like I've been trampled by a whole herd of horses." Link groaned, but managed a wink at Katrina.
"Link! That's not funny! It's not something I like to think about either!" she scolded while Kipp grinned slightly and slapped Link lightly on the back.
"I believe there is an interesting story behind that remark." Kipp raised an eyebrow in question. "One I think I'd like to hear."
"Aye, we all would." Taidhgan commented from behind his captain. "But first we need to get ya bandaged up before ye bleed to death."
Kipp looked down at his torn and bloodied shirt. "Stop exaggerating, Taidhgan. I'm fine."
"With all due respect captain, but your not." Link said weakly.
"You weren't even supposed to leave the ship." Kipp growled at him, irritated for being ganged up on.
"Kitty, you're hurt!" Link said, ignoring his captain for the time being.
Kipp immediately turned from his crewman and studied Katrina. "It's not mine." She said looking down at herself, her bodice smeared with blood. Her eyes flew to Kipp's, then narrowed. "You, go get patched up." She commanded with a little shove. "And you," she turned back to Link. "are going to let me check your bandages, to make sure you haven't reopened anything."
Kipp and Link exchanged a short look. "Yes, ma'am." They responded simultaneously, both deciding to humor her.
As she rewrapped Link's head, Katrina smiled, hearing Kipp mumbling behind her as Taidhgan tended his captain's wounds.
"There." Katrina said as she tied off the knot. "That ought to do." She sat back on her heels and studied the man in front of her. Link gave her a questioning look and opened his mouth to say something but before he could make a sound, a shriek interrupted him.
"Kitty!" A blond haired, violet-eyed bundle charged at Katrina, knocking her over with an exuberant embrace. Katrina laughed from her place, flat on her back in the sand and wrapped her arms around the little girl, kissing the crown of white-blond curls before standing up, Sera squirming into a more comfortable position and nestling herself against her guardian. The little child took a moment to take in her surroundings. "Link hurt?" she asked, placing one small hand on Katrina's cheek to make sure she had the woman's attention.
"Only a little dizzy and tired, pixie." Came the reply from the man who had watched the scene with a grin.
"Where daddy?" the innocent question took Katrina by surprise and she sent a slightly panicked look to the body lying in the sand behind a now bandaged Kipp before looking back at the child's large inquisitive eyes.
"He left."
"Come back?"
"No, precious, I don't think he'll ever come back."
"Good." The little girl crossed her arms. "Don't like him."
"Me neither." Katrina agreed as Kipp walked up to her.
"So what now?" he asked with his usual half grin.
Katrina smiled herself and said one word. "Bridgewood."
- - - - - - - - - - -
About half a dozen of their ragtag group had shown up at the front door a few hours after dawn. A very tired and irritated butler opening the door. His eyes surveyed the group before him with some distaste. All it took was a short explanation from the lawyer, who had elected to stay on land rather than go back to sea, and the man immediately opened the door further and ushered them in with an apology.
Katrina had only been to the front section of the house a few times while cleaning, but remembered her way to the parlor, where she took a heavy-eyed Sera from Kipp's arms and laid her gently on one large overstuffed chair where the little girl quickly fell into a light slumber. But she was disturbed not long after when a maid dropped the tray of tea she was bringing to the guests, the silver tea service loudly clanging on the threshold of the doorway.
"K-Kitty?" a voice squeaked from the shocked young maid.
"Chloe?" Katrina asked back, smiling at the sight of a familiar face. Sera, who had woken at the crash, jumped up and ran to Katrina, holding onto her skirt, peeking around at the source of the sound.
"Is it really you? What are you doing here? And is that Sera?"
"Yes, I'll tell you later and yes." Katrina answered, moving forward and helping Chloe pile the spilled contents of the tea service back onto the tray.
"Your face!" Chloe gasped when she knelt down by Katrina. "Did one of them do that to you?" she asked in a low undertone gesturing with her head to the half dozen men scattered about the room. Katrina gently touched the dark bruise.
