20. Jonto #2
Having the Fitzgeralds on board was proving to be more of an inconvenience than she’d anticipated.
She knew one thing, though. It was imperative to bring Robert onto their side because he could cause Isla, and her for that matter, all manner of problems upon their return.
“Robert. I understand you’re taking your position as Lady Brighton’s chaperone seriously.
In the few times I’ve met you, I’ve seen a proud man who serves his King with diligence and dedication.
From everything I’ve heard about you, you’re an honest man who is well-respected among his peers. ”
Robert’s jaw relaxed a bit, but anger lingered in the stiffness of his shoulders and the rigidity of his posture. “Thank you.”
“What I said is a fact and nothing to thank me for. But, if there’s one truth I’ve learned over the years, it’s that great responsibility combined with constant scrutiny often produces a black-and-white personality, one that has forgotten that grey exists in our world for a reason.
In the few days you, Lady Fitzgerald, and Lady Brighton have been on board, I’ve listened more than I’ve talked, and this is what I’ve learned.
As a peer of the realm, you’ve lost who you were as a young man. ”
“I beg your pardon.” Robert pulled himself to his full height. He glared down at Jonto, who stood no taller than the top of the man’s shoulders. “Of course, I’ve matured. Did you expect me to remain an immature boy into my adulthood?”
Jonto held up a hand. “Hear me out, please.”
After inhaling deeply, Robert nodded once. “Go on, then, if you must.”
“I suggest that while this will hopefully be a memorable trip for Lady Brighton, perhaps it’s also a time for you to rediscover the greys that your lady wife has so fondly spoken of over the past few days.”
It took a few moments, but eventually, the stiffness evaporated, and Robert ran a hand up into his hair.
“God. I’ve turned into my father, whom I despised precisely because of his unwillingness to bend.
He always had to have the last word, and, as you say, there was no grey in him.
But,” he looked over to where the ladies waited next to the cannon, “there are societal expectations, ways we must live to exist in a civilized culture. Where do we draw the line?”
Realizing she needed to capitalize on the man’s moment of candor, Jonto put her hand on his shoulder.
“I’ve experienced many differing cultures in my travels, and I have an excellent grasp of what should and shouldn’t be.
I respect Lady Brighton and would do nothing to tarnish her reputation.
If you can trust me on that, you can trust me not to compromise her honor. ”
Robert was looking at Isla, and Jonto waited until she had his full attention.
At her silence, he swung his gaze back to her and looked directly into Jonto’s eyes.
When he did, Jonto continued, “The King and his nobles rule in your kingdom and set the cultural standards the citizenry must follow. As you mentioned earlier, on board this ship, my word is sacrosanct. I believe what you told your wife was that I am a god while we’re on my ship.
Now, keeping those two concepts in mind, one, that I’ll do nothing to compromise Lady Brighton’s or…
” she smiled and nodded, “Lady Fitzgerald’s honor, and two, that I am god while we’re at sea, will you trust me to give them the freedom to enjoy this trip to the fullest and allow them to have experiences they’ll not have at any other time in their lives? ”
This was a man who could be read easily.
More importantly, though, was that Jonto recognized an intelligent man who, when not backed into a corner, considered another’s words before dismissing their opinions altogether.
Because of that, Jonto waited quietly when Robert walked to the end of the cannon and then returned with a question.
“When we dock and search for your land reparation specialist, do you intend for the ladies to wear these breeches and do menial tasks such as clean cannons or…or wash dishes?”
That brought on a smile, and Jonto chuckled, “No. Am I always dressed appropriately when I come to town? Are my people well-behaved and respectful?”
“Well, yes, of course.”
“There’s a time and place for everything.
On board this ship, the proper dress for everyone is breeches and a tunic or blouse.
I also encourage everyone to learn new skills, even when they think it might be beneath them.
My officers have climbed the rigging to trim the sails in the middle of a squall while my gunners have taken instruction in navigation from my helmsman. ”
“And when your people tell tales in the pub about the two ladies who acted like working-class plebeians?”
“Most of my sailors have been with me for years and have not only learned discretion through very painful punishment, but more than that, they’re loyal to me.
