Jacquotte

Chapter 4

 With this in mind, Jacquotte exited the hut, intending to go straight to Captain Bridges. She arrived at the port by afternoon, but as soon as she saw him she froze up. No, she couldn't do this. It was simply too embarrassing. She should just go home and tell Maman everything, and beg for forgiveness. Oh, but Maman would be so upset. This is exactly what she had always warned her about, maybe not this specific situation, but Jacquotte got the gist of it. She remembered her mother's words, from not too long ago.

"Jacquotte, ma chere, do not ever end up like me, penniless, husbandless, and with a child. That kind of foolishness will cost you dearly, and I will be very disappointed in you."

She nearly broke down crying again, right there on the docks. She couldn't bear it if her mother was angry with her. Instead, she straightened her back, and walked straight up to Captain Bridge's bo'sun, false confidence in her steps. She hadn't been able to clearly see the name of the Navy frigate, or the appearance of the bo'sun, but now she could. The ship's name was the King James, and the bo'sun was a huge, lumbering man with rotting teeth. He gave her a fearsome glare, and she almost turned tail and ran. She forced herself to hold fast, and she consoled herself with the knowledge that she could have a dagger at hand in a second. She mulishly kept her chin up, and prayed her voice not to waver.

"Good day, sir. I most urgently need to speak to Captain Bridges. If you could point me in his direction, that would be greatly appreciated."

He scoffed, dismissing her.

"Yeah, sure lass. Now git outta here."

Her earlier fear of the man forgotten, she almost stamped her foot. This man also thought her a child! But she was smart enough to conceal her anger. She simply nodded, feigning indifference. She assumed a more relaxed stance on the dock beside the King James, settling in. The bo'sun had turned away from her, but she felt him give her a sideways glance. She paid him no attention, which caused him to be increasingly more agitated. He groaned, and stomped away. She was a bit concerned. Was her plan not going to work? But he came stomping back with Captain Bridges, and she inwardly triumphed. Bridges looked at her confusedly for a second, but then Jacquotte saw the flash of recognition in his face. His eyes widened, and he grasped her arm, pulling her aside, away from the bo'sun's curious gaze.

"What are you doing here, girl? Are you stupid?!"he spoke lowly, furious.

She was stunned into silence by his harsh tone. He shook her roughly. She nearly yelled, his nails were digging into her skin.

"I- I'm pregnant and it's yours!" she cried out.

He took a step back from her, releasing her reddened arm. He looked horrified.

"What did you say?"

"I said, I'm pregnant and it's yours."