"No." she smiled slightly while placing the past bit of spilled silver back of the tray. "They saved me from the one who did it." The sound of footsteps followed by Kipp's hand that helped Katrina off the floor. He offered his hand to Chloe who blushed and shook her head, standing on her own with the tray in hand.
"I'll just be getting some fresh tea then." She turned to go, but Kipp halted her.
"Wait. Could you tell me where your stables are?"
"Sir?" Chloe asked uncertainly.
"I have an injured man out there and I need a wagon or cart to transport him."
"Oh! I'll have one of the boys get one hitched up right away and pull it around the front." Chloe rushed from the room. Katrina swayed into Kipp and he put his arm around her waist.
"Are you alright?" he asked, concerned and leading her to the couch to sit.
"I haven't gotten much sleep lately." Katrina confessed with a weak smile. Kipp just smiled and tightened his arm about her as she laid her head on his shoulder with a contented sigh. A small smile grew on her face as she watched Taidhgan play a little game with a suddenly very awake Sera, making her giggle.
Not five minutes later Chloe showed up in the doorway. "The wagon is ready, sir. I had the boys put some blankets in the back for added comfort. I also sent to the village for the physician."
"Thank you, Chloe." Katrina said, Kipp smiled and nodded next to her, kissed the top of her head and moved to his men.
"Taidhgan, take Brody. I want you to sail the Huntress back to Charleston and dock her, see to the supplies and the watches, then come back out here. Alex and Rowe, you are in charge of the cart. Be back before nightfall."
A small chorus of 'ayes' and 'yes cap'n' followed the simple orders as the men moved to their captain's orders.
"Go ta Kitty, now." Taidhgan shooed Sera before following the rest of the men out of the room.
"Oh dear." Katrina said, catching Sera in her arms. "Chloe, I think we'll be having a lot of guests for dinner."
"Best get to the kitchens then." Chloe sighed.
"Yes." Katrina replied, getting up to join the culinary force.
"Hold on." Kipp caught her wrist. "Who is in charge of this place?"
"That would be Gregory, the butler, sir." Chloe answered.
"We need to talk to him. Could you ask him to meet us in the study." Chloe tossed a confused glance to Katrina who just shrugged her shoulders slightly, as much at a loss as the young maid.
"Of course, sir." The girl left.
"You." Kipp pointed to the little lawyer who was sipping at tea and eating the little pastries provided. "Come with us."
- - - - - - - -
The butler looked up from the papers in front of him. "So you are trying to tell me this… girl," he gestured to Katrina. "and an infant own this property?" he demanded of the lawyer, one hand curling into a fist.
"That is exactly what I am saying, sir." The little man responded.
"No." the butler responded. "I am in charge here. Not some charlatan."
Kipp sprung from his seat and slammed a hand to the desk. "Now listen here-" he started.
"No, Kipp." Katrina also stood and placed a hand on his arm. "If that is how you feel sir, you are discharged."
"What! You cannot do this! You have no authority!" he sneered.
"I'm afraid, sir, that I do." Katrina pulled herself up to her full height, which was still shorter than the fuming butler, but somehow she still managed to look down at him. "I expect you to leave. You have an hour to collect your belongings and leave. Should you be found on the premises after that time I will have no choice but to have you forcibly removed, with or without your possessions." She stared hard at him for a few more minutes. "Dismissed."
The man sputtered for a few moments before drawing himself up. "Yes ma'am." He said formally, his training taking over. "May I expect a letter of reference?"
"You may not." Katrina was surprised at the man's audacity.
"But how will I find work?" he demanded.
"That is no longer my concern. Now, whether employed or not, I will not brook any infractions. Dismissed." She said more forcefully than before.
The man looked around at the unfriendly faces, nodded and stalked out of the room. "Keith, keep an eye on our man. Make sure he doesn't make any… unwise decisions, aye?" Kipp said to the crewman who had been standing by the door for the whole conference and ensuing argument.
"Aye." The crewman said and left to shadow the unemployed butler.
