The Charlotte Series: Book 1: The Pirate's Treasure

Chapter 31

Millicent smiled sweetly at her reflection in the looking glass. She looked the part of a simpering beauty. She thought back to some of Lexi's friends as she tucked a book under her arm before grabbed her parasol and hurried to join Ladd on the poopdeck. She sat prettily under her parasol reading while Ladd played jacks at her feet dressed in his dark suit of clothes.

"You present quite a domestic picture, My Dear."

She looked up from her book and gave James her most dazzling smile.

"I remember. I am to be innocent and weak. I shall simply pretend I am back at home around my father. It won't be pleasant but it will be easy enough to do."

"Not weak, my dear, but you must be sweet. These men must never suspect that you are anything other than a pretty face. They will dismiss you as a threat and that will help to keep you safe. None of the men will resist. As we are merchants flying Her Majesty's flag, we will allow them to board us. I am hoping they will do their inspection, take what they want, and leave us."

"But they may not?"

"No. There is a possibility they may take the ship. We will not give them cause or provocation, but that is no guarantee. If that happens, you must promise me that you will not—"

"I will remain free as long as I can. I promise. But it will not come to that."

"No. It will not come to that." He smiled at her wistfully. He said the words, but a feeling deep in his gut told him otherwise.

Not half an hour later a great boom sounded across the bow followed by a splash. Millicent was not startled for James told her it would be so. She fought the urge to run to his side. She must appear detached and uninterested, a pretty face to be dismissed as harmless. It wouldn't be much longer. As James explained signals were used to communicate compliance.

The Loxley came close, and ropes with hooks were tossed over. Once they were secured, the two ships were pulled together and a plank bridge was made. She watched as James stood defiantly with his hands behind his back as he waited behind Masters for the captain of the Loxley. He looked so handsome; she wondered that she had not noticed it right away.

The men stopped their work and stood with wary hands on their weapons. Tension hung in the air like a thick morning fog. Millicent watched as a pompously dressed fop came aboard. His neck had so many ruffles she wondered how he could stand under the weight of them and his sleeves had more lace than her gown. She stifled a giggle.

She watched him wave his hand and half a dozen rough looking men followed him aboard. They stood behind Fop for a few moments while Masters and he spoke. Masters made a sweeping gesture with his hand and the rough men scattered about the ship. All but two of them disappeared below decks.

James walked toward her with Fop following closely behind. She took a breath to calm her nerves and pretended great interest in the book she held. The sound of the fop's high heeled shoes upon the wooden deck announced their arrival. She looked up and smiled her sweetest smile. She did not rise.

"My Dear," James stopped before her and took the gloved hand she held out to him. "I would like you to meet someone."

James tugged lightly on her hand. She rose to offer a curtsy. As she dropped her chin an errant curl flopped forward from her upswept hair. She chose to ignore it; Fop did not. Martin noticed Fop's attentions. He frowned slightly as he leaned forward and tucked the curl behind her ear.

"My Dear, this is Captain Sutherland. Captain, may I present my wife, Lady James Grayson."

"Captain Sutherland. Delighted to make your acquaintance." She held out her gloved hand.