Shiver Her Timbers: The Plundered Chronicles Page 10

  “Then ya think I ought to hide it from the world.”

  “Not at all. I honestly think you treat him in public like you would any other crew member As soon as folks have something else to gossip about, they will move beyond you. Small minds quickly move on to the next rumor.”

  “And the crew? What of them?”

  “Well, to be honest, if he works harder than the next man, and you allow the crew to put him through his paces, they will accept him.”

  “His paces?”

  This was the moment Quinn realized that the Grace O’Malley sitting in front of her now was more woman than captain, more female than pirate.

  “Aye. Captain, our crew love and respect you. Any man who catches your eye is gonna have to prove to your men, your family, that he is worthy of you. You absolutely must turn a blind eye to the teasing and abuses your family will put upon him. It is their way of showing you they care.”

  Grace rubbed her chin and slowly nodded. “I see. Yer sayin’ I cannot be overprotective of Hugh or––”

  “Or he’ll never be accepted. Allow the crew to do what they will, all the while understanding why they do so.”

  Grace stared at Quinn a moment before pulling her into an embrace. “Bloody hell, Callaghan, I knew ya were the right person to talk to.”

  “You need to remember, Captain, that even with Hugh de Lacy on this ship, you are always seen as the captain first and foremost. If you react as a woman might––”

  “They’ll lose faith in me.”

  “Faith, respect, all of it. He’ll not be harmed, but he most certainly will and should be harassed.”

  “By ya as well?”

  Quinn grinned. “By me first. If Innis or I abuse him first, the men will immediately look for your reaction.”

  “And I’ll have none.”

  “Exactly. That will set the tone for the rest, and before you know it, he will be accepted by the rest of us. Crew member first, captain’s mate second.”

  “He needs to be respected because I say he should be, Callaghan, not because I treat him different. Ya think my men wouldn’t treat him right unless I mistreated him? Have ya lost yer mind?”

  “Six years with men have taught me how to be one, Captain. I’ve studied them. I know how they think, and right now... ” Quinn took a deep breath. “I know that right now you’re acting like a woman.”

  Grace quickly stood, her left eyebrow raised in question. “Excuse me? Ya best mind yer manners with me, Callaghan.”

  Quinn held her hand up. “Sir, I’ve watched you with him for just a short while and you treat him like a lover. If you treat him like a crew mate, there will be fewer issues.”

  “There will be issues if they don’t treat him as one of their own.”

  Quinn tried another tact. “The crew’s perception might be that you have gotten soft. You cannot act like he is special. The perception is that he is going to get special treatment.”

  “Then I need to change that perception.”

  “Aye. Go out drinking with the men tonight. Without de Lacy. Remind them of who you are. Remind them of who we all are together. He is still an outsider. A stranger.”

  Grace nodded. “I can do that. We shall have bawdy revelry tonight and then return to Clare Island, where I will leave my precious cargo so he will be safe.

  Quinn rose and cocked her head in question. “Leave? Where are we off to now?”

  Grace headed back toward the castle. “Where else? We’re goin’ after the ship that sank Hugh’s ship.”

  “Do you think that’s wise?”

  “Hugh’s ship had intercepted an English ship commandeered by none other than John Hawkins.”

  Quinn inhaled slowly. Hawkins was Francis Drake’s cousin and Drake’s equal as a devil to Grace. The two of them had caused Grace and the Malendroke plenty of headaches, and she held a deep-seeded hatred for them both.

  “They battled and took ginger, pearls, and sugar, which they exchanged in Hispaniola fer slaves. It appears the English will continue that horrific trade along with the Portuguese.”

  “So what happened?”

  “Hawkins’s ship wasn’t travelin’ alone. A second English ship came upon Hugh’s as they were lootin’ Hawkins’s and blew them to the bottom of the sea, leavin’ Hawkins and his ship alone.”

  “And you wish to go after them.”

  “Not them. Hawkins. He was returnin’ from Venezuela, where he traded hundreds of slaves fer the booty he was carryin’.”

  “But Hugh de Lacy is no pirate.”

