~ Shelter From The Storm ~

by

Kimberly M. Nee

Ash pushed himself away from the barrel. “Well then out with it already. What’s got you looking like I just told you I was forcing you into the priesthood?”

“Them, Ash.”

Ash’s eyes followed his friend’s finger and, for the first time, he noticed the two people he knew did not belong on his ship. His eyes narrowed. “What the hell is going on here, Clay?” he asked, his voice low and threatening.

“The lady says you have something of hers and she would like it back.”

Ash arched an eyebrow. “I have never seen this woman before in my life, Clay. Someone harmed her, it wasn’t me.”

“No, no,” Jake shook his head impatiently. “I don’t mean that, Ash. Something about a gold watch belonging to her father.”

“Ahhh...” Ash nodded, a knowing smile creeping over his features. “I’ll handle this one.”

“Somehow, Ash, I think that might be the last thing on her mind right now.” Jake rolled his eyes. “Especially as we are heading out to sea.”

“Damn it.” Ash turned back to face land. He could make out James Eldridge racing across the docks to his own ship. “Well, we sure as hell aren’t going back. I may be crazy, but I am not stupid.” He combed his fingers through his dark hair, attempting to neaten it a bit. “How the hell did they get on board anyhow?”

Jake’s cheeks flushed. “I was busy with giving out the orders to get the ship ready when they simply marched up the gangplank. The lady was quite demanding, actually. Refused to leave until she spoke to you.”

“Really?” Ash’s aqua eyes focused in on the young lady attempting to stare him down. “She is a winning creature, eh, Clay?”

Jake nodded. “That she is. But she is a spitfire.”

“Good. I like a woman with a little bit of spirit in her.” Ash grinned at his best friend. He noticed Quinton then, groaning, “Good God, who’s the dandy next to her?”

“Her brother, Quinton. I didn’t catch her name, though.”

“Keep the brother busy, Clay. I’d like to find out a little more about our passenger.”

“Ash, I don’t know if that is such a good idea.”

“That is why I am the captain. On second thought, you stay here. I’ll deal with both of them.” Ash turned away from his friend and crossed over to Kendra and Quinton.

“Captain Ashton?” Kendra spoke before Ash could even open his mouth. “I demand you turn this boat around and take us back this instant!”

“Oh you do, do you?” Ash replied smoothly, crossing his arms over his broad chest. “And why would I wish to do that?”

“If you take us back, I’ll not report you to the authorities,” she replied pertly. “You did not realize we were here and I can understand that, but you must take us back at once.”

“I’m afraid that is not possible, lady,” he spoke with exaggerated courtesy. “You see, if we are to go back, your authorities will have my neck in a noose no matter what you tell them. Surely, you understand I’ve no wish for that to happen.”

“But, we cannot go with you!” Quinton gasped.

“Unless you are going to swim to shore, lad, you are going with me, for I am not turning around. I wouldn’t recommend you even attempt such a thing. I highly doubt either one of you would survive such an attempt.”

She could not believe her ears. “You mean you are going to kidnap us? How dare you!”

He turned to face her, momentarily stunned by the sea-green eyes riveted on his. “Hardly. Would seem to me you two are more like stowaways.” He smiled at her. “And I must admit--you do make one very lovely stowaway at that.”

She fought against the scream rising in her throat. “Oh!” she choked, feeling her face turning red. “You are unbelievable! I come here to get back something that is rightfully mine to begin with and you steal me on top of it! You are mad!”

“No, my dear, I am afraid I am not mad at all. You merely picked the wrong ship and I won that trinket fair and square.”

“You took advantage of a drunken idiot!” she snapped.

“Now, Ken, let’s not be too hasty in judging--”

“You hush up!” She spun on Quinton. “This is entirely your fault in the first place! Oh, you and your blasted brandies!”

Ash grinned again. “Quinton and Ken. Interesting names. Yours is unusual for a lady, but I like it. Have you last names as unique?”

“Never you mind my name, you blasted pirate!” Kendra snapped, yanking the bonnet from her head as it slipped down over her eyes once again. In a flash of temper, she hurled it over the railing and into the gray-black water of the Thames River, where it bobbed along, growing smaller as they gained speed. “How are we to return home?” she asked peevishly.

“I’d say that is not my problem. Right now, my problem is how to deal with you both.” Ash stared long and hard at both of them, fingering his beard slowly. “Neither of you looks to be the hearty type, so I don’t think I can put you to work. You, my lady, are far too delicate and helpless to do much above sleeping. So, I guess the only thing I can do is put you in the hold until we reach an English port. A risky proposition at best, but I can see no other viable solution.”

