As I started to say good night, Clementine gave me a pointed look, then ushered me into the kitchen.
“You need to marry that girl,” she said plainly.
My grin felt like it was splitting my face in two. “Yes. That I do.”
“Well, what’s stopping you then?” she asked.
“Nothing, really. As soon as I get my hands on a suitable ring, I’ll ask her.”
Clementine turned and stepped into the pantry, kneeling down to pull out some metal canisters. I’d always had the impression that my aunt kept many secrets and treasures hidden in this old house. She seemed to have everything she could ever need at her fingertips.
After rummaging for a moment, she stood up with a little velvet bag in her hand. She held it out to me, dropping it into my palm.
“Gertie left it to me, but now that you need it, it’s yours.”
I didn’t even need to open the bag to know what was inside. My mother’s gold and ruby ring. Her prized possession.
Swallowing hard, I nodded. “Thank you.”
“Maggie is absolutely lovely, Levi. I think she’s a perfect match for you. Is she truly happy on the Midnight Treasure ?” Clementine asked gently.
“I think so. She certainly seems to be thriving. There are still a few things that need a bit of getting used to, but she’s coming right along.”
“Good. You know I’m always here if she needs a lady to speak to.”
“I appreciate that. You’re a good woman, Clementine.”
“So good that I need five fine men to visit me as often as possible,” she laughed.
I went back upstairs, tucking the little bag into my pocket.
The room was silent and dark as I crept in. My eyes adjusted quickly, as Maggie’s delicate face was just barely visible from the glow of moonlight creeping in the window.
“Sleep well, my beautiful love,” I whispered, stroking her soft cheek with my hand. It almost seemed like she smiled at me in her sleep.
As I slipped into the bed next to hers as silently as possible, I was soothed by the tiny tranquil murmur of her breathing.
It was incredible how much my life had changed so quickly. Just as me and the crew had decided to temper our wicked ways, an angel appeared.
There could be no more thieving from dangerous places. Only fair trading and shipping, and...well...possibly the odd nicked bit of cargo from large company ships now and then. They always had so many crew members that nobody actually knew what was going on. It was as if they were asking for a few things to go missing.
But no more real danger. No more risking our lives in foul weather. No more crossing paths with dangerous, violent outfits.
There was going to be a lady on board, and we were all going to learn how to behave appropriately.
Not just a lady… my lady.
A plan began to formulate in my mind. Maggie was always the one trying to take care of everyone else. It was time for me to take care of everything for her.
~ Ch apter 27 ~ Maggie ~
* Sunlight and Roses *
Blinking, I sat up slowly, looking around in bewilderment. It took a few seconds to remember where I was, then the events of yesterday came flooding back.
How could a single day be so wonderful and terrible at the same time. The Captain loved me. He wanted to keep me. But he had needed to save me from…
Standing up, I gave my head a shake. I wasn’t even going to think about that anymore. Only happy thoughts.