The Harlot's Daughter

Chapter One

Margaret glanced behind her at the swaddling on the bed, assuring herself that Daniel still slumbered. Perched on her knees, she watched Brutus' approach, a slight smile gracing her visage at his haste.

Feeling his heart leap in his chest when he saw Margaret's hand press against the upper story window, Brutus' legs spryly moved him forward, taking him swiftly across the lane before his mind had even fully registered it was what he wanted to do. Hoping this was the night that his vigil would reap its reward, Brutus couldn't say what it was that had prodded him to loiter outside of the duke's residence for the last few evenings; but he had not been able to eat nor sleep well of late and dwelling on Margaret's possible answer had driven him near to mad. Somehow, it helped to stand outside the duke's home, spending most of the time in prayer, it felt as if he were at least doing something positive toward his goal.

"Captain Marks." Margaret leaned forward, her upper half visible to him, her arms crossed on the sill below her as she spoke down to him in a hushed tone.

"Margaret." Brutus nodded, holding himself calmly in check. His visage somber, Brutus awaited her pleasure, assuming nothing as he did not want to raise his hopes too high only to have them then shot down.

"I've decided we will sail with you, Captain." Margaret felt stones lighter upon speaking the words. 

Brutus closed his eyes briefly giving thanks. Looking up at Margaret's pretty face illuminated in the moonlight, Brutus's eyes held all seriousness as he thanked her for considering his offer. "I am greatly relieved, Margaret, for I could think of none other better suited for the task." Tears of relief threatened Brutus' composure, he dropped his eyes and cleared his throat lightly, willing the emotion away.

Margaret still had one concern, "I do have one question, Captain Marks," by insisting on using Brutus' title, Margaret hoped to maintain a businesslike approach to their dealings. 

"Ask me anything, Margaret."

"Can you promise me that you will keep Daniel safe?" 

Brutus would love to promise her the world the moon, and all the stars all wrapped up together neatly, at this moment, yet, he knew her concerns were well-founded because he had thought long and hard upon that very thing himself. Clearing his throat softly once more, he nodded then answered the best he could. 

"I can promise I will do everything in my power to keep the both of you safe. 'Tis not my intention to place either of you in harm's way. Though we may run up against trials Margaret, you have my word that your welfare and that of young Daniel will be my priority," Brutus answered honestly, his heart heavy with love for her and the tiny boy that was a part of her.

Margaret gazed down at him, tucking back a loose strand of her raven hair while Brutus smiled gratefully up at her.

"How long do we have, Captain?" Margaret leaned out a bit further so that Daniel would not awaken while they discussed details.

Brutus desired nothing more than to reach across the space that separated them; he wanted to touch her, to know this was real. He knew it would be torture, having to keep his distance for a while, but at least he felt now he would have the time he needed to woo her. Wanting to be about it immediately, Brutus tamped his impatience down, knowing there was still a lot of work to accomplish before the time came when he could implement his plan. "There is still much work to be done on the Wench; however, it would be best to know your needs and those of Daniel as soon as possible." Brutus had already put her cabin into the works, hoping she would agree to help him. Now he hoped he had thought of everything, wanting her assurances to know it was so. "Would you care to come and see her progress tomorrow?"

Caught off guard, Margaret bought herself some time to get used to this turn of events, "I will have to beg for a later date, Captain. I am needed here for the time being, and I appreciate the opportunity to repay the duke for his kindness taking us in." Margaret saw the disappointment that Brutus attempted to hide. Having no wish to be cruel, she had only wanted a bit of time to fortify her will, yet she had no desire to injure him in the process. "I look forward to seeing what you've done..." she added in concession, leaving her words hanging.

"It is quite amazing," Brutus' enthusiasm came forth unbidden, "You will not believe the changes that have come about," Brutus assured her. "Why, she is a different ship altogether." Brutus puffed up; his pride was quite evident.

Margaret noticed, giving him an indulgent smile at his revelation, "That is good to hear," chuckling softly, Margaret thought of the filthy, wretched schooner that he had previously sailed. 

"It has been my wish for a long time now to sail a ship worthy of the Crown," Brutus admitted. "And by God, she shall be," Brutus became thoughtful for a moment while Margaret lay her chin in her hands more than content to wait him out.

 "You will need things for the journey, Margaret. We should make time to see Katherine as soon as possible. Might you be able to get away for a few hours one afternoon so she can take stock of the things you lack?"

"But, Brutus," Margaret was getting sleepy, slipping, she addressed him familiarly, "she is newly wed, surely she will not want to spend her time..." Margaret stifled a yawn that cut off her protest.

"''Tis what she does, Margaret." Brutus knew of no other who had the skill with leather and a needle that Lady Shelly did, also, he knew that Katherine would not mind outfitting Margaret in the least. Brutus also noticed Margaret had forgotten to address him formally, that she had once more used his given name as she had done for a brief time before he made his offer of employment.

"However, she may be too busy now, Captain Marks, and I would so hate to impose..." Margaret began to argue.

"She supports my cause, and it is Violet's also, and I know she would have you well equipped if she knew you were going with me." Brutus' confidence gave Margaret pause.

"I suppose it would not hurt to ask, however, Captain Marks, if she shows any signs of..."

"She will not," Brutus assured the small maid. "Do not worry so, Margaret, save your worries for the babes we shall gather, for that is where your concerns should lie."

Margaret lay her head down upon her crossed arms, tilting her head to keep Brutus in her range of vision, though her eyes drooped a bit."I hope to be of great help to you, to them. 

"That is the least of my concerns, Margaret. I believe in you. Why look at you with young Daniel, nurturing comes naturally to some, and I would have to say it does with you." Brutus could see that her eyes were growing heavy, he knew he must go soon and let her get her rest.

"Thank you, Brutus." she murmured sleepily.

"No, thank you, Margaret. You have no idea how relieved I am to know that I will have your help. It is a great weight taken from my shoulders." Brutus did not want to go, but he knew it was time. "You will have to come to see the ship as soon as you are able, and I would like you to meet our new quartermaster, so far a most likable fellow."

"I look forward to that as well," Margaret stifled another yawn and smiled sleepily, finding comfort and pleasure in Brutus' presence, wishing they could converse all the night long.

"Margaret?" Brutus said softly.

"Mmmm Hmmm?" Margaret answered dreamily.

"Go to bed, Margaret." Brutus chuckled softly, barely able to see the smile that graced her lips,

"Aye, aye, Captain." Margaret smiled wistfully down at him, lifting her head from her arms slowly. She covered her mouth as a yawn finally escaped, then she stretched her arms up, reaching above her head to pull down the sash, leaving Brutus grinning below her.

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