“The hold?” she gasped. “But we are not your prisoners.”

“Nor are you my guests. You are stowaways.” Ash reminded her, nodding slowly. “Yes, I think that is best for all concerned.”

“No, you cannot! You mustn’t!”

Quinton stepped in front of his sister before she could become completely hysterical. “Sir, we can both work to earn our keep. My sister is a lot stronger than she appears, but the hold of a ship is no place for a lady. Above all else, my sister is a lady.”

Ash studied the younger man. There was no doubt in his mind that neither of these children had ever seen a day’s labor, judging by the fine silks, velvets, and muslin of their clothing. His eyes flicked to Kendra. The wind had begun pulling her hair free from its pins and gold wisps now framed her face, and he found himself wondering how far below her shoulders that gilded mass would tumble Her back straightened automatically as she met his appraisal, her chin rising with the careful British arrogance he knew and despised.

She refused to let him stare her down, but his face captivated her. He was handsome, in a roguish, rough and tumble sort of way. His sun-streaked dark-golden brown hair fell to his collar, the back almost to his broad shoulders, the lower half of his face hidden beneath a well-groomed beard several shades darker than the hair on his head. His eyes were striking, so much lighter than his coloring, under thick dark eyebrows. Overall, he did appear to be a pirate, but she would not let him see even an ounce of fear in her. She held her chin high, refusing to look away.

Ash smiled then, a cold smile that never reached his eyes. “Very well. You will work as part of my crew and, when we arrive at an English port, off you go. There’ll be no cry of kidnap, nor did I shanghai either of you or take advantage of you, miss.” He turned those icy turquoise eyes to Kendra for a split second. “Have we a deal?”

“Deal!” Quinton exclaimed before Kendra had the chance to argue the issue further.

She turned to him. “Now, wait just a moment--”

Ash interrupted. “My lady, you seem just a touch ignorant of the risk I would be taking, an American sailing willingly into an English port.”

She gave him a withering stare. “Lord knows I would certainly hate to put you at any risk, captain.”

Quinton gently pushed her aside. “Kendra, you aren’t helping us at all here.” He gave the captain a nervous smile. “We both understand and appreciate the risk, Captain. You most certainly have a deal.” He thrust out one hand to deal the bargain.

Ash shook it warily. “Very well,” he repeated, eyes flicking to Kendra. “First, you will need to change into something a little more suitable for a life at sea.”

“Well, sir, that would raise a little problem now, as I have no other clothes.” Her voice remained cold. “Perhaps that is because I was not planning on going to sea?”

“Let’s get one thing straight here, both of you. There is to be no more of this ‘sir’ nonsense. If Captain is too much trouble, simply call me Ash.” He turned back to her. “Now I realize that, my dear, but you are here and here is where you will stay. I highly doubt you could swim back to shore in that gown, never mind against those currents. You’d most likely wind up being crushed by any one of these many ships using this river for its intended purpose. So, now that we have clarified the situation, let’s rectify the clothing matter. I had a cabin boy who took off on me when we arrived here last week. You will probably fit into his breeches and shirts. Perhaps even his boots. Try them.”

“You wish for me to dress as a cabin boy?” she asked, insulted by the very idea. “Surely you can’t be serious!”

He arched a brow again. “I would prefer you naked, lady,” he answered dryly. “But since that is not an option, I think a cabin boy’s wardrobe is good enough for you.”

“Sir, I’ll ask you kindly to not speak to my sister in such a manner. She is a lady.” Quinton stepped up, ever ready to defend his sister’s honor.

“So you’ve said. And I asked that you not call me sir, son. Guess that makes us even, wouldn’t you say?” Ash’s reply was cold. “Now, come along, both of you. I suppose we have to find a place for you two to sleep as well.”

“Why don’t I just sleep where your cabin boy did?” she asked sarcastically. “After all, that is what I have become.”

Ash glanced at her over one shoulder as he led them below deck. “If you wish, my dear, that would be fine. Timmy slept in a hammock in my cabin.” He laughed deeply as she blushed a bright crimson. “But you will not have to do the same. I can arrange for you to have a cabin to yourself, my dear. Your brother can share with Jake. I doubt he’ll mind very much.”

Kendra glanced up at her brother. “Do you think that is safe, then?” she whispered.

“I think so, Ken. Everything will be fine.”

“Until Mother realizes we aren’t coming home,” she reminded him softly. “Then all hell will break loose.”