Confessions of a Pirate's Heart

Chapter Three

When the tears of unhealed wounds had ceased and the conversation of Scarlett's discovery had lulled, there was little left to be said amongst the family. Each retracted into their own thoughts until it was time to retire to bed.

Scarlett placed the heavy pan of hot coals at the foot of her bed and flipped the scratchy wool blanket overtop to insulate the heat. Everyone had departed to their small rooms except for William, who snuck inside Scarlett's door and closed it behind him.

“I'm proud of you,” he whispered. “That was brave.”

Scarlett shook her head. “That wasn't bravery. I simply had enough of all the things they say nearly every day. William, I feel so guilty.”

He approached her and sat down on the bed next to her. “It's not your fault. I just wish they had told us the truth.”

“I suppose they didn't want us growing up with shame.”

“But they should have let us decide how to handle it. It doesn't matter now, though. We will be reunited and make things right, just like you said.” He clasped Scarlett's hands in his and gave her a warm smile.

“I hope so. I've committed to it so much in my heart but I fear that I may fail.”

“Nonsense. We will find her together. When do we start?”

Suddenly, the realization of Scarlett's responsibility weighed down on her. “No, you need to stay here.”

“What do you mean?”

“You need to stay and help Father care for the bakery. You know he isn't able to work as hard anymore. And who would deliver to the customers while I'm gone?”

William furrowed his eyebrows. “No, I'm not going to let you go alone. Scarlett, you may have traveled the seas with pirates and seen things I haven't, but it's not safe out there for a woman. You heard Father's concerns earlier. That's why I stepped in. Perhaps, with the both of us together, we'll find our way and protect each other.”

Scarlett took in his words with careful consideration but also reminisced about her recent adventure. William touched on the subject but knew little of what she had experienced--the ruthless and dirty lives of pirates, the sword fights and thievery and lust for a good time. She felt a fluttering in her stomach at the recollection.

However, despite how appealing the adventure sounded to her, Scarlett knew her brother was right. It was a dangerous world out there and pirates and highwaymen lurked in every corner, waiting to take advantage of a traveler by stealing money or perhaps something worse.

“Do you think they'll be alright?” she said. “Father and Mother, and Joseph?”

“Yes, they will be fine. Joseph will be able to help whenever needed. Besides, once Mother finds our sister's address, we will travel there and be back home in a matter of no time. How long could the journey be?”

“Well, it depends how far away she is and if we need to travel by coach or ship. We would have to hire someone willing to take us.”

“And we will begin our search once we get the letter from Mother?”

“Yes--right away.”

“Good,” William said, beaming a smile. “This is so exciting. I've never traveled anywhere before. This may be my chance for a real adventure, just like you.”

Scarlett laughed but shook her head dismissively. “I wouldn't count on it. It won't be as thrilling as all that.”

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The following morning after breakfast, instead of rushing off to the bakery with her father and brother, Scarlett stayed home with her mother to search for Grace's letter. They entered her parents’ bedroom, where Catherine opened the lid to an old chest hidden in the corner. Scarlett watched as her mother dug through miscellaneous items before reaching a smaller chest at the bottom. She retrieved it and picked through its contents as well. It contained several yellowed papers and envelopes but Catherine only pulled out one.