17. Jonto #2
Even as Lily weighed his words, the slapping sound of the waves against the sides of the skiff gentled as though the ocean itself waited to hear the secrets she considered imparting to this pirate captain.
“You’re very perceptive, My Lord, and because I believe it would be beneficial that you know the entire truth rather than having it emerge in My Lady’s presence, I’ll give it to you. ”
“Why shouldn’t Lady Brighton know the truth? Are you hiding secrets from your mistress that might be harmful to her in some way?”
“Not at all. The secret is only harmful to me in that should Lady Brighton discover the truth, my life would change, and I dearly love the life I’ve carved for myself in Windsong Hall.”
At Jonto’s encouraging nod of understanding, one she hoped conveyed her word that she’d not betray this enigmatic woman, Lily lowered her voice and leaned in as though imparting a dearly held secret.
“My father’s full name and title was Viscount Jesper Culfirth.
He died rather unexpectedly a few days after my sixteenth birthday, and my stepmother, who hated everything about me, brought me to this kingdom and sold me to a local madam. ”
Lily paused, lifting one elegant brow to indicate her understanding if Jonto dismissed the veracity of her next words.
“It wasn’t so bad compared to living with the harridan my father took as his second wife, and quite honestly, I came to enjoy the work.
I became a sought-after companion to wealthy men and women alike.
I lived in luxury, ate the finest foods, and quite often conversed with the brightest minds of the kingdom.
Luckily for me, when I became too old to please the wealthy elite, Isla’s mother took me in.
” She shrugged, “And here we are. I learned to simplify my speech so people wouldn’t judge me for putting on airs, as happens so often to women who find themselves in my circumstances. ”
“And Lady Brighton knowing that could harm you, how?”
With an uncharacteristic sigh, Lily again looked up to where her mistress had disappeared through the open hatchway.
“You might not know her well enough, yet, My Lord, but Lady Brighton is so incredibly caring and, in some ways, na?ve that she’d feel it necessary to work toward restoring my title and, in her mind, anyway, my rightful place in society.
” Her eyes finally returned to Jonto’s. “You, of all people, should understand that I would rather disappear into obscurity than resume my place among the nobility. I’m content, no, I’m blissfully content right where I am. ”
“Ah.” Jonto nodded. “I do understand, more than you’ll ever know. And I give you my word. It will be your place to divulge your secrets if the need or want should arise, not mine.” She indicated the ladder with a lifted hand. “Now, My Lady, after you.”
Smiling graciously, Lily once again looked Jonto in the eye. “Please, My Lord. Don’t.”
“Very well. After you.” Jonto paused. “Lily.”
Turning to Jade, Lily said, “I’d appreciate your discretion, as well.”
“My—?”
Switching to a lower-class accent, which she seldom used, Lily playfully amended, “I’m askin’ ya to keep yer gob shut about what ya heard, aye?”
Even though a stranger would only see a menacing scowl, Jonto knew Jade well enough to recognize the humor that flitted across those dark, brooding eyes.
“Jade never discusses my business with anyone, and since I’ve asked her to look after you three ladies while you’re onboard the Jest, her discretion will also extend to you.
I trust this woman with my life, Lily. You don’t need to worry that she’ll repeat anything you say without your express permission.
” She shrugged, “Except, perhaps, to me, if she hears something she feels should be brought to my attention for the good of the ship and crew. Otherwise, her discretion is guaranteed.”
Jade crossed her arms. “Yer tossin’ around that fowkin’ word like I should ken what th’ fowk ya mean, Cap’n. If I got this so-called discresh…whatever, I should ken what it be so’s I don’t break yer guarantee, aye?”
“As the lady said, it means you’ll keep your gob shut about anything you hear her say.”
“Oh, aye. Well, why don’t ya just say that then?” She shook her head and growled. “Fer fowk’s sake.”
Seeing the boat carrying both the Fitzgeralds’ and the ladies’ belongings holding off, Jonto motioned to the two men watching them with the impatient scowls of people needing to return to their daily routines.
She turned back to Jade, “Row The Embrace away so they can unload that boat and get those bags onto the ship. I’m sure the ladies will want their things sooner rather than later.
Then hurry and get The Embrace stowed on the davit.
We’ll be leaving as soon as you’re back on board. ”
Jade tugged her bangs with a rough, calloused hand. “Aye, Soir.”
