The Sea Maiden
Authors: Mary Speer
The Sea Maiden
By
M.I. Martigani Speer
Text copyright © 2013 Mary I Speer
All Rights Reserved
-M.S.
CHAPTER 3
Approaching Horseman
CHAPTER 4
Invitation to Harmon Hall
CHAPTER 8
Journey to Harmon Hall
CHAPTER 11
The Engagement Ring
CHAPTER 12
Breakfast aboard the Sea Maiden
CHAPTER 14
I’m Not Going to Marry Lord Harmon
CHAPTER 15
Engagement Announcement
CHAPTER 16
Karina Becomes Aaron
CHAPTER 17
Aaron the Cabin Boy
CHAPTER 20
Return to Pembrook Hall
CHAPTER 24
Skull and Cross Bones
CHAPTER 26
Back on the Sea Maiden
CHAPTER 34
Shipboard Announcement
CHAPTER 35
New England, New Plan
CHAPTER 37
Karina Arrives to New England
CHAPTER 38
A Message from Lord Pembroke
CHAPTER 40
Captain Drake Arrested
CHAPTER 41
Case against Lord Harmon
CHAPTER 43
Rescue in the Woods
CHAPTER 44
Message for the Captain
The Apple Stand
The
Sea Maiden, one of the largest trade ships available pulled into a small English harbor, Peter De Marco of Massachusetts, a mate aboard the great ship is among the first to leave after being on all night watch and is ready to explore the small English harbor town when he runs into his former shipmate, Ed Long, who also arrived aboard another trade ship the Lark the day before and is ready to go visit his parents out in the country. After giving each other a rowdy greeting and sharing some high sea stories and a few pints of wine, Ed invites Peter to join him for a visit at his parent’s home in the country two days away; tempting Peter to come along by claiming that in the English countryside live beautiful maidens doomed to be married off to old rich lords. Peter smiles and hastily agrees.
Ed’s family friend agreed to lend Peter another horse to accompany Ed, and their journey soon begins. Both young men enjoy and refresh their eyes with the rich green beauty of the land after spending months at sea, recounting all their mischief’s and adventures at visiting ports. It was a welcome getaway. After riding nearly 2 days they arrived at Ed’s home late in the afternoon and receive a warm welcome from Ed’s parents, Joseph and Marie Long, who were anticipating their son’s arrival and welcomed his friend Peter into their home as well. The young men bathed, ate to their hearts content and shared their adventures at the dinner table. After much conversation and laughter, Marie, bid the boys good night and went to bed but Joseph and the boys continued their camaraderie by the fireplace late into the night till they could no longer keep their eyes open. Raised as an orphan Peter felt a deep longing to be part of such a family, Ed was blessed he thought; someday he promised himself he would have such a warm family of his own, but for now he would simply enjoy the good company. Saturday morning he helped feed the horses and milk the cows along with his friend then had a hearty breakfast and after the boys went for a short horse back ride in the country. On the way back to Ed’s home Peter commented,
“This is a beautiful place Ed I’m glad you invited me and your parents are wonderful, you’re a lucky man.”
“Thank you Peter, yes I am blessed in that regard and that they are both in good health.”
“Cheers to that! Too bad you have no sisters. So where are these beautiful maidens you talked about?”
“Well they live in surrounding countryside most are hidden away till they accompany their chaperon’s or mothers to the village market. Mother will be going soon perhaps we should tag along?”
“Absolutely, when will she go?”
“See the horse and cart father is bringing around, she’s about to leave. I’ll tell father I’ll drive the cart for him instead so he can tend to his black smith business.”
The boys accompanied Mrs. Long on her trip to the village market. Ed took his father’s place and drove his mother on the horse and cart but Peter preferred to ride on horseback.
After leaving the horses at the watering hole, they made their way through the village market crowded with tents, villagers and merchants, buying and selling their wares and produce. Mrs. Long went from stand to stand filling her basket while both young men went off on their own joking and jesting with one another and flirting with every pretty girl they encountered. At 24, Peter was tall and handsome with hazel eyes, olive skin and sun burnished curly hair that fell over straight dark brows. His striking good looks and dazzling smile drew a fair share of glances from more than one pretty girl. Ed was shorter with a stocky build, blond hair, brilliant blue eyes and a kind face. They continued their merriment and at times endured menacing glares from annoyed chaperones. At one point, after spotting an older heavyset woman chatting away with a vendor, Ed joked with Peter and whispered in his ear,
“Oh Peter I see the perfect bride for you my friend… I do believe you were made for each other, over by the apple stand.” Ed chuckled.
While Ed laughed Peter turned in the direction Ed pointed, the older heavyset woman moved away from the stand revealing the young beauty she was blocking; Peter’s eyes widened and was immediately drawn to the young woman’s magnetic charm.
“I must agree with you my friend; I think I will take a closer look.” Peter smiled and patted his friend on the shoulder. Ed crinkled his brow in momentary confusion and turned to get another look at the large woman, then his mouth dropped open upon seeing the reason Peter was on the move.
Lynnette stood with her basket picking apples at the stand while Gracie, the Pembroke cook, made her way to the butchers. Dark silky tresses parted on the side hid half her beautiful face the rest fell mid back in thick layers. Green eyes and thick sooty lashes, complimented her vanilla skin and rosy full lips. Her partially opened cape revealed simple attire and outlined an appealing slender figure and modest bosom. Peter glimpsed a hint of cleavage under a white peasant frock worn under a fitted black vest that tied just under her bosom, and a flowing brown skirt, he smiled to himself as he admired her loveliness.
Peter moved through the crowd and as he approached her, another woman holding a child got in his way. Lynnette moved slightly and then Peter squeezed in between her and the woman and child. As Lynnette reached for an apple, Peter also reached for the same one, covering her hand with his.
“Hello.” Peter greeted.
Lynnette instantly turned toward the voice seeing first an open white shirt at the neck then looked up at Peter’s handsome smiling face and playful hazel eyes. Embarrassed, she immediately turned away and withdrew her hand.
“Excuse me, I didn’t mean to startle you, I was just wondering if these apples are as delicious as they appear?” Peter asked smiling ear to ear.
Thinking Gracie might see him talking to her she tried to move away but another customer blocked her.
“I don’t know, excuse me.”
“Leaving so soon? I was hoping I could help you pick apples.”
Peter said leaning over flirtatiously, Lynnette gasped at his forwardness and moved away; worried that Gracie might be watching.
“I’m sorry I have enough apples, thank you.”
“Well than can you help me pick some?”
“No I can’t, I’m sorry, I have to go.”
“Wait! At least tell me your name.”
She got so nervous she forgot to pay for her apples and started moving away.
“Lynnette Dear! Are you forgetting something?” Sally the lady from the fruit stand called out.
Lynnette gasped in embarrassment.
“Oh, Sally! Please forgive me.” Lynnette exclaimed, feeling embarrassed and paid the woman for the apples.
“Aw, Lynnette, what a pretty name, do you come here often?” Peter teased.
‘Curses he knew her name now.’
Lynnette thought and looked around nervously for Gracie. “No I’m sorry and I’m done buying apples, I must go Gracie, the lady I came with will come looking for me soon and I don’t want her to see us talking.”
“Why?”
“Because…you’re a stranger…and a man!”