And they know that if any were to betray me by blackmailing you with what they’ve seen or heard, they wouldn’t live past the day I discovered their betrayal. ”
Robert stared into Jonto’s eyes. As a lord of the realm, he wasn’t ignorant of the brutal discipline practiced on board sailing vessels, but Jonto casually informing him that she would take another man’s life if they were to betray her was a level of discipline he’d never experienced before.
He came to a decision with a nod. “I understand.” The side of his mouth lifted into a sheepish grin.
“In that case, would you allow me to fire a cannon while on board? I’ve found that I’ve missed it since leaving the King’s service as a commander on His Majesty’s ships. ”
“Of course.” Jonto glanced down at his impeccably tailored frock coat. “I’d suggest wearing something other than your good linen suits, though. As you well know from your time in the Navy, cannons produce an excessive amount of smoke in an enclosed space.”
Holding out his hands, Robert said, “When in Rome….”
An hour later, the women were tired but in high spirits when their lesson concluded.
Even Robert had helped by removing his coat, picking up the six-pound ball, and sliding it into the barrel.
The rest of the tour took them down into the orlop deck, where sailors showed them how to sling a hammock, attaching the ends to hooks or beams. These men and women had been told to expect a visit, so several pointed out their sea chests, revealing neatly folded clothing items such as spare trousers or a warm coat for inclement weather.
One man, a frightening, muscular, bald-headed pirate with every exposed part of his head and body tattooed with ornate nautical designs and sea creatures, put a hand on Isla’s back and pushed her toward his trunk.
Isla squeaked in surprise and tried to move back.
Jonto shouted, “Ouen!”
Robert stepped between Ouen and Isla. “Here now. What’s this?”
Ouen’s blush was so spectacular that they could all see it despite the heavy covering of tattoos. To everyone’s surprise but Jonto’s and the crew, the big man backed into a corner. His eyes were round and frightened, and he held his hands to his chest as a form of self-comfort.
Jonto stepped between her guests and the sailor, keeping her voice low and soothing.
She faced Isla and held out her hand. When Isla hesitantly placed her fingers into Jonto’s palm, Jonto folded her hand around Isla’s.
“I apologize for Ouen’s excitement, Lady Brighton.
He is…he is a…” she lowered his voice so Ouen wouldn’t overhear, “a simpleton. Really, more of a gentle giant.”
Gently tugging on Isla’s hand, Jonto pulled her past Robert and stopped at Ouen’s sea chest. “I’m sorry we shouted, Ouen.”
Ouen relaxed enough to lower his hands. “I thought to show her me carvin’s.”
The chest was neatly stowed beneath a shelf, and Jonto pointed to it. “Please do.”
Moving slowly to avoid frightening Isla again, Ouen knelt in front of the shelf and pulled out an intricately carved chest. He used his broad shoulders to shield it from view and opened the lid before moving aside to allow them to see his creations.
The designs covered the entire chest, mirroring the tattoos that covered every exposed inch of Ouen’s body.
All four sides were carved with elaborate depictions of ocean dwellers.
The front had a whale breaching the curl of an ocean wave while a school of fish swam past. Each side had a different sea creature: a pod of dolphins, a swordfish, and a hammerhead shark.
Isla exclaimed with delight as she walked around the chest and knelt in front of each tableau, running her fingers along the grooves and tracing the intricate designs of each one.
When she came to the whale, she whispered, “Oh, Ouen. His personality, his joy at breaching the waves, is shining out through that perfectly shaped eye.” She gently laid her hand on his shoulder. “Did you carve these?”
He nodded. “Do ya like ‘em?”
“Like them? This is the work of a master carver. I’ve never seen such fine work.”
Now, the other guests crowded around, marveling at the masterpiece he’d created on his sea chest.
Ouen looked at Isla shyly and said, “I got another one, too. On th’ top. Kin I show ya?”
“I wouldn’t miss it for anything.”
Jonto watched this woman whose words could be biting one moment and so kind the next.
Even after he’d manhandled her, her exclamations over Ouen’s creations were genuine and delightful.
Jonto couldn’t look away as those mesmerizing eyes examined the carvings and then looked at Ouen as she awaited his response.
Her heart ached at the knowledge that she could never have this woman in the way she yearned to hold her, love her, and be with her always.
It was at times like this that she cursed the circumstances of her life.