When Lily saw that Jonto was ready, she gathered her skirt, tucked the yoke into her waistline, and easily climbed up the ladder to join the other ladies.
Jonto stepped over the opening in the gunwale immediately after her and began issuing orders. “Nico.”
Like the rest of the male crew, the big man had his back to the hatch where the ladies were waiting for instructions. He turned to look at his Captain. “Yes, Sir?” He always treated Jonto with the utmost respect when they were in front of the crew and ensured everyone else did, too.
“Organize the loading of those bags and chests from the dory. Pay the rowers well and send them on their way. Tip them for their silence and remind them that I’ll be back and will know if they’ve been indiscreet.
” At Nico’s nod, Jonto continued, “When you finish with that, get The Embrace stowed as fast as you can. Treat it as a training exercise. I want to see how fast you and the crew can get everything stowed and the ship underway.” She turned to Sandy, who was standing a short distance away, awaiting orders.
“Sandy, double-check that the deck’s secure. ”
After a glance back at the dock to ensure there wasn’t an increase in activity that might suggest Lord Montfort had realized what they intended, Jonto turned a gracious smile on the three women.
“If you’ll come with me, ladies, I’ll show you to your berths and let the Fitzgeralds know you’ve arrived.
” She led them aft, where they climbed the stairs to the quarterdeck and entered an enclosed space through a narrow door.
They entered the wardroom, a central living space for the occupants of the three adjacent rooms. The first door they came to opened onto a modest berth furnished with two single beds, each covered with a colorful blue and tan quilt.
The beds were on either side of the room, with a three-drawer dresser between them.
Trunks were bolted to the floor at the foot of each bed, and two chairs sat at the far end of the room. A small, round porthole provided a minimal amount of natural light. Jonto looked at Celie and Lily. “This will be your room. I hope you don’t mind sharing. It’s modest but comfortable.”
Celie glowed with excitement. “It’s perfect, My Lord. I couldn’t ask for better.”
The smile in Lily’s eyes told Jonto everything she needed to know. She turned to Isla. “Your accommodations are this way, My Lady.” They all looked at the door to the left.
Isla gasped when Jonto pulled it open and stepped aside.
She took two steps inside and stopped to admire what surely had to be a guest room fit for a very high-ranking nobleman.
The elegantly furnished room showcased dark wood paneling on three of the four walls.
A woven wall hanging took up much of the wall to her left.
The tapestry, which had been crafted by a skilled artisan, depicted a woman standing in a forest wearing an elegant, flowing gown.
She held a double-edged sword in one hand while resting her other hand on the head of a snarling beast. Her grey skirt had a slit up the side, exposing knee-length leather boots that ended below armor-plated knee guards.
Sunlight streamed through the forest canopy, highlighting flecks of gold skillfully woven throughout the lady’s fitted maroon jacket.
The beast’s pelt of golden fur had distinctive maroon stripes running horizontally across its muscular form.
If Jonto were to judge by Isla’s rapt expression, the lady thought it as exquisite as she had the first time she’d seen it.
As if shaking herself out of a trance, Isla’s gaze moved away from the tapestry and surveyed the rest of the cabin.
An alcove on the far left held a cherry, four-poster, three-quarter bed.
Like the twin beds in the other room, a hand-stitched quilt covered the comfortable-looking, over-stuffed mattress.
Instead of the blue and white colors, though, this quilt perfectly matched the maroon, gold, and grey seen in the wall hanging.
The quilter must have used the hanging as a guide because the leaves and flowers were exact replicas of those in the forest surrounding the woman and beast.
Instead of a small porthole, a six-pane window approximately three feet by four in the bulkhead let in ample light and gave the room’s occupant a dazzling view of the open sea. Jonto smiled at Isla’s incredulous tone when she gasped, “My Lord. This is….”
Isla stepped onto an elegant, oversized rug whose colors blended into the room’s overall scheme.
Her boots sank into the plush padding, the thickness of which added to the cabin’s overall warmth and comfort, as did a maroon leather armchair and matching footstool placed at one end of the oval rug.
Dark mahogany framed the chair’s supple leather, and the overstuffed cushions looked comfortable and inviting.
A small, round table stood beside one arm, ready to receive a hot cup of cocoa or a bowl of salted nuts.