  Grace laughed. “Aye. They had no business goin’ after another ship, and it did not end well.”

  “Well, not for the rest of the crew. Seems to me Hugh made out pretty well.”

  Tossing her head back and laughing, Grace put her arm across Quinn’s shoulders. “I missed ya, Callaghan. I truly missed ya.”

  * * *

  It had been a while since the crew had practiced at keeping their skills sharp. This meant fighting side by side on the deck with wooden swords that made clacking sounds when they smacked into each other. Quinn did a one-eighty with two swords flying over her head as she came at Innis.

  Innis blocked her left sword, but her right one clipped his side.

  “Come on, Innis,” Quinn said, smacking him with her sword. “Ya’d be dead if this was metal.”

  “He’d be dead regardless.”

  It was Hugh de Lacy.

  Someone tossed him a sword, but he didn’t bother catching it. “I am not in any shape to fight you. I came to speak with Callaghan.”

  Quinn stepped forward. “That would be me.”

  Hugh stepped forward. “Grace explained how you think we ought to handle my being on the ship. I can’t say that I disagree with your idea to be tougher on me.”

  Quinn waited.

  “And I would have to agree. If she is not seen as strong––”

  Quinn pulled him aside. “She is never seen as strong, Hugh. She is strong, and I’ll not let the likes of ya change how the men see her. So if ya aren’t goin’ to help us up here, then keep yer arse below.”

  Connor joined them. “Is there a problem?”

  Hugh looked at Quinn and then back at Connor. “None. We were just clearing the air.”

  When Hugh went down below, Innis came back to Connor and Quinn. “Try again.”

  Quinn turned her back on him and then spun around, lowering her entire body and stabbing him with both swords.

  “Innis! Jesus, what is wrong with ya?” Quinn rose, arms akimbo. “Do ya wish to die so soon?”

  Innis bowed his head. “I am... havin’ issues with my eyes.”

  Quinn stepped closer. “Ya aren’t able to see verra well?”

  Innis shook his head. “It’s... cloudy. Please don’t tell the captain.”

  “I won’t, but if we get into a fight, ya won’t last two minutes. I know a woman who can probably help ya, but ya will need to stay alive long enough fer her to do so.”

  Innis nodded. “I’ll go. I am desperate. Thank ya, Callaghan.”

  After the mock battle, Grace called the crew to the main deck. She stood on the upper deck, sword in hand, ready to address the troops. “All right, ya sea dogs of no good worth, listen up.”

  Grace waited for the men to settle down.

  “As ya all know, we sail to Edinburgh to assist Mary durin’ her time of need. Pregnant and surrounded by enemies, she trusts few, and there are even fewer she trusts with her life. Tavish is on both lists. He knows the lay of the land around Edinburgh Castle. Once inside its walls, he is yer captain. Ya will do as he says, go where he says, and ya will do it as quickly as ya would fer me.” Grace let her eyes linger on the face of nearly every man in the front row. “There will be those Scotsmen who will offer ya gold, women, even a title to betray the queen of Scotland. Rest assured, there is no place ya can run, no place ya can hide if ya betray our mission. Ya betray her, ya betray me, and I’ll not rest until I see ya die a slow, painful de
ath. So if ya do not think ya can resist the temptations the Scottish nobles will most definitely throw at ya, then stay aboard ship. No one’ll think worse of ya.” She cast her hawklike gaze over the crowd of men. “Good. Now get some rest, because once we set land, we’re gonna need to be vigilant. We are the enemy to those Scots who back Elizabeth. Never forget that. Never.”

  When she finished, she motioned for Quinn and Tavish to join her on the upper deck.

  “Tell me what I need to know, Tavish.”

  The big block of a man ran his fingers through his lion’s mane of grey-streaked red hair and inhaled deeply. “Mary and her unborn bairn are in grave danger. We can secure the castle, but we won’t ken how many of her men are still loyal to her, so we could verra well be securin’ some enemies within.”

  “Then we will ask the queen to allow only my men near her bedchamber when it is time to bring the babe forth.” Turning to Quinn, her eyes asked the unasked question.

