Whispers of the Sea (The Compulsion Bride Series) Book II (Unedited)

Chapter Fifty Nine

Darlington Island was very mountainous. A group of tall coconut trees, climb to the gloomy grey sky from the black sand shoreline, under them stood, small huts, build with straws and skillfully carved tree trunks. There were no sounds of tranquility as the soldiers busied themselves, making numerous trips back and forth from the ship with goods and other cargos. Samantha pulled the shawl closer to her body, observing the beauty of her surroundings and relinquishing with relief of finally leaving the ship and the sea. Her eyes search desperately for Smity, Julian and Tommy. They weren't above the ship when she was on deck, getting ready to leave. So where were they? She sighed wearily.

"Samantha, can you give me a hand with these?" With a slight creased on her forehead, Samantha turned to assist Elizabeth with taking the trunks from the small boat that brought them to shore.

"I haven't seen my friends Elizabeth, do you think the captain wishes to keep them on the ship?" She asked, resting a trunk on the sand.

"I really cannot predict what Stephen would and would not do Samantha. I can only make assumptions and I do believe they would be brought to the island." She smiled, taking the last trunk from the boat and rested it gently beside the others. "How does it feel to be back on land?"

"It—it's quite strange but I am glad that I am not on a ship –I am not too fond of the sea."

"I know," Elizabeth replied, her eyes wrinkling into a smile. "One can tell, by observing."

"Lady Macmillian!"

Elizabeth, gathered her skirts in her hands and ran to embrace a tall white haired man. "Samantha!" Smiling broadly, Elizabeth, brought the Oldman towards her. "This is Alan, my coachman, groomsman, tinker and the very best herbalist on the island!"

Samantha knew Elizabeth trusted this man and perhaps, she might be able to gain his trust as well and provide a way to get off this island or just away from Captain Stephen. The island was big enough and Elizabeth was getting too attached to her. Samantha feared she won't want her to leave when the time arrives. Elizabeth had even told her that she was bond to this life, she choose. The question of taking her along was already answered without Samantha even asking or trying to persuade the lady.

Elizabeth choose to stay. Samantha didn't.

"It's a pleasure to meet you Alan." She greeted with a genuine smile.

"Oh, my Lady Macmillan, of all the treasures you brought back, this certainly is the best one." He said dazzled and Samantha gasped as he grabbed her hand and kissed it like a true gentleman. With a soft chuckle she looked at Elizabeth, who only shrugged in response. "And it's indeed a pleasure to make your acquaintance-- Samantha, is it?"

"Yes."

"Tell, me how did you get to meet Lady Macmillian?"

Samantha knew what he really wanted to asked was 'why was she here' or' if she came here voluntarily.' She decided to satisfy his curiosity and the fact that she didn't want anyone to assume she came here at her own free will. "I was captured by the captain and kept prisoner on his ship along with three of my friends."

"Until...Stephen made her my lady's maid." Elizabeth interposed.

Alan's face changed to a solemn expression.

"We should get back to the estate, Alan. The weather is turning terrible." Elizabeth coaxed, softly. Her eyes drifted out towards the ship and Samantha follow Elizabeth's gaze to see the true haste for their departure.

Captain Stephen was coming ashore.

To make their trip faster, the trio held trunks in each hand and left the shoreline. A few minutes' walk carried them, where a carriage stood on a dirt track mired between tall forest trees. Finally seated comfortably, Samantha gaze out of the window at the endless trees and lush green scenery as the bumpy carriage took her to another confinement.