25. Jonto #2
“It’s a long story I’ll have to tell you sometime over a chess set.
For right now, I’m asking you to please be on your best behavior.
The ones you need to watch out for are Priscilla and Robert Fitzgerald.
It’s possible that Robert will look like he stepped in shite when I introduce you, but that can’t be helped.
I think Lady Fitzgerald will be cordial, and you’ll fall in love with the other three ladies and hopefully get to know them better in the future. ”
A wicked look came into Jack’s dark eyes. “It’ll cost ya later, Lass.”
Even now, Jack could cause a flutter in Jonto’s belly with a single, lascivious look. “Not this trip, it won’t.”
“I can wait. And I’ll behave unless he causes real offense.”
“I warned him not to, and I’m sure he’ll behave.
He sailed in the Royal Navy, so if you talk to him about ships, cannons, and battle tactics, you might even become friends.
” She thought a moment. “And no leering at Lady Fitzgerald or Lady Brighton or any of the women who’ve traveled with them.
He fancies himself the guardian of their honor, and for that matter, so do I. ”
“So, no cussin’, nor leerin’, and I suppose no gropin’, neither?”
Jonto just rolled her eyes in response. “They’re waiting to receive you in the wardroom. Shall we?”
With a heavy sigh, Jack tugged on her lapels to straighten her coat and headed aft.
Along the way, she mumbled, “If I’da known ya were carryin’ a bunch ‘a toffs when Carlo came runnin’ in to say he’d seen ya headin’ out to sea, I’d a let ya come out on yer own.
But no, old Jack’s gotta protect me friends and come sailin’ out as yer fourth ship in the convoy. ”
Jonto glanced at her friend. “Honestly, Jack, when the fog finally cleared, and I saw the Virosa, it lifted my anxiety over only having the Syren and the Rover along for protection. We had to leave in a hurry, and I didn’t have time to wait for any of my other ships to return to port.
I’d rather have her along to protect my passengers than not.
” She clapped Jack on the back and led her up the steps to the quarterdeck.
“We saw th’ Benbow hangin’ back, too.”
“Yes, but her six cannons wouldn’t help much if we ran into trouble.
It was all I had, though, so I brought her along.
” Jonto opened the door to the wardroom and followed Jack inside.
The others were helping themselves to the wet bar when they entered, and everyone turned to greet the visiting captain.
Robert squared his shoulders, placed his hand on Priscilla’s elbow, and led her forward.
The fear in the room was palpable. Jack’s formidable reputation as a vicious pirate was well-earned.
There were very few, if any, people left alive who’d insulted, attacked, or threatened her in some way.
Granted, she’d mellowed somewhat after many, many late-night philosophical discussions with Jonto.
There was her marauding life before Jonto and her less brutal life after, but most people didn’t know about the change.
Sensing her guest’s apprehension, Jonto quickly stepped forward to get the introductions out of the way. “Lord and Lady Fitzgerald, may I introduce my good friend, Captain Jack Dubbin of the Amanita Virosa.”
Even though on land, Robert outranked Jack, when at sea, a ship's captain held an authority that surpassed that of the nobility. It was, therefore, incumbent on Robert to offer the first greeting. He stepped forward and held out his hand. “Well met, Captain Dubbin. Please call me Robert.”
After shaking hands, Robert turned and indicated his wife. “And this is my wife, Lady Fitzgerald.”
Jack bowed to Priscilla and held out his hand, palm up.
When Priscilla placed her fingers in the proffered hand, she smiled and said. “A pleasure, Captain.”
Jack looked her directly in the eyes. “The pleasure is mine, and please, call me Jack.”
Relieved that had gone so well, Jonto turned to Isla. “And this is Lady Brighton and her companion, Mistress Celine Smythson.”
Isla bowed her head slightly. “I’ve heard a lot about you, Captain, and it’s a pleasure to finally meet you.”
Jack bowed. “I’m alwayst pleasured to meet a friend of our Captain Jonto.
” When the Captain looked at Celie, Isla’s friend dropped into a curtsey.
With an amiable nod, Jack held out her hand.
“And you, Mistress Smythson, look as though ya took more sun than were healthy today. Were ya one of th’ ladies I saw cavortin’ on th’ beach? ”
Celie’s eyes twinkled as she placed her hand in Jack’s and rose from the curtsey. “That was Lady Brighton, our friend, Lily, over there setting the table, and me. We had a wonderful time on the beach and at the waterfalls.”
Jonto poured herself and Jack two brandies and then ushered everyone to the dinner table. It never ceased to amaze her how amiable the notoriously dangerous Jack Dubbin could be when the occasion called for something more than an angry tirade or a boisterous conversation at the top of her lungs.
Jack and Robert talked about the differences in life aboard a pirate ship compared to one of King Jaydon’s warships, various cannons and their uses, and Jack’s land fifty miles north of Fachan’s Bay.
For the most part, the visit went off without any problems, and as Jack climbed over the gunnel to return to her ship, Jonto said goodnight to his guests and retired to her cabin for a good night’s rest.