  “Aye, Captain. If Young Mary still fancies me, I’ll learn all I can about any hidden entrances into those bedchambers. I will get as much information about the castle as I can.”

  Grace slowly smiled. “Excellent, Callaghan. Still, I do not have a good feelin’ about this. Are ya certain the French physician can be trusted?”

  Quinn nodded. Grace had learned of a French physician who had been wanting to get back to the Scottish queen’s court and had picked him up on her last trip. “According to Fiona, he is one of the best.”

  “Then her word is good enough fer me. Tavish, handpick a dozen men ya trust most to carry out yer orders. We will pick the physician up on our way.”

  “Aye, Captain.” Tavish turned and disappeared.

  When he was gone, Grace turned to Quinn. “I take it Young Mary, the queen’s lady-in-waitin’, knows the truth.”

  “About me?” Quinn pinched the bridge of her nose. She had had a minor dalliance with one of Mary’s ladies—all of whom were also named Mary—six years ago, and that little affair continued through to the last time Quinn was in the Scottish court. On that first occasion, Quinn had impersonated Grace in order to save the crew, and Mary of Scotland had taken a liking to her. On the second occasion, the queen barely had time to see Quinn.

  One of the last things Queen Mary had said to Quinn on her way out of the castle the last time they met was that when she next needed them, they better come running.

  Quinn believed this was just one of the reasons Grace was set in her ways to reach the queen with the news.

  Grace chuckled. “I don’t know how ya do it, Callaghan, but it amazes me nonetheless. Ya get more female play than enna man on this ship.”

  “Women are easier to fool than you’d imagine, sir. They all want the same thing: intimacy. The rest?” Quinn shrugged. “It’s all sleight of hand.”

  “Ya gave her more than just a hand.”

  “She thought I was you, sir. Young Mary is very clear about who and what I am.”

  “And yet, she still bedded ya.” Throwing her mane back and laughing loudly, Grace clapped Quinn on the back. “Bloody hell, Callaghan, ya sound like a man more and more every day.”

  “Except to the ladies, Captain. Then I sound like whatever it is they wish to hear.”

  “Yer my secret eyes and ears in the castle, Callaghan. If we are not careful, Elizabeth will have a new foe to target. I’d rather not give her that chance.”

  “But everyone will know Grace O’Malley’s ship sits outside the harbor, sir. We cannot merely sail into any Scottish port for no reason.”

  “Aye, that will bring a great deal of suspicion upon us...”

  “They’ll speculate, though they won’t know why we have come.”

  Grace turned to face the wind, her eyes closed as it caressed her face. “Which is why we must give them good reason fer us comin’ to Scotland.”

  Quinn felt her stomach lurch as she picked up on Grace’s intention.

  “Besides births and deaths, Callaghan, what is the one other subject that gets court tongues waggin’?”

  Quinn bowed her head. She could see it coming and had no way of stopping it. “Marriage.”

  Grace turned from the wind, her grin almost malevolent. “Aye. How would ya feel to have it known that ya have come to Edinburgh to propose to Young Mary?”

  Quinn could not find her tongue to say it.

  “The safest way to keep the population content with our presence is to offer up a rumor of marriage. I would like ya to propose marriage to Young Mary and make everyone believe it.”

  Quinn stared at her. “Captain, I can’t marry her. It’s been three years since I saw her last, and even then it was just to roll in the hay with a beautiful woman. We merely shared a meal and a bed together. I can’t... I can’t...”

  “I am not askin’ ya to actually marry her, Callaghan. I just need ya to make everraone believe that ya are. Surely ya can do this fer the queen.”

  Quinn stared at her. “Do I have a choice here, sir?”

  Grace barely grinned. “Ya always have a choice, Callaghan. Ya can choose to do what is right or what is best. It is yer decision.”

  Quinn tilted her head in question. “What is the best thing to do here, Captain?”

  Grace slowly grinned. “What else? Save the queen of Scotland.”

