Taken by Pirates

“But with your eyes closed, how does your mind know there is any light at all?” I asked with a laugh, grabbing a clean rag to scrub down the table.

“Don’t know,” he chuckled. “Some sort of internal clock, I s’pose.”

By the time the rest of the men came in for breakfast, I had scrubbed the table and chairs within an inch of their lives, helped Cookie with breakfast, and polished one of the lamps.

“You’re full of vim and vinegar, today, lass,” Cookie chuckled. “As my mother always says.”

I noticed that the Captain looked around the room, giving me a smile and nod of approval.

The men were excited to get to Tegarren Point, a port they apparently visited quite often. Besides the Captain’s aunt, the town featured an incredible bakery. There was also a tiny market stall that sold used clothing, and little items like books.

As the men discussed the clothing items and small sundries they needed, and a few tools for the ship, I got up to begin washing the dishes.

I managed to be so quiet that they barely noticed when I finished, slipping above deck and finding the broom.

For the entire day, I floated around the ship, finding tasks that need to be done, or helping the crew with theirs. Polishing brass fixings, sweeping and mopping the deck, polishing the railings, and doing laundry left me completely exhausted by dinner.

Somehow I managed to stay on my feet long enough to peel potatoes and eat some supper. But then I was beat.

“Good night, lads,” I said as soon as the dishes were done.

As I climbed the stairs, I heard Willy ask, “Is there a reason Maggie has been working herself like a dog all day?”

I could barely make out the Captain’s low rumble. “I noticed that as well.”

It was a huge relief that they had paid attention. Certainly the Captain must see that I was dedicated to the ship.

I paused just long enough to hear Dwyer say, “Maggie is a hard worker, but she also points out ways to do things better and faster. She’s got those lady smarts.”

The raucous round of laughter hid my footsteps as I crawled into bed completely exhausted. Somehow, I was going to have to find the strength to do it all again tomorrow.

~ Chapte r 20 ~ The Captain ~

* Questions and Answers *

It was perplexing that Maggie was keeping her distance from me, when I had thought we’d been growing closer.

Every morning I woke to find her clinging to me, but yesterday she left without a word. At least her body wanted me, even if her mind was still unsure.

Her sudden burst of working herself to the point of exhaustion made no sense at all. Perhaps she felt she’d been here long enough that she should earn her keep? Perhaps her family used to punish her if she didn’t apply herself?

I couldn’t ask, as she was barely speaking to me. Yet this had to end before the poor darling made herself ill.

As she crawled out of bed, I waited until she pulled her dress on to murmur, “Maggie, come here a moment, please.”

I patted the bed, and she came over to sit. “Yes, Captain?”

My hand darted out before I could stop it, running my thumb along her cheekbone. “My beautiful lass, we all appreciate how hard you’ve been working, but please don’t grind those pretty little fingers to the bone.”

“I’m fine. Really.”

If the lads were around, they would have burst into roars of laughter at how clearly not fine she was.

“Maggie, we don’t follow the rules of society out here, beyond basic decency. So if I have offended you in any way, please, let me know so that I can beg your forgiveness.”

Her head shook firmly. “Shall I go start breakfast, Captain?”

“No.” Her eyes widened in surprise at my stern tone.