"Well done, Kitten." Kipp murmured into her hair as he wrapped his arms about her waist. "I'll have to keep an eye on you, or I might find that my ship has a new captain." Katrina slapped at his arms playfully.
The lawyer discreetly left to find the kitchens and some food.
- - - - - - - - - - -
Katrina was dressed in a fresh dress borrowed from on e of the maids. Her own was covered in dried blood and was more likely than not ruined. Over the dress she wore a simple white apron. The heat from the oven, where she was checking on the bread, as well as the light teasing made her flush. The kind teasing was headed by Chloe, who had informed the others as to the handsome young man that had been publicly affectionate with Katrina. After a good half-hour, Chloe brought all the teasing to an abrupt halt with a simple question.
"So why did your man need to talk to that somber little lawyer?"
"Well, I suppose you know by now that Edmund is dead?" most answers were affirmative with quite a few mumbled 'good riddance's thrown in. "Well, the care of Bridgewood needs to be looked after and-
"Isn't that Gregory's job?" a young maid that couldn't have been more than twelve piped up.
"Gregory has been fired." Katrina answered. Then swallowed, "By me."
"You?" Chloe was obviously confused.
Katrina nodded. "Yes, the will of the old master of Bridgewood announced a different heir than Edmund… Sera. And as her guardian I am to oversee her inheritance until such a time she can take care of it on her own."
Though I suspect he'll let me still take care of it if I choose to, once I marry him, he becomes the guardian."
"You're gonna marry that dashing man?" Chloe asked.
"And you're actually mistress of the house!" the young maid exclaimed. "Why you shouldn't be here, workin' with the help and all. Out you get. I bet you'd like a nice bath. I'll make sure the master bedroom has a hot bath ready in a jiffy." She spoke and moved so quickly that Katrina couldn't get in a word edgewise or before the maid was out the door.
The kitchen was quiet for a minute. Katrina turned an astonished look to Chloe. "Is she always so…"
Chloe sighed. "Unfortunately, yes. But she's rather new, young and eager to please. Hopefully, time will temper her some.
"One can only hope." Another maid mumbled as the kitchen in general turned back to their duties.
"I've never seen her before. Who is she?" Katrina turned to mixing pie filling.
"Her name is Lydia. She is the village blacksmith's daughter."
"Hello, my beautiful countess." A voice said in her ear as a pair of arms wrapped about her middle. Katrina jumped a little bit, but couldn't help but lean back slightly into Kipp's chest. A gale of giggles erupted from their left and Katrina shot a glare at Chloe, the only one who didn't try to muffle her laugh. She turned back to her bowl just in time to lightly slap Kipp's hand as his finger came away covered in pie filling.
"That's for tonight." She protested.
He stuck the finger in his mouth. "Hmm. Delicious." He said as he kissed her cheek.
"My lady your bath is- oh!" Lydia looked up from her short curtsy in the doorway to see her new mistress in the arms of a man and immediately turned bright red.
"Bath?" Kipp asked lightly.
The young maid nodded. Keeping her eyes fastidiously on the floor beneath her shoes.
"You take it." Kipp looked at Katrina with raised eyebrow. "You need it more than I do and I need to finish up here. It would be cold by the time I was done."
"But-" Kipp started.
"And have someone get me when you're done. I'll check your bandages." She turned and gave him a little push towards the doorway. "Lydia, please show the captain the way."
"Yes ma'am." The girl dropped another short curtsy and led the way. Kipp stopped long enough to give Katrina a wink and flash his little half grin over his shoulder before he cleared the doorway.
"Bandages?"
"Captain?"
"Countess?" the questions all came at once and Katrina looked around the kitchen. About half of the girls there she had worked with before or seen around Bridgewood, but all were looking on with interest.
"I think young Kitty has a tale to tell." Bess, one of the older maids commented and a few others bagged her to. With a resigned sigh, Katrina agreed and soon enough the whole kitchen was quiet except for the sound of food being prepared and one single voice.
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Right, so that took forever to post. And I didn't get it done in 60 chapters, looks like there will be a few more after this one.
Reviews are as good as Jelly Bellys!