  * * *

  I suppose I should have seen it coming. Grace is nothing if not a great strategist. Somewhere along the line, she must have realized the tenuous position in which she was placing us, our clans, and Ireland by rushing to Mary’s aid. So she is prepared to give a joyful reason that will keep the rumors at bay.

  I say at bay because not everyone is so easily fooled, and we need to be prepared for questions regarding this ruse.

  Ruse.

  That is a kind word for it.

  A part of me is angry with Grace for not confiding in me earlier that she had a plan. But then I realized she trusted me enough to understand why she chose me. Young Mary had professed her love for me, even if it was years ago, which means the women at court will not be surprised about a marriage proposal.

  So... do I tell Fiona? Although it’s been three years since I spent any time with Young Mary, I understand what is being asked of me and why it is so important to create a ruse worth gossiping over.

  I hardly think it prudent or necessary to do so. It isn’t like I’ll be staying in Scotland. I imagine this is just the proposal. Enough to keep the rumors going. We will come, protect Mary and her newborn, and then head back home to my baby.

  My baby.

  As much as I want it to be so, Gallagher isn’t that. I need to keep reminding myself of that on this trip. I need to see life for how it is and not how I want it to be.

  Robert has made it crystal clear that I am to separate from his wife and that beautiful little girl.

  Oh yes, Gallagher has stolen my heart like no other. I loved her at first sight, with that fiery red hair and those piercing blue eyes. She captured me, heart and soul, forever binding me to her life. Regardless of my relationship with Fiona, I will remain the compass in Gallagher’s life until I take my last breath.

  Which could be sooner rather than later.

  So, onward to Edinburgh, Scotland, where there are sure to be enemies at every turn. I do not know how Mary has done it all these years with Elizabeth snapping at her heels like some stray dog. She truly is worse than her father––wanting to extend English boundaries. It is no wonder the continental countries despise her. It isn’t just that she wants to rule our land. No, Elizabeth wants to rob these countries under her care in order to add to her coffers.

  If Scotland falls, I fear Ireland will not be far behind. And this is when my thoughts turn to my newest love––Gallagher.

  What kind of a world are we leaving to her? Will she spend her youth fighting back the English? The Spanish? The French? Will she constantly fear the meddling of another monarch in Ireland’s affairs?

  So if I have to pretend to wed Young Mary in order to kee
p my people safe from the clutches of monarchs like Elizabeth, then so be it. There is nothing I would not do to keep Gallagher and Fiona safe.

  Nothing.

  * * *

  Edinburgh Castle was a monster of stone overlooking the city. Perched on a cliff, the castle could be seen from miles away, as if rising like a giant gargoyle from the very rocks it sat upon.

  All around it, ancient trees swayed in the slight breeze that blew from the rocks and ricocheted all around, causing the branches to bounce this way and that.

  As they neared the castle, they could see the battle scars from days of bombardment during the fourteenth century, when the English had taken it over. Quinn couldn’t imagine the kind of firepower it must have taken to defeat a castle of this size.

  “My arse hates horses,” Fitz grumbled as they rode gently through the verdant countryside toward the castle.

  Grace had sent her thirty best land fighters ahead and strategically placed the rest of her men along the path to the city.

  “Stop yer complainin’,” Innis said as he pulled alongside on a huge grey mare. The horses seemed so much bigger in Scotland. Like her people, they were hardy and thick.

  The trip took several hours; the pirates, unaccustomed to horses, needed constant breaks to rub at their asses.

  Dismounting in front of a full battery of guards, Quinn and Innis nodded to the captain of the guard.

  “We are part of Captain O––”

  “We ken who ya are,” the guard said in English. “Do enna of ya speak English?”

  Quinn nodded. Most of the new world could speak passable English now––something that hadn’t been true when she’d first boarded the Malendroke. It had taken her three years to get the men conversant in a language they all thought was ugly and probably short-lived. After all, none of the rules of the damn language made any sense.

  “Good. The queen will see yer captain at dinner. Until then, ya will remain outside the castle. There are excellent taverns at the bottom of the hill, but I’m guessin’ ya already ken that.”

  Innis took a step forward but Quinn stopped him with an outstretched arm.