Taken by Pirates

It was huge. Gigantic. A sensation that was too big for my body or mind.

I insisted on walking on my own to the dining room, yet allowed the Captain to hold my hand.

Clementine’s cooking was absolutely astounding, from the roasted chicken to the herbed biscuits to the apple and raspberry pies.

After supper, the men settled in for rum and cards, as the Captain and Clementine led me upstairs. I had to hide my disappointment as we entered a guest bedroom. It was lovely, with pretty faint yellow curtains, and light wooden furniture. A deep burgundy and gold carpet was in the center of the floor.

But there were two small beds.

I understood.It wasn’t proper for an unmarried couple to be sleeping in the same room at all, and certainly not the same bed. We had to behave as civilized townsfolk while in Clementine’s house.

“Here you are, Maggie,” she said brightly, pulling a lovely blue cotton nightdress from a drawer.

Opening a cupboard, she rustled through some dresses, then set out one that was such a light pink it was almost white. “You can wear this tomorrow,” she said.

To my surprise, she gave me a big hug, and a kiss on the forehead. “Rest well, honey. You had quite the scare, but it’s best to shake these things off as quickly as possible.”

“Thank you.”

Clementine gave the Captain a glance. “Levi’s mother always said that a good night’s sleep was the best medicine in the world.”

The smile that passed between them warmed my heart. She closed the door behind her, leaving us alone. I turned to where the Captain was sitting on the far bed.

“I could sleep in this room with you tonight, or just down the hall,” he said, that deep voice so gentle. “Which would you prefer?”

“Whatever is best,” I said. “I wouldn’t want your aunt to be offended.”

I stepped into his arms as he laughed lightly. “Clementine is practically seafarin’ folk when it comes to levels of propriety.” He rolled his eyes. “Except for the no liquor before three business.”

He tipped my chin up with his finger to search my eyes. “I need you to sleep well tonight, my darling. I know that being tied up and confined like that must have been very difficult for you.”

Leaning in, I kissed him gently, caressing his shoulders as my hands slipped up to his collar. “I’m all right. Really.”

He glared at me so suspiciously that I giggled. “Still, I’d feel better if you had a good night’s sleep,” he said.

“At least stay in this room with me,” I begged.

“Of course, my darling. I’ll be back shortly.”

He left the room to check on the men as I changed, marveling in the comfort of such a soft nightdress. The bed was cozy and warm, and I drifted off straight away.

The Captain must have returned at some point, as I felt his lips gliding across my forehead, his thumb caressing my cheek.

“Sleep well, my beautiful love,” he murmured. I was too far under to speak, yet I tried to smile up at him.

As I heard him get into the other bed, I was relieved that he was close by.

I did indeed feel safe now that Mr. Helsby had been run off. I doubted that we’d ever see him again, as he would never dare show his face in Tegarren Point after today. And I was nearly certain that we would never travel to my hometown, at least not for a long while. There was simply no reason anymore.

My happy new life was aboard the Midnight Treasure .

~ Chapt er 26 ~ The Captain ~

* Bottom of the Pantry *

Although I certainly didn’t want to leave Maggie alone, I felt that she should have as much space as possible.

Checking in with the men, Willy and Dwyer had decided to bunk back on the ship, while Cookie and Dobbs would enjoy Clementine’s